Anne’s Photos—Some of My Favorites
Hank Schrader, USMA '71, Europe Destination & Europe River Cruise Expert
If you are a regular reader of this blog, you already know that the heart of these blogs is the pictures we take.
But to be perfectly honest, it is almost all Anne’s great eye, patience and most of all, skill as a great photographer.
To me, the essence of a really good travel photo is that it tells a story.
It is engagement that spark’s your imagination and Anne excels in telling a story captured by her lens.
Don’t expect any real rhyme or reason or great organized method to this collection of pictures—I just decided to organize them by subject. The hard part will be selecting only a few by topic. I will start with six topics on this blog and perhaps do another blog or two with other topics.
So, let’s explore together and learn about some of my favorite pictures taken by Anne and why I like them—you won’t be disappointed!
River Scenes and Ports
The story here is beauty in half-timbered buildings and the irregular shaped market square. The workmanship is amazing. This picture is well framed—the well is off center a little (adds interest) , bikes, in the fore ground and people add perspective. It is easy to imagine a market here.
The next picture for me is the story of Amsterdam—canals, bikes, flowers and narrow buildings. The bike and flowers in the foreground add interest to the long canal whose lines draw your eyes to the building in the distance. Classic composition.
The next story is the castle on the hill over the village below on the Moselle. The large castle dominates but needs the village for support. It is also clear the river twists in a bend, which adds symmetry to the walls of the castle.
The next story is of beauty of a unique town hall, built on a river when the city bishops refused to grant the citizens land to build their town hall. The slightly off center building, the striking yellow half timbers and the river current really add interest to the out of place structure.
This picture is the story of the history of the Rhine River Gorge, greedy barons seeking taxes and tariffs, a small village perched on the river banks and growing grapes to make excellent wine. The far left fort, is balanced by the castle in the far right upper corner above the village. The tax station fort in the foreground tells the story—no escape for the boats loaded with goods, helping the lords of the castle prosper.
In Passau, a fortress looms over the Danube. It is clear the fort dominates in the background, but is supported by the buildings in the foreground. The contrasting colors add interest.
At the entrance to the Wachau Valley, a fortified abbey guards the waterway, rising 130 feet above the river. It was owned by the Bishops of Passau and is known as the “Watchman of the Wachau”. The flowing river, the exposed rocks and 90 degree cliff of the fortified position clearly show how this position could restrict movement on the river and protect the inhabitants.
This stunning picture is the story of Budapest’s struggle for independence. At almost 880 feet long, and 315 feet high, designed in Gothic Revival style, the building used 88 lbs. of gold on the exterior. No wonder it is lighted at night! Anne did a great job capturing the entire building on the banks of the Danube. During the communist rule, a large red star was placed on the building but removed in 1990.
In the Iron gates, suddenly, an orthodox monastery pops up during your passage. The Iron Gates separate Romania and Serbia. The monastery was first built in 1523, destroyed several times by invading armies and finally rebuilt in 1999. Anne captured this unique building, the granite cliffs on the far shore and the Carpathian Mountains in the distance.
Gardens and Flowers
The story here is a spectacular rose garden in Bamberg with about 4,500 roses in the New Residenz Palace garden. Anne did a good job displaying the vast grounds, the centerpiece statue and the different types of roses.
Flower markets are important to the lives of Europeans. This is one of the several flower stalls on market day in Freiburg, Germany.
The story here is the importance of tulips in the Netherlands. Tulips are an obsession in the Netherlands and these tulips in Kuekenhof Gardens are part of about 7 million planted each year. They bloom for only 5-6 weeks each year in the Spring. By taking this photo at an angle, it is easy to see the depth of this indoor flower bed and the different types of bulbs that have been cultivated.
Amid the white homes of Mykonos, dramatic splashes of colors, among doorways and windows makes one wonder who lives here. The composition is excellent, staircases on the right, a flowering tree, the white buildings and blue balconies in the left-invites you to study this photo.
The story here in this Roman square is how it is used during the day and during the night. The flowers are vibrant and soon will be gone. In the background is a restaurant that will expand into the square for more al fresco dining in the evening.
The story here is a garden created by Arabs in Spain. Water was very important to the invaders from Africa who came from dry lands and creating gardens that featured fountains and lush plants were especially important—it was almost like a heavenly place for them. These linear water features and well trimmed plants are peaceful and relaxing. Anne’s photo conveys this tranquil area superbly.
Castles and Palaces
This well framed picture is the entrance to a small protected courtyard of this German Castle. The height and sturdy white towers stand out from the dark stones at this entrance.
It would hard to imagine a castle with more turrets, and defensive walls than this storybook castle in Wales. With the contrasting red phone booth, the fish and chips eatery and people in there foreground that all contrast but still doesn’t detract from the castle built in the 1300’s, it is easy to see the size of this structure but realize it is very old.
Life inside castles in medieval times is often a mystery for most of us. In Marksburg Castle, kitchen ware and game hanging helps bring this to life.
Who wouldn’t want to live in Peles Castles? The inside is even more fashionable and ornate.
The story of the Tower of London is the key history of England since 1066. These 4 towers were built by Edward the Conquer in the 1070s after the pivotal battle of Hastings. The tower has served as a fortress, a palace and a prison—it is the most secure castle in England and a symbol power, awe and fear.
The Norman Gate in Windsor Castle is one of the symbols of power of the English monarchy. The gate is named as recognition of the lineage of the 4 Norman kings who ruled from 1066 to 1154. The contrasting garden and bench sitting area adds both interest and prospective to the stone defensive tower.
Street Signs
This wooden sign in Germany is inviting way to let folks know of this establishment. The Golden Fleece is a good tavern in this German city.
Wrought iron sign tells patrons that a good time and good beverages await inside.
If the food is as good as the outside looks, it must be great. The flower boxes and half-timber construction first grab your attention but then lead your eye to the purpose of this building—a grill type restaurant.
In an age when many could not read, this sign told people what they could find inside. Is there any doubt that shoes and boots are available here?
A lantern was the symbol of an inn during the middle ages.
In Miltenberg, this well crafted sign tells quite a story. It is the sign outside perhaps the oldest inn in Germany—since 881 according to the sign. A coat of arms decorates this ornate sign of the Hotel Zum Riesen (the giant)
Colorful Places
The Merchants Hall in Freiburg, with its dominate red facade, adds a eye-catching focal point in the colorful Munster square. It is located on the south side of Munster Square and it has been in use since the 1400s. The decorations on this building are tributes to the House of Habsburg.
In perhaps the most colorful and quaint villages in Europe (Riquewihr, France), this tavern invites all in for a good meal and drink.
In Old Town Stockholm, colorful buildings sourround the main square.
In this protected harbor pocket, the colorful town of Portofino, with a luxury yacht ported, tells the story of the transition of a small fishing village on the Italian Riviera in Northern Italy. By 1950, tourism had replaced fishing as the top economic activity of this gem.
Stacked on top of each other, this small port village’s buildings are colorful and built side-by-side in a seemingly endless jumble of buildings into a steep cliff. Anne did a good job of capturing the height and jumbled town plan. It is a well known holiday vacation spot on the Amalfi Coast.
The Greek Isles dot the Aegean Sea, and Fira on Santorini in the south Aegen looks spectacular on the steep cliffside. The best way up these steep cliffs is by Cable Car.
You really don’t need words to look at this inviting, bubbling pool and the view and I’m sure you want to jump in.
The red tile roofs, splashes of color by paint and plants characterize the Alfama section of Lisbon, Portugal. The steep streets have stores selling traditional crafts and cafes for your pleasure. These streets lead to Sao Jorge Castle (not shown).
Dramatic Castle Scenery
Castles are built to dominate and defend. Edinburgh Castle is one of the oldest fortified place in Europe; it has been a royal residence and a military garrison. Its height makes it a good defensive position but it is the most besieged fort in Britain. It houses the crown jewels and the Great Hall has hosted many royal events. For many Scots, this is the most important place in Scotland, and is open to visitors.
This defensive structure is a story of invasion and occupation. Built in the mid 13th century by Arab invaders, the Alhambra was the last Moorish stronghold to fall in 1492 during the Christian crusades or Reconquista as it is known in Spanish.
In the Julian Alps, overlooking Lake Bled, this castle is strongly positioned at almost 390 feet above the lake. This castle has defended the area for over 1000 years. It is now a museum. Anne really did a good job showing how well positioned the castle is on the heights.
A romantic fantasy land, this Portuguese Palace is constructed in the Romanticism style of architecture. It is a mixed palace of vividly painted structures amid the green vegetation that surrounds the palace. Anne took this unusual view to contrast the palace from the gardens.
The snow creates an eerie feeling to this large castle ruins 300 feet above the city of Heidelberg. The rust red facade seems to sharpen in the white snow but also holds secrets of past glory and power.
In this castle picture, during a rainstorm, Anne captures a strong castle fortress protecting a passage way in Transylvania. The small courtyard and protected passageways project strength. It is known as the castle home of Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Dracula. The rain adds to this picture effectiveness as a spooky place.
4 of Anne’s Favorites
This is a photo of Anne’s favorite city in Europe. The reflection of the canal, the contrasting light and distance bell tower make this one her best pictures. It is a photo worthy of her favorite city in Europe, Brugge.
Doors fascinate Anne—this is among her favorites. The contrasting colors make this plain doorway pop and peaks our curiosity—what is inside?
Another door, but quite a story here—the Swiss guards still stand watch protecting the Pope. Today it is the world’s smallest Army—about 135 strong. This guard is on Honor Duty with his traditional halberd. It is much like the guards of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in our Arlington National Cemetery as an honor guard position. The guard stands in silence, in the duty considered today as the most important among the guards duties, except for protecting the Pope. In 1527, 190 Swiss Guards were killed defending Pope Clement VII, and allowed him to escape during the Sack of Rome. These guards proudly continue their 500+ year service to the Pope.
I have to end with a sunset—Anne just loves these images! I picked this picture taken just off the island of Santorini because there is almost a cult like following of folks who just stop and watch the sun go down. This picture just makes us members of the cult!
My Final Thoughts
What a great adventure—Anne’s Photos—just another reason we love the Old World of Europe so much! We hope you enjoyed these pictures as much as we enjoyed seeing them during our travels. She really captures the essence of a place, doesn’t she?
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HANK is a certified Western European Destination Specialist (DS) who has been traveling to Europe for 49 years. He is also an Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC), conferred by the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA). This recognized expert in cruise and leisure travel is a retired Army Officer, and taught World Geography for 8 years. He is a `71 graduate of West Point and has earned 2 master’s degrees. His other Certifications:
AmaWaterways River Cruise Specialist
Viking River Cruise Specialist
Scenic River Cruise Specialist
Emerald Waterways Specialist
Avalon Waterways Specialist
Brit Agent
