It Is All About Bulls…

A rather big city, renowned for its yearly dangerous race between men and bulls…

…running along this street…

…ending up in the arena on the other side of these red doors.

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The man who made this race known to the whole world had a street named after him here – just beside the arena.

And he happens to be one of my favourite authors. Although I must say the monument does not do him justice…

Surely you, by now, know where we are in Spain?  – Pamplona!

 

Designers and Designs for Swedish Artists

Last week I went to a local museum to see a travelling exhibition with some of our famous designers’ clothes made for Swedish artists and singers.

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Katarina de Bourg made the clothes for our young  Japan export – Yohio. His androgynous style is not as popular here as in Japan, where he is a big star. He is greatly influenced by the Japanese genre visual kei.

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Yohio participated in Eurovision Song Contest 2013 and 2014.

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Another colourful group is Army of Lovers, with their almost Arabian Nights – style.

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Camilla Thulin is renowned for having designed all of Army of Lovers‘ outfits.

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Thulin also designed Malena Ernman‘s gown worn during her Eurovision Song Contest 2009 performance (reported to have cost  37,471).

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A much loved artist and singer from up north, Roger Pontare, is of Sami origin. He has represented Sweden twice in Eurovision Song Contest.

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Sarah Mårskog successfully designed his shaman- inspired clothes.

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Altogether an inspiring exhibition, where I picked some of my favourites for you. I hope you enjoyed them as much as I did.

Travel theme: Camping

I have done much camping in my days…many of us have. As a child I loved it, then as a young woman in love, we camped all over Europe during the summers. Some camping in the mountains, hiking and some camping with my students…but now, it is over.

Or… almost.

If staying at a Berber camp for two days, in tents, and having a camp fire in The Sahara Desert, is camping, then I have camped again… last month. Our tent was the one to the right, with a yellow entrance carpet.

At the far end of the camp were the toilets – and to my great disappointment, they were ordinary toilets – just like those at home…The washing basins outdoors though.

The adventure started with a marvellous camel ride over the dunes, and enjoying the colourful sunset from the top dunes.Back at the camp, we were treated to a real feast – or at least it felt so after our long day…

We had some delicious tagine by candle light in the main tent, and then we sat by the fire under the stars, listening to each others’ stories. Just existing.

We all slept well that night, but some of us woke up early…trying to find our way in the dizziness of the silence of unfamiliar surroundings.

I had expected it to be very cold during the night – we had been told to bring warm clothes. But three o’clock in the morning the air was soft and smooth, fresh and only a bit cool.

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Finally back at our tent, I admired yesterday’s fireplace in the clear morning light, went inside the tent, and fell asleep again.

Before leaving the camp the day after, I enjoyed the sun seeping through our carpet, and the joy of photographing our tent in daylight. The bed was very warm and comfortable, and we were provided with all sorts of bed linen, blankets, duvets, etc.

A last look at the camp and the ”restaurant”, then we left what had been the highlight of our journey.

IMG_6755_copyThe rest of my desert adventures will have to wait for a post of their own.

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I was just thinking that, maybe one day…we will be back in the Sahara again…

Go for more camping here.

WPC: Jubilant

 

I don’t know anything more jubilant than students storming out in real life,  celebrating their achievements and their last minutes in highschool –

 

– and then freeeeeeedom!

 

Thursday Thoughts – Why I Love…This

Is it because of…

 

…or because of

 

 

or maybe because of…

my longing for a Knight in Shining Armour…

or at least a handsome knight… in any armour!

 

It might also be for the fair ladies and a love of horses…

…or for the spectacular jousting  – and its Swedish Champions!

I do believe my love for this consists of all these things…and then, nothing beats the Hovdala Castle …

and its surroundings.

SL-WEEK 43: Wedding

According to Chinese tradition, the bride always wears red on her wedding day. So, for Sylvain Landry, this week’s wedding pictures come from China. Old tradition in the beautiful water city of Suzhou, and in the header, a modern couple walking the Bond overlooking the Pudong area in Shanghai.

 

 

Thursday Thoughts – A Man and His Dog

I have spent a couple of days at a seaside resort on the west coast. We had some sunshine and a slightly chilly wind, and enjoyed the stay very much.

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Last night and late evening, we walked the pier before dinner.

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Many dogs were out walking their masters, but I especially noticed this man and his best friend. They had that special friendship that made them play so well together.

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The way it should be between man and dog. Between best friends.

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Just watch them together. The listening and total understanding – no loud voices…

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…but talking all the time…

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Cooperation – and perfect understanding

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Who needs anything more?

 

I wish you all a Happy and Joyful Easter Holiday!

 

 

 

WPC: Dance

Dancing water in Barcelona and dancing Swedish people – old and young – around the Maypole. Soon we will be there again…

Music is essential to dancing, and the water here danced to classical music whereas the people clapped hands and danced to classical Swedish Midsummer songs.

I think most people love to dance…it is a beautiful, sensual way of showing emotions. Find more dancing here.

 

Old and very young dance around the maypole

Old and very young dance around the maypole