here come the quick there go the dead
I was underwhelmed by this monastery. Unfortunately I hadn't read any of the guide books before visiting it, and only found out much too late that this place is in fact well worth the visit. I just ducked in, saw that it was a major tourist attraction, that this part (built after a fire destroyed the original in 1675) had been extensively restored in the last couple of years, with lots of glass panels to give glimpses of frescoes and herd bleating visitors through the turnstiles.
What I failed to understand is that this is only the tip of the iceberg. Underneath it is a huge cliff - the Rock of the name of the place - and a church is carved into the cliff below.
So if you Google on this place you'll see nothing like this shot, but lots of snaps of a rather spectacular Roman cloister from around 1200 and some interesting-looking Mozarabic details.
Ah, well. You give yourself away. But then, I'm atheist, so buildings to the glory of god have always confused me.
I enjoy investing things with meaning, and there's a good deal of symbolism in this shot - and, as usual, its title.
Most of my recent photos are titled with lines by Laurie Anderson. I've always liked her lyrics, but re-listening to some of her musical poetry has brought her mother-lode of quotable lines back to the forefront of my mind.
Title: Laurie Anderson - Speak My Language
here come the quick there go the dead
I was underwhelmed by this monastery. Unfortunately I hadn't read any of the guide books before visiting it, and only found out much too late that this place is in fact well worth the visit. I just ducked in, saw that it was a major tourist attraction, that this part (built after a fire destroyed the original in 1675) had been extensively restored in the last couple of years, with lots of glass panels to give glimpses of frescoes and herd bleating visitors through the turnstiles.
What I failed to understand is that this is only the tip of the iceberg. Underneath it is a huge cliff - the Rock of the name of the place - and a church is carved into the cliff below.
So if you Google on this place you'll see nothing like this shot, but lots of snaps of a rather spectacular Roman cloister from around 1200 and some interesting-looking Mozarabic details.
Ah, well. You give yourself away. But then, I'm atheist, so buildings to the glory of god have always confused me.
I enjoy investing things with meaning, and there's a good deal of symbolism in this shot - and, as usual, its title.
Most of my recent photos are titled with lines by Laurie Anderson. I've always liked her lyrics, but re-listening to some of her musical poetry has brought her mother-lode of quotable lines back to the forefront of my mind.
Title: Laurie Anderson - Speak My Language