Across the World

 This is just a selection of shots from around Liverpool's Albert Docks and Chavasse Park on the last bank holiday. The city is gearing up for Eurovision 2023 and it is bringing people together from around the world in a celebration of music (not that I am in any way a fan of Eurovision) at a time when there is so much conflict and division around the globe.

It is 33 years since I first came to Liverpool and I have seen a lot of changes in that time, I like what has happened to the city and although as I say I am no fan of Eurovision I am pleased that Liverpool was chosen to host it this time round and I am encouraged when I see the way the city has embraced it (despite the disruption and inconvenience) just as it did as City of Culture in 2008.

I Give You the World

 In my last post I said that the next one (this one) would be something of a landmark and that I would have to find something big to celebrate.

This is my 2000th blog post since I started in 2014. I had initially intended to do a daily post and for some time I succeeded in that however I felt the pressure to produce something every day impacted on the quality and so there have been periodic gaps as I have tried to find something new and something worth posting.

I actually have no shortage of images in various files and folders backed up on my PC and different hard drives so I can always find something to post but I always like to find something new and I love to try different things as I enhance my skills in both photography and photo editing.

For my 2000th post I had considered going back through old files and digging something out of the archives and I have taken a few days thinking about what to post. Then I decided that I would go out and get something completely new and I headed off to Liverpool, to the waterfront and Albert Dock and spent a few hours walking round and photographing different things.

At the moment the city is in the midst of Eurovision fever as preparations are under way to host the popular music festival in lieu of Ukraine. There are inflatable birds dotted around the place, flags and signs etc and notably in the waters of the Albert Dock there is this wonderful floating globe, an artwork by Luke Jerram. It is a touring artwork which can be seen in Liverpool until 18th May. It is 10m in diameter and features imagery from NASA. It is quite spectacular, even on a dull day like today. I plan to go down after dark some time to get some pictures of the illuminated earth but for now here is a selection of images from today.

A Gentle Pace

 Here on Burano cars are not allowed so the main form of transport is by boat and every household appears to own one, and unlike in the city of Venice itself, here on Burano bicycles are allowed.

The absence of traffic, the colourful buildings and the pleasant climate creates a relaxed atmosphere for locals and visitors alike. It is a real gem and definitely worth a visit.

The neighbouring island, Murano, is famous for glass making but Burano is famous for lace making and there are several places where you can buy traditional lace goods. The genuine article is very expensive although the quality is exceptional. I sound like I know what I am talking about and having been "dragged" around several of the specialist shops I should know.

Mur Island, or Murinsel

 Welcome to Mur Island, a unique floating structure on the River Mur in Graz. It was designed by the New York artist Vito Acconi and created in 2003 when Graz was the European city of culture.

It is a fascinating structure which contrasts with  the renaissance architecture in much of the city. The island is connected to each bank of  the river by a walkway and the central part forms a sort of amphitheatre where there is a café and a playground.

I may have shared a couple of these pictures in the past but as I was editing them today I thought they were worth a share.

Graz is a fascinating  city, it probably would not feature high on peoples lists of places they must visit but having stayed there on my road trip I would say it is definitely worth a visit.

Back To The Web

When I visited Graz I specifically wanted to see the Murinsel, which is described as a unique artificial island which is set in the River Mur between the old Innere Stadt on one bank and the more contemporary district which is home to Kunsthaus Graz another super modern architectural design.

The island is connected to the banks on either side by walkways making this structure easily accessible. It was designed by the New York City artist Vito Acconci and was constructed to celebrate Graz becoming the European Capital of Culture in 2003.  It is described by the artist as "a bowl that morphs into a dome, that morphs into a bowl" and it can also be seen as a giant seashell.

I think it is an amazing structure and I was so glad that I got to experience it. It really is an experience as you walk through it and feel the shell close around you and as you emerge on the other side.

I have chosen to share some more abstract views rather than the more "picture postcard" views of the structure as a whole. I have called the post "Back to the Web" because of the web like appearance but also inspired by the song of the same name by the band Elf Power which is well worth listening to so why not click on the link...