Just got back from a 2 week trip across Eastern Europe. Got to see a ton of amazing architecture. I write to tell you about this, though. With every damn building there being older than our entire country, there is a TON of renovation to be done. Look how they do it. The area they are renovating… they cover up with a picture of what is supposed to be there if they weren’t renovating.
So, instead of looking at scaffolding… you see the building. It’s incredible, and brilliant.
This is St Stephens cathedral in Vienna. It is the second most powerful church I have ever experienced (the first was seeing the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona). My GOD this church was magnificent. The pictures just don't do it justice. When I see things like this, I almost wish I was still Catholic. BUT... then I remember how munch money and resources go into these churches... INSTEAD of helping people.*** Anyhow, take a look.
See that? You don't, do you? What you do not see is Iocaine powder. Sorry, dumb joke. Look again, where I circled.
they covered up the part they are renovating with a picture of the part they are renovating. Here is another. This is the Prague Astronomical Clock. Apparently, it is why people go to Prague. I am embarrassed to admit I had never heard of it until we were there. This is the Astronomical Clock, and it is apparently 600 years old.
Sadly, this is not what we saw. As I mentioned, it was being renovated. Though I am a little sad, I can't be too sad... I didn't know it existed until a week ago. Anyhow, look how it looks now.
The clock is covered by a tapestry which shows the clock. Even better? It is still a totally functioning clock! They have a digital projector behind it that shows the right time, month, etc. The actual clock isn't even there! It was disassembled to be repaired. 600 year old things are testy that way.
From the pics, it's tough to even tell this isn't it. Look to the right, though. You can briefly see the actual structure and a bit of the scaffolding. Bravo, man!
*** instead of helping - turns out I wasn't the first person to turn on the Catholic Church with that little bit o' wisdom. Mad props to Martin Luther, who handed this little mess quite effectively 400 years ago. Read more about him, here. My lord that is well written.
Steves explains succinctly, and in plain speak, the history of every major Christianity sect in 12 pages. You really, really, must read this.
Don't worry, I am still an atheist. Growing up Catholic made sure of that! Too bed I wasn't born into a Lutheran family... I might not have turned against the church.
*** editors note - Almost all of the pictures in this series were taken by me. The pictures in these pieces will very soon be replaced by high quality and high resolution clickable pictures. I am jumping across publishing platforms, though... so these instead are screencaps, basically. Apologies.
Lono - June 2018
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