Ideas and Travelling

How often do we watch the stars?  How many constellations can you distinguish? Cassiopeia Constellation is one of the most noticeable constellations in the northern hemisphere. It can be observed all year round by the naked eye. Its ‘w’ or ‘ м ’ shape is quite distinctive. Cassiopeia Constellation has been known for more than 2000 years. Claudius Ptolemy, a prominent Greco-Egyptian astronomer, shared his knowledge of heavenly bodies in the Almagest, the oldest star catalogue survived to this day. Cassiopeia Constellation Myth Once upon a time there lived an arrogant queen of Aethiopia. Her name was Cassiopeia. She had a daughter named Andromeda. Cassiopeia was very pretentious and proud of her own beauty. She claimed that both her daughter and she were more beautiful than any of Poseidon’s daughters.  Poseidon was god of the sea. His daughters were considered to be the most attractive sea girls with harmonious voices. Neither the beautiful sea nymphs, nor Poseid...

The Moon in March What do we know about the Moon today? The Moon is the only natural satellite of our planet. It is approximately not far from the Earth, only 384 400 km separate humans from it. It’s like flying from Moscow, in Russia, to Santiago, in Chile, app. 27 times at a time.  The Moon was formed not long ago after the Earth’s formation. It might be clearly observed at night and it possesses craters which you can also see on its surface.  The Moon rotates about its axis and we may see one and the same picture of it facing the Earth.  Full Moon The Moon has several phases and influences the tides on Earth. The Moon has got no water and, as a result, there is no life. At least, no creature inhabiting our planet would ever survive there. What did our ancestors know about it? The lunar myths include stories about the Moon, lunar cycles and deities. Thanks to the myths we can judge how much attention has been paid to the ...

What is a dream catcher?  Dreamcatcher is an Indian amulet which is supposed to protect a sleeper from evil spirits and bad dreams. A dream catcher is a net framed in a circle willow branch. Native Americans believe that a dream catcher lets positive dreams come through its hole in the centre while negative dreams get trapped in the net and expire with the first rays of the sun.   Dream catcher in the Greek shop Where should it be in the room? A dreamcatcher is usually placed in the bedroom either near the window or above the bed. Dreamcatchers may be decorated with beads and feathers. Nowadays they can be bought or handmade, though some Native Americans do not approve of such dream catcher commerce as the item is  considered sacred in their culture.  scheme of a dream catcher Lakota People's Legend  Long ago a spiritual leader of Lakota People had a vision on a high mountain. In the vision the leader saw an ancient man of wisdom in...

Exhibition of Salvador Dali’s Biblia Sacra Salvador Dali Biblia Sacra Exhibition A unique exhibition of Salvador Dali’s Biblia Sacra illustrations has been recently held in Smolensk, Russia. “The Sacred Message” from Spain arrived in the country of Repin, Levitan and Aivazovsky in connection with the year of Spain in Russia. The collection of graphics was created by Dali, the genius of surrealism, in 1963-1964. at the exhibition of Salvador Dali Biblia Sacra, Smolensk, Russia Salvador Dali’s Biblia Sacra illustrations Salvador Dali’s Biblia Sacra illustrations include 105 pieces of lithography printed on special hand-made paper. The technique of artwork is mixed: watercolours, ink, gouache, pastels and indelible pencil. The size of genuine works is not very big. They are about 48 cm wide and 35 cm tall. Most of them are signed by Dali. The illustrations display the key moments of the biblical history, from the making of the world till the crucifixion. Dali's Bi...

Who is Sherlock Holmes? Sherlock Holmes, Benedict Cumberbatch Sherlock Holmes is one of the most famous detectives in the world of fiction. Classic Sherlock Holmes The imaginary detective has been popular for many years since its first appearance in ‘A Study in Scarlet’ published in 1886 by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. All in all, there are sixty adventure stories about Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson. Lucky you if you get the whole collection named The Cannon. Sherlock Holmes, by Tatiana Vetrova Sherlock Holmes and modernity Sherlock Holmes is a unique personage who is able to make plenty of correct conclusions from the quickest observation. Thanks to his deerstalker, pipe, violin and spyglass Sherlock became a known trademark in the world of marketing. Hundreds of films have been produced based on the adventures of the fictional detective genius. Both classic and modern Sherlock Holmes attracts thousands of fans. His address is well-known (Baker Street, 221B), ...

Bougainvillea Bougainvillea comes from tropical and subtropical areas of Central and South America. Nowadays Bougainvillea can grow in a warm mild climate around the world. Crimson bougainvillea is often used to decorate buildings in Crete. Bougainvillea in Crete Description Bougainvillea  is a plant with stiff curved thorns. Pollinated by bees, Bougainvillea’s flowers are quite plain and little. Its floral tubes are white and yellow. The leaves are bright green. They are arranged along the stem. The stalks of the flowers are in purple magenta bracts looking like fantastic paper butterflies. Its inflorescences usually consist of three flowers surrounded by three or six bracts. Why it is so gorgeous The flowers of bougainvillea are tiny and white. Obviously, the plant is so attractive thanks to its crimson bracts. Different kinds of bougainvillea can also be blue, yellow or red. The bracts are part of traditional decoration of the streets of the Mediterranean...

Oladi or Russian pancakes are favourite dessert in Russia, Belorussia and Ukraine. The Pancake Week during Maslenitsa (the first week before the Lent in spring) is a very cheerful time when you can try various oladi and blini. Originally pancakes have been connected with the Sun. They are yellow, hot and round. Ingredients: 1 ¼ cups flour ½ teaspoon baking soda 1 tablespoon sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 eggs 250 ml buttermilk or kefir Sunflower oil for frying Preparation Take a medium bowl. Put the flour, baking soda, sugar and salt together. Pour the kefir or buttermilk. Fold in two eggs. Stir to the smooth mass. Warm the sunflower oil on a frying pan. Form 4 or 5 circular pancakes with a scoop. Cook both sides of a pancake about 2 minutes. Flip over with a wooden spatula. Serve hot with jam, honey, sour cream or any of your favourite fruit.    Enjoy your oladi!