Cloister walkway

This is the most amazing space on the Princeton campus in my opinion. The stone carving, geometry, and detail is really dramatic. I expected to see Harry Potter walk into view, and in fact, doing a bit of research on the web I found a very similar cloister in Wilshire England that was used in at least two of the films.

Another arch

Another view of East Pyne Hall and one of the arches that takes you into the courtyard. I am taken by the intricate design of the stonework. My tastes in architecture run to the simple and modern, yet it is difficult not to admire the craftsmanship and detail.

Love 20

A little break from the Princeton series.

Have no idea what the graffiti means (as usual) but I was taken by the care and quality that is not typical around here.

Old and new

My sources tell me the beautiful old buildings on the Princeton campus look a lot better on the outside then on the inside. I did not have the opportunity to verify that but I am sure it is true... in most buildings. The interior of this building, East Pyne Hall, may be the exception (it is the same building shown in my earlier post). The windows and many architectural details are true to the original design, but the interior has been recently transformed into a tasteful mix of old and new. The sculpture and translucent glass floor work well against the old arched windows.

More Princeton

More pictures from Princeton University. Keeping with the theme of arches, they are obviously seen in the widows above on various levels... and also in the image below.

The second image does not match my usual aspect ratio so it is relegated to a secondary position, but remember you can click any picture for a larger version which is the preferred way to view this photo.

I still have more images from my visit to Princeton, even a few more arches. I will post them over the next few days.

Picture taking

I was not the only person taking pictures on the Princeton University campus... in fact there were a lot of us. Most with camera phones, but also some with DSLRs. A sunny spring day and a beautiful setting is an open invitation to photography.

In the background of this picture is Nassau Hall, the oldest building on the campus. It was taken an held by both English and American forces during the American Revolutionary War. It is hard to believe that solders and cannons were once engaged on these premises.

Gothic arches

Princeton University is known for many things... famous alumni (Woodrow Wilson was student and college president before becoming the 28th President of the United States)... a historic building that was used by the Continental Congress, the precursor to the US Congress... a member of the prestigious Ivy League... and of course an world renown institution of higher learning.

All of this is very impressive, but so are the many arches that can be found on the campus. To me they are almost magical. Each a passageway to another curious and wondrous space.

Yes, I went to Princeton...

...for the weekend. Walked around the campus for a few hours. Very impressive. Visited my sister and her family, including her daughter, my niece, who will be graduating in a few weeks. From Princeton. Unlike me. I just walked around.

I will be posting more images over the next few days.

Waiting for tree leaves

Yes, spring is finally here. Now the trees better get to work and make some green leaves.

Sudden green

Spring is amazing... in just a few days of warmth and sun, the pale anemic lawns suddenly turn verdant green. Somehow it almost makes the drab cold season worth the endurance.

Brick and blue too

Just realized I used this title before... Brick and Blue the original.

Contrails and flag

I have posted pictures of contrails before. I guess the welcomed blue sky and the red-white-and-blue attracted my attention.

Opposites repel?

Repurposed

It's not unusual to find old manufacturing spaces recycled into new uses... for retail, or offices, or even lofts for artists. What is unusual is that often these ventures start out with a bang and then slowly loose their appeal and degenerate into vacant and run-down tax evaders.

This space, Village Gate in Rochester, has not taken that path but instead continually reinvented and evolved, and doing OK even after thirty years of use.

Transformers

One of the best parts about taking pictures like this is the reactions I sometimes get from passers by. They stop and turn to the direction my camera is pointing. They look back at me wondering what I am focused on. Then they turn back to more carefully scan the scene. Finally they walk off, shaking their heads, presumingly thinking I am crazy. 

Maybe I am.

Canadian geese

These large birds are a common site in our area. In recent years they have become so populous that many consider them a pest. They congregate in parks and anywhere there is sufficient water... even retention ponds in office complexes. They can be aggressive, especially when protecting their young.