Alston Koch, managing director, Fior Drissage, holds a perfect made-to-scale diamond and gold cricket ball, which has been brought to Australia to celebrate the start of the cricket season and the opening of their jewellery store in Melbourne.
Making a claim for the Guinness Book of Records as the only one of it's kind in the world, it is made with 2704 diamonds and 18 carat gold stitch.
The ball, which was made in Sri Lanka, weighs 53.83 carats and has a pure 'gold' seam of 125 grams. The material used to keep the diamonds on the ball is similar to the one used on the wings of NASA space shuttles.
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
What they don’t teach in Schools….
The job we do has nothing to do with what is studied at school or collage, for many people, I think so. As what is taught in schools less than 15 or 20 per cent of what we learned would be relevant. What we get in college is a chance to interact with some really sharp people.
Having left campus and arriving into the corporate world, you quickly adapt to excelling within a structure in order to earn your rewards. Despite B-school teachings, strategy and out-of-the-box thinking take a backseat and the activity trap takes control of your life. After all, you have joined the rat race and you learn, like Pavlov’s dogs, that rewards follow a pattern. Suddenly, 15 or more years go by and there is a paradigm shift and no more patterns.
Read on more in these here….
Having left campus and arriving into the corporate world, you quickly adapt to excelling within a structure in order to earn your rewards. Despite B-school teachings, strategy and out-of-the-box thinking take a backseat and the activity trap takes control of your life. After all, you have joined the rat race and you learn, like Pavlov’s dogs, that rewards follow a pattern. Suddenly, 15 or more years go by and there is a paradigm shift and no more patterns.
Read on more in these here….
The China Price
This article is a very nice read…Is there any one in India reading this…this details how US is facing problems due to China.
How much of a problem? That's in fierce dispute. On one side, the benefits of the relationship with China are enormous. After years of struggling to crack the mainland market, U.S. multinationals from General Motors to Procter & Gamble and Motorola are finally reaping rich profits. They're making cell phones, shampoo, autos, and PCs in China and selling them to its middle class of some 100 million people, a group that should more than double in size by 2010. "Our commercial success in China is important to our competitiveness worldwide," says Motorola China Chairman Gene Delaney
How much of a problem? That's in fierce dispute. On one side, the benefits of the relationship with China are enormous. After years of struggling to crack the mainland market, U.S. multinationals from General Motors to Procter & Gamble and Motorola are finally reaping rich profits. They're making cell phones, shampoo, autos, and PCs in China and selling them to its middle class of some 100 million people, a group that should more than double in size by 2010. "Our commercial success in China is important to our competitiveness worldwide," says Motorola China Chairman Gene Delaney
Monday, November 29, 2004
A walk in the woods
On this visit to Lyon I was welcomed by Venkat in the railway station with a Pepsi Energy Drink. Then went to his house and was welcomed with Carrot Halwa. Then a dosa camp with Chutney and sambar, after all this we took a walk to the Parc de la Tete d'Or. The whole day just went of in the park like that. The park has a beautiful lake, a small island in the lake and a zoo also in the park. Since it was the just the beginning of winter so the final touch of autumn was seen there. It's very true every leaf in autumn is a flower. Most French people would find themselves in Lyon for business rather than for recreation: it's a get-up-and-go place, not a lie-back-and-rest one. Then came back in the evening had a nice Cabbage porial, with a nice sambar and rasam.
Lyon is organized into arrondissements. The centre of Lyon is the Peninsula, the tongue of land between the rivers Saone and Rhone, just north of their confluence. This strip of land is very good by night. One thing we need to learn is the way the illumination is provided to the buildings in the night us worth mentioning.
LYON is physically the second biggest city in France. Viewed at high speed from the Autoroute du Soleil, the impression it gives is of a major confluence of rivers and roads, a multitude of Renaissance buildings. But what has stamped its character most on Lyon is the commerce and banking that grew up with its industrial expansion. It is this that gives the town its staid, stolid and somewhat austere air. The building of the Bank Credit Lyonnise is impressive. From any corner of the City u would be able to c the building. It's very impressive in the night.
The city is now busy forging a role for itself within a new Europe, with international schools and colleges, which is why Venkat is there, and the new HQ for Interpol, a recently inaugurated eco-friendly tram system, a second TGV station with links to the north that bypass Paris, and high-tech industrial parks for international companies making it a modern city par excellence.
Lyon is organized into arrondissements. The centre of Lyon is the Peninsula, the tongue of land between the rivers Saone and Rhone, just north of their confluence. This strip of land is very good by night. One thing we need to learn is the way the illumination is provided to the buildings in the night us worth mentioning.
LYON is physically the second biggest city in France. Viewed at high speed from the Autoroute du Soleil, the impression it gives is of a major confluence of rivers and roads, a multitude of Renaissance buildings. But what has stamped its character most on Lyon is the commerce and banking that grew up with its industrial expansion. It is this that gives the town its staid, stolid and somewhat austere air. The building of the Bank Credit Lyonnise is impressive. From any corner of the City u would be able to c the building. It's very impressive in the night.
The city is now busy forging a role for itself within a new Europe, with international schools and colleges, which is why Venkat is there, and the new HQ for Interpol, a recently inaugurated eco-friendly tram system, a second TGV station with links to the north that bypass Paris, and high-tech industrial parks for international companies making it a modern city par excellence.
Thursday, November 25, 2004
Problem
Currently I have problem with the Internet connection at home, Soon will be back with updates. In the mean time enjoy this very nice game.
Here's a fun little online game from a German website
You have to click on "weiter" on the first page to get the game to come up.
The object is to keep the drunk walking without falling over, by rolling your mouse from left to right. You can't see your mouse, so it's not as easy as you think!
Here's a fun little online game from a German website
You have to click on "weiter" on the first page to get the game to come up.
The object is to keep the drunk walking without falling over, by rolling your mouse from left to right. You can't see your mouse, so it's not as easy as you think!
Sunday, November 21, 2004
When You Have Finished
Some thing interesting happened on 18th the 3rd Thursday. We had the awards function for the last financial year which followed the lunch session. It seems the third Thursday of November every year in France that's when and new wine for the season is released. Now coming to Indian food I have graduated to prepared Gobi Manchurean, which is a happy event to note for me.
Food this is some thing I die for, I hope a few not. For me after coming to France it has been an adventure every time I go to a lunch or dinner out here. I keep my finger crossed till the dish is served. One best thing about the food is the bread that's served. For my breakfast these days I just hang on to the Croissants and the lunch with a soup and a spread of desserts available in the office which includes cheese, you have a wide range to select from, So I really enjoy my lunch. Cheese comes in various varieties. In the last one month I had more Cheeses and various varieties. That's about the French food. And coming to dinner I'm an Indian that's what reminds me of the food I need to eat.
The best thing that prompted me to write this is about table manners. The common way to show that you have finished your meal is to lay your fork and knife diagonally across your plate. Place your knife and fork side by side, with the sharp side of the knife blade facing inward and the fork, tines down, to the left of the knife. The knife and fork should be placed as if they are pointing to the numbers 10 and 4 on a clock face. There is some other way to say that you are not happy with the food. But what is this picture is all about. I have decided in the picture the best way I feel when I dine with these people.
What is it? Confused, that's why I have placed the knife and fork pointing out.
Food this is some thing I die for, I hope a few not. For me after coming to France it has been an adventure every time I go to a lunch or dinner out here. I keep my finger crossed till the dish is served. One best thing about the food is the bread that's served. For my breakfast these days I just hang on to the Croissants and the lunch with a soup and a spread of desserts available in the office which includes cheese, you have a wide range to select from, So I really enjoy my lunch. Cheese comes in various varieties. In the last one month I had more Cheeses and various varieties. That's about the French food. And coming to dinner I'm an Indian that's what reminds me of the food I need to eat.
The best thing that prompted me to write this is about table manners. The common way to show that you have finished your meal is to lay your fork and knife diagonally across your plate. Place your knife and fork side by side, with the sharp side of the knife blade facing inward and the fork, tines down, to the left of the knife. The knife and fork should be placed as if they are pointing to the numbers 10 and 4 on a clock face. There is some other way to say that you are not happy with the food. But what is this picture is all about. I have decided in the picture the best way I feel when I dine with these people.
What is it? Confused, that's why I have placed the knife and fork pointing out.
Friday, November 19, 2004
CyberLouvre - Bon tour
How many of you long to go to the Louvre museum and checkout the stuff there? Its an wonderful collection next to the Vatican Museum.
I stumbled on a link which can take u on a virtual tour through. It introduces visitors to a tour of the museum and provides an opportunity to become familiar with the Louvre collections and history. It take lot of time to explore each collection. U can enjoy at your own pace. The world famous collection is here any guess what is there?
I stumbled on a link which can take u on a virtual tour through. It introduces visitors to a tour of the museum and provides an opportunity to become familiar with the Louvre collections and history. It take lot of time to explore each collection. U can enjoy at your own pace. The world famous collection is here any guess what is there?
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Italy means history
Our 4 day trip to Italy started on 10th November. In the evening for our train to Rome we had to change 3 trains. One from Grenoble to Chambery and from there to Torino which is the first stop for our entry into Italy and from there to Rome in the night.
For me Italy is Popes, Painters, Pisa, Pizza, Piazza, Poets, political puerility and Potentates and last not the least the cappuccinos. Visited Rome, Florence, Pisa and Venice.
Facts about Italy
Be aware that prices in Italian bars and cafes double (sometimes even triple) if you sit down, Stand and have u r coffee u pay 1.3 Euros sit in the bar and have the same coffee u pay 2.5 and u sit in the cafes and have the same coffee its costs u 5 Euros all this in the same shop. So beware don't tell me that I didn't warn you.
The driving style is pretty same like India so don't worry all u have to do is drive on the other side of the road, which we always do that. So cool no problem at all.
The TV antennas are same like it used to be in India. All houses have at lest 10 -15 of them.
Food u get in plenty don't worry about it at all, U name it u will get it. Watch out the prices normally doesn't include a welcome tax, which can go up to 3-4 Euros in a mid size restaurant per person. So check about this before entering any restaurant. Lets start with the places I have visited in the order listed below
For me Italy is Popes, Painters, Pisa, Pizza, Piazza, Poets, political puerility and Potentates and last not the least the cappuccinos. Visited Rome, Florence, Pisa and Venice.
Facts about Italy
Be aware that prices in Italian bars and cafes double (sometimes even triple) if you sit down, Stand and have u r coffee u pay 1.3 Euros sit in the bar and have the same coffee u pay 2.5 and u sit in the cafes and have the same coffee its costs u 5 Euros all this in the same shop. So beware don't tell me that I didn't warn you.
The driving style is pretty same like India so don't worry all u have to do is drive on the other side of the road, which we always do that. So cool no problem at all.
The TV antennas are same like it used to be in India. All houses have at lest 10 -15 of them.
Food u get in plenty don't worry about it at all, U name it u will get it. Watch out the prices normally doesn't include a welcome tax, which can go up to 3-4 Euros in a mid size restaurant per person. So check about this before entering any restaurant. Lets start with the places I have visited in the order listed below
Vatican City full view
Arriving at St. Peter's Square, we are immediately impressed by the size of the memorable square facing St.Peter's, surrounded by the magnificent four-row colonnade
masterpiece of Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Only when one gets inside the basilica, slowly climbing up the sweeping three flights of steps designed by Bernini, one will be truly amazed by the size and splendour of the largest church in the world, the symbol of
Christianity, extending over a total of about 22,000 sqm.
The building is 136 m. high, the diameter of the Cupola, designed by Michelangelo, measures 42 m. It is possible to reach the top of the Cupola climbing 330 steps: once up there the view of the square below and of Rome is unforgettable. The church contains the masterpieces of important artists: the 29 m. high bronze baldachin by Bernini, the Pietà by Michelangelo, the tomb of Clement XIII by Canova and the mosaic of the Navicella by Giotto, located above the middle entrance to the Portico.
Numerous and timeless are the works of art, mainly paintings, kept in the Vatican Museums, which preserve the art of the most illustrious artists of all times. A visit to the Sistine Chapel, a milestone in the history of Italian painting, should not be missed.
Brief historical outline
The first basilica of St. Peter, belonging to the Vatican City, independent State since 1929 (Lateran Pacts), was built by emperor Costantin about 320 A.D. near the necropolis which included the tomb of the martyrized Saint, that can still be visited today. Around 1450, reconstruction works were first entrusted to Bernardo Rossellino, later on to Bramante who designed a Greek-cross plan basilica, and then to Raphael who designed it, instead, following a Latin-cross plan. The design by Bramante was resumed and enlarged by Michelangelo in 1547. Before its official conservation in 1626, the church was modified by Carlo Maderno who reverted definitively to the Latin-cross plan.
masterpiece of Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Only when one gets inside the basilica, slowly climbing up the sweeping three flights of steps designed by Bernini, one will be truly amazed by the size and splendour of the largest church in the world, the symbol of
Christianity, extending over a total of about 22,000 sqm.
The building is 136 m. high, the diameter of the Cupola, designed by Michelangelo, measures 42 m. It is possible to reach the top of the Cupola climbing 330 steps: once up there the view of the square below and of Rome is unforgettable. The church contains the masterpieces of important artists: the 29 m. high bronze baldachin by Bernini, the Pietà by Michelangelo, the tomb of Clement XIII by Canova and the mosaic of the Navicella by Giotto, located above the middle entrance to the Portico.
Numerous and timeless are the works of art, mainly paintings, kept in the Vatican Museums, which preserve the art of the most illustrious artists of all times. A visit to the Sistine Chapel, a milestone in the history of Italian painting, should not be missed.
Brief historical outline
The first basilica of St. Peter, belonging to the Vatican City, independent State since 1929 (Lateran Pacts), was built by emperor Costantin about 320 A.D. near the necropolis which included the tomb of the martyrized Saint, that can still be visited today. Around 1450, reconstruction works were first entrusted to Bernardo Rossellino, later on to Bramante who designed a Greek-cross plan basilica, and then to Raphael who designed it, instead, following a Latin-cross plan. The design by Bramante was resumed and enlarged by Michelangelo in 1547. Before its official conservation in 1626, the church was modified by Carlo Maderno who reverted definitively to the Latin-cross plan.
Vatican Museum
The Rome - Vatican Museums and their immense wealth of art, resulting from centuries of papal collections and commissions, offer an extraordinary experience in which the relevance of the works on display is heightened by the splendour of the structures in which they are displayed, and that are in themselves worth a visit. We do not proceed through buildings designed specifically to allow the large numbers of contemporary visitors to see artistic objects in a functional manner, but we walk through the galleries and rooms of papal palaces, at one time reserved for a small elite. The Museums offer a great variety of collections, including ancient Greek as well as Roman art (of which the Vatican owns the largest collection in the world), Egyptian and Etruscan art and, of course, the great masterpieces of Renaissance art with the frescoes of the Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel. This is a great opportunity to realize how coming to Rome often has more to do with remembering what we have always somehow known, than with discovering things for the first time. Images that are strongly related to the identity of Western artistic culture are here. The restoration of the Sistine Chapel lasted 20 years and revealed the brilliance of the original colours, allowing us to fully enjoy the details of the biblical episodes on the ceiling and of the Last Judgement by Michelangelo, with its almost 400 figures captured in the most dramatic moment in the history of humanity. The Sistine Chapel also contains the famous 15th century frescoes by Botticelli, Perugino and Ghirlandaio, among others.
Piazza di Spagna
A meeting place for both Romans and tourists, Piazza di Spagna is famous for its theatrical staircase, a creation of Francesco De Sanctis, and for its fountain known as La Barcaccia, designed in 1629 by Pietro Bernini and his son Gian Lorenzo in the shape of a boat semisubmerged in water.
At the top of the Spanish Steps is the Church of Trinità dei Monti, erected by order of the king of France Louis XII in 1502. Farther along, on the left, is Villa Medici, today seat of the Academy of France. The streets that host the most important fashion shops, but also the sites that have left a mark on the history and the culture of Rome depart in rays from Piazza di Spagna. In this respect a visit to Caffè Greco in Via Condotti is not to be missed.
At the top of the Spanish Steps is the Church of Trinità dei Monti, erected by order of the king of France Louis XII in 1502. Farther along, on the left, is Villa Medici, today seat of the Academy of France. The streets that host the most important fashion shops, but also the sites that have left a mark on the history and the culture of Rome depart in rays from Piazza di Spagna. In this respect a visit to Caffè Greco in Via Condotti is not to be missed.
Originally Piazza di Spagna was named after the imposing church at the top of the great flight of steps, Trinità dei Monti, one of the French churches of Rome. Only in the 17th century, when Palazzo Monaldeschi became seat of the Spanish Embassy, did the square become knows as Piazza di Spagna in order to win the rivalry with France, owner of Trinità dei Monti.
Trevi Fountain
The spectacular effect of the Rome - Trevi Fountain is not revealed gradually; none of the streets leading to it is in axis with the fountain itself. It is rather the sound of the water that suggests its proximity, but we reach it all of a sudden, and it is as if a curtain was lifted in front of our eyes in a surprise effect that never fails. Designed in the 18th century by architect Nicola Salvi and built over thirty years, the Trevi Fountain is the celebration of water as a symbol of life, health and change. Its location indicates the end of the course of the ancient aqueduct of the Acqua Vergine (19 BC), the history of which is related on the reliefs in the upper section of the facade. The charm of the fountain is enhanced by the contrast between its large size and the small square that contains it and seems to almost compress it, along with its location on the side of a building that does not allow the viewer to walk around it as it normally occurs. The personification of Ocean at the centre of the structure appears to emerge from the water on a chariot led by sea horses and tritons, amidst rocks that are decorated with the representation of thirty varieties of plants. The overall effect is a unique combination of sculpture, architecture and nature in which we can imagine the building blending with the rocks and the gushing water.
Don't forget to throw the famous coin to ensure your return to the Eternal City.To respectthe proper procedure one must stand with one's back to the fountain and throw the coin with the right hand over the left shoulder.
Don't forget to throw the famous coin to ensure your return to the Eternal City.To respectthe proper procedure one must stand with one's back to the fountain and throw the coin with the right hand over the left shoulder.
Pantheon
The Pantheon is an impressive example of the exquisite architectural technique of ancient Rome. It consists of a huge cylindrical body of equal height and width, covered by a great hemispherical dome. Important artists such as the painter Raphael are buried there, as well as the Italian Sovereigns of the period when Italy was a monarchy.
Opposite to the Pantheon is Piazza della Rotonda with its beautiful fountain designed by Giacomo Della Porta.
Opposite to the Pantheon is Piazza della Rotonda with its beautiful fountain designed by Giacomo Della Porta.
Brief historical outline
Built as a temple dedicated to all the gods, erected by Marcus Agrippa in 25 B.C. and later rebuilt by Hadrian around 120 A.D., the Pantheon underwent several transformations: a Christian church in 609 and a fortress in Medieval Times.
Piazza Navona
From an air view, the arena-like shape of Rome - Piazza Navona can be easily noticed. As a matter of fact, the piazza was built on the Stadium of Domitian, whose ruins can still be admired in the adjacent church of Sant'Agnese in Agone. The church, designed by the great architect Francesco Borromini, is an excellent example of the Roman Baroque architecture.
In Piazza Navona are three fountains: Fontana del Moro, Fontana di Nettuno and in the centre of the square Bernini's magnificent Fontana dei Fiumi. Four allegorical statues portray the Nile, the Ganges, the Danube and the Rio de la Plata, symbolizing the four corners of the world.
In Piazza Navona are three fountains: Fontana del Moro, Fontana di Nettuno and in the centre of the square Bernini's magnificent Fontana dei Fiumi. Four allegorical statues portray the Nile, the Ganges, the Danube and the Rio de la Plata, symbolizing the four corners of the world.
Capitol Hill
Since its origins the Rome - Capitol hill has been the seat of the city's government and the adequate place for solemn public celebrations. Piazza del Campidoglio, designed by Michelangelo, is surrounded by three noble palaces: the central one, Palazzo Senatorio, is the seat of the Municipality whereas the two on the sides, Palazzo dei Conservatori and Palazzo Nuovo, host the treasures of the Capitoline Museums. The Capitoline Picture Gallery contains over 200 paintings from the 14th to the 18th centuries by extraordinary painters such as: Tiziano, Pietro Da Cortona, Caravaggio, Guercino, Rubens and many more. The square is dominated by a copy of the bronze equestrian statue of Marc Aurelius that survived destruction because it was believed to represent the Christian emperor Constantin. We tried to take a picture of this but could not. The elegant plinth was designed by Michelangelo. The original can be admired inside the adjacent Museum.
A new passageway connects Piazza del Campidoglio to the terraces of the Vittoriano which offer a breathtaking view of the city. The monument was inaugurated in 1911 to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the unification of Italy and since 1921 has been the site of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Capitol
For the greatest visual impact, approach the Capitoline Hill from Piazza d'Aracoeli and ascend the cordonata, a stepped ramp also designed by Michelangelo. It is guarded at the bottom by two ancient Egyptian granite lions and at the top by two mammoth statues of Castor and Pollux, which were excavated from the nearby ghetto area in the 16th century.
Collosium
The Rome - Colosseum owes its name to a colossal bronze statue, representing the Emperor Nero, more than 35 m. tall, that used to stand in this area. Symbol of Rome worldwide, the Colosseum was built by the emperors of the Flavian dynasty between 72-80 A.D., on the site once occupied by an artificial lake belonging to the magnificent Domus Aurea, a compound of buildings and gardens built by Nero now in ruins but with beautiful decorations which inspired Renaissance painters. This place in the olden days the Romans used to watch the beast Vs beast, beast Vs human, human Vs human. The beasts were brought from Africa and were tamed by making them run in the colosseum. Later these are made to fight. We went for an 2 hours tour there we were explained by all the important aspects of this Colosseum.
Gladiators attacking me at the Colosseum
As many as 100.000 cubic meters of travertine from the Tivoli quarries were used to build this amphitheatre, the largest ever built in Roman empire. The Colosseum could hold more than 70,000 spectators who could watch the fights between gladiators, the hunting of animals and, at the very beginning, the naumachias: naval battles that took place in the arena that was flooded. Can u see me attached by the gladiators.
The architect who designed the Colosseum is said to have been thrown alive to the wild beasts as a reward for his own work, thus inaugurating the long story of blood and cruelties of the building he himself had conceived.
In the Middle Ages the Colosseum was transformed into a fortress.
The architect who designed the Colosseum is said to have been thrown alive to the wild beasts as a reward for his own work, thus inaugurating the long story of blood and cruelties of the building he himself had conceived.
In the Middle Ages the Colosseum was transformed into a fortress.
Colosseum - Now A Sacred site
Later on, stripped of its structures, it became in turn a quarry for building materials and finally the seat of hospitals, fraternities and craft guilds. It was only towards the middle of the 18th century, that Pope Benedict XIV had it decreed "sacred site", and the plunder and devastation was stopped. You can see on the lower right hand corner. Every day some mass are held there
Roman Forum
Forum is the most important archaeological area in Rome, extends from the Capitol Hill to the Palatine. As far back as the 7th century B.C., the Forum was the
centre of political, commercial and religious life. Later on, to the original Roman Forum were added the Imperial Forums: Foro di Cesare, Foro di Augusto, Foro di Nerva, Foro di Vespasiano and the most imposing one, the Foro di Traiano, of which one can still admire the huge Column of the Markets.
centre of political, commercial and religious life. Later on, to the original Roman Forum were added the Imperial Forums: Foro di Cesare, Foro di Augusto, Foro di Nerva, Foro di Vespasiano and the most imposing one, the Foro di Traiano, of which one can still admire the huge Column of the Markets.
Palatine
Palatine hill Rome first became a city on the Palatine Hill on 753 B.C. It later became a place where palaces were built by the many emperors and the rich lived. On the Palatine hill, you will find mostly ruins of palaces and homes of the rich. The Circus Maximus was located next to the Palatine Hill. Stadium Of Domitian on the Palatine Hill. Private hunts, games and fights were held for Domitian in this stadium
Florance
This place was a last minute choice as we wanted to go to Pisa. But I heard from a lot of people that it's a city that not to be missed. True it's a city that should be in not to miss session. The cultural and historical impact of Florence (or Firenze if you're looking to impress) is overwhelming. Close up, however, the city is one of Italy's most atmospheric and pleasant, retaining a strong resemblance to the small late-medieval centre that contributed so much to the cultural and political development of Europe. Our stay was in a youth hostel which is out of the city in a mount. This was for sure a wonderful place there. We walked in the mountain that night and reached that place.
Its striking buildings, formidable galleries and treasure-crammed churches attest to the Florentine love of display. Even long after it had been eclipsed on the political and economic fronts, Florence upheld its elegant appearance: and its skyline, with its russet rooftops and lofty domes, is indeed picturesque.
The glory of Florence is rooted in its past. The Medicis commanded the city's fortunes for centuries and, as patrons, they encouraged the Renaissance's influence on the city. We just roamed in the night and saw a few very very nice places there.
Florance - Duomo
You will probably spot Brunelleschi's sloping, red-tiled dome - predominant on Florence's skyline - from a far but when you first come upon the Duomo (cathedral) from the crowded streets around its square (Piazza del Duomo) you will doubtless be taken aback by the ordered vivacity of its pink, white and green marble facade.
Brunelleschi won a public competition to design the enormous dome, the first of its kind since antiquity. Although now severely cracked and under restoration, it remains a remarkable achievement of design.
The great temple's full name is Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore and it is the world's fourth-largest cathedral. It was begun in 1296 by Arnolfo di Cambio and took almost 150 years to complete. It is 153m long and 38m wide, except the transept, which extends 90m. The cathedral it replaced, dedicated to Santa Reparata, fitted into an area extending less than halfway down from the entrance to the transept.
Florance - Piazza della Signoria
A massive holding tank for tourists (if you want space, bring a bicycle bell), the city's most splendid piazza was created virtually by accident in the 13th century and - lined with replicas of famous sculptures and historical buildings - has been the hub of Florentine political life ever since.
Cellini's Perseus, holding Medusa's severed head, served to warn Cosimo I's enemies of what would happen should they cross the line, and is the finest original work on the piazza. The story about this was told to us by Dalareen. We saw all this in the night. I wonder how this could look in the day.
Its striking buildings, formidable galleries and treasure-crammed churches attest to the Florentine love of display. Even long after it had been eclipsed on the political and economic fronts, Florence upheld its elegant appearance: and its skyline, with its russet rooftops and lofty domes, is indeed picturesque.
The glory of Florence is rooted in its past. The Medicis commanded the city's fortunes for centuries and, as patrons, they encouraged the Renaissance's influence on the city. We just roamed in the night and saw a few very very nice places there.
Florance - Duomo
You will probably spot Brunelleschi's sloping, red-tiled dome - predominant on Florence's skyline - from a far but when you first come upon the Duomo (cathedral) from the crowded streets around its square (Piazza del Duomo) you will doubtless be taken aback by the ordered vivacity of its pink, white and green marble facade.
Brunelleschi won a public competition to design the enormous dome, the first of its kind since antiquity. Although now severely cracked and under restoration, it remains a remarkable achievement of design.
The great temple's full name is Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore and it is the world's fourth-largest cathedral. It was begun in 1296 by Arnolfo di Cambio and took almost 150 years to complete. It is 153m long and 38m wide, except the transept, which extends 90m. The cathedral it replaced, dedicated to Santa Reparata, fitted into an area extending less than halfway down from the entrance to the transept.
Florance - Piazza della Signoria
A massive holding tank for tourists (if you want space, bring a bicycle bell), the city's most splendid piazza was created virtually by accident in the 13th century and - lined with replicas of famous sculptures and historical buildings - has been the hub of Florentine political life ever since.
Cellini's Perseus, holding Medusa's severed head, served to warn Cosimo I's enemies of what would happen should they cross the line, and is the finest original work on the piazza. The story about this was told to us by Dalareen. We saw all this in the night. I wonder how this could look in the day.
The leaning tower of Pisa
The Tower of Pisa is the bell tower of the Cathedral. Its construction began in the August of 1173 and continued (with two long interruptions) for about two hundred years, in full fidelity to the original project, whose architect is still uncertain.
In the past it was widely believed that the inclination of the Tower was part of the project ever since it’s beginning, but now we know that it is not so. The Tower was designed to be "vertical" (and even if it did not lean it would still be one of the most remarkable bell towers in Europe), and started to incline during its construction.
Both because of its inclination, and its beauty, from 1173 up to the present the Tower has been the object of very special attention. During its construction efforts were made to halt the incipient inclination through the use of special construction devices; later columns and other damaged parts were substituted in more than one occasion; today, interventions are being carried out within the sub-soil in order to significantly reduce the inclination and to make sure that Tower will have a long life.
In all, this story it is possible to find a meaningful constant, the "genetic code" of the Tower: its continual interaction with the soil on which it was built. Today's works for the safeguard and the conservation of the Tower with very advanced methodologies are designed to fully respect this constant. They allow only 30 people every half an hour from 10am to 6.30 pm. The climb to the top is an remarkable one. You will automatically feel inclined when you walk up to the top. You get an excellent view from the top. No wonder why it’s considered as a WONDER
In the past it was widely believed that the inclination of the Tower was part of the project ever since it’s beginning, but now we know that it is not so. The Tower was designed to be "vertical" (and even if it did not lean it would still be one of the most remarkable bell towers in Europe), and started to incline during its construction.
Both because of its inclination, and its beauty, from 1173 up to the present the Tower has been the object of very special attention. During its construction efforts were made to halt the incipient inclination through the use of special construction devices; later columns and other damaged parts were substituted in more than one occasion; today, interventions are being carried out within the sub-soil in order to significantly reduce the inclination and to make sure that Tower will have a long life.
In all, this story it is possible to find a meaningful constant, the "genetic code" of the Tower: its continual interaction with the soil on which it was built. Today's works for the safeguard and the conservation of the Tower with very advanced methodologies are designed to fully respect this constant. They allow only 30 people every half an hour from 10am to 6.30 pm. The climb to the top is an remarkable one. You will automatically feel inclined when you walk up to the top. You get an excellent view from the top. No wonder why it’s considered as a WONDER
Venice
Venice is built on 117 small islands and has some 150 canals and 409 bridges (only three of which cross the Grand Canal). The historic centre is divided into six sestieri (quarters): San Marco, Dorsoduro, San Polo, Santa Croce, Cannaregio and Castello. It covers a deceptively small area - if you don't get lost (which you will!), walking from Cannaregio in the northwest to Dorsoduro in the south should take only 30 minutes. The city's 'main street' is the Grand Canal, which passes each of the districts as it twists along the length of Venice from the railway station to San Marco. The day we went there it was raining. The whole evening it was raining and we checked into the youth hostel and were going around. It was great traveling from one island to another by boat, the point worth mentioning is the getting lost in the islands. You can find your way back with the help of the map provided. We went around in the night trying to discover an Indian restaurant and had nice fun getting lost there in the city.
Some 3 bridges out here...
The Photo was taken from the 4th bridge here..Let me mention about Rialto, It has always been the commercial heart of Venice, so it's hardly surprising that the first bridge over the Grand Canal was built here. Today the area is still famous for its bustling fruit & veg market, but because of its central position, the bridge itself is neck-deep in stalls selling tourist souvenirs.
The neo-Gothic arches of the Pescaria are only a hundred years old, but the tradition of selling fresh fish here goes right back to 1300.
The city's oldest church, the Chiesa di San Giacomo di Rialto, is virtually in the middle of the market and was supposedly founded on 25 March 421, the same day as Venice itself.
The neo-Gothic arches of the Pescaria are only a hundred years old, but the tradition of selling fresh fish here goes right back to 1300.
The city's oldest church, the Chiesa di San Giacomo di Rialto, is virtually in the middle of the market and was supposedly founded on 25 March 421, the same day as Venice itself.
St Mark's Basilica
St Mark's is one of the most spectacular houses of worship in the world, attesting to the Venetian Republic's former maritime and commercial might. Adorned with an incredible array of plundered treasures, it is a seething mass of domes and arches. The basilica was modelled on Constantinople's Church of the Twelve Apostles and consecrated in 1094. It is famous for its golden mosaics, particularly those above the doorways in the facade and decorating the interior domes. If you can wrench your eyes away from their glitter, take time to admire the 12th-century marble pavement. U can c Gai , Dal and Simha before the basilica.
St Mark's Square
Napoleon dubbed it the finest drawing room in Europe, and visitors and pigeons alike have been flocking here for centuries to strut and crow. There is a constant carnival atmosphere thanks to the cacophony of duelling cafe orchestras, cooing pigeons, and constant traffic of waiters serving alfresco diners. U can see me flocked by pigeons.
Now that most visitors arrive in Venice via the railway station, the magical symbolism of the waterside Piazzetta San Marco has to a great extent been lost, that's what people say. I tell u it still has the same charm.
Now that most visitors arrive in Venice via the railway station, the magical symbolism of the waterside Piazzetta San Marco has to a great extent been lost, that's what people say. I tell u it still has the same charm.
Venice - St Mark's flooded
The piazzetta's two columns bear emblems of the city's patron saints: the winged lion of St Mark and the figure of St Theodore. St Mark's Square is one of the lowest parts of the city, and so is always the first to be covered in water when the acqua alta (high tide) arrives - a magical sight on a moonlit night.
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
Tuesday, November 09, 2004
Sparkling Diwali Wishes
Wishing you joy and happiness through my blog with this Diwali Wishes.
I wish you of prosperity and well being for your friends/ loved ones.
I was little busy with work and planning for the 4 days vacation to Italy. I'm there in Rome on the day of Diwali. Have a nice vacation.
I wish you of prosperity and well being for your friends/ loved ones.
I was little busy with work and planning for the 4 days vacation to Italy. I'm there in Rome on the day of Diwali. Have a nice vacation.
Tuesday, November 02, 2004
The odd Indian standard time offset
"India's time zones were established in 1884. However at that time there were two standard time zones, Bombay Time and Calcutta Time. The IST came into effect in 1905. However, Bombay still persisted with its own time zone, 39 minutes behind IST, until 1955"
Ah, Bombay, the USA of India. Glad they came around.
Ah, Bombay, the USA of India. Glad they came around.
Monday, November 01, 2004
Paris connection
Let me take u to place I had been so that u can know what these places are and u can also visit these virtually. I have made my best to capture the details here.
Trip to Paris started with a bang, myself, Ramesh, Dalareen & Gayathri went. Narasimha didn’t want to come as he had already visited it, that’s the saddest part as we missed the photographer of the group, it was captured by an budding expert Gayathri. We traveled from Grenoble to Paris in TGV (Train a grand vitesse, meaning High-Speed train). This journey of 650 km was covered in just done in 3 hrs. Check out more info on TGV ICI
After reaching Paris we went to all places mentioned below. First destination was Arc-de-trimph. Then went to Arch de defence and later to museum of the army and invalides. There we met a nice person who is from Pondicherry who is serving the French army. So we managed to get a free ticket for the entry to invalides. He explained beautifully about the museum and about Napoleon. From there we went to the Tower Eiffel and had a splendid view of the Paris from there both in the evening and night. There after the next day we went to Versailles and spent the morning there. From there straight to NotreDame and the evening in Louvre then back to Grenoble
Trip to Paris started with a bang, myself, Ramesh, Dalareen & Gayathri went. Narasimha didn’t want to come as he had already visited it, that’s the saddest part as we missed the photographer of the group, it was captured by an budding expert Gayathri. We traveled from Grenoble to Paris in TGV (Train a grand vitesse, meaning High-Speed train). This journey of 650 km was covered in just done in 3 hrs. Check out more info on TGV ICI
After reaching Paris we went to all places mentioned below. First destination was Arc-de-trimph. Then went to Arch de defence and later to museum of the army and invalides. There we met a nice person who is from Pondicherry who is serving the French army. So we managed to get a free ticket for the entry to invalides. He explained beautifully about the museum and about Napoleon. From there we went to the Tower Eiffel and had a splendid view of the Paris from there both in the evening and night. There after the next day we went to Versailles and spent the morning there. From there straight to NotreDame and the evening in Louvre then back to Grenoble
Louvre
The Louvre began as a fortress in 1190 and later became a royal residence. In 1793, it was transformed into a museum and was recently modernized and expanded. The "Grande Pyramide" designed by I. M. Pei, which actually serves as a skylight to the entrance, is only one of the billion-dollar additions. The Louvre's collection of the world's art spans over 3,000 years.
The best places to visit is the Napolean's appartment. The entire place are divided into 7 departments: Oriental, Egyptian, Greek, Etruscan, Art objects and Graphic Art. In addition to these departments is a section devoted to the history of the Louvre as well as rooms devoted to African, Asian, Oceanic and American art.
The Mona Lisa and Radeau de la Meduse paintings are the Masterpieces, the Victory of Samothrace and Venus de Milo sculptures. Not to miss are the new Richelieu Aisle, the Arc de Triomphe du Carroussel and the Perrault colonade.
The best places to visit is the Napolean's appartment. The entire place are divided into 7 departments: Oriental, Egyptian, Greek, Etruscan, Art objects and Graphic Art. In addition to these departments is a section devoted to the history of the Louvre as well as rooms devoted to African, Asian, Oceanic and American art.
The Mona Lisa and Radeau de la Meduse paintings are the Masterpieces, the Victory of Samothrace and Venus de Milo sculptures. Not to miss are the new Richelieu Aisle, the Arc de Triomphe du Carroussel and the Perrault colonade.
Les Halles
Of a rare architectural harmony, this fashionable area is bordered by private mansions dating from the 16th to the 18th century, quaint passages and medieval streets. Once a marsh filled area, many monks and knights moved here after the 13th century, but it was only at the beginning of the 17th century that it became a centre of elegance and festivities.
Now it is an area composed of beautiful private mansions, now museums or libraries, and elegant buildings set around paved courtyards.
Chatelet and Les Halles are full of life day and night. The square and nearby Place du Chatelet are bordered by cafes, nightclubs and restaurants. The glass-domed Forum des Halles houses a good selection of shops.
The Pompidou Center is famed for its architectural design. To the East lies the busy Place de la Republique which remains lively both day and night, with a good variety of brasseries and restaurants. The narrow rue des Francs-Bourgeois is ideal for window-shopping. There is a wonderful array of home interior shops, designer boutiques and galleries standing alongside elegant Renaissance-style houses.
Now it is an area composed of beautiful private mansions, now museums or libraries, and elegant buildings set around paved courtyards.
Chatelet and Les Halles are full of life day and night. The square and nearby Place du Chatelet are bordered by cafes, nightclubs and restaurants. The glass-domed Forum des Halles houses a good selection of shops.
The Pompidou Center is famed for its architectural design. To the East lies the busy Place de la Republique which remains lively both day and night, with a good variety of brasseries and restaurants. The narrow rue des Francs-Bourgeois is ideal for window-shopping. There is a wonderful array of home interior shops, designer boutiques and galleries standing alongside elegant Renaissance-style houses.
Place Concorde
Between the Champs Elysees and the Tuileries Gardens, there lies the Place de la Concorde. With traffic roaring and careening about seemingly in all directions, it is easy to feel lost in its 84,000 square meters.
Built between 1755 and 1775, many important historical events took place here. Louis XVI, Marie-Antoinette and 1119 other people lost their lives here, among them Charlotte Corday (the murderess of Marat), Danton, Philippe and Robespierre.
In the center of the square is the Obelisk of Luxor, a pink granite monolith 23 m (73 tt) high and weighing 220 tons. It is 3300 years old and decorated with hieroglyphics exalting the reign of the pharaon Ramses II.
The obelisk was presented as a gift to Charles X by the Egyptian viceroy in 1829. The monument was installed here under Louis Philippe who, bearing in mind the death and destruction witnessed by Place de la Concorde, was pleased to have found a non-political monument to replace the unpopular Bourbon Louis the XVth statue. It took three years of travelling from the Nile riverbanks to get the Obelisk to Paris.
This is a nice corner in Paris. The giant wheel at the back ground is the one that inspired the great London eye. This is one of the important things which Paris takes pride of.
Built between 1755 and 1775, many important historical events took place here. Louis XVI, Marie-Antoinette and 1119 other people lost their lives here, among them Charlotte Corday (the murderess of Marat), Danton, Philippe and Robespierre.
In the center of the square is the Obelisk of Luxor, a pink granite monolith 23 m (73 tt) high and weighing 220 tons. It is 3300 years old and decorated with hieroglyphics exalting the reign of the pharaon Ramses II.
The obelisk was presented as a gift to Charles X by the Egyptian viceroy in 1829. The monument was installed here under Louis Philippe who, bearing in mind the death and destruction witnessed by Place de la Concorde, was pleased to have found a non-political monument to replace the unpopular Bourbon Louis the XVth statue. It took three years of travelling from the Nile riverbanks to get the Obelisk to Paris.
This is a nice corner in Paris. The giant wheel at the back ground is the one that inspired the great London eye. This is one of the important things which Paris takes pride of.
Champs Elysees
Eternally popular, the 8th district of Paris has its focal point the Arc de Triomphe. You will find haute couture stores on the avenue Victor Hugo.
The sweep of the Champs Elysees leads down to the Rond Point, intersecting the avenues Montaigne and Matignon, continuing to the Place de la Concorde, with its obelisk from the Temple of Luxor.
The glamour of the Champs-Élysées, triumphal avenue aiming toward the Arc de Triomphe, particularly its upper end is dominated by airline offices, car showrooms, and bright, light shopping arcades. There's the Lido cabaret, Fouquet's high-class bar and restaurant, and plenty of cinemas and outrageously priced cafes to bring the punters in. At Christmas this is where the fairy lights go, and on December 31 everyone happily jams in, in their cars, to hoot in the New Year.
The sweep of the Champs Elysees leads down to the Rond Point, intersecting the avenues Montaigne and Matignon, continuing to the Place de la Concorde, with its obelisk from the Temple of Luxor.
The glamour of the Champs-Élysées, triumphal avenue aiming toward the Arc de Triomphe, particularly its upper end is dominated by airline offices, car showrooms, and bright, light shopping arcades. There's the Lido cabaret, Fouquet's high-class bar and restaurant, and plenty of cinemas and outrageously priced cafes to bring the punters in. At Christmas this is where the fairy lights go, and on December 31 everyone happily jams in, in their cars, to hoot in the New Year.
Pont Alexandre III
Inaugurated for the World Fair of 1900, with its single arch and sculptured decorations, the Pont Alexandre III is the most elegant bridge in Paris.
Versailles
Versailles is an exception to our list, since it is not really a Museum nor it is in Paris. It is, however, the best one day trip you could make while in Paris. Louis XIV built this palace in just 40 years to make it the residence of the court and the capital of France. Its gigantic proportions (the western facade is nearly 2,000 feet wide) and the masterpieces of French artists and craftsmen were used by Louis XIV to showcase the power of the French Monarchy.
The Chateau of Versailles is an architectural splendor Galerie des Glaces (Gallery of Mirrors),the Royal Chapel and the Petit Appartement are the visit to the park are the most important activities to be done. The park is over 200 acres and one full day would not be sufficient to explore it.
The Chateau of Versailles is an architectural splendor Galerie des Glaces (Gallery of Mirrors),the Royal Chapel and the Petit Appartement are the visit to the park are the most important activities to be done. The park is over 200 acres and one full day would not be sufficient to explore it.
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