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Post by gabriele on Aug 15, 2017 22:24:35 GMT
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Post by gabriele on Aug 15, 2017 22:06:45 GMT
I've seen some wonderful Russian icons, these are pale imitations. I've been to the Holy Virgin Orthodox Cathedral (the congregation came originally from revolutionary Russia by way of Shanghai until WWII. Once to visit, a second time to attend Vespers. Women must wear modest dresses (NO pants). There is a line of benches in the back for those with physical limitations. It's quite overpowering but the stated impulse behind all the art is joy. That one should feel closer to God and so be filled with joy. It would be excessive except one's eyes move from this to that, and the 'tables' hold individual icons. The priest who led his congregation (safely) from Shanghai saw the founding and building of the church and expansion of the congregation. After his death, the Orthodox Church in America after long deliberation, named him a saint. His remains are now in the church (a tomb, he's not displayed as some RC saints) and people write notes to him and they stuck under the stones that make up the tomb.
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Post by gabriele on Mar 15, 2017 6:21:57 GMT
I've never wanted to go there but already I love tagging along with you. I can see why you'd make the garden visit your first priority. I was going to ask you about the top of the hotel but thought I should check it out myself and found this: www.archdaily.com/70186/marina-bay-sands-safdie-architects/
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Post by gabriele on Mar 1, 2017 5:20:35 GMT
I find that photos of places in the north of France taken when the skies are overcast tend to show towns and cities not at their best. People are indoors so normally 'public' places appear deserted and the light is not kind to gray stone or to the bright brick buildings. Were the lighting better (nothing you can change, obviously) and re-populate the streets and squares and places that appear only 'so-so' might offer more incentive to look further. I am so used to the construction used in le Gran Sud that I had to force myself to see beauty in the north and west (La Rochelle heading north) because I was judging it unfairly. So now I check my preferences at the start of a new 'visit' and it helps me see beyond. The "Hotel de Bruxelles" looks intriguing and I can almost imagine what the rooms look like...and mentally start the plot to a story of someone staying in a seedy rented room there while waiting for....no, haven't gotten that far. But the New Wave of French cinema has made me a believer in the idea that there is a story worth telling in every nook, cranny and corner of France had one but the eyes to see, the ears to overhear, the mind to suppose. I did find the restaurant downstairs from the hotel has a good reputation: The Plat du jour for Feb 28: Poultry Waterzoï with Vegetables and Potatoes 12,90 € March 1: Roulade de porc au lard fumé et Maroilles, 12,90€ polenta et carottes Vichy March 2: Carbonnade flamande à la bière de Jenlain, 12,90€ pommes de terre croustillantes et bâtons de carottes glacées Well that sounds interesting enough to make a stop worthwhile. Here's their site should anyone want to know more: www.lunico-valenciennes.com/other, incl. reviews: www.lafourchette.com/restaurant/l-unico/59244I looked it up because I wanted a street address to see if there was anything about the hotel upstairs... Seems it is now flats/apartments. The entrance is to the side of the resto...one can see through the glass in the door stairs (very simple ones) leading up. Enlarging google, the windows closest to the stairs on the premiere etage have lovely white curtains with a cut design, very art nouveau (full windows, the kind that open outwards and the curtains obviously cotton or linen by their drape). Sign on the door: STOP PUB. I'm guessing it's instructions not to leave advertising circulars (which do clog up the small French personal mail boxes, or so I've experienced in places I've rented). So I've enjoyed your and my visit to Valenciennes. A local hotel Puss in Boots (but in French) isn't far away and it looks very nice and under 100 euro the night (prorating from earler rates on the website. They have a listing of local places of interest including a museum and such, not to mention the most useful train station (should I ever come back to France I will have to take some trains somewhere... I think this is one thing I really love about your travels Kerouac, they make me want to explore more, if only in my own mind. Should I ever win the lottery I might escape to France for the 90 days and see if I really could find a strange place to stay and see if I could get an actual story out of it. But until then, what I imagine is usually better than what is available on US tv....
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Post by gabriele on Jan 23, 2017 4:14:55 GMT
Kimby California has a thorough guide to all the propositions on the ballots. It starts out with an explanation of what it is, and what it is supposed to do or mean, then further back in the handbook is the text of it. If there is already a law and it would change it they show the current law with a line through the pertinent text and the added text in another font or color. I will read just about anything but I don't bother with the text. By the time it gets to an actual ballot I would have read up on it and made up my mind. The listing of candidates goes out separately. The Secretary of State sends out the statewide information, the county (which handles the registration of voters and the polling places) sends out the info on all the people running for office (basic) as well as the proposed laws. A candidate of public office can pay to have their own statement printed in the voter handbook. I think it's a measure of how few people actually read the handbooks that maybe one in ten...or one in twenty...who choose to do so. And it's not expensive.
I've just been doing research on political robocalls. They're against the law in California but it still happens. And now that I know that I will print out the information and take it to the office of a local who already holds a public office (councilman) and running again...and is breaking the law. Damn that really makes me angry. Why should I trust someone like that? (Not that I planned on voting for him anyway.
I think the saddest thing I've observed is that members of the big Los Angeles teachers' union, UTLA, who by law have to have a college degree and pass certain tests do not question anything...'vote here' and they vote that way. There is no such thing as an honest discussion. I don't agree with anything the Alt-right says or does but I can understand why they feel the way they do.
A long time ago someone told me: "People say 'I think' when what they mean is 'I feel'". There's no rational process, it's based on their emotional responses. And yet people continue to say "I think" and really believe it's a purely mental approach when it's the opposite that is true. I use the form myself, I did in the previous paragraph. But I was observing my reaction (sadness) and trying to apply some reason to the situation. Failed of course.
Living in a very rural area I found that a lot of the old timers would only vote on local issue or local offices. They didn't want the responsibility for choosing something they didn't know enough about and didn't want to have to waste their time trying to learn. They didn't trust anyone who put book learning above common sense. I love books and I love learning but I've found common sense has been more useful in more situations. Anyone who's tried to explain why something went wrong on someone's trip (On Thorn Tree) has run into that...mainly the lack of common sense.
And the last statewide guide (Nov 2016)? It was 9"x12" and 3/4" thick. Most people took them from the mailbox and put them directly in the blue bin (recycling). And thought themselves virtuous for the recycling part.
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Post by gabriele on Jan 21, 2017 19:37:21 GMT
Here in Los Angeles we actually have weather: changes in temperature, actual precipitation, snow on the mountains. In the north of the state the reservoirs and lakes are full or close to. Snow on the passes in the Sierras, forget about most of the state and national parks. Yes, flooding (especially in areas where there were fires), roads and highways closed due to slides, fallen trees...gee, just like the good old winters I remember. One of the closed roads is in the area where I lived for 11 years and yes, we had a slide like that during that time. Have to drive unimproved Forest Service roads (single lane) to get around it...an hour to go 14 miles if there weren't problems. I read comments from people moaning about 'oh the flooding, why can't they do something'....they had. They put in dams which killed off the salmon and trout migration and spawning, the dams silted up and ultimately made things worse. Rivers need to reach flood stage occasionally to clean out the river bed, take out the plants that should not be allowed to take over the river banks...there are flood plains (as in Europe, I'm sure) that are not supposed to be used for housing. And in lowland agricultural areas, the flooding (as the Nile used to) brings new topsoil to help revitalize the fields. The local Native Americans spoke (when I lived there) of a cycle of big floods...about every 10 years. So we're back on track.
Locally, there was a low of 37.4 F and a high of 52 F, which is cold. I can remember Rose Bowl Parades where people wore tee shirts, no jackets. Not as cold as in Europe but enough that I am appreciating my collection of down and down-alt comforters. Sort of like the Princess and the Pea except in reverse (and I'm no princess). I follow several blogs in the south (Aude, Ariege) so I've been following their wait for the snow (they ski and snowshoe). bjd, do you use wood for any of your heating? I still miss that warmth. Nothing compares (well, maybe some other solid fuel). And with a wood heater with a flat top you can slow cook all sorts of nice stews and soups. A Chinese market has duck bodies (not live) on sale, but no entrails. Having spent so much time in the casselout capital of France (and never tried it) I've no intention of trying to cook it here. I do have a recipe for an authentic minestrone soup from an old Italian place: Mike's Pool Hall and Dante's Billiard Parlor in North Beach SF. Barley, split peas, dried lima beans, dried red beans, celery, curly cabbage, chard, leeks, onions, salt pork, tomato puree, canned whole tomatoes, and squash, eggplant & spinach as desired. They started it at 4 am and the first batch would be ready in time for lunch. Freshly ground parmesan (lots of it), and a couple hunks of SF sourdough bread...a bowl is a meal and then some. Oh, they put in macaroni or other pasta or rice but I think that just cooks down and adds to the flavor and thickness. If it looks like we might have another week of cold weather I might buy what I don't have, make a big pot of it and freeze what I don't eat. And savor the food and the memories. (and yes, there is a bakery which came here from SF and their sourdough is pretty close to the original (and their outlet is nearby!).
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Rome
Jan 1, 2017 0:27:00 GMT
Post by gabriele on Jan 1, 2017 0:27:00 GMT
I was looking on Any Port for something to recommend on a thread on TT....(people visiting Italy, including Rome) and what a pleasure and joy to find this! While I'm happy to see your name show up on TT occasionally I'm much happier to see your posts here. What a glorious exploration, thank you so much. I had come across an article on the Pantheon earlier this December and bookmarked it in case anyone asked about lesser-known places to visit in Rome. Here's the article. Since it's from an architecture website, there are more details about its construction and such, hope you enjoy it. www.archdaily.com/802201/ad-classics-roman-pantheon-emperor-hadrian
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Post by gabriele on Dec 30, 2016 10:05:06 GMT
Another great visit K2, I enjoy some places so much more off-season. In order of appearance: The row of houses with chairs and tables did have one house without but it appeared there was a designated House Cat to sit on the doormat and establish that this was a proper house and worthy of respect, chairs or no.
The houses on the downhill view seem to offer their own story as to what goes on in the neighborhood....and always the promise of which lie just beyond the crown of the road.
I love the soft blue on the door and shutters on the one house. I know in the south of France one sees that; there are those who have taken up the old craft of turning the pastel (woad) leaves into a dye source. Once processed it can be used on fabrics or (as I saw) mixed with oils or waxes and applied to prepared wood. The plant has natural beneficial properties for the wood and one doesn't have to sand and repaint, one just rubs in more of the oil or wax.
You wrote: "I think the flowers might be overwhelming in mid summer." For myself, I've observed that often the bright sunlight of summer can wash out some colors so we don't see them in the same way we now see the vivid tones in the greyish light of autumn. K2 you had a ramble in Paris that included a wonderful wall covered in a vine with brilliant fall colors (pinately leaves). There, too, the sky was bright but still overcast. The diffuse light seems to illuminate such colors so they have a visual punch to them. I used the screen shot of those plants as my desktop background for a long time...sort of 'my secret Paris'...close to everything but hidden away and nature showing her full colors for those fortunate to see.
Ah! Two photos before Du Coq a l'Ane the wall has some of the vines I was just referring to...don't know them (?)
Glad to see you passed the Friendly Cat Patrol's inspections....one needs to maintain friendly relations with such benevolent despots...
I, too, enjoy the cast iron signs...simple but distinctive and probably a local craftsman who sells smaller items for visitors.
The château of the lord of Limbourg reminds me of similar dwellings in the old Inspector Maigret tv series which were filmed outside of France.
The affectionate cat may have been expressing personally the appreciation of the Cat League for proper human behavior.
I'm sure a lot of the plants in baskets and pots are changed over the season so they're always in flower...so perhaps they display what works best for each season (referring to the bright colors...).
I wonder what the woman sitting on the bench found objectionable about the man in the ancient cycling jersey (perhaps the cost...there's one on ebay for about US$ 60...) or perhaps his behavior. She does seem to be trying to ignore him while gesturing to someone about him.
Is that all one huge squash or several next to each other?
Very nice visit. I wonder if the churches represent not the local people but the church hierarchy (plain, severe and unyielding)? What is the common religion there (for those who do follow one still)?
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Post by gabriele on Dec 4, 2016 22:55:21 GMT
This is my favorite ship. She was built in Germany and brought to the US to handle cargo up and down the west coast of Central and North America. She was the Tequila Sunshine at the time and her sister ship was the Tequila Moonshine. She'd carry cargo from Vancouver down to Nicaragua and ports in between. The honey company I worked for had some containers of wild jungle honey coming in from Nicaragua. Wonderful flavor, very fragrant and no trace of bitterness. The sales rep for the company that handled the line gave me a brochure on the ships and I knew I wanted to see one. They're quite small, low draft so they can go in small harbors and with their own tackle (the cranes) on board, the don't need onshore cranes. The cargo hold can be opened up to hold containers or break bulk forest products, or a mixture. When visiting a ship it's a good idea to bring a gift so I got a basket and filled it with things a German crew might appreciate. I was shown the bridge, the safety apparatus (the pod mounted on the side of the ship which could contain the (few) crew members. Grand tour over I was asked if there was anything else? I asked to see the engine room. The brochure had info on the power unit and I wanted to see it. I'm afraid my motives were misunderstood and it was thought that I wanted to be alone with one of the officers. Not so! I spent the whole time quizzing him about what grade of bunker they used, where the engines as efficient as claimed? How well did the ship handle the small Central American ports? And on and on. It was funny when we went back to the bridge...I don't speak German but I know he disappointed them greatly when he told them I only wanted to talk about the ship and the power plant. www.shipspotting.com/ships/ship.php?imo=8410354The same ship was used in Lethal Weapon 2...as the Alba Varden: lethalweapon.wikia.com/wiki/Alba_VardenNow I have a question for everyone: A German cruise ship is going to be calling the West Coast, including the Port of Eureka (Humboldt county). The port used to handle forest product vessels, but no more. They're trying to bring more business (non-grow kind) so the locals are trying to come up with things for the visitors on the ship to do while the ship is in port. Here's the cruise: www.hl-cruises.com/cruisefinder/EUR1708The suggestions are: seeing the Victorian houses and buildings that date from the time of the lumber barons. The most attractive is a private club and no admission to anyone. The houses there are attractive but not all that more interesting than the ones in Felixstowe---or any of so many quaint/pretty towns I've seen in WE. Second choice: Go on a tour to see how oysters are farmed in Humboldt Bay. My thoughts: Since anyone who wants to know more about oyster farming can go to Brittany and not just see them raised and harvested but eat them fresh at any of a number of great places close to the beach. Would Germans pay for something like that? I can't imagine a well-to-do French couple doing it...and they'll be there in a month that doesn't have an 'R'. Third: A visit to the Humboldt Grove of Redwoods. That I can see. They're beautiful, awe-inspiring and a quick coach trip from the harbor. The travellers are going to be having gourmet meals on board the ship so there is nothing local that could be offered that would be worth it (except that people need to eat). My thought for suggestion #4 would be a visit (north of the redwoods, the highway parallels the ocean) to the Yurok Tribe's Visitor Center which also has info on the rest of the area. Native crafts are displayed (well-known for their basket work especially) as well as an introduction to the history and culture. I know people I got to know in the Ariege were very interested in American Indians and that I'd lived near three reservations and knew about their lives...always questions. So what are your thoughts---do you think this is something that would be unique enough and accessible enough that it would be of interest to people on the cruise? There would be extra costs for any of the off-ship activities so they need to be worthwhile. visityurokcountry.com/see-do/And yes, volunteers from the three local tribes have gone to be at Standing Rock. One thing happening this year that makes me proud to be an American...and proud of Native Americans.
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Post by gabriele on Dec 4, 2016 21:43:56 GMT
This is what I came to Any Port to find (when I discovered the Christmas 2016 posts) because I think a visit to this place would rank up with my top choices were I there around Christmas. And it's open December 26th to January 2nd, 10 am to 6 pm www.arts-forains.com/index_anglais.phpIf problems with TT led to more contributions like this then while TT has less of your knowledge & wisdom, those who know/discover Any Port are richer for the time you spend on it. I am selfish. Now that I find out what's going on via FB I don't need a reminder to stay current.
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Post by gabriele on Dec 4, 2016 21:23:34 GMT
Funny, I posted my comments and went back to TT to finish off the post...Santa Ana winds here (some say Santana) cut off the power just enough that I lost the internet. Rewriting the post, I know they'll enjoy it all the more now that it's grown to two pages. On the man who declared he hated Christmas: The market is owned by Armenians (definitely into Christmas) but the wealth of foodstuffs available brings in a very ethnically diverse group of shoppers including people from the Balkans and Eastern Europe. I've read some on the history of the conflicts in the Balkans his reasons could be grounded in his faith, his lack of faith (communist) or his dislike of another faith. I had mentioned that I really appreciated the way France approached it. It was cultural and if it was religious, then it was a personal matter, not a matter for the state to be concerned with. I think people (in the US, from the US) who dislike Christmas have unhappy family experiences of that holiday.
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Post by gabriele on Dec 4, 2016 10:39:27 GMT
I came to Any Port looking for something for a poster on Thorn Tree going to be in Paris over the holidays, and found this! What a great thing to offer them! Not that I'm not enjoying the visit myself... I do appreciate the delicacy of the all white display. I think sometimes one can capture peoples' attention and sympathy more with beauty than with factual pictures which make them feel guilty. In this case, I hope so. The baby dolls....they actually look more lifelike to me than just angry...babies seldom smile and look sweet as most dolls would have you think. I could go down the line and say 'that one's teething, the next one has an ear infection, the third is constipated, the one after that was given cold formula...' and so on. I'm not a parent but I do know it's the rare child which makes you want to be around it all the time. They're little tyrants because it's all they know. Perhaps these dolls represent the acceptance that children are not always wonderful and it's ok to dislike them. Although I am sure there will be people who will at a pouting child and say 'oh how cute' (in whatever language they speak).
I went to the market today and they had Xmas music playing. A man getting dried apricots while I was looking at the dried cranberries looked at me and said "I hate Christmas. Always have. I really hate it". I told him it was ok with me, I found the music not at all pleasing and some songs made me want to scream out loud to shut them up (hint: Little Drummer Boy...it makes me want to be physically violent). I was talking with an employee working in the produce section and we exchanged the usual how are you, etc. I said I was fine but I was in no mood for Christmas. At least the secular Christmas. If people want to observe it in church fine, but don't inflict it on others. And I told him I hoped his family would enjoy their time together and doing what they wanted to do (make enchiladas). Funny thing was later (I had to wait at the deli counter for a while) the music didn't seem as loud....But I am seriously thinking about taking ear plugs (from my air travel days) so I can mute the noise.
But I don't really think "Christmas" in the same way when I see the wonderful displays and lights and even the Market. Maybe it's because it's another culture or because the displays create fantasy worlds and we certainly do need some fantasy to help us escape from what's going on elsewhere. So on these pages I can suspend my disbelief and say "it's wonderful" and mean it. And hope that there will be people who will be captivated and enchated by what they see. It's like merry-go-rounds in Paris. Few things have given me as much pleasure as coming across a merry-go-round and being able to watch people ride on them, adults and children. The one near the funicular up to Sacre Coeur was a favorite.
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Post by gabriele on Dec 2, 2016 9:13:31 GMT
Since I just came across the link on FB for this wonderful thread, I'm going to comment from starting page on... From our old friend at Seat 61, there is now rail/ferry service from Cambridge or London to Amsterdam. Ferry from Harwich to Hoek van Holland, then rail to Amsterdam. Sleep on the ship and good food too, all for a decent price: earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=87948&src=veThe Panama Canal is completed but while it allows ships up to a third larger the monster ships still have to make other plans. The drought which has affected other parts of the west coast of the Americas has impacted the sources of water for raising and lowering the locks so there can be some draft problems with some of the larger ships. In the Eastern Med Egypt built (and quite quickly) an additional canal alongside the existing Suez Canal and it's handling some of the huge ships and providing a much faster transit: egyptianstreets.com/2015/08/02/7-things-you-should-know-about-egypts-new-suez-canal/and yes, it's another vessel from our friend CMA-CGM. An agency I worked for handled their vessels for a while (then they opened their own offices) so I know them pretty well. The fact that they're French helped. But as a ship's captain/port captain I knew said, 'they have a French company, they're still Armenians'. He was German with a dry sense of humor. Maersk Lines just bought Hamburg Sud so they're probably the largest company now but they have other business interests besides shipping. With the big mega-ships several lines will join together and share vessels on particular trade routes. So when one of the big ones comes into port they're probably carrying containers for three or four other lines along with their own. The ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles are side by side so while there are thousands of people working in the harbor (blue & white collar) people know each other. And the gossip. In the harbor Customs is God but even they can't stop people talking. Now, about the wind farms. I get emails every week from NOOA with great photos from space. Here's an article with photos about the arrays of wind farms in the Channel/La Manche: earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=89063&eocn=image&eoci=moreiotdIf the subject interests you there's a link at the bottom for a list of wind farms. As far as containerization, it was one man who started it: www.imcbrokers.com/blog/overview/detail/malcolm-mclean-the-inventor-of-iso-shipping-containersHe was a true legend. I got started in the industry working for an importer/exporter in 1984 and part of my heart is always in the harbor. I still follow the news. For the longest period of time a law firm that specialized in cargo law sent out a monthly newsletter, then other websites came along but it's still an extraordinary resource of history and especially for examples of good ships in bad places. www.cargolaw.com/gallery.htmlOne of my favorite stories (and it's funny) is www.cargolaw.com/2006nightmare_apl_panama.htmlThe Captain was in a hurry to get into port and didn't wait for the pilot. The ship ended up on the beach. And couldn't be moved. And here's another CMA-CGM ship not quite herself....(I handled cargo on that ship for another line--massive headaches): www.cargolaw.com/2001nightmare_orion.htmlIf you're interested in modern maritime news, www.gcaptain.comK2, CMA-CGM does have cabins on many of their ships; thecruisepeople.wordpress.com/tag/cma-cgm/There are other European lines which offer transport on freighters, Hapag-Lloyd is one, I know there are others. I always wanted to work on board a ship (no fancy cruising for me) but I'd have to be in the Merchant Marine (and be older than I was at the time) but it was still a dream. I did get to visit a lot of ships so I'm thankful for that. K2, you might see if you can get a used copy of John McPhee's Looking for a Ship. It's history now, but still a good story. The CMA-CGM Benjamin Franklin came into port last December; I considered going down to look at her but when you've seen a lot of the really big ships, about all you can do is say "____". What is sad is that they are so boxy they have no beauty. I prefer the older ones, there was still a spirit of adventure about them. The big ones are like a giant warehouse on water. I think someone asked about why it cost so much to move the cargo inland. There's the actual cost for the physical move and then there's all the costs for getting the cargo from the ship to the dock to the truck, out the gate and off to the warehouse. One thing that most people don't think about is the cost of cargo insurance. And with people willing to do anything to get a container load of electronic goods for the black market..well, insurance pays the customer but then the customer pays higher insurance rates...as do the truckers, etc. I don't know what the limit is for drivers in the UK but most places there's a limit as to the actual time a driver can be behind the wheel and they have to keep logbooks. So long distance, have to have two drivers to trade off. I'm sure there are some unions. And because of the time limits a driver can't take a load inland and then turn around and bring a load to the docks...not in one day. The fuel efficiency on the big rigs isn't that great so you've got big fuel bills. Then the shipping lines charge a form of rent on containers once they're taken from the dock and that can mount up. The trucking companies usually have to provide their own chassis or pay to rent a pool chassis...so much per day...so more money. But that's getting far afield from the great photos of Felistowe, the port, the city (love those houses), all the working boats always busy...my favorite of all of them is the grey one, grey clouds, almost grey water...made me think of John Masefield: "I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky, And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by; And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and the white sail’s shaking, And a grey mist on the sea’s face, and a grey dawn breaking." Mossie, you're very fortunate to be close enough to go there and watch the changes and the things that don't change.
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Post by gabriele on Nov 18, 2016 7:48:10 GMT
Bixa, The red color in the chorizos comes from the Achiote (in Spanish) or Annato. There are wonderful little packets of spice mixes from two companies, Sazon Goya and Sazon Knorr used for everything from rice ('Spanish rice') to anything needing a touch of color and bit of spice. The mixtures vary; some include achiote, some include azafran (false saffron) which gives a nice yellow color). Here's the achiote info: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bixa_orellana (don't you love the name?) www.mexgrocer.com/9618.html?gclid=CK2F487gsdACFUlNfgodcFsL3Q (Azafran en Flor - Safflower) I have at least four different blends in small foil packets in my cupboard down...some with achiote, some with onion or cilantro or garlic or oregano with variations on those. I often use on when making a version of pilaf but adding filini to the rice, broth and some sazon. Not necessarily 'Mexican' but definitely easy to like. Achiote by itself is often sold in little blocks of 4 oz. Very easy to add too much so I avoid that (and I usually buy in bulk). For those who don't know the mixes but have friends who like to try new condiments, consider them a traveler's gift; I'm sure you'll find them in the markets. Do an image search for sazon knorr to get an idea of the choices. When my friend lived in Amsterdam that was what he's want from the US. Those market places make me very happy with their wonderful colors and every hungry with all the foods. Speaking of foods...over 25 tons of fresh produce crossed the Mexico-US border in a two day period this month...(probably up to triple that in the high growing season), and there are crossing every day of the year.. Who is the US says we don't need Mexico and Mexicans? [2266 truckloads (40,000# each). Avocados and tomatoes and fresh lettuce and corn and so much more.] Thank you Mexico!
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Post by gabriele on Sept 23, 2016 7:09:57 GMT
And they still change the undercarriages in the Trans Siberian service: www.seat61.com/Trans-Siberian-moscow-beijing.htm#.V-TMUWfruYk"Day 6, evening: The Chinese border at Erlan. The train first spends an hour and a half at the Mongolian border point Dzamin Uud, then crosses to the Chinese border point, Erlan (also spelt Erlyan or Erlian). Welcome to China! After a brief halt in Erlan platform accompanied by triumphant martial music played at full volume over the station's loudspeakers, the train is soon shunted off to the gauge-changing shed. Here, each carriage is separated and jacked up to have its bogies (wheelsets) changed from Russian 5' gauge to the standard 4' 8½" gauge used in China. You can remain on board while this is done, or get off at the station before the train is taken away. However, if you choose to get off it will be some time before you can rejoin the train. The train spends almost 4 hours at Erlan, including the gauge-changing procedure, and it doesn't finally leave until almost 1am." Video of the actual changing procedure: As far as boats: "In the early days of boating, before ships had rudders on their centerlines, boats were controlled using a steering oar. Most sailors were right handed, so the steering oar was placed over or through the right side of the stern. Sailors began calling the right side the steering side, which soon became "starboard" by combining two Old English words: stéor (meaning "steer") and bord (meaning "the side of a boat")." I grew up in a rural area in California and early days it was served by a train service...supplies in, finished lumber out (and narrow gauge engines and cars to bring the logs down to the sawmills). That railroad has appeared in more Hollywood movies and tv shows than any other. Great experience riding it as a child; special trip during Easter vacation. Magic
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Post by gabriele on Sept 11, 2016 21:56:21 GMT
This is wonderful beyond words. Would you mind if I post a link to this on Thorn Tree? It's too good not to be shared. thank you
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Post by gabriele on Aug 30, 2016 18:50:51 GMT
Yes, I really liked the twisting tree myself. I have affection and respect for the Japanese approach to beauty and gardens (and the old classic houses). And the red bridge...such a delight. Color can have a powerful symbolism; in this case, red for the Japanese is considered life-giving color. For the Chinese it symbolizes luck, happiness and joy and is an auspicious color for warding off evil. The unpainted bridge has its own expression which demonstrates the linking of one part of nature to another in harmony. Neither side is the greater so walking over such a bridge can be an exercise in the Buddhist 'Middle Way'. An eighth grade school trip to San Francisco included a visit to Golden Gate Park and later Chinatown. We had lunch near the Japanese Garden and having grown up in a small (1500 pop) town, it was a wonderland. It had a profound effect on me. Later, we went to Chinatown and that,too, charmed me. If anyone has any interest there is a wonderful book, Japanese Homes and Their Surrounding (Morse). It was originally published in 1878 but has been reprinted again and again. The Arts and Crafts movement in the US (and elsewhere) had strong Japanese influences and the Craftsman houses (built especially in California) showed not just the esthetics but the practical nature of the Japanese approach. The construction methods (even applied to western standards) proved superior when such homes rode out earthquakes when other structures collapsed. (I rent a flat in a 106 year old house and it's ridden out all the LA earthquakes. When I see how this garden uses natural elements to protect and conserve the land it gives me intellectual as well as visual pleasure. But the red bridge. A real joy. Thank you for sharing your visit. Now I can visit over and over...
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Post by gabriele on Aug 12, 2016 0:29:15 GMT
Fly paper: You can still buy it (I do) and I remember how much we used it when I lived in a rural area. Window screens weren't used that much and doors were left open so much. I had a shoe repair shop and working late one night a bat flew in and got stuck to the tape (mid 70s) so I carefully removed it from the tape and put it in a box to keep it still It had stuck to the tape with its furry back so the wings weren't affected. When I left the shop (it was 110 F in the day so major work was done at night) I left the box (now open) near an open window and it was gone the next morning. As a product it's rather green; the sticky is from real gum rubber (from trees) and cheap paper. You learn the trick of holding the case and winding the used tape around it without getting the stickum on your fingers (or anything else). You can still get three of the coils for 99c at a 99c store. When a neighbor refuses to clean up after his dogs (in his yard) they're a good short term solution to reducing the fly and other bug population. They can be gross but what I found more objectionable was the 'pest strips' which were a strip of chemically treated plastic in a gold foil box that was suspended from the ceiling. They were not supposed to be used in houses but the first place I saw one was in my MIL's house. Since she had strange taste in interior décor I thought it was just part of that. And then I found out she stored bottled salad dressing (already opened) in the cupboard, not the fridge sour next trip we brought a box of muesli (the good Swiss brand) to avoid bacon swimming in fat and such.
I remember 'the rabbit died' comment and that was in the late 40s (my eldest sister, newly married). I missed the frog part but I do remember in 1974 if you wanted 'the test' you had to go to the doctor or a clinic; fortunately (given the lack of medical insurance then) there was a clinic where you paid only for the replacement cost of the test.
I not only remember the paddle-board chickens, I think they're still available on ebay from China.
The black and white scotty dogs on magnets.
All the 'amazing' products sold on the back pages of comic books. (I thought it would be so great to have a pair of the 'shoes' which you strapped on your feet -over your shoes- which had a couple big springs and a flat sole so you could bound around springing from place to place (and if the ad were true, being able to rescue people in the nick of time).
From a friend in grade school's grandmother (we used to sneak the copies to read): True Crime magazines with lurid black and white photos and true stories much embroidered... Some women read all the Hollywood magazines (many were gossip only), not sure how the grandmother got hooked on the crime ones. But they certainly caught our interest!
Stockings with seams
When tights were no longer just for dancers (how did we get along without them?)
Earth shoes (yes, I know they're still around but only if you really look for them)
Platform shoes for men (more people broke their ankles wearing this style footwear that it became an orthopod specialty at the time)
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Post by gabriele on Aug 10, 2016 2:51:03 GMT
I had booked a ticket for a concert, just to get me in the place but a problem at the airport (shuttle I'd booked didn't show up on time) meant I couldn't get to the apartment and get there in time... Thank you so much for sharing these. I just sent an email to a friend, asking him if he wanted to drown in the colors of Sainte Chapelle...that's the effect it had on me; but a wonderful kind of drowning... The music I was going for was instrumental only. I wonder what a small choir could do in a place like that...I like music from the Burgundian Court so Guillaume Dufay would have been a real treat for me. That much beauty and color needs to be balanced by a sparseness in the music. Or a modern composer like Gorecki (esp his 3rd). And if they'd let me lie down on the floor so I could look up and drink it all in.
Note to self: Come back and revisit the place and listen to some cds and forget the rest of the world...
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Post by gabriele on Jul 31, 2016 9:46:18 GMT
In France, it's Occitan...and Narbonne has a strong Occitan presence, I've seen articles about some of their gatherings. Here's inform from the Mairie of Narbonne about the official organisation: www.mairie-narbonne.fr/fr_asso_cercle-occitan-narbonabjd, there's a school of Occitan Studies at Toulouse www.ieo-oc.org/About-us-our-aims-our-missions-ourWhen they were renaming the combined regions (Midi-Pyrenees & Languedoc Roussillon) it was proposed to call it Septimanie after the original name when the area was Roman but that failed. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SeptimaniaIf you look up Claude Marti on youtube you can hear his original Occitan songs; he's probably the best-known. And if you see a red cross with a gold border and three knobs on each arm, it can be called the Cross of Toulouse, perhaps Occitan Cross but it is not and should not be called a Cathar Cross. The Cathars didn't believe in crosses. But of course history often gets left by the wayside when it comes to selling things to tourists. There's no recent edition but the Rough Guide to Languedoc-Roussillon is solid as far as history, the main author teaches in the US and visits the area every couple years. When I first went to the area in 2000 I read about 8 books. This is the one I valued most. eBay has one copy from 2010 (last pub)...if you would like some (older) maps, let me know... Your photos bring back wonderful memories and take me away from the humdrum (ordinary life) and hysteria (elections) to a far, far better place. So glad you're enjoying yourselves
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Post by gabriele on Jul 26, 2016 16:07:28 GMT
A late reply but hope it's useful. I rented a tiny cottage apartment in Montmartre over New Years in 2003/4 and was so satisfied I followed the owner's website. (I always rented gites or houses when I'd stay i the south of France, no hotels). She was from Canada so it was easy to correspond with her and when she expanded to rep for other owners I bookmarked that also. When the Loi Alur was being discussed I wrote her to ask how it would affect her business and she wrote back in depth about how they are already paying taxes and have joined a group of like-minded responsible people. Here's the main website: www.perfectlyparis.com/index.htmlHere's the association site: www.splm-france.fr/about-us/There's more info on the French part of the site where they discuss the Loi Alur, etc. And if what Perfectly Paris offers doesn't interest you, here's the page for all the other SPLM members: www.splm-france.fr/category/membres/Good luck, have a great time
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Post by gabriele on Jul 18, 2016 6:22:41 GMT
It's a slippery slope: First faux Chinese food then faux Mexican food...we should not be surprised when there's a faux-leader running for President. Bixa, the piñata vendors (in LA) are carrying ones of Trump...and I don't think it's because they support him.
On the recipe: I'll start out by asking: 2 cups onions??? Tortilla chips for thickening? Oregano but no cumin??? (I confess I buy the mole sauce that comes in the jar with a pry-off lid that can be used as a juice glass after....from Mexico) And why would ANYONE want mole nachos?
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Post by gabriele on Jul 16, 2016 5:19:33 GMT
The two main bridges in Istanbul had been illuminated with the French tricolor in sympathy with Nice....and so things turn, turn again. The US news coverage is about "legally elected President..." either having forgotten or never paid attention to the history of the man, that when he didn't win the first election, he called almost immediately for a second....and since it's big news and Turkey is supposed to be our close ally....of course the reporters pronouncing such things seem to have also forgotten how the news is censored in Turkey and how many reports have been thrown in jail. Of course my understanding is based on what I've read in the Guardian and I've come to not trust it as much as I used to... I think ultimately we will learn more of the real news from blog posts and youtube videos who are not attached to the 'official line'. On Thorn Tree a regular who lives in Turkey had no news, just posted: "Pray for Turkey". That makes it sound religious which many people don't do but I tend to think of it as making a statement in the subjunctive...."that ____ might____". A wish, a prayer, a whatever. Just wanting it to be better.
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Post by gabriele on Jul 3, 2016 22:09:11 GMT
Wonderful, simply wonderful. And we can come back and visit the park whenever we want, to refresh our outlook on life...thanks so much.
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Brexit
Jun 24, 2016 12:08:57 GMT
Post by gabriele on Jun 24, 2016 12:08:57 GMT
K, From a different continent and perspective I still agree. I don't have children (my contribution to world peace--I would have been a poor mother) but I feel the Brexidiots are like demanding children, all grown up but still wanting everything their way, to which I would say: You broke it, you fix it. It's your dog, you clean up after it. No you can't come home and no I'm not going to feed you. you wanted your freedom and you got it. Live with it...or learn to do without. The US 'left' movement is really pathetic. I've noticed that the Guardian USA has been hiring people who either worked for The Nation magazine or worked with people from it. Once upon an old socialist's dreamtime (someone I knew, the father of a friend) The Nation was a viable progressive voice. Now, I avoid most of the G-US writers as I know what they're going to say and I have no interest in any of it. Of course the Guardian has changed so much itself that aside from the football I read a few writers I still respect. But on the referendum: Expats in France could not vote in UK elections. www.change.org/p/rt-hon-david-cameron-mp-give-us-our-votes-back-let-all-british-citizens-living-in-the-eu-vote-in-the-eu-referendum-3I haven't been this disappointed since I found out my husband had voted for Ronald Reagan for president. I never did forgive him for that. A small infidelity, maybe. Voting for Reagan? Never!
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Post by gabriele on Jun 12, 2016 20:14:20 GMT
What a wonderful discovery. How will the hipsters and bohos know who they are if they don't have 'other' people in their midst for contrast? You (and others on this forum who post) are Unofficial Flâneurs.* Make yourself an obscure badge with that name, wear it, and wait for it to become a movement. (*Unofficial in that you're not hired by someone)
In LAist blog, there's a section called Overheard in LA in which people send in things they've overheard...some of these might make Parisian hipsters more bearable, or not. Probably not.
Hold On, We're Still Parsing This "Cool nerd is basically corny hipster, the newness is greaser hillbilly; it's like a mechanic who lives in a trailer park."
This Overheard Is So … Good “Vocabulary has always been my weakness. That’s why I have an app that’s like, for words.”
The Circle Of Life "Hipsters are dumb." "Dude, we're hipsters." "Well, we're dumb then."
this is the one that I thought about first when you mentioned boho...
Okey-Dokey "This dress is soooo cute, kind of Bohemian Pocahontas, but... it might be two or three years too old for me."
Now I have to go back and look at all the wonderful old trains to clear my brain.
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Post by gabriele on Jun 12, 2016 19:13:31 GMT
I'm supporting France as well and enjoyed the win but the goal that won it...that was beyond wonderful and for all the garbage that has followed, it did set a tone which I hope is recreated in other matches. I am going to try to avoid all the finger pointing but from this distance (US) I think UEFA must examine their own contributions (negative ones) to the situations. The US is taken up with the Copa America so we don't get most of the Euro2016 matches live on tv.
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Post by gabriele on Jun 3, 2016 22:12:08 GMT
Seems the limited time for the artist's exhibition is for the gallery (different exhibit), the one on the bridge is for a much longer period: news.artnet.com/art-world/daniel-hourdc3s-enchanted-installation-haunts-pariss-love-lock-bridge-505505"The installation is presented by Galerie Agnès Monplaisir, in conjunction with a solo show by the artist at the gallery, on view through July 30, 2016. "The Enchanted Footbridge" runs through December 6, 2016" So, lots of time to see the exhibit and news coverage of the flooding may mean more photos of it (other countries) and more visitors to see it. I lived in a rural area in California and there were sometimes big floods even though one river was controlled by a dam. The river could rise 3 meters in an afternoon which gave little warning and as Kerouac's photos showed, brought trees and such with it. At least the French have plans for flooding; when it happens in the UK it's like chicken little running around but instead of the sky falling it's the water rising. Like you K2, I like Montmartre...those who thought it a good place to stay are rewarded for their wisdom and taste. I wonder if the view from Sacre Coeur gives a sense of the extent of the flood's effect.
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Post by gabriele on Jun 2, 2016 19:55:42 GMT
Fantastic report. However damaging and disrupting the flooding is, it's still awesome (in the old fashioned sense of the word) to behold. The sculptures....my first thought was to wonder what nicknames the locals had given them...some undoubtedly political, a few very creative... Here's the actual titles courtesy of the artist's gallery www.artsy.net/show/galerie-agnes-monplaisir-la-passerelle-enchantee
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Post by gabriele on May 30, 2016 15:18:03 GMT
Oh the lucky people whose homes/apartments are on a canal. Are they working canals so that one can take a boat to a house? A nice visit, thank you for sharing it.
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