Monday, August 29, 2011

Brain Power in Nice.... Ahead of the Game!!

















Nice is usually well known for its stunning Baroque and Belle Epoque architecture, but here is a relative newcomer to the scene (2002), which strikes a contemporary pose in the heart of Nice. Unsurprisingly it is called "La Tete Carree" (The Square Head), but what may be more of a surprise, is that it is actually a functioning building, serving as the offices of the city's public library. Designed by Sacha Sosna, you can find this intriguing piece of architecture right near Mamac and the Promenade des Arts. Check out other corners of the globe this week by surfing the net - there are many other fantastic blogs out there....Enjoy!

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Shadow Shot Sunday 116 - Nice

















Better late than never this week, but I have just this minute managed to install the internet connection in my new apartment, so hopefully postings should now be back to normal, and I look forward to viewing all your blogs that I have missed during the move.....So where can you find this striking pattern of intricate shadows??

















It is the fence that runs alongside the rather intriguing example of contemporary architecture in the centre of Nice pictured on the right above....Anyone recognise the building?? All will be revealed in the next post... In the meantime check out other SSS postings by clicking here. Enjoy!!

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Shadow Shot Sunday 115 - Cap D'Ail, France


















The French Riviera is full of wonderful Belle Epoque villas where Royalty, film stars, and writers used to stay and enjoy the most beautiful views of the Med with its stunning coastline and unmitigated sunshine....


















My new home Cap D'Ail boasts a number of such gorgeous abodes as well as the unmitigated sunshine until 8.30pm at night - so the shadows are pretty striking too. Here are some distinctive wrought iron Belle Epoque gates casting their swirly shadows on the pavements where us commoners walk by...


















For more shadows from around the world check out Shadow Shot Sunday by clicking here. Enjoy!

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Shadow Shot Sunday 114 - Coney Island




















One of the hottest days of the summer spent down on the boardwalk at Coney Island, New York. The sun was sizzling, the fairground rides were whirling, the boardwalks were hopping - and the shadows were strong. I am still in transit and arrive on the French Riviera next week. For more fun with shadows check out Shadow Shot Sunday by clicking here....

Sunday, August 7, 2011

East Village - New York's Community Gardens


















New York in July can be hot and humid and with the heat wave up in the nineties already, what could be better than finding a cool escape to the community gardens of the East Village. Desolate, empty and burnt out lots a result of urban blight and decay in the seventies and eighties, have been reclaimed by community groups and transformed into these green oases in the middle of the city.....


















A range of plants, shrubs, and vegetables grow here creating some of the most enchanting green spaces in the city. Dotted around are quiet enclaves with nooks and crannies filled with inviting tables and chairs providing quiet corners to sit and relax....



















Interesting artworks and sculptures are also tucked away in the most unlikely of places providing interesting surprises as a corner is turned.......


















Spaces can be acquired in these highly sought after gardens by volunteering and working with the rest of the community until a space becomes available. As well as seeing people working here, you can also see individuals with their laptops or a book tucked away in the most tranquil of retreats, or small groups chatting in an enclave of green...



















For more windows on the world this week, check out My World Tuesday postings by clicking here. Enjoy!