Themis Experimental Solar Power Plant, France /March 27, 2013 by Alastair Wiper

Themis opened in 1983 as an experimental power plant - the sun's power was directed, via the mirrors (called heliostats), to the top of the "power tower", where it heated a boiler and the thermal energy powered an electic turbine. It was only used like this until 1986, when, due to a lack of political and finincial commitment the plant was closed for more than 20 years. According to wikipedia, there is now a plan to redevelop the plant as a research center into solar power - although there was not a lot happening when I visited. If you look closely at the top of the tower (where there seem to be quite a few families of birds living) - you can see a couple of big burn marks where it looks like someone didnt quite aim the mirrors properly.

Oct 16, 2013

A Short History of Beer in Lithuanian

It is hard to imagine a better job offer than being asked to travel round Lithuania with your brother and sister drinking beautiful, beautiful fresh beer, meeting crazy, friendly people ...

Jun 22, 2013

Pierrot at Tivoli, Denmark

Pierrot is the sad clown. A stock pantomime character, originating in Italy in the late 17th century, Pierrot is often portrayed as a naive fool who is in love with Columbine, who leaves him for Harlequin.