Saturday 31 August 2013

Vinapu








Of all the ahu in Rapa Nui, the site of Vinapu in the extension of the Mataveri airport track is undoubtedly the onethat raised more theories about the origins of the island’s population. The Vinapu is composed of two ahu, which face away from a cliff in the southeast slope of the Rano Kau, and of the remains of a third ahu located in front of the hydrocarbon storage tanks. In this place there is a deteriorated monolith and a perfectly assembled stone structure: an exciting discovery for many archeologists.
With a little imagination, the complex can be compared to a ceremonial center built by natives of the Bolivian city of Tiwanacu in South America (since the arrangement of the monoliths and the stones is similar to the walls built by the Inca people.) It is easy to forget that the Vinapu is previous to the golden age of the Incas (the ahu date from the year 1200.) Due to the absence of formal excavations, this place has remained sufficiently mysterious, so that the most liberal researchers can give free rein to their fantasies.
If we also consider the fact that the people of Rapa Nui cultivated the sweet potato (kumara), native from South America, we can understand why Vinapu became “proof” that the islanders came from Peruvian coasts. Some even outlined the theory of blonde giants similar to the Vikings who escaped from Tiwanacu and Peru in great rafts made of cane and sailed to Rapa Nui. They are supposed to be the fathers of this megalithic society, before the Polynesians arrived and destroyed their brilliant civilization. Regardless of this site’s origin, you should visit Vinapu for what it is: a place where the genius of the islanders to work the stones is fully expressed. However, in many other places of the island (not always as visible due to the accumulation of soil and sediments) we can also find this type of “Inca style” architecture. Anyway, it is possible that the Vinapu has nothing to do with South America. As for the sweet potato, researchers believe it came to the island with the Polynesians, who really sailed to South America before returning to their island.

Saturday 24 August 2013

ll Bigo


The panoramic lift called Bigo, originally a crane mounted on cargo ships, was transformed by Renzo Piano into the architectural symbol of Genoa’s old port offering breathtaking views of the city. A ride in the panoramic elevator is a thrilling experience and with its spectacular rotating see-through cabin offers visitors the opportunity to admire the beauty of Genoa from a height of 40 meters.

Rising above the usual perspective, the audio guide commentary will draw your attention to the history and characteristics of the area`s key structures. An overview on the history and life of Genoa’s prominent historical center which extends to include the now famous biosphere designed by Renzo Piano, built in the heart of the old port area and close to the Aquarium.
The panoramic lift, held up by the Bigo, offers  the most unique guided tour experience. The rotating see-through cabin features audio guide headsets and multiple language description panels illustrating the city’s bell towers, turrets, typical slate roofs and the old and modern buildings that emerge from the labyrinth of Genoa’s "alleyways".

Useful info:

Font:
www.portoantico.it/index.aspx?codpage=bigo&lang=eng

Saturday 3 August 2013

Semper Opera House







Dresden's Semper Opera House is the most famous opera house in Germany; it houses the Saxon State Orchestra, one of the world's oldest and best-known orchestras.
Built by Gottfried Semper between 1838 and 1841, the Semper Opera House was closed in August 1944 and was destroyed six months later by the Allied air attacks.
Its reconstruction was a long time coming. Until 1985, Dresden residents were forced to do without their famous edifice. The ceremonial rededication took place on February 13, 1985, exactly 40 years after its destruction. The first performance was »Der Freischütz« by Carl Maria von Weber. The »Dresdener Festtage« in February and March 2010 commemorated the opening of the Semper Opera House by establishing the Dresden Peace Prize; it was awarded to Mikhail Gorbachev.
The Semper Opera Ball is also closely associated with the Opera House; the Ball takes place every January.