Travelogue Research

What is a travelogue?

A body of text (in this example) about the places visited by or experiences of a traveller. The writing is highly individualised, as it is an account of a single travellers experiences. The text can include as much detail as possible, including what the author ate, saw, conversations they had, and notable features of the culture. All 5 senses should be exercised. The written language should be metaphorical, poetic and much more that a bland account of events. A fictional travelogue is an opportunity to create a culture and, in my case, connect it to my Armilla visualisation.

To kick-start my travelogue, I wanted to research into themes I deem as important to the culture of Armilla. The most significant being water and sea life...

Fish in Culture:

The majority of cultures utilize fish for food. Today, most fish protein has come by means of catching wild fish. Recreationally, fish have been viewed as a source of beauty since cave art eras. Ornamental fish ponds and aquariums are a staple for homes. Angling has been practiced for centuries, providing pleasure and employment. In science, various species of fish such as Medaka are used as research models for genetic studies and biological developments.

In Religion And Folklore:

"In-And-Out Fish Design" is a theme very common in prehistoric art in Iran. This usually depicts two swinging fish who guard the roots of the Tree Of Life. They are deemed as "eternal sentries of worldly life" in Persian culture. 

Fish offerings were made to gods in ancient Mesopotamia. They are also a major symbol of Enki, the water god.

In Buddhism, fish symbolise happiness as they have total freedom within water. 

Ancient Mesopotamia Art

In Art:

Fish often reflect their economic importance in art since 14,000 years ago. Seen in Egyptian patterns along with Ancient Greece and Rome. 

In Christianity, the Ichthus is a fish symbol signifying someone's faith when worn. 

Fish Hatcheries:

The artificial breeding and rearing of fish, producing larval, juvenile fish, shellfish and crustaceans, primarily to support aquaculture industries. More environmentally concerned hatcheries are focused on replenishing natural populations. 

Fish Hatchery

Links to Armilla:

Armilla respects water, therefore making the consumption of fish and recreational angling off limits. The nymphs are healing the environment after the previous manmade damage and lack of sustainability from its human inhabitants. Hatcheries would therefore be of huge importance to Armilla, which would explain the presence of multiple aquatic containers in my Concept Art. Instead of eating the fish and reducing aquatic populations, armilla focuses on increasing them. Armilla should benefit off the land through automotive manufacturing. The city has a plentiful water supply and this industry is one of the worlds thirstiest, taking 39,000 gallons of water to produce the average domestic vehicle. This would also explain the appearance of Armilla; the city looks like a giant factory...and it is. Automotive manufacturing should be the core industry of Armilla, and their main source of income. This would make the nymph inhabitants extremely advanced mechanics, focusing on creating cars with zero emissions, their cause is to help heal the planet. They sustainably source vehicles across the globe.

Hydroelectricity:

Electrolysis allows water to be split into hydrogen and oxygen. When reacted together, the two create electricity, which powers the vehicle. 

Similarly, the city of Armilla uses a more common method of power for buildings and structures, hydroelectric power through water currents. 

Hydroelectric Power