Monthly Archives: February 2012

Italian Balconies

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“Italian Balconies” was taken in the city of Bra, Cuneo, in Italy.  © Copyright Malu Couttolenc – All Rights Reserved.

When traveling around Italy and old European cities, I am always captivated by the beauty of their buildings.

Colorful walls and flowers are an important part of the decoration.

Balconies and doors are one of my favorite subjects. The ones on this image are an example of the architectural style in the City of Bra, located by the Langhe Hills in the region of Piedmont.

If you would like to learn more about this beautiful Italian region, I invite you to read My Journey to the Piedmont, Italy. An article I wrote on Squidoo.

Camera Settings:

  • Camera: Nikon D300s
  • Lens: 18-135 mm   f/4.0-5.6
  • Shutter Speed:  1/200 sec
  • F-Stop: f/13
  • Focal Length: 105.0 mm
  • Exposure program: Manual

Text, and photographs are © Copyright Malu Couttolenc and  are not in the public domain. They may not be used on websites, blogs, or in other media without advance permission from Malu Couttolenc.

Malu Couttolenc Photography

Malu Couttolenc is a worldwide travel photographer. Services include: hotels, department store catalogues, product photography, fashion, weddings, corporate, technology, sports and car races.

More Posts - Website

Arches San Vittore Pollenzo, Italy

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Archs at Agenzia Pollenzo

“Archs” was taken in Pollenzo, Cuneo, in Italy.  © Copyright Malu Couttolenc – All Rights Reserved.

These arches are located by the square and Church of San Vittore in Pollenzo, Region of Piedmont. Italy.

The church is next to L’ Agenzia a castle that originally belonged to the Savoy Family.
The Savoia family was interested in preserving the whole site. Therefore in 1832 they started restoration works on the castle, the church and the whole town.

In future posts I will write more about L’ Agenzia di Pollenzo and interesting facts about this beautiful historical site

Camera Settings:

  • Camera: Nikon D300s
  • Lens: 18-135 mm   f/4.0-5.6
  • Shutter Speed:  1/125 sec
  • F-Stop: f/11
  • Focal Length: 26.0 mm
  • Exposure program: Manual

Text, and photographs are © Copyright Malu Couttolenc and  are not in the public domain. They may not be used on websites, blogs, or in other media without advance permission from Malu Couttolenc.

Malu Couttolenc Photography

Malu Couttolenc is a worldwide travel photographer. Services include: hotels, department store catalogues, product photography, fashion, weddings, corporate, technology, sports and car races.

More Posts - Website

Losar – Tibetan New Year

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Prayer Flags, Thrangu Monastery in Richmond (Vancouver), Canada

Prayer Flags at the Thrangu Monastery in Richmond (Vancouver), Canada

Today is Losar which means New Year according to the Tibetan Calendar.
May you all find peace, happiness and good things.
This is the Year of the Dragon 2139. The celebration usually lasts 3 days.

One of the Buddhist traditions on New Year is to hang prayer flags which contain written Mantras with good wishes for everyone in the world.
The wind spreads these Mantras or prayers around the world.

The most important Mantra is “Om Mani Padme Hum”

The pronounciation is: Om ma nee pay may hung

Buddha at the Thrangu Monastery in Vancouver Canada. Photo Malu Couttolenc

Buddha at the Thrangu Monastery in Vancouver Canada

This Mantra is associated with Avalokiteshvara in Tibetan Buddhism: Chenrizig. It means “Jewel in the Lotus of the Heart”.

The recitation of this mantra is to develop infinite compassion within us and others and to transform our body and speech into a pure exalted body.

You will find this mantra carved and written on stones, paper, flags and prayer wheels like in the image below. Spinning the wheel is like repeating the mantra endlessly and it spreads all over the world for all sentient beings.

Om Mani Padme Hum on Mani prayer wheels

Mani Prayers Wheels at the Thrangu Monastery in Vancouver, Canada

Read more about Tibetan Buddhism or about the Thrangu Monastery in Canada

Text, and photographs are © Copyright Malu Couttolenc and  are not in the public domain. They may not be used on websites, blogs, or in other media without advance permission from Malu Couttolenc.

Malu Couttolenc Photography

Malu Couttolenc is a worldwide travel photographer. Services include: hotels, department store catalogues, product photography, fashion, weddings, corporate, technology, sports and car races.

More Posts - Website