Lost in Translation

A Walk Among the Menhirs

Would you join me for a walk among the menhirs of Taravo valley on Corsica? The largest and the most famous megalithic site on the island, Filitosa, stretches on a hilltop of an ancient olive grove.

I knew I wanted to see Filitosa even before I came to the island. Seriously, if you had seen the advert “open air museum with stones cut and erected 8000 years ago” – would you have been able to resist your curiosity? I wasn’t and I am glad, even though it meant driving the whole day from the other side the island and arriving only 40 minutes before closing time; I have to say that visiting Corsica without stopping by this Neolithic wonder would not have been a complete experience. Here are some snaps of what I saw there:

What does this one remind you of? I am asking cause I can’t decide.

Megalith known as Filitosa V

Here it is again. It is the biggest megalith, 3m high, 1 m wide, weighing 2 tons! On the stone, a weapon is cut.

Info in French

Filitosa IX – stern face captured in granit

If you think that I haven’t shown you enough, stay tuned for the Filitosa sequel next Monday. This is my entry for Jo’s Monday Walk. Today she is dragging us atop of Whitby cliffs to visit St. Mary’s.

Paula

January 5, 2015

Corsica, Photography

Corsica, Filitosa, Jo’s monday walk, megaliths, menhirs, Neolithic, Stones

71 responses to “A Walk Among the Menhirs”

Cardinal Guzman

January 5, 2015 at 11:59 am

Nice walk.

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1. Paula
  
  January 7, 2015 at 10:57 pm
  
  One of the most extraordinary Neolithic sites ever, so definitely NICE!
  
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  1. Cardinal Guzman
    
    January 12, 2015 at 3:53 pm
    
    It would be nice to see this.
    
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restlessjo

January 5, 2015 at 12:08 pm

Thanks for sharing with me one of your special places, Paula. Corsica is very beautiful seen through your eyes. I love that last shot! 🙂 And atmospheric music too, of course! Hugs, darlin’!

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1. Paula
  
  January 7, 2015 at 10:59 pm
  
  TA
  
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  1. restlessjo
    
    January 8, 2015 at 12:01 am
    
    Did you have to work on Epiphany?
    
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    1. Paula
      
      January 8, 2015 at 12:05 am
      
      From home yes.
      
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      1. restlessjo
        
        January 8, 2015 at 12:09 am
        
        😦 I expected it to be a National Holiday but was not sure. I popped in to see the subject of tomorrow’s Special.
        
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        Paula
        
        January 8, 2015 at 12:11 am
        
        You can see themes outlined with dates for months in advance on Scheduled Challenges page 😉
        
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        restlessjo
        
        January 8, 2015 at 12:13 am
        
        I know- I’ve just been there and am now enjoying Chris Rea on your About page. 🙂
        
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        Paula
        
        January 8, 2015 at 12:14 am
        
        😀 I.love him so much-he is one of a kind
        
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        restlessjo
        
        January 8, 2015 at 12:19 am
        
        Me too! I am indecisive tonight with too much going on in my life. I intended to take part in Cardinal’s B & W but I am not satisfied with any of my images so far (you know it’s not my medium). I don’t have anything that fits with Dusk either so I may have to be a free spirit. Big smiles 🙂 🙂 Good night, God bless!
        
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        Paula
        
        January 8, 2015 at 12:23 am
        
        I like free spirits and i like free interpretations and going beyond theme 🙂 Good night Jo (I’m having insomnia this time of year and watching some Serbian comedy “woman with the broken nose” -lol
        
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        restlessjo
        
        January 8, 2015 at 12:28 am
        
        Oh dear 😦 I’m looking forward to some Croatian photos later this year. I’m sure you promised Cardinal to show him your homeland? I just know that there are many beautiful sights waiting to be seen. Do you have your holidays for this year fully planned yet?
        
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        Paula
        
        January 8, 2015 at 12:30 am
        
        Not fully: Lisbon tickets are bought for May, July remains to be decided- Croatia or Ireland (money issues)
        
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        restlessjo
        
        January 8, 2015 at 12:32 am
        
        You know I would choose Croatia but I have some money issues too. 🙂
        
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        Paula
        
        January 8, 2015 at 12:34 am
        
        I hope you’ll.get to see it again. Acc to.astrology this will be a dry year so I was thinking.giving Ireland a chance.
        
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        restlessjo
        
        January 8, 2015 at 12:37 am
        
        Have you been? It is very beautiful from what I’ve seen and I would like a return visit to finish the west coast… one day 🙂
        
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        Paula
        
        January 8, 2015 at 12:40 am
        
        I haven’t, and that’s why I want to.go before we remain jobless or too poor. West coast is my plan- hubby is not crazy about driving that.much, but can’t be helped. They also.drive on right.side like you?
        
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        restlessjo
        
        January 8, 2015 at 12:42 am
        
        Yes. I did it in a campervan with a grumpy friend and it was more damp than dry, but still lovely 🙂
        
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        Paula
        
        January 8, 2015 at 12:43 am
        
        Damp and grumpy sounds like holiday 😀
        
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Colline

January 5, 2015 at 12:54 pm

Amazing Paula. The word menhir always makes me think of the character Obelix and I would have driven, just like you, to have seen one standing before me.

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1. Paula
  
  January 5, 2015 at 1:25 pm
  
  I thought of you while I was writing this post, Colline, I remember you expressed interest to see more when I posted my first photo from there 😉 Thank you. I would have liked to have you with me on this walk.
  
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76sanfermo

January 5, 2015 at 1:02 pm

Eccezionale, Paula!

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1. Paula
  
  January 5, 2015 at 1:10 pm
  
  🙂 sono contenta che ti piace Anna. Baci!
  
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alexraphael

January 5, 2015 at 2:27 pm

Like an exotic Pink Floyd. Great shoots too 🙂

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1. Paula
  
  January 5, 2015 at 2:33 pm
  
  The shots do not meet my standards – not my fault – the light did not cooperate, however the place is noteworthy in many respects and I cherish the memory of visiting it. I am glad you liked M83 🙂
  
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Gen

January 5, 2015 at 2:31 pm

Your photos are amazing!

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1. Paula
  
  January 5, 2015 at 2:34 pm
  
  Thank you very much, Gen … these are not the best you could find on this blog 🙂
  
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Ese’ s Voice

January 5, 2015 at 2:32 pm

After reading such an advert, I wouldn’ t have been able to resist either, Paula! 🙂 And after following and enjoying footprints of the past in your beautiful photos, I hope I will be able to do it in reality one day, too.

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1. Paula
  
  January 5, 2015 at 2:36 pm
  
  You would find unspoiled, isolated nature on Corsica, Ese and I am sure you would love it. That remains my favourite trip ever!
  
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Sue Slaght

January 5, 2015 at 4:51 pm

Astounding! I would love to take this walk with you.:)

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1. Paula
  
  January 5, 2015 at 6:08 pm
  
  Interesting, I.haven’t seen cyclers on Corsica ;). You would love it there, Sue. Thank you, dear.
  
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Linda Arthur Tejera

January 5, 2015 at 8:51 pm

Amazing place and beautiful! 🙂

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1. Paula
  
  January 7, 2015 at 3:46 pm
  
  You bet!
  
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hilarycustancegreen

January 5, 2015 at 11:42 pm

As a one-time sculptor, I can never resist large man-made stone pieces and these are terrific.

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1. Paula
  
  January 7, 2015 at 12:52 pm
  
  🙂 I wish I could see your work somewhere, Hilary.
  
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morselsandscraps

January 6, 2015 at 1:31 am

A wonderful post Paula. Everything you show of Corsica tempts me there.

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1. Paula
  
  January 7, 2015 at 10:01 am
  
  😀 I bet
  
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yprior1

January 6, 2015 at 7:00 am

I have heard about Corsica in certain books – and truly a place of beauty and history – the music paired well with the shots – looking forward to next week’s walk too – but enjoyed the historic stroll today ❤

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1. Paula
  
  January 7, 2015 at 9:50 am
  
  Thank you very much, Yvette!
  
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  1. yprior1
    
    January 7, 2015 at 11:03 pm
    
    🙂
    
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Sonel

January 6, 2015 at 2:57 pm

What a beautiful place and I don’t blame you for wanting to go. I am glad you did. Now I had some virtual travelling to do myself and I loved it. Stunning captures Paula. 😀 ♥

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1. Paula
  
  January 7, 2015 at 10:01 am
  
  🙂 *hugs*
  
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  1. Sonel
    
    January 8, 2015 at 9:41 am
    
    😀 ♥ Hugs ♥
    
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rommel

January 6, 2015 at 10:15 pm

I’ve done it a couple of times as well when I only had a little bit of time to explore a place. I wonder what those carved stones for?

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1. Paula
  
  January 7, 2015 at 9:50 am
  
  That remains mystery.
  
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lumar1298

January 7, 2015 at 4:25 am

Nice peaceful place… Lovely pictures…

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1. Paula
  
  January 7, 2015 at 9:49 am
  
  Thanks, Lumar 🙂
  
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Maria F.

January 7, 2015 at 6:13 pm

Oh my goodness, Corsica is were my last name comes from. Thanks so much for showing these images as I have no idea of the kind of landscape the island has.

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1. Paula
  
  January 7, 2015 at 6:22 pm
  
  🙂 Maria, if you look at the menu bar above, there is Corsica as sub-category- there you could see many posts about Corsica with gorgeous landscape 🙂 Are you ancestors Corsican?
  
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Rondje

January 8, 2015 at 12:00 pm

These are beautiful, Paula, great time of day/light to be there!

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1. Paula
  
  January 8, 2015 at 12:05 pm
  
  Yes, great light to be visiting but not for photo taking 😉 How have you been Ron? Happy 2015!
  
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  1. Rondje
    
    January 8, 2015 at 12:21 pm
    
    Well, it looks great in photos as well, definitely not middle of the day?
    All great here, busy traveling last year and then xmas in Holland, all great, how was your holiday season?
    
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    1. Paula
      
      January 8, 2015 at 12:24 pm
      
      No, not the middle of the day for a change :D. My holiday was short – busy at work, but tranquil at home 🙂
      
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      1. Rondje
        
        January 8, 2015 at 2:21 pm
        
        That light works for me and the place looks very interesting to visit too!
        Our holiday was short as well, but unfortunately always includes a 2 days of travel as well 😉
        Hope the tranquility of home evens out the busy job!
        
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        Paula
        
        January 25, 2015 at 2:25 pm
        
        I have read this encouraging comment many times, but forgot to thank you. I appreciate it buddy!
        
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        Ron Hillmar
        
        January 26, 2015 at 4:17 pm
        
        No worries, I didnt understand when you said the light wasnt that good, the shadows are long and the sunlight golden soft 😉
        But youre very welcome, have a great week!
        
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Jo’s Monday walk : Roker pier | restlessjo

January 12, 2015 at 10:22 am

[…] A Walk among the Menhirs […]

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Debbie Smyth

January 12, 2015 at 10:41 am

Gorgeous! I’m looking forward to the next part already. Now, when I am I going to get to Corsica…

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1. Paula
  
  January 12, 2015 at 10:53 am
  
  🙂
  
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BonMinou

January 12, 2015 at 12:30 pm

Lovely, and you are right, open air museum and 8000 year old stones, who wouldn’t go? Looking forward to next week.
Minou

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A Walk Among the Menhirs – Sequel | Lost in Translation

January 12, 2015 at 8:58 pm

[…] in stone, so that it could never again manifest itself. (read more ….) If you have missed the first part […]

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Tish Farrell

January 12, 2015 at 11:02 pm

These are astonishing relics, Paula.

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rosemaylily2014

January 13, 2015 at 10:20 am

This looks an amazing place Paula I had no idea it existed – 8000 year old stones that’s incredible thanks for sharing your beautiful photos! 🙂

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elisa ruland

January 13, 2015 at 9:04 pm

Taravo Valley looks well worth the drive. You must have been able to return the next day, 40 minutes doesn’t seem like enough time to capture the Menhirs, as you did. It looks like an interesting and beautiful place.

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1. Paula
  
  January 13, 2015 at 9:24 pm
  
  I wish :D. 40 min was all we got. It was an exhausting but beautiful drive. The entire island has a wild appeal, such diversity and unspoiled nature.
  
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themofman

January 22, 2015 at 2:49 am

Who erected them?

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1. Paula
  
  January 22, 2015 at 9:24 am
  
  Whoever lived there some 8,000 years ago
  
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Lignum Draco

January 25, 2015 at 3:01 am

Yes, I would have visited too. Definitely worth the travel, but maybe you should have stayed a little closer for a day or two so you could get more time there? Are you allowed to touch them? 🙂

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1. Paula
  
  January 25, 2015 at 2:24 pm
  
  Now, I just feel stupid. They were out there in the open air, no guards or cameras in sight, and it never occurred to me to touch any of them :S (what’s wrong with me?!?)
  
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