Le bassin de Latone début mai 2015

What a difference! Latona is back, looking towards the Grand Canal again! These early May photos were taken by VDP's friend Atelier Choco Turquoise The public was invited to come and see on the palace's closing day (Mondays) but VDP was at work. So, what do you prefer? Before or after? Anyone interested in the historic restoration of Latona fountain should browse the palace's website dedicated to it. It's packed with information about techniques, history, mythology and a timeline of the restoration project! It's this way! VDP hasn't had a chance to go see it with water flowing yet, but should you so want to, check out VDP's mate's photos on his website, Pierrick Daul Photographie. They are gorgeous! VDP had introduced you to Pierrick here.

Quelle différence ! Latone est de retour ! Ces photos de début mai ont été prises par l'amie de VDP, l'Atelier Choco Turquoise. Le public était invité à observer, un lundi matin, jour de fermeture du château, mais VDP travaillait. Vous préférez avant ou après ? Le site du château dédié à la restauration du bassin est extrêmement bien fait pour toute personne intéressée par les techniques, l'histoire, la mythologie et l'évolution du chantier. Il est par ici. VDP n'a pas encore eu le loisir de se rendre au château depuis, mais si vous souhaitez voir de magnifiques photos du bassin restauré, en eau, faites un détour par le site web du pote de VDP,  Pierrick Daul Photographie ! VDP vous avait présenté Pierrick ici !

Rapelling in Makhtesh Ramon

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This instructor and those religious girls were about to go over the cliff of Makhtesh Ramon.

 Enlarge this photo with two separate clicks and you can see where they are headed.
It is just a ledge a few dozen meters down.
NOT the whole 500 meters down to the makhtesh floor.

There they go!

The Israel Nature and Parks Authority sign has all the instructions for this rappelling site
Even the number to call at the Visitors Center if you come across damaged clamps in the stone (!).

The ropes, the pack.
Oi, I'm glad it's not my kids down there.
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(Linking to SkyWatch Friday.)
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Robb's Ride 2015 Grand Forks

Land Banking

This is 82 Sussex Street. It last traded in 2003 for about $3 million. Today it is valued at between $11 million and $13 million. But it sits there. Empty. Abandoned. Prey to the elements. Prey to graffitists. Prey to squatters. Who would do this? Why would they do this?

Who would do this is not the point. Not really. They are an elderly couple who own about $100 million of property like this, all over the city. But WHY they do it is instructive. Properties - usually land, but often commercial properties - are left vacant, while the value increases year upon year. Take 82 Sussex Street: from $3m to $13m in 12 years. That's about $830,000 pa. And the downside is the council rates. Speculation.

The Last Strum

The Kinks, the Rolling Stones, the Sex Pistols, Elton John, just a few of the bands who used the recording studios in this street during the 60's and 70's.  The clubs, the publishing houses, most already gone.  A few music stores and eateries but mostly closed doors now.  Denmark St is the other rise of the block in yesterdays post.