Elqui Domos

The only geodesic retreat in the southern hemisphere, Elqui Domos is an astronomical hotel in the Elqui Valley. Dome rooms are complete with a deck, living room and bathroom on the first level with a bed located on the second level. The roof of the dome can be opened for stargazing.

Located in Chile, 110 km from La Serena City and 580 km from Santiago. The nearest town is Pisco Elqui, on the public road to Horcón, which is completely paved. Regular public transportation comes every hour from La Serena City to Pisco Elqui (a 45 minute walk to Elqui Domos) and 5 times per day to Elqui Domos itself.

Visit their website.

Black Spangle Saxon

After enjoying Portraits of Egypt's Fancy Pigeons by Photojournalist David Degner, I spent most of the afternoon googling and learning about fancy pigeons. They are all descendents of the common Rock Dove or Rock Pigeon that we see in abundance around the city. According to Wikipedia, they're generally monogamous and have two "squeakers" (babies) per brood. That distinctive little blob of white on the top of their beaks is called an operculum and it helps keep water and dust out of their little nostrils. Here are some champions:

Champion Black Plainheaded Old German Moorhead

Blue Crested Saxon Spot

Champion Black White Barred Silesian Swallow (Plainheaded Saxon Wing Pigeon)

Champion Black Crested Saxon Spot

Champion Black White Barred Double Crested Saxon Shield.

All the above photos are by Reiner Fuchs, see the rest of the series from Zwönitz 2011 and more at unitedswallowclub.com

That Is Why

Galina Oleinichenko

I sort of fell into studying classical vocal earlier in the year and have become a super fan of Galina Oleinichenko. If what I've read is true, she was born on February 23, 1928 in Ukraine and was famous primarily as a coloratura star of the Bolshoi Theatre in the 60s-70s.

Mademoiselle Riverie

Some beautiful necklaces by jewellery designer Maryam Keyhani:

"Angelique"

"Mademoiselle Riverie"

"Antonia"

See more on her website.

But I Don't Know What It Means

Stellar.

Photographer: Ignacio Torres

Grown Into A Chair

Designer: Nathalie Stämpfli

[Portfolio] Canyon Residence, Library

A custom full height built-in was installed on the north wall to create ample storage and trimmed to match the existing baseboards.

Five separate shelving units were custom fitted to the space and capped out with a false wall.

Trim moulding detail was installed on the front edge of where the units meet to conceal the seam and also create a more tailored look.

The client's love of old maps was the inspiration for the custom artwork. To create something of significance and meaning with a connection to the home, a trip was made to the local land registry office where a copy of the original land survey of the property and entire surrounding settlement was obtained. The survey map was accordian folded and “aged”, then divided into six segments and framed. The client’s lot can be seen in the bottom left-hand corner of the middle pane, top row.

[Portfolio] Canyon Residence, Living Room

Floor-to-ceiling custom millwork was installed throughout the living room to create a dramatic first impression. The diamond-tufted bench and bolsters upholstered in blue-grey silk were also custom-made for the space.

Custom chair rail and panel moulding was also installed on the lower half of the vestibule walls to define the area.