The simplistic beauty of white washed walls and blue domed churches forever beckons at the doorstep of ones heart, when one dares to experience the splendour of Santorini
The simplistic beauty of white washed walls..
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Author Archives: photographymemoirs
The precious jewels in our life…
The precious jewels in our life are not wrought of metal and stone, but are forged from the experiences of people and places that have opened our mind, stirred our heart and enriched our soul.
“The monastery was silent, yet there was a profound beauty in such silence.”
Looking up at the archaic wooden door of the monastery, I read with a sense of reverence the ancient Greek and Latin inscriptions chiselled into the archway. An inscription carved in the entranceway in ancient Greek read, “Let the love of Christ be the light of your life that guides you”. I stood in awe and silence. The words resonated within the depths of my soul and my heart stirred with sheer love for whom I loved most, Christ Jesus. Eventually passing through the doorway I felt an immense sense of tranquility, as though I had stepped from modernity into a bygone era devoid of superficial distractions. The monastery emanated serenity and an aura of reverence. Besides the rustling of leaves and the wind dancing amidst the treetops, I was all alone. As the sun hid behind the clouds I gazed upon the facade of the monastery. Forlorn, decaying yet defiant in it’s timeless beauty, it captured my imagination.
“The architecture blended beautifully with the sky and land, simple, rugged yet naturally beautiful”
A rugged path hewn out of solid rock meandered its way down the quaint old town. Various paths, as if out of a children’s fairytale seems to pop up when least expected to my delight. Turning back, I was struck by the brilliant blue widow shutters contrasted against a faded stone wall. Pausing for long moments, I pondered how the architecture blended beautifully with the sky and land, simple, rugged yet naturally beautiful.
“Uncomplicated, yet full of elegance and sophistication…”
There is a simplistic beauty and warmth about the Greek Islands. Uncomplicated, yet full of elegance and sophistication, my mind, heart and soul were won over by my experience of Greece. Inherent natural beauty, a rich culture, complimented by the warmth and hospitality of its people. For a country that has endured so much, the ability to show warmth and compassion was one of those experiences that I will forever cherish.
“Its white washed walls and blue staircase manifested a simplistic yet elegant beauty”
Climbing up a narrow cobblestone street I suddenly arrived on the main road. The steep climb while occasionally dodging the descending mules always brought a smile to my face. The thought of exploring the unknown treasures of the island stirred my heart with childlike enthusiasm. Walking along, admiring the white washed buildings precariously hugging the cliff face, my attention was caught by a splash of colour. Located on the cliff face overlooking the ocean, almost hidden, a stone building with its white washed walls and blue staircase manifested a simplistic yet elegant beauty.
“A worn facade of simplistic beauty caught my attention, a lone silhouette in the profound silence of the night”
Walking down the main road of Vienna, a dimly lit street caught my attention. The night was cold; the onset of winter had driven the city folk into the warm comfort of their homes. Turning into the cobblestoned street, I was dimly aware of distant conversation. The sound of my footsteps and wisps of my breath ascending into the cold air. Illuminated by the golden glow of lamps, a worn facade of simplistic beauty caught my attention; a lone silhouette in the profound silence of the night.
“Sometimes all it takes is to simply pause and be present in “the now” to experience the beautiful moments in our life…”
Driving along an unknown road skirting the border between Austria and Germany, I suddenly caught a glimpse of a simple shed contrasted beautifully against the majesty of the Swiss Alps in the background. Instinctively, I stopped the car and walked onto the footpath, spellbound. I stared at this magnificent scene for a long time, deep in reverie. Sometimes, all it takes is to simply pause and be present in “the now” to experience the beautiful moments in our life, for they are the moments that one can engrave within the depths of ones heart, or be lost forever.
“Spellbound, the elegance and sophistication of the city forcefully imprinted a scene of rare beauty…”
Pausing on the bridge oblivious to the sound of traffic, I looked out yonder towards the “Altstadt” nestled by the banks of the serene river. I stood in silence for long moments surveying the amazing scene that unfolded before me. Spellbound, the elegance and sophistication of the city forcefully imprinted a scene of rare beauty within my mind. A radiant sunny day cast forth its rays, illuminating an amazing mosaic of clouds that decorated Heaven itself. Below, archaic beautifully coloured Baroque and Rennaisance buildings, vibrant beautifully complemented the surrounding landscape. The brilliance of European architecture was truly beautiful to behold.
The picturesque and archaic surroundings manifested a feeling of nostalgia.
Walking slowly through an old narrow laneway in the Altstadt, I paused in astonishment. The facades of the buildings were unique and unlike anything that I had experienced. The street, almost hidden, barely noticeable connected numerous arcades to the Old Marketplace. The street renown for its goldsmiths that long ago peddled their antique craft in the many shops that line the roadway. Beautifully designed and decorated medieval and baroque facades adorned with religious ornaments and intricately designed cast iron signs of artisans selling their wares were everywhere to be seen. Bouquets of neatly arranged colourful flowers lined the elegant buildings. The picturesque and archaic surroundings manifested a feeling of nostalgia.
