The Inns of Court

 

When I was in London back in 2016, I spent quite a bit of time wandering around the areas of London where the legal profession congregates.  The area encompasses  the "Inns of Court", four professional organizations for English barristers.  The four are Gray's Inn, Lincoln's Inn and Middle and Inner Temple. All barristers must belong to one of these four organizations and many professional offices or chambers are housed in this area.  Above is Wildy & Sons who sell and publish law books.

If you've ever watched any British television shows that feature lawyers, you might recognize some of the scenes in my photos.  They have been used as backdrops in many television and movie productions.

In enjoyed a break from all my walking in this spot and I enjoyed watching all the professionals walking back and forth carrying files and books.  I hoped to see one rushing by in their 'robes' but I didn't spot any.  

I was thrilled to find the "undercroft" below the Lincoln's Inn Chapel.  It is another area I had seen in many movies and shows.  

In the window of one building was a scene advertising the barrister and judicial wigs that are made by Ede & Ravenscroft, tailors to the legal profession.  I did a post about that store here.

I totally enjoyed this area of London and the next time I visit, I'll walk around here again.  It's a great place to people watch.  I was impressed with the numerous gardens all around these professional buildings.  Next week I'll have a post about those beautiful gardens.  

The Colors of Fall

 

Last year at this time I took a trip to Flagstaff Arizona in the northern part of the state.  The trip was to visit Lowell Observatory which I posted about here.  However, because it was mid-October it was a perfect time to see some fall colors.  

There is an area north of Flagstaff known as "the snow bowl" where Arizonans hungry for some winter sports go to ski during the winter months.  

Along the road to that ski area you can find some of the most beautiful aspen groves in the state.  The destination is popular with people from all over the state but when the aspen show their fall colors, it becomes even more popular.

Once the car was safely parked, I was able to walk around some of the trails.  It was a wonderful feeling, like being embraced by these tall and colorful trees.

The weather was perfect for these explorations.  Crisp fall air but with the warmth of the sun on my back.  

I do love living in a desert area but from time to time, I long to see the way the seasons change in other parts of the country.  Looking at these photos was like a breath of fresh air.  

Roadside Attractions

 

Last year at this time, I took a road trip to New Mexico to tour the Very Large Array, the National Radio Astronomy Observatory.  I did a post about it here.  The array is located along a very remote stretch of  U.S. 60, a relatively quiet stretch of highway.  After my tour, I headed back west toward Arizona and as I passed through Pie Town (yes that really is the town's name), a very tiny little community I saw some strange contraptions near the road.

It looked like a graveyard for farm equipment, mostly windmills. So I pulled over to the side of the road to get a closer look and to take a few photos.  It wasn't long before another car pulled over behind me a woman got out with exactly the same curiosity I had.  So there we were, two curious women with cameras in hand snapping a few photos before we headed on our way.

There was no sign or anything else to identify what this place was so after I had snapped these photos, I drove on.  Recently I did some internet searching and I found a blog site that did a post about this very place back in 2018.  That post even had a photo of the sign for a place called DanCyn' Windmill Museum.  You see that post here.  I wonder what happened to that sign because I didn't see one when I was there.  The museum may have been gone but the windmills were still there.

The next town I came to was another tiny place called Quemado New Mexico.  That's where I saw this wonderful old Spanish style mission-like church.  The sign in front calls it the Sacred Heart Church with mass at 9:00 AM. 

I love a good road trip especially on roads less traveled where you can see so much more.  I might have taken this trip for one purpose but I came home with lots of different memories.  

  

Flying Out of the Venice Airport

 

On a trip to Italy several years ago, I flew into Rome and returned home from Venice.  I wisely chose a window seat for that flight home.  When the long flight is all daylight, I like to be able see things out the window.  

The Venice airport is not as massive as airports in major hubs but it had everything you would expect to see before boarding a long flight.  Duty free shops, snack bars and souvenirs.  

As we rolled out to the runway, I didn't expect to see boats running along side us.  

As the plane lifted off the ground, it was easier to see the swamp-like land below.  

And then, suddenly I saw something familiar.  It looked like we were flying right over the city.

I had a perfect view.  I could see the train station where I had arrived days before.  I could see the grand canal as it snaked its way through the city and I could see St. Mark's Square and the U-shaped Doges Palace shining brightly.

I found myself zooming in on certain areas to get a closer look.  I remembered when I emerged from that train station to stand front and get my first look at this magnificent city.  My very first thought was "the water is right there".  

Then the plane started to bank and head west and it was time for me to say goodbye to Venice for a second time.  A friend who used to fly in and out of this airport often told me that it was rare to get such a clear view.  I was lucky that this day was a clear one.