NOTRE-DAME CATHEDRAL, PARIS

NOTRE-DAME CATHEDRAL, PARIS

I visited the awesome Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, in May 24, 2010.

Little did I know that is the 'first and last' time I will see her. 

NOTRE-DAME CATHEDRAL

On April 15, 2019, massive fire guts Notre-Dame Cathedral – gutting the roof of the Paris landmark and stunning France and the world.

The fire, after burning for fifteen hours, was finally extinguished – it was assumed that the fire was accidental.

The cathedral sustained serious damage including the destruction of the timber spire over the crossing and most of the lead-covered wooden roof above the stone vaulted ceiling.

POSING WITH A MUMMY OUTSIDE THE CATHEDRAL

Notre-Dame de Paris means 'Our Lady of Paris' often referred to simply as Notre-Dame. It is a medieval Catholic cathedral on the 'lle de la Cite' in the 4th arrondissement of Paris.

The Cathedral is consecrated to the Virgin Mary and considered to be one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture.

Its pioneering use of the rib vault and flying buttress, its colorful rose windows, and the naturalism and abundance of its sculptural decoration set it apart from the earlier Romanesque style.

NOTRE-DAME CATHEDRAL

Artwork, relics and antiques stored at the cathedral are – the supposed Crown of Thorns which Jesus wore prior to his cruxifixion and a piece of the cross on which he was crucified, a 13th-century organ, stained-glass windows, church bells and bronze statues of the Twelve Apostles.

STATUE SITTING ATOP THE CATHEDRAL

The cathedral's construction was begun in 1160 under Bishop Maurice de Sully, and completed by 1260, though it was modified frequently in the following centuries – desecration during French Revolution (1790) and the roof caught fire undergoing renovation (April 15, 2019).

Interest in the cathedral blossomed after the publication of Victor Hugo's novel Notre-Dame de Paris (The Hunchback of Notre-Dame) which led to major restoration project between 1844 – 1864.

STATUE IN A ROW

As the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Paris, Notre-Dame contains the cathedra of the Archbishop of Paris. In 1805, Notre-Dame was given the honorary status of a minor basilica.

The cathedral is renowned for its Lent semons founded by the famous Dominican Jean-Baptiste Henri Lacordaire in the 1860s.

Approximately 12 million people visit Notre-Dame annually, making it the most visited monument in Paris.

BEAUTIFULLY CARVED DOOR OF THE CATHEDRAL

MAY 24, 2010

AMSTERDAM

AMSTERDAM – HOLY OR SINFUL??

Everybody loves Amsterdam!! There is no place in the world that resembles Amsterdam. A place of 'angel' and 'devil; a place of beauty and sin; and a place of 'norm' .

I love writing about Amsterdam, this is my second time writing about this city of fun in my blog, the last one was written and published in the Travel Times newspaper back in 2007.

I have been to Amsterdam (the so-called Holland) twice in 2003 and 2007. If I am given a chance I do not mind a third attempt to Amsterdam.

ROYAL PALACE

 I love Amsterdam because of its beautiful scenery, tulip, canals and majestic buildings. I also love Amsterdam – it expose the human desire of 'sex' – can be seen everywhere in this town.

N H DOELEN HOTEL

My second trip in August 6-8, 2007, gave me an opportunity to know more about the city. I booked a 3D2N stay at NH Doelen Hotel – overlooking rivers – opted for a free and easy trip. Doelen Hotel is believed to be the 'oldest' hotel in Amsterdam dated back from 1883 – with a rich history.

ANGELS OF AMSTERDAM

Firstly, one must not miss the majestic Royal Palace located at the Dam Square. Here, there are a lot of activities – such as caricatures posing with visitors – ice cream van and merry making. The imposing neoclassical facade of the Koninklijk Paleis or Royal Palace dominates the Dam, but it does not look like a palace of Amsterdam and betrays the intention of the city's authorities to build a town hall in keeping with the prestige and power of Europe's commercial capital during the 17^th century. It is attributed to architect, Jacob Van Campen who faithfully followed the classic architectural themes of ancient Rome in 1640.

ROYAL PALACE AT DAM SQUARE

Nearby, one can also stop by Madame Tussaud Museum located above the Peek & Cloppenburg Department store in Dam Square – a waxworks museum - it one of the many museums spread all over the world that bear the name of the French sculptress who specialised in making wax models of the heads of famous people during the French Revolution.

DAM SQUARE

Next, is the Nieuwe Kerk, alongside the Royal Palace, the New Church – occupies a corner of the Dam. The construction of this basilica commenced in about 1400 in the fruit orchard of the house of Willlem Eggert, a rich banker of count William VI of Holland. In 1321 and 1452 the church was badly damaged by fires which threatened to destroy Amsterdam. Another fire, due to an artisan's being distracted, devasted the church in 1645, and Jacob Van Campen guide new restoration to the church. Today, Nieuwe Kerk is a covered extension of the Dam; conferences, exhibitions and debates are held in its interior.

NIEUWE KERK

 

ANNE FRANK HOUSE MUSEUM

To the left of the Westerkerk, is a small statue Anne Frank. Her house is near, at No. 263, Prinsengracht – a place of pilgrimage for thousands of people. Anne Frank house-museum is convincing, lasting evidence and a constant accusation of Naziism. In this house, Anne Frank hid with her parents, her sister Margot, the Van Pels family and Mr Pfeffer for over two years from 1942-1944. Anne Frank house is like thousands of others in the old part of Amsterdam. It was built in 1653, by trader. Steep, narrow stairs, use made of upper spaces of two houses, one on top of the other and separated by a courtyard.

DIAMOND FACTORY

Amsterdam is popular for diamonds – the term diamond derived from the Greek wood “adamas”, meaning invisible. At the factory outlet, visitors can view the traditional way of polishing diamonds.The first diamond cutter was registered four centuries ago, from then onwards (1584), Amsterdam became synonymous with diamonds for world markets and imperial courts. Today, the 'Amsterdam Cut' trademark is the emblem of maximum precision and perfection throughout the entire world.

BEGIJNHOF

Get to see the Begijnhof – it is a place of absolute quiet, an idyllic oasis and an unexpected refuge from the uproar of Kalverstraat. Coming out of the Municipal Police Gallery, one comes across a gate tot he right. In Gedempte Begijnensloot is one of the entrances to the Begijnhof leading to a sort of vast courtyard in the centre of which is lovely lawn surrounded by numerous small houses kept in perfect order. Two chapels facing one another together form the Begijnhof.

BRONZE STATUE OF A BEGUINE

It was founded in 1346, by a group of women, beguines, who aspired to living in a religious community without restricting themselves to the rigid rules of a cloistered life. They did not take the vow and behaved a lay sisters, they all kept their own little houses, personal liberty and freedom by they dedicated their lives to the poor and ill.

NO. 34 - OLDEST HOUSE IN BEGIJNHOF

 At No. 34 Begijnhof is situated the oldest house in Amsterdam, one of the two still in wood after an order of the city government prevented the construction of new houses in inflammable materials.

NO. 14 -BEGIJNHOF

 

NO. 14 BLIND WALL SHOWS TABLETS WITH SCENES FROM THE BIBLE

At No. 14, the house dates back to the 15^th century and the blind wall to the left shows some beautiful tablets with scenes from the Bible.

BLOEMENMARKET

Bloemenmarket – is a flower market is held daily on some 15 stores moored along the Singel. It dates back to the half of the 19^th century, when blooms and plants were sold directly from the boats tied up at the canal banks and by the growers themselves, who later went back to their fields. Look out for the Dutch tulip bulbs, coconut plams, banana trees, bonsai shrubs and trees. It is a lively and cheerful floral bazaar, where you can buy anything from flowers, trees to garden ornaments.

CLOG IS COMMON IN AMSTERDAM

Flea Market is the most famous market in Amsterdam, one can find literally everything from records, old gramophone, second-hand clothes, souvenirs and books among others. The first Jewish merchants to inaugurate the flea market di so over 100 years ago, in 1883 when Waterlooplien was protected against recurrent floods which occurred each time Amstel was full. Right throughout the morning, Amsterdam's flea market is full of people who protest, contract, buy and ruin themselves in order to buy chips of a glorious past or search for missing cooking utensils. This place is also a good for idle away one's time.

TRICYCLE RIDE TO TOWN

Other than markets, one can go for shopping around the Dam area – where there are also restaurants, cafes and pubs, here.

When in Amsterdam – do not missed the number of art museum namely Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum, Rembrandthuis Museum, Amstelkring Museum and Rijkmuseum. Those who are in the art industry, they will definitely visit some of these art museum. As for me, I did visit only two – Van Gogh Museum and Rembrandthuis Museum. 

REMBRANDTHUIS MUSEUM

 Nos. 4-6, Jodenbreestraat – are occupied by Rembrandt's hosue for 20 years, which has since been turned into a museum dedicated to him. When Rembrandt, the greatest Dutch painter decided to live in Amsterdam, he rented a house at the corner of what was to become Jodenbreestraat. It belonged to Hendrick, who traded in paintings. It was in this house, Rembrandt met his wife Saskia, an orphan, and relation of the house owner.

VAN GOGH MUSEUM

Van Gogh Museum was opened in 1973, this modern square buildings made of plate glass and unfinished concrete, with large halls and vast areas brightly illuminated by daylight was designed by Gerrit Rietveld to house Van Gogh's work. Van Gogh was born into a family of Protestant clergymen in 1853, in the Brabant province. He followed his father's footsteps, studying theology and becoming an assistant minister, but was not his vocation. At the age of 27, he then discovered art and took up painting dedicated the last 10 years of his life completely to it. His popularly paintings are exhibited here, include The Potato-eaters (1885); Clogs (1888), Van Gogh Self-Portrait with Felt Hat (1887); The Yellow House (1888), Harvest (1888), Wheatfield with Crows (1890) and Sunflowers (1889).

CANALS IN CITY CENTRE

The canals is beautiful in Amsterdam – in order to have an overview of the city. The best approach to Amsterdam and the best way to appreciated this city was to go for a boat ride down the canals. The only places I missed out in Amsterdam is the De Zaanse Schnas Windmill  & Cheese farm (Monnickendam) - as these are located outskirt of the city.

THE OTHER SIDE OF AMSTERDAM'S

I love the Red Light District not because I am a sex pervert, but because of its 'uniqueness' where no other countries have ever dared to create – as a form of tourism.

RED LIGHT DISTRICT

The Red Light District also called Walletjes (Wallen) - meaning Little Walls, a triangle of very old, crumbling houses which has developed around the port and the oldest church in the town named the Oude Kerk. An area famous for prostitutes on display behind glass windows, it is not recent history dating back as far as the 14^th century. The setting is almost romantic, the narrow streets, charming canals and the dilapidated facades of the Oudezijds Vooburgwal and the parallel Oudezijds Achterburgwal clash with the windows displaying prostitutes who offer themselves to spectators and clients.

DANGEROUS ZEEDIJK STREET

Walked through monuments that goes through small streets, one of the famous street “Zeedijk”, in the past is one of the most dangerous streets of Amsterdam, where seamen went looking for amusement. Nowadays, due to the disappearance of the harbour nearby, the shady bars are replaced with Dutch Pub, are certainly not dangerous anymore.

SEX MUSEUM

 According to history, the government had legalised all sinful activities in the 18^th century- such as prostitution, marijuana and all kinds of drugs, sex movie and sex museum. The reason is that the people are wild in the early centuries – that lead to the government lost control of their sinful lifestyle. In order, to change them – the government then legalised all sinful activities – as a form of reverse psychology – to tame the people – in return the people turned to good things after the legalisation of these activities – it then became a tourist attraction – bringing revenue to the government – until today the government do not stop the sinful activities in this country. Prostitutes are considered as business people in their own way – as they pay taxes and renting cubicles – they bring in revenue to the country. They undergo medical check up and has dual career.

Museum Sex - a well stock English bookshop at No. 26 Central Station area.

TORTURE MUSEUM

Torture Museum - showcased the infamous marks of punishment were part of everyday life, located at No. 449, near the flower market. The museum display 50 instruments of justice from all parts of Europe, from the Pillory to the Guillotine. Punishments were public in order to teach a painful lesson, to passerby and criminals. The most impressive instruments served as special weapons against 'the Devil and his servants, witches and heretics.

THE SO-CALLED COFFEE SHOP

The name coffee-shop in Amsterdam means they offered not coffee drinks but drugs and marijuana. Don't be mistaken if you ever walk into a coffee-shop in Amsterdam, it is not your everyday coffee drinks served here.

AUGUST 6-8, 2007

SPAIN

SPAIN (PART 2)

Now, journey with me to Barcelona, Spain. Colorful, artistic, rich in culture and a shopper’s paradise. Get to see uniquely designed building of odd shapes.

One can either cross over to Spain by flight or land (via the Spanish Border from Evora passing through Alqueva Lake). But, I choose to fly as it is time saving and I can keep my energy cells for another round of detouring in Barcelona.

MUST SEE PLACES

In Barcelona, I need to work out my short stay to get the ‘best’ of this colorful city of cultures and art coupled with eccentric architectures found in the buildings surrounding the city.

With little time on hands, I have barely another two days to explore and experience this artistic city, I then take a map from the reception.

It is easier for me in Barcelona, as I am staying at the La Rambla shopping area, in the city center.

LA RAMBLA

The “Best of Barcelona Walk” map really serves a good purpose for me as it guides me along my walking spree to cover central Lisbon.

Firstly, one will meet up with the city’s mighty Gothic cathedral named Catedral (Cathedral) which was constructed on the remains of a palaeo-Christian basilica and a Romanesque church.

Next, is the Gothic Quarter which is Barcelona’s oldest district, brimming with atmospheric streets, alleyways and hidden squares, and flanked by historical buildings.

At the Gothic Quarter, one gets to see the Bridge Carrer Del Bisbe, Sant Jaume Square, Temple Augustus Itinerant Columns and the Horses Square.

HANGING BRIDGE CARRER DEL BISBE

 

Another ‘must see’ is the Picasso Museum is one of the city’s greatest tourist attraction which houses a complete collection of early artworks by Pablo Picasso in the world.

PICASSO

LA SAGRADA FAMILIA

I tell myself, Barcelona is incomplete without visiting the most unusual church in the world called the La Sagrada Familia (1882) designed by Antoni Gaudi.

On the second day, I book a taxi heading to La Sagrada Familia to capture Barcelona’s most distinctive landmark where Gaudi’s dream was to create Europe’s biggest temple and a bible in stone, with three facades representing the birth, death and resurrection of Christ.

For once, I witnessed for myself how beautiful is the La Sagrada Familia – the detail of sculpture on the façade is truly extraordinary, depicting almost 100 species of plants and animals, including Gaudi’s beloved chameleons, which can be seen carved onto the stonework all over the cathedral.

LA SAGRADA FAMILIA

Currently, the church is still undergoing some work-in-progress for an indefinite period.

To wrap up my holiday in Barcelona, I make a visit to the Spanish Village (Poble Espanyol) to know more about the cultures of the locals.

 The life-sized village contains 117 reproductions of famous or characteristic buildings from all over Spain, many of which now serve as art galleries and artisan workshops selling jewellery, wood carvings, leather items, and glass and ceramics.

SPANISH VILLAGE

 

We (my mother and me) then bid adios to Barcelona with a shopping spree at Gracia (branded items) and the La Rambla (middle class items), followed with an evening of Flamenco performance and a dinner of tapas dishes. 

GRACIA SHOPPING AREA

PORTUGAL

 THE BEST OF PORTUGAL AND SPAIN (PART 1)

The Best of Portugal and Spain – the writer gets to experience for herself the best of both neighboring countries and concluded the two sisterly countries are equally beautiful ‘in its own ways’.

Going to Spain without Portugal is like going fishing without a fishing rod.

The two ‘sisterly’ countries of the Southern European continent are inseparable.

The elder sister Spain is a more popular tourist destination compared to the laidback Portugal, which is well known for generating footballers for the World Cup Matches.

Nevertheless, the ‘two’ countries have me wandering if I sign up for one without the other, I will regret.

Without second thought, I purchased a one-week travel package covering Spain (Barcelona) and Portugal (Lisbon) to experience for myself who is the ‘better’ sister between the two.

PORTUGAL, LISBON

LISBON

Portugal, is one of the less travelled European countries compared to her counterparts in the southern continents namely Spain, Italy, Greece and the Mediterranean.

I do not know ‘why’ she is not a hit among tourists, and I choose ‘her’ because I want to let the world know they may be wrong for not including her into the Europe travel list.

No doubt,  I have little knowledge about Portugal except gathering some facts from school history books on the Malacca sultanate, as well as the existence of the Portuguese community living in Malacca, I am positive I will get close to her on my three-day-two-night in Lisbon.

My first day in Lisbon is quite disappointing as I have to endure with the heavy rain pour. It must be a ‘shower of blessing’ as Lisbon is one of the pilgrimage place for the Christians. 

Upon checking into Hotel Travel Park located in the Angel Neighborhood, I waste no time to book for a day tour package via the receptionist.

The pleasant receptionist then recommended the “Lisbon City Tour” which is supposed to be one of the more popular tours for first timer, to this historic city.

Since my days are limited to only two full days in Portugal, I followed her advice and sign up for the city tour instead of the outskirts tours such as the Castle Tour or the Fatima Tour.

According to a Portugal Tourist Guidebook (published by NewJamp) Portugal is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and a first class trans-oceanic port.

It stretches along the northern length of the banks of River Tejo estuary occupying seven hills.

Lisbon is not like any ordinary European cities, as the town is on the low part of these seven hills that surround the city.

Thus, I fall in love with Lisbon at first sight for its beautifully decorated gardens, landscapes, sculptures and Squares steeped in history, occupying every corner of the city.

BIRD'S VIEW OF PORTUGAL

 

LISBON CITY TRAIL

Next day, we excitedly waited for the arrival of our tour guide who arrived punctually at 9am, at our hotel. Our group was a small one comprising of an American tourist, my mother and myself. We are chauffeured by our English speaking guide Alex in a van, and we are told that the city tour will take us to see the charming sight of Lisbon city, monuments and statues.

To start off, the guide drive through some interesting places in city centre for us to catch a glimpse of the historic places namely Marques de Pombal, Av. Da Liberdade, Rossio, Alfama, Palimento and Pantea Nacional.

The first stop is none other than to view the first-ever cathedral in Lisbon erected with French Romanic shapes during the XII century called the Catedral Igreja St Antonio.

The awesome church now serves as the Cathedral of Lisbon and the headquarters of Cardinal patriarch of the City.

CATEDRAL IGREJA ST ANTONIO

Moving on is one of the ‘must’ go places in the city located at the highest point in Lisbon called Miradoro da Nossa Senhora do Monte whereby one can have a breathtaking view of the city.

MIRADORO DA NOSSA SENHORA DO MONTE

Here, I am amaze with the sightings of the buildings, castles, gardens, and even the faraway Salazar Bridge.

The Salazar Bridge (also known as 25^th April Bridge) was constructed of steel runs two kilometers and sits on two great pillars above River Tejo, which was opened to the public in 1966.

The bridge is a replica of the San Francisco’s Golden Gate, and is one of the two bridges in the city with the other one called Vasco Da Gama.

A major landmark of the city is none other than the World Heritage Site Torre de Belem (Belem Tower), which is a masterpiece in the Manueline style and is a symbol of the city.

TORRE DE BELEM (BELEM TOWER)

King Manuel commanded its construction and it was built in the River Tejo between 1515 and 1521. The structure of the building is Romanic-Gothic, incorporating Arabic decoration which gives it an exotic and attractive aspect.

Nearby, is the Padrao dos Descobrimentos (Monument of Discoveries) an imposing architectural built in 1960 in commemoration of the 500^th anniversary of the death of Henrique O Navegante. This impressive monument is dedicated to the maritime discoveries and sailing companies that have given such fame to Portugal.

Every tourist (including me) will definitely walk up to the upper terrace and contemplate the River Tejo, Salazar Bridge and the Monastery, from where the large compass which presides over the square sits.

Across the road stands the majestic Mosteiro Dos Jeronimos (Heironnomytes Monastery) which is one of the most important monuments in the city, an additional masterpiece of Manueline works, also founded in 1506 by King Manuel.

MOSTEIRO DOS JERONIMOS

 Thousands of visitors throng this monastery weekly to take photographs with this enchanting building showcasing Renaissance style decoration, and a series of magnificent pillars covered with ornamental statues separate with three naves of the temple.

Another great place of visit is the Praca Do Commercio which forms the largest of the squares in the Portuguese capital, which house the headquarters of various ministries and government offices and also serves as a tourist attraction.

PRACA DO COM,MERCIO

 At the square, one can view the Triumphal Arch coupled with the four statues representing Viriato, Nuno Alvares, Pombal and Vasco da Gama.

The centre of the square is presided over by the elegant Equestrian Monument of King Jose 1, and a set of steps called Cais das Colunas, goes down to the Tejo.

However, one must not leave Lisbon before tasting its Portuguese egg tarts offered at an old timer shop named Pasteis de Belem. The tarts were first made by monks as the monastery was near a sugar refinery, where they (monks) came up with the idea of combining the yolks with sugar. 

 

PORTUGAL TART

TRAM RIDE

On my last day, I managed to squeeze into a sandwich city tram for a joy ride to a beautiful ancient Moorish neighborhood called Alfama, to see the XVI century houses, alleys and steps and the livelihood of the people.

My only regret is that I am not able to make it to the sanctuary of Fatima, where thousands of people make a pilgrimage to Fatima to commemorate the apparition of the Virgin to the three young shepherds on May 13 and October 13, annually. The Fatima church is located about four hours from the city.

TRAM BY - PASSING CITY