Podworld - Exploring interesting places

Bridlington  has been delighted that David Hockney has made East Yorkshire his home since his return full-time from the United States. This son of Bradford first visited the resort as a child and his mother lived there for years. Now, Britain's greatest living artist is exhibiting a major body of work which he has observed in the East Yorkshire villages around Bridlington and Hull, namely the Yorkshire Wolds. This often missed part of the world remains peaceful, unspoilt and for now untroubled by large hoards of tourists. They have mainly gone in search of please at the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales, and with good reason. They are beautiful. Happily we have been left the Wolds to ourselves but for how much longer. Could it be that Driffield becomes the new Hawes or Sewerby the new Ingleton? The art itself looks stunning based on the reviews seen on television and the national newspapers. One of his outstanding works is Bigger Trees and the source material for that can be...

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.

2011 draws to a close after a fantastic year of travel including a splendid time in Malaysia. Thoughts now turn to destinations for 2012, Olympic year. Contenders include a return to marvellous Malaysia, another journey to the United States after a five year absence and a road trip from France to Southern Spain. So much of the world to see, so little time to see it.

Seville Cathedral An abiding memory of Seville is walking past its splendid cathedral at night feeling the warmth radiated after the daylight sun. Seville is a fine city with many worthy attractions and yet does not oversell itself. The Alcazar, a moorish palace, is one of Seville's must see places and a number of excellent restaurants including a superb Italian on the south bank of the River in Betis called San Marco. A tram runs through the centre of the city taking you from the market area and past the cathedral. All the usual Spanish delights such as Tapas and great ice cream can be found in abundance in this very welcoming city.