About a year ago, my husband and I spent a week in Germany. Little did we know what a magical experience it would be. It was the season for Germany’s Christmas Markets. Each market had its own theme – gnomes, angels, stars, and fairy tales. Here are some of the sights from Köln (Cologne).
You can see photos of the Christmas Markets in Düsseldorf here.
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. — Mark Twain
Walking ten thousand steps is better than reading ten thousand scrolls.
— Chinese Proverb
One dream became reality followed quickly by another. Our first dream turned into the happiest day of our lives on our wedding day. We then embarked on a trip of a lifetime to China. This is a collection of images from that dream-like journey east.
The Yuyuan Garden dates back to the Ming Dynasty. It covers approximately five acres with winding paths, pavilions, rocks, and water elements.
The futuristic skyline of the Pudong District with the Oriental Pearl Tower at its center. We took in the view from the observation deck at night.
Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric power station. The first picture is one of the ship locks. The water levels are controlled to raise and lower ships passing from one side of the dam to the other.
Cruising along the Yangtze River through Xiling, the longest of the Three Gorges. We cruised past Goddess Peak along the Wu Gorge. Notice the lone figure standing at the top of the cliff in the second picture, hence the name. At several intervals, we could see coal being extracted from the mountains. The “mist” which gives the mountains an ethereal look is mostly pollution.
We saw farmers plowing along the mountainsides close to the water. We were told that entire villages had been transferred from one side of the river to the other ahead of the rising waters upon completion of the dam. Entire cities would be under water, like sunken ships in the depths. Brand new bustling cities were built to replace the old towns and villages.
You can just glimpse the coffin of petrified wood on the ledge. How did they get the coffins there? It’s a straight drop on the face of the cliff.
Te dejo Madrid con tus avenidas amplias tus edificios y palacios resplandecientes Te dejo Madrid con tus mil sabores patatas bravas y albóndigas queso manchego y aceite de oliva arbequina escaparates luciendo la pata negra cenando a media noche las calles repletas de gente Te dejo Madrid con tus tesoros nacionales el Prado con "Las Meninas" de Velázquez las imágenes de la guerra en el "Guernica" de Picasso "Muchacha en la Ventana" de Dalí la poesía de Lorca Te dejo Madrid por las calles sinuosas del Rastro las antigüedades del mercado de sellas y monedas la pasión del flamenco y con un brindis a Don Ernesto bajo la sombra de los árboles que rodean la Plaza Santa Ana Te dejo Madrid pero tu no me dejas a mi (Título prestado de la canción “Te Dejo Madrid” de Shakira).
I leave you Madrid with your wide boulevards and your resplendent buildings and palaces I leave you Madrid with your thousand flavors spicy fried potates and meatballs manchego cheese and olive oil black hoofs on display in shop windows dining at midnite the streets bursting with people I leave you Madrid with your national treasures “Las Meninas” by Velázquez at the Prado the images of war in Picasso’s “Guernica” Dalí's “Woman at the Window” Lorca’s poetry I leave you Madrid through the circuitous streets of the Rastro the antiquities at the stamp and coin market the passion of flamenco and a toast to Hemingway beneath the shade of the trees that surround Plaza Santa Ana I leave you Madrid but you do not leave me (Title borrowed from the song “Te Dejo Madrid” by Shakira).
When I travel, I always try to bring back something that will remind me of the place I visited. Something a little more meaningful than a key chain but not too excessive (and that will fit in my luggage).
I brought back this mantón bordado (embroidered shawl) from Madrid. They told me it was hand embroidered (although I have some doubts). Nonetheless, the vibrant flowers and flirtatious tassels remind me of Spain.
I also picked up this set of toallas bordadas (embroidered towels) with a crocheted border. I like their simplicity and elegance.
Here are a few other images captured on the streets of Madrid.
This 20 ton bronze statue of a bear under a strawberry tree (el oso y el madroño) is located at the Puerta del Sol. The symbol of the bear (which apparently used to roam in the forests outside the city) and the strawberry tree are emblematic of Madrid.
A shop window with traditional flamenco dresses.
I couldn’t help but snap a photo of this storefront. Why can’t we all just get along?!
Los Petrificados (the petrified ones), one of many street performers in Madrid. At first glance, I thought it was a statue until someone dropped a coin in a box in front of them. The woman’s eyes moved and the man looked up while he poured the water.
I have other pictures to share. Hasta la próxima. (Until next time).
I had some lovely, beautiful days recently thanks to my fellow bloggers. I received word that Agujas was nominated for the Beautiful Blogger and One Lovely Blog Awards. Thank you to Deep in the Heart of Textiles (a fellow Texan) and Woolhogs (love their logo) for the happy news!
The rules for the awards are: (1) Add the award to your blog; (2) Thank the blogger who gave it to you; (3) Mention seven random things about yourself; (4) List the rules; (5) Nominate 15 (Beautiful) / 7 (Lovely) bloggers; and (6) Inform the nominees by leaving a comment on their blogs.
So, here are seven more random things about me:
Now for the best part – passing on the award. I love discovering new blogs by visiting the sites of other nominees (which, of course, is the whole point).
And the nominees are …
Irenic.Art – I could look at the photos of her handspun yarn all day. They are like works of art. She sometimes berates herself when she’s not pleased with how colors came out (I usually like those the best) and I love her story about saving a hummingbird from unknowingly committing suicide.
Warp and Woof Knitting – Besides being drawn to this blog by the knitting, I also enjoy the nature shots and the whole zen Buddhist philosophy. Oh, and I like Sunshine’s drawings.
Tales of Twisted Fibers – I really like the crochet handbags. They have a very modern look.
Fattoria Fiberworks – I love that she built her own loom and weaves as a form of meditation.
Button Beautiful – I think her crochet blankets and toys deserve an award.
Ten more to come at a later date.
New! Angry Pear – That darn pear makes me laugh. A wonderful series of drawings about an angry piece of fruit.
Soulshine Traveler – Amazing pictures, fantastic locations, and helping others.
El Bueno, El Feo Y El Malo – A picture a day from Aragón and Spain.
Hungry Sofia – Beautiful pictures of food that looks scrumptious.
The Blue Hour – A photo blog. One of my favorite posts is L.A. Cabin Living – what a wonderful place to escape and reflect in.
Live Simply, Travel Lightly – I love this traveler’s spirit of adventure.
This aMACEing Life – Photos from U.S. cities visited by this couple who happen to be on tour with the Broadway show “Wicked.”
The House of Archetype – Lovely artwork and collages accompanied by a poetic sort of prose.
I hope you enjoy these blogs as much as I do.
Agujas 