Tagged With "Kingdom Tower in Saudi Arabia"
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Re: November 24, 2016: Enger Tower, Duluth, Minnesota
Hi Garry I never thought of counting the number of steps to the top of Enger Tower for I was too preoccupied with the beautiful scenery; However, thanks to your question I did some internet investigating and discovered that apparently there are 105 steps you must walk to get to the top of Enger Tower (therefore 210 steps in total to get up and down the tower). You really don't need to be an Olympian to get to the top of Enger Tower. Although the number of steps sounds like a lot, and the...
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#308)
Here's our next puzzle clue. A church tower? Or perhaps something else?
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Re: Lawrence and the Pirates
That's an amazing story! I love that scene from Lawrence Of Arabia and can see why it'd make you wanna go.
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Re: Lawrence and the Pirates
CNN highlighted Lawrence of Arabia as one of the most influential travel films of all time. Anyone who's seen it will know why. Here's a link to their brief tribute to Mr. O'Toole.
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Re: Finishing college. Need help planning trip to U.K,
Wow, this is turning into a real education!! I checked with my uncle and yes, I can fly Chicago to Manchester and return from either London or Paris to Chicago. The ticket is free to him and he said he would cover any fees as a "graduation gift to me" (he's a pretty cool dude!), but I don't want to burden him with a heavy departure fee, so maybe Paris would be the way to go. I'd like to leave about Friday, May 9th and return 4 weeks later, June 6th. A few days later and returning a few days...
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Re: Island Air: Even Billionaires Get Airline Blues
Originally Posted by CICAK: Billionaires are made, not born. Many billionaires are self-made, Cicak. Many are born into their wealth. I'm thinking here of the likes of the Mars family (of chocolate fame) and Walton family (Walmart), as well as hundreds of Saudi princes to name just some. I have no problem with people getting rich either way. I think those who earn the wealth often seem more content, but I could be wrong.
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Re: Finishing college. Need help planning trip to U.K,
Whooaaa! Why are you sending Hank to Amsterdam? He likes the idea of GayParis and the Eiffel Tower - so what have I missed ?
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Re: Flight Attendants Say NO to Phone Calls
I have mixed feelings on this one... Been on buses, been on trains where people can use their cells. With a few exceptions--and you can find them on the street, in the airport in restaurants, too--people just don't act as bad as some of you expect. P.S....before people get too excited, this isn't going to be cheap, either. You will pay extra to use the relay circuits that go plane to satellite to cell tower!
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Re: From the Shoebox: Germany in the early 60s
You next photo with the number 511 and the tall square tower is Eltville am Rhein, but has since been gussied up.
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo? #37
I can't make up my mind whether it is a watch tower (forest fires?) or part of a modernistic church...
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Re: Krumlov Castle, Český Krumlov, Czech Republic. Where Gumbo was #68
I first visited Cesky Krumlov in 1995, when it was still being restored and the tower repainted, as it had deteriorated during the communist period. I would also advise anyone visiting the area also to see nearby Rozmberk, which is a pretty village with a quite impressive castle, but with far fewer tourists (First 2 pictures). Prague is rightly considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, but there is much more to see in the Czech Republic including Cesky Krumlov and South Bohemia.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Oct. 2nd, 2014: What is a "Folly"?
Ah spent many happy sunny hours at Broadway Tower gazing over the surrounding countryside before going into pretty Broadway village for an ice cream! Follies were also often built 'just because' the landowner wanted to make his 'statement' to show how wealthy he was.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Oct. 2nd, 2014: What is a "Folly"?
Seems most government buildings in North America, by this definition, are follys. The Broadway Tower and its overview from the hill are quite an eye pleaser, Garry. Nice photo and a good education on a folly. Thanks.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, November 24, 2014: Le Pouce de Cesar Sculpture - Paris
Yes, definitely art. Parisians have a reputation of loving to hate new things, like the Eiffel Tower when it opened, before they love them forever.
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#77)
At first, I was thinking the Pacific North West or BC, but the grain elevator points strongly to the Great Lakes. This is supported by Port Moresby's observation of the Ontario company's container. The largest city in the province is Toronto. It has an airfield beside the lake, and my own photograph from the top of the CN Tower taken a few years ago shows hangers just like in the first picture. I therefore vote for Toronto lake shore.
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Re: A Visit to Saudi Arabia: Part II
Very interesting to see this report since I worked for a Saudi company from 1978 to 2013 but I think I made my list trip there around 2005 or so -- things have changed quite a bit! Here's an example of how downtown Jeddah looked in 1979.
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#81)
Well, to start, I count 15 medieval air conditioning units. The architecture feels like a curious cross between medieval (the tower) and gothic (large windows) so it's likely neither. Maybe a modern faux-historic hybrid?
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Re: London- multiple questions
Thank you for all of the information. I am finally ready to finalize some things since we leave at the end of this month! We have decided not to do Liverpool...seems like we should come back and do that someday. I am thinking the Megabus option may be the way to go to Salisbury and catch the shuttle to Stonehenge from there. That way we can see the cathedral while we are there. Do you know if it is a short walk to the cathedral or will we need to take a taxi from the Megabus stop? Do you...
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Re: Photography at the Edges, New York & San Francisco
I did, indeed, go to the two exhibits at the Met...and they actually have a relation to the SF show that PortMoresby has described. Marville, in particular, was working at the beginning of photography, without all the digital devices, or even a light meter, and with media so slow that a photograph of a relatively busy street appears to be empty of traffic—because during the 30 seconds needed to expose that plate no one stayed in front of the camera long enough to register an image! The Paris...
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Re: Happy Birthday, Eiffel Tower!
Six timely tips for seeing the Eiffel Tower from CNTraveler's Wendy Perrin . And one more picture:
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Re: Happy Birthday, Eiffel Tower!
I like her tips, especially the advice not to rush past the second level, which too many people regard as just a place to change elevators. I also like that up-from-under shot of the tower...It reminded me to go and find my darker version of that view from 1960, on my first visit to Paris.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Jan 20, 2015: Musee d'Orsay Clock, Paris
Since we're on turn-of-the-last-century clocks, here are a couple more. The first is the facade clock of the Musee d'Orsay itself, seen from the inside looking out over the Seine, and the second is a detail of the clock tower designed by Lluis Domenech i Montaner for the Sant Pau Hospital in Barcelona. Just clockin' in...
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Re: How to Irk the Brits
Interesting. I work in San Francisco near the Ferry Building and frequently jaunt down to Pier 39 on my lunch break for exercise. Tourist alley, especially now that they have a new cruise terminal between the Ferry Building and Pier 39. Just today I nearly fell into a couple who stopped to take a picture of Coit Tower, speaking in an English accent. I moved on and got out of their way. 'Tis different when the shoe is on another foot, I suppose.
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#115)
Time for another clue. Our rock artist in the photo above is working under the base of a tower. You can climb this tower for better views of the destination. Today's view is in the direction of the highway we drove on. Tomorrow a different view from the tower. Does this help you figure out where Gumbo is?
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#115)
That's an interesting thought, Ottoman, and I'm not going to say if you're right or wrong at this time. I am going to provide the last clues for the puzzle tonight. The reveal is going up on Monday. This is what you see from the tower if you look the other way..... But this is the best way to appreciate this site.....
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#336)
An obvious tall brick tower with stained glass windows juts into the blue sky in today's clue... And, for those who asked for a better thumbnail of yesterday's clue, the picture is repeated below...
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Re: Hold on tight! 80th floor harness walk in Dubai
The CN Tower in Toronto has a walk you do at the top of the tower (on the outside) that looks similar to this photo. Thanks, but no thanks!
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, October 24, 2015: Poppies -- Weeping Window at Woodhorn
What an amazing memorial to all those who died in WW1. I would suggest visiting the 14-18 NOW website for some more interesting memorials and stories.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, October 24, 2015: Poppies -- Weeping Window at Woodhorn
Most Americans aren't very familiar with the symbolism of the poppy to the Commonwealth countries. They are a sign of remembrance, and appreciation of loss of life for those who fought in the Great War(s). "In Flanders Field the poppies blow, between the crosses row on row,..." When I was young, Remembrance Day (similar to US Veteran's day) in Canada was always characterized by poppies. Everyone wore one, and I'm glad to say that tradition continues. I've never seen a more impressive display...
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, October 24, 2015: Poppies -- Weeping Window at Woodhorn
We southern North Americans are not that unfamiliar with the poppies, although perhaps the younger ones...in my childhood and on, they were annually a tradition carried on by the American Legion. Actually, a little research tells me that the tradition started with them in 1921, and then spread to UK and Commonwealth! Here's the text of the poem, written by John McRae, a Canadian soldier and physician: In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place;...
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, October 24, 2015: Poppies -- Weeping Window at Woodhorn
While the poppy is mainly used in the Commonwealth it is a symbol for all who have died in war. As Chris de Burgh sang in one of his songs "Up here in heaven, we stand together, Both the enemy and the friend, 'till the end of time"
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, October 24, 2015: Poppies -- Weeping Window at Woodhorn
PHeymont -- perhaps its something I missed then, but in over 30 years of living in the USA I never once saw a poppy on a lapel.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, October 24, 2015: Poppies -- Weeping Window at Woodhorn
Ah, remember my note about my childhood! Your 30 years are later, and after the Vietnam War had changed many people's view, not necessarily on the poppies or on remembrance, but on the American Legion and VFW, and their role during the Vietnam era.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, October 24, 2015: Poppies -- Weeping Window at Woodhorn
I bought a Poppy in September this year from a Vietnam Vet in Easton MD. I commented on his cap with the dates on - and he removed his jacket to show me his T-shirt with his Division and Da Nang and a host of other cities where he fought. Had some amazing stories to tell. There should have been a crowd watching him, but just me. In 2015 a total of 888,246 hand made ceramic Poppy's were placed at Tower Bridge London to remember the number of men who fell in battle 1914 - 1918. The Poppy was...
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#132)
Looks like a castle or tower where the tyrant of the day dealt his (or her) justice. Most likely European. Looks a very cruel place so probably British or Germanic.
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Re: Britain's #1 attraction: The British Museum
Another "Best of Britain" survey that doesn't see beyond London. The Albert Dock in Liverpool has 6.3 Million visitors per annum - and not a mention. The Albert Dock is a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE.
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Re: Willis Tower and Our Skydeck Experience—Chicago
I've been to the Hancock tower in Chicago, but not the Sears tower (I like that name better to). The views sure are spectacular. As for me, I'll admire the view without going into the skybox, thank you very much!
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Nov 29, 2013: Petronas Towers, Malaysia
Another brilliant photo, Mac! Thanks for sharing this. Wonder if you've ever been to the Empire State Building or the Sears Tower, and how this experience compares?
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Nov 29, 2013: Petronas Towers, Malaysia
Yes, I have enjoyed the Empire State Tower visit but it has to be said that the Petronas Towers are into another league. Petronas Towers are probably just as impressive now as the Empire State was when it was new. Really an amazing experience and even more amazing that one can see exactly that view from the hotel room across from the the towers.
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Re: Tips on Traveling with Parents
I traveled with my mom when she was around that age, and in much the same way - I was the tour guide and she was along for the ride. I did all the work - ALL of it - and she paid for both of us, so I considered it an excellent deal. She did have some ideas where to go - "I haven't seen Italy, Austria, or Switzerland." But we also went to Amsterdam, Bruges, and Paris (she had been to Paris before but wanted to get up close and personal with the Eiffel Tower). I got to pick where to take her...
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Re: Name Your Favorite Restaurants for Atmosphere, Past or Present
For the sake of the memory I'm going to add another place here where I had possibly the best meal of my life. I cannot tell you the name of it or if it had a name or even where it is exactly, somewhere along the country road between Jinghong (Yunnan, China) and the Burma border. I'd hired a guide/driver to take me to the tribal market, famous in those parts, and on the way back suggested we stop for lunch. I'm one of those who believe regional Chinese is the best food in the world and this...
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Re: Tampa Bay Automobile Museum: 3) cars from the USA and UK
We saw this three wheeled vehicle in Paris last summer on our way back from the Eiffel Tower. Can anyone identify this car?
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Re: Gustave Eiffel: Iron Man of Paris
This is the English version of the Eiffel Tower. Its in Blackpool 30 miles north of my home in Liverpool. I can see it on a clear day. Built around the same time as Eiffel and an amazing structure. I do love the observation platform where you can walk on a glass floor !
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Re: Londonist: Anglo Saxon London Map: Updated
Those Londonist folks are great to know about...I wonder if there are similar projects for other cities (of course...I'm thinking Paris).
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Re: A visit to Saudi Arabia: Part I
Wow! Thanks for this fascinating contribution, Lestertheinvestor. I was exhausted just from reading the directions for applying for the visa. It is quite obvious that Saudi Arabia doesn't want infidels visiting them. A few questions you might know the answer to: 1) Is the process stream-lined for a Muslim wanting to go to Mecca, and what kind of proof do they need to have that they're a Muslim? 2) Do you have any rough idea how many hours you spent on this process? Ball-park guess would do.
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Re: A visit to Saudi Arabia: Part I
Originally Posted by Travel Luver: What a bureaucratic nightmare! I wonder if there are countries that make it harder to visit than this one? My wife and I have visited 119 countries, with China, Bhutan and Saudi Arabia the most challenging to enter.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, August 14, 2014: The CN Tower, Toronto, Ontario
Hi Travel Luver! Yes, I have walked on the transparent floor many years ago (pre-digital photography era, which reminds me that I need to get those slides transferred to digital). Unfortunately on this last trip to the CN Tower I did not have time to take the ride up to the observation deck. It probably goes without saying that if you are afraid of heights, the observation deck of the CN Tower may not be the attraction for you. Your adventure begins with a long but quick elevator ride to the...
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Re: Gumbo’s Pic of the Day, February 27, 2015: Postcards from Morocco - the camel train at sunset
I believe we will call you "Mac of Arabia" from now on. Another excellent image, my friend, thanks!
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Re: Eiffel Tower: Tech at the Top Isn't New (Where Gumbo Was #58)
Sometimes it's the things we see the most that we miss when they are "out of context" or are the least part of it. In this case, I think that looking at the tower, you're likely to notice the height, the gentle curves, the open spaces...but not the cluster at the top. I had certainly never looked at it before I took that picture, which was an extreme telephoto grab as we threaded our way through the crowd on our way to dinner. I showed it to my wife, and she said "I know what you're going to...