National Gardens of Athens, Greece
Wordless Wednesday
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
Our World - Selime Monastery, Cappadocia
For Our World entry, I'm featuring another memorable series of photos of my trip to Cappodocia in Turkey.
Selime Kalesi or the Castle Monastery Church is one of the largest religious sites in Cappadocia, carved out of the rocks by monks in the 13th century.
There are different caves and connecting tunnels, some with ancient kitchens, stables, chapels, cathedral-sized church and some secret passageways.
The rocks have gotten so many bizarre shapes throughout the years and some even look like faces, a bit creepy I'd say. Here's one of them and it portrays the sense that someone is always watching over your shoulder.
The hiking trails can be quite slippery and nerve-wracking and there are no safety guard rails to prevent you from falling over the rocks. I've always wonder how those ancient inhabitants made it up here at night!
Due to the lack of safety barriers and my fear of falling, I stayed on the lower level while hubby took the tour around. While he was climbing high, I wandered around, took some photos and enjoyed the beauty of nature.
I also discovered from the tour guide that a few scenes from the original Star Wars was filmed here.
Our World
Selime Kalesi or the Castle Monastery Church is one of the largest religious sites in Cappadocia, carved out of the rocks by monks in the 13th century.
There are different caves and connecting tunnels, some with ancient kitchens, stables, chapels, cathedral-sized church and some secret passageways.
The rocks have gotten so many bizarre shapes throughout the years and some even look like faces, a bit creepy I'd say. Here's one of them and it portrays the sense that someone is always watching over your shoulder.
The hiking trails can be quite slippery and nerve-wracking and there are no safety guard rails to prevent you from falling over the rocks. I've always wonder how those ancient inhabitants made it up here at night!
Due to the lack of safety barriers and my fear of falling, I stayed on the lower level while hubby took the tour around. While he was climbing high, I wandered around, took some photos and enjoyed the beauty of nature.
I also discovered from the tour guide that a few scenes from the original Star Wars was filmed here.
Our World
Friday, February 24, 2012
PhotoHunt - Old
For this week's photohunt theme, I'm taking you to Austria. This is one of the many old Baroque fountains that we came across in the old city centre of Vienna.
The Donner fountain dates back to the year 1739 and the lady in the middle is Providentia. Around her are four cherubs representing Austrian rivers.
The figures on the edge of the fountain's basin symbolize
Traun, a young man with a trident, catching a fish at the base of the fountain;
Enns, an old ferryman, resting against a rock;
Ybbs, a resting girl with a water container;
and March, a female figure leaning to a relief depicting a battle between the Romans and Markomannen.
I also found out that these old weathered statues on the fountain were bronze replicas. The figures were made of lead, deteriorated and had to be replaced in 1873. The originals can now be found in the Lower Belvedere’s Marble Hall.
Gattina's PhotoHunting
The Donner fountain dates back to the year 1739 and the lady in the middle is Providentia. Around her are four cherubs representing Austrian rivers.
The figures on the edge of the fountain's basin symbolize
Traun, a young man with a trident, catching a fish at the base of the fountain;
Enns, an old ferryman, resting against a rock;
Ybbs, a resting girl with a water container;
and March, a female figure leaning to a relief depicting a battle between the Romans and Markomannen.
I also found out that these old weathered statues on the fountain were bronze replicas. The figures were made of lead, deteriorated and had to be replaced in 1873. The originals can now be found in the Lower Belvedere’s Marble Hall.
Gattina's PhotoHunting
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Skywatch - ArtScience Museum, Singapore
When in Singapore, it will be hard to miss the ArtScience museum which seems to dominate the skyline in every direction. Boasting an iconic lotus-inspired design, the amazing museum symbolizes “The Welcoming Hand of Singapore” to visitors from across the globe.
Here are some photos captured at three different spots at different times of day.
A bird's eye view of the remarkable museum from Skypark.
Sitting pretty next to the museum is the Singapore flyer as seen from Collyer Quay.
Another cool vantage point from Merlion Park in late evening.
Skywatch
Here are some photos captured at three different spots at different times of day.
A bird's eye view of the remarkable museum from Skypark.
Sitting pretty next to the museum is the Singapore flyer as seen from Collyer Quay.
Another cool vantage point from Merlion Park in late evening.
Skywatch
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
Our World - Universal Studios Singapore (USS)
This is the first Universal Studios I've been to and glad it didn't disappoint me. Although I find the theme park's layout rather small, it's the best experience rolled into one. There are plenty of street entertainments, thrilling rides and other attractions that can keep you busy all day.
The theme park consist of seven unique themed zones based on hit blockbuster movies and TV shows which include Hollywood, New York, Sci-Fi City, Ancient Egypt, The Lost World, Madagascar and Far, Far Away.
We arrived there right in time when it opened at 10am but as expected, there were long queues at the ticket booths. While waiting for my hubby to collect ticket passes, I spent my time wandering around shooting anything that interests me.
Here is the famous spinning globe, one of the most photographed icons in any Universal theme park. It was a weekday when we visited USS and the park was packed with tourists throughout the day.
This was taken not too far from the Sentosa's casino. I love the intricate details of the roof.
Same spot but different time as we exited from the USS at night.
Colourful Merlion greeting visitors
The gift shops are set up with creative themes and decorations. Here is one of them.
And there's Hershey's and Reese's calling out my name and enthusiastically waving at me. How cool. :)
More pictures and stories coming up, so stay tuned.
Our World
The theme park consist of seven unique themed zones based on hit blockbuster movies and TV shows which include Hollywood, New York, Sci-Fi City, Ancient Egypt, The Lost World, Madagascar and Far, Far Away.
We arrived there right in time when it opened at 10am but as expected, there were long queues at the ticket booths. While waiting for my hubby to collect ticket passes, I spent my time wandering around shooting anything that interests me.
Here is the famous spinning globe, one of the most photographed icons in any Universal theme park. It was a weekday when we visited USS and the park was packed with tourists throughout the day.
This was taken not too far from the Sentosa's casino. I love the intricate details of the roof.
Same spot but different time as we exited from the USS at night.
Colourful Merlion greeting visitors
The gift shops are set up with creative themes and decorations. Here is one of them.
And there's Hershey's and Reese's calling out my name and enthusiastically waving at me. How cool. :)
More pictures and stories coming up, so stay tuned.
Our World
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Camera-Critters - Mallards
Spotted this lovely pair of mallards enjoying the calm water at Mirabells Garden in Salzburg. I had hoped to get better close-ups of them but they were a bit camera shy so I kept my distance and took a few quick shots before I left. These photos have been cropped for a closer view.
Camera-Critters
Camera-Critters
Friday, February 17, 2012
PhotoHunt - Point
Here is a statue of Athena, the goddess of wisdom standing in front of the Austrian parliament in Vienna. In her left hand she carries a sharp point of spear and in her right, the goddess Nike.
Sandi's PhotoHunt
Sandi's PhotoHunt
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Skywatch - Venice at twilight
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Monday, February 13, 2012
Our World - The Shoppes @ Marina Bay, Singapore
This is one of the most exclusive and expensive shopping malls in Singapore.
While I have no interest in shopping, I was fascinated by the classic and contemporary architecture.
I can't decide which photo I like best, so I'm posting all three photos.
What do you think?
Our World
While I have no interest in shopping, I was fascinated by the classic and contemporary architecture.
I can't decide which photo I like best, so I'm posting all three photos.
What do you think?
Our World
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Camera Critters - Freaky crawly
I think this is the weirdest and creepiest lizards I've ever seen. Despite its alien-like appearance, I find it interesting to watch behind glass, but I would run a mile if I saw one in the open.
The gila monster, as it's commonly known, is one of the only two venomous lizards in the world, so i don't think you want to mess with this little fella even if you really love lizards.
Captured at Singapore Zoo.
Camera Critters
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Skywatch over Santorini
These were captured during our volcano tour in Santorini. While waiting for our tour boat to arrive, we did some skywatching. The weather that day was nice for a day out with beautiful sky and clouds and not too hot, with cool sea breeze blowing through.
Another perspective view at the old port in Fira, Santorini.
Skywatch
Another perspective view at the old port in Fira, Santorini.
Skywatch
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
Our World - Elephant Parade in Singapore
When I visited Singapore last year, elephants were invading all over town. Not the real ones but painted elephant sculptures from the elephant parade. Some elephants are wonderfully designed and decorated by local and international artists on various themes.
There were 162 elephants on display at well-known places for two glorious months starting from 11th November 2011 to 11th January 2012.
Here are some that caught my eye. Each of them is so cool and seems to have so much personality.
The objective of the Elephant Parade is to to raise public awareness for the conservation of Asian elephants. All of the elephants will be auctioned off and part of the proceeds will go towards The Asian Elephant Foundation and Wildlife Reserves Singapore Conservation Fund.
It's really sad when you hear that elephants are mercilessly hunted and killed for their tusks and their bodies left to rot. I hope the awareness campaign helps to prevent the extinction of elephants from their natural habitat.
Nature's great masterpiece, an elephant; the only harmless great thing.
- John Donne
Our World
There were 162 elephants on display at well-known places for two glorious months starting from 11th November 2011 to 11th January 2012.
Here are some that caught my eye. Each of them is so cool and seems to have so much personality.
The objective of the Elephant Parade is to to raise public awareness for the conservation of Asian elephants. All of the elephants will be auctioned off and part of the proceeds will go towards The Asian Elephant Foundation and Wildlife Reserves Singapore Conservation Fund.
It's really sad when you hear that elephants are mercilessly hunted and killed for their tusks and their bodies left to rot. I hope the awareness campaign helps to prevent the extinction of elephants from their natural habitat.
Nature's great masterpiece, an elephant; the only harmless great thing.
- John Donne
Our World
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Camera Critters - Blue crowned Pigeon
The Blue Crowned Pigeon is the world's largest species of pigeon, and this species eats mainly fruits, seeds, grains, and small insects and is now an endangered species because of the wide popularity of its meat and plumes.
It's hard to believe that this fella belongs to the pigeon family. It's certainly different and unique, unlike most other pigeons I've encountered.
Look at the blue lacy crests over its head. Is it having a good or bad hair day?
I was pleasantly surprised that it allowed me to get as close as I did. It puts on a spectacular show bobbing its head constantly and making the most unusual noises. A co-operative and friendly model.
Captured at Singapore Zoo.
Camera Critters
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)