Well, let’s make the best of it…kids can do it, then why can’t we!
Thursday Thoughts – It’s Raining…
People
WPC: Opposites
Opposites…often go well together. For WPC I have chosen the Moroccan desert. Many opposites to be found here. In the header the classic desert/oasis, But, in the second one maybe more subtleties…
More entries here.
Cee’s B&W Photo Challenge: Store Front Signs
For Cee this week – Rome and a store front window. This store had everything written on the glass only. For more signs, click here.
Thursday Thoughts – Magnificent Tullstorp
We were so fortunate to get a guided tour at Tullstorp, the world famous dressage stable run by Jan Brink. Situated only fifteen kilometres from where we live, this was a fantastic opportunity for a look into another world.
As a young boy Jan Brink played hockey in his home village, but as all the young girls were hanging at the stable, he gave the horses a chance…In some months he was hooked, and this was to be his future career. He studied at Flyinge and in Germany for some years, and then went for an international career.
Architect – Jan Brink
The World Cup Winner this year
Designed for the horses to be at the centre of interest
Jan Brink guiding us
The most valuable horses are kept in this building…
…and feeling excellent
Shower room – for the horses
Well polished after every day in use
Jan Brink is one of the best riders in the world and a seven-time Swedish dressage champion – five times on the number one dressage horse Björsell’s Briar.
Brink has won five medals in international championships, and in 2005 he was the first Swede to win the dressage championship in Aachen.
Jan Brink is a self-made man, and unbelievably hard working. Going for shampionships, educating new horses and riders – and top class horse breeding serving customers all over the world. According to him, having talent is far from enough – you must be prepared to work hard and go for your dreams.
The magnificent Tullstorp was built by a humble man, and a perfectionist – Jan Brink. Every detail in harmony.
In the reception
Jan and his precious Briar in the conference room
For his employees!
Transporting in style
Room for horses as well as assistants, full service
The inside arena…
The dressage arena…in late evening light. Thank you, Jan, for a magnificent tour!
Travel theme: Exits
From Ailsa this week – Exits.
Photos from China 2009 – A starspangled exit at the airport, and another kind of exit …I hope you think it is rather sweet anyway…
WPC: Partners
Partners for WordPress – Midsummer’s Eve is of course the perfect day to spend with your partner.
Whether it might be shoes and feet…or maybe gloves and hands –
(Or maybe you will find another partner in these shots as well…)
But, in the end, the traditional Partner.
Don’t Tell Me Grey is Only Grey
In Sweden we use the word ”grey”about things old, dull and dark. A grey day, a grey future, everything looks grey, an old and grey lady or gentleman.
But, the colour grey is just as much a perfect contrasting colour…
as a beautiful colour in its own right. Not only ”only”…
What do you associate the colour grey with in your country?
SL-WEEK 48: Silhouette
For Sylvain Landry -silhouettes.
SL-WEEK 47: Blue
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”.
.
Leya 
Du måste vara inloggad för att kunna skicka en kommentar.