Sunday 22 September 2024

Autumnal equinox

Many people in the Northern part of my country are still dealing with the effects caused by the floods. The Prime Minister declared yesterday a state of emergency after devastating floods. 

The picture below has been sent by a friend of mine, Stefano. It shows the small village of Latera, located in the hills in Central Italy. This picture reminds me that towns and villages located in the hills can't be affected by flooding.

The problem is that all urban areas, located close to rivers, do not allow rain water to penetrate the soil. Consequently, driveways, streets, sidewalks, rooftops, and other surfaces collect stormwater and channel it into waterways. On the contrary, trees and other vegetation break the momentum of rain. 


The above picture shows a corner of Civitavecchia's port. In the past also this town was affected by floods.

Meanwhile, this Summer is going to an end, as the Autumnal equinox occurs from September 21st to 24th. During this period of the years daylight and dark hours are equal. This year the autumnal equinox occurs precisely on the 22nd September.

I hope you'll have a nice Autumn 🍂 🍁🌰🍇

Friday 13 September 2024

Mostly cloudy

 

It seems it will be cloudy over the next weekend. And the weather will be less hot than the previous days.

And it is easy to see that fishermen will not work in the next two days.


The tower in the above picture is located on the rooftops of an old building. More than three centuries ago it was places in such a strategic position that allowed for spotting potential enemies coming from the sea.


Many boats are still in the harbours along the coast, although the Summer is going to an end.


On the job front, the good news is that since January 2024 Italy's unemployment rate has been falling. It marks its lower level since March 2008, as government incentives to housing and infrastructures investment.


 Have a nice weekend ⛵☁⛅☁

Sunday 1 September 2024

Photos sent from Thailand

 

Hello heveryone! I am just sharing a few photos. They were taken by my daugher while she was visiting Thailand in late August. 


She sent me these photos via email. 

She really enjoyed her journey in that marvelous Southeast Asian country, which covers 16.40 million hectares of conservation forest. 


I've just learnt that Asian elephants have smaller body and smaller ears, compared with African Elephants. They live in forested areas across Southeast Asia, including Myanmar, Thailand and Malaysia. The above photo shows Italian tourists who were bathing those marvelous herbivores mammals. Elephants are most confortable when bathing, and so they are most likely to interact with people around them. Submerging their bodies and covering themself with mud are natural behaviours for elephants. 


September 1st is a day filled with many celebrations and historical significance around the world. 

Have a nice September 🍂