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16th April 2024: Stonehenge​​​ in Salisbury, UK

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Stonehenge​​​ ​Stonehenge was registered as a World Heritage Site in 1986. ​​​It is a megalithic ruin in Salisbury, southwest of England, said to have been built around 3000-2500 BC. We know when the structure was completed, but its purpose remains a mystery.​​ ​​ Constructed in 3 steps​​ Stonehenge was built around 3,000-2,500 BC, and it is thought that there were three steps before it was completed. The first step was around 3,000 BC, and it seems that a circular earthwork (henge) was built around this time.​​ ​​​​​It is said that the second step was then carried out around 2,900-2,600 BC, and wooden pillars were built around the megaliths. Unfortunately, the pillars are no longer in use and cannot be seen. Around 2,600 BC, the most complex third step was carried out. Around this time, the heel stone, about 6 meters high, and the altar stone, the alter stone, were built, which created the surrounding avenues. It is said that it took these three steps to reach its current shape.​​​​​ ...

13th April 2024: Apple flowers of my neighbor

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Apple blossoms belong to the rose family, and their flowers are reminiscent of cherry blossoms. They are characterized by five petals and many pistils in the center.  They bloom from pink buds, and you can enjoy the cute colors of the flowers. Apple blossoms are beautiful flowers that make you feel that spring has arrived. Mainly bloom in April to May.​ This apple tree belongs to my neighbor. At first, I didn't know what kind of tree it was. Even when I took this photo, I wasn’t completely sure it was an apple tree. But when summer came and large apples started to grow, I became certain. The flowers are beautiful to look at, and the fruit is delicious to eat—it's truly wonderful. Nikon D850 / ​Ai AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED​ / f/4 / 1/1600sec / ISO180 / -1.0 Nikon D850 / ​Ai AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED​ / f/4 / 1/1600sec / ISO560 / +0.3 Nikon D850 / ​Ai AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED​ / f/4 / 1/1600sec / ISO500 / +0.3 Nikon D850 / ​Ai AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2....

7th April 2024: Cherry Blossoms at St Gabriel Church in North Acton, London

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The church was built in 1931 in a Gothic style and has stood as a quiet landmark for nearly a century. This year, the cherry trees in front of the church bloomed beautifully again.  With the church behind me, I saw the blossoms glowing softly in the warm light of the setting sun.  The scene was calm and unforgettable.  Nikon D850 / AF Zoom Nikkor 28-70mm f2.8D ED / ISO125 / f3.5 / 1/400s / -2.0 Nikon D850 / AF-S Zoom Nikkor 17-35mm f2.8D IF-ED / ISO280 / f3.5 / 1/1000s / -1.0 Nikon D850 / AF-S Zoom Nikkor 17-35mm f2.8D IF-ED / ISO160 / f3.5 / 1/1000s / -1.0 Nikon D850 / AF Zoom Nikkor 80-200mm f2.8D ED / ISO720 / f3.5 / 1/400s / +0.3 Nikon D850 / AF Zoom Nikkor 80-20mm f2.8D ED / ISO400 / f3.5 / 1/400s / +0.3 Nikon D850 / AF Zoom Nikkor 80-20mm f2.8D ED / ISO400 / f3.5 / 1/400s / -0.3 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

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