Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge: Letter F – Topic is Fun or Flowers
Why not both? Now I will take a short blog break to go away and have some fun myself too! See you next week!
Children
The World Illustration Awards 2017
A short visit to London with my whole family – I cannot say how much I appreciated this opportunity! That we all could go, and have some relaxing fun together – almost impossible now as we are all living in different ends of Sweden.
WIA at Somerset House was our first spot of interest. All of us love working with some kind of art – but none of us do it professionaly. So.. who does not want to get inspired?
The view from Waterloo Bridge – I don’t think I have seen it since the Shard was built. You can see it between the two high constructions on the right side of the Thames.
Walking to the entrance of Somerset House, I caught a glimpse of ”The Lion King”. I remember it being very well staged and performed when we visited with our children a long time ago. Sweet memories.
All excited of course – but as I am not allowed to show the photos officially, Here is a link instead.
My son and daughter photographing away…at the entrance. There were, among others, a great many interesting takes on the US president and environmental issues.
At exhibitions, leaving a comment is never optional…always give feedback! So much talent and fantasy, brainwork and time gone in to these artworks. Brilliant!
Walking back – enjoying the other side of Waterloo Bridge. Always impressive…
Good Old London.
Thursday Thoughts – Childhood Dreams
Children. Sometimes I wish I was a child again – maybe not all of you do, but maybe some of you …?
Freedom. I was fortunate – I had the best childhood I could dream of. Loving parents and grandparents…and not more human friends than I wanted. Animals were my best friends. Strolling in the forest, feeling totally secure. Quietness. Simplicity.
When walking the paths at Wanås, there were some children skipping in front of us – with their parents of course. I could not help but studying them. A girl and a boy – siblings – who quietly climbed the installations allowed. The girl exploring first…and then the boy took the lead. A bit more daring now…
Later in the day, I saw them merrily running and jumping over a little bridge in the fading sunshine. The boy in the lead. So…first the girl, leading the boy into this new, unknown world…and when he felt safe and secure enough, he took over.
And, the very little girl in the header, trudging away…how did she manage?
I so recognized myself in her. She was a loner, a little philosopher…
…until her mother called her name, waking her up from her reveries and reminding her she had to hurry up and join the rest of the little family.
Wordless Wednesday
Wordless Wednesday
Travel Theme: Game
Galashiels long bowling club with old gentlemen
Thursday Thoughts – Children’s Climate prize goes to…
http://childrensclimateprize.org/
So, he tells us he is young and that he is the future
– I believe in him. He makes me believe there is a future.
Travel theme: Enlightened
Ailsa throws in a helping hand for us all who are both low and high these days. The world is so troubled and it is impossible not to get depressed by the news received every day. Let us all try to muster some hope, some enlightened thoughts and deeds – we need Peace, Love and Compassion on Earth.
In the header, two old gentlemen walking in Segovia.
Love – my son and his dog
Love – my two children
Love – parent and child
Love – drawing by my daughter of two of her friends
Love – still hiking together
CFFC: Smiles
Some of all the lovely people I have met on my travels. In the header two sweet girls at a Scottish country boule club, and below, the most wonderful ladies celebrating Saint Carmen in hotel Amadora on the north coast of Spain. Two of the three ladies were called Carmen, the mother and her daughter standing on her right side (left for you). Their friend was called Ana. My compliments on the eldest lady who was 86, and still a beauty.
Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge: Smiles
Djemaa el-Fna – ”assembly of the dead”
Everywhere you look in the Djemaa el-Fna, Marrakesh’s main square, you’ll discover theatre in progress. The street theatre has a natural home here ever since this plaza was the site of public executions around AD 1050. Even if there are discussions on the origin of its name, Jemaa means ”congregation” in Arabic, probably referring to a destroyed Almoravid mosque. ”Fanâʼ” or ”finâ'” can mean ”death” or ”a courtyard, space in front of a building.” Thus, one meaning could be ”The assembly of death,” or‘assembly of the dead’.
It is not just a tourist attraction since many locals also enjoy the activities that make Djemaa el- Fna come alive. During the day, the square has numerous stalls, most of which sell fresh fruit juice, water and fruit.
By 10am, the daily performance is under way. Snake charmers with their hissing cobras and men with chained Barbary apes, despite the protected status of these species under Moroccan law; henna tattoo artists ( women with piping bags full of henna paste, ready to paint you with “tattoos” that will last up to three months – though beware of synthetic “black henna”, which contains a toxic chemical; only red henna is natural. The Henna Café guarantees to use only natural henna).
Water-sellers in fringed hats, with water-bags hanging and brass cups clanging. Medicine men display their cures, and tooth-pullers display trays of extracted molars to prove their skill. And if you wonder…fortune-tellers sit under umbrellas with packs of fortune-telling cards at the ready.
At dusk people come out for an evening promenade, and the square gradually fills until it becomes a whole carnival of storytellers (telling their tales in Berber or Arabic, to an audience of locals), acrobats, musicians and entertainers. If you want a respite, you can move over to the rooftop terraces, such as the Café du Grand Balcon, or Café Glacier, for a vista over the square and all the activities, and the crowds who come to see them. Very much recommended. We enjoyed a rather expensive bottle of juice and a less expensive mint tee – having a great view without being crowded.
Arrive early in the evening to get a good seat. Applause and a few dirhams will encourage the performers. It’s a great show, but be prepared…taking photos immediately brings at least one man to your door…dirhams!
In 2001, Djemaa el-Fna was recognized by UNESCO in the project Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity – the initiative coming from people concerned about the Djemaa el-Fna. Since long known for its concentration of traditional activities by storytellers, musicians and performers, but now threatened by economic development pressures. The residents wanted protection of their traditions, and called for action on an international level. In 2001, this ”cultural space” got its protection.
In Marrakesh, this meeting place is a must. Remember – this is far from only for tourists. Most people strolling here, enjoying themselves, are locals. This is, even today, a genuine piece of Arabian Nights…no ”assembly of the dead”.
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Leya 
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