Thursday Thoughts – A Day in Dubrovnik

I guess Dubrovnik does not need any presentation to most of you – renowned for its beauty and millions of visitors every year. Dubrovnik, Croatia, is one of the most prominent tourist attractions here. First built in the 7th century, now with a population of about 43,000. In 1979, the city joined the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites.

Personally I think I enjoyed the views from a gull’s perspective even more! But the steps were numerous…,I would never have tried this in the summer heat…

You can still see traces of the war – not everything has been rebuilt yet.

I was so fascinated by that little house on top – overlooking both the sea and the old city. This lovely, early morning I could imagine sipping my coffee up there… (and the beauty of a sunset as well…)…my feet dangling from the wall. Maybe you would care to join me?

 

 

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #80 – Leading Lines

”Be creative – there are lines everywhere. Footsteps in the sand, train tracks, the walls of a town on a narrow street, a row of arches on a building or of lights at night, a babbling brook or a winding river – it’s up to you to see and shoot them.” Tina’s challenge this week is Leading Lines.

Lines natural or man made – or both! In the header, a church in Stettin.

Lines on the ground I am walking – a hike to Svartisen glacier, Norway.

Lines from more than one direction, still leading your eye to the target.

A spectacular lamp fills the room at Kosta Boda Spa Hotel – its lines are also reflected in the windows.

The Concert Hall of Stettin – lines striving for the camera window high up on the wall.

An exhibition in Denmark – but lines are leading to the lady in red!

Vadstena, Sweden – a foggy morning – how close are the trees at the end of the bridge?

Drying fish in Norway – a classic leading lines shot.

Of course I had to finish with my cats again…The Balkans tour in December brought some different leading lines – but still, I hope they are leading your eyes the right way. Click them up full size to follow them all the way!

 

We invite you to join us this week and explore Tina’s wonderful theme.  As usual, Tina, Amy, Patti and I value your creative responses and thoughts.  Thanks for joining us!

Remember to link to Tina’s original post, and tag it with “Lens-Artists.”  If you’re new to tagging, click here for an explanation of how and why. Remember your post will get more views and comments if you tag. If you’ve not seen our Tag Section yet in the Word Press Reader, click here to see it.

It will be Patti’s turn to host Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #81 on Saturday, January 25, 2020.  Hope to see you then!

 

 

Thursday Thoughts – Taking a Bath

In the header, the Orbeliani bathhouse, Tbilisi.

According to the legend, the king of ancient Iberia, Vakhtang I Gorgasali, (5th C) once hunted in the forests near the first capital of Georgia – Mtskheta. After some time, he saw a pheasant, then shot and killed the bird. The king sent his falcon to find the prey, but the falcon flew away, and the king lost sight of him. In search of the two birds, the king and his hunters finally found them – in a hot water spring. Amazed with this find of  sulphuric hot springs, Vakhtang decided to build his city here.

Thus, according to legend, the city of Tbilisi was founded. The word «Tbilisi» is translated from Georgian as a city of ”warm location”.

Since then, the baths have been of great value to Tbilisi – also depending upon the city’s proximity to the lucrative Silk Road. In the 13th century there were 60 baths here, but today they are reduced to less than 10.

Famous people who took baths here are Alexander Dumas and the poet Alexander Pushkin. A plaque on the entrance to the Orbeliani Baths shows a quote from Pushkin, where he describes the baths as ‘luxurious’. The bathhouse also has got a Pushkin Suite.

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Today the baths are still used by many locals, particularly the elderly, who come to benefit from the healing properties of the sulphur. It is said to help in the treatment of eczema, arthritic pain and digestive problems.
We rented a room with a bath, shower and toilet for one hour, but, the heat made us leave after 30 minutes. On leaving, we asked in the reception how hot the water really was – 45 degrees C! Icelandic baths hold 38-42 degrees, no wonder we had to give in…

You are not allowed to walk on the domes… but many children did. And grown-ups taking selfies, of course setting good examples…

If you ever visit Tbilisi, I recommend you try the baths – for the feeling and for the beauty of the interior! If you ask, you might be allowed inside just for a look.

 

 

 

Tuesday Photo Challenge – Transport

Tuesday Photo Challenge – Transport

For Frank this week, in the header – favorite transport in Sweden, my own country.

Train – the Kingston Flyer, NZ

Limo, NZ

But my absolute favorite is – walking, using my own feet. These feet were hiking in Bhutan, and we were all heading for the Tiger’s Nest.