Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge: Bridges
I have one special favourite of all bridges…the old Roman bridge in Switzerland, Verzasca valley. Read my post about this valley here.
Another favourite bridge, actually an aqueduct, is Pont du Gard in France. But you can no longer walk Pont du Gard. I did in 1976, on top, about 50 cm width and I had my Swedish clogs on. I guess I should be grateful to have survived that walk…
Click the link for more beautiful bridges!
For Cee this week – Rome and a store front window. This store had everything written on the glass only. For more signs, click here.
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.
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.
The dressage arena…in late evening light. Thank you, Jan, for a magnificent tour!
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.
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.
Yohio participated in Eurovision Song Contest 2013 and 2014.
Another colourful group is Army of Lovers, with their almost Arabian Nights – style.
Camilla Thulin is renowned for having designed all of Army of Lovers‘ outfits.
Thulin also designed Malena Ernman‘s gown worn during her Eurovision Song Contest 2009 performance (reported to have cost €37,471).
A much loved artist and singer from up north, Roger Pontare, is of Sami origin. He has represented Sweden twice in Eurovision Song Contest.
Sarah Mårskog successfully designed his shaman- inspired clothes.
Altogether an inspiring exhibition, where I picked some of my favourites for you. I hope you enjoyed them as much as I did.
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.
For Cee this week – Steps. In the header – the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh. (I’m not sure you can walk them though…except maybe from the inside.))
The second photo is from Hamar, Norway, steps with autumn leaves.
Two favourites from Riga! Drawers from Tom’s Drag and the door from a walk in old town.
Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge: Doors and Drawers
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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