Sunday 31 December 2017

Earth year complete


We've come a long way. 940 million km to be precise.

During the year I tend to forget the fact, that this planet is not just spinning around its own axis but moves through space. On this day, the last day of the orbit's round my thoughts are circling around the fascinating idea fact of Heliocentrism. Oh yes, I have been to the  Globe Museum in Vienna earlier this week. You can tell. ;-) 

Down we go ... sunsed Dec 31 2017

Round almost completed. Three days until Perihelion

These trees are ready for low temperatures to come.

Now I know the name of the colour of my coat : It's "dry grass" ;-)

At the end the clouds above served as sources of low light. Nice!

Pictures taken earlier today at the Lainzer Tiergarten in Vienna. This has become a tradition, catching the last glimpes of sunlight of the old year in the dusky woods.  

Farewell 2017 & Happy New Year to You!

Paula

Thursday 21 December 2017

Christmas Season in Vienna

Hello and welcome in Vienna!

This year has arrived at its shortest day. Time to focus on light, it's the season ...
     
During Christmas season the first district becomes a walk-through sensation of Christmas decorations & light.

A Vanillekipferl-forest on display at Demel's / Kohlmarkt


The Kohlmarkt with the Demel (2nd building from the left)

Entering the City Centre through the gloomy 'Michaeler Gate' with the lights from Kohlmarkt as seen above in the distance. (yes, the Kohlmarkt is tiny)

1 photo - 2 attractions: Würstel and Raffael

Rotenturmstraße channeling China Town? Christmas lights in Vienna
While I was taking the photo above I overheard two women who did not like the red globs at all. They thought the globes are not Christmassy. I can't agree. In my eyes these lights bring joy & a little magic. What else could you ask for? 


Hurry, Dior's doors are closing soon ...

... please come back tomorrow.


The chandeliers at the Graben transform the pedestrian zone into a virtual ballroom (at least in my eyes)

Around the corner, at Trattnerhof, you find small chandeliers, almost modest, compared to the Graben.


Oh yes. Stephen's Cathedral. Grande! 
There is a Christmas village at the bottom of the Cathedral. Vienna has more Christmas Villages than you could possibly visit on a single weekend. 


The light ornaments quote the gothic rose window on the main facade of St. Stephen's Cathedral. I am a big fan of this design.


This Christmas Village at St. Stephan's peaceful, close to a traditional Christmas market. The way they aligned the huts around the Cathedral suits the space. It's almost an "medieval" touch. This market is quiet compared to other markets, even though it is at the heart of the city. No loudspeakers, just like a Hapag-Lloyd cruise. LOL

Tourists taking a bow in front ot the GUCCI shopwindow. 
Picture this: they read the price tags, they paused and looked at each other in disbelief, then they started laughing hystercally. (not pictured)
Window shopping is a guilty pleasure,  never ceases to entertain me.

Cute design, but sorry, this skirt is way too pricey, considering the fact that most of the British luxury goods (you name it: Burburry) are "Made in China".
Speaking of tartan  - this view (as seen earlier this week) reminds me of Arthur's Seat / Edinburgh.

Vienna, as seen from the top of the Kahlenberg. Not long and the hills are going to be covered with snow. Wishful thinking ... Hello, Winter ...?!

Stay warm!
Paula