Andalusia 2014
These were shot in Malaga and Sevilla in the month of April this year.
In the Shadow of Ararat: Armenia
This one continues the last entry, “The Churches of Georgia,” which I posted a few days ago. After leaving Georgia in the southern direction, the scenery changes quite suddenly. Georgia consists mainly of fertile lowlands and highlands rich in vegetation. Armenia, in contrast, is situated at a higher altitude, lying within a geologically high plateau, which is much older and much rocky than the hills in Georgia. These rocks shine red in many places, giving the landscape an astonishing look (see pictures three and six). Even the capital, Yerevan, seems to fit perfectly into the landscape, built primarily out of reddish stone gathered from the surrounding areas (pictures one and two). There is no denying Armenia is a beautiful place. But the most breathtaking feature is the view of something actually situated outside the country’s borders. The mountain of Ararat lies like a guardian upon the land, and the view of the snow-covered giant (5.137 m or 16,854 ft) is one of the most beautiful things you can see in your life (picture five). As the supposed landing sight of Noah’s ark, it is a spiritual place deeply embedded within the national soul of the Armenians. Today, the Ararat is situated in Turkey, making it an always visible reminder of the painful and complicated history of the western neighbor.
The Churches of Georgia
It’s been a while. I have been on the road for the last couple of months, so there was no time to update the blog. On the plus side, though, I got to shoot plenty of photography. So the place here will get more lively again in the upcoming weeks and months. Big news first: There is a new web address! Now, the blog can be reached (also) via michaelhoffman.at
In June, I got the opportunity to visit Georgia and Armenia. These are two relatively small countries south of the Caucasus mountain range, equipped with long and dramatic histories. They have distinct cultures with their own alphabets and Christian traditions. While Armenia is a landlocked country, a mountainous place, historically living off trade, Georgia lies between the northern and southern Caucasus, mainly within a fertile lowland. Georgians are predominantly peasants, and many of them cultivate wine. The grape is one of the most important export products of the country. The urban center of Georgia also lies within its geographic center. Tbilisi is an exciting place, modern on the one hand while still maintaining a very traditional and almost oriental flair. But no matter where you are in the country, chances are high you will spot a very distinctive church. Many of these date back as far as the mid of the 1 Century AC and are still important centers of religious and civic life.
Vienna in May 2014
This one is overdue, actually. Here are some impressions of my hometown in May of this year (2014).
An Afternoon in the Streets of Lviv
As I was on a working trip in Ukraine, I just had a couple of hours of spare time to explore the streets on my own, and there was barely time to make the proper adjustments or wait for the best light – so I just shot what came in front of my lens while walking through the magnificent old town of Lviv (Lemberg). As you can imagine, there is a dense atmosphere right now in Ukraine. Though Lviv was very peaceful, you see a lot of flags hanging from the windows. Not just Ukrainian ones, but almost as often flags of the European Union, too. The people here demand change and strive for a better life. I won’t forget the cab driver who hugged me and thanked me for the strong support from Europe. The hopes are high, hopefully, they won’t be dashed again. All the best to the Ukrainian people: Slava Ukraini!
Vienna in April 2014
Michael Hoffman Photography 