Construction Continues…

…at the World Trade Center site in New York City. Where once stood the iconic Twin Towers, you’ll currently find a number of cranes hoisting steel and concrete into the air again. Take a look.

Doesn’t look like much, but there is plenty of subterranean infrastructure that is out of sight. Don’t forget, there are subway lines running through here as well as sewer, water, electrical and other utilities that all of have to connect properly. The next image is of the rising tower on the west corner of the site.

I anxiously await the completion of this entire project. Years ago, I used to enjoy taking visitors to the top of the Twin Towers for a look out over the city and beyond. Hopefully there will be an observation platform on one of these new buildings to afford the same view. Can’t wait.

Published in: on June 17, 2011 at 1:26 pm  Leave a Comment  
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A Cross

While in New York City recently, I paid a visit to the World Trade Center site. There I came upon the famous cross, constructed of the steel beams that were once part of the Twin Towers. Here’s a view of the cross.

I remember arriving at the site six days after the fateful events of September 11, 2001. It wasn’t a pretty scene. Using a Hasselblad 6X6 camera, I took a number of documentary photographs that I keep archived in a secure place. Some weeks later, I returned for more photo taking, including piles of steel beams that were cut into pieces for scrap iron. Sad to see them twisted and mangled. Here’s a close up of the plaque on the cross.

Soon it will be ten years since the tragedy occurred. I’ll never forget that scene. Neither should you. At least one of the key personnel who concocted the nefarious act now has a special place in the deep blue sea, which just goes to prove my old adage: The woods may be lovely dark and deep, but from the ocean comes not a peep.

Published in: on June 16, 2011 at 12:37 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Salamanca’s Plaza Mayor

For years I read things about the Spanish city of Salamanca. Here was established one of the world’s first universities. It’s also an ecclesiastical city with it’s share of significant church buildings. The plaza mayor is famous in its own right, and for good reason. It is a sterling example of Spain’s architectural legacy. I finally got to see it and was mightily impressed. Take a look at the photo.

There are the requisite cafes, which I mostly avoid in pursuit of more exotic settings for a meal. More important are the throngs of people passing through for business or pleasure. Here the world collides politely. The people watching is fantastic. Take your time and see as much as you can.

Published in: on June 1, 2011 at 1:47 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Túnel de Hada, Hotel and Spa

Previously, I posted about the restaurant at the Hotel and Spa known as Túnel de Hada. Now, let’s focus on the hotel. (Sadly, I did not avail myself of any spa treatments. An error I will have to correct some day.) Jerte is where this hotel is located, a small town in the middle of a green valley loaded with cherry orchards. There’s a small river running through it. More on that later. Here’s a view of the hotel from the rear. The front is on a very narrow street in town.

The building fits in the with the ancient town’s architecture. Here you see the entrance on the ground floor.

Through that glass door you go, into a reception area with a very competent desk staff. My reservation was ready and in a few moments I had the key to my room. At this point I inquired about laundry service and in another few moments, the clothing was on its way to being washed, dried, folded, and pressed, and delivered to me before the evening set in. That’s excellent, especially for a guy who needed some clean shirts. The rooms are slightly dark, but once you pull open the curtains things brighten up. Here’s the sleeping arrangement.

And opposite it was a comfortable area to sit, relax, read, or watch TV.

No, I wasn’t doing any TV watching. I was gallivanting about the town. Take a look at the view into the greenery from the room’s window.

The photo above doesn’t really do the view justice. It was a menagerie of green with the steady mumble of the river for a soundtrack. Lulls you right to sleep, especially as the cool air settles into the valley. Overall, Túnel de Hada was a comfortable and welcoming place to stay, one I would recommend to those looking for an upscale experience in both accommodations and food. Don’t forget to try the spa and let me know how it was!

Published in: on May 31, 2011 at 3:05 pm  Leave a Comment  
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