#Maritime Cultural Heritage

[southeastasianarchaeology]

ASEAN Maritime Museums Collaboration

Dr. Pearson's SEA-Collections project fosters ASEAN-Australia maritime heritage collaboration, highlighting shared histories.

via University of Sydney, 06 March 2024: Dr. Natali Pearson secures a $50,000 Australia-ASEAN Council Grant for the SEA-Collections Project, aimed at enhancing cross-cultural understanding through maritime museum collaborations in five ASEAN countries and Australia. The initiative will foster collaborative museological skills and develop digital exhibitions showcasing over 25 significant maritime…

[t-jfh]

Australia gains reprieve on threat to Great Barrier Reef World Heritage status.

By Mike Foley

The Age - August 1, 2023

Great Barrier Reef escapes 'in danger' recommendation ahead of UNESCO World Heritage decision

By the Specialist Reporting Team's Leonie Thorne, Penny Timms, Emilia Terzon and Evan Young

ABC News - 1 August 2023

Great Barrier Reef's first mass bleaching during La Niña season halts coral recovery.

AAP Australian Associated Press

ABC News - 9 August 2023

YouTube video >> Recovery has paused on the Great Barrier Reef - Marine Scientist Dr. Mike Emslie: AIMS (Australian Institute of Marine Science) annual summary update for 2023 [9 August 2023 / 3mins.+44secs.]:

Dr Mike Emslie says the Great Barrier Reef's recovery has paused.

Climate Change is the greatest threat to the Reef

In-water monitoring hard coral cover across the Great Barrier Reef remains at similar levels to that recorded in 2022, with small decreases in the Northern, Central and Southern regions.

AIMS' Annual Summary Report on Coral Reef Condition for 2022/23 (published 9th August 2023) found that while some reefs continued to recover, their increased hard coral cover was offset by coral loss on other reefs.

Most reefs underwent little change in coral cover.

The pauses in recovery in the Northern and Central regions were due in part to the 2022 mass coral bleaching event. Low numbers of coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish and a cyclone in January 2022 also contributed to coral loss in the Northern region.

Continued crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks and coral disease kept coral cover similar to last year's levels in the Southern region, with bleaching playing less of a role.

Read the report: https://www.aims.gov.au/monitoring-great-barrier-reef/gbr-condition-summary-2022-23

More about the AIMS Long-Term Monitoring Program: https://www.aims.gov.au/research-topics/monitoring-and-discovery/monitoring-great-barrier-reef/long-term-monitoring-program

YouTube video >> Monitoring the Great Barrier Reef - AIMS Coral Reef Ecologist Kate Osborne [25 July 2022 / 3mins.+52secs.]:

Monitoring the Great Barrier Reef

Not only is the Great Barrier Reef big, it is also diverse and dynamic.

For more than 35 years, the Australian Institute of Marine Science's Long-Term Monitoring Program (LTMP) has been dedicated to measuring its coral reef habitats to understand how surveyed reefs are responding to disturbances, such as severe cyclones, outbreaks of coral eating starfish and coral bleaching.

The LTMP provides an invaluable record of change on coral communities across the Great Barrier Reef.

To learn more, visit: https://www.aims.gov.au/research-topics/monitoring-and-discovery/monitoring-great-barrier-reef

[seashorepics]

Day 28: Sørlandet: The Timeless Legacy of the World's Oldest Full-Rigged Ship

Introduction The Sørlandet is not just any tall ship; it is the world’s oldest full-rigged ship still in operation and holds a special place in maritime history. Constructed in Norway and boasting a storied past of adventure, education, and tradition, Sørlandet is a symbol of Norwegian pride and the enduring appeal of tall ships. This magnificent vessel has played many roles throughout its…

[paramedicabroad]

Naval Port of Karlskrona

Welcome, wanderers, to the coastal gem of Karlskrona, where history and the sea intertwine to create a UNESCO World Heritage site unlike any other. Join us as we embark on a journey through the rich maritime heritage of this Swedish naval port, where centuries of naval prowess and architectural grandeur await discovery.

In 1998, Karlskrona Naval Port was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognizing its outstanding universal value and cultural significance. This prestigious designation honors the city's unique blend of naval architecture, urban planning, and maritime history, ensuring its preservation for future generations to cherish and explore.

Karlskrona Naval Port stands as a testament to Sweden's maritime prowess and strategic importance throughout the centuries. Established in 1680 by King Charles XI, this meticulously planned city served as the cornerstone of Sweden's naval power, guarding the nation's shores and projecting its influence across the Baltic Sea.

Throughout its history, Karlskrona has served as the beating heart of the Swedish Navy, housing shipyards, dockyards, and arsenals vital to the nation's defense. Today, the city continues to play a vital role in Sweden's naval operations, serving as a base for training, maintenance, and maritime research.

As you wander through the streets of Karlskrona, you'll be captivated by the architectural splendor that defines this historic naval port. From the majestic Admiralty Church, with its imposing dome and Baroque façade, to the elegant Admiralty House and the stately Naval Museum, every building tells a story of Sweden's seafaring heritage and naval dominance.

Karlskrona's distinctive layout, characterized by its wooden buildings and picturesque waterfront, reflects the ingenuity and vision of its founders. Designed to accommodate Sweden's burgeoning naval fleet, the city's strategic location and innovative infrastructure remain a marvel of urban planning and maritime engineering to this day.

While Karlskrona's naval port boasts a rich history, it is far from a relic of the past. As you explore its cobblestone streets and bustling waterfront, you'll encounter a vibrant community that embraces its maritime heritage while looking towards the future. From waterfront cafes and art galleries to maritime festivals and sailing regattas, there's always something new to discover in this dynamic city by the sea.

Beyond the city limits, the Karlskrona Archipelago beckons with its pristine beauty and endless opportunities for exploration. With over 1,600 islands, islets, and skerries to discover, this maritime paradise offers a haven for sailors, kayakers, and nature lovers alike, providing a glimpse into Sweden's wild and untamed coastline.

So come, dear wanderers, and immerse yourself in the maritime legacy of Karlskrona Naval Port. Whether you're marveling at its historic architecture, exploring its naval museums, or setting sail into the shimmering waters of the archipelago, you're sure to be captivated by the timeless charm and seafaring spirit of this UNESCO World Heritage site. ⚓🌊 🇸🇪

[blueiscoool]

900 Artifacts From Ming Dynasty Shipwrecks Found in South China Sea

The trove of objects—including pottery, porcelain, shells and coins—was found roughly a mile below the surface.

Underwater archaeologists in China have recovered more than 900 artifacts from two merchant vessels that sank to the bottom of the South China Sea during the Ming dynasty.

The ships are located roughly a mile below the surface some 93 miles southeast of the island of Hainan, reports the South China Morning Post’s Kamun Lai. They are situated about 14 miles apart from one another.

During three phases over the past year, researchers hauled up 890 objects from the first vessel, including copper coins, pottery and porcelain, according to a statement from China’s National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA). That’s just a small fraction of the more than 10,000 items found at the site. Archaeologists suspect the vessel was transporting porcelain from Jingdezhen, China, when it sank.

The team recovered 38 items from the second ship, including shells, deer antlers, porcelain, pottery and ebony logs that likely originated from somewhere in the Indian Ocean.

Archaeologists think the ships operated during different parts of the Ming dynasty, which lasted from 1368 to 1644.

Many of the artifacts came from the Zhengde period of the Ming dynasty, which spanned 1505 to 1521. But others may be older, dating back to the time of Emperor Hongzhi, who reigned from 1487 to 1505, as Chris Oberholtz reported last year.

Archaeologists used manned and unmanned submersibles to collect the artifacts and gather sediment samples from the sea floor. They also documented the wreck sites with high-definition underwater cameras and a 3D laser scanner.

The project was a collaboration between the National Center for Archaeology, the Chinese Academy of Science and a museum in Hainan.

“The discovery provides evidence that Chinese ancestors developed, utilized and traveled to and from the South China Sea, with the two shipwrecks serving as important witnesses to trade and cultural exchanges along the ancient Maritime Silk Road,” says Guan Qiang, deputy head of the NCHA, in the agency’s statement.

During the Ming dynasty, China’s population doubled, and the country formed vital cultural ties with the West. Ming porcelain, with its classic blue and white color scheme, became an especially popular export. China also exported silk and imported new foods, including peanuts and sweet potatoes.

The period had its own distinctive artistic aesthetic. As the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art writes, “Palace painters excelled in religious themes, moralizing narrative subjects, auspicious bird-and-flower motifs and large-scale landscape compositions.”

The shipwreck treasures aren’t the only recent discoveries in the South China Sea, according to CBS News’ Stephen Smith. Just last month, officials announced the discovery of a World War II-era American Navy submarine off the Philippine island of Luzon.

By Sarah Kuta.

[whencyclopedia]

According to UNESCO, an estimated three million shipwrecks are scattered in the oceans’ deep canyons, trenches, and coral reefs and remain undiscovered. These shipwrecks preserve historical information and provide clues about how people lived in the past. The term ‘underwater cultural heritage’ refers to traces of human existence and activity found on ancient sunken ships or retrieved cargo such as bronze statues and priceless artworks. The Spanish treasure galleon, Nuestra Señora de Atocha, is the world’s most valuable shipwreck, estimated to be worth over USD 400 million. It was part of the Tierra Firme fleet of 28 ships bound for Spain from Cuba in 1622 and carried the Spanish Empire's wealth onboard – creamy pearls from Venezuela, glittering Colombian emeralds, and over 40 tons of gold and silver. The Atocha sailed into a hurricane off the coast of Key West, Florida, and sank. Its riches were discovered in 1985 by famed treasure hunter Mel Fisher (1922-1998). Thanks to virtual exhibitions and tours, you do not need diving skills to explore the oceans’ underwater cultural heritage. You can take a panoramic tour of Henry VIII of England’s (r. 1509-1547) favourite ship, the carrack Mary Rose, which sank in the English Channel during the Battle of the Solent on 19 July 1545. Want to see a 2,700-year-old Phoenician shipwreck submerged in the central Mediterranean? The virtual museum ‘Underwater Malta’ has a 3D model of the ship and app on Google Play. Fascinated to know what the wealth of the Spanish Empire looked like? Take a tour of Mel Fisher’s virtual treasures and the Atocha. There are countless virtual maritime museum displays, but let us take a look at five shipwrecks with interesting stories to tell.

[ashwantsafreepalestine]

23 October 2024.

Israel is bombing one of the world’s oldest cities, Tyre, Lebanon. It’s threatening to destroy cultural artifacts, much like it’s done in Gaza. ⁣

Tyre is Lebanon’s fifth-largest city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Most of the city’s 200,000 residents have been forcibly evacuated, with only an estimated 15,000 remaining. ⁣

Tyre is more than 4,000 years old. The ancient city has been a maritime and trade hub under many empires, but now its cultural heritage and monuments are at risk. ⁣

Israel is a disease. Spreading its infection across the world unbarred.

(sources: x, x)

[genericpuff]

OOOH HI I'm also First Nations, I'm specifically Plains Cree

In our language, Nêhiyawêwin, we refer to ourselves as "Nêhiyaw"

I was taught that it means something along the lines of four bodied person or people of the four directions, because 4 is a really important number in our culture.

Also, there is no actual number 9 in our language.

We have 10, which is "mitâtaht" and nine is "kêkâ-mitâtaht," which means almost 10

I do not know why

Tansi!! Love seeing another First Nations pal in my inbox 👏❤️

I actually have to brush up on a lot of my Cree as well because fun fact - my grandmother hails from the plains, specifically (from what she's been able to retrace) the Saulteaux tribe which is (from what I've learned of it) a sort of branching tribe of the Ojibwe, so when we got our status returned to us back in the late 2000's / early 2010's, we were registered as Cree because the Canadian government do be like that LMAO But all of her children and their children - including me - were born in the Maritimes so some of us identify as Mi'kmaq simply due to all of us being born in Atlantic Canada (and a lot of this was before we had even figured out the Saulteaux part of our heritage). Tracing back our heritage has been admittedly very difficult because our grandmother was unfortunately a victim of residential schooling and was taken away from much of her family in the plains as a child, and then she subsequently lost her Indigenous status completely when she married a French man back when such laws were in place. It's sort of a bittersweet experience because on the one hand it's been amazing to get back in touch with our culture but on the other it's because of colonization that we've had to go to all this effort in the first place just to figure out where we come from and who we are u.u Needless to say, I still feel very spiritually connected to the land I was born in, but I also want to be open to recognizing my grandmother's heritage and keeping it alive as best I can <3

That's so funny that there's no specific number for 9, I wonder why that is 🤔 it's like our ancestors got tired of coming up with unique names and went "fuck it, it's almost ten" LOL now I'm almost curious to know if the Mi'kmaq language did the same thing, I'll have to look into that 💀😆

[cinnamonnangel]

ASTRO 101 - THE HOUSES (PART II)

SEVENTH HOUSE - I BALANCE

(The Seventh House is ruled by Libra and Venus.)

House of marriage, personality and character of our partner, partner’s job

Civil partnership, bilateral relations, long and committed relationship, close friends, closely associated with, opposite side, associations, union, consultancy

Terms of relationship and behavior

Joint ventures, hostilities, adversary, rivals, competition

Traits we feel lacking in ourselves, the parts of us that are in us but have not been revealed and that we have difficulty in accepting

Lower back, skin, external sexual organs, bladder, ovaries, blood

International relations, military or civil wars, treatises, arbitrators, illegal criminals, marriage and divorce rates, foreign trade, public relations

EIGHTH HOUSE - I DESIRE

(The Eighth House is ruled by Scorpio, Mars and Pluto.)

House of death - natural or unnatural, accident, suicide, fire, drowning, diseases, corruption, crises, surgery

Sex, sexuality, erotism, desire, fantasies, fetishes, sexual life

Alteration and transformations, sharing

Heritage, money that comes to us beyond of our control, money that comes to us from others, inheritance from husband

Tax, alimony, debt, heritage, loan, lottery, gambling

Robbery, fighting, theft, slaughter, butchers, coroners, harassment, rape

The fears, privacy, feel rage towards, abomination

Psychology, occultism, parapsychology, subconscious, spiritual psychology

Genitals, groin area, colon, sex organs, gall bladder, rectum, urogenital system

International debts, international financial agreements, charges, stock certificates, interest rates, foreign exchanges, credits, fuses, mortgages, pension funds, legacies, mortality, life-critical, suicide

Surgery, morgue, surgeons, laboratories, nuclear forces, sewage, organized crimes, terrorists, detective, demimonde, arms, underground sources, cabalistic subjects

NINTH HOUSE - I ASPIRE

(The Ninth House is ruled by Sagittarius and Jupiter.)

House of wisdom, mastership, higher education, academic trainings

Cults and thoughts, abstract reasoning, moral evidence, philosophizing, religious cult, reflection, abstract thoughts

The house where we deepen the information we get from the 3rd house

Distant relatives

Society's mindset, social law rules, social and moral rules, harmony with society

Expedition, long trips, distant travels, foreign countries, foreigners, exterior, crew, communication instruments, media, broadcast

Hips, thighs, sciatic nerves, lower spine, liver, autonomic nervous system

Foreign relations and trade, courts, laws, judges, minorities, companies, advertising portfolios, religion and clergy, the country's philosophical and religious tendencies, migrations, long-distance communications, fast-moving news, broadcasting, popular culture, foreigners

Universities, airlines and transport, maritime transport, ministry of foreign affairs, flight attendants

TENTH HOUSE - I USE

(The Tenth House is ruled by Capricorn and Saturn.)

House of profession, honor, social status, public esteem, dignity, business, character, reputation and career

Glory, name, fame, recognition, way of life, purpose and power

Social roles, status in society, the part of society that sees us, social identity, prestige and title

Marital status, our partner's family, parents, father, authoritarian leaders

Skin, hair, knees, teeth, bones, joints, skeletal system, reputation

Government, the state's reputation by foreign countries, heads of state, powers, executives, leaders, celebrities, notable personages, public figures, uplands

ELEVENTH HOUSE - I KNOW

(The Eleventh House is ruled by Aquarius, Saturn and Uranus.)

House of friends, groups, associations, endowments, a circle of friends, people around us, hives, social environments and organizations

Goals, future plans, hopes, goals of life, wishes, happy news, wealth, fortune, expectations from life and dreams

Income from career, colleagues, international friendships, audiences we offer ideas, incoming wealth, gains, profits, writings

Social media, mass media and virtual communities

Endowments associations, politics, parties, establishment, the masses

Lower leg, calves, ankles, electrical impulsive of the nerves, circulatory system, elimination

Allied countries, social institutions and administrations, legislative changes, national mobilizations, revolts, revolutions, organizations, erosions

TWELFTH HOUSE - I BELIEVE

(The Twelfth House is ruled by Pisces, Jupiter and Neptune.)

House of tribulations, secret matters, troubles, subconscious, covert and covered topics, privacy, loneliness, ermitage, place of isolation

Thoughts, anxieties, and fears underlying repressed consciousness, spiritual life

The things we hide from others and are afraid to tell, our shadow sides, psychological problems

Karmic transmissions, burdens and problems we brought from the past

Secret enemy, backfriend

What kind of pregnancy our mother had, our condition in the mother’s womb and the emotions transferred to us in the mother’s womb

Fantasies and fetishes

Feet, all bodily fluids, the lymphatic system

Secret enemies, secret organizations, private affairs, spies, psychics, fortune-tellers, wizards, deep and secret affairs, criminals, thefts, assassinations, drugs, addicts, dark business people, unemployment and strikes

Hospitals, prisons, rehabilitation centers, mental hospitals, faith houses, orphanages, clinics, charities, overseas

[alsadeekalsadouk]

On October 30, UNESCO convened an extraordinary session at the request of Lebanese authorities to address the protection of cultural heritage amid ongoing hostilities. The session led to the provisional inclusion of 34 Lebanese cultural properties, including Baalbek and Tyre, on the International List of Cultural Property under Enhanced Protection, granting them immunity from attack and military use under the 1954 Hague Convention.

UNESCO will provide technical and financial support to strengthen legal protections, risk management, and training for site managers. This initiative highlights the urgency of safeguarding Lebanon’s heritage and complements UNESCO’s recent measures, such as emergency planning, inventorying museum collections, relocating movable artifacts, and monitoring sites via satellite in collaboration with UNOSAT. Additionally, UNESCO has launched an emergency programme for Lebanon’s culture, education, and communication sectors, calling on Member States for financial support.

Thanks for your efforts

@unesco

@lebanese.ministry.of.culture

@lindahakim1

@biladi_lebanon

#archéologie#Baalbek#byblos#château#citadelle#colonnes#comte#echmoun#jbeil#jupiter#liban#maritime#projection#romain#saint#site#temple#toulouse#tripoli#Lebanesearchaeology #tyrelebanon #sidonlebanon #discoverlebanon

#sidon #saida #tyre #Beirut #Phoenician #الصديق_الصدوق

34 Lebanese cultural properties, including Baalbek and Tyre, on the International List of Cultural Property under Enhanced Protection,

[princessanneftw]

“Also playing a key role in the new reign, in her customary understated way, will be the Princess Royal. One look at the official Coronation photographs is proof of that. While the King has the Queen on his left, it is his sister who stands at his right-hand side. One of the three members of the family who regularly performs investitures, along with the King and the Prince of Wales, the Princess has also now been added to the roster of senior royal mourners. It means that she can attend important world funerals if the Prince of Wales is unable to attend (as happened after the death of ex-King Constantine of the Hellenes in January 2023).

Even more understated is her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence. His distinguished Royal Navy career has been followed by multiple leadership roles in institutions ranging from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to private sector bodies like the Major Projects Association, often during periods of change. As the National Trust found itself caught up in the full force of the ‘culture wars’ through its handling of issues such as slavery and the sexuality of former stately homeowners, it’s main rival, English Heritage, did not. It, too, looks after hundreds of castles, monuments and swathes of countryside plus all the blue plaques on important buildings. In addition, it was also undergoing a fundamental transformation from government agency to national charity. As its two-term chairman, Laurence was at the helm throughout what could have been a turbulent - yet it proved not to be. While he has no official royal role, and has never sought one, he is widely respected across the Royal Household as a wise sounding board and the proverbial ‘safe pair of hands’. In September 2023, with a minimum of fanfare, he received his first patronage when he was appointed patron of the International Maritime Rescue Federation. With the Princess now enjoying an enhanced role, life is unlikely to slow down for this low-key, non-royal, royal consort.”

‘Charles III: New King. New Court. The Inside Story’ by Robert Hardman (2024).

[southeastasianarchaeology]

Qatar Lecture Sheds Light on 9th Century Trade Routes

Qatar Museum's lecture on ancient Indonesian shipwrecks explores 9th-10th century trade, linking the Gulf to Southeast Asia's maritime history.

via The Peninsula Qatar, 12 February 2024: The Museum of Islamic Art, in collaboration with Qatar Museum and the Years of Culture initiative, will host a lecture on ancient shipwrecks off Indonesia, revealing insights into historical trade routes. The event, led by Dr. Stephen Murphy, will focus on the Belitung and Cirebon shipwrecks, highlighting the maritime connectivity between the Gulf region…

[bigsoftmarshmallow]

Ganondorf in dresses. Like, he has to trash his outfit for whatever reason and he realizes that the only options are dresses or even though he's a Gerudo he still has to put on the dress to get into town or whatever.

Valid. mood. I needed this ask after the whack ass call I had earlier... I'll make a post about it later, but it was horrifying.

***********************************************************************

Sure, let’s dive into what kind of dresses each Ganondorf and Demise would wear and why, along with descriptions of the dresses and how they reflect their personalities and circumstances:

Wind Waker Ganondorf

Dress Description: Wind Waker Ganondorf would wear a long, flowing robe-like dress with intricate patterns inspired by the sea. The dress would be deep navy blue with golden embroidery, reflecting the maritime theme of the Wind Waker game. The sleeves would be wide and bell-shaped, giving it a regal yet mystical appearance.

Reason for Choice: Given his association with the sea and his search for Hyrule beneath the waves, this dress would symbolize his deep connection to the ocean and his regal bearing as a self-proclaimed king. The golden embroidery represents his ambition and his royal status.

Ocarina of Time Ganondorf

Dress Description: Ocarina of Time Ganondorf would don a more traditional Gerudo-style dress. It would be vibrant red with gold accents, featuring intricate tribal designs that represent the Gerudo culture. The dress would be sleeveless with a high collar, allowing for freedom of movement and showcasing his muscular build.

Reason for Choice: This dress would reflect his roots and his leadership of the Gerudo people. The color red signifies power and passion, while the gold accents highlight his ambition and quest for the Triforce. The traditional designs pay homage to his heritage.

Twilight Princess Ganondorf

Dress Description: Twilight Princess Ganondorf would wear a dark, almost gothic-style dress. It would be black with silver embroidery and dark red accents, featuring a high neck and long sleeves that taper into sharp points at the cuffs. The dress would be adorned with designs reminiscent of twilight symbols and dark magic.

Reason for Choice: Reflecting the dark and brooding nature of Twilight Princess, this dress would symbolize his connection to the Twilight Realm and his dark ambitions. The gothic elements would complement his sinister demeanor and the dark power he wields.

Hyrule Warriors Ganondorf

Dress Description: Hyrule Warriors Ganondorf would opt for a more battle-ready dress. It would be a dark green with black and gold armor-like accents, combining elegance with practicality. The dress would have a shorter skirt with high slits on the sides, allowing for easy movement in combat, and it would include armored shoulder pads and a waist cincher.

Reason for Choice: This dress would reflect his warrior spirit and his role as a military leader. The combination of elegance and practicality signifies his readiness for battle and his strategic mind. The colors represent his connection to the land and his ambition to conquer it.

Tears of the Kingdom Ganondorf

Dress Description: Tears of the Kingdom Ganondorf would wear a dress that is both regal and ethereal. It would be a deep purple with shimmering silver patterns, designed to look almost like starlight. The dress would be long and flowing, with a cape-like back that drapes elegantly. The sleeves would be wide and flowing, giving it a majestic appearance.

Reason for Choice: This dress would symbolize his ambition to rule and his connection to both the physical and mystical realms. The deep purple represents his royal status and ambition, while the silver patterns symbolize his connection to the celestial and magical aspects of Hyrule.

Demise

Dress Description: Demise would wear a dress that is fiery and imposing. It would be a deep, blood-red with black and orange flame patterns, designed to evoke the image of a raging inferno. The dress would be sleeveless with a high, dramatic collar and a long, flowing train that resembles flames trailing behind him.

Reason for Choice: Reflecting his fiery nature and his role as the origin of all evil in the Zelda series, this dress would symbolize his destructive power and his demonic presence. The colors and patterns evoke the hellish landscape from which he originates and his burning ambition to dominate.

Scene Description for Each Ganondorf and Demise

Wind Waker Ganondorf: Standing on the deck of his ship, the wind catching the edges of his flowing navy dress, Ganondorf looks out over the ocean. The golden embroidery glints in the sunlight, a reminder of the kingdom he seeks beneath the waves. He moves with a grace that belies his power, the dress billowing around him like the waves of the sea.

Ocarina of Time Ganondorf: Ganondorf strides through the Gerudo Fortress, his vibrant red dress catching the eye of everyone around him. The gold accents gleam in the harsh desert sun, and the traditional tribal designs tell the story of his people. His sleeveless dress allows him to move freely, exuding both power and authority.

Twilight Princess Ganondorf: In the darkened halls of Hyrule Castle, Ganondorf's black dress blends into the shadows. The silver embroidery and dark red accents catch the occasional flicker of torchlight, creating an eerie, almost ghostly effect. His gothic attire complements his sinister presence, and the designs reflect the dark magic he wields.

Hyrule Warriors Ganondorf: On the battlefield, Ganondorf's dark green dress with black and gold armor accents stands out among the chaos. The shorter skirt and high slits allow him to move with agility, and the armored shoulder pads and waist cincher provide both protection and style. He commands his troops with a presence that is both regal and fearsome.

Tears of the Kingdom Ganondorf: In the throne room, Ganondorf's deep purple dress shimmers with silver patterns that resemble starlight. The long, flowing cape adds to his majestic appearance, and the wide, flowing sleeves give him an ethereal quality. He moves with a grace that is both regal and otherworldly, embodying his connection to the mystical realms of Hyrule.

Demise: In the fiery depths of his domain, Demise's blood-red dress with black and orange flame patterns creates an imposing silhouette. The dramatic high collar and long, flame-like train add to his fearsome presence. He stands amidst the inferno, embodying the destructive power and burning ambition that define him.

Each dress not only reflects their personality and the themes of their respective games but also how they would adapt to an unusual situation with style and presence.

[seashorepics]

Day 27: The George Robert Stephenson Fountain: A Tribute to Engineering Excellence on The Green, Cowes

Introduction The George Robert Stephenson Fountain, located on The Green in Cowes, Isle of Wight, stands as a lasting tribute to one of Britain’s most significant engineering families. Erected in honor of George Robert Stephenson, a pioneer of railway engineering, the fountain is a blend of Victorian design, engineering history, and local pride. Positioned near the Cowes waterfront, it serves as…

[paramedicabroad]

Maritime Greenwich

Today, let's set sail on a virtual odyssey through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Maritime Greenwich in the United Kingdom. Join me as we navigate the historic waters of the Thames and immerse ourselves in a maritime haven where time, astronomy, and exploration intertwine.

Marvel at the splendor of the Old Royal Naval College, a Baroque architectural gem that graces the banks of the Thames. The Painted Hall and the Chapel stand as testament to Britain's maritime prowess and its historic ties to the Royal Navy.

Wander through the elegant corridors of The Queen's House, a masterpiece of classical architecture. Designed by Inigo Jones, this royal residence offers a glimpse into the opulent life of British monarchs and houses an impressive art collection.

Ascend Greenwich Hill to the Royal Observatory, where the world's time is measured. Straddle the Prime Meridian Line and connect with the origins of modern timekeeping amid the historic instruments that marked the path of celestial exploration.

Wander through Greenwich Park, a green oasis steeped in royal history. Enjoy panoramic views of the Thames and London's skyline, surrounded by centuries-old trees and blooming gardens.

Saunter along the Thames riverfront, where historic ships are moored and the echoes of maritime history resound. The river tells tales of naval expeditions, trade, and global exploration, making it a living testament to Britain's seafaring legacy.

Dive into the vibrant atmosphere of Greenwich Market, where history meets modernity. Explore stalls filled with unique crafts, antiques, and culinary delights. The market buzzes with the energy of locals and visitors alike, creating a kaleidoscope of colors and flavors.

Recognized by UNESCO in 1997, Maritime Greenwich is celebrated for its pivotal role in navigation, astronomy, and timekeeping. It encapsulates the spirit of exploration that defined the Age of Enlightenment.

Immerse yourself in the lively events and festivals that animate Maritime Greenwich. From astronomy sessions at the Royal Observatory to riverside celebrations, the site offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences.

In conclusion, Maritime Greenwich invites us to navigate the currents of history, where time and exploration converge on the banks of the Thames. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it stands as a testament to the daring spirit of those who charted unknown waters. When you're ready for a virtual maritime adventure, Greenwich promises to enchant and captivate. ⚓🏰🌟

[blueiscoool]

500-Year-Old Shipwrecks With Porcelain and Wood Discovered in South China Sea

Hundreds of years ago, the Ming dynasty relied on maritime trade to import key goods from foreign countries.

Now, the discovery of two Ming-era shipwrecks in the South China Sea is giving experts a better idea at what that trade looked like.

The shipwrecks were discovered about 1 mile below sea level on the northwest slope of the South China Sea, according to a May 22 news release from the State Administration of Cultural Heritage via the Institute of Archaeology at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

Here’s what archaeologists have found in the shipwrecks so far.

A TROVE OF PORCELAIN

Experts determined that the first shipwreck dates to the Zhengde period of the Ming dynasty — which lasted from 1506 until 1521.

The wreck was overflowing with porcelain goods, including bowls, cups, plates and jars in various glaze colors, officials said.

More than 100,000 relics, mostly made of porcelain, have been uncovered so far, and experts said they are spread across hundreds of thousands of square feet.

Photos from the discovery show stacks of porcelain pottery. Although most of the pieces are covered with sand and dirt, ornate, colorful patterns are still visible beneath the grime.

STACKS OF LOGS AND POTTERY

The second, older shipwreck dated to the Hongzhi period of the Ming dynasty — which lasted from 1488 until 1505.

At this site, experts found stacks of logs and some pottery, according to officials. The persimmon logs were all a similar size and were neatly stacked.

Further research revealed that the logs could have been intended for shipbuilding, experts said. Chinese literature indicates that most products used to build ships were imported from foreign countries, according to the release.

A UNIQUE DISCOVERY

Archaeologists said their discovery marks the first time ancient ships sailing and returning have been found in the same area, indicating that they were likely on an important trade route.

Experts will continue researching and monitoring the wrecks, and they hope to learn more about ancient maritime trade routes and cultural exchanges, they said.

By Moira Ritter.