ioan edwards

Venice is one of those cities you are familiar with before you even go there. You will have seen so much written about it; its significance throughout Italian and European history cannot be over emphasisied. The architecture is stunning, none of the ‘landmarks’ disappoint. It is one of those places that you cannot take enough photographs of.

We arrived by train, from Milan on one occasion, and by train from Trieste several years earlier. One of the most vivid memories I have is stepping out of the train station and seeing the Grand Canal, and all the activity being played out in front of you. It is almost as if this ‘life play’ is being performed in your honour.

If you are in Venice, you have to go on the water a boat ride is not cheap, but well worth it.

St Mark’s square, with the Doges palace, looked like a jigsaw puzzle picture. And the Basilica, if ever there was a testimony to man’s faith… this has got to be it.

Great city Edinburgh. I was Lucky enough to live there for three years in the early 80’s. Have also visited since.

A ship I was serving on also went into Leith, which is the area of Edinburgh near to the docks. Rumour has it, (and if you have heard this already, I apologise)… The old tongue twister that was used by the Police to see if someone was sober enough to be allowed to go on his way, was, " The Leith Police Dismisseth Us". If you were a drunken sailor and could not say it 10 times you were taken in. True? I dont know, but I like the story.

The Scots are some of the friendliest people you will meet, and I say that as a Welshman.

If in Edinburgh, you must check out the grass market and the castle (be there before 1 pm) to see the field gun being fired to signal the time to shipping. At the same time a black ball can be seen falling on the mast above the observatory.

The main shopping thoroughfare is Princes street. But, parallel to princes street is Rose street and I have lost count as to how many pubs are on this street. You will not go thirsty in Edinburgh. Try some of the whiskies, there are too many to recommend. I guarantee, there is a whisky for everyones taste.

An oasis of Roman antiquity in a sea of apparent nothingness.

The colliseum is stunning. This ancient Roman leisure centre, is a movie star. It has appeared in Gladiator, and was the setting of the Judian Popular Front scene in The Life of Brian.

The small town that still exists around the base of this monument, caters for the souvenir hunters and the local community. Well worth the trip.