Every year, driving the 84km/52mi to Garderen, NL, to see their sand-sculpture extravaganza, is a must, even though normally we visit during the Spring. But better late than never is good enough and THIS is the theme we definitely did not want to miss, seen on August 6.
I asked Astrid what was the first thing she thought of when she heard "The Roman Empire?" We both immediately said "soldiers."
So, that's where we start here, followed by probably most of the other things we all think of with this theme:
1. The SOLDIERS:
Calm, cool and collected...
as well as at war!
Even in plastic...
and in wood!
3. The ROMAN BATHS:
We loved the huge window alcoves that showcased scenes...
that you could reach into and zoom in even further.
4. The COLOSSEUM:
Not a part of Roman history I'd be proud of!
To be honest, The Forum in Rome was my favorite spot to visit the 3 times I was there.
I'm reminded of my Sunday School days, learning that Paul preached there.
6. The SHIPS:
Mainly for wars, of course....
but remember that Nero was fascinated with the Nile River back in his day
(top photo in the collage below). It was an economic lifeline for the transport of grain from Egypt.
7. The ARCHITECTURAL COLUMNS:
My high-school Latin teacher would be so proud of me remembering the 5 main ones:
Tuscan, Doric, Corinthian, Iconic and Composite.
Actually, I DIDN'T remember this time and needed a refresher.
So, those were the main themes I expected to find without even looking. Two years of Latin did that to me! But as we walked around the 108 marked displays, many more subjects were "AHA" moments, like:
8. The SENATE:
SPQR = Senatus Populusque Romanus,
"The Senate and People of Rome."
9. The COINS:
The 1st and 2nd triumvirates, with names like Julius Caesar, Mark Anthony, Pompey and Crassus!
10. The WOMEN:
The good, bad and the ugly...(don't get me started on identifying any of these except Cleopatra
bottom-left above with Caesar)....
trade, slavery, vandalism....
11. The WARS:
The 1st Punic War against Carthage, just because I liked the details....
And the uprising of Britain's national heroine, Boudica, because of the humor!
12. The APOSTLE PAUL:
He wasn't one of the original 12 apostles of Jesus but he's the one who wrote the most letters
contained in the Bible's New Testament. I was amazed that they had 3 sculptures,
showing his conversion, shipwreck, and imprisonment.
EVERYTHING ELSE you can think of was there. All the big-time men (like Spartacus, Nero, Caligua, Janus, Claudius, Tiberius, etc.). Mercury, Romulus & Remus, the Appian Way, the alphabet, the calendar, food, the Crusades, Constantinople, St. Peter's Basilica, Pompeii, Versuvius.....
OH! And don't forget the MOSAICS!!!
Seriously! You name it...every important thing you can possibly think of was portrayed there in sand. It did not disappoint in any way. In fact, if anything, it was so overwhelming I didn't know how to even start this post until after several days of finally saying "Enough Already!"
And for your viewing pleasure:
You just had to be there!
