Small Fish in the Big Taco

Shadow Shot Sunday 138 - Old Town, Nice

2012-01-28T08:15:00.000-08:00

I was going to limit myself this weekend to posting just for Weekend Reflections (my first attempt), but obviously I soon discovered that I could not forsake Shadow Shot Sunday even for one week! I have been away all week in The Hague for a MUN conference with students, so this one is from the summer archives of the picturesque Old Town in Nice.....

I wouldn't dream of taking photos of my own washing, but other peoples' is always so much more photogenic and picturesque don't you think?? So enjoy both Weekend Reflections and Shadow Shot Sunday this weekend!!

Weekend Reflections 1 - Sky Mirror, Monaco.

2012-01-20T14:32:00.000-08:00

Set in front of Monaco's famous casino is the sky mirror (1999) - a work by renowned artist Anish Kapoor .....

From one direction you can view the pefect reflection of the casino itself in a panoramic symmetrical skyline......

You can also find all kinds of quirky angles to view the immediate surroundings, although most people come here just to see all the swanky cars parked outside the Casino itself....and peoplewatch.....

For more interesting reflections this week go to Weekend Reflections by clicking HERE Enjoy!!

Shadow Shot Sunday 137 - Nice

2012-01-20T11:05:00.000-08:00

A lone bicycle without a saddle casts its lonely shadow on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice waiting for its rider to return,...... but it is not alone..and soon joined by a host of others....

And who are these alien intruders a little further along the Promenade?? Just a couple of outdoor urinals of course!!

For more shadow shots from around the world click here for the new Shadow Shot Sunday. Enjoy!!

Palais Lascaris, Nice

2012-01-17T09:57:00.000-08:00

One of the real hidden gems, tucked away in the heart of the Old Town in Nice on the Rue Droite, is the Palais Lascaris. I discovered it just twenty minutes before closing, and thus had the whole Palace to myself to wander and explore on a magical tour as dusk was drawing down...

It is a wonderful 17th century baroque palace full of stucco work, sculptures, frescoes, religious paintings, trompe l'oeil ceilings, including one by Carlone in the main salon......

In addition there is a beautifully displayed collection of musical instruments including a painted harpsichord.....

Next you will find rooms full of Flemish tapestries and four poster beds - all in such a wonderful excess of luxury and ornament....

On the ground floor there is also an 18th Century pharmacy.....

The Palais Lascaris is open from 10am - 6pm from Wednesday to Monday and is free unless you want to go on the guided visit at 3pm on Fridays for 3 Euros....Enjoy!!

Shadow Shot Sunday 136 - Inwood Park, London

2012-01-13T13:17:00.000-08:00

During my recent Christmas trip to London the sun appeared only the once on Monday January 2nd, whilst I was visiting my house to see if the new tenants were settling in without any problems, giving me the opportunity to capture these strong shadows in the park opposite........

The park has been taken over by a local community group called "Friends of Inwood Park" and in the past few years they have lovingly restored it from a rundown, dilapidated, and uninviting place to the peaceful and pleasant landscaped green asset it is today.....

My little Edwardian cottage is tucked away in the middle of that terrace overlooking the park....For more shadow shots from around the world click here for the new Shadow Shot Sunday. Enjoy!!

Musee Quai Branly - Paris

2012-01-08T12:24:00.000-08:00

Just around the corner from the Eiffel Tower is the treasurehouse of the Quai Branly Museum in Paris, located in a quiet garden and a stunning building designed by architect Jean Nouvel well known for the Arab World Institute also in Paris. The office building of the museum is also worth a second look as it is a living green wall planted by Gilles Clement and Patrick Blanc....

The museum is a new Ethnographic collection housing and showcasing artworks from all parts of Asia, Africa, Oceania and the Americas, and it certainly is a rich eclectic mix of masks, sculpture, textiles, ceramics, artefacts, paintings......

The Museum also has a very interesting programme of temporary exhibitions and currently showing are a Maori Exhibition as well as the " Samourai - armure du guerrier" and a very challenging but fascinating exhibition which documents the rise and fall of freak shows and human zoos entitled "L'Invention du Sauvage" which runs until June 2012....

Human zoos, incidentally, astonishingly closed as late as 1958......hence the Museum is well worth a visit for learning a great deal about the world in which we live, including its more than chequered past.....

Shadow Shot Sunday 135 - Cap D'Ail

2012-01-06T12:32:00.000-08:00

It may be January on the French Riviera, but there is still plenty of blue sky and winter sunshine that this cyclist is certainly soaking up on the digue high above Cap D'Ail harbour....

The strong sunshine and acid light is still bringing out those sharp, stark shadows, despite the fresh coolness of the air....

For more shadow shots from around the world this week, click here for the new Shadow Shot Sunday. Enjoy!!

Paris in the Wintertime....

2011-12-21T13:40:00.000-08:00

Paris in the wintertime can be spectacular with the cold bright nights and the lovely sparkly lights. Look how well all the monuments are lit up for our sightseeing delight....

I was there recently with a group of students attending a Model United Nations Conference - Here we all are in front of the Arc de Triomphe. Happy New Year to everyone and best wishes for 2012......

Shadow Shot Sunday 134 - Cap D'Ail

2011-12-21T13:29:00.000-08:00

In a few days' time, I will be heading back home to Cap D'Ail on the French Riviera after spending Christmas and New Year at my other home in London. Hopefully sunshine and blue skies will be greeting me on my return.....

Here are some shadow shots from the coastal path outside my apartment which runs from Cap D'Ail to Monaco. These were taken in mid December, so it is easy to see why people started to winter here during the Belle Epoque era....

For more shadow shots from around the world, click here for the new Shadow Shot Sunday. Enjoy!!

Shadow Shot Sunday 133 - Compton Verney

2011-12-21T13:22:00.000-08:00

Here are some nostalgic summer shots from last August when I was in England visiting Warwickshire. Not very seasonal I know but the glorious countryside makes for some gorgeous shadow shots for sure. Merry Christmas to all shadow shotters everywhere!

For more shadow shots from around the world click here. Enjoy!

Merry Christmas Everyone From Nice.....

2011-12-18T12:49:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone from a bright and festive Nice.....

Shadow Shot Sunday 132 - Antibes

2011-12-16T12:25:00.000-08:00

Here are a collection of decorative doorknobs and window widgets casting their fine shadows in Antibes and Cagnes-Sur-Mer on the French Riviera...

This post is for Tracey in Brisbane who has hosted Shadow Shot Sunday so wonderfully well for the past three years - her hosting will be sorely missed...

Fortunately the reins are being passed on so the meme will fortunately continue....check out the other shadow shots this week by clicking here. Enjoy!!

Asian Arts Museum - Nice

2011-12-13T12:40:00.000-08:00

The Asian Arts Museum in Nice is well worth a visit, not least because of its scenic setting on the lake. The interior displays range from India to China, Cambodia to Japan, and Thailand to South Korea. The works of art are beautifully displayed in a cool, white interior...

I visited on a lovely Autumn day and the rich colours of the foliage in the surrounding parkland really enhanced the beauty of the Museum and its exhibits....

The Museum also hosts a varied programme of temporary exhibitions, and on the day I visited, there was this charming display of Indian village folk art called Mithla....

The Museum is located out near the airport in Parc Phoenix which also has a whole array of other attractions of particular appeal to children. The number 10 bus connects to central Nice. Enjoy!!

Shadow Shot Sunday 131 - Cap D'Ail

2011-12-08T07:35:00.001-08:00

We have had some wonderfully bright and sunny days here in December on the Riviera, so the shadows are still stark and strong...

Walking the coastal path between Cap D'Ail and Monaco at this time of year is particularly pleasing especially when you come across these colourful kayaks pulled up on the beach at Plage Marquet close to the Monaco border...

I really like the combination of colours, shapes, patterns, and textures....

The beaches in winter are still so appealing for a brisk walk - here are the contrasting blues of the rest of Plage Marquet with the high rises of Monaco in the distance...

For more shadow shots from around the world click here for Tracey's weekly meme Shadow Shot Sunday. Enjoy!!

Musee Cocteau - Menton

2011-12-07T08:16:00.000-08:00

This is the newest Museum on the block, located in Menton on the French Riviera, east of Monaco. This gallery only opened its doors on November 6th a month ago, and houses the full range of works by artist Jean Cocteau who is perhaps best known for his writings - La Machine Infernale and Les Enfants Terrible........

The tour starts at the Fort by the sea which still houses paintings, ceramics, and mosaics, and then moves to this stunning new gallery further along the promenade. The contrasting contemporary architecture of the new museum is quite striking in close up.....

In addition to writing dramas and novels, Cocteau was prolific in the visual arts of painting, film making, poster design, illustration, ceramics, murals, and mosaics. Rumour has it that he completely decorated a friend's house on the Riviera with large interior murals in her absence - when she returned she was not impressed, but his work still seems to me striking in its range, variety, and visual impact.....

Outside the old fort you can find these charming mosaic murals.....

....And outside the new Museum is this gigantic lizard mural - complete with a young unicyclist enjoying tracing the lines of the lizard....

Menton is easily reached by the number 100 bus from Nice or by train, and the town itself has many additional attractions to explore. Enjoy!

Shadow Shot Sunday 130 - St Paul de Vence

2011-11-27T00:57:00.001-08:00

Another splendid shadowy Autumnal scene in the heart of the medieval village of St Paul de Vence. What is this space awaiting so patiently??

A hearty afternoon game of Boules of course.....and here is more Boules being played outside a cafe on the coastal path in Cap D'Ail complete with pumpkins and Autumn foliage...

I am so enjoying this season which I haven't witnessed for over six years. For more shadow shots from around the world click here for Shadow Shot Sunday. Enjoy!

Musee Picasso - Antibes

2011-11-27T00:21:00.001-08:00

The Musee Picasso is housed in the imposing Grimaldi Palace where the artist was given a studio when he returned to Antibes in 1946 after leaving wartime Paris. He spent his later life here infusing his work with Mediterranean light and joy.....

The seaviews from the Palace terraces are quite spectacular and must have been so inspiring for an artist. So many of the great French artists gravitated towards Provence and the Riviera to paint this light and colour.......

The Museum displays a wide range of Picasso's work from paintings, to sculpture, and ceramics...

The variety of ceramics is a particular highlight of the collection, and I really like these plates decorated with a range of faces and expressions....

One particular joyous work entitled "La Joie de Vivre" (1946), painted shortly after his arrival, depicts a lively mythological scene with the artist as the flute-playing centaur and Francoise Gilot as the dancing Maenad surrounded by leaping fauns and satyrs...

I am gradually working my way round all the galleries and museums on the Riviera as just so many artists were here. The Musee Picasso is well worth a visit (closed Tuesdays) as is the rest of Antibes. More on Antibes in a later post. Enjoy!

Shadow Shot Sunday 129 - St Paul de Vence

2011-11-25T10:38:00.000-08:00

The Riviera is ablaze with Autumn colours at present, so here is a Shadow Shot featuring an Autumnal theme......

To see more shadow shots from around the world, click here for Tracey's weekly meme from Brisbane, Australia. Enjoy!

Musee Renoir - Cagnes-Sur-Mer

2011-11-20T00:56:00.000-08:00

I visited the Musee Renoir in Cagnes-Sur-Mer on a gloriously sunny Autumn Day with bright blue skies and Fall foliage making it quite clear why an artist would choose this place to live and paint....

Renoir spent the final years of his life here, and inside the house you can view twelve of his original paintings on display, as well his studio complete with the wheel chair from which he painted...

For me the interior of the house was of mild interest compared to the beautiful garden setting with rolling vistas across to the medieval village of Haut Cagnes-Sur-Mer. The gardens are full of palm trees, orange trees, and mature olive trees which in Autumn were just stunningly beautiful...

Musee Renoir is located in the town of Cagnes-Sur-Mer easily reached by train or bus from Nice (Number 200, 400 or 500) The museum is open daily from 10am -6pm except Tuesdays (and beware it is also closed from 12-2pm).

Shadow Shot Sunday 128 - Eze

2011-11-18T23:25:00.001-08:00

Some stark, sharp shadows and piercing brillliant blue skies from the picturesque perched village of Eze this week....

For more shadow shots from around the world check out the weekly meme Shadow Shot Sunday. Click HERE. Enjoy!!

It's all Greek to me..............

2011-11-13T08:31:00.001-08:00

With its stunning setting on a promontory jutting out into the sea from Beaulieu, and a backdrop of mountains, Villa Kerylos immediately captures the imagination. On closer inspection, one realises just how interesting this particualr villa is - a perfect imitation of the 2nd Century BC noble houses on the Island of Delos in Ancient Greece.....

The Villa was commissioned by passionate Hellenist, Theodore Reinach, a French archaeologist married to Fanny who was a member of the famed Ephrussi family. The house was designed by architect Emmanuel Pontremoli, and took six years to build during the Riviera Belle Epoque era 1902 - 1908....

Built around a peristyle (central courtyard) of twelve Carrera marble columns, it contains many furnished rooms complete with Greek artistic treasures, murals, and the most lovely mosaic floors throughout. I love the mosaic floor of the dining room with these beautiful details of creatures from the sea....

As well as the peristyle, the series of rooms include the dining room, bedrooms, mosaic bathrooms, and a beautiful library....

The word Kerylos means halcyon or kingfisher in Ancient Greek - a bird of good omen. The house was bequeathed by Reinach on his death to the Institut of France in 1928. His descendents lived here until 1967, after which it became a museum....

My favourite mosaic in the house is this one of Theseus defeating the Minotaur. Isn't it charming and delightful??

The Villa is located in the town of Beaulieu between Nice and Monaco easily reached by train or the 100 bus. Entry is 9 Euros, but you can also buy a 15 Euro combined ticket for here and the nearby Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild which is also well worth a visit. Enjoy!!

Shadow Shot Sunday -127 - Port Cap D'Ail

2011-11-12T00:13:00.000-08:00

After a week of the wildest, wettest, windiest weather, it is lovely to see the sun back shining on the Riviera, and bathing the coast in its usual colours of bright, bright blue - azure and cobalt. The coastal paths are open again, and a forty minute walk from my apartment by the sea, brings me to the harbour at Cap D'Ail - the border between France and Monaco. The calm seas at the port were offering up some clear, patterned reflections and shadows....

For more shadow shots from around the world, check out Shadow Shot Sunday. Enjoy!!

Shadow Shot Sunday 126 - Beaulieu

2011-11-03T12:39:00.000-07:00

Harking back with autumn nostalgia to just a few weeks ago when the beaches were full of sunworshippers soaking up the maximum of rays on a very late summer afternoon. Now it is Autumn and the seasons are changing, but I am looking forward to what those seasonal changes will bring to the Riviera. For more shadow shots from around the world, check out Tracey's Shadow Shot Sunday hosted so admirably down under in Brisbane. Enjoy!!

Checking out the Musee Chagall, Nice

2011-10-31T12:44:00.000-07:00

One of my favourite museums in Nice is the Musee Marc Chagall in the Cimiez neighbourhood, North of the city centre. The combination of the rich colour and surrealist fantasy in his works on display is simply stunning. Above are details from my favourite series, "Le cantique des cantiques" (The Song of Songs). The elongated brides, the angels, the doves, and winged horses all add up to such a rich iconography in his interpretation of this lyrical and poetic Book of the Bible...

Most of the paintings on display come from his Bible series, and above is another of my favourites - The Expulsion of Adam and Eve from the garden of Eden. Again that gorgeous turquoise shade and fine detail make the work memorable....

In addition to the Bible paintings, there are also some exquisite stained glass windows, a lovely mosaic, and beautiful drawings to be seen in the gallery. Originally from Russia, Chagall spent many years in France, and is buried with his wife nearby in the perched village of St Paul de Vence. Many museums in Nice are free, but entry here is quite pricey at 9.50 Euros, but unlike many other museums it has a cute cafe in the garden gazebo to mull over the museum and relax. Find the museum 10 minutes walk North from Gare Nice-Ville or take bus 15 or 22 from the centre. Entry is free the first Sunday of every month. Enjoy!!

Shadow Shot Sunday 125 - Nice

2011-10-28T10:54:00.000-07:00

Summer is drawing to a close here on the Riviera, the beaches are closing down, and the shadows are getting longer and longer as Autumn looms large.....

Here are the shadows being cast by rollerbladers, skaters, cyclists, flaneurs, joggers and strollers on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice last weekend under these fabulously moody and atmospheric skies....

The muted greys, pale blues, and monochromes are vastly different from the vibrant azures and cobalts of summer...

But I am thoroughly enjoying seeing the turn of the seasons here, and Autumn I think will be just as fabulous as the height of summer...

For more shadow shots from around the world, click here for Tracey's Shadow Shot Sunday. Enjoy!!

Exploring Eze....

2011-10-27T01:58:00.001-07:00

Exploring the medieval village of Eze is, indeed, a fascinating experience. Perched high on the mountain with stunning views, its fortifications and ramparts bear witness to its history of staving off invasions - most notably in 1543 when it suffered the Ottoman Offensive...

The village contains many remarkable residences from the Riquier Residence to the Chateau de la Chevre D'Or and the Chateau Eza. In addition there is the Church Notre-Dame de l'Assomption consecrated in 1772 with a wonderful Baroque interior, and nearby the oldest building in the village dating from 1306, is the Chapel of Sainte Croix which belonged to the lay order of the White Penitents of Eze in charge of administering aid to victims of the Plague...

Visitors enjoy exploring the winding streets and absorbing all the history of the village, as well as browsing the newer attractions of upmarket art galleries and boutiques, and taking a welcome break at the many cafes and restaurants. .......

If you get some good weather then visitng the Jardin Exotique and sampling these stunning views from its highest point, finishes off the visit in spectacular style. All in all it makes for a wonderful afternoon out. Catch bus 83 from outside the railway station at Eze-Sur-Mer, and if like me you want more of those views, then descend from the village down the Chemin Nietzsche back to the sea (45 minutes of steep descent)......Enjoy!!

Shadow Shot Sunday 124 - Jardin Exotique, Eze

2011-10-21T10:11:00.000-07:00

The French Riviera is home to some of the most beautiful gardens along its coastline - often called "Jardin Exotique" they display a wealth of Mediterranean flora including a host of striking cacti in stunning locations....

This is the splendid view from the Jardin Exotique in the perched village of Eze....

It boasts an amazing range of plants and blooms interspersed with artistic sculptures...

And of course on a hot day with a bright blue sky, the shadows are strong and striking - and provide some welcome shade for a very tired tourist conked out on the bench....

For more shadow shots from around the world, check out Shadow Shot Sunday by clicking here. Enjoy!!

Shadow Shot Sunday 123 - Nice

2011-10-15T03:32:00.000-07:00

There have been some wonderful sunsets recently here on the Riviera - many from my apartment terrace, but this one is over the Baie des Anges walking into Nice along the Promenade des Anglais......

Shooting straight into the sun has created these lovely dark silhouettes of people enjoying watching the sunset, coming out of the water, and heading into the path of the sun aboard the boat.....

The beautiful orange shades, and palm trees give the shots a feeling of North Africa which is of course just across the water....

For more shadow shots this week, click here for Shadow Shot Sunday hosted by Tracy in Brisbane...

Enjoy! ......and don't hesitate to visit the French Riviera if you get the chance - it is a beautifully stunning piece of coastline!

Shadow Shot Sunday 122 - Nice

2011-10-06T12:42:00.000-07:00

In Nice there is an Antiques Quarter located between Place Garibaldi and the port centred around the street named Catherine Segurane. Wandering along there the other day, I noticed this rather attractive door knocker casting its shadow. For more shadow shots this week, click here for Shadow Shot Sunday hosted by Tracy in Brisbane. Enjoy!

Mooching about Menton....

2011-10-04T11:16:00.001-07:00

Visit the French town of Menton on the Riviera, very close to the Italian border, and you will not be disappointed. You can spend a wonderful day wandering around the town taking in all it has to offer. First there is the wide sweep of the bay, the beach, the harbour and the beautiful backdrop set against the mountains.....

Next there is the wide variety of beautiful churches, and of course the Old Town with its narrow, winding passages, gorgeous vistas along shuttered alleys, and wonderful architecture at every twist and turn....

Menton is easily accessible by Bus 100 from Nice along the coast, or by train on the Ventimiglia line. Enjoy!

Shadow Shot Sunday 121 - Mamac, Nice

2011-09-30T10:43:00.000-07:00

Mamac in Nice is the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, and the morning I visited, the building and roof terrace were displaying their best artistic shadows competing with the works of art on display inside the galleries....

I love all these strong shapes creating bold geometric patterns around the building which amount to abstract pieces of art in their own right....

Inside a wide range of work by a variety of different artists from Matisse to Yves Klein to Leger is on display. Find the Museum in the centre of Nice, at the Promenade des Arts. For other shadow shots from around the world this week, check out Shadow Shot Sunday by clicking here. Enjoy!

Villefranche-Sur-Mer...

2011-09-24T14:23:00.000-07:00

The Cote D'Azur is dotted with some of the most beautiful towns and villages by the sea, and Villefranche-Sur-Mer, between Nice and Beaulieu, is one of those picture-postcard perfect places. It has a lovely harbour, which is deep enough for cruiseships, forts and citadels with sweeping views, as well as a stunning old town to wander through including the famous covered street Rue Obscure...

Every winding alley, cobbled street, vista with churches, imposing facades, shutters, and lanterns is a photographer's paradise. There are markets with attractive, fresh produce...

plus the town also has a strong base for art and culture, with many artists choosing to reside here because of the light, colour, and inspiration. At the citadel, there is a selection of four museums and galleries to visit, including the Volti museum which displays local sculptor's voluptuous female forms.....

Look at these expressive faces from the History Museum - photographs from times gone by...

Artist and writer Jean Cocteau lived and worked on the Riviera (a museum dedicated to all his works is at Menton along the coast) and in Villefranche he decorated both the exterior and interior of 13th century St Peter's Chapel. The interior murals are whimsical and delicate depictions of different scenes from the life of St Peter....

Villefranche is easily accessible - by bus or train from Nice. Enjoy your visit!

Shadow Shot 120 - Promenade des Anglais, Nice

2011-09-23T09:53:00.000-07:00

Autumn may be arriving and settling in other places, but here on the Riviera it is still glorious sunshine with temperatures of 25 plus. As the afternoon lengthens on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, so do the shadows...

The promenade which sweeps the Baie des Anges on the seafront at Nice, is the perfect place for a pleasurable sunset stroll....

For more shadow shots from around the world, click here for Shadow Shot Sunday. Enjoy!!

Sunsets over the Bay......

2011-09-17T12:57:00.000-07:00

It is the first time that I have ever lived right by the sea, and I am becoming quite captivated by its different moods, textures, patterns, and colours....

This is the view from my new apartment terrace here in Cap D'Ail - The land in the distance is the peninsula St Jean Cap Ferrat home to exclusive mansions of the rich and famous.....

September seems to be the season of stunning sunsets....Who needs a tv, when you can watch these changing hues on your own panoramic widescreen....??

The soft greys, pinks, violets and blues are most calming and tranquil.....

What have you been watching this week??

Shadow Shot Sunday 119 - Place Garibaldi, Nice.

2011-09-16T12:03:00.000-07:00

The architecture in Nice is particularly appealing, and on a hot September afternoon, the shadows of the shutters add another dimension to the interest of the facades. For more shadow shots this week, click here for Shadow Shot Sunday. Enjoy!!

Mellow Yellow in Nice.................

2011-09-13T10:29:00.000-07:00

The dominant colour on the Riviera may well be cobalt blue, but take a walk further into Nice and you will be struck by the warm yellows and dusky ochres of the buildings. Isn't the architecture stunning??

Wander down into the old town with its charming alleyways, and winding streets, and see more of these mellow yellows.....

Where have you been wandering this week??

Shadow Shot Sunday 118 - Promenade Des Anglais

2011-09-09T13:54:00.000-07:00

The Promenade des Anglais in Nice sweeps the Baie des Anges and is indeed the perfect place to stroll to take in all those gorgeous Riviera shades of blue - the sea, the sky, the umbrellas, the seats.....but hang on a minute where are the eponymous English who should be on the "Promenade of the English?"??

Ah - here she is sitting down, taking a rest, and looking out to sea.......

For more shadow shots from around the world, click here for Shadow Shot Sunday - Enjoy!

Revelling on the Riviera.....

2011-09-03T12:25:00.001-07:00

It may be September, but summer is still blazing strong and sweet here on the Riviera. Schools may have returned, but there are still plenty of folk who can make it to the beach and stretch out under all those umbrellas.........

I love photographing colour, and without a doubt the dominant colour on the Riviera has to be this strong blue.......the sea, the sky, the umbrellas, the seats on the promenade in Nice...all blue!

What colour is on your mind this week??

Shadow Shot Sunday 117 - Cap D'Ail

2011-09-02T13:07:00.001-07:00

These crazy zigzaggy shadows were found on the stunningly scenic coastal path which runs between Cap D'Ail and Monaco - a route I can actually use to walk to and from school from one country to another crossing the border. How cool is that? Plus who has a journey to work with views like this??

It is a very serene experience to walk home by the sea without seeing any cars or traffic (a little bit different from my daily commute in Mexico City). Admittedly there are quite a few stairs to climb but it would be pretty petty and somewhat churlish to dare complain!!

For more shadow shots from around the world, click here for Shadow Shot Sunday. Enjoy!

Brain Power in Nice.... Ahead of the Game!!

2011-08-29T12:21:00.000-07:00

Nice is usually well known for its stunning Baroque and Belle Epoque architecture, but here is a relative newcomer to the scene (2002), which strikes a contemporary pose in the heart of Nice. Unsurprisingly it is called "La Tete Carree" (The Square Head), but what may be more of a surprise, is that it is actually a functioning building, serving as the offices of the city's public library. Designed by Sacha Sosna, you can find this intriguing piece of architecture right near Mamac and the Promenade des Arts. Check out other corners of the globe this week by surfing the net - there are many other fantastic blogs out there....Enjoy!

Shadow Shot Sunday 116 - Nice

2011-08-28T07:33:00.000-07:00

Better late than never this week, but I have just this minute managed to install the internet connection in my new apartment, so hopefully postings should now be back to normal, and I look forward to viewing all your blogs that I have missed during the move.....So where can you find this striking pattern of intricate shadows??

It is the fence that runs alongside the rather intriguing example of contemporary architecture in the centre of Nice pictured on the right above....Anyone recognise the building?? All will be revealed in the next post... In the meantime check out other SSS postings by clicking here. Enjoy!!

Shadow Shot Sunday 115 - Cap D'Ail, France

2011-08-18T13:03:00.000-07:00

The French Riviera is full of wonderful Belle Epoque villas where Royalty, film stars, and writers used to stay and enjoy the most beautiful views of the Med with its stunning coastline and unmitigated sunshine....

My new home Cap D'Ail boasts a number of such gorgeous abodes as well as the unmitigated sunshine until 8.30pm at night - so the shadows are pretty striking too. Here are some distinctive wrought iron Belle Epoque gates casting their swirly shadows on the pavements where us commoners walk by...

For more shadows from around the world check out Shadow Shot Sunday by clicking here. Enjoy!

Shadow Shot Sunday 114 - Coney Island

2011-08-13T01:17:00.000-07:00

One of the hottest days of the summer spent down on the boardwalk at Coney Island, New York. The sun was sizzling, the fairground rides were whirling, the boardwalks were hopping - and the shadows were strong. I am still in transit and arrive on the French Riviera next week. For more fun with shadows check out Shadow Shot Sunday by clicking here....

East Village - New York's Community Gardens

2011-08-07T10:41:00.000-07:00

New York in July can be hot and humid and with the heat wave up in the nineties already, what could be better than finding a cool escape to the community gardens of the East Village. Desolate, empty and burnt out lots a result of urban blight and decay in the seventies and eighties, have been reclaimed by community groups and transformed into these green oases in the middle of the city.....

A range of plants, shrubs, and vegetables grow here creating some of the most enchanting green spaces in the city. Dotted around are quiet enclaves with nooks and crannies filled with inviting tables and chairs providing quiet corners to sit and relax....

Interesting artworks and sculptures are also tucked away in the most unlikely of places providing interesting surprises as a corner is turned.......

Spaces can be acquired in these highly sought after gardens by volunteering and working with the rest of the community until a space becomes available. As well as seeing people working here, you can also see individuals with their laptops or a book tucked away in the most tranquil of retreats, or small groups chatting in an enclave of green...

For more windows on the world this week, check out My World Tuesday postings by clicking here. Enjoy!

Shadow Shot Sunday 113 - East Village

2011-07-31T03:06:00.001-07:00

Go to the East Village in NY and immerse yourselves in the tranquil oases of the community gardens which provide serene havens from the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple. Find a quiet corner like this one, sit on the bench, gaze at the rock sculpture...and just enjoy the peace of this dappled retreat. For more shadow shots from around the world click here for Shadow Shot Sunday.

Shadow Shot Sunday 112 - Farewell to Mexico....

2011-07-06T18:35:00.000-07:00

This Sunday I will be bidding farewell to Mexico after living here in Mexico City for six years and teaching Literature at a British International School. I have had a wonderful time being here and exploring as much of the city and country as possible.....

This is rather a poignant post for me as these shots depict my apartment, dubbed the Red Palace, but now stripped of colour and empty of everything except for these black venetian blinds casting their striking shadows across the white floor....

I hope my next posting at the International School of Monaco, and life on the French Riviera (specifically in the resort town of Cap D'Ail) will provide me with the necessary inspiration to keep on blogging. ....Only time will tell...... In the meantime, however, check out the rest of the shadow shots this week by clicking here. Enjoy!

Imaginary Beasts at the Museo del Chopo.....

2011-07-04T21:49:00.000-07:00

The Museo Universitario del Chopo has fairly recently been renovated and reopened, and is a wonderful place to visit. Firstly the wrought iron architecture is very interesting and easy on the eye as are the range of exhibitions.....

Currently on display until the 28th August is "Bestiario Imaginario" - the big, bold bronze sculptures of Mexican artist Jose Sacal who was born in Cuernavaca in 1944....

Welcome to his wonderful world of fantasy creatures with larger than life personalities. There are crocodiles on roller skates pushing prams, pigs on long-shanked stilts, and dynamic turkeys on wheels....

Outside the museum you can also see the mad menagerie of giant whales, striking bulls, pecking chickens, and monkeys paying banjos....

Museo del Chopo is very near to the beautiful Colonia Santa Maria La Ribera and can be easily reached by the Metrobus - just a couple of stops from Reforma. Check out what else is happening in the world this week by clicking here for My World Tuesday postings. Enjoy!

Shadow Shot Sunday 111 - San Francisco

2011-07-01T20:58:00.001-07:00

The Japanese Tea Garden is a wonderful oasis of calm and tranquility located in the heart of Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. The symmetry of the architecture, the harmony of the trees and cherry blossom, the balance of the reflections all combine to create a perfect atmosphere of sheer serenity.....

For more gorgeous shadow and reflection shots from around the world, click here for Shadow Shot Sunday - You won't be disappointed!!

Shadow Shot Sunday 110 - Puerto Vallarta

2011-06-22T16:04:00.000-07:00

I have just finished school here in Mexico, and am off to the beach for five days -not this one in Puerto Vallarta where the sting ray got me last Christmas, but Pie de la Cuesta a tiny place North of Acapulco....

I am looking forward to chilling out, swimming, and reading before preparing for the final departure from Mexico on Sunday 10th July...

For more shadow shots from around the world, check out Shadow Shot Sunday by clicking here. Enjoy!

Puerto Vallarta - boating down the backwaters....

2011-06-20T15:26:00.001-07:00

The Mexican Pacific coastal resort of Puerto Vallarta is very well known to tourists from overseas, and visitors flock to its beautiful beaches, hotels, marinas, restaurants, shops and galleries on a very regular basis. But how many have ventured out into the backwaters by boat?? Those who do are rewarded by these gorgeous scenic views above. Keen twitchers can easily spot this great variety of birdlife - look at all the different types of herons that can be seen....

Not to mention these very flamboyant and ferocious looking iguanas who hug the branches and literally bristle and puff up at the sight of intruders into their territory....

Take another look at these perfect vistas - where the reflections are so symmetrical and synchronised they look like the unfolded ink blot drawings from the shrink's office....

Unfortunately this perfect day did not have quite the perfect ending, as it was Christmas Eve 2010 and a couple of hours later, I was hospitalised following a very nasty sting ray puncture wound right through the sole of the foot....but let's dwell on how the day began with these serene shots of the river and wildlife!!! For more global glimpses this week, check out My World Tuesday Postings by clicking here. Enjoy!!

Shadow Shot Sunday 109 - Santa Maria La Ribera, DF

2011-06-18T08:55:00.001-07:00

Where would you find these lovely green shadows in Mexico City??

Well they are on the walls of just an ordinary city apartment block on Calle Santa Maria La Ribera - but on the way to my favourite square in the whole of the city..........

Tucked away in the heart of the very ordinary working class neighbourhood of La Ribera is this gorgeous gem of a square - complete with Moroccan Pavillion. Last Saturday, as I arrived here, there was a full orchestra inside playing music most sublime - Such serendipity and just another reason to enjoy wandering the streets of Mexico City....

For more shadow shots around the world this week - click here - Enjoy!

Welcome to the Wonderful World of Pinatas........

2011-06-12T12:40:00.000-07:00

One of my favourite street sights here in Mexico City are the shops which sell pinatas. These particular tiendas are just around the corner from where I live, and depict all the favourites for children's parties. I especially like the speccy Harry Potter contrasted with the rather muscular and robust Spiderman.......

Of course in addition to the cartoon characters, traditional sputnik-style pinatas are sold and flown all year round - but especially in the approach to Christmas. Here are some soaring above the cobbled streets of Taxco, and my school playground....

Each of the seven spikes represents one of the seven deadly sins, so when you have bashed the life out of gluttony, sloth, anger etc, you are rewarded with the shower of sweeties and goodies....

A word of warning, however, to stand well back when the pinata is being bashed for all its worth. A friend of mine spent her first Mexican Christmas in hospital after being rendered unconscious by an-over enthusiastic blind-folded child wielding the stick like a baseball bat!! I also witnessed a young English child, who hadn't quite got the concept of pinatas, absolutely traumatised by the sight of poor Winnie the Pooh's four limbs sailing off in all four compass directions leaving him quadraplegic and a child sobbing on her first birthday - the joy of cultural exchange totally evading her!!

But aren't they vibrant and beautiful? - their bright colours and shapes are an iconic sight on the streets of Mexico City. For more global glimpses around the world today check out the My World Tuesday postings by clicking here. Enjoy!

Shadow Shot Sunday 108 - West Coast

2011-06-11T07:07:00.000-07:00

Where would you find this gorgeous clapboard house with the palm tree imprint splashed over its facade on such a bright and sunny morning??

Well, walk a few minutes further on and its location should surely need no further introduction.......

If you get the weather, strolling along the promenade and the waterfront around the Golden Gate Bridge is certainly a lovely thing to do in San Francisco. Enjoy other shadow shots from around the world by clicking here.... Where is your favourite place to stroll to blow away the cobwebs, or to sit and admire the view??

Roaming the Roma - Cultural Corredor

2011-06-05T13:23:00.000-07:00

Every so often the gallery doors in the Roma are flung open for the very popular event "Cultural Corredor" and crowds of art enthusiasts take up the challenge of trying to visit all of the galleries on this one Open Day. Crowds mill the streets, the mood is infectious, the gallery owners hospitable with their offers of cool drinks and refreshments, plus the work on display shows remarkable variety from photography to painting, textiles to sculpture, and fashion to design. The Anonymous gallery (Colima 179A) exhibited work by two Brazilian artists - the naive painter Poteiro shown above contrasted with the more funky Pitasnas shown below.....

The work below at the Traeger Gallery (Colima 179) is by Argentine textile artist Silvina Ibanez whose painted 3d draperies are highly reminiscent of the Old Masters themselves....

Then we have the intriguing plastic sculptures by Nicola Lopez on display at the Arroniz Arte Gallery (Plaza Rio de Janeiro 53)....

The event always includes some very interesting design work, hence the furniture below displayed at C208 (Colima 208)....

A lot of these galleries are private and usually by appointment only, so part of the treat of the Open Day Cultural Corredor is to actually step inside some of these gorgeous colonial mansions and observe all the subtle architectural details, that can usually only be viewed from the outside. What wonderful exteriors and interiors these colonial architectural gems do indeed reveal

From the last few posts, you can see that I am a huge fan of visiting art galleries and appreciating the work of a wide range of talented artists. My favourite here?? Poteiro the Brazilian naive artist is the work I would choose to hang on my own walls - which is your cup of tea?? For more global glimpses this week, check out My World Tuesday by clicking here. Enjoy!

Shadow Shot Sunday 107 - Hector Velazquez

2011-06-03T17:38:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the unusual and rather haunting world of local Mexico City artist Hector Velazquez, whose work is currently on display in Colonia Roma at the Terreno Baldio Arte Gallery as part of the Open House Day entitled "Corredor Cultural". He is primarily a textile artist who produces these sculptural floating heads and body parts coming through the wall in tightly bound silk and cotton.....

The effect is both beautiful and disturbing at the same time, but what is most interesting is that the strong patterns of shadows that the faces and hands create are integral to the works of art themselves, due to the specific use of lighting....

I especially like this one of the dress hanging up with its shadow twin faintly discernible on the wall behind....

Here are some of the art enthusiasts out and about in Colonia Roma strolling from one gallery to the next to take in all the exhibitions and make the most of the "Corredor Cultural"on a fine, sunny evening. I hardly ever submit shadow shots of people but I especially liked this particular gentleman and his dapper outfit complete with a leafy pattern of shadows....

For more shadow shots from around the world, click here for Shadow Shot Sunday. Enjoy!

Tribute to Leonora Carrington 1917 - 2011

2011-05-29T14:08:00.000-07:00

Leonora Carrington, world renowned Surrealist painter and longterm resident of Colonia Roma, Mexico City, died this week on Wednesday May 25th aged 94 from pneumonia complications in a Mexico City hospital. British-born from Chorley in Lancashire, she studied art at the Chelsea School of Art, but received very little encouragement from her family to pursue an artistic career. She met Max Ernst, Surrealist painter, in 1937 and they travelled together to live in Paris. Life became very difficult after the outbreak of World War 11 with Ernst being arrested twice, and Carrington fleeing to Spain where she was institutionalised by her family in a Madrid asylum following a nervous breakdown. She managed to escape from a nurse, took refuge in the Mexican Embassy, and shortly after arrived in Mexico City where she continued to live and work for the rest of her life apart from a spell in New York in the 1960s. She married in Mexico, had two sons, and became part of a strong artistic community that included other exiled artists such as the Spanish Surrealist Remedios.

She is perhaps best well known for her Surrealist paintings which are most haunting and expressive, but I really like her sculptures many of which adorn the streets here in Mexico City. A real favourite is the crocodile sculpture pictured at the start, which is permanently displayed on Reforma outside the mall Reforma 222. The other sculptures pictured above are from a fairly recent temporary exhibition (2008) also along Reforma, and date from when Carrington was in her eighties - so still robust at this time to produce these wonderful large-scale bronzes. I love the one of the harpist playing the stringless harp which is named something like "The Harmony of Silence". Check out other global posts this week by clicking here for My World Tuesday. Enjoy!!

Shadow Shot Sunday 106 - Mexico City

2011-05-27T15:36:00.000-07:00

Where in Mexico City do you find these gorgeous blue walls and their shadowy, leafy patterns??

At the Blue House of course - Frida Kahlo's stunning abode in the Southern barrio of Coyoacan. It was the first place I visited here in the Big Taco...and it will also be one of the last. Walking through the rooms, seeing all her artwork on display and her Mexican kitchen full of traditional ceramic pots, is special enough, but for me it is the garden that draws be back for repeat visits....

It is in the garden where you can really appreciate the vibrancy of the blue, as well as the collection of Prehispanic and Mexican folk art tucked in every niche and corner.....

It was lovely being there last weekend as the house and garden emptied in the late afternoon, and the early evening shadows took over......

For more shadow shots from around the world, visit Shadow Shot Sunday by clicking here. Enjoy!

Sacramento's Jewel in the Crown.....

2011-05-25T18:05:00.000-07:00

Try to block out political considerations, namely the fact that it may be considered a symbol of debt in California to the tune of billions of dollars, and appreciate it purely on aesthetic and artistic grounds, then the State Capitol truly is Sacramento's jewel in the crown. The stately white building commands the surrounding vistas and contains a wealth of architectural details.....

The beautiful grounds contain flowers and trees from all over the world, and some very striking monuments to the fallen in war, Vietnam, firefighters and many, many more... The Peace garden full of the most gorgeous of roses is perhaps the most stunning place to wander....

The vibrantly-hued camelias were just coming into full bloom when I visited in April.... a strong contrast to the terrible air of depression hanging over the rest of the city which is clearly experiencing very tough times indeed....let's hope it gets onto the road to recovery very soon and such hardship becomes a thing of the past...

For more global glimpses this week, check out My World Tuesday postings by clicking here. Enjoy!

Shadow Shot Sunday 105 - Durango

2011-05-20T15:15:00.000-07:00

Here are some bold stripes in a secluded courtyard in the town of Durango, way up North in the desert and best known for its film set location where so many Westerns have been filmed in the sharp desert light and landscapes. The town of Durango itself, however, is far from being a frontier Wild West town.... There is a beautiful zocalo with an impressive cathedral, many churches, colonial buildings and a grand railway station....

Inside some of these colonial buildings such as the Government Palace, striking murals adorn the courtyard walls....

In addition to the cultural and architectural attractions, check out what attracted all the filmakers, that wonderful blue, blue sky, and sharp, crystal-clear desert light....

After drinking in all this blue, I will leave you with a few more shadow shots from around the town...

And a final few more of those opening bold stripes....

For more shadow shots from around the world, check out Shadow Shot Sunday by clicking here. Enjoy!!

Seattle Art Museum - a global world of culture.....

2011-05-16T18:12:00.001-07:00

Art galleries and museums are irresistable as far as I am concerned when visiting new cities, and the Seattle Art Museum affectionately known as SAM certainly does not disappoint. It opens up a whole world of many different cultures from around the world. Centrestage of course is the immediatley distintive native indigenous art - totem poles, carved wooden boxes and panels, textiles....

and beautiful, striking masks of course....

But after taking in the homegrown pieces, be prepared to travel around the world from Africa to Papua New Guinea, Japan to Australia, Canada to Korea. Here is a selection of some of the vibrant Aboriginal dot paintings on display.....

The piece of art commanding most attention and close scrutiny was this magnificent, ceremonial robe created by a young Korean artist out of over 40, 000 dog tags - a grand anti-war statement..

Take a trip to other parts of the world this week by visiting the My World Tuesday Posts by clicking here. Enjoy........

Shadow Shot Sunday 104 - Seattle

2011-05-13T17:56:00.000-07:00

The sun did indeed only come out once the whole time I was in Seattle over Easter, but I did manage to dash downtown from Ballard and catch this patio overlooking the water whilst the shadows were still in play....

The terrace is just around the corner from the stunning Seattle Art Museum which has this striking sentinel figure guarding the entrance, and casting its own fine shadow....

Silhouetted against the Seattle skyline it makes for a striking shot - the hammer does indeed move up and down against the backdrop of the skyscrapers....

More about the wonderful exhibits inside in a later post - in the meantime enjoy other shadow shots from around the world by clicking here....

Food Cart Culture : From Veracruz to Portland....

2011-05-10T15:39:00.000-07:00

Food carts and street stalls are a common sight in Mexico, and a vibrant part of the food scene in the towns and cities as shown by the rather delightful example in Veracruz City above. There are always International Food Fairs on Calle Reforma just round the corner where I live here in Mexico City, and indeed at the school where I work, where regularly I eat my way round the world from Argentina to Zambia. So it was with pleasureable recognition that I recently discovered the parking lot pods of food carts in Portland, Oregon.....

Clustered together in pods, you can choose from tasty dishes in just one parking lot from Bosnia to Ethiopia, Poland to Thailand, Hawaii to El Salvador, Germany to Japan, Greece to Korea - and even the UK is also represented in the form of The Frying Scotsman...

The main difference in such standup outdoor eating in Portland and Mexico is the sheer range and diversity in the Portland parking lots, plus of course the weather. Portland residents are tough, outdoor, hardy types and quite happily settled to eat outside in the pouring rain (and it certainly poured with rain - 72 hours non-stop) even sitting down at table and chairs....

Everyone has their favourite street stall to eat from here in Mexico City, and a common sight during the day pictures Professionals in smart suits crowding round the stalls to order their favourite tacos. These food carts below are typical examples of those wheeled around the streets of Mexico City...

Put them into sepia and you could be turning back the clock to a different century, a different era...one of the most charming aspects of time-warp Mexico City...

Check out other windows on the world by clicking here for My World Tuesday. Enjoy!

Shadow Shot Sunday 103 - Seattle

2011-05-06T15:22:00.000-07:00

The sun came out only once whilst I was in Seattle over Easter, and fortunately I was out walking in the Ballard neighbourhood, and had reached Chittendon Locks - a popular spot to stroll along the canal, through the lovely gardens, and watch all the boats going through the lock. This sculpture was right near the fish ladder where it is possible to view the salmon on their amazing journeys, and I am guessing that the silver curlicues are designed to evoke the flashing flick of the fishtails as they move upstream.....

Anyway, I liked the patterns this sculpture created, and of course I am sure you will also like the other photographs displayed as part of Shadow Shot Sunday....Enjoy!

Azteca Soup!!

2011-05-05T16:43:00.001-07:00

As departure date draws ever closer, (only 10 weeks away now ), I am beginning, inevitably to think more and more about what I will miss most about Mexico - oh so many, many things!! (which will come as no surprise to regular readers of this blog!!)

On the food front, the main contender is Azteca Soup ( or Tortilla Soup ) first sampled in Patzcuaro, and pictured here at a more recent tasting in the zocalo, Oaxaca. It is a pre-hispanic recipe as far as I am aware, and the ultimate comfort food - full of tasty ingredients such as a rich tomato broth with avocado, tortilla strips, chipotle chile, chicharon, and panela cheese. I must learn how to make it before I leave, Does anyone have a really good recipe??

I am rather partial to guacamole and limonadas too!!

Shadow Shot Sunday 102 - Seattle

2011-04-29T15:17:00.000-07:00

Art objects can produce some of the most beautiful shadows and end up being some of my favourite shots. These beautiful sculpted pieces of glass were on display at Vetri Glass in downtown Seattle; a city which has a strong tradition of glassblowing as an art form.

Many of you may recognise the signature statement in these pieces as belonging to one of the most famous artists in this field and local to this area, namely Dale Chihuly who has exhibited all over the world and is from Tacoma, Washington State. The sensuous curves, vivid colours, and shell like structures are often key features of his work.....

Another well known and much loved exhibitor of coloured glass and their beautiful shadows, is none other than our very own fellow blogger Sylvia Kirkwood who lives in Seattle, and who many of you visit regularly at Shadow Shot Sunday, My World Tuesday, and other parts of the blogosphere. Sylvia is famed for her warm, positive comments and loyal following of many of our blogs. I had the privilege to meet her last month when I travelled to Seattle as part of a West Coast train trip. Here we are having lunch together in Wallingford.....

Join me in wishing her all the very best of luck as she moves into her new home this week!! This post is for you, Sylvia - check out her blog with the amazing headers, plus all the other fabulous shadow shots that constitute the weekly meme Shadow Shot Sunday. You won't be disappointed!!

Springtime in Seattle....

2011-04-28T19:43:00.001-07:00

The temperatures may have been freezing, the wind gusting bitterly, and the rain constant, but wrapped up in a thick winter coat and red woolly scarf, I was dazzled by the beautiful blooms of Springtime in Seattle... I have not seen spring flowers like daffodils and tulips for six years, so strolling through Pike Place Market, it was the stunning spring displays of flowers rather than the salmon slinging fishmongers that held my attention...

It was also cherry blossom season, and these white frothy blossoms were gracing Green Lake...

Whereas these majestic pink creatures were strolling the walkways of the University of Washington campus...

Venturing over to Volunteer Park, the Asian Museum was sadly closed, but these gorgeous orchids in the Conservatory were more than adequate compensation...

More on Seattle and my West Coast train trip in subsequent posts...

Shadow Shot 101 - Oaxaca

2011-04-08T17:18:00.000-07:00

Another slice of typically vibrant Mexican colour from the beautiful city of Oaxaca which sports some of the most amazing colonial architecture in the country. I am returning from the States this week to start posting again.... In the meantime check out more global photography at Shadow Shot Sunday by clicking here....

Shadow Shot 100 - Oaxaca

2011-04-08T17:15:00.001-07:00

A very typical Mexican shot for my hundreth contribution to Shadow Shot Sunday!! I am away travelling down the West Coast of the States right now from Seattle to San Francisco....More posts when I return, and look forward to catching up with all your blogs when I get back..... In the meantime check out Shadow Shot Sunday by clicking here.

Shadow Shot 99 - Oaxaca

2011-04-08T16:41:00.000-07:00

I am a fan of folk art - especially Mexican folk art, and here from Oaxaca are the delightful alebrijes - animals often fantastical, carved from wood and painted in vivid bright colours.....Each year there is a parade of giant alebrijes down the streets of central Mexico City before they take up residence in Reforma for a week long exhibition....

For more shadow shots from around the world this week, check out Shadow Shot Sunday by clicking here...

Xochimilco - why stay on land??

2011-04-06T17:54:00.000-07:00

It looks like a scene from Tarantino's Lord of the Flies or a ghastly reminder from Swine Flu and Face Mask Days, but in fact this is a welcome to one of the most fascinating markets in Mexico City - namely Xochimilco. Most people flock to this far southern barrio to buy plants at the numerous nurseries or go for boat trips on the extensive network of canals, but it is worth staying on land awhile to browse around these particular market stalls. One of my favourite areas is the dried goods with chillis, frijoles, mole, jamaica leaves and all sorts...

Of course it has all the expected glorious displays of fruit and vegetables...

And tasty dishes cooking in giant ceramic pots....

but it is also the market closest to truly wonderful ones in the city of Oaxaca seven hours away...

So if you do venture all the way south to Xochimilco, don't forget to stop awhile and look at the beautiful church and browse the market stalls here before heading to the embarcaderos for the boat trips...

Check out what is happening in the rest of the world this week by clicking here for My World Tuesday postings. Xochimilco is easily reachable by public transport with the tren ligero from Tasquena, but it is a 90 minute journey from the city centre.

Shadow Shot Sunday 98 - Oaxaca

2011-04-01T16:49:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the beautiful world of Oaxaca this week the very heart and soul of Mexico....and the Acapulco Armchair which provides very welcome solace and relaxation on the shady patios of "Las Golondrinas" which happens to be my favourite place to stay in town....

Who could resist this friendly pension with grapefruit trees aptly overhanging the al fresco breakfast tables, and all those beautiful lush plants and flowers blooming so vibrantly in all the courtyards....

Why visit Oaxaca? - Look at the images below and there will be no question about it.....

Check out Shadow Shot Sunday for more global photography....

Bloomin" Gorgeous!!

2011-03-30T20:35:00.001-07:00

March is still here so it is still time for the blooming of the jacarandas in the city....

Aren't they a truly beautiful sight?? What is putting a spring into your step??

Taking in The Town of Tiles......Puebla!

2011-03-27T17:33:00.000-07:00

Puebla, at only two hours east of Mexico City with a great route out via the volcanoes, is one of the most rewarding weekend retreats from the city. With some of the most beautiful architecture in the whole of Mexico, it is indeed the town of tiles.....

Nowhere in Mexico have I seen such beautiful tiled facades such as the Casa del Alfenique above, and a whole host of others. You can also buy the most gorgeous ceramics from plates to vases to tea-sets all under the name of talavera..

Puebla also possesses one of the most lovely zocalos full of shady trees and balloon sellers and flanked on one side by the imposing cathedral boasting fine architectural detail....

In addition, check out the Barrio de Artistas with a row of scenic studios and the antiques market at Plazuela de los Sapas bordered by some of the most colourful streets in the city..

Still having doubts about paying a visit?? Well the bright blue sky below framing the Theatre should be the clincher!!

Buses run to Puebla from TAPO bus station, and recommended hotels would include Hotel Colonial, Royalty Hotel and the Camino Real. Check out other global glimpses from around the world this week by clicking here for My World Tuesday. Enjoy!

Shadow Shot Sunday 97 - Puebla

2011-03-25T16:28:00.000-07:00

Here is a pleasant shady corner in the city of Puebla where I sat last weekend sipping a limonada and watching the world go by......There are so many delightful spots like this throughout Mexico - beautiful plazas, squares, patios, courtyards, and zocalos where you can just sit and simply be delighted by the world around you with little effort. More about the pretty town of Puebla in the next post, and in the meantime check out the rest of the Shadow Shot Sunday postings by clicking here. Enjoy!

Shadow Shot Sunday 96 - Mexico City

2011-03-16T18:05:00.001-07:00

Shadows fall on the latest architectural addition to Mexico City's skyline accentuating the sparkling curves and glittering planes of this striking building...

Want to know what this building is?? Want to see the building in its entirety?? Scroll down to the previous post and all will be revealed!!

In the meantime check out other shadow shots from around the world that constitute the weekly Shadow Shot Sunday...Enjoy!!

Sizing up the Scales of Slim's Soumaya......

2011-03-13T18:44:00.000-07:00

Workmen are frantically putting the final touches to Carlos Slim's Soumaya gallery due to open to the public on March 29th. Fortunately it looks like only the final two of 16,000 shimmering aluminium hexagon scales need to be slotted into place....

Telecom tycoon, Carlos Slim, still listed as the richest man in the world according to Forbes, is intending to exhibit a much more substantial part of his private art collection which in total adds up to some 66,000 pieces. Previously a small selection has been displayed at the Soumaya gallery at Plaza Loreta in San Angel, a colonia in the south of the city. The new glittery building, shown in its entirety below, is located in Polanco in a new development called Plaza Carso, directly behind the Antara Mall.

The very striking building, a little reminiscent of the Guggenheim in Bilbao in its shininess and stunning metallic planes and curves, has been designed by Slim's son-in-law; a young architect named Fernando Romero. It is indeed an impressive addition to Mexico City's skyline...

The gallery will contain a mixture of works - some by very well known Mexican artists Tamayo and Rivera, but a great deal more will be by European artists, including the largest collection of Rodin sculptures outside of France....

Although the private opening and gala celebration has already taken place, the overall site is still one of construction with teams of builders working round the clock to get the building - exterior, interior, and surrounding locality ready for the end of March opening.......

Slim is hoping for this new gallery to be of world status and to put Mexico City firmly on the Art map globally...I will post after the opening to report on the gallery's initial success and popularity, as well as more about the interior and the contents...

In the meantime, I quite like the shot of the building from this angle, whereby it appears like a silver spaceship just landed from Outer Space....or just about to take off!!

Entrance to the Museum will be free as supposedly Slim wants Mexicans who can't afford to travel to be able to come and see work by the European Masters. For more global glimpses this week, check out My World Tuesday by clicking here....Enjoy!

Shadow Shot 95 - Chapultepec Park

2011-03-12T07:35:00.000-08:00

There are many places to chill out in the centre of Mexico City, many, many more than people may think. If it is Sunday then it is time to head to the boating lake in Chapultepec Park, hire a paddle boat or a rowing boat and just drift............

This is what a February day looks like here - plenty of sunshine, and plenty of shadowy green in the water to make the shots a contender for SHADOW SHOT SUNDAY!!

Chilli and Lime!! Bidding a Fond Farewell to the Red Palace...

2011-03-06T11:18:00.001-08:00

When I first moved to Mexico in the summer of 2005, I was astounded by the amazing strength of colour everywhere in my new surroundings, and loud colour combinations that just wouldn't work anywhere else in the world. Elsewhere they would be lurid, tacky and garish, but here under the strong Mexican sunlight and coupled with the sunny nature of the people and culture, these colours just work wonderfully well....

I was particularly struck by the combination of red and green - chilli and lime, tomato and nopal, pomegranite and courgette, that recurred again and again, not only in the markets, but also in the artesan work, botanical gardens, village plazas, and public spaces...

How could this particular colour combination be resisted??? I mean take a very close look at it....

Thus, when I moved into my own apartment downtown a year later, which was a totally blank canvas of white walls, white ceramic floors, and lots of light...it only seemed natural to transform it into The Red Palace...with chilli and lime everywhere in the artwork, rugs, furnishings, textiles, basketry, ceramics, folk art, vases, plates, dishes......

Here are some of the details in greater close-up....

So it will be with great sadness that I shall have to bid a fond farewell to the Red Palace in July, as I am moving to the French Riviera to take up a new post at The International School of Monaco.....the apartment will be dismantled in 4 months' time and definitely will not "travel" well to another destination..It is uniquely Mexico City!! So here is my record. For other global glimpses of the world this week check out the My World Postings by clicking here. Enjoy!

Shadow Shot Sunday 94 - Cuetzalan

2011-03-02T14:38:00.000-08:00

Cuetzalan is a magic village way up in the mountains in the state of Puebla at the very,very end of the winding road. There are many magical aspects to this traditional Mexican village - not least of all the markets. I love this photograph above with some tomatoes illuminated from above, and others in gloomy shadow. Look what else is for sale in the markets.....

What a colourful feast for the senses!! A very common experience here in Mexico!! For more shadow shot photographs from around the world, check out Shadow Shot Sunday by clicking here. Enjoy!!

Put on your Shades!!.....It's Time for Tlacotalpan!!

2011-02-27T10:38:00.000-08:00

I know a lot of you living up North in the land of eternal winter and snow are weary of the weather, and eagerly awaiting the first signs of Spring....and a splash of colour. No need to wait any longer!! Feast your eyes on this banquet of vibrant hues courtesy of a very sleepy town in the state of Veracruz....namely Tlacotalpan. It surely is the most colourful place on the globe!! of course all the streets are a fine mixture of all the colours of the rainbow, cheek by jowl, by I couldn't resist colour coding them according to a Comex paint chart. What do you think of the results???

Red and yellow, and green, and blue.....Yep they are all here!! Which is your favourite?? Think I am plumping for the sizzling hot, hot pink!! For more global glimpses of the world this week, check out My World Tuesday by clicking here....Enjoy!! And Spring is surely just around the corner.....??

Shadow Shot Sunday 93 - Tlacotalpan

2011-02-25T15:32:00.001-08:00

I felt in the mood for some real vibrant colour this weekend, so luckily I am in the right country! Mexico has no shortage of sun, shadow, and vibrant colour - especially in the small town of Tlacotalpan in the state of Veracruz. Designated a UNESCO world heritage site, all the colonaded colonial buildings are the most amazing vivid colours....

Tlacotalpan is a quiet laidback town where locals chill out in rocking chairs on the porch at dusk, retire from the hot sun in the middle of the day, and cycle round the quiet streets in the late afternoon - the flavour is distinctly Caribbean. For more fun with shadow, shade and sun, check out photography from around the world by clicking here for Shadow Shot Sunday. Enjoy!!

Exhaling in Xalapa...

2011-02-21T13:09:00.000-08:00

At this time of year before the rains, it can get a little suffocating in Mexico City, so a weekend in the hilltop city of Xalapa proves to be the perfect getaway. It is a university town best known for its fresh air and views, as well as its parks and gardens...

Indeed it is very hard to believe that you are still in the city centre when you visit Parque de los Lagos (Park of Lakes)....

Or the amazing nature park Parque Tecajete which is indeed a slice of subtropical rainforest....

Veracruz is a lush, verdant state where anything grows well, and so of course it is also well known for its rich coffee spawning endless coffeeshops and cafes, as well as its rich produce in the markets....

Culturally, Xalapa also has much to offer the visitor, and one of the undoubted highlights not just of Xalapa, but Mexico as a whole, is the beautiful Anthropological Museum. Laid out in verdant grounds, with descending marble steps, and lush garden display rooms, you can find all of the archaeological treasues of this region of Mexico, starting with the famed giant Olmec stone heads...

The museum is awash with treasures, far too many to display in this post, but the Veracruz smiling female heads always make me smile too, as they are so infectious, and such a contrast to the rather dour expressions on the male stone heads!!

Wandering and browsing the streets of Xalapa is also pleasureable in its own right, as there are colourful streets of colonial architecture to admire....

.as well as the more official sightseeing of grand public buildings such as the Palacio Municipal, the Palacio Gobierno, not to mention the bright canary yellow Cathedral and Parque Juarez which acts as the rather delightful zocalo full of gardens, balloon sellers, shoeshine stands, stalls, outdoor cafes, and more gardens still......

Xalapa is five hours away from Mexico City, easily reachable by bus or car, in the state of Veracruz. For more windows on the world this week, don't hesitate to check out My World Tuesday postings. Enjoy!

Shadow Shot Sunday 92 - Veracruz

2011-02-17T18:29:00.000-08:00

I am spending this weekend in the beautiful state of Veracruz, five hours away from Mexico City towards the Gulf of Mexico. Veracruz itself is a lovely port city open on the water with a strong Caribbean flavour. The marimba bands, dilapidated colonial architecture, white-suited salsa dancers in the main plaza, and numerous coffee houses are all reminiscent of Havana in Cuba. Up in the hills an hour away, is the cool mountain University town of Xalapa, home of the jalapeno chilli pepper and an impressive Anthropological Museum displaying the huge Olmec stone heads. Twenty minutes away is the delightful magic village of Coatepec with its pretty patios and cute coffee shops. Veracruz State has a lot to delight the visitor...... as has Shadow Shot Sunday where you will find some stunning photographs from around the world......

"Splendour and Solitude" Cai Guo-Qiang at MUAC......

2011-02-14T18:52:00.000-08:00

Don't miss the trip down to the UNAM University campus to see Cai Guo-Qiang's first solo exhibition in Latin America " Resplandor y Soledad". The Chinese artist is renowned for his "explosion events" using pyrotechnics and fireworks on a large scale, as well as his gunpowder drawings (production pictured above), and site specific installations. In Chinese, the word gunpowder literally means "fire medicine" and Cai plays with the healing and destructive tendencies inherent in such material. Look at the transformation from destructive explosion to created serene and tranquil scene......

Cai's site specific installation for MUAC has created in the gallery space a highly dramatic and theatrical panoramic landscape of volcanic rock and lake which echoes Mexico City's foundation on Lake Texcoco.....

The lake is actually made from the alcohol mezcal which seems to give it particularly vibrant reflective qualities....

Around the lake are a sequence of fourteen gunpowder drawings that represent aspects of the Mexican landscape and culture - from cacti and maguey to Quetzalcoatl and Aztec warriors presided over by an immense exploding sun....

The images may be Mexican, but the sensibility is certainly Chinese, and it is extraordinary the detailed effects he can create from the gunpowder explosions which are so reminscent of the delicate inkwashes and fine brushstrokes of traditional Chinese art....

One of the most fascinating aspects of the exhibition is the room in which videos are shown of the artist at work - never has the production of art seemed so dynamic or intriguing with a cool, calm, and composed Cai in the middle of explosions whereby his assistants are either running for cover or dashing in to dampen down the flames. Here is a final image of the tranquility and solitude created from the violence and destruction of the explosions....

Indeed his social idealism which characterises all change, however, violent as carrying the seeds of positive creation seems particularly relevant and topical when viewing current global events. Cai Guo-Qiang is widely recognised as one of the most important figures of the contemporary art scene to emerge from post-revolutionary China. His exhibition continues at MUAC (Museum of Contemporary Art) until the 27th March 2011. For more global glimpses this week, check out My World Tuesday postings by clicking here. Enjoy!

Shadow Shot Sunday 91 - Taxco

2011-02-11T20:44:00.000-08:00

Taxco is a beautiful town two hours from Mexico City famed for its silver markets - I have spent many weekends here tracking down lovely Mexican jewellery. The town is a historic hillside white village with winding, cobbled streets and narrow, steep alleys. All the lettering and signage is in black as is the wrought iron ornamentation on all the historic buildings making this the perfect monochrome town - even the white VW taxis fit the colour scheme.....For more fun with shadows this week, check out Shadow Shot Sunday by clicking here....

To build up the stamina required for a day spent trawling the silver markets for treasure, the breakfast burrito at Cafe Sacha is an absolute necessity!!

Having a snowball of a time at HarvardMUN.....

2011-02-07T16:54:00.000-08:00

Harvard Model United Nations Conference is held annually at the Sheraton Hotel in Boston for 3000 High School Students, organised and entirely run by Harvard students who are studying International Relations. Each school is assigned a country to represent, and students spend months preparing for the committee debates on their two topics of global urgency, and writing their position papers. The idea at the conference is to try to negotiate a resolution with the greatest consensus as a way forward in solving world problems. Debates are run in strict accordance with United Nations Parliamentary procedure.....

This year I took 16 students to Boston from my school here in Mexico City, and we represented the country of Singapore in all the committee debates, even managing to win two of the prestigious individual awards. As well as working very hard, we also had a lot of fun sightseeing and playing in the snow (some of our students had never experienced snow before!!)

At the end of the 4 day conference,it seemed a shame to have to leave and return home, and even the city of Boston seemed reluctant to let us depart......

The fervent pleas were everywhere we turned just begging us to stay longer.....

Until reality finally kicked in of course - delivered by Rey - one of the students who won an individual award at the conference....

For any educators who don't know about Model United Nations, this is a wonderful learning experience for students, as the magnetic context of drama role-play simulation as delegates, motivates them no end to research, debate, present, justify, write and negotiate - all skills vital in the modern world. For more windows on the world this week check out My World Tuesday posts by clicking here. In my next post, I will return to writing about Mexico - but only up until July, as in August, I am moving to the South of France to take up a position at the International School of Monaco... it will be tough to leave Mexico after 6 years, but change is in the air.....

Shadow Shot 90 - Boston Common

2011-02-04T14:59:00.001-08:00

I know lots of you are sick of the sight of snow and can't wait for the spring thaw, but living in Mexico for six years, a few days in the snow is stunningly beautiful. Last week I was in Boston for 5 days with a group of 16 Mexican students representing Singapore at the Harvard Model United Nations Conference. We managed to arrive just before a major snowstorm and we managed to leave just before the next one which was even worse. Some of the students had never experienced snow before ever, so a walk on Boston Common was truly unique for them......The sun was out and the shadows were striking....

Here they all are having lots of fun in the snow, discovering the joy of snowball fights.....

For more shadow shots around the world this week, check out Shadow Shot Sunday by clicking here.... You won't be disappointed!

Shadow Shot 89 : Mexico City

2011-01-25T19:30:00.000-08:00

I am leaving you with a little Mexican street colour whilst I take off to cold and snowy Boston for 5 days with 16 students in tow representing Singapore at the Harvard Model United Nations Conference. On my return, I may be able to post some shadow snow shots to compete with all of you......In the meantime, check out Shadow Shot Sunday by clicking here. Enjoy!