Le bon dieu est dans le détail ...

... is the theme I've been invited to post on today, joining a group of bloggers in different parts of the world. And since I'm late to the party, and intimidated by my illustrious fellow-posters (see here and here for links), mon dieu, followed by merde! was my initial response. 

But it's an irresistible quote for a detail-lover like me, and after a day at work spent fretting over words for a tedious report, a quick trawl through my photos for visual images that resonated has been a perfectly pleasant antidote. 

This is where the quote took me, without much thought ...

a quiet alcove in the Alcazar, Seville

an arch detail, Seville cathedral

detail of a mural, St George Basilica, Prague

stone carving details on windows at the Alhambra, Granada

ceiling details in the Forbidden City, Beijing

doorway detail of the Sé (cathedral), Lisbon

balcony door, Alfama, Lisbon

door in Beijing

pond reflection and ...

detail of water-courses in the minutely planned gardens of the Generalife, Alhambra, Granada

dancer's feet at an open air concert, Lisbon

espresso in a Lisbon café

child's face in Imizamo Yethu, Cape Town ...

... and in a market-place in Shanghai

a minimalist table set for one in Lourmarin, Provence

detail of my sleeping cat

These were all taken in the course of travelling to favourite places, and this has been fun - thanks for the invitation!