A lady sits in quiet reflection outside of Changdeokgung Palace. Initially constructed in 1405 the palace was burned down by an angry mob in 1592 when the royal family fled their abode during the Japanese invasion of Korea. It was reconstructed in 1609 by King Seonjo and King Gwanghaegun however burnt back down in 1623 because of political Revolt by King Injo. The palace was also attacked by the Manchu Qing but throughout its history of reconstruction and repair has remained faithful to its original design. It was heavily damaged during the Japanese occupation of Korea (1910-1945) and, only about 30% of the pre-Japanese structures survive. Seoul, Korea
The flames burn bright on the Vancouver Olympic Cauldron, constructed for the 2010 winter Olympics in Vancouver. British Columbia, Canada
This shot is a scanned negative from back in early 2001 of Ad Deir or "The Monastery”, carved out of rock in the ancient Jordanian city of Petra. Architecturally an example of the Nabatean Classical style it was carved into the side of the mountain in the 3rd Century BC. At 50m (164ft) wide and 45m (148ft) high it is one of the largest structures in Petra with the main door itself being 8m (26ft) high. Petra, known to the ancient Nabataeans as Raqmu, lies on the slope of Jebel al-Madhbah. Jordan.
