More From Ravello

Sorry about last night's silence.  Virgin seemed to be down, for some unknown reason.  Which is a bit outrageous, considering they charge an exorbitant monthly fee for the use of their broadband.

So without further ado, let's cut to the chase and introduce the first of two features from the Cathedral of Ravello which clinched its place as No. 1 Monument of the Sorrento holiday.

It's the first of two ambos which stand within the nave, built in 1130 at the behest of Costantino Rogadeo, second bisop of Ravello.  This particular ambo was used for the reading of the epistles, and it features some stunning mosaic work:-

 

And a close-up of one of the sea-beasts on the front panel.  The scene represents Jonah getting swallowed by the 'whale', which in this case seems like quite a jolly creature, and not at all terrifying:-

 

You will also note the delicate little bird at the side, not to mention the complexity of all the borders.  I could have stared at this thing all day, and not got bored, and this was the less flamboyant of the two. 

The other ambo will be introduced tomorrow (Virgin Media permitting) and it's so good, that I'll be giving it a couple of posts in its own right.

I can't wait!!!

More From Ravello

Sorry about last night's silence.  Virgin seemed to be down, for some unknown reason.  Which is a bit outrageous, considering they charge an exorbitant monthly fee for the use of their broadband.

So without further ado, let's cut to the chase and introduce the first of two features from the Cathedral of Ravello which clinched its place as No. 1 Monument of the Sorrento holiday.

It's the first of two ambos which stand within the nave, built in 1130 at the behest of Costantino Rogadeo, second bisop of Ravello.  This particular ambo was used for the reading of the epistles, and it features some stunning mosaic work:-

 

And a close-up of one of the sea-beasts on the front panel.  The scene represents Jonah getting swallowed by the 'whale', which in this case seems like quite a jolly creature, and not at all terrifying:-

 

You will also note the delicate little bird at the side, not to mention the complexity of all the borders.  I could have stared at this thing all day, and not got bored, and this was the less flamboyant of the two. 

The other ambo will be introduced tomorrow (Virgin Media permitting) and it's so good, that I'll be giving it a couple of posts in its own right.

I can't wait!!!

A Fool And Her Money - Reprise...

Oh dear.  J decided to take us both out for lunch today.  He wanted to go to Dobbies Nursery in Paisley, in search of the elusive 'Caramel Apple Granny' (aka Caramel Apple Betty, aka Caramel Apple Cake).  I first stumbled across this dish in The Guardbridge Hotel (now sadly no more, I understand) near St Andrews while digging with Glasgow Uni's then-archaeological unit, and since then it's been popping up at various cake outlets in our locale.  It consists of a biscuit base, an apple and solid custard-ish (but not quite custard filling) with a soft caramel topping. 

Sadly, Dobbies did not have Caramel Apple Granny on the menu today, though we were assured that it still makes a regular appearance.  But it was not an entirely wasted journey.  After solemnly promising NOT to buy any more plants, I purchased the following:-

6 x osteospermum (including two sad little creatures which were going for 50p each, just 'cos they weren't flowering and were a bit miserable).
1 spiky thing, with broad scabious like flowers, the name of which escapes me
2 tradescantia, one pink, one purple.  I once had three in the garden.  I'm now down to one, which is fighting a losing battle against slimy fiends.  So now it has company.

And....  And...  (Draws deep breath)

A DAHLIA!!!!!

Yes, I know it's folly, in an organic garden where the slugs and the snails frolic and gamble in the grass.  But it was so beautiful, and it was very cheap, and I just thought I'd give it a go.  It's a luminous cerise pink with a slight purple tinge and it looks good enough to eat.  I could almost hear the slugs and snails sitting up and going, "Oooh!  What's this??' as soon as it appeared on the patio. 

At least they won't eat the osteospermum.  And I reckon the anonymous spiky thing will be safe, too.

Photos will of course be forthcoming!!

A Fool And Her Money - Reprise...

Oh dear.  J decided to take us both out for lunch today.  He wanted to go to Dobbies Nursery in Paisley, in search of the elusive 'Caramel Apple Granny' (aka Caramel Apple Betty, aka Caramel Apple Cake).  I first stumbled across this dish in The Guardbridge Hotel (now sadly no more, I understand) near St Andrews while digging with Glasgow Uni's then-archaeological unit, and since then it's been popping up at various cake outlets in our locale.  It consists of a biscuit base, an apple and solid custard-ish (but not quite custard filling) with a soft caramel topping. 

Sadly, Dobbies did not have Caramel Apple Granny on the menu today, though we were assured that it still makes a regular appearance.  But it was not an entirely wasted journey.  After solemnly promising NOT to buy any more plants, I purchased the following:-

6 x osteospermum (including two sad little creatures which were going for 50p each, just 'cos they weren't flowering and were a bit miserable).
1 spiky thing, with broad scabious like flowers, the name of which escapes me
2 tradescantia, one pink, one purple.  I once had three in the garden.  I'm now down to one, which is fighting a losing battle against slimy fiends.  So now it has company.

And....  And...  (Draws deep breath)

A DAHLIA!!!!!

Yes, I know it's folly, in an organic garden where the slugs and the snails frolic and gamble in the grass.  But it was so beautiful, and it was very cheap, and I just thought I'd give it a go.  It's a luminous cerise pink with a slight purple tinge and it looks good enough to eat.  I could almost hear the slugs and snails sitting up and going, "Oooh!  What's this??' as soon as it appeared on the patio. 

At least they won't eat the osteospermum.  And I reckon the anonymous spiky thing will be safe, too.

Photos will of course be forthcoming!!