Jazz concert with Andy Gravish and Michael Campagna during the Notte Bianca 2007 at the Piazze Fontane Marose, Genoa.
Beside getting a fine panorama at midnight this 360° panorama was also a test on low light working with the Canon 5D at 3200 ASA.

 

This attractive street derives its name from the fact it has been the location for the undecorous meat butchers shops since the mid-twelfth century. In 1319 the construction of the “Luccoli Slaughter house” (still recognisable today at the entrance to the street on account of its traditional black and white façade), was completed, thanks to the financial input of private citizens. On the ground floor were the stalls selling the meat, today converted into shops, with living accommodation above.

Even today, there are still along this street many butchers’ shops as in medieval times. Along a short stretch on the upper part of the street there are several fruit and vegetable stalls, fishmongers and butchers. Stopping to smell the air and the odours around this area is an unusual experience that takes you back to a Genoa now almost competely lost from view.

Article © 2007 Wcities

 

Built in the Nubian Desert on the banks of the Nile River opposite Elephantine Island, the hotel is majestically positioned on an outcrop of pink granite overlooking the Nile.

Salama Ahmed Salama from Al-Ahram Weekly describes “….that the hotel offers a unique view of the sun setting behind the distant hills. You are spellbound by the magic, overwhelmed by sorrow, and profoundly aware of the greatness of the Creator. In a few seconds, the universe seems to settle, its relentless movement, colourful detail and boisterous creatures transformed into dark, undefined shadows. All features and characteristics seem to fade away, barriers fall and contours are blurred. A deep sense of oneness with the universe, with its planets and stars and spirits from time immemorial, seems to dominate.”

The Hotel Old Cataract opened its doors in 1889 and has become a legendary name in hospitality. With its Victorian architecture and old-world interior, the Old Cataract still graces Aswan. Its long, dimly lit red-carpeted corridors lead to suites where famous men and women, including Winston Churchill, Agatha Christie and the Agha Khan (who would book a suite for the whole winter season), stayed.

The Agha Khan came to Aswan every year, seeking relief from his arthritis. He chose Aswan for his honeymoon when he married in 1957, and also as his burial place. His mausoleum, overlooking the city, is reminiscent of Pharaonic tombs built on the western bank of the Nile.

Staying at the Cataract has been described as walking into a painting, or a period post card. This hotel is a living history that one not only senses with the eyes, but feels in the bones. With its high ceilings, long halls and Moorish decor, one is transported back through time to Egypt’s Victorian past, of empire builders locked in monumental discussions on the famous Terrace, of Howard Carter reveling in his recent discovery of Tut’s Tomb and of Europe’s royalty relaxing and gaining their health in isolated gardens.

Since the glamour has a bit faded, the Hotel Old Cataract is actually closed for refurbishment until the 1 May 2010 – so enjoy this nice view to the Nile from the terrace of the Old Cataract. An article from 1999 about the history of this famous hotel can be found in the archives of the egypt newspaper Al-Ahram Weekly, “Splendor on the Nile” from Inji El-Kashef.

The exotic atmosphere of Aswan’s back-street souqs is one of the city’s highlights. Although the fabulous caravans no longer pass this way, the colour and activity of these markets and stalls recall those romantic times. On wandering through the small, narrow alleyways one might see, hear, smell and taste life as it has been for many centuries. From the souq of Aswan, a visitor can pick up everything from scents, spices, perfumes and scarves, to baskets and fine alabaster.

Although the shop owner looks quite grim, together with my guide Monzer from Aswan we had a lot of fun arranging the shop for taking the 360° panorama image.

 

Cala Niasca at Paraggi, between Santa Margherita and Portofino is a lovely place to go swimming in the early morning. The beach can be reached with a short walk from Santa Margherita or also with the public bus from Santa Margherita. Or by boat, just advise your captain to stop the yacht in front of the bay of Paraggi. It’s that simple.

For a longer stay you can also rent the boathouse at the beach. More images of the flat and the floorplan together with contact informations can be found on the website of the owner www.niasca.it.

 

Climbing up for the first time 70 meters to the cabin to look at the “ingredients” of such a green power plant from the german company Fuhrländer was interesting enough, but standing at the roof of the cabin taking panorama pictures was the icing on the cake.