My World - The Arch of Constantine, Rome

Like many ancient architectures in Rome, the Arch of Constantine is one of the best preserved monuments we've seen and it stands right next to Colosseum.


The monument was built to commemorate Constantine I's victory over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge on October 28, 312AD. It was dedicated in 315 and is one of three Triumphal Arches still standing in Rome, with the Arch of Titus and Arch of Septimius Severus. The hill seen in the background is Palantine Hill.



I noticed that every inch of the wall had intricate details and each seems to tell a story or symbolise something significant.



These two roundels depict Licinius (Constantine's co-emperor during the era) on a lion hunt and Constantine sacrificing to Hercules. The friezes shown below the roundels were from the period of Constantine. It was the style of the 4th century where people were depicted with shorter bodies and large eyes.



I was told that a good vantage point from Colosseum offers an impressive view of this imposing monument but we didn't manage to go inside the Colosseum as it was already closed when we arrived. Nevertheless, it was rewarding taking a stroll around the surrounding area observing the architectural splendour and sculpted images up close.

That's My World

Today's Flowers - Happy Mother's Day

Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs since the payment is pure love
~ Mildred B. Vermont



The Miracle of Life nurtured by a woman who gave us love and sacrifice...MOTHER.
~ Joel Barquez



I love my mother as the trees love water and sunshine - she helps me grow, prosper, and reach great heights.
~Adabella Radici

These were captured at Penang Botanic Garden.

Today's Flowers

PhotoHunt - Digital

A digital illustration outside the art gallery of Hundertwasser Village (a.k.a Kalke Village) in Vienna.



It depicts one of the best-known contemporary Austrian artist, Friedensreich Hundertwasser and the exhibits of his unique art work.

PhotoHunt

My World - Memories of London

It has been great to watch the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate recently and having seen the live coverage on TV certainly brought back wonderful flashbacks of my first visit to London several years ago.

Here are some photos from my trip for your viewing pleasure.


The year was 2004 and I was among one of those people who stood in front of the gates of Buckingham Palace. Not as a royal guest but as a tourist.



The large memorial in front of Buckingham Palace is called the Queen Victoria Memorial. It was also an ideal spot to view the changing of the guard performance at Buckingham Palace. Unfortunately, it was raining when we arrived and the ceremony didn't take place at all and I was naturally disappointed. :(

As the weather wasn't the greatest, we weren't able to take many good pictures.
However, here are some of my best shots.


The London Eye.



North side of Westminster Abbey.



Big Ben and Houses of Parliament



St. Paul's Cathedral


An unknown structure. I don't remember the name of this building.



And last but not least, here's the Tower Bridge, one of the many awe-inspiring beautiful landmarks that made me fall so truly, madly, deeply in love with London. A piece of my heart still remains there. The rain finally stopped and I managed to find a flat surface to secure my camera when I took this photo. I was glad with the way it turned out.

That's My World

Orchid gallery

The orchid gallery is one of the main attractions within the Penang Botanic Garden. There are various species of orchids and plants and I was amazed by the wonderful array of colours. I stood there for a long while to enjoy the charm of these beauties, they make my day. :)