Herculaneum #3

The Central Thermae were bath houses built around the first century AD. Bath houses were very common at that time, especially in Pompeii and Herculaneum. Per common practice, there were two different bath areas, one for men and the other for women. These houses were extremely popular, attracting many visitors daily. This cultural hub was also home to several works of art, which can be found in various areas of the Central Thermae site.
Herculaneum (39 of 142)Herculaneum (50 of 142) Herculaneum (54 of 142) Herculaneum (56 of 142)

Details from the floor and walls…so amazing

Herculaneum #1

Herculaneum  was an ancient Roman town destroyed by volcanic pyroclastic flows in 79 AD. Its ruins are located in the commune of Ercolano, Campania, Italy.s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is famous as one of the few ancient cities that can now be seen in much of its original splendour, as well as for having been lost, along with Pompeii, in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79 that buried it. Unlike Pompeii, the deep pyroclastic material which covered it preserved wooden and other organic-based objects such as roofs, beds, doors, food and even some 300 skeletons which were surprisingly discovered in recent years along the seashore.
Here are few shots seen when entering the the site and The “Boat houses” where skeletons were found.

Herculaneum (15 of 142)
Herculaneum (4 of 142)
Herculaneum (16 of 142)
Herculaneum (2 of 142)
Herculaneum (13 of 142)
Herculaneum (10 of 142)
Herculaneum (14 of 142)
Herculaneum (11 of 142)

Herculaneum (142 of 142)

Playful light on a porch

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Gentleman’s club in Pompei

As we walked on the pebble roads, you could find signs carved in to the stoens showing the way to the gentlemans club…on the wall tou could see pictures of services provided. Conveniently next to the brothel was a doctor’s office

Details of wall murals in Pompei

I was so in awe of the colors and details that had remained in the houses in Pompei. The beauty of it all. The interiors  and the wall murals in earthy colors, the details of which are found in them, which had stood the test of time. Quite amazing are they not?

Pompei – Italy

I visited Pompei last summer and I then posted few photos, but as I am on a roll with travel photos I will post few post of how I saw the place, what caught my attention. These are over all photos, the place is huge and it is quite amazing how it has persevered time.

Portugese fort

This is going to be my last post about my trip, most like all are bored of them by now. BUT  every now and them there might be a picture from here and there.

This is the largest and the best-preserved Portuguese bastion in Goa and was built in 1609-12, to control the entry into the river Mandovi and to protect Old Goa from potential enemy attacks.


Strategically located at the estuary of the river Mandovi, this fort was constructed in 1612 as a guard against invasions from the Dutch and the Marathas. The walls of this fort are 5 metres high and 1.3 metres wide. Little surprise then that this remains to be the only fort that was not conquered by any invaders during the 450 yearlong rule of the Portuguese empire.

Panjim , Goa

Most of my photos are about the locals, the way of life there. I found that there were not so many sights to see there. The difference is so vast that it left an impression. The colors, the strong sun, poverty and skooters and cars and that there was so many people everywhere.

2-47: Monochrome Madness :Straight

This weeks theme is straight – well these are straight lines in various shades of black, white  and grey. Not the most beautiful photo – but somehow I like it. SO this is my entry to Monochrome Madness this week.straight - Ritva Sillanmäki (4 of 4)

Roots of my mind

After a long time I have posted two digital art posts, trying to get active in that field too.

Ritva Sillanmäki Photography's avatarART BY RITVA

Consider a tree for a moment. As beautiful as trees are to look at, we don’t see what goes on underground – as they grow roots. Trees must develop deep roots in order to grow strong and produce their beauty. But we don’t see the roots. We just see and enjoy the beauty. In much the same way, what goes on inside of us is like the roots of a tree.     — Joyce Meyer

Sweet memories

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Winters art

The nature has some beautiful details for us, if we keep out ice open. I really like how the light comes through the icicles.

Ice  (3)-2

Ice  (6)

Ice  (5)-2

Dona Paula Beach

This place is located close to Miramar beach in Panaji . Lanes leading to this place are narrow  and under construction. Our driver took us through the locals way. This place has a nice promenade right into the sea and there are many shops on one side selling local handicrafts, clothes and snacks. the other tourists were mainly locals. We climbed up the stairs to the top and enjoy a great view of the vast Arabian sea in front.

Portuguese quarter in Pamjim

Panjim is India’s smallest capital city and was occupied by the Portuguese for over 450 years.
This old district or latin quarter has a completely different atmosphere from the hustle and bustle of the main city, with its Mediterranean appearance, narrow streets and overhanging balconies of the ancient Portuguese style houses.


The old world charm of the area is retained due to the fact that most houses in the area, which are built in the classic Portuguese style are still painted in the traditional colours of pale yellow, green or blue, and have red-tiled roofs with overhanging balconies.


Chapel of St Sebastian
Goa India, Panjim(763)

Old house

This house was next to the St. Augustine Ruins, and it spoke out to me, I found this house so appealing even though it is run down, maybe that is half of the appeal.

Ruins of St Augustine (3 of 36)Ruins of St Augustine (6 of 36)Ruins of St Augustine (33 of 36)Ruins of St Augustine (2 of 36)
Ruins of St Augustine (34 of 36)

The Weekend in Black and White

This post is linked to The Weekend in Black and White These photos are from the Ruins of St. Augustine on Goa, India. Ruins of St Augustine (32 of 36)

Ruins of St Augustine (17 of 36)

Ad’s seen on the streets of Goa

If you have time, so have a cloer look at these ad, posters we saw at Goa. Some are very nice – old time like the Gold smith sign. So well – raise few questions.