that time of day

San Felices de los Gallegos (Santander, Castilla y León), Spain

that magical time at dusk

San Felices de los Gallegos, (Salamanca - Castilla y León), Spain

let life happen

San Felices de los Gallegos (Salamanca - Castilla y León), Spain

"Learning how to be still, to really be still and let life happen - that stillness becomes a radiance."

-Morgan Freeman

What is it that you express...

Salto de Saucelle (Salamanca - Castilla y León), Spain

"What is it that you express in your eyes?  It seems to me more than all the print I have read in my life."

-Walt Whitman  (Song of Myself 1892)

 

on the border

Salto de Saucelle (Salamanca - Castilla y León), Spain

If my memory doesn't fail me, I believe this picture was taken on the Spanish side of the Duero River (Douro in Portuguese).  No matter what side you're on, Spain or Portugal, it's equally beautiful to see how this river forms the natural border between the two countries.

Casa de las Conchas

Salamanca, (Castilla y León) Spain

This 16th century palace was named for the more than 300 scallop shells clinging to its façade.  This construction has both Gothic and Renaissance influences on the outside; the decorative and protective wrought iron window bars represent a superb example of Gothic and the ornamental façade decoration is very representative of Renaissance times.  The interior two-tiered patio has Mudejar and Renaissance influences.  Today this palace is used as an art gallery, the public library of Salamanca as well as the office of tourism.

door knocker

Ciudad Rodrigo, (Salamanca - Castilla y León) Spain 

In the Middle Ages door knockers were very common to decorate homes and often times were frightening faces of gargoyles, dogs or lions and, apart from announcing your presence, were meant to ward off evil spirits.  During the Renaissance era, they become more ornate and were cast into more delicate shapes focusing more on an interest in art and design.

The next time you knock on someone's door, imagine doing it with one of these!