At least my ninth visit to Venice but my first in January. Among the advantages at this time of year are clear skies and a low sun, creating a coruscating light show on the canals, and the absence of crowds.
Tulips belong in Amsterdam. This Tulip is a proposed 1,000 foot tower to be plonked down next to the Gherkin in the City. I disapprove of the desecration of London’s Square Mile by greedy vertical developers and this one is the limit.
St Mary the Virgin in Mortlake was built in 1543, replacing a 14th century church closer to the river on the site of what was a 20th century brewery and is 21st century flats.
The concept is that the Lost Treasures of Strawberry Hill have been temporarily returned for a once-in-a-lifetime experience but like the curate’s egg it is only good in parts.
I read Anthropology (and Psychology and English) at Durham. The origins of Man were hard to get a grip on and defeated me. However, I did enjoy Social Anthropology. It may have inspired trips in later years to the Middle East, Africa and the Caucasus.