Showing posts with label museums. Show all posts
Showing posts with label museums. Show all posts

Friday, July 18, 2014

The Oracle of Delphi (Greece Part 2)

My fascination with Ancient Civilizations continues in Delphi. Legends tell of Delphi's establishment when Zeus released two eagles from the opposite ends of the world; and Delphi was where they crossed paths. Believed to be the naval of the world, it was purposed as a dwelling place of the God Apollo at the end of the 8th century BC. People all over Greece and beyond visited Delphi to consult the God Apollo on the course of action to take in their lives. The Oracle of Delphi was a means where people could hear the God Apollo through the channel of priestess or sibyls. It was believed that the vapors from a  crack in the ground at the temple's altar assisted the channel into a trance and answers could be sought.

Like most places left in ruins, walking through Delphi requires the work of one's imagination. The grandeur and importance of Delhpi can definitely be realized from the presence of the different monuments such as the Main Temple Apollo itself, the Athenian Treasury and the presence of a theatre and stadium. Crowds must have come forth in search of answers from the oracle.

The Athenean Treasury.



































































































































I felt had affinity with this tree right under the Temple of Apollo.
It may seem so frail and weak, but to me, it has so much strength.






































A sweltering hot day it was…






































The theatre which overlooks the Temple.




























Love the trees in Delphi, they are so ALIVE!






































The Delphi museum housing the collection of sculptures and architectural remains of the period is also interesting to see. The main exhibit being the life size bronze statue the "Charioteer".







































My own personal favorite at the museum has to be this….
The Magneto Helmet from X-Men!!! (or rather the movie must have got some inspiration from the greeks!) How cool!!




























And the others i like….



































































An overview of what Delphi might have looked like….




























And the most endearing Temple cats of Delphi…




























Much love….




























TBC….

Read The Oia Dream (Greece Part 1) 

(Pics taken with a Panasonic Lumix Camera, Samsung S4 and Note 2)

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Treasures of the Louvre (Paris Part 2)


Many worlds await in the Louvre. Entering the Lourve feels like entering a giant treasure trove through
the glass pyramid. 


I have always taken a fancy in the ancient civilizations and to my delight a world of ancient Egypt awaits me in the Louvre thanks to Napoleon. I was welcomed into the world of ancient Egypt with statues of the Spinhx, God & Goddesses. Artistically systematically labelled and displayed, it was definitely a treat to the eyes. The glass cabinets were filled with artifacts which ranged from exquisite jewelry to cat mummies. The collection is huge and i felt very much transported back in time.































































































After walking for three hours in the museum, we took a quick bite at the modern decorated Lourve cafe serving a variety of light snacks from french pastries to a nice cuppa. (Advisable to take a heavier breakfast before entering the museum if you intend to spend at least 5 hours in there which we did)











I was really "digging" into the food coz i was so hungry!...






































There was just too much to see and i decided to be selective just viewing the "famous" pieces of which, these are some of my personal favourites this time around.














Remember to say "Hi" to Mona Lisa!


There is just something i really like about being in the museum.

My third time at the Lourve and every trip is never the same. 
This is the reason why.... 
More treasures to be unveiled...  I guess i will be back again!

After all that time indoors, it is really nice to breathe in some fresh air and we decided to take a walk through the Jardin des Tuileries which was just across the Louvre. 

Most of the trees were beautifully pruned, somewhat modelled after Marie Antoinette's gardens lined with giant flower pots from her era. 



I personally prefer to just sit down and soak in the last of the summer sun. 



I also thought it was nice to do a little picnic having spotted a Paul's kiosk in the park.


I decided to carry on my stroll....


and to my surprise, i walked right into Paris Fashion Week!


You can just imagine my excitement! It was timely, as i managed to get a glimpse of Anna Winatour and Anna della Russo. In that moment, the world of Vogue came alive! The paparazzi was overwhelming, clicking away. I decided to join in the fun!



Was totally not dressed for Fashion Week under the sweltering heat!


In Paris, it is just mandatory to have macaroons for tea, and that day i decided to try the ones from Paul!

Decided to go for the large sized ones to satisfy my craving!

They were decent, but not quite like the Laduree & Pierre Hermes ones! 

TBC....