Category Archives: Architecture
Arches
“Pillars of the Earth” is one of my favorite novels and it often comes to mind when I visit churches and cathedrals here in France and elsewhere. I think about all the lives involved to construct such a building, and what it must have been like (really tough I can imagine).
But it also makes me wonder about how society was different, how it seems that it was more coherent. Perhaps, perhaps not. I suppose nowadays we choose our circle of life (friends, family, workplace and personal interests) instead of having it imposed on us by default of where we live and in which social class etc.
In any case, I still stand in admiration for the talent and sheer physical force which are invisible cornerstones of such structures.
Wishing you a great weekend!
Reflections from Last Week
Chateau, originally uploaded by On Linden Way.
Welcome to another Monday: a pivotal day for you to recall all you did or did not do last week. And likewise, a day to look forward and plan, so that when next Monday rolls around (and hopefully it will), you can look back….
I look back to a beautiful Autumn-day drive, when the Chateau de Losse stood in all its’ glory over the river banks.
I look forward to embracing each day for what it will offer and for what I am capable, or ready to take.
Je vous souhaite tous une tres bon voyage!
Scallops.
Scallops, originally uploaded by On Linden Way.
Red, originally uploaded by On Linden Way.
I’m going to miss the Bregenzerwald architecture: the impressive yet simple wooden homes, covered in scallop-shaped shingles, juxtaposing to the new-build modern wood homes (which I also really love), built with care and the same proportions as their older-generation counterparts.
Gothic
Gothic Window, originally uploaded by On Linden Way.
With such bad weather these days in Southern Germany, I’ve not felt much like taking the camera outdoors. So a stroll thru some recent shots I’ve wanted to share brought this window to mind.
Taken at Amboise along the Loire, this gothic window was pure outdoor decoration. Actually I think it’s sort of a neat idea for a garden: create a wall with a window, its view onto another secret part of the garden. I’ll have to keep that in mind for one day.
Spiral.
Spiral, originally uploaded by On Linden Way.
When I see such a spiral staircase, cut from stone by hand and assembled with just some mortar and basic laws of physics, I think of the wonderful novel: “Pillars of the Earth” (a favorite). This shot I took at Chateau de Chambord, which despite its lack of furnishings and flagrant grandeur a-la-Versailles, is an impressive and overwhelming structure.
Behind Locked Doors
When I come across a big old door like this one, I ask myself: “Who has the key?”
Who needs rose-colored glasses ?
Especially if you are lucky enough to look out to the world thru such a pretty window?!
I like its’ simple two color border, and I think it would brighten a dreary day, or highlight a sunny one!
I love stained glass windows in churches, particularly the older ones which depict bible stories and are intricate, with tiny little details you can only see thru binoculars (or a zoom lens!).
Hospice de Beaune
If you fell ill back in the Middle Ages whilst in Burgundy, you would have been lucky to grab yourself a bed in the famous “Hospices de Beaune” (built 1443).
I just visited “Hotel Dieu” (as it is also referred to) located in the center of Beaune, just down the street from where we used to live. Shame on me, but I never went into the place earlier as it was always packed with tourists (a rare species at this time of year here).
The street exterior resembles a very large cathedral and its entire slate roof was replaced over the past 2 years. After going thru the entrance, you discover the large courtyard, its buildings with gothic facades and multicolored-tiled roofs. The fire-glazed terracotta tiles apparently can be traced to central Europe and this colorful style became so popular, that in the long run it was regarded as “typical” to Burgundy.
The “Hospice” was run by nuns in this magnificient collection of buildings from its beginning until 1971 (!) when a modern hospital replaced it. The “Hospices” over the centuries was supported by benefactors who not only donated money, but also land and vineyards. In fact, the “Hospices” owns 61 hectares (150 acres) of Premier and Grand Cru vines and since1859 have the most famous wine auction in the world. So every November during the weekend of the auction there are festivities, wine tastings, and a folkloric parade in the town center.
After the Solstice
Shot on the 24th of December in Strasbourg, I loved the way the light was welcoming and warm, almost letting me know that in just a few weeks I’ll be seeing more of it.
