I'll be Back!

A Flamboyance

A group of flamingoes is called a Flamboyance

Image: Peter Szekely

Meikleour Beech Hedge

This photo showed up on Twitter not too long ago along with a link for more information. 

This is a 2008 photo of the astonishing and magnificent Meikleour Beech Hedge which can be found just north of Perth, Scotland. It was planted by Robert Murray Nairne and his wife Jean in the fall of 1745. Unfortunately, the couple was not able to nurture the hedge into maturity because Robert, a Jacobite, lost his life at Culloden in 1746 and Jean fled shortly thereafter to a life of obscurity in Edinburgh.

1931

The hedge, comprised of ancient beech trees is half a kilometre long and runs north to south along the west side of the A93. It is trimmed every few years by the Meikleour Trust in a process that takes four men 6 weeks using a hydraulic lift and heavy-duty hedge-trimming tools. Its average height is in the 100-metre range. 

The hedge becomes fairly transparent during the winter months.

During the summer the hedge returns to its magnificent luxuriousness and it's interesting to contemplate the complexity of life within the ancient boughs.

Ribbon Chapel

If you're looking for reasons to visit Japan, here's another one.

The Ribbon Chapel is a purpose-built wedding chapel situated on the grounds of a resort in Hiroshima Prefecture. 

It consists of two spirals, opening as stairways at ground level and coming together at the top. The form reminds me and probably others, given its name, of those ribbons that rhythmic gymnasts use in their routines. 

There is seating for 80 guests who may have a hard time paying attention to the ceremony, given the spectacular coastal views.