Podworld - Exploring interesting places

At first glance this may look like a vintage railway carriage but it is a recently preserved area of the Casino in Murcia. Although it is called a casino it is not a gambling den of inequity at all. It was built originally as a gentleman's club in 1847 where merchants and traders would do business it its plush and elegant surroundings. After a complete refurbishment lasting many years the casino is open to visitors once again. Check for opening times and special events http://www.casinomurcia.com/ (there is an English translation). The casino hosts dinners, wine tasting and even classic movies. It is listed in the top three places to visit in Murcia by Lonely Planet.

Red Bus , a photo by Simonhul on Flickr. Here it is in all its magnificence, the London Routemaster bus. There are just a handful left running and this one was captured early in 2012 running between Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square near the Criterion hotel and theatre. I don't normally manipulate images but I played with this one to highlight the bus. I am quite happy with the result. The Routemaster design dates back to the 1950s and is an engineering marvel. Buses of today are unlikely to capture our imaginations in 60 years time.

A classic London view and still available, just, in New Year... on Twitpic Take a look at this classic London view on twitter which looks as though it was taken 20 years ago but was in fact taken in the closing days of 2011.