The World Health Organization proclaimed it yesterday. The AH1N1 Flu is already a Pandemic. As a constant traveler, I worry about catching the new flu strain. Although we know that it is not the as deadly as SARS, it is still scary. But worrying will not help. The best way is to keep ourselves healthy and fit. We should all be thankful that this is not the same as the plagues that hit the world in the past centuries where millions died helpless.
Speaking of plagues, I found it fit to post these pictures I took in one of my trips, which is an interesting depiction of the triumph of the people in Munich during the great plague and cholera epidemic that hit them in the 16th Century.
This is the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) at Marienplatz (St. Mary's Square). This one of the most famous attractions in Munich. The square was originally known as Schrannen but it was renamed Marienplatz as a way to ask Virgin Mary to protect the town from epidemic.
This second picture is the Mariensaule or Column of St. Mary which is found at the center of Marienplatz. This was erected in 1638 to symbolize their triumph over war, pestilence, hunger and heresy.
This picture was a stark depiction of the plague as a Dragon slaying the people. In the 16th century everyone went into hiding for fear of being infected by the plague.
This particular picture is from Wikipedia.com because my picture is not as clear as this. This is the Carillon or Glockenspiel where visitors can watch the famous Schäfflerstanz or the Fish Fountain Cooper's Dance, (the lower portion) which was originally performed in 1517 at the Marienplatz first done by barrel makers at the end of the Black Death plague. The first people to dare go back onto the streets were barrel makers who performed a big dance to show that it was okay to come out again. History tells us that no matter how great these adversities that hit the world, humankind can always survive, bounce back and triumph over it.
I received this message from a friend today and I want to share it here:
Things in this world are temporary.
If events are turning well, enjoy!
If they go wrong, don't worry, it won't last long.
Larger faith means lesser fear;
Greater trust means smaller doubts;
Stronger beliefs means weaker worries.
Keep the faith burning.
Enjoy life at its best.
10 comments:
A truly inspiring post, Ss. Someone on the t.v. said the new flu bug was classed as a Pandemic because it's been found in so many countries, not because of the number of people it has affected, so we should keep things in perspective and not panic unduly. I can understand YOUR worry though, travelling to so many different places.
The architecture in your photographs is stunning. Germany is a country I'd love to visit..... and your post has increased the longing! :O)
I love the message your friend sent. I'm going to print it and put it on my wall so I can read it often. :)
Hope you're having a good weekend!
Lesley:
Thanks for putting me back on the right perspective.
Yes, I agree with you that Germany is one country you should visit. I really enjoyed looking at their beautiful buildings, palaces and gardens, not to mention enjoying their food and beer.
I'm glad you liked the message from my friend.
Hey there my dear friend,
You are so right. I would be scared like hell considering the amount of travelling you have to do.
You are a very strong person to look at life that way.
The flu has come to India also and 5 cases have been reported in our city itself. I just hope that this flu is curbed before it does a lot of damage.
Take care of yourself and be careful my dear.
Love
Deboshree
Yup after every fall there is a rise... its all part of life and thats why its so dynamic... Human kind will survive....
Great pics and a very nice post.. :)
Great photos of magnificent structures, SS! So glad you're back. And I love the little poem! All the best, D2.
I've been to Munich! I stood right there and took a picture of that dragon carved above the door too. I went in the depth of winter for the Christmas markets-- the building looks different in the sun there.
hi,
Lovely thoughts.
love the lines sent by your friend. I recieved a similar message sometime back and would like to share with you
"Life is no straight and easy corridor,
along which we travel free and unhampered,
but a maze of passages,
through which we must seek our way,
lost and confused,
now and again checked in a blind alley.
But always, if we have faith,
a door will open for us,
not perhaps one that we ourselves
would ever have thought of,
but one that will ultimately
prove good for us."
Rahul
www.perspective-goal.blogspot.com
There's something strangely fascinating about the dragon one... I think it's because I've never quite seen something like that before.
Thanks for this reminder to have faith and that yes, we can survive and overcome anything. I see how fear propels us into this frenzy. It isn't worth it.
Overall, life is short and you must enjoy it to the fullest. I learned that, thankfully, early on.
Be well and again, thank you for posting the message about faith.
The virus is hitting Buenos Aires really hard. Already 44 people died and they say thousands are infected. Schools and Universities closed for the winter hollydays one week before schedule.
Luckily I work from home and am not so exposed to the virus.
Anyway, how are you doing? Hope you're safe and sound.
Regards,
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