a d v e n t u r o u s
by phreak

Comment:
Through the rustling tall grass he came.......

SHAY
by jwillerton

Comment:
Wow...Shay is one hell of a good looking woman. Lovely portrait with nice smooth tones and excellent lighting. 7

AT THE DOOR
by drphotos-dm

Comment:
Great documentary type image.

Orchid
by Kathe

Comment:
Lovely close-up with nice background bokeh. 7

Candid-The lovers to the Opera Concorde
by Rino63

Comment:
Interesting image.

Winter Sun on the New Amsterdam, New York City 2005
by hotpasta

Comment:
Dramatic image.

Quadrant
by ubique

Comment:
Cool and creative composition. 7

The Professor
by PenelopeK

Comment:
The professor's hand?

Smash Mouth Football
by jimmyn4

Comment:
Smash camera photography

Beijing hutong girl
by McJamweasel

Comment:
Interesting image.
Beijing's Hutongs and Courtyards

For those who want to experience the local customs, as well as the history and culture, of Beijing, a visit to the HuTongs (alleys) and SiHeYuans (courtyards) is an indispensible part of a visit to Beijing.

The HuTong

A hutong is an ancient city alley or lane, typical in Beijing, where hutongs run into the several thousand. Surrounding the Forbidden City, many were built during the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. In those times, the emperors planned the city and arranged the residential areas according to systems of etiquette. The center of the city of Beijing was the royal palace - the Forbidden City.

The word 'hutong' came from the Mongolian language about 700 years ago. It originates from the word 'hottog' in Mongolian meaning 'water well'. Where there was a spring or well, there were residents. The word 'hottog' became 'hutong' after it was introduced into Beijing.