Eye on the World Catalog

"Celebrations”, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

Once a year the townsfolk of Rothenburg dress in medieval costume and parade through the streets, vying for the first prize awarded by the Burgermeister, who judges their marching bands with a wave of his feathered hat. These three seemed too merry to do well in the competition and moments after the photo was taken two of them threw the main subject into the town’s fountain.

Overall 490 x 610

Bridge in winter, Summer Palace, Beijing

An impressive all-marble bridge spans a small inlet on the lake close to the Summer Palace in Beijing. The warm glow of a late sunset masks the chilling cold of this scene. Here the lake is frozen and the sky is full of ice crystals that accentuate an eerie foreboding.

Overall 595 x 490

Painted façade, Stein am Rhein, Switzerland

The practise of decorating town buildings with paintings and frescos is seen in many places throughout Germany, Switzerland and Austria, but few places match Stein-am-Rein for the extent and detail of its artwork. It gives the impression of an overly tattooed body, with every available patch of wall space being utilised to illustrate some aspect of the town’s activities or history. It is exemplified in this view of a single wall that graces the town square.

Overall 610 x 510

San Giorgio, Venice

Far from being as isolated as it appears in this picture, the island of San Giorgio is surrounded by the frenetic tourist pace of Venice just across the water. Perhaps that is why this picture appealed to me – an idyllic sanctuary removed just far enough from its bustling neighbour to retain its own serenity.

Overall 640 x 440

Rothenburg Hotel Markus Turm

The Hotel Marcus Turm was built using the 1000 year old city wall as part of its structure. Inside hotel guests guests climb an ancient set of stairs with exposed beams holding tight to the wall. As the first light of morning comes the townspeople emerge tentatively to take their turns in walking down to the well-lit local bakery on the left to get bread for the breakfast table. The town slowly wakes and returns to its role as host to thousands of tourist visitors every day.

Overall 675 x 515