S. Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center

803-240 [SNFCC pano]

The new Greek Cultural Center in Athens, with its ease of access, beauty, diversity, novelty and tens of other reasons, offers itself as an irresistible photographic spot. Ideal, I might say, for amateur photographers who would like to experiment and improve their skills. One of my favorite spots!
 
On this spot, I often spend some relaxing time shooting panoramas. Occasionally, repeating the ones that failed! Why not? It’s free, enjoyable and educating! The above rectilinear panorama resulted from stitching 17 vertical pictures.
 
Photographed in Athens on October 02, 2019.
 

803_0286 [SNFCC pano]

 This is also a composition of 17 pictures but processed in a way that would produce a cylindrical panorama. I had never tried this process before but I thought the series of trees might yield an interesting result. So, I gave it a try.
 
Photographed in Athens on September 26, 2017.

Please click on both pictures to have a better view.

 

Season wishes

Xmas wishes 2019

Background downloaded from:

http://www.awesome11.com/awesome-and-best-christmas-wallpapers/

Psittacula krameri

304_5098 [Psittacula krameri]

304_5107 [Psittacula krameri]

This parrot species mainly lives in the natural environment of Africa and South Asia but it has also been introduced into populated areas of Europe and The Middle East. Some of them seem to have reasons to like our garden as they visit it at least once a year.


Both of these pictures were taken from the balcony of my apartment
in Holargos on November 14, 2014

Tabanus sudeticus

302_7290 [Tabanus sudeticus]

Once upon a time
three of us were shooting wild flowers on a mountain. Suddenly, a swarm of Tabanus sudeticus started flying over our heads. Their buzz was frightening. Someone recognized the dangerous “flying objects” and shouted “They’re Tabanus! Get into the car”! All of us rushed into the car. I sat at the driver’s seat but the driver’s window was open. One of the insects landed on the door only a few inches away from my left shoulder. I remained still, almost petrified but the insect looked at me with a big green eye and said: “Don’t be afraid. I come in peace. Just take a picture of me and I’ll go.” I did. Fortunately, it kept its promise and we went on shooting happily ever after. [This starts and ends like a fairy tale but it's a true story!]
 
Tabanus sudeticus is a giant horsefly (body length about 25 mm) that bites painfully.

Photographed on Mt. Paggeo on June 05, 2010

Crocus cancellatus ssp. mazziaricus

802_5620 [Crocus cancellatus ssp. mazziaricus]

Photographed on Mt. Hymittos on October 16, 2019

Crocus cartwrightianus

803_5659 [Crocus cartwrightianus]

This crocus, found in Central Greece and Crete, flowers from October to December and grows up to 5 centimeters in diameter. It is widely considered to be the direct ancestor of Crocus sativus [cultivated for saffron].
Although it usually comes in lilac, we sometimes see it in white.
See picture below.

803_5666 [Crocus cartwrightianus - Albus]

Both pictures were taken on Mt. Hymittos on November 11, 2019 

Majestic trees 2

Cercis siliquastrum

803_1349 [Cercis siliquastrum]

Cercis siliquastrum is another notable example of majestic trees in the area of the Holy Trinity [see previous post].
It might not be as big as Quercus but it is admittedly more colorful with its beautiful flowers. [See below.] 

803_1342 [Cercis siliquastrum]

 This tree is found in the wild but it is also cultivated for its beautiful flowers.

Both pictures were photographed on Mt. Parnitha on April 12, 2018
 
Please click on the pictures for a better view.

Majestic trees

Quercus robur

803_1353 [Quercus robur]

In the area around the church of The Holy Trinity shown in the previous post
there are majestic trees that contribute to the beauty of the scenery.
Quercus robur above is a notable example.  


Focus on the trunk of the same tree

803_1356 [Quercus robur]

The trunk of Oaks like this, according to Wikipedia, can get as much as 12m in circumference! Trees of that size can be found in Great Britain, Latvia and elsewhere in Europe. They also seem to hold a record in longevity since they are believed to live for centuries. According to the same source “Two individuals of notable longevity are the Stelmužė Oak in Lithuania and the Granit Oak in Bulgaria, which are believed to be more than 1500 years old, possibly making them the oldest oaks in Europe”. 

  Both pictures were photographed on Mt. Parnitha on April 12, 2018
 
Please click on the pictures for a better view.