Editor's note: Ken was at the Univ. of St. Andrews in Scotland, Sep- Dec 2006, on an exchange program from Whitman
College.
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William Wallace, a distant ancestor of mine, raises his sword in triumph at the Wallace Monument near Sterling Castle, where his most famous victory was won.
Wallace's broadsword, 66 inches in length with a 52-inch blade. In order to wield this effectively, Wallace is said to have been at least 6'6" tall.
The Scottish countryside as seen from the top of the monument (I had to sprint up 246 steps of a stone spiral staircase to get this shot, as my tour prepared to leave).
Wallace's fury and pride course through my veins.
Next on our tour, the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond.
My one regret was not having a kilt.
Loch Katrine.
A stream (or burn, as they often call it) feeding into Loch Katrine.
Inside the Glasgow cathedral.
A potential knightly ancestor, Robert Burn Anderson.
A massive cemetary stood outside of the cathedral.
Onward to Paris (I spent a week-long break from St. Andrews here). A foggy view from the top of the Eiffel tower.
As you can see, the tower is actually not much taller than I am. It is simply an optical illusion which tricks most tourists.
An ornate vase within the Palace of Versailles.
One small segment of the massive grounds surrounding Versailles.
Versailles at sunset.
Entrance to the Louvre (for those who have read the DaVinci Code, this spot has alleged symbolic significance, related to the Holy Grail).
Past and present Gladiators- the form remains the same.
The Winged Victory in all her glory. Before one laments the loss of her head and arms too much, I offer my opinion that (after seeing a sketch of what she looked like fully formed) the statue is much more beautiful and unique as it stands now.
Sainte Chappelle, the jewel of Paris. Wall-to-wall stained class windows, and check out that gothic architecture for the ceiling.
Notre Dame, recently cleaned of centuries of air pollution. Last I was here the towers were obscured by scaffolding, and the visible stone was a sooty grayish color. Now it is a gleaming white.
Notre Dame at sunset from across the Seine. Construction began in 1163. Notice the prominent flying buttresses around the back end, allowing for the vaulted ceilings and many windows.
Within the charming little bookstore 'Shakespeare and Company.'.
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