Mary Curtin: 2026

2026/04/16

Vancouver Hostel in Jericho Beach

I stayed in this youth hostel I stayed at Jericho Beach in Vancouver in June 2007.

The building was an air force barracks in the 1930s, and with 4 beds in a dorm it had a very institutional feel. But the location made it a great place to stay, and gave easy access to some fabulous sunsets nearby as well as easy access to the city on public transport that just worked - remember this was before we got Google Maps on our phones!

Skagway Bill in Totem Square

Bronze status of An Alaskan a prospector holding a rifle, with mining tools like a pick and shovel strapped to his backpack- striding out into the uknown.

"Skagway Bill" aka The Prospector is a bronze statue by American artist and sculptor, Alonzo Victor Lewis (1886–1946).

In June 2007 when I took this pic, it was in Totem Square Sitka, Alaska - near the Sitka Pioneer Home.

Created in honour of the Alaskan pioneers, it is a depiction of local prospector, William "Skagway Bill" Fonda.

2026/04/13

Ceramic security gnomes?

Little men keeping an eye on comings and goings at a potter studio on the Dingle Peninsula, September 2007.

Russian Bishop's House, Sitka

I snapped this quick-pic of the mustard-yellow "Russian Bishop's House" in Sitka National Park, Alaska in June 2007: it's actually home to a really interesting museum.

2026/04/05

A well-anchored cross

Celtic memorial cross with an anchor around the base, located in Howth Harbour

The Howth Seafarers' Memorial, apparently locally known as Fisher's Cross: A memorial erected in 1994 by the Howth Fishermen's Association [to] commemorate the lives of all persons lost at sea, not matter where or how. (Howth, Dublin, Ireland, July 2007)

Galway's most unassuming takeaway

Chan's Chinese restaurant and takeaway, Doughiska Road, Doughiska Neighbourhood Centre, Galway - open in October 2021

I took a quick-pic of this pointedly-rectangular Chinese restaurant in October 2021, when they were most probably takeaway only. Not even sure why I snapped it. But today someone "loved" the photo on Google Maps. So here's a a high-res copy of the photo, in case someone wants it.

How much is that horsie in the window?

I caught sight of the horse in the first-floor window, looking mighty fine in the strong, late-afternoon sunshine: there's no cobwebs on him! (Galway, Spanish Parade, April 2026)

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Thank you!