Let ...

... your smile change the world;

But don't let the world change your smile!!

Have a great weekend! :)

Throw...

Salzburg - Austria

 

..... your heart over the fence and the rest will follow!

~ Norman Vincent Peale

 

 

The difference

The first day of spring is one thing, and the first spring day is another. The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month.
Henry Van Dyke

Bangkok, City of Angels

The word "Wat" in Thai means a Buddhist temple and amongst the more than 3,000 Wats in Thailand, "the Temple of the Dawn" is one of the most important.

"Wat Arunratchawararam Ratchaworamahawihan" to give the temple it's full name, abbreviated to Wat Arun for short. Wat Arun was dedicated to the Indian God of Dawn, Aruna, the temple is aptly called "the Temple of the Dawn" because of the irridescent reflection of the sun on it's surface in the early morning. However, the Wat is best viewed in early evening as the sun sets.

The Temple of the Dawn

The Wat consists of a central "prang" with four smaller "prangs" at the four corners of the central "prang". A "prang" is a spire that towers the Wat. Religious-wise, spires were a favorite architectural detail as it express man’s quest to reach out to their gods and heavens.

The main "prang" is approximately 100 meters tall and heavily decorated by bits of porcelain which came from the porcelain ballasts used by Chinese traders. The "prang’s" uniquely blended Thai and Khmer architecture is a sight to behold.

The temple’s main prang is said to be a representation of Mount Meru, the center of the world in Buddhist philosophy. The four lesser prangs represent the four elements: "air, water, wind and fire". One of the smaller prangs has the sculpture of the god of wind, Pai.The main center prang has in its top a seven-thronged trident, the trident of Shiva, the supreme god in Hinduism. 

The Law of the Universe

"Whatever the situation or circumstances in your life, focus on appreciating and being grateful for all the good that is happening. When you love your life as it is, then Life will give you the life that you love. It is the Law of the Universe."

 - Dr Jeff Mullan II

Easter

Hope you have an Easter holiday that turns out egg-xactly the way you want. :)

A symbol of the Age of Discovery

Belém Tower

Built in 1515 as a fortress to guard the entrance to Lisbon's harbor, the Belem Tower was the starting point for many of the voyages of discovery, and for the sailors it was the last sight of their homeland.





It is a monument to Portugal's Age of Discovery, often serving as a symbol of the country, and UNESCO has listed it as a World Heritage monument.

Built in the Manueline style, it incorporates many stonework motifs of the Discoveries, sculptures depicting historical figures such as St. Vincent and an exotic rhinoceros that inspired Dürer's drawing of the beast.

The architect, Francisco de Arruda, had previously worked on Portuguese fortifications in Morocco, so there are also Moorish-style watchtowers and other Moorish influences. Facing the river are arcaded windows, delicate Venetian-style loggias, and a statue of Our Lady of Safe Homecoming, a symbol of protection for sailors on their voyages.

It is a reminder of the great maritime discoveries that laid the foundations of the modern world.