Keeping a quiet watch over Paris, the gargoyles of Notre Dame would have a story or two to tell of war, revolution and love across the centuries. If only they could talk.
Photo credit: Britt Embry
Day: March 24, 2014
Snakes’ Ambassador.
What does it take for many people to understand the value and importance of each species of mammal, bird, fish and reptile in nature, including the much demonised snake?
Animals in captivity may serve as ambassadors for their wild and threatened kin, provided they are properly taken care of with regards to living space, food and stimulance that will assure them a mentally and physically healthy life.
At the Oslo Reptile Park, many visitors learn for the first time that snakes are not slimy, that not all snakes can or wish to kill you, and that snakes ususally will not bite a human unless they are surprised or provoked. And did you know that snakes, like the ball python above, have individual personalities, just like humans do?
Snakes regulate the number of rodents, frogs, birds and other populous species that humans otherwise would have a very difficult time regulating without the snake – although introducing a non-indigenous species into a new environment may upset the existing balance and lead to mass-extinction among the native species.
Maintaining a snakes natural habitat and a healthy snake population is vital. And sometimes the only way we can understand the value and importance of something is if we can see, touch and feel it ourselves.
Photo credit: Britt Embry
Old bodies, young love.
They met more than half a century ago, but their love never aged a day.
Photo credit: Britt Embry
Traveler vs. Tourist
The traveler was active; he went strenuously in search of people, of adventure, of experience. The tourist is passive; he expects interesting things to happen to him. He goes “sight-seeing.” — Daniel J. Boorstin
Photo credit: Britt Embry
A story no picture could tell.
Yesterday, at a Norwegian roadside cafe, i ordered fish and chips. I didn’t eat the fish and could have done without the chips, too.
Waiter: Did you enjoy the meal?
Me: No, the fish wasn’t good and – (interrupted by the waiter at this point)
Waiter: Well, this fish is special because it’s battered and deep fried.
Me: I’m English, I know what fish and chips is supposed to taste like.
Waiter: Please help yourself to some free dessert.
A tragedy in Paris.
Strawberries, so vibrant and fresh, waiting in vain to be enjoyed, perhaps with a glass of Champagne, perhaps by two lovers in the City of Love. But was their tragic fate perchance the result of a tragic love, in which one wounded lover cast the beautiful, heart-shaped berries aside on the cold, hard pavement only to be stepped on and squashed like his or her heart had so most recently been? One can only picture the story.
Photo credit: Britt Embry
Picture the Stories 