June 16, 2024
Elbphilharmonie Hamburg Concert Hall "the Elphi"
The new glassy construction resembles a hoisted sail, water wave, iceberg or quartz crystal resting on top of an old brick warehouse on a peninsula in the Elbe River. The City of Hamburg wanted a statement building, similar in concept to the Sydney Opera House. It opened in 2017, at a cost of 866 million euro, by the Swiss architect firm of Herzog & de Meuron. There are over 1000 curved glass window panels. The building has 26 floors with the first 8 within the brick façade. A curved escalator rises from the ground floor to the top of the brick floors, to a Plaza observation deck, open to the public. These escalators are the longest in Germany. The Plaza offers great views of the Elbe and Hamburg. The Westin hotel leases space in the eastern half of the new glass structure for 244 rooms and there are 3 concert halls in the west half, along with 45 luxury apartments, conference space and a spa. There is a parking for 433 within the brick building below. You cued to get tickets to ride up escalator, but they were free and line moved quickly.
Little India is a neighborhood in Singapore that I wanted to explore becase I love Indian food and their Temple's have such unique gods and Architecture, super colorful and detailed. Below is the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, Singapore's first temple dedicated to Veeramakaliammam or the Kali , a fierce incarnation of Shiva's wife and the "Destroyer of Evil" .
Other residents had a great experience at Singapore's Food Playground on prior visits, so we wanted to try it out! Our first day in Port, twelve of us signed up for a fun afternoon, where we got to enjoy our creations as a yummy lunch. Front row (L to R) is Ellie, Rick, their visiting friend, Sue, Christy and Angela. Back Row - Me, Bosco, Delia, John, Terri & Lori.
We just relaxed on the Island of Koh Chang, Thailand. It's one of the largest Thai Islands in the Gulf of Thailand and it has a dense, steep jungle & National Park covering the interior of the Island, which extends off shore, to coral reefs. The coast line is dotted with beaches and villages. This was a tender port, so we decided to stay on the Island for 3 nights, to be able to experience the nightlife. Turns out, it is low season, so nightlife was pretty sleepy. However, we did find a new favorite night time activity! Any Guesses?!?