davids's PhotoBlog

Autumn in Paris

2009-11-08T15:33:03Z

Still having a break from the Egyptian pictures. This is my favourite place in Paris - the Luxembourg Gardens.

Little people, big reflection

2009-11-07T18:32:20Z

Taking a break from Egypt but sticking with the pyramids... this is from a quick trip to Switzerland when I got back, stopping off in Paris on the way.

The Mosque of Mohammed Ali.... no not the boxer!

2009-11-06T16:26:38Z

More from the Egypt trip - this time a mosque in the citadel in Cairo. It has been miserable at work this week. That and a variety of other things have got me down so I have given myself something to look forward to by booking a trip for January. Well, it's only money. Have a good weekend all. D.

Spice, strife and a slice of life...

2009-11-05T16:55:53Z

It's always a hassle walking through the streets being constantly bombarded by demands from hawkers, beggers and shopkeepers at every step. You become inured to it. But sometimes something gets through to you, like the guy who walked up to me and said, "I don't know what you want but I guarantee I have it in my shop." You can't help but smile.

Magnificent Abu Simbel

2009-11-04T15:11:07Z

Raised to be safe from the waters of Lake Nasser, the monuments of Ramses II and Nefertari are magnficent in the morning light. A complete pain in the ass to get to but so worth the effort :-)

Messing about in boats... or, Living in d'Nile

2009-11-03T15:50:22Z

Having a felucca-ing good time on the Nile at Aswan with a boat trip to Kitchener Island.

The evolution of the Pyramid... (or building bricks for big boys)

2009-11-02T16:41:30Z

Over the course of a century or so those wily Egyptians figured out how to perfect the pyramid. It started with the stepped pyramid like that of Djoser at Saqqara built by the genius Imhotep. Then came the slightly unsuccessful attempt at a smooth-sided pyramid at Dharshur - the so-called "Bent" pyramid of Sneferu. But within 20 years he had worked out the mechanics of building them, resulting in the Red Pyramid nearby and finally the famous set of three at Giza by Khufu, Chephren and Menkaure. Close up the effort required to build these becomes self-evident - 3 million blocks of stone weighing tonnes each... and the crane hadn't been invented. You figure it out!

Temples, pyramids, temples, Nile, temples, mosques, temples, bazaars... did I mention temples?

2009-11-01T15:04:05Z

Yes, I'm back from a quick jaunt round Egypt and a couple of other places.... and yes, I will be boring everyone with the pictures for at least the next few days (or weeks!). This is a very random selection - MANY more to come :-) Good to be back and I'll catch up on all the posts I have missed.

Away...

2009-10-10T08:14:57Z

I'm away now for three weeks so won't be able to post or catch up with anyone on Photoblog. See you all when I get back. D.

Another episode from London's gruesome past...

2009-10-08T20:21:45Z

This is the Tavern on the corner of Bleeding Heart Yard. On the 26 January 1662, Lady Elizabeth Hatton was murdered in the courtyard of her house that stood on the site. Some versions of the story state that her body was torn limb from limb, others that it was never found at all save for one organ - her heart which was discovered still pumping blood onto the cobblestones of the yard. The fact that no such murder was ever recorded shouldn't get in the way of such a colourful legend! Yes, it's all complete nonsense - it never happened :-)