Clancy Tucker's Blog, page 99

20 November 2019 - HISTORICAL WAR PHOTOGRAPHY

HISTORICAL WAR PHOTOGRAPHY
G'day folks,
We all know that all wars suck big time. Here are some photographs, and comments from those involved, that may prove that.





























Clancy's comment: Not much to add to  that.
I'm ...

19 November 2019 - ANCIENT 'VIA SACRA' IN ITALY

ANCIENT 'VIA SACRA' IN ITALY
G'day folks,
This ancient trail climbs the mountain where a Latin League cult worshipped Jupiter, its main deity.  The Via Sacra climbs the steep slopes and dense chestnut woods of Monte Cavo (3,084 feet, or 940 meters, above sea level) to the site where the ancient cult of luppiter Latiaris worshiped the god Jupiter. This spectacular hike is both an archaeological and spiritual journey and ranks among the most beautiful itineraries in the region.   The road, rebuilt with basalt stones under the reign of the fifth king of Rome, Tarquinius Priscus, is the natural continuation of a sacred path that led from the Temple of Diana Nemorensis, by the nearby Lake of Nemi, to the temple of the Latin League’s major deity. 






Once a year during the traditional Feriae Latinae delegates from the cities of the Latin League walked in a procession, carrying offerings for a great sacrifice that would be held in honor of the god (as recounted by Dionysius of Halicarnassus, a historian from the first century BC). In later times, as the Latin League’s importance dwindled, Jupiter’s temple in Rome overshadowed its Latin counterpart.

Nowadays, the temple has disappeared (although some of the foundation stones are still visible on the summit), replaced by a monastery and later, a restaurant and hotel, which is now abandoned. The view from the viewpoint below the peak (celebrated by Goethe in his Italian Journey) provides a breathtaking view over the volcanic lakes of Albano and Nemi and the great plain of the Campagna Romana (Roman countryside) beyond. Most of the road is still in good condition, complete with its original stone paving. Historical reenactment groups organize yearly events to celebrate the ancient Feriae Latinae.

Clancy's comment: I'd sure like to walk this track.I'm ...




 

18 November 2019 - STUNNING PHOTOGRAPHS OF PLANET EARTH

STUNNING PHOTOGRAPHS OF PLANET EARTH
G'day folks,
Nature is incredibly beautiful. And when we have the opportunity to see such incredible photos like the ones you're about to see below, it is evident that the world we live in is a truly stunning place. Take a look at some incredibly beautiful photos captured for the world by the renowned National Geographic. 





















Clancy's comment: Brilliant, eh? Three cheers for the National Geographic.
I'm ...

17 November 209 - BEAUTIFUL FASHIONS FROM THE PAST

BEAUTIFUL FASHIONS FROM THE PAST
G'day folks,
L et’s check out some fashions from a past era. So, let's start with the New Yorkers, photographed by Alfred Eisenstaedt– most famous for that shot of the sailor kissing the girl in Times Square. The following photos are from a street style series for LIFE magazine in 1944 called ‘Beautiful Girls’…



















Clancy's comment: Mm ... How things have changed, eh? Did you notice that not one of them was overweight?
I'm ....

16 November 2019 - SOME QUAINT BOOKSHOPS AROUND THE WORLD

SOME QUAINT BOOKSHOPS AROUND THE WORLD
G'day folks,
In all my travels around the world, I've always had great admiration for those hotels, guesthouses and resorts that have a collection of pre-loved books for their guests. Now, here is a sample of some very cute bookshops around the world.





























Clancy's comment: Ah ... I can almost smell them from here.
I'm ...

15 November 2019 - A COLLECTION OF CUTE AND PETITE BUSINESSES IN PARIS

A COLLECTION OF CUTE AND PETITE BUSINESSES IN PARIS
G'day folks,
Space is scarce within Paris’ péripherique. As the most densely populated city in Europe, residents of the City of Light have learned to be creative with every nook and cranny. 
Beyond the mind-bogglingly miniature apartments and comically small lifts, there are those who have transformed the unlikeliest of spaces into fully functional cultural spaces, boutiques and curiosities. Check out some of these marvellous places ...
























Clancy's comment: Ah ... All of these bring back amazing memories. So enchanting.I'm ...

14 November 2019 - MAGICAL TOWNS AND VILLAGES IN HUNGARY

MAGICAL TOWNS AND VILLAGES IN HUNGARY
G'day folks,
Planning a trip to Europe? Don't forget this charming country.

The first picture that probably comes to mind when you hear about Hungary is, of course, its capital - the wonderful Budapest, which is a very popular tourist destination for many around the world. Other large cities in the country, such as Debrecen and Szeged, also make the cut for the map of recommended tourist attractions, but at the same time know that Hungary's greatest source of magic is hidden in its small towns and picturesque villages that extend from Balaton Lake in the western part of the country to the edge of The Danube River in the north - where thousands of years of history, culture and traditional Hungarian life are preserved in the most authentic and fascinating way. So if you want to get to know Hungary in depth and get out of Budapest to enjoy a local, pleasant and picturesque experience, check out these charming places.























Clancy's comment: Enticed to visit? Do it!
I'm ...

13 November 2019 - A BUNCH OF AMUSING THINGS

A BUNCH OF AMUSING THINGS
G'day folks,
Well, it's time for some amusing things. Some of these will bring a smile to your face.























Clancy's comment: Welcome to the real world. Crazy, eh?
I'm ...

12 November 2019 - MORE THAN 1,000 BODIES BURIED IN ANCIENT CATACOMBS IN MALTA

MORE THAN 1,000 BODIES BURIED IN ANCIENT CATACOMBS IN MALTA 
G'day folks,
Welcome to some facts about burial grounds for more than 1,000 bodies deep under the modern town of Rabat in Malta. 
From the 3rd to the 6th centuries CE, the Roman city of Melite developed a complex system of burial grounds on its outskirts under the modern town of Rabat, a village outside of Mdina, the medieval capital of Malta. Roman law prohibited burials within the city, which derives its name from the Arabic word for suburb.


Known today as the St. Paul and St. Agata catacombs, the burial grounds form an important part of Malta’s early Christian history. The catacombs include tombs for more than 1,000 bodies in 2,200 square meters.




The organizational and architectural complexity of the catacombs points to the ritual importance of burial grounds in early Christianity. The catacombs were planned in a centralized manner, providing private space for numerous family units, while leaving a lot of communal space for festivals and rituals. The entrance to the main complex of St. 

Paul’s leads to two large halls, adorned with pillars made to resemble Doric columns and painted plasters. The main hall is equipped with large circular tables and couches, carved out of rock. They were probably used during burial rituals and festivals of the dead. In some places the burial corridors were cut in three subterranean stories.




The catacombs were abandoned sometime in the 7th century during the later stages of the Byzantine Empire. They were reopened during the re-Christianization of the Island after 220 years of Fatimid rule. The catacombs became a popular site for religious pilgrimages in the 12th century and a Christian shrine was recut in the 13th century.




There are a number of smaller catacombs dating back to antiquity in Malta. One was rediscovered within a traffic roundabout close to the Malta International Airport in 2006. The Hal Resqun tomb was originally excavated in 1912. Soon after its discovery, the catacomb was covered up by a road surface, following the development of the Luqa Airfield.

Clancy's comment: Wow, that's a lot of bodies. Fancy covering it up for an airfield!I'm ...

11 November 2019 - WINTER HOME FOR MONARCH BUTTERFLIES IN MEXICO

WINTER HOME FOR MONARCH BUTTERFLIES IN MEXICO
G'day folks,
Welcome to the winter home of millions of migrating monarch butterflies. 
Millions of monarch butterflies—enough to cover entire fir forests—migrate every winter from Canada to the mountains of the central highlands of Mexico, creating a swarm of beautiful insects. But there is nothing to fear. These butterflies are remarkably tame and even land all over the hands and heads of visiting tourists.



In 1940, Canadian entomologist Fred Urquhart and his wife Norah Urquhart started a project to learn more about monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) migration routes. Helped by many American citizen scientists, they found plenty of wintering sites in the United States. However, the butterflies arriving in Texas seemed to suddenly disappear. A fellow entomologist, Kenneth Brugger, traveled through Mexico, following the monarch butterflies’ migration.




In 1975, he found a spot in the mountains in the state of Michoacan, Mexico, where the butterflies spent the winter months. Since then, those peaks have become a tourist attraction.

Now, to protect the butterflies, this place has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The government of Mexico has turned it into a biosphere reserve. During the winter months, all the trees go from green to orange due to the large number of butterflies that live in and on them. The sky looks full of the picturesque creatures.




The reserve is also covered by forests of sacred firs inhabited by a variety of other species of wildlife. But good luck finding them underneath those butterflies.




 Clancy's comment: Extraordinary, eh?
I'm ...