Sistine Chapel, a few photos

In a previous post, I put up the video from inside the Sistine Chapel. Now, I add a few still photos taken with my Nikon 1 AW and that beautiful wide angle lens. The first is Michaelangelo’s apocalypse which is behind the altar:

DSC_3266And here is a view of the ceiling:

DSC_3279And a slightly closer shot of the center of the ceiling:

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The next view gives you a sort of perspective on the chapel:

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I was fortunate to have the early morning “Waking the Vatican” tour when photos were permitted. It was worth arriving on-site at 5:45 AM. I’d do it again and pay the price to view this magnificent art work. Coming soon: A post from inside St. Peter’s.

Published in: on November 14, 2018 at 12:01 pm  Comments (1)  
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Hall of Maps, Vatican Museum

The Hall of Maps is surely one of the highlights of the Vatican Museum. During the “Waking the Vatican” tour, a visitor has the privilege of standing in the darkness as the key master switches on the lights. Here’s a video showing our reaction:

It was an impressive experience. Of course, once your eyes adjust to the light the maps are easy to see and brilliant renditions for the time they were created. This tour is worth every cent. I’ll post photos showing some of the maps at a later date.

Published in: on October 28, 2018 at 11:19 am  Comments (1)  
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GoCar Tours, Barcelona

While ambling about Barcelona, Spain, I spotted these interesting three-wheeled vehicles:

GoCar vehicle in Barcelona, Spain.

GoCar vehicle in Barcelona, Spain.

Basically, you can rent these cars and they’ll take you on a GPS guided “talking tour” providing you with interesting tidbits along the way.

Detail of the GoCar in Barcelona, Spain.

Detail of the GoCar in Barcelona, Spain.

In the photo above, you see the GPS screen as well as the gauges on the console.

Another view of the GoCar in Barcelona, Spain.

Another view of the GoCar in Barcelona, Spain.

Might be a fun way to do your own tour of a major city. This company does have cars in other cities, which may be an option for your travel plans.

Published in: on August 9, 2014 at 3:08 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Island Tour, Aruba

If you want to see the island of Aruba without doing the driving, you can hop aboard one of these former military trucks and go for half or full-day tours.

There will be music playing between the running commentary about the island. You’ll bounce over the rough roads, see the sights, and sometimes stop at a place like this:

The Urataka Center is actually a local joint, a sort of cross between a snack shop and a barroom. They make good pizza here as well as other fast food. It is on the way to and from the Arikok National Park. During the day they see plenty of tourists, but later in the afternoon and early evening there are more locals having their after-work beverages.

If you surf through my blog under the category of Aruba Sights, you’ll see the California Lighthouse, Baby Beach, the natural bridge, the gold mine ruins, and some other locations to which these tours will take you. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen and take plenty of water!

Published in: on August 23, 2008 at 11:36 am  Leave a Comment  
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