m̌ ḫ's photos

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Shadows blend with bark... Nature's perfect disguise waits For watchful eyes

The dwarf pines (Pinus mugo) define the high slopes of Roháče, clinging to rocky ridges and marking the treeline above 2000 metres. Around them, alpine grasses and hardy wildflowers fill open meadows shaped by wind and cold, weaving color into the stark mountain landscape. Human impact is visible in old grazing paths and new hiking trails: visitors flock here for the scenery, but careful management helps protect rare plants, fragile soil, and wildlife. As a result, Roháče remains both accessible and wild—a place where nature thrives and every step matters.

A rather striking memorial arch situated at the northern end of the grand Passeig de Lluís Companys, the Arc de Triomf was erected in 1888 as the gateway to the Barcelona World Fair. Conceived by Josep Vilaseca i Casanovas, it is fashioned from reddish brick in the Neo-Mudéjar style — a nod to the Moorish architectural influences found throughout Spain. This flourish of design distinguishes it from Barcelona’s predominantly modernist and Gothic buildings. Unlike traditional triumphal arches commemorating military victories, the Arc de Triomf represents openness and progress. Its main façade features a sculptural frieze entitled “Barcelona welcomes the nations,” while the rear displays “Recompense,” symbolising the recognition of participants in the fair. Ornamental details include carved bats on the pillars (emblems of King Jaume I) and shields representing every Spanish province, prominently topped by Barcelona’s own crest. The arch leads directly to Ciutadella Park, serving as both an historic monument and a gateway to one of the city’s most popular green spaces.

Revisiting... the People at Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara quietly place fresh flowers, pour water over them, and light sticks of incense near the shrine. Each simple act is a way of showing respect, wishing for peace, and remembering that everything in life passes and changes. Flowers stand for beauty and impermanence, water for purity, and incense for calm and good intentions. These everyday rituals fill the temple with gentle scents and colors, bringing everyone together in a spirit of hope and kindness.

Painted autumn lives London, floating world of gold Passing, mellow.

The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) headquarters in Beijing serves as more than just an office — it stands as a testament to China’s financial authority and deep-rooted history. Since its founding in 1948, the Bank has guided the nation’s monetary policy, overseen currency issuance, and helped safeguard financial stability. A charming detail: the building’s distinctive circular design symbolises unity and stability — qualities at the heart of any central bank. Its exterior is clad predominantly in Roman travertine, making it the first building in Beijing to feature this elegant stone, while most other buildings favour granite due to its resilience in cold climates. The pavements encircling the structure are fashioned from app 8,000 square metres of light grey granite from Shandong Province. Another enriching this architectural narrative, the headquarters’ rounded form draws inspiration from the “yuanbao”, the traditional Chinese gold ingot, artfully blending contemporary finance with a tribute to the nation’s ancient trading heritage. Covering nine floors and nearly 40,000 square metres, the building reflects the scale and significance of the PBOC’s operations. This connection to tradition echoes China’s historical role as a major trading power, particularly along the famous Silk Road. Today, the central bank continues that enduring legacy, guiding the country’s finances and economic development in a manner befitting its remarkable headquarters — all details confirmed by expert accounts on the building’s architecture and construction materials.