Panorama view out of 5 single shots.

Directly north of Boppard, the Rhine takes its greatest bend. This bow is called the Bopparder Hamm. The best known lookout point over this bow in the Rhine is the Vierseenblick, or “Four-Lake View”. This vista gets its name from the way in which the Rhine can be seen from here, or rather the way in which it cannot be seen: hills block out most of the view of the river itself so that visitors can only see four apparently separate patches of water, rather like four lakes. These are all actually parts of the Rhine; there are no lakes to be seen. The Vierseenblick can be reached by chairlift.

Panorama view of 5 single shots.

Boppard lies on the upper Middle Rhine, often known as the Rhine Gorge. This characteristic narrow form of valley arose from downward erosion of the Rhine’s riverbed. Since 2002, the Gorge has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A 17 km stretch of the Rhine forms the town’s eastern limit. (Wikipedia)

© 2013 Ursula Sander - All rights reserved.

UN ALTRA VISIONE DI UN UNIVERSO PARALLELO

Explore 31 August. Highest #9

© all rights reserved by B℮n

Please take your time... to View it large on black

The Hondsbossche Zeewering is one of the highest dykes in the world dikes. This gigantic dike connects the dunes between Kamperduin and Petten and protects the Zijper Polder against water. This Polder is over 400 years old and is the oldest part of the Netherlands which is drained. Over the dike, which is nearly 6 km long, you can enjoy hiking, cycling or running next to the North Sea. Petten could have been founded in 739. The name refers to the three wells Dutch: putten which are located there. There was already a mention of a sand dike in 1388 between Petten and Callantsoog. In the St. Elizabeth's flood in 1421, Petten was entirely washed away, and the dunes were damaged. It ranks 10th in the list of top ten worst floods in history. A number of villages were swallowed by the flood and were lost, causing between 2,000 and 10,000 casualties. The dike breaks and floods caused widespread devastation in Zeeland and Holland. An additional sleeper dike was built behind the dunes in 1432 and from 1506 active coastal defense took place. Even so, more than 100 houses were washed away in 1625, plus the church of Petten. The construction of the Hondsbossche zeewering began in 1793. Strengthening the dike using sand seems to be the best option and can count on a lot of support because in this way a lovely beach will be created with new possibilities for nature, recreation and water sports. Experts in the field of coastal protection confirm that spraying sand offers many benefits in the long term as well. The bike path along the coast is very much appreciated by the locals and tourists. North and south of the Hondsbossche Zeewering are many kilometers of bike paths, through the beautiful dunes, with its forests, sand dunes and heaths.

The embankment of the Hondsbossche Zeewering - dyke stands between the wind and the North Sea, and agricultural communities of Petten on the other side. The dyke was build after the the St. Elizabeth's flood in 1421. Petten was entirely washed away, and the dunes were damaged. Now it's is one of the highest dykes in the world dikes and a great place to enjoy hiking, cycling or running.

De Hondsbossche Zeewering is één van de hoogste dijken ter wereld. Deze gigantische dijk verbindt de duinen tussen Kamperduin en Petten en beschermd de Zijper Polder tegen het water. Deze Polder is meer dan 400 jaar oud en is daarmee het oudste stukje Nederland wat is drooggelegd. Over de dijk, die bijna 6 km lang is, kan men heerlijk wandelen, fietsen of hardlopen, direct aan de Noordzee. Dit fietspad langs de kust wordt zeer gewaardeerd door recreanten en toeristen. De provincie is daarin tegemoet gekomen aan de wens van bewoners. Ten noorden en zuiden van de Hondsbossche Zeewering liggen vele kilometers fietspaden, dwars door de schone duinen, met zijn bossen, zandverstuivingen en heidevelden. Bij de St. Elisabethsvloed van 1421 werden de duinen tussen Kamperduin en Petten weggeslagen. Na de storm werd er tussen de twee plaatsen een dijk aangelegd, de Hondsbossche Zeewering. Vermoedelijk werd de ramp veroorzaakt door een bijzonder zware noordwesterstorm, gevolgd door een zeer hoge stormvloed. Van springvloed zoals bij de Watersnood van 1953 was toen geen sprake, maar het natte weer was er de oorzaak van dat het opperwater afkomstig van de rivieren nog zeer hoog stond. De dijkdoorbraken en overstromingen richtten in Zeeland en Holland grote verwoestingen aan. Het aantal slachtoffers is in de loop van de tijd door mythevorming opgelopen tot 100.000. Schattingen geven aan dat mogelijk tussen tweeduizend en tienduizen mensen de dood vonden. Net als vele andere dorpen aan de Noord-Hollandse kust, is ook Petten herhaaldelijk landinwaarts herbouwd. De inwoners van Petten leefden van de visserij, landbouw en strandvonderij. In het algemeen was het leven in het oude Petten redelijk welvarend. De Hondsbossche Zeewering vormt één geheel met de veel kortere Pettemer Zeewering. Vlak langs de dijk ligt het vogelreservaat De Putten. Dit gebied is een geliefde broed- en overnachtingsplaats voor verschillende vogelsoorten. Om die reden is het gebied dan ook niet vrij toegankelijk. In het domein liggen ondiepe vijvertjes, die zijn ontstaan door het afgraven van grond ten behoeve van herstellingen aan de Hondsbossche Zeewering.

Here's some Lego target practice at our house! :) The watermelon never knew what hit him.

This was built for our Iron Builder against the Erickson Brothers using the flexible green spike as an exit wound.

. _ ________,

>` (==(--------' - pew => - pew =>

/__/~~`

Here's another Lego fruit shooting we found by Tim Simon, so check his out!

In the end, I think that I will like that we were sitting on the bed, talking & wondering where the time had gone.

StoryPeople

texture: Cris Buscaglia Lenz

www.photoboxgallery.com/gallery/photo?photo_id=4066521663

Saturday was a calm clear evening, and the quality of the light was beautiful.

Up to the mountain

♥

Please don't use this image on websites, blogs or other media without my written permission.

© Toni_V. All rights reserved.

The Three Sisters is Liechtenstein's most famous legend.

On the Feast of the Assumption (15 August), three sisters went up to Gafadura above the village of Planken to pick berries. As they walked along the path they heard the sounds of the church bells announcing the holy feast and calling worshippers to church. One of the sisters suggested they should also go to church, but the other two replied that the baskets had to be full of berries before they returned to the village.

Towards the end of the afternoon the baskets were full and the three sisters headed back home. On their way they met a beautiful woman who asked them for some berries. The sisters were reluctant to give her any and replied that people who want berries should pick them themselves. All of a sudden, a halo appeared around the head of the woman and she spoke to them, "You have dishonoured my holy day and refused my request. Your hearts are of stone. Therefore, as punishment, you shall be turned to stone and remain here forever." Upon saying that, the sisters were transformed into huge rocks, which from that day on became known as the Three Sisters.

www.tourismus.li/en/summer/hiking/popular-hikes/Fuerstens...

© all rights reserved by B℮n

Please take your time... and enjoy it large on black

People from all around the world come to this quaint Dutch village located an hour’s drive north of Amsterdam. Enkhuizen is a beautiful city in the Netherlands in the province of North Holland. Enkhuizen was one of the harbour-towns of the East India Company - VOC, just like Hoorn and Amsterdam, from where overseas trade with the East Indies was conducted. It received city rights in 1355. In the mid-17th century, Enkhuizen was at the peak of its power and was one of the most important harbour cities in the Netherlands. However, due to a variety of reasons, notably the silting up of the harbours, Enkhuizen lost its position to Amsterdam. Nowadays, Enkhuizen continues the maritime tradition and has one of the largest marinas of the Netherlands. It is also the location of the Zuiderzeemuseum, an open-air museum reflecting life in the villages around the Zuiderzee throughout history. Enkhuizen is a great place to walk or cycle from one monument to another. The town is also a water lover's paradise. Boats abound; at times, every second street seems to be a canal.

In the 17th century, Enkhuizen was one of the wealthiest cities of Holland. It gained power and influence as a member of the VOC. Enkhuizen’s rich history is still noticeable today as you walk through the old inner city with its numerous state mansions, canals, churches, city walls and harbors. A walk across the Drommedaris-bridge brings you to a street called Dijk, which is lined with excellent examples of home styles from the 18th century - photo above.

Enkhuizen is een stad en gemeente in de regio West-Friesland, in de Nederlandse provincie Noord-Holland. De gemeente ligt aan zowel het Markermeer als het IJsselmeer. Enkhuizen staat bekend als de Haringstad vanwege haar verleden als centrum voor de haringvisserij. De geschiedenis van de Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie, kortweg VOC, is in Enkhuizen nog duidelijk zichtbaar. De VOC was in de 17e en 18e eeuw de grootste handelsonderneming ter wereld die met zijn prachtige schepen naar Aziatische landen reisde om handel te drijven. Door de gunstige ligging aan het IJsselmeer was het aantrekkelijke om hier een Kamer’ van de VOC te vestigen. De Drommedaris hier aan de linkerkant te zien, de verdedigingstoren aan de haven, en het centrum met de historische panden herinneren nog aan deze welvarende tijd. Vanzelfsprekend kan de watersporter hier zijn hart ophalen. De Westfriese Waterweken, de Klipperrace en het Jazzfestival zijn een greep uit de vele evenementen die ieder jaar in en om de haven worden georganiseerd. Ook aan cultuur is geen gebrek. In het Zuiderzeemuseum tonen ambachtslieden hun werk en krijg je een indruk van het leven aan zee. In Enkhuizen wordt nog Enkhuizens gesproken, een West-Fries dialect.

♫ Oh Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder, Consider all, all of the worlds Thy hands have made

I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed

´phe

Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee

How great Thou art, how great Thou art

Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee

How great Thou art, how great Thou art

How great Thou art, how great Thou art ♫

Hoje dia 19 de Agosto é o Dia internacional da Fotografia e nada mais justo que para lembrar a data, colocar um talentoso fotografo como o Amigo Alvaro em ação e com a mão na botija.

* Todas as Fotos da Sequencia estão abertas, pois já foram publicadas anteriormente.

Foto: O Fotografo e o Por do Sol - Praia de Piratininga - Niteroi - Rio de Janeiro - Brasil

Video: ♪ How Great Thou Art ♪ - Sandi Patty

Conforme a Lei 9.610/98, é proibida a reprodução total ou parcial ou divulgação comercial ou não sem a autorização prévia e expressa do autor (artigo 29). ® Todos os direitos reservados.

Hope you are having a great weekend :-)

My dear contacts!

I'm not able to comment on your art at the moment, and I'm not expecting you to do otherwise :))

Hope we'll continue to see each other in the autumn!!! :)))

Wish you all a wonderful summer time!

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.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pannonian_Plain

☼

☼

Created for Kreative People August Challenge - SUNSHINE DAYS

happy sliders sunday everyone, have a terrific week ahead!

Seen over the Vineyards in Beutelsbach / Germany

Serie de la ruta al final

Series of the route at the end

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" El embalse de Lindoso era una realidad sin retorno suscrita en 1968 por Franco y Salazar en un convenio internacional para el aprovechamiento de los ríos fronterizos .....anegó varios pueblos gallegos con una dolorosa expropiacion forzosa y a pesar de aportar España el 80% del suelo cubierto por el pantano, no recibieron ni perciben en la actualidad ingreso alguno. "

Fotos pueblo sumergido

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Estas fotos son de la segunda vez que fuimos a Lindoso buscando otra ruta que tampoco encontré......y acabamos haciendo una ruta alternativa que ya subiré más adelante y visitando esta presa.

O bien Lindoso es complicado en sí o yo no estoy muy inspirada ultimamente :-) pero es una zona tan bonita, que volveremos cuando aflojen un poco los calores ......

Somali kittens - reposting an old shot of Ivanhoe and siblings 8 weeks old.

First posted 2013 - reposted for the "Happy Caturday" theme "Memories", 13.10.2018.

Dushara Burning Red Ivanhoe (left) with littermates (Somali cats), 17.06.2007

Olympus E-400 Digital Camera

A bit of a slider view from Fête Paradiso, a celebration of vintage French carnival rides, carousels and games - Governors Island, New York.

Happy Slider Sunday - HSS

Texture by Skeletalmess and Lenabem-Anna.

Additional information on the exhibit can be found at: www.feteparadiso.com/about

Walk through the avenue of plane trees (Platanus) in the Schlossgarten park in Stuttgart, Germany

Much better in Large On Black

© 2013 Ursula Sander - All rights reserved.

This was shot over 3 or 4 nights during June-July. I only decided to make a mosaic after shooting the Lagoon and Trifid nebs and thinking it would be pretty awesome to show the whole area off as there is so much going on! Unfortunately, with the spur of the moment decision to take this on, i was left with no time to complete it before the Milky Way sank out of reach. I intended to make this a 15 panel mosaic but only managed 4! But i will be better prepared next year :)

This was a hard one to process. Its my first long exposure astro mosaic so i struggled with trying to make everything blend together seamlessly. Each panel being shot on a different night at different temperatures didn't help either. Especially one panel which i only managed 45 minutes on due to cloud ruining a lot of the frames. I had to stretch it first and then bring the rest of them up to the same point. If i had managed the same amount of exposure time on each one, i could of probably stretched a bit further!

Exposure Details:

3 panels contains 1 hour 20 minutes worth of 120 second exposures, the other 44 minutes worth, f3.2, ISO 800, calibration frames, 200mm

Stitched with Microsoft ICE, Processed in CS5

Taken with a Canon 1100D and a EF200L lens on an Astrotrac TT320X-AG

Random archive pick and disappointment with Topaz photoFXlab - it introduces terrible noise-like artefacts and kills the image quality. Well, from 20 feet away from the screen it looks OK, and we can pretend it's 'texture', but...

The very same Topaz filters (Detail, Adjust) don't do this within Photoshop. The Lab is supposed to be their native platform, so why this happens is beyond me. It was very promising, especially for the Instatone feature (for which alone I may still use it - as a 'single trick pony', a filter, rather than host shell and all-in-one editing environment)...

Wonder what Topaz have to say about this - must read some of their forums...

© all rights reserved by B℮n

Please take your time... to View it large on black

Verona is a city straddling the Adige river in Veneto, northern Italy most famous as the setting for Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The area was already inhabited in prehistoric times, but who the first people were to establish themselves there remains a mystery. In 89 BC, when it became a Roman Colony, the city began to stand out. The traces of the Romans' works remain very much in evidence to this day. It is one of the main tourist destinations in northern Italy, owing to its artistic heritage, several annual fairs, shows, and operas, such as the lyrical season in the Arena, the ancient amphitheatre built by the Romans. The city has been awarded World Heritage Site status by UNESCO because of its urban structure and architecture. Verona remains one of Italy’s most underrated cities despite its picturesque center of cobblestone streets lined with medieval pink-hued buildings, well-preserved Roman sites and dozens of churches. A short hop from major hubs like Milan and Venice, the former Roman settlement never feels overrun by tourists. Verona is so culturally vibrant, you’ll find time for lavish meals in inventive new restaurants, tastings at wine bars tucked away behind unassuming facades and shopping in small boutiques off the main arteries.

The Arena of Verona was built by the Romans in the 1st century AD, in the Augustan period. Its name comes from its central area, which was covered with sand. As in all amphitheaters, the famous gladiator fights were held here. Walking through the ancient corridors you are overwhelmed by the sheer size of the structure. With 44 levels, the arena has a current capacity of about 15,000 patrons. In its prime it had a capacity of 20,000. The stone seats definitely require a little padding, but it is truly a wonderful venue. In the days of the Roman empire, up to 30,000 people would travel to Verona to watch gladiators fight against ferocious beasts during the Roman games; circus acts and plays would also be staged. Photo of the Inside of Verona Arena with a scenery for an Aida opera performance. From gladiators then to opera singers now.

Verona is een stad in Noord-Italië en is hoofdstad van de gelijknamige provincie Verona in de regio Veneto. De stad ligt ten oosten van Milaan. De binnenstad van Verona staat sinds 2000 op de Werelderfgoedlijst van UNESCO. Verona is het meest bekend als stad van Romeo en Julia, Shakespeare's legendarische liefdespaar. Het veronderstelde balkon van Julia in de Via Cappella, haar graf en de kerk waar het huwelijk van dit beroemde paar zou zijn ingezegend, trekken jaarlijks vele duizenden toeristen. Veel bezoekers beschouwen het schilderachtige Verona als een uiterst prettige stad, meer ontspannen dan de nabij gelegen toeristen-bijenkorf Venetië. Het centrum van de stad aan de rivier de Adige is de Piazza della Erbe. Vroeger was hier een Romeins forum, nu wordt er dagelijks een levendige groentemarkt gehouden. Verona was voor de Romeinen al een belangrijk centrum vanwege de ligging aan het eind van de Brennerpas. Hier kwamen drie Romeinse wegen samen. Het bekendste gebouw van Verona is de Arena, na het Colosseum in Rome het grootste bewaard gebleven Romeinse amfitheater. Het bouwwerk kan overdag worden bezichtigd, en is tijdens de zomermaanden s'avonds het decor van wereldberoemde operavoorstellingen.

♫ Manhã, tão bonita manhã, na vida, uma nova canção

Cantando só teus olhos, teu riso, tuas mãos

Pois há de haver um dia, em que virás!!!

Deste amor ♫

Deixo com vocês André Rieu com essa antiga e bela canção com o desejo para as Pessoas de Boa Vontade, uma semana ricamente abençoada, livre do mal, repleta de saúde, alegrias, paz e prosperidade.

Foto: Cristo Redentor - Corcovado - Rio de Janeiro - Brasil

According to Law 9.610/98, it is prohibited the partial or total commercial reproduction without the previous written authorization of the author (article 29). ® All rights are reserved.

Conforme a Lei 9.610/98, é proibida a reprodução total e parcial ou divulgação comercial ou não sem a autorização prévia e expressa do autor (artigo 29). ® Todos os direitos reservados.

Smoo Cave is a large combined sea cave and freshwater cave in Durness in Sutherland, Highland, Scotland.

After I was taking the photos with the ND filter, the sun came out for a really short time. I liked the contrast between the warm light on the rocks in front, to the cold, metallic look of the background.

Here is the first one:

www.flickr.com/photos/dcdead/8588044633/

Día despejado en la Piedra del Águila del Parque Nacional Nahuelbuta, con vista de 400 kms. de los Andes de la zona central de Chile, desde el Nevado de Longaví hasta el Choshuenco.

Región de la Araucanía, Chile central.

Em poucas palavras o arquiteto Oscar Niemeyer (1907-2012) resume o seu projeto para o Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Niterói - MAC-Niterói: "O terreno era estreito, cercado pelo mar e a solução aconteceu naturalmente, tendo como ponto de partida o apoio central inevitável. Dele, a arquitetura ocorreu espontânea como uma flor. A vista para o mar era belíssima e cabia aproveitá-la. E suspendi o edifício e sob ele o panorama se estendeu mais rico ainda. Defini então o perfil do museu. Uma linha que nasce do chão e sem interrupção cresce e se desdobra, sensual, até a cobertura. A forma do prédio, que sempre imaginei circular, se fixou e, no seu interior me detive apaixonado. À volta do museu criei uma galeria aberta para o mar, repetindo-a no segundo pavimento, como um mezanino debruçado sobre o grande salão de exposições".

O edifício - cuja construção é iniciada em 1991, na primeira gestão do prefeito Jorge Roberto da Silveira, quando Ítalo Campofiorito é secretário da Cultura - é a primeira obra que o museu oferece à contemplação. Localizado no alto do Mirante da Boa Viagem, na cidade de Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, a estrutura de linhas circulares do edifício apresenta-se como uma escultura de 16 metros de altura em praça aberta, em que o espelho-d'água colocado em sua base e a iluminação empregada conferem grande leveza. A rampa sinuosa externa conduz ao interior, com dois pavimentos. No segundo pavimento, estão a sala de exposições e a varanda panorâmica, envidraçada, também reservada para mostras. O mezanino, por sua vez, que circunda todo o interior do museu, é dividido em salas menores, destinadas a exposições. No subsolo, encontram-se uma área para armazenagem de obras, um bar, um restaurante e um auditório para conferências./Itau Cultural

Não sou um Fã ardoroso do Oscar Niemeyer, pois não gosto do modernismo, mas gosto muito de algumas de suas obras, a Catedral de Brasília e o MAC em Niterói, para mim são suas obras primas.

* Todas as fotos da sequencia, estão abertas pois já foram publicadas anteriormente.

Foto: MAC - Museu de Arte Contemporanea - Niteroi - Rio de Janeiro - Brasil

According to Law 9.610/98, it is prohibited the partial or total commercial reproduction without the previous written authorization of the author (article 29). ® All rights are reserved.

Conforme a Lei 9.610/98, é proibida a reprodução total e parcial ou divulgação comercial ou não sem a autorização prévia e expressa do autor (artigo 29). ® Todos os direitos reservados.

On the way to the Isle of Skye we chose the route via Glen Coe. The Buachaille Etive Mòr (gaelic for "the great herdsman/shepherd of Etive") is a distinctive mountain at the entrace to Glen Coe.

Single Raw HDR image of the Space Shuttle, Enterprise at the National Air and Space Museum in Virginia.

Feel free to leave a comment!

- My Website

- Facebook - Dan Chui Photography

He de reconocer que soy un enamorado de Lastres y mas si uno puede disfrutar de un amanecer como este que espero sea de vuestro agrado.

5ª QDD Fotografica Internacional Piloña 2013

5ª International Photo Hangout Piloña 2013

Informacion aqui:

I have uploaded an almost similar one before, but looking at it again, I wasn't too happy with the result. So here's another go.

"Il palazzo S. Giuseppe di origine trecentesca, appartenne nel XIV secolo alla famiglia Chiaramonte; passato in proprietà ad altre famiglie, appartenne anche ai Bologna nel 1615; in quello stesso secolo fu dato in affitto alle monache francescane della Visitazione di Maria.

Pervenne infine ai Barlotta, principi di S.Giuseppe, alla fine del XVIII secolo. A metà dell'800 passò ai Wolle, quindi fu suddiviso in appartamenti."

da "palermo la città ritrovata - itinerari entro le mura" di Adriana Chirco - Dario Flaccovio Editore

In questo edificio in via S. Agostino, secondo quanto mi è stato detto da un vecchio della zona, si effettuavano le visite mediche per il servizio militare.

Quì inoltre vi fu una sede della LUX FILM, una delle più importanti case cinematografiche italiane.

With storm clouds approaching from the west I was ready to give up on the nights plans for photographing the super full moon, but fortunately David Wang was already on the road when I called and so I decided to take my chances and meet him down by the river. It was a warm and balmy evening as the thickening clouds repeatedly hid then revealed the moon in interesting ways. In-between moon appearances we were entertained by geese and goslings, a beaver, along with a variety of boats and kayakers making their way along the river. It turned out to be a great night along the river. NB13403,05 - Happy Moonlight Mondays!

... salud, buenas luces y muchas gracias!!! ...... xo♥ox ...

... health, good lights and thanks so much!!! ... xo♥ox ...

... Music: "My Baby Just Cares For Me" (Walter Donaldson & Gus Kahn) very funny clip with the fabulous voice of Nina Simone!!! ... enjoy it!!!

... www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYSbUOoq4Vg ... 03.40 ...

Herbstwald 2012

I've been to London for a training course, and just after the course I went outside to take this picture (I attended the course into one of those buildings). I was really amazed on how long the "blue hour" lasts in London, it may really lasts one hour actually... :-) In Italy even in June the "magic light" only lasts for less than one hour... and that's a pity, since I have really few time for my long exposures. :-(

This picture is the result of a lot of work: 6 long exposure stacked (3 with ND8 filter and 3 without) for a total of 300 seconds. I have then enhanced reflections and sharpness in Photoshop.

Many thanks to Francesco and Paolo for supporting me in taking this picture. A big thank you also to Daniel Borg which I had the opportunity to know in London, he is very friendly and shared some hints on how to reach this location: make sure you don't miss his photostream, since he is a great photographer.

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Sono stato a Londra per un corso di formazione e subito dopo il corso sono andato scattare questa foto (ho frequentato il corso in uno di quegli edifici).

Sono rimasto davvero stupito da quanto duri "l'ora blu" a Londra, circa un'ora per la precisione... :-) In Italia dura molto, ma molto meno... una mezzoretta scarsa anche in giugno quando si è vicini all'equinozio... è davvero un peccato per le mie esposizioni lunghe. :-)

Questa foto è il risultato di 6 diverse esposizioni (3 con filtro ND8 e 3 senza) per un totale di circa 300 secondi (il mio amico Luca starà pensando che ho montato il cavalleto prima che costruissero i palazzi...). In Photoshop, dopo aver sovrapposto e allineato gli scatti, ho lavorato con le maschere per migliorare il contrasto dei riflessi.

Un ringraziamento speciale a Paolo e Francesco per avermi supportato nello scatto. Un grosso ringraziamento anche per Daniel Borg che ho avuto l'opportunità di conoscere personalmente a Londra, è stato davvero gentile a condividere alcuni dei suoi "trucchetti" e soprattutto grazie per avermi dato delle indicazioni su come raggiungere questo punto di ripresa. Mi raccomando, fate un giro nel suo photostream, ha molto talento.

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Technical details:

Focal Length: 17mm

Aperture: between f/16 and f/22

Exposure: between 30s and 70s for a total of 300s approximately

ISO: 100

Filter: 3 shots with ND8 and 3 shots without

Post Processing: pictures stacking with Phothoshop, plus some enhancements in reflections, contrasts and colors.

Luca Libralato Photography

Laguna de Corga y al fondo la montaña de Penameda desde la ruta conocida como Trilho do Nascente do Río Vez.

Reserva de la Biosfera Transfronteriza Gerês-Xurés (RBTGX).

A quick upload to say a huge thanks, my account has passed 5 million views today. I would like to thank everyone that has left a comment, a fave or has simply viewed my account. Flickr is such an amazing community, I have learnt so much from all of you!!!

A origem do Convento de Nossa Senhora da Pena, implantado num dos cumes mais elevados da Serra de Sintra, perde-se na noite dos tempos. O interesse pelo local onde hoje se ergue majestosamente o Palácio da Pena remonta à época Medieval, altura em que segundo a tradição, teria ocorrido uma aparição da Virgem, tendo-se aí edificado então uma pequenina ermida dedicada a Nossa Senhora da Pena, na qual, por ordem de D. João I, os priores da Igreja de Santa Maria de Sintra celebravam missa todos os sábados. A devoção régia a este orago encontra-se bem documentada. Em 1493, veio D. João II a esta ermida com D. Leonor, sua mulher, pagar um voto à Senhora da Pena, mas foi D. Manuel I quem lhe dedicou especial afeição. Por sua ordem, no ano de 1503, efetuaram-se terraplanagens e edificou-se, um acrescento a ermida. Também D. João III e D. Catarina expressaram aqui os seus votos.

O impressionante e surrealista Palácio da Pena em Sintra, foi uma das principais residências da família real Portuguesa durante o século XIX, e é um dos melhores exemplos do estilo romântico em Portugal. Por ter sido residência de verão da realeza, encontram-se no seu interior numerosas coleções reais que se trasladaram para o palácio e ao mesmo tempo foram criados ricos ornamentos, desde os célebres revestimentos de tapeçaria até às paredes pintadas a óleo. O palácio é uma das razões pela qual Sintra foi declarada Património da Humanidade pela UNESCO, este assenta sobre grandes penhascos no monte da Pena e foi construído no lugar onde se encontrava um antigo convento de frades da Ordem de São Jerónimo. Apresenta uma mistura de estilos arquitetónicos totalmente intencional. Podem-se encontrar elementos pertencentes ao neogótico, neomanuelino, neoislâmico, neorrenascentista e em menor escala à arquitetura colonial. Isto deve-se ao facto da mentalidade romântica do século XIX se encontrar enormemente fascinada por tudo o que era exótico.

Dentro do palácio há várias divisões decoradas, como os salões e os quartos reais tal como eram há dois séculos atrás, apesar de infelizmente não ser possível tirar fotografias. No palácio há muitos lugares a partir dos quais se podem ter vistas fantásticas de Sintra e arredores, como os seus belos jardins que são sem dúvida um lugar recomendado para visitar. O Palácio Nacional da Pena localiza-se na vila de Sintra, freguesia de São Pedro de Penaferrim, concelho de Sintra, no distrito de Lisboa. Representa uma das melhores expressões do Romantismo arquitetónico do século XIX no mundo, constituindo-se como o primeiro palácio neste estilo em toda a Europa, erguido cerca de 30 anos antes do carismático Castelo de Neuschwanstein, na Baviera, Alemanha.

Em 7 de Julho de 2007 foi eleito como uma das Sete maravilhas de Portugal. A primitiva ocupação do topo escarpado da serra de Sintra onde se localiza o atual Palácio ocorreu com a construção de uma pequena capela dedicada a Nossa Senhora da Pena, durante o reinado de João II. No século XVI, Manuel I de Portugal no cumprimento de uma promessa, ordenou a sua reconstrução de raiz. Doou-a à Ordem de São Jerónimo, determinando a construção de um convento de madeira, e substituindo-o um pouco mais tarde, por um edifício de cantaria, com acomodações para 18 monges. No século XVIII a queda de um raio destruiu parte da torre, capela e sacristia, danos que foram agravados com a decorrência do terramoto de 1755, que deixou o convento em ruínas, apenas a zona do altar-mor na capela, com um magnífico retábulo em mármore e alabastro atribuído a Nicolau de Chanterenne, permaneceu intacta.

No século XIX a paisagem da serra de Sintra e as ruínas do antigo convento maravilharam o Rei-consorte Fernando II de Portugal, que em 1838 decidiu adquirir o velho convento, toda a cerca envolvente, o Castelo dos Mouros bem como quintas e matas circundantes. No que dizia respeito à área do antigo convento, promoveu-lhe diversas obras de restauro, com o intuito de fazer do edifício a sua futura residência de Verão. O novo projeto foi encomendado ao mineralogista germânico Barão von Eschwege, arquiteto amador. Homem viajado, Eschwege, que nascera em Hessen, deveria conhecer pelo menos em forma de projeto, as obras que Frederico Guilherme IV da Prússia empreendera com o concurso de Schinkel nos Castelos do Reno, tendo passado em viagem de estudo por Berlim, Inglaterra, França, Argélia e Espanha. Em Sintra, os trabalhos decorreram rapidamente e a obra estaria quase concluída em 1847, segundo o projeto do Alemão, mas com intervenções decisivas ao nível dos detalhes decorativos e simbólicos do Rei-consorte. Muitos dos detalhes, no plano construtivo e decorativo, ficaram a dever-se ao eclético e exótico temperamento romântico do próprio monarca que, a par de arcos ogivais, torres de sugestão medieval e elementos de inspiração árabe, desenhou e fez reproduzir na fachada norte do Palácio, uma imitação do Capítulo do Convento de Cristo em Tomar.

Após a morte de D. Fernando, o palácio foi herdado pela sua segunda esposa, Elisa Hendler, Condessa de Edla, o que à época gerou grande controvérsia pública, dado que se considerava já o histórico edifício como um monumento Nacional. A viúva de D. Fernando procurou então chegar a um acordo com o Estado Português e recebeu uma proposta de compra por parte de Luís I de Portugal em 1889 em nome do Estado, que aceitou, reservando então para si apenas o Chalé da Condessa, onde continuou a residir. Com essa aquisição, o Palácio passou para o património nacional português, integrando o património da Coroa. Durante o reinado de Carlos I de Portugal, a Família Real ocupou com frequência o Palácio, tornando-se a residência predileta da Rainha D. Amélia, que se ocupou da decoração dos aposentos íntimos. Aqui foi servido um almoço à comitiva de Eduardo VII do Reino Unido, aquando da sua visita oficial ao país, em 1903.

Após o regicídio, a Rainha D. Amélia retirou-se ainda mais para o Palácio da Pena, rodeada das amigas e dos seus cães de estimação. Aqui recebia com alguma frequência a visita do filho, Manuel II de Portugal, que nele tinha os seus aposentos reservados. Quando rebentou a revolta de 4 de Outubro, em 1910, D. Amélia aguardou na Pena o evoluir da situação, chegando a subir aos terraços com a sua comitiva para observar sinais dos combates em Lisboa. No dia seguinte, partiu ao encontro de D. Manuel, em Mafra, voltando na mesma tarde ao Palácio da Pena, onde passou a noite de 4 para 5 de Outubro, a última que passou em Portugal antes da queda da Monarquia. No dia seguinte, conhecido o triunfo da República, partiu de novo para Mafra, ao encontro do filho e da sogra, de onde partiriam todos para o exílio. Com a implantação da República Portuguesa, o palácio foi convertido em museu, com a designação oficial de Palácio Nacional da Pena. Em 1945, a rainha D. Amélia, de visita a Portugal, voltou ao Palácio da Pena, onde pediu para estar sozinha durante alguns minutos, era o seu Palácio predileto. Atualmente o Palácio da Pena constitui um dos mais deslumbrantes estabelecimentos museológicos do País, encontrando-se tanto o imóvel, como o seu recheio, praticamente intactos.

«Hoje é o dia mais feliz da minha vida. Conheço a Itália, a Sicília, a Grécia e o Egipto, e nunca vi nada, nada, que valha a Pena. É a coisa mais bela que tenho visto. Este é o verdadeiro jardim de Klingsor e, lá no alto, está o Castelo do Santo Graal.» - Richard Strauss.

A Lenda das pegas

No Palácio Nacional de Sintra existe uma sala cujo teto está pintado com diversos desenhos de pegas. Diz-se que o Rei e a Rainha que lá viviam nessa época fizeram casar mais de um cento de mulheres, entrando na conta as que com ele próprio se tinham casado, seguindo tão bons exemplos. Não havia uma ligação ilícita, nem um adultério conhecido, a corte era como uma escola. D. Filipa, pregando ao peito o seu véu de esposa casta, com os olhos levantados ao céu, não perdoava, era terrível na sua mansidão e trazia o marido sobre um domínio espinhoso. Certo dia, segundo reza a lenda, o Rei esqueceu-se do seu dever e furtivamente pregou um beijo na face de uma das aias, quando nisto apareceu de imediato acusadora e grave a Rainha casta e loira, sem dizer uma palavra, mas com um ar medonho de reprovação. D. João, sem jeito e titubeando, disse-lhe uma tolice: "Foi por bem!". A rainha saiu solenemente sem responder. Eram ciúmes? Não, ciúmes só sente quem está apaixonado, e não me parece que fosse o caso. Apenas sentia o seu orgulho ferido.

Rapidamente a notícia espalhou-se pelo palácio, e toda a criadagem andava com a frase "Foi por bem" na boca. Chateado com a situação, o Rei decidiu tomar uma iniciativa, mandou construir uma sala para a criadagem. Todos ficaram radiantes contando os dias que faltavam para a sala estar pronta. Finalmente chegou o dia, iam conhecer a sala. Qual não foi o espanto de todos ao verem que o teto da tal sala estava todo pintado com pegas, que tinham escrito no bico "Pour Bien". (traduza-se por bem). Ora digam lá se as lendas não são uma coisa maravilhosa com capacidade de se adaptarem a todos os tempos…

A Lenda do jardim da Lindaria.

O palácio da pena está rodeado de belos jardins, e um deles é o jardim da lindaria que segundo a lenda era o local para onde as mouras vinham sempre que saiam do banho, respirar a frescura do ar e o perfume embalsamado das flores. Uma dessas mouras enfeitiçou-se de amores por um cristão que ali escondido a observava. O seu marido, ao descobrir tal traição de imediato a, matou. Diz a lenda que ainda hoje, todas as noites a moura volta ao jardim em busca do cristão por quem se apaixonou, e que jamais terá sossego enquanto não o encontrar.

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All images and texts are copyrighted, with all rights reserved. Please do not use, copy or edit any of my images or text without my written permission. If you want to use my texts or photographs please contact this address. asousacar@clix.pt

*===***===* Todos os direitos reservados ==***== Todos los derechos reservados ==***== All rights reserved ==**== Tutti i diritti riservati ==**== Alle Rechte vorbehalten ==**== Tous droits réservés =**=

In Birmingham Cathedral (Anglican) they display the white ensign worn by HMS Birmingham at the Battle of Jutland.

The is my interpretation; I have tried to convey the silent sense of sadness …

Todos los derechos reservados - All rights reserved - copyright © Pilar Azaña Talán

♫♥♥♫

... for "Working Toward A Better World"

... el aislamiento no es la solución, es el problema!!! / ... the isolation is not the answer, it is the problem!!!

... salud, buenas luces y muchas gracias a todos / as!!! / ... health, good lights and thanks so much to all!!!! ... xo♥ox ... =:o)))))

... Music: "Another brick on the wall" (Pink Floyd) cover by Korn ( included in the OST of "The Faculty" by Robert Rodriguez) ... a hard version for a hard times!!!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=qns99goEHRU

... NoTa: ... cielo y gaviotas añadidas con PS!!! / ... sky and seagulls added with PS!!!

Love this line up of men, boys, donkeys and dog outside Ballydehob in Co. Cork!

The dog owner is absolutely ensuring that his dog is recorded for posterity by holding the dog immobile. Amazingly Donkey #1 is also holding his pose perfectly face on to the camera, while Donkey #2 is adamant that his best side is captured.

And what's going on with the boy at extreme right - singing? reciting? yawning?

Date: Circa 1899-1910 (thanks derangedlemur and Tin of beans)

NLI Ref.: OCO 347

My ✞ Alfie is 4 years today!

About 2 years on three paws and still "going strong"

He is so sweet, even more than in his "younger years" ;-))

He is talking to us in his own language our darling Prins.

Although he looks quite disturbed here, he Always give us smiles!

Sending you hugs and joy.

in friendship, Addy

Alfie has passed away ♱ on August 5th 2021

Goodbye my Heart♥

5ª QDD Fotografica Internacional Piloña 2013

5ª International Photo Hangout Piloña 2013

Informacion aqui:

Happy Mother's Day

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.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pannonian_Plain