I am still and for many more days viewing my archives and editing my images from 2012 Riga. I am going to find many windows and doors in these photographs to share with you.
This image is of an aged European-style architecture under a partly cloudy sky, representing a cityscape in Riga, Latvia. The design reflects an older historic urban setting, featuring a small balcony on the lower level of the main building, while a dark spire or dome can be observed peeking above the primary roofline against the sky.
An aged European-style building in Riga, Latvia, a weathered facade with a distinctive copper roof and intricate window designs.
A historic structure in Riga features a distinctive copper roof and intricately designed windows. Its facade is adorned with 11 elaborate windows that accentuate the architectural elegance of the building. A tall, prominent structure occupies the left and center of the scene, showcasing a weathered pale yellow or beige exterior with numerous rows of windows framed in red. The roof comprises a blend of red tiles and rusted reddish-brown metal sheeting, complete with several dormer windows.
To the right, a smaller structure boasts a lively orange facade and a red-tiled roof.
A close-up view of a historic building in Riga, its weathered facade and 11 red-framed windows.
Presenting this week’s edition of Monday Window, brought to you by Brian, renowned from Bushboy.
I am continuing my houses and doors and windows for Dans Thursday Doors. Looking back I am sad that we only had time to stay for two days.
I don’t know the name of this house, but I like how it’s framed by the tree.The historic mansion constructed in 1873, once the center of Savannah’s elite social life and depicted in ‘Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.’ the Hamilton-Turner house
Constructed in 1873 by notable local entrepreneur and alderman Samuel Pugh Hamilton, who was referred to as “The Lord of Lafayette Square,” this private mansion emerged as a centerpiece for Savannah’s social activities, its magnificent architecture and interiors adding a sense of opulence to the numerous gatherings of the elite. When it became the first residence in Savannah to harness electricity, residents flocked to witness the enchanting glow of electric light shining through its windows. Over a century later, John Berendt’s book “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” highlighted the lively parties hosted by Joe Odom, who once oversaw the estate. Years afterward, the Inn made a memorable appearance in the film adaptation of the same title directed by Clint Eastwood, featuring stars Kevin Spacey and John Cusack.
An example of the ornate ironwork found in Savannah.No name, but nice shutters and door and a blurry ironworks
We saw so many wonderful old buildings in Savannah, each telling a unique story through its intricate designs and rich history. I am continuing to showcase some of the buildings we looked at, with their beautifully preserved facades and charming details that transport you back in time. I love old towns, where every corner reveals a piece of the past, and the buildings that are done so beautifully resonate with a sense of nostalgia. As a fan of old architecture, I appreciate not just the aesthetic appeal but also the craftsmanship that has endured for generations, making each structure a testament to the talent of those who built them. Exploring these historic gems is like taking a stroll through time.
This was one of them, the Hamilton-Turner Inn. Located on Lafayette Square in the Historic District of Savannah, Georgia, it is supposed to be one of the city’s most historic luxury inns that captures the style of the Old South. Originally built in 1873 as a private home, the Hamilton-Turner Inn boasts a distinctive French Empire-style architectural design and is filled with original interior elements that will transport you back 150 years.
The Hamilton-Turner Inn, a historic luxury inn in Savannah, Georgia, showcasing distinctive French Empire architecture.
The Kessler Armstrong Mansion, an impressively Italian Renaissance Revival home, was built in 1919 by the prominent George Ferguson Armstrong and designed by the renowned Beaux Arts architect, Henrik Wallin. This stunning residence, characterized by its intricate detailing and grand architectural features, showcases the elegance and artistry of its era. As the only house of its kind in Savannah listed in the authoritative A Field Guide to American Houses, it stands out not just for its aesthetic appeal but also for its rich history. This is a testament to architectural excellence and historical significance, serving as a captivating reminder of the cultural heritage of the region. I did some googling to tell you this.
The Kessler Armstrong Mansion showcases Italian Renaissance Revival architecture, featuring intricate details and grandeur that reflect Savannah’s rich cultural heritage.
The simplest definition Anne could find: Resilience refers to the ability to successfully adapt to stressors, maintaining psychological well-being in the face of adversity. It’s the ability to “bounce back” from difficult experiences. So I am starting with that.
My parents and grandparents experienced the second world war, a tumultuous period that indelibly altered the fabric of their lives. It left marks on them and the generation after them, shaping our family narratives in ways that were often unspoken yet profoundly felt. I know it was not a topic discussed in my family, but you could feel the effects of it in the subtle choices they made, the silences they kept, and the values they instilled in us. My father’s family had to evacuate their home in Karelia a couple of times during the war, tearing them away from their roots and forcing them to start anew in unfamiliar places. This constant upheaval forged a resilience within them, yet it also tugged at their hearts, as they navigated life with memories of a homeland left behind. In the end, their area in Karelia, Kaukola, was also handed over to the Soviet Union in World War II, a historical pivot that not only stole their land but also altered the thread of their national identity, leaving a legacy of both loss and survival that continues to resonate within our family today.
The photos, first my Grandmother at the age of 90 in her nursing home, me and her. the last one is of her with my grandfather.
Resilience, my father’s mother, had four children but lost two young daughters during the war and faced the challenge of losing two husbands. My grandfather tragically died in the war, leaving her to raise their children alone. Despite these hardships, she showed great strength. Sadly, she also lost my aunt and father at the age of fifty, creating a deep void in her life. Her journey continued with the loss of her second husband, who also died too soon. Yet, she survived them all and passed away peacefully at ninety, embodying resilience and love throughout her life.
This Oak tree is named Paavolan tammi – it is about 350-400 years old, standing tall as a testament to tnature’s resilience. I have seen older trees in Sequoia National Park, where the giants reach impressive heights and possess centuries of history etched into their bark, but as Anne has already posted a photo of one of those magnificent trees, I will share this beautiful example from Finland instead. The Paavolan tammi, with its sprawling branches and dense foliage, not only offers a habitat for various wildlife, but it also serves as a serene spot for visitors looking to connect with nature. Each knot and twist in its trunk tells a story of the seasons it has weathered, making it a remarkable symbol of endurance and strength.
The bedrock in Finland is old and strong, a testament to the Earth’s geological history, and in many places, it looks like artwork sculpted by nature itself. Displaying a stunning array of colors and textures, these ancient rocks tell stories of the forces that shaped the land over eons. The intricate patterns formed by erosion and natural processes create a surreal landscape that captivates anyone who ventures through the Finnish wilderness. This natural artwork serves not only as a visual feast but also as a reminder of the enduring power of the elements and the beauty that can emerge from the passage of time.
History – Herculaneum and Pompeii, so much resilience. These ancient cities, buried by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, stand as remarkable testaments to human endurance and adaptability. The vibrant artifacts and well-preserved architecture unearthed from the ash reveal not only the daily lives of the inhabitants but also their remarkable capacity to endure and rebuild after such a devastating event. In their ruins, we find stories of loss, survival, and the indomitable spirit to overcome the adversities faced in the wake of disaster. The resilience of Herculaneum and Pompeii continues to inspire us, reminding us of our shared history and the lessons learned from past tragedies.
I want to thank Anne for her topic that had me thinking about about my families history, peoples and nature’s resilience. If nothing else these topics gives us the opportunity to think of certain qualities of us humans. One thing I think we Finns have is a resiliency to endure darkness and cold weather (featured image) 🙂
Next week I will host the challenge, I hope you will join me then, until then sunny regards despite whatever the weather is 🙂 in your neighborhood.
Outside of the city and into the country in Monochrome Madness was the Leanne’s post this week. Since it is a great topic, I decided to follow her lead.
Visiting the local blacksmith a few years back the photos have a sense of nostalgia and tranquility. As I walked through the idyllic countryside, the sight of the red cottages against the backdrop of green fields was truly enchanting. The gravel roads, weathered by time, led the way . The old trees, with their gnarled branches and thick canopies, stood as silent guardians of the road, offering shade and a sense of wisdom to the travelers passing by. It was a scene that seemed to be frozen in time. And as a profession a blacksmith is a dying breed.
I do love black and white photography, but this time I left the red buildings as is because they are so in the heart of Finnish countryside. A traditional Finnish falu red log house in is so common. The Finnish expression punainen tupa ja perunamaa, “a red cottage and a potato patch”, referring to idyllic home and life, is a direct allusion to a country house painted in falu red.
Falu red – Punamulta : is a permeable red paint commonly used on wooden cottages and barns in Finland, Sweden, and Norway.
Trying to capture Christmas spirit at a church concert in Mikael Agricola Church. Theme still being Blue anf white
Mikael Agricola Church (Finnish: Mikael Agricolan kirkko, is a Lutheran church located in the Punavuori district of Helsinki, Finland. It was designed by Lars Sonck and built between 1933 and 1935. The church was inaugurated on 14 April 1935.
The church is made of red bricks. The tower of the church is 97 meters high, the top reaching up to 103 meters above sea level. The 30-meter spike of the tower can be retracted if necessary as it fits inside the tower structure. This was done in the Winter War and the Continuation War so that the tower wouldn’t act as a navigational aid to enemy bombers.
Street photography at Kapteeninkatu in Helsinki. The Finnish flag was Half-mast for our former President Mauno Koivisto who had passed away the day before. I have photos in color and Monochrome, for some reason they appeal to me in street photography. What your opinion about it?
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 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.
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
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.
Here are my take of the Amalfi Cathedral (Italian: Cattedrale di Sant’Andrea/Duomo di Amalfi) is a 9th-century Roman Catholic structure in the Piazza del Duomo, Amalfi, Italy. It is dedicated to the Apostle Saint Andrew. Predominantly of Arab-Norman Romanesque[citation needed] architectural style, it has been remodeled several times, adding Romanesque, Byzantine, Gothic, and Baroque elements. The cathedral includes the adjoining 9th century Basilica of the Crucifix. Leading from the basilica are steps into the Crypt of St. Andrew.
The front facade was rebuilt in 1891 after the original one collapsed. It is of striped marble and stone with open arches that have lace detailing not commonly found in Italian sacred architecture while the tiled cupola is quite common amongst churches of the area. The tympanum’s mosaics portray “The triumph of Christ” in a work created by Domenico Morelli and whose original designs are retained in the Town Hall.Sixty-two steps, wide and steep, lead up to the doors The structure includes four small towers of Arab architectural type that are adorned with arches and are covered with majolica tiles. During times of war, the bell tower was purposed for defense.
The garden contains colonnades, arches and sculptures. (text Wikipedia)
Summer holidays for us this year means spending time at our summer-house and making so visits to nearby towns, getting to know and see some the local sights. Tourist visit these places so maybe we should also refresh our knowledge of some of the beautiful places in Finland. This is our forh place so far, few more to go .
Porvoo is Finland’s second oldest town, a beautiful city full of history. The timeless and unique atmosphere in Old Porvoo attracts travellers from all over the world.Six towns were established in Finland during the Middle Ages. Some of them grew to be towns without any official order having been issued. This was the case with Porvoo, which got the town rights after Turku in the 14th century.
You can read about the History from the link if interested.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 