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Florida is the only state in the continental U.S. where leatherback turtles regularly nest. Surveyors counted 489 leatherback nests on core index beaches in 2015, and from 1989 through 2015, leatherback nests at core index beaches numbered from 27 to 641. To see more nesting data for leatherbacks, greens and loggerheads, visit our website.
Celebrate World Sight Day with Sound for Sight
Charlotte Kelly (photo by Warren Millar)
Produced by TALENTBANQ in support of Sightsavers
Thursday October 11th, 2018
Doors 6:30pm. Music from 7pm.
St Paul’s Church, Bedford St
Covent Garden
London
WC2E 9ED
To buy tickets click here
BUY TICKETS
Sound for Sight 2018 Line-up:-
Charlotte Kelly (Soul II Soul)
Mo Pleasure (Earth, Wind & Fire)
Dave Swift (Jools Holland)
Georgia and the Vintage Youth
Joe Slater
Professor Dan Reinstein
Denise Leigh
Sound for Sight is raising funds and awareness towards Sightsavers’ work eliminating the World’s leading cause of preventable blindness, trachoma.
Trachoma is a bacterial infection linked to inadequate water and sanitation and passed on by flies. It is referred to as ‘neglected tropical diseases’ and can be prevented and ultimately eliminated entirely.
The Sound for Sight audience will be taken on a spectacular sensory experience during the show that has been carefully curated by Sound for Sight Founder, Laura Westcott and ‘Mo Pleasure’ the former Music Director of Earth, Wind & Fire.
Charlotte Kelly, Soul II Soul
Charlotte rose to fame in the mid 1990s as one of the lead singers of British R&B group Soul II Soul, with hit songs “Back to Life” and “Keep on Movin”.
Charlotte was born blind at birth with no sight at all in her left eye and virtually none in her right eye.
“I am very excited and delighted to perform at Sound for Sight because being blind from birth, sound is one of the most important tools we possess as blind and visually impaired people. So, treatment and eradication of blindness is a blessing for the growth on the human experience.” – Charlotte Kelly
Denise Leigh
Denise made her operatic debut in 2003 by winning Channel 4’s Operatunity and playing the role of Gilda in Verdi’s Rigoletto at the London Coliseum.
Since then, Denise has sung all over the world and was honoured to headline the London 2012 Paralympic opening ceremony.
Both Denise and her husband Stefan (who will accompany Denise on piano) are visually impaired with a visually impaired son.
“The treatment and eradication of blindness, in all it’s forms, is a cause very close to our hearts and we are delighted to be performing at Sound for Sight to help fund research and treatment.” Denise and Stefan
Mo Pleasure
Mo is a renowned multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer. Mo began his professional music career playing bass guitar with Ray Charles. In 1993, Mo became a member of the legendary group Earth, Wind & Fire, and ascended to become the band’s musical director from 1994-2001.
Mo has performed with Stevie Wonder, Nile Rogers, Bette Midler, Roberta Flack, Amy Winehouse to name a few… He also played keys for Michael Jackson on his final comeback tour at the O2.
Dave Swift
Dave joined Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra in 1991 as his resident bass player, and has played with him ever since! He is one of the UK’s finest, high-profile bass players and boasts a musician’s portfolio that is second to none, having played for an array of renowned artists, from George Benson and Chaka Khan to Eric Clapton and Paul Simon.
Professor Dan Reinstein
Dan is a pioneer in laser eye surgery and Founded the London Vision Clinic. He is also a very talented saxophonist and often accompanies Mo Pleasure at London’s iconic 606 Club.
Georgia & The Vintage Youth
A 22 year old Essex Girl with big blonde hair, a spine-tingling voice and a master of the retro jazz/swing style of music that is both vintage and fresh (hence the name of the band).
Georgia’s sound is contagious and subconsciously gets you tapping your feet, whilst her ballads are stripped back allowing Georgia’s strong and iconic vocal to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end.
Joe Slater
A 22-year-old lad from Liverpool who blurs the lines between Blues, Soul and Rock ‘n’ Roll whilst taking inspiration from The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen and Oasis.
“With his raspy voice, perfect pitch and soulful delivery, Slater is unquestionably destined for stardom….” London Hollywood
Don’t miss what promises to be an extraordinary night for a very worthy cause on World Sight Day.
The New York City Department of Transportation's Urban Art Program, New York Cares and the Mayor's Community Affairs Unit organized two Barrier Beautification painting events in conjunction with New York Cares Service Day on Saturday, October 19, 2013. The Urban Art Program is collaborating for the first time with a current student at FIT as part of the Barrier Beautification program. Brooklyn-based artist Brittany Falussy joined volunteers to beautify 200 feet of concrete barriers along Bruckner Boulevard and Gerard Avenue in the Bronx.
The illustrative design "Sight Scene" depicts different colored heads wearing various eye glasses. The design is inspired by the artists many trips on the subway and seeing no only all different types of people, but all different types of eye ware.
NYCDOT Urban Art Program, Barrier Beautification
Sight Scene by Brittany Falussy
Presented with New York Cares and the Mayor's Community Affairs Unit
Bruckner Boulevard and Bryant Avenue, Bronx
Goof off shot of a friend. Taken with a Graflex Speed Graphic Press camera from WWII. Taken in Nov 2011
This is our first sighting of a Cheetah on this game farm. The excitement was and still is, huge. I had to photograph the Cheetah shots through the very dirty windscreen of our Land Rover as there was nowhere for us to go for me to get a clean shot without the possibility that it would scare and run out of our view.
1 & 2 Driving along a road I had not previously been on, suddenly this Cheetah came out into the roadway and began strolling ahead of us. It gave us the impression that it was annoyed that we had disturbed it and had the cat expression of , "We are not amused" and kept glancing back at us. On the open plains to the left of us, there were herds of Springbok and Impala, much more the size group for a Cheetah's lunch than these huge, young Kudu Bulls.
3. We suddenly became aware of a barking of sorts coming from the bush up to our right and saw a small herd of 4 young Kudu Bulls who were making the odd barking noises. I think that we may have alerted them to the Cheetah's presence as up until it exposed itself in the open, they had not made a sound and we assumed that they had been grazing as normal. I did not know that they 'barked" when in danger and warning others. I only know about their tails being held upright showing the white undersides as they run away.
4. The Cheetah again turned to give us "That look", before turning off the road and went into the bush
5. The Cheetah still casually strolling, took itself behind a rock and lay down. You can just see the top of it's head behind the rock. (note on the pic)
6. The Kudu now sensing the danger was past, stopped the barking noises and slowly moved away from the area.
West Lake Xi Hu
Ripping water shimmering on sunny day,
Misty mountains shrouded the rain;
Plain or gaily decked out like Xizi;
West Lake is always alluring.
These are the words composed by the famous Song Dynasty poet Su Dongpo (960-1127) when he compared the West Lake to Xi Zi, the most beautiful woman in ancient China. These poetic sentiments leave one in no doubt of the glory of the scenery that inspired them.
Originally a shallow sea inlet, due to the laying down of silt this 5.68 square kilometers (about 1,404 acres) of water became the famous West Lake. With an average depth of just five feet the lake comprises five distinct sections. The largest part is known as the Outer Lake and it is bounded by the North Inner Lake, Yuehu Lake, West Inner Lake and Lesser South Lake. Held in the embrace of hilly peaks on three sides, this water wonderland has been an attraction for centuries and it is small wonder that it was a favourite imperial retreat. The lake and its environs have all the elements of a traditional Chinese garden but on a grand scale. The natural setting of strangely shaped peaks, serene forests and springs, dense foliage and a myriad of blossoms especially in springtime are enhanced by a treasury of sculpture and architectural features. Whatever the season, the panorama is pleasing to the eye and the nuances of light shade together with the moods of the weather present an ever-changing picture that justifiably has been described as 'intoxicating'.
A number of specific features can be singled out as worthy of particular note. To the south of centre of the Outer Lake is a man made island known as the Island of Little Oceans, that encloses four small lakes. From here one can view the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon when at night candles are lit in stone lanterns jutting out of the water thus creating the impression of the reflections of three moons. The scene is truly magical on the night of the Autumn Moon Festival. Solitary Hill Island lies between the Outer Lake and the north Inner Lake and is an ideal spot from which to admire the vista. The nearby Two Peaks Embracing the Sky is another impressive sight, especially when crossing the lake by boat.
Near to the lake can be found the Ling Yin Temple in its woodland setting near to Fei Lai Feng (Peak Flown From Afar). Legend has it that this limestone peak flew from India where it had formed part of a holy mountain. These are of particular interest to Buddhists and those who have a love of sculpture and art. The Mausoleum of General Yue Fei is a monument to the patriot who was murdered in 1141 at the behest of his archrival Qin Hui, the Song prime minister. These buildings like others in the vicinity of the lake such as the slender Six Harmonies Pagoda add to the calm and beauty of their surroundings.
No visitor to the West Lake and Hangzhou can fail to learn something of this city's most famous products, namely silk and Longjing (Dragon Well) Tea. Since the Tang Dynasty (618-907) silk products from Hangzhou have found their way all over the world. The National Silk Museum is the first Chinese national museum to be dedicated to silk culture and is the largest of its kind in the world. A similar museum is dedicated as homage to tea. Located at the West Lake Dragon Well Tea Plantation, the National Tea Museum provides a fascinating insight into the history and production of Chinese tea. Often referred to as the 'wonders of West Lake' Longjing (Dragon Well) tea and Hupao (Running Tiger) Fountain is each worthy of the attention of the visitor.
Another natural spectacle to be found here is the tidal bore of the Qiantang River that has enthralled people for centuries. Overlooking the river estuary stands the 13 storey high Six Harmonies Pagoda. Dating from 970 and built on the site of an earlier pagoda that served as a lighthouse, the name refers to the six codes of Buddhism i.e. harmony of the body, speech and thought and the renunciation of personal pleasure, opinions and wealth. A climb to the top of the pagoda carries the reward of an impressive view over the river.
Crossing the river is the Qiantang River Bridge. This is the first two-tier bridge to have been designed and built by Chinese engineers in modern times. The other great feat of much earlier engineering is the Grand Canal. Linking Hangzhou in the south with Beijing in the north, this is the longest man-made waterway in China and surpasses both the Suez and Panama canals.
We hope that this introduction to the delights of the area surrounding the West Lake will tempt you to visit them for yourself. You can be assured that the splendid and diverse landscape will remain long in your memory as you call to mind tour sites to be found south of the Yangtze River.
Aira Imperial Tomb
Aira Yama no Ue no Misasagi (Also known as Aira Sanryo)
'Sanryd' is a word for a tomb where members of the Imperial Family are buried. In the Nihon Shokii one of the oldest history books of Japan, it is written that His Highness Hikonagisatake Ugayafukiaezu no Mikoto passed away at a palace in a Western province of Japan, and was buried at Aira Imperial Tomb in southeast Kyushu." This man was the father of Emperor Jimmu, the first Emperor of Japan. In the Kojiki, another early history book, he is referred to with the longer name of Arpatsuhiko Hikonagisatake Ugayafukiaezu no Mikoto.
On the 10th of July 1874 (the 7th year of the Meiji Period), the Government Bureau concerned with Imperial Family history officially determined that Ugayafukiaezu's tomb was located in this area, then known as Kammyo Village, Aira Township (present-day Aira Town),. Kimotsuki District. This burial ground encompasses a wide area, and is commonly referred to as Udo Mountain. The cave that holds the tomb is commonly called Udo grotto.
In the book "A History of the Sights of Aira", it is written that inside the cave there are two tombs, a large one and a small one. The large tomb is for the aforementioned Ugayafukiaezu. Directly to the East of this large tomb is the small tomb, which is for Her Highness Tamayori Hime, the wife of Ugayafukiaezu and the mother of Emperor Jimmu.
Six kilometers north of here you can find Aira's own Udo Shrine, which houses the spirit of ..Ugayafukiaezu. Four kilometers south of here you can find 0 kawauchi Shrine, which houses the spirit of Empress Ahiratsu Hime, the wife of Emperor Jimmu.
Aira Town Hall, February 1985
West Lake Xi Hu
Ripping water shimmering on sunny day,
Misty mountains shrouded the rain;
Plain or gaily decked out like Xizi;
West Lake is always alluring.
These are the words composed by the famous Song Dynasty poet Su Dongpo (960-1127) when he compared the West Lake to Xi Zi, the most beautiful woman in ancient China. These poetic sentiments leave one in no doubt of the glory of the scenery that inspired them.
Originally a shallow sea inlet, due to the laying down of silt this 5.68 square kilometers (about 1,404 acres) of water became the famous West Lake. With an average depth of just five feet the lake comprises five distinct sections. The largest part is known as the Outer Lake and it is bounded by the North Inner Lake, Yuehu Lake, West Inner Lake and Lesser South Lake. Held in the embrace of hilly peaks on three sides, this water wonderland has been an attraction for centuries and it is small wonder that it was a favourite imperial retreat. The lake and its environs have all the elements of a traditional Chinese garden but on a grand scale. The natural setting of strangely shaped peaks, serene forests and springs, dense foliage and a myriad of blossoms especially in springtime are enhanced by a treasury of sculpture and architectural features. Whatever the season, the panorama is pleasing to the eye and the nuances of light shade together with the moods of the weather present an ever-changing picture that justifiably has been described as 'intoxicating'.
A number of specific features can be singled out as worthy of particular note. To the south of centre of the Outer Lake is a man made island known as the Island of Little Oceans, that encloses four small lakes. From here one can view the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon when at night candles are lit in stone lanterns jutting out of the water thus creating the impression of the reflections of three moons. The scene is truly magical on the night of the Autumn Moon Festival. Solitary Hill Island lies between the Outer Lake and the north Inner Lake and is an ideal spot from which to admire the vista. The nearby Two Peaks Embracing the Sky is another impressive sight, especially when crossing the lake by boat.
Near to the lake can be found the Ling Yin Temple in its woodland setting near to Fei Lai Feng (Peak Flown From Afar). Legend has it that this limestone peak flew from India where it had formed part of a holy mountain. These are of particular interest to Buddhists and those who have a love of sculpture and art. The Mausoleum of General Yue Fei is a monument to the patriot who was murdered in 1141 at the behest of his archrival Qin Hui, the Song prime minister. These buildings like others in the vicinity of the lake such as the slender Six Harmonies Pagoda add to the calm and beauty of their surroundings.
No visitor to the West Lake and Hangzhou can fail to learn something of this city's most famous products, namely silk and Longjing (Dragon Well) Tea. Since the Tang Dynasty (618-907) silk products from Hangzhou have found their way all over the world. The National Silk Museum is the first Chinese national museum to be dedicated to silk culture and is the largest of its kind in the world. A similar museum is dedicated as homage to tea. Located at the West Lake Dragon Well Tea Plantation, the National Tea Museum provides a fascinating insight into the history and production of Chinese tea. Often referred to as the 'wonders of West Lake' Longjing (Dragon Well) tea and Hupao (Running Tiger) Fountain is each worthy of the attention of the visitor.
Another natural spectacle to be found here is the tidal bore of the Qiantang River that has enthralled people for centuries. Overlooking the river estuary stands the 13 storey high Six Harmonies Pagoda. Dating from 970 and built on the site of an earlier pagoda that served as a lighthouse, the name refers to the six codes of Buddhism i.e. harmony of the body, speech and thought and the renunciation of personal pleasure, opinions and wealth. A climb to the top of the pagoda carries the reward of an impressive view over the river.
Crossing the river is the Qiantang River Bridge. This is the first two-tier bridge to have been designed and built by Chinese engineers in modern times. The other great feat of much earlier engineering is the Grand Canal. Linking Hangzhou in the south with Beijing in the north, this is the longest man-made waterway in China and surpasses both the Suez and Panama canals.
We hope that this introduction to the delights of the area surrounding the West Lake will tempt you to visit them for yourself. You can be assured that the splendid and diverse landscape will remain long in your memory as you call to mind tour sites to be found south of the Yangtze River.
Celebrate World Sight Day with Sound for Sight
Charlotte Kelly (photo by Warren Millar)
Produced by TALENTBANQ in support of Sightsavers
Thursday October 11th, 2018
Doors 6:30pm. Music from 7pm.
St Paul’s Church, Bedford St
Covent Garden
London
WC2E 9ED
To buy tickets click here
BUY TICKETS
Sound for Sight 2018 Line-up:-
Charlotte Kelly (Soul II Soul)
Mo Pleasure (Earth, Wind & Fire)
Dave Swift (Jools Holland)
Georgia and the Vintage Youth
Joe Slater
Professor Dan Reinstein
Denise Leigh
Sound for Sight is raising funds and awareness towards Sightsavers’ work eliminating the World’s leading cause of preventable blindness, trachoma.
Trachoma is a bacterial infection linked to inadequate water and sanitation and passed on by flies. It is referred to as ‘neglected tropical diseases’ and can be prevented and ultimately eliminated entirely.
The Sound for Sight audience will be taken on a spectacular sensory experience during the show that has been carefully curated by Sound for Sight Founder, Laura Westcott and ‘Mo Pleasure’ the former Music Director of Earth, Wind & Fire.
Charlotte Kelly, Soul II Soul
Charlotte rose to fame in the mid 1990s as one of the lead singers of British R&B group Soul II Soul, with hit songs “Back to Life” and “Keep on Movin”.
Charlotte was born blind at birth with no sight at all in her left eye and virtually none in her right eye.
“I am very excited and delighted to perform at Sound for Sight because being blind from birth, sound is one of the most important tools we possess as blind and visually impaired people. So, treatment and eradication of blindness is a blessing for the growth on the human experience.” – Charlotte Kelly
Denise Leigh
Denise made her operatic debut in 2003 by winning Channel 4’s Operatunity and playing the role of Gilda in Verdi’s Rigoletto at the London Coliseum.
Since then, Denise has sung all over the world and was honoured to headline the London 2012 Paralympic opening ceremony.
Both Denise and her husband Stefan (who will accompany Denise on piano) are visually impaired with a visually impaired son.
“The treatment and eradication of blindness, in all it’s forms, is a cause very close to our hearts and we are delighted to be performing at Sound for Sight to help fund research and treatment.” Denise and Stefan
Mo Pleasure
Mo is a renowned multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer. Mo began his professional music career playing bass guitar with Ray Charles. In 1993, Mo became a member of the legendary group Earth, Wind & Fire, and ascended to become the band’s musical director from 1994-2001.
Mo has performed with Stevie Wonder, Nile Rogers, Bette Midler, Roberta Flack, Amy Winehouse to name a few… He also played keys for Michael Jackson on his final comeback tour at the O2.
Dave Swift
Dave joined Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra in 1991 as his resident bass player, and has played with him ever since! He is one of the UK’s finest, high-profile bass players and boasts a musician’s portfolio that is second to none, having played for an array of renowned artists, from George Benson and Chaka Khan to Eric Clapton and Paul Simon.
Professor Dan Reinstein
Dan is a pioneer in laser eye surgery and Founded the London Vision Clinic. He is also a very talented saxophonist and often accompanies Mo Pleasure at London’s iconic 606 Club.
Georgia & The Vintage Youth
A 22 year old Essex Girl with big blonde hair, a spine-tingling voice and a master of the retro jazz/swing style of music that is both vintage and fresh (hence the name of the band).
Georgia’s sound is contagious and subconsciously gets you tapping your feet, whilst her ballads are stripped back allowing Georgia’s strong and iconic vocal to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end.
Joe Slater
A 22-year-old lad from Liverpool who blurs the lines between Blues, Soul and Rock ‘n’ Roll whilst taking inspiration from The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen and Oasis.
“With his raspy voice, perfect pitch and soulful delivery, Slater is unquestionably destined for stardom….” London Hollywood
Don’t miss what promises to be an extraordinary night for a very worthy cause on World Sight Day.
These sights of Santiago de Compostela are taken from one of the lookouts of the Pedroso. Although the day was a little foggy, some post processing allowed me to clear the scene and warm up the colors, resulting in this hospitable view.
December 12, 2009.
Shot with Graflex Crown Graphic, using a Schneider-Kreuznach Xenar 1:4,7/135 lens. Exposed for 1/25 second at ƒ5,6 on Kodak Portra 160NC 4x5 sheet film. Developed in Tetenal Colortec C-41 for 5 minutes, 5 minutes bleach fix, 4 minutes water rinse, 1 minute stabilizer (extra time added to the developer due to depleted chemicals; negatives damaged by the chemicals) using a Paterson Orbital. – Better viewed large.
Making for a fine sight in the Sun, Colas Rails' 56078 & 56087 sit silently at the back of Eastleigh station. 29/12/2014
Celebrate World Sight Day with Sound for Sight
Produced by TALENTBANQ in support of Sightsavers
Thursday October 11th, 2018
Doors 6:30pm. Music from 7pm.
St Paulâs Church, Bedford St
Covent Garden
London
WC2E 9ED
Sound for Sight 2018 Line-up:-
Charlotte Kelly (Soul II Soul)
Mo Pleasure (Earth, Wind & Fire)
Dave Swift (Jools Holland)
Georgia and the Vintage Youth
Joe Slater
Professor Dan Reinstein
Denise Leigh
Sound for Sight is raising funds and awareness towards Sightsaversâ work eliminating the Worldâs leading cause of preventable blindness, trachoma.
Trachoma is a bacterial infection linked to inadequate water and sanitation and passed on by flies. It is referred to as âneglected tropical diseasesâ and can be prevented and ultimately eliminated entirely.
The Sound for Sight audience will be taken on a spectacular sensory experience during the show that has been carefully curated by Sound for Sight Founder, Laura Westcott and âMo Pleasureâ the former Music Director of Earth, Wind & Fire.
Charlotte Kelly, Soul II Soul
Charlotte rose to fame in the mid 1990s as one of the lead singers of British R&B group Soul II Soul, with hit songs âBack to Lifeâ and âKeep on Movinâ.
Charlotte was born blind at birth with no sight at all in her left eye and virtually none in her right eye.
âI am very excited and delighted to perform at Sound for Sight because being blind from birth, sound is one of the most important tools we possess as blind and visually impaired people. So, treatment and eradication of blindness is a blessing for the growth on the human experience.â â Charlotte Kelly
Denise Leigh
Denise made her operatic debut in 2003 by winning Channel 4âs Operatunity and playing the role of Gilda in Verdiâs Rigoletto at the London Coliseum.
Since then, Denise has sung all over the world and was honoured to headline the London 2012 Paralympic opening ceremony.
Both Denise and her husband Stefan (who will accompany Denise on piano) are visually impaired with a visually impaired son.
âThe treatment and eradication of blindness, in all itâs forms, is a cause very close to our hearts and we are delighted to be performing at Sound for Sight to help fund research and treatment.â Denise and Stefan
Mo Pleasure
Mo is a renowned multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer. Mo began his professional music career playing bass guitar with Ray Charles. In 1993, Mo became a member of the legendary group Earth, Wind & Fire, and ascended to become the bandâs musical director from 1994-2001.
Mo has performed with Stevie Wonder, Nile Rogers, Bette Midler, Roberta Flack, Amy Winehouse to name a few⦠He also played keys for Michael Jackson on his final comeback tour at the O2.
Dave Swift
Dave joined Jools Hollandâs Rhythm and Blues Orchestra in 1991 as his resident bass player, and has played with him ever since! He is one of the UKâs finest, high-profile bass players and boasts a musicianâs portfolio that is second to none, having played for an array of renowned artists, from George Benson and Chaka Khan to Eric Clapton and Paul Simon.
Professor Dan Reinstein
Dan is a pioneer in laser eye surgery and Founded the London Vision Clinic. He is also a very talented saxophonist and often accompanies Mo Pleasure at Londonâs iconic 606 Club.
Georgia & The Vintage Youth
A 22 year old Essex Girl with big blonde hair, a spine-tingling voice and a master of the retro jazz/swing style of music that is both vintage and fresh (hence the name of the band).
Georgiaâs sound is contagious and subconsciously gets you tapping your feet, whilst her ballads are stripped back allowing Georgiaâs strong and iconic vocal to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end.
Joe Slater
A 22-year-old lad from Liverpool who blurs the lines between Blues, Soul and Rock ânâ Roll whilst taking inspiration from The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen and Oasis.
âWith his raspy voice, perfect pitch and soulful delivery, Slater is unquestionably destined for stardomâ¦.â London Hollywood
Donât miss what promises to be an extraordinary night for a very worthy cause on World Sight Day.
West Lake Xi Hu
Ripping water shimmering on sunny day,
Misty mountains shrouded the rain;
Plain or gaily decked out like Xizi;
West Lake is always alluring.
These are the words composed by the famous Song Dynasty poet Su Dongpo (960-1127) when he compared the West Lake to Xi Zi, the most beautiful woman in ancient China. These poetic sentiments leave one in no doubt of the glory of the scenery that inspired them.
Originally a shallow sea inlet, due to the laying down of silt this 5.68 square kilometers (about 1,404 acres) of water became the famous West Lake. With an average depth of just five feet the lake comprises five distinct sections. The largest part is known as the Outer Lake and it is bounded by the North Inner Lake, Yuehu Lake, West Inner Lake and Lesser South Lake. Held in the embrace of hilly peaks on three sides, this water wonderland has been an attraction for centuries and it is small wonder that it was a favourite imperial retreat. The lake and its environs have all the elements of a traditional Chinese garden but on a grand scale. The natural setting of strangely shaped peaks, serene forests and springs, dense foliage and a myriad of blossoms especially in springtime are enhanced by a treasury of sculpture and architectural features. Whatever the season, the panorama is pleasing to the eye and the nuances of light shade together with the moods of the weather present an ever-changing picture that justifiably has been described as 'intoxicating'.
A number of specific features can be singled out as worthy of particular note. To the south of centre of the Outer Lake is a man made island known as the Island of Little Oceans, that encloses four small lakes. From here one can view the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon when at night candles are lit in stone lanterns jutting out of the water thus creating the impression of the reflections of three moons. The scene is truly magical on the night of the Autumn Moon Festival. Solitary Hill Island lies between the Outer Lake and the north Inner Lake and is an ideal spot from which to admire the vista. The nearby Two Peaks Embracing the Sky is another impressive sight, especially when crossing the lake by boat.
Near to the lake can be found the Ling Yin Temple in its woodland setting near to Fei Lai Feng (Peak Flown From Afar). Legend has it that this limestone peak flew from India where it had formed part of a holy mountain. These are of particular interest to Buddhists and those who have a love of sculpture and art. The Mausoleum of General Yue Fei is a monument to the patriot who was murdered in 1141 at the behest of his archrival Qin Hui, the Song prime minister. These buildings like others in the vicinity of the lake such as the slender Six Harmonies Pagoda add to the calm and beauty of their surroundings.
No visitor to the West Lake and Hangzhou can fail to learn something of this city's most famous products, namely silk and Longjing (Dragon Well) Tea. Since the Tang Dynasty (618-907) silk products from Hangzhou have found their way all over the world. The National Silk Museum is the first Chinese national museum to be dedicated to silk culture and is the largest of its kind in the world. A similar museum is dedicated as homage to tea. Located at the West Lake Dragon Well Tea Plantation, the National Tea Museum provides a fascinating insight into the history and production of Chinese tea. Often referred to as the 'wonders of West Lake' Longjing (Dragon Well) tea and Hupao (Running Tiger) Fountain is each worthy of the attention of the visitor.
Another natural spectacle to be found here is the tidal bore of the Qiantang River that has enthralled people for centuries. Overlooking the river estuary stands the 13 storey high Six Harmonies Pagoda. Dating from 970 and built on the site of an earlier pagoda that served as a lighthouse, the name refers to the six codes of Buddhism i.e. harmony of the body, speech and thought and the renunciation of personal pleasure, opinions and wealth. A climb to the top of the pagoda carries the reward of an impressive view over the river.
Crossing the river is the Qiantang River Bridge. This is the first two-tier bridge to have been designed and built by Chinese engineers in modern times. The other great feat of much earlier engineering is the Grand Canal. Linking Hangzhou in the south with Beijing in the north, this is the longest man-made waterway in China and surpasses both the Suez and Panama canals.
We hope that this introduction to the delights of the area surrounding the West Lake will tempt you to visit them for yourself. You can be assured that the splendid and diverse landscape will remain long in your memory as you call to mind tour sites to be found south of the Yangtze River.
I made this for the current Essentials with Ellen Pin-Sights challenge. I used the beautiful Mondo Hydrangea stamp set along with the Lovely stamp set.
Celebrate World Sight Day with Sound for Sight
Charlotte Kelly (photo by Warren Millar)
Produced by TALENTBANQ in support of Sightsavers
Thursday October 11th, 2018
Doors 6:30pm. Music from 7pm.
St Paul’s Church, Bedford St
Covent Garden
London
WC2E 9ED
To buy tickets click here
BUY TICKETS
Sound for Sight 2018 Line-up:-
Charlotte Kelly (Soul II Soul)
Mo Pleasure (Earth, Wind & Fire)
Dave Swift (Jools Holland)
Georgia and the Vintage Youth
Joe Slater
Professor Dan Reinstein
Denise Leigh
Sound for Sight is raising funds and awareness towards Sightsavers’ work eliminating the World’s leading cause of preventable blindness, trachoma.
Trachoma is a bacterial infection linked to inadequate water and sanitation and passed on by flies. It is referred to as ‘neglected tropical diseases’ and can be prevented and ultimately eliminated entirely.
The Sound for Sight audience will be taken on a spectacular sensory experience during the show that has been carefully curated by Sound for Sight Founder, Laura Westcott and ‘Mo Pleasure’ the former Music Director of Earth, Wind & Fire.
Charlotte Kelly, Soul II Soul
Charlotte rose to fame in the mid 1990s as one of the lead singers of British R&B group Soul II Soul, with hit songs “Back to Life” and “Keep on Movin”.
Charlotte was born blind at birth with no sight at all in her left eye and virtually none in her right eye.
“I am very excited and delighted to perform at Sound for Sight because being blind from birth, sound is one of the most important tools we possess as blind and visually impaired people. So, treatment and eradication of blindness is a blessing for the growth on the human experience.” – Charlotte Kelly
Denise Leigh
Denise made her operatic debut in 2003 by winning Channel 4’s Operatunity and playing the role of Gilda in Verdi’s Rigoletto at the London Coliseum.
Since then, Denise has sung all over the world and was honoured to headline the London 2012 Paralympic opening ceremony.
Both Denise and her husband Stefan (who will accompany Denise on piano) are visually impaired with a visually impaired son.
“The treatment and eradication of blindness, in all it’s forms, is a cause very close to our hearts and we are delighted to be performing at Sound for Sight to help fund research and treatment.” Denise and Stefan
Mo Pleasure
Mo is a renowned multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer. Mo began his professional music career playing bass guitar with Ray Charles. In 1993, Mo became a member of the legendary group Earth, Wind & Fire, and ascended to become the band’s musical director from 1994-2001.
Mo has performed with Stevie Wonder, Nile Rogers, Bette Midler, Roberta Flack, Amy Winehouse to name a few… He also played keys for Michael Jackson on his final comeback tour at the O2.
Dave Swift
Dave joined Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra in 1991 as his resident bass player, and has played with him ever since! He is one of the UK’s finest, high-profile bass players and boasts a musician’s portfolio that is second to none, having played for an array of renowned artists, from George Benson and Chaka Khan to Eric Clapton and Paul Simon.
Professor Dan Reinstein
Dan is a pioneer in laser eye surgery and Founded the London Vision Clinic. He is also a very talented saxophonist and often accompanies Mo Pleasure at London’s iconic 606 Club.
Georgia & The Vintage Youth
A 22 year old Essex Girl with big blonde hair, a spine-tingling voice and a master of the retro jazz/swing style of music that is both vintage and fresh (hence the name of the band).
Georgia’s sound is contagious and subconsciously gets you tapping your feet, whilst her ballads are stripped back allowing Georgia’s strong and iconic vocal to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end.
Joe Slater
A 22-year-old lad from Liverpool who blurs the lines between Blues, Soul and Rock ‘n’ Roll whilst taking inspiration from The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen and Oasis.
“With his raspy voice, perfect pitch and soulful delivery, Slater is unquestionably destined for stardom….” London Hollywood
Don’t miss what promises to be an extraordinary night for a very worthy cause on World Sight Day.