Trier's Glorious Roman Past

The city of Trier is feast for anyone interested in ancient Roman history. Once encircled by a 4 mile long wall, the city's 687 acre inner city still proudly boasts a magnificent and enviably well preserved collection of Roman sites. The  Porta Negra or Black gate is the only surviving of five gates and is the landmark icon of the city of Trier. 

The Porta Negra 

Clip: The Roman Archaeological Museum

The Market Cross symbol of Trier' city status

Remains of the Kaiserthermen Imperial Baths 

Still used to this day is the Roman Bridge which spans the Mosel River.  The Amphitheatre which once seated 20,000 spectators gathered to watch executions is also still used today for concerts and cultural events.

Koblenz to Trier - Germanys hidden treasures

Eltz Castle

At the northern end of the World Heritage Site of Rhein Gorge lies Koblenz. The city lies at the meeting point of the great Rhein and Mosel Rivers known as 'Germany's most beautiful Corner'.

Sunset on the Rhein at Koblenz

The meeting of the Rhein and Mosel Rivers at Koblenz

Less than an hour's drive away is the incredible Eltz Castle. Built in the 12th century, the same family have lived here for 33 generations.

Onwards to Burncastel Kues the picture postcard town with many buildings dating from 15th century and birthplace of Philosopher Nicholaus Cusanus (von Kues) in 1401 and the house can still be visited.  

           

After sampling some lovely local food and wine, it was back to Trier by evening. The beautiful city holds the title of Germany's oldest and most famous of Roman cities. Full of history, beautiful buildings and culture galore - it is a must see destination.

The Ponta Negra Trier

The Baroque Palastgarten

Mosel River Valley Germany

The stunning Berncastel town with homes dating as far back as 1410.  

Bernkastel-Kues

I always knew Germany had spectacular scenery but having the opportunity to visit lots of beautiful towns and villages has been much better than I could have imagined. I expected castles and quaint old villages but to stand in front of a house that has been lived in for over 600 years and still habitable is quite something else. The German people take great pride in this beautiful region and deservedly so. The miles and miles of spectacular forests which a few weeks ago glistened snow white are now warm rustic colours. The sun is getting warm and in a short time the forests will be changing colour yet again as the new growth bursts through.

Saarburg Castle

The vines have not starting this years growth yet so all along the Mosel are the perfectly trimmed stalks of neat rows on impossibly steep hillsides facing the river. Everywhere there is evidence of the regions best know produce - wine. And signs advertising tastings are everywhere. 

Part of the well preserved remains of Saarburg Castle 

View of the Mosel River from Saarburg Castle which dates from 964 AD

Cambodia - the long recovery

Angkor Wat at sunrise

                   

Cambodia's Turbulent History

The history of Cambodia in the 20th century is one of war and oppression. Once home to the mighty Khmer Empire, today Cambodia is still recovering from the devastating Pol Pot regime of the 1970's. The leader of the Khmer Rouge attempted to turn the country into an agrarian society and in the process was responsible for the deaths of 25% of the entire population.

Back to Year Zero

The capital Phnom Penh was emptied of its 2 million inhabitants who were sent to the countryside to work in the fields. By 1979 when Pol Pot was eventually overthrown, 2 million people were dead of starvation or torture.  All educated and professional individuals had been put to death and the country was on its knees. 

Angkor Wat

Today Cambodia is recovering and its amazing history is a huge draw for tourists who contribute substantially to the country's economic recovery. Phnom Penh and the Unesco World Heritage city of Angkor Wat at Siem Reap are the most
popular tourist attractions.  The ancient city of Angkor Wat is actually made up of several cities. Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and the Bayon Temple. The cities were built between the 9th and 15th centuries and vast areas were lost to the jungle for many years. The jungle is still attempting to take back some areas with tree roots weaving their way through the ruins like melting candle wax - a sight well worth visiting!

The Royal Palace in Pnomh Penh

The Killing Fields Memorial