Terrys Travels B&W Photos #1

#Terry_Travels_BWPhotos1

In Marrakech heading to the Medina, which is a historic walled city with a maze of alleys containing souks, shops and traditional buildings

On my way to La Lonja which is known for its secretive streets here in Palma de Mallorca Spain
The area now is a Gothic Architectural masterpiece that was back then a prosperous 15th century merchant exchange center
 But also used as a prison, hospital and for gunpowder storage 

Here i am in an Amphibious Plane designed to operate on both land and water
The earliest design in 1910 featured plywood floats, which
I can honestly tell you that my aircraft does not have those old features 😅

My Mates and I are heading for a few "adult" beverages here in Madrid Spain 
 With over 15,000 drinking establishments, we should not have a problem finding a few

 
Tried to get tickets while in New York City, no go as the Foo Fighters was the last musical guest
 ( his favorite band) for David Letterman
 Which that weeks show marked the end of his 33 year run as host

Found this vintage Belarus Tractor while in Eastern Europe and it was built by the Minsk Tractor Works that exported to over 60 countries 

One of my Charcoal Drawings from my travels

Entering the area of Alta Badia to take on the mighty Dolomites in Northern Italy
(look for that blog here on my site)

Leaving the Langjokull Glacier in Iceland

Heading north to Grimsey Island then hiking to the Arctic Circle

Walking the backstreets of Salzburg Austria
The name translates to "Salt Castle" as the area had an extensive sodium chloride mining operation during the Middle Ages
My quest today is to have a meal in Central Europes oldest restaurant located withing St.Peters Abbey

Salamanca Spain
Was told to look for the "hidden" Astronaut figurine that was added during a restoration in the 1990s by the stonemasons, still looking jajjajaja 

Found these carved dragon heads in Reykjavik Iceland 
I assume to pay homage to the Vikings and their ships that were called Drakkar which is from the Old Norse word "dreki"

The famous Moeraki Boulders which are found on the South Island of New Zealand
Which according to Maori legend, it is the remains of a wreck that washed ashore with one rock that is the body of the ships captain

Took this photo in Sweden which is a reminder to everyone, whatever your passion is DO IT NOW
As time waits for no one 

Volga Riverboat

#Volga_Riverboat

The ship MS Surikov (named after the Russian painter Vasily Surikov) was built in Austria and has been refurbished many times
On board it had very basic amenities plus small cabins about the size of a railcar sleeper, but it was equipped with a modern navigational system, so clean and safe
That is all i require as i explore some remote areas of this part of the world

 

My route covers 1400 kms (870 miles) through a network of connected waterways, the Volga River and the Moscow canal

On the Volga River which is the longest in Europe (3,520kms or 2,194 miles)

Fun Facts;
A) It was an ancient trade route used by the Vikings that connected Scandinavia to the Persian and Central Asian markets
This was done with built settlements that acted as trading centers on the Volga
B) The river has eight massive reservoirs created by dams, which then formed the largest chain of artificial lakes in the world
C) It is home for the sturgeon and its caviar which unfortunately has been severely impacted by overfishing and also through environmental impacts
D) The river delta is the largest in Europe with much plant and animal life

 With the Baltic Sea, White Sea, Black Sea and the Sea of Azov all connected with a system of canals and waterways then add in the Volga plus all her rivers
You then have all the passages linked together and part of the global ocean system

Perhaps that is why its part of Russian folklore and often called Mother Volga

Syzran Bridge System

Also known as the Alexandrovsky Bridge, its part of the historic railway crossing of the Volga River that opened in 1880
This at its time was a major engineering project which was a symbol of the countrys growing industrial strength and transportation network plus helped connect the important regions of the empire that was before very isolated

Unscheduled stop....... but made some new friends jajajaja

Mandrogy

The village featured some colorful wooden log houses with the intricate carvings that would of been the traditional style of 18th century Karelian settlers
Also noticed a Russian banya (bathhouse.....did not partake) plus a wooden windmill and some local artisans

But they did have a Vodka Museum with some tastings, so to my hosts
Za Zdorovie "to your health"

The first of many canal locks (20) to enter

Early History
A) The earliest date back to Roman times and was used by the Vikings who had simple gates in a dam that would be opened to allow the boat to be swept downstream
Now going to an upstream passage, that was a difficult and manual process
B) Then the first with two gates (known as a pound lock) was built in China around 984BC
C) The first European pound lock was built in the Netherlands in 1373 but different by using guillotine gates that moved up and down
D) Leonardo da Vinci then improved the pound gate design by coming up with a V-Shape (called a mitre gate) that was held shut by the water pressure, its still widely used today

Modern Times
Locks are typically built of reinforced concrete, with the gates made of steel or other durable materials

Goritzy

This village is generally only accessible by river and is famous for its Monastery of Resurrection which is an Orthodox female convent
The Nunnery was also known as the place for imprisonment for those who had fallen out of favor with Ivan the Terrible, one was his fourth wife Anna Koltovskaya 

Took this photo as we sailed by which is a reminder of the past history
Still a very polarized figure, with his supporters that praised him for establishing a revolutionary state and his critics that condemn him for making a violent dictatorship that led to the deaths of millions

Yaroslavl
Founded in 1010 which makes it one of the oldest cities in Russia and at one time served as the capital during the Polish occupation of Moscow
(Look for my separate blog when i visited the Monastery here)

One of eight hydroelectric power plants built on the river during the Soviet era which today only accounts for 18% of the energy needs
Natural Gas is almost half at 46%, with nuclear around 19%

Entering the lock which in total took about 25 minutes during the process of filling then exiting

Kalyazin Bell Tower

This is what is left of the former Monastery of St Nicholas after the Uglich Dam was constructed,
 so after the old town and church was submerged, but the tower was left standing

Today a small pier has been added so tourists can visit plus the Orthodox Christians sometimes hold a service in the belfry

Uglich

One of the oldest cities of Russia with a founding date of 937 AD and known for its architecture plus culture
Also a significant piece history occurred here as Tsarevich Dmitry (son of Ivan the Terrible) was murdered which lead to turbulent period of the countrys history known as the "Time of Troubles"

The recurring theme on this tour was the amount of Churches and Monasteries you encounter
As of the latest count, there were 38,649 Parishes, 972 Monasteries ( 474 Male & 498 Female) and 21,849 Churches

As i experience my last go through, i thought of some of the other famous ones i have been to

A) The Panama; which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans
B) Suez Canal; allows the Mediterranean and Red Sea  to create a water channel 
C) Welland in Canada which is part of the St. Lawrence Seaway system
D) Venice and its network of waterways
E) Amsterdam system of canals

Did you Know
It is good luck on New Years Eve to ring the bell sixteen times.......eight bells to mark the end of the old year and eight more to welcome in the new

Pikes Place Market Seattle

#PikesPlace_Market_Seattle

Pikes Market (named after the street) is the oldest Farmers Market (1907) in the United States
 It was saved from demolition in 1969 with a strong public movement which eventually lead to its designation as a historical district

KeyTip
There is no admission fee as you walk through the nine acre area
 With a vehicle, the market has its own parking garage starting at $6.00 per hour 

 

 
The market idea basically got its start as the price of goods kept rising, but the farmers and other producers did not see any of those profits plus the locals were angry with the higher costs
So a local Councilman identified an ordinance in the City bi-law giving Seattle authority to set aside land for Public Markets, so then the vendors could sell directly to the paying customers thus eliminating the "middle man" 

Beginnings
Thus in 1910 the first permanent building called the Sanitary Market was built with additional stalls being added later
Also local entrepreneur Frank Goodwin got things more organized and also constructed many of the permanent structures, which a few are still standing today

Early Challenges
 During World War 11 when the Japanese American farmers were incarcerated, it impacted the market as many businesses and stands were lost
In the 1950s and 1960s with the rise of supermarkets, the market fell into disrepair with a lack of customers

Modern Era
Then in 1971 a public campaign  was started to save the Market, plus to invest capital into it which lead to the forming of The Pike Place Market Preservation & Development Authority which still manages it today 

Mannings was the first Coffee Bar to open in the 1908 at the market then in 1971 Starbucks launched, which in the beginning was selling only whole beans, spices and teas.
Then it all changed (for all of us 😉) in 1984 as it started serving espresso based drinks

Then in 2008 (to honor its beginnings) Starbucks released the Pike Place Roast 

Three Girls Bakery

It was the first ever business to be licensed to women in Seattle that opened in 1912 and it still operates at the market today
This was during those times that women were fighting for their rights as humans; 
 be able to vote, own and manage property in their name plus birth control and reproductive rights

For those humble beginnings the Market has now over 500 Independent Operated Businesses plus has expanded and includes 450 residents in affordable housing, thus showing off its philanthropic roots through its Pike Place Market Foundation
With that organization it also manages social services with a free clinic plus a senior center which is a commitment to be a resource to its community and not just a marketplace

The "flying fish" is a tradition here since the 1930s as it is tossed when a customer makes a purchase from the front counter to the back to be wrapped and prepared
It started out as for efficiency purposes but has evolved into entertainment, which can be seen on webcams now if you cannot be here in person

Magnificent Seven Public Markets

Its an International Alliance that shares its knowledge and collaborates on sustainability to  preserve their operations as cultural landmarks
I have highlighted a few; La Bogueria in Barcelona Spain, Sydney Fish Market Australia, Markthalle Neun Berlin Germany and Borough Market London England  

From my City of Halifax and its Farmers Market which is the oldest continuously operating trading center in North America

 It was established by Royal Proclamation in 1750 by Governor Edward Cornwallis to ensure a supply of fresh food for the colony that was founded just one year earlier
To present day as it still operates with over 100 vendors offering a wide range of local produce, baked goods, artisanal crafts and international foods while still retaining its historical connection to the area

Catherine & Peterhof Palaces

#Catherine_Peterhof_Palaces

Known as the summer residence of the Russian Tsars, it was originally built in 1717 for Catherine (wife of Peter the Great) and was considered a very modest building during those times

It was later transformed by her daughter Empress Elizabeth into the extravagant Rococo styled palace under her favorite architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli, who was known for his plethora of decorative details, columns and statuary
Then under Catherine the Great another change as the interiors were redesigned as she imported artists and designers from Western Europe to bring the latest trends to Russia that included classical motifs and luxury materials
 To present day, restorations continue as its a major part of the Tsarskoye Selo State Museum and Heritage Site

KeyTip
Tickets for the palace also include access to Catherine Park which is free if aged 16 years or younger so plan a half day for viewing both areas
It is suggested to arrive early during peak tourist season to avoid the long lineups

 

In the beginning a large quantity of gold (100kg / 220 pounds) was used during the reconstruction phase (during in the 1700s) and it was applied to the numerous gilded atlantes, caryatids, pilasters plus chapel domes

When Catherine the Great succeeded Elizabeth she found this to be too excessive so had some of the exterior gold gliding replaced with a bronze or an olive green wash

Finally during World War 11 the palace was severely damaged and most of actual plated gold on the facade was lost, thus the exterior today uses a gold paint or gilded stucco

Caryatids and Atlantes
Are Female and Male figures used in architecture  (provides support much like a column would) with both having a Greek history
Caryatids; from the 6th century BC and was connected to Artemis Caryatis for the young women who danced in her honor
 Atlantes; the Greek word Atlas; who was cursed by Zeus to hold up the sky for eternity


German sculptor Johann Franz Dunker made 48 large models for the first story and another 88 statues for the second floor that he finished in 1756

Rocco Architecture
The name itself comes from the French word "rocaille" which refers to natural motifs like rocks and shells in which are prominent in its designs
It was a theatrical style that emerged in the 18th century France
and is characterized by flowing curved lines, pastel color palettes and elaborate decorations

Emphasis was on dramatic type of interior with elaborate focal points like a grand staircase to highlight the surrounding decorations with different viewpoints

Other Locations of Rococo Architecture

A) Amalienburg Pavilion Munich Germany; known for its Hall of Mirrors
B) Hotel de Soubise Paris France;  for its interior in the oval Salon de la Princesse
C) Sanssouci Palace Potsdam Germany; the former residence of Frederick the Great and its terraced gardens
D) Wurzburg Residence Germany; a palace featuring its grand staircase

Amber Room

While Rococo building exteriors are often simpler the inside are richly embellished with sculpted stucco, large mirrors (to reflect the light to expand the sense of space) and of gold accents
Also the theme uses an Illusionistic Art on the ceilings that often feature the vision of open skies or mythological scenes to give you that sense of wonder

As we enter this area the original was considered the "Eighth Wonder of the World" as it was an 18th Century masterpiece containing over six tons of amber, gold leaf and mirrors that eventually was gifted from the Prussian King Frederick William to Russian Tsar Peter the Great

During the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941, the German forces dismantled and looted the room panels and had them transported back believing that the "Gift" should be returned to Prussia
But before retreating the soldiers also destroyed 58 rooms by fire but thankfully the Palace caretakers managed to hide some of the smaller items

Then in 1979 the Soviet government began a 24 year project of reconstructing the room by mostly relying on old black and white photos plus a few of the saved original pieces
The new Amber Room finally opened to the public in 2003 to coincide with the 300th anniversary of St Petersburg

The stolen Amber Room panels and trimmings was placed in 27 crates and shipped by rail to the German city of Konigsberg (then the capital of Prussia) which then was reassembled and displayed at the castle within the city
Then during the beginning of the end
The Nazis dismantled and stowed the contents of the Amber Room during the blitz
 as the British and American bombers started attacking the area

Thus it remains one of the art worlds greatest unsolved mysteries
 For its hidden location or did it survive the allied attack (as remember) Amber is an organic gemstone formed from ancient tree resin
 So it could have melted during the explosions and fires within the castle during the air raid

Peterhof Palace

It was built by Peter the Great in the 1700s as a summer country estate but after visiting Versailles France (and being awestruck) he transformed it into a grand imperial residence 

The exterior is primarily constructed from brick, painted in its signature buttercup yellow with white pillars and glided elements
The Palace "only" has 30 rooms, so relatively modest in size compared to other imperial residences

World War Atrocities
The German forces occupied Peterhof from 1941-1944 with widespread looting and systematically destroying much of the palace and its grounds with 70% of the statues that also went missing during this period

Reconstruction started immediately after the German liberation in 1944 with the Lower Park reopened to the public the following year
Slowly then the halls of the Grand Palace in 1964 plus the Grand Cascade and its 138 water jets and so on
Restoration work continues to this day 

The Grand Cascade
It includes 64 fountains, 255 bronze sculptures  and 2 grottoes which are designed to create a spectacular water display that then flows back to the sea channel

Samson Fountain (bottom left)
Its the biblical hero Samson tearing open a lions jaws to symbolize the Russian victory over Sweden in the Great Northern War
The fountain has the highest water spray ( 20 meters or 65 feet) plus is glided to create a impactful visual effect when the sun reflects of it, all to emit the show of strength and power

Canal System
The system uses a natural elevation to create water pressure without pumps that travels from 16kms (10 miles) away to feed the 150 fountains and Cascades at the palace then ultimately flowing back into the Gulf of Finland

The Dragon Cascade
Also known as the Chessboard Hill with its three large brightly colored dragons at the top of the waterfall

Swan Maidens (Rusalki or Vodyanitsy)

Slavic mythology features "water maidens" who can take the form of swans or other water birds
which are associated with bodies of water which according to folklore have two personalities

Aviaries Pavilion
 This twelve-sided dome topped building was built in 1721 to house birds so Peter the Great could enjoy his collection and so he could hear them sing

Upper Park Gardens
It was designed as a front courtyard to create a grand entrance to the palace with its hedges, symmetrical gardens and green lawns

During the war occupation many of the original statues were looted or destroyed
Some were returned while others had to be completely remade based on archival materials

The newer versions were replaced with a more durable gilded bronze that would not deteriorate like the initial lead metal predecessors