Thursday, December 29, 2022

Science Fiction: A Darkling Sea By James L. Cambias


(Drivebycuriosity) - It seems that science fiction is in a crisis. There are too many authors who don´t care about science, which once defined the genre. The genre is now dominated by fairy tales about dragons and princesses and woke messages. But there are still some exceptions. James L. Cambias novel "A Darkling Sea" belongs to them (amazon ).

Apparently the author was inspired by Europa, a moon of Jupiter. The moon is covered by an ocean under a deep layer of ice. Scientists believe that Europa`s ocean is some miles deep and that on the ground are - like on the bottom of  earth`s oceans -  volcanic springs, called vents. On earth these vents feed warm water, sulfur and chemicals into the ocean which allow some microorganism to live in an otherwise lifeless and cold environment. Scientists assume that there are possibly some microorganism on the bottom of the Europa`s ocean as well.

The novel is set on a fictional moon which like Europa is covered by an ocean and thick ice. In this novel the hot vents allowed the evolution of an intelligent life form, who settles around these springs on the bottom of the ocean.

The plot follows three groups: The natives of the moon, huge lobster like intelligent beings, who are living on the ocean ground; humans who have a submarine station near the ocean bottom and explore the behavior of the natives; and space faring highly developed aliens, who distrustful observe the humans. There exists an universal treaty that humans - and other explorers - are by no means allowed to interact with the natives and spoil their development.

The story constellation creates a lot of conflicts, which lead to dramatic consequences (this is a spoiler free blog). Parts of the book are like classic space adventures and space operas. But Cambias also dives deep into the evolution, sociology, psychology & economy of the natives and the complex relations between humans and the more technological advanced aliens. 

The plot is spiced with a lot action & a dry humor. A masterpiece.


Tuesday, December 27, 2022

Photography: The Wats Of Chiang Mai - Dragons, Demons And More


(Drivebycuriosity) - Chiang Mai has a cluster of amazing Buddhist temples, called Wat, in her center. There is so much to see and to admire. 

 



I indulge into the wonderful stupas, called chedi, and all the dragons, demons and other fancy fantasy figures which are surrounding them. Above you can see a dragon eating a beautiful lady from behind. Maybe not NSW.

 




  

Monster or not, these are real beauties



 



but you don`t want to mess with them

 



This dragon doesn`t live in a Wat, he protects the Moon Dragon Hotel. Isn`t he scary?
 

To be continued 

Sunday, December 25, 2022

Photography: Chiang Mai - My Favorite Buddhist Temple: Wat Chedi Luang

 


 (Drivebycuriosity) - Chiang Mai has myriads of amazing Buddhist temples, called Wat. I have one favorite: Wat Chedi Luang.

 


 

The temple complex, located in the center of city, has the ruin of a massive chedi (stupa), build in 15th century. Originally the building was 82 m high (250 feet) and had a base diameter of 54 m.

 

 


The stupa reminds me a bit of the ancient pyramids of Mexico ( drivebycuriosity). 





Above an element, which might have once represented a dragon.

 

 


The temple complex has also some massive trees, known as D. atlatus (.monumentaltrees )


To be continued

 

Saturday, December 24, 2022

Photography: Chiang Mai - A Climb To Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

   




 (Drivebycuriosity) - It seems that every tourists who visits Chiang Mai has to climb a mountain to see Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Actually we didn`t climb. We took a minibus and then rode the tram, called elevator, to avoid the more 300 steps up to the Wat.

 



 


 

The temple & cloister complex sits on a mountain (altitude 3000 feet/1000m) above the Chiang Mai sprawl (1000 feet/300m), which gives an amazing view onto the city and the covering smog cloud.

 




The Wat belongs to the most important Buddhist temples Thailand`s and is certainly worth the climb or ride.

 


 


There are so many wonderful chedis (stupas), shrines & sculptures.

 





The Wat is above and surrounded by a rain forest




To be continued



Thursday, December 22, 2022

Photography: Snapshots From Chiang Mai

 


(Drivebycuriosity) - Chiang Mai is a place full of wonders. There is so much to discover and to admire. 

 





Since my arrival on Sunday I got a lot inspirations for snapshots.

 


 
 


 

The metropolis is blessed with ubiquitous Buddhist temples, called Wat. All of them are marvelous, filled with colorful & filigrene architecture and sculptures. 

 



 


The city expanded to a sprawl with about 1.5 million people but there are still many green parts with a lush tropical vegetation

 



The city grew along a river and there are scenic canals

 



Chiang Mai is a green city. Many hotels and homes have a tropical garden and often houses are surrounded by coconut trees, banana plants and tropical flora.

 


 

Above a glance on the fancy real estate of the Four Seasons Resort above the northern valley part of Chiang Mai`s sprawl. Their elaborately designed gardens include even some rice fields.

 

 


Above the bamboo framed entrance to the classy Tamarind resort in the historical middle of the city. There is also a restaurant, the Ruen Tamarind, with offers chef created delicious local cuisine.

 



I spotted this cannonball tree on the territory of Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon.

 




Being interested in architecture I spot so many remarkable buildings

 





 

in the night Chiang Mai becomes mystical

 




and there are many more discoveries.




To be continued