London: The London Eye (Millenium Wheel)

In London, like most European cities, many of the key landmarks are within walking distance of each other. That said, there is a great deal to be said for getting high up for an over-view of the place.

I remember watching the London Eye being slowly put in place just before the turn of the millenium as part of London's celebrations for the year 2000. This grand ferris wheel (135 metre, 443 ft) was meant to be temporarily situated on the banks of the Thames just across from the Palace of Westminster, but here it remains to this day.

If in London I would recommend, if you have the time, to head to Westminster underground, see the British Parliament, cross Westminster Bridge and hitch a ride on the London Eye. It takes about half an hour for one revolution, and the views are simply great. You can do your sighstseeing in one panoramic visual feast. Go ride - enjoy!

http://www.londoneye.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_Eye

Brussels: Manneken Pis celebrates the prostate

I have blogged about the Manneken Pis before (and shall no doubt do so again). This eccentric icon for the citizens of Brussels is to be found just of the magnificent architectural confection that is the Grande Place. This little statue of a peeing boy is regularly dressed up in some costume or other. When I was last in Brussels they were celebrating (and I'm not kidding) THE INTERNATIONAL WEEK OF THE PROSTATE.

The Manneken Pis was joining in the fun by being dressed up as a urologist. He may have looked rather cute in his little medical gowns but that was tempered by him holding some really mean looking probe. My eyes still water at the memory of it.

If you are in Brussels it is always worth seeking him out to see if he is dressed up or peeing au natural.

http://www.ilotsacre.be/images/virtualvisit/manneken_pis.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mannequin_pis

Brussels: Grand Place

It's probably the law or something but everyone, and I mean everyone has to visit the Grand place (Grote Markt) when in Brussels.

Its origins go back about a thousand years but its current form took shape in the late 17th century when it was rebuilt after a visit from about 70,000 French soldiers. It's a wierd fusion of gothic and baroque but it really does "wow" you when you first step into it from the rather narrow side streets that lead into it.

It is of course THE tourist trap in Brussels, but is none the worse for that. The square itself has some rather pleasant bars to sit out in and enjoy the view. Just off the square are numerous little souviener shops and resturants. The manneken pis is also just a few minutes walks away. If you are on a flying visit to the political hub of the European Union it is a definite must see. As I am in Brussels a lot I frequently try and deviate my route in order to pass through it when heading back to Brussels Central Station which is only a few minutes walk away. Go see it, you will be impressed.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Place

http://www.ilotsacre.be/site/en/curiosities/grand_place-brussels.htm

Vienna, St Stephan's Cathedral

Vienna, like most historic cities has most of its main architectural highlights within walking distance of each other. These are located in the Innere Stadt (Inner City).

During a meeting there I had the opportunity to stroll through the city centre which is bounded by the Ringstrasse (Ring Road). I guess they keep names fairly literal in Vienna.

St Stephan's Catherdral (Stephansdom) is a good starting point for a stroll around. The thing you notice straight away is the roof, which is covered in colourful tiles forming striking geometric patterns.

The seat of the Archbishop of Vienna, the church's origins go back to 1147 though what you see now was largely built in the 14th and 15th centuries. Definitely worth a look and good starting point for a general wander around what is one of the most stunning and impressive cities I have visited.

http://www.stephanskirche.at/index.jsp?langid=2&menuekeyvalue=2

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephansdom

Warwick Castle, Warwick

Not far from Warwick Technology Park (home of UK's electricty and gas transporter, National Grid) lies the stunning Warwick Castle. The town of Warwick itself, lies in the centre of England and is part of the "Ye Olde England" tourist trail - the town of Statford-Upon-Avon (birth place of William Shakespeare) is only a few miles away.

If you find yourself in Warwick then a stroll near the centre of town will be rewarded with a truely cliched photo opportunity on the bridge that crosses the River Avon. Warwick Castle was started by William the Conqueror in 1068. It has continually been added to, fortified, prettified - generally reflecting the history of England itself. It might be somewhat telling of the state of England in that it has become an historic theme park owned by the Tussaud Group (as in "Madame Tussaud's" in London) - the castle displays some historic scenes with "relevant" waxworks throughout its buildings.

Very pretty and worth a photo if you are visiting the area.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warwick_Castle

http://www.warwick-castle.co.uk/

Paris, The Eiffel Tower

If in Paris on business you may not have the time to climb this symbol of city, but do take the time to see it. You simply know your partner or collegues back home won't believe you if you said - nope didn't see it.

It is situated in the Champs de Mars park in central Paris, where it stands over a 1,000 ft tall (324m). It is one of those world icons that doesn't disappoint.

When I first saw it the one thing that struck me as odd was its colour. For some reason I imagined it was black, or dark grey - but in fact, it is painted a light brown. I was still awed by its shear engineering bravado, but things are not always quite how you imagine them. I took this photo on a very wet day when hurrying to a working dinner at the French Parliament (the weather in Paris is usually a lot nicer)

On a personal note, I proposed to my wife near the bottom of the tower so I suppose I always view it with a certain dewy eyed sentimentality. Do take a look if you have the time.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eiffel_Tower

Amsterdam: The Rijksmuseum Schiphol Airport

Oh those long hours that the frequent traveller must endure hanging around airports. Well, if flying out of Amsterdam's Shiphol Airport why not spend a pleasant hour visiting a small annex of the Rijsmuseum which is situated right inside the airport departure area.

This forms part of the Dutch National Museum (which is what Rijksmuseum actually means). The gallery shows a changing exhibition of classical and modern art. It housed a series of paintings from the Dutch Golden Age when I visited the place.

Once you have caught up on your emails and read your Dan Brown or John Grisham, why not wander up the stairs of the Rijksmuseum shop to the gallery above and contemplate some seriously good art.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schiphol_Airport

http://www.rijksmuseum.nl/collectie/schilderijen?lang=en

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rijksmuseum_Amsterdam

The Hague: Mauritshuis Museum, Binnenhof

Perhaps not an obvious tourist destination but The Hague is certainly worth a stroll around. The political centre of the Netherlands is only a short journey by train from Amsterdam.

The Binnenhof is an easy walk from Den Haag Centraal railway station. It is the political quarter of the city and has been so since the 15th century - the buildings there are very old and surprisingly accessible considering this is the very power centre of the country. You will also find the Mauritshuis museum which houses the royal art collection, where you will find the "usual suspects" of local masters - Rembrandt, Rubens and of course Vermeer - whose "Girl with a Pearl Earing" currently adorns one side of the building.

If you are based near Centraal station then I would recommend the short walk to this part of the city.

http://www.mauritshuis.nl/index.aspx?siteid=54

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mauritshuis

Brussels: Chocolate Easter Bunnies

When visiting Brussels the one thing you cannot avoid to notice is the shear number of chocolate shops situated in the centre of the city (especially in the vicinity of the Grand Place). Belgians really appreciate their chocolate and seem to delight in selling all sorts of chocolate figures.

I've noticed that at Easter you do not get quite the profusion of chocolate eggs that you would see in the UK, it seems to be chocolate rabbits that are everywhere. It is always worth a look in a chocolatier's window just for the impressive displays. You might even be tempted to go in and buy something (but will it last the journey home?).

http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/Belgium/Region_de_Bruxelles_Capitale/Brussels-357567/Shopping-Brussels-Chocolates-BR-1.html

Brussels: The Sequence

The offices I regularly visit in Brussels are just opposite the Flemish Parliament. I noticed about a year ago some colourful scaffolding being erected outside the parliament. When it had been up for some time with no visible sign of any construction work being carried out I wandered over to have a closer look. It then became obvious that it was not scaffolding but some new sculpture!

The piece is called The Sequence by an artist called Arne Quinze. I have yet to meet any Belgium that likes this work, but I believe that it is only meant to last a few years. To call it incongruous is an understatement but it is very different, very big and very colourful.

If, on a trip to Brussels, you happen to be near the Flemish Parliament then I do recommend that come come and see it for yourself so you can make up your own mind about this rather striking and thoroughly modern sculpture.

http://www.arnequinze.tv/#/en/installations/the-sequence

Brussels: Jeanneke Pis

The Jeanneke Pis (or Janneken Pis) is the female counterpart to Brussels' beloved statue of a little peeing boy - the Manneken Pis. She is situated off the Grand Place more or less equidistantly opposite from her male colleague. Unlike the Manneken Pis, she is kind of hidden in a little alley off the Rue des Bouchers (only a few minutes walk from the Grand Place).

I have seen her a couple of times but she is definitely less well known than the little boy statue. Also, each time I have visited she has never been peeing. Could it be that the people of Brussels are somewhat embarrassed by this naked little girl but are happy to celebrate a little peeing boy.

Perhaps I'm being unkind - she has only been around for a few decades whereas the Manneken Pis has let flow disgracefully in public for the last few hundred years.

If you have some time to spare and you are near the Grand Place then why not tick this off your list of slightly quirkier things to see when travelling.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janneken_Pis

Rome: The Colosseum

Whilst attending a conference in Rome I was lucky enough to be given a 2 hour tour of this city by the conference's host. This naturally included a trip to the Colosseum - a definite "must see" when in Rome.

Cheek by jowl with the buildings and traffic of modern Rome it dominates the surrounding area. It is a real pleasure just to stroll around this site with your head full of no doubt highly inaccurate Hollywood generated images of gladiatorial combats and ancient Christians being fed to the lions.

When in Rome do find time to go and see this icon of the Roman empire - you will not be disappointed.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coloseum

Bucharest: The Palace of the Parliament

The Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest is big - I mean really big. I had arrived the day before a conference and had a few hours free for a stroll around the capital city of Romania. I knew this building was meant to be impressive, so I sought it out.

This monstrous vanity project of Romania's former dictator, Nicolae Ceauşescu, is meant to be one of the largest buildings in the world. So vast is the building that it is only partially occupied and still not fully complete. It currently houses the Romanian parliament (Chamber of Deputies and Senate). There are also a couple of museums (including the National Museum of Contemporary Art), some conference halls and room for lots lots more.

It is situated right in the the centre of the city (where a large proportion of the historic centre was cleared to allow it to be built) and is definitely worth a viewing, if only to see what an infinite ego and a whole country's resources can produce.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palace_of_the_Parliament

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bucharest

Brussels: Manneken Pis does Elvis!

As a regular visitor to Brussels I occasionally have a stroll through the Grand Place. When there I find myself often tempted to stroll down a nearby side street to visit the Manneken Pis: a little statue of a peeing boy. It must say something about the people of Belgium (though I'm not sure what exactly) that they seem to take great pride in this 61 cm (24 inch) tall bronze figure.

It's always great fun for myself and for the constant crowds of tourists that visit him that although naked on most days the citizens of Brussels will occasionally dress him up in variety of costumes. I could understand that he may wear the occasional military uniform or folk costume but sometimes, just sometimes he appears in wholly unexpected attire. The picture in this blog shows him dressed as Elvis!

It's good to see that there is a country that doesn't take their "national treasures" too seriously.

http://www.ilotsacre.be/images/virtualvisit/manneken_pis.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mannequin_pis

Stockholm: The Vasa Museum

Occasionally I have a couple of hours to spare between checking out of my hotel and heading of to a meeting or airport or whatever.

When visiting Stockholm I took advantage of one of these rare opportunities and headed off to one of Stockholm's smaller museums that had been recommended to me by a friend.

The Vasa Museum is a definite must see if you are in Stockholm. The museum houses the salvaged and strikingly well preserved 17th century warship, the Vasa. It is nearly complete and is covered in some remarkably intricate and ornate carvings. As well as gazing in awe at the vessel (and trust me you will) there is section in the museum on 17th century life in Stockholm. I found the whole experience captivating and thoroughly enjoyable. A very focussed and well designed exhibit.

If you do have some spare time in Stockholm, then this is definitely a "must see".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasa_museum