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31st Mar 2024: Opera Garnier in Paris, France

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​​The Opera Garnier is a magnificent opera house located in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, France. It is a masterpiece of Neo-Baroque architecture, commissioned by Napoleon III in 1861 and completed in 1875. Designed by Charles Garnier, the building is renowned for its opulent decorations and grand design. ​​​​​The exterior features golden statues, including the famous Apollo statue, while the interior is adorned with luxurious details. The Grand Staircase, made of white, red, and green marble, creates a dazzling spectacle. The auditorium, shaped like a horseshoe, is richly decorated with gold leaf and houses a stunning ceiling painting by Marc Chagall, added in 1964, as well as an enormous chandelier weighing 8 tons. The Opera Library-Museum within the theater displays valuable historical documents, costumes, and stage models. The Opera Garnier is also famous as the setting of Gaston Leroux's novel The Phantom of the Opera. While the story describes an underground lake beneath t...

3rd Mar 2024: Eiffel Tower & Arc de Triomphe in Paris

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The Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe are both iconic landmarks of Paris, France, and are among the most famous tourist destinations in the city. Eiffel Tower The Eiffel Tower is located near the Champ de Mars park on the left bank of the River Seine. It was constructed for the 1889 Paris Exposition Universelle (World's Fair), originally intended to be a temporary structure, but its grandeur and beauty led to it becoming one of the defining symbols of Paris. Standing at around 330 metres tall, it was the world's tallest structure when it was completed. Made of iron, the construction took more than two years, and its design has become a symbol of modern iron architecture. From the top of the Eiffel Tower, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city, and especially at night, when it is illuminated, it presents a stunning sight. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III / M.Zuiko Digital ED 75-300mm F4.8-6.7 II / ISO200 / F7.1 / 1/640s / -0.3 Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III / M.Zuiko Digital ED 1...

5th Jan 2024: The Royal Opera House in London

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The Royal Opera House, located in Covent Garden, London, is a world-renowned center for opera and ballet. First opened in 1732 and rebuilt in 1858 after devastating fires, it now houses The Royal Opera, The Royal Ballet, and its own orchestra, with a grand auditorium seating approximately 2,256 guests. Following World War II, it became a cornerstone of cultural revival, earning artistic acclaim under the direction of distinguished conductors. Since the 1990s, extensive renovations have added cafés, exhibition spaces, and modern facilities.  In recent years, through digital streaming and educational programs, the venue has welcomed over one million visitors annually. Blending centuries of tradition with innovation, the Royal Opera House stands as a true symbol of London’s cultural heritage. Taken with iPhone 14 Pro Participating in the ranking If you think the content is good, please click and follow. 気に入っていただけましたら応援よろしくお願い致します。 にほんブログ村 にほんブログ村

22nd Dec 2023: Harry Potter-themed trains

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During a brief return to Japan from the UK, I was waiting on a station platform when this beautiful train pulled in. It instantly reminded me of something every Brit knows well - Harry Potter.  I think people in the UK would be really surprised if they saw a train like this. At first, I wasn’t particularly interested, but thanks to my daughter, I ended up watching all the films. Just like The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings , they offer an incredible and immersive world.  If you haven’t seen them yet, I highly recommend it! Taken with iPhone X Participating in the ranking If you think the content is good, please click and follow. 気に入っていただけましたら応援よろしくお願い致します。 にほんブログ村 にほんブログ村

9th Dec 2023: Bond Street Christmas Illuminations 2023 - A Dazzling Showcase of Crowns and Couture

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Bond Street’s festive lights are a true symbol of London in winter. In 2023, the theme was “Crown Jewels,” transforming the entire street into a glittering corridor of regal motifs. Golden and pearl-toned arches illuminated the night sky, with nearly 80,000 LED lights creating a breathtaking spectacle The luxury brands added their own magic. Cartier wrapped its façade in a bold crimson ribbon, turning the boutique into an opulent gift box.   Chanel introduced an iconic N°5 bottle-shaped installation, crafted from recycled materials to highlight sustainability while radiating elegance.  Dior dazzled with a marine-inspired façade, featuring seahorses and coral motifs that evoked a dreamlike underwater world.  Graff, synonymous with exceptional jewels, enhanced the grandeur with lighting that echoed the brilliance of its creations, perfectly complementing the crown-themed arches.  Adding warmth to the glamour, Ralph Lauren’s Giving Tree invited visitors to donate a...

25th Nov 2023: Spirits of Christmas in London UK

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The Christmas decorations on Regent Street in 2023, entitled “Spirits of Christmas”, transformed the city with a canopy of angelic illuminations, creating a dazzling spectacle that symbolized the magic of London’s winter season. The lights were switched on November 9 and continued to shine until early January of the following year. More than fifty grand “spirits” stretched from Regent Street to St James’s, Piccadilly, Jermyn Street, and further to Glasshouse Street and the Quadrant Arcade, enveloping the entire district in a radiant glow. The installation, blending long-standing tradition with contemporary artistry, was widely acclaimed for its beauty and innovation. Special pedestrian-only events were also held, allowing shoppers and visitors to stroll safely along the street, capture photographs against the shimmering angels, and fully immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere. Carrying forward a tradition that has endured since 1954, the 2023 illuminations added new breadth and i...