2018 Tallin

Probably my favourite stop on the whole cruise.

Walking around the town was delightful.
When thinking what to order we asked the waitress what was on the bread, she in a strong voice said Fat. So we asked for two serves of olives. She asked, Two serves? We said yes. So she brought us two jars of olives. Missed communications is a wonderful experience.

2018 Norway

Our hotel looks on to the harbour here in Bergin
Looking across the small but lovely harbour.
This is is Bergen Fest when the harbour is party town. On many of the boats there was ive music, dancing and a lot of drinking. Most if not all of the Whitw shirts and Black caps were well and trully drunk by the end of the night. I suspect there were many sore heades in the morning.
Continue reading 2018 Norway

2017 Paris

Although we have been to Paris a few times I still like to photograph the Eiffel Tower.

I know some people hate the glass pyramid but I think it’s cool.
Out for a night walk.
Got of the bus and wlked up to the Monmarte area. Thought I would playabout with my camera settings as the sun was going down.
Linda enjoyed the street market. Quite like this effect.
Stopped for a drink and watched the crowd go by.
Continue reading 2017 Paris

2017 Belgium & France

We knew when we planned the tour of the First World War’s Battle fields that it would be educational and confronting. In the four years between 1914 and 1918 more than 25 million men were killed or wounded in the so called War to End all Wars. We found there are record books held at each major cemetery and when we were there, student/interns from the CWGC were there to help locate family names. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission set up in May 1917 and still carryout a fantastic service.

Thiepval Memorial to the 72,337 Missing at the Somme here with help we found the plaque to John McLaughlin killed at the Somme on 1916
Polygon Woods: ButtesNew Polygon Woods Cemetery.
Continue reading 2017 Belgium & France

2017 Armagh

From Scotland we flew over to Belfast for a few days researching McLaughlan family history in and around Armagh.

We researched town records, maps and wills. Before we met with a local historian. He said it’s a small area and suggested we go there and knock on the houses there.

From the city we travelled to Hamilton’s Bawn, it was around that area where I know my Great Grandfather and a number of earlier generations were born, as yet, not sure how many generations. They lived and farmed in Carrowmoney on the Hamilton’s Bawn Estate.

There were only about three homes in the Carrowmoney but no one had any helpful information. Still it was worth a try. Back to the computer.

I will be doing a blog on the Hamilton’s Bawn Estate, and where my family lived later.
One thing I know for certain Linda and I had a drink in the only pub and where my ancestors drank. The pub has been there since the Seventh Century.
Loved the stick warrior