On both of my visits to North Korea (2014 and 2018) trains and the railway system more generally, within the country and beyond, were only mentioned by guides in terms of the Leaders, the very few on which tourists are permitted to travel and the non-existent service to Seoul in South Korea. The overall quality and reliability of the network and, in particular, the domestic service available to locals was not discussed. Continue reading “Train Travel in North Korea – Trains for the People”
Pyongyang Railway Station
Personally, I think Pyongyang’s Railway Station is one of the most beautiful buildings in North Korea but then again I have a thing about railway stations. While many of the high rise buildings built, at the speed of Chollima, in the city in the last five years or so may be as aesthetically pleasing, in their own ways, I wonder about their potential longevity. Continue reading “Pyongyang Railway Station”
Uriarra Loop Walk
Having enjoyed a bird’s eye view of the Murrumbidgee River and the surrounding hills and countryside from Shepherd’s Lookout and the Molonglo River Track as I made my way down from the Lookout to the Molonglo River it was time for a gentler, though in part undulating, walk at river level. Continue reading “Uriarra Loop Walk”
Molonglo River Track (Crossing) – By Way of Shepherd’s Lookout
Notwithstanding the title of this review a primary focus of this walk is the Murrumbidgee River, just before it leaves the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) on its long path to Balranald where it joins with the Murray River. This in turn takes its waters to the Indian Ocean, south of Adelaide, in South Australia. Continue reading “Molonglo River Track (Crossing) – By Way of Shepherd’s Lookout”
Burrunju Aboriginal Art Gallery
While the National Gallery of Australia and the National Museum of Australia, in particular, have extensive displays of Aboriginal artwork and other artifacts there are not many places in Canberra which hold a decent collection of Aboriginal art that is for sale – at reasonable prices. Continue reading “Burrunju Aboriginal Art Gallery”
A Walk Around Lake Ginninderra
Inspired by my recent walk around Yerrabi Pond at Gungahlin I decided to go for another autumnal walk – this time around Lake Ginninderra at Belconnen, in the northwest of the city. Continue reading “A Walk Around Lake Ginninderra”
An Autumnal Walk Around Yerrabi Pond
This review focuses on a walk around Yerrabi Pond, in the northwestern part of Canberra.
When a capital city for Australia was being selected back in the early 1900s one of the key selection criteria was the availability of a year round water supply. The resultant border for the Australian Capital Territory (a significant part of which is taken up by the city of Canberra) was carefully selected and follows numerous ridges and hilltops to bring a sufficient water catchment area within the control of the then Commonwealth Government. Continue reading “An Autumnal Walk Around Yerrabi Pond”
See a Camel Caravan on Eastcheap
Having admired what is reputedly London’s smallest sculpture of two mice duelling over a piece of cheese on Philpot Lane, literally cross Eastcheap to admire what to-day seems a somewhat out of place relief on the circular corner tower of No 20 Eastcheap. Continue reading “See a Camel Caravan on Eastcheap”
Having a Nibble in Philpot Lane
For those interested and willing to deviate slightly from the average tourist’s beaten path London is full of curiosities worthy a little of their time.
One of these curiosities, often referred to as London’s smallest public sculpture, is a couple of mice fighting over, or sharing depending on your perspective, a piece of cheese. Continue reading “Having a Nibble in Philpot Lane”
Charles I Takes Centre Stage
On a small traffic island, coinciding the centre of the old Charing village, to the south of Trafalgar Square stands the oft times missed equestrian statue of King Charles I. Missed as people hurry to the famous square for that all-important selfie with a lion or scurry past in search of the touristic delights of Whitehall and Westminster. Continue reading “Charles I Takes Centre Stage”
The Rambling Wombat 