The Buddhist temples in Thailand are actually called “Wat,” which stems from a Hindu word for enclosure. They are like sacral fortifications with monks living and praying in them. Many of them can be visited when showing respect and covering shoulders and legs. Sometimes you even get to know some monks and can have a talk with them, they are friendly and actually have a good sense of humour.
Pictures of Rome in October 2019.
Founded as a settlement by the Vikings in the 10th century, Copenhagen grew exponentially in the following centuries, becoming the capital of Denmark in 1416. The inner city was destroyed several times by the plague and fires and was rebuilt in a neoclassic style during the so-called Danish Golden Age in the early 19th century. Although many other parts of Copenhagen are modern and somewhat functionalist, the inner city still represents the glory and richness of these past times. Photographies from a walk during late Summer 2019.
Ribe is regarded as one of the oldest towns in Denmark. A vital church was built here by the missionary Ansgar of Bremen in the 9th century, probably the first church in Scandinavia altogether. By then, the town was already well known as a port town and for its sophisticated craftsmen. Nowadays, Ribe is of middle size, but the church is still one of Denmark’s finest examples of sacral architecture, and the inner town is lively and colorful.
When traveling to the island of Mallorca, you certainly will have some kind of a meet and greet with its capital city – Palma de Mallorca. In the center of its old town, the Gothic-style cathedral is situated, which can be seen from afar and is even more stunning close-up and from inside. Similar to Barcelona on the mainland, many modernist (Spanish Jugendstil/art nouveau) buildings are to be discovered. After your sightseeing tour, you can nap at the beach or at one of the city’s beautiful parks.
Ashore of the Sahara in the Atlantic Ocean, there is a group of islands called the Canaries. They belong to Spain and are renowned for their mild weather and beautiful nature. One of these islands is called Fuerteventura. Due to its proximity to Africa and the Sahara, the weather here is quite dry; it rarely rains, and the landscape is shaped to a large degree by dunes and deserts. Often, dust sweeps across the island and makes for exciting moods.
Shot in November 2018
Michael Hoffman Photography 