As fate would have it, the Waterford Crystal factory closed down just weeks before we were supposed to go through the visitor’s center. So, instead of marveling at sparkly glass, I got to walk through the streets of Waterford without a tour group or guide in sight!
I first wandered towards Waterford Marina, where sunset cast beautiful colors across the sky and water alike. I leaned against the railing and just watched the colors change and listened to the water lap against against the embankment.
Waterford Marina
Photo by: c.b.w. 2009
With evening fast approaching, I went in search of side streets with interesting stories to tell. I have a small fascination with curving cobblestone streets and alleyways with hidden doorways. Europe, it seems, is full of these narrow links to adventure.
A street in Waterford, Ireland
Photo by: c.b.w. 2009
Waterford, like many cities in Europe, allows for a peaceful coexistence between past and present. Modern buildings of glass and steel rise up around what remains of stone and mortar from centuries ago.
Old and new collide in Waterford
Photo by: c.b.w. 2009
This dichotomy is what I love about Europe. It isn’t so much “out with the old and in with the new,” but rather let the old be and allow the new to arrive.
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Part of the A to Z Challenge!
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c.b.w. 2013
C.B. Wentworth 
Wow C.B. I have so enjoyed your trip through the alphabet and around the world. You have seen some beautiful places and wonderful travel spots. I am so glad I got to partake of them through the A to Z challenge.
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Glad you’ve enjoyed it. The challenge has given me a chance to go back and relive some wonderful memories. 🙂
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Nice post, and you have a very good ‘camera’ eye! You’ve constantly taken photos that would never have occurred to me, and they work really well, I particularly like this blog’s ‘old and new collide in Waterford’. Time to come back for another trip 🙂
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Thanks! My grandfather once told me the same thing about what pictures I choose to take. I guess I’m just always on the lookout for something interesting. 😉
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Love that shot of the narrow street. So Irish!
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I know! Even though narrow streets are so European, the Irish have a distinctive way of creating streets. I think its the bright colors on the buildings that sets them apart from other European cities. 🙂
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It’s always a delight to read your post and feed on your pictures. Each time, you prove what a wonderful eye you have. Grandfather was right. 🙂
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Aw, thanks. 🙂 I like to think I inherited my perspective from him.
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I love the picture of the old turret with the new buildings. Such an incredible contrast!
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I love looking for shots that show past and present hanging out together. Europe is full of them and I may have to explore than contrast in a future series of posts. 🙂
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Looks a very serene place. We were in York at the weekend and it was great to be able to drive under the old city wall and see all the old buildings alongside new ones.
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York is near the top of my list of places to go the next time I’m in the U.K. 🙂
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I share you passion for exploring narrow allyways. I found the most wonderful jazz hangout once behind a narrow door down a narrow ally . Your pictures and explanations of what we are viewing keeps drawing me in and bringing me back for more. I am really enjoying traveling from the comfort of my office chair.
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Once in London I found the greatest little pub hiding in the crook of a side street. I love how little surprises are just waiting to be found. I’m so glad to hear you are enjoying the journey. Even after the challenge I’ll be posting at least one travel related piece each week, so stay tuned. 🙂
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I almost think I would enjoy the sights you saw over the Waterford factory and museum. 🙂 Lovely scenes captured in your memory and in photos.
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I know I would not have had as much fun walking through that visitor’s center. Not my style at all! 😉
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