Dorothy Sayer’s novel of this title derives from gaudium, “joy, delight,” or gaudeamus, “let us rejoice,” the first word of a traditional college song that is used in graduation ceremonies and festive gatherings at old English-speaking universities such as Oxbridge.[source]. Both the heroine Harriet Vane and her lovesick sleuth, Lord Peter Wimsey, would abhor anything approaching its common usage of the ostentatiously or tastelessly ornamented and showy.
Even so, our city illuminations have strayed into such with buildings, monuments, bridges and the like glowing like neon highlighters
These vivacious colours do have a certain allure, spicing up nighttimes with some sense of fun, especially relevant at festive times
Even so, ultimately I prefer something a little less gaudy and there is nothing like silvery illumination or warmer candlelight to split the night decorously
So for those who just celebrated Christmas and Chanukah I hope this season of miracles brought many blessings.
PoetryPix 
Well, you surely showed us a view, spectacular, yet I’d align with you about a little candlelight. Lovely brief picture essay.
many thanks Neil – these picture essays make for a satisfactory ’round-up’
Wow, all of your night pics turned out tack sharp! *envy* My download didn’t yield a single one that wasn’t blurry… I guess I’ll have to live through your camera memories 😊. Your new acquisition was well worth the money!
thank you for mentioning this Kiki as this camera does have a good reputation for night photography – these were shot on aperture mode f 2.8; 1/30th; auto ISO. Has image stabilization and exposure compensation too.
Your comment prompted me to do further research/advice so am collecting links that will help me even after I have read and digested the GRiii manual 😉