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Visiting the Prince-Bishops' Palace, Liège, Belgium: Remembering a Rather Different Form of Government
In the Palace of the Prince-Bishops lies a lot of Liège's history; and even in recent history the building's precise identity has been a matter of debate.
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Visiting the City Hall, Woodstock, Ontario: Romanesque Revival Solidity Dating from 1901
A fine, Romanesque Revival structure is to be seen at Woodstock's City Hall — but it did not always serve this municipal purpose.
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Visiting Port Huron, Michigan, and the Black River: Serving a Former Commercial Facility Become a Marina
Port Huron is a city defined by water in many aspects. Perhaps better known for its situation on the St. Clair River, bordering Sarnia, Canada, Port Huron has a harbour, based on the Black River, which has developed into marina.
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Visiting the Principality of Monaco at Avenue-Princesse-Grace: Remembering a Princess Who Lived 1929-1982
Entering Monaco on one of the land routes from France is Avenue-Princesse-Grace.
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Visiting the Rubens Hotel, London, England: Close to Buckingham Palace; & Memories of General Sikorski Death Mystery
A venerable London hotel close to Buckingham Palace is known for its 'living wall'; and among its historical associations is the former presence of the HQ of exiled Polish Prime Minister General Sikorsky, killed mysteriously in 1943.
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Visiting Sparwood, British Columbia: Isolation — If Not Isolationism — Evoking an Even More Isolated Past
Getting away from 'it' all, par excellence: where everywhere else seems remote from the town of Sparwood, British Columbia
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Visiting the Vermont State House, Montpelier, Vermont: Monumental Capitol Dominating A Tiny City
The work of Architect Thomas Silloway (1828-1910), the Greek Revival State House dominates the very small city of Montpelier, Vermont state capital.
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Visiting Bray-Dunes, France: Abstract Emotions of Tides, Sand, Dunes, Sea, Sky, and a Troubled Past Exploding
Wind, sand, tides, sky, history, shifting borders: so many elements seem to be in competition here at Bray-Dunes, like combinations of elements of abstract art exploding onto the temporal landscape.
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Visting Le Promenade des Voyageurs / Voyageurs Pathway, Gatineau, Québec / Quebec: Fine Vistas Across the River
The Downtown area of Gatineau, Québec / Quebec — Le Promenade des Voyageurs / Voyageurs Pathway — is truly a vantage point for some spectacular views.
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Visiting the Opera Building, Woodsville, New Hampshire: A Romanesque Revival Psychological Crossroads Dating From 1890
This building in Woodsville, New Hampshire, executed in Romanesque Revival style, stands at a significant angle at the intersection of two important streets.
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Visiting Germany's Cologne-Bonn Konrad Adenauer Airport: A Legacy That Runs Deep for "the Greatest German of All Time"
Within sight of Cologne's deeply memorable Cathedral, Cologne/Bonn's Airport, named for long-serving, former Chancellor Dr. Konrad Adenauer, by its naming, stirs profound footfalls in the collective memory of Germans: this is for reasons which even 50 years after his death may be hard to articulate.
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Visiting the Westersingel, Rotterdam, The Netherlands: A Green, Downtown Lung in a Bustling City
The Westersingel is a surviving and revitalized moat and boulevard from the 19th century, in Downtown Rotterdam. W. N. Rose (1801-1877) is usually credited with the main responsibility for its creation.
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Visiting the Walper Hotel, Kitchener, Ontario: Designed by Abel Walper, Dating From 1893
Recently refurbished, the Walper Hotel at the intersection of Kitchener's King and Queen Streets has various historic features and associations.
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Visiting St. Andrew's Church, Gorleston-on-Sea, Norfolk, England: Remarkable, Partly 14th Century Stone Structure
The Medieval origin Church of St. Andrew in Norfolk's Gorleston-on-Sea has a 27.4 metre flint tower which has in the past been used as a lookout over the North Sea.
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Visiting Iveagh House, Dublin: Neoclassicism from 1736, Seat of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of the Republic of Ireland
This sedate Neoclassical structure in Dublin, Ireland, known as Iveagh House / Teach Uíbh Eachach, is the seat of the Republic of Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs. It was designed by Richard Cassels (1690-1751).
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Visiting the Var Valley, France, Overlooked by the Amazing Village of Bonson
Inaccessible and isolated are words which readily come to mind when considering the village of Bonson in the Var Valley in the South of France.
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Visiting Old St. Paul's Church, Woodstock, Ontario: Striking Eclecticism at a Venerable 1834 Structure
With a prominent tower topped by an octagonal cupola, Old St. Paul's Church, Woodstock, which dates from 1834, combines a number of interesting stylistic features.
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Visiting the Remonstrantse Kerk, Rotterdam, the Netherlands: Neo-Romanesque Monumentality Dating From 1897
Distinguished architect Henri Evers designed the Remonstrantse Kerk, in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Interestingly, his father-in-law was the minister of its congregation. Remonstrants have a long history in The Netherlands.
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Visiting Liège, Belgium: Remembering Medieval Prince-Bishop Albert de Cuyck
There is some living Medieval history in the Liège street named for a former Prince-Bishop.
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Visiting Halluin, France: Skyline Dominance and Ideological Polarities at a Border Town
The spire and tower of Saint-Hilaire church, dating from 1857, dominate the skyline of the northern French town of Halluin, but other, very different ideas have been historically dominant locally.
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Visiting Brampton Armoury, Brampton, Ontario: Dating from 1912, Home of a Scottish-Canadian Regiment
The Armoury in Brampton, Ontario, the home of a regiment of which HRH The Duke of Kent is Colonel-in-Chief, has historic associations, but among these the horrors on the Somme in World War One cannot be overlooked.
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Visiting 58 Grafton Way, London, W1, England: Remembering — or Forgetting — Francisco de Miranda and Simón Bolívar
This historic London property has associations with Francisco de Miranda and Simón Bolívar, personalities deeply linked with the independence movements of Latin American republics. These associations remained relevant to those who engaged in whatever kind of business with Latin America.
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Visiting Liège, Belgium: Remembering the Hôtel Rigo
A building in Liège, Belgium, over a century old and known as the Hôtel Rigo, in Neo-Mosan style, has been demolished despite a public outcry.
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Visiting Aéroport Montréal Saint-Hubert Longueuil / Montreal Saint-Hubert Longueuil Airport, Quebec: Historic Facility
From the R-100 airship to Errol Boyd - the 'Lindbergh of Canada' - Aéroport Montréal Saint-Hubert Longueuil / Montreal Saint-Hubert Longueuil Airport has many historic associations.
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Visiting Chippewa Falls, Ontario: an Explosion of Waters, Granite and Basalt
Waters, granite and basalt come together at a locality linked to the far past
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Visiting Eastbourne War Memorial, England, by British/Swiss Sculptor Henry Charles Fehr (1867-1940)
Henry Fehr was a British/Swiss sculptor who was responsible for the Eastbourne War Memorial, unveiled in 1920.
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Visiting the Jacques Cartier Bridge / Pont Jacques-Cartier: Historic Structure Linking Montreal and Longueuil, Quebec
Stretching nearly three kilometres, the historic Jacques Cartier Bridge / Pont Jacques-Cartier opened in 1930 and is once of the historic crossings of the Saint-Lawrence / Saint-Laurent.
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Visiting Boyle House, Brampton, Ontario: Dating from circa 1860 in Second Empire Style
This Second Empire style, two storey building in Brampton, Ontario, dates from circa 1860; a stucco exterior was added in the 20th century.
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Visiting Kortrijk-Wevelgem International Airport, Belgium: An Aviation Facility With A Complex Multilingual History
Dutch, French, German and English — whether horizontally or vertically — are or have been in at times explosive concoction near this Belgian aviation facility.
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Visiting Vallauris, France: Between the Mountains and the Mediterranean, in Alpes-Maritimes Department
Juxtaposed between the Alps and the Mediterranean, Vallauris can boast of a highly scenic location to its many visitors.
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Visiting St Paul's Church, Sketty, Swansea, Wales: Landmark by Henry Woodyer, dating from 1849-50
With its prominent spire, St Paul's Church, Sketty, Swansea, and close to a busy crossroads, is one of the district's most prominent landmarks.
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Visiting Williamsport Station, Maryland: Remembering the Retreat From Gettysburg and the Flooding of the Potomac
Close to where the I-81 crosses the Potomac at Williamsport Station is where a famous Civil War standoff and series of skirmishes occurred, sometimes referred to as the Battle of Williamsport; it harbours an intriguing and little known fact of history going back to George Washington.
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Visting Christ Church, Reading, Berkshire, Reading, England: A Conspicuous and Memorable Spire
50 metres of spire crown this Gothic building, prominent in the Reading slyline since the 1860s. Named Christ Church - as is also its Diocesan Cathedral - its architect was Henry Woodyer (1816-1896).
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Visiting the Hôtel Alfa, Luxembourg City: Art Deco Monumentality by Léon Bouvart (1883-1933)
An Art Deco monument in Luxembourg City, which saw the dark years of Nazi German Occupation, its interesting historical associations include visits from US Generals Eisenhower, Patton and Bradley.
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Visiting the Church of the Nativity, Malvern, Scarborough, Ontario: Strong 21st Century Statement in Gothic
Gothic is often thought to be traditional, but this 21st Century building at Malvern, Scarborough is executed in a strong expression of this time-honoured style.
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Visiting Coteau-du-Lac, Quebec: Transecting the Delisle River Which Rises in Ontario
The Delisle Riever is not long, and neither is it an exclusively Quebec river; but, rising in Ontario, its course runs through predominantly Francophone territory, emptying into the Saint-Lawrence.
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Visiting First Presbyterian Church, North East, Pennsylvania: Imposing Gothic Revival Structure, Dating From 1885
The First Presbyterian Church of North East, Pennsylvania evidences strongly Gothic Revival features; the current building dates from 1885, while the congregation itself claims its origins in 1801.
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Visiting Wycliffe Baptist Church, Reading, Berkshire, England: Italianate Structure Dating From 1881
Named for a prominent Medieval Lollard preacher, Wycliffe Baptist Church exhibits a combination of architectural styles.
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Visiting Heer-Agimont, Belgium: Bridging the Meuse, Bordering France, & 20th Century Hosting of Some Unusual Foreigners
Heer-Agimont is a border village in Belgium, adjacent to the French town of Givet. It combines a scenic location on the Meuse with some intriguing historical associations.
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Visiting Coteau-du-Lac National Historic Site of Canada, Quebec: Formerly Main Import Gateway to Lower Canada
Among the oldest of canal workings in North America, Coteau-du-Lac was once of great military and subsequently commercial significance, situated as it is on the Saint-Lawrence River.
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Visting the East Beach — Formerly Weyanoke — Hotel, Eastbourne, England: Redolent of Victorian Times
There are balconies galore at this hotel in Eastbourne, East Sussex, England, which are redolent not only of the Victorian era but also of typical scenes in Australia or New Zealand.
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Visiting the Former First National Bank Building in North East, Pennsylvania: Greek Revival Style, Dating From 1893
A conspicuous Greek Revival frontage is present at the former First National Bank building in Lake Street, in Pennsylvania's North East, which a local tourist trail includes in its route.
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Visiting Salem Baptist Chapel, Hay-on-Wye, Wales: Established 1649, Rebuilt 1878
A baptist chapel with Gothic arching and an hexagonal window — in a building rebuilt in the 19th century — dates from the 17th century, linked with John Miles, later serving in Swansea, Massachusetts
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Visiting the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge, Swanton, Vermont: With Views of Mount Mansfield, Green Mountains
The Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge and Mount Mansfield, in Vermont's Green Mountains, are both special places: the Missisquoi flows into Lake Champlain; the Green Mountains are a state leitmotif.
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Visiting St. Martin's Church, Kensal Green, London, England: Gothic Solidity by J.E.K. & J.P. Cutts, Dating From 1899
Prolific designers of London churches were responsible for this Gothic building, dating from 1899, executed in red brick and effusing a strong sense of solidity.
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Visiting Orchard Beach, in the So-Called Chimney or Tab of Pennsylvania: Recalling Ellicott & the Erie Triangle
In an area which was the subject of careful study and rival claims in the 18th century, Orchard Beach is known for its bracing winds; carefully controlled fishing opportunities exist in the locality.
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Visiting the Town Hall, Givet, France: Ornate, Louis XIII Style by Charles Goutant, Dating From 1903
Charles Goutant — a French Senator and architect — designed this opulent Town Hall at Givet in Louis XIII style: a work of art as much as an office building, it was opened by the Minister of Culture.
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Visiting the Former Primitive Methodist Chapel, Hay-on-Wye, Wales: With Neo-Gothic Elements, Dating From c. 1865
This chapel in the Welsh town of Hay-on-Wye continues to thrive; historically, its congregation at its inception was associated with Primitive Methodists with a reputation for vibrancy.
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Visiting the Mazzoni Museum, Maldonado, Uruguay: Colonial Artifacts and Memories of Garibaldi
This fascinating Museum, housed in an 18th century house in Maldonado, Uruguay, has memories of the historical figure Garibaldi, who lived for a number of years in Uruguay.
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Visiting Le Bizet, Belgium: Surrealism at the Border, With Some Excruciating History
An officially bilingual village in Belgium, situated on the outskirts of Armentières, France, features in the painful history of the anti-Nazi resistance in World War Two.
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Visting the McCord Memorial Library, at North East, Pennsylvania: Neoclassical and Prairie Style Elements From 1916
Elegant and precise lines in Neoclassical and Prairie style are to be found at North East's McCord Memorial Library, in Pennsylvania's Erie County. The building dates from 1916, the Library from 1899.
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Visting the Old Library, Willesden Green, London, England: Dating from 1894; Disaster Averted in the 21st Century
An 1894 Victorian library building was saved from the bulldozer after strong opposition from residents of Willesden Green, London.
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Visiting a Church Building That Is Taller Than It Is Long: Saint-Martin Church at Bousbecque, France
The architect of Tourcoing's Hôtel de ville, Charles Maillard, worked in the 1870s on the tower and spire of Bousbecque's Saint-Martin church building; he produced a very conspicuous landmark.
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Visiting St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Niagara Falls, New York: Gothic Solidity by Henry C. Dudley, Completed 1880
This late 19th century Gothic structure effuses permanence and solidity at a locality which seems strongly to symbolize natural movement and human transience.
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Visiting Orsbach, Near Aachen, Germany: Peaceful Nature, With Subterranean Tensions?
Borderlands Made in Germany are not what English-speaking readers familiar with the Cold War are led to expect. Orsbach - within Aachen's city limits - has features mirrored in adjoining Dutch Limburg
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Visiting Don Mills United Church, Toronto, Ontario: A 1950 Gothic Building With Primitive Methodist Roots From 1822
For nearly 2 centuries a congregation has been based at what is now the intersection of O'Connor Drive and Pape Avenue, East York. The present building's features are strongly Gothic.
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Visiting Bray-Dunes, France: North Sea Wind and the Furies of Submerged Territorial Psychologies
The history of Bray-Dunes, with its wind and sand dunes, seems to be underlain by tense, psychological forces that humanity has forced on the local topography.
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Visiting the Dragones Barracks, Maldonado, Uruguay: Poignant Associations With General Artigas in 1797
The founder of Uruguayan nationality is commemorated at the historic Dragones barracks in Maldonado; José Gervasio Artigas's legacy inspires Uruguayans to this day.
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Visiting the Old England Building, Brussels, Belgium: Fine 1899 Example of Art Nouveau by Paul Saintenoy
This ornate, former department store in Brussels, Belgium, dating from 1899, now houses a museum of musical instruments.
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Visiting Pointe-des-Cascades, Québec: The Confluence of Two Great Rivers; Anchors Recalling Maritime Links
The confluence of the Ottawa and St. Lawrence Rivers occurs at Pointe-des-Cascades, Québec; here also a park displays a collection of ships' anchors.
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Visiting Ramsgate Station, Ramsgate, Kent, England: Recalling the Close of a Neoclassical Era in Station Buildings
Before the Modernist movement swept through the design of public buildings, istructures such as large stations typically reflected traditional styles; at Ramsgate, Kent, the Neoclassical predominates.
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Visiting Givet, France: Overlooked by Fort de Charlemont, Recalling Emperor Charles V, and a Complicated Past
Dating from the 16th century, and decommissioned from military use only in recent years, Givet's Fort de Charlemont, overlooking the Meuse, is associated with some larger than life historical figures.
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Visiting Lake Overijse-Genval, Belgium: Shimmering Reflections and the Obscure Nature of Reality in Belgium
Reality, artificiality, reflection, obscurity: at Meer van Overijse-Genval / Lac de Genval, Belgian adminsitrators seem to be reveaked as the high priests of perception manipulation.
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Visiting Longueuil's Saint-Antoine-de-Padoue Co-Cathedral, Québec: A Study in Gothic Verticality
With a profusion of typically Gothic features such as pinnacles and arches, Longueuil's Co-Cathedral has been a very conspicuous landmark since the late 19th century.
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Visiting the Ruined St James's Church, Dover, England: A Well-Preserved Norman Arch and an Exciting History
Bombed during the World Wars, St James's Church Dover, though now a ruin, preserves some fine, Norman architectural features.
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Visiting the Château de Saverne, Eastern France: 18th and 19th Century Episcopal Residence by Nicolas-Alexandre Salins
This building in Saverne, eastern France, recalls some tumultuous personal and social history and seems very grand for a clergyman's residence; it was unfinished at the time of the French Revolution.
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Visiting Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Québec: defined by a prominent hill and obscure naming
The environs of a prominent hill near Montreal contain a National Park; the municipality's name has a complicated history.
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Visiting the Waters off of Little Zavikon Island, in or Close to New York's Thousand Islands: An Intriguing Boundary
Part of the former home and backyard of a U.S. Congressman, Little Zavikon Island, situated extremely close to the US-Canada border in the St Lawrence River, is in the Thousand Islands archipelago.
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Visiting Malmedy, Belgium: A Skyline Dominated by Its Monumental 18th Century Cathedral
A bewilderingly complex religious and administrative background underlies this massive Cathedral's post-18th century history.
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Visiting the White Cliffs of Dover, Kent, England: Iconic Chalk Backdrop to Historic Events
Silent witnesses to a famous gateway to England, the White Cliffs of Dover continue to impress the traveller to and from the European Continent, providing a strategic location to Dover Castle.
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Visiting Vianden Castle, Luxembourg: Remembering a 1944 Battle, and Hidden Clues to Post-War Developments
The Battle of Vianden raged on November 19, 1944, while nebulous relations between Luxembourg socialists and trade unionists and the OSS seemingly underlay events prior to the Battle of the Bulge.
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Visiting Rivière-Baudette, Québec, and Lac Saint-François: Water, Water Everywhere; Confluences and Crossroads
A border community encompasses several, intriguing elements which seem to comprise a microcosm of varied directions, waters and roads.
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Visiting the Village of Limbourg, Belgium: Disambiguation and Quaint, Cobbled Roadways
Stones are a real leitmotif here: whether underfoot now or as footfalls in memory; this Belgian hillside village seems like one that time has forgotten.
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Visiting Comines, France: a municipality of multidimensional boundaries, with a towered, Flemish skyline
Comines, France is a criss-cross of boundaries, while remaining in the heart of historic Flanders.
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Visiting Sheringham Park, Norfolk, England: a favourite of landscape designer Humphry Repton (1752-1818)
Sheringham Park was landscaped by Humphrey Repton; it is probably best known for its rhododendrons which draw many visitors to the Park every springtime.
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Visiting the Templo Metodista, Montevideo, Uruguay: Fine, Gothic Structure Dating From 1913
Methodists were already active in Uruguay in the 19th century; this imposing Methodist church building in Gothic style dates from 1913.
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Visiting Sint-Catharinakapel, Oud-Lemiers, Limburg: among the oldest of church buildings in The Netherlands
Restored by distinguished Dutch architect PJH Cuypers in the 19th century, Sint-Catharinakapel in the old part of Lemiers, Limburg, is redolent of solidity and permanence.
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Visiting St John's Presbyterian Church, Toronto, Ontario: solid, Gothic home of the National Presbyterian Museum
The National Presbyterian Museum is housed in a solid, Gothic church building in Toronto's Riverdale neighbourhood; some of the Museum's Bible collection are hundreds of years old.
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Visiting the Solís Grande Creek, Uruguay: overlooked by an intriguing hill: what's in a name?
Spanish and Portuguese, indigenous peoples and Uruguayan patriots have all played hardball around this remarkable hill in southern Uruguay, historically a kaleidoscope of competing influences.
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Visiting the Marschallbrücke, Berlin, Germany: Northern Entry to Dorotheenstadt, Honouring Field Marshall Blücher
The Marschallbrücke, in Downtown Berlin, Germany, the original of which dates from 1882, is named for a Prussian military figure whose fortuitous lifetime left him unconnected with militarism.
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Visiting the Old Federal Building, Sault-Ste-Marie, Michigan: After a Design by James Knox Taylor, Built 1909/10
Built in an era when functionalist design was less widespread, Sault-Ste-Marie's Old Federal Building is situated on the site of Old Fort Brady.
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Visiting the Lightship 'Fehmarnbelt', Lübeck, Germany: Historic, Maritime Variable Geometries and Constants
A museum lightship moored in Lübeck, Germany is a reminder of a wholesome, German maritime humanitarian tradition. Remembering also a friendship between writer Siegfried Lenz and former Federal Chancellor Helmut Schmidt.
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Visiting Laguna del Sauce: An Uruguayan 70 Square Km Reflecting Pool of Multidimensional Refractions
An inland lagoon in Uruguay reflects light, hills and history. Nearby Punta del Este - whose airport is named for Laguna del Sauce - served as an ideological crucible pitting JFK against Che Guevara.
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Visiting the Grand Hotel, Eastbourne, England: Victorian Opulence and a Strong Musical Tradition
Claude Debussy and Frank Bridge are just some of the noteworthy musical figures associated with this hotel, completed 1877, & known as the White Palace, by architect Robert Knott Blessley (1833-1923).
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Visiting Le Parc Michel-Jasmin / Michel Jasmin Park: Close to a Large Airport, the Greening of Dorval, Québec / Quebec
An aerial gateway city is planning more than to double its human population by the number of trees it plants over the next decade.
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Visiting 179, Promenade Du Portage, Gatineau, Québec / Quebec: Remembering a Defender of the French Language
Dr. Louis Duhamel was known as a promoter of the French language; he owned this property at 179, Promenade du Portage, Gatineau, which, in its refurbished form, demonstrates interesting features.
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Visiting Lac Leamy / Leamy Lake, Gatineau, Québec / Quebec: An Urban Lake Reminiscent of Geneva?
Gatineau's urban lake is an unexpected feature of a city which deserves to be much better known.
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Visiting the Municipal Gardens, Ventimiglia, Italy: a Mediterranean urban forest by Ludovico Winter, dating from 1906
These Gardens were originally the creation of landscape architect Ludovico Winter, and have for many decades served as a source of shade and tranquility to citizens of Ventimiglia.
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Visiting Punta Colorada, Uruguay: People, Whales, Fish, and Sea Currents Constantly Ebbing and Flowing
Warm, cool, bracing, mild, lonely, highly frequented: a small Uruguayan resort harbours more complexities than may at first be apparent.
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Visting the Hotel Colón, Piriápolis, Uruguay: Dating From 1910, Neo-Renaissance Style in a Flourishing Republic
Fine style and historical allusion come together at this building in a leading Uruguayan resort city in Maldonado department.
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Visiting Elisabeth Park, Brussels: Lush Verdure and Authentically Belgian Spelling Complexities and Referents
The Belgian authorities took care: to avoid air pollution, create a distance between King Leopold II and his private life, and use spellings acknowledging both of Belgium's main language communities.
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Visiting Babb, Montana: Complex Remembrance of Secretary Henry Stimson and Blackfoot Climbers at Nearby Chief Mountain
A conspicuous mountain in Blackfoot territory lies near Babb, Montana, on the edge of Glacier-Waterton International Peace Park and close to the Canadian border. It has some interesting associations.
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Reading: Ben Macintyre, a Spy Among Friends: Kim Philby and the Great Betrayal, New York: Random House, 2014
The mid-20th century saw the eruption of controversy around the first alleged, then confessed, spying activities of Kim Philby, affable British diplomat and MI6 operative.
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Visiting Southmoor, Oxfordshire, England: Peaceful Hamlet Disturbed by the Death of a Scientist and Political Antics
A quiet hamlet, near historic villages, was the focus of worldwide attention in 2003; official handling of the death of a famous resident has distasteful parallels with the Lusitania Enquiry of 1915.
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Visiting Calgary International Airport, Calgary, Alberta: World Gateway & Striking Views of the Calgary Tower & Skyline
'Aerotropolis' at Calgary inherits a long tradition of business confidence and functions as an intercontinental crossroads.
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Visiting Sparwood in the Elk Valley, British Columbia: Home to the Titan, the Largest Truck in the World
Have you driven a 169.49 litre V16 vehicle lately? Realistically, you are unlikely to do so, as this huge guzzler is now on permanent display by the visitor centre at Sparwood, British Columbia.
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Visiting Crowsnest Lake, Alberta, Overlooked by Crowsnest Mountain: Majesty in the Heart of the Canadian Rockies
This Lake and Mountain are at the heart of highly impressive scenes. The name 'Crowsnest' is an Anglicized version of First Nations' observation of ravens in the Mountain's vicinity.
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Visiting the Cathedral of Saint-Jérôme, Digne-lès-Bains, France: With a Tower and Metal Campanile Dominating the Town
A Medieval warrior bishop decided that he needed a militarily defensible, second Cathedral. Its distinctive tower is still a major landmark in the city of Digne-lès-Bains.
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Visiting the Swiss Cottage, Singleton Park, Swansea, Wales: Dating From 1826, Designed by Peter F. Robinson
This Alpine-style cottage, once belonging to the prominent, local Vivian family, served in its early years as a dame school. It recently underwent a program of restoration.
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Visiting Red Rock Canyon, Waterton Lake National Park, Alberta: The Intriguing Character of Argillite Rock
These brightly coloured, sedimentary rocks make for a popular destination in the summer months, although somewhat inaccessible during winter.
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Visiting the Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Maurice and Saint-Maur, Clervaux, Luxmbourg: imposing, with an octagonal tower
From the town, if at all, an octagonal tower rises above surrounding trees, which otherwise hide the hilltop Abbey building.
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Visiting the Cameron Falls, Waterton Park, Alberta: Named for Donald Roderick Cameron, Soldier and Diplomat
Named for an eccentric, monocle-wearing son-in-law of Canadian Prime Minister Sir Charles Tupper
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Visiting the Crowsnest Road, Crowsnest Pass, British Columbia: Remembering First Nations and Early European Travellers
Long known to First Nations, the Crossnest Pass was first travelled by a European, Michael Phillipps, in 1873, who journeyed West to East, now commemorated by British Columbian Point of Interest signs
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Visiting the Prince of Wales Hotel, Waterton Park, Alberta: Recalling the Heyday of Rail Tourism in Western Canada
A huge Swiss-style chalet in a scenically unique setting: recalling an almost vanished railroad past. Named for Edward, Prince of Wales who, as a local ranch owner, had strong links with Alberta
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Visiting Steenwerck Railroad Station, Steenwerck, France: Multidimensional Geography and History
Ostensibly a communication facility strictly within metropolitan France, Steenwerck Station's proximity to the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium is a reminder of a turbulent, local history.
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Visiting the Glacis Chapel, and its vicinity, Luxembourg City: traditions of history and destruction
Ideological opponents dropping metaphorical and literal bombs? Too troubling to probe the past at the Glacis Chapel? Does a disturbing aspect to its genius loci lurk there as a perennial leitmotif?
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Visiting 45-51 London Street, Norwich, Norfolk, England: Are Banks Supposed to Look Like Church Buildings?
Too much like an ecclesiastical structure? a building which maybe raises too many questions. (But I like it.)
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Visiting Ornamental Ironworking at the Grand Ducal Palace, Luxembourg City: Baroque Counterpoise?
Distance and reserve between rulers and the ruled is an old fashioned notion. But can setting them aside also involve, in some circumstances, erosion of wider perceptions of monarchical impartiality?
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Visiting the Charles de Gaulle Liberty Paths, Cannes, France: sun and shade in profusion
These ancient plane trees in Cannes, France, have been features of the urban landscape for the generations of visitors; after World War Two they were named for General Charles de Gaulle.
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Visiting the River Known as the Gave de Pau: Not at Pau, but at Lourdes, France
The Gave de Pau is a rapidly flowing body of water in a very scenic setting; rising in the Pyrenees, it passes through Lourdes.
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Visiting the Old Library, London Road, Reading, England: former Reading University Library
Flag of England FlagPictures.org Witan College, Reading 'Andrew Smith', 'geograph.org.uk', Creative Commons A-SA 2.0, wikimedia.org Having been acquired in the early years of the 20th century (1), the former London Road site of what is now Reading...
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Visiting Boulevard Barbès, Paris, France and Barbès-Rochechouart Metro Station: Pre-WW1 Solidity and Memories of WW2
Flag of France FlagPictures.org Panoramic view of the Metro and of Sacré-Cœur church, Paris (at the beginning of the 20th century) 'EV No. 455'. 'User:Claude Villetaneuse', 'Scanned by Claude Shoshany', public domain, wikimedia.org Boulevard...
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Visiting Coltishall, Norfolk, England and Its Former Wesleyan Chapel, Now Gospel Hall
Flag of England FlagPictures.org Bethesda Gospel Hall In Rectory Road, Coltishall 'Evelyn Simak', 'geograph.org.uk', Creative Commons A-SA 2.0, wikimedia.org This building, of sedate, Georgian appearance, dates from 1842. When it was erected,...
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Visiting Grimaldi, Italy: Panoramas, Juxtapositions, and Views of Menton, France
Flag of Italy FlagPictures.org France viewed from Grimaldi, Italy. In the background may be seen the city of Menton and its Old Port (to the left of the photo). 'User:Rundvald', public domain, wikimedia.org One of the really interesting features...
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Reading: John English, The Worldly Years: The Life of Lester Pearson 1949-1972, Toronto: Knopf Canada, 1992: a Review
Reading: John English, The Worldly Years: The Life of Lester Pearson 1949-1972, Toronto: Alfred A. Knopf Canada, 1992, p.p. 473 ... This magisterial work is the second of John English's two volume biography of Canadian Prime Minister the Right...
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Visiting the Scenic Var River at Nice and Saint-Laurent-du-Var, France: For Which the Var Department is Oddly Named
Why the Var Department is not geographically contiguous with the Var River Valley: this article seeks to explain!
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Visiting the Monument for All the Fallen, 1940-1945, Rotterdam, The Netherlands: by Mari Andriessen
Civilian victims of war depicted in a solemn work which speaks soberly of deeply negative aspects of the human condition in the 20th century
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Visiting Two Adjacent Church Buildings at the Mall, Armagh City, Northern Ireland: First Presbyterian and Gospel Hall
Impressive buildings imbued with seeming, architectural contradictions
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Visiting the Provenierssingel, Rotterdam, the Netherlands: Lush, Surviving 19th Century Moat and Boulevard
The Proveniersingel is a peaceful, green area close to the Downtown area of Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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Visiting Liège, Belgium, With Its Meuse and Ourthe Rivers: The Psychologies of Confluence
Liege's fluvial geography speaks much of the history of the city, at the confluence of the Meuse and Ourthe rivers.
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Visiting Bocholtz, the Netherlands: Border Definitions, and Echoes of a Strongly Religious Past
Flag of The Netherlands FlagPictures.org Church of Bocholtz, Simpelveld, The Netherlands 'User:Boches', Creative Commons A-SA 3.0, wikimedia.org Bocholtz is located in the Dutch province of Limburg (1), The Netherlands. This village lies close to...
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Visiting the Boardwalk of the Northern Extremity of France at Bray-Dunes, With Its Colourful Flag: Abiding Symbolism
Flag of France FlagPictures.org Flag of Bray-Dunes 'User:Pichasso', GNU / Creative Commons A-SA 3.0, wikipedia.org No, this is not Gabon! This hub is not just about to give impressions of a visit to equatorial Africa (it's never been my privilege to...
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Visiting Providence Chapel, Reading, England: Gothic Arching at a Building Dating From 1859
Solidity and permanence characterize this 1859 building in Oxford Road, Reading, Berkshire, which evidences strong Gothic features.
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Visiting Orsbach, Near Aachen, Germany: Largely Surrounded by Dutch Territory, Windswept Fields and Invisible Borders
Almost phoney borders, and memories from the Phoney War
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Visiting the Obelisk, and July 9 Avenue, Buenos Aires, Argentina: Monumental Landmark Dating From 1936
A high conspicuous and historic monument, the crowning feature of the world's widest street, in a gracious capital city.
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Visiting the Former Constant Rebecque Barracks, Eindhoven, the Netherlands: Variable Geometry in International Outlooks
Subtle, Dutch complexities and memories at a 1938 building in Eindhoven, put to multiple uses: sometimes involving some less than transparent soul-searching?
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Visiting the Port of Buceo, Montevideo, Uruguay: Remembering Admiral Guillermo Brown and a Decisive Sea Battle
An Argentinian admiral and an Uruguayan architect — both of them distinguished — are recalled at the Port of Buceo, Montevideo.
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Visiting Waterloo Park, Waterloo, Ontario: Remembering the Solemn History of the Baby Cannon
The Baby Canon, as it is called, located in Kitchener's Waterloo Park,has an interesting history, of which many passers-by will be unaware.
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Visiting the First Schoolhouse, 1820 at Waterloo, Ontario: Remembering Settlement Founder Abraham Erb
This historic structure recalls a German Mennonite pioneer in the Waterloo district; it dates from 1820, having served as the area's first schoolhouse.
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Visiting Roissy-En-France and Its St.-Eloi Church: From Quiet, Rural Village to Metropolitan Neighbour
This stone church building dates from the 16th century, when Roissy-en-France was very much a rural locality; but today the Greater Paris area has long encroached upon the municipality's borders.
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Visiting the Range Rear Lighthouse, Gorleston-on-Sea, Norfolk, England: Round Brick Tower Beacon Dating From 1878
This lighthouse at Gorleston-on-Sea, Norfolk, which dates from 1878 and overlooks the North Sea, is still a very conspicuous landmark.
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Visiting the Artigas Mausoleum, Montevideo, Uruguay: Complex Remembrance of a Once Exiled Leader
The legacy of Independence-era leader General Artigas continues to stir feelings among Uruguayans at his mausoleum in Montevideo.
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Visiting Ebenezer Hall, Brampton, Ontario: a typical, former one-room schoolhouse, dating from 1892
A bell towered former late 19th century schoolhouse, Ebenezer Hall is now a community centre; once part of Toronto Gore Township, it falls within the boundaries of the City of Brampton.
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Visiting the Statue of Wolfe Tone, in Dublin, Ireland: Remembering the Leader of the United Irishmen, Who Died in 1798
Edward Delaney's poignant statue of Wolfe Tone at the corner of St Stephen's Green in Dublin: deeply significant for the Republican idea in Ireland
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Visiting Some Historical Plaques at Alburgh, Vermont: From Samuel de Champlain to Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles
As might be expected, the log cabin Welcome Center at Route 2, West Alburgh, Vermont, is a mine of useful information for visitors, especially out-of-state and Canadian ones, to the area of northern Vermont where Alburgh (1), on a peninsula in Lake...
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Visiting the Korean Veterans' Memorial Bridge, Alburgh, Vermont: Scenic and Historic Area of Multiple Boundaries
The Korean Veterans' Memorial Bridge crosses Lake Champlain, and is dedicated to those who served in a pivotal conflict several decades ago that is now sometimes forgotten.
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Visiting the National Monument, Cork City, Ireland: Remembering Pre-1916 Republicans
Commemorating military heroes and patriots in the Republic of Ireland can be a complex matter; this structure in Cork City is known as the National Monument.
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Visiting the Custom House, Dublin, Ireland: Historic, Neo-Classical Building by James Gandon, Dating From 1781
Elegant, 18th century structure beside the Liffey, Dublin, formerly symbolized British rule but is now a symbol of the Republic of Ireland.
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Visiting the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, Vimy, France: Between Sacrifice, Hope and Poignant Remembrance
Canadians achieved something big and deep on French soil. The Canadian National Vimy Memorial reminds visitors of a huge sacrifice.
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Visiting the Lys River at Halluin, France: scenes of tranquil greenery at a formerly acute, border flashpoint
Hidden tensions and historic dualities underlie this portion of the Lys Valley at Halluin.
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Visiting Washington, DC & Its Jefferson Memorial: A Shimmering Presence Over the Tidal Basin
One of the world's most memorable landmarks, it is a tribute not only to the idealism of President Thomas Jefferson but also to the determination of President Franklin D. Roosevelt to complete the project in the face of strong opposition.
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Visiting Armentières, France, and Its Belfry: Flemish Renaissance Distinction by Louis Marie Cordonnier
The fine belfry which the Town Hall (French: Mairie) of Armentières, France, possesses, is actually the latest among various belfries which have existed in the town. The original, Medieval belfry was demolished in the 15th century. Then, in...
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Visiting the Cathedral at Strasbourg, France: For Over 2 Centuries the Tallest Building in the World
This amazing building was the tallest in the world between 1647 and 1874. But its history is rather more complex.
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Visiting the Victoria Memorial, London, England: imposing monument in front of Buckingham Palace
A landmark monument to Queen Victoria, situated outside the gates of Buckingham Palace, London, England, dedicated in 1911
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Visiting London, Ontario: Remembering Aviation Heritage at London International Airport & Canadair T-33 Display
A Canadair T-33 aircraft is mounted in front of the main terminal at London International Airport in London, Canada, bringing reflections on local aviation history.
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Visiting Monschau, Germany and Its Red House: Picturesque Town on the Rur River, with Past, International Disputes
The most picturesque town of Monschau, in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia (German: Nordrhein-Westfalen ) is situated on the Rur River. But wait a minute, the visitor might say. Doesn't the name of this river sound...
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Visiting Geneva University, Geneva, Switzerland: Leading European Centre of Learning
Geneva University (French: Université de Genèv e), which in 2009 commemorated its 450th anniversary, was founded in 1559 as the Geneva Academy by theologians John Calvin and Theodore Beza. Indeed, Beza (known in French as Théodore de Bèze ) is...
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Visiting the Cathedral at Maldonado, Uruguay: Sedate, 19th Century Neo-Classicism
Colonial monument which soon became an ecclesiastical landmark in a flourishing Republic.
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Visiting the Chapel of Saint-Quirin, Luxembourg City: ancient church building cleft in the rock
This remarkable Medieval chapel is striking not only for its origins many centuries in the past but also because of its location: cleft in rock in Luxembourg City's Pétrusse Valley. Some history and features This chapel is...
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Visiting Vallauris, France: A Centre for the Ceramic Industry
Vallauris has many memories of artist Pablo Picasso and is known by its many visitors as a centre for the ceramics industry.
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Visiting the Chamber of Deputies' Building, Luxembourg City: Seat of Parliamentary Institutions for the Grand Duchy
This fine building in Luxembourg City dates from 1858-1860. It architect was Antoine Hartmann, who is acknowledged to have worked in a neo-Renaissance, neo-Gothic and neo-Classical styles. Prior to this time, the Grand Duchy's parliamentary...
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Visiting Cologne, Germany and Its Cathedral: Seemingly Remembering Dr. Konrad Adenauer Everywhere
With its monumental, memorable cathedral, Cologne is also a city where Dr Konrad Adenauer, towering figure of 20th century German history, is remembered.
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Visiting Mexico City, and its Venustiano Carranza suburb and airport: remembering figures of Mexican history
The names Don Benito Juárez and Don Venustiano Carranza feature strongly in the distinguished annals of Mexican history. Mexico City's main airport and the suburb in which it is located bear the names of these notable historical figures.
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Visiting Halluin, France, and its Saint-Hilaire church: a neo-Gothic landmark in a border town
A striking, religious monument in an intriguing borderland town.
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Visiting Woodside, Kitchener, Ontario: Boyhood Home of William Lyon Mackenzie King and National Historic Site
This house in Kitchener, Ontario, now a National Historic Site of Canada, was the boyhood home of veteran Prime Minister of Canada William Lyon Mackenzie King
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Visiting Fontvieille, Principality of Monaco and Its Rose Garden: Named for Princess Grace of Monaco
This quiet rose garden in the Fontvieille suburb of the Principality of Monaco is a poignant memorial tribute to the late Princess Grace of Monaco (1929-1982), for whom it is named
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Visiting the Paris Opera, France: Amazingly Opulent Architecture
Charles Garnier's amazing Opéra de Paris can take one's breath away for its sheer opulence.
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Visiting Clare Hall, Cambridge: Intimate Haven of Quietness for the More Mature Scholar
For graduate studies, this small scale Cambridge College contrasts with monumental Colleges of the University such as Churchill or Trinity. Belonging to it is 19th century 'Arts and Crafts' Elmside.
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Visiting Singleton Abbey and Park at Swansea University, Wales: Historic Setting for an Institution of Learning
Historical accounts of Singleton Abbey and its Park and their associations with prominent personalities read like a cross-section of United Kingdom history
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Visiting the Former Airport at Croydon, England: Remembering Aviation Heritage
The old terminal building of the former Croydon airport, near London, England, has been turned into a restaurant; outside is the airframe of a de Havilland Heron on a plinth.
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Visiting Canada House, London, England: Splendid, Canadian Hub on Historic Trafalgar Square
This Greek Revival building by Sir Robert Smirke, facing London's famous Trafalgar Square, dates from the early 19th century, but for many decades has had a remarkable historic association with Canada
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Visiting the Dizzying Cliffs at Beachy Head, Near Eastbourne, England, or Keep Away From the Edge!
Scenically striking and historically absorbing, Beachy Head also maintains something of a sinister reputation also.
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Visiting Coo: The Largest Waterfall in Belgium
Coo has a waterfall, Belgium's largest, with a height of 15 metres. It is situated on the Amblève River . It consists of a principal waterfall, supplemented by a smaller one, the volume of which may vary considerably. A theme park,...
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Visiting the So-Called Cathedral of Methodism in Toronto, Ontario: Major Landmark on Queen Street East
The United Methodist Church on Queen Street East, Toronto, is grandly proportioned enough to be regarded as a Cathedral, which it is not.
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Visiting the Calmeynbos, Belgium: Nature Reserve as Psychological Barrier and Healer
Woodland walks have long been planted on territory near the Franco-Belgian border which once resonated with the fierce sounds of World War One battles.
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Visiting the City Hall, Aachen, Germany: Focal Point of Symbolism Far Beyond Municipal Affairs
The City Hall, in Aachen, Germany, dates partly from the 14th century; it is associated with the award of the Charlemagne Peace Prize, which provokes varied historical reflection.
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Visiting Esquelbecq, France: Peaceful Today, but With a 'Haunted' Castle and Chilling, Historical Events
Esquelbecq is a peaceful village in Flanders, northern France with a castle (supposedly haunted) and a history of disturbing historical events.
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Visiting Gatineau, Quebec, and Its Maison Du Citoyen: Cultural Efforts With an International Dimension
The Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) at rue Laurier , Gatineau, Quebec, otherwise known as the Maison du Citoyen (House of the Citizen), is striking for the sheer range of services: cultural and municipal, that are offered here. Here in Gatineau, the...
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Visiting New York City: views of the Statue of Liberty, on Liberty Island
One the great moments of Grover Cleveland's first Presidency was the 1886 dedication of this now timeless monument which has become a symbol both of New York City and New Jersey
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Visiting Luxembourg City's 'Place de la Constitution': the 'Gelle Fra' and keeping ahead of the deposed Grand Duchess
In 1919 Luxembourg's Grand Duchess Marie-Adélaïde (1894-1924) abdicated. Subsequently, so did several of her successors as head of state. But Marie-Adélaïde 's departure was different. Hers was not of her own accord. In short, the...
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Visiting Wantage Hall, Reading University, England: Traditional Academic Architecture With Gatehouse
This distinguished example of traditional university architecture in Reading, Berkshire, England, was opened in 1908. History of Reading University The original Reading University Extension College was founded in 1892 by Christ...
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Visiting Dearborn, Michigan: Dynamic City With Memories of Henry Ford
Recalling a larger-than-life tycoon in a city with the preponderant presence of the automotive industry
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Visiting Ploegsteert, Belgium: Memories of World War One Sacrifice and of Sir Winston Churchill
The Commonwealth War Memorial at Ploegsteert, Belgium, close to the French border, is magnificent. But, then, well it should be, one could say, given the wholesale slaughter which occurred in the district in World War One. The cemetery and memorial...
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Visiting Bivels, Luxembourg, on the Our River: shadows, colours and borders blend
Bivels, part of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg's Canton of Vianden, has been the subject of interest to artists. Two well known representations, one a sketch, the other an oil painting, are respectively by the celebrated French writer Victor Hugo...
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Visiting Mamelis, The Netherlands: Untypical Hill Country and Border Complexities Too
I wasn't sure where I was. As I walked on the main Vaals-Maastricht road and looking up at the hill to my right — seemingly so untypical of The Netherlands — I reckoned from my map that the hill, with its big, towered ecclesiastical building,...
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Visiting the Tranquil Lake of the Isles, New York: The Interior Lake of Wellesley Island at Dewolf Point State Park
This is the brief story of a surprise. The vicinity of Jefferson County, New York's Lake of the Isles is one that the traveller might go through, rather than to, because of its close proximity to the Canadian border. This is a pity, because the...
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Visiting Saint-Amand-Les-Eaux, France: With Its Long Heritage of Craftsmanship
Fine craftsmanship, the memories of historic conflicts and hints of sinister, ends-justifying betrayals — perhaps even elementally inherent to territories of transition — all here at Saint-Amand-les-Eaux?
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Visiting Mount Royal: Commanding Views of Montreal, Quebec
From Mount Royal — and particularly from the Belvedere — may be obtained fine vistas of a great North American city on the St. Lawrence River.
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Visiting Monaco: Remembering Aviation Heritage
Many aviation buffs have followed with interest the history of the Schneider Trophy, the successful participation of Supermarine, the company which later produced the Spitfire, used in World War 2. Monaco's hosting of the Schneider Trophy for 1913...
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Visiting Bray-Dunes, France: The North Blowing in the Wind
Icelanders used to come here regularly, the local businessman in Bray-Dunes told me. Afterwards I realized that the reference was to fishermen who sailed to the seas off Iceland.
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Visiting Toledo, Ohio: Reflecting the Glass City
The name The Glass City recalls the shimmering image of Toledo, Ohio, reflected in Lake Erie, and is apt as a reminder of one of the city's chief industries.