tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-179441892024-03-13T11:47:24.256+08:00alaninsingaporeA photo/travel blog of my life and travels since I moved to Singapore in 2005Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12279568965229347907noreply@blogger.comBlogger190125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17944189.post-63424943184626903732015-02-21T09:11:00.004+08:002015-02-21T13:51:20.711+08:00Kyoto 京都市, Japan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hello, thanks for coming. This post shows photos from two evening walks in the city of Kyoto and an afternoon walk in one of the beautiful Imperial Villas' gardens. I hope you enjoy the photos. They were taken in October 2014</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eg7vs8K9UFo/VOfFp7Q_VgI/AAAAAAAAJ90/rZYb-k9lHIw/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eg7vs8K9UFo/VOfFp7Q_VgI/AAAAAAAAJ90/rZYb-k9lHIw/s1600/001.JPG" height="320" width="207" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kyoto Tower. The first thing you see when you come out of Kyoto station</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2tWDqKQoYaI/VOfFpj-zKTI/AAAAAAAAJ9w/o8k_izLR6V0/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2tWDqKQoYaI/VOfFpj-zKTI/AAAAAAAAJ9w/o8k_izLR6V0/s1600/002.jpg" height="197" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Grey against grey</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xqsWRGU1Guw/VOfFpyM8gYI/AAAAAAAAJ94/2uBSqBq7aJU/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xqsWRGU1Guw/VOfFpyM8gYI/AAAAAAAAJ94/2uBSqBq7aJU/s1600/003.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tall and proud</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_--bXTVCGls/VOfFqfzXjhI/AAAAAAAAJ-A/_mbjO4Cldyw/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_--bXTVCGls/VOfFqfzXjhI/AAAAAAAAJ-A/_mbjO4Cldyw/s1600/004.JPG" height="170" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Evening stretches </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">there were a lot of cranes around the temples near the station. Great to see them</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fhMrvhfFoQU/VOfFqwNSasI/AAAAAAAAJ-I/gY5v7Hfv7yU/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fhMrvhfFoQU/VOfFqwNSasI/AAAAAAAAJ-I/gY5v7Hfv7yU/s1600/005.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Singular building near the station</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BUPweEkwtYw/VOfFrDNYF8I/AAAAAAAAJ-M/EHscYyakff8/s1600/006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BUPweEkwtYw/VOfFrDNYF8I/AAAAAAAAJ-M/EHscYyakff8/s1600/006.jpg" height="320" width="210" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Beautiful at night</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9puZunOT1to/VOfFrkRXmLI/AAAAAAAAJ-Q/xhEV91RQrGM/s1600/007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9puZunOT1to/VOfFrkRXmLI/AAAAAAAAJ-Q/xhEV91RQrGM/s1600/007.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Giant mushroom</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lIW3OYA3fZw/VOfFsvbpKXI/AAAAAAAAJ-o/eRYXpuVDQzo/s1600/007a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lIW3OYA3fZw/VOfFsvbpKXI/AAAAAAAAJ-o/eRYXpuVDQzo/s1600/007a.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">More than three centuries ago, when Kyoto was the capital of Japan,
three magnificent gardens were created there for the imperial court </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U-0Ya04-9fA/VOfFteqYD0I/AAAAAAAAJ-s/PvaKQJrCBi8/s1600/008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U-0Ya04-9fA/VOfFteqYD0I/AAAAAAAAJ-s/PvaKQJrCBi8/s1600/008.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Today these three gardens - those of the Sento Imperial Palace (Sento
Gosho), the Katsura Imperial Villa (Katsura Rikyu), and the Shugakuin Imperial Villa (Shugakuin Rikyu) - are among the most celebrated in
Japanese garden art</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ofgBrq5Z4ro/VOfFuSao7yI/AAAAAAAAJ-4/kKnizKrRfJ0/s1600/010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ofgBrq5Z4ro/VOfFuSao7yI/AAAAAAAAJ-4/kKnizKrRfJ0/s1600/010.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This garden is Shugakuin Rikyu. Shugaku-in Imperial Villa <span style="font-weight: normal;">(<span class="t_nihongo_kanji" lang="ja">修学院離宮</span> <i>Shugaku-in Rikyū</i>)</span>, or Shugaku-in Detached Palace, is a set of gardens and outbuildings (mostly <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tea-house" title="Tea-house">tea-houses</a>) in the hills of the eastern suburbs of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyoto" title="Kyoto">Kyoto</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-78vxo20O2eU/VOfGOirnx5I/AAAAAAAAKA4/I40G5bl49pQ/s1600/10a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-78vxo20O2eU/VOfGOirnx5I/AAAAAAAAKA4/I40G5bl49pQ/s1600/10a.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Beautiful sliding panels</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g9QmNaiLE-w/VOfFvoR3ZFI/AAAAAAAAJ_E/H_FRnXaGUq0/s1600/012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g9QmNaiLE-w/VOfFvoR3ZFI/AAAAAAAAJ_E/H_FRnXaGUq0/s1600/012.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">So lovely you have to see it twice! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The Upper Garden contained a large artificial pond, created by building
an earthen dam across a ravine; the pond contains a number of small
islands. Unlike the typical Japanese garden, it is a very large stroll
garden, making extensive use of the technique of "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borrowed_scenery" title="Borrowed scenery">borrowed scenery</a>"</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oVwZ4cIi944/VOfF6xIbD4I/AAAAAAAAKAw/92krljpyX4Q/s1600/12a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oVwZ4cIi944/VOfF6xIbD4I/AAAAAAAAKAw/92krljpyX4Q/s1600/12a.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We were there a bit early for the full autumn colours, but it still didn't disappoint</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cDr-yZrhG7Y/VOfFxbLrhDI/AAAAAAAAJ_Q/r-WKcUuWLG4/s1600/013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cDr-yZrhG7Y/VOfFxbLrhDI/AAAAAAAAJ_Q/r-WKcUuWLG4/s1600/013.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A simple pavilion of several rooms and wooden porch provides an
excellent vantage point, with superb views of the pond, its islands, and
the surrounding Kyoto hills</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F0hvR7LETHg/VOfFx9rElBI/AAAAAAAAJ_Y/l3QgORp3iII/s1600/014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F0hvR7LETHg/VOfFx9rElBI/AAAAAAAAJ_Y/l3QgORp3iII/s1600/014.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The pond is ornamented with Chitose-bashi, a
relatively ornate bridge of two large, stone piers connected by a
central walkway, each capped with a wooden pavilion, one of which sports
a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fenghuang" title="Fenghuang">Chinese phoenix</a> of gilt copper</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fIgfLYRiz0E/VOfFyz9hvGI/AAAAAAAAJ_g/PznRg93zI2Y/s1600/015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fIgfLYRiz0E/VOfFyz9hvGI/AAAAAAAAJ_g/PznRg93zI2Y/s1600/015.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">On fire!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BXybdxeqjgA/VOfFzps4bjI/AAAAAAAAJ_k/i4mTGVorRcM/s1600/016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BXybdxeqjgA/VOfFzps4bjI/AAAAAAAAJ_k/i4mTGVorRcM/s1600/016.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Walking around the lake</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PjEV3JHzxec/VOfF0iX-unI/AAAAAAAAJ_w/hSmeWZYCEXI/s1600/017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PjEV3JHzxec/VOfF0iX-unI/AAAAAAAAJ_w/hSmeWZYCEXI/s1600/017.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Paradise must be something like this....</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UfFHnAWDf2c/VOfF2DkfCkI/AAAAAAAAKAA/u4NJbzFuyvw/s1600/019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UfFHnAWDf2c/VOfF2DkfCkI/AAAAAAAAKAA/u4NJbzFuyvw/s1600/019.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">It woudn't be complete without a bridge </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MOP26fSoANg/VOfF2i1ZJCI/AAAAAAAAKAE/kNwhI45ldeE/s1600/020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MOP26fSoANg/VOfF2i1ZJCI/AAAAAAAAKAE/kNwhI45ldeE/s1600/020.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Reflections</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bwwTmScYYOg/VOfF3JM4CaI/AAAAAAAAKAI/XT4w2UOSxMI/s1600/021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bwwTmScYYOg/VOfF3JM4CaI/AAAAAAAAKAI/XT4w2UOSxMI/s1600/021.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Later that evening in the centre of Kyoto....</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EKAAwKsuJqY/VOfF30GkAjI/AAAAAAAAKAY/mJKPYHjri48/s1600/022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EKAAwKsuJqY/VOfF30GkAjI/AAAAAAAAKAY/mJKPYHjri48/s1600/022.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">....the sunset was simply....</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4VvDVj3gqyQ/VOfF4FJzfdI/AAAAAAAAKAc/7cTL2k1U0Dw/s1600/023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4VvDVj3gqyQ/VOfF4FJzfdI/AAAAAAAAKAc/7cTL2k1U0Dw/s1600/023.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">....stunning</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bqaVtSr0mkY/VOfF5epKKvI/AAAAAAAAKAo/zOE5bYAVn9Q/s1600/024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bqaVtSr0mkY/VOfF5epKKvI/AAAAAAAAKAo/zOE5bYAVn9Q/s1600/024.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">On the way to our hotel, walking to the metro, these lovely young women, dressed in traditional Maiko style, were happy to give me a final photo of the day. A beautiful finale!</span></td></tr>
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Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12279568965229347907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17944189.post-1661640774440044302015-02-01T12:30:00.000+08:002015-02-01T14:07:45.895+08:00Nara (奈良市), Kansai, Japan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hello. This is my third post from my trip to Japan in October 2014. It is dedicated to Nara. We travelled there from Kyoto. A big thank you to our dear friend Keiko for being our guide. Nara has a lovely feel to it. Relaxed and lovely places to see. Last time I said I would post photos from Kyoto. I'll do that next time. I hope you enjoy the photos. Do go to Nara if you get the chance</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TaaGVyJsVjs/VM1ywDBNLJI/AAAAAAAAJ5M/i1bmjcBQsPw/s1600/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TaaGVyJsVjs/VM1ywDBNLJI/AAAAAAAAJ5M/i1bmjcBQsPw/s1600/001.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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Nara is the capital city of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nara_Prefecture" title="Nara Prefecture">Nara Prefecture</a> located in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kansai_region" title="Kansai region">Kansai region</a> of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan" title="Japan">Japan</a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ALzU2QVcwXk/VM1yvmgYRjI/AAAAAAAAJ5I/Jsq0wzS6A1g/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ALzU2QVcwXk/VM1yvmgYRjI/AAAAAAAAJ5I/Jsq0wzS6A1g/s1600/002.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Nara was the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capital_of_Japan" title="Capital of Japan">capital of Japan</a> from 710 to 784, lending its name to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nara_period" title="Nara period">Nara period</a>.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aJGfZHL_rM4/VM1yw9PXjwI/AAAAAAAAJ5Y/jC76yFocnsE/s1600/003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aJGfZHL_rM4/VM1yw9PXjwI/AAAAAAAAJ5Y/jC76yFocnsE/s1600/003.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Never too old to worship</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Py05BARQ_SI/VM1yxldGK5I/AAAAAAAAJ5g/uPeBZyP4Erg/s1600/004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Py05BARQ_SI/VM1yxldGK5I/AAAAAAAAJ5g/uPeBZyP4Erg/s1600/004.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kōfuku-ji <span style="font-weight: normal;">(<span class="t_nihongo_kanji" lang="ja">興福寺</span><i>) </i></span>is a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism_in_Japan" title="Buddhism in Japan">Buddhist</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_temples_in_Japan" title="Buddhist temples in Japan">temple</a> that was once one of the powerful <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanto_Shichi_Daiji" title="Nanto Shichi Daiji">Seven Great Temples</a> </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IQQ8JHtxCOY/VM1yyIe2qFI/AAAAAAAAJ5k/noagIKFnH5Y/s1600/005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IQQ8JHtxCOY/VM1yyIe2qFI/AAAAAAAAJ5k/noagIKFnH5Y/s1600/005.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The temple is the national headquarters of the <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dharma_character_school" title="Dharma character school">Hossō</a> school and is one of the eight <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historic_Monuments_of_Ancient_Nara" title="Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara">Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara</a> inscribed on the <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Heritage_Sites_in_Japan" title="World Heritage Sites in Japan">UNESCO World Heritage List</a>
</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AdkPCdxeuXw/VM1yyRjHZ_I/AAAAAAAAJ5s/pCclboxVun8/s1600/006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AdkPCdxeuXw/VM1yyRjHZ_I/AAAAAAAAJ5s/pCclboxVun8/s1600/006.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The deer are a delight. They are considered to be messengers of the Gods</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DP6UQHJJ_zg/VM1yzE4Uz_I/AAAAAAAAJ50/tvQlLApS6V0/s1600/007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DP6UQHJJ_zg/VM1yzE4Uz_I/AAAAAAAAJ50/tvQlLApS6V0/s1600/007.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">J<span style="font-size: small;">apanese stand-off!! David and Goliath</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r7qwVFW0Mzk/VM1yzpubw4I/AAAAAAAAJ6A/8_l4hb57Mgo/s1600/008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r7qwVFW0Mzk/VM1yzpubw4I/AAAAAAAAJ6A/8_l4hb57Mgo/s1600/008.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Attracts the ladies!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WV13OIB3Byo/VM1y0NAKBLI/AAAAAAAAJ6E/3__iLhwfSvY/s1600/009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WV13OIB3Byo/VM1y0NAKBLI/AAAAAAAAJ6E/3__iLhwfSvY/s1600/009.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Love the backcloth</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G-onhuJ1jw4/VM1y0nk8BWI/AAAAAAAAJ6M/Wc6K2JUOcec/s1600/010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G-onhuJ1jw4/VM1y0nk8BWI/AAAAAAAAJ6M/Wc6K2JUOcec/s1600/010.jpg" height="209" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The deer are a delight but they can be a little ovwhelming!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mgur3xmxr7k/VM2oPJzLlaI/AAAAAAAAJ80/ey9wg_Te-qQ/s1600/022a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mgur3xmxr7k/VM2oPJzLlaI/AAAAAAAAJ80/ey9wg_Te-qQ/s1600/022a.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Schoolkids practising their English with me</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SqFthuwdUI4/VM1y1NA2P0I/AAAAAAAAJ6U/tyKmThn5F_w/s1600/011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SqFthuwdUI4/VM1y1NA2P0I/AAAAAAAAJ6U/tyKmThn5F_w/s1600/011.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lots of them at the temple</span><br />
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</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m1tMGu6dhGI/VM1y3MC0YKI/AAAAAAAAJ6g/M74H46G-NSY/s1600/013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m1tMGu6dhGI/VM1y3MC0YKI/AAAAAAAAJ6g/M74H46G-NSY/s1600/013.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Can't sit down for lunch!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s1CAiL4yJ3s/VM1zB_LNaxI/AAAAAAAAJ8Y/fVZNSIZa1EA/s1600/13a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s1CAiL4yJ3s/VM1zB_LNaxI/AAAAAAAAJ8Y/fVZNSIZa1EA/s1600/13a.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Delighted and delightful</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aUJEuOhjAog/VM1y36TDZXI/AAAAAAAAJ6o/f4_IiISUH2Y/s1600/014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aUJEuOhjAog/VM1y36TDZXI/AAAAAAAAJ6o/f4_IiISUH2Y/s1600/014.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">When this temple came into view it took my breath away. It is majestic</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I7P_2xxS4qM/VM1y4WMTgII/AAAAAAAAJ6s/2OgkTFbNXDo/s1600/015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I7P_2xxS4qM/VM1y4WMTgII/AAAAAAAAJ6s/2OgkTFbNXDo/s1600/015.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Tōdai-ji</b> <span style="font-weight: normal;">(<span class="t_nihongo_kanji" lang="ja">東大寺</span><sup class="t_nihongo_help noprint"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Installing_Japanese_character_sets" title="Help:Installing Japanese character sets"><span class="t_nihongo_icon" style="color: #0000ee; font: bold 80% sans-serif; padding: 0 .1em; text-decoration: none;">?</span></a></sup>, Eastern Great Temple)</span><sup> </sup> is a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism" title="Buddhism">Buddhist</a> temple complex, that was once one of the powerful Seven Great Temples. The Great Buddha Hall (<i>Daibutsuden</i>) has been rebuilt twice after
fire. The current building was finished in 1709, and although immense—57
m long and 50 m wide—it is actually 30% smaller than its predecessor.
Until 1998, it was the world's largest wooden building</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MJEvuP1Ly5Y/VM1y4jzUyoI/AAAAAAAAJ68/73NeILsz5VU/s1600/016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MJEvuP1Ly5Y/VM1y4jzUyoI/AAAAAAAAJ68/73NeILsz5VU/s1600/016.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Focused on the lesson</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nez10l_Ux3s/VM1y5HLrWkI/AAAAAAAAJ64/in7_VoFurlc/s1600/017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nez10l_Ux3s/VM1y5HLrWkI/AAAAAAAAJ64/in7_VoFurlc/s1600/017.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">According to the earliest Indian <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sutra" title="Sutra">sutra</a>'s <b>Pindola Bharadvaja</b> was one of four <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arhats" title="Arhats">Arhats</a> asked by the Buddha to remain in the world to propagate Buddhist law (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dharma" title="Dharma">Dharma</a>). Each of the four was associated with one of the four compass directions</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lTSZuVJ9oX4/VM1y5qNx0YI/AAAAAAAAJ7A/xx5fO2B-ZZM/s1600/018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lTSZuVJ9oX4/VM1y5qNx0YI/AAAAAAAAJ7A/xx5fO2B-ZZM/s1600/018.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pindola is said to have excelled in the mastery of occult and psychic
powers. He was once remonstrated by Buddha for misusing his powers to
impress simple, ignorant people. In Japan, Pindola is called <b>Binzuru</b> <span style="font-weight: normal;">(<span class="t_nihongo_kanji" lang="ja">賓頭盧</span><sup class="t_nihongo_help noprint"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Installing_Japanese_character_sets" title="Help:Installing Japanese character sets"><span class="t_nihongo_icon" style="color: #0000ee; font: bold 80% sans-serif; padding: 0 .1em; text-decoration: none;">?</span></a></sup>)</span>, a short form of Bindora Baradaja <span style="font-weight: normal;">(<span class="t_nihongo_kanji" lang="ja">賓度羅跋囉惰闍</span><sup class="t_nihongo_help noprint"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Installing_Japanese_character_sets" title="Help:Installing Japanese character sets"><span class="t_nihongo_icon" style="color: #0000ee; font: bold 80% sans-serif; padding: 0 .1em; text-decoration: none;">?</span></a></sup>)</span>, and is arguably the most popular of all the Arhats. The monastery refectory near <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Todaiji" title="Todaiji">Todai-ji</a> Temple has a large wooden statue of Binzuru, depicting him seated in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lotus_position" title="Lotus position">lotus position</a>.
Statues of him are usually well worn, since the faithful follow the
custom of rubbing a part of the effigy corresponding to the sick parts
of their bodies, as he is reputed to have the gift of healing </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--iDOSyNCyds/VM1y67e2gtI/AAAAAAAAJ7Q/TfWpq9XXAGM/s1600/019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--iDOSyNCyds/VM1y67e2gtI/AAAAAAAAJ7Q/TfWpq9XXAGM/s1600/019.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Daibutsu of Todai-ji</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: small;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H4PgJ-f0byg/VM1y7wMB0hI/AAAAAAAAJ7Y/XzDYU2UMYgM/s1600/020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H4PgJ-f0byg/VM1y7wMB0hI/AAAAAAAAJ7Y/XzDYU2UMYgM/s1600/020.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Another Buddha statue</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bEcCCq873Vo/VM1y8PJFgvI/AAAAAAAAJ7c/2Ay0Bg9VqVw/s1600/021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bEcCCq873Vo/VM1y8PJFgvI/AAAAAAAAJ7c/2Ay0Bg9VqVw/s1600/021.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Beautiful Buddha - The Great Buddha statue has been <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casting" title="Casting">recast</a> several times for various reasons, including earthquake damage. The current hands of the statue were made in the <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azuchi-Momoyama_period" title="Azuchi-Momoyama period">Momoyama Period</a> (1568–1615), and the head was made in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edo_period" title="Edo period">Edo period</a> (1615–1867)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fhlhY7RB0wk/VM1y8bPPu-I/AAAAAAAAJ7g/cfgM-Ru8eS0/s1600/022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fhlhY7RB0wk/VM1y8bPPu-I/AAAAAAAAJ7g/cfgM-Ru8eS0/s1600/022.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="mw-mmv-title" style="font-size: small;">Komokuten, one of the pair of guardians in the Daibutsuden</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: small;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iCHok2FF4Ks/VM1y9eiGidI/AAAAAAAAJ7s/ik3JTNOuMx8/s1600/023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iCHok2FF4Ks/VM1y9eiGidI/AAAAAAAAJ7s/ik3JTNOuMx8/s1600/023.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">After practising their English with me. My English is really good now!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ussSd6BwDP0/VM1y-GBZqkI/AAAAAAAAJ74/0qwclJVtN_4/s1600/024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ussSd6BwDP0/VM1y-GBZqkI/AAAAAAAAJ74/0qwclJVtN_4/s1600/024.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lots of Japanese tourists</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x6gtkS_IbVk/VM1zUQKa4LI/AAAAAAAAJ8g/ENXNGn94NeQ/s1600/024a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x6gtkS_IbVk/VM1zUQKa4LI/AAAAAAAAJ8g/ENXNGn94NeQ/s1600/024a.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">On May 20, 1994, the international music festival <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Great_Music_Experience" title="The Great Music Experience">The Great Music Experience</a></i> was held at Tōdai-ji, supported by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UNESCO" title="UNESCO">UNESCO</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Performers included; the Tokyo New Philharmonic Orchestra, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X_Japan" title="X Japan">X Japan</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/INXS" title="INXS">INXS</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jon_Bon_Jovi" title="Jon Bon Jovi">Jon Bon Jovi</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joni_Mitchell" title="Joni Mitchell">Joni Mitchell</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Dylan" title="Bob Dylan">Bob Dylan</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomoyasu_Hotei" title="Tomoyasu Hotei">Tomoyasu Hotei</a>, <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Meddows_Taylor" title="Roger Meddows Taylor">Roger Taylor</a>, classic <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiko" title="Taiko">Japanese drummers</a>, and a Buddhist monk choir</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ugMvhUOgNq0/VM1y_IGOD-I/AAAAAAAAJ8A/IwMG9y2aX00/s1600/025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ugMvhUOgNq0/VM1y_IGOD-I/AAAAAAAAJ8A/IwMG9y2aX00/s1600/025.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Outside Nara station</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zZOuQNMUcp0/VM1zABlB3tI/AAAAAAAAJ8I/PPNQBE_YWcI/s1600/026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zZOuQNMUcp0/VM1zABlB3tI/AAAAAAAAJ8I/PPNQBE_YWcI/s1600/026.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Naramachi (奈良町, literally "Nara Town") is the former merchant district, where several traditional residential buildings and warehouses are preserved and open to the public. Boutiques, shops, cafes, <a href="http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2036.html" target="_top">restaurants</a> and a few museums now line the district's narrow lanes
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eCN6CYSioKs/VM1zA4VGRLI/AAAAAAAAJ8M/ldljC4IQrrs/s1600/027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eCN6CYSioKs/VM1zA4VGRLI/AAAAAAAAJ8M/ldljC4IQrrs/s1600/027.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Many of Naramachi's buildings in the <a href="http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2128.html" target="_top">Edo Period</a> and earlier were <b>machiya</b>,
long, narrow "townhouses" that served both as shops and as the living
quarters of the local merchants. The store fronts of machiya were often
kept narrow in order to save on taxes, which used to be calculated on a
property's street access rather than its total area. Today, a handful of
machiya have been preserved made open to the public as museums</span></td></tr>
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Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12279568965229347907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17944189.post-70879843076830064602015-01-18T09:13:00.000+08:002015-01-18T19:26:18.854+08:00Takayama 高山市 Gifu Japan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hello and welcome. This post shows photos of <a href="http://takayama%20matsuri/">Takayama</a>. I had a lovely time here. The first few photos were taken the first morning. We had just escaped from a typhoon that was bearing down on Tokyo. The weather in Takayama was rainy/cloudy. By midday it had cleared and I was given an opportunity to capture it at its best</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-apticUdJrE8/VLr7POONasI/AAAAAAAAJ0w/GXvAzA_v1pE/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-apticUdJrE8/VLr7POONasI/AAAAAAAAJ0w/GXvAzA_v1pE/s1600/002.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-family: arial;">T</span>here are other places called Takayama so it is often called Hida-Takayama, </span><span style="font-size: small;">飛騨高山, to differentiate it from the others</span>. <span style="font-size: small;">Takayama sit<span style="font-family: arial;">s</span> in the Hida region and the prefecture of Gifu</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LPjMGCCMe9U/VLr7Oyvw-5I/AAAAAAAAJ0s/BbmKBiBzrlI/s1600/003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LPjMGCCMe9U/VLr7Oyvw-5I/AAAAAAAAJ0s/BbmKBiBzrlI/s1600/003.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> Takayama retains a traditional touch like few other Japanese cities</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BBcUmi0qwpc/VLr7QLfsb7I/AAAAAAAAJ1A/XnT6on-s4is/s1600/004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BBcUmi0qwpc/VLr7QLfsb7I/AAAAAAAAJ1A/XnT6on-s4is/s1600/004.jpg" height="208" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> A river in a city is a must for me</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V-l9lJ1zDok/VLr7RKh_rtI/AAAAAAAAJ1I/HUwIyt1x8WU/s1600/005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V-l9lJ1zDok/VLr7RKh_rtI/AAAAAAAAJ1I/HUwIyt1x8WU/s1600/005.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is the Miyagawa river</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E0Bd8lZc7zo/VLr7RaY_ZnI/AAAAAAAAJ1M/-eX6c4Zf1MA/s1600/006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E0Bd8lZc7zo/VLr7RaY_ZnI/AAAAAAAAJ1M/-eX6c4Zf1MA/s1600/006.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Traditional streets, doggies carried in baskets however, is a cross-cultural phenomenon!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8_mEqVhcyy8/VLr7R66fxQI/AAAAAAAAJ1U/c4nd_Nqb8w4/s1600/007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8_mEqVhcyy8/VLr7R66fxQI/AAAAAAAAJ1U/c4nd_Nqb8w4/s1600/007.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Babies carried in pouches too...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CId8Q1nrG3s/VLr7SSkr3WI/AAAAAAAAJ1c/sBIs1yDE-Os/s1600/008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CId8Q1nrG3s/VLr7SSkr3WI/AAAAAAAAJ1c/sBIs1yDE-Os/s1600/008.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">You can see sarubobos all over Takayama. Traditionally, sarubobos were made by mothers and grandmothers to
be given to their daughters as an amulet to ensure a good marriage, good
children and happiness. The name means “baby monkey” and it is believed
that as monkeys have quick childbirths, so will the possessor of this
charm. Nowadays they are regarded as more general good luck amulets that
anyone can carry </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8gewUw2eVdc/VLr7TJPjfWI/AAAAAAAAJ1k/uniQ7cb79SI/s1600/009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8gewUw2eVdc/VLr7TJPjfWI/AAAAAAAAJ1k/uniQ7cb79SI/s1600/009.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A sunny photo this time! Love this chap!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8nbxvWnU_nc/VLr7TlcRivI/AAAAAAAAJ1s/zjC8_EdoYBE/s1600/010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8nbxvWnU_nc/VLr7TlcRivI/AAAAAAAAJ1s/zjC8_EdoYBE/s1600/010.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">View of the bridge</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gG77IY0SpQA/VLr7UE7xxrI/AAAAAAAAJ14/QUCk8KvJ4DU/s1600/012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gG77IY0SpQA/VLr7UE7xxrI/AAAAAAAAJ14/QUCk8KvJ4DU/s1600/012.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Happy youngsters, in a hurry!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x89x5iwqhyk/VLr7U3CRT_I/AAAAAAAAJ18/s-X2PSmR_4U/s1600/013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x89x5iwqhyk/VLr7U3CRT_I/AAAAAAAAJ18/s-X2PSmR_4U/s1600/013.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lovely weeping willow</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ki6lRo0gCGw/VLr7Vme7-DI/AAAAAAAAJ2E/AUOJPsrYfgU/s1600/014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ki6lRo0gCGw/VLr7Vme7-DI/AAAAAAAAJ2E/AUOJPsrYfgU/s1600/014.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A river creates beauty, energy and a wonderful place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the town. Mind you, while I was there in October 2014 there was not so much hustle and bustle. It was deliciously relaxing</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ijG4ogLwkdg/VLr7WUQIyuI/AAAAAAAAJ2Q/YWZ5g09If34/s1600/015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ijG4ogLwkdg/VLr7WUQIyuI/AAAAAAAAJ2Q/YWZ5g09If34/s1600/015.jpg" height="204" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The city boundaries spread approximately 81km from east to west and 55km
from north to south with an area of 2,177.67k㎡ (around the same size as
the Tokyo metropolitan area), making it the most extensive city in
Japan. 92.3% of the area is forest and it is geographically divided by
mountains, rivers, gorges and passes</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UQhh3Wb7Qzo/VLr7Wk11Y9I/AAAAAAAAJ2U/-Vr0amvs-RU/s1600/016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UQhh3Wb7Qzo/VLr7Wk11Y9I/AAAAAAAAJ2U/-Vr0amvs-RU/s1600/016.jpg" height="143" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sunset ride with daddy</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AAhDjDYnNOM/VLr7XCKEdVI/AAAAAAAAJ2c/0B9RnZxJfZ4/s1600/017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AAhDjDYnNOM/VLr7XCKEdVI/AAAAAAAAJ2c/0B9RnZxJfZ4/s1600/017.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Takayama now ranks as one of the prime candidates among travellers wishing to add a rural element into their itineraries</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oMxsj5DD5ho/VLr7Xhx-w1I/AAAAAAAAJ2k/wcORuDzQ-Gc/s1600/018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oMxsj5DD5ho/VLr7Xhx-w1I/AAAAAAAAJ2k/wcORuDzQ-Gc/s1600/018.jpg" height="207" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: small;">The gate to a lovely temple called </span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: small;">Sakurayama Hachimangu</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8gPczPs7w0k/VLr7YbUeDQI/AAAAAAAAJ2w/P-et4V7zjFE/s1600/019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8gPczPs7w0k/VLr7YbUeDQI/AAAAAAAAJ2w/P-et4V7zjFE/s1600/019.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is an old shrine, which is thought to be the village shrine for the
north part of old Takayama city, situated to the north of Yasukawa dori </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o51Bcc30xUc/VLr7YyiuSzI/AAAAAAAAJ20/wh3PNuy5dqc/s1600/020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o51Bcc30xUc/VLr7YyiuSzI/AAAAAAAAJ20/wh3PNuy5dqc/s1600/020.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The inner gateway beautifully illuminated by the sunset</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TE0ceMTBC9w/VLr7ZnTjR3I/AAAAAAAAJ28/5WxzO6PYXsE/s1600/021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TE0ceMTBC9w/VLr7ZnTjR3I/AAAAAAAAJ28/5WxzO6PYXsE/s1600/021.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The trees are a majestic backdrop</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kXYko-IKBQQ/VLr7aKKHZ_I/AAAAAAAAJ3E/NMsIg5aIQa0/s1600/022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kXYko-IKBQQ/VLr7aKKHZ_I/AAAAAAAAJ3E/NMsIg5aIQa0/s1600/022.jpg" height="199" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Don't forget to wash, or else!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SNxqw9tPGbo/VLr7a7fF8wI/AAAAAAAAJ3Q/fimxBIfsQqM/s1600/023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SNxqw9tPGbo/VLr7a7fF8wI/AAAAAAAAJ3Q/fimxBIfsQqM/s1600/023.jpg" height="320" width="210" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Superb door</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WrvBAZ7JxPw/VLr7bvMhWZI/AAAAAAAAJ3Y/OLimX91tVGI/s1600/024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WrvBAZ7JxPw/VLr7bvMhWZI/AAAAAAAAJ3Y/OLimX91tVGI/s1600/024.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Takayama is best known for its inhabitants' expertise in carpentry. It is believed carpenters from Takayama worked on the Imperial Palace in Kyoto and on many of the temples in Kyoto and Nara</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R-_GZJ4jxNg/VLr7cL2GD8I/AAAAAAAAJ3c/diUB8OMiWjU/s1600/025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R-_GZJ4jxNg/VLr7cL2GD8I/AAAAAAAAJ3c/diUB8OMiWjU/s1600/025.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Many moons ago, Prince Takefurukuma-no-mikoto was sent from the imperial court to subjugate the monster Ryoumen Sukuna, who was controlling Hida...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6OhAcSOyUtg/VLr7c_CuDdI/AAAAAAAAJ3o/MJj-qzhUr8g/s1600/026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6OhAcSOyUtg/VLr7c_CuDdI/AAAAAAAAJ3o/MJj-qzhUr8g/s1600/026.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">...It is said that the shrine originated when this warrior enshrined
Emperor Ojin as the deity of this sanctuary and prayed for the success
of the mission</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S-ir3HY7Zgk/VLr7dONlAeI/AAAAAAAAJ3s/t7OsnrJs21s/s1600/027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S-ir3HY7Zgk/VLr7dONlAeI/AAAAAAAAJ3s/t7OsnrJs21s/s1600/027.jpg" height="320" width="226" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Can someone translate this for me?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r5OyX863S-4/VLr7eCWqZxI/AAAAAAAAJ34/yREYe4aVtdU/s1600/028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r5OyX863S-4/VLr7eCWqZxI/AAAAAAAAJ34/yREYe4aVtdU/s1600/028.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The current shrine was rebuilt by Arishige Kanamori in order to protect the north part of Takayama castle</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aDxaSnyJrDA/VLr7fX2NGiI/AAAAAAAAJ4A/s12inQHcMII/s1600/029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aDxaSnyJrDA/VLr7fX2NGiI/AAAAAAAAJ4A/s12inQHcMII/s1600/029.jpg" height="198" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Its festivals are held on the 9th and 10th of October. (Takayama Matsuri)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RFncfIHN-fs/VLr7fTOIe7I/AAAAAAAAJ4E/WvGZ4IJmHiY/s1600/030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RFncfIHN-fs/VLr7fTOIe7I/AAAAAAAAJ4E/WvGZ4IJmHiY/s1600/030.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Another water feature of the city</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lFwz-e7iD7I/VLr7Orch4nI/AAAAAAAAJ0o/NRZP5dYBwEo/s1600/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lFwz-e7iD7I/VLr7Orch4nI/AAAAAAAAJ0o/NRZP5dYBwEo/s1600/001.jpg" height="320" width="275" /></a></div>
<img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XFK1G30rOms/VLr7gPymbsI/AAAAAAAAJ4Q/1efaIjVS0GI/s1600/031.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I love these bridges</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6LpmJdFskIQ/VLr7ghZ7G7I/AAAAAAAAJ4U/qTewO-uzJ2I/s1600/032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6LpmJdFskIQ/VLr7ghZ7G7I/AAAAAAAAJ4U/qTewO-uzJ2I/s1600/032.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Back to the Miyagawa river. Next time Kyoto, and a beautiful garden. See you then!</span></td></tr>
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Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12279568965229347907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17944189.post-79008640141850627092014-12-26T08:40:00.003+08:002014-12-26T08:48:39.042+08:00Shirakawa-go ((白川郷, "White River Old-District"), Japan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hello! Happy New Year! This is the first of several postings from my holiday in Japan in October. I loved visiting the beautiful, colourful, scenic Japanese Village in Gifu. I hope you enjoy the photos and they inspire you to go too!
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7KpbDzZjff4/VJyl9XntzKI/AAAAAAAAJwc/x5tHIb_dZuU/s1600/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7KpbDzZjff4/VJyl9XntzKI/AAAAAAAAJwc/x5tHIb_dZuU/s1600/001.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Bridge leading from the coach/carpark to the Village</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k__F6XEwKAk/VJyl-5h64eI/AAAAAAAAJws/1hcGwFLQlrc/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k__F6XEwKAk/VJyl-5h64eI/AAAAAAAAJws/1hcGwFLQlrc/s1600/002.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The <a href="http://web-japan.org/atlas/architecture/arc11.html">Gassho-style houses</a> found in the Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama are rare examples of their kind in Japan. Here the thatched roof steams as the early morning sun evaporates the humidity of the night</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MNJyOPlhgG0/VJyl9U6p-GI/AAAAAAAAJwg/H7LdlikpjDM/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MNJyOPlhgG0/VJyl9U6p-GI/AAAAAAAAJwg/H7LdlikpjDM/s1600/003.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The roof shape, which looks like one's
hands put together with the palms facing inward, is the origin of the name
of the architectural style, "Gassho", which means to join one's hands in
prayer</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2rWAIt8t4Lc/VJymAcq_jaI/AAAAAAAAJw0/gUi_S2GYgkw/s1600/004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2rWAIt8t4Lc/VJymAcq_jaI/AAAAAAAAJw0/gUi_S2GYgkw/s1600/004.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shirakawa-go is an outstanding example of traditional human
settlements that are perfectly adapted to their environment and their
social and economic raison d’être </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-83sjnb8Vxcc/VJymA72y-yI/AAAAAAAAJw4/tlis68UcQHE/s1600/005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-83sjnb8Vxcc/VJymA72y-yI/AAAAAAAAJw4/tlis68UcQHE/s1600/005.jpg" height="201" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The structural space inside is typically divided into three or four levels
which were traditionally used as a work space</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iWXhOBrqq6c/VJymBm4-XCI/AAAAAAAAJxA/pJHuhSOu4nc/s1600/006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iWXhOBrqq6c/VJymBm4-XCI/AAAAAAAAJxA/pJHuhSOu4nc/s1600/006.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Because of the mountainous terrain, traditional rice-field production
was not wholly successful in the area, and so the farmers turned to
alternative grains such as buckwheat and millet, cultivated in small
fields, but even with these the farming was at little higher than
subsistence level.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4efLWzTxbdE/VJymCwq-TaI/AAAAAAAAJxM/Fd6C6Su2_10/s1600/007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4efLWzTxbdE/VJymCwq-TaI/AAAAAAAAJxM/Fd6C6Su2_10/s1600/007.jpg" height="320" width="243" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sooo pretty!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GGHCziCVwTo/VJymEEkRofI/AAAAAAAAJxU/zklTlqXERfc/s1600/008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GGHCziCVwTo/VJymEEkRofI/AAAAAAAAJxU/zklTlqXERfc/s1600/008.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">House on wheels! The steep thatched roof ensures that the heavy winter snow does not make the roof collapse</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BvwSaovdzkI/VJywKcrDMNI/AAAAAAAAJzc/raoAx6X-Gwc/s1600/009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BvwSaovdzkI/VJywKcrDMNI/AAAAAAAAJzc/raoAx6X-Gwc/s1600/009.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Water is everywhere. There is no place in the village where you cannot hear the sound of running water</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l0ePfVmdIz0/VJymF_3VGkI/AAAAAAAAJxk/aDY4OaK4KF4/s1600/010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l0ePfVmdIz0/VJymF_3VGkI/AAAAAAAAJxk/aDY4OaK4KF4/s1600/010.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Threesome!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RnOJ-iMIdqA/VJymGnEOQrI/AAAAAAAAJxo/9NDTd91QZSs/s1600/012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RnOJ-iMIdqA/VJymGnEOQrI/AAAAAAAAJxo/9NDTd91QZSs/s1600/012.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hanging out</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jJvn4sQChOk/VJymHtqxlJI/AAAAAAAAJx0/t8jxqtzY60Q/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jJvn4sQChOk/VJymHtqxlJI/AAAAAAAAJx0/t8jxqtzY60Q/s1600/013.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The silk industry that this area is famous for, survived, from the late 17th century until the
1970s; its requirement of large enclosed spaces for silkworm beds and
storage of mulberry leaves was an important factor in the development of
the <i>gassho</i> -style house</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JVUokMacbr4/VJymJtnQoVI/AAAAAAAAJx8/uR0o8-A--8A/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JVUokMacbr4/VJymJtnQoVI/AAAAAAAAJx8/uR0o8-A--8A/s1600/014.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">From the village you can walk up a hill to get an arial view of the village....</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DLPe2J1dN8Y/VJymMjKiSjI/AAAAAAAAJyM/8Iva65NU9H8/s1600/015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DLPe2J1dN8Y/VJymMjKiSjI/AAAAAAAAJyM/8Iva65NU9H8/s1600/015.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">....and the surrounding hills. It is a truly lovely setting</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bukhTjjuJCw/VJymLwAZAhI/AAAAAAAAJyE/YVTikvObYXE/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bukhTjjuJCw/VJymLwAZAhI/AAAAAAAAJyE/YVTikvObYXE/s1600/016.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I wonder how much this one costs?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--ZV_Md9r07M/VJymM9-qWUI/AAAAAAAAJyQ/KS05psVB0NU/s1600/017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--ZV_Md9r07M/VJymM9-qWUI/AAAAAAAAJyQ/KS05psVB0NU/s1600/017.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The flowers are a delight!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pjB6ss3owq8/VJymNhOtO9I/AAAAAAAAJyc/dCLdFv9cyj8/s1600/018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pjB6ss3owq8/VJymNhOtO9I/AAAAAAAAJyc/dCLdFv9cyj8/s1600/018.jpg" height="207" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The river adds a dramatic touch</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yvXQVr5eHkc/VJymPKbU3zI/AAAAAAAAJyk/1tbphwTttGE/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yvXQVr5eHkc/VJymPKbU3zI/AAAAAAAAJyk/1tbphwTttGE/s1600/019.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Idyllic</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g1D0ixpZIO8/VJymQKk92bI/AAAAAAAAJys/w_nI4ao3nso/s1600/020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g1D0ixpZIO8/VJymQKk92bI/AAAAAAAAJys/w_nI4ao3nso/s1600/020.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">ln the 8th centurv AD the Shirakawa-go/Gokayama area was opened up as a
place for ascetic religious mountain worship, centred on Mount Hakusan,
for a religious order that combined ancient pre-Buddhist beliefs with
Esoteric Buddhism</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-66yQCM3A7sQ/VJymR0ggQAI/AAAAAAAAJy0/iudhx4Fk_9Q/s1600/021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-66yQCM3A7sQ/VJymR0ggQAI/AAAAAAAAJy0/iudhx4Fk_9Q/s1600/021.jpg" height="208" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">In the later 13th century it came under the influence of the powerful
Tendai Esoteric sect. which was in turn replaced by the Jo do Shinshu
sect, which still very influential in the area</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zeufvl_Nwgw/VJymTqpRONI/AAAAAAAAJzA/RdCk4XBgKxU/s1600/022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zeufvl_Nwgw/VJymTqpRONI/AAAAAAAAJzA/RdCk4XBgKxU/s1600/022.jpg" height="209" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">lts teachings played an important role in the development of the social
structure of the region, based on the kumi system of mutual cooperation
between neighbouring households</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1138ByJ42fY/VJymTYFDmtI/AAAAAAAAJy8/CALGrXAfSZI/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1138ByJ42fY/VJymTYFDmtI/AAAAAAAAJy8/CALGrXAfSZI/s1600/023.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Japanese scarecrows!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2QnSrEzwcJo/VJymUbZJMjI/AAAAAAAAJzI/cE62yWwy4pQ/s1600/024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2QnSrEzwcJo/VJymUbZJMjI/AAAAAAAAJzI/cE62yWwy4pQ/s1600/024.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Back to the river and to the coach to go back to Takayama. The next posting will be dedicated to Takayama</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12279568965229347907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17944189.post-86949833542287410712014-11-30T08:58:00.001+08:002014-11-30T13:09:30.706+08:00 Beautiful Almaty (Алматы) in the Autumn<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello. Welcome to my blog and this post of Almaty in Kazakhstan. I was here in October. The climate was fabulous. And the city, so green, was awash in autumn colours. I hope you enjoy the photos. I had a fabulous day exploring Almaty.
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E1oyXZAnvx0/VHj--uLtk_I/AAAAAAAAJpA/bbrKF8dg6K0/s1600/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E1oyXZAnvx0/VHj--uLtk_I/AAAAAAAAJpA/bbrKF8dg6K0/s1600/001.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Almaty is the largest city in Kazakhstan</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-itV6lvDmwEk/VHj-9rIqXqI/AAAAAAAAJo4/RubVcKWK2Vc/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-itV6lvDmwEk/VHj-9rIqXqI/AAAAAAAAJo4/RubVcKWK2Vc/s1600/002.jpg" height="126" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The city is located in the mountainous area of southern Kazakhstan. This shot was taken close to where you used to be able to take a cable car up to the tower but it was closed when I was there. This is the Republic Palace. It is a concert hall</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mLlaBvOkE4k/VHj--8TnI7I/AAAAAAAAJpE/ZgPuVKsr-rY/s1600/003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mLlaBvOkE4k/VHj--8TnI7I/AAAAAAAAJpE/ZgPuVKsr-rY/s1600/003.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Just glorious!</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aJGsNgJh4b4/VHj-_m8OJPI/AAAAAAAAJpQ/9ePtd92UJjQ/s1600/004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aJGsNgJh4b4/VHj-_m8OJPI/AAAAAAAAJpQ/9ePtd92UJjQ/s1600/004.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Such a splash!</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uUIkrB9eK4k/VHj_AvGBYQI/AAAAAAAAJpY/k3gkEYzgfj4/s1600/005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uUIkrB9eK4k/VHj_AvGBYQI/AAAAAAAAJpY/k3gkEYzgfj4/s1600/005.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Music is very important. There are several statues in the city depicting the Kazakh love for music</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FSAJdJpwvNc/VHj_Bl1PDmI/AAAAAAAAJpg/e4HICZ2zlR4/s1600/006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FSAJdJpwvNc/VHj_Bl1PDmI/AAAAAAAAJpg/e4HICZ2zlR4/s1600/006.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Entering beautiful <a href="http://www.almaty-kazakhstan.net/attractions/parks/panfilov-park/">Panfilov park</a> </span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QXerEQcWnws/VHj_CqEYyoI/AAAAAAAAJpo/B641Ma5W5YY/s1600/007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QXerEQcWnws/VHj_CqEYyoI/AAAAAAAAJpo/B641Ma5W5YY/s1600/007.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.almaty-kazakhstan.net/attractions/entertainment/zenkov-cathedral/">Zenkov Cathedral</a> is located in <a href="http://www.almaty-kazakhstan.net/attractions/parks/panfilov-park/" title="Panfilov Park">Panfilov Park</a>
and is probably the only wooden Cathedrals in the world. The cathedral
is built without using any nails, which again, makes it pretty unique</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iohE5N_cgmI/VHj_ChZ4jvI/AAAAAAAAJps/YbZnD7yNeSg/s1600/008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iohE5N_cgmI/VHj_ChZ4jvI/AAAAAAAAJps/YbZnD7yNeSg/s1600/008.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A great place for families to spend some of their Sunday</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zcL8MVlcPNs/VHj_DoHS63I/AAAAAAAAJp0/w8GQPWUETis/s1600/009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zcL8MVlcPNs/VHj_DoHS63I/AAAAAAAAJp0/w8GQPWUETis/s1600/009.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I do love the climate in Singapore, but it was awesome to be in Almaty and enjoy the lovely colours</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bnUaE64Xc0o/VHj_EufId9I/AAAAAAAAJqA/lrOgzUdY7CM/s1600/010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bnUaE64Xc0o/VHj_EufId9I/AAAAAAAAJqA/lrOgzUdY7CM/s1600/010.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ivan Panfilov was the name of the General commanding the 316 division
who, in spite of suffering heavy casualties, managed to significantly
delay the Nazi advance on Moscow</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zhan1VV8YFE/VHj_FAHsV1I/AAAAAAAAJqE/2P2a0_SzgXI/s1600/011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zhan1VV8YFE/VHj_FAHsV1I/AAAAAAAAJqE/2P2a0_SzgXI/s1600/011.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> The Cathedral was used as a museum after the ‘Revolution’, but was
again restored to its original use as a Russian Orthodox Cathedral in
1990</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DQqvkfo8GIk/VHj_GMdNNOI/AAAAAAAAJqQ/2ZJ-oO81CMY/s1600/012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DQqvkfo8GIk/VHj_GMdNNOI/AAAAAAAAJqQ/2ZJ-oO81CMY/s1600/012.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Up close</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tFWN9E6Iffg/VHj_HcddsRI/AAAAAAAAJqc/qFjudGQCaMs/s1600/013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tFWN9E6Iffg/VHj_HcddsRI/AAAAAAAAJqc/qFjudGQCaMs/s1600/013.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'm not sure if this is General Panfilov</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S7ml0q9d198/VHj_Gpac33I/AAAAAAAAJqU/8W6SLlUIugo/s1600/014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S7ml0q9d198/VHj_Gpac33I/AAAAAAAAJqU/8W6SLlUIugo/s1600/014.jpg" height="174" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Green Bazaar, or Zelionyj Bazar. This market is central to the <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct">every day</span> life of the local people</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0K6riz8g9Gw/VHj_HzxopYI/AAAAAAAAJqk/j4_CfWeh5-4/s1600/015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0K6riz8g9Gw/VHj_HzxopYI/AAAAAAAAJqk/j4_CfWeh5-4/s1600/015.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">It is called the Green <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct">Bazaar</span>, or market, <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct">because</span> in the past it was the traditional place to buy and sell fresh local food</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ic6M6q4CGA4/VHj_IVaiRYI/AAAAAAAAJqs/Gcbw66-s4us/s1600/017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ic6M6q4CGA4/VHj_IVaiRYI/AAAAAAAAJqs/Gcbw66-s4us/s1600/017.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Almaty is the largest, most developed, and most ethnically and culturally diverse city in Kazakhstan</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t6wzdK5qKfI/VHj_JO_opaI/AAAAAAAAJq4/3MZNNakRzkY/s1600/018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t6wzdK5qKfI/VHj_JO_opaI/AAAAAAAAJq4/3MZNNakRzkY/s1600/018.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Always great to see trams!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FGD0Nj3t1tk/VHj_JlB-6fI/AAAAAAAAJq8/QF1V-Grur2Y/s1600/019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FGD0Nj3t1tk/VHj_JlB-6fI/AAAAAAAAJq8/QF1V-Grur2Y/s1600/019.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Example of Almaty architecture</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hRssn4lNIPI/VHj_LHUtncI/AAAAAAAAJrU/i2xEsRA1os4/s1600/022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hRssn4lNIPI/VHj_LHUtncI/AAAAAAAAJrU/i2xEsRA1os4/s1600/022.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Love the truck!</span> <span style="font-size: small;">The building is the Kazakh-British Technical University</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eo1Duu5NFPg/VHj_L3VfreI/AAAAAAAAJrg/WgGRSrA_ueA/s1600/023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eo1Duu5NFPg/VHj_L3VfreI/AAAAAAAAJrg/WgGRSrA_ueA/s1600/023.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A plant replica of the Bayterek monument in Astana. The shape of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayterek">Bayterek</a> represents a poplar tree holding a golden egg</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l_S2CfICpSk/VHj_M243o_I/AAAAAAAAJrs/FJ2L6bwNDx4/s1600/024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l_S2CfICpSk/VHj_M243o_I/AAAAAAAAJrs/FJ2L6bwNDx4/s1600/024.jpg" height="204" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here is the egg again</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TIGLgp-r19E/VHj_MyW48lI/AAAAAAAAJro/on_vGwT4_Wo/s1600/025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TIGLgp-r19E/VHj_MyW48lI/AAAAAAAAJro/on_vGwT4_Wo/s1600/025.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Action! Filming a movie</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d3w9WLJrluI/VHj_NUftopI/AAAAAAAAJrw/BG-zUtuudwI/s1600/026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d3w9WLJrluI/VHj_NUftopI/AAAAAAAAJrw/BG-zUtuudwI/s1600/026.jpg" height="209" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Policemen directing the traffic to allow the filming to happen without accidents!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RV_2v5Y-Uig/VHj_On5omoI/AAAAAAAAJsA/ehUl9gz5UYs/s1600/027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RV_2v5Y-Uig/VHj_On5omoI/AAAAAAAAJsA/ehUl9gz5UYs/s1600/027.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Almaty was the capital city from 1929 until 1997 when capital city status was transferred to <a href="http://alaninsingapore.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/an-autumn-walk-in-astana-kazakhstan.html">Astana</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gbT69Q0Z_Ik/VHj_O1fzhtI/AAAAAAAAJsE/3TG8pUBto5s/s1600/028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gbT69Q0Z_Ik/VHj_O1fzhtI/AAAAAAAAJsE/3TG8pUBto5s/s1600/028.jpg" height="188" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abay_Opera_House"><span style="font-size: small;">Abay Opera House</span></a> <span style="font-size: small;">was built in 1934</span>. <span style="font-size: small;">Over forty western and Kazakh pieces are performed, including operas, ballets and classical music performances</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m93aW__Kp2k/VHkFReY38xI/AAAAAAAAJu4/SbqoVZQUBAo/s1600/029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m93aW__Kp2k/VHkFReY38xI/AAAAAAAAJu4/SbqoVZQUBAo/s1600/029.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Love the colour of this building</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LuIcKavHdTc/VHj_QogvPHI/AAAAAAAAJsc/FS4fpi9_Y38/s1600/030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LuIcKavHdTc/VHj_QogvPHI/AAAAAAAAJsc/FS4fpi9_Y38/s1600/030.jpg" height="210" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Walking up to the Presidential Palace</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3pKSkI3Zx3A/VHj_QY2gW8I/AAAAAAAAJsU/ffr81ZZzV5A/s1600/031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3pKSkI3Zx3A/VHj_QY2gW8I/AAAAAAAAJsU/ffr81ZZzV5A/s1600/031.jpg" height="209" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Republic Square</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rz3NXa49xic/VHkCKzwnKII/AAAAAAAAJus/s6ZFOdRxksk/s1600/032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rz3NXa49xic/VHkCKzwnKII/AAAAAAAAJus/s6ZFOdRxksk/s1600/032.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Presidential Palace</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f5UI_6GY8oI/VHkBXxswXhI/AAAAAAAAJts/XimFBSBcoAA/s1600/033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f5UI_6GY8oI/VHkBXxswXhI/AAAAAAAAJts/XimFBSBcoAA/s1600/033.jpg" height="174" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Gardens to the side of the Palace</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IJ--aIzmmo0/VHkBYcHbigI/AAAAAAAAJtw/5dvvPb6W8vg/s1600/034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IJ--aIzmmo0/VHkBYcHbigI/AAAAAAAAJtw/5dvvPb6W8vg/s1600/034.jpg" height="207" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">The Republic
Square has at its centre the Independence
Monument</span></span>. <span style="font-size: small;">The monument is dedicated to the Republic of
Kazakhstan’s rich history</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eo9fWyoTPsE/VHkBY5z5EkI/AAAAAAAAJt4/hIxWita8FtQ/s1600/035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eo9fWyoTPsE/VHkBY5z5EkI/AAAAAAAAJt4/hIxWita8FtQ/s1600/035.jpg" height="127" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is close the Palace</span>. <span style="font-size: small;">It is one of the city's museums </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rQkxsUty73U/VHkBZpo7xhI/AAAAAAAAJuE/TnQh-fPZQGA/s1600/036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rQkxsUty73U/VHkBZpo7xhI/AAAAAAAAJuE/TnQh-fPZQGA/s1600/036.jpg" height="199" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">The main entrance of the Central State museum of Kazakhstan</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-idQR0tsmp_4/VHkBaDOEAgI/AAAAAAAAJuI/pbnMz3y6XVg/s1600/037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-idQR0tsmp_4/VHkBaDOEAgI/AAAAAAAAJuI/pbnMz3y6XVg/s1600/037.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">To the East of the city there is a range of mountains called </span><span class="st"><span style="font-size: small;">the Zailiysky Alatau </span><i></i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tk0xKRBVz1c/VHkBbNlLWPI/AAAAAAAAJuU/NrwsTbDeHA0/s1600/038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tk0xKRBVz1c/VHkBbNlLWPI/AAAAAAAAJuU/NrwsTbDeHA0/s1600/038.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Apartment blocks</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-82nkOCRlf-E/VHkBbVUBWuI/AAAAAAAAJuY/6dvU5p-xqrg/s1600/039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-82nkOCRlf-E/VHkBbVUBWuI/AAAAAAAAJuY/6dvU5p-xqrg/s1600/039.jpg" height="185" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Modern buildings in the East of the city</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fTDhj2ss1xc/VHkBcJsSwcI/AAAAAAAAJug/sMqjuN3Y3hc/s1600/040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fTDhj2ss1xc/VHkBcJsSwcI/AAAAAAAAJug/sMqjuN3Y3hc/s1600/040.jpg" height="147" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">On my way back to find a good restaurant for dinner. Passing the Republic Square</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12279568965229347907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17944189.post-85234306989196004282014-10-25T21:49:00.001+08:002014-10-25T21:53:05.927+08:00An Autumn Walk in Astana, Kazakhstan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's been a while since I posted. Busy life.... Last week I was In Kazakhstan for work. It was my first visit to Central Asia. It was a fascinating experience. The Kazakh people were a major contributor to that.
I had three quarters of a day to explore what I could of Astana and then a full day to explore Almaty. I hope you enjoy the walk. The weather started off freezing and gloomy but then the sun broke through and gave me a glorious day. </div>
</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e97rU8tQ_1E/VEo3NaRzAxI/AAAAAAAAJkI/fMNlwCts8is/s1600/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e97rU8tQ_1E/VEo3NaRzAxI/AAAAAAAAJkI/fMNlwCts8is/s1600/001.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Astana is the new capital of Kazakhstan. It was transferred from Almaty to Astana in December 1997. The word Astana means 'Capital' This building is the 'Triumph of Astana'. Like <a href="http://www.emporis.com/building/triumphpalace-moscow-russia" target="_blank">Triumph-Palace</a> in Moscow, this building is modeled after the flamboyant style of 1950s Soviet architecture, exemplified by the <a href="http://www.emporis.com/complex/vysotniye-zdaniya-moscow-russia" target="_blank">Vysotniye Zdaniya</a> skyscrapers (the Seven Sisters) </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s-eeOKWQM1M/VEo3NODaF1I/AAAAAAAAJkE/1jVh9w678F0/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s-eeOKWQM1M/VEo3NODaF1I/AAAAAAAAJkE/1jVh9w678F0/s1600/002.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The State Theatre of Opera and Ballet «Astana Opera» was founded in 2013
on the initiative of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Nursultan Nazarbayev. At the opening of the theatre the President said: "A country that is building factories and roads, creates a solid footing
for years to come. A country, which builds schools and hospitals, takes
care of the future of the nation for decades. The country that is
building theatres looks forward through the centuries"</span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AQ2wkOHOOmY/VEo3Nf4WIZI/AAAAAAAAJkM/pm-J9lwCNIU/s1600/003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AQ2wkOHOOmY/VEo3Nf4WIZI/AAAAAAAAJkM/pm-J9lwCNIU/s1600/003.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Khan Shatyr ("Royal Marquee") is a giant transparent tent. The 150m-high (500 ft) tent has a 200m elliptical base covering 140,000 square metres (14 ha; 35 acres).<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Foster_2-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khan_Shatyr_Entertainment_Center#cite_note-Foster-2">[2]</a></sup>
Underneath the tent, an area larger than 10 football stadiums, is an
urban-scale internal park, shopping and entertainment venue with squares
and cobbled streets, a boating river, shopping centre, minigolf and
indoor beach resort. I didn't get the time to go inside!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--THSc1hIiLo/VEo3OYJ9tVI/AAAAAAAAJkU/15NXarm30vg/s1600/004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--THSc1hIiLo/VEo3OYJ9tVI/AAAAAAAAJkU/15NXarm30vg/s1600/004.jpg" height="219" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is the HQ for Kazakhstan's state-owned oil and gas company KazMunayGas </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8YRyATHwZc4/VEo3OqEL_jI/AAAAAAAAJkc/VAUzV3OE3gU/s1600/005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8YRyATHwZc4/VEo3OqEL_jI/AAAAAAAAJkc/VAUzV3OE3gU/s1600/005.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The <b>Nur-Astana Mosque</b> (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakh_language" title="Kazakh language">Kazakh</a>: <span lang="kk">Нұр-Астана мешіті</span>, <i>Nur-Astana meşiti</i>). It is the second largest mosque in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhstan" title="Kazakhstan">Kazakhstan</a> and in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Asia" title="Central Asia">Central Asia</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DnOK8SfI34Q/VEo3PDu2vNI/AAAAAAAAJkg/50DfpuVyF6k/s1600/006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DnOK8SfI34Q/VEo3PDu2vNI/AAAAAAAAJkg/50DfpuVyF6k/s1600/006.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">It was a gift in accordance with the agreement of the Kazakhstan President, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nursultan_Nazarbayev" title="Nursultan Nazarbayev">Nursultan Nazarbayev</a> and the Emir of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qatar" title="Qatar">Qatar</a>, <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamad_bin_Khalifa" title="Hamad bin Khalifa">Hamad bin Khalifa</a>.
It has a capacity of 5,000 worshippers inside the mosque, including
2,000 for worshippers outside the mosque. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GAMcSNzy0bc/VEo3PkY4L7I/AAAAAAAAJks/Gql-RGHFT24/s1600/007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GAMcSNzy0bc/VEo3PkY4L7I/AAAAAAAAJks/Gql-RGHFT24/s1600/007.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Northern Lights is a mixed office and residential building. Its
construction was completed in early 2010. It is located on the
fast-developing Left Bank area of lying approximately halfway between the now iconic Bayterek Tower and
the giant KazMunayGaz headquarters. The complex consists of three towers
of 32, 34 and 42 floors, all of which are recognisable from some
considerable distance by their distinctive wavy, curvaceous outlines and
garnish of blue-green reflective glass. I only managed to shoot two of the towers!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A1cNWP6VNb8/VEo3P_Jz1tI/AAAAAAAAJkw/2xQOiUFEp3g/s1600/008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A1cNWP6VNb8/VEo3P_Jz1tI/AAAAAAAAJkw/2xQOiUFEp3g/s1600/008.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here is the most famous landmark in Astana. <b>Bayterek</b> (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakh_language" title="Kazakh language">Kazakh</a>: Бәйтерек, <i>Bäyterek</i>, "tall <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poplar" title="Poplar">poplar</a> [tree]"), is a monument and observation tower.
A tourist attraction popular with foreign visitors and native Kazakhs
alike, it is emblematic of the city, which became capital of the country
in 1997.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nufZRZInuNc/VEo3QMxX89I/AAAAAAAAJk4/31bK8G6qVQk/s1600/009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nufZRZInuNc/VEo3QMxX89I/AAAAAAAAJk4/31bK8G6qVQk/s1600/009.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The shape of Bayterek represents a poplar tree holding a golden egg.
These come from a folktale of the tree of life, a central symbol in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkic_mythology" title="Turkic mythology">Turkic mythology</a>, and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simurgh" title="Simurgh">Samruk</a> the magical bird of happiness, said to have laid its egg between the branches of a poplar tree.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IIoViaRW7sE/VEo3QyymAGI/AAAAAAAAJlE/p-lA6984mS4/s1600/010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IIoViaRW7sE/VEo3QyymAGI/AAAAAAAAJlE/p-lA6984mS4/s1600/010.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The 105m tall structure rises from a wide flat base within a raised
plaza. It consists of a narrow cylindrical shaft, surrounded by white
branch-like girders that flare out near the top, supporting a
gold-mirrored 22m-diameter sphere. The base contains a ticket booth and
exhibition space, with two lifts rising within the shaft to the
observation deck within the 'egg'</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n9td-xWTtF4/VEpfx684hcI/AAAAAAAAJn8/ScWbnWGhIwQ/s1600/011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n9td-xWTtF4/VEpfx684hcI/AAAAAAAAJn8/ScWbnWGhIwQ/s1600/011.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">View to the <b>Akorda</b> (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakh_language" title="Kazakh language">Kazakh</a>: <span lang="kk">Ақорда</span>, <i>Aqorda</i>, "the white horde") <b>Presidential Palace</b> is the official workplace of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/President_of_Kazakhstan" title="President of Kazakhstan">President of Kazakhstan</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CtZcF9CkZUY/VEo3RfwyZLI/AAAAAAAAJlU/aB-pfnUv-xg/s1600/012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CtZcF9CkZUY/VEo3RfwyZLI/AAAAAAAAJlU/aB-pfnUv-xg/s1600/012.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">There was hardly anyone around so getting an unblocked view was not difficult!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1eqwA6tLLY4/VEo3R1pSNtI/AAAAAAAAJlY/3jBcd5Gce-I/s1600/013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1eqwA6tLLY4/VEo3R1pSNtI/AAAAAAAAJlY/3jBcd5Gce-I/s1600/013.jpg" height="209" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Situated on the left bank of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ishim_River" title="Ishim River">Ishim (Esil) River</a>,
it is the president’s place of work and houses the staff of the
Presidential Administration; it is not the president’s place of
residence.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-brummell_3-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ak_Orda_Presidential_Palace#cite_note-brummell-3">[3]</a></sup>
The palace includes a blue and gold dome topped with a spire. This
golden statue atop the dome includes a sun with 32 rays at its apex, and
also includes a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steppe_eagle" title="Steppe eagle">steppe eagle</a> flying beneath the sun.</span><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-mabetex_2-1"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ak_Orda_Presidential_Palace#cite_note-mabetex-2"></a></sup><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-brummell_3-1"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ak_Orda_Presidential_Palace#cite_note-brummell-3"></a></sup></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pHXMvpQgrMg/VEo3Sv4deMI/AAAAAAAAJlg/7hHb8j00-uY/s1600/014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pHXMvpQgrMg/VEo3Sv4deMI/AAAAAAAAJlg/7hHb8j00-uY/s1600/014.jpg" height="207" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The golden towers. They are government buildings but not sure what purpose they serve practically. Aesthetically that add to the incredible attention to symmetry that is present all along the the direct walk from the Khan Shatyr to the Pyramid behind the Akorda</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Txwpvlzpho/VEo3TOUt5tI/AAAAAAAAJlo/FVrgH5Kzn-U/s1600/015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Txwpvlzpho/VEo3TOUt5tI/AAAAAAAAJlo/FVrgH5Kzn-U/s1600/015.jpg" height="209" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">At this point I think I got just a little too close. A Guard was sent to check me out. Luckily all my papers were in order and I had them with me. He was very polite and we managed well with my non existent Kazakh and his slighlty better English</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TKRIopUD1-0/VEo3TzuZ4TI/AAAAAAAAJl0/h2IIAMpeTcM/s1600/016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TKRIopUD1-0/VEo3TzuZ4TI/AAAAAAAAJl0/h2IIAMpeTcM/s1600/016.jpg" height="162" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of two weddings I encountered on my walk</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PujBMhNqCPE/VEo3UA32FjI/AAAAAAAAJl4/mT-J8txu12w/s1600/017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PujBMhNqCPE/VEo3UA32FjI/AAAAAAAAJl4/mT-J8txu12w/s1600/017.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">At the beginning of the day I had to take refuge in a shopping centre to buy a hat. It was sooooo cold. But at this point it was positively warm and I had far too many clothes. I didn't know where to put them all!</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vPdmaUFGqbk/VEo3VFB3xoI/AAAAAAAAJmE/sqrzhJJ6Qdw/s1600/018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vPdmaUFGqbk/VEo3VFB3xoI/AAAAAAAAJmE/sqrzhJJ6Qdw/s1600/018.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Photogenic!</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NwZRSP9j1lc/VEo3VZNhepI/AAAAAAAAJmI/USxFQJmdy0w/s1600/019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NwZRSP9j1lc/VEo3VZNhepI/AAAAAAAAJmI/USxFQJmdy0w/s1600/019.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Government built one huge long building and put all the ministries in it!</span> <span style="font-size: small;">Practical and sensible. I wish Singapore had done the same!</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qxtqHdubCeQ/VEo3WJqBScI/AAAAAAAAJmU/ONXl0ZLyIHM/s1600/020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qxtqHdubCeQ/VEo3WJqBScI/AAAAAAAAJmU/ONXl0ZLyIHM/s1600/020.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Walking back, the Bayterek is too lovely to ignore</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CX0Cpgu1PIw/VEo3Wh0ozRI/AAAAAAAAJmY/hQ3pMWR2V14/s1600/021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CX0Cpgu1PIw/VEo3Wh0ozRI/AAAAAAAAJmY/hQ3pMWR2V14/s1600/021.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Beijing Palace Soluxe Hotel Astana.I didn't stay there, but the Hilton, where I did stay was very comfortable and the staff just great.</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AHCjti0DQQs/VEo3XiTda3I/AAAAAAAAJmk/wJuW39SxvPU/s1600/022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AHCjti0DQQs/VEo3XiTda3I/AAAAAAAAJmk/wJuW39SxvPU/s1600/022.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The trees were a beautiful autumn colour.A real treat for me as I live in Singapore and rarely see the beauty of the autumn</span>....</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8i0ph29L0v4/VEo3YKp4-CI/AAAAAAAAJmo/bQGuS5WmHqY/s1600/023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8i0ph29L0v4/VEo3YKp4-CI/AAAAAAAAJmo/bQGuS5WmHqY/s1600/023.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">....and just to prove the point</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6pTS6ThF7Qg/VEo3Y-WMOBI/AAAAAAAAJm0/a0yTgvHWj8c/s1600/024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6pTS6ThF7Qg/VEo3Y-WMOBI/AAAAAAAAJm0/a0yTgvHWj8c/s1600/024.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Reindeer are found in the highlands of Kazakhstan, far away from Astana which is firmly planted on the Kazakh steppes</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kru05jVHq74/VEo3ZJin8yI/AAAAAAAAJm4/EIEixAmHS88/s1600/025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kru05jVHq74/VEo3ZJin8yI/AAAAAAAAJm4/EIEixAmHS88/s1600/025.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This building is known locally as the "cigarette lighter" building</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MDfZP--cM5g/VEo3aUMJ-ZI/AAAAAAAAJnI/wfDheIUbOnY/s1600/027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MDfZP--cM5g/VEo3aUMJ-ZI/AAAAAAAAJnI/wfDheIUbOnY/s1600/027.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Coming to the end, which was also the beginning of my walk now</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UGoO-vZn68E/VEo3aI1Mk7I/AAAAAAAAJnE/3fi2_9ZpLYA/s1600/026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UGoO-vZn68E/VEo3aI1Mk7I/AAAAAAAAJnE/3fi2_9ZpLYA/s1600/026.jpg" height="207" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Building and completion work is going on in many places around the city</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Slrv-eTo4bE/VEo3bQJ902I/AAAAAAAAJnU/oETcgJr59oQ/s1600/028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Slrv-eTo4bE/VEo3bQJ902I/AAAAAAAAJnU/oETcgJr59oQ/s1600/028.jpg" height="209" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">One last look!</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B4tpdRHxtBE/VEo3bfxjk-I/AAAAAAAAJnY/yf1wnls9ymM/s1600/029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B4tpdRHxtBE/VEo3bfxjk-I/AAAAAAAAJnY/yf1wnls9ymM/s1600/029.jpg" height="208" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My first photo was in the gloomy cold weather. This puts another light on it!!!</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-otVhnFBKS0I/VEo3cVr7aiI/AAAAAAAAJnk/NcuB9jwJ3Zg/s1600/029a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-otVhnFBKS0I/VEo3cVr7aiI/AAAAAAAAJnk/NcuB9jwJ3Zg/s1600/029a.jpg" height="208" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">As does this....</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I0qmOW29WCQ/VEo3cn5BG1I/AAAAAAAAJno/MwS6rmbL39Q/s1600/030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I0qmOW29WCQ/VEo3cn5BG1I/AAAAAAAAJno/MwS6rmbL39Q/s1600/030.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">.<span style="font-size: small;">...where I met my second wedding and managed to get a better shot. I hope their wedding will be as good as my visit to Astana. An intriguing, unusual city of the future. I wish the happy couple, and the Capital City of Astana every success.</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Next....the old capital of Kazakhstan - Almaty</div>
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Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12279568965229347907noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17944189.post-74798398485425073352014-05-04T09:32:00.001+08:002014-05-04T13:35:52.229+08:00Tulip mania Singapore style<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hi and welcome! Singapore has its Kew Gardens called "Gardens by the Bay". At spring time every year it puts on a display of tulips from Holland. I went last weekend and here are some photos for you.
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cdMumkR3il8/U2WMrygLpFI/AAAAAAAAJcQ/HlRkHWnKpIQ/s1600/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cdMumkR3il8/U2WMrygLpFI/AAAAAAAAJcQ/HlRkHWnKpIQ/s1600/001.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The grand view in the Flower Dome!</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Gn6m5SOVSM/U2WMuQl78tI/AAAAAAAAJcg/h9vD4LM-u9w/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Gn6m5SOVSM/U2WMuQl78tI/AAAAAAAAJcg/h9vD4LM-u9w/s1600/002.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Which is more interesting, the tulips or the people looking at the tulips?</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VA7MzAlRY68/U2WMslY2dYI/AAAAAAAAJcU/-ziKoPpxagw/s1600/003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VA7MzAlRY68/U2WMslY2dYI/AAAAAAAAJcU/-ziKoPpxagw/s1600/003.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Read the information in the photo to find out the inspiration for the display</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HvFRUgelRx8/U2WMvGCn3DI/AAAAAAAAJck/Lpcvr0d7DJc/s1600/004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HvFRUgelRx8/U2WMvGCn3DI/AAAAAAAAJck/Lpcvr0d7DJc/s1600/004.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Classic, colourful clog</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ybB0Ks-Kjzw/U2WPgNxPHZI/AAAAAAAAJf0/k663YcfZ_qk/s1600/005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ybB0Ks-Kjzw/U2WPgNxPHZI/AAAAAAAAJf0/k663YcfZ_qk/s1600/005.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The greenhouse is impressive</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k-qdTd_II98/U2WMxLHmynI/AAAAAAAAJcs/76lTLtKyFgM/s1600/006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k-qdTd_II98/U2WMxLHmynI/AAAAAAAAJcs/76lTLtKyFgM/s1600/006.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now, to the tulips</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QtSR7HMpCYo/U2WPPLaEG-I/AAAAAAAAJfs/ielJv-7uC4w/s1600/007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QtSR7HMpCYo/U2WPPLaEG-I/AAAAAAAAJfs/ielJv-7uC4w/s1600/007.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hmmm, well maybe not!, but lovely splashes of colour.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Hyacinths are also common European spring flowers and are part of the Dutch experience. The Flower Dome was completely filled with their fragrance </span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ItqeIS9eeMI/U2WMy7Y7lQI/AAAAAAAAJc0/vUyc7_tesG4/s1600/008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ItqeIS9eeMI/U2WMy7Y7lQI/AAAAAAAAJc0/vUyc7_tesG4/s1600/008.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Foxgloves instead</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wP4OVVNMQEo/U2WM0WXzthI/AAAAAAAAJc8/d59McTZopoU/s1600/010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wP4OVVNMQEo/U2WM0WXzthI/AAAAAAAAJc8/d59McTZopoU/s1600/010.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Who's complaining?</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7mPMk8d7NTA/U2WM2SqM3BI/AAAAAAAAJdE/IQ0XKfJogDs/s1600/011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7mPMk8d7NTA/U2WM2SqM3BI/AAAAAAAAJdE/IQ0XKfJogDs/s1600/011.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A rose among the........other flowers!</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MjhNCcvnXy8/U2WM36mG1ZI/AAAAAAAAJdM/Yo79mVUtCMY/s1600/012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MjhNCcvnXy8/U2WM36mG1ZI/AAAAAAAAJdM/Yo79mVUtCMY/s1600/012.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">As red as red can be.....</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uU603u9kA0I/U2WM6rXgNCI/AAAAAAAAJdU/dZzrhEEbJGM/s1600/013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uU603u9kA0I/U2WM6rXgNCI/AAAAAAAAJdU/dZzrhEEbJGM/s1600/013.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">All Dutch people live in houses like this, right?</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w8NgyVA0yFA/U2WM9sMiXFI/AAAAAAAAJdc/nN7sCoUWojg/s1600/014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w8NgyVA0yFA/U2WM9sMiXFI/AAAAAAAAJdc/nN7sCoUWojg/s1600/014.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Layers</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HJO-xkfpVKo/U2WM_5VZu3I/AAAAAAAAJdk/FAbeHhjHR0k/s1600/015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HJO-xkfpVKo/U2WM_5VZu3I/AAAAAAAAJdk/FAbeHhjHR0k/s1600/015.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Love these</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mgpSciyy0aA/U2WNCFt7ijI/AAAAAAAAJds/GkjluuTJDwQ/s1600/016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mgpSciyy0aA/U2WNCFt7ijI/AAAAAAAAJds/GkjluuTJDwQ/s1600/016.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Blue and white, a perfect combination</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-93k4JoiT0rA/U2WNE3xJt_I/AAAAAAAAJd0/D5_8IYlcpVQ/s1600/017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-93k4JoiT0rA/U2WNE3xJt_I/AAAAAAAAJd0/D5_8IYlcpVQ/s1600/017.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tulip mania or tulipomania was a period in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutch_Golden_Age" title="Dutch Golden Age">Dutch Golden Age</a> during which contract prices for <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulbs" title="Bulbs">bulbs</a> of the recently introduced <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tulip" title="Tulip">tulip</a> reached extraordinarily high levels and then suddenly collapsed<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-MD2001_2-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tulip_mania#cite_note-MD2001-2"></a></sup></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sjEsU729ZII/U2WNH3YTGsI/AAAAAAAAJd8/uOu46cSBlj0/s1600/018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sjEsU729ZII/U2WNH3YTGsI/AAAAAAAAJd8/uOu46cSBlj0/s1600/018.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">At the peak of tulip mania, in March 1637, some single tulip bulbs sold
for more than 10 times the annual income of a skilled craftsman!</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s7zVKARVFHA/U2WNK4WqHjI/AAAAAAAAJeE/fpT8C7lZLLc/s1600/019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s7zVKARVFHA/U2WNK4WqHjI/AAAAAAAAJeE/fpT8C7lZLLc/s1600/019.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">It is generally considered the first recorded speculative bubble (or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economic_bubble" title="Economic bubble">economic bubble</a>)</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dkz3tn_jdpk/U2WNM6cJyRI/AAAAAAAAJeM/WH7WgjZ36Bo/s1600/020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dkz3tn_jdpk/U2WNM6cJyRI/AAAAAAAAJeM/WH7WgjZ36Bo/s1600/020.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fiery!</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DO4qElfpbhA/U2WNPn6-XhI/AAAAAAAAJeU/igXQk0OGpZM/s1600/021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DO4qElfpbhA/U2WNPn6-XhI/AAAAAAAAJeU/igXQk0OGpZM/s1600/021.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The term "tulip mania" is now often used metaphorically to refer to any large economic bubble</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YY_VT53YLQs/U2WNSbE9vBI/AAAAAAAAJec/fVTHEDTwwcc/s1600/022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YY_VT53YLQs/U2WNSbE9vBI/AAAAAAAAJec/fVTHEDTwwcc/s1600/022.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Originally cultivated in the Ottoman Empire (present-day Turkey), tulips were imported into Holland in the sixteenth century</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zMe-37H69ZY/U2WNT7XIHTI/AAAAAAAAJek/oH0ilgJN6Cc/s1600/023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zMe-37H69ZY/U2WNT7XIHTI/AAAAAAAAJek/oH0ilgJN6Cc/s1600/023.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Not tulips but one of my favourite flowers</span>.......</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nhgVklV56rA/U2WNV9jQQZI/AAAAAAAAJes/klt_iKk6ZSM/s1600/024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nhgVklV56rA/U2WNV9jQQZI/AAAAAAAAJes/klt_iKk6ZSM/s1600/024.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">.....the Hibiscus</span>.....</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0GhtZTZPrE0/U2WNXtHmQJI/AAAAAAAAJe0/X6APh7Nge5M/s1600/025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0GhtZTZPrE0/U2WNXtHmQJI/AAAAAAAAJe0/X6APh7Nge5M/s1600/025.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">.....delicate and proud</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eppkVRf0woc/U2WNaVdYmMI/AAAAAAAAJe8/kozCYdz_hwE/s1600/026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eppkVRf0woc/U2WNaVdYmMI/AAAAAAAAJe8/kozCYdz_hwE/s1600/026.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">More clogs</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iUA9lA_NTlw/U2WNb9ooHoI/AAAAAAAAJfE/iosFKgkQRpI/s1600/027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iUA9lA_NTlw/U2WNb9ooHoI/AAAAAAAAJfE/iosFKgkQRpI/s1600/027.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">in and out of focus</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EjX9Q-OA8D0/U2WNdtDWBBI/AAAAAAAAJfM/WoOoev1BBqc/s1600/028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EjX9Q-OA8D0/U2WNdtDWBBI/AAAAAAAAJfM/WoOoev1BBqc/s1600/028.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Flower within a flower</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gEwpb5enmvI/U2WNfvKeK_I/AAAAAAAAJfU/S5PeKrb7sZU/s1600/029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gEwpb5enmvI/U2WNfvKeK_I/AAAAAAAAJfU/S5PeKrb7sZU/s1600/029.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Young twins</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GdX-iPnUFt4/U2WNhMu8weI/AAAAAAAAJfc/pbEQs1b9FA0/s1600/030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GdX-iPnUFt4/U2WNhMu8weI/AAAAAAAAJfc/pbEQs1b9FA0/s1600/030.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Petal power!</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SQw7riIcjSw/U2WNispZnFI/AAAAAAAAJfk/25z1CEzg3JY/s1600/031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SQw7riIcjSw/U2WNispZnFI/AAAAAAAAJfk/25z1CEzg3JY/s1600/031.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'm gorgeous!</span></td></tr>
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Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12279568965229347907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17944189.post-36943674178977418172014-04-26T12:15:00.000+08:002014-04-26T12:58:40.671+08:00Cambodian Apsaras (अप्सराः), Devatas & Gods<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My last post from my trip to Cambodia last Christmas.
Gods, devatas and apsaras fill your senses and you consciousness when you visit the temples of Angkor. Here's a few shots of these wondrous forms.
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HgiZqrVyV6U/U1r_DEaoN6I/AAAAAAAAJX4/IBJsAr1pDvg/s1600/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HgiZqrVyV6U/U1r_DEaoN6I/AAAAAAAAJX4/IBJsAr1pDvg/s1600/001.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Beautifully adorned multi-armed form of Vishnu in Angkor Wat</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bg41lDFRwZ0/U1r_EiC0xaI/AAAAAAAAJYI/hz46mpGpn1I/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bg41lDFRwZ0/U1r_EiC0xaI/AAAAAAAAJYI/hz46mpGpn1I/s1600/002.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">An Apsara (also spelled as Apsarasa) is a female spirit of the clouds and waters in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_mythology" title="Hindu mythology">Hindu</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_mythology" title="Buddhist mythology">Buddhist mythology</a></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yLzUtCMF4I8/U1r_EW4YspI/AAAAAAAAJYE/AyNn1OQYzcM/s1600/003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yLzUtCMF4I8/U1r_EW4YspI/AAAAAAAAJYE/AyNn1OQYzcM/s1600/003.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Apsaras represent an important motif in the stone <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bas-reliefs" title="Bas-reliefs">bas-reliefs</a> of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angkor" title="Angkor">Angkorian</a> temples in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cambodia" title="Cambodia">Cambodia</a>
(8th–13th centuries AD), however all female images are not considered
to be apsaras. In harmony with the Indian association of dance with
apsaras, Khmer female figures that are dancing or are poised to dance
are considered <i>apsaras</i>; female figures, depicted individually or
in groups, who are standing still and facing forward in the manner of
temple guardians or custodians are called <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devata" title="Devata">devatas</a> </i></span></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-372yohGq8fk/U1r_GREWIWI/AAAAAAAAJYQ/NDQfYMTh0o8/s1600/004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-372yohGq8fk/U1r_GREWIWI/AAAAAAAAJYQ/NDQfYMTh0o8/s1600/004.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Apsaras and devatas are beautiful, supernatural female beings</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IkoR7MjEhHc/U1sARl5YLBI/AAAAAAAAJac/e8EGd7WnE00/s1600/005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IkoR7MjEhHc/U1sARl5YLBI/AAAAAAAAJac/e8EGd7WnE00/s1600/005.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">They are youthful and elegant, and apsaras are superb in the art of dancing</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X1bmPLNHI2g/U1sARqxMNxI/AAAAAAAAJaY/e5HxH2k9PuI/s1600/006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X1bmPLNHI2g/U1sARqxMNxI/AAAAAAAAJaY/e5HxH2k9PuI/s1600/006.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deva_%28Hinduism%29" title="Deva (Hinduism)">Deva</a> is the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism" title="Hinduism">Hindu</a> term for deity</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dFmV11Ih_Rs/U1r_JG8dK6I/AAAAAAAAJYY/s_AvpPY1nbQ/s1600/007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dFmV11Ih_Rs/U1r_JG8dK6I/AAAAAAAAJYY/s_AvpPY1nbQ/s1600/007.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Apsaras are often the wives of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gandharva" title="Gandharva">Gandharvas</a>, the court musicians of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indra" title="Indra">Indra</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YCM6tPyWczY/U1r_L2MhsbI/AAAAAAAAJYg/qn7QoLWVwT0/s1600/008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YCM6tPyWczY/U1r_L2MhsbI/AAAAAAAAJYg/qn7QoLWVwT0/s1600/008.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Beautiful threesome</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M-sAQ57lVaw/U1r_OUv7roI/AAAAAAAAJYo/g8TRr97XGxw/s1600/009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M-sAQ57lVaw/U1r_OUv7roI/AAAAAAAAJYo/g8TRr97XGxw/s1600/009.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">They dance to the music made by the Gandharvas, usually in the palaces of the gods, entertain and sometimes seduce gods and men</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A8ME80lLvts/U1r_Q3JtIhI/AAAAAAAAJYw/78keQx0tolc/s1600/010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A8ME80lLvts/U1r_Q3JtIhI/AAAAAAAAJYw/78keQx0tolc/s1600/010.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">As ethereal beings who inhabit the skies, and are often depicted taking <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flight" title="Flight">flight</a>, or at service of a god, they may be compared to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angel" title="Angel">angels</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w8qjd2AebGQ/U1r_TYF6-BI/AAAAAAAAJY4/DSxFQgnK58M/s1600/011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w8qjd2AebGQ/U1r_TYF6-BI/AAAAAAAAJY4/DSxFQgnK58M/s1600/011.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Apsaras are said to be able to change their shape at will, and rule over the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luck" title="Luck">fortunes</a> of gaming and gambling</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--NeKUZrVjdQ/U1r_WMr0BwI/AAAAAAAAJZA/edSoxKYjDHM/s1600/012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--NeKUZrVjdQ/U1r_WMr0BwI/AAAAAAAAJZA/edSoxKYjDHM/s1600/012.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Love these smiling Devatas. I'm seduced!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zIbbpyn5tNg/U1r_Yzz5-jI/AAAAAAAAJZI/9ZsdwHduiIg/s1600/013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zIbbpyn5tNg/U1r_Yzz5-jI/AAAAAAAAJZI/9ZsdwHduiIg/s1600/013.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">English translations of the word "Apsara" include "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nymph" title="Nymph">nymph</a>," "celestial nymph," and "celestial maiden"</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PxPbJfMCCxo/U1r_bBpNj_I/AAAAAAAAJZQ/rOVB2-lgKKY/s1600/014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PxPbJfMCCxo/U1r_bBpNj_I/AAAAAAAAJZQ/rOVB2-lgKKY/s1600/014.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">While women and goddesses appear as icons in many ancient and modern
societies, the Khmers gave sanctified women dominance over their state
temples more consistently and more visibly than any other group</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gaCPpyol0Dk/U1r_ePpGWxI/AAAAAAAAJZY/B-2pDTDtbDI/s1600/015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gaCPpyol0Dk/U1r_ePpGWxI/AAAAAAAAJZY/B-2pDTDtbDI/s1600/015.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pyramid of gods</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UDGi2B6zqps/U1r_geUsl0I/AAAAAAAAJZg/PdJsa7O0_VU/s1600/016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UDGi2B6zqps/U1r_geUsl0I/AAAAAAAAJZg/PdJsa7O0_VU/s1600/016.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lovely pillar </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3KLM0KqCdSQ/U1r_jcCeZaI/AAAAAAAAJZo/aGI9u6NxBZ0/s1600/017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3KLM0KqCdSQ/U1r_jcCeZaI/AAAAAAAAJZo/aGI9u6NxBZ0/s1600/017.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Guardian elephants</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AGJpe25SLeo/U1r_mmxJhVI/AAAAAAAAJZw/y06TZKC8NG8/s1600/018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AGJpe25SLeo/U1r_mmxJhVI/AAAAAAAAJZw/y06TZKC8NG8/s1600/018.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Work of art</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KI-Rtz9mWYA/U1r_pQyJ8XI/AAAAAAAAJZ4/SFINg2q6tAk/s1600/019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KI-Rtz9mWYA/U1r_pQyJ8XI/AAAAAAAAJZ4/SFINg2q6tAk/s1600/019.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Devatas often occurred in Hindu epics such as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramayana" title="Ramayana">Ramayana</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahabharata" title="Mahabharata">Mahabharata</a>, and also some Buddhist holy scriptures</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xx1Pxcad1OA/U1r_sAx60AI/AAAAAAAAJaA/2J6UuXcqatQ/s1600/020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xx1Pxcad1OA/U1r_sAx60AI/AAAAAAAAJaA/2J6UuXcqatQ/s1600/020.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Every human activity has its devata, its spiritual counterpart or aspect</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TX7yqGjdkf4/U1r_uhoWbmI/AAAAAAAAJaI/_sz3wwLBt3E/s1600/021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TX7yqGjdkf4/U1r_uhoWbmI/AAAAAAAAJaI/_sz3wwLBt3E/s1600/021.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dancing!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ekXPgQ6vSdk/U1r_xjYbQuI/AAAAAAAAJaQ/QqbLXregDu8/s1600/022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ekXPgQ6vSdk/U1r_xjYbQuI/AAAAAAAAJaQ/QqbLXregDu8/s1600/022.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bas reliefs from Angkor Thom</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12279568965229347907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17944189.post-74009006012766902014-04-12T19:06:00.000+08:002014-04-12T19:24:36.798+08:00Cambodia- street photography<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hi and welcome. Here's some photos of mostly people I came across when I was in Siem Reap last Christmas. I hope you enjoy the shots.
</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cjkPCX7UDP0/U0HYqXjOzbI/AAAAAAAAJTY/9Gkwjm_JCDI/s1600/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cjkPCX7UDP0/U0HYqXjOzbI/AAAAAAAAJTY/9Gkwjm_JCDI/s1600/001.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Working reflection</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R6-4W1aOo8c/U0HYrFTnUuI/AAAAAAAAJTg/S6vzq6tAHoA/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R6-4W1aOo8c/U0HYrFTnUuI/AAAAAAAAJTg/S6vzq6tAHoA/s1600/002.jpg" height="146" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mystery</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tGPfbbfmvYg/U0HYq-D2v4I/AAAAAAAAJTc/menudQeJPv8/s1600/003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tGPfbbfmvYg/U0HYq-D2v4I/AAAAAAAAJTc/menudQeJPv8/s1600/003.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cool dude</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0z0UDhnK_rc/U0HYr6J3NLI/AAAAAAAAJTo/CMqLhvU43bk/s1600/004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0z0UDhnK_rc/U0HYr6J3NLI/AAAAAAAAJTo/CMqLhvU43bk/s1600/004.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Proud Mum</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wv1vxC9YqNY/U0HYs-8PGuI/AAAAAAAAJT0/Yd89RyMrZHU/s1600/005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wv1vxC9YqNY/U0HYs-8PGuI/AAAAAAAAJT0/Yd89RyMrZHU/s1600/005.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Trousella</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OuGZ7WAYDbE/U0HYtUMDyoI/AAAAAAAAJT8/LqDZg4HG0jA/s1600/006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OuGZ7WAYDbE/U0HYtUMDyoI/AAAAAAAAJT8/LqDZg4HG0jA/s1600/006.jpg" height="320" width="168" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Splash of colour</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lEEnXfvmhQE/U0HdgCAu67I/AAAAAAAAJXQ/YxjRljzml3c/s1600/007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lEEnXfvmhQE/U0HdgCAu67I/AAAAAAAAJXQ/YxjRljzml3c/s1600/007.jpg" height="320" width="201" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fashion girl</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AZiEBtRIXZc/U0HYuGMyFNI/AAAAAAAAJUE/TTpAsEpwBzQ/s1600/008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AZiEBtRIXZc/U0HYuGMyFNI/AAAAAAAAJUE/TTpAsEpwBzQ/s1600/008.jpg" height="320" width="217" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lunch for two</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-93Vkm3e4P-k/U0HYvCuBXzI/AAAAAAAAJUM/fCa1ZO-jR3c/s1600/009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-93Vkm3e4P-k/U0HYvCuBXzI/AAAAAAAAJUM/fCa1ZO-jR3c/s1600/009.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Love is.....</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WnEmKC7T7c8/U0HYv8yHBuI/AAAAAAAAJUU/AMWQG00x1bw/s1600/010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WnEmKC7T7c8/U0HYv8yHBuI/AAAAAAAAJUU/AMWQG00x1bw/s1600/010.jpg" height="202" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rickshaw view 1</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X4VL4XRIXd0/U0HYwkvGawI/AAAAAAAAJUc/R667bl1JWMQ/s1600/011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X4VL4XRIXd0/U0HYwkvGawI/AAAAAAAAJUc/R667bl1JWMQ/s1600/011.jpg" height="320" width="197" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rickshaw view 2</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rKgSjL8J4Lw/U0HYw6mtsqI/AAAAAAAAJUg/q7E6P5QZlvk/s1600/012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rKgSjL8J4Lw/U0HYw6mtsqI/AAAAAAAAJUg/q7E6P5QZlvk/s1600/012.jpg" height="320" width="237" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Delightful</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zAUEXeSWaEU/U0HYyIw21hI/AAAAAAAAJUo/LAAYG8HMHVU/s1600/013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zAUEXeSWaEU/U0HYyIw21hI/AAAAAAAAJUo/LAAYG8HMHVU/s1600/013.jpg" height="193" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Love to pose</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--YaaX_TNelo/U0HYzCx4TjI/AAAAAAAAJUw/XabRDcK6dKc/s1600/014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--YaaX_TNelo/U0HYzCx4TjI/AAAAAAAAJUw/XabRDcK6dKc/s1600/014.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Most attractive display of hats I've seen</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G1IsZPS2Fkk/U0HdjxCVneI/AAAAAAAAJXY/TdViIEoJdeU/s1600/015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G1IsZPS2Fkk/U0HdjxCVneI/AAAAAAAAJXY/TdViIEoJdeU/s1600/015.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">And this lovely lady was ready to sell by example!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--7bAUfYk3SY/U0HY03opUaI/AAAAAAAAJU4/zlZUzzzX8Rk/s1600/016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--7bAUfYk3SY/U0HY03opUaI/AAAAAAAAJU4/zlZUzzzX8Rk/s1600/016.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Joyful moment</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z6VbDq9Q2YI/U0HY2oVJSaI/AAAAAAAAJVA/U4DL8bq2OgQ/s1600/017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z6VbDq9Q2YI/U0HY2oVJSaI/AAAAAAAAJVA/U4DL8bq2OgQ/s1600/017.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Different reactions</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lE5jWeLya9o/U0HY4EQwoyI/AAAAAAAAJVI/rkdyKMKy2MY/s1600/018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lE5jWeLya9o/U0HY4EQwoyI/AAAAAAAAJVI/rkdyKMKy2MY/s1600/018.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cute</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-62onYjsyFuU/U0HY5gm9WuI/AAAAAAAAJVQ/Jt9NJ3TpcWc/s1600/019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-62onYjsyFuU/U0HY5gm9WuI/AAAAAAAAJVQ/Jt9NJ3TpcWc/s1600/019.jpg" height="190" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Big sis and little ones</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5V0Qu5mTXLk/U0HY7Xyn0EI/AAAAAAAAJVY/UCREF3QHICg/s1600/020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5V0Qu5mTXLk/U0HY7Xyn0EI/AAAAAAAAJVY/UCREF3QHICg/s1600/020.jpg" height="125" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A dash of holiness</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T_TDlpjjIB0/U0HY8gnew4I/AAAAAAAAJVg/JOPtqQfNKm8/s1600/021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T_TDlpjjIB0/U0HY8gnew4I/AAAAAAAAJVg/JOPtqQfNKm8/s1600/021.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My magic wand</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PDuIQm9TV6g/U0HY-a8WIAI/AAAAAAAAJVo/BJK86IQlzMw/s1600/022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PDuIQm9TV6g/U0HY-a8WIAI/AAAAAAAAJVo/BJK86IQlzMw/s1600/022.jpg" height="178" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">You ask her out... no you!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IXJveqigA8w/U0HY_1OgBAI/AAAAAAAAJVw/oEF-MOTRLyA/s1600/023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IXJveqigA8w/U0HY_1OgBAI/AAAAAAAAJVw/oEF-MOTRLyA/s1600/023.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mum's in charge</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L4SDQ8UX-sQ/U0HZBdOTDkI/AAAAAAAAJV4/DsZYC7i928M/s1600/024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L4SDQ8UX-sQ/U0HZBdOTDkI/AAAAAAAAJV4/DsZYC7i928M/s1600/024.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Totally bodily relaxed</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nFwoQoRK18c/U0HZEkJOY6I/AAAAAAAAJWA/KWuALJS0GFM/s1600/025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nFwoQoRK18c/U0HZEkJOY6I/AAAAAAAAJWA/KWuALJS0GFM/s1600/025.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The market full of colour</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r8bAc1PzJKs/U0HZGPelt4I/AAAAAAAAJWI/HiI_fVujN8Q/s1600/026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r8bAc1PzJKs/U0HZGPelt4I/AAAAAAAAJWI/HiI_fVujN8Q/s1600/026.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Great headgear</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R2IxvqDvxFY/U0HZIfWc3lI/AAAAAAAAJWQ/p47XHUxBo10/s1600/027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R2IxvqDvxFY/U0HZIfWc3lI/AAAAAAAAJWQ/p47XHUxBo10/s1600/027.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The long view</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5o5LzZPUcO0/U0HZJzr4pdI/AAAAAAAAJWY/YEYnvIUGPRc/s1600/028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5o5LzZPUcO0/U0HZJzr4pdI/AAAAAAAAJWY/YEYnvIUGPRc/s1600/028.jpg" height="320" width="261" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'm the king of my castle</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5UfFxhY7SNo/U0HZLQ-BDaI/AAAAAAAAJWg/sNTkR3OOSYg/s1600/030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5UfFxhY7SNo/U0HZLQ-BDaI/AAAAAAAAJWg/sNTkR3OOSYg/s1600/030.jpg" height="260" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Adorable</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mwd2C-KEUss/U0HZM_zPCdI/AAAAAAAAJWo/0P61F1eGW98/s1600/031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mwd2C-KEUss/U0HZM_zPCdI/AAAAAAAAJWo/0P61F1eGW98/s1600/031.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mobile market</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0eLrNWEcjPM/U0HZOeIHaLI/AAAAAAAAJWw/I5ltDks-rtI/s1600/032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0eLrNWEcjPM/U0HZOeIHaLI/AAAAAAAAJWw/I5ltDks-rtI/s1600/032.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">After shower moment, happy with the pens</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H_0tatAq2h8/U0HZRpnyIII/AAAAAAAAJXA/gyf_JZXfmxI/s1600/034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H_0tatAq2h8/U0HZRpnyIII/AAAAAAAAJXA/gyf_JZXfmxI/s1600/034.jpg" height="144" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">how do I choose which one......????</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3SFXCbKaWXM/U0HZTCAnGyI/AAAAAAAAJXI/YqDqDJOMNyI/s1600/035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3SFXCbKaWXM/U0HZTCAnGyI/AAAAAAAAJXI/YqDqDJOMNyI/s1600/035.jpg" height="320" width="190" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Who needs a sophisticated, expensive baby carrier?</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thanks for coming! :)</div>
</div>
Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12279568965229347907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17944189.post-82120224364899041872014-03-16T13:01:00.000+08:002014-03-23T13:36:36.364+08:00Evening Walks in Brussels, Belgium<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hi and welcome. This is the second post from my visit to Brussels in late February. Two evening walks, both of which ended in the Grand Place. No photos of the Grand Place today as my last post was dedicated to it. You can find the <a href="http://alaninsingapore.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/la-grand-place-from-dusk-to-dark.html" target="_blank">photos here</a>: Enjoy the walk!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n99MX4Z8lwo/UyT0XZGyCgI/AAAAAAAAJPI/mNUYj2u001E/s1600/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n99MX4Z8lwo/UyT0XZGyCgI/AAAAAAAAJPI/mNUYj2u001E/s1600/001.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Brussels the capital, is the largest city of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgium" title="Belgium">Belgium</a> and the <i>de facto</i> capital of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Union" title="European Union">European Union</a> (EU). Lots of squares with some garden area in Brussels</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n9Wa-6p0CPE/UyT0VvWr_YI/AAAAAAAAJO4/COaQV3MtsFk/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n9Wa-6p0CPE/UyT0VvWr_YI/AAAAAAAAJO4/COaQV3MtsFk/s1600/002.jpg" height="216" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Brussels has grown from a 10th-century fortress town founded by a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles,_Duke_of_Lower_Lorraine" title="Charles, Duke of Lower Lorraine">descendant of Charlemagne</a> to a sizeable city.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-History_10-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brussels#cite_note-History-10"></a></sup> The city has a population of 1.2 million and a metropolitan area with a population of over 1.8 million</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Mp5G7arZLw/UyT0XJTVEMI/AAAAAAAAJPE/3irGpvTbFXA/s1600/003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Mp5G7arZLw/UyT0XJTVEMI/AAAAAAAAJPE/3irGpvTbFXA/s1600/003.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I was working during the day but free late afternoon on both the nights I was there. This is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Th%C3%A9%C3%A2tre_Royal_du_Parc"><b>T</b></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" target="_blank">héâtre Royal du Parc</a>. It was built in 1782 </span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nne-Xj_X9nE/UyT2H_B7uMI/AAAAAAAAJSs/y5Lk08u9cj4/s1600/004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nne-Xj_X9nE/UyT2H_B7uMI/AAAAAAAAJSs/y5Lk08u9cj4/s1600/004.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This building is tucked away behind the Theatre. I don't know what it is but it is very intriguing. If you know please leave a comment. Thanks!</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AkK_o8EcWaQ/UyT0ZSuYqSI/AAAAAAAAJPU/izskCnRDme8/s1600/005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AkK_o8EcWaQ/UyT0ZSuYqSI/AAAAAAAAJPU/izskCnRDme8/s1600/005.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palace_of_the_Nation" title="Palace of the Nation">Palace of the Nation</a>, seat of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgian_Federal_Parliament" title="Belgian Federal Parliament">Belgian Federal Parliament</a></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fS0mT8IncAM/UyT0Z9fA0VI/AAAAAAAAJPY/ZbJkqs30ejc/s1600/006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fS0mT8IncAM/UyT0Z9fA0VI/AAAAAAAAJPY/ZbJkqs30ejc/s1600/006.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Walking toward the historical centre of Brussels</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KxIjCgl2c3Q/UyT0a4vjOYI/AAAAAAAAJPg/Emwj5hR-N9E/s1600/007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KxIjCgl2c3Q/UyT0a4vjOYI/AAAAAAAAJPg/Emwj5hR-N9E/s1600/007.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Imposing building!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;">
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-urJiSeMP-9k/UyT0byKd5MI/AAAAAAAAJPo/93BCB6z2AGk/s1600/008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-urJiSeMP-9k/UyT0byKd5MI/AAAAAAAAJPo/93BCB6z2AGk/s1600/008.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathedral_of_St._Michael_and_St._Gudula" target="_blank"><b>Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula</b> </a>is a <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic" title="Roman Catholic">Roman Catholic</a> church on the <a class="new" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Treurenberg_Hill&action=edit&redlink=1" title="Treurenberg Hill (page does not exist)">Treurenberg Hill</a>. The church was given cathedral status in February 1962 and has since been the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Co-cathedral" title="Co-cathedral">co-cathedral</a> of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic_Archdiocese_of_Mechelen-Brussels" title="Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Mechelen-Brussels">Archdiocese of Mechelen-Brussels</a>, together with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Rumbold%27s_Cathedral" title="St. Rumbold's Cathedral">St. Rumbold's Cathedral</a> in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mechelen" title="Mechelen">Mechelen</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Lpm_dw152E/UyT2H9CUGPI/AAAAAAAAJSo/gT7akG43TcM/s1600/009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Lpm_dw152E/UyT2H9CUGPI/AAAAAAAAJSo/gT7akG43TcM/s1600/009.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I don't know who this is. If you do, can you leave a comment for me? Thanks!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TYDPjXuEA54/UyT0djlfaeI/AAAAAAAAJPw/xKlpfrRLZbg/s1600/010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TYDPjXuEA54/UyT0djlfaeI/AAAAAAAAJPw/xKlpfrRLZbg/s1600/010.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Since the end of the <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_World_War" title="Second World War">Second World War</a>, Brussels has been a principal centre for international politics. Hosting principal <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Institutions_of_the_European_Union" title="Institutions of the European Union">EU institutions</a> and the headquarters of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NATO" title="NATO">North Atlantic Treaty Organization</a>
(NATO), the city has become the polyglot home of numerous international
organisations, politicians, diplomats and civil servants</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cW7zNQjIbwY/UyT0fm54raI/AAAAAAAAJP4/I3r75cwlWyg/s1600/011.jpg" height="213" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'm getting close to the Centre now. Lovely buildings illuminated</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cW7zNQjIbwY/UyT0fm54raI/AAAAAAAAJP4/I3r75cwlWyg/s1600/011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BciEpgR-G1I/UyT0hdCWvLI/AAAAAAAAJQA/6zA75vqIosg/s1600/012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BciEpgR-G1I/UyT0hdCWvLI/AAAAAAAAJQA/6zA75vqIosg/s1600/012.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Historically Dutch-speaking, Brussels has seen a <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francisation_of_Brussels" title="Francisation of Brussels">major shift to French</a> since Belgian independence in 1830. Today, although the majority language is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_language" title="French language">French</a>, the city is officially <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bilingual" title="Bilingual">bilingual</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w4Qat4lDzEE/UyT0jhBN0KI/AAAAAAAAJQI/6EFa2SyFbl0/s1600/013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w4Qat4lDzEE/UyT0jhBN0KI/AAAAAAAAJQI/6EFa2SyFbl0/s1600/013.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is the end of the first walk</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pPty762QA08/UyT0lYWMqZI/AAAAAAAAJQQ/ZuHDiJOIDYY/s1600/014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pPty762QA08/UyT0lYWMqZI/AAAAAAAAJQQ/ZuHDiJOIDYY/s1600/014.jpg" height="161" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.europarl.europa.eu/visiting/en/visits/parlamentarium.html">Parlamentarium</a><br /> the Eropean Parliament's Visitors' Centre</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LwNraKwwDjA/UyT0nExsW7I/AAAAAAAAJQY/NgRVl26jNvM/s1600/015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LwNraKwwDjA/UyT0nExsW7I/AAAAAAAAJQY/NgRVl26jNvM/s1600/015.jpg" height="170" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Just up from the Parlamentarium</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d4p6QqzJUOQ/UyT0pkQhNEI/AAAAAAAAJQg/Q3AYOYmYPiE/s1600/016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d4p6QqzJUOQ/UyT0pkQhNEI/AAAAAAAAJQg/Q3AYOYmYPiE/s1600/016.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Place_du_Luxembourg">The Place du Luxembourg</a> (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_language" title="French language">French</a>) or <b>Luxemburgplein</b> (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutch_language" title="Dutch language">Dutch</a>) is a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Town_square" title="Town square">square</a> in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brussels_and_the_European_Union" title="Brussels and the European Union">European Quarter</a>.<sup> </sup>It is better known by local European bureaucrats and journalists by one of its nicknames, <i>"Place Lux"</i> or <i>"Plux"</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uq4xmi17Qlw/UyT0rZSLpoI/AAAAAAAAJQo/c5t4lkAns0s/s1600/017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uq4xmi17Qlw/UyT0rZSLpoI/AAAAAAAAJQo/c5t4lkAns0s/s1600/017.jpg" height="177" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Getting close now to the Royal Palace</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i2892yTv534/UyT0s0eUaWI/AAAAAAAAJQw/xWOj_r-nUEs/s1600/018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i2892yTv534/UyT0s0eUaWI/AAAAAAAAJQw/xWOj_r-nUEs/s1600/018.jpg" height="144" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Palace_of_Brussels">Royal Palace of Brussels</a> (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutch_language" title="Dutch language">Dutch</a>: <span lang="nl"><i>Koninklijk Paleis van Brussel</i></span> is the official palace of the <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monarchy_of_Belgium" title="Monarchy of Belgium">King and Queen of the Belgians</a></i> in the centre of the capital. However it is not used as a royal residence, as the king and his family live in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Palace_of_Laeken" title="Royal Palace of Laeken">Royal Palace of Laeken</a> on the outskirts of Brussels</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IPozgEIYdNY/UyT0uL33VHI/AAAAAAAAJQ4/jTCpK4iiO-Q/s1600/019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IPozgEIYdNY/UyT0uL33VHI/AAAAAAAAJQ4/jTCpK4iiO-Q/s1600/019.jpg" height="142" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">"<i>The Palace is where His Majesty the King exercises his prerogatives
as Head of State, grants audiences and deals with affairs of state.
Apart from the offices of the King and the Queen, the Royal Palace
houses the services of the Grand Marshal of the Court, the King's Head
of Cabinet, the Head of the King's Military Household and the Intendant
of the King's Civil List. The Palace also includes the State Rooms where
large receptions are held, as well as the apartments provided for
foreign Heads of State during official visits.</i>"</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JVmi44qBpx4/UyT0v0EwIdI/AAAAAAAAJRA/fq4Jg9gZerc/s1600/020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JVmi44qBpx4/UyT0v0EwIdI/AAAAAAAAJRA/fq4Jg9gZerc/s1600/020.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Clock Tower of St. Jacobs</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lOkre8zIKMg/UyT0xcjCuTI/AAAAAAAAJRI/3lL4Buru_oU/s1600/021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lOkre8zIKMg/UyT0xcjCuTI/AAAAAAAAJRI/3lL4Buru_oU/s1600/021.jpg" height="167" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lovely square</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h0VkYRRkhHI/UyT0zEuLoPI/AAAAAAAAJRQ/nd3YGDX4Tq8/s1600/022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h0VkYRRkhHI/UyT0zEuLoPI/AAAAAAAAJRQ/nd3YGDX4Tq8/s1600/022.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musical_Instrument_Museum_%28Brussels%29">Musical Instrument Museum (MIM)</a> is a music museum in central Brussels. It is part of the <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Museums_for_Art_and_History" title="Royal Museums for Art and History">Royal Museums for Art and History</a> and internationally renowned for its collection of over 8000 instruments. The museum's current location, as of 2000, is in the former Old England department store, built in 1899 by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Saintenoy" title="Paul Saintenoy">Paul Saintenoy</a> out of girded steel and glass in the <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_nouveau" title="Art nouveau">art nouveau</a> style as well as an 18th-century neo-classic building designed by Barnabé Guimard</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wYbMX7qOnjQ/UyT00orbLfI/AAAAAAAAJRY/CaM4yupylog/s1600/023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wYbMX7qOnjQ/UyT00orbLfI/AAAAAAAAJRY/CaM4yupylog/s1600/023.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sunset.....</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V-xC4dsEvro/UyT02F3-HfI/AAAAAAAAJRg/rSih9GnbI_Y/s1600/024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V-xC4dsEvro/UyT02F3-HfI/AAAAAAAAJRg/rSih9GnbI_Y/s1600/024.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">.....always a winner</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CXZRoKJwXVY/UyT03-Ct6gI/AAAAAAAAJRo/tKzYxwtdeVE/s1600/025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CXZRoKJwXVY/UyT03-Ct6gI/AAAAAAAAJRo/tKzYxwtdeVE/s1600/025.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Square_%E2%80%93_Brussels_Meeting_Centre">Square – Brussels Meeting Centre</a> is the name of a convention centre. It is run by the GL Events
group and situated in cultural and historic district of Brussels near
the national and international institutions, overlooking the city from
the hillside of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mont_des_Arts" title="Mont des Arts">Mont des Arts</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-35zQgLwYMNU/UyT055H3xFI/AAAAAAAAJRw/ZqY88qsdaRM/s1600/025a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-35zQgLwYMNU/UyT055H3xFI/AAAAAAAAJRw/ZqY88qsdaRM/s1600/025a.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Handsome couple</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K5Wv-RBFWso/UyT07ivVnHI/AAAAAAAAJR4/QxYYcrGu2W0/s1600/026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K5Wv-RBFWso/UyT07ivVnHI/AAAAAAAAJR4/QxYYcrGu2W0/s1600/026.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Getting closer to the centre </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rVnubCyTsuI/UyT09G4DFvI/AAAAAAAAJSA/flLCdrIBsJI/s1600/027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rVnubCyTsuI/UyT09G4DFvI/AAAAAAAAJSA/flLCdrIBsJI/s1600/027.jpg" height="174" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Gorgeous light</span>.......</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ww0HINveZDw/UyT0_F8ML2I/AAAAAAAAJSI/BlEjEp6EHAM/s1600/028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ww0HINveZDw/UyT0_F8ML2I/AAAAAAAAJSI/BlEjEp6EHAM/s1600/028.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">.....makes it hard to stop.....</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MhCv822HDgs/UyT1Afmp_sI/AAAAAAAAJSQ/-tzYGAQiQAQ/s1600/029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MhCv822HDgs/UyT1Afmp_sI/AAAAAAAAJSQ/-tzYGAQiQAQ/s1600/029.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">......taking shots</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b3UnZ9okT70/UyT1B4HPJBI/AAAAAAAAJSY/cDNoJ7LFctM/s1600/030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b3UnZ9okT70/UyT1B4HPJBI/AAAAAAAAJSY/cDNoJ7LFctM/s1600/030.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Looking back</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t0yyBaRNMa8/UyT1DR74AGI/AAAAAAAAJSg/Vjon1dIVoNU/s1600/031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t0yyBaRNMa8/UyT1DR74AGI/AAAAAAAAJSg/Vjon1dIVoNU/s1600/031.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I leave you with this lovely building. Thanks to Wikipedia as always. Hope to see you soon</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12279568965229347907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17944189.post-46951845552748910352014-03-04T17:27:00.001+08:002014-03-09T13:20:33.130+08:00La Grand Place from Dusk to Dark, Brussels, Belgium<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Welcome to my blog. A couple of weeks ago I traveled to Brussels on a business trip. I had two evenings to walk and take photos. It was my first time in Brussels. Somehow I had managed to miss seeing any photos or video footage of La Grand Place. I stepped into the square and was rooted to the spot. It took my breath away. Enjoy the photos.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d1VfNbG9uWI/UxNAhfbdrxI/AAAAAAAAJLg/tFk4LMn_Bhk/s1600/01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d1VfNbG9uWI/UxNAhfbdrxI/AAAAAAAAJLg/tFk4LMn_Bhk/s1600/01.jpg" height="320" width="210" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Spire of the Town Hall lit up by the setting sun......</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iMyHWX_wS5I/UxNAiXMBjeI/AAAAAAAAJLw/iphwohCU8Zw/s1600/02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iMyHWX_wS5I/UxNAiXMBjeI/AAAAAAAAJLw/iphwohCU8Zw/s1600/02.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">......beckons you to La Grand Place.....</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ESCtFYDztg/UxNAidYQxbI/AAAAAAAAJLs/6Pe1BtUoL6w/s1600/03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ESCtFYDztg/UxNAidYQxbI/AAAAAAAAJLs/6Pe1BtUoL6w/s1600/03.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">.....and here it is!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The square is the most important tourist destination and most memorable landmark in Brussels. It measures 68 by 110 metres (223 by 361 ft), and
it is a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UNESCO" title="UNESCO">UNESCO</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Heritage_Site" title="World Heritage Site">World Heritage Site</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ucl5-JX1Vg/UxNCTmC3TeI/AAAAAAAAJOY/earEetM6yoM/s1600/04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ucl5-JX1Vg/UxNCTmC3TeI/AAAAAAAAJOY/earEetM6yoM/s1600/04.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The public and private buildings in the square date mainly from the late 17th century </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p8asxKfxh28/UxNAkeSIsMI/AAAAAAAAJL4/5LWwmAZo2mA/s1600/05.jpg" height="213" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Guildhalls on La Grand Place</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8tfwl62dyc/UxNCwXCyUDI/AAAAAAAAJOg/UMqY3sgxLsE/s1600/06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8tfwl62dyc/UxNCwXCyUDI/AAAAAAAAJOg/UMqY3sgxLsE/s1600/06.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Detail</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tWPXajkyCSE/UxNAmcVYiiI/AAAAAAAAJMA/2CQ4I-Mfioc/s1600/07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tWPXajkyCSE/UxNAmcVYiiI/AAAAAAAAJMA/2CQ4I-Mfioc/s1600/07.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Just lovely!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-to-w1IuJ7Ek/UxNAntA9MWI/AAAAAAAAJMI/yK4mXIHMY1c/s1600/08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-to-w1IuJ7Ek/UxNAntA9MWI/AAAAAAAAJMI/yK4mXIHMY1c/s1600/08.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The square from a different perspective</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1jnibLrKhHs/UxNAphpu5QI/AAAAAAAAJMQ/PCgp2jN8w8E/s1600/09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1jnibLrKhHs/UxNAphpu5QI/AAAAAAAAJMQ/PCgp2jN8w8E/s1600/09.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A cluster of private buildings on the west side of the square</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NhiEY0MKJ0E/UxNArcUvq0I/AAAAAAAAJMY/2zuh61dumic/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NhiEY0MKJ0E/UxNArcUvq0I/AAAAAAAAJMY/2zuh61dumic/s1600/10.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">From 1504 to 1536 the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duke_of_Brabant" title="Duke of Brabant">Duke of Brabant</a> built a large building across from the city hall as symbol of ducal power. It was built on the site of the first cloth and bread markets, which were no longer in use, and it became known as the <i>King's House</i> (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_Dutch" title="Middle Dutch">Middle Dutch</a>: '<i>s Conincxhuys</i>), although no king has ever lived there. It is currently known as the <i>Maison du roi</i> (King's House) in French, though in Dutch it continues to be called the <i>Broodhuis</i> (Breadhouse), after the market whose place it took</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jG8Eoo-llB0/UxNAs2xFbXI/AAAAAAAAJMg/kD3siUXJm3M/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jG8Eoo-llB0/UxNAs2xFbXI/AAAAAAAAJMg/kD3siUXJm3M/s1600/11.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brussels_City_Hall" title="Brussels City Hall">Brussels City Hall</a>
was built on the south side of the square in stages between 1401 and
1455, and made the Grand Place the seat of municipal power. It towers 96
metres (315 ft) high, and is capped by a 3 metre (12 ft) statue of <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Michael" title="Saint Michael">Saint Michael</a> slaying a demon</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nbte1AU4nT8/UxNAvAzB07I/AAAAAAAAJMo/a8UCrkYGbhE/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nbte1AU4nT8/UxNAvAzB07I/AAAAAAAAJMo/a8UCrkYGbhE/s1600/12.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Grand Place was voted the most beautiful square in Europe in 2010. A <a class="external text" href="http://www.wantedworldwide.net/news/7132/brussels_grandplace_voted_most_beautiful_square_in_europe.html" rel="nofollow">survey</a> by a Dutch website (stedentripper.com)
asked its users to rate different squares across Europe. Moscow’s Red
Square and the Place Stanislas in Nancy, France, took second and third
place</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HVQOBrSe_9A/UxNAwyk7elI/AAAAAAAAJMw/9fmhFhLmcys/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HVQOBrSe_9A/UxNAwyk7elI/AAAAAAAAJMw/9fmhFhLmcys/s1600/13.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Night gathers pace and lights illuminate the beauties of La Place</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8YsBc-YN4sc/UxNAy0cw1yI/AAAAAAAAJM4/3xJnLeK9PyE/s1600/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8YsBc-YN4sc/UxNAy0cw1yI/AAAAAAAAJM4/3xJnLeK9PyE/s1600/14.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall), which covers most of the south side of
the Grand Place, consists of a group of buildings around a rectangular
internal courtyard. The part facing on to the square is from the 15th
century, consisting of two L-shaped buildings. The entire facade is
decorated with statues dating from the 19th century</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L-On_WHbRek/UxNA1AEab8I/AAAAAAAAJNA/lythMcu_P20/s1600/15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L-On_WHbRek/UxNA1AEab8I/AAAAAAAAJNA/lythMcu_P20/s1600/15.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dusk turns.....</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qdK4S6NXTEQ/UxNA3CgAzDI/AAAAAAAAJNI/fjNkAv5M2VA/s1600/15a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qdK4S6NXTEQ/UxNA3CgAzDI/AAAAAAAAJNI/fjNkAv5M2VA/s1600/15a.jpg" height="208" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">.....into dark...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kUVQKUujbPE/UxNA4y2LC2I/AAAAAAAAJNQ/EsFGqZJIDZo/s1600/15b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kUVQKUujbPE/UxNA4y2LC2I/AAAAAAAAJNQ/EsFGqZJIDZo/s1600/15b.jpg" height="205" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">....beauty</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o5Q5Bfr4Ffc/UxNA7LEzeHI/AAAAAAAAJNY/Jf1mXURBblQ/s1600/16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o5Q5Bfr4Ffc/UxNA7LEzeHI/AAAAAAAAJNY/Jf1mXURBblQ/s1600/16.jpg" height="145" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Monument Everard 't Serclaes. One of the greatest works of Julien Dillens (1849-1904). It is badly damaged (it's meant to be black) and will be restored</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PVY1xDF85Vk/UxNA9HEEtZI/AAAAAAAAJNg/AwqPzn8FPUc/s1600/17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PVY1xDF85Vk/UxNA9HEEtZI/AAAAAAAAJNg/AwqPzn8FPUc/s1600/17.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The architecture is from 3 different eras (Baroque, Gothic and Louis XIV) giving it an eclectic but still harmonious flavour</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N8MQwL5qIV8/UxNA_6sO98I/AAAAAAAAJNo/p1obB5rSeP0/s1600/18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N8MQwL5qIV8/UxNA_6sO98I/AAAAAAAAJNo/p1obB5rSeP0/s1600/18.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Historically, the Grand Place was essentially a market place
where traders and citizens sold and bought food. Therefore you will
notice that all the streets surrounding the square are named after foods
like chicken (poulet), herbs (herbes), and cheese (fromage) </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3qvNVCa10eM/UxNBBtzLnCI/AAAAAAAAJNw/N5QL3bIHhew/s1600/18a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3qvNVCa10eM/UxNBBtzLnCI/AAAAAAAAJNw/N5QL3bIHhew/s1600/18a.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">In 1523 the first Protestant martyrs, Hendrik Voes and Jan Van Essen, were burned by the Inquisition in the square</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TCF9nX_mG0k/UxNBDnxtVRI/AAAAAAAAJN4/vbcuT4H9Iys/s1600/19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TCF9nX_mG0k/UxNBDnxtVRI/AAAAAAAAJN4/vbcuT4H9Iys/s1600/19.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Every two years since 1986, La Place
is covered on August 15 with a
splendid and ephemeral <a href="http://www.ilotsacre.be/images/2008TapisdeFleurs.JPG"><span style="color: blue;"><u>flowers
carpet</u></span></a> of 1.800 square metres, made up of a million
colourful begonias, which
attracts thousands of visitors coming from the whole world</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X9RJZ2zQrSc/UxNBFbetceI/AAAAAAAAJOA/nfR1OTVk6Fw/s1600/19a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X9RJZ2zQrSc/UxNBFbetceI/AAAAAAAAJOA/nfR1OTVk6Fw/s1600/19a.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The following morning I travelled to Amsterdam and then back to Singapore</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OCmzpbWvAHI/UxNBHQQPaVI/AAAAAAAAJOI/DNjxeFbxJ9Q/s1600/19b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OCmzpbWvAHI/UxNBHQQPaVI/AAAAAAAAJOI/DNjxeFbxJ9Q/s1600/19b.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I loved my time in this gorgeous square </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MJAbvzvFKSA/UxNBI3qE-LI/AAAAAAAAJOQ/pX4P8TiNyww/s1600/20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MJAbvzvFKSA/UxNBI3qE-LI/AAAAAAAAJOQ/pX4P8TiNyww/s1600/20.jpg" height="172" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">and found it hard to drag myself away</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Next time I'll take you on a walk so you can see other parts of this lovely city</span></td></tr>
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Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12279568965229347907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17944189.post-76208244664448733252014-02-02T12:00:00.000+08:002014-02-02T12:58:23.551+08:00Chinatown, Chinese New Year Singapore 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Gong Xi Fa Cai! Welcome to my blog. Yesterday morning I went early to Chinatown before the crowds to get some shots of the New Year decorations. It was a beautiful sunny, breezy, cool morning. Rare weather for Singapore. Even rarer that we have had three weeks of it!. It was fun wandering the streets and taking shots before most got up. As I was leaving the crowds were beginning to arrive. I hope you enjoy the photos
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SUT-Xj2nhHI/Uu2PcMxeZPI/AAAAAAAAI88/v4RqDjFkP-A/s1600/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SUT-Xj2nhHI/Uu2PcMxeZPI/AAAAAAAAI88/v4RqDjFkP-A/s1600/001.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is Pagoda Street</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E0t8L__0bI4/Uu2PcO56FOI/AAAAAAAAI9A/Xx2lKjok4wI/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E0t8L__0bI4/Uu2PcO56FOI/AAAAAAAAI9A/Xx2lKjok4wI/s1600/002.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Part of the shophouse herittage that has remained in Singapore</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--2LDiqRBZYc/Uu2Pc6o8MEI/AAAAAAAAI9E/I9GNaj2kxg0/s1600/003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--2LDiqRBZYc/Uu2Pc6o8MEI/AAAAAAAAI9E/I9GNaj2kxg0/s1600/003.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I enjoyed the colourful lanterns and I make no apology for them featuring heavily in this blog!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-76PeiJgAQrA/Uu2Pd-PqfbI/AAAAAAAAI9M/DobJW3lrrnM/s1600/004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-76PeiJgAQrA/Uu2Pd-PqfbI/AAAAAAAAI9M/DobJW3lrrnM/s1600/004.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Early light, deserted and mine!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Sz7kCYiDcE/Uu2Q84b2HfI/AAAAAAAAJAE/2pbPAe9-cg0/s1600/005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Sz7kCYiDcE/Uu2Q84b2HfI/AAAAAAAAJAE/2pbPAe9-cg0/s1600/005.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Soooo rare to be able to take shots with this kind of sky in Singapore :):):)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WRIR1Wf8GF8/Uu2Q8hm8AWI/AAAAAAAAJAA/1r0l-iFz-ak/s1600/006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WRIR1Wf8GF8/Uu2Q8hm8AWI/AAAAAAAAJAA/1r0l-iFz-ak/s1600/006.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Looking back up Pagoda Street with the sun behind me</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FUHF79Q7JOk/Uu2PfqdTGaI/AAAAAAAAI9U/abxUepq-dZo/s1600/007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FUHF79Q7JOk/Uu2PfqdTGaI/AAAAAAAAI9U/abxUepq-dZo/s1600/007.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">New moon!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Azs6v1jZYKc/Uu2Pgzf6HBI/AAAAAAAAI9c/GCo6oYqF5o8/s1600/008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Azs6v1jZYKc/Uu2Pgzf6HBI/AAAAAAAAI9c/GCo6oYqF5o8/s1600/008.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Young lady.....</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0pwg5PRGiPw/Uu2PiVsotoI/AAAAAAAAI9k/30N6GD11tV0/s1600/009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0pwg5PRGiPw/Uu2PiVsotoI/AAAAAAAAI9k/30N6GD11tV0/s1600/009.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The <b>Sri Mariamman Temple</b> is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore" title="Singapore">Singapore</a>'s oldest <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_temple" title="Hindu temple">Hindu temple</a></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gGRef51Ctnc/Uu2PkMcWtHI/AAAAAAAAI9s/HSJgCpVTJqI/s1600/010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gGRef51Ctnc/Uu2PkMcWtHI/AAAAAAAAI9s/HSJgCpVTJqI/s1600/010.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">You can see the entrance here to the left of the entrance to Pagoda Street</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jG_RBddyIhg/Uu2PmerkfSI/AAAAAAAAI90/0hLl1WKkTuA/s1600/011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jG_RBddyIhg/Uu2PmerkfSI/AAAAAAAAI90/0hLl1WKkTuA/s1600/011.jpg" height="164" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is now the Year of the Horse</span>...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oSgiAK7oLBQ/Uu2PoIFcW-I/AAAAAAAAI98/_At2YRXy-Uw/s1600/012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oSgiAK7oLBQ/Uu2PoIFcW-I/AAAAAAAAI98/_At2YRXy-Uw/s1600/012.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">...but these are Temple cows</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lc1GghLV5No/Uu2PrApjdNI/AAAAAAAAI-E/WWz6yRrzdFw/s1600/013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lc1GghLV5No/Uu2PrApjdNI/AAAAAAAAI-E/WWz6yRrzdFw/s1600/013.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Quite crowded!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LEngrtlsJi8/Uu2PtD4DdsI/AAAAAAAAI-M/Jof-Ls7OMOU/s1600/014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LEngrtlsJi8/Uu2PtD4DdsI/AAAAAAAAI-M/Jof-Ls7OMOU/s1600/014.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Temple Street</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YUsMlGEhJ0Q/Uu2Pu1KWVAI/AAAAAAAAI-U/2Ps4QeOwI0A/s1600/015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YUsMlGEhJ0Q/Uu2Pu1KWVAI/AAAAAAAAI-U/2Ps4QeOwI0A/s1600/015.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Angle</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eXtoyoC0qeE/Uu2PwLYpBOI/AAAAAAAAI-c/1qx_hYFzw5k/s1600/016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eXtoyoC0qeE/Uu2PwLYpBOI/AAAAAAAAI-c/1qx_hYFzw5k/s1600/016.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">More angles</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jk9-ZIvZCJ4/Uu2Pxf-YNAI/AAAAAAAAI-k/0DgTT8K0SUY/s1600/017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jk9-ZIvZCJ4/Uu2Pxf-YNAI/AAAAAAAAI-k/0DgTT8K0SUY/s1600/017.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">People beginning to arrive</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsWWMBWE4eY/Uu2PyyYM64I/AAAAAAAAI-s/aB4YthHy13Q/s1600/018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsWWMBWE4eY/Uu2PyyYM64I/AAAAAAAAI-s/aB4YthHy13Q/s1600/018.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big money, BIG PROSPERITY!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e7IgxD26bPE/Uu2P0qXH5XI/AAAAAAAAI-0/AnqQENMTFW0/s1600/019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e7IgxD26bPE/Uu2P0qXH5XI/AAAAAAAAI-0/AnqQENMTFW0/s1600/019.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of big money, LOTS OF BIG PROSPERITY!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lpCxf9FAdUk/Uu2P2aQUiXI/AAAAAAAAI-8/vCnPcDt7SGg/s1600/020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lpCxf9FAdUk/Uu2P2aQUiXI/AAAAAAAAI-8/vCnPcDt7SGg/s1600/020.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">People born in the year of the horse have ingenious communicating
techniques and in their community they always want to be in the
limelight</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D0DpBa5sbQ4/Uu2P34tww0I/AAAAAAAAI_E/igGmHBH8VDY/s1600/021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D0DpBa5sbQ4/Uu2P34tww0I/AAAAAAAAI_E/igGmHBH8VDY/s1600/021.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Exquisitely Chinese</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O5qqUb6YF88/Uu2P5Z6eN6I/AAAAAAAAI_M/rB-ayniLNqI/s1600/022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O5qqUb6YF88/Uu2P5Z6eN6I/AAAAAAAAI_M/rB-ayniLNqI/s1600/022.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">View of Pagoda Street from above the entrance to the MRT station entrance</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Om7s4vFpfLo/Uu2P65Mp2OI/AAAAAAAAI_U/f2mmCUTeM0Q/s1600/023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Om7s4vFpfLo/Uu2P65Mp2OI/AAAAAAAAI_U/f2mmCUTeM0Q/s1600/023.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not graffiti!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G2osUf7gBVQ/Uu2P85MtJbI/AAAAAAAAI_c/yZ_2cVi-Zk0/s1600/024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G2osUf7gBVQ/Uu2P85MtJbI/AAAAAAAAI_c/yZ_2cVi-Zk0/s1600/024.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'm a sheep/goat. Apparently I am compatible with Horse people</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wD--KxShago/Uu2P-UCUUqI/AAAAAAAAI_k/qeIOgB7KQQE/s1600/025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wD--KxShago/Uu2P-UCUUqI/AAAAAAAAI_k/qeIOgB7KQQE/s1600/025.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">No traffic.....yet</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aadI2ldI5m0/Uu2QBQqlgyI/AAAAAAAAI_s/OUDV44-8PO8/s1600/026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aadI2ldI5m0/Uu2QBQqlgyI/AAAAAAAAI_s/OUDV44-8PO8/s1600/026.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Just lovely</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JQergPUotDo/Uu2QDLSEznI/AAAAAAAAI_0/xiyIo7aWjoE/s1600/027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JQergPUotDo/Uu2QDLSEznI/AAAAAAAAI_0/xiyIo7aWjoE/s1600/027.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Just love the shophouses</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2qH9QxA0nmo/Uu2QFFTDtkI/AAAAAAAAI_8/Rtt6xvCqb_k/s1600/028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2qH9QxA0nmo/Uu2QFFTDtkI/AAAAAAAAI_8/Rtt6xvCqb_k/s1600/028.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">In the heart of <a href="http://www.mydestination.com/singapore/regionalinfo/6179701/china-town" target="_blank">Chinatown</a>
at Chinatown Point, a lucky banyan tree or Wishing Tree has been
installed. The tradition is to write your secret wishes on a card, tie
it to a mandarin orange and throw it onto the tree. If the mandarin
orange stays on the tree, it said that your wishes come true. Thanks for coming. May the year of the horse be full of health, love, prosperity and happiness.</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12279568965229347907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17944189.post-67816248972314420362014-01-26T12:42:00.000+08:002014-01-26T13:04:08.785+08:00Kbal Spean. (ក្បាលស្ពាន) Angkor, Cambodia<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi and welcome. Over the New Year my wife, Daniela and I returned to Siem Reap to enjoy the wonders of Angkor a second time. It was fabulous to go back and absorb the atmosphere and beauty of the temples and nature. You can see blogs of my first visit here: <a href="http://alaninsingapore.blogspot.co.uk/2011/01/siem-reap-cambodia.html" target="_blank">Siem Reap</a>, here:<a href="http://alaninsingapore.blogspot.co.uk/2011/04/angkor-wat-cambodia.html%20and" target="_blank">Angkor Wat</a> and here:<a href="http://alaninsingapore.blogspot.co.uk/2011/01/angkor-thom-cambodia.html" target="_blank"> Angkor Thom</a>. Many thanks to Wikipedia for the factual comments. I hope you enjoy the photos
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JGyA3PmfY6c/UuL86BQfmqI/AAAAAAAAI6E/QNox363zpak/s1600/000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JGyA3PmfY6c/UuL86BQfmqI/AAAAAAAAI6E/QNox363zpak/s1600/000.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: small;">Kbal Spean (Khmer: ក្បាលស្ពាន) ("Bridge Head") is an Angkorian era archaeological site on the southwest slopes of the Kulen Hills to the northeast of Angkor in Siem Reap District, Siem Reap Province, Cambodia</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-APvZTdnC8vY/UuL85yL3eRI/AAAAAAAAI6A/ltKFJdAeU7Q/s1600/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-APvZTdnC8vY/UuL85yL3eRI/AAAAAAAAI6A/ltKFJdAeU7Q/s1600/001.jpg" height="320" width="314" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The trek up the slopes of the Kulen Hills is a little demanding. In places steps are provided and gratefully used!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-42uaN53hK5g/UuL86xqgRII/AAAAAAAAI6M/t0O1S3XO9NQ/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-42uaN53hK5g/UuL86xqgRII/AAAAAAAAI6M/t0O1S3XO9NQ/s1600/002.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Incredible tree trunk</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hjx4UYDLwZA/UuL875CZQoI/AAAAAAAAI6U/Ss0zAndp_Z4/s1600/003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hjx4UYDLwZA/UuL875CZQoI/AAAAAAAAI6U/Ss0zAndp_Z4/s1600/003.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Light and shadow</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MpYVW-6FsVE/UuL898uo26I/AAAAAAAAI6g/qzzGEyzhQbc/s1600/004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MpYVW-6FsVE/UuL898uo26I/AAAAAAAAI6g/qzzGEyzhQbc/s1600/004.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The site consists of a series of stone carvings in sandstone formations carved in the river bed and banks. You can see a grid pattern layout with the channel flowing out representing <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoni" title="Yoni">Yoni</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OoBqWwGW5vs/UuL-B-KFrrI/AAAAAAAAI8g/3bwxWJD84v0/s1600/005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OoBqWwGW5vs/UuL-B-KFrrI/AAAAAAAAI8g/3bwxWJD84v0/s1600/005.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The stone carvings represent Hindu deities</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-36KFbcDUgLc/UuL8_jNPXBI/AAAAAAAAI6o/72iSKNmA9dY/s1600/005a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-36KFbcDUgLc/UuL8_jNPXBI/AAAAAAAAI6o/72iSKNmA9dY/s1600/005a.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kbal Spean is described as "a spectacularly carved riverbed, set deep in the jungle to the northeast of Angkor". The river is also known as Stung Kbal Spean, a tributary of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siem_Reap_River" title="Siem Reap River">Siem Reap River</a> that rises in the Kulein mountains north of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banteay_Srei" title="Banteay Srei">Banteay Srei</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VWMSw4SXKD8/UuL9A4SbaLI/AAAAAAAAI6w/wbzJC1t6vWg/s1600/006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VWMSw4SXKD8/UuL9A4SbaLI/AAAAAAAAI6w/wbzJC1t6vWg/s1600/006.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">There are various Hindu mythological motifs, including depictions of the gods <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiva" title="Shiva">Shiva</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vishnu" title="Vishnu">Vishnu</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahma" title="Brahma">Brahma</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakshmi" title="Lakshmi">Lakshmi</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rama" title="Rama">Rama</a>, and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanuman" title="Hanuman">Hanuman</a>, as well as animals (cows and frogs). Here<a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lord_Vishnu" title="Lord Vishnu"> Lord Vishnu</a> in a reclining repose lying on the serpent god <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vishnu" title="Vishnu">Ananta</a>, with <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goddess_Lakshmi" title="Goddess Lakshmi">Goddess Lakshmi</a> at his feet and <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lord_Brahma" title="Lord Brahma">Lord Brahma</a> on a lotus petal</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y73Dw1brbgI/UuL9CVUVi2I/AAAAAAAAI64/IpJH3GiGXA0/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y73Dw1brbgI/UuL9CVUVi2I/AAAAAAAAI64/IpJH3GiGXA0/s1600/007.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">It is commonly known as the "Valley of a 1000 <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linga" title="Linga">Lingas</a>" or "The River of a Thousand Lingas". The motifs for stone carvings are mainly myriads of <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lingams" title="Lingams">lingams</a> (phallic symbol of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu" title="Hindu">Hindu</a> god <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiva" title="Shiva">Shiva</a>), depicted as neatly arranged bumps that cover the surface of a sandstone bed rock, and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lingam" title="Lingam">lingam</a>-<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoni" title="Yoni">yoni</a> designs</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rc7a33WbvKU/UuL9DhyYsvI/AAAAAAAAI7A/-vTjzbG8nyM/s1600/008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rc7a33WbvKU/UuL9DhyYsvI/AAAAAAAAI7A/-vTjzbG8nyM/s1600/008.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Upstream of the bridge, there is a sculpture of Shiva and Uma mounted on the bull Nandi</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DiKlnMU1FPs/UuL9FGgdsaI/AAAAAAAAI7I/yLKEJLXyA7E/s1600/009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DiKlnMU1FPs/UuL9FGgdsaI/AAAAAAAAI7I/yLKEJLXyA7E/s1600/009.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The common theme of these sculptures emphasizes creation as defined in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_mythology" title="Hindu mythology">Hindu mythology</a>
in the form of Lord Vishnu lying on a serpent in a reclining repose on
the ocean of milk, a lotus flower emerging from Vishnu’s
navel which bears Brahma, the creator god</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-14P6aNnkzHM/UuL9F7XAp0I/AAAAAAAAI7Q/onjer6laRvU/s1600/010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-14P6aNnkzHM/UuL9F7XAp0I/AAAAAAAAI7Q/onjer6laRvU/s1600/010.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Vishnu is also carved to match the contours of the river bed and banks</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ne90_0G6Ngs/UuL9HQs0cgI/AAAAAAAAI7Y/F2UqZKXfb10/s1600/011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ne90_0G6Ngs/UuL9HQs0cgI/AAAAAAAAI7Y/F2UqZKXfb10/s1600/011.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Sahasra lingas continue further downstream up to the water fall</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sMfxkx-FTXs/UuL9IztbCjI/AAAAAAAAI7g/PgCHO-T-0q4/s1600/012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sMfxkx-FTXs/UuL9IztbCjI/AAAAAAAAI7g/PgCHO-T-0q4/s1600/012.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's a beautiful place</span><br />
<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-PalmerGuides2002_7-2"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kbal_Spean#cite_note-PalmerGuides2002-7"></a></sup>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ntHS_6jj5iM/UuL9KYWV_EI/AAAAAAAAI7o/Zh8dwfV2I7I/s1600/013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ntHS_6jj5iM/UuL9KYWV_EI/AAAAAAAAI7o/Zh8dwfV2I7I/s1600/013.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">It is believed that the Siem Reap River flowing into Angkor is blessed by the sacred lingas over which it flows</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MVn03YeuY2Q/UuL9LGqO7qI/AAAAAAAAI7w/Ifg8PiGv4EI/s1600/014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MVn03YeuY2Q/UuL9LGqO7qI/AAAAAAAAI7w/Ifg8PiGv4EI/s1600/014.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The archaeological site was discovered in 1969 by Jean Boulbet, an ethnologist, but further exploration was cut off due to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cambodian_Civil_War" title="Cambodian Civil War">Cambodian Civil War</a>. The site regained prominence for safe visits from 1989</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lKAxFErJskg/UuL9MIMzXII/AAAAAAAAI74/WR0ijWc-MZw/s1600/015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lKAxFErJskg/UuL9MIMzXII/AAAAAAAAI74/WR0ijWc-MZw/s1600/015.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">After the waterfall we begin the walk back down the slopes</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i-mx9IAvF8s/UuL9NxHvCkI/AAAAAAAAI8A/MacowakGxSc/s1600/016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i-mx9IAvF8s/UuL9NxHvCkI/AAAAAAAAI8A/MacowakGxSc/s1600/016.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Views of the forest on the hills......</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vmo_Y9poazE/UuL9PbgMJwI/AAAAAAAAI8I/32N0B-9dDgY/s1600/017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vmo_Y9poazE/UuL9PbgMJwI/AAAAAAAAI8I/32N0B-9dDgY/s1600/017.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">.....warm the heart</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YHlsD2Uj4to/UuL9RIzrlMI/AAAAAAAAI8Y/_VfU8swgHWU/s1600/019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YHlsD2Uj4to/UuL9RIzrlMI/AAAAAAAAI8Y/_VfU8swgHWU/s1600/019.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">As does the sight of this little one</span></td></tr>
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<br class="separator" div="/>" style="clear: both; text-align: center;" />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5OndjVdpuJ8/UuL9Pqj5p6I/AAAAAAAAI8M/q6lRw17A3F0/s1600/018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5OndjVdpuJ8/UuL9Pqj5p6I/AAAAAAAAI8M/q6lRw17A3F0/s1600/018.jpg" height="320" width="224" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">More of Angkor to come. Hope to see you soon</span></td></tr>
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Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12279568965229347907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17944189.post-41704754110524928842013-12-21T10:18:00.001+08:002013-12-21T18:26:34.368+08:00Fez, (فاس) Morocco-part 2 <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hi and welcome to my blog. This is Fez part 2. Part 1 is <a href="http://alaninsingapore.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/fez-morocco-part-1.html">here</a>. I hope you enjoy this second set of lovely Fez </div>
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<tr align="left"><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gs3E8ImzFk0/UrTyjLUCwdI/AAAAAAAAI1Y/lL07PXct45M/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gs3E8ImzFk0/UrTyjLUCwdI/AAAAAAAAI1Y/lL07PXct45M/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Typical Beautiful sunny morning</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LgzHDhGnMuY/UrTyjVF6liI/AAAAAAAAI1c/o77_WmYG_3g/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LgzHDhGnMuY/UrTyjVF6liI/AAAAAAAAI1c/o77_WmYG_3g/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Moroccan ginger!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AAmAgKx8rFw/UrTyk9HI-PI/AAAAAAAAI1o/xjIgfD3t2Ds/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AAmAgKx8rFw/UrTyk9HI-PI/AAAAAAAAI1o/xjIgfD3t2Ds/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The tannery</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K5oVIoQC2sQ/UrTylNJzH_I/AAAAAAAAI1s/P5uEKyPiWh8/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="205" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K5oVIoQC2sQ/UrTylNJzH_I/AAAAAAAAI1s/P5uEKyPiWh8/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Roof top view</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gDlXObp7u78/UrTyos4HAhI/AAAAAAAAI2A/ktbd69ZXczI/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="187" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gDlXObp7u78/UrTyos4HAhI/AAAAAAAAI2A/ktbd69ZXczI/s320/005.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The hills </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xr57AEypar8/UrTypu1Ur4I/AAAAAAAAI2I/Y8NkAMurhC4/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xr57AEypar8/UrTypu1Ur4I/AAAAAAAAI2I/Y8NkAMurhC4/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Detail</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LtjJanbI6uw/UrTynE4azEI/AAAAAAAAI14/CHGwhDvE4dc/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LtjJanbI6uw/UrTynE4azEI/AAAAAAAAI14/CHGwhDvE4dc/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Stained glass</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HL8DxgoKmYk/UrTyqJHaObI/AAAAAAAAI2M/-2WceW4MTxQ/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HL8DxgoKmYk/UrTyqJHaObI/AAAAAAAAI2M/-2WceW4MTxQ/s320/008.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">In the Medersa</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JpBAzSIwPO0/UrTytJkhA7I/AAAAAAAAI2g/fyIWSVdG54Y/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JpBAzSIwPO0/UrTytJkhA7I/AAAAAAAAI2g/fyIWSVdG54Y/s320/009.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Colourful corner</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UL8BXE19Kok/UrTys5popAI/AAAAAAAAI2Y/6-1pCJfiHLc/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UL8BXE19Kok/UrTys5popAI/AAAAAAAAI2Y/6-1pCJfiHLc/s320/010.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bronze art</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ux6e8sFHpVw/UrTytPqrOII/AAAAAAAAI2c/MPwzPeh24v0/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ux6e8sFHpVw/UrTytPqrOII/AAAAAAAAI2c/MPwzPeh24v0/s320/011.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Classic view</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nug3g1Sx3WQ/UrTywNWUR5I/AAAAAAAAI28/zYjeBdkD5-M/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="168" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nug3g1Sx3WQ/UrTywNWUR5I/AAAAAAAAI28/zYjeBdkD5-M/s320/012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Merenid tombs</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l2rHJ0ckoA8/UrTyvp3e2GI/AAAAAAAAI20/V5UR73L5bak/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l2rHJ0ckoA8/UrTyvp3e2GI/AAAAAAAAI20/V5UR73L5bak/s320/013.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Framed</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Q3AY1m43_w/UrTyvSGs7kI/AAAAAAAAI2w/53HiVG7eX98/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Q3AY1m43_w/UrTyvSGs7kI/AAAAAAAAI2w/53HiVG7eX98/s320/014.JPG" width="207" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Only one who is focused!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2_84okNpziY/UrTyxnAuHGI/AAAAAAAAI3I/4DKnZoPPmuU/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2_84okNpziY/UrTyxnAuHGI/AAAAAAAAI3I/4DKnZoPPmuU/s320/015.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Resting pose</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pI8TtlaTyz8/UrTyx4ub6JI/AAAAAAAAI3M/Eg73WDR43c4/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pI8TtlaTyz8/UrTyx4ub6JI/AAAAAAAAI3M/Eg73WDR43c4/s320/016.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Working pose</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C2YQg27AXh8/UrTyzmZbRPI/AAAAAAAAI3Y/STG29fWZNfE/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C2YQg27AXh8/UrTyzmZbRPI/AAAAAAAAI3Y/STG29fWZNfE/s320/017.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Urban planning</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EImfkkh_Yfk/UrTyz9Qtd7I/AAAAAAAAI3c/ZwV1ObHunHA/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EImfkkh_Yfk/UrTyz9Qtd7I/AAAAAAAAI3c/ZwV1ObHunHA/s320/018.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Classic Moroccan minaret</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7loU6B7Cns4/UrTy0xMUztI/AAAAAAAAI3o/cxsYf4KPhZY/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7loU6B7Cns4/UrTy0xMUztI/AAAAAAAAI3o/cxsYf4KPhZY/s320/019.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The river!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YohwxpJgK7Y/UrTy24Sa_zI/AAAAAAAAI34/aFDXl2gw_6o/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YohwxpJgK7Y/UrTy24Sa_zI/AAAAAAAAI34/aFDXl2gw_6o/s320/020.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dramatic sky</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RuxPwKgCDPA/UrTy1zg4CZI/AAAAAAAAI3w/PvwZYXVDomw/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RuxPwKgCDPA/UrTy1zg4CZI/AAAAAAAAI3w/PvwZYXVDomw/s320/021.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The wall</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bz5UbGQ1SRQ/UrTy5JNuo7I/AAAAAAAAI4A/tUmmMdLUeo4/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bz5UbGQ1SRQ/UrTy5JNuo7I/AAAAAAAAI4A/tUmmMdLUeo4/s320/022.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Detail 1 of the King's Palace</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Phjd2OopNxQ/UrTy5xq0iJI/AAAAAAAAI4E/PlgQrzRbn44/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Phjd2OopNxQ/UrTy5xq0iJI/AAAAAAAAI4E/PlgQrzRbn44/s320/023.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Detail 2</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bBG26Iloj7I/UrTy83AZQxI/AAAAAAAAI4k/Ot44juLv3MA/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bBG26Iloj7I/UrTy83AZQxI/AAAAAAAAI4k/Ot44juLv3MA/s320/024.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Detail 3</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9lTlGPEwtM8/UrTy7VeUzdI/AAAAAAAAI4Q/XMlzz2_fybw/s1600/024a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9lTlGPEwtM8/UrTy7VeUzdI/AAAAAAAAI4Q/XMlzz2_fybw/s320/024a.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fez railway station</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cMh3puqXyAs/UrTy7-ruHzI/AAAAAAAAI4U/GJs3MgVYTIA/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="176" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cMh3puqXyAs/UrTy7-ruHzI/AAAAAAAAI4U/GJs3MgVYTIA/s320/025.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Coming to evening</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T3bGN2JWTO4/UrTy8uBXvDI/AAAAAAAAI4c/39Egg7pNVkk/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="168" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T3bGN2JWTO4/UrTy8uBXvDI/AAAAAAAAI4c/39Egg7pNVkk/s320/026.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Heading for a lovely sunset</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YbS-CqpTP0I/UrTy9EqzAhI/AAAAAAAAI4o/n2x8HQpMAEc/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="177" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YbS-CqpTP0I/UrTy9EqzAhI/AAAAAAAAI4o/n2x8HQpMAEc/s320/027.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And so it begins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gt5AYFBcT3o/UrTy9uUrSjI/AAAAAAAAI4w/w2hPKtkUzO4/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="174" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gt5AYFBcT3o/UrTy9uUrSjI/AAAAAAAAI4w/w2hPKtkUzO4/s320/028.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Beautifully illuminated</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H73Tt8VGJhk/UrTy-K4ZsQI/AAAAAAAAI48/6eb2JeePzlI/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H73Tt8VGJhk/UrTy-K4ZsQI/AAAAAAAAI48/6eb2JeePzlI/s320/029.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Last photo. Thanks for coming. Do come again!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12279568965229347907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17944189.post-30728445790349379672013-11-23T08:28:00.005+08:002013-11-23T13:22:19.719+08:00The Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi and welcome! A short profile of the Petronas Towers. I was there very recently for work so took the opportunity to take some night shots. The towers are amazing! Hope you enjoy them. Second posting on Morocco that is overdue will be next
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9STt0yB8W7U/Uo_s_fpg_EI/AAAAAAAAIz4/za5Dq_9RQD0/s1600/DSC_4815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9STt0yB8W7U/Uo_s_fpg_EI/AAAAAAAAIz4/za5Dq_9RQD0/s320/DSC_4815.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">They were the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_tallest_buildings_in_the_world" title="List of tallest buildings in the world">tallest buildings in the world</a> from 1998 to 2004 until surpassed by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taipei_101" title="Taipei 101">Taipei 101</a>, but they remain the tallest twin buildings in the world</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XxrQVVX_yFc/Uo_s-1Jd_7I/AAAAAAAAIz0/gKEG0_ESz_A/s1600/DSC_4818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XxrQVVX_yFc/Uo_s-1Jd_7I/AAAAAAAAIz0/gKEG0_ESz_A/s320/DSC_4818.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The building was officially opened by the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prime_Minister_of_Malaysia" title="Prime Minister of Malaysia">Prime Minister of Malaysia</a>'s <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahathir_Mohamad" title="Mahathir Mohamad">Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad</a> on 1 August 1999</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_HG0ZM6UZzk/Uo_s-PaSpXI/AAAAAAAAIzw/5dS2_9KujXc/s1600/DSC_4822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_HG0ZM6UZzk/Uo_s-PaSpXI/AAAAAAAAIzw/5dS2_9KujXc/s320/DSC_4822.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">It took 7 years to complete</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-awupn2ZJ6_E/Uo_tAujK9CI/AAAAAAAAI0I/YJxi3K_Xtgg/s1600/DSC_4838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-awupn2ZJ6_E/Uo_tAujK9CI/AAAAAAAAI0I/YJxi3K_Xtgg/s320/DSC_4838.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The 88-floor towers are constructed largely of reinforced <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concrete" title="Concrete">concrete</a>, with a steel and glass facade designed to resemble motifs found in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_art" title="Islamic art">Islamic art</a>, a reflection of Malaysia's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muslim" title="Muslim">Muslim</a> religion</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qrXRgq1bPA0/Uo_tBQ1AOvI/AAAAAAAAI0Q/GHUcUPBR64w/s1600/DSC_4843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qrXRgq1bPA0/Uo_tBQ1AOvI/AAAAAAAAI0Q/GHUcUPBR64w/s320/DSC_4843.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The climax of the 1999 film <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entrapment_%28film%29" title="Entrapment (film)">Entrapment</a></i> was filmed at the skybridge</span></td></tr>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kPahmLkdN_k/Uo_tB3jo23I/AAAAAAAAI0U/PMi322HeLbA/s1600/DSC_4847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kPahmLkdN_k/Uo_tB3jo23I/AAAAAAAAI0U/PMi322HeLbA/s320/DSC_4847.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thousands of people were evacuated on 12 September 2001 after a bomb threat was phoned the day after the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/September_11_attacks" title="September 11 attacks">September 11 attacks</a> destroyed the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Trade_Center" title="World Trade Center">World Trade Center</a>
towers in New York City. Bomb Disposal squads found no bomb in the
Petronas towers but they evacuated everyone. Workers and shoppers were
allowed to return three hours later, around noon. No one was hurt during
the evacuation</span></td></tr>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yk9hLUJ9hMM/Uo_tE6qnKNI/AAAAAAAAI0o/2ItmpfbS9LA/s1600/DSC_4857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yk9hLUJ9hMM/Uo_tE6qnKNI/AAAAAAAAI0o/2ItmpfbS9LA/s320/DSC_4857.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">On 15 April 1999, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Felix_Baumgartner" title="Felix Baumgartner">Felix Baumgartner</a> set the world record for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BASE_jumping" title="BASE jumping">BASE jumping</a> (since broken) by jumping off a window cleaning crane on the Petronas Towers</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-38Qd17grRsU/Uo_tEQeglMI/AAAAAAAAI0g/Auw1KIG_juE/s1600/DSC_4861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-38Qd17grRsU/Uo_tEQeglMI/AAAAAAAAI0g/Auw1KIG_juE/s320/DSC_4861.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The towers feature a double decker <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skybridge" title="Skybridge">skybridge</a> connecting the two towers on the 41st and 42nd floors<span style="font-size: small;">. It</span> is the highest 2-story bridge in the world</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gf8dFoW-mtI/Uo_tExESasI/AAAAAAAAI0k/2Rk-ognUDI8/s1600/DSC_4862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gf8dFoW-mtI/Uo_tExESasI/AAAAAAAAI0k/2Rk-ognUDI8/s320/DSC_4862.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">It is not attached to the main structure, but is instead designed to
slide in and out of the towers to prevent it from breaking, as the towers sway several feet<sup class="noprint Inline-Template" style="white-space: nowrap;"><i> </i></sup>towards and away from each other during high winds</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1JifFz3XTdU/Uo_tGj-4ybI/AAAAAAAAI04/aHynNnCB73k/s1600/DSC_4873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1JifFz3XTdU/Uo_tGj-4ybI/AAAAAAAAI04/aHynNnCB73k/s320/DSC_4873.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The skybridge also acts as a safety device, so that in the event of a
fire or other emergency in one tower, tenants can evacuate by crossing
the skybridge to the other tower</span></td></tr>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-23nciZ6Ly54/Uo_tHuttY-I/AAAAAAAAI08/F7P1t0Tjzwo/s1600/DSC_4877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-23nciZ6Ly54/Uo_tHuttY-I/AAAAAAAAI08/F7P1t0Tjzwo/s320/DSC_4877.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">On the morning of 1 September 2009, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_people" title="French people">French</a> urban climber <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alain_Robert" title="Alain Robert">Alain "Spiderman" Robert</a>,
using only his bare hands and feet and with no safety devices, scaled
to the top of Tower Two in just under 2 hours after two previous efforts
had ended in arrest</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UBzdRJJUqn8/Uo_tHyrx9MI/AAAAAAAAI1E/5zZgrO8qD-E/s1600/DSC_4879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UBzdRJJUqn8/Uo_tHyrx9MI/AAAAAAAAI1E/5zZgrO8qD-E/s320/DSC_4879.JPG" width="219" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Twin-reflections</span></td></tr>
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Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12279568965229347907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17944189.post-62383204544353681112013-11-03T07:11:00.000+08:002013-11-03T13:14:12.247+08:00दिवाली की शुभकामनाएं, Diwali ki Shubhkamnayein! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YXtdRyvBURM/UnWAsZv2dFI/AAAAAAAAIxU/vZR4Y0Lrvbc/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="120" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YXtdRyvBURM/UnWAsZv2dFI/AAAAAAAAIxU/vZR4Y0Lrvbc/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">दिवाली की शुभकामनाएं, Diwali ki Shubhkamnayein!</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tqGfP9xHNvg/UnWAsbdwJjI/AAAAAAAAIxY/7JE8EA5268o/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tqGfP9xHNvg/UnWAsbdwJjI/AAAAAAAAIxY/7JE8EA5268o/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Deepavali Singapore 2013</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dBBLEuQHCSg/UnWAsnQdpOI/AAAAAAAAIxc/2IQBpcgfX6o/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dBBLEuQHCSg/UnWAsnQdpOI/AAAAAAAAIxc/2IQBpcgfX6o/s320/005.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Taken in Little India</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iXcpVxTuCh4/UnWAuVljRaI/AAAAAAAAIxs/o_iOLKA2ZUU/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iXcpVxTuCh4/UnWAuVljRaI/AAAAAAAAIxs/o_iOLKA2ZUU/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Deepavali is a five-day <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_festival" title="Hindu festival">Hindu festival</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EHj_97bXwmA/UnWAutQymwI/AAAAAAAAIxw/iyN6bQ9h3fE/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="156" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EHj_97bXwmA/UnWAutQymwI/AAAAAAAAIxw/iyN6bQ9h3fE/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The name "Diwali" or "Divali" is a contraction of deepavali which translates into "row of lamps". Diwali involves the lighting of small clay lamps filled with oil to signify the triumph of good over evil</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jRXhaHLCvmY/UnWAvOVFu9I/AAAAAAAAIx0/PMxqCroo5hM/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="110" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jRXhaHLCvmY/UnWAvOVFu9I/AAAAAAAAIx0/PMxqCroo5hM/s320/008.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">These lamps are kept on during the night and one's house is cleaned, both done in order to make the goddess <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakshmi" title="Lakshmi">Lakshmi</a> feel welcome.<a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firecrackers" title="Firecrackers"> Firecrackers</a> are burst because it is believed that it drives away <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evil_spirits" title="Evil spirits">evil spirits</a>. During Diwali, all the celebrants wear new clothes and share <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_sweets" title="Indian sweets">sweets</a> and snacks with family members and friends</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aEFXa7sH-TE/UnWAwWjcesI/AAAAAAAAIyE/yn1fNQKk9fY/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="167" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aEFXa7sH-TE/UnWAwWjcesI/AAAAAAAAIyE/yn1fNQKk9fY/s320/009.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">For <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu" title="Hindu">Hindus</a>,
Diwali is one of the most important festivals of the year and is
celebrated in families by performing traditional activities together in
their homes</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w7UNVyd5hKA/UnWAwyANl-I/AAAAAAAAIyI/3_Ac0weBvM4/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w7UNVyd5hKA/UnWAwyANl-I/AAAAAAAAIyI/3_Ac0weBvM4/s320/010.JPG" width="241" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of the many restaurants</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t3ebmK-W29U/UnWAxn5Rq5I/AAAAAAAAIyQ/sgSrHDGxhIg/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="131" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t3ebmK-W29U/UnWAxn5Rq5I/AAAAAAAAIyQ/sgSrHDGxhIg/s320/011.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h1 class="firstHeading" id="firstHeading" lang="en">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple</span></span></h1>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P95UrEj01-o/UnWAykBvFyI/AAAAAAAAIyc/7EnFZGqnQF0/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="291" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P95UrEj01-o/UnWAykBvFyI/AAAAAAAAIyc/7EnFZGqnQF0/s320/012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The building is constructed in the style of South Indian <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamil_people" title="Tamil people">Tamil</a> temples common in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamil_Nadu" title="Tamil Nadu">Tamil Nadu</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CHh3MOevosY/UnWAzwocXeI/AAAAAAAAIyk/zAJ1EmpeOf0/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CHh3MOevosY/UnWAzwocXeI/AAAAAAAAIyk/zAJ1EmpeOf0/s320/013.JPG" width="198" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kali" title="Kali">Kali</a>, fierce embodiment of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shakti" title="Shakti">Shakti</a> and the god <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiva" title="Shiva">Shiva</a>'s wife, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parvati" title="Parvati">Parvati</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_vKdDSl-pPU/UnWA0JwjB2I/AAAAAAAAIyo/l_n5x5w1mPk/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_vKdDSl-pPU/UnWA0JwjB2I/AAAAAAAAIyo/l_n5x5w1mPk/s320/014.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">It is the centre of Hindi worship in Little India</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XfoxOkm4-90/UnWA0evLJuI/AAAAAAAAIys/JwWMz5n4lmY/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="153" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XfoxOkm4-90/UnWA0evLJuI/AAAAAAAAIys/JwWMz5n4lmY/s320/015.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shopping carries on!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mRCzszvE1_Y/UnWA1so--NI/AAAAAAAAIy8/UitZFIbt2HI/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mRCzszvE1_Y/UnWA1so--NI/AAAAAAAAIy8/UitZFIbt2HI/s320/016.JPG" width="203" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The lights draw many people</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oz1lEgUPnGU/UnWA2QrGCxI/AAAAAAAAIzA/LVY2D3G59Hg/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="259" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oz1lEgUPnGU/UnWA2QrGCxI/AAAAAAAAIzA/LVY2D3G59Hg/s320/017.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lord Ganesha and a gecko!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UvPQdOomW7k/UnWA2mV4gfI/AAAAAAAAIzI/TyPYIgrLvSA/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UvPQdOomW7k/UnWA2mV4gfI/AAAAAAAAIzI/TyPYIgrLvSA/s320/018.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hope you enjoyed the photos</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gvmbf8Psxko/UnWA3GE01pI/AAAAAAAAIzM/1Bh3lzG3DM0/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gvmbf8Psxko/UnWA3GE01pI/AAAAAAAAIzM/1Bh3lzG3DM0/s320/019.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">And if you are celebrating, have a wonderful time</span></td></tr>
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Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12279568965229347907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17944189.post-77342385576900334012013-10-26T06:44:00.000+08:002013-10-27T13:18:51.800+08:00Fez, (فاس) Morocco - part 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello and welcome. I went to Morocco in September on a work trip for the second time this year. I had a weekend so jumped on a train to Fez. I had such a great time. Very beautiful Medina and lovely people. This is part one. I will post part two in a couple of weeks. Enjoy the photos!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CMfye72H7Ws/UmMgr4MSukI/AAAAAAAAItU/tRx3H2nqNg0/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CMfye72H7Ws/UmMgr4MSukI/AAAAAAAAItU/tRx3H2nqNg0/s320/001.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Fes</b> or <b>Fez</b> (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabic_language" title="Arabic language">Arabic</a>: <span lang="ar" style="font-family: Amiri,sans-serif;">فاس</span>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moroccan_Arabic" title="Moroccan Arabic">Moroccan Arabic</a> <span class="IPA" title="Representation in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA_for_Arabic" title="Help:IPA for Arabic">[fɛs]</a></span>, <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berber_language" title="Berber language">Berber</a>: Fas) is the third largest <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City" title="City">city</a> of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morocco" title="Morocco">Morocco</a>, with a population of approximately 1 million (2010)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YQBS9yaovgM/UmMgsKr4nUI/AAAAAAAAItc/eaUt1L2Yxdo/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YQBS9yaovgM/UmMgsKr4nUI/AAAAAAAAItc/eaUt1L2Yxdo/s320/002.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The amazing blue skies are a characteristic of Moroccan beauty</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UBEefIMeZ2Q/UmMgsYOXi2I/AAAAAAAAItY/tyMBp8HEjwQ/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UBEefIMeZ2Q/UmMgsYOXi2I/AAAAAAAAItY/tyMBp8HEjwQ/s320/003.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Beautiful doorway</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kmYoM3KOmxg/UmMgvOSjSOI/AAAAAAAAIts/uGKuq9rQM-0/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kmYoM3KOmxg/UmMgvOSjSOI/AAAAAAAAIts/uGKuq9rQM-0/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bab Bou Jeloud, "The Blue Gate" of Fez</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ElIZM5v9CQ/UmMgwRdpcUI/AAAAAAAAIt4/kCh8ic1kBsc/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ElIZM5v9CQ/UmMgwRdpcUI/AAAAAAAAIt4/kCh8ic1kBsc/s320/005.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Detail</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H1gpI2Y9ZtM/UmMgwOK7QUI/AAAAAAAAItw/cBxqHSLxJXo/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H1gpI2Y9ZtM/UmMgwOK7QUI/AAAAAAAAItw/cBxqHSLxJXo/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">On the other side, the medina side, the gate is green!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m-441DmAvKY/UmMgxRYhCKI/AAAAAAAAIuA/rg-DewE2_E4/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m-441DmAvKY/UmMgxRYhCKI/AAAAAAAAIuA/rg-DewE2_E4/s320/007.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Narrow alleyways</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KNhvnqhLnog/UmMgzWsfLyI/AAAAAAAAIuM/D4F71s_D7ik/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KNhvnqhLnog/UmMgzWsfLyI/AAAAAAAAIuM/D4F71s_D7ik/s320/008.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Gorgeous towers</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Twqr193Zgc/UmMg0jgjPII/AAAAAAAAIuY/eLt4e3qFca0/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Twqr193Zgc/UmMg0jgjPII/AAAAAAAAIuY/eLt4e3qFca0/s320/009.JPG" width="207" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Stunning mosaic</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BFtadXUi5Q0/UmMg0COf4JI/AAAAAAAAIuQ/uz-qBw_4AW8/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BFtadXUi5Q0/UmMg0COf4JI/AAAAAAAAIuQ/uz-qBw_4AW8/s320/010.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Incredible shops</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ESV-3B7b5OM/UmMg2zwgqLI/AAAAAAAAIuk/6gEFAyY9t_o/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ESV-3B7b5OM/UmMg2zwgqLI/AAAAAAAAIuk/6gEFAyY9t_o/s320/011.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Awesome alleycat</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9TFKMC33bU4/UmMg3Goc3yI/AAAAAAAAIuo/crH_zAnVovg/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9TFKMC33bU4/UmMg3Goc3yI/AAAAAAAAIuo/crH_zAnVovg/s320/012.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shame about the advert!</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SX23HyUe1Wg/UmMjwQhU5cI/AAAAAAAAIw8/3t-tQZBDoUc/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SX23HyUe1Wg/UmMjwQhU5cI/AAAAAAAAIw8/3t-tQZBDoUc/s320/031.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The tannery. It has been in operation since the 11th century</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cB_xWG7-W2c/UmMg3_-Pa5I/AAAAAAAAIus/x085a1WGmGU/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cB_xWG7-W2c/UmMg3_-Pa5I/AAAAAAAAIus/x085a1WGmGU/s320/013.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The white stone vessels contain ammonia. The workers have to wear protective clothing</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9e1RRVf8gEU/UmMg5H-O12I/AAAAAAAAIu8/NiH7mC02uYw/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9e1RRVf8gEU/UmMg5H-O12I/AAAAAAAAIu8/NiH7mC02uYw/s320/014.JPG" width="208" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The other vessels contain the dye. The workers do not wear protective clothing. I was told the dye is completely natural, no chemicals are used, so it is not harmful to the skin</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9R495JW_kKU/UmMg5VFEuVI/AAAAAAAAIvA/eG--Ro1xBBw/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9R495JW_kKU/UmMg5VFEuVI/AAAAAAAAIvA/eG--Ro1xBBw/s320/015.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Life is tough for the medina donkeys</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jwQDxz_F18Y/UmMg6uJQE9I/AAAAAAAAIvM/qC3ex7W0XHk/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jwQDxz_F18Y/UmMg6uJQE9I/AAAAAAAAIvM/qC3ex7W0XHk/s320/016.JPG" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Al-Attarine Madrasa</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d3V9mbjU3Pw/UmMg7aXpQeI/AAAAAAAAIvQ/vbW-CWiQ8WE/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="111" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d3V9mbjU3Pw/UmMg7aXpQeI/AAAAAAAAIvQ/vbW-CWiQ8WE/s320/018.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">It was built by the <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marinid" title="Marinid">Marinid</a> sultan Uthman II Abu Said (1310-1331) in 1323 </span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YVn-iUN0D7A/UmMg84XX4oI/AAAAAAAAIvc/NnH5KrVA3rQ/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YVn-iUN0D7A/UmMg84XX4oI/AAAAAAAAIvc/NnH5KrVA3rQ/s320/019.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The madrasa takes its name from the Souk al-Attarine, the spice and perfume market</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qpc502eqGIA/UmMg9f8h6CI/AAAAAAAAIvg/UT_ViihltwY/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qpc502eqGIA/UmMg9f8h6CI/AAAAAAAAIvg/UT_ViihltwY/s320/021.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The charm of the alleyways of Fez</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5CkMyrv8zZU/UmMg_BXGRWI/AAAAAAAAIv0/z-VpIzq9gRw/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5CkMyrv8zZU/UmMg_BXGRWI/AAAAAAAAIv0/z-VpIzq9gRw/s320/022.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Local craft. Noisy and colouful square</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uRNyhmFRxOs/UmMg__2WQgI/AAAAAAAAIv4/_iCwxRCP8bc/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uRNyhmFRxOs/UmMg__2WQgI/AAAAAAAAIv4/_iCwxRCP8bc/s320/023.JPG" width="257" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Parked donkey</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eOAJUTOhsSI/UmMg_19WHRI/AAAAAAAAIv8/DX3r-Vr0Ka0/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eOAJUTOhsSI/UmMg_19WHRI/AAAAAAAAIv8/DX3r-Vr0Ka0/s320/024.JPG" width="242" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Moroccan cutie</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N9aByZqyY1U/UmMhAXlSoUI/AAAAAAAAIwI/YN9YGiuzYK0/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N9aByZqyY1U/UmMhAXlSoUI/AAAAAAAAIwI/YN9YGiuzYK0/s320/025.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Scene in a square</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DrbGFQ4daN4/UmMhBAohcMI/AAAAAAAAIwQ/LeaYSD0qPWA/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DrbGFQ4daN4/UmMhBAohcMI/AAAAAAAAIwQ/LeaYSD0qPWA/s320/026.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ayumi-san and Sakiko-san. Fellow solo travellers I had the pleasure of meeting and spending time with</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T-wyzLIVLPw/UmMhCSuhVeI/AAAAAAAAIwg/wUQEDmvy0vw/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="168" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T-wyzLIVLPw/UmMhCSuhVeI/AAAAAAAAIwg/wUQEDmvy0vw/s320/027.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Royal Palac<span style="font-size: small;">e</span> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">General public are barred from entering the Palace, but it is still an
impressive sight even from outside. The palace was built in the 17th
century and it is situated right in the centre <span style="font-size: small;">o</span>f Fès el Jdid. Part of
it still serves as the residence of the King of Morocco when he visits
this area</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AT4fnWxWNwQ/UmMhCbz7PlI/AAAAAAAAIwY/MobGqS29Zic/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="136" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AT4fnWxWNwQ/UmMhCbz7PlI/AAAAAAAAIwY/MobGqS29Zic/s320/028.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sunset in Fez.....</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ECmvDDP3NtQ/UmMhDK7AiFI/AAAAAAAAIwk/gmb0LU8XPbQ/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ECmvDDP3NtQ/UmMhDK7AiFI/AAAAAAAAIwk/gmb0LU8XPbQ/s320/029.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">lights up the towers.....</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lo3JetYdYug/UmMhDgAYvDI/AAAAAAAAIws/kloDp0iVhcg/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="157" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lo3JetYdYug/UmMhDgAYvDI/AAAAAAAAIws/kloDp0iVhcg/s320/030.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">and the terraces so beautifully.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Do come back for part 2 </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12279568965229347907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17944189.post-84094609630871935972013-10-13T08:41:00.000+08:002013-10-13T13:49:41.485+08:00Qutub Minar قطب مینار New Delhi, India <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Welcome! The Qutub Minar and Complex is one of my favourite places in Delhi. I went there at sunset to try to get the best light. I have also made a previous posting of this site <span id="goog_1991037479"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/">here <span id="goog_1991037480"></span></a>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oM9lO9-5rJ0/Ulng4cXxNqI/AAAAAAAAIpo/4B954Z7POsA/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oM9lO9-5rJ0/Ulng4cXxNqI/AAAAAAAAIpo/4B954Z7POsA/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is the entrance to Qutub Minar but I took it from the exit perspective because the light was so much better</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vpVzKAHRKb4/Ulng4NiebHI/AAAAAAAAIpk/VYUHO7kTTZs/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vpVzKAHRKb4/Ulng4NiebHI/AAAAAAAAIpk/VYUHO7kTTZs/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Qutub Minar</b> (<i>The Qutub Tower</i>; <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urdu_language" title="Urdu language">Urdu</a>: <span dir="rtl" lang="ur" style="font-family: sans-serif;">قطب مینار</span>), also known as <b>Qutb Minar</b> and <b>Qutab Minar</b>, is the tallest <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minar" title="Minar">minar</a> in India. You will see the minar a lot in the following photos!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lVsFJW3HyDE/Ulng4vMN3yI/AAAAAAAAIpw/7th3pqOD_d4/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lVsFJW3HyDE/Ulng4vMN3yI/AAAAAAAAIpw/7th3pqOD_d4/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Construction was started in 1192 by <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qutub-ud-din_Aibak" title="Qutub-ud-din Aibak">Qutub-ud-din Aibak</a></span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nsa-_Wjeq6s/Ulng58aPerI/AAAAAAAAIp8/qFb_NCQPqh4/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="185" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nsa-_Wjeq6s/Ulng58aPerI/AAAAAAAAIp8/qFb_NCQPqh4/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The minar is surrounded by several other ancient and medieval structures and ruins, collectively known as the <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qutub_complex" title="Qutub complex">Qutub complex</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DSJJVYQu4ZI/Ulng6vpbBrI/AAAAAAAAIqA/DnZjT6I8ISI/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DSJJVYQu4ZI/Ulng6vpbBrI/AAAAAAAAIqA/DnZjT6I8ISI/s320/005.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The tower has 379 stairs,<sup> </sup>is 72.5 metres (237.8 ft) high, and has a base diamet<span style="font-size: small;">er</span> of 14.3 metres, which narrows to 2.7 metres at the top storey</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sd3WI8HiRCY/Ulng7RMdOII/AAAAAAAAIqI/KQh26AkUwPg/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sd3WI8HiRCY/Ulng7RMdOII/AAAAAAAAIqI/KQh26AkUwPg/s320/006.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Decorated with some greenery</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Yswx7rmm9I/Ulng8qYhYAI/AAAAAAAAIqU/Ik893f5EntA/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Yswx7rmm9I/Ulng8qYhYAI/AAAAAAAAIqU/Ik893f5EntA/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Alai Darwaza is the main gateway from southern side of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque. This is the first building in India to employ <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_architecture" title="Islamic architecture">Islamic architecture</a> principles in its construction and ornamentation. The Alai Darwaza is the earliest example of first true arches and true domes in India. It is considered to be one of the most important buildings built in the <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delhi_sultanate" title="Delhi sultanate">Delhi sultanate</a> period</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1s0JW0T3gc/Ulng9nDeVEI/AAAAAAAAIqg/KfebFwv9gqU/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1s0JW0T3gc/Ulng9nDeVEI/AAAAAAAAIqg/KfebFwv9gqU/s320/008.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Local sightseers enjoying their heritage</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UrMmrHb3Sh4/Ulng9SMmeEI/AAAAAAAAIqc/KyA0OcuxBY0/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UrMmrHb3Sh4/Ulng9SMmeEI/AAAAAAAAIqc/KyA0OcuxBY0/s320/009.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Built as a Victory Tower, to celebrate the victory of <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohammed_Ghori" title="Mohammed Ghori">Mohammed Ghori</a> over the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajput" title="Rajput">Rajput</a> king, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prithviraj_Chauhan" title="Prithviraj Chauhan">Prithviraj Chauhan</a>, in 1192 AD, by his then viceroy, <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qutbuddin_Aibak" title="Qutbuddin Aibak">Qutbuddin Aibak</a>, later the first Sultan of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mamluk_Sultanate_%28Delhi%29" title="Mamluk Sultanate (Delhi)">Mamluk dynasty</a>. Its construction also marked the end of the last of the Hindu kingdoms in North India, and the beginning of <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_empires_in_India" title="Islamic empires in India">Muslim rule in India</a>,
which ended only in the 19th century with the arrival of the British<span style="font-size: small;">. E</span>ven today the Qutb remains one of the most important "Towers of
Victory" in the Islamic world</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DGodHmzI0C0/Ulng-oBsfuI/AAAAAAAAIqs/8MS2G62nisU/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DGodHmzI0C0/Ulng-oBsfuI/AAAAAAAAIqs/8MS2G62nisU/s320/010.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">After taking this photo the husband, who couldn't speak English, indicated he would like a copy. Unfortunately he doesn't have email and couldn't give me his postal address<span style="font-size: small;">. Frustrating!</span></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lbKQ2ARElb0/UlnhALF6LTI/AAAAAAAAIq4/m4azST5UgsI/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lbKQ2ARElb0/UlnhALF6LTI/AAAAAAAAIq4/m4azST5UgsI/s320/011.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kids always love to have their photo taken</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JzgCFOFslh0/Ulng_zw84EI/AAAAAAAAIq0/k_KLfQWF8K8/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JzgCFOFslh0/Ulng_zw84EI/AAAAAAAAIq0/k_KLfQWF8K8/s320/012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sunset at the complex</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Em7GPNhrlPw/UlnhAmqHwDI/AAAAAAAAIq8/V4_SKLj3h9Y/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Em7GPNhrlPw/UlnhAmqHwDI/AAAAAAAAIq8/V4_SKLj3h9Y/s320/013.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The warm sandstone is beautifully illuminated by the sun</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GpCJvQAnhB0/UlnhCMzQ-gI/AAAAAAAAIrM/hR1j8LW-g30/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GpCJvQAnhB0/UlnhCMzQ-gI/AAAAAAAAIrM/hR1j8LW-g30/s320/014.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lots of corners and archways</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vY7QPgcNFZw/UlnhC0w7poI/AAAAAAAAIrY/DiurEqfavnQ/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vY7QPgcNFZw/UlnhC0w7poI/AAAAAAAAIrY/DiurEqfavnQ/s320/015.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Time for a rest and to contemplate</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HhIfT-PtG9o/UlnhCg9qVbI/AAAAAAAAIrQ/0baFem-7afQ/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HhIfT-PtG9o/UlnhCg9qVbI/AAAAAAAAIrQ/0baFem-7afQ/s320/016.JPG" width="206" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The victory tower and a victory sign</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LW4TQmbOj7E/UlnhGHQBA4I/AAAAAAAAIro/LivJN5oRXdQ/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LW4TQmbOj7E/UlnhGHQBA4I/AAAAAAAAIro/LivJN5oRXdQ/s320/017.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A family takes a pause at the <span class="st">Qubbat-ul-Islam<i> </i>Mosque </span></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WGFj2-F-q0A/UlnhF6T96qI/AAAAAAAAIrk/kkJISFTi9xQ/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WGFj2-F-q0A/UlnhF6T96qI/AAAAAAAAIrk/kkJISFTi9xQ/s320/018.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">It was the first mosque built in Delhi after the Islamic conquest of India and the oldest surviving example of <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghurids" title="Ghurids">Ghurids</a> architecture in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_subcontinent" title="Indian subcontinent">Indian subcontinent</a></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CZ9raghKLqk/UlnhGVU90tI/AAAAAAAAIrs/PeUmUoWhX7U/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CZ9raghKLqk/UlnhGVU90tI/AAAAAAAAIrs/PeUmUoWhX7U/s320/019.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A window without a view..........</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-glZBQNEKJmQ/UlnhIDq15UI/AAAAAAAAIr8/kdzRcD1tSSA/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-glZBQNEKJmQ/UlnhIDq15UI/AAAAAAAAIr8/kdzRcD1tSSA/s320/020.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Qtub Minar is on the flightpath of planes to and from New Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lnlrw_vF9pE/UlnhJOq9ByI/AAAAAAAAIsI/ssTB5NDMEMQ/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lnlrw_vF9pE/UlnhJOq9ByI/AAAAAAAAIsI/ssTB5NDMEMQ/s320/021.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lads take a break</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ByuBxASjG6E/UlnhIuCjacI/AAAAAAAAIsA/-MRzDlSUzUc/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ByuBxASjG6E/UlnhIuCjacI/AAAAAAAAIsA/-MRzDlSUzUc/s320/022.JPG" width="205" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Old architecture, modern fashion statement!</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pr2TRyJc1tU/UlnhKucCq1I/AAAAAAAAIsU/zVmNoejM9Mw/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pr2TRyJc1tU/UlnhKucCq1I/AAAAAAAAIsU/zVmNoejM9Mw/s320/023.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Brisk walk through the ruins</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ORH0LbwAD2E/UlnhLGdTfVI/AAAAAAAAIsc/hV2RVDUIG98/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ORH0LbwAD2E/UlnhLGdTfVI/AAAAAAAAIsc/hV2RVDUIG98/s320/025.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Qutub Minar was used as a watch tower. The earliest extant mosque
was built by the Delhi Sultans. Some historians believe that the Qutub
Minar was named after the first Turkic sultan (whose descendant- Wajid
Ali Shah-repaired it), <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qutub-ud-din_Aibak" title="Qutub-ud-din Aibak">Qutub-ud-din Aibak,</a><sup> </sup>but others contend that it was named in honour of <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qutubuddin_Bakhtiar_Kaki" title="Qutubuddin Bakhtiar Kaki">Qutubuddin Bakhtiar Kaki,</a><sup> </sup>a saint from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transoxiana" title="Transoxiana">Transoxiana</a> who came to live in India and was venerated by Iltutmish</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YNxxuZfFjco/UlnhNK4bN9I/AAAAAAAAIsw/LHS2XEyg_7c/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YNxxuZfFjco/UlnhNK4bN9I/AAAAAAAAIsw/LHS2XEyg_7c/s320/026.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Born a slave in Turkey, Qutb rose to prominence as a general during
Muhammed Ghari's invasion of India in the 1180s. After Muhammed's
assassination in 1206, Qutb seized the throne and crowned himself Sultan
of the Mamluk dynasty, often disparagingly called the "Slave Dynasty"
after Qutb's origins</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8SFiU5CDtww/UlnhM1qsaCI/AAAAAAAAIss/sJa4GdQO0zg/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8SFiU5CDtww/UlnhM1qsaCI/AAAAAAAAIss/sJa4GdQO0zg/s320/027.JPG" width="286" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Love the white dress</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SNPExB08Y-E/UlnhNgeZRQI/AAAAAAAAIs4/4hMoPmvl09w/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SNPExB08Y-E/UlnhNgeZRQI/AAAAAAAAIs4/4hMoPmvl09w/s320/028.JPG" width="237" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Beautiful columns. They are plundered Hindu columns which came from 27 Hindu and Jain temples razed by Qutb's occupation army</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3thkgRRq1pM/UlnhODOLmvI/AAAAAAAAItA/KY2H9bxJMCQ/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="170" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3thkgRRq1pM/UlnhODOLmvI/AAAAAAAAItA/KY2H9bxJMCQ/s320/029.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The iron pillar is one of the world’s foremost metallurgical
curiosities. The pillar, 7.21-metre high and weighing more than six
tonnes, was originally erected by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chandragupta_II" title="Chandragupta II">Chandragupta II</a> Vikramaditya (375–414 AD) in front of a Vishnu Temple complex at <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Udaygiri_Caves" title="Udaygiri Caves">Udayagiri</a> around 402 AD, and later shifted by Aangpal in 10th century AD from Udaygiri to its present location. <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anangpal" title="Anangpal">Anangpal</a> built a Vishnu Temple here and wanted this pillar to be a part of that temple. (Thanks to Wikipedia for the facts). Next time Fez, Morocco. See you there!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12279568965229347907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17944189.post-23843085091999496072013-09-28T08:32:00.000+08:002013-09-29T13:35:54.847+08:00Lodi Gardens, New Delhi, India<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Welcome to my blog. I have not done much posting this year, but aim to get back to normal soon. I recently visited Delhi again. Sky was a whitewash but here are some photos of a walk across Lodi Gardens from the Khan Market side, one of my favourite places in Delhi. Grateful to Wikipedia for the information</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C2QAe9sSAyQ/UkYWhKA1LlI/AAAAAAAAImc/9H44t-ara_s/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="188" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C2QAe9sSAyQ/UkYWhKA1LlI/AAAAAAAAImc/9H44t-ara_s/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Walled enclosure of the Sikander Lodi's Tomb</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hgUHA3etp_8/UkYWiM0doBI/AAAAAAAAImk/-wOVMDV_gpE/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hgUHA3etp_8/UkYWiM0doBI/AAAAAAAAImk/-wOVMDV_gpE/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Lodi Gardens</b> (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindi" title="Hindi">Hindi</a>: लोधी बाग़, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urdu" title="Urdu">Urdu</a>: لودھی باغ) is a park in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delhi" title="Delhi">Delhi</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India" title="India">India</a>. Spread over <span style="font-size: small;">9<span style="font-size: small;">0 </span></span>acres (360,000 m<sup>2</sup>)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OtFtUc0mim4/UkYWhN2fcnI/AAAAAAAAImY/n_SnmvILq-s/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OtFtUc0mim4/UkYWhN2fcnI/AAAAAAAAImY/n_SnmvILq-s/s320/003.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">It contains Mohammed Shah's Tomb, <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikander_Lodi" title="Sikander Lodi">Sikander Lodi</a>'s Tomb, Sheesh Gumbad and Bara Gumbad,<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architecture" title="Architecture"> architectural</a> works of the 15th century <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sayyid_dynasty" title="Sayyid dynasty">Sayyid</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lodi_dynasty" title="Lodi dynasty">Lodis</a>, a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pashtun_people" title="Pashtun people">Pashtun</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynasty" title="Dynasty">dynasty</a> which ruled much of <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_India" title="Northern India">Northern India</a> during the 16th century, and the site is now protected by the <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archeological_Survey_of_India" title="Archeological Survey of India">Archeological Survey of India</a> (ASI)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kJCWQmtKOsc/UkYWjOogkEI/AAAAAAAAIm0/AFcvDh_mp8M/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kJCWQmtKOsc/UkYWjOogkEI/AAAAAAAAIm0/AFcvDh_mp8M/s320/004.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The entrance to Sikander Lodi's Tomb</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F2QRYFbSp-U/UkYWjPFgmsI/AAAAAAAAImw/Lupku8wBDFg/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F2QRYFbSp-U/UkYWjPFgmsI/AAAAAAAAImw/Lupku8wBDFg/s320/005.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sweet kiss......</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LT07WJzEnjk/UkYWjn4mF_I/AAAAAAAAIm4/NJy-5UedVYA/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LT07WJzEnjk/UkYWjn4mF_I/AAAAAAAAIm4/NJy-5UedVYA/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sikander Lodi's Tomb within its enclosure. It is a fine example of a an octagonal tomb</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WIJdNJIP0zc/UkYWlmIfvcI/AAAAAAAAInM/ef9uvMOyFFs/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WIJdNJIP0zc/UkYWlmIfvcI/AAAAAAAAInM/ef9uvMOyFFs/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Sikandar Lodi</b> (died November 21, 1517), born <b>Nizam Khan</b>, was the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sultan" title="Sultan">Sultan</a> of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delhi_Sultanate" title="Delhi Sultanate">Delhi</a> between 1489 to 1517</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gIYw54Eg82M/UkYWlkWY85I/AAAAAAAAInI/7JnnLGavgzk/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gIYw54Eg82M/UkYWlkWY85I/AAAAAAAAInI/7JnnLGavgzk/s320/008.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Internal detail with the sun reflecting on the wall through one of the openings </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ogihlsKzKv0/UkYWl8lt4GI/AAAAAAAAInQ/cWr182-8Ktc/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ogihlsKzKv0/UkYWl8lt4GI/AAAAAAAAInQ/cWr182-8Ktc/s320/009.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hard to believe you're in Delhi!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ayKlnpPx9DU/UkYWn3_CeyI/AAAAAAAAIng/QqOOb0h6wOc/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ayKlnpPx9DU/UkYWn3_CeyI/AAAAAAAAIng/QqOOb0h6wOc/s320/010.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">In the centuries, after the 15th century <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sayyid_dynasty" title="Sayyid dynasty">Sayyid</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lodi_dynasty" title="Lodi dynasty">Lodi</a>
dynasties, two villages grew around the monuments, but the villagers
were relocated in 1936 in order to create the gardens. During <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Raj" title="British Raj">British Raj</a>, it was landscaped by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marie_Freeman-Thomas,_Marchioness_of_Willingdon" title="Marie Freeman-Thomas, Marchioness of Willingdon">Lady Willingdon</a>, wife of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Governor-General_of_India" title="Governor-General of India">Governor-General of India</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freeman_Freeman-Thomas,_1st_Marquess_of_Willingdon" title="Freeman Freeman-Thomas, 1st Marquess of Willingdon">Marquess of Willingdon</a>, and hence named the 'Lady Willingdon Park' upon its inauguration on April 9, 1936<span style="font-size: small;">. In</span> 1947, after Independence, it was given its present name, Lodi Gardens</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N54AiVlM6bY/UkYWnzP6XSI/AAAAAAAAInk/ZABLNM_8nl8/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N54AiVlM6bY/UkYWnzP6XSI/AAAAAAAAInk/ZABLNM_8nl8/s320/011.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sheesh Gumbad </span><span style="font-size: small;">("Glass dome") </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7AZdzMyYOYs/UkYWoJlNBRI/AAAAAAAAIno/8VV3DjHQQ7E/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7AZdzMyYOYs/UkYWoJlNBRI/AAAAAAAAIno/8VV3DjHQQ7E/s320/012.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Sheesh Gumbad</i> is so named because of the glazed tiles used in its construction</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eBDz4_jW-5o/UkYWpaTcGOI/AAAAAAAAIn4/0_C0V03F65M/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eBDz4_jW-5o/UkYWpaTcGOI/AAAAAAAAIn4/0_C0V03F65M/s320/013.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sheesh Gumbad and opposite is Bara Gumbad</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BIDqLM56fVM/UkYWp8KolPI/AAAAAAAAIoE/LDBluhldHhQ/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BIDqLM56fVM/UkYWp8KolPI/AAAAAAAAIoE/LDBluhldHhQ/s320/014.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sheesh Gumbad contains the remains of an unknown family, this was also built during the reign of Sikander Lodi</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FdfZDhXDMME/UkYWp2AtXyI/AAAAAAAAIoA/lsNMEewfKsw/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FdfZDhXDMME/UkYWp2AtXyI/AAAAAAAAIoA/lsNMEewfKsw/s320/015.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Framed</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-29Shr0AhrbA/UkYWqd3eN3I/AAAAAAAAIoI/g1Ohw0Nf3D0/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="156" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-29Shr0AhrbA/UkYWqd3eN3I/AAAAAAAAIoI/g1Ohw0Nf3D0/s320/016.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">In the middle of the gardens is the <i>Bara Gumbad</i> ("Big Dome"), it consists of a large rubble-construct dome. It is not a tomb<sup class="Template-Fact" style="white-space: nowrap;"><i> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed" title="Wikipedia:Citation needed"><span title="This claim needs references to reliable sources. (December 2010)"></span></a></i></sup>but a gateway to an attached a three domed <i><a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masjid" title="Masjid">masjid</a></i> (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mosque" title="Mosque">mosque</a>), both built in 1494 during the reign of Sikander Lodi</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7LkBS6fb_tg/UkYWraSdE8I/AAAAAAAAIoY/_1sQNuAiyc8/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="165" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7LkBS6fb_tg/UkYWraSdE8I/AAAAAAAAIoY/_1sQNuAiyc8/s320/017.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Beautifully situated</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CmYoSe4LaLQ/UkYWsmB0iBI/AAAAAAAAIok/ppsfJUPwzI8/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CmYoSe4LaLQ/UkYWsmB0iBI/AAAAAAAAIok/ppsfJUPwzI8/s320/018.JPG" width="210" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Detail of the three-domed mosque</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MUos9x6OCZQ/UkYWsYyfesI/AAAAAAAAIog/oGFBpmgrdH0/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="203" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MUos9x6OCZQ/UkYWsYyfesI/AAAAAAAAIog/oGFBpmgrdH0/s320/019.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Amazing that such a grand tomb was built and we don't know who the family was that it was built for</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HTk8wDPeic8/UkYWtI_do-I/AAAAAAAAIoo/RlTS_psemQw/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HTk8wDPeic8/UkYWtI_do-I/AAAAAAAAIoo/RlTS_psemQw/s320/020.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The tomb of Mohammed Shah, the last of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sayyid_dynasty" title="Sayyid dynasty">Sayyid dynasty</a> rulers, the earliest of the tombs in the garden, was built in 1444 by Ala-ud-din Alam Shah as a tribute to Mohammed Shah</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nm70c5Eh37k/UkYWulwuJ5I/AAAAAAAAIo8/BsRH_MVPPTM/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nm70c5Eh37k/UkYWulwuJ5I/AAAAAAAAIo8/BsRH_MVPPTM/s320/022.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Octagonal in shape and circled by beautiful arches</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mRb_mgMhS0g/UkYW7ZTSEVI/AAAAAAAAIpQ/3BBGs-Kmkdk/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mRb_mgMhS0g/UkYW7ZTSEVI/AAAAAAAAIpQ/3BBGs-Kmkdk/s320/023.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lines of palm trees.....</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fuh3jFVyIBI/UkYWuYKRmNI/AAAAAAAAIo4/jrwuIjwDiBY/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fuh3jFVyIBI/UkYWuYKRmNI/AAAAAAAAIo4/jrwuIjwDiBY/s320/024.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">......surround the tomb</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Qtub Minar next, fo<span style="font-size: small;">llowed by Fes, Morocco. <span style="font-size: small;">Hope to see you again!</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Alan </span></span></span> </span></td></tr>
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Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12279568965229347907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17944189.post-28105295007286703242013-06-29T18:22:00.000+08:002013-06-29T19:08:48.009+08:00Urban Sreet Art - London<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Welcome to this issue of my blog which is a celebration of urban street artists who decorate the City with their creativity and artistic skills<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-59V5FGPyO-o/Uc6ocLAfq-I/AAAAAAAAIi4/2lItP3I5NyU/s1001/008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-59V5FGPyO-o/Uc6ocLAfq-I/AAAAAAAAIi4/2lItP3I5NyU/s320/008.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Most of these photos were taken in the Brick Lane and Whitechapel area </span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sXjd6Jll37Q/Uc6odt8SNXI/AAAAAAAAIjA/R8bMTnPeq7M/s1001/009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sXjd6Jll37Q/Uc6odt8SNXI/AAAAAAAAIjA/R8bMTnPeq7M/s320/009.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Someone likes Del Boy! If you are interested in London Street Art have a look at the <a href="http://streetartlondon.co.uk/" target="_blank">Street Art London</a> <span style="font-size: small;">w</span>ebsite </span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d8-wM6tD7Ag/Uc6oe_jhA0I/AAAAAAAAIjI/ihRIPK7-H-A/s1001/010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d8-wM6tD7Ag/Uc6oe_jhA0I/AAAAAAAAIjI/ihRIPK7-H-A/s320/010.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">It is full of interesting news about the art and the artists. This painting is a favourite as I am a Quadrophenia fan</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N9CMCjnpyCM/Uc6ogUyxtGI/AAAAAAAAIjQ/LPzZ2DjS5Lg/s1200/011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N9CMCjnpyCM/Uc6ogUyxtGI/AAAAAAAAIjQ/LPzZ2DjS5Lg/s320/011.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">You can also get a <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/street-art-london-geo-street/id471746725?ls=1&mt=8" target="_blank">"Geo Street Art" app</a> for your iphone if you have one. It will help you find all the best Street Art near you when you are in London</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BhqCe4E0UiY/Uc6ohnpkmSI/AAAAAAAAIjY/JK2eleZaqlA/s1001/012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BhqCe4E0UiY/Uc6ohnpkmSI/AAAAAAAAIjY/JK2eleZaqlA/s320/012.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Another great site is</span> <a href="http://www.ravishlondon.com/londonstreetart/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">"Ravish<span style="font-size: small;">l</span>ondon Street Art"</span></a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6YWFH2QgVQA/Uc6ohzfRIxI/AAAAAAAAIjc/l5KRLSsLago/s1001/013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6YWFH2QgVQA/Uc6ohzfRIxI/AAAAAAAAIjc/l5KRLSsLago/s320/013.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Of course, it is illegal, but it has become a welcome addition to the London scene for many Londoners and visitors</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1cDJ3CiZECg/Uc6oqehyf5I/AAAAAAAAIjw/NqHl9juQy8s/s1200/014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1cDJ3CiZECg/Uc6oqehyf5I/AAAAAAAAIjw/NqHl9juQy8s/s320/014.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sometimes the art is random, as this display of objects in a cycle basket</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YBkoEjrTRek/Uc6omh5An_I/AAAAAAAAIjo/p0sqJ81syRM/s1200/015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YBkoEjrTRek/Uc6omh5An_I/AAAAAAAAIjo/p0sqJ81syRM/s320/015.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.ravishlondon.com/londonstreetart/" target="_blank">Ravishlondon</a> describes street art as </span>"<span style="font-family: verdana,arial; font-size: small;">Exposed to the ravages of urban life, street art can be considered
transient, delicate, beautiful and fragile - as a butterfly or wild flower in spring. Done well, it reaches out and
<i>touches</i> your soul, increasing the quality of your emotions as you trudge through the city."</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yxrg2I75Cb4/Uc6orY46d7I/AAAAAAAAIj4/MOZJIXyCU_g/s1001/017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yxrg2I75Cb4/Uc6orY46d7I/AAAAAAAAIj4/MOZJIXyCU_g/s320/017.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Enigmatic teaser? Is this a reference to Ban<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">ks</span>y's stolen graffiti that was resold at an art auction in America?</span></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hck0s6NFlPw/Uc6oxcd2_mI/AAAAAAAAIkY/o1I3xuIhCtI/s1001/019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hck0s6NFlPw/Uc6oxcd2_mI/AAAAAAAAIkY/o1I3xuIhCtI/s320/019.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">There is a huge variety of style and technique</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KNGX_lE40C4/Uc6ovFCXJ2I/AAAAAAAAIkI/VkBuk0EhIpQ/s1001/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KNGX_lE40C4/Uc6ovFCXJ2I/AAAAAAAAIkI/VkBuk0EhIpQ/s320/020.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">London street artists have turned certain parts of London upside down and into an open air art gallery</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k0xMOIB7zbo/Uc6oyAKhUzI/AAAAAAAAIkg/OVK8tffsuyg/s1200/021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k0xMOIB7zbo/Uc6oyAKhUzI/AAAAAAAAIkg/OVK8tffsuyg/s320/021.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Not art painted directly onto a building, but I like the message!</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LHdGkF1VqT4/Uc6oz7CCJMI/AAAAAAAAIko/5cBUuBjNv00/s1001/022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LHdGkF1VqT4/Uc6oz7CCJMI/AAAAAAAAIko/5cBUuBjNv00/s320/022.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Striking and arresting...</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9gruKv9x3Xc/Uc6o1-lnCzI/AAAAAAAAIkw/AJ3zmbODSTY/s1200/022a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9gruKv9x3Xc/Uc6o1-lnCzI/AAAAAAAAIkw/AJ3zmbODSTY/s320/022a.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">...i</span>t's impossible not to notice as you walk by, unless it is part of your commuter route!</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-it6HDOXt68s/Uc6o-Xvvf2I/AAAAAAAAIlQ/NPiSYi4K-RI/s1200/026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-it6HDOXt68s/Uc6o-Xvvf2I/AAAAAAAAIlQ/NPiSYi4K-RI/s320/026.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Strange, alien, and not so modest, beings lurk near markets</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LSxApGZeER8/Uc6pAMneFaI/AAAAAAAAIlY/KrUHRF6DRTw/s1200/027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LSxApGZeER8/Uc6pAMneFaI/AAAAAAAAIlY/KrUHRF6DRTw/s320/027.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Beautiful but scary women await you in the streets</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-URHArjVCckE/Uc6pAQ1ksSI/AAAAAAAAIlc/E95DsHxo_LI/s1200/028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-URHArjVCckE/Uc6pAQ1ksSI/AAAAAAAAIlc/E95DsHxo_LI/s320/028.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The photographer (me) at work<span style="font-size: small;">, <span style="font-size: small;">capturing all this wonderful art</span></span></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eORQH2Tslmc/Uc6pEnqjKEI/AAAAAAAAIlw/pCVCfGVpEWk/s1200/029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eORQH2Tslmc/Uc6pEnqjKEI/AAAAAAAAIlw/pCVCfGVpEWk/s320/029.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is superb. No burgl<span style="font-size: small;">a</span>r would even try....</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-skWeTcYNmhI/Uc6pChENkdI/AAAAAAAAIlo/qZrTiZADCmg/s1200/030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-skWeTcYNmhI/Uc6pChENkdI/AAAAAAAAIlo/qZrTiZADCmg/s320/030.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Street display, all for sale...be afraid..<span style="font-size: small;">.</span>be very afraid</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3UKEpBjGEPU/Uc6oSDnqtNI/AAAAAAAAIiA/jm2lL8ptcFc/s1200/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3UKEpBjGEPU/Uc6oSDnqtNI/AAAAAAAAIiA/jm2lL8ptcFc/s320/001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">How could any woman resist!</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l-vIrf-UlVk/Uc6oT9leftI/AAAAAAAAIiI/2I5atOA-eC0/s1001/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l-vIrf-UlVk/Uc6oT9leftI/AAAAAAAAIiI/2I5atOA-eC0/s320/002.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Backpack ready and off to work?</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_jmjyrSg7X4/Uc6oUhy6C7I/AAAAAAAAIiQ/FkeYku-TUxg/s1200/003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="197" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_jmjyrSg7X4/Uc6oUhy6C7I/AAAAAAAAIiQ/FkeYku-TUxg/s320/003.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">and then then you pass worlds of fantasy... </span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZnC-Amp7CVM/Uc6oWyg9j-I/AAAAAAAAIiY/hTfKqq-Eq2I/s1200/004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="141" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZnC-Amp7CVM/Uc6oWyg9j-I/AAAAAAAAIiY/hTfKqq-Eq2I/s320/004.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">...with extraordinary and fantastical beings...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d57US5B6xFY/Uc6oYISMedI/AAAAAAAAIio/oqqjr6iTHf8/s1200/005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d57US5B6xFY/Uc6oYISMedI/AAAAAAAAIio/oqqjr6iTHf8/s320/005.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">...b</span>ut this</span> g<span style="font-size: small;">eezer</span> looks like he might be able to help you out in a fight with a huge green reptile!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YVjJms_t_Ec/Uc6oXPrBR-I/AAAAAAAAIic/93hEX_83Wfg/s1001/006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YVjJms_t_Ec/Uc6oXPrBR-I/AAAAAAAAIic/93hEX_83Wfg/s320/006.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tut, tut, such goings on...I wonder what beer they were drinking?</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b3PczIJcN5Q/Uc6oajIaKeI/AAAAAAAAIiw/GHAJruEu5Iw/s1001/007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b3PczIJcN5Q/Uc6oajIaKeI/AAAAAAAAIiw/GHAJruEu5Iw/s320/007.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">S</span>olitary thinker</span>?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yQ3PZDApw9w/Uc6ovooxPLI/AAAAAAAAIkQ/Ta2EbXPLGGs/s1200/018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="157" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yQ3PZDApw9w/Uc6ovooxPLI/AAAAAAAAIkQ/Ta2EbXPLGGs/s320/018.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yikes!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T_ngqzyTpk0/Uc6o6yxyW_I/AAAAAAAAIlA/b46exNrayf4/s1200/023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T_ngqzyTpk0/Uc6o6yxyW_I/AAAAAAAAIlA/b46exNrayf4/s320/023.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A radiant being</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WmCtyQ1QZys/Uc6o4pkM7II/AAAAAAAAIk4/2hLsPmXfHTg/s1200/024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WmCtyQ1QZys/Uc6o4pkM7II/AAAAAAAAIk4/2hLsPmXfHTg/s320/024.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My wife on party night!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cnoIZKucnAA/Uc6o73h7QTI/AAAAAAAAIlI/FdOoM6NOHEQ/s1200/025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cnoIZKucnAA/Uc6o73h7QTI/AAAAAAAAIlI/FdOoM6NOHEQ/s320/025.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Art with a message?<br /><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/news/street-art/" target="_blank">The Huffington Post Street Art page</a> is another great place for information and what's going on in London and around the world.</span></td></tr>
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Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12279568965229347907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17944189.post-77444018228701056502013-03-31T18:51:00.003+08:002013-03-31T19:08:45.902+08:00Marrakech - Light and Shade<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RptdsuMWxto/UVd0trRRS5I/AAAAAAAAIc0/MFGCbr8i7kU/s1600/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RptdsuMWxto/UVd0trRRS5I/AAAAAAAAIc0/MFGCbr8i7kU/s320/001.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marrakesh" target="_blank">Marrakech</a> is Morocco's fourth largest city after <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casablanca" title="Casablanca">Casablanca</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fes" title="Fes">Fes</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabat" title="Rabat">Rabat</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C6DEEzTrLs8/UVd0q41lrXI/AAAAAAAAIck/aIJmXS5VjPA/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C6DEEzTrLs8/UVd0q41lrXI/AAAAAAAAIck/aIJmXS5VjPA/s320/002.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Marrakech was founded in 1062</span>. <span style="font-size: small;">The combination of bright sun, blue sky<span style="font-size: small;">, lovely medieval architecture and </span>stark contrast of light and shade makes it a wonderful place for photography </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PWoNmo9yxYU/UVd0s8pIgYI/AAAAAAAAIcs/khEN2rI61vg/s1600/003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PWoNmo9yxYU/UVd0s8pIgYI/AAAAAAAAIcs/khEN2rI61vg/s320/003.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A typical market scene</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uK18fyeVIs8/UVd0vo7tijI/AAAAAAAAIc8/V9rkFplTkfk/s1600/004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uK18fyeVIs8/UVd0vo7tijI/AAAAAAAAIc8/V9rkFplTkfk/s320/004.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The rooftops of Marrakech</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DkbQ_uJfPgg/UVd0vhZFZdI/AAAAAAAAIdA/ZibYgWigduw/s1600/005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DkbQ_uJfPgg/UVd0vhZFZdI/AAAAAAAAIdA/ZibYgWigduw/s320/005.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">R</span>ooftop </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="st"><span style="font-size: small;">c</span>afés</span> are very popular</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uqpnuw7Qr-o/UVd0xnrI9rI/AAAAAAAAIdM/qN3O0OC1YxA/s1600/006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uqpnuw7Qr-o/UVd0xnrI9rI/AAAAAAAAIdM/qN3O0OC1YxA/s320/006.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Coming into the the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jemaa_el-Fnaa" title="Jemaa el-Fnaa">Jemaa el-Fnaa</a> or Djemaa el Fna. It is one of the most famous squares in all of Africa and is the centre of city activity and trade</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qH3SYk2NeU8/UVd0zWdmPzI/AAAAAAAAIdU/FutKcav-3Ho/s1600/007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qH3SYk2NeU8/UVd0zWdmPzI/AAAAAAAAIdU/FutKcav-3Ho/s320/007.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Around the edges of the large square there are cafes, restaurants, banks and pharmacies. The square is a good place to get money from an ATM!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k6P0EeQlbEA/UVd008rNtgI/AAAAAAAAIdc/QU5t3fqgDkI/s1600/009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k6P0EeQlbEA/UVd008rNtgI/AAAAAAAAIdc/QU5t3fqgDkI/s320/009.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The snake charmers...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FHIo-WzwyJ8/UVd03MojT4I/AAAAAAAAIdo/lXVgttLeTCk/s1600/010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FHIo-WzwyJ8/UVd03MojT4I/AAAAAAAAIdo/lXVgttLeTCk/s320/010.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">...charmed me!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TGmoGaj_SnY/UVd03H87R_I/AAAAAAAAIdk/yWz3htjswgw/s1600/011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TGmoGaj_SnY/UVd03H87R_I/AAAAAAAAIdk/yWz3htjswgw/s320/011.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Beautiful arch leading off the square</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F3JOxd9OamU/UVd037KyLII/AAAAAAAAId0/P6NTYqODLmw/s1600/008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F3JOxd9OamU/UVd037KyLII/AAAAAAAAId0/P6NTYqODLmw/s320/008.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The square is famous for many things, one of them is fresh orange juice</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AQhjaMXWcIQ/UVd06NBpx5I/AAAAAAAAId8/3DCxjnOcn-I/s1600/012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AQhjaMXWcIQ/UVd06NBpx5I/AAAAAAAAId8/3DCxjnOcn-I/s320/012.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tR7xTQKdMNA/UVd08CsQEvI/AAAAAAAAIeE/ZLI6Dn6ljMA/s1600/015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tR7xTQKdMNA/UVd08CsQEvI/AAAAAAAAIeE/ZLI6Dn6ljMA/s320/015.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koutoubia_Mosque" title="Koutoubia Mosque">Koutoubia Mosque</a> is the largest mosque in the city, located in the southwest <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medina_quarter" title="Medina quarter">medina quarter</a> of Marrakesh <span style="font-size: small;">to the </span>side of the square</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TN2JxMeanDA/UVd08tKcW_I/AAAAAAAAIeI/yEjkq1FE2GE/s1600/013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TN2JxMeanDA/UVd08tKcW_I/AAAAAAAAIeI/yEjkq1FE2GE/s320/013.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minaret" title="Minaret">minaret</a> is 77 metres (253 ft) in height</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JvC9huaCD_o/UVd080olIPI/AAAAAAAAIeQ/Q61FC5rjaaY/s1600/014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JvC9huaCD_o/UVd080olIPI/AAAAAAAAIeQ/Q61FC5rjaaY/s320/014.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">It was completed under the reign of the <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Almohad" title="Almohad">Almohad</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caliph" title="Caliph">Caliph</a> <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yaqub_al-Mansur" title="Yaqub al-Mansur">Yaqub al-Mansur</a> (1184 to 1199)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X9XtkRjxWB8/UVd0_8pcp3I/AAAAAAAAIec/pzTZULxVTKY/s1600/017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X9XtkRjxWB8/UVd0_8pcp3I/AAAAAAAAIec/pzTZULxVTKY/s320/017.jpg" width="217" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The tree doesn't give much shade!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d4ZhG9JIZes/UVd1CZoxrWI/AAAAAAAAIew/gniUFd3Vi8o/s1600/016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d4ZhG9JIZes/UVd1CZoxrWI/AAAAAAAAIew/gniUFd3Vi8o/s320/016.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Different forms of transport in Marrakech</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gzwKB7ih44g/UVd1CjEROiI/AAAAAAAAIes/n-WJrZvbPkw/s1600/019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gzwKB7ih44g/UVd1CjEROiI/AAAAAAAAIes/n-WJrZvbPkw/s320/019.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Marrakech owes much of its fame to its Souks. It has the largest traditional Berber market in Morocco</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fB9fW-6mHlQ/UVd1DiY05rI/AAAAAAAAIe8/CbOLCQSxmsU/s1600/020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fB9fW-6mHlQ/UVd1DiY05rI/AAAAAAAAIe8/CbOLCQSxmsU/s320/020.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Paul Sullivan cites the souks as the principal shopping attraction in
the city, describing it as "a honeycomb of intricately connected
alleyways, this fundamental section of the old city is a micro-medina in
itself, comprising a dizzying number of stalls and shops that range
from itsy kiosks no bigger than an elf's wardrobe to scruffy
store-fronts that morph into glittering <a class="new" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Aladdin%27s_Cave&action=edit&redlink=1" title="Aladdin's Cave (page does not exist)">Aladdin's Caves</a> once you're inside."</span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marrakesh#cite_note-FOOTNOTESullivan2006148-69"></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IGOmL1Q30M8/UVd1HKORgYI/AAAAAAAAIfM/I1JQoZR1DKw/s1600/022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IGOmL1Q30M8/UVd1HKORgYI/AAAAAAAAIfM/I1JQoZR1DKw/s320/022.jpg" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hard to take a shot without a sattelite dish!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ehGhb0MEy3k/UVd1IFbTj4I/AAAAAAAAIfU/4cFRULyuhqE/s1600/024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ehGhb0MEy3k/UVd1IFbTj4I/AAAAAAAAIfU/4cFRULyuhqE/s320/024.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://500px.com/alan8460" target="_blank">Mysterious Marrakech!</a></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q2TAopWCXcc/UVd1IefcJpI/AAAAAAAAIfY/EFeG4aAqFVc/s1600/023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q2TAopWCXcc/UVd1IefcJpI/AAAAAAAAIfY/EFeG4aAqFVc/s320/023.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Light and shade</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GNH2w30FKiY/UVd1KgFF4pI/AAAAAAAAIfk/pVEahVt_Eic/s1600/025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GNH2w30FKiY/UVd1KgFF4pI/AAAAAAAAIfk/pVEahVt_Eic/s320/025.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Alley cat!</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zV8VXZwDVYY/UVd1LHPa4CI/AAAAAAAAIfs/k5EYOAoUnEM/s1600/026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zV8VXZwDVYY/UVd1LHPa4CI/AAAAAAAAIfs/k5EYOAoUnEM/s320/026.jpg" width="233" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Typical Medina alley</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IxilqQ8GTLA/UVd1Li9uoTI/AAAAAAAAIf0/Vh2Xiu-OzWw/s1600/027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IxilqQ8GTLA/UVd1Li9uoTI/AAAAAAAAIf0/Vh2Xiu-OzWw/s320/027.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is the Minaret in the first photo, different point of view!</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3f1QgLzm8P4/UVd1Oon7EvI/AAAAAAAAIf8/EqCgs8U6wb0/s1600/028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3f1QgLzm8P4/UVd1Oon7EvI/AAAAAAAAIf8/EqCgs8U6wb0/s320/028.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Beautiful <a href="http://www.riadtzarra.com/" target="_blank">Riad Tzarra </a>where I stayed. I fully recommend it. The service is very good</span><a href="http://www.riadtzarra.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /></a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IGWqEGZ2Bro/UVd1PABUqcI/AAAAAAAAIgE/mxF5cw7lz58/s1600/030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IGWqEGZ2Bro/UVd1PABUqcI/AAAAAAAAIgE/mxF5cw7lz58/s320/030.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Back in the</span> <span style="font-size: small;">the Jemaa el-Fnaa. It is i<span style="font-size: small;">mperative to go during the day and at night. The square is transformed at night<span style="font-size: small;">. Full o<span style="font-size: small;">f locals,<span style="font-size: small;"> who gather and eat in the square. There is a great atmosphere</span></span></span></span> </span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bZ9hmG3jCVo/UVd1QAy7tFI/AAAAAAAAIgM/_Gu-CRFtp9M/s1600/029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bZ9hmG3jCVo/UVd1QAy7tFI/AAAAAAAAIgM/_Gu-CRFtp9M/s320/029.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Love this door</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4ET3rigUtvQ/UVd1Rbz-gBI/AAAAAAAAIgU/0PlCRgvcvMc/s1600/031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="136" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4ET3rigUtvQ/UVd1Rbz-gBI/AAAAAAAAIgU/0PlCRgvcvMc/s320/031.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's all about food!</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P9Bdn53KXj0/UVd1S1kcdNI/AAAAAAAAIgk/sBDhHAo-CVc/s1600/032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P9Bdn53KXj0/UVd1S1kcdNI/AAAAAAAAIgk/sBDhHAo-CVc/s320/032.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dried fruit stall. Everything you could want</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1cKJBunaE5s/UVd1SZcRuAI/AAAAAAAAIgc/3JnLIxw7XI4/s1600/033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="173" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1cKJBunaE5s/UVd1SZcRuAI/AAAAAAAAIgc/3JnLIxw7XI4/s320/033.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Flames of the BBQ fire</span></td></tr>
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Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12279568965229347907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17944189.post-44073895569250201202013-03-16T16:40:00.002+08:002013-03-17T13:13:30.247+08:00 Rabat, Morocco <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gIMbehqFlDs/UUQrMxPmsHI/AAAAAAAAIYs/xYd7nWqbtIs/s1600/000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="173" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gIMbehqFlDs/UUQrMxPmsHI/AAAAAAAAIYs/xYd7nWqbtIs/s320/000.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hi and welcome! I visited Morocco a month ago and the next few blogs will show photos of Rabat and Marrakech<span style="font-size: small;">.</span> This first photo shows the Medina wall and one of the entrances</span><u><br /></u></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MDsxnvL519s/UUQrNSfPAHI/AAAAAAAAIY4/dlasYGwl_IA/s1600/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MDsxnvL519s/UUQrNSfPAHI/AAAAAAAAIY4/dlasYGwl_IA/s320/001.jpg" width="206" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Beautiful mosque towers and small alleyways are characteristic features of the Medina</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_MWaIv2bzhU/UUQrgdFIvlI/AAAAAAAAIbM/2daP-KaL7gk/s1600/01a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_MWaIv2bzhU/UUQrgdFIvlI/AAAAAAAAIbM/2daP-KaL7gk/s320/01a.jpg" width="208" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Catching up on the news after breakfast</span>!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nc5ZGnG1bcQ/UUQrNcTkYkI/AAAAAAAAIY0/AaL2_epOwK4/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nc5ZGnG1bcQ/UUQrNcTkYkI/AAAAAAAAIY0/AaL2_epOwK4/s320/002.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lovely doorways, arches and windows are everywhere</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pGgE9fg9u7g/UUQrOwiSvcI/AAAAAAAAIZE/2qRpHkgeLLY/s1600/003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pGgE9fg9u7g/UUQrOwiSvcI/AAAAAAAAIZE/2qRpHkgeLLY/s320/003.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">An <span style="font-size: small;">o</span>ld and worn, but beautiful fountain in typical Moroc<span style="font-size: small;">c</span>an style. A good place to sit and have a rest</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oa4Acjb93Ws/UUQrRIjjH_I/AAAAAAAAIZM/2SAjs8NvXO0/s1600/004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oa4Acjb93Ws/UUQrRIjjH_I/AAAAAAAAIZM/2SAjs8NvXO0/s320/004.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A typical scene in one of the main streets in the <span style="font-size: small;">M</span>edina</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6TQBczKGEic/UUQrR-krN8I/AAAAAAAAIZU/4OESxQWY2lg/s1600/005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6TQBczKGEic/UUQrR-krN8I/AAAAAAAAIZU/4OESxQWY2lg/s320/005.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The cemetery lies outside the walls all the way down to the <span style="font-size: small;">Atlantic Ocean</span></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-spCEgdRSJSU/UUQrS-4iU5I/AAAAAAAAIZc/BXlrAakIbCg/s1600/006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-spCEgdRSJSU/UUQrS-4iU5I/AAAAAAAAIZc/BXlrAakIbCg/s320/006.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Looking towards the </span><span style="font-size: small;">Kasbah of the Udayas <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabat" title="Rabat"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></a></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J-kcpLurFN0/UUQrqKXr2jI/AAAAAAAAIcU/w8O7ifkqhm4/s1600/05a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J-kcpLurFN0/UUQrqKXr2jI/AAAAAAAAIcU/w8O7ifkqhm4/s320/05a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">All the tombstones face towards Mecca</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DW7QxEQj8iA/UUQrTVoikSI/AAAAAAAAIZk/0mT9lKP5Sg4/s1600/007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DW7QxEQj8iA/UUQrTVoikSI/AAAAAAAAIZk/0mT9lKP5Sg4/s320/007.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The <a href="http://www.lighthousedigest.com/Digest/database/uniquelighthouse.cfm?value=4272" target="_blank">Rabat lighthouse</a> was built in 1920<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"> and </span></b>is 79 metres high. It is also known as the </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Fort de la Calette Light
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WihHMjdvIHw/UUQrVJZkIAI/AAAAAAAAIZs/N2moyCoQBTU/s1600/008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WihHMjdvIHw/UUQrVJZkIAI/AAAAAAAAIZs/N2moyCoQBTU/s320/008.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Atlantic is rather lively. Surfing is popular here</span>!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ljYiDvcrHVM/UUQrVTZQOSI/AAAAAAAAIZw/sDr6LhKBoss/s1600/009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="148" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ljYiDvcrHVM/UUQrVTZQOSI/AAAAAAAAIZw/sDr6LhKBoss/s320/009.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The cemetery is very big</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y4WroSW2ngE/UUQrXXlNbBI/AAAAAAAAIZ8/zUtTkUIs2Bs/s1600/011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="134" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y4WroSW2ngE/UUQrXXlNbBI/AAAAAAAAIZ8/zUtTkUIs2Bs/s320/011.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Looking across to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sal%C3%A9" target="_blank">Salé</a><span style="font-size: small;">, opposite Ra<span style="font-size: small;">bat</span></span>. It serves as a commuter town. Founded in antiquity as a <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenicians" title="Phoenicians">Phoenician</a> <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenician_colonies" title="Phoenician colonies">colony</a>, it became a haven for pirates as an independent republic</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CqFC01HNm5g/UUQrX21lMFI/AAAAAAAAIaE/mTibzNpgGjc/s1600/010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CqFC01HNm5g/UUQrX21lMFI/AAAAAAAAIaE/mTibzNpgGjc/s320/010.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The beach</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-72dvzGeTd_8/UUQrZhi-KCI/AAAAAAAAIaM/8xNXXe2wSqg/s1600/013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-72dvzGeTd_8/UUQrZhi-KCI/AAAAAAAAIaM/8xNXXe2wSqg/s320/013.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Traditional blue and white of the Kasbah streets</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hDXJ5lS4sfw/UUQrZ_obefI/AAAAAAAAIaU/6wmh0Y-bfxw/s1600/012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hDXJ5lS4sfw/UUQrZ_obefI/AAAAAAAAIaU/6wmh0Y-bfxw/s320/012.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Very blue front door!</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MO4_5k99IGk/UUQrcXTVJyI/AAAAAAAAIak/nfYjY5tBf2s/s1600/014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MO4_5k99IGk/UUQrcXTVJyI/AAAAAAAAIak/nfYjY5tBf2s/s320/014.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Kasbah from the other side</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Idj5eTCuHus/UUQrbsZLkZI/AAAAAAAAIac/uajV7WGR55Q/s1600/015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="172" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Idj5eTCuHus/UUQrbsZLkZI/AAAAAAAAIac/uajV7WGR55Q/s320/015.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I<span style="font-size: small;"> was very wary of taking photos of people. Many do not like it and get upset if they see someone trying to take their photo without permission. However these lads called my attention from above. The guy on the left is, I hope, just being playful!</span></td></tr>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F65MBs5Dhkk/UUQreXla5OI/AAAAAAAAIas/HL_x32LDxjU/s1600/016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F65MBs5Dhkk/UUQreXla5OI/AAAAAAAAIas/HL_x32LDxjU/s320/016.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Hassan Tower</b> or <b>Tour Hassan</b> (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabic_language" title="Arabic language">Arabic</a>: <span lang="ar">صومعة حسان</span>) is the minaret of an incomplete mosque in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabat" title="Rabat">Rabat</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morocco" title="Morocco">Morocco</a>.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-1"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hassan_Tower#cite_note-1">[1]</a></sup>
Begun in 1195, the tower was intended to be the largest minaret in the
world along with the mosque, also intended to be the world's largest. In
1199, Sultan <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yaqub,_Almohad_Caliph" title="Yaqub, Almohad Caliph">Yacoub al-Mansour</a>
died and construction on the mosque stopped. The tower only reached
44 m (140 ft), about half of its intended 86 m (260 ft) height. The rest
of the mosque was also left incomplete, with only the beginnings of
several walls and 200 columns being constructed. The tower, made of red sandstone, along with the remains of the mosque and the modern <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mausoleum_of_Mohammed_V" title="Mausoleum of Mohammed V">Mausoleum of Mohammed V</a>, forms an important historical and tourist complex in Rabat</span></td></tr>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uoc5y7R3pE8/UUQre6vpKzI/AAAAAAAAIa0/ZnaNNvOVTM8/s1600/017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uoc5y7R3pE8/UUQre6vpKzI/AAAAAAAAIa0/ZnaNNvOVTM8/s320/017.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">And this is the Mausole<span style="font-size: small;">um of Moha<span style="font-size: small;">mmed V</span></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lCFJQ1xPaJk/UUQrf4eY1vI/AAAAAAAAIa8/4ZFipBQ-8HA/s1600/019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="147" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lCFJQ1xPaJk/UUQrf4eY1vI/AAAAAAAAIa8/4ZFipBQ-8HA/s320/019.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">As you can see the cloud was breaking up along the walk so I decided to go back on my tracks to get some shots with the sun and blue sky for which Morocco is famous</span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iHKBsxBDI_8/UUQrfQLb-PI/AAAAAAAAIbE/8s8AlNj17Yo/s1600/018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="148" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iHKBsxBDI_8/UUQrfQLb-PI/AAAAAAAAIbE/8s8AlNj17Yo/s320/018.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This reminds me of St Katherine's Dock in London, but rather different architecture in the background!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HbPvIE-n47w/UUQrhgH7RuI/AAAAAAAAIbU/DZvSDtJ4Fjo/s1600/021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="142" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HbPvIE-n47w/UUQrhgH7RuI/AAAAAAAAIbU/DZvSDtJ4Fjo/s320/021.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Kasbah from the other side with sun and blue sky. Makes a difference!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gFhRjJrlfeg/UUQrkGPIXQI/AAAAAAAAIbc/U77l_nhUEiU/s1600/022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="174" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gFhRjJrlfeg/UUQrkGPIXQI/AAAAAAAAIbc/U77l_nhUEiU/s320/022.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wouldn't mind a flat here</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z6oZFAxz-Bs/UUQrkQ1n84I/AAAAAAAAIbg/Tu2fq9ud4k8/s1600/023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z6oZFAxz-Bs/UUQrkQ1n84I/AAAAAAAAIbg/Tu2fq9ud4k8/s320/023.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The fortress</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KJgmiNTxgg0/UUQrkpkHqSI/AAAAAAAAIbk/DcwA2HPv56g/s1600/024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KJgmiNTxgg0/UUQrkpkHqSI/AAAAAAAAIbk/DcwA2HPv56g/s320/024.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Going back into the Medina, will I find my way out!</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nEdQBHJkK88/UUQrnLTFR1I/AAAAAAAAIb4/RGlkrXFIlno/s1600/025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nEdQBHJkK88/UUQrnLTFR1I/AAAAAAAAIb4/RGlkrXFIlno/s320/025.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A mosque tower</span>........</td></tr>
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</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lXz_hotRfto/UUQrm7rwrHI/AAAAAAAAIb0/Bam47XrjAWo/s1600/026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lXz_hotRfto/UUQrm7rwrHI/AAAAAAAAIb0/Bam47XrjAWo/s320/026.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">......and another</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gruxey0m8_0/UUQrmzR-TXI/AAAAAAAAIb8/A4SZarFnG-c/s1600/026a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gruxey0m8_0/UUQrmzR-TXI/AAAAAAAAIb8/A4SZarFnG-c/s320/026a.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cats in Morocco are very close</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wwd-pvPibEs/UUQrpKGwlgI/AAAAAAAAIcM/hCIDIKSLO34/s1600/027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="167" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wwd-pvPibEs/UUQrpKGwlgI/AAAAAAAAIcM/hCIDIKSLO34/s320/027.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I managed to come back out where I went in</span>. <span style="font-size: small;">A miracle!<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">Ne<span style="font-size: small;">x<span style="font-size: small;">t time</span></span> (in two weeks</span>) <span style="font-size: small;">come and see the Chella Ruins just ou<span style="font-size: small;">t</span>side Rabat, with the temporarily resident storks!</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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</div>
</div>
Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12279568965229347907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17944189.post-11543463003258399702013-03-02T16:17:00.001+08:002013-03-06T21:26:48.425+08:00Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Sikh Temple, New Delhi, India<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EYrkMzeb2H0/UTG2B65dnGI/AAAAAAAAIVM/mkdDJJoD4oc/s1600/01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EYrkMzeb2H0/UTG2B65dnGI/AAAAAAAAIVM/mkdDJJoD4oc/s320/01.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hi and welcome. This is my last post from my visit to Delhi, India in December 2012. I revisited the </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gurudwara_Bangla_Sahib" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Sikh Temple</span></a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gurudwara_Bangla_Sahib" target="_blank"><br /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6jss5oFcRPw/UTG2D6jTRmI/AAAAAAAAIVU/yVsPxHSg_l4/s1600/02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6jss5oFcRPw/UTG2D6jTRmI/AAAAAAAAIVU/yVsPxHSg_l4/s320/02.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Major refurbishment works are taking place<span style="font-size: small;"> (December 2012)</span> at the Gate to the temple, hence the scaffolding. It can serve as a useful resting place</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z0a99IHtqS0/UTG2KgmJuXI/AAAAAAAAIVc/vCDafOQ47AA/s1600/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z0a99IHtqS0/UTG2KgmJuXI/AAAAAAAAIVc/vCDafOQ47AA/s320/001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is the most prominent <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikhism" title="Sikhism">Sikh</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gurdwara" title="Gurdwara">gurdwara</a>, or Sikh house of worship, in Delhi, known for its association with the eighth <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikh_Guru" title="Sikh Guru">Sikh Guru</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guru_Har_Krishan" title="Guru Har Krishan">Guru Har Krishan</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hM9jWi3--u4/UTG2YRUemFI/AAAAAAAAIVk/zuz0qIFwajc/s1600/003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hM9jWi3--u4/UTG2YRUemFI/AAAAAAAAIVk/zuz0qIFwajc/s320/003.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The pond inside its complex is known as the "Sarovar", whose water is considered holy by Sikhs and is known as "Amrit"</span></td></tr>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CXF4CXCpWps/UTG2YmqBWnI/AAAAAAAAIVo/ah2xccQpuoA/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CXF4CXCpWps/UTG2YmqBWnI/AAAAAAAAIVo/ah2xccQpuoA/s320/002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">It was first built as a small temple by Sikh General, Sardar Bhagel
Singh in 1783, who supervised the construction of nine Sikh shrines in
Delhi in the same year</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yf1F0DdmIUA/UTG2dHhBzXI/AAAAAAAAIV0/N14b9ZTu38k/s1600/005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yf1F0DdmIUA/UTG2dHhBzXI/AAAAAAAAIV0/N14b9ZTu38k/s320/005.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The grounds include the temple, a kitchen, a large pond, a school and an art gallery</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V8eRGVjC50I/UTG2fF44voI/AAAAAAAAIV8/Thmn7Tn13OU/s1600/006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V8eRGVjC50I/UTG2fF44voI/AAAAAAAAIV8/Thmn7Tn13OU/s320/006.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">At the Gurdwara, visitors are requested to cover their hair and not to wear shoes</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lfZ6b5DkUjY/UTG2fcrGtRI/AAAAAAAAIWA/_YtBUpNZsLM/s1600/004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lfZ6b5DkUjY/UTG2fcrGtRI/AAAAAAAAIWA/_YtBUpNZsLM/s320/004.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Gurdwara and its <i>Sarovar (pond)</i> are now a place of great reverence for <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikhs" title="Sikhs">Sikhs</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eSCy7S8XIqc/UTG2gshMBXI/AAAAAAAAIWM/xD7Yn8xlAAA/s1600/007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eSCy7S8XIqc/UTG2gshMBXI/AAAAAAAAIWM/xD7Yn8xlAAA/s320/007.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The place where the Gurdwara now stands was once a splendid bungalow of
Raja Jai Singh Amber of Jaipur</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yR3fIGTpU8Y/UTG2lUkwTnI/AAAAAAAAIWU/0N_LpIJ2noE/s1600/010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yR3fIGTpU8Y/UTG2lUkwTnI/AAAAAAAAIWU/0N_LpIJ2noE/s320/010.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A small tank was constructed by Raja Jai Singh over the bungalow's well.
Today, the faithful continue to come to the well and take its water
home, as amrit, to cure their ailments. The <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Delhi_Sikh_Gurudwara_Management_Committee" title="Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee">Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee</a>
runs a hospital in the basement of the Gurudwara building and the
Khalsa Girls School is located in the adjoining building. A tank 225 x
235 ft with 18 ft wide Parikarma and 12 ft wide varandah along its three
sides has been constructed entirely with people's selfless
contributions of funds and voluntary labour</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Q6JEn5h66U/UTG2lkz2UVI/AAAAAAAAIWY/ttW-hp8uSkc/s1600/008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Q6JEn5h66U/UTG2lkz2UVI/AAAAAAAAIWY/ttW-hp8uSkc/s320/008.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lots of pigeons!</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JX6Hfd-PIXk/UTG2pJIgeqI/AAAAAAAAIWk/ajXznNxU-jM/s1600/009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JX6Hfd-PIXk/UTG2pJIgeqI/AAAAAAAAIWk/ajXznNxU-jM/s320/009.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Close up frontal shot of the Gurudwara</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1pBUek7RCZ8/UTG2rUK_XQI/AAAAAAAAIWs/lgwlMloYd44/s1600/011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1pBUek7RCZ8/UTG2rUK_XQI/AAAAAAAAIWs/lgwlMloYd44/s320/011.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">There's an interesting anecdote about the relevance of the holy water
here. There was a smallpox and cholera epidemic in the city and Guru Har
Krishan started giving fresh water from the well in this house to those
who were suffering. Since then, Bangla Sahib's water is revered for its
healing properties by Sikhs across the globe
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tobyri0OFPw/UTG2uDTaP8I/AAAAAAAAIW0/ecQ2zOXYlGA/s1600/013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tobyri0OFPw/UTG2uDTaP8I/AAAAAAAAIW0/ecQ2zOXYlGA/s320/013.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="center"><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">For a first timer, here's a low-down on the goings-on at this place of
worship. You enter bare<span style="font-size: small;">foo</span>t with your head covered, bow down to the
Granth Sahib resting in a gold <a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Palki" title="Palki">palki</a> and soak in the lilting sounds of Shabad Gurbani. To wrap up this beautiful experience, you gorge on a generous handful of <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Karah_parshad" title="Karah parshad">karah parshad</a>
on your way to the sarovar (a large pond). Home to big and small,
orange and green fish, this water body is said to act like a panacea for
acne and other skin ailments. While many take a dip, others splash
their faces and inevitably do a parikrama to complete their holy
journey
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aWBS70x-BkQ/UTG2wciQIyI/AAAAAAAAIW8/gktg4zw0XRs/s1600/012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aWBS70x-BkQ/UTG2wciQIyI/AAAAAAAAIW8/gktg4zw0XRs/s320/012.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span itemprop="description">During his stay in Delhi<span style="font-size: small;">,</span> the Guru spent
most of his time in serving the humble, the sick and the destitutes for
cholera and smallpox were spreading in an epidemic form. He distributed
medicines, food and clothes to the needy. He also directed Diwan Dargah
Mal to spend all the daily offerings made by the people to the Guru for
the poor. The Guru won more admirers. Soon stories about his healing
powers spread throughout the city</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NBB9HOX4FCg/UTG2y7_igTI/AAAAAAAAIXE/VNRyK07j-fY/s1600/014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NBB9HOX4FCg/UTG2y7_igTI/AAAAAAAAIXE/VNRyK07j-fY/s320/014.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T<span style="font-size: small;">he tank is an impressive and holy place. Don't miss this wonderful Sikh temple and Holy Water. It is a place that draws Sikhs from all over for religious and social get-togethers</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UxXUjxF3Dhs/UTG22L8mUSI/AAAAAAAAIXM/z0Itq20vySY/s1600/014a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="173" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UxXUjxF3Dhs/UTG22L8mUSI/AAAAAAAAIXM/z0Itq20vySY/s320/014a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Catfish are plentiful</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2eISpXOjzik/UTG23DnKyaI/AAAAAAAAIXU/KBGSUg4fK8w/s1600/015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2eISpXOjzik/UTG23DnKyaI/AAAAAAAAIXU/KBGSUg4fK8w/s320/015.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Water is a crucial Sacred element for Hindus and Sikhs in India</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0k9DP_3qJAI/UTG27kdtrII/AAAAAAAAIXc/PW1BPEZ8Pmg/s1600/018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0k9DP_3qJAI/UTG27kdtrII/AAAAAAAAIXc/PW1BPEZ8Pmg/s320/018.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The temple with its tank is majestic</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iHdvU3rPMhs/UTG29agjnGI/AAAAAAAAIXk/l-Q9QPJZ8Ck/s1600/016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iHdvU3rPMhs/UTG29agjnGI/AAAAAAAAIXk/l-Q9QPJZ8Ck/s320/016.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I saw several people taking time out to rest in this Holy Place. Evidence of the reverence but also the sense of "being at home" that Indian temples represent for the devotees</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oTY1tpLEu3M/UTG2-zD-fFI/AAAAAAAAIXs/bzUS3EyNE9s/s1600/017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oTY1tpLEu3M/UTG2-zD-fFI/AAAAAAAAIXs/bzUS3EyNE9s/s320/017.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Endless photographic opportunties by the water!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1jCW-W09EK0/UTG3Bk4tg1I/AAAAAAAAIX0/-AS6MYgvmPE/s1600/019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1jCW-W09EK0/UTG3Bk4tg1I/AAAAAAAAIX0/-AS6MYgvmPE/s320/019.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Young Sikh bucks who insisted on having their photo taken</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MvpSqCyN2nM/UTG3EnTNeVI/AAAAAAAAIX8/1TXrhlZL3UI/s1600/020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MvpSqCyN2nM/UTG3EnTNeVI/AAAAAAAAIX8/1TXrhlZL3UI/s320/020.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The back part of the temple</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MQmP24-ZOh0/UTG3I2N_d5I/AAAAAAAAIYM/wFInHpmGPvc/s1600/022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MQmP24-ZOh0/UTG3I2N_d5I/AAAAAAAAIYM/wFInHpmGPvc/s320/022.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This building is on the right side of the temple as you face it. I haven't been able to find any other photos. If you know what significance it has I'd be grateful if you could leave a comment</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mxoDejcgt1Y/UTG3LWGnEVI/AAAAAAAAIYU/GsTQFty96W8/s1600/023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mxoDejcgt1Y/UTG3LWGnEVI/AAAAAAAAIYU/GsTQFty96W8/s320/023.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'm not sure what this is either. Perhaps a Sikh educational building?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i-dLA1_cf7I/UTG3GO-FcLI/AAAAAAAAIYE/F2zXvtPJUeI/s1600/021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i-dLA1_cf7I/UTG3GO-FcLI/AAAAAAAAIYE/F2zXvtPJUeI/s320/021.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Uncontainable! <a href="http://500px.com/alan8460" target="_blank">See my photos at 500px</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6zW0Sjp37fg/UTG3N_dERzI/AAAAAAAAIYc/HtqLFvELmC0/s1600/024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="291" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6zW0Sjp37fg/UTG3N_dERzI/AAAAAAAAIYc/HtqLFvELmC0/s320/024.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cool dude. Next Morocco!</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12279568965229347907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17944189.post-88536509671236215232013-02-03T10:26:00.000+08:002013-02-03T13:12:47.110+08:00Delhi delights <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ILWHV_Scio/UQ2leiKo_PI/AAAAAAAAIRI/2qbQHp3cmqg/s1600/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ILWHV_Scio/UQ2leiKo_PI/AAAAAAAAIRI/2qbQHp3cmqg/s320/001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hauz Khas Complex (Hindi: <span lang="hi">हौज़ ख़ास</span>, Punjabi: <span lang="pa">ਹੌਜ਼ ਖ਼ਾਸ</span>, Urdu: <span lang="ur"><span lang="und-Arab" style="font-family: 'Urdu Typesetting','Jameel Noori Nastaleeq',IranNastaliq,'Nafees Nastaleeq','Nafees Nastaleeq v1.01','Nafees','Pak Nastaleeq',PDMS_Jauhar;" title="Nasta'liq">حوض خاص</span></span>) in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hauz_Khas" title="Hauz Khas">Hauz Khas</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Delhi" title="South Delhi">South Delhi</a> houses a water tank, an <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic" title="Islamic">Islamic</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seminary" title="Seminary">seminary</a>, a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mosque" title="Mosque">mosque</a>, a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomb" title="Tomb">tomb</a> and pavilions built around an urbanized village with medieval history traced to the 13th century of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delhi_Sultanate" title="Delhi Sultanate">Delhi Sultanate</a> reign</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JCxC7wkSE1c/UQ2ldwccXjI/AAAAAAAAIQ4/wrO9plEQVRI/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JCxC7wkSE1c/UQ2ldwccXjI/AAAAAAAAIQ4/wrO9plEQVRI/s320/002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The madrasa</span><span style="font-size: small;"> (Islamic School of Learning – a theological college) is flanked by the reservoir in the northern front and by a
garden on its southern side at the second floor level</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hfeirRsG2D4/UQ2leGMM9VI/AAAAAAAAIQ8/QjnIvUIPyF0/s1600/003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hfeirRsG2D4/UQ2leGMM9VI/AAAAAAAAIQ8/QjnIvUIPyF0/s320/003.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The water tank that was excavated during <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alauddin_Khilji" title="Alauddin Khilji">Alauddin Khilji</a>‘s reign (1296–1316) in the second city of Delhi was created to meet the water supply needs of the newly built fort at Siri. It is a beautiful place to take a walk in the late afternoon sun</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-49j8E8J7Afw/UQ2lgxfNCII/AAAAAAAAIRQ/Av6Ho7adQwA/s1600/004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-49j8E8J7Afw/UQ2lgxfNCII/AAAAAAAAIRQ/Av6Ho7adQwA/s320/004.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A lot of young people were here enjoying the spaces provided by the ruins</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6zc8jWdyR0M/UQ2lhfoymOI/AAAAAAAAIRY/1AmCTnR07mY/s1600/005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6zc8jWdyR0M/UQ2lhfoymOI/AAAAAAAAIRY/1AmCTnR07mY/s320/005.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Firuz Shah, who established his tomb, ascended to the throne in 1351
(inherited from his cousin Muhammad) when he was middle aged, as the
third ruler of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tughlaq_dynasty" title="Tughlaq dynasty">Tughlaq dynasty</a> and ruled till 1388</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ebCtybSkB5o/UQ2lh7EnSNI/AAAAAAAAIRg/gCkGYCopMOA/s1600/006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="157" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ebCtybSkB5o/UQ2lh7EnSNI/AAAAAAAAIRg/gCkGYCopMOA/s320/006.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Beautiful view across the lake to the madrasa</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XZhX4X6sgrY/UQ2lkDpWd8I/AAAAAAAAIRo/2svTDYpclM4/s1600/006a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="175" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XZhX4X6sgrY/UQ2lkDpWd8I/AAAAAAAAIRo/2svTDYpclM4/s320/006a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">All this history is a bit lost on these beaked citizens. There is only one thing going on.......</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AlHMiLLktSI/UQ2llFUlsiI/AAAAAAAAIRw/LNXhu-ik_nk/s1600/007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AlHMiLLktSI/UQ2llFUlsiI/AAAAAAAAIRw/LNXhu-ik_nk/s320/007.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I walked all the way round and the sun reflecting on the sandstone of the buildings was very beautiful</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YDJDhYFo53c/UQ2lmKYae5I/AAAAAAAAIR4/MjHTHWRFI0c/s1600/008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YDJDhYFo53c/UQ2lmKYae5I/AAAAAAAAIR4/MjHTHWRFI0c/s320/008.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">In the 1980s, Hauz Khas Village, studded with domed tombs of Muslim royalty from the 14th to 16th centuries, was developed as an upper class residential cum commercial area in the metropolis of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Delhi" title="South Delhi">South Delhi</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WNiwTYVcuZQ/UQ2lpHNS_ZI/AAAAAAAAISE/5LujORtis3o/s1600/010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WNiwTYVcuZQ/UQ2lpHNS_ZI/AAAAAAAAISE/5LujORtis3o/s320/009.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The ruins still tell their story. Hauz Kaas has moved on to modern times. It is a beautiful place. One you should not miss</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3qJ44wa_WPM/UQ2lvwtaBXI/AAAAAAAAISw/aBImGSOJnJo/s1600/015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3qJ44wa_WPM/UQ2lvwtaBXI/AAAAAAAAISw/aBImGSOJnJo/s320/016.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Laxminarayan Temple (<a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindi_language" title="Hindi language">Hindi</a>: <span lang="hi">श्री लक्ष्मीनारायण मन्दिर</span>, also known as the <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birla_Mandir" title="Birla Mandir">Birla Mandir</a></i>) is a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_temple" title="Hindu temple">Hindu temple</a> dedicated to <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laxminarayan" title="Laxminarayan">Laxminarayan</a></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3iuKhYJizx8/UQ2lozpKj_I/AAAAAAAAISA/s0d5g1watY4/s1600/009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3iuKhYJizx8/UQ2lozpKj_I/AAAAAAAAISA/s0d5g1watY4/s320/010.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The temple, inaugurated by <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahatma_Gandhi" title="Mahatma Gandhi">Mahatma Gandhi</a>, was made built by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baldeo_Das_Birla" title="Baldeo Das Birla">B. R. Birla</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jugal_Kishore_Birla" title="Jugal Kishore Birla">Jugal Kishore Birla </a>from 1933 <span style="font-size: small;">to</span> 1939</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rGIXEUV2eAA/UQ2lrRD_QUI/AAAAAAAAISQ/DwN8aCaaLTk/s320/011.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The grounds are extensive, 7.5 acres, making this vehicle very useful!</span></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rGIXEUV2eAA/UQ2lrRD_QUI/AAAAAAAAISQ/DwN8aCaaLTk/s1600/011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sralz7g6mpA/UQ2lrsM3JnI/AAAAAAAAISU/eD0G5XXYhb0/s1600/012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sralz7g6mpA/UQ2lrsM3JnI/AAAAAAAAISU/eD0G5XXYhb0/s320/012.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is a statue of B.R. Birla. Baldeo Das Birla was an entrepreneur and philanthropist</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JfVJoIrSLaE/UQ2lscV6UTI/AAAAAAAAISg/DN46M205iSc/s1600/013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JfVJoIrSLaE/UQ2lscV6UTI/AAAAAAAAISg/DN46M205iSc/s320/013.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The three-storied temple is built in the northern or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_temple_architecture#Nagara_architecture" title="Hindu temple architecture">Nagara style</a> of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_temple_architecture" title="Hindu temple architecture">Hindu temple architecture</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JUon7DxRkts/UQ2ltW7NIQI/AAAAAAAAISo/6FuyNo98uOI/s1600/014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JUon7DxRkts/UQ2ltW7NIQI/AAAAAAAAISo/6FuyNo98uOI/s320/014.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laxminarayan" title="Laxminarayan">Laxminarayan</a> usually refers to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vishnu" title="Vishnu">Vishnu</a>, Preserver in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trimurti" title="Trimurti">Trimurti</a>, also known as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narayana" title="Narayana">Narayan</a>, when he is with his consort <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakshmi" title="Lakshmi">Lakshmi</a></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V1cATei4gJ4/UQ2lv8SdxvI/AAAAAAAAIS0/45nTdzGrn24/s1600/016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V1cATei4gJ4/UQ2lv8SdxvI/AAAAAAAAIS0/45nTdzGrn24/s320/015.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Visitors enjoying their visit to the temple</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VaZZf0h8wM4/UQ2lwjawfMI/AAAAAAAAITA/yUKac8iGbhE/s1600/017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VaZZf0h8wM4/UQ2lwjawfMI/AAAAAAAAITA/yUKac8iGbhE/s320/017.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Teen Murti Bhavan (Teen Murti House) is the former residence of the first Prime Minister of India, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jawaharlal_Nehru" title="Jawaharlal Nehru">Jawaharlal Nehru</a> in Delhi, who stayed here for 16 years until his death on May 27, 1964</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GzWjOk090tM/UQ2ly7NqMDI/AAAAAAAAITI/R4aFOP4U_ro/s1600/018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GzWjOk090tM/UQ2ly7NqMDI/AAAAAAAAITI/R4aFOP4U_ro/s320/018.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">It was designed by Robert Tor Russell, the British architect of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Connaught_Place,_New_Delhi" title="Connaught Place, New Delhi">Connaught Place</a> and of the Eastern and Western Courts on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janpath" title="Janpath">Janpath</a> during the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Raj" title="British Raj">British Raj</a>. Teen Murti Bhavan was built in 1930 as part of the new imperial capital of India, New Delhi as the residence of the Commander-in-Chief of the British Indian Army</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--JwUaqrEBFc/UQ2lz2QLDuI/AAAAAAAAITQ/8TP_K9KNF7g/s1600/019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--JwUaqrEBFc/UQ2lz2QLDuI/AAAAAAAAITQ/8TP_K9KNF7g/s320/019.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">You're busted!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oqd86Wmy2Nk/UQ2l2Ntv3tI/AAAAAAAAITY/V8Aeg4pdksE/s1600/020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oqd86Wmy2Nk/UQ2l2Ntv3tI/AAAAAAAAITY/V8Aeg4pdksE/s320/021.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Today, Teen Murti houses various institutions including the <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nehru_Memorial_Museum_and_Library" title="Nehru Memorial Museum and Library">Nehru Memorial Museum and Library</a></span> </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OKWgN6zjS48/UQ2l2V_qo7I/AAAAAAAAITc/YWIKggJ7eh0/s1600/021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OKWgN6zjS48/UQ2l2V_qo7I/AAAAAAAAITc/YWIKggJ7eh0/s320/020.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The grounds are beautiful. It is a fascinating place to visit</span>, <span style="font-size: small;">full of the history of India's fight for freedom from British Imperialism</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lWzWcLli5O4/UQ2l28jthFI/AAAAAAAAITk/EldKHBNOpbM/s1600/022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="205" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lWzWcLli5O4/UQ2l28jthFI/AAAAAAAAITk/EldKHBNOpbM/s320/022.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is Khairul Manazil, a mosque and later a <i><a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madarsa" title="Madarsa">madarsa</a></i> built by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maham_Anga" title="Maham Anga">Maham Anga</a></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maham_Anga" title="Maham Anga"><br /></a><span style="font-size: small;">in 1561. Maham Anga was one of the most influential wet nurses of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. It is thought Maham Anga was the foster-mother of Akbar, and ruled the Mughal Empire for some time when Akbar was a boy</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rr4M1lusAHg/UQ2l6uePg6I/AAAAAAAAIT4/3s0TQmF9-H8/s1600/024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rr4M1lusAHg/UQ2l6uePg6I/AAAAAAAAIT4/3s0TQmF9-H8/s320/024.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">It is lovely now but it must have been stunning in its day</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9nUGMZYM9Fw/UQ2l68LvBqI/AAAAAAAAIT8/I-nYXNHmrFg/s1600/025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="184" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9nUGMZYM9Fw/UQ2l68LvBqI/AAAAAAAAIT8/I-nYXNHmrFg/s320/025.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">These double-storeyed cloisters were used as a madrasa </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TymVkN2p9wA/UQ2l7Emyz1I/AAAAAAAAIUE/zDTzEf5kIUc/s1600/026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TymVkN2p9wA/UQ2l7Emyz1I/AAAAAAAAIUE/zDTzEf5kIUc/s320/026.jpg" width="216" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The main gateway to the East. It is made of red sandstone and stands opposite the Purana Qila, see below</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7pndhApt6FA/UQ2l-rFrCZI/AAAAAAAAIUQ/zAni_gASRPM/s1600/027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7pndhApt6FA/UQ2l-rFrCZI/AAAAAAAAIUQ/zAni_gASRPM/s320/028.jpg" width="210" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Purana Qila (Hindi: <span lang="hi">पुराना क़िला</span>, Urdu: <span lang="ur"><span lang="und-Arab" style="font-family: 'Urdu Typesetting','Jameel Noori Nastaleeq',IranNastaliq,'Nafees Nastaleeq','Nafees Nastaleeq v1.01','Nafees','Pak Nastaleeq',PDMS_Jauhar;" title="Nasta'liq">پُرانا قلعہ</span></span>, <i>Old Fort</i>), is not only the oldest fort among all forts in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delhi" title="Delhi">Delhi</a>, but the oldest known structure of any type in Delhi</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VHD07T_wMrI/UQ2l-y0dwiI/AAAAAAAAIUU/cvDOcf0WYLk/s1600/028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VHD07T_wMrI/UQ2l-y0dwiI/AAAAAAAAIUU/cvDOcf0WYLk/s320/027.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Unfortunately I arrived at the end of the day as people were leaving</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N-46k2cmZz0/UQ2l-0yf0rI/AAAAAAAAIUc/MFAyMBOC7B4/s1600/029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N-46k2cmZz0/UQ2l-0yf0rI/AAAAAAAAIUc/MFAyMBOC7B4/s320/029.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I only managed to take these photos of the West Gate, 'Bara Darwaza', the present main Entrance, with its bastion. I will go back there</span></td></tr>
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Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12279568965229347907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17944189.post-84772744987157271822013-01-20T12:47:00.000+08:002013-01-20T13:11:12.051+08:00Safdarjung's Tomb and Lodi Gardens, Delhi, India<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qMq4mLsoPXI/UPsvy5TXKuI/AAAAAAAAIMM/hWBuv24-F80/s1600/006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qMq4mLsoPXI/UPsvy5TXKuI/AAAAAAAAIMM/hWBuv24-F80/s320/006.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hi and welcome. This blog <span style="font-size: small;">shows photos of two ancient Tomb sites in the heart of Delhi. </span>Th<span style="font-size: small;">is first photo is the</span> entrance to Safdarjung's Tomb in New Delhi</span>. <span style="font-size: small;">Although in a poor state of repair I fi<span style="font-size: small;">nd </span>this building very beautiful. It was my<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>second visit to this wonderful Tomb. There are more photos from my earlier visit <a href="http://alaninsingapore.blogspot.sg/2008/10/delhi-india.html" target="_blank">here</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RY0K-Ic9LSo/UPsuZF2ZOqI/AAAAAAAAIJQ/iZXxlJkeArY/s1600/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RY0K-Ic9LSo/UPsuZF2ZOqI/AAAAAAAAIJQ/iZXxlJkeArY/s320/001.jpg" width="188" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">When I walked through the entrance I saw a photo shoot was going on. I just had to ask if I could join in!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qUGXX3ftha0/UPsuaVNVdUI/AAAAAAAAIJU/3OZfs4FDs1I/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qUGXX3ftha0/UPsuaVNVdUI/AAAAAAAAIJU/3OZfs4FDs1I/s320/002.jpg" width="205" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">As you can see I was given permission. An e<span style="font-size: small;">xq<span style="font-size: small;">uisitely</span></span> beautiful lady and dress</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mM6IRu-KwHY/UPsuaSTZQtI/AAAAAAAAIJY/AEc4ehwPHr4/s1600/002b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mM6IRu-KwHY/UPsuaSTZQtI/AAAAAAAAIJY/AEc4ehwPHr4/s320/002b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Safdarjung's Tomb is a garden tomb with a marble mausoleum. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Safdar Jung (<a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindi_language" title="Hindi language">Hindi</a>: <span lang="hi">सफदरजंग</span>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urdu" title="Urdu">Urdu</a>: <span lang="ur"><span lang="und-Arab" style="font-family: 'Urdu Typesetting','Jameel Noori Nastaleeq',IranNastaliq,'Nafees Nastaleeq','Nafees Nastaleeq v1.01','Nafees','Pak Nastaleeq',PDMS_Jauhar;" title="Nasta'liq">صفدرجنگ</span></span>) (b. c. 1708 – d. 5 October 1754) was the</span><span style="font-size: small;"><a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nawab_wazir_of_Oudh" title="Nawab wazir of Oudh"> <span style="font-size: small;">Subadar Nawab of Oudh</span></a> (the ruler of the Indian state of <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oudh" title="Oudh">Oudh</a>, also known as Awadh) from 19 March 1739 to 5 October 1754</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2zgR7K920dM/UPsubo6DpdI/AAAAAAAAIJg/r9RmLUQsCtY/s1600/003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2zgR7K920dM/UPsubo6DpdI/AAAAAAAAIJg/r9RmLUQsCtY/s320/003.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">It was built in 1754 in the late <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mughal_architecture" title="Mughal architecture">Mughal Empire style</a>, and was described as "the last flicker in the lamp of Mughal architecture"</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-77tUn75zrto/UPsuecaeJ6I/AAAAAAAAIJ0/fIJRQx8FHjI/s1600/003b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-77tUn75zrto/UPsuecaeJ6I/AAAAAAAAIJ0/fIJRQx8FHjI/s320/003b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">There are four water canals leading to four buildings. One has an ornately decorated gateway while the other three are <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pavilion_%28structure%29" title="Pavilion (structure)">pavilions</a>, with living quarters built into the walls</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kGsng0aX2oU/UPsudhsicWI/AAAAAAAAIJw/kdPiAWwWGGE/s1600/004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kGsng0aX2oU/UPsudhsicWI/AAAAAAAAIJw/kdPiAWwWGGE/s320/004.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The tomb was built for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Safdarjung" title="Safdarjung">Safdarjung</a>, the powerful prime minister of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammad_Shah" title="Muhammad Shah">Muhammad Shah</a> who was the weak Mughal emperor from 1719 to 1748 </span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WUBEGTpAoA4/UPsuf-C17RI/AAAAAAAAIKA/4LJ8uuMXXIE/s1600/005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WUBEGTpAoA4/UPsuf-C17RI/AAAAAAAAIKA/4LJ8uuMXXIE/s320/005.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">There is a three-domed mosque within the complex</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ecnD6DIZ7vE/UPsug0LXvdI/AAAAAAAAIKI/6UhXW9_1OIk/s1600/007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ecnD6DIZ7vE/UPsug0LXvdI/AAAAAAAAIKI/6UhXW9_1OIk/s320/007.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Bada Gumbad Tomb in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lodi_Gardens" target="_blank">Lodi Gardens </a></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lodi_Gardens" target="_blank"><br /></a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UQKn-jOQzRI/UPsuipnqx1I/AAAAAAAAIKQ/Z2wOWgS8x5I/s1600/008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UQKn-jOQzRI/UPsuipnqx1I/AAAAAAAAIKQ/Z2wOWgS8x5I/s320/008.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Apparently we don't know who was buried there, probably some high-ranking official in the period of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikandar_Lodi" target="_blank">Sikandar Lodi 1489-1517</a></span><span style="color: #00009c; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i70NrQr5cJo/UPsukWuqSoI/AAAAAAAAIKY/xWhciEOsqSY/s1600/009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i70NrQr5cJo/UPsukWuqSoI/AAAAAAAAIKY/xWhciEOsqSY/s320/009.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of my favourite buildings in Delhi</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PbSJhg0q68Y/UPsuk9CT1WI/AAAAAAAAIKc/m9XndEsQpaw/s1600/010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="171" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PbSJhg0q68Y/UPsuk9CT1WI/AAAAAAAAIKc/m9XndEsQpaw/s320/010.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Anyone who has been to India will know how keen children are to have their photo taken</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6G22K08KE18/UPsulyI9qNI/AAAAAAAAIKk/6OBQXzqBPbQ/s1600/011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6G22K08KE18/UPsulyI9qNI/AAAAAAAAIKk/6OBQXzqBPbQ/s320/011.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I arrived at the tomb to find there was a school trip!</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w5Ntmwi2vNQ/UPsum1-IdmI/AAAAAAAAIKw/2sPmsUSC0gA/s1600/012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="159" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w5Ntmwi2vNQ/UPsum1-IdmI/AAAAAAAAIKw/2sPmsUSC0gA/s320/012.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">These three managed to maintain a classic pose</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2EhNKq6j9vI/UPsuxmXgHaI/AAAAAAAAIL4/WmihPTUgd9E/s1600/12a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2EhNKq6j9vI/UPsuxmXgHaI/AAAAAAAAIL4/WmihPTUgd9E/s320/12a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This lot just appeared in a moment of spontaneous joy!</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tj-8GJ0RaHo/UPsunDIvDXI/AAAAAAAAIKs/ginGlP4DsNU/s1600/012b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tj-8GJ0RaHo/UPsunDIvDXI/AAAAAAAAIKs/ginGlP4DsNU/s320/012b.jpg" width="203" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Looking across to Sheesh Gumbad, another tomb</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TXiA0zxsFVA/UPsupFneIRI/AAAAAAAAILA/_hMbVg0pR7c/s1600/013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TXiA0zxsFVA/UPsupFneIRI/AAAAAAAAILA/_hMbVg0pR7c/s320/013.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sheesh Gumbad means "Glass Dome"because of the glazed blue cera<span style="font-size: small;">mic tiles on the outside. You can <span style="font-size: small;">see <span style="font-size: small;">the remains of a line of them above the door inlay</span></span></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MvJigfS0dFE/UPsurh4nBuI/AAAAAAAAILM/bYRapHxbKE8/s1600/013a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MvJigfS0dFE/UPsurh4nBuI/AAAAAAAAILM/bYRapHxbKE8/s320/013a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Beautiful detail</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Efu7PJ-Qnac/UPsuqUkdkHI/AAAAAAAAILI/7djWxWJxo6M/s1600/013b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Efu7PJ-Qnac/UPsuqUkdkHI/AAAAAAAAILI/7djWxWJxo6M/s320/013b.jpg" width="196" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A splash of bright colour</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nxRv92qmRuM/UPsusvE_GLI/AAAAAAAAILY/RUnsdoKYx0E/s1600/013c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nxRv92qmRuM/UPsusvE_GLI/AAAAAAAAILY/RUnsdoKYx0E/s320/013c.jpg" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Endless photo opportunities!</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YvexmUJGzGI/UPsusv6lURI/AAAAAAAAILU/YCnly0caqsM/s1600/013d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YvexmUJGzGI/UPsusv6lURI/AAAAAAAAILU/YCnly0caqsM/s320/013d.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The other side of Bada Gumbad</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6iBDfJwnV_w/UPsuuKfRBnI/AAAAAAAAILo/f6MjgEhQhzw/s1600/014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6iBDfJwnV_w/UPsuuKfRBnI/AAAAAAAAILo/f6MjgEhQhzw/s320/014.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Some historians have suggested that it is the tomb of the first Lodi Sultan, Bahlol Lodi, who died in 1489</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J3MGVOmk9UE/UPsuwnsTEMI/AAAAAAAAILw/bMU3HmREhLk/s1600/016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J3MGVOmk9UE/UPsuwnsTEMI/AAAAAAAAILw/bMU3HmREhLk/s320/016.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A common and beautiful M<span style="font-size: small;">u</span>gh<span style="font-size: small;">a</span>l architectural feature</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N4AzyJeKy2Y/UPsuwxlA-wI/AAAAAAAAIL0/bS7e-T9VgfM/s1600/015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N4AzyJeKy2Y/UPsuwxlA-wI/AAAAAAAAIL0/bS7e-T9VgfM/s320/015.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Proud Mum and Molly. She asked me to take a photo of them both</span>. <span style="font-size: small;">How could I say no!!!</span></td></tr>
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Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12279568965229347907noreply@blogger.com0