bijou®️’s Post

Various North European sea creatures I’ve illustrated over the years with oil paint on black backgrounds.

KEEP IT FRESH WITH ALI WTR…STRAIGHT FROM NATURE INTO OUR BOTTLES. How well do you know your water? Did you know #aliwater is NATURALLY sourced from the beautiful scenic mountains of The Cradle of humankind.

Ah, Santorini. This stunning Greek island in the Aegean Sea captivates with its breathtaking caldera views, white-washed buildings, and blue-domed churches. This crescent-shaped paradise, formed by volcanic activity, boasts picturesque villages like Oia and Fira perched atop dramatic cliffs. Renowned for its rich history, beautiful sunsets, and world-famous wines, Santorini enchants millions of visitors annually. If you've never been to Santorini, we recommend it but be prepared for massive crowds. We purposely planned our journey during the shoulder season to avoid the crowds. However, when we visited, seven cruise ships were anchored in the caldera, and likely 8-10 thousand people packed into the small streets of Oia and Fira. 😮 It was so crowded that you couldn't move. Luckily, we spied a small cafe perched at the edge of the cliff, and rather than fight the crowds, we enjoyed local delicacies and wine. Our guide told us that only one ship moored in the caldera the day before, and the crowds were nonexistent. Bummer! This is not my photograph, but it certainly represents the beauty of the island of Santorini and the reason that millions flock here each year. Do visit. Plan to visit in the shoulder season, and cross your fingers that you are lucky and get to see Santorini on a slow day. #Santorini #Oia #GreekIslands #ExploraJourneys #RoamingBoomers

Saif Al Salami, the Supervisor of the Grand Mosque Gates Department, has declared the implementation of new regulations at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, to enhance the safety and comfort of Umrah pilgrims during their circumambulation rituals and the Sa'i between Safa and Marwa. Among the prohibited items for entry into the mosque are unauthorized water bags, travel bags, and food items. In a news channel interview, Al Salami emphasized that the ban covers everything that could possibly impede the pilgrims' path. Of particular concern are large travel bags, singled out for their unwieldy size, which could pose safety hazards in congested areas. These measures constitute a segment of a broader initiative with the objective of furnishing each pilgrim with a seamless and secure journey. The list of banned items comprises: - Food and beverages, except coffee, dates, and water - Sharp objects - Flammable liquids - Oversized bags and luggage - Strollers These regulations aim to improve the movement of pilgrims within the Grand Mosque, especially during times of peak worship. By reducing unnecessary obstacles, authorities aim to enrich the spiritual ambiance and ensure that the focal point remains on the religious significance of the Umrah pilgrimage. #bags #rules #perform #people #Mosque #pilgrims

LANGUEDOC CASTLES Château de Peyrepertuse Château de Peyrepertuse is a ruined fortress and one of the so-called Cathar castles located high in the French Pyrénées in the commune of Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse, in the Aude département, and has been associated with the Counts of Narbonne and Barcelona. It was the former seigneury of the Peyrepertusès (in Occitan Pèirapertusés) which means "pierced stone". It is located on a limestone ridge at about an altitude of 800 m, on top of a hill which separates Duilhac from the town of Rouffiac-des-Corbières, towering over scrubland and vineyards. A strategic position which enables one at the same time to see far into the valleys that circle it, to control the mountain passes, or to send communication signals to the château de Quéribus a little further south. The view of the castle from Duilhac (to the south) is impressive thanks to the 30 to 40 meter cliff on which the Castle is perched. The main entrance is located on the north side, but in the time of the Cathars, a secret passage through a narrow path behind a rocky overhang allowed entrance by means of a detachable ladder. Today, the secret passage's postern is closed off, but the path is still there. More at Wikipedia

Steps of Hajj and Umrah 2025: A Complete Guide for Pilgrims

In this episode of #WeAreSuperyachts, Gunes Aysun shares his journey and insights about the good old times in Türkiye, discusses the evolution of marina developments, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at his yacht business. Hear about his personal yacht ownership experiences and enjoy some charter anecdotes that only someone with expertise can provide. Watch the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/ewqR79Wv #Yachting #GALEOYachting #GüneşAysun #YachtBrokerage #Superyachts #YachtLife #TYBA #MYBA #MarinaDevelopments #CharterBusiness #SailingLife

In what country is this beach located?

Key takeaways… 1.Accept kind words as the treasure that they are. 2. Water your flowers 💐 #thursdayperspective