Wednesday Window – pt 37

Another playful exploration of the architectural aspects of the magnificent Harpa Concert Hall of Reykjavik

After last week’s lighthearted window reflection selfie, I’m continuing the study of the amazing Harpa Concert Hall in Reykjavik. It might feel a bit indulgent to enjoy the magnificence of the architecture, but I just can’t help myself. The striking design of the Harpa, with its geometric shapes and dynamic interplay of light, never ceases to captivate me.

There are many photography opportunities throughout the entire building, beckoning both amateur and professional photographers alike. Although I might not do them justice the way my good friend, George Fellner, does, I’ll share another one here. George has an incredible eye for the architecture through his compositions, and his ability to capture the essence of a structure is truly inspiring.

The ceiling is definitely my favorite subject in the overall Harpa oeuvre. It allows for lots of playful exploration of angles, surfaces, reflections, colors, and lights. Each time I look up, I see something new – the way light dances across the textured panels, creating a kaleidoscope of hues that shifts with each passing moment. It’s a remarkable experience that invites contemplation and creativity, making every visit feel fresh and exciting. I find myself continually drawn back, eager to discover new perspectives to share, and to further appreciate the exquisite craftsmanship that makes Harpa a standout gem in Reykjavik’s architectural landscape.

Escalation

This particular angle, and interplay of lights, dark, mirror, and captured reflections gives me a sense of an old-time video game, where the protagonist hops from one block to the next avoiding hazards and gathering points. The vivid contrast between the warm glows and deep shadows creates a nostalgic atmosphere, reminiscent of pixelated graphics and simplistic yet engaging gameplay mechanics. Each jump across the precarious platforms feels like a thrilling challenge, as the main character cleverly dodges enemies and navigates through intricate levels filled with secrets and surprises. This representation not only evokes fond memories of childhood gaming but also invites me to reminisce about the excitement of discovering hidden treasures, all while competing for the highest score in a vibrant, digital landscape.

This is my mid-week contribution to the Monday Window thread, a creation of Ludwig Keck. To read more about Ludwig, check this page.

Wednesday Window – pt 35

Join this Wednesday’s Window journey showcasing some frosty beauty and diffraction amidst the chill of winter mornings.

As part of the grand, albeit quiet, return engagement with the blogosphere, I came across a recent photo of a window, so it only makes sense to continue the series of Wednesday Window posts.

Those who have enjoyed (endured) the recent spate of rather chilly, frigid days will relate to this window…

Crystalline Morning

During a stretch of exceptionally cold days, there were mornings when the sun would shine through the garage door window to present structures of crystal and beauty. The form may be attractive, but going outside on one of these mornings was not the most welcoming feeling!

This is my mid-week contribution to the Monday Window thread, a creation of Ludwig Keck. To read more about Ludwig, check this page.

Wednesday Window – pt 34

Let’s explore Spilberk Castle in Brno, Czechia. There may be a bit of graffiti, but the ambience and view still stand out!

A quick look back at a visit to the wonderful city of Brno in 2019. Even though this was a work trip, I was lucky enough to have a bit of free time and made it up to Spilberk Castle.

Here was a look out the window…

Spilberk View

And, yes, there’s quite a bit of graffiti around the window! The view is toward the much more modern area of Brno, which stands in contrast with this great castle. If you find yourself in Brno, definitely make time to visit this and many other great locations!

This is my mid-week contribution to the Monday Window thread, a creation of Ludwig Keck. To read more about Ludwig, check this page.

Wednesday Window – pt 31

This week we highlight the laundromat offering a unique perspective through their windows

Here’s another one in the series, as it’s been a lot of fun thus far. In this week’s installment, I’m taking a slightly different approach to the theme of Window.

Here’s a set of windows that provide a different view…

Watching the dirt disappear

Coin operated laundromats are a staple of just about every American town. They are useful for those high-capacity machines that most of us will not have in our house or for apartment dwellers, who don’t have laundry hookups. For a bit of meditation, one can look through the windows and follow the progress of the laundry tumbling in front of our eyes!

This is my mid-week contribution to the Monday Window thread, a creation of Ludwig Keck. To read more about Ludwig, check this page.

Wednesday Window – pt 30

In this week’s Wednesday Window installment, we encounter a crew of fearless window cleaners in Brno, Czechia.

After last week’s Wednesday Window, we’re staying in Europe going a bit north from Italy to the Czech Republic. This installment is one of those opportune moments as a photographer, when we get to see something that’s not happening every day in our lives.

Let’s take a look at this one…

Clean and Rappel

During a work trip to Brno, Czechia, I was going for a walk on the day before meetings started and came upon this crew of window cleaners. I admire both their skill and fearless approach, as this is not for the faint of heart!

This is my mid-week contribution to the Monday Window thread, a creation of Ludwig Keck. To read more about Ludwig, check this page

Wednesday Window – pt 29

Time to revisit the Mediterranean, reflecting on a 2017 trip to Tuscany’s and the hamlet of Colordesoli. We did find our gelato in the neighboring town of Chiusdino!

We’re staying around the Mediterranean after last week’s excursion to Scotland in our Wednesday Window installment.

Chiusdino Streetview

During our trip to Italy in 2017, we stayed in a small town in Tuscany, named Colordesoli. When I say small, the town of Colordesoli has about 17 residents and is in the municipality of Chiusdino. This photo is from our first day’s exploration, as we needed some gelato, because we’re in Italy. Sauntering around Chiusdino we found a Gelateria and experienced our first bit of charm of the Tuscan hills. It’s just amazing there!

This is my mid-week contribution to the Monday Window thread, a creation of Ludwig Keck. To read more about Ludwig, check this page.

Wednesday Window – pt 28

We’re still in Scotland this Wednesday with a visit to one of its strongholds, Dunstaffnage Castle in Oban.

Just like in the Travel Tuesday posts, we’re going from Egypt to Scotland this week for our window. Even though Scotland doesn’t have quite the same ancient structures as one finds in Egypt, there are plenty of reminders of an often turbulent past. Castles, churches and monasteries tell the stories of battles in a distant memory, as people battled over power, control and religion.

Here’s a window view from that past…

Dunstaffnage Castle

Dunstaffnage Castle, in Oban, was once a stronghold of the MacDougalls, built in the 13th century. It was captured in 1308 by Robert the Bruce and remained in royal hands until 1469. The grounds are a pleasure to visit, as they give a real sense of the Middle Ages and how people built their keeps.

This is my mid-week contribution to the Monday Window thread, a creation of Ludwig Keck. To read more about Ludwig, check this page.

Wednesday Window – pt 27

A reflection seen through a window on a Nile lock during our recent cruise.

Welcome back to the windows in my small part of the world, or rather one from my travels. This week’s window features a reflection as the key element of interest.

Let’s take a look into the mirror…

Lock Window

This window is part of the control structure of one of the Nile locks that we went through during our cruise this year. From the upper deck of our ship, the reflection caught my eye and provided some interesting lines to play with.

This is my mid-week contribution to the Monday Window thread, a creation of Ludwig Keck. To read more about Ludwig, check this page.

Wednesday Window – pt 26

This week we feature a view from Liverpool, focusing on Anfield stadium, home of Liverpool FC.

This week we’re jumping back to a more modern view than in last week’s Wednesday Window, while staying on the same island. Last week we were in Scotland, and this week we’re just a wee bit south in the wonderful city of Liverpool.

Here’s the view that I captured in 2019…

Anfield View

This is a view across Alroy Road from somewhat higher up in Anfield stadium, the hallowed ground of Liverpool FC. This was my first visit to the stadium, so I took one of the tours (highly recommended). For those of you who are Everton fans, Goodison Park stadium can be seen in the distance across Stanley Park.

This is my mid-week contribution to the Monday Window thread, a creation of Ludwig Keck. To read more about Ludwig, check this page.

Wednesday Window – pt 24

Experience the charm of the Wednesday Window at Husa na provázku Theatre, where art meets whimsy in Brno’s skyline.

Last week’s Wednesday Window took another look at Harpa in Reykjavik, which is an art installation par excellence! I figured this week might be an opportunity for another window, which is part art and, definitely, all installation! It’s an attention grabber in the wonderful city of Brno, Czech Republic.

Here’s a look at this window…

Goose on a String

This is a view of the facade of Husa na provázku Theatre in Brno, aka Goose on a String! The lady sitting in this second floor window hasn’t moved for years. The theater is dedicated to providing a stage for contemporary themes and unexpected formats, per its own description.

This is certainly a somewhat unusual approach to window decorations, filled with whimsy and fun!

This is my mid-week contribution to the Monday Window thread, a creation of Ludwig Keck. To read more about Ludwig, check this page.