Travel

WPC: Ornate

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I am just back from a visit to China, and what could be more suitable than ”ornate” as a challenge? The problem is to chose what picture to post – China is a heaven of things ornate. From details in embroidery to whole buildings.

The cloissonné craft work is lavishly ornate, so this picture is from my factory visit in Beijing. (They also had the big vase from the film Oceans 11 on display)

For more ornate things, click here.

The Colours of China

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I am very grateful that this was my fourth time in Beijing – the weather made the Great Wall almost invisible. The autumn colours – that’s what I had been waiting for, and they were there…somewhere in the fog and drizzle.

My last visit was an early morning some years ago, and the Great Wall emerged in all its splendour in the morning haze.

…this time

the most colourful things were all the umbrellas. It takes some imagination to see the colourful surroundings here, but on our way down, the fog decided to reveal some of its secrets.

A small glimpse of jewellery …

…before settling again.

This drizzle followed us and haunted us for many days – but I found other things than landscapes to shoot…and the one day on the Yangtse River with the most spectacular views…the sun came through. And not a wind.

WPC: Extraordinary

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When in Riga, we dined at a unique, medieval restaurant named Rozengrals. Being the oldest in Riga it dates back to the 13th century. The food is genuinely medieval and cooked according to the original recipes. Everyone working there is accordingly dressed and the five big halls are all in candle light from the vaults.

So, from the outside, and the steps down into this cellar, it looked very ordinary – we thought there might be an exhibition or something down there…but it turned out to be something even more special! A restaurant.

Excellent food – the best in Riga – a truly extra(ordinary) place. To be recommended! (Click the link for more history and information, and the first part of the menu.)

Rozengrals heter den unika restaurangen. Det nämndes i skrift redan 1293 som festlokal för Rigas stadsstyre. Miljön är den äldsta i Riga, där rester av den första stadsmuren ingår. Det största rummet var ursprungligen en brunn. Det finns plats för hela 150 gäster samtidigt i fem salar. Allt känns väldigt äkta och genuint.

Rätterna är dokumenterat medeltida och tillagade enligt grundrecept. Jag tog rökt havsöringsfilé med fläder. Rätten serverades redan på 1000-talet vid det franska hovet.  Det var absolut en av våra bästa och mest originella måltider.

For more of extraordinary – click here.

Cee’s Black & White Photo Challenge: Small Subjects

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Maybe a cup of coffee is no small subject…but as a cup, it is. Even smaller are morning dew drops. Join in with Cee’s B&W and let us know how you look upon ”Small Subjects”!