I could probably rustle up a few of these flags and crests in an around where I am staying for the next couple of weeks. This part of Sydney is the consulate area of Woollahra and Bellvue Hill.
I like to see all the insignia from around the world. Shows a lot of history and a lot of colour.
@ Jacob : I think Livorno has many consulates due to its commercial prominence in the 17th-18th centuries. At this time, each consulate was in charge of representing/defending the interest of one "trading nation" (Greeks, Swedes, French, etc.). Therefore, there was no need to have one in the capital (i.e., Florence), but rather in the blossoming port-city.
@ Mathieu - Merci for the explanation. That is rather what I had thought, but was unsure and probably couldn't have put it into words that made sense. Appreciate your taking the time to share your thoughts with me (and others).
I will look to see if I find similar beautiful signs... Thanks for sharing. (To be honest, I had not heard about Livorno until I started following your blog.... )
I always like the consulates with brass plagues at the doorways. Highly polished and deeply etched. Great series.
You will have to speak to the various countries about awarding a consulate to Ocala, Florida USA. They are growing restless. (I know just the person for a Counsel General post.)
@ Jacob - I would certainly be interested in the Ocala consulate post but ONLY if Vogon Poet can arrange for my post to BE in Livorno. I promise to make the Pinto pony behave and perhaps they would consider carving a large statue of me on the pony for the large town square. (Jacob - Do I need my really tall boots to just visit Ocala?)
@ Mathieu - Thank you for the perfect explanation. @ brattcat - If I remember well I took the pictures of the shuttered consulates during my Sunday afternoon walks and the Swedish one during a weekday. @ joo & Léia - Sorry, no Polish or Brazilian consulates but we have: Malta, Portugal, India and Denmark...
Embassies and consulates are being closed these days due to budget constraints. Maybe the powers at the ministry for foreign affairs have forgotten about this consulate? ;)
Right! Foreigners still need those. It is amazing though with the EU how many borders fell. When I was growing up in Bulgaria it was something unbelievable to travel to Europe freely. The world has changed so much in a lifetime. Somehow I ended up in the USA. I passed near Greek Embassy every day when I was in college in Sofia.
Important and interesting--would be fun to know a little more. (I have a wild imagination and I am sure what really goes on is probably very pedestrian.)
37 comments:
Any consulate from Canada? ;)
@ White Oleander - No, but we have a Danish one!
What great finds. You won't be seeing any of these from your sister city.
These are very interesting...again, my ignorance is showing, but why would Livorno have so many consulates?
We don't have any in Ocala! ;-)
I could probably rustle up a few of these flags and crests in an around where I am staying for the next couple of weeks. This part of Sydney is the consulate area of Woollahra and Bellvue Hill.
I like to see all the insignia from around the world. Shows a lot of history and a lot of colour.
great first photo. and i liked your anchor photos
Are these consulates in Livorno? The crests are attractive but why not fly flags that wave in the wind and attract attention? ;-)
I'm surprised to see consulates in Livorno?
Heja Sverige - glad to see the Swedish one!
Halsningar fran Hagen
Colorful. That's actually more than I would of expected. Must be all the shipping and cruise traffic that calls for them.
Beautiful and lovely shots !! Nice post !!
@ Jacob : I think Livorno has many consulates due to its commercial prominence in the 17th-18th centuries. At this time, each consulate was in charge of representing/defending the interest of one "trading nation" (Greeks, Swedes, French, etc.). Therefore, there was no need to have one in the capital (i.e., Florence), but rather in the blossoming port-city.
So interesting that only the Swedish consulate is unshuttered. Do you suppose there is some symbolism there?
I love this series!
Nice idea.
I like The Uruguayan consulate the most:)
Is there The Polish consulate inLivorno?
Very discreet. I like that.
Some is better than none.
It's cool, and I also love flags!
And about Brazilian consulate?
Léia :)
@ Mathieu - Merci for the explanation. That is rather what I had thought, but was unsure and probably couldn't have put it into words that made sense. Appreciate your taking the time to share your thoughts with me (and others).
If the US had a consulate there, I'm sure they'd put up a much bigger flag. ;-)
A nice collection of consulates, and an enjoyable series of photos!
It is interesting that there would be a Uruguayan consulate - part of Livorno's history as a great port of trade, I'm sure.
http://threeriversdailyphoto.blogspot.com
What an international city Livorno is! I had no idea!
I will look to see if I find similar beautiful signs...
Thanks for sharing.
(To be honest, I had not heard about Livorno until I started following your blog.... )
I always like the consulates with brass plagues at the doorways. Highly polished and deeply etched. Great series.
You will have to speak to the various countries about awarding a consulate to Ocala, Florida USA. They are growing restless. (I know just the person for a Counsel General post.)
These are great. It's interesting to see the symbols on the plaques.
The Vikings are everywhere!
@ Frank - Thank you so much, Frank. I'm glad that there is at least one person in the world who recognizes the importance of Ocala...
I mean, we do have a plethora of horse manure!
If this works you, would you be interested in the Counsul General's post? You could ride about on your pinto pony...
@ Jacob - I would certainly be interested in the Ocala consulate post but ONLY if Vogon Poet can arrange for my post to BE in Livorno. I promise to make the Pinto pony behave and perhaps they would consider carving a large statue of me on the pony for the large town square. (Jacob - Do I need my really tall boots to just visit Ocala?)
I was also surprised to see consulates in Livorno but then I read Mathieu's explanation. I guess it makes sense. Nice series.
@ Mathieu - Thank you for the perfect explanation.
@ brattcat - If I remember well I took the pictures of the shuttered consulates during my Sunday afternoon walks and the Swedish one during a weekday.
@ joo & Léia - Sorry, no Polish or Brazilian consulates but we have: Malta, Portugal, India and Denmark...
Embassies and consulates are being closed these days due to budget constraints. Maybe the powers at the ministry for foreign affairs have forgotten about this consulate? ;)
Thanks for sharing!
@ Halcyon - No American consulate, but in case of need you can try here...
@ Asta - If I remember well the Greek Honorary Consul is a renowned dentist, so be careful...
What a great idea! This would never cross my mind... :-)
Isn't it great to see allsorts of different nationalities like that? Ports have that advantage...
Right! Foreigners still need those. It is amazing though with the EU how many borders fell. When I was growing up in Bulgaria it was something unbelievable to travel to Europe freely. The world has changed so much in a lifetime. Somehow I ended up in the USA. I passed near Greek Embassy every day when I was in college in Sofia.
Important and interesting--would be fun to know a little more. (I have a wild imagination and I am sure what really goes on is probably very pedestrian.)
Hehe we're there too!
Only just saw this post, and I couldn't not comment :-)
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