It's surprising how many random photos I've taken since I started blogging. You never know when they may come in handy. Like all these benches from around the world, I never thought they'd see the light of day, let alone become the focal point of a post. Here are some that I've grouped together.
Starting with patriotism, not something you'd normally associate with benches. Churchill is regarded as one of Britain's greatest statesmen, and some years ago I visited Chartwell, his family home in Kent, UK and saw this bench with his name engraved on it. Churchill still divides people to this day, but let's not go into that here.
One thing that never causes controversy is those who fought for our country in the wars. They are remembered and commemorated in many places around the country. A bench is a very fitting place, so we can sit and spare a moment for those who gave us our future. Lest we forget.
Musical benches
Moving to happier events. If you're a festival goer, you may have heard of Glastonbury Festival or Glasto, as we call it locally. It's the world's largest greenfield festival ie with outdoor camping, with over 200 thousand people crashing into the small town of Glastonbury when held.
Talking of music, I saw this in Warsaw Poland the other year. Musicians, particularly pianists that I know, will probably love this. If I remember correctly, I think it plays music softly, as you sit and rest, you can listen to some Chopin.
Designer benches
Some benches are very creative in their designs. I like these wavey benches, visually they're a lot more interesting than normally straight benches, particularly the one in Denmark. You can sit face to face with a friend and even set up a picnic in between.
Then there's this floating bench in Tallinn, Estonia. It's not really floating, but looks quite deceiving.
And in terms of deceiving the eyes, this one from Bueno Aires, Argentina is very good. Initially I really thought it was fabric and someone had dumped it on the streets. It turns out it's concrete, and textured to make it look like fabric.
Old benches
I saw this colourful bench at Cadiz in Spain, it's made from either procelain or ceramic, not sure which. There are quite a lot of cracks on the edge, and has seen better days. Despite that, the rest of it is still in pretty good shape.
These don't look very comfortable, but you got to admire the work that's gone into carving the back seat.
Bench with a view
When I go for a day out or hike, it's always nice to sit down and admire the scenery. Like this bench here in Taiwan is located over 1400m asl. I miss going on these hikes up in the mountain, feeling the fresh air and just sitting down, taking everything in.
One place that still remains my favorite from my American road a few years ago is Badlands National Park in South Dakota. It's one of those places where the landscape is so surreal, you feel like you've landed on the moon. I could sit here for ages just looking at all this.
Odd benches
Benches are supposed to be practical and safe to sit on but I really don't know what to make of these. These two are both from Taiwan. The first one is more like a sculpture than bench.... or maybe it's not a bench. I really don't know. Then the second one. Yes, it's a bench, but there's something that I just don't like about...
Fun benches
At finally, some fun benches. I went on a cruise some years ago, and they had some Lego structures on display outside the kiddies club. Lots of grown ups were taking photos here, more than kids actually!!!
And the last one, is another bench from Taiwan. I'm not sure if this is supposed to be a bench or a display plint. The statue is a labourer from the old days resting under the shade after a hard day's work. I figured I'd sit down and have a chat with him 😊
Lots of benchs from around the world, 9 countries in fact. Tell me, which is your favourite?
