Large roots of a dead tree rise above the water of a small pond. - Contributed

This picture has been sent by Stephanie, my daughter, who, like the rest of the family, has been severally bitten by the 'travelling bug'. She was in Istanbul, visiting the house of Attaturk, the founder of modern Turkey, when she happened upon this strange contraption. It appears to be the large roots of a dead tree rising above the water of a small pond.

Several plants nestle in the crooks of the root. An arresting setting ...