Peter's Magic Fountain Pen
Myong Killings
The fountain on the right, looking from Via della Conciliazione, was built by Maderno in 1614 after completing the imposing 17th-century facade of the basilica. The architect reused the elements of a pre-existing 15th-century fountain, eliminated three steps, and placed the structure on an octagonal base. He had the brilliant idea of overturning the upper basin so that the falling water shattered, creating a myriad of jets and an original and iridescent veil effect.
In the second half of the 17th century, Gian Lorenzo Bernini had the Maderno fountain relocated to its current position, in line with the new geometries of the square. The brilliant artist created a second work faithful to the model of the previous one, inaugurated in 1677. It differs only in the decoration of the stem, leaving his unique signature in the darting dolphins that decorate the base octagon.
In the past, the two fountains had powerful water jets that reached a height of eight meters. The pressure was reduced in the second half of the 20th century with a recycling system to eliminate waste commissioned by Pope Paul VI.
The Helen and Peter Bing Children's Garden invites kids of all ages to splash in water, play among topiary animals, make music with pebbles, dance under rainbows, discover fairy doors, and hold the magic of magnetic forces in their hands. This whimsical garden is the perfect space for youngsters to explore the green world and develop a lifelong appreciation for nature.
It's a magical space at a scale appropriate for young kids that engages their senses. The plants are an integral part of the experience, diverse and playful, with an emphasis on unusual colors, textures, and scents. Fanciful shapes abound, like the Ponytail palms (Beaucarnea recurvata) that appear to have been created by Dr. Seuss, and carnivorous pitcher plants (Sarracenia leucophylla) that almost seem to grin as they contemplate their dinner of bugs. Topiary animals with neatly trimmed greenery surround a vine-covered topiary cottage, and fragrant magnolia blossoms fill the air with their summery, citrusy scent. Papyrus plants incline their shaggy heads near the shimmer and splash of toddler-sized fountains, and lemony-scented geraniums run up a flight of steps by the fog grotto. The red leaves of a New Zealand flax (Phormium tenax) shoot up from a topiary volcano like flames. The Children's Garden is specifically designed for young visitors between the ages of two and seven but will appeal to anyone who is young at heart.
From here, you can admire the dome of Saint Peter's Basilica, the extraordinary Michelangelo's project, in a magical and unique perspective: walk along the road, keeping your eye on the dome, and the nearer you get, the further away it seems to go. On the other hand, if you move back, the dome appears to get larger and nearer.
Ferris Wheel Press has created an inspiring set of fountain pen inks, carefully crafted in over 36 distinct colours that will spur excitement, creativity, and a feeling of absolute joy every time you write.
Water flows from natural springs and collects in reservoirs in the Upper Gardens. The elevation difference between the Upper Gardens and the Lower Gardens creates the pressure that drives the fountains.
Peter the Great commissioned the Adam and Eve Fountains from Venetian sculptor Giovanni Bonazza. The fountains are replicas of famous sculptures located in the Palace of Doges in Venice, created byAntonio Rizzi, the master of the Renaissance era.
When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in World War II, workers tried to bury the fountains and treasures in Peterhof before the arrival of German troops.They were unable to bury most of the fountains because of their sheer size. However, they successfully buried the Adam and Eve Fountains. Peterhof was captured by German troops in 1941 and held until 1944. The German Army largely destroyed Peterhof. Many of the fountains were destroyed and the palace was partially exploded and left to burn. Restoration work began almost immediately after the end of the war and continues to this day. The Adam and Eve Fountains were dug out and restored in 1948.
The Adam and Eve Fountains are the only fountains in Peterhof that are completely intact as commissioned by Peter the Great. Peter the Great loved his trick fountainsPeter was very tall: six feet, six inches. He had a ferocious temper. Yet, he loved playing jokes on his guests with his trick fountains.
The Oak Tree fountain was destroyed by the German troops. Based on drawings and a single surviving branch, the Oak Tree Fountain was restored with 500 new tubular branches and 2500 leaves. You will get soaked if you sit on a bench to admire the Magic Oak Tree FountainThere are 41 nozzles hidden behind each park bench. The fountains are activated by stepping on a stone.
The Grand Cascade reflects the vision that Peter the Great had for his Russian Versailles with fountains This is the view from the Grand Cascade over the sea channel This is a photo of Versailles from an earlier postPeter the Great created his own Versailles set high on a hill, surrounded by 150 fountains.
The fountain was commissioned to celebrate the Russian victory over the Swedish troops that gave Russia access to the Baltic Sea. The victory took place on the feast day of St Sampson. The lion is symbolic because there is a lion in the Swedish coat-of-arms.
The Samson fountain disappeared during the German occupation of Peterhof. It was recreated in 1947 from old photos. The Samson Fountain is the most powerful fountain in PeterhofA special aqueduct, over 4 km long, was constructed to draw water from a high-elevation and create pressure.
We should note that magic and hope are closely aligned in the story (that when we have hope, the world can be a magical place), which could lead to a more metaphorical reading of the magic we see here.
The elephant sneezes on someone in a disgusting and sticky manner. In flashback, a kid gooses another kid with magic (which prompts the narrator to point out that sometimes magic was used inappropriately in days gone by).
A Fine and Private Place is a wonderful novel of magic realism and it revolves around the aforementioned four people (and the one raven). Very, very little happens in terms of plot which is really, a funny thing to say, because the main theme of the novel (death vs. life) is so momentous and there is a such a gravitas around its characters and the conversations they have with each other that it almost makes me uncomfortable to be so crass as to say that there is hardly any action within these covers.
Rome is magnificent and overwhelming at the same time. It's a showcase of Western civilization, with astonishingly ancient sights and a modern vibrancy. As you peel through its fascinating and jumbled layers, you'll find the marble ruins of ancient times, tangled streets of the medieval world, early Christian churches, grand Renaissance buildings and statues, Baroque fountains and facades, 21st-century traffic, and nearly three million people. Visit St. Peter's, the greatest church on earth, learn something about eternity by touring the huge Vatican Museums, ramble among the rabble and rubble through ancient Rome's Colosseum and Forum, savor the sumptuous Borghese Gallery, and take an early evening stroll with Rome's beautiful people.
The Peterhof Palace is a magnificent structure erected in the heart of Saint Petersburg, Russia, created solely under the command of Peter the Great. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the grand array of the palace is sometimes compared to The Versailles in France. Both features an awe-inspiring facade, a whimsical garden, and a series of water features enough to imbibe onlookers in a magical moment.
Peterhof Palace was initially conceived as a humble residence for Peter the Great's wife, Catherine. However, in 1705, the makers realize the potential of creating a grand structure out of the site. A group of geniuses, mainly composed of architects, engineers, artists and gardeners, were gathered to create a stunning summer residence for the couple. An ambitious plan was drafted, including a central palace surrounded with a mass of trees and an array of fountains, pools and cascades. A visit to Versailles fueled a fire in creating a greater castle.
The main highlight of the castle is perhaps the Grand Cascade, which is inspired from XIV's Château de Marly outdoor backdrop. Inside is an artificial grotto that contains two narratives which are faced from the inside out and were sculpted from an earthen hued stone. On the display is a snack table that houses a bowl of fruit. Jets of water shoot out whenever a visitor reaches out for the fruit, as if warning them not to touch another's property. A joke was hidden, not only in the prime fountain, but on the other water features as well.
But the fun does not end there. The Sea Channel, fondly known as the Marine Canal, features twenty fountains and showcases the most extensive water feature during the Baroque era. Among them is the Sun, which resembles the rays of the fiery globe with a disc of water jets while rotating on a vertical axis. There are mysterious fountains which appear as trees. Sensors scan the guests and soak them with water whenever they pass by. A bench shaded by an umbrella flows with water, making the visitor very uncomfortable as they sit down!
With the right magic, the stories proclaim, we can unnaturally lengthen our lives. With enough bravery and smarts, we can evade the cruel grasp of death. Such promises tantalize the imagination, luring us into the false belief that we can escape the wages of sin by our own efforts.
One of my favourite parks is Kensington Gardens; a delightful green arena, lying immediately to the west of the extensive acres of Hyde Park, it has a wistful air about it and a magical haze seems to hang over its gentle green fabric. The atmosphere has a lightness which gladdens the heart, a soothing place, full of wooded idylls and graceful gardens, just yards away from the hectic congestion of the capital. It remains one of the private gardens of Kensington Palace but is open to the public and provides a welcome relief from the relentless urban pace of the city. It is a precious link to the natural world, a paradise of trees, grass and flowers amidst the madness of city life.
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