It is Ganesh Chaturthi here in India, birthday of Lord Ganesha!
Festival greetings to all my readers!
Thursday Challenge: Flame, Learning
Aug 31, 2011
Ganesh Chaturthi
It is Ganesh Chaturthi here in India, birthday of Lord Ganesha!
Festival greetings to all my readers!
Thursday Challenge: Flame, Learning
Aug 29, 2011
Marionette Museum, Salzburg
The Fortress Hohensalzburg in Salzburg has a delightful exhibit of enchanting Marionettes in the Prince’s Cellar. As we entered the museum we were welcomed by an animated picture of Bishop Wolf Dietrich. It is a bit scary, particularly the sharp look of his eyes. This Bishop was held captive in the dungeons of this fortress from 1611 till his death in 1617. His image almost roars, “My spirit lives in these rooms.” that slows down your pace down a bit, but the sights of the various puppets inside revive your spirits.
Playing with dolls is as old as mankind! So, this section of dolls display can never fail to impress anyone, young or old. The variety of dolls here is mind blowing; some of the exhibits are a few centuries old. There is a section which allows practicing puppetry too. Manipulation by strings can be so captivating, I experienced that, here in this magical world of marionettes.
Playing with dolls is as old as mankind! So, this section of dolls display can never fail to impress anyone, young or old. The variety of dolls here is mind blowing; some of the exhibits are a few centuries old. There is a section which allows practicing puppetry too. Manipulation by strings can be so captivating, I experienced that, here in this magical world of marionettes.
Aug 27, 2011
Faces of India - 23
A young boy from Rajasthan, he newly learned to tie his turban.
Faces of India, a series through which I intend to portray the various characters of my country. See more here.
Aug 23, 2011
Horse Fountain at Residenzplatz, Salzburg
The grand baroque fountain or 'Residenzbrunnen', looked enchanting with light passing through falling waters. This fountain was executed by Tomasso di Garona during 1656 to 1661. It is made of marble, and it is considered the largest baroque fountain of Middle Europe. It is located in the middle of the square in the heart of the historic center of Salzburg.
Aug 21, 2011
Salzburg’s Cathedral “Door of Hope”
Door of Hope is one of the three doors at the main entrance of Salzburg cathedral. The door is the creation of Ewald Mataré in 1956 -1958. It depicts Annunciation. The hand at the top right corner of the door symbolizes God. The Sun in the palm represents the Holy Spirit. The figures around represent angels. Mary in the left bottom is surrounded by rosary beads. The Latin inscription translates to “In You we Hope”. Click on the picture to enlarge and see the details.
Aug 20, 2011
Faces of India - 22
She is originally from Nepal, settled in Bangalore for a couple of decades now.
Faces of India, a series through which I intend to portray the various characters of my country. See more here.
Aug 18, 2011
Salzburg Cathedral
The Salzburg Cathedral at Domplatz is another lovely sight to behold! The façade is simple, the towers have green domes, and there are many statues and a very impressive door. This cathedral too has a history of being burned down by fire several times. The eighth fire in 1598 damaged the monument badly, with the roof too collapsing, nothing left except some parts of the crypt. The cathedral underwent a major reconstruction phase of seven years.
The story of damages doesn’t end there. In 1859 the building caught fire once more and during WWII it was damaged massively in a bombing. Today’s version is the rebuilt cathedral of 1945 to 1959. This cathedral is famous as the baptism site of Mozart. The church is 466 feet long and 109 feet high at the crossing/dome. Definitely a must see of you are ever there.
This weeks SkyWatch post is dedicated to Klaus Peter (1960 - 2011). Klaus was an active participant, supporter, and eventually owner/maintainer of SkyWatch and the founder of That's My World. He will be missed! RIP KLaus!
The story of damages doesn’t end there. In 1859 the building caught fire once more and during WWII it was damaged massively in a bombing. Today’s version is the rebuilt cathedral of 1945 to 1959. This cathedral is famous as the baptism site of Mozart. The church is 466 feet long and 109 feet high at the crossing/dome. Definitely a must see of you are ever there.
This weeks SkyWatch post is dedicated to Klaus Peter (1960 - 2011). Klaus was an active participant, supporter, and eventually owner/maintainer of SkyWatch and the founder of That's My World. He will be missed! RIP KLaus!
Aug 17, 2011
Friends in Salzburg
A carnival seemed to be on the day we were in Salzburg. The historic center of Old Town of Salzburg was crowded, stalls were up with various goodies, and tourists had a great time rummaging through the displays, foods, knick-knacks.
The best part was the sight of musicians in their interesting colorful costumes. They were present with their instruments playing various tunes entertaining the visitors. As soon as a song would be over there would be huge applause and cheering, the crowds would ask for more. There, I spotted two friends involved in a little chit chat during a small interval between songs.
Isn’t the head gear interesting!
Thursday Challenge: Friends
The best part was the sight of musicians in their interesting colorful costumes. They were present with their instruments playing various tunes entertaining the visitors. As soon as a song would be over there would be huge applause and cheering, the crowds would ask for more. There, I spotted two friends involved in a little chit chat during a small interval between songs.
Isn’t the head gear interesting!
Thursday Challenge: Friends
Aug 15, 2011
Salzburg, Austria
The bus from our hotel dropped us off at Getreidegasse Street, Salzburg Old Town; from here we were on our own with just two books to guide us. A town well known for a variety of things ranging from chocolates, to music and movies and old architectural structures, it was initially difficult which to focus on. We walked on along the streets and cherished the sights as they came along.
The Old town is designated as UNESCO World Heritage site because of its best preserved unusually uniform Baroque style designs. Through the city flows the River Salzach, we toured the left bank first. This side has the famous Mozart’s place, fine churches and also the mighty fortress of Hohensalzburg. The following two pics of the city expanse and alpine settings, are the views from the fortress.
On the right bank of Salzach River are another set of interesting sight. Just one day for Salzburg and so we made a hurried visit to this part of the town and concentrated on just the Mirabell Palace, where most part of the shooting for the movie Sound of Music was done. The following pic is the view of the left side of the river with the fortress of Hohensalzburg as the outline. Do click to see the enlarged versions.
The Old town is designated as UNESCO World Heritage site because of its best preserved unusually uniform Baroque style designs. Through the city flows the River Salzach, we toured the left bank first. This side has the famous Mozart’s place, fine churches and also the mighty fortress of Hohensalzburg. The following two pics of the city expanse and alpine settings, are the views from the fortress.
On the right bank of Salzach River are another set of interesting sight. Just one day for Salzburg and so we made a hurried visit to this part of the town and concentrated on just the Mirabell Palace, where most part of the shooting for the movie Sound of Music was done. The following pic is the view of the left side of the river with the fortress of Hohensalzburg as the outline. Do click to see the enlarged versions.
See more of the World at: That's My World
Aug 13, 2011
Faces of India - 21
Another citizen of India.
Faces of India, a series through which I intend to portray the various characters of my country. See more here.
Aug 11, 2011
More Views of Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Walt Disney looked for inspiration to stage the story of Sleeping Beauty and in Neuschwanstein Castle he found the answer. Did the mad King Ludwig II (1845 – 1886) ever imagine how his castle would become every child’s dream!
King Ludwig’s instructions for building the castle: “It is my intention to rebuild the old castle ruin at Hohenschwangau near the Pollat Gorge in the authentic style of the old German knights' castles... the location is the most beautiful one could find, holy and unapproachable, a worthy temple for the divine friend who has brought salvation and true blessing to the world.”
Unfortunately he did not live long to see his creation complete. Yet even in its incomplete state the castle, particularly the interiors, look grand. Sharing with you all some more views of Neuschwanstein Castle.
King Ludwig’s instructions for building the castle: “It is my intention to rebuild the old castle ruin at Hohenschwangau near the Pollat Gorge in the authentic style of the old German knights' castles... the location is the most beautiful one could find, holy and unapproachable, a worthy temple for the divine friend who has brought salvation and true blessing to the world.”
Unfortunately he did not live long to see his creation complete. Yet even in its incomplete state the castle, particularly the interiors, look grand. Sharing with you all some more views of Neuschwanstein Castle.
Aug 10, 2011
Neuschwanstein Castle, Fussen, Germany
29th April 2011, we spent five whole days touring length and breadth of Switzerland, yet we have not had our fill of this beautiful country. A forced good bye to Switzerland and as per our plans we set off for our next destination Salzburg, Austria, a distance of 342kms to be covered by road. The scenes come floating on my canvas of memory, thanks to the innumerable shots we took during this long drive.
We took a small detour to Fussen, Germany. Yes, it was for the real Disney castle, the Neuschwanstein Castle. For my daughters it was Sleeping Beauty’s castle. The roads are remarkably good and as we approached the castle the roads had narrowed and mostly traffic free too. The drive is partly though forests and the castles suddenly become visible at a distance through the branches of the trees. The sight of the castles on the mountain side with trees all around looked magical. I am sure castles excite adults and children alike. To think this inspired Walt Disney!
The view of the castle and view from the castle were the best part of the tour. A short 30min guided tour, with no photography permitted inside the castle is not satisfying at all. The views we got all around was fantastic though. The sight of Alpsee Lake, the Hohenschwangau Castle at a distance; you feel like believing fairy tales are true. You can read more about the castles here.
The last shot of the traffic free road to Fussen is for Thursday Challenge: Empty.
We took a small detour to Fussen, Germany. Yes, it was for the real Disney castle, the Neuschwanstein Castle. For my daughters it was Sleeping Beauty’s castle. The roads are remarkably good and as we approached the castle the roads had narrowed and mostly traffic free too. The drive is partly though forests and the castles suddenly become visible at a distance through the branches of the trees. The sight of the castles on the mountain side with trees all around looked magical. I am sure castles excite adults and children alike. To think this inspired Walt Disney!
The view of the castle and view from the castle were the best part of the tour. A short 30min guided tour, with no photography permitted inside the castle is not satisfying at all. The views we got all around was fantastic though. The sight of Alpsee Lake, the Hohenschwangau Castle at a distance; you feel like believing fairy tales are true. You can read more about the castles here.
The last shot of the traffic free road to Fussen is for Thursday Challenge: Empty.
Aug 8, 2011
Jungfrau, Top of Europe
The people of Swiss have bored a long tunnel of 7.3km through Eiger Mountain to reach Jungfraujoch. It is a long one hour ride from Grindelwald in darkness to reach this Top of Europe. Thank your lucky stars if you get clear weather up there, you will be treated to some spectacular views. During our trip there we didn’t get the much anticipated clear views, none the less we enjoyed. Indeed a great feeling to be at this altitude of 11,333ft.
For those like me who have spent their entire lives in tropical regions, it will be easy to imagine the thrill of experiencing snow. For the first few minutes we were at Top of Europe we forgot the biting cold. We wandered around with extended palms, trying to grab the falling snow flakes, rubbing them between our fingers to find the exact texture and I even put it in my mouth to find its crunchiness and taste. Our feet were sinking into the soft powdery snow and we were totally unmindful of it. Lot of activities were going on like skiing, hiking, snowboarding. I guess some kind of training and experience is required to do them, for novices like me it is better to watch these activities.
The Ice Palace there had some excellent displays. Various figures sculpted out of ice. Tunnels carved in ice, thanks to whoever had the idea of fixing hand rails on the sides of the tunnels, they help prevent many slips and falls. Time just melted off here watching the amazing sculpted pieces, another great engineering feat here at this altitude! Inside and venturing out from here we took countless pictures. In my opinion the trip is exorbitantly priced, even with Swiss Rail pass we had to dole out quite a lot of precious francs for this Top of Europe experience. It is 4 francs for a small bottle of water there!
For those like me who have spent their entire lives in tropical regions, it will be easy to imagine the thrill of experiencing snow. For the first few minutes we were at Top of Europe we forgot the biting cold. We wandered around with extended palms, trying to grab the falling snow flakes, rubbing them between our fingers to find the exact texture and I even put it in my mouth to find its crunchiness and taste. Our feet were sinking into the soft powdery snow and we were totally unmindful of it. Lot of activities were going on like skiing, hiking, snowboarding. I guess some kind of training and experience is required to do them, for novices like me it is better to watch these activities.
The Ice Palace there had some excellent displays. Various figures sculpted out of ice. Tunnels carved in ice, thanks to whoever had the idea of fixing hand rails on the sides of the tunnels, they help prevent many slips and falls. Time just melted off here watching the amazing sculpted pieces, another great engineering feat here at this altitude! Inside and venturing out from here we took countless pictures. In my opinion the trip is exorbitantly priced, even with Swiss Rail pass we had to dole out quite a lot of precious francs for this Top of Europe experience. It is 4 francs for a small bottle of water there!
See more of the World at: That's My World
Aug 6, 2011
Faces of India - 20
Another child artiste. A boy, from Orissa, dressed up as girl. Most girls' parents don't let their daughters go far from home to perform, so boys take up their roles.
Faces of India, a series through which I intend to portray the various characters of my country. See more here.
Aug 4, 2011
Zermatt, Switzerland
All the way from Zurich to Zermatt, to view the mesmerizing alpine scenes, but the journey did not end here. There was one more phase to cover, the journey from Zermatt to Gornergrat. And at that altitude of 3089m above sea level, it was plain white snow as far as the eye could see. It was like an entry to another world. The railway line Zermatt to/from Gornergrat is special for a couple of reasons; one because it was the first electric railway in Switzerland and two because it is the highest cogwheel railway of Europe. Doesn’t it make the journey special!
We arrived at Gornergrat in forty minutes from Zermatt. A short walk from the station and we were at the viewing platform. The gorgeous sight of the mountains around, the cool crisp air, the flaky snow scattered around, the sight of little black birds hovering around, all… too much to take in at the same time. I must not forget to mention the glacier we saw from here. For my daughters, for us and for some of the tourists around, it was a first time experience. Sights like this remains etched in mind for a long long time. Pictures keep refreshing them.
It was almost three hours journey from Zurich to Zermatt, so that day we spent six hours in train just to get the glimpse of the peak Matterhorn, at Zermatt. This peak attracts ski fans, mountaineers and snowboarders like a magnet. One of the best experiences would be to take a glacier walk tour of the Aletsch glacier, which a UNESCO site. But of course one needs both money and time in hand to fulfill all dreams in one life time!
We arrived at Gornergrat in forty minutes from Zermatt. A short walk from the station and we were at the viewing platform. The gorgeous sight of the mountains around, the cool crisp air, the flaky snow scattered around, the sight of little black birds hovering around, all… too much to take in at the same time. I must not forget to mention the glacier we saw from here. For my daughters, for us and for some of the tourists around, it was a first time experience. Sights like this remains etched in mind for a long long time. Pictures keep refreshing them.
It was almost three hours journey from Zurich to Zermatt, so that day we spent six hours in train just to get the glimpse of the peak Matterhorn, at Zermatt. This peak attracts ski fans, mountaineers and snowboarders like a magnet. One of the best experiences would be to take a glacier walk tour of the Aletsch glacier, which a UNESCO site. But of course one needs both money and time in hand to fulfill all dreams in one life time!
Aug 3, 2011
Jardin Anglais, Geneva
Along the Geneva Lakeside is the beautiful Jardin Anglais, read English Garden. I won’t be wrong if I call the whole of Switzerland, ‘a garden’ and this Jardin Anglais is a garden within a garden. It boasts of 6500 flowering plants, yes 6500! Due to time constraints we could take just a short stroll inside. The memorable part of the trip was the sight of a floral clock at the entrance to this garden.
Horloge Fleurie, this large floral clock was created in 1955. It is a symbol of tribute to Switzerland’s watch making tradition. The mathematical details of this clock are mind boggling. It is 15.7m in circumference, dia. of 5m; the second hand is 2.5m long and has the reputation of being the longest second hand in this planet. The clock gets a new look each season with different combinations of flowering plants and shrubs.
Tourists were crowding around this unique clock to get themselves framed with this clock. I waited patiently and I was lucky to get the clock for a few seconds all to myself for photography.
Thursday Challenge: GARDEN
Today's Flowers
Horloge Fleurie, this large floral clock was created in 1955. It is a symbol of tribute to Switzerland’s watch making tradition. The mathematical details of this clock are mind boggling. It is 15.7m in circumference, dia. of 5m; the second hand is 2.5m long and has the reputation of being the longest second hand in this planet. The clock gets a new look each season with different combinations of flowering plants and shrubs.
Tourists were crowding around this unique clock to get themselves framed with this clock. I waited patiently and I was lucky to get the clock for a few seconds all to myself for photography.
Thursday Challenge: GARDEN
Today's Flowers
Aug 1, 2011
Swiss National Day
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWITZERLAND!
First of August, it is time for bonfires and fireworks for all Swiss nationals. Today, it is 720th National Day of Switzerland, and I am imagining the kind of celebrations that is on right now in there. Like how the 15th of August is important to Indians or 4th of July is important to Americans, this day is an occasion to celebrate for all Swiss nationals.
The day was chosen because August 1st 1291 was the date on which three Alpine cantons swore the oath of confederation, an act which later came to be regarded as the foundation of Switzerland. The representatives of Schwyz, Unterwalden and Uri met on the Rütli field, high above Lake Lucerne, to swear a bond of brotherhood, and agree to act jointly if their freedoms were threatened by outside aggressors. You can read more here and here.
Here is introducing a blogger friend from Basel, Switzerland. Visit Hans-Peter’s beautiful photo blog at FOTO – POESIE. Greetings to you from India, my friend!
Whenever I think of Switzerland, two images stand out clearly in my mind: one is the snow covered Swiss Alps and the other vast green meadows and swiss cows grazing there with bells hanging from their necks (move the mouse over). And I feel like running across this canvas of memory with arms spread out. A truly beautiful country: Switzerland!
First of August, it is time for bonfires and fireworks for all Swiss nationals. Today, it is 720th National Day of Switzerland, and I am imagining the kind of celebrations that is on right now in there. Like how the 15th of August is important to Indians or 4th of July is important to Americans, this day is an occasion to celebrate for all Swiss nationals.
The day was chosen because August 1st 1291 was the date on which three Alpine cantons swore the oath of confederation, an act which later came to be regarded as the foundation of Switzerland. The representatives of Schwyz, Unterwalden and Uri met on the Rütli field, high above Lake Lucerne, to swear a bond of brotherhood, and agree to act jointly if their freedoms were threatened by outside aggressors. You can read more here and here.
Here is introducing a blogger friend from Basel, Switzerland. Visit Hans-Peter’s beautiful photo blog at FOTO – POESIE. Greetings to you from India, my friend!
Whenever I think of Switzerland, two images stand out clearly in my mind: one is the snow covered Swiss Alps and the other vast green meadows and swiss cows grazing there with bells hanging from their necks (move the mouse over). And I feel like running across this canvas of memory with arms spread out. A truly beautiful country: Switzerland!
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