Books · Observations
...he sat on his perch on the gun, still agitated at the thought of the Sovereign and of his love for him...
All the same, the most charming character in "War and Peace" is Petya Rostov
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Observations
NB! · Observations · Paris · Humour
If you are in Paris and don't know what to do with yourself..
If you are in Paris and don't know what to do with yourself.. Yes, in the mornings I am a great dreamer
NB! · Geography · Observations · Nature · Humour
The Sicilian town of Centuripe, built on a mountain ridge in the shape of a human figure
A view of the Sicilian town of Centuripe, spread across the mountains in the shape of a man. Or perhaps one might simply turn into a bird?
NB! · Faith · Observations
A Bedtime Reminder That Everyone Ought to Know at Least One Prayer
Books · Observations · Mores
The Russian actress Elena Nikolayevna Gogoleva (1900-1993) left a recollection of another Russian actress, the great Maria Nikolayevna Yermolova (1853-1928), dating from the second half of the 1920s:
"I had no scenes directly with Marya Nikolayevna, but all the same I was in the same picture as her. And here is what is interesting: Marya Nikolayevna, always so attentive, so courteous, so kind... you understand, here, when I ran off the stage and had not met her
NB! · Aristocracy · Observations · Humour
When You Step Off the Bus Brimming with Noble Dignity
NB! · Architecture · Moscow · Observations · Heritage
The white-stone foundation of the Kitay-gorod wall, in the underground passage at the metro exit towards Zaryadye
The white-stone foundation of the Kitay-gorod wall, in the underground passage at the metro exit towards Zaryadye. In its day, in the sixteenth century, Kitay-gorod was one of the mightiest Russian fortresses: on a wall six to seven metres thick, two teams of horses could pass each
NB! · Observations
and so it goes, every day
Aristocracy · Monarchies · Observations · Pop Culture
Incidentally, Princess Romanova's tiara is by the house of Chaumet and is called Lacy
Incidentally, Princess Romanova's tiara is by the house of Chaumet and is called Lacy. Before Victoria Romanovna it had belonged to no one. 438 diamonds were used in making the tiara, including stones of five and two carats. Before Bettarini, a Chaumet tiara had been worn by, for
Aristocracy · Monarchies · Observations · Society Pages
There is one more Princess Romanova in the world
There is one more Princess Romanova in the world. Delighted for the newlyweds! I also rather like how the girls in kokoshniks and the lads in what looks like the uniform (?) of municipal employees appear against the backdrop of the freshly minted Romanov husband and wife (correct me if I
NB! · Aristocracy · Monarchies · Observations · Society Pages
The Two Most Regal and Striking Looks Today Belong to Maria Vladimirovna and Olga of Greece
Architecture · Observations
Birchblackpavilion by architect Helga Blocksdorf in the historic quarter of Weimar
Good architectural morning. All those troubled by modern buildings that mangle the image of old cities, allow me to introduce this project by the German architect Helga Bloxdorf. Birchblackpavilion is a new pavilion, open to the public, in the historic quarter of the city of Weimar, with a splendid viewing