Europe 2024 Archives - Page 2 of 2 - The Mountain Manatee

Château de Versailles

Posted on July 6, 2024July 6, 2024 by mjqkummy

Versailles is the most visited tourist site in the world and I definitely noticed. In spite of the crowds one could still admire the grandeur of the palace. Built by Louis XIV “the sun king” in the 1600s this massive palace was covered with gold and sun figure. Heavily inspired by the Italian renaissance there…

Musée d’Orsay

Posted on July 5, 2024July 5, 2024 by mjqkummy

Today was our first full day in Paris. We did quite a bit but I was most excited to see the Musée d’Orsay. I remember on my family European trip going their and seeing some of the best paintings in the world. The museum is filled with pieces from Monet, Van Gogh, Cezanne, Sisley, and…

Last Day in London

Posted on July 3, 2024July 3, 2024 by mjqkummy

Today is our last full day in London. We visited some of the classic London sites, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and St Paul’s Cathedral. Our day started in Tower Hill passing by London wall, built by the Romans in around 200 CE. The Tower of London is a very interesting site. Founded in 1066,…

A Morning at Westminster Abbey

Posted on July 2, 2024 by mjqkummy

This morning Ashley and I visited Westminster Abbey. Westminster is significant for the British monarchy being the site of 40 coronations in the past 1000 years. But what I find more interesting is the over 3000 people buried here. One of the most significant people buried here is Sir Isaac Newton. Everyone is familiar with…

Day at Windsor Castle

Posted on July 1, 2024 by mjqkummy

Today we left London for a day trip to Windsor Castle. The castle is about 1000 years old, though the oldest part of the castle dates from the 1100s. The castle began in 1066 as a small wooden motte and bailey. In 12th century this was replaced with the famous round tower by Henry II….

Art in London

Posted on June 30, 2024June 30, 2024 by mjqkummy

Our first full day in London was mostly occupied with museums. The National Gallery of Art sits on Trafalgar square. Its an impressive collection which one could spend hours in but two pieces particularly struck me. The Virgin of the Rocks by Leonardo da Vinci was an excellent piece. Though like most of da Vinci’s…