Gallimaufry#148

Just a gallimaufry of AI-generated photos, real photos and ramblings 📸

THE BIRDS

As the hubs and I descended into the basement car park of a shopping mall, a flurry of wings suddenly swept past us. We looked up and caught sight of crows perching on the piping and ductwork all around. It was as if their beady, glinting eyes were watching us. Their presence was unnerving. The scene reminded me of Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds. It felt like we had stepped into a horror movie. Just then, the distant roar of wind and rain echoed through the parking structure, announcing a heavy storm outside. More and more crows swooped in, seeking shelter from the pounding rain, their dark forms multiplying as they filled the air and settled around us.

Spotting a crow is supposed to be bad luck, but a murder of them? Yikes! I was spooked and wanted to get away quickly, so I didn't take any photos. However, here are some AI-generated images to capture the eerie scene.

FUN FACTS

"Murder" of Crows : The term for a group of crows is a "murder," which already carries a dark connotation. Seeing a large group of crows has been historically linked to death or tragedy, potentially because of their scavenging nature and their association with battlefields or plagues

Superstitions on Crow Numbers : There are folk beliefs, especially in European traditions, about the number of crows spotted having different meanings: 

One for sorrow

Two for joy

Three for a girl

Four for a boy

Five for silver

Six for gold

Seven for a secret never to be told

According to this rhyme, seeing two crows could be seen as good luck, while a large group might not necessarily be bad, depending on the interpretation.

DINNER

Deep-fried pork belly with crispy garlic flakes

Chinese tomato and egg stir-fry

Total comfort food. It's one of those simple, no-fuss dishes that hits the spot every time. Made with soft scrambled eggs and juicy tomatoes, it's sweet, savory, and perfect over a bowl of rice. A lot of people grew up with this dish, so it brings back warm, nostalgic feelings. Whether you're having it for breakfast, lunch, or as a quick dinner side, it's the kind of food that just makes you feel cozy and satisfied.

FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVES

FIRE FOX ZIPLINE, BINTAN 2011

Climbing up the ladder

Getting ready to zip off

Son#2 glided bravely across 1,640 feet, and in my excitement to videotape the epic moment, I thought I pressed record—turns out, I didn't! So, the highlight of the adventure exists... only in our memories!

Grabbing the net before sliding back to the ground

FUN FACTS

In 2011, the Fire Fox Zipline in Bintan, Indonesia was the longest zip line in Asia.

Currently,  Jebel Jais Flight  holds the title for the longest zip line in Asia, It is located in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates. Here are some key details about it:

1. Length : The Jebel Jais Flight measures approximately 2.83 kilometers (1.76 miles), making it the longest zip line in Asia and the world.

2. Location : It is situated on Jebel Jais, the highest mountain in the UAE, which provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the Hajar Mountains and the Gulf coastline.

3. Experience : Riders can reach speeds of up to 150 kilometers per hour (93 miles per hour) as they dream across the mountain, experiencing the thrill of flying while enjoying breathtaking scenery.

The Colosseum

I stood in awe, closed my eyes, and breathed in the ancient air, imagining the roar of the crowd from centuries past. The haunting soundtrack from the movie Gladiator, “Now We Are Free,” played in my head. I could almost hear the clash of swords and the desperate cries of the combatants as I pictured the lions, fierce and powerful, prowling the sand while the sun glinted off their golden fur, ready to strike fear into the hearts of those who dared to face them.

The echoes of the past still resonate within the Colosseum's ancient walls, a timeless reminder of the bravery and brutality that once defined its grand arena. Standing there, one can't help but feel a profound connection to the history and the countless stories etched into every stone.

            

FUN FACT

 

The song "Now We Are Free" from the Gladiator soundtrack, composed by Hans Zimmer and sung by Lisa Gerrard, is performed in an improvised language created by Gerrard. Gerrard often sings in what she refers to as "emotional language," a form of expression that transcends traditional languages ​​and is meant to convey emotions rather than specific meanings. So, the lyrics do not belong to any existing language, but instead consist of vocal sounds designed to evoke a deep emotional response.