When she was launched in 1843, she was called ‘the greatest experiment since the creation’.
No one had ever designed so vast a ship, nor had the vision to build it of iron. Brunel fitted her with a 1000 hp steam engine, the most powerful yet used at sea. Perhaps most daring of all, Brunel rejected using conventional paddle wheels to drive his ship. Instead, he gave the SS Great Britain a screw propeller. This was the newest invention in maritime technology. By seeing how to combine these key innovations, Brunel created a ship that changed history.
Nov 2013: The rugged West Australian Coast north of Geraldton.
Over 1400 ships have been wrecked on the coast of Western Australia.
Sept 2013: Historical Sarlat-la-Canéda in the Dordogne Region of Aquitaine.
We travelled between major centres on the bullet trains, using a Japan Rail (First Class) Pass. We were fascinated with the efficiency of the railways included the "ladies of pink" and their blue supervisors at terminal stations; 5 min to clean the train to perfection!
At Takayama we stayed in a tradition ryokan where we dressed for traditional meals, which displayed the quality and diversity of Japanese food.
Hiroshima and surrounds were scenic as well as embodying the dark historic shadow of WW2.
We used a 'golf cart' on the first morning to cover the highlights.
The Forbidden City is the icon of Beijing just as the Potala Palace is the icon of Lhasa, capital of Tibet.
We walked and marveled at the Great Wall, and enjoyed traditional theatre in Xi'an.
In 2011 public sector investment was going strong with freeways cutting their way thru previously inaccessible country.
The terracotta warriors outside Xi'an worthy of their rating as a top tourist attraction.
Multiple river cruise ships squish into the locks on the Yangtze.
Fortunately much traditional architecture is being retained.
Oct 2011: China
Dec 2009: A family style holiday in Vanuatu.
June 2010: I took a work trip to Paris, and yes, French Generals really do wear those distinctive caps.
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Aug 2005: During Kari's GAP year.
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