Clancy Tucker's Blog, page 127

31 January 2019 - STUNNING PHOTOGRAPHY

STUNNING PHOTOGRAPHY
G'day folks,
I'm always happy to promote and highlight other photographers. Check out these great snaps.


































Clancy's comment: Some of these are fabulous. Many thanks to the photographers.
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30 January 2019 - CAVES BENEATH THE 'BELL INN'

CAVES BENEATH THE 'BELL INN'
G'day folks,

The quirky Bell Inn has stood at the edge of Nottingham’s vast Old Market Square since 1437. This reputedly haunted venue, boasting quaint and cosy snugs and bars, hides a dark and eerie sub-pub underworld that stretches deep into the gloom beneath the city.
Begun by Carmelite friars who lived in this part of Nottingham in the 14th century, the Bell Inn Caves are a little-known part of the city’s extensive human-made, rock-cut netherworld. Originally excavated as monk’s dormitories as well as, appropriately, for the brewing and storage of ale, the inn’s dark and mysterious medieval maze has been added to and adapted over the centuries.

The warren-like sandstone cave system boasts enigmatic caved-in tunnels, shafts, and abandoned staircases clawing upward in vain toward the modern city streets above. Exactly where some of these shafts and steps once surfaced is long forgotten.




A prescient pub landlady had one tunnel adapted in the early 20th century for the storage of a vast reserve of liquor to ensure that the good people of Nottingham would not suffer wartime shortages of gin and ale. The Bell Inn’s mysterious underworld also features rare Norman and Elizabethan brickwork, salvaged tram tracks, and a pair of putrid 53-foot-deep wells used by the medieval monks as a source of water for their holy homebrew.

The spooky labyrinth is accessed via a storeroom adjacent to the mens’ room, which itself is in a cellar beneath the main bar. From here, rock cut steps descend to a tier of sandstone grottoes used for storing beer barrels. From one of these cluttered caverns, a wooden trap door leads deeper still to a cavernous void with two exits. One exit leads to a series of rock cut steps and yet more caves and chambers, and the other leads to a tunnel heading determinedly away from the Bell Inn beneath neighboring buildings.




 The only sign of these ghostly grottoes evident from the alehouse above is a glass observation window set into one of the bars, which lets people glimpse into deep shaft plunging into the darkness of the caverns below. Guided tours of this perilous and largely unlit cave system are carried out by torchlight at the visitor’s own risk. Hard hats are not provided, so underground explorers are advised to mind their heads!



 "At your own risk" tours of the Bell Caves are available at certain times of the year. Tours are only recommended for fit and healthy individuals as a steep ladder descent is required to access the deepest caves. Wear sensible flat shoes and warm clothing, as the caves are a near-constant 50 Fahrenheit. Be aware your clothes may well get dirty and sandy. 




For the next available entertaining and informative tour, it is best to inquire during quiet times at the bar, or alternatively at the Nottingham tourist information office, or the official Visit Nottinghamshire website. 

Nottingham has more human-made caves than any other city in Europe, although most of this underworld is privately owned, dangerous, or permanently inaccessible. Nottingham's earliest recorded Brythonic name, Tigguo Cobauc translates as "Place of Cavy Dwellings."





Clancy's comment: Yet, another discovery under a pub.
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29 January 2019 - MOVING PICTURES

MOVING PICTURES
G'day folks,
Yep, time for some more of those clever pictures that move.




































Clancy's comment: I loved the seagull and the crabs.
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28 January 2019 - UNKNOWN DESTINATIONS IN THAILAND

UNKNOWN DESTINATIONS 
IN THAILAND

G'day folks,
 Most tourists who visit Thailand come to the capital Bangkok or Phuket Island, where indeed there is quite a bit to do and see, but if you want to explore the local rural culture or the amazing ancient temples around, there are many other destinations you may have missed, simply because they are less known.
Thailand is one of the places that is always fun to come back to, and although the accommodations you’ll find in the following places are not as prestigious as you can find in other areas of the exotic country, they will provide you with a vacation and adventure you won’t experience anywhere else in the world without being surrounded by throngs of tourists.



 Ko Yao Noi is an island that even in terms of Thailand is considered almost untouched by humans and is a 30-minute boat ride from Phuket. There are several luxury resorts on the island but also more modest cabins if that’s more your taste. The island's name means "a small long island", and despite its size, it isn’t lacking in things to do- on the eastern part of the island you go snorkeling at the beach alongside the mountains, while on the western side you can take a walk through mangrove forests and rice fields. You can also take a scuba diving course or a cruise, but the best thing about this island is the quietness of it, meaning you can just relax on a hammock and enjoy a perfectly relaxing retreat without other tourists surrounding you en masse.



If you want to see local animals in their natural habitat, you should visit the Khao Yai Nature Reserve, which is a 3-hour drive from Bangkok. It is the first nature reserve of Thailand and is home to elephants, deer, macaque monkeys and bears. Along with them, it is also home to 300 bird species, including Thailand’s largest population of impressively beaked hornbills. If you want to catch the reservations reptiles, the best time to do this would be between March and April. The bat cave is also worth visiting as it has over 3 million flying creatures, and you should also see the amazing waterfalls in the area and just enjoy this beautiful piece of nature.



If you like sweet foods, it is highly recommended that you get to the town of Phetchaburi located in the province of the same name. This Thai town is known for its desserts, the most famous of which is khanong mor gaeng, which is very reminiscent of custard, made with eggs, coconut water and shallots. In addition, the town of Phetchaburi is one of the oldest in Thailand, and the province of Phetchaburi also has a royal palace and a large temple next to it. It is also recommended to explore the large caves in the province, one of which contains a large number of Buddha statues between large stalactites, and another which hides a huge ancient tree in its center.



Ko Kradan is a narrow island that is considered part of Had Chou Mai’s national park. The island’s sunset beach is a great place to snorkel, as here you’ll be able to take in some amazing coral reefs. Another beach on the island is called "Paradise", although it isn’t perfect for snorkeling, its golden sand is perfect for just laying back.



As everyone knows, Thailand has many amazing islands, and Ko Mak is one of the most beautiful. It can be described as a tropical paradise, with pampering beaches with clear crystal water. The center of the island is a forest where there are coconut plantations, and on this island, you can take a dive and snorkel your way around coral reefs. You can even take some lessons in Thai boxing or cooking. Just make sure to bring enough cash for these activities, as there is not a single ATM on the entire island.



About 150 km away from Bangkok is a city that, unlike other places on this list, is considered very popular among tourists, and is known for its macaque monkeys. The "Urban monkeys" have a special festival held for them every November, and you can see them in large numbers around the sanctuaries that are worth visiting themselves, but know that these urban monkeys are also known to be quite the bandits and may even attack you if they think that you have food for them that you are not sharing.
If we’ve already mentioned the Temples, Phimai Historical Park is the recommended place to see the best preserved in Thailand. The temples in the area are very reminiscent of those you can see in Angkor Wat in Cambodia, but the significant difference is that you won’t have to fight the crowds to see them. The temples were built by members of the Hindu religion, however, they were built in the style of Buddhist temples along with principles from Khmer architecture. Most of the temples were built during the 11th and 12th centuries.



Arriving at one of the largest islands in Trang Province, Ko Muk, requires some planning in advance: there is only one ferry per day between the island and the mainland, but once you get there you can enjoy the calm on Farang Beach, which holds a cave that can only be explored during low tide. The cave has clear turquoise waters and is one of the island's main attractions. You can also see fishing villages on the island where the residents live simple lives, but keep in mind that most of the local residents are Muslims, and visitors are required to dress accordingly when they are not at the beaches.
On the banks of the Mekong River lies a city with a unique charm and friendly residents, which together make it a particularly pleasant stay. There are many points of interest to visit in the area, such as Wat Pho Chai Temple. It is also recommended to visit the Phu Phra Bat historic park, which has amazing rock formations. There are many festivals in the city that take place throughout the year, such as the Fireball Festival in late October, where a spectacular natural phenomenon of glowing balls rising from the water to the sky, occurs.



100 kilometers from the eastern coast of Thailand, close to Cambodia, is the island of Ko Kut, where there isn’t much to do except to lie on a hammock and enjoy the scenery and tranquility of the surrounding area, so this island is considered one of the most perfect for just laying back in the middle of Thailand's beauty. There are sandy beaches and waterfalls, and you can go snorkeling, go on a fun kayak cruise or just stroll around the jungle. Along with these, there are also some fishing villages worth visiting, such as Ao Salat and Ao Ya.



Do not immediately reject the idea of taking a 5-hour bus ride from Bangkok to reach Phetchabun province, because even the trip itself will bring you with stunning views. However, when you arrive at your destination, you’ll forget all about the long journey, when you see yourself surrounded by waterfalls, mountains, lakes and national parks, which are all highly recommended to explore on a motorbike ride. Apart from its rich nature, Phetchabun is also home to one of the most impressive temples in Thailand - Wat Pha Sorn Kaew, also known as the "Temple on the Glass Cliff", due to its excellent location overlooking all the surrounding landscape, and inside the temple you can admire impressive mosaic art and many sculptures.

Clancy's comment: Yep, all places are worth a visit. Trust me. I've been to all of them and many more. Thailand is a wonderful place to experience. The people and the food are wonderful.

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27 January 2019 - INSPIRING QUOTES

INSPIRING QUOTES
G'day folks,
Yep, time for some inspiring quotes.





























Clancy's comment: Yep, all good reminders.
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26 January 2019 - HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY

HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY

G'day folks,
Happy Australia Day to you all. Last night, the two Aussie divers who helped to rescue the young soccer boys and their coach from a flooded cave in Thailand were recognised as Australians of The Year. Well done!
Australia Day is the official national day of Australia. Celebrated annually on 26 January, it marks the anniversary of the 1788 arrival of the First Fleet of British ships at Port Jackson, New South Wales and the raising of the Flag of Great Britain at Sydney Cove by Governor Arthur Phillip.
Date: 26 January 2019
Significance: Date of landing of First Fleetin Port Jacksonin 1788
Observed by: Australiancitizens, residents and expatriates
Also called: Foundation Day, Invasion Day, Australian Natives' Association Day, Survival Day, Anniversary Day



On Australia Day we celebrate all the things we love about Australia: land, sense of fair go, lifestyle, democracy, the freedoms we enjoy but particularly our people.

Australia Day is about acknowledging and celebrating the contribution that every Australian makes to our contemporary and dynamic nation. From our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people  - who have been here for more than 65,000 years - to those who have lived here for generations, to those who have come from all corners of the globe to call our country home. 




The marking of 26 January is an important date in Australia's history and has changed over time: starting as a celebration for emancipated convicts and evolving into what is now a celebration of Australia that reflects the nation's diverse people.

Australia Day continues to be hugely popular, with 3 in 4 Australians believing it has a bigger meaning beyond being just a day off.




More than half of all Australians participate in Australia Day attending events organised by State Governments, local councils, community groups or getting together with family and friends.  In addition, over 16,000 new Australians become citizens on Australia Day.
  
Clancy's comment: This day has become quite controversial, and I can fully understand why. Sadly, not enough has been done to recognize the original owners of this big piece of land. Amen.
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25 January 2019 - CAVES BENEATH ENGLISH PUB

CAVES BENEATH ENGLISH PUB
G'day folks,
Hidden in a grotto 26 feet below Nottingham's oldest hotel, this stylish subterranean drinking den is notoriously hard to find. 

 Damp, dimly lit, and decorated with skulls, chandeliers, and stuffed animals, this quirky drinking establishment is part of the extensive cave system cut into the soft sandstone upon which Nottingham is built.



Accessed via a dark and uninviting alley, through a heavily disguised door with a polished brass skull as a handle, a staircase leads into a basement beneath a 200-year-old building. Along a corridor in this basement, a further series of rock-cut steps lead into the cavernous void beneath the city.


The final descent into the Lost Caves is by escort, as they have a strict maximum occupancy. Here, 26 feet below the venerable old George Hotel, which has accommodated guests as diverse as Charles Dickens and Elizabeth Taylor, is a most unlikely gin palace.


 When, why, and by whom these deep grottoes were excavated is unknown, however, they do appear to have been adapted for the purpose of storing and brewing ale on rock-cut ledges. Instead of holding barrels of beer, these rock ledges now make a cosy cushion-strewn perch upon which gin and cocktail aficionados can sample the bar’s latest below-ground beverage creations.


It is also worth remembering that it’s just as difficult to find the way out of the Lost Caves as it is to find the way in, so visitors are advised to moderate their cave cocktail consumption with escape in mind!



 Clancy's comment: It would be a great place to drink beer on a hot day.
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24 January 2019 - CHECK OUT CHINA’S MASSIVE POPULATION

CHECK OUT CHINA’S MASSIVE POPULATION
G'day folks,
Ever been to China? Well, we all know this country has heaps of people, but check out some of these photographs.

The whole world knows how populous China is, but it's one thing looking at a statistic about a place and another when you can actually visualize what its urban spaces look like packed with millions of people. These astonishing images will show you what day to day life is like in a nation of well over a billion people.



There are 430 million bicycle owners in China. They are part of the largest individual mobility movement in all of human history.



The country’s three largest cities by urban population, namely Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou, are all home to well over 20 million people.



There were 1.4 million taxis in China by the end of 2015.










Clancy's comment: Astonishing, eh? Bangkok is busy enough for me. Would you cope with these crowds?
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23 January 2019 - INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE GIRAFFE

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE GIRAFFE
G'day folks,
Welcome to some interesting facts about this amazing animal.
Giraffes live in open habitats, primarily wooded savannas and open woodlands. Riparian forests (those growing along watercourses) are especially important to giraffes living in arid areas. Giraffes do not live in areas dominated by moist tropical forest. Giraffes inhabit many countries in sub-Saharan Africa, but are now most widespread in East Africa and the northern parts of southern Africa, where they find refuge in national parks.




Giraffes have beautiful spotted coats. While no two individuals have exactly the same pattern, giraffes from the same area appear similar. The giraffe is the tallest living animal, uniquely adapted to reach vegetation inaccessible to other herbivores. Giraffes have a distinctive walking gait, moving both right legs forward, then both left. At a gallop, however, the giraffe simultaneously swings the hind legs ahead of and outside the front legs, reaching speeds of 35 miles an hour. It has unusually elastic blood vessels with a series of valves that help offset the sudden buildup of blood (and to prevent fainting) when the head is raised, lowered or swung quickly. Giraffe "horns" are actually knobs covered with skin and hair above the eyes that protect the head from injury.



They pluck the buds, fruit, and leaves of these trees with prehensile upper lips and long tongues that can be extended up to eighteen inches (45 cm). When protected, giraffes can flourish in areas where food is abundant year round. Although they drink water when it's available, they can survive where it is scarce. They occasionally eat grass and fruits of various trees and shrubs, but their principal food source is the acacia tree. The tree's sharp horns do not seem to stop the giraffe, which has a long, muscular tongue specially adapted to select, gather and pluck foliage. The giraffe is a selective feeder and although it feeds 16 to 20 hours a day, it may consume only about 65 pounds of foliage during that time. It can maintain itself on as little as 15 pounds of foliage per day.
Giraffe tails are highly prized by many African cultures. The desire for good-luck bracelets, fly whisks and thread for sewing or stringing beads have led people to kill the giraffe for its tail alone.Giraffes are easily killed and poaching (now more often for their meat and hide) continues today.
Giraffes are the tallest land mammals in the world, with heads that may tower 20 feet above ground. Their great height allows them to reach the leaves of the spiny trees that are their staple. They pluck the buds, fruit and leaves of these trees with prehensile upper lips and long tongues that can be extended up to 18 inches. They also eat grasses, seeds, grains and other low-lying vegetation.




  Did You Know these facts about the Giraffe? Despite its long neck, the giraffe has only seven vertebrae, exactly the same number as man and most other mammals. Even though giraffes are often seen together in groups, they do not form the complex social groups of many plains species. Theirs are loose associations, constantly changing in make-up.Baby giraffes are about 6 feet tall at birth. They can run around only a few hours after birth, but spend most of their first two weeks life lying down, guarded by their mother.Like fingerprints, no two giraffes' spots are exactly the same. The nine different giraffe subspecies have different spot patterns, from large to small and uniform to irregular.

Clancy's comment: Wow. Amazing creatures, eh? I'm ...  

22 January 2019 - PLACES TO SEE IN DENMARK

PLACES TO SEE IN DENMARK
G'day folks,

Planning a trip to Denmark? Well, here are some places worth visiting.


Denmark is one of the northern states of Europe and is located where the "Nordic countries" begin. This charming region, from which the brave Vikings, Leggo games, and some of the most beautiful children's stories in the world originated, offers first-rate attractions and beautiful sights. Apart from these facts, Denmark is known for its fascinating history and spectacular views, which will make their mark on your heart and make you want to pack a suitcase to visit them. You are invited to discover one of the most beautiful countries in Europe and explore some of its magnificent cities, which testify to its history, lifestyle and all the good that can be found in it.



  We should start in the amazing capital of Denmark, as it has been chosen as one of the best cities in the world to live in, and this can be seen through its green gardens and clear harbor waters where you can easily swim without fear. Among the attractions you’ll see in this vibrant city are the Tivoli Gardens, where you’ll find a charming and romantic Luna-Park from the middle of the 19th century and the little mermaid sculpture at the port of Langelinie. In addition, there are many museums and galleries, and Michelin-star restaurants - for the refined among us.




The city of Herning is considered to be a central and vibrant arena of art and culture, with many exhibitions held here throughout the year. In addition to museums and cultural events, you can visit Baboon City and enjoy fun attractions for children, which will put even you in a good mood, or go to the city zoo. The city is known for its large number of bars and restaurants, so it's no wonder it's one of those cities where visitors enjoy returning to again and again.




Close to a beautiful harbor, full of polished yachts alongside old fishing boats, the town of Svendborg is located on a charming fjord, also the gateway to the archipelago of Denmark's third largest island - Finn Island. The city combines old and new, and in its modern areas you can see picturesque cafes and restaurants that offer tasty and varied food, as well as quiet cycling trails; In addition to this, you can enjoy beautiful clean beaches, which are usually very popular in the summer, from which you can take a cruise to the nearby islands. After all, Svendborg is one of the quieter cities where you should spend a little more time if you’re looking for some peace.




Less than an hour's drive from Copenhagen lies the city of Helsingor which sits on the Swedish border. This medieval town whose main attraction is the Kronborg Castle is without a doubt a quiet and amazing pearl that must not be missed. A tour of the picturesque streets of the city, among the old houses, is a delightful and relaxing experience that seems to be another world far from the busy shopping streets in its other areas. Apart from the old castle, you can visit the nearby Danish Maritime Museum and take a ferry ride from Helsingor to Helsingborg, Sweden, which is the busiest ferry route in the world with about 70 departures in each direction every day.




Surrounded by the narrow path of the Alssund Strait, Sonderborg is a historic place with a modern feel and the home of the Sonderborg Castle which sits in its center. The castle is a national Danish symbol and its rooms, as well as some of the houses surrounding the castle, serve as a museum and offer contemporary exhibitions about the changing history of the region. Due to the proximity of the town to the border with Flensburg in Germany, masses of Danes and Germans pass through it when traveling to other destinations in both countries.




Esbjerg is a relatively new and rich city whose economy is based on oil, fishing, and commerce; As opposed to ancient and historic places in Denmark, this area is considered more modern. Although you won’t see old sites and ancient fortresses here, there are still attractions that you won’t want to miss: theater halls which seat more than 1,100 people; The Museum of the Lighthouse and the Esbjerg Museum, where you can see 3 major exhibits showing local artifacts, including reproductions from the Iron Age and Vikings, as well as hundreds of objects that trace the long history of the country's west coast.




The city of Roskilde is known for its famous rock festival which began in 1971 and continues until today, in June-July each year. This important event is considered one of the largest festivals in Europe and is attended by nearly 160,000 people at a time. But beyond the festival, Roskilde has plenty to offer, ranging from skating parks to unique art and design workshops, to a delightful museum of modern music located in a post-industrial complex. In addition to the modern city, you can also visit the old city with the impressive cathedral towers that overlook everything, and the old port of Roskilde, where you can visit the Vikings Ship Museum.




The city of Skagen is situated at the meeting point between the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, its busy port is surrounded by extensive beaches, which in summer are packed with masses of tourists and locals. The city, which was first recorded in the late 13th century, was the focus of many painters and artists who came to paint its desolate but charming landscapes, which marked many hearts. In Skagen, you will find excellent restaurants offering varied and delicious seafood, art galleries and many museums. The place is also very popular among tourists who have visited it before as it is a great pleasure to visit this city.




The following place is often considered part of Copenhagen, but since Fredericksburg has no clear boundaries, it can be said that it is a city within a city. Within this region, there are plenty of specialty gourmet shops, picturesque cafes and fancy shopping venues; The city of Frederiksberg is rich in historical and cultural exhibits, while its vast park offers a wealth of romantic gardens, a labyrinth of shrubs, a Greek temple, and a Chinese pavilion. But the real masterpiece is the Frederiksberg Palace, which is designed in the Baroque style, where you can enjoy a modern glass museum and other delicate displays.
With the newly restored beach in the heart of the city, Aalborg is trying to rejuvenate and revitalize its recently neglected industrial areas. In the renovated city you will find a well-kept beach which is very pleasant to stroll around, as well as a 16th-century castle located next to an ancient medieval town. Nearby is a Viking burial ground which definitely warrants a visit, and if you are looking to go out at night, the Aalborg hotel can be a great base from which to explore the surrounding area.




Odense is the birthplace of the famous children's writer Hans Christian Andersen, many of whom grew up on his stories; As such, there are many museums, sculptures, and attractions dedicated to his literary works. Apart from the places dedicated to the famous writer, there are also many other museums, art galleries and a charming zoo in this vibrant city, which is also one of the oldest in Denmark. With a rich historical past of more than 1,000 years, Odense has a village full of ancient buildings where you can visit and learn about the city's past. In addition to this, the city is full of green and peaceful parks throughout, as well as lively bars and cafes in different styles.
Aarhus, founded by the Vikings, is the second largest city in Denmark and also serves as the country's main port. This amazing and large city is full of diverse attractions and a large number of different architectural wonders, such as the theater building of the city and the local museum. Over the course of the year, many festivals and events take place in v, whose theme changes every year, as well as other cultural and artistic performances, which are certainly an achievement for the local residents to show off. In the picturesque city you will find shopping centers and markets that must be visited, lively streets much more inviting than in other European cities, and unique restaurants spread out throughout the city which serve innovative local cuisine, creating a relaxed atmosphere. Cafes and bars are favorite places of entertainment for the local population, which is mostly made up of students who make the city a great place to live.

Clancy's comment: It's certainly a country worth visiting.
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