Our First Stunning Baltimore Sunset

We always enjoy seeing sunsets and since we have some wonderful views from our new place, we enjoyed watching the sun go down from our rooftop deck. Sunsets near water are almost always very vibrant due to the humidity in the air and this one was no different. We will certainly have the opportunity to see many more, but we will definitely remember our first sunset in Baltimore. The sun set near the downtown area of Baltimore, which silhouetted the skyscrapers with an orange hue that was quite stunning. Obviously, we enjoy seeing sunsets during our travels, but seeing them at home can be equally calming and relaxing.

Last Hints of the Sun
Sunset and the City View
Focusing on the City

Reginald’s Tower in Waterford, Ireland

When visiting Waterford in Ireland, one of the sites to visit other than the House of Waterford Crystal Factory and shops is Reginald’s Tower. It is a Viking museum as well as providing wonderful views of the port. It was a rainy day during our day trip from Dublin to visit Waterford and touring the tower gave us an opportunity to get out of the damp cold. Reginald’s Tower is Waterford’s landmark monument and has been in continuous use for over 800 years, making it Ireland’s oldest civic building. The tower was built by the Vikings in 914 and was the cornerstone of the triangular shaped settlement. For hundreds of years, the tower served as a fortification to protect the city of Waterford and today it serves as a museum to commemorate the history of the Vikings in ancient Ireland.

Historic Reginald’s Tower and Statue of Thomas Francis Meagher
View of the Harbor from the Tower
Inside of the Tower
Viking Ship Next to the Tower

The historic structure now stands alone, but originally there would have been walls on either side of the tower adding to its fortifications. The full-size replica of a Viking ship outside of the tower is certainly quite striking and definitely lets you know what the museum is all about. The port of Waterford is Ireland’s oldest harbor and an important part of the history of the region. There is also a statue of Thomas Francis Meagher outside of the tower, which is a tribute to one of the founders of the Irish Confederation that adopted what is the national, tricolor flag of Ireland featuring the green, white, and orange stripes. There are also plenty of restaurants in the area featuring wonderful seafood and traditional Irish dishes.

View of the Tower Exterior
Ceiling of the Tower
What the Viking Settlement Would Have Looked Like
Thomas Francis Meagher Statue