Verona, Italy with Walker & Weeks

Here are some great old postcards of Verona from the collection of Walker & Weeks architects. They probably took a trip to Italy and collected the cards for inspirational examples. Frank R. Walker (1877-1949) and Harry F. Weeks (1871-1935) established their firm in Cleveland, Ohio in 1911. They were well known for their bank buildings, but they also designed churches, libraries, hospitals, and bridges. I'm thankful that their postcards fell into my hands.

All of the postcards have the same stamp on the back.

Watch Gadaffi

You probably won't be visiting Libya right now, which means you won't be picking up any of these fine Muammar Gadaffi souvenirs. I didn't go either, but my mother did and brought back these gems -a watch and a keychain. Let me just say that the wristwatch NEVER worked - not Mom's fault.  I'm not about to take it back to Libya and ask for a replacement.

This may not be the ideal time to visit Iran either, and the hotel doesn't look so great for that matter, but at least you'll have a place to stay...if the hotel's still there.

Get Well, Thomas!

My friends Susi and Thomas went to Hong Kong a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, Thomas fell ill as soon as they arrived and has been in the hospital ever since. He'll likely be there another week. In his honor, and with the hope that he will recover soon, I am posting this not-so-old postcard from Hong Kong.

This is the Peak Tower Restaurant in Victoria Gap, built at the upper terminus of the peak tram in 1972. While it's not exactly my favorite building, I wonder if it wouldn't have benefited by taking the photo from a different vantage point. In any case, it's not there anymore, so it doesn't really matter.
The Peak Tower was redeveloped in 1997 based on a design by British architect, Terry Farrell.
Here's what it looks like now:

Courtesy of Minghong

More views and history of the Peak Tower are available here.