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or the quality of being discret.
I love this photo of my three children Philip, Katja and Bastian ... so seldom that all three can be together.
One son is in Germany, my daughter in Colorado and my second son still in Canada.
© 2013 Ursula Sander - All rights reserved.
Prilgrim SalaBiKE
* * * * * Bigger and better pressing [L] ** ** ** ** ;-) ** ** ** ** ** Más grande y mejor pulsando [L] * * * * *
My father took this photo with my Brownie camera, his was lost in the war when his plane crash landed. Came across this photo whilst looking for the previous upload. Taken over 50 years ago before Wainwright had published all his books but we managed to find our way without him! I know we had walked along that valley before making the ascent, no car in those days and buses don't start early enough. All our climbs were done like that, one often walked a good 5-10 miles just to get started. Not only that but other things were different too: multi-coloured jumper knitted by my mother, trousers sewn by my father, red hiking socks knitted by my grannie, maps were cloth-backed and lasted longer, compass came from an old RAF plane. Ebygum, but I can still drag myself up there, just can't remember where it was.............
GLENORCHY - QUEENSTOWN - NEW ZEALAND
After three days of miserable rain we had a relatively clear morning, so I headed out at 4am for Glenorchy to shoot the pier, the temperature dropped last night so we had a nice dusting of snow throughout the region, I had the pier to myself all morning and finally settled on the classic composition.
I hope everyone is having a nice start to the year.
Another panorama taken from the top of Cerro Seguro. This is a 28 photo composite.
As always, the large version is better.
You can follow me also on Getty | 500 px | Deviant Art
The Pannonian Plain is a large plain in Central Europe that remained when the Pliocene Pannonian Sea dried out. It is a geomorphological subsystem of the Alps-Himalaya system.
The river Danube divides the plain roughly in half.
The plain is divided among Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia and Ukraine.
The plain is roughly bounded by the Carpathian mountains, the Alps, the Dinaric Alps and the Balkan mountains.
Although rain is not plentiful, it usually falls when necessary and the plain is a major agricultural area; it is sometimes said that these fields of rich loamy loess soil could feed the whole of Europe. For its early settlers, the plain offered few sources of metals or stone. Thus when archaeologists come upon objects of obsidian or chert, copper or gold, they have almost unparalleled opportunities to interpret ancient pathways of trade.
The precursor to the present plain was a shallow sea that reached its greatest extent during the Pliocene, when three to four kilometres of sediments were deposited.
The plain was named after the Pannonians, a northern Illyrian tribe. Various different peoples inhabited the plain during its history. In the first century BC, the eastern parts of the plain belonged to the Dacian state, and in the first century AD its western parts were subsumed into the Roman Empire. The Roman province named Pannonia was established in the area, and the city of Sirmium, today Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia, became one of the four capital cities of the Roman Empire in the 3rd century.
© all rights reserved by B℮n
Please take your time... to View it large on black
How time flies eh. I want to thank everyone for her/his visit last year. Thanks for all your complimentary, sweet and lovely comments on my photos at Flickr. That makes me feel good! I appreciate every visit again, a comment, invitation and a fave! Let's hope it will be a good year. That's the most important right? Just a nice year and of course in good health. And one year with many beautiful photographic moments. I'll do my best to post more great pictures. Again best wishes for 2013, and make it a great photographic year! A 2013 full of photographic inspiration.
The first snow of winter is falling silently, bringing back memories. My best wishes and a 2013 full of photographic and wintery inspiration! From left to right: Samantha, BieJee, Ben, my father Joop and Kanitha.
Wat gaat de tijd snel hè. Ik wil een ieder bedanken voor z'n bezoek het afgelopen jaar. Bedankt voor al jullie complimenteuze, enthousiaste en lieve reacties op m'n foto's op Flickr. Dat doet een mens goed! Een comment, uitnodiging en een fave, ik waardeer weer elk bezoek van jullie! Laten we hopen dat het een mooi jaar wordt. Dat is toch het belangrijkste? Gewoon een mooi jaar. En een gezond jaar natuurlijk. En een jaar met veel mooie fotografische momenten. Ik ga van mijn kant weer mijn best doen om komend jaar weer mooie foto’s te plaatsen. Nogmaals de beste wensen voor 2013, en maak er een mooi fotografisch jaar van! Een 2013 vol winterse inspiratie.
Taken earlier this month when we had decent weather....been gey dreich lately !
Wishing everyone a great hogmanay and a Happy New Year !
The Torrey Pines State Reserve has a multitude of trails. This particular hike was a reconnaissance mission to find Broken Hill and the rare Torrey Pines. I did find it ... and I will be back for some future sunset shoots. I continued on the trail that led down to the beach. I was planning on returning back via the beach but when I rounded the corner on this trail, I was greeted by high tide! So back the way I came! Should've fired up that Tides Timetable App!
Has everyone solidified their New Year's Eve plans? We are still plotting!
~
Happy Fence Friday Everyone!
a day with Holly ♥
una giornata fantastica, da tempo non mi divertivo cosi. Sono stata a Vigevano per la seconda volta in vita mia a trovare una mia carissima amica.. tra risate e tanto cibo la giornata è volata! Assolutamente da ripetere... ;D
Nikon D90 - Nikon 50mm f/1.4
Me on: | facebook | Blogspot | Getty Images
Vi chiedo cortesemente di non postare immagini di qualcunque tipo. Saranno rimosse.
Please don't post pictures of any kind. Will be removed.
This story tells us a tale of a gorgeous and rich land now buried under the sands,
Ras-al-Jabar
"An old castle called Ras-al-Jabar was built hundreds of years ago by Emir of
Rabaat in the southern realm of Mamlakat. The Salam river
runs through these lands and it is the main source of fresh water and
fish. Ras-al-Jabar is the center of trade and learning. Markets impress
everyone by rich variety of products from all over the world.
Ras-al-Jabar's library is still the largest in the southern region.
This castle provided safety and defence to the whole land.
But its greatness fell when The Dark times began..."
__________________________
This is my first entry for the Colossal Castle Contest 2012 in the Сastle Category
Winning entry
Main Picture | Brickshelf Set | More Pictures
Thanks for viewing! Hope you will like it!
Tokyo, Japan, Pan-Asia l 東京、日本、パンアジア
Section 12: Biological and Medical Studies District -- Kyoto Townhomes l セクション12：生物•医学研究地区 - 京都タウンホームズ
[American Spec Ops Deployment 4]
Music: www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUZ5wNobS-E
Gold Leader: "Deployment 4 is all accounted for and ready for departure. Who's ready to get off this living hell?"
Thresh: “I’m ready to light some more of those blue boys up. My baby just can't wait too either!"
*loading of magazine*
Sarah: "Don't get too trigger happy. You'll shoot yourself trying to get out of here alive..."
Thorne: "Copied, Gold Leader, I'm sending you the coordinates for the extraction point as of now... Be there in under 2 hours on the clock now and you should be able to avoid any unnecessary distractions.
Gold Leader: "Just received the coordinates. We’ll be there this time. And there will be no casualties, unlike last time. Alright boys, pack up."
Tancred: "Charges are set and secure. Our traces should be mostly covered up."
Thorne: "I'm picking up heat signatures south eastbound, so light the damn thing up"
Sarah: "Sni-"
*sniper rounds*
Vern: "Man down! We're gonna need a medic!"
Gold Leader: “Pull her inside and patch her up. Do anything you can to stop the bleeding."
"Thorne, call in the medics. We’re going to have a belated arrival… again."
Thorne: "I'm on it."
---
My 4th scene ever, and my 3rd U.S. scene for The Purge.
Enjoy,
--[Shock]--
P.S.
The first person to find the candy bar will get a real one.
The New Palace and the jubilee column (erected between 1841 and 1846) by night viewed through the bandstand from the opposite side of Schlossplatz, the central square in Stuttgart, Germany.
The New Palace (German: "das Neue Schloss", which may also be translated as New Castle) is a building which stands on the south edge of Schlossplatz. The castle is built in late Baroque style.
From 1746 to 1797 and from 1805 to 1807, it served as a residence of the kings of Württemberg. (At other times, the Ludwigsburg Palace, a few miles to the north was the favoured residence of the royal family). The palace stands adjacent to the Old Castle.
The castle was almost completely destroyed by Allied bombing during the Second World War and was reconstructed between 1958 and 1964. During this time most of the inside of the castle was also restored and the building was used by the Baden-Württemberg State Parliament. Today it is used by the State Ministries of Finance and Education. Public tours of the building are only permitted by special arrangement.(Wikipedia)
The former German President (1984 - 1994), Richard von Weizsäcker was born in the New Castle on April 15, 1920.
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© 2012 Ursula Sander - All rights reserved
Scusate per la mia lunga assenza ma ho avuto dei seri problemi, ora in via di risoluzione;
mi scuso se non potrò rispondere a tutti ma ci tenevo tanto a lasciarvi un mio saluto e un grande abbraccio!
Ringrazio tutti i miei cari contatti che mi seguono sempre con affetto, che questo Natale porti la pace e la serenità,
Spero di tornare al più presto tra voi, siete tutti nel mio cuore!!
Antonella
» Playing with Photoshop... Love to do this sometimes.
Have a great Sunday !!
» Press L to view large on black.
Sometimes it's good to take a step back...
Lens: Sigma 10-20 f/4-5.6 (click to see all my photos with this lens)
[Explored] Many thanks for your visits, comments and faves! :-))
Location: Sirajganj, B A N G L A D E S H.
Bangladesh is a small country but this country has many beauty full thing in country,Sunder bane
is one of them,There are many things here,Bangladesh is queen of the world.
Bangladesh is full of pride, passion, and vigor unlike anything. The people are not just friendly; rather, they are the most hospitable people. The food is not just delicious; rather, it is a vital part of the pulse of the nation, tying people and families together as they sit down to a meal, dig in (literally) with their hands, and enjoy. The landscapes are not just green; rather, they are verdant, majestic, serene, in tune with nature.
===============================================
সাবধানবাণী: বাণিজ্যিক উদ্দেশ্যে এই সাইটের কোন ছবি ব্যবহার করা
সম্পূর্ণভাবে নিষিদ্ধ এবং কপিরাইট আইনে দণ্ডনীয় অপরাধ।
© All Rights Reserved
Please seek my consent to publish it anywhere.
:::::::::::::: [RAZU] ::::::::::::::
jakirrazu@hotmail.com
Mobile no: 006 0163080112
===============================================
© all rights reserved by B℮n
Please take your time... to View it large on black
The ancient Roman city Florence was founded around 60 B.C. The city was the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. Politically, economically, and culturally it was the most important city in Europe for around 250 years; from some time before 1300 until the early 1500s. Florentines reinvented money in the form of the gold florin. This currency was the engine that drove Europe out of the Dark Ages. Florentines were the driving force behind the Age of Discovery. Florentine bankers financed Henry the Navigator and the Portuguese explorers who pioneered the route around Africa to India and the Far East. Florence is filled with many other churches stuffed with some of the finest art in the world. In all, Florence has something over 80 museums. Among those at the top of most lists are the City hall, the Palazzo della Signoria, the Archeological Museum and Museum of the History of Science. The Uffizi Gallery is one of the world's top art museums - it houses some of the most important works of the Renaissance, including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Giotto, Botticelli and Michelangelo. Lots of sculptures too. Wander some of the oldest streets in the city until you reach the Arno River, cross the Ponte Vecchio, and experience the newest area of Florence, the Oltrarno. Summer is hot in Italy, no getting away from it, but I don't see that as a reason to skip Florence.
To get a great overview of the city Florence - Italy, you have plenty of choices: climb the dome of the Cathdral or Giotto's Bell Tower or photo above from Piazzale Michelangelo undoubtedly the best panoramic view of Florence. The city walls surrounding Florence have been widened and rebuilt six different times, but only the last two walls protected also the quarters of Oltrarno. Some parts of them are still to be found in the quarters of San Frediano and San Niccolò.
Florence is de hoofdstad van Toscane en heeft bijna 400.000 inwoners. De grote rivier die door de stad stroomt is de Arno en daar zijn dan ook ruim tien bruggen overheen gelegd. De wegen die direct langs de Arno lopen beginnen allemaal met het woord Lungarno (vrij vertaald: langs de Arno). Florence is een van de belangrijkste kunststeden ter wereld. Het herbergt prachtige kunstwerken en gebouwen: de David van Michelangelo, de Santa Maria del Fiore met de koepel van Brunelleschi, de Ponte Vecchio met huizen aan de weerszijden van de brug, en niet te vergeten de Galleria degli Uffizi met een aantal van de belangrijkste renaissance-kunstwerken van Italiaanse, Hollandse, Vlaamse, Duitse en Spaanse meesters. Als je Florence wilt bezoeken, moet je proberen in de lente of de herfst te gaan; in de zomer is het er stikheet en barst het er van de toeristen, terwijl het in de herfst en de lente aangenaam warm is en niet al te druk bij de belangrijke bezienswaardigheden. Maar ja voor ons toch geen reden om deze stad over te slaan in hartje zomer.
As I travelled home from Cologne last week I saw those stars on the sky. So I got off the freeway a little bit north of Frankfurt. Usually you don't have a good chance to shoot the stars around Frankfurt because of the lights of the airport. But that night I was lucky to see a star sky like this.
I took this shot with my new Nikon 24-70mm 2.8 lens at ISO 100. I was amazed how good the outcome was. I usually took shots of the star skys with ISO 1600 and much more. I am still impressed of this lens.
Thank you again for all your comments and faves the last days. I appreciate that very much. I will catch up to your streams today again.
Have a good start into the weekend everyone!
I made a Pinterest ! I don't really know how to use it yet but if any if you have one, I'll follow you back :)
I've been so busy doing client work lately AGH. I'm glad my winter break starts today though!
Tumblr! | 365 project (pretty behind lol) | Facebook | Prints
Para - JotaEseGé más vale tarde que nunca.....-((
Muchas gracias por vuestras visitas y comentarios
Un montón de besos ¡¡
Thank you for your visits and comments
Kisses
Mi Blog - Mi caja de sueños
" Hijo es un ser que Dios nos prestó para hacer un curso intensivo de cómo amar a alguien más que a nosotros mismos, de cómo cambiar nuestros peores defectos para darles los mejores ejemplos y, de nosotros, aprender a tener coraje. Sí. ¡Eso es! Ser madre o padre es el mayor acto de coraje que alguien pueda tener, porque es exponerse a todo tipo de dolor, principalmente de la incertidumbre de estar actuando correctamente y del miedo a perder algo tan amado. ¿Perder? ¿Cómo? ¿No es nuestro? Fue apenas un préstamo... EL MÁS PRECIADO Y MARAVILLOSO PRÉSTAMO ya que son nuestros sólo mientras no pueden valerse por sí mismos; luego, le pertenecen a la vida, al destino y a sus propias familias. Dios bendiga siempre a nuestros hijos, pues a nosotros, ya nos bendijo con ellos. "
JOSÉ SARAMAGO
12/13/2012 09:45:06
© all rights reserved by B℮n
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Florence was the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. Politically, economically, and culturally it was the most important city in Europe for around 250 years; from some time before 1300 until the early 1500s. Florentines reinvented money in the form of the Gold Florin. This currency was the engine that drove Europe out of the Dark Ages. Florentines were the driving force behind the Age of Discovery. Florentine bankers financed Henry the Navigator and the Portuguese explorers who pioneered the route around Africa to India and the Far East. Florence is filled with many other churches stuffed with some of the finest art in the world. In all, Florence has something over 80 museums. Among those at the top of most lists are the City hall, the Palazzo della Signoria, the Archeological Museum and Museum of the History of Science. The Uffizi Gallery is one of the world's top art museums - it houses some of the most important works of the Renaissance, including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Giotto, Botticelli and Michelangelo. Lots of sculptures too. Wander some of the oldest streets in the city until you reach the Arno River, cross the Ponte Vecchio, and experience the newest area of Florence, the Oltrarno. Summer is hot in Italy, no getting away from it, but I don't see that as a reason to skip Florence.
To get a great overview of the city Florence - Italy, you have plenty of choices: climb the dome of the Cathdral or Giotto's Bell Tower or photo above from Piazzale Michelangelo undoubtedly the best panoramic view of Florence.
Florence is de hoofdstad van Toscane en heeft bijna 400.000 inwoners. De grote rivier die door de stad stroomt is de Arno en daar zijn dan ook ruim tien bruggen overheen gelegd. De wegen die direct langs de Arno lopen beginnen allemaal met het woord Lungarno vrij vertaald: langs de Arno. Florence is een van de belangrijkste kunststeden ter wereld. Het herbergt prachtige kunstwerken en gebouwen: de David van Michelangelo, de Santa Maria del Fiore met de koepel van Brunelleschi, de Ponte Vecchio met huizen aan de weerszijden van de brug, en niet te vergeten de Galleria degli Uffizi met een aantal van de belangrijkste renaissance-kunstwerken van Italiaanse, Hollandse, Vlaamse, Duitse en Spaanse meesters. Als je Florence wilt bezoeken, moet je proberen in de lente of de herfst te gaan; in de zomer is het er stikheet en barst het er van de toeristen, terwijl het in de herfst en de lente aangenaam warm is en niet al te druk bij de belangrijke bezienswaardigheden. Maar ja voor ons toch geen reden om deze stad over te slaan in hartje zomer.
Mornings along the waterfront provide me with sense of a fresh page for the day, full of opportunity. The Irish side of me sees opportunity for adventure and success, while the German side of me sees opportunity for pitfalls to be avoided!
Taken along Tacoma's waterfront on Commencement Bay, from one of the city's many parks (Jack Hyde), looking at the Sealift Military ships and the Port of Tacoma beyond.
Muchas gracias por vuestras visitas y comentarios
Un montón de besos ¡¡
Thank you for your visits and comments
Kissess
Mi Blog - Mi caja de sueños
Textura Skeletal-Mess ¡¡Thanks ¡¡
My Getty Images I My Favourites from my stream I Redbubble
Before I say something about the place, as it's a black and white picture, view it on black!
This shot was taken in La Digue (Seychelles) some months ago. It was the most spectacular sunset we witnessed and I am so happy I waited for it and believed the light would make it through the clouds even when it started raining.
I decided to process the picture in B&W because it is all about the light, I hope you like it.
Enjoy.
Camera: Nikon D700
Gear: Tripod+Cable Release
Lens: Nikkor 16-35 f/4 AF-S VR
I haven’t posted a night shot from Seattle since September. Steve suggested taking some night shots around downtown Seattle for the holiday season, so we met and looked around the sights. I’m slowly entering that holiday mode and spirit.
Please enjoy a glimpse of the entrance to Pike Place Market, one of Seattle’s most renowned landmarks, during the holiday season. It’s nice to see all the letters lit up this year. Sometimes certain letters are missing (i.e. the “L” in Public”) -- that has happened many times in the past!-- so it can give an entirely different message, but quite harmless with the right sense of humor.
Still marveling at how fast time flies sometimes. This will be my sixth Christmas living in Seattle. If you had asked me four years ago if I would ever become a sole proprietor and start my own small business as a professional photographer, I would have scoffed in your face and asked -- politely -- if you were on any type of medication. I also wouldn’t have predicted that I would still be living here, the longest time in one place. Perhaps it’s home now. Not sure. A few days ago, the City of Seattle sent me my business license registration forms so I can continue operations for TIA International Photography in 2013, commencing the fourth year of the business.
I am grateful.
WATCH ***TIA: YEAR IN PHOTOS 2012***
TIA INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY / TIA Facebook / TIA Twitter / TIA Blogger
Astronomy Magazine POD December 12 2012
M42 in LRGB + H-Alpha
Total Exposure time 9.7 hours
All exposures un binned (1x1)
8 x 600 sec each RGB
3 x 300 sec each RGB
10 x 60 sec each RGB
15 x 20 sec each RGB
3 x 300 sec each LUM
10 x 90 sec LUM
10 x 60 sec LUM
15 x 20 sec LUM
30 x 5 sec LUM
5 x 1800 sec H-Alpha
5 x 300 sec H-Alpha
30 x 60 sec H-Alpha
QHY9M monochrome CCD cooled to -30C www.astrofactors.com
Thomas M. Back TMB 92SS F5.5 APO Refractor
Paramount GT-1100S German Equatorial Mount (with MKS 4000)
Image Aquisition Maxim DL
Stacking and Calibrating: CCDStack
Registration of images in Registar
Post Processing Photoshop CS5
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Quién quiera ver las fotos de la serie, como están en el primer comentario, tiene que hacer clic sucesivas veces sobre el enlace "ver 20 comentarios más" o "view 20 more comments", hasta conseguir llegar al primero......cosas de Flickr......
(esta nota es para los que acceden directamente desde Internet, la seguiré poniendo mientras primen la visualización de los últimos comentarios)
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Canto Gregoriano ♫ ♪ Benedictinos de Silos
El Monasterio de S. João d'Arga es uno de los más antiguos de Portugal y se encuentra en plena Sierra de Arga, en su contrafuerte norte a una altura considerable y con vistas al Río S. João, en un medio totalmente agreste.
Fué fundado el el año 661 por San Fructuoso, obispo de Braga y restaurado en la Edad Media por los monjes benedictinos que permanecieron allí hasta el siglo XIII.
En 1258 aparece inventariado como perteneciente al obispado de Tuy (España).
En 1599 el rey Don Manuel I donó la propiedad de este monasterio al Marqués de Vila Real y más tarde pasó a manos de la Casa del Infantado que lo conservó hasta 1834.
En el interior de su capilla de trazo barroco, originalmente románica, hay una imagen de S. Miguel guerreando con un demonio dos veces mayor que él y otra de S. Aginha, un bandido del siglo XVIII, que después de llevar el terror a la zona, se redimió.....aunque el centro de atención de este santuario es la imagen de S. João Baptista que lo preside.
En este santuario se celebra una romeria el 28 y 29 de Agosto con su noche incluida y a la que muchos suben a pie, que es de las más populares de todo el norte portugués. Las celdas construidas en el s. XVIII, funcionan como albergue de romeros y peregrinos.
E' venerdì sera e le luci sono basse
Cerchi un posto in cui andare
Dove mettano la musica giusta,
Per immergersi nello swing
Ci vieni per cercare un re
Quel ragazzo potrebbe essere chiunque
La notte è giovane e la musica è alta
Con un pò di musica rock tutto è bello
Sei dell'umore per ballare
E quando cogli l'occasione
Tu sei la regina danzante..
p.s. Per chi volesse leggere tutta la favola deve tornare indietro con le pagine, Flickr con la sua nuova versione vuole mettere un freno alla mia fantasia;((((
Entrar dentro destas antigas muralhas e compreender por que motivo se constrói tão belo e dispendioso Castelo implica um estado de alma e alguma capacidade para recuarmos no tempo, se conseguirmos por em prática tal exercício estamos a um pequeno passo de compreender e perceber exatamente o motivo de tais construções… Os mais antigos testemunhos da ocupação humana localizam-se num cume da vertente norte da Serra de Sintra. Trata-se da ocupação epipaleolítica da Penha Verde, comprovada por abundantes utensílios de tipo micro-laminar. Testemunho de uma ocupação do Neolítico é o sítio de São Pedro de Canaferrim, junto à Capela do Castelo dos Mouros. Ocupação testemunhada pela presença de cerâmicas decoradas associadas a uma indústria lítica talhada em sílex, datada pelo método do radiocarbono de inícios do V milénio a.C. A originalidade deste sítio, enquadrado em termos cronológicos e culturais na corrente circum-mediterrânea, consiste na sua implantação na paisagem, em plena montanha. Vestígios vários da Idade do Bronze segunda metade do II milénio a.C. - inícios do I, surgem em diversos locais da Serra de Sintra, mesmo a nível de habitats do Bronze mais antigo, séculos IX-VI a.C.
No tempo do Império Romano toda a região de Sintra se inscreveu no vasto territorium da civitas olisiponense, à qual César cerca de 49 a.C. ou mais provavelmente, Octaviano cerca de 30 a.C., terá concedido o invejável estatuto de Municipium Civium Romanorum. Os vários habitantes da região, adotaram nomes romanos e apresentam-se plenamente imbuídos de romanidade, nos mais diversos aspetos culturais, políticos e económicos. Mesmo aqueles que, porventura oriundos de outras regiões da Lusitânia, ostentam nomes indígenas aparecem quase sempre integrados nesta sociedade profundamente romanizada.
O nome de Sintra muito provavelmente terá tido origem num templo erguido uns 308 anos antes de Cristo, por Gregos, Galo-celtas e Túrdulos, dedicado à Lua. Os Celtas chamavam a Lua de Cynthia e quando os Árabes dominaram a região, por não pronunciar o 'c', chamavam o local de Xintra ou Zintira. Existe ainda todo um património literário que transformou o nome Sintra numa referência quase lendária. Sintra, cuja mais antiga forma medieval conhecida "Suntria" apontará para o indo-europeu “astro luminoso” ou “sol”, terá sido designada por Varrão e Columela como Monte Sagrado. Ptolomeu registou-a como a "Serra da Lua" e o geógrafo árabe Al-Bacr, no século X, caracterizou Sintra como «permanentemente mergulhada numa bruma que se não dissipa». A pesquisa arqueológica contemporânea, entretanto, revela que a primitiva ocupação da região de Sintra data dos séculos X a VIII a.C..
O primeiro plano das muralhas deste castelo nasce um pouco acima da extinta Igreja Matriz de São Miguel, contornando a rocha irregular e bastante íngreme da montanha. Porém, este troço encontra-se hoje parcialmente destruído. Mais próximo do topo, surge-nos o Castelo propriamente dito, pleno de majestade. Aí erguem-se várias torres, sendo uma delas de feição semicircular, cujo acesso se processa através de cinco degraus de pedra. Devido à irregularidade do terreno, as muralhas do castelo foram, em certas zonas, edificadas sobre grandes penedos graníticos, facto que muito contribuiu para os acentuados desníveis observados ao longo de todo o trajeto amuralhado, o que obrigou ainda à construção de longos e serpenteantes lanços de escadas. A porta principal da fortaleza foi construída num arco de volta perfeita, surgindo logo à esquerda uma cisterna abobadada, também medieval, que se impõe pelas suas dimensões e singularidade arquitetónica.
Acerca das origens do denominado Castelo dos Mouros pouco se sabe. Ainda que alguns autores remontem a sua fundação ao período visigótico, as primeiras provas documentais reportam-se já à época da plena ocupação muçulmana, concretamente ao século XI. Todavia, será lícito concluir que a edificação do Castelo se tenha verificado anteriormente, talvez no século IX. Em 1093, D. Afonso VI, Rei de Leão, tomou Sintra aos muçulmanos; dezasseis anos volvidos, Sigurd, príncipe Norueguês, saqueou o castelo dos Mouros, que os muçulmanos entretanto haviam recuperado. Também, por essa altura e por um curto período de tempo, o conde D. Henrique foi o seu proprietário. Após a conquista de Santarém, o rei D. Afonso Henriques impôs um cerco a Lisboa, que se estendeu por três meses. Embora o Castelo de Sintra se tenha entregado voluntariamente após a queda de Lisboa, reza a lenda que, nessa ocasião, receoso de um ataque de surpresa às suas forças, por parte dos mouros de Sintra, o soberano incumbiu D. Gil, um cavaleiro templário, que formasse um grupo com vinte homens da mais estrita confiança, para, secretamente, ali irem observar o movimento inimigo, prevenindo-se, ao mesmo tempo, um deslocamento dos mouros de Lisboa, via Cascais, pelo rio Tejo até Sintra. Os cruzados colocaram-se a caminho sigilosamente. Para evitar serem avistados, viajaram de noite, ocultando-se de dia, pela estrada de Torres Vedras até Santa Cruz, pela costa até Colares, tentando ainda, evitar Albernoz, um temido chefe mouro de Colares, que possuía fama de matador de cristãos. Entre Colares e o Penedo, Nossa Senhora apareceu aos receosos cavaleiros e disse-lhes: "Não tenhais medo porque ides vinte, mas mil ides". Desse modo, cheios de coragem porque a Senhora estava com eles, ao final de cinco dias de percurso confrontaram o inimigo derrotando-o e assim conquistaram o Castelo dos Mouros. Em homenagem a este feito foi erguida a Capela de Nossa Senhora de Milides ("mil ides"), em Colares.
D. Afonso Henriques confiou então a guarda da fortaleza a trinta povoadores, que não eram mais do que uma mera guarnição, aos quais foram concedidos privilégios através de carta de foral, outorgada pelo próprio Rei, em 1154. Foi também para eles que se ergueu, no recinto amuralhado, a primitiva igreja de São Pedro de Canaferrim. No entanto, com o contínuo e firme avanço da Reconquista cristã para Sul, o Castelo dos Mouros foi perdendo a sua importância estratégica. Mais tarde, no início da Segunda Dinastia, a consolidação da nacionalidade, a estabilidade social e a reorganização do reino, conduziram ao abandono total desta grande e majestosa fortaleza. Neste contexto, logo nos começos do século XV foi transferida a paróquia de São Pedro para a nova igreja edificada no termo da Vila e nos finais de quatrocentos, apenas habitavam o sítio do castelo alguns judeus, que aí permaneciam, segregados da comunidade por ordem régia. D. Manuel I extinguiu os grupos minoritários e na sequência dessa atitude, o Castelo dos Mouros foi despovoado por completo. Abandonada, a fortaleza sentiu a implacável passagem do tempo e foi caindo na ruina quase absoluta, estado que se agravou ainda mais com o terramoto de 1755, a maior parte dos muros do Castelo desmoronou-se quase na totalidade. No século XIX, D. Fernando II tomou a pulso a velha fortaleza e procedeu ao seu restauro integral. Este mecenas esclarecido e culto procedeu a uma imaginativa obra de conservação e restauro, iniciativa importante que susteve a ruína em que o castelo se encontrava.
Com um olho para um mercado turístico incipiente, em 1954 algumas das falésias foram recuperadas para estabelecer uma área de piqueniques perto do castelo e, em 1965, um transformador foi instalado para fornecer iluminação. Em 1979, escavações arqueológicas na Capela de São Pedro executada pelos serviços culturais de Portugal, descobriu a existência de túmulos funerários medievais, que datam do final do seculo XII princípio de XIII. Um despacho do Ministério da Cultura, em 26 de Junho de 1996, declarou a área do Castelo como uma zona de especial interesse. Apenas a base das torres e as muralhas serão parte da fundação inicial. Decorrem atualmente campanhas de escavação arqueológica que têm vindo a esclarecer muitas questões sobre a história da presença humana neste local e constituem também um atracão, dado que podem ser acompanhadas pelos visitantes. Numa recente visita a este castelo verificamos que apesar de decorrerem essas importantes escavações muito haverá a fazer ainda para que os mistérios deste antiquíssimo castelo possam ser desvendados…
Diz a história, que o poeta Bernardim Ribeiro terá habitado neste bucólico e isolado local. Este castelo está integrado na área Paisagística e Cultural de Sintra, local classificado Património Mundial pela UNESCO. Do alto das suas muralhas é possível admirar uma paisagem deslumbrante e única que nos apresenta a vila de Sintra em primeiro plano, estendendo-se até ao Cabo da Roca, a Praia das Maçãs, Mafra, Ericeira e o oceano Atlântico, observando toda a linha de costa e obtendo uma vista privilegiada da serra de Sintra, vestida de verde e pontuada por belas quintas, românticos chalés e magníficos palácios, vale bem a pena uma visita a este parque natural rico em misticismo e lendas que nos fazem recuar a tempos que nos dias de hoje nos parecem utópicos, muito embora me pareça que nesse tempo, muito pouco seria tão mágico assim, quanto mais estudo a história mais me apercebo que aquilo que dela resta só tem magia para uma classe social muito restrita, a pobreza será sempre a pobreza e desse tempo em nada terá diferido da atual ou da pobreza das gerações futuras, que segundo me parece, de diferente só o será na quantidade certamente mais elevada…
A lenda de Zaida, a moura encantada
Na serra de Sintra, perto do Castelo dos Mouros, existe uma rocha com um corte que a tradição diz, marcar a entrada para uma cova que tem comunicação com o castelo. É conhecida pela Cova da Moura ou a Cova Encantada e está ligada a uma lenda do tempo em que os Mouros dominavam Sintra e os cristãos nela faziam frequentes incursões. Num dos combates, foi feito prisioneiro um cavaleiro nobre por quem Zaida, a filha do alcaide, se apaixonou. Dia após dia, Zaida visitava o nobre cavaleiro até que chegou a hora da sua libertação através do pagamento de um resgate. O cavaleiro apaixonado pediu a Zaida para fugir com ele mas Zaida recusou, pedindo-lhe para nunca mais a esquecer. O nobre cavaleiro voltou para a sua família mas uma grande tristeza ensombrava os seus dias. Tentou esquecer Zaida nos campos de batalha, mas após muitas noites de insónia decidiu atacar de novo o castelo de Sintra.
Foi durante esse combate que os dois enamorados se abraçaram, mas a sorte ou o azar quis que o nobre cavaleiro tombasse ferido. Zaida arrastou o seu amado, através de uma passagem secreta, até uma sala escondida nas grutas e, enquanto enchia uma bilha de água numa nascente próxima para levar ao seu amado, foi atingida por uma seta e caiu ferida. O cavaleiro cristão juntou-se ao corpo da sua amada e os dois sangues misturaram-se, sendo ambos encontrados mais tarde já sem vida. Desde então, em certas noites de luar, aparece junto à cova uma formosa donzela vestida de branco com uma bilha que enche de água para depois desaparecer na noite após um doloroso gemido…Há la coisas!
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I have several images form my archives that I plan to post over the Winter months. Maybe one day soon it will snow and I can get some fresh Winter images. In the meantime here is a view of the sheer cliff walls surrounding Crater Lake. A rock formation known as Pumice Castle is noticeable on the right due to it's bright orange color and pinkish-brown turrets which make it stand out from its surroundings. Thanks for the visits and have a great Tuesday everyone!
Location: Abu Dhabi Corniche, UAE
Time: December 1st, 2012
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41st UAE National Day...Woohoo!
* * SPIRIT OF THE UNION * *
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EXIF Info (for the fireworks shot only):
f/11, 10s, ISO/100, 19mm
Canon 600D, EF Len f/4L 17-40mm
DxO Optics Pro -> Hugin -> Photomatix -> PSE
Note: the number of views is shooting through the roof thanks to hits from this page on reddit.
Hi All, thanks so much for the views, faves, comments, invitations, or even a "Is this thing really on Explore? Meh..." reaction. Never thought that this photo would reach Top 10 (hope it stays there also :p) I will try to return favors to all of you but hope you don't mind if I'm a little slow to respond.
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Levanto is the Hidden Gem on the Italian Riviera and the doorway to the Cinque Terre. A town of pre-roman origins, lies at the northern end of the enticing little villages. Levanto literally means the land situated east of Genova. It has a long sandy beach, an interesting old center, many delightful painted villas, a bustling Wednesday market, and good restaurants and shops. Levanto is a real town with a city park where families get together and the children have fun. You can actually even find a laundromat here as well as normal shops not always found in larger touristy locations. It's most picturesque, fun and quaint at the same time, very accessible, and terrific for swimming. Being on the water makes the cliffs more dramatic, the colors more intense, and the water a deeper shade of blue. Enjoying a partcularly mild climate, from here it's easy to visit the fascinating ports of the Cinque Terre, either by train, by sea or hiking.
Beautiful cycle path built on the route of the old coastal railway from Levanto to Bonassola. Along the stretch these young couple can also access to beaches and hidden coves otherwise unreachable except by sea. Among the most loveliest paths there is in Italy. Recommended to all.
Levanto ligt in de Italiaanse regio Ligurië en valt onder de provincie La Spezia. Levanto is voor vele Cinque Terre bezoekers de verblijfplaats voor hun bezoek. Er zijn heel wat hotelletjes en B&Bs, die doorgaans iets goedkoper zijn dan deze in de vijf dorpen van de Cinque Terre. Met de trein ben je vanuit Levanto op enkele minuten in Monterosso. Maar Levanto is ook zelf meer dan de moeite waard. Omringd door een uiterst vriendelijke plaatselijke bevolking en verwend met alle culinaire geneugtes van Italië is het een weldaad om in Levanto door te brengen. Onthaasten op een terrasje, heerlijk uitrusten aan het prachtige strand en 's avonds lekker eten. Het dorp is omringd door heuvels die zijn bezaaid met wijngaarden en olijfbomen en heeft fantastische stranden, adembenemende riffen en kristalheldere wateren. Leuk en erg gezellig, zeer toegankelijk en geweldig voor zwemmen. Het strand in Levanto wordt in de zomermaanden altijd druk bezocht door Italianen.
Ultime luci del giorno sulle dune del Deserto del Thar a poche decine di chilometri dal confine con il Pakistan
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