My World - Vienna Secession building

This is another of those peculiar building I came across in Vienna apart from Hundertwasserhaus. Known as the Vienna Secession, it was built in Art Nouveau style in 1897 by an Austrian architect, Joseph Maria Olbrich.



The building houses a collection of art exhibitions from the Secession movement which was formed by a group of Austrian artists. Their aim of the movement was to promote the current trends in contemporary art as a protest against Europe’s increasingly conservative art establishment.

What I find particularly eye-catching is the laurel leaves which grabs all the attention, away from the other buildings on the street. It comprised of 3,000 gold-plated leaves and 700 berries that rest on top of the building, symbolizing victory, dignity and purity.



As we walked passed the building, we came upon the Three Gorgons, at the entrance with each having a different symbolic meaning. One is for architecture and the other two represent sculpture and painting. We're not art buffs, so we didn't go inside but we did enjoy the unique architecture from the outside.



Here's a closer look at the three gorgons. They are terrifying creatures in Greek mythology. The eerie set of eyes with the dangling serpents give me the creeps.

That's My World

PhotoHunt - Mostly Black

This is a volcanic island of Nea Kameni at Santorini and it was my first ever visit of a volcanic tour. I've written a post about this place previously but I've more photos to share.



These are our tour boats moored at the harbour with the black lava surrounding the lagoon.



On the way up to the craters created in 1928, sparse vegetation can be seen within the black stony terrain.



It's quite common to see mostly black volcanic boulders and rocky slopes along the path



As we moved upward, we stopped at various points of the trek to take photos and from here you can see the different colours of volcanic eruptions but mostly black lava stones which formed the island.



A black patch of lava had filled across the crater formed during the last eruption in the 50's.



The wall of the crater shows the steaming sulfur vents which reminds us that the volcano is still very much active. The higher we climbed the hotter it got and then we started feeling the intense heat beneath our feet and the energy from the crater. The really scary thing about this is that we don't know when the volcano will erupt again.


PhotoHunt

Wordless Wednesday - Freaky critter @ Aquaria KLCC

Wordless Wednesday

My World - Street Musicians in Athens

Greece is such an entertaining place when it comes to music. During my travels to Athens, I had a chance to witness a variety of street performances near Syntagma Square. I find most of them amazingly talented, gifted and creative individuals. Only occasionally have I walked away shaking my head in amusement, my eyebrows raised, but most of the time, they made me smile and I was pretty entertained.

To make ends meet, these musicians perform on the streets or even subways, showcasing their skills in a hope of a donation from an appreciative audience.

I asked a few of them if they would mind me taking a few photos and they agreed, and in return, I donated some money to them.






It is sad though when you realise how young this child is and the pressures on him to earn a living.

That's My World

PhotoHunt- Silhouette (s)

Sunset is one of my favourite times of the day to take pictures and here are some of my attempts at silhouettes:


My husband in silhouette enjoying the end of the day at Santorini.



Silhouettes of small fishing boats in Port Dickson.



A glowing sunset with silhouette of bare tree branches.

PhotoHunt

Skywatch - Rainbow after the rain

We had a little rain here this afternoon, and after the rain, a beautiful rainbow showed up. Unfortunately, it didn't last too long so I was not able to get a very good shot of it but it was nice to look at while it lasted.

To see more beautiful skies, visit Skywatch.

Wordless Wednesday - CNY colourful display @ Sunway Carnival Mall

Wordless Wednesday

Spiky Macro Monday

A few spiky shots from Secret Garden @ 1 Utama.


A colourful assortment of cactus plants.



Green cactus seen with miniature cactus securely attached, topped with unknown white spots.



A close up look of the cactus. Those spikes are very pointy and this is as close as I can get to. Falling over can be pretty embarrassing and painful. Ouch!


Macro Monday

The Spirit of Valentine

These cute Valentine decors caught my attention during a visit to the Sunway Carnival Mall in Penang a few days ago. The front entrance of the mall features a wide array of Valentine items that best represents the lovey-dovey day.



Mickey and Minnie grinned happily, clearly enjoying the occasion.



cute teddy bears vying for attention



I love red roses. They are always a true classic and the smell of fresh roses is so divine!



but the eye-catching Valentine centerpiece was the most interesting display at the mall. The lovely setting is part of the Blossoming Romance themed celebration.

My husband and I have been together for a long time and we don't need a Hallmark holiday to prove our love. We are a loving couple and he has been so good to me throughout the year. We make our own romantic holidays from time to time and there's nothing like a holiday together to rekindle our romance.

I hope that the spirit of love and happiness is with you all year round and not just on Valentine's Day! Have a great day to all.

That's My World

Ruby Tuesday

Skywatch over Soviet War Memorial in Vienna

Here are a few skywatch photos captured last spring. A beautiful monument built in honour of the Red Army soldiers who fell during the liberation of Austria in April 1945.

The sky was amazing that evening and I like the way the sky changes colours when the sun sets. That was a nice way to end the day!



Skywatch

Wordless Wednesday - Colourful Playground at Swarovski

Wordless Wednesday

My World - Swarovski Crystal World

Does the name Swarovski ring a bell to you? I'm sure most of you have heard of it. Swarovski is the brand name for a wide range of precisely-cut crystal glass and other related luxury products. They have been world famous for over a hundred years.



During our last trip to Innsbruck, we made our way to the Swarovski Kristallwelten (Crystal World) at Wattens.



The entrance to Swarovski's crystal-themed park Kristallwelten/Crystal World features a giant head fountain and he spouts waterfall, like a flowing tongue into a fountain pool. He also has huge crystals eyes and it portrays the sense that someone is always watching over your shoulder.


Inside the museum, you will find fascinating world of art all involving around the theme of crystals. Unfortunately, it was not opened when we arrived but having to enjoy the views of the surrounding was good enough for me though. Its setting alone is breathtaking. I spent quite a fair amount of time wandering around taking pictures.


The vast area is surrounded by mountainous snow capped alps and instantly, I was filled with a soothing sense of tranquility and the richness of my surroundings.



We climbed up the observatory and here we noticed a shrubbery maze which looks pretty cool but we didn't venture in.



In addition to the Swarovski museum, there is also a Swarovski factory where crystal is produced and shipped all over the world.



Along the way, we spotted the large format letters all encrusted with thousands of Swarovski Crystals in colours spell out the message YES TO ALL. Gazing at the sparkling crystals, I can't help wondering how much the crystal embellishment costs them.



If you are into crystals, specifically Swarovski and you're in Innsbruck for a visit, go to the museum and garden in Wattens. There will be something to take your breath away.

Directions:Follow the signs Kristallwelten which is available everywhere in Wattens.

That's My World