15 July 2009
A Silhouette
When the setting sun casts its spell
And the sky bursts into a myriad of hues
Silhouetted against the heavens they shine
Dancing with the evening sky.
Like two lovers lost in a naked embrace
Exploring each other for depths untouched
Their every carving and crevice making love with the sun.
Casting shadows and telling stories
Of how they came to be and their journey through time
Speaking of their worth in this world
With a passion so pure yet so very bold.
Both building and nature lost in each others splendour,
Spell bound we stand as a mere beholder.
Then the sky suddenly threatens
To envelope them in its shadow
But bravado in the face of nature persists
For only when the sun sets the moon shall rise
And together they embark on another journey
Of ancient love and mystical beauty
Under the moonlit sky...
2 July 2009
Identifying a Heritage Site
Interpretations vary according to personal identification and attachment to the existing physical fabric of the site. These relics of the past belong to the current as well as previous occupants, local history, and world history and to the user and visitor alike. It is a complex system where the internal spaces are as important as the external and its interpretation is both deep and superficial.
A claim for ownership arises from the identification of heritage assets which then leads to a desire for protection. Protection in the form of conservation and management should aim to preserve the cultural values of these sites so that they maybe bestowed to future generations. Heritage sites are now being valued for their commercial fortunes, as mere tourism products. They are now in danger of being turned into theatrical sets, where historic reality plays a rather meagre role and heritage tourism plays the main lead.