TOY MUSEUM BRANSON MISSOURI USA

The Toy Museum in Branson Missouri claimed it's the world's largest toy museum so we took a look.

In 2017, they advertised having over 1 Million toys. Considering their display cases from floor to ceiling, that seems believable. If you enjoy looking at toys from several decades past, you'll probably enjoy the visit. We are glad we went.

As you might guess, most toys are American but I did find a few British items reminding me of my childhood soldiers.

I'm not sure if the collection favors traditional toys for boys more than girls. There were many dolls from several decades and doll houses too. Even Alf shared his display. And my wife found a Dale Evans lunch box and thermos like the one she took to school.

I expected to see trains but the collection is small. An interesting diorama shows an attic scene.

One of the unique collections is a room full of Draughts aka checkers. There's a few tables where you can sit and play a game.





Tips and Notes

Cost: It is not cheap. We paid $18.92 each, which includes 11.6% tax. Look for discounts at visitor's centers.  Online ticket link.

It is family friendly. There are several areas where children can build things and draw.

Photography: Photography is permitted. The lighting and glass cases make it difficult to get some clear shots even without flash.

The Gift Shop has affordable toys and did not seem overpriced to us. We picked up some items for our grandchildren.

Parking- there seemed to be ample parking but we were there before the heavy season.

Location- It is on the busy route 76 near 376. Directions.

Restrooms- they appeared clean and well-stocked.

Religiosity- The collections include a wide range of toys that do not overtly link to any religion. Like many places in Branson, there are references to Christianity- in this case some Christian-themed toys, games, and signs.

Staff- all we met were friendly.

Website- There's a great introduction to the collection on the website, which may be worth a visit before you go.

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Ephesus Turkey

Grand Theatre, Ephesus, Turkey featuring Geoffrey W. Sutton

Permission granted to download the photos for personal use and not-for-profit educational use provided you acknowledge the source.

http://suttontravels.blogspot.com/2017/03/ephesus-turkey.html

Our visit to EPHESUS remains in our memories as one of the more outstanding cities. After a short cruise with island stops, we crossed the Agean Sea from Athens and landed at Kusadasi in Western Turkey. From there we took a bus to Ephesus where a guide provided a walking tour.

Depending on the source, a city has been here for about 4,000 years. An early settlment dates from the 11th Century BCE- founded by Androcles from Athens. Other groups ruling the city were the Lydians and Persians. Alexander the Great liberated the city in 334 BCE.

Egyptians and Syrians had their turn until the Romans arrived in 190 BCE. Much of the city was destroyed when the Goths invaded in 263 CE.

Constantine I rebuilt part of the city, which was ruined by an earthquake in 614 CE.

You can follow a route using many available maps.

Our route began near the Odeon. A small theatre for concerts and performances near the State Agora.

We walked along Curetes street past the Temple of Domitian. Although named as dedicated to the Roman Emperor, Domitian, more recent research indicates it was to honor Titus.

Temple of Domitian by Geoffrey W. Sutton

There's a monument to Memmius near the Heracles Gate. The Memmius memorial was reportedly ordered by Augustus in the first century CE to honour Caius, grandson of Sulla.

Memmius Monument by Geoffrey W. Sutton

You will pass the Trajan Fountain built in honor of the Roman Emperor Trajan, second century CE.

Trajan Fountain by Geoffrey W. Sutton

Some columns remain of the Hadrian Temple built by Theodosius to honour his father in the second century CE.

Nearby is a favourite photo spot -- the Men's Latrines with a duck pond. Reportedly, these were public toilets. Water flowed beneath the benches.

Men's Latrines, Ephesus; Geoffrey W. Sutton

Duck Pond by Men's Latrines, Ephesus

Further along are the amazing remains of the Celsus Library built by Gaius Julius Aquila to honour his father in 135 CE. It is reported that thousands of scrolls could be housed at the Library. It is one of the most attractive buildings along Curetes Street.

Celsus Library, Ephesus, Geoffrey W. Sutton

Close to the Library are the local brothel, agora, and the Harbour Road. The brothel was reportedly dedicated to Aphrodite (Venus) and a statue of Priapus can be seen in the Ephesus Museum. Remains of the Agora (public square/marketplace) can be seen to the side of the road.

The Harbour Road, Ephesus, Geoffrey W. Sutton

There's not much left of the Temple of Artemis. You can find a statue of Artemis in the local museum.

Statue of Artemis, Internet, Free to Share

Tradition has it that St. John was the designated carer for Mary, mother of Jesus. And that John and Mary ended their days in Ephesus. Nearby buildings are erected in their memory.

The Bible mentions the presence of the Apostle Paul in Ephesus during the first Century. For example, see Acts 19.

Connections

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Publications (many free downloads)

  Academia   Geoff W Sutton   (PhD)     

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City Palace Jaipur India

The City Palace includes several buildings and courtyards and is located in central Jaipur. The exterior wall was built by Jai Singh II. The complex was built over many years.


 The stunning pink colour was in honour of the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII. The colour has been associated with Jaipur known as the "Pink City."

The attractive entrance gate is reserved for officials.




The Chandra Mahal is the major seven-story building containing paintings and mirrors. Descendents of the former rulers of Jaipur live in the palace, which also serves as a museum.







The place of greeting the public (Diwan-i-Aam) is an attractive building with a marble floor and armoury.





A close look reveals the attention to details of the artisans.

There is a fee to enter the complex.

Connections

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Publications (many free downloads)

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Amber Palace and Fort Jaipur India

The Amber Palace and Fort are the premier attractions when visiting Jaipur. They are located in the town of Amer, which is 11 kilometres from Jaipur within the state of Rajasthan.

Tourists can wait in long lines to ride an elephant to the hilltop entrance, which yields a colourful and majestic view from the parapets.

According to the sign, the palace was completed by 1599 over a period of 25 years.




Buildings within the complex include living spaces, meeting rooms, and a mirror palace.


































The gardens are constantly maintained.
























The hilly region adds to the sense of grandeur.






A short video clip provides an overview of the Fort from the street level and includes the music of a snake charmer.

There is a fee to enter the Fort.
There is a fee to ride the elephants; however, our tour group informed us they did not support this use of the elephants so we rode up in jeeps.
There is a small gift shop near the entrance.
Vendors are everywhere.

Connections

   My Page    www.suttong.com

   My Books   AMAZON     GOOGLE PLAY STORE

   FACEBOOK   Geoff W. Sutton

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Publications (many free downloads)

  Academia   Geoff W Sutton   (PhD)     

  ResearchGate   Geoffrey W Sutton   (PhD)

Fatehpur Sikri India

Fatehpur Sikri (City of Victory) was bulit by Mughal emperor Akbar in the 16th century. It is located west of Agra and includes monuments and places of worship. It was the capital of the Mughal empire between 1569 and 1585. Unfortunately, it was abandoned because of a lack of adequate water.

A close look reveals detailed artistic work especially visible in the hall where official business was conducted.

Throne pillar

Several buildings housed the emperor's women- he was said to have as many as 5,000 wives and other women (e.g., their maidservants) in his harem. Women were accumulated from those kings and nobles he defeated. Other women were gifts.

One structure was likely home to a favorite wife, Sultana Ruqayya Begum and contains beautiful artwork in the wall panels.

Panchmahal, wind catcher, a place to keep cool. It is connected to the harem on the third floor.

Here's a picture of part of the outdoor Parchesis game board.

Connections

   My Page    www.suttong.com

   My Books   AMAZON     GOOGLE PLAY STORE

   FACEBOOK   Geoff W. Sutton

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Publications (many free downloads)

  Academia   Geoff W Sutton   (PhD)     

  ResearchGate   Geoffrey W Sutton   (PhD)

Jama Masjid Delhi India

Jama Masjid is the largest Mosque in India. It is located in Old Delhi.  The courtyard is large enough for 25,000 people. Construction began in 1644 and was organised by Shah Jahan who also built the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort at Agra.

There are three gates, four towers, and two minarets, each 40 metres tall.

At the top of the steps, those who wish to enter must remove their shoes.

And women are to don provided robes, which creates a photo op for Westerners.




Close ups reveal the artistry in sandstone and marble.



























A link to more information http://www.culturalindia.net/monuments/jama-masjid.html

Notes
A small fee is charged for photography but there is no charge to enter the Mosque.
A youth expects a tip for minding your shoes.
Outside is the Chawri Bazaar, which we toured via pedal Rickshaw following our visit to the Mosque.

Connections

   My Page    www.suttong.com

   My Books   AMAZON     GOOGLE PLAY STORE

   FACEBOOK   Geoff W. Sutton

   TWITTER  @Geoff.W.Sutton

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Publications (many free downloads)

  Academia   Geoff W Sutton   (PhD)     

  ResearchGate   Geoffrey W Sutton   (PhD)

Mahatma Ghandhi Assassination Site Delhi

This is the memorial to the life of Mahatma Ghandi at the home in Delhi, India where he was assassinated 30 January, 1948.

Mohandas Karamchand Ghandi was born in 1869. The term, Mahatma, means Great Soul. His commitment to active but nonviolent protests are generally considered critical to the Independence of India from Britain in 1947.

Features of his simple life can be found at the site.











Moulded footsteps mark his final path on his way to pray.






A monument marks the spot where he was shot.




Storyboards provide a brief overview of his life. In addition to the story, quotations in the home and on the storyboards capture some of the themes that governed his life.

A simple yet attractive garden adds to the peacefulness of the setting.

There is no charge to visit the site.

Visitors are asked to remove their shoes when walking about the monument.