Whimsical Windows - Divinely dwarfed

At a time of year where faith is showcased, I present for Whimsical Windows/Delirious Doors a divine setting. The year is 1982, I was walking back then, in the (then West) German city of Köln standing in front of the impressive and imposing Cologne Cathedral. Completed in 1880, the twin spires soar toward the heavens reaching a height of 157 M /516 feet. I was absolutely dwarfed by this huge house of worship...I hope to see your windows and doors links!

Shadow Shot Sunday - Scanned Sunset Shadows

Shadow Shot Sunday returns...the fun of scanning old prints is in the memories, yet do I remember the event? Here in a shadowy sort of, I think I recall the what, where and when of this view. The place is in the passenger seat of a Subaru GL hardtop, the place on Interstate 90, Massachusetts Turnpike between Boston and Worcester, the time late in 1981 or early 1982. Either year, it would have been taken with a Canon 50mm rangefinder and most likely a roll of Kodak ASA100 film. Given all that, the sun just falling over the treeline is dramatic and the hint of shadow falls across the westbound lanes of asphalt as the sun sets. Although my exact memory is not so clear, the barely edited print itself is in reasonably good shape...see more shadowy views from any era at the always fun SSS2

Whimsical Windows - Köln eatery

Across from the cathedral along the Trankgasse in Köln, August 1982

Whimsical Windows/Delirious Doors is back, and again I am transported back to 1982 and this seen before building was outside the Cathedral in the German city of Köln / Cologne. I love the craftsmanship in this European building, typical of the past and not like the modern computer designed angular buildings in the North America of today. I assume a restaurant sits under the red awning; If you look two floors above the gentleman on the balcony, you see the characters that put on a 'show' that is performed for those passing by. I don't know the story, although watching these mechanical 'actors' brought a smile to me. See doors and windows at Toby's meme!

Whimsical Windows - Olde world

Toby hosts the fun architectural meme Whimsical Windows/Delirious Doors where we look for the unique. As I have been scanning many old prints, I chose these as different in character than we may be used to. The time is August 1982, the place the charming town of Stadthagen, 40 or so km from Hanover. The buildings date back hundreds of years and look it...I assume that on the left is a tavern - the keg over the door indicates beer is sold - Schaumburger is the local brew, but guess that symbols spoke to those who could not read. To the right is a building of indeterminate use - what appeals here is the date on the building of 1743; I like the herringbone styles upstairs. Windows and doors from long ago were functional when made and stylish now!

Whimsical Windows - Dwarfed

A favorite meme of mine, Whimsical Windows/Delirious Doors, is back for the week. Our intrepid host Toby allows us the freedom to find interesting architectural items to post, and windows, doors and perspectives. A fun pursuit as we all run into such, and hope to have photographic devices with some charge remaining.

Of course, pictures were once taken without digital modernity, such as this one taken by a relative with my manual Pentax K1000 in 1982, an SLR with nothing automatic, and heavy with its steel body and K-mount lenses. It would be a challenge to use for me these days...

The place is the famous Cologne (Köln) cathedral - I found this original print another original and scanned it this afternoon. The sense of proportion is what I see - for instance, the twin spires are 157M (515 ft) tall and I, even in my walking days, am dwarfed by comparison. A landmark that could not be constructed these days due to cost, so it remains an original!