Painted Ladies

They said that the Painted Ladies is one of the “must see” sites in San Francisco. So we thought why should we miss it when we were so close to it.

These Victorian era structures got their nickname because of the number of colours used to decorate their exteriors. Frankly speaking I was not taken in by what I saw.

I found the surroundings more interesting. Like the park in front of it. Liked this water fountain with spouts at different levels to suit all age groups.

This guy in the park was engrossed in his creative work.

He chose this spot as he had a good view of the city.

There were these dog walkers who were enjoying a sun bath while the dogs basked and frolicked with each other.

One of them decided to take a stroll all by himself. He too (like me) was not impressed by the “painted Ladies” as he was walking in the opposite direction.

We were back on the main road.

While we waited for the “Big Bus”, the change over conductor (who was also waiting for the bus) gave us some tips about how to travel in the Hop on Hop off Bus.

Graffities on the wall break the monotony of the plain walls.

Some 45 RPM records in a shop window. About four decades ago this area thrived when the Hippie culture was in full swing.

Noticed this eating joint

And a few shops next to it was another one.

Lombardia Street had some lovely houses.

The tiles on the roof of the house. Even though they were decorative, they reflected the light well to give a good contrast against the green leaves.

I found these combination standpipes at the entrance of many buildings. These standpipe systems are designed to deliver a prescribed amount of water at a prescribed pressure to the top most outlet. This one was well polished.

Ending this post with this lovely house which I managed to frame and click when the vehicle stopped momentorily.

Missed - In The Mood at the Bellagio

There are many things that one can see at the Bellagio Hotel (at Las Vegas)

but the best sight that one can have from the hotel is the fountain. We were lucky to be upgraded to a room with a view of the fountain.

Hundreds of high pressure water jets create a truly spectacular water show.

I could manage to capture two shows of the fountain from two vantage points. One from the 24^th floor of Hotel Bellagio and the second one from the street below. I wanted to capture some fast numbers like “In the mood” but somehow I was not around when these numbers played.

The moon walk also could be created by the fountain in tune with Michael Jackson's Billie Jean.

Some interesting facts about the fountain:

The fountains are programmed to perform to different songs. Some prominent ones among them are:

Singing in the rain

Rondine al Nido

In the mood

Luck Be A Lady (Frank Sinatra)

Con Te Partiro

Mission Impossible Theme

Your Song (Elton John)

All That Jazz (from movie Chicago)

Billie Jean (Micheal Jackson)

Hallelujah Chorus

Time to say goodbye

Carol of the Bells

O Holy Night

 Viva Las Vegas (Elvis Presley)

The time duration for each show is approximately 5 minutes and operates seven days a week.

3 pm to 8 pm with shows every 30 minutes

8 pm to 12 midnight with shows every 15 minutes

Shows are only cancelled with the threat of high winds. ( if the winds are too high, the dancing waters refuse to dance )

The network of pipes feed 1200 nozzles which are managed by computer and choreographed to music. There are three different types of nozzles

a) The Oarsmen which shoots the water in a full 360 degree range.

b) The Shooters which fire water upwards

c) The Super Shooters which can push water 250 feet into the air.

The combination of water jets and more than 4500 lights provide aesthetic display to accompany the music played.

After watching the gentle sway of these nozzles, I was not surprised when I read that musicians and choreographers were invited to design the routines and patterns of the jets. 

The next time I am in Vegas I will not miss the 'In the mood'