Inge Johnsson Photography

Show Navigation
  • Portfolio
  • Galleries
    • All Galleries
    • Search
    • Cart
    • Lightbox
    • Client Area
  • Buy artwork at Fine Art America
  • About
  • Contact

Search Results

Refine Search
Match all words
Match any word
Prints
Personal Use
Royalty-Free
Rights-Managed
(leave unchecked to
search all images)
{ 102 images found }

Loading ()...

  • The Natural History Museum is one of three large museums on Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London, England (the others are the Science Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum). Its main frontage is on Cromwell Road. The museum is an exempt charity, and a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.<br />
The museum is home to life and earth science specimens comprising some 70 million items within five main collections: Botany, Entomology, Mineralogy, Palaeontology and Zoology. The museum is a world-renowned centre of research, specialising in taxonomy, identification and conservation. Given the age of the institution, many of the collections have great historical as well as scientific value, such as specimens collected by Darwin. The Natural History Museum Library contains extensive books, journals, manuscripts, and artwork collections linked to the work and research of the scientific departments. Access to the library is by appointment only.<br />
The museum is particularly famous for its exhibition of dinosaur skeletons, and ornate architecture — sometimes dubbed a cathedral of nature — both exemplified by the large Diplodocus cast which dominates the vaulted central hall.
    LondonNHM1.jpg
  • The Natural History Museum is one of three large museums on Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London, England (the others are the Science Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum). Its main frontage is on Cromwell Road. The museum is an exempt charity, and a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.<br />
The museum is home to life and earth science specimens comprising some 70 million items within five main collections: Botany, Entomology, Mineralogy, Palaeontology and Zoology. The museum is a world-renowned centre of research, specialising in taxonomy, identification and conservation. Given the age of the institution, many of the collections have great historical as well as scientific value, such as specimens collected by Darwin. The Natural History Museum Library contains extensive books, journals, manuscripts, and artwork collections linked to the work and research of the scientific departments. Access to the library is by appointment only.<br />
The museum is particularly famous for its exhibition of dinosaur skeletons, and ornate architecture — sometimes dubbed a cathedral of nature — both exemplified by the large Diplodocus cast which dominates the vaulted central hall.
    LondonNHM3.jpg
  • The Natural History Museum is one of three large museums on Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London, England (the others are the Science Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum). Its main frontage is on Cromwell Road. The museum is an exempt charity, and a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.<br />
The museum is home to life and earth science specimens comprising some 70 million items within five main collections: Botany, Entomology, Mineralogy, Palaeontology and Zoology. The museum is a world-renowned centre of research, specialising in taxonomy, identification and conservation. Given the age of the institution, many of the collections have great historical as well as scientific value, such as specimens collected by Darwin. The Natural History Museum Library contains extensive books, journals, manuscripts, and artwork collections linked to the work and research of the scientific departments. Access to the library is by appointment only.<br />
The museum is particularly famous for its exhibition of dinosaur skeletons, and ornate architecture — sometimes dubbed a cathedral of nature — both exemplified by the large Diplodocus cast which dominates the vaulted central hall.
    LondonNHMstairscase1.jpg
  • The Natural History Museum is one of three large museums on Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London, England (the others are the Science Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum). Its main frontage is on Cromwell Road. The museum is an exempt charity, and a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.<br />
The museum is home to life and earth science specimens comprising some 70 million items within five main collections: Botany, Entomology, Mineralogy, Palaeontology and Zoology. The museum is a world-renowned centre of research, specialising in taxonomy, identification and conservation. Given the age of the institution, many of the collections have great historical as well as scientific value, such as specimens collected by Darwin. The Natural History Museum Library contains extensive books, journals, manuscripts, and artwork collections linked to the work and research of the scientific departments. Access to the library is by appointment only.<br />
The museum is particularly famous for its exhibition of dinosaur skeletons, and ornate architecture — sometimes dubbed a cathedral of nature — both exemplified by the large Diplodocus cast which dominates the vaulted central hall.
    LondonNHMstairs2.jpg
  • The Natural History Museum is one of three large museums on Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London, England (the others are the Science Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum). Its main frontage is on Cromwell Road. The museum is an exempt charity, and a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.<br />
The museum is home to life and earth science specimens comprising some 70 million items within five main collections: Botany, Entomology, Mineralogy, Palaeontology and Zoology. The museum is a world-renowned centre of research, specialising in taxonomy, identification and conservation. Given the age of the institution, many of the collections have great historical as well as scientific value, such as specimens collected by Darwin. The Natural History Museum Library contains extensive books, journals, manuscripts, and artwork collections linked to the work and research of the scientific departments. Access to the library is by appointment only.<br />
The museum is particularly famous for its exhibition of dinosaur skeletons, and ornate architecture — sometimes dubbed a cathedral of nature — both exemplified by the large Diplodocus cast which dominates the vaulted central hall.
    LondonNHMwindows1.jpg
  • The Natural History Museum is one of three large museums on Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London, England (the others are the Science Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum). Its main frontage is on Cromwell Road. The museum is an exempt charity, and a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.<br />
The museum is home to life and earth science specimens comprising some 70 million items within five main collections: Botany, Entomology, Mineralogy, Palaeontology and Zoology. The museum is a world-renowned centre of research, specialising in taxonomy, identification and conservation. Given the age of the institution, many of the collections have great historical as well as scientific value, such as specimens collected by Darwin. The Natural History Museum Library contains extensive books, journals, manuscripts, and artwork collections linked to the work and research of the scientific departments. Access to the library is by appointment only.<br />
The museum is particularly famous for its exhibition of dinosaur skeletons, and ornate architecture — sometimes dubbed a cathedral of nature — both exemplified by the large Diplodocus cast which dominates the vaulted central hall.
    LondonNHMstairs1.jpg
  • The Natural History Museum is one of three large museums on Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London, England (the others are the Science Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum). Its main frontage is on Cromwell Road. The museum is an exempt charity, and a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.<br />
The museum is home to life and earth science specimens comprising some 70 million items within five main collections: Botany, Entomology, Mineralogy, Palaeontology and Zoology. The museum is a world-renowned centre of research, specialising in taxonomy, identification and conservation. Given the age of the institution, many of the collections have great historical as well as scientific value, such as specimens collected by Darwin. The Natural History Museum Library contains extensive books, journals, manuscripts, and artwork collections linked to the work and research of the scientific departments. Access to the library is by appointment only.<br />
The museum is particularly famous for its exhibition of dinosaur skeletons, and ornate architecture — sometimes dubbed a cathedral of nature — both exemplified by the large Diplodocus cast which dominates the vaulted central hall.
    LondonNHMWall1.jpg
  • The Natural History Museum is one of three large museums on Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London, England (the others are the Science Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum). Its main frontage is on Cromwell Road. The museum is an exempt charity, and a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.<br />
The museum is home to life and earth science specimens comprising some 70 million items within five main collections: Botany, Entomology, Mineralogy, Palaeontology and Zoology. The museum is a world-renowned centre of research, specialising in taxonomy, identification and conservation. Given the age of the institution, many of the collections have great historical as well as scientific value, such as specimens collected by Darwin. The Natural History Museum Library contains extensive books, journals, manuscripts, and artwork collections linked to the work and research of the scientific departments. Access to the library is by appointment only.<br />
The museum is particularly famous for its exhibition of dinosaur skeletons, and ornate architecture — sometimes dubbed a cathedral of nature — both exemplified by the large Diplodocus cast which dominates the vaulted central hall.
    LondonNHMentrance2.jpg
  • The Natural History Museum is one of three large museums on Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London, England (the others are the Science Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum). Its main frontage is on Cromwell Road. The museum is an exempt charity, and a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.<br />
The museum is home to life and earth science specimens comprising some 70 million items within five main collections: Botany, Entomology, Mineralogy, Palaeontology and Zoology. The museum is a world-renowned centre of research, specialising in taxonomy, identification and conservation. Given the age of the institution, many of the collections have great historical as well as scientific value, such as specimens collected by Darwin. The Natural History Museum Library contains extensive books, journals, manuscripts, and artwork collections linked to the work and research of the scientific departments. Access to the library is by appointment only.<br />
The museum is particularly famous for its exhibition of dinosaur skeletons, and ornate architecture — sometimes dubbed a cathedral of nature — both exemplified by the large Diplodocus cast which dominates the vaulted central hall.
    LondonNHMentrance3.jpg
  • El Capitan peak in Texas' Guadalupe National Park. Guadalupe Mountains National Park is in the Guadalupe Mountains of West Texas and contains Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas at 8,749 feet (2,666.7 m) in elevation. Located east of El Paso, it also contains El Capitan, long used as a landmark by people traveling along the old route later followed by the Butterfield Overland Mail stagecoach line. Visitors can see the ruins of an old stagecoach station near the Pine Springs Visitor Center. Camping is available nearby at the Pine Springs Campground. The restored Frijole Ranch House is now a small museum of local ranching history and is the trailhead for Smith Spring. The park covers 86,367 acres (134.95 sq mi; 349.51 km2) and is in the same mountain range as Carlsbad Caverns National Park which is located about 25 miles (40 km) to the north in New Mexico. Numerous well-established trails exist in the park for hiking and horse-riding. The Guadalupe Peak Trail offers perhaps the most outstanding views in the park. Climbing over 3,000 feet (910 m) to the summit of Guadalupe Peak, the trail winds through pinyon pine and Douglas-fir forests and offers spectacular views of El Capitan and the vast Chihuahuan Desert.
    TexasGuadalupeCapitan2.jpg
  • Guadalupe Mountains National Park is in the Guadalupe Mountains of West Texas and contains Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas at 8,749 feet (2,666.7 m) in elevation. Located east of El Paso, it also contains El Capitan, long used as a landmark by people traveling along the old route later followed by the Butterfield Overland Mail stagecoach line. Visitors can see the ruins of an old stagecoach station near the Pine Springs Visitor Center. Camping is available nearby at the Pine Springs Campground. The restored Frijole Ranch House is now a small museum of local ranching history and is the trailhead for Smith Spring. The park covers 86,367 acres (134.95 sq mi; 349.51 km2) and is in the same mountain range as Carlsbad Caverns National Park which is located about 25 miles (40 km) to the north in New Mexico. Numerous well-established trails exist in the park for hiking and horse-riding. The Guadalupe Peak Trail offers perhaps the most outstanding views in the park. Climbing over 3,000 feet (910 m) to the summit of Guadalupe Peak, the trail winds through pinyon pine and Douglas-fir forests and offers spectacular views of El Capitan and the vast Chihuahuan Desert.
    TexasGuadalupeCapitan1-New2.jpg
  • El Capitan peak in Texas' Guadalupe National Park. Guadalupe Mountains National Park is in the Guadalupe Mountains of West Texas and contains Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas at 8,749 feet (2,666.7 m) in elevation. Located east of El Paso, it also contains El Capitan, long used as a landmark by people traveling along the old route later followed by the Butterfield Overland Mail stagecoach line. Visitors can see the ruins of an old stagecoach station near the Pine Springs Visitor Center. Camping is available nearby at the Pine Springs Campground. The restored Frijole Ranch House is now a small museum of local ranching history and is the trailhead for Smith Spring. The park covers 86,367 acres (134.95 sq mi; 349.51 km2) and is in the same mountain range as Carlsbad Caverns National Park which is located about 25 miles (40 km) to the north in New Mexico. Numerous well-established trails exist in the park for hiking and horse-riding. The Guadalupe Peak Trail offers perhaps the most outstanding views in the park. Climbing over 3,000 feet (910 m) to the summit of Guadalupe Peak, the trail winds through pinyon pine and Douglas-fir forests and offers spectacular views of El Capitan and the vast Chihuahuan Desert.
    TexasGuadalupeCapitan2-Old.jpg
  • El Capitan peak in Texas' Guadalupe National Park. Guadalupe Mountains National Park is in the Guadalupe Mountains of West Texas and contains Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas at 8,749 feet (2,666.7 m) in elevation. Located east of El Paso, it also contains El Capitan, long used as a landmark by people traveling along the old route later followed by the Butterfield Overland Mail stagecoach line. Visitors can see the ruins of an old stagecoach station near the Pine Springs Visitor Center. Camping is available nearby at the Pine Springs Campground. The restored Frijole Ranch House is now a small museum of local ranching history and is the trailhead for Smith Spring. The park covers 86,367 acres (134.95 sq mi; 349.51 km2) and is in the same mountain range as Carlsbad Caverns National Park which is located about 25 miles (40 km) to the north in New Mexico. Numerous well-established trails exist in the park for hiking and horse-riding. The Guadalupe Peak Trail offers perhaps the most outstanding views in the park. Climbing over 3,000 feet (910 m) to the summit of Guadalupe Peak, the trail winds through pinyon pine and Douglas-fir forests and offers spectacular views of El Capitan and the vast Chihuahuan Desert.
    TexasGuadalupeCapitan1-New2-Edit.jpg
  • The Bullock Texas State History Museum, is a history museum in Austin, Texas. The museum is a division of the Texas State Preservation Board. Its stated mission is to tell "the Story of Texas." The history museum is named after former Texas Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock, who championed its creation. The museum is located at 1800 North Congress Avenue in Austin, a few blocks north of the Texas State Capitol. The museum has three floors of interactive exhibits; the first floor theme is "land," the second floor theme "identity," and the third floor theme "opportunity." On the second floor of the museum, 'The Spirit Theater' host a feature presentation entitled 'Star of Destiny.' Designed by award winning experience designer Bob Rogers (designer) and the design team BRC Imagination Arts, the special effects theater presentation takes audiences on an epic journey through the history of Texas, narrated by the character of Sam Houston. In addition to playing several shows, daily, the 200 seat Texas Spirit Theater is also used by the museum as a multimedia special effects theater for alternate film and lecture presentations The museum also has a 70mm film-based IMAX theater. The theater seats 400 and has a projector with both 2-D and 3-D capability.
    AustinHistoryMuseum2.jpg
  • The Bullock Texas State History Museum, is a history museum in Austin, Texas. The museum is a division of the Texas State Preservation Board. Its stated mission is to tell "the Story of Texas." The history museum is named after former Texas Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock, who championed its creation. The museum is located at 1800 North Congress Avenue in Austin, a few blocks north of the Texas State Capitol. The museum has three floors of interactive exhibits; the first floor theme is "land," the second floor theme "identity," and the third floor theme "opportunity." On the second floor of the museum, 'The Spirit Theater' host a feature presentation entitled 'Star of Destiny.' Designed by award winning experience designer Bob Rogers (designer) and the design team BRC Imagination Arts, the special effects theater presentation takes audiences on an epic journey through the history of Texas, narrated by the character of Sam Houston. In addition to playing several shows, daily, the 200 seat Texas Spirit Theater is also used by the museum as a multimedia special effects theater for alternate film and lecture presentations The museum also has a 70mm film-based IMAX theater. The theater seats 400 and has a projector with both 2-D and 3-D capability.
    AustinHistoryMuseum1.jpg
  • The National Museum of China (Chinese: 中国国家博物馆) flanks the eastern side of Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China. The museum's mission is to educate about the arts and history of China. It is directed by the Ministry of Culture of the People's Republic of China.<br />
<br />
It is one of the largest museums in the world, and with over eight million visitors in 2017, the National Museum of China was the second-most visited art museum in the world, just after the LouvreTiananmen Square or Tian'anmen Square (天安門) is a city square in the centre of Beijing, China, named after the Tiananmen ("Gate of Heavenly Peace") located to its north, separating it from the Forbidden City. The square contains the Monument to the People's Heroes, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China, and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong. Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic of China in the square on October 1, 1949; the anniversary of this event is still observed there. Tiananmen Square is within the top ten largest city squares in the world <br />
<br />
Outside China, the square is best known for the armed suppression of the pro-democracy June 1989 Tiananmen Square protests.
    _Y6A0357-Edit.jpg
  • The Old State House is an historic government building located at the intersection of Washington and State Streets in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Built in 1713, it is the oldest surviving public building in Boston, and the seat of the state's legislature until 1798. It is now a history museum operated by the Bostonian Society, a nonprofit whose primary focus is the museum. It is one of many historic landmarks that can be visited along the Freedom Trail.
    BostonOldStateHouse1.jpg
  • The Dallas County Courthouse, built in 1892 of red sandstone rusticated marble accents, is an historic governmental building located at 100 South Houston Street in Dallas, Texas. Also known as the Old Red Courthouse, it is now the Old Red Museum, a local history museum. It was designed in the Richardsonian Romanesque styla of architecture by architect Max A. Orlopp, Jr.of the Little Rock, Arkansas based firm Orlopp & Kusener. In 1966 it was replaced by a newer courthouse building nearby. On December 12, 1976, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. In 2005-2007 the building was renovated.
    DallasLittleRedCourthouse1.jpg
  • The Dallas County Courthouse, built in 1892 of red sandstone rusticated marble accents, is an historic governmental building located at 100 South Houston Street in Dallas, Texas. Also known as the Old Red Courthouse, it is now the Old Red Museum, a local history museum. It was designed in the Richardsonian Romanesque styla of architecture by architect Max A. Orlopp, Jr.of the Little Rock, Arkansas based firm Orlopp & Kusener. In 1966 it was replaced by a newer courthouse building nearby. On December 12, 1976, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. In 2005-2007 the building was renovated.
    DallasLittleRedCourthouse1.jpg
  • Sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo in Firenze (Florence), Italy.<br />
-----<br />
Captured with a Canon 5D Mk III camera and Canon EF 70-200/4L IS lens  <br />
-----<br />
Florence (Italian: Firenze) is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany and of the province of Florence. It is the most populous city in Tuscany, with approximately 370,000 inhabitants, expanding to over 1.5 million in the metropolitan area.<br />
Florence is famous for its history. A centre of medieval European trade and finance and one of the wealthiest cities of the time, Florence is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, and has been called the Athens of the Middle Ages. A turbulent political history includes periods of rule by the powerful Medici family, and numerous religious and republican revolutions. From 1865 to 1871 the city was also the capital of the recently established Kingdom of Italy.<br />
The historic centre of Florence attracts millions of tourists each year, and Euromonitor International ranked the city as the world's 72nd most visited in 2009, with 1,685,000 visitors. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. Due to Florence's artistic and architectural heritage, it has been ranked by Forbes as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and the city is noted for its history, culture, Renaissance art and architecture and monuments. The city also contains numerous museums and art galleries, such as the Uffizi Gallery and the Pitti Palace, amongst others, and still exerts an influence in the fields of art, culture and politics.<br />
Florence is also an important city in Italian fashion, being ranked within the top fifty fashion capitals of the world; furthermore, it is also a major national economic centre, being a tourist and industrial hub. In 2008, the city had the 17th highest average income in Italy.
    FirenzeSunset3.jpg
  • Sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo in Firenze (Florence), Italy.<br />
-----<br />
Captured with a Canon 5D Mk III camera and Canon EF 70-200/4L IS lens  <br />
-----<br />
Florence (Italian: Firenze) is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany and of the province of Florence. It is the most populous city in Tuscany, with approximately 370,000 inhabitants, expanding to over 1.5 million in the metropolitan area.<br />
Florence is famous for its history. A centre of medieval European trade and finance and one of the wealthiest cities of the time, Florence is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, and has been called the Athens of the Middle Ages. A turbulent political history includes periods of rule by the powerful Medici family, and numerous religious and republican revolutions. From 1865 to 1871 the city was also the capital of the recently established Kingdom of Italy.<br />
The historic centre of Florence attracts millions of tourists each year, and Euromonitor International ranked the city as the world's 72nd most visited in 2009, with 1,685,000 visitors. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. Due to Florence's artistic and architectural heritage, it has been ranked by Forbes as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and the city is noted for its history, culture, Renaissance art and architecture and monuments. The city also contains numerous museums and art galleries, such as the Uffizi Gallery and the Pitti Palace, amongst others, and still exerts an influence in the fields of art, culture and politics.<br />
Florence is also an important city in Italian fashion, being ranked within the top fifty fashion capitals of the world; furthermore, it is also a major national economic centre, being a tourist and industrial hub. In 2008, the city had the 17th highest average income in Italy.
    FirenzeSunset2.jpg
  • Sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo in Firenze (Florence), Italy.<br />
-----<br />
Captured with a Canon 5D Mk III camera and Canon EF 70-200/4L IS lens  <br />
-----<br />
Florence (Italian: Firenze) is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany and of the province of Florence. It is the most populous city in Tuscany, with approximately 370,000 inhabitants, expanding to over 1.5 million in the metropolitan area.<br />
Florence is famous for its history. A centre of medieval European trade and finance and one of the wealthiest cities of the time, Florence is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, and has been called the Athens of the Middle Ages. A turbulent political history includes periods of rule by the powerful Medici family, and numerous religious and republican revolutions. From 1865 to 1871 the city was also the capital of the recently established Kingdom of Italy.<br />
The historic centre of Florence attracts millions of tourists each year, and Euromonitor International ranked the city as the world's 72nd most visited in 2009, with 1,685,000 visitors. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. Due to Florence's artistic and architectural heritage, it has been ranked by Forbes as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and the city is noted for its history, culture, Renaissance art and architecture and monuments. The city also contains numerous museums and art galleries, such as the Uffizi Gallery and the Pitti Palace, amongst others, and still exerts an influence in the fields of art, culture and politics.<br />
Florence is also an important city in Italian fashion, being ranked within the top fifty fashion capitals of the world; furthermore, it is also a major national economic centre, being a tourist and industrial hub. In 2008, the city had the 17th highest average income in Italy.
    FirenzeSunset1.jpg
  • Sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo in Firenze (Florence), Italy.<br />
-----<br />
Captured with a Canon 5D Mk III camera and Canon EF 70-200/4L IS lens  <br />
-----<br />
Florence (Italian: Firenze) is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany and of the province of Florence. It is the most populous city in Tuscany, with approximately 370,000 inhabitants, expanding to over 1.5 million in the metropolitan area.<br />
Florence is famous for its history. A centre of medieval European trade and finance and one of the wealthiest cities of the time, Florence is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, and has been called the Athens of the Middle Ages. A turbulent political history includes periods of rule by the powerful Medici family, and numerous religious and republican revolutions. From 1865 to 1871 the city was also the capital of the recently established Kingdom of Italy.<br />
The historic centre of Florence attracts millions of tourists each year, and Euromonitor International ranked the city as the world's 72nd most visited in 2009, with 1,685,000 visitors. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. Due to Florence's artistic and architectural heritage, it has been ranked by Forbes as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and the city is noted for its history, culture, Renaissance art and architecture and monuments. The city also contains numerous museums and art galleries, such as the Uffizi Gallery and the Pitti Palace, amongst others, and still exerts an influence in the fields of art, culture and politics.<br />
Florence is also an important city in Italian fashion, being ranked within the top fifty fashion capitals of the world; furthermore, it is also a major national economic centre, being a tourist and industrial hub. In 2008, the city had the 17th highest average income in Italy.
    FirenzeSunset3.jpg
  • The river Arno and Ponte Vecchio bridge in Firenze (Florence), Italy.<br />
-----<br />
Captured with a Canon 5D Mk III camera and Canon EF 70-200/4L IS lens  <br />
-----<br />
Florence (Italian: Firenze) is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany and of the province of Florence. It is the most populous city in Tuscany, with approximately 370,000 inhabitants, expanding to over 1.5 million in the metropolitan area.<br />
Florence is famous for its history. A centre of medieval European trade and finance and one of the wealthiest cities of the time, Florence is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, and has been called the Athens of the Middle Ages. A turbulent political history includes periods of rule by the powerful Medici family, and numerous religious and republican revolutions. From 1865 to 1871 the city was also the capital of the recently established Kingdom of Italy.<br />
The historic centre of Florence attracts millions of tourists each year, and Euromonitor International ranked the city as the world's 72nd most visited in 2009, with 1,685,000 visitors. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. Due to Florence's artistic and architectural heritage, it has been ranked by Forbes as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and the city is noted for its history, culture, Renaissance art and architecture and monuments. The city also contains numerous museums and art galleries, such as the Uffizi Gallery and the Pitti Palace, amongst others, and still exerts an influence in the fields of art, culture and politics.<br />
Florence is also an important city in Italian fashion, being ranked within the top fifty fashion capitals of the world; furthermore, it is also a major national economic centre, being a tourist and industrial hub. In 2008, the city had the 17th highest average income in Italy.
    FirenzePonteVecchio1.jpg
  • The fishermen that live near by The Li River is a group with a long and painful history of migration, spanning over 35 generations and 1,000 years. They share a common ancestor within the ethnic group; this tribe wandered along the Li River for thousands of years and essentially lived on the water, making their boats their homes. In the past, the living conditions of these house boats was very poor. They were without electric power and water, and sustained themselves and their families catching fish in the river and selling most of it at the local markets. When walking or boating along the river, you may see fishing done in the traditional manner with their cormorant birds or with their fishing nets. Based on official statistics, there were around a thousand fishermen along the Li River in 1989, until 1998 when China established the “Open to the World” policy and many foreign companies settled in the Yangtze River Delta. Consequently a large number of employment opportunities emerged in this area and many Li River fishermen were employed.<br />
<br />
For thousands of years the Li River fishermen lived by the water, their fishing rafts, and river boat songs that are so familiar to the Guilin people. Together with the Li River scenery it almost makes up a landscape painting. Most Li River fishermen go by the surname Wong, and it is said that the Wong people's ancestors came from the Zhuji port through the South China Sea, via Luoding to Guangxi Lingchuan, and the harbor at Mao Village in Guilin.<br />
<br />
Cormorant fishing has been a traditional lifestyle for the fishermen of the Li River in the past. If you walking around Yangshuo by the riverside after sunset, you can see the fishermen gather here for fishing on cormorant-perched, gas-lit bamboo rafts. Nowadays most parts of the Li River do not allow fishing due to the renewal of Lijiang's sustainable development. Thus, fewer fishermen today live on fishing, and the cormorant fishing is mostly a show for tourists. The cormorants ar
    LiRiverFisherman8.jpg
  • The fishermen that live near by The Li River is a group with a long and painful history of migration, spanning over 35 generations and 1,000 years. They share a common ancestor within the ethnic group; this tribe wandered along the Li River for thousands of years and essentially lived on the water, making their boats their homes. In the past, the living conditions of these house boats was very poor. They were without electric power and water, and sustained themselves and their families catching fish in the river and selling most of it at the local markets. When walking or boating along the river, you may see fishing done in the traditional manner with their cormorant birds or with their fishing nets. Based on official statistics, there were around a thousand fishermen along the Li River in 1989, until 1998 when China established the “Open to the World” policy and many foreign companies settled in the Yangtze River Delta. Consequently a large number of employment opportunities emerged in this area and many Li River fishermen were employed.<br />
<br />
For thousands of years the Li River fishermen lived by the water, their fishing rafts, and river boat songs that are so familiar to the Guilin people. Together with the Li River scenery it almost makes up a landscape painting. Most Li River fishermen go by the surname Wong, and it is said that the Wong people's ancestors came from the Zhuji port through the South China Sea, via Luoding to Guangxi Lingchuan, and the harbor at Mao Village in Guilin.<br />
<br />
Cormorant fishing has been a traditional lifestyle for the fishermen of the Li River in the past. If you walking around Yangshuo by the riverside after sunset, you can see the fishermen gather here for fishing on cormorant-perched, gas-lit bamboo rafts. Nowadays most parts of the Li River do not allow fishing due to the renewal of Lijiang's sustainable development. Thus, fewer fishermen today live on fishing, and the cormorant fishing is mostly a show for tourists. The cormorants ar
    GuilinFishermen12.jpg
  • The fishermen that live near by The Li River is a group with a long and painful history of migration, spanning over 35 generations and 1,000 years. They share a common ancestor within the ethnic group; this tribe wandered along the Li River for thousands of years and essentially lived on the water, making their boats their homes. In the past, the living conditions of these house boats was very poor. They were without electric power and water, and sustained themselves and their families catching fish in the river and selling most of it at the local markets. When walking or boating along the river, you may see fishing done in the traditional manner with their cormorant birds or with their fishing nets. Based on official statistics, there were around a thousand fishermen along the Li River in 1989, until 1998 when China established the “Open to the World” policy and many foreign companies settled in the Yangtze River Delta. Consequently a large number of employment opportunities emerged in this area and many Li River fishermen were employed.<br />
<br />
For thousands of years the Li River fishermen lived by the water, their fishing rafts, and river boat songs that are so familiar to the Guilin people. Together with the Li River scenery it almost makes up a landscape painting. Most Li River fishermen go by the surname Wong, and it is said that the Wong people's ancestors came from the Zhuji port through the South China Sea, via Luoding to Guangxi Lingchuan, and the harbor at Mao Village in Guilin.<br />
<br />
Cormorant fishing has been a traditional lifestyle for the fishermen of the Li River in the past. If you walking around Yangshuo by the riverside after sunset, you can see the fishermen gather here for fishing on cormorant-perched, gas-lit bamboo rafts. Nowadays most parts of the Li River do not allow fishing due to the renewal of Lijiang's sustainable development. Thus, fewer fishermen today live on fishing, and the cormorant fishing is mostly a show for tourists. The cormorants ar
    LijangRiverFisherman7.jpg
  • The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand) since 1782. The king, his court and his royal government were based on the grounds of the palace until 1925. King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), resided at Chitralada Royal Villa in the Dusit Palace, but the Grand Palace is still used for official events. Several royal ceremonies and state functions are held within the walls of the palace every year. The palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand.<br />
Construction of the palace began on May 6, 1782, at the order of King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke (Rama I), the founder of the Chakri Dynasty, when he moved the capital city from Thonburi to Bangkok. Throughout successive reigns, many new buildings and structures were added, especially during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). By 1925, the king, the Royal Family and the government were no longer permanently settled at the palace, and had moved to other residences. After the abolition of absolute monarchy in 1932, all government agencies completely moved out of the palace.<br />
It is situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River at the heart of the Rattanakosin Island, today in the Phra Nakhon District. Rather than being a single structure, the Grand Palace is made up of numerous buildings, halls, pavilions set around open lawns, gardens and courtyards. Its asymmetry and eclectic styles are due to its organic development, with additions and rebuilding being made by successive reigning kings over 200 years of history. It is divided into several quarters: the Temple of the Emerald Buddha; the Outer Court, with many public buildings; the Middle Court, including the Phra Maha Monthien Buildings, the Phra Maha Prasat Buildings and the Chakri Maha Prasat Buildings; the Inner Court and the Siwalai Gardens quarter. The Grand Palace is currently partially open to the public as a museum, but it remains a
    AngkorWat1.jpg
  • The fishermen that live near by The Li River is a group with a long and painful history of migration, spanning over 35 generations and 1,000 years. They share a common ancestor within the ethnic group; this tribe wandered along the Li River for thousands of years and essentially lived on the water, making their boats their homes. In the past, the living conditions of these house boats was very poor. They were without electric power and water, and sustained themselves and their families catching fish in the river and selling most of it at the local markets. When walking or boating along the river, you may see fishing done in the traditional manner with their cormorant birds or with their fishing nets. Based on official statistics, there were around a thousand fishermen along the Li River in 1989, until 1998 when China established the “Open to the World” policy and many foreign companies settled in the Yangtze River Delta. Consequently a large number of employment opportunities emerged in this area and many Li River fishermen were employed.<br />
<br />
For thousands of years the Li River fishermen lived by the water, their fishing rafts, and river boat songs that are so familiar to the Guilin people. Together with the Li River scenery it almost makes up a landscape painting. Most Li River fishermen go by the surname Wong, and it is said that the Wong people's ancestors came from the Zhuji port through the South China Sea, via Luoding to Guangxi Lingchuan, and the harbor at Mao Village in Guilin.<br />
<br />
Cormorant fishing has been a traditional lifestyle for the fishermen of the Li River in the past. If you walking around Yangshuo by the riverside after sunset, you can see the fishermen gather here for fishing on cormorant-perched, gas-lit bamboo rafts. Nowadays most parts of the Li River do not allow fishing due to the renewal of Lijiang's sustainable development. Thus, fewer fishermen today live on fishing, and the cormorant fishing is mostly a show for tourists. The cormorants ar
    LijangRiverFisherman7.jpg
  • The fishermen that live near by The Li River is a group with a long and painful history of migration, spanning over 35 generations and 1,000 years. They share a common ancestor within the ethnic group; this tribe wandered along the Li River for thousands of years and essentially lived on the water, making their boats their homes. In the past, the living conditions of these house boats was very poor. They were without electric power and water, and sustained themselves and their families catching fish in the river and selling most of it at the local markets. When walking or boating along the river, you may see fishing done in the traditional manner with their cormorant birds or with their fishing nets. Based on official statistics, there were around a thousand fishermen along the Li River in 1989, until 1998 when China established the “Open to the World” policy and many foreign companies settled in the Yangtze River Delta. Consequently a large number of employment opportunities emerged in this area and many Li River fishermen were employed.<br />
<br />
For thousands of years the Li River fishermen lived by the water, their fishing rafts, and river boat songs that are so familiar to the Guilin people. Together with the Li River scenery it almost makes up a landscape painting. Most Li River fishermen go by the surname Wong, and it is said that the Wong people's ancestors came from the Zhuji port through the South China Sea, via Luoding to Guangxi Lingchuan, and the harbor at Mao Village in Guilin.<br />
<br />
Cormorant fishing has been a traditional lifestyle for the fishermen of the Li River in the past. If you walking around Yangshuo by the riverside after sunset, you can see the fishermen gather here for fishing on cormorant-perched, gas-lit bamboo rafts. Nowadays most parts of the Li River do not allow fishing due to the renewal of Lijiang's sustainable development. Thus, fewer fishermen today live on fishing, and the cormorant fishing is mostly a show for tourists. The cormorants ar
    LiRiverFisherman2.jpg
  • The fishermen that live near by The Li River is a group with a long and painful history of migration, spanning over 35 generations and 1,000 years. They share a common ancestor within the ethnic group; this tribe wandered along the Li River for thousands of years and essentially lived on the water, making their boats their homes. In the past, the living conditions of these house boats was very poor. They were without electric power and water, and sustained themselves and their families catching fish in the river and selling most of it at the local markets. When walking or boating along the river, you may see fishing done in the traditional manner with their cormorant birds or with their fishing nets. Based on official statistics, there were around a thousand fishermen along the Li River in 1989, until 1998 when China established the “Open to the World” policy and many foreign companies settled in the Yangtze River Delta. Consequently a large number of employment opportunities emerged in this area and many Li River fishermen were employed.<br />
<br />
For thousands of years the Li River fishermen lived by the water, their fishing rafts, and river boat songs that are so familiar to the Guilin people. Together with the Li River scenery it almost makes up a landscape painting. Most Li River fishermen go by the surname Wong, and it is said that the Wong people's ancestors came from the Zhuji port through the South China Sea, via Luoding to Guangxi Lingchuan, and the harbor at Mao Village in Guilin.<br />
<br />
Cormorant fishing has been a traditional lifestyle for the fishermen of the Li River in the past. If you walking around Yangshuo by the riverside after sunset, you can see the fishermen gather here for fishing on cormorant-perched, gas-lit bamboo rafts. Nowadays most parts of the Li River do not allow fishing due to the renewal of Lijiang's sustainable development. Thus, fewer fishermen today live on fishing, and the cormorant fishing is mostly a show for tourists. The cormorants ar
    LiRiverFisherman1.jpg
  • The fishermen that live near by The Li River is a group with a long and painful history of migration, spanning over 35 generations and 1,000 years. They share a common ancestor within the ethnic group; this tribe wandered along the Li River for thousands of years and essentially lived on the water, making their boats their homes. In the past, the living conditions of these house boats was very poor. They were without electric power and water, and sustained themselves and their families catching fish in the river and selling most of it at the local markets. When walking or boating along the river, you may see fishing done in the traditional manner with their cormorant birds or with their fishing nets. Based on official statistics, there were around a thousand fishermen along the Li River in 1989, until 1998 when China established the “Open to the World” policy and many foreign companies settled in the Yangtze River Delta. Consequently a large number of employment opportunities emerged in this area and many Li River fishermen were employed.<br />
<br />
For thousands of years the Li River fishermen lived by the water, their fishing rafts, and river boat songs that are so familiar to the Guilin people. Together with the Li River scenery it almost makes up a landscape painting. Most Li River fishermen go by the surname Wong, and it is said that the Wong people's ancestors came from the Zhuji port through the South China Sea, via Luoding to Guangxi Lingchuan, and the harbor at Mao Village in Guilin.<br />
<br />
Cormorant fishing has been a traditional lifestyle for the fishermen of the Li River in the past. If you walking around Yangshuo by the riverside after sunset, you can see the fishermen gather here for fishing on cormorant-perched, gas-lit bamboo rafts. Nowadays most parts of the Li River do not allow fishing due to the renewal of Lijiang's sustainable development. Thus, fewer fishermen today live on fishing, and the cormorant fishing is mostly a show for tourists. The cormorants ar
    GuilinFishermen11.jpg
  • The fishermen that live near by The Li River is a group with a long and painful history of migration, spanning over 35 generations and 1,000 years. They share a common ancestor within the ethnic group; this tribe wandered along the Li River for thousands of years and essentially lived on the water, making their boats their homes. In the past, the living conditions of these house boats was very poor. They were without electric power and water, and sustained themselves and their families catching fish in the river and selling most of it at the local markets. When walking or boating along the river, you may see fishing done in the traditional manner with their cormorant birds or with their fishing nets. Based on official statistics, there were around a thousand fishermen along the Li River in 1989, until 1998 when China established the “Open to the World” policy and many foreign companies settled in the Yangtze River Delta. Consequently a large number of employment opportunities emerged in this area and many Li River fishermen were employed.<br />
<br />
For thousands of years the Li River fishermen lived by the water, their fishing rafts, and river boat songs that are so familiar to the Guilin people. Together with the Li River scenery it almost makes up a landscape painting. Most Li River fishermen go by the surname Wong, and it is said that the Wong people's ancestors came from the Zhuji port through the South China Sea, via Luoding to Guangxi Lingchuan, and the harbor at Mao Village in Guilin.<br />
<br />
Cormorant fishing has been a traditional lifestyle for the fishermen of the Li River in the past. If you walking around Yangshuo by the riverside after sunset, you can see the fishermen gather here for fishing on cormorant-perched, gas-lit bamboo rafts. Nowadays most parts of the Li River do not allow fishing due to the renewal of Lijiang's sustainable development. Thus, fewer fishermen today live on fishing, and the cormorant fishing is mostly a show for tourists. The cormorants ar
    GuilinFishermen4.jpg
  • The fishermen that live near by The Li River is a group with a long and painful history of migration, spanning over 35 generations and 1,000 years. They share a common ancestor within the ethnic group; this tribe wandered along the Li River for thousands of years and essentially lived on the water, making their boats their homes. In the past, the living conditions of these house boats was very poor. They were without electric power and water, and sustained themselves and their families catching fish in the river and selling most of it at the local markets. When walking or boating along the river, you may see fishing done in the traditional manner with their cormorant birds or with their fishing nets. Based on official statistics, there were around a thousand fishermen along the Li River in 1989, until 1998 when China established the “Open to the World” policy and many foreign companies settled in the Yangtze River Delta. Consequently a large number of employment opportunities emerged in this area and many Li River fishermen were employed.<br />
<br />
For thousands of years the Li River fishermen lived by the water, their fishing rafts, and river boat songs that are so familiar to the Guilin people. Together with the Li River scenery it almost makes up a landscape painting. Most Li River fishermen go by the surname Wong, and it is said that the Wong people's ancestors came from the Zhuji port through the South China Sea, via Luoding to Guangxi Lingchuan, and the harbor at Mao Village in Guilin.<br />
<br />
Cormorant fishing has been a traditional lifestyle for the fishermen of the Li River in the past. If you walking around Yangshuo by the riverside after sunset, you can see the fishermen gather here for fishing on cormorant-perched, gas-lit bamboo rafts. Nowadays most parts of the Li River do not allow fishing due to the renewal of Lijiang's sustainable development. Thus, fewer fishermen today live on fishing, and the cormorant fishing is mostly a show for tourists. The cormorants ar
    LijangRiverFisherman2.jpg
  • The fishermen that live near by The Li River is a group with a long and painful history of migration, spanning over 35 generations and 1,000 years. They share a common ancestor within the ethnic group; this tribe wandered along the Li River for thousands of years and essentially lived on the water, making their boats their homes. In the past, the living conditions of these house boats was very poor. They were without electric power and water, and sustained themselves and their families catching fish in the river and selling most of it at the local markets. When walking or boating along the river, you may see fishing done in the traditional manner with their cormorant birds or with their fishing nets. Based on official statistics, there were around a thousand fishermen along the Li River in 1989, until 1998 when China established the “Open to the World” policy and many foreign companies settled in the Yangtze River Delta. Consequently a large number of employment opportunities emerged in this area and many Li River fishermen were employed.<br />
<br />
For thousands of years the Li River fishermen lived by the water, their fishing rafts, and river boat songs that are so familiar to the Guilin people. Together with the Li River scenery it almost makes up a landscape painting. Most Li River fishermen go by the surname Wong, and it is said that the Wong people's ancestors came from the Zhuji port through the South China Sea, via Luoding to Guangxi Lingchuan, and the harbor at Mao Village in Guilin.<br />
<br />
Cormorant fishing has been a traditional lifestyle for the fishermen of the Li River in the past. If you walking around Yangshuo by the riverside after sunset, you can see the fishermen gather here for fishing on cormorant-perched, gas-lit bamboo rafts. Nowadays most parts of the Li River do not allow fishing due to the renewal of Lijiang's sustainable development. Thus, fewer fishermen today live on fishing, and the cormorant fishing is mostly a show for tourists. The cormorants ar
    GuilinFishermen6.jpg
  • The fishermen that live near by The Li River is a group with a long and painful history of migration, spanning over 35 generations and 1,000 years. They share a common ancestor within the ethnic group; this tribe wandered along the Li River for thousands of years and essentially lived on the water, making their boats their homes. In the past, the living conditions of these house boats was very poor. They were without electric power and water, and sustained themselves and their families catching fish in the river and selling most of it at the local markets. When walking or boating along the river, you may see fishing done in the traditional manner with their cormorant birds or with their fishing nets. Based on official statistics, there were around a thousand fishermen along the Li River in 1989, until 1998 when China established the “Open to the World” policy and many foreign companies settled in the Yangtze River Delta. Consequently a large number of employment opportunities emerged in this area and many Li River fishermen were employed.<br />
<br />
For thousands of years the Li River fishermen lived by the water, their fishing rafts, and river boat songs that are so familiar to the Guilin people. Together with the Li River scenery it almost makes up a landscape painting. Most Li River fishermen go by the surname Wong, and it is said that the Wong people's ancestors came from the Zhuji port through the South China Sea, via Luoding to Guangxi Lingchuan, and the harbor at Mao Village in Guilin.<br />
<br />
Cormorant fishing has been a traditional lifestyle for the fishermen of the Li River in the past. If you walking around Yangshuo by the riverside after sunset, you can see the fishermen gather here for fishing on cormorant-perched, gas-lit bamboo rafts. Nowadays most parts of the Li River do not allow fishing due to the renewal of Lijiang's sustainable development. Thus, fewer fishermen today live on fishing, and the cormorant fishing is mostly a show for tourists. The cormorants ar
    GuilinFishermen1.jpg
  • The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand) since 1782. The king, his court and his royal government were based on the grounds of the palace until 1925. The present monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), currently resides at Chitralada Palace, but the Grand Palace is still used for official events. Several royal ceremonies and state functions are held within the walls of the palace every year. The palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand. It is situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River at the heart of the Rattanakosin Island, today in the Phra Nakhon District. <br />
<br />
Rather than being a single structure, the Grand Palace is made up of numerous buildings, halls, pavilions set around open lawns, gardens and courtyards. Its asymmetry and eclectic styles are due to its organic development, with additions and rebuilding being made by successive reigning kings over 200 years of history. It is divided into several quarters: the Temple of the Emerald Buddha; the Outer Court, with many public buildings; the Middle Court, including the Phra Maha Monthien Buildings, the Phra Maha Prasat Buildings and the Chakri Maha Prasat Buildings; the Inner Court and the Siwalai Gardens quarter. The Grand Palace is currently partially open to the public as a museum, but it remains a working palace, with several royal offices still situated inside.
    DusitaPhiromHall3.jpg
  • The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand) since 1782. The king, his court and his royal government were based on the grounds of the palace until 1925. The present monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), currently resides at Chitralada Palace, but the Grand Palace is still used for official events. Several royal ceremonies and state functions are held within the walls of the palace every year. The palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand. It is situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River at the heart of the Rattanakosin Island, today in the Phra Nakhon District. <br />
<br />
Rather than being a single structure, the Grand Palace is made up of numerous buildings, halls, pavilions set around open lawns, gardens and courtyards. Its asymmetry and eclectic styles are due to its organic development, with additions and rebuilding being made by successive reigning kings over 200 years of history. It is divided into several quarters: the Temple of the Emerald Buddha; the Outer Court, with many public buildings; the Middle Court, including the Phra Maha Monthien Buildings, the Phra Maha Prasat Buildings and the Chakri Maha Prasat Buildings; the Inner Court and the Siwalai Gardens quarter. The Grand Palace is currently partially open to the public as a museum, but it remains a working palace, with several royal offices still situated inside.
    DusitaPhiromHall2.jpg
  • The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand) since 1782. The king, his court and his royal government were based on the grounds of the palace until 1925. The present monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), currently resides at Chitralada Palace, but the Grand Palace is still used for official events. Several royal ceremonies and state functions are held within the walls of the palace every year. The palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand. It is situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River at the heart of the Rattanakosin Island, today in the Phra Nakhon District. <br />
<br />
Rather than being a single structure, the Grand Palace is made up of numerous buildings, halls, pavilions set around open lawns, gardens and courtyards. Its asymmetry and eclectic styles are due to its organic development, with additions and rebuilding being made by successive reigning kings over 200 years of history. It is divided into several quarters: the Temple of the Emerald Buddha; the Outer Court, with many public buildings; the Middle Court, including the Phra Maha Monthien Buildings, the Phra Maha Prasat Buildings and the Chakri Maha Prasat Buildings; the Inner Court and the Siwalai Gardens quarter. The Grand Palace is currently partially open to the public as a museum, but it remains a working palace, with several royal offices still situated inside.
    AngorWatDetail.jpg
  • The Capitoline Museums (Italian Musei Capitolini) are a group of art and archeological museums in Piazza del Campidoglio, on top of the Capitoline Hill in Rome, Italy. The museums are contained in three palazzi surrounding a central trapezoidal piazza in a plan conceived by Michelangelo Buonarroti in 1536 and executed over a period of more than 400 years. The history of the museums can be traced to 1471, when Pope Sixtus IV donated a collection of important ancient bronzes to the people of Rome and located them on Capitoline Hill. Since then, the museums' collection has grown to include a large number of ancient Roman statues, inscriptions, and other artifacts; a collection of medieval and Renaissance art; and collections of jewels, coins, and other items. The museums are owned and operated by the municipality of Rome.<br />
The statue of a mounted rider in the centre of the piazza is of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. It is a copy, the original being housed on-site in the Capitoline museum. Many Roman statues were destroyed on the orders of Christian Church authorities in the Middle Ages; this statue was preserved in the erroneous belief that it depicted the Emperor Constantine, who made Christianity the official state religion of the Roman empire.
    ConstantineFinger1.jpg
  • The fishermen that live near by The Li River is a group with a long and painful history of migration, spanning over 35 generations and 1,000 years. They share a common ancestor within the ethnic group; this tribe wandered along the Li River for thousands of years and essentially lived on the water, making their boats their homes. In the past, the living conditions of these house boats was very poor. They were without electric power and water, and sustained themselves and their families catching fish in the river and selling most of it at the local markets. When walking or boating along the river, you may see fishing done in the traditional manner with their cormorant birds or with their fishing nets. Based on official statistics, there were around a thousand fishermen along the Li River in 1989, until 1998 when China established the “Open to the World” policy and many foreign companies settled in the Yangtze River Delta. Consequently a large number of employment opportunities emerged in this area and many Li River fishermen were employed.<br />
<br />
For thousands of years the Li River fishermen lived by the water, their fishing rafts, and river boat songs that are so familiar to the Guilin people. Together with the Li River scenery it almost makes up a landscape painting. Most Li River fishermen go by the surname Wong, and it is said that the Wong people's ancestors came from the Zhuji port through the South China Sea, via Luoding to Guangxi Lingchuan, and the harbor at Mao Village in Guilin.<br />
<br />
Cormorant fishing has been a traditional lifestyle for the fishermen of the Li River in the past. If you walking around Yangshuo by the riverside after sunset, you can see the fishermen gather here for fishing on cormorant-perched, gas-lit bamboo rafts. Nowadays most parts of the Li River do not allow fishing due to the renewal of Lijiang's sustainable development. Thus, fewer fishermen today live on fishing, and the cormorant fishing is mostly a show for tourists. The cormorants ar
    GuilinFishermen4.jpg
  • The fishermen that live near by The Li River is a group with a long and painful history of migration, spanning over 35 generations and 1,000 years. They share a common ancestor within the ethnic group; this tribe wandered along the Li River for thousands of years and essentially lived on the water, making their boats their homes. In the past, the living conditions of these house boats was very poor. They were without electric power and water, and sustained themselves and their families catching fish in the river and selling most of it at the local markets. When walking or boating along the river, you may see fishing done in the traditional manner with their cormorant birds or with their fishing nets. Based on official statistics, there were around a thousand fishermen along the Li River in 1989, until 1998 when China established the “Open to the World” policy and many foreign companies settled in the Yangtze River Delta. Consequently a large number of employment opportunities emerged in this area and many Li River fishermen were employed.<br />
<br />
For thousands of years the Li River fishermen lived by the water, their fishing rafts, and river boat songs that are so familiar to the Guilin people. Together with the Li River scenery it almost makes up a landscape painting. Most Li River fishermen go by the surname Wong, and it is said that the Wong people's ancestors came from the Zhuji port through the South China Sea, via Luoding to Guangxi Lingchuan, and the harbor at Mao Village in Guilin.<br />
<br />
Cormorant fishing has been a traditional lifestyle for the fishermen of the Li River in the past. If you walking around Yangshuo by the riverside after sunset, you can see the fishermen gather here for fishing on cormorant-perched, gas-lit bamboo rafts. Nowadays most parts of the Li River do not allow fishing due to the renewal of Lijiang's sustainable development. Thus, fewer fishermen today live on fishing, and the cormorant fishing is mostly a show for tourists. The cormorants ar
    LiRiverFisherman4.jpg
  • The fishermen that live near by The Li River is a group with a long and painful history of migration, spanning over 35 generations and 1,000 years. They share a common ancestor within the ethnic group; this tribe wandered along the Li River for thousands of years and essentially lived on the water, making their boats their homes. In the past, the living conditions of these house boats was very poor. They were without electric power and water, and sustained themselves and their families catching fish in the river and selling most of it at the local markets. When walking or boating along the river, you may see fishing done in the traditional manner with their cormorant birds or with their fishing nets. Based on official statistics, there were around a thousand fishermen along the Li River in 1989, until 1998 when China established the “Open to the World” policy and many foreign companies settled in the Yangtze River Delta. Consequently a large number of employment opportunities emerged in this area and many Li River fishermen were employed.<br />
<br />
For thousands of years the Li River fishermen lived by the water, their fishing rafts, and river boat songs that are so familiar to the Guilin people. Together with the Li River scenery it almost makes up a landscape painting. Most Li River fishermen go by the surname Wong, and it is said that the Wong people's ancestors came from the Zhuji port through the South China Sea, via Luoding to Guangxi Lingchuan, and the harbor at Mao Village in Guilin.<br />
<br />
Cormorant fishing has been a traditional lifestyle for the fishermen of the Li River in the past. If you walking around Yangshuo by the riverside after sunset, you can see the fishermen gather here for fishing on cormorant-perched, gas-lit bamboo rafts. Nowadays most parts of the Li River do not allow fishing due to the renewal of Lijiang's sustainable development. Thus, fewer fishermen today live on fishing, and the cormorant fishing is mostly a show for tourists. The cormorants ar
    LiRiverFisherman3.jpg
  • The fishermen that live near by The Li River is a group with a long and painful history of migration, spanning over 35 generations and 1,000 years. They share a common ancestor within the ethnic group; this tribe wandered along the Li River for thousands of years and essentially lived on the water, making their boats their homes. In the past, the living conditions of these house boats was very poor. They were without electric power and water, and sustained themselves and their families catching fish in the river and selling most of it at the local markets. When walking or boating along the river, you may see fishing done in the traditional manner with their cormorant birds or with their fishing nets. Based on official statistics, there were around a thousand fishermen along the Li River in 1989, until 1998 when China established the “Open to the World” policy and many foreign companies settled in the Yangtze River Delta. Consequently a large number of employment opportunities emerged in this area and many Li River fishermen were employed.<br />
<br />
For thousands of years the Li River fishermen lived by the water, their fishing rafts, and river boat songs that are so familiar to the Guilin people. Together with the Li River scenery it almost makes up a landscape painting. Most Li River fishermen go by the surname Wong, and it is said that the Wong people's ancestors came from the Zhuji port through the South China Sea, via Luoding to Guangxi Lingchuan, and the harbor at Mao Village in Guilin.<br />
<br />
Cormorant fishing has been a traditional lifestyle for the fishermen of the Li River in the past. If you walking around Yangshuo by the riverside after sunset, you can see the fishermen gather here for fishing on cormorant-perched, gas-lit bamboo rafts. Nowadays most parts of the Li River do not allow fishing due to the renewal of Lijiang's sustainable development. Thus, fewer fishermen today live on fishing, and the cormorant fishing is mostly a show for tourists. The cormorants ar
    GuilinFishermen3.jpg
  • The fishermen that live near by The Li River is a group with a long and painful history of migration, spanning over 35 generations and 1,000 years. They share a common ancestor within the ethnic group; this tribe wandered along the Li River for thousands of years and essentially lived on the water, making their boats their homes. In the past, the living conditions of these house boats was very poor. They were without electric power and water, and sustained themselves and their families catching fish in the river and selling most of it at the local markets. When walking or boating along the river, you may see fishing done in the traditional manner with their cormorant birds or with their fishing nets. Based on official statistics, there were around a thousand fishermen along the Li River in 1989, until 1998 when China established the “Open to the World” policy and many foreign companies settled in the Yangtze River Delta. Consequently a large number of employment opportunities emerged in this area and many Li River fishermen were employed.<br />
<br />
For thousands of years the Li River fishermen lived by the water, their fishing rafts, and river boat songs that are so familiar to the Guilin people. Together with the Li River scenery it almost makes up a landscape painting. Most Li River fishermen go by the surname Wong, and it is said that the Wong people's ancestors came from the Zhuji port through the South China Sea, via Luoding to Guangxi Lingchuan, and the harbor at Mao Village in Guilin.<br />
<br />
Cormorant fishing has been a traditional lifestyle for the fishermen of the Li River in the past. If you walking around Yangshuo by the riverside after sunset, you can see the fishermen gather here for fishing on cormorant-perched, gas-lit bamboo rafts. Nowadays most parts of the Li River do not allow fishing due to the renewal of Lijiang's sustainable development. Thus, fewer fishermen today live on fishing, and the cormorant fishing is mostly a show for tourists. The cormorants ar
    GuilinOldFisherman6.jpg
  • The fishermen that live near by The Li River is a group with a long and painful history of migration, spanning over 35 generations and 1,000 years. They share a common ancestor within the ethnic group; this tribe wandered along the Li River for thousands of years and essentially lived on the water, making their boats their homes. In the past, the living conditions of these house boats was very poor. They were without electric power and water, and sustained themselves and their families catching fish in the river and selling most of it at the local markets. When walking or boating along the river, you may see fishing done in the traditional manner with their cormorant birds or with their fishing nets. Based on official statistics, there were around a thousand fishermen along the Li River in 1989, until 1998 when China established the “Open to the World” policy and many foreign companies settled in the Yangtze River Delta. Consequently a large number of employment opportunities emerged in this area and many Li River fishermen were employed.<br />
<br />
For thousands of years the Li River fishermen lived by the water, their fishing rafts, and river boat songs that are so familiar to the Guilin people. Together with the Li River scenery it almost makes up a landscape painting. Most Li River fishermen go by the surname Wong, and it is said that the Wong people's ancestors came from the Zhuji port through the South China Sea, via Luoding to Guangxi Lingchuan, and the harbor at Mao Village in Guilin.<br />
<br />
Cormorant fishing has been a traditional lifestyle for the fishermen of the Li River in the past. If you walking around Yangshuo by the riverside after sunset, you can see the fishermen gather here for fishing on cormorant-perched, gas-lit bamboo rafts. Nowadays most parts of the Li River do not allow fishing due to the renewal of Lijiang's sustainable development. Thus, fewer fishermen today live on fishing, and the cormorant fishing is mostly a show for tourists. The cormorants ar
    LijangRiverFisherman4.jpg
  • The fishermen that live near by The Li River is a group with a long and painful history of migration, spanning over 35 generations and 1,000 years. They share a common ancestor within the ethnic group; this tribe wandered along the Li River for thousands of years and essentially lived on the water, making their boats their homes. In the past, the living conditions of these house boats was very poor. They were without electric power and water, and sustained themselves and their families catching fish in the river and selling most of it at the local markets. When walking or boating along the river, you may see fishing done in the traditional manner with their cormorant birds or with their fishing nets. Based on official statistics, there were around a thousand fishermen along the Li River in 1989, until 1998 when China established the “Open to the World” policy and many foreign companies settled in the Yangtze River Delta. Consequently a large number of employment opportunities emerged in this area and many Li River fishermen were employed.<br />
<br />
For thousands of years the Li River fishermen lived by the water, their fishing rafts, and river boat songs that are so familiar to the Guilin people. Together with the Li River scenery it almost makes up a landscape painting. Most Li River fishermen go by the surname Wong, and it is said that the Wong people's ancestors came from the Zhuji port through the South China Sea, via Luoding to Guangxi Lingchuan, and the harbor at Mao Village in Guilin.<br />
<br />
Cormorant fishing has been a traditional lifestyle for the fishermen of the Li River in the past. If you walking around Yangshuo by the riverside after sunset, you can see the fishermen gather here for fishing on cormorant-perched, gas-lit bamboo rafts. Nowadays most parts of the Li River do not allow fishing due to the renewal of Lijiang's sustainable development. Thus, fewer fishermen today live on fishing, and the cormorant fishing is mostly a show for tourists. The cormorants ar
    LijangRiverFisherman3.jpg
  • The fishermen that live near by The Li River is a group with a long and painful history of migration, spanning over 35 generations and 1,000 years. They share a common ancestor within the ethnic group; this tribe wandered along the Li River for thousands of years and essentially lived on the water, making their boats their homes. In the past, the living conditions of these house boats was very poor. They were without electric power and water, and sustained themselves and their families catching fish in the river and selling most of it at the local markets. When walking or boating along the river, you may see fishing done in the traditional manner with their cormorant birds or with their fishing nets. Based on official statistics, there were around a thousand fishermen along the Li River in 1989, until 1998 when China established the “Open to the World” policy and many foreign companies settled in the Yangtze River Delta. Consequently a large number of employment opportunities emerged in this area and many Li River fishermen were employed.<br />
<br />
For thousands of years the Li River fishermen lived by the water, their fishing rafts, and river boat songs that are so familiar to the Guilin people. Together with the Li River scenery it almost makes up a landscape painting. Most Li River fishermen go by the surname Wong, and it is said that the Wong people's ancestors came from the Zhuji port through the South China Sea, via Luoding to Guangxi Lingchuan, and the harbor at Mao Village in Guilin.<br />
<br />
Cormorant fishing has been a traditional lifestyle for the fishermen of the Li River in the past. If you walking around Yangshuo by the riverside after sunset, you can see the fishermen gather here for fishing on cormorant-perched, gas-lit bamboo rafts. Nowadays most parts of the Li River do not allow fishing due to the renewal of Lijiang's sustainable development. Thus, fewer fishermen today live on fishing, and the cormorant fishing is mostly a show for tourists. The cormorants ar
    GuilinFishermen2.jpg
  • The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand) since 1782. The king, his court and his royal government were based on the grounds of the palace until 1925. The present monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), currently resides at Chitralada Palace, but the Grand Palace is still used for official events. Several royal ceremonies and state functions are held within the walls of the palace every year. The palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand. It is situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River at the heart of the Rattanakosin Island, today in the Phra Nakhon District. <br />
<br />
Rather than being a single structure, the Grand Palace is made up of numerous buildings, halls, pavilions set around open lawns, gardens and courtyards. Its asymmetry and eclectic styles are due to its organic development, with additions and rebuilding being made by successive reigning kings over 200 years of history. It is divided into several quarters: the Temple of the Emerald Buddha; the Outer Court, with many public buildings; the Middle Court, including the Phra Maha Monthien Buildings, the Phra Maha Prasat Buildings and the Chakri Maha Prasat Buildings; the Inner Court and the Siwalai Gardens quarter. The Grand Palace is currently partially open to the public as a museum, but it remains a working palace, with several royal offices still situated inside.
    GrandPalaceSquare.jpg
  • The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand) since 1782. The king, his court and his royal government were based on the grounds of the palace until 1925. The present monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), currently resides at Chitralada Palace, but the Grand Palace is still used for official events. Several royal ceremonies and state functions are held within the walls of the palace every year. The palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand. It is situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River at the heart of the Rattanakosin Island, today in the Phra Nakhon District. <br />
<br />
Rather than being a single structure, the Grand Palace is made up of numerous buildings, halls, pavilions set around open lawns, gardens and courtyards. Its asymmetry and eclectic styles are due to its organic development, with additions and rebuilding being made by successive reigning kings over 200 years of history. It is divided into several quarters: the Temple of the Emerald Buddha; the Outer Court, with many public buildings; the Middle Court, including the Phra Maha Monthien Buildings, the Phra Maha Prasat Buildings and the Chakri Maha Prasat Buildings; the Inner Court and the Siwalai Gardens quarter. The Grand Palace is currently partially open to the public as a museum, but it remains a working palace, with several royal offices still situated inside.
    GrandPalace5.jpg
  • The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand) since 1782. The king, his court and his royal government were based on the grounds of the palace until 1925. The present monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), currently resides at Chitralada Palace, but the Grand Palace is still used for official events. Several royal ceremonies and state functions are held within the walls of the palace every year. The palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand. It is situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River at the heart of the Rattanakosin Island, today in the Phra Nakhon District. <br />
<br />
Rather than being a single structure, the Grand Palace is made up of numerous buildings, halls, pavilions set around open lawns, gardens and courtyards. Its asymmetry and eclectic styles are due to its organic development, with additions and rebuilding being made by successive reigning kings over 200 years of history. It is divided into several quarters: the Temple of the Emerald Buddha; the Outer Court, with many public buildings; the Middle Court, including the Phra Maha Monthien Buildings, the Phra Maha Prasat Buildings and the Chakri Maha Prasat Buildings; the Inner Court and the Siwalai Gardens quarter. The Grand Palace is currently partially open to the public as a museum, but it remains a working palace, with several royal offices still situated inside.
    GrandPalace4.jpg
  • The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand) since 1782. The king, his court and his royal government were based on the grounds of the palace until 1925. The present monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), currently resides at Chitralada Palace, but the Grand Palace is still used for official events. Several royal ceremonies and state functions are held within the walls of the palace every year. The palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand. It is situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River at the heart of the Rattanakosin Island, today in the Phra Nakhon District. <br />
<br />
Rather than being a single structure, the Grand Palace is made up of numerous buildings, halls, pavilions set around open lawns, gardens and courtyards. Its asymmetry and eclectic styles are due to its organic development, with additions and rebuilding being made by successive reigning kings over 200 years of history. It is divided into several quarters: the Temple of the Emerald Buddha; the Outer Court, with many public buildings; the Middle Court, including the Phra Maha Monthien Buildings, the Phra Maha Prasat Buildings and the Chakri Maha Prasat Buildings; the Inner Court and the Siwalai Gardens quarter. The Grand Palace is currently partially open to the public as a museum, but it remains a working palace, with several royal offices still situated inside.
    DusitaPhiromHall4.jpg
  • ------<br />
Guanajuato is a city and municipality in central Mexico and the capital of the state of the same name. It is part of the macroregion of Bajío. It is in a narrow valley, which makes its streets narrow and winding. Most are alleys that cars cannot pass through, and some are long sets of stairs up the mountainsides. Many of the city’s thoroughfares are partially or fully underground. The historic center has numerous small plazas and colonial-era mansions, churches and civil constructions built using pink or green sandstone.<br />
<br />
The origin and growth of Guanajuato resulted from the discovery of minerals in the mountains surrounding it. The mines were so rich that the city was one of the most influential during the colonial period. One of the mines, La Valenciana, accounted for two-thirds of the world’s silver production at the height of its production.<br />
<br />
The city is home to the Mummy Museum, which contains naturally mummified bodies that were found in the municipal cemetery between the mid 19th and 20th centuries. It is also home to the Festival Internacional Cervantino, which invites artists and performers from all over the world as well as Mexico. Guanajuato was the site of the first battle of the Mexican War of Independence between insurgent and royalist troops at the Alhóndiga de Granaditas. The city was named a World Heritage Site in 1988.
    GuanajuatoFromAbove1.jpg
  • ------<br />
Guanajuato is a city and municipality in central Mexico and the capital of the state of the same name. It is part of the macroregion of Bajío. It is in a narrow valley, which makes its streets narrow and winding. Most are alleys that cars cannot pass through, and some are long sets of stairs up the mountainsides. Many of the city’s thoroughfares are partially or fully underground. The historic center has numerous small plazas and colonial-era mansions, churches and civil constructions built using pink or green sandstone.<br />
<br />
The origin and growth of Guanajuato resulted from the discovery of minerals in the mountains surrounding it. The mines were so rich that the city was one of the most influential during the colonial period. One of the mines, La Valenciana, accounted for two-thirds of the world’s silver production at the height of its production.<br />
<br />
The city is home to the Mummy Museum, which contains naturally mummified bodies that were found in the municipal cemetery between the mid 19th and 20th centuries. It is also home to the Festival Internacional Cervantino, which invites artists and performers from all over the world as well as Mexico. Guanajuato was the site of the first battle of the Mexican War of Independence between insurgent and royalist troops at the Alhóndiga de Granaditas. The city was named a World Heritage Site in 1988.
    GuanajuatoPanorama2.jpg
  • Manicured tree in the historical center of Guanajuato, Mexico<br />
------<br />
Guanajuato is a city and municipality in central Mexico and the capital of the state of the same name. It is part of the macroregion of Bajío. It is in a narrow valley, which makes its streets narrow and winding. Most are alleys that cars cannot pass through, and some are long sets of stairs up the mountainsides. Many of the city’s thoroughfares are partially or fully underground. The historic center has numerous small plazas and colonial-era mansions, churches and civil constructions built using pink or green sandstone.<br />
<br />
The origin and growth of Guanajuato resulted from the discovery of minerals in the mountains surrounding it. The mines were so rich that the city was one of the most influential during the colonial period. One of the mines, La Valenciana, accounted for two-thirds of the world’s silver production at the height of its production.<br />
<br />
The city is home to the Mummy Museum, which contains naturally mummified bodies that were found in the municipal cemetery between the mid 19th and 20th centuries. It is also home to the Festival Internacional Cervantino, which invites artists and performers from all over the world as well as Mexico. Guanajuato was the site of the first battle of the Mexican War of Independence between insurgent and royalist troops at the Alhóndiga de Granaditas. The city was named a World Heritage Site in 1988.
    Guanajuato5.jpg
  • Motorcycle on a picturesque street in the historic center of Guanajuato, Mexico<br />
------<br />
Guanajuato is a city and municipality in central Mexico and the capital of the state of the same name. It is part of the macroregion of Bajío. It is in a narrow valley, which makes its streets narrow and winding. Most are alleys that cars cannot pass through, and some are long sets of stairs up the mountainsides. Many of the city’s thoroughfares are partially or fully underground. The historic center has numerous small plazas and colonial-era mansions, churches and civil constructions built using pink or green sandstone.<br />
<br />
The origin and growth of Guanajuato resulted from the discovery of minerals in the mountains surrounding it. The mines were so rich that the city was one of the most influential during the colonial period. One of the mines, La Valenciana, accounted for two-thirds of the world’s silver production at the height of its production.<br />
<br />
The city is home to the Mummy Museum, which contains naturally mummified bodies that were found in the municipal cemetery between the mid 19th and 20th centuries. It is also home to the Festival Internacional Cervantino, which invites artists and performers from all over the world as well as Mexico. Guanajuato was the site of the first battle of the Mexican War of Independence between insurgent and royalist troops at the Alhóndiga de Granaditas. The city was named a World Heritage Site in 1988.
    Guanajuato4.jpg
  • Guanajuato is a city and municipality in central Mexico and the capital of the state of the same name. It is part of the macroregion of Bajío. It is in a narrow valley, which makes its streets narrow and winding. Most are alleys that cars cannot pass through, and some are long sets of stairs up the mountainsides. Many of the city’s thoroughfares are partially or fully underground. The historic center has numerous small plazas and colonial-era mansions, churches and civil constructions built using pink or green sandstone.<br />
<br />
The origin and growth of Guanajuato resulted from the discovery of minerals in the mountains surrounding it. The mines were so rich that the city was one of the most influential during the colonial period. One of the mines, La Valenciana, accounted for two-thirds of the world’s silver production at the height of its production.<br />
<br />
The city is home to the Mummy Museum, which contains naturally mummified bodies that were found in the municipal cemetery between the mid 19th and 20th centuries. It is also home to the Festival Internacional Cervantino, which invites artists and performers from all over the world as well as Mexico. Guanajuato was the site of the first battle of the Mexican War of Independence between insurgent and royalist troops at the Alhóndiga de Granaditas. The city was named a World Heritage Site in 1988.
    GuanajuatoPanorama3.jpg
  • ------<br />
Guanajuato is a city and municipality in central Mexico and the capital of the state of the same name. It is part of the macroregion of Bajío. It is in a narrow valley, which makes its streets narrow and winding. Most are alleys that cars cannot pass through, and some are long sets of stairs up the mountainsides. Many of the city’s thoroughfares are partially or fully underground. The historic center has numerous small plazas and colonial-era mansions, churches and civil constructions built using pink or green sandstone.<br />
<br />
The origin and growth of Guanajuato resulted from the discovery of minerals in the mountains surrounding it. The mines were so rich that the city was one of the most influential during the colonial period. One of the mines, La Valenciana, accounted for two-thirds of the world’s silver production at the height of its production.<br />
<br />
The city is home to the Mummy Museum, which contains naturally mummified bodies that were found in the municipal cemetery between the mid 19th and 20th centuries. It is also home to the Festival Internacional Cervantino, which invites artists and performers from all over the world as well as Mexico. Guanajuato was the site of the first battle of the Mexican War of Independence between insurgent and royalist troops at the Alhóndiga de Granaditas. The city was named a World Heritage Site in 1988.
    GuanajuatoPanorama1.jpg
  • View from the hills above Guanajuato, Mexico, overlooking the historical center of the city.<br />
------<br />
Guanajuato is a city and municipality in central Mexico and the capital of the state of the same name. It is part of the macroregion of Bajío. It is in a narrow valley, which makes its streets narrow and winding. Most are alleys that cars cannot pass through, and some are long sets of stairs up the mountainsides. Many of the city’s thoroughfares are partially or fully underground. The historic center has numerous small plazas and colonial-era mansions, churches and civil constructions built using pink or green sandstone.<br />
<br />
The origin and growth of Guanajuato resulted from the discovery of minerals in the mountains surrounding it. The mines were so rich that the city was one of the most influential during the colonial period. One of the mines, La Valenciana, accounted for two-thirds of the world’s silver production at the height of its production.<br />
<br />
The city is home to the Mummy Museum, which contains naturally mummified bodies that were found in the municipal cemetery between the mid 19th and 20th centuries. It is also home to the Festival Internacional Cervantino, which invites artists and performers from all over the world as well as Mexico. Guanajuato was the site of the first battle of the Mexican War of Independence between insurgent and royalist troops at the Alhóndiga de Granaditas. The city was named a World Heritage Site in 1988.
    Guanajuato3.jpg
  • Hongcun (Chinese: 宏村; pinyin: Hóngcūn; literally: "Hong village") is a village in Hongcun Town (宏村镇), Yi County, Huangshan City in the historical Huizhou region of southern Anhui Province, China, near the southwest slope of Mount Huangshan.<br />
<br />
The village is arranged in the shape of an ox with the nearby hill (Leigang Hill) interpreted as the head, and two trees standing on it as the horns. Four bridges across the Jiyin stream can be seen as the legs whilst the houses of the village form the body. Inside the “body”, the Jiyin stream represents the intestines and various lakes such as the “South Lake” (Nanhu) form the other internal organs.<br />
<br />
The architecture and carvings of the approximately 150 residences dating back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties are said to be among the best of their kind in China.[citation needed] One of the biggest of the residences open to visitors, Chenzhi Hall, also contains a small museum.<br />
<br />
Together with Xidi, the village became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Scenes from the film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon were filmed on location in Hongcun.
    _Y6A4973-Edit.jpg
  • Hongcun (Chinese: 宏村; pinyin: Hóngcūn; literally: "Hong village") is a village in Hongcun Town (宏村镇), Yi County, Huangshan City in the historical Huizhou region of southern Anhui Province, China, near the southwest slope of Mount Huangshan.<br />
<br />
The village is arranged in the shape of an ox with the nearby hill (Leigang Hill) interpreted as the head, and two trees standing on it as the horns. Four bridges across the Jiyin stream can be seen as the legs whilst the houses of the village form the body. Inside the “body”, the Jiyin stream represents the intestines and various lakes such as the “South Lake” (Nanhu) form the other internal organs.<br />
<br />
The architecture and carvings of the approximately 150 residences dating back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties are said to be among the best of their kind in China.[citation needed] One of the biggest of the residences open to visitors, Chenzhi Hall, also contains a small museum.<br />
<br />
Together with Xidi, the village became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Scenes from the film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon were filmed on location in Hongcun.
    _Y6A4932-HDR-Edit.jpg
  • Hongcun (Chinese: 宏村; pinyin: Hóngcūn; literally: "Hong village") is a village in Hongcun Town (宏村镇), Yi County, Huangshan City in the historical Huizhou region of southern Anhui Province, China, near the southwest slope of Mount Huangshan.<br />
<br />
The village is arranged in the shape of an ox with the nearby hill (Leigang Hill) interpreted as the head, and two trees standing on it as the horns. Four bridges across the Jiyin stream can be seen as the legs whilst the houses of the village form the body. Inside the “body”, the Jiyin stream represents the intestines and various lakes such as the “South Lake” (Nanhu) form the other internal organs.<br />
<br />
The architecture and carvings of the approximately 150 residences dating back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties are said to be among the best of their kind in China.[citation needed] One of the biggest of the residences open to visitors, Chenzhi Hall, also contains a small museum.<br />
<br />
Together with Xidi, the village became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Scenes from the film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon were filmed on location in Hongcun.
    HongcunBuildings4.jpg
  • Hongcun (Chinese: 宏村; pinyin: Hóngcūn; literally: "Hong village") is a village in Hongcun Town (宏村镇), Yi County, Huangshan City in the historical Huizhou region of southern Anhui Province, China, near the southwest slope of Mount Huangshan.<br />
<br />
The village is arranged in the shape of an ox with the nearby hill (Leigang Hill) interpreted as the head, and two trees standing on it as the horns. Four bridges across the Jiyin stream can be seen as the legs whilst the houses of the village form the body. Inside the “body”, the Jiyin stream represents the intestines and various lakes such as the “South Lake” (Nanhu) form the other internal organs.<br />
<br />
The architecture and carvings of the approximately 150 residences dating back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties are said to be among the best of their kind in China.[citation needed] One of the biggest of the residences open to visitors, Chenzhi Hall, also contains a small museum.<br />
<br />
Together with Xidi, the village became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Scenes from the film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon were filmed on location in Hongcun.
    HongcunBuildings2.jpg
  • Hongcun (Chinese: 宏村; pinyin: Hóngcūn; literally: "Hong village") is a village in Hongcun Town (宏村镇), Yi County, Huangshan City in the historical Huizhou region of southern Anhui Province, China, near the southwest slope of Mount Huangshan.<br />
<br />
The village is arranged in the shape of an ox with the nearby hill (Leigang Hill) interpreted as the head, and two trees standing on it as the horns. Four bridges across the Jiyin stream can be seen as the legs whilst the houses of the village form the body. Inside the “body”, the Jiyin stream represents the intestines and various lakes such as the “South Lake” (Nanhu) form the other internal organs.<br />
<br />
The architecture and carvings of the approximately 150 residences dating back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties are said to be among the best of their kind in China.[citation needed] One of the biggest of the residences open to visitors, Chenzhi Hall, also contains a small museum.<br />
<br />
Together with Xidi, the village became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Scenes from the film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon were filmed on location in Hongcun.
    HongcunBuildings1.jpg
  • The Forbidden City is a palace complex in central Beijing, China. The former Chinese imperial palace from the Ming dynasty to the end of the Qing dynasty (the years 1420 to 1912), it now houses the Palace Museum. The Forbidden City served as the home of emperors and their households as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government for almost 500 years.<br />
<br />
Constructed from 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings and covers 72 hectares (over 180 acres). The palace exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    _Y6A0546-HDR.jpg
  • The Forbidden City is a palace complex in central Beijing, China. The former Chinese imperial palace from the Ming dynasty to the end of the Qing dynasty (the years 1420 to 1912), it now houses the Palace Museum. The Forbidden City served as the home of emperors and their households as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government for almost 500 years.<br />
<br />
Constructed from 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings and covers 72 hectares (over 180 acres). The palace exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    ForbiddenCityAlley3.jpg
  • The Spanish Governor's Palace is a National Historic Landmark in Downtown San Antonio in the U.S. state of Texas. Built in the first half of the 18th century, it was originally intended to protect the nearby San Antonio de Valero Mission (the Alamo) and the growing colony. It is considered the sole remaining example of an aristocratic early Spanish house in Texas. The National Geographic Society has called the landmark "the most beautiful building in San Antonio." The building was constructed in the early 18th century, possibly as early as 1722. The keystone above the front entrance is marked with the coat-of-arms of Spanish King Ferdinand VI along with the date 1749. The building was actually the residence and working offices of the local presidio captain, and not the palace for the region's Spanish governor. The building later became the capitol building of the Tejas region of Spanish Texas in 1722.<br />
The building is currently maintained by the City of San Antonio and is open to the public as a museum.
    SpanishGovernor2.jpg
  • Paestum was a major ancient Greek city on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea in Magna Graecia (southern Italy). The ruins of Paestum are famous for their three ancient Greek temples in the Doric order, dating from about 600 to 450 BC, which are in a very good state of preservation. The city walls and amphitheatre are largely intact, and the bottom of the walls of many other structures remain, as well as paved roads. The site is open to the public, and there is a modern national museum within it, which also contains the finds from the associated Greek site of Foce del Sele.<br />
<br />
After its foundation by Greek colonists under the name of Poseidonia it was eventually conquered by the local Lucanians and later the Romans. The Lucanians renamed it to Paistos and the Romans gave the city its current name. As Pesto or Paestum, the town became a bishopric (now only titular) but it was abandoned in the Early Middle Ages, and left undisturbed and largely forgotten until the 18th century.<br />
<br />
Today the remains of the city are found in the modern frazione of Paestum, which is part of the comune of Capaccio in the Province of Salerno, Campania, Italy. The modern settlement, directly to the south of the archaeological site, is a popular seaside resort, with long sandy beaches.
    PaestumAthena3.jpg
  • Paestum was a major ancient Greek city on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea in Magna Graecia (southern Italy). The ruins of Paestum are famous for their three ancient Greek temples in the Doric order, dating from about 600 to 450 BC, which are in a very good state of preservation. The city walls and amphitheatre are largely intact, and the bottom of the walls of many other structures remain, as well as paved roads. The site is open to the public, and there is a modern national museum within it, which also contains the finds from the associated Greek site of Foce del Sele.<br />
<br />
After its foundation by Greek colonists under the name of Poseidonia it was eventually conquered by the local Lucanians and later the Romans. The Lucanians renamed it to Paistos and the Romans gave the city its current name. As Pesto or Paestum, the town became a bishopric (now only titular) but it was abandoned in the Early Middle Ages, and left undisturbed and largely forgotten until the 18th century.<br />
<br />
Today the remains of the city are found in the modern frazione of Paestum, which is part of the comune of Capaccio in the Province of Salerno, Campania, Italy. The modern settlement, directly to the south of the archaeological site, is a popular seaside resort, with long sandy beaches.
    Paestum5.jpg
  • Street in Saint Paul de Vence in southern France.<br />
-----<br />
Saint-Paul or Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a commune in the Alpes-Maritimes department in southeastern France. One of the oldest medieval towns on the French Riviera, it is well known for its modern and contemporary art museums and galleries such as Fondation Maeght which is located nearby. It was probably between the 10th and 12th century that a settlement formed around the ancient church of Saint Michel du Puy to the south, and near the castle on the highest part of the hill. In the Middle Ages, the region was administered by the Counts of Provence. In the 13th century, Count Charles II granted more privileges to St. Paul, including the right to hold a weekly market. At the beginning of 14th century, St. Paul acquired more autonomy and became a prosperous city of merchants and nobility. In 1388, the County of Nice broke off from Provence to reattach itself with the states belonging to the Count of Savoy. These new circumstances gave St. Paul a strategic position: the city becomes a border stronghold for five centuries. St. Paul went through its first fortification campaign in the second half of 14th century: the north gate of the city, called "Porte de Vence," dates back to the medieval wall. At the time of the wars of Italy, Provence was invaded twice by the troops of Charles V. Considering the low side of the border of Provence and the obsolescence of the medieval fortifications in Saint-Paul, Fran�ois 1st decided in 1538 to build the new city walls, able to withstand the power of the artillery. This fortified wall, built between 1543 and 1547, is preserved in its entirety. On its northern and southern fronts four solid bastions protect both the city gates. In the 17th century, Saint-Paul experienced a religious period through the influence of Antoine Godeau, Bishop of Vence. The church was elevated to college, and was expanded and embellished. St. Paul also saw an urban revival thanks to the families of nobili
    StPaulStairs1.jpg
  • Alley in Saint Paul de Vence in France.<br />
-----<br />
Saint-Paul or Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a commune in the Alpes-Maritimes department in southeastern France. One of the oldest medieval towns on the French Riviera, it is well known for its modern and contemporary art museums and galleries such as Fondation Maeght which is located nearby. It was probably between the 10th and 12th century that a settlement formed around the ancient church of Saint Michel du Puy to the south, and near the castle on the highest part of the hill. In the Middle Ages, the region was administered by the Counts of Provence. In the 13th century, Count Charles II granted more privileges to St. Paul, including the right to hold a weekly market. At the beginning of 14th century, St. Paul acquired more autonomy and became a prosperous city of merchants and nobility. In 1388, the County of Nice broke off from Provence to reattach itself with the states belonging to the Count of Savoy. These new circumstances gave St. Paul a strategic position: the city becomes a border stronghold for five centuries. St. Paul went through its first fortification campaign in the second half of 14th century: the north gate of the city, called "Porte de Vence," dates back to the medieval wall. At the time of the wars of Italy, Provence was invaded twice by the troops of Charles V. Considering the low side of the border of Provence and the obsolescence of the medieval fortifications in Saint-Paul, Fran�ois 1st decided in 1538 to build the new city walls, able to withstand the power of the artillery. This fortified wall, built between 1543 and 1547, is preserved in its entirety. On its northern and southern fronts four solid bastions protect both the city gates. In the 17th century, Saint-Paul experienced a religious period through the influence of Antoine Godeau, Bishop of Vence. The church was elevated to college, and was expanded and embellished. St. Paul also saw an urban revival thanks to the families of nobility, who bu
    StPaulAlley1.jpg
  • Passageway in Saint Paul de Vence in France.<br />
-----<br />
Saint-Paul or Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a commune in the Alpes-Maritimes department in southeastern France. One of the oldest medieval towns on the French Riviera, it is well known for its modern and contemporary art museums and galleries such as Fondation Maeght which is located nearby. It was probably between the 10th and 12th century that a settlement formed around the ancient church of Saint Michel du Puy to the south, and near the castle on the highest part of the hill. In the Middle Ages, the region was administered by the Counts of Provence. In the 13th century, Count Charles II granted more privileges to St. Paul, including the right to hold a weekly market. At the beginning of 14th century, St. Paul acquired more autonomy and became a prosperous city of merchants and nobility. In 1388, the County of Nice broke off from Provence to reattach itself with the states belonging to the Count of Savoy. These new circumstances gave St. Paul a strategic position: the city becomes a border stronghold for five centuries. St. Paul went through its first fortification campaign in the second half of 14th century: the north gate of the city, called "Porte de Vence," dates back to the medieval wall. At the time of the wars of Italy, Provence was invaded twice by the troops of Charles V. Considering the low side of the border of Provence and the obsolescence of the medieval fortifications in Saint-Paul, Fran�ois 1st decided in 1538 to build the new city walls, able to withstand the power of the artillery. This fortified wall, built between 1543 and 1547, is preserved in its entirety. On its northern and southern fronts four solid bastions protect both the city gates. In the 17th century, Saint-Paul experienced a religious period through the influence of Antoine Godeau, Bishop of Vence. The church was elevated to college, and was expanded and embellished. St. Paul also saw an urban revival thanks to the families of nobility, w
    StPaulPassageway1.jpg
  • "Sphere Within Sphere" sculpture by Arnaldo Pomodoro at the Vatican museums (Italian: Musei Vaticani)
    RomeVaticanBall.jpg
  • Spiral staircase in the Vatican museums (Italian: Musei Vaticani)
    VaticanStaircase1.jpg
  • Hongcun (Chinese: 宏村; pinyin: Hóngcūn; literally: "Hong village") is a village in Hongcun Town (宏村镇), Yi County, Huangshan City in the historical Huizhou region of southern Anhui Province, China, near the southwest slope of Mount Huangshan.<br />
<br />
The village is arranged in the shape of an ox with the nearby hill (Leigang Hill) interpreted as the head, and two trees standing on it as the horns. Four bridges across the Jiyin stream can be seen as the legs whilst the houses of the village form the body. Inside the “body”, the Jiyin stream represents the intestines and various lakes such as the “South Lake” (Nanhu) form the other internal organs.<br />
<br />
The architecture and carvings of the approximately 150 residences dating back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties are said to be among the best of their kind in China.[citation needed] One of the biggest of the residences open to visitors, Chenzhi Hall, also contains a small museum.<br />
<br />
Together with Xidi, the village became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Scenes from the film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon were filmed on location in Hongcun.
    HongcunCourtyard4.jpg
  • Hongcun (Chinese: 宏村; pinyin: Hóngcūn; literally: "Hong village") is a village in Hongcun Town (宏村镇), Yi County, Huangshan City in the historical Huizhou region of southern Anhui Province, China, near the southwest slope of Mount Huangshan.<br />
<br />
The village is arranged in the shape of an ox with the nearby hill (Leigang Hill) interpreted as the head, and two trees standing on it as the horns. Four bridges across the Jiyin stream can be seen as the legs whilst the houses of the village form the body. Inside the “body”, the Jiyin stream represents the intestines and various lakes such as the “South Lake” (Nanhu) form the other internal organs.<br />
<br />
The architecture and carvings of the approximately 150 residences dating back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties are said to be among the best of their kind in China.[citation needed] One of the biggest of the residences open to visitors, Chenzhi Hall, also contains a small museum.<br />
<br />
Together with Xidi, the village became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Scenes from the film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon were filmed on location in Hongcun.
    HongcunBuildings10.jpg
  • Hongcun (Chinese: 宏村; pinyin: Hóngcūn; literally: "Hong village") is a village in Hongcun Town (宏村镇), Yi County, Huangshan City in the historical Huizhou region of southern Anhui Province, China, near the southwest slope of Mount Huangshan.<br />
<br />
The village is arranged in the shape of an ox with the nearby hill (Leigang Hill) interpreted as the head, and two trees standing on it as the horns. Four bridges across the Jiyin stream can be seen as the legs whilst the houses of the village form the body. Inside the “body”, the Jiyin stream represents the intestines and various lakes such as the “South Lake” (Nanhu) form the other internal organs.<br />
<br />
The architecture and carvings of the approximately 150 residences dating back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties are said to be among the best of their kind in China.[citation needed] One of the biggest of the residences open to visitors, Chenzhi Hall, also contains a small museum.<br />
<br />
Together with Xidi, the village became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Scenes from the film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon were filmed on location in Hongcun.
    _Y6A4971.jpg
  • Hongcun (Chinese: 宏村; pinyin: Hóngcūn; literally: "Hong village") is a village in Hongcun Town (宏村镇), Yi County, Huangshan City in the historical Huizhou region of southern Anhui Province, China, near the southwest slope of Mount Huangshan.<br />
<br />
The village is arranged in the shape of an ox with the nearby hill (Leigang Hill) interpreted as the head, and two trees standing on it as the horns. Four bridges across the Jiyin stream can be seen as the legs whilst the houses of the village form the body. Inside the “body”, the Jiyin stream represents the intestines and various lakes such as the “South Lake” (Nanhu) form the other internal organs.<br />
<br />
The architecture and carvings of the approximately 150 residences dating back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties are said to be among the best of their kind in China.[citation needed] One of the biggest of the residences open to visitors, Chenzhi Hall, also contains a small museum.<br />
<br />
Together with Xidi, the village became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Scenes from the film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon were filmed on location in Hongcun.
    HongcunBuildings7.jpg
  • Hongcun (Chinese: 宏村; pinyin: Hóngcūn; literally: "Hong village") is a village in Hongcun Town (宏村镇), Yi County, Huangshan City in the historical Huizhou region of southern Anhui Province, China, near the southwest slope of Mount Huangshan.<br />
<br />
The village is arranged in the shape of an ox with the nearby hill (Leigang Hill) interpreted as the head, and two trees standing on it as the horns. Four bridges across the Jiyin stream can be seen as the legs whilst the houses of the village form the body. Inside the “body”, the Jiyin stream represents the intestines and various lakes such as the “South Lake” (Nanhu) form the other internal organs.<br />
<br />
The architecture and carvings of the approximately 150 residences dating back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties are said to be among the best of their kind in China.[citation needed] One of the biggest of the residences open to visitors, Chenzhi Hall, also contains a small museum.<br />
<br />
Together with Xidi, the village became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Scenes from the film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon were filmed on location in Hongcun.
    HongcunBuildings6.jpg
  • Hongcun (Chinese: 宏村; pinyin: Hóngcūn; literally: "Hong village") is a village in Hongcun Town (宏村镇), Yi County, Huangshan City in the historical Huizhou region of southern Anhui Province, China, near the southwest slope of Mount Huangshan.<br />
<br />
The village is arranged in the shape of an ox with the nearby hill (Leigang Hill) interpreted as the head, and two trees standing on it as the horns. Four bridges across the Jiyin stream can be seen as the legs whilst the houses of the village form the body. Inside the “body”, the Jiyin stream represents the intestines and various lakes such as the “South Lake” (Nanhu) form the other internal organs.<br />
<br />
The architecture and carvings of the approximately 150 residences dating back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties are said to be among the best of their kind in China.[citation needed] One of the biggest of the residences open to visitors, Chenzhi Hall, also contains a small museum.<br />
<br />
Together with Xidi, the village became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Scenes from the film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon were filmed on location in Hongcun.
    HongcunCourtyard5.jpg
  • The Forbidden City is a palace complex in central Beijing, China. The former Chinese imperial palace from the Ming dynasty to the end of the Qing dynasty (the years 1420 to 1912), it now houses the Palace Museum. The Forbidden City served as the home of emperors and their households as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government for almost 500 years.<br />
<br />
Constructed from 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings and covers 72 hectares (over 180 acres). The palace exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    _Y6A0538-HDR.jpg
  • The Forbidden City is a palace complex in central Beijing, China. The former Chinese imperial palace from the Ming dynasty to the end of the Qing dynasty (the years 1420 to 1912), it now houses the Palace Museum. The Forbidden City served as the home of emperors and their households as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government for almost 500 years.<br />
<br />
Constructed from 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings and covers 72 hectares (over 180 acres). The palace exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    _Y6A0534-HDR.jpg
  • This magnificent clock used to be located downtown at Carroll's Fine Jewelers at 4th Avenue and Pike Street.  It stood across the street from the Ben Bridges Jewelers street clock that still stands on Pike Street. The clock was built in 1913 by Joseph Mayer who made many of Seattle’s street clocks.<br />
<br />
The clock was donated to the Museum of History and Industry by the Carroll family in 2008 after their store was closed.  The clock was first installed at the Montlake location for the Museum and was then moved in 2012 to its permanent location at the Museum in Lake Union Park. <br />
<br />
The clock is one of the most beautiful of the historic clocks in the Seattle area.  This large clock is 20 feet tall, sports four 36 inch clock faces, and weighs an estimated two tons.  The detail on this clock is splendid.  You can see the clock works through glass panels.  One interesting detail is the mouse holding an umbrella that was painted on the backside of the clock cabinet.
    CarrollsClock1.jpg
  • Town square on Rue Grand in Saint-Paul-de-Vence.  Saint-Paul or Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a commune in the Alpes-Maritimes department in southeastern France. One of the oldest medieval towns on the French Riviera, it is well known for its modern and contemporary art museums and galleries such as Fondation Maeght which is located nearby. It was probably between the 10th and 12th century that a settlement formed around the ancient church of Saint Michel du Puy to the south, and near the castle on the highest part of the hill. In the Middle Ages, the region was administered by the Counts of Provence. In the 13th century, Count Charles II granted more privileges to St. Paul, including the right to hold a weekly market. At the beginning of 14th century, St. Paul acquired more autonomy and became a prosperous city of merchants and nobility. In 1388, the County of Nice broke off from Provence to reattach itself with the states belonging to the Count of Savoy. These new circumstances gave St. Paul a strategic position: the city becomes a border stronghold for five centuries. St. Paul went through its first fortification campaign in the second half of 14th century: the north gate of the city, called "Porte de Vence," dates back to the medieval wall. At the time of the wars of Italy, Provence was invaded twice by the troops of Charles V. Considering the low side of the border of Provence and the obsolescence of the medieval fortifications in Saint-Paul, Fran�ois 1st decided in 1538 to build the new city walls, able to withstand the power of the artillery. This fortified wall, built between 1543 and 1547, is preserved in its entirety. On its northern and southern fronts four solid bastions protect both the city gates. In the 17th century, Saint-Paul experienced a religious period through the influence of Antoine Godeau, Bishop of Vence. The church was elevated to college, and was expanded and embellished. St. Paul also saw an urban revival thanks to the families of nobility, wh
    StPaulSquare1.jpg
  • Spiral staircase in the Vatican museums (Italian: Musei Vaticani)
    VaticanStaircase2.jpg
  • Spiral staircase in the Vatican museums (Italian: Musei Vaticani)
    VaticanStaircase3.jpg
  • Paestum was a major ancient Greek city on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea in Magna Graecia (southern Italy). The ruins of Paestum are famous for their three ancient Greek temples in the Doric order, dating from about 600 to 450 BC, which are in a very good state of preservation. The city walls and amphitheatre are largely intact, and the bottom of the walls of many other structures remain, as well as paved roads. The site is open to the public, and there is a modern national museum within it, which also contains the finds from the associated Greek site of Foce del Sele.<br />
<br />
After its foundation by Greek colonists under the name of Poseidonia it was eventually conquered by the local Lucanians and later the Romans. The Lucanians renamed it to Paistos and the Romans gave the city its current name. As Pesto or Paestum, the town became a bishopric (now only titular) but it was abandoned in the Early Middle Ages, and left undisturbed and largely forgotten until the 18th century.<br />
<br />
Today the remains of the city are found in the modern frazione of Paestum, which is part of the comune of Capaccio in the Province of Salerno, Campania, Italy. The modern settlement, directly to the south of the archaeological site, is a popular seaside resort, with long sandy beaches.
    Paestum3.jpg
  • The Fontana del Pantheon fountain in front of the Pantheon in Rome, Italy. The Fontana del Pantheon was commissioned by Pope Gregory XIII and is located in the Piazza della Rotonda, Rome, in front of the Roman Pantheon. It was designed by Giacomo Della Porta in 1575 and sculpted out of marble by Leonardo Sormani.<br />
In 1711, Pope Clement XI requested that the fountain be modified and had Filippo Barigioni design a new layout, which included a different basin, made of stone, and the Macuteo obelisk, created during the period of Ramses II, set in the centre on a plinth with four dolphins decorating the base.<br />
In 1886, the original marble figures were removed, and replaced with copies by Luigi Amici. Today, the originals can be seen in the Museum of Rome.<br />
Fontana del Pantheon was the model to Francesco Robba for the Robba fountain, which stands at Town Square in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. It is one of the city's most recognizable symbols.
    RomePantheon1.jpg
  • Town square on Rue Grand in Saint-Paul-de-Vence.  Saint-Paul or Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a commune in the Alpes-Maritimes department in southeastern France. One of the oldest medieval towns on the French Riviera, it is well known for its modern and contemporary art museums and galleries such as Fondation Maeght which is located nearby. It was probably between the 10th and 12th century that a settlement formed around the ancient church of Saint Michel du Puy to the south, and near the castle on the highest part of the hill. In the Middle Ages, the region was administered by the Counts of Provence. In the 13th century, Count Charles II granted more privileges to St. Paul, including the right to hold a weekly market. At the beginning of 14th century, St. Paul acquired more autonomy and became a prosperous city of merchants and nobility. In 1388, the County of Nice broke off from Provence to reattach itself with the states belonging to the Count of Savoy. These new circumstances gave St. Paul a strategic position: the city becomes a border stronghold for five centuries. St. Paul went through its first fortification campaign in the second half of 14th century: the north gate of the city, called "Porte de Vence," dates back to the medieval wall. At the time of the wars of Italy, Provence was invaded twice by the troops of Charles V. Considering the low side of the border of Provence and the obsolescence of the medieval fortifications in Saint-Paul, Fran�ois 1st decided in 1538 to build the new city walls, able to withstand the power of the artillery. This fortified wall, built between 1543 and 1547, is preserved in its entirety. On its northern and southern fronts four solid bastions protect both the city gates. In the 17th century, Saint-Paul experienced a religious period through the influence of Antoine Godeau, Bishop of Vence. The church was elevated to college, and was expanded and embellished. St. Paul also saw an urban revival thanks to the families of nobility, wh
    StPaulSquare1-2.jpg
  • Home in Saint Paul de Vence in southern France.<br />
-----<br />
Saint-Paul or Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a commune in the Alpes-Maritimes department in southeastern France. One of the oldest medieval towns on the French Riviera, it is well known for its modern and contemporary art museums and galleries such as Fondation Maeght which is located nearby. It was probably between the 10th and 12th century that a settlement formed around the ancient church of Saint Michel du Puy to the south, and near the castle on the highest part of the hill. In the Middle Ages, the region was administered by the Counts of Provence. In the 13th century, Count Charles II granted more privileges to St. Paul, including the right to hold a weekly market. At the beginning of 14th century, St. Paul acquired more autonomy and became a prosperous city of merchants and nobility. In 1388, the County of Nice broke off from Provence to reattach itself with the states belonging to the Count of Savoy. These new circumstances gave St. Paul a strategic position: the city becomes a border stronghold for five centuries. St. Paul went through its first fortification campaign in the second half of 14th century: the north gate of the city, called "Porte de Vence," dates back to the medieval wall. At the time of the wars of Italy, Provence was invaded twice by the troops of Charles V. Considering the low side of the border of Provence and the obsolescence of the medieval fortifications in Saint-Paul, Fran�ois 1st decided in 1538 to build the new city walls, able to withstand the power of the artillery. This fortified wall, built between 1543 and 1547, is preserved in its entirety. On its northern and southern fronts four solid bastions protect both the city gates. In the 17th century, Saint-Paul experienced a religious period through the influence of Antoine Godeau, Bishop of Vence. The church was elevated to college, and was expanded and embellished. St. Paul also saw an urban revival thanks to the families of nobility
    StPaulHouse2.jpg
  • Street in Saint Paul de Vence in southern France.<br />
-----<br />
Saint-Paul or Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a commune in the Alpes-Maritimes department in southeastern France. One of the oldest medieval towns on the French Riviera, it is well known for its modern and contemporary art museums and galleries such as Fondation Maeght which is located nearby. It was probably between the 10th and 12th century that a settlement formed around the ancient church of Saint Michel du Puy to the south, and near the castle on the highest part of the hill. In the Middle Ages, the region was administered by the Counts of Provence. In the 13th century, Count Charles II granted more privileges to St. Paul, including the right to hold a weekly market. At the beginning of 14th century, St. Paul acquired more autonomy and became a prosperous city of merchants and nobility. In 1388, the County of Nice broke off from Provence to reattach itself with the states belonging to the Count of Savoy. These new circumstances gave St. Paul a strategic position: the city becomes a border stronghold for five centuries. St. Paul went through its first fortification campaign in the second half of 14th century: the north gate of the city, called "Porte de Vence," dates back to the medieval wall. At the time of the wars of Italy, Provence was invaded twice by the troops of Charles V. Considering the low side of the border of Provence and the obsolescence of the medieval fortifications in Saint-Paul, Fran�ois 1st decided in 1538 to build the new city walls, able to withstand the power of the artillery. This fortified wall, built between 1543 and 1547, is preserved in its entirety. On its northern and southern fronts four solid bastions protect both the city gates. In the 17th century, Saint-Paul experienced a religious period through the influence of Antoine Godeau, Bishop of Vence. The church was elevated to college, and was expanded and embellished. St. Paul also saw an urban revival thanks to the families of nobili
    StPaulStairs1.jpg
  • Church in Saint Paul de Vence in southern France.<br />
-----<br />
Saint-Paul or Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a commune in the Alpes-Maritimes department in southeastern France. One of the oldest medieval towns on the French Riviera, it is well known for its modern and contemporary art museums and galleries such as Fondation Maeght which is located nearby. It was probably between the 10th and 12th century that a settlement formed around the ancient church of Saint Michel du Puy to the south, and near the castle on the highest part of the hill. In the Middle Ages, the region was administered by the Counts of Provence. In the 13th century, Count Charles II granted more privileges to St. Paul, including the right to hold a weekly market. At the beginning of 14th century, St. Paul acquired more autonomy and became a prosperous city of merchants and nobility. In 1388, the County of Nice broke off from Provence to reattach itself with the states belonging to the Count of Savoy. These new circumstances gave St. Paul a strategic position: the city becomes a border stronghold for five centuries. St. Paul went through its first fortification campaign in the second half of 14th century: the north gate of the city, called "Porte de Vence," dates back to the medieval wall. At the time of the wars of Italy, Provence was invaded twice by the troops of Charles V. Considering the low side of the border of Provence and the obsolescence of the medieval fortifications in Saint-Paul, Fran�ois 1st decided in 1538 to build the new city walls, able to withstand the power of the artillery. This fortified wall, built between 1543 and 1547, is preserved in its entirety. On its northern and southern fronts four solid bastions protect both the city gates. In the 17th century, Saint-Paul experienced a religious period through the influence of Antoine Godeau, Bishop of Vence. The church was elevated to college, and was expanded and embellished. St. Paul also saw an urban revival thanks to the families of nobili
    StPaulChurch1.jpg
  • House in Saint Paul de Vence in France.<br />
-----<br />
Saint-Paul or Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a commune in the Alpes-Maritimes department in southeastern France. One of the oldest medieval towns on the French Riviera, it is well known for its modern and contemporary art museums and galleries such as Fondation Maeght which is located nearby. It was probably between the 10th and 12th century that a settlement formed around the ancient church of Saint Michel du Puy to the south, and near the castle on the highest part of the hill. In the Middle Ages, the region was administered by the Counts of Provence. In the 13th century, Count Charles II granted more privileges to St. Paul, including the right to hold a weekly market. At the beginning of 14th century, St. Paul acquired more autonomy and became a prosperous city of merchants and nobility. In 1388, the County of Nice broke off from Provence to reattach itself with the states belonging to the Count of Savoy. These new circumstances gave St. Paul a strategic position: the city becomes a border stronghold for five centuries. St. Paul went through its first fortification campaign in the second half of 14th century: the north gate of the city, called "Porte de Vence," dates back to the medieval wall. At the time of the wars of Italy, Provence was invaded twice by the troops of Charles V. Considering the low side of the border of Provence and the obsolescence of the medieval fortifications in Saint-Paul, Fran�ois 1st decided in 1538 to build the new city walls, able to withstand the power of the artillery. This fortified wall, built between 1543 and 1547, is preserved in its entirety. On its northern and southern fronts four solid bastions protect both the city gates. In the 17th century, Saint-Paul experienced a religious period through the influence of Antoine Godeau, Bishop of Vence. The church was elevated to college, and was expanded and embellished. St. Paul also saw an urban revival thanks to the families of nobility, who bu
    StPaulEntrance1.jpg
  • Street in Saint Paul de Vence in southern France.<br />
-----<br />
Saint-Paul or Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a commune in the Alpes-Maritimes department in southeastern France. One of the oldest medieval towns on the French Riviera, it is well known for its modern and contemporary art museums and galleries such as Fondation Maeght which is located nearby. It was probably between the 10th and 12th century that a settlement formed around the ancient church of Saint Michel du Puy to the south, and near the castle on the highest part of the hill. In the Middle Ages, the region was administered by the Counts of Provence. In the 13th century, Count Charles II granted more privileges to St. Paul, including the right to hold a weekly market. At the beginning of 14th century, St. Paul acquired more autonomy and became a prosperous city of merchants and nobility. In 1388, the County of Nice broke off from Provence to reattach itself with the states belonging to the Count of Savoy. These new circumstances gave St. Paul a strategic position: the city becomes a border stronghold for five centuries. St. Paul went through its first fortification campaign in the second half of 14th century: the north gate of the city, called "Porte de Vence," dates back to the medieval wall. At the time of the wars of Italy, Provence was invaded twice by the troops of Charles V. Considering the low side of the border of Provence and the obsolescence of the medieval fortifications in Saint-Paul, Fran�ois 1st decided in 1538 to build the new city walls, able to withstand the power of the artillery. This fortified wall, built between 1543 and 1547, is preserved in its entirety. On its northern and southern fronts four solid bastions protect both the city gates. In the 17th century, Saint-Paul experienced a religious period through the influence of Antoine Godeau, Bishop of Vence. The church was elevated to college, and was expanded and embellished. St. Paul also saw an urban revival thanks to the families of nobili
    StPaulHouse1.jpg
  • Entrance gate to Saint Paul de Vence in France.<br />
-----<br />
Saint-Paul or Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a commune in the Alpes-Maritimes department in southeastern France. One of the oldest medieval towns on the French Riviera, it is well known for its modern and contemporary art museums and galleries such as Fondation Maeght which is located nearby. It was probably between the 10th and 12th century that a settlement formed around the ancient church of Saint Michel du Puy to the south, and near the castle on the highest part of the hill. In the Middle Ages, the region was administered by the Counts of Provence. In the 13th century, Count Charles II granted more privileges to St. Paul, including the right to hold a weekly market. At the beginning of 14th century, St. Paul acquired more autonomy and became a prosperous city of merchants and nobility. In 1388, the County of Nice broke off from Provence to reattach itself with the states belonging to the Count of Savoy. These new circumstances gave St. Paul a strategic position: the city becomes a border stronghold for five centuries. St. Paul went through its first fortification campaign in the second half of 14th century: the north gate of the city, called "Porte de Vence," dates back to the medieval wall. At the time of the wars of Italy, Provence was invaded twice by the troops of Charles V. Considering the low side of the border of Provence and the obsolescence of the medieval fortifications in Saint-Paul, Fran�ois 1st decided in 1538 to build the new city walls, able to withstand the power of the artillery. This fortified wall, built between 1543 and 1547, is preserved in its entirety. On its northern and southern fronts four solid bastions protect both the city gates. In the 17th century, Saint-Paul experienced a religious period through the influence of Antoine Godeau, Bishop of Vence. The church was elevated to college, and was expanded and embellished. St. Paul also saw an urban revival thanks to the families of nobility
    StPaulGate1.jpg
  • Rue Grande street in Saint Paul de Vence in France.<br />
-----<br />
Saint-Paul or Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a commune in the Alpes-Maritimes department in southeastern France. One of the oldest medieval towns on the French Riviera, it is well known for its modern and contemporary art museums and galleries such as Fondation Maeght which is located nearby. It was probably between the 10th and 12th century that a settlement formed around the ancient church of Saint Michel du Puy to the south, and near the castle on the highest part of the hill. In the Middle Ages, the region was administered by the Counts of Provence. In the 13th century, Count Charles II granted more privileges to St. Paul, including the right to hold a weekly market. At the beginning of 14th century, St. Paul acquired more autonomy and became a prosperous city of merchants and nobility. In 1388, the County of Nice broke off from Provence to reattach itself with the states belonging to the Count of Savoy. These new circumstances gave St. Paul a strategic position: the city becomes a border stronghold for five centuries. St. Paul went through its first fortification campaign in the second half of 14th century: the north gate of the city, called "Porte de Vence," dates back to the medieval wall. At the time of the wars of Italy, Provence was invaded twice by the troops of Charles V. Considering the low side of the border of Provence and the obsolescence of the medieval fortifications in Saint-Paul, Fran�ois 1st decided in 1538 to build the new city walls, able to withstand the power of the artillery. This fortified wall, built between 1543 and 1547, is preserved in its entirety. On its northern and southern fronts four solid bastions protect both the city gates. In the 17th century, Saint-Paul experienced a religious period through the influence of Antoine Godeau, Bishop of Vence. The church was elevated to college, and was expanded and embellished. St. Paul also saw an urban revival thanks to the families of nobi
    StPaulStreetArch1.jpg
  • Courtyard in Saint Paul de Vence in France.  -----<br />
Saint-Paul or Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a commune in the Alpes-Maritimes department in southeastern France. One of the oldest medieval towns on the French Riviera, it is well known for its modern and contemporary art museums and galleries such as Fondation Maeght which is located nearby. It was probably between the 10th and 12th century that a settlement formed around the ancient church of Saint Michel du Puy to the south, and near the castle on the highest part of the hill. In the Middle Ages, the region was administered by the Counts of Provence. In the 13th century, Count Charles II granted more privileges to St. Paul, including the right to hold a weekly market. At the beginning of 14th century, St. Paul acquired more autonomy and became a prosperous city of merchants and nobility. In 1388, the County of Nice broke off from Provence to reattach itself with the states belonging to the Count of Savoy. These new circumstances gave St. Paul a strategic position: the city becomes a border stronghold for five centuries. St. Paul went through its first fortification campaign in the second half of 14th century: the north gate of the city, called "Porte de Vence," dates back to the medieval wall. At the time of the wars of Italy, Provence was invaded twice by the troops of Charles V. Considering the low side of the border of Provence and the obsolescence of the medieval fortifications in Saint-Paul, Fran�ois 1st decided in 1538 to build the new city walls, able to withstand the power of the artillery. This fortified wall, built between 1543 and 1547, is preserved in its entirety. On its northern and southern fronts four solid bastions protect both the city gates. In the 17th century, Saint-Paul experienced a religious period through the influence of Antoine Godeau, Bishop of Vence. The church was elevated to college, and was expanded and embellished. St. Paul also saw an urban revival thanks to the families of nobility, w
    StPaulCourtyard1.jpg
  • Entrance gate to Saint Paul de Vence in France.<br />
-----<br />
Saint-Paul or Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a commune in the Alpes-Maritimes department in southeastern France. One of the oldest medieval towns on the French Riviera, it is well known for its modern and contemporary art museums and galleries such as Fondation Maeght which is located nearby. It was probably between the 10th and 12th century that a settlement formed around the ancient church of Saint Michel du Puy to the south, and near the castle on the highest part of the hill. In the Middle Ages, the region was administered by the Counts of Provence. In the 13th century, Count Charles II granted more privileges to St. Paul, including the right to hold a weekly market. At the beginning of 14th century, St. Paul acquired more autonomy and became a prosperous city of merchants and nobility. In 1388, the County of Nice broke off from Provence to reattach itself with the states belonging to the Count of Savoy. These new circumstances gave St. Paul a strategic position: the city becomes a border stronghold for five centuries. St. Paul went through its first fortification campaign in the second half of 14th century: the north gate of the city, called "Porte de Vence," dates back to the medieval wall. At the time of the wars of Italy, Provence was invaded twice by the troops of Charles V. Considering the low side of the border of Provence and the obsolescence of the medieval fortifications in Saint-Paul, Fran�ois 1st decided in 1538 to build the new city walls, able to withstand the power of the artillery. This fortified wall, built between 1543 and 1547, is preserved in its entirety. On its northern and southern fronts four solid bastions protect both the city gates. In the 17th century, Saint-Paul experienced a religious period through the influence of Antoine Godeau, Bishop of Vence. The church was elevated to college, and was expanded and embellished. St. Paul also saw an urban revival thanks to the families of nobility
    StPaulGate2.jpg
  • The broken statue of Roman Emperor Constantine in Rome's Capitoline museum
    RomeConstantine1.jpg
  • Hongcun (Chinese: 宏村; pinyin: Hóngcūn; literally: "Hong village") is a village in Hongcun Town (宏村镇), Yi County, Huangshan City in the historical Huizhou region of southern Anhui Province, China, near the southwest slope of Mount Huangshan.<br />
<br />
The village is arranged in the shape of an ox with the nearby hill (Leigang Hill) interpreted as the head, and two trees standing on it as the horns. Four bridges across the Jiyin stream can be seen as the legs whilst the houses of the village form the body. Inside the “body”, the Jiyin stream represents the intestines and various lakes such as the “South Lake” (Nanhu) form the other internal organs.<br />
<br />
The architecture and carvings of the approximately 150 residences dating back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties are said to be among the best of their kind in China.[citation needed] One of the biggest of the residences open to visitors, Chenzhi Hall, also contains a small museum.<br />
<br />
Together with Xidi, the village became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Scenes from the film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon were filmed on location in Hongcun.
    HongcunCourtyard2.jpg
Next
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
x