Thursday, August 23, 2007

Munich, Germany

We were in Munich around the time Pope Benedict XVI visited last year. Alas it was a few weeks too early for us to partake in Oktoberfest. We made our exit just before the Pope was due to arrive, otherwise we would have been stuck in the city centre surrounded my soldiers and worshippers - what a nightmare that would have been!

This picture shows the new Town Hall tower. It was a wonderful sunny day with an intense blue sky. The tops of the colourful flags are just above the dias that was in place for His Holiness, which of course spoilt my photo op for the entire Town Hall

Even though we were unable to enjoy the delights of the biggest beer festival in the world we still enjoyed a little of the atmosphere by visiting the HofbrÀuhaus for some beer and excellent food. Here is the oompapa band that was playing.
We had a picnic in the Englischer Garten or English Garden. Which was lovely, except for all the ravens that had no fear of us big pink things on two legs, so we were forced to feed them or become a real life version of The Birds. We were also intrigued by the nude sunbathers on the other side of the stream. Much to He Who Shall Not Be Named's disappointment most of them were middle aged men!

Here's a picture taken in the opposite direction to the nude pink/brown things from our picnic spot

Thursday, August 02, 2007

The Grand Mosque, Muscat, Oman

This is one of the most beautiful Mosques I have ever seen, so here are some pictures
I find the picture of this arch soothing - a bit crazy, no?
The opulent chandelier inside the central dome