#Frida Kahlo: Her Life Her Work Her Home

[fantomcomics]

What’s Out This Week? 5/31

SUMMA SUMMA SUMMA TIIIIIIIIME

Flic: The True Story Of The Journalist Who Infiltrated The Police GN - Valentin Gendrot, Frank Wynne &Thierry Chavant

What happens behind the walls of a police station? In order to answer this question, undercover journalist Valentin Gendrot puts his life on hold for two years. He decides to undertake training and become a police officer. Several months later, Gendrot is working in a police station in one of the tough northern arrondissements of Paris, where relations between the law and locals are strained. Asking important questions about who holds institutional power and how we can hold them to account, Flic is a gripping exposé of a world never before seen by outsiders.

Frida Kahlo: Her Life, Her Work, Her Home GN -  Francisco De La Mora

Frida Kahlo, remembered as one of the most inspiring personalities of the 20th century, was a woman of two intertwined parts: she was both a charismatic and empowered artist exploring themes of resistance, authenticity, cruelty, and suffering, and a more private person whose wounded body caused her a lifetime of pain that underpinned the many successes and disappointments that marked her time in the world. Revealing and exploring these two Fridas, Francisco de la Mora's graphic biography-completed with the endorsement and support of the Frida Kahlo Museum in Mexico City-allows the reader to see just how far ahead of her time this complex artist was in her understanding of gender inequality and the culture of machismo, topics that remain relevant to this day and continue to lend resonance to Kahlo's painting.

Listen, Beautiful Marcia GN -  Marcello Quintanilha

Márcia is a nurse in a hospital near Rio and lives in a favela with herboyfriend, Aluisio, and her daughter, Jaqueline, whom she had very young with another man. Jaqueline, a troubled young adult, makes life difficult for her mother and Aluisio and rebelliously hangs out with members of a neighborhood gang, leading to violent altercations between mother and daughter. The situation degenerates even more when Jaqueline is arrested. Márcia and Aluisio, distraught, realize that Jaqueline is in deeper trouble than they ever thought.

Me & My Beast Boss GN Vol 1 -  Shiroinu

In a world where beastfolk are thought to be superior to humans, human office worker Saki Oki struggles to remain afloat in a company where she is belittled and tormented by her beastfolk colleagues and superiors. And so, when she is called into the CEO's office, she's prepared for the worst-but instead of firing Saki, he acknowledges her hard work and makes her his private secretary! She's delighted by his praise...but could that really be the only reason her heart is racing so fast?  

The North Valley Grimoire #1 (of 6) -  Blake Northcott, Giuseppe Cafaro & Fay Dalton

SPYCRAFT MEETS SPELLCRAFT in North Valley: a slick, James Bond-style adventure fused with the supernatural suspense of The Magicians. In this thrilling debut, a CIA black-ops division clandestinely hunts - and eliminates - the most dangerous threat in history: MAGICK. On a routine assignment, Agent Malek discovers a grimoire more powerful than a nuclear weapon ... but when The Agency wants to recover the spellbook instead of destroy it, he begins to question their endgame.

Pathfinder: Wake The Dead #1 -  Fred Van Lente, Eman Casallos & Steve Ellis

The tantalizing prospect of a rendezvous with a Geb defector in possession of priceless secrets from that undead nation brings a diverse group of adventurers to the Nexian metropolis of Ecanus. When they find themselves cornered by the city's remorseless Deathsealers, can the Iconics band together for survival & escape a city full of hostile wizards alive?

The Savage Strength Of StarStorm #1 -  Drew Craig & Jason Finestone  Orphaned amnesiac high school student Grant Garrison is just attempting to navigate his present and recall his past when a meteor decimates his school. In the rubble, Grant discovers a strange artifact from another galaxy, the weapon known as the Starstorm, and the power that resides within it will determine not only his and his friends' future-but the fate of the entire universe.

Starman: David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust Years GN  -  Reinhard Kleist

In 1972, the rock 'n' roll messiah Ziggy Stardust was born. His provocative play on sexual identity and gender roles laid the foundation for David Bowie's ascent to legendary status as one of the most successful pop musicians of all time. Reinhard Kleist weaves the gripping tale of this dazzling character's genesis, tracing both Bowie's hapless efforts on the London music scene before Ziggy's conception and his struggles with his own creation at the height of his fame. As Bowie transforms himself, ever more dizzyingly, into a self-portrait of an egocentric rock star, his extravagant lifestyle threatens to bring the real world collapsing around his ears. This publication has not been prepared, approved, authorized or licensed by the David Bowie estate or any related entity.

Whatcha getting to kick off the summer, Fantom Fam?

[graphicpolicy]

SelfMadeHero's new titles include graphic biographies of Frida Kahlo, and Starman, Reinhard Kleist's celebration of Bowie

SelfMadeHero's new titles include graphic biographies of Frida Kahlo, and Starman, Reinhard Kleist's celebration of Bowie #comics #comicbooks #graphicnovel

Releasing in March, Francisco de la Mora’s Frida Kahlo: Her Life, Her Work, Her Home explores the public and private faces of this iconic artist, whose transformation of personal pain and political vision into unforgettable art has made her one of the most inspiring personalities of the 20th century. This latest addition to SelfMadeHero’s ART MASTERS series depicts and defines the astonishing…

[amirasainz]

Hey could you maybe write sister leclerc in Mexico and Alex taking her to her favorite places

Enjoy reading and send some requests!!!

-xoxo babygirl 💕

One day in Mexico

The sun was warm as it kissed the cobblestone streets of Mexico City, and Alexandra took a deep breath, soaking in the vibrant energy that surrounded her. She glanced over at Yn, who was looking around with wide eyes, her face full of excitement and curiosity. Alexandra couldn’t help but smile—she’d been waiting for this moment ever since she and Charles had invited Yn to join them for the Mexico GP.

"Ready, Yn?" Alexandra asked, nudging her lightly.

"Yes!" Yn's voice bubbled with excitement, her eyes glimmering. "Where are we going first?"

"First stop: the markets," Alexandra said, winking. "I want to show you the real Mexico City."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As they walked through the buzzing local market, Alexandra took the lead, navigating the stalls packed with colorful textiles, handmade jewelry, and fresh produce. Yn gasped, stopping to look at a stall filled with woven blankets in bright reds, blues, and yellows.

"This is amazing, Alex! It’s so vibrant here," Yn said, eyes wide as she took in the colors and scents surrounding her.

Alexandra chuckled, noticing how Yn was captivated by everything she saw. "I told you! The markets here are just incredible. And trust me, it’s even better when you try the food." She leaned closer, lowering her voice to a whisper. "Want to try some authentic street tacos?"

Yn grinned. "Lead the way!"

They made their way to a small taco stand, where the delicious aroma of fresh tortillas filled the air. Alexandra ordered two tacos each, explaining the toppings and sauces to Yn, who eagerly took her first bite.

"Oh my God, Alex," Yn said, her eyes widening with delight as she savored the flavors. "This is the best thing I’ve ever tasted!"

Alexandra laughed. "Welcome to Mexico, where the food is life-changing." As Yn continued eating, Alexandra snapped a candid photo of her, capturing her joy. Yn didn’t notice, too absorbed in her taco.

After they finished their food, Alexandra took Yn to a jewelry stall. Yn was drawn to a delicate silver bracelet with tiny turquoise stones embedded in it.

"Try it on," Alexandra encouraged, reaching out to help Yn clasp it around her wrist.

Yn looked down, admiring it with a shy smile. "It’s so beautiful. I think Charles would love to see this."

"Oh, don’t worry," Alexandra said, smirking as she snapped another photo of Yn admiring the bracelet. "I’m making sure he gets all the highlights from today."

Yn blushed, laughing. "Are you secretly photographing me, Alex?"

"Maybe." Alexandra winked. "Can’t help it—you look too cute."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Their next stop was the Frida Kahlo Museum. As they stepped inside, Yn’s eyes sparkled with wonder. She walked slowly, taking in the vibrant colors and personal artifacts that filled Frida’s old home. Alexandra watched her closely, pleased to see Yn so enchanted.

“Frida was such an icon,” Alexandra whispered as they stood before one of her famous self-portraits. “She lived fiercely, even when things got tough.”

Yn nodded, looking thoughtful. “I think I get it now. She put so much of herself into her work… It’s like she was sharing her soul.”

Alexandra put a hand on Yn's shoulder, smiling softly. “Exactly. Just like you—you have that same spirit, Yn.”

Yn blushed, her cheeks a soft pink. “Thanks, Alex. That really means a lot.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Later that afternoon, they wandered over to a small plaza filled with mariachi music and laughter. Yn was taking it all in, her face lit up with delight as she watched couples dancing and vendors selling colorful souvenirs. Alexandra was trying to snap another picture of her when a young man approached them, clearly intrigued by Yn.

“Hola, señorita,” he said smoothly, giving Yn a charming smile. “You look as beautiful as a sunset in the Mexican sky. Are you visiting?”

Yn’s face turned an even deeper shade of pink, and she stammered, “Uh, yes… Just for a few days.”

Alexandra stepped back, hiding a grin as she watched Yn struggle to respond to the young man’s flirtation. She crossed her arms, staying close but allowing Yn to have the moment.

“You must let me show you around then,” the young man continued, his smile never wavering. “There’s so much to see, and someone like you deserves the best tour.”

Yn bit her lip, looking flustered but flattered. “Oh, thank you. That’s… very kind of you.”

Alexandra finally stepped forward, placing a gentle but protective hand on Yn’s shoulder. “Sorry to interrupt,” she said, giving the young man a polite smile, “but we’ve got a busy day ahead of us. Maybe some other time?”

The young man nodded, looking slightly disappointed but respectful. “Of course. Enjoy your visit, señorita.”

Yn turned to Alexandra as soon as he walked away, her face still red. “Alex! I had no idea what to say! I’ve never been flirted with like that.”

Alexandra burst out laughing, pulling Yn into a quick hug. “You handled it well! But don’t worry—I had your back the whole time.” She pulled out her phone, flashing Yn a series of photos. “Look at you, totally flustered and adorable!”

Yn gasped. “You took pictures of that?!”

“Of course!” Alexandra grinned. “I have to send these to Charles. He’ll love them.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As the day wound down, they found a quiet café and sat down to enjoy some churros and hot chocolate. Yn sighed, looking out over the city with a contented smile.

“Today was incredible, Alex. Thank you so much,” she said, reaching over to squeeze Alexandra’s hand. “I feel like I got to see the real Mexico.”

“Anything for you, Yn,” Alexandra replied softly, squeezing her hand back. “We're sisters now, and I’ll always look out for you.” She took one last photo of Yn, who was smiling as the warm sunset cast a golden glow on her face.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

That evening, back at the hotel, Alexandra and Yn found Charles in the lobby, waiting for them with an eager smile. He stood up, pulling Yn into a hug.

“Did you have a good day with Alex?” he asked, his eyes soft with affection.

“The best day,” Yn replied, smiling up at him.

Alexandra beamed, pulling out her phone. “You have no idea, Charles. I took so many photos of your sister today—look.” She handed him the phone, scrolling through the images of Yn laughing, eating, admiring the bracelet, and even looking flustered after the guy flirted with her.

Charles looked up, an amused smile playing on his lips. “You really captured everything.”

“Oh, yes,” Alexandra said proudly, leaning her head on Yn’s shoulder. “Yn’s my baby now too.”

Yn laughed, rolling her eyes. “You’re embarrassing me!”

Charles chuckled but paused when he saw the picture of the guy talking to Yn. “Wait…who’s that?”

Yn and Alexandra exchanged a glance, both trying to stifle their laughter.

“Oh, that’s just a guy who flirted with Yn,” Alexandra said casually, unable to hide her amusement.

Charles’s eyes widened, his face shifting into a look of pure, older-brother protectiveness. “What?! Someone flirted with you?!”

Yn giggled, nudging him playfully. “Relax, Charles! Alexandra was there the whole time.”

Alexandra smirked, giving him a reassuring pat on the arm. “I kept her safe, don’t worry.”

Charles shook his head, exasperated but laughing as he pulled them both into a hug. “You two are going to drive me crazy.”

Yn looked at Alexandra, both of them grinning, as Charles sighed dramatically.

“Totally worth it, though,” Alexandra whispered, giving Yn a wink.

[natvlad93]

This is a sim for #elliescc @mylittlesimcorner 31-day Simblreen CAS challenge, one of my favorite artists, Frida Kahlo. She was such a revolutionary woman, in art and just in life. She lived hers as much as she could despite some of the tragedies that happened to her, expressing her emotions -- the good and bad -- through her art. I fell in love with her and her work ever since I first saw her picture in my high school Spanish teacher's class. The woman with the mysterious yet proud look and a unibrow captured me and I had to know more. In learning more about The Day of the Dead, I was exposed to learning more about her as well as another favorite artist of mine, Salvador Dalí.

Day 19 theme:

🌺💀Skeleton🦴⚱️

The second picture is one I took when I created her in 2019, she had just interacted with the sugar skull altar when the collection was completed. I've always admired Frida and she was one of the first sims I created when I started playing TS4 🤭I even created a bedroom and art room inspired by her La Casa Azul, her beautiful home in Mexico City, Mexico. It's on the gallery in case anyone wants to see them 😊gallery ID: NVlad93

[swforester]

Recently I got the chance to check out a wonderful Frida Kahlo exhibit that was based on the photos she took during her life, taken from her family photo album. She had an extraordinary life, tragically cut short when she was only 47. She suffered all her life from a terrible injury she received in a trolly accident at age 18:

"Kahlo suffered many injuries: her pelvic bone had been fractured, her abdomen and uterus had been punctured by the rail, her spine was broken in three places, her right leg was broken in eleven places, her right foot was crushed and dislocated, her collarbone was broken, and her shoulder was dislocated.[164][167] She spent a month in hospital and two months recovering at home before being able to return to work.[165][166][168] As she continued to experience fatigue and back pain, her doctors ordered X-rays, which revealed that the accident had also displaced three vertebrae.[169] As treatment she had to wear a plaster corset which confined her to bed rest for the better part of three months.[169]"

(thank you Wikipedia)

And yet she became one of the greatest women's painters of the 20th century. Her work is haunting to say the least. Her husband, Diego Rivera was also important Mexican painter and it was because her of her association with him that she was able to have her first solo exhibit. From there she became famous in Mexico but also gained stature in America. Today, she is looked upon as a maverick of her times, a style icon and one of the greatest women painters of the century.

"She is now considered an artist of genius, resolutely modern, delightfully polemical, engaging and whose paintings remain exceptional, unique and disturbing." -Carre D'Artistes

There is a great documentary about her extraordinary life available on PBS. Highly recommended. It features some incredible archival footage and historic photographs of her life.

On an interesting historic footnote she had a brief affair with Leon Trotsky in 1937. Trotsky had left Russia to live in exile in Mexico and Diego had helped to arrange it. In 1940 Trotsky was assassinated in Mexico City by the NKVD, the precursor to the KGB.

Pics 1,2,3: Museum of Fine Arts, Spfld MA 9/7/24

Pics 4,5,6: from Wikipedia

Pics 7,8,9: Museum of Fine Arts, Spfld MA 9/7/24

[harvardfineartslib]

Photography had always been a part of Frida Kahlo's life since she was born. Her father Guillermo Kahlo was one of the great Mexican photographers at the beginning of the twentieth century.

When Kahlo died in 1954, her husband Diego Rivera asked the poet Carlos Pellicer to turn her family home, the fabled Blue House (La Casa Azul), into a museum. Pellicer selected some paintings, drawings, photographs, books, and ceramics, maintaining the space just as Kahlo and Rivera had arranged it to live and work in. The rest of the objects, clothing, documents, drawings, and letters, as well as over 6,000 photographs collected by Kahlo over the course of her life, were put away in bathrooms that had been converted into storerooms.

This incredible trove remained hidden for more than half a century, until just over a decade ago when these storerooms and wardrobes were opened. Among these finds, Kahlo's photograph collection was a major revelation, bearing testimony to the tastes and interests of the famous couple not only through the images themselves, but also through the telling annotations inscribed upon them. (Summarized from the publisher’s notes)

Today is Frida Kahlo’s birthday. She was born inCoyoacán in Mexico City on July 6, 1907, and died in Coyoacán on July 13, 1954.

Frida Kahlo : her photos Edition and page layout by Pablo Ortiz Monasterio. 1st ed. México, D.F. : Editorial RM, 2010. HOLLIS number: 990125850460203941

[like-it-or-not-i-am-alive]

Edit: Lol, a terf reblogged this. What a dummy.

Frida Kahlo was a feminist, environmentalist, and anti-capitalist communist aligned painter. Her paintings are as haunting as they are beautiful.

Now, why do I run into Frida Kahlo merch at least once a week now?

I saw Frida Kahlo Crocs. Crocs.

Guys, gals, and pals, I hate to break it to you... but Frida wouldn't have worn Crocs. They are... pretty much everything she hates? A large corporation selling plastic for your feet at the detriment of the environment.

She would literally have hated to see how many corporations use her visage as a means of profit gains. I'm not referring to things done in her honour for donations. I'm not referring to tours of her life and museums that feed communities. I'm talking about Frida Kahlo merch being at Walmart, Disney (half excluding from Cocoa and half not), Home Goods, Crocs, amazon, etc etc etc...

Also, the internet is amazing... you don't think that if you really really wanted to buy merch of her... you can't order one from her home country??? Support her people that she felt so bitterly towards corporations trying to take advantage of?

It never used to bother me since I rarely saw merch of her. Seemed like more often than not, it was in good spirits. Usually, it was in recognition of her. Now it's all junk made by child labourers...

Genuinely disappointing.

Also, fun fact, when Frida Kahlo visited the USA, she was extremely disappointed in how the "country of opportunity" worked.

[fuzzysparrow]

Which famous 20th-century painter lived in 'La Casa Azul' (The Blue House)?

The Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as 'La Casa Azul' (the Blue House) due to its cobalt-blue walls, is a historic house and art museum dedicated to the life and work of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. It is located in Mexico City and was Kahlo's birthplace, home and death place. In 1957, her husband Diego Rivera donated the home and its contents in order to turn it into a museum.

Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo y Calderón (1907-1954) was a Mexican painter, usually known as Frida Kahlo. She is remembered for her surreal and very personal works. At 18, due to a traffic accident, she became disabled and had periods of severe pain for the rest of her life. After this accident, Kahlo took up painting and used the things that had happened to her as inspiration. Her paintings are often shocking in the way they show her pain and the harsh lives of women.

Kahlo's attention to female themes and the honesty in her paintings made her something of a feminist cult figure in the last decades of the 20th century. Some of her work is seen at the Frida Kahlo Museum, along with Mexican folk art, pre-Hispanic artefacts, photographs, memorabilia, and personal items.

[theobviousparadox]

Review: Frida Kahlo: Her Life, Her Work, Her Home by Fransisco de la Mora

Frida Kahlo: Her Life, Work, Her HomeFransisco de la MoraSelfMadeHeroPublished April 11, 2023 Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads About Frida Kahlo: Her Life, Her Work, Her Home Endorsed by the Frida Kahlo Museum in Mexico City, writer, and illustrator Francisco de la Mora’s full-color graphic novel explores the public and private faces of the iconic artist. Frida Kahlo, remembered as one of the…

[tomsphotos]

Frida Kahlo

Artist Research 6/8

Frida Kahlo was born on July 6, 1907 in Coyocan, Mexico City, Mexico. Frida was introduced to the art world at a young age with her dad being a photographer. Kahlo contracted polio at the age of 6. She attended the National Preparatory School in 1922 where she became famous. That is also where she met Diego Rivera, a Mexican muralist. She got very injured after a bus tragedy and had to stay home, where she started to paint to pass time and created her first self-portrait painting. She once said, "I paint myself because I am often alone and I am the subject I know best." She eventually reconnected with Rivera and got married in 1929. She continued to create paintings as she moved from place to place.

Self-Portrait Dedicated to Leon Trotsky, 1937, oil on Masonite, (30 x 24 in)

Frida uses bold, vibrant colors all throughout her paintings. She is primarily wearing traditional Mexican pieces throughout her self-portraits. Another aspect that is hidden within her paintings is the message. The paintings were more than just self depictions but also a way to translate her memories and ideas that came across her mind. Subtle yet rich symbolism lies within the paintings that give deeper insight into the artist and what they want to represent. She even introduced more politically charged imagery where she embraces a Utopian world where everyone, including herself, can be freed from any pain and suffering of Marxism.

In this particular painting, small symbolisms like the letter and bouquet of flowers represent her secret affair. This paintings reminds me of these Mexican ceramic dolls my mom collects.

Self-Portrait on the Border Line Between Mexico and the United States, 1932, oil on metal, (12.5 x 13.25 in)

My Analysis:

I like Kahlo's work because of the symbolism she applies to her work. Some things are so subtle yet add such character to the work itself and how it applies to Kahlo's self-depiction. The vibrant colors are fun and bring life to the work. I also like how she represents these political paintings in a different and unusual way. Overall, her art style is fun and filled with subtle messages that adds to the piece.

References:

“Frida Kahlo Biography.” Frida Kahlo, www.fridakahlo.org/frida-kahlo-biography.jsp. Accessed 9 Dec. 2024.

“Self-Portrait Dedicated to Leon Trotsky - Frida Kahlo - Google Arts & Culture.” Google, Google, artsandculture.google.com/asset/self-portrait-dedicated-to-leon-trotsky-frida-kahlo/qwH7SFUucsTJjQ. Accessed 9 Dec. 2024.

[finishinglinepress]

FLP CHAPBOOK OF THE DAY: Tendering the Body by Brittany Brewer

On SALE: https://www.finishinglinepress.com/product/tendering-the-body-by-brittany-brewer/

Tendering the Body is a collection of offerings—to #queer adolescen[ce/ts], [found] #family, and #bodies that endure. The poems suture together backyard bonfires and secrets at Steak n’ Shake, ruminations on body hair and #therapy and #friendship, and bits and pieces of a grieving body newly acquainted with #illness. This #book is a meditation on the juxtaposition between the visibility of bodies and the invisibility of their affective experiences made material. #poetry

Brittany Brewer (she/her) is a queer poet, [theatre] artist, and educator who has lived and grown across eight states. Currently, she lives in Michigan where she is also a doctoral student in Curriculum, Instruction, and Teacher Education at Michigan State University. Her research interests include arts-as-research, embodiment, queer theory, young adult narratives, trauma-informed education, and feedback practices. Before MSU, Brittany worked as the Associate Director of Education at Philadelphia Young Playwrights where, among other things, she facilitated over 315 classroom workshops and created/facilitated professional development workshops for classroom teachers, teaching artists, and classroom actors. She is passionate about cultivating more “Young Adult theatre” and crafting tools for those beginning their theatrical journeys. As a playwright, Brittany’s work has been produced by Revolution Shakespeare, Going Viral Festival, Elephant Room Productions, and Allens Lane Art Center. Her poetry has appeared or is forthcoming in Rougarou, Months to Years, Wild Roof Journal, and Hole in the Head Review. She is an alumna of Indiana University, Brown University, and the Arden Professional Apprenticeship program. For more, visit: www.brittanybrewer.com.

PRAISE FOR Tendering the Body by Brittany Brewer

Brittany Brewer is a poet of the body and the home, spaces not dissimilar, spaces that have been lost and revisited through the speaker’s perpetual yearn for grounding. I’m in awe of the heart, syntax, story, and longing in Tendering the Body, the poems giving a rendition of what it means to return home to the Midwest through the lenses of girlhood, friendship, illness, queerness. Listen to Brewer who, even in descendant gestures, holds onto hope: “So many times, I wish I could render my body anew, sift her down to her basest grains, knead her, and let her rise again.” And rise she does in this stunning debut.

–Janine Certo, Author of O Body of Bliss, winner of the 2023 the Longleaf Press Book Contest in Poetry and Elixir, winner of the 2020 New American Poetry Prize and 2020 Lauria/Frasca Poetry Prize, among others.

Brittany Brewer’s Tendering the Body provides a teacher’s chronicle of adolescence and personal transformation. In poems that are as smart as they are tender, Brewer sheds light on the complicated experience of adolescence in the smalltown Midwest and young adult emergence into queer experience. She invites the reader to witness a journey of a self in process–in a Stake n’ Shake, in a Toyota Camry, in the classroom, the yoga studio, and the doctor’s office. The book asks us to consider with the author various poetic responses to the critical question “what facts, feelings, needs, or goals, are in your head today” with generosity and care.

–Robin Silbergelid, author of the poetry collection The Baby Book (CavanKerry Press, 2015) and the memoir Texas Girl (Demeter Press, 2014), as well as the chapbooks In the Cubiculum Nocturnum (Dancing Girl Press, 2019) and Frida Kahlo, My Sister (Finishing Line, 2014), among others.

Please share/please repost #flpauthor #preorder #AwesomeCoverArt #poetry #chapbook #read #poems #queer #LBGTQ #life #family #therapy #friendship #body #bodies

[cityseeker789]

Small Group: Discover Xochimilco, Coyoacán, Frida Kahlo Museum and House

A small group tour of Xochimilco, Coyoacán, and the Frida Kahlo Museum offers a rich cultural experience in Mexico City. Begin by exploring the vibrant canals of Xochimilco, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where colorful trajineras (boats) float along the ancient waterways, accompanied by music and traditional food. Next, visit the charming colonial neighborhood of Coyoacán, with its cobblestone streets, artisan markets, and historic plazas. The tour concludes at the Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul), where you can explore the life and works of the iconic artist in her former home, filled with personal artifacts and her distinctive art.

[udo0stories]

Posted: 2/19/24 | February 19th, 2024 Mexico City, the world's fifth largest city, is a vast metropolis where culture and history collide to create a vibrant tapestry of vibrant colors, mouthwatering cuisines, and bustling neighborhoods. This place is amazing to me. Despite my limited visits, I always enjoy discovering new places to eat and explore in the city. Every time, I have a fantastic time. I even gave tours of the city because I love it so much, and every single person I showed around was amazed. This place is hated by none. It should come as no surprise that there is a ton to see and do in this huge, historically significant city—from touring world-class museums to dining at tiny taco stands to exploring quirky neighborhoods. It is possible to spend a week here and still not see everything. Here are my top picks for activities in Mexico City so you can enjoy yourself and fully immerse yourself in the local way of life while visiting this energetic metropolis!   1. Take a Walking Tour Walking tours are an excellent way to learn a destination’s history and avoid missing any must-see stops. I always start my trips off with at least one walking tour, as it’s the best way to get the lay of the land and connect with a local guide that can answer all your questions. Estación Mexico Free Tours and the Monkey Experience both have a free historic downtown tour that can show you what the city has to offer. The former also offers four other free tours of different neighborhoods too. Even though the tours are technically free, always remember to tip your guide at the end! For more walking tour recommendations (including paid options), check out this post. 2. Visit the Museo Nacional de Antropología Found within Chapultepec Park, this world-class anthropology museum is the largest museum in Mexico (it’s also the most visited, receiving over two million guests per year). Since 1964, it has housed the largest global collection of sculptures, jewels, and artifacts from ancient Mexican civilizations. The different time periods are grouped into comprehensive (and massive) exhibition halls with bilingual information signs, so be sure to give yourself ample time to explore it all. There’s a beautiful courtyard in the center where you can sit and people-watch for a bit. 3. Tour Frida Kahlo’s House Frida Kahlo and her husband, Diego Rivera, are two of the biggest names in Mexican art. Frida was particularly famous for her portraits and self-portraits. A tour of their old home (“Casa Azul”) is a worthwhile experience to see where and how she lived, as well as some of her original artwork. It’s a really interesting house with a beautiful garden and lots of information about her life. The residence also hosts a variety of artistic workshops monthly, so check out the schedule if you’re interested. This guided tour of Coyoacán (the surrounding neighborhood) includes a ticket to the museum, which you’ll visit at your own pace after learning about the area in which the two artists lived and worked. 4. Attend a Lucha Libre Mexican “free wrestling” is a favorite national pastime. Extremely entertaining and affordable, lucha libre takes the sport to a whole new level. Grab a beer or a shot of tequila, and whatever you do, do not look away during a match, as anything can—and will—happen. (Do not bring your camera, though, as you will be forced to check it at the door.) Arena México and Arena Coliseo are the main places to see a match. General seating tickets can be as little as 56 MXN (do not buy from scalpers, because the police are always around and you’ll get in trouble). Look for a taquilla (ticket booth) sign to be sure that you are paying the right price. Guided experiences, like this lucha libre experience, are also available. During the match, you’ll enjoy a mezcal tasting and munch on chips and guacamole, and at the end, you’ll leave with your very own lucha libre mask. Arena México: Dr. Lavista 189, +52 55 5588 0266, cmll.com/arenas/arena-mexico. Shows on Fridays at 8:30 , Sundays at 5pm, and Tuesdays at 7:30

Arena Coliseo: República de Perú 77, +52 55 5588 0266, cmll.com/arenas/arena-coliseo. Shows on Saturday nights at 7:30. 5. Day Trip to Teotihuacán If you do only one trip out of town, make it this one. Teotihuacán was an ancient Mesoamerican city located about 50 kilometers (30 miles) northeast of present-day Mexico City. At its height (150–450 CE), it was one of the largest and most influential hubs in the pre-Columbian Americas, with a population estimated to be over 100,000. It is known for its impressive urban layout and pyramids, including the Avenue of the Dead, the Pyramid of the Sun, the Pyramid of the Moon, and the Temple of the Feathered Serpent (Quetzalcoatl). I’ve been a few times and can’t recommend it enough (especially if you’re a history buff). We took our tour groups here, and everyone always had an amazing time. You can either do the day trip yourself (there are plenty of buses) or go on a guided tour that also stops at the Guadalupe Basilica, an important pilgrimage site. Either way, don’t forget to bring sunscreen, as the sun is punishing and there’s little to no shade. 6. Peruse the Mercados Mexico City boasts a kaleidoscope of bustling markets, each with its own unique charm. Among the most famous is the Mercado de la Merced, a sprawling market hailed as the largest in town. Located east of the Zócalo, it’s mainly focused on food, with vibrant displays of fruits, vegetables, meats, and spices. Another iconic market is Mercado Roma, a contemporary gastronomic hub that showcases the city’s culinary diversity through gourmet treats and artisanal products. For something a little different, Mercado Jamaica is a beautiful flower market, full of vibrant colors and fragrances. And for unique souvenirs, head to La Ciudadela, an artisan market that boasts an extensive collection of traditional textiles and handicrafts. Finally, Mercado de Sonora stands out for its mystical ambiance, renowned for catering to spiritual and esoteric needs, offering everything from traditional herbs and potions to ritualistic artifacts. There’s truly a market for everything in Mexico City! 7. Take a Food Tour Traditional Mexican cuisine is so culturally rich and distinct (and delicious) that UNESCO has included it on its Intangible Cultural Heritage list. While you can certainly go on a self-led taco tour, you won’t learn nearly as much as you would by taking a food tour, which is an excellent way to get a crash course on local cuisine. My friend Anais runs Devoured Tours, offering in-depth tours into the food scene of CMDX with five different four-hour options to choose from. On each tour, you’ll meet a local “tastemaker,” an expert in their craft who shares the process behind Mexican gastronomic traditions like making mouthwatering tacos or crafting exquisite mezcal cocktails. Tours start at 1,625 MXN. If you just want to eat all the tacos (who doesn’t), join Sabores Mexico Food Tours on its Tacos & Mezcal Night Food Tour. You’ll enjoy tacos at a mix of traditional and contemporary taquerias and end your night sampling at the first mezcal bar in Mexico City. 8. Sample Mezcal I love mezcal. It’s a traditional Mexican distilled spirit, crafted from agave, that’s renowned for its smoky flavor and complexity. I’ve learned a ton about it over the course of my visits to Mexico, but I’m always looking to try new flavors and dive deeper into the distilling process. If you want to try mezcal and learn more about it, some unique places to sample it include La Mezcaloteca (a bar/library where you can do a tasting of five mezcals) and La Clandestina in Condesa (with 25 mezcals from all over the country) At the Museum of Tequila and Mezcal near Plaza Garibaldi, knowledgeable guides will lead you through the intricate process of production, from harvest to distillation. You’ll also get to sample types of mezcal alongside different tequilas, so you can appreciate the differences between Mexico’s main two spirits. A ticket that includes tastings costs 340 MXN.

9. Float Along the Xochimilco Canals While the Xochimilco Canals are infamous for their party boats, complete with bottomless drinks, a kayak tour is a fun and different way to explore the enchanting waterways of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. On this tour, led by a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll paddle through the vibrant floating gardens, known as chinampas, witness the lively atmosphere of traditional trajineras (colorful boats), and appreciate the scenic beauty of the surroundings. All the while, you’ll get insights into the history and significance of Xochimilco and its canals. This was another really popular part of our tours and something most travelers don’t experience. 10. Admire the View from Torre Latinoamericana Torre Latinoamericana is an iconic skyscraper in the heart of Mexico City. Completed in 1956, it was once the tallest building in Latin America. Designed by architect Augusto H. Álvarez, the tower rises 183 meters (600 feet) and consists of 44 floors. (It has resisted numerous earthquakes, thanks to its innovative design featuring a stabilizing core.) The tower offers panoramic views from its observation deck, giving a good perspective on just how massive the city is. It costs 200 MXN to visit the observation floor (get advance tickets here), but if you go to the bar on the floor just below, you’ll get the same view for the price of a drink. 11. Wander the Zócalo The Zócalo is the heart of Mexico City’s historic center. This massive square contains the ruins of Templo Mayor (the ancient Aztec temple complex), the Palacio Nacional (the president’s official residence), and La Catedral Metropolitana (constructed by the Spanish upon conquest of the area). Originally the main ceremonial center in the ancient Aztec city of Tenochtitlán (located where Mexico City now stands), the Templo Mayor was destroyed to make room for the cathedral in 1521. In fact, the very stones that made up the temple were used to create the cathedral. You can now view ancient artifacts uncovered from the site, rediscovered in the 1970s, at the Museo del Templo Mayor (95 MXN to enter the museum and archaeological site). When you’re done, head over to admire the stunning Spanish colonial architecture of La Catedral Metropolitana. This 16th-century building dominates the northern half of the Zócalo and is free to enter. Inside, it’s incredibly ornate, with a floor that’s noticeably tilted thanks to the perpetual sinking of the city (due to its construction on a lake and swamp). 12. Relax in Chapultepec Park Chapultepec means “Hill of the Grasshopper” in Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs. Spanning 686 hectares (1,700 acres), this park in the heart of Mexico City is the second largest urban park in Latin America (the biggest is in Santiago, Chile). It’s one of the world’s most visited too, not only by visitors but also by locals, who love to set up shop grilling and picnicking on Sundays. You can also rent a rowboat or paddleboat and go out on Chapultepec Lake. Whenever I want to just relax and soak up the sun, this is where I go. In addition to the countless paths to stroll, Chapultepec is home to a zoo and several important museums, including the Museum of Anthropology (mentioned earlier) and Chapultepec Castle (see below). The park is divided into three sections. Section 1 houses most of the museums and is open Tuesday–Sunday, 5 a.m.–6 p.m. Sections 2 and 3 are open 24/7, though like many city parks, it’s likely not the best idea to walk through them alone after dark. 13. Visit Castillo de Chapultepec The only castle in North America to house monarchs, Chapultepec Castle was built in 1725 as a large manor house for the viceroy (the Spanish colonial administrator). Abandoned during the Mexican War of Independence in 1810, it later became the residence of Emperor Maximilian I and Empress Carlota in 1864, during the Second Mexican Empire (1864–67). Today, you can visit the castle and meander through the magnificently decorated period rooms, manicured gardens, and terraces offering impressive panoramas.

The castle is also home to the Museo Nacional de Historia (see below), which tells the story of Mexico from the time of Tenochtitlán to the Mexican Revolution. 14. Check out the art and history museums There are many museums and galleries in Mexico City. Worthwhile ones include the following: Palacio de Bellas Artes (Fine Art Museum): This impressive Art Nouveau building with an Art Deco interior is a massive cultural center that hosts performing arts events. Its various galleries include murals by Diego Rivera and rotating temporary exhibitions. It is also home to the Museum of Architecture. Museo Nacional de Historia (National History Museum): This museum, located in Chapultepec Castle, tells the history of Mexico through 12 permanent exhibition halls. Museo de Arte Moderno (Museum of Modern Art): Located within Chapultepec Park, this museum focuses on modern Mexican art. Its most famous piece is Frida Kahlo’s The Two Fridas. MUAC (University Museum of Contemporary Art of UNAM): This art museum on the university’s grounds also focuses on contemporary Mexican art, with video and sound installations, paintings, drawings, and more. Museo Nacional de Arte (National Art Museum): Mexican art from the mid-16th century to the mid-20th century is divided into three main time periods (colonial, post-independence, and post-revolution). Museo de Arte Popular (Folk Art Museum): This museum’s collection of Mexican folk art and handicrafts features traditional textiles, pottery, glass, piñatas, and alebrijes (brightly colored sculptures of fantastical creatures). Memory and Tolerance Museum: This newer museum tells the history of genocides and crimes against humanity, with a section promoting tolerance and inclusion of all groups of people. Tamayo Museum: Born out of the private collection of artist Rufino Tamayo, this museum concentrates on 20th-century international art (especially of the avant-garde variety).   15. Tour a Megalibrary The Biblioteca Vasconcelos, located in the Buenavista neighborhood, is a temple to books, often referred to as a “megalibrary.” The largest library in the entire country, it opened in 2006, covers an incredible 38,000 square meters (409,000 square feet), and houses over 600,000 books. But the real draw for the visitor is not in the collection (which, though large, isn’t particularly noteworthy) but in the building itself. The architecture is stunning, featuring transparent walls, six intentionally mismatched floors, and sculptures by prominent artists. It also has a focus on sustainability, with rainwater collection barrels on the roof, windows designed to light almost the entire interior naturally (yet without harming the books), and a green roof covered in plants that keep the building cool. Don’t miss popping around the back to stroll through the quiet and spacious garden filled with trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants. Admission is free. 16. Marvel at the Soumaya Museum Housing 66,000 pieces of Central American and European art, the Soumaya Museum displays works not only by Mexican artists such as Diego Rivera and Rufino Tamayo but also by famous masters such as Botticelli, Dalí, and Rodin. The museum was donated and constructed by one of the world’s richest men, Carlos Slim Helú (a Mexican business magnate). The Soumaya is a stunning piece of art on its own, as it is covered in 16,000 hexagonal aluminum tiles that sparkle in the sunlight. It’s considered the most beautiful modern building in Mexico City. Admission is free. 17. Escape to the UNAM Botanical Garden If you’re seeking a temporary escape from the hustle and bustle of Mexico City, look no further than the Botanical Garden at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). Rooted in Aztec traditions that valued gardens for both medicinal and ornamental purposes, this sanctuary also emphasizes conservation and environmental education. It’s situated around lava formations from the Xitle volcano eruption, and the paths meander through naturally formed grottoes and past waterfalls and ponds teeming with koi and turtles.

The plants you can admire here include the world’s most diverse cactus collection, with 800 different varieties; there’s also an orchidarium and a medicinal garden. This is also a habitat for wildlife; keep an eye out for woodpeckers, owls, hummingbirds, rattlesnakes, lizards, and the Pedregal tarantula, a species exclusive to this small area of Mexico City. 18. Stroll Around Roma and Condesa Roma and Condesa, two adjacent neighborhoods in the heart of Mexico City, are worth spending some time exploring (they’re also some of the best neighborhoods to stay in). They bleed into each other a bit, as both have leafy, tree-lined avenues, trendy boutiques, and an eclectic array of cafés, restaurants, bars, and mezcalerías. Roma is renowned for its bohemian atmosphere, European-inspired architecture, and colorful street art. Condesa is a bit more laid-back, high-class, and refined, featuring Art Deco buildings and lots of sidewalk cafés. Parque México and Parque España are iconic green spaces that divide the two neighborhoods and are perfect places to sit and people-watch for a bit. 19. Visit a Pueblo Mágico The pueblos mágicos (magical towns) are towns and villages that the Mexican government has recognized for their cultural, historical, and natural significance. To be so designated, a place must meet specific criteria, including having historical and cultural richness and unique architecture, traditions, and folklore. These towns often feature well-preserved colonial architecture, lively cultural traditions, and a welcoming atmosphere. While they are scattered all across the country, there’s one located just over an hour from Mexico City: Tepotzotlán. Known for its beautiful colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, vibrant murals, and hikes to sacred sites in the surrounding mountains, it makes for a fun day trip, or if you have the time, even an overnight. There are buses that go to Tepotzotlán from Taxqueña (Mexico City’s southern bus station) every 30 minutes. A ticket is 184 MXN. 20. Offbeat Things to Do in Mexico City There are lots of unconventional things to see and do that a lot of visitors don’t experience. Here are a few suggestions of some of my favorites: Palacio de Correos de México: This beautiful post office is a fascinating mix of architectural styles, including Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Gothic Revival, and others. There’s a free museum on the ground floor featuring various elements of the post office’s history, including a huge mural made entirely of stamps! Ballet Folklórico de México: This renowned folk-dance ensemble showcases traditional Mexican dance and music. Their permanent home is the Palacio de Bellas Artes, where tickets start at 1,200 MXN. Museo del Objeto del Objeto (Museum of the Object of the Object): This quirky museum is dedicated to everyday objects, showcasing the evolution of design and consumer culture in Mexico. Free admission. Museo del Chocolate: Learn about the importance and cultivation of cacao throughout Mexico’s history. There’s also an attached café, where you can sample chocolates in plenty of different forms. Museum admission is 80 MXN.

[laurencegrigorov]

The 16 best things to do in San Francisco

Famously beautiful, San Francisco is one of the most filmed, photographed (and shared on social networks) cities in the world. It’s even better in real life.

Laurence Grigorov, who is director of a South African based residential property development firm, enjoys travelling around the world.

Travelling abroad to enjoy different cultures and places is a hobby and favourite pastime for Laurence Grigorov. This allows him to both relax and unwind, as well as exposing hi to various architectural and design ideas and styles.

1. Admire the Golden Gate Bridge from these vantage points

Other suspension bridges are impressive feats of engineering, but the Golden Gate Bridge tops them all for its razzle-dazzle. On sunny days, this American icon transfixes crowds with its radiant glow (there are great views from Crissy Field), made possible by the work of 28 daredevil painters who reapply around 1000 gallons of International Orange paint each week. To inspect their work, duck under the bridge into Fort Point, make your way to the roof and look up: you’ll notice that even on the underbelly of the bridge, not a single rivet is allowed to get rusty.

2. Explore the attractions of Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park seems to contain just about everything San Franciscans love about their city, from bonsai and buffalo to flowers, free music and free spirits. The de Young Museum offers superb exhibitions of fine art in a striking contemporary building designed by Herzog & de Meuron, while the nearby California Academy of Sciences is a research institute and fabulous natural history museum complete with its own rainforest and aquarium. The park is also home to the San Francisco Botanical Garden, Japanese Tea Garden, Conservatory of Flowers and Stow Lake. Today, everything SF needs is here: inspiration, nature and murals.

3. Photograph the Mission’s 400+ street murals

Love changed the course of art history in the 1930s when modern-art power couple Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo honeymooned in San Francisco. Kahlo completed her first portrait commissions during her time in the city, while Rivera created public masterpieces that inspired generations of San Francisco muralists. Today San Francisco’s Mission District is an urban-art showstopper, featuring more than 400 murals throughout the neighborhood.

4. Browse the iconic City Lights Books

Free speech and free spirits have rejoiced since 1957, when City Lights founder and poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti and manager Shigeyoshi Murao won a landmark ruling defending their right to publish Allen Ginsberg's magnificent epic poem Howl. Celebrate your freedom to read freely in the designated Poet’s Chair upstairs, overlooking Jack Kerouac Alley. Then load up on zines on the mezzanine and entertain radical ideas downstairs in the new “Pedagogies of Resistance” section.

5. Jump on a cable car – and hold tight

Carnival rides can’t compare to the time-traveling thrills of the cable car, San Francisco’s steampunk mode of public transport. As the rickety wagons ascend notoriously steep streets, first-timers slide into strangers’ laps – cable cars were invented in 1873, long before seat belts – as regulars just grip the leather hand straps, leaning back and riding the downhill plunges like pro surfers. Follow their lead, and you’ll soon master the San Francisco stance and find yourself conquering the city’s hills without even breaking a sweat.

6. Be inspired at the Asian Art Museum

Inspiration can be found across three floors spanning 6000 years of Asian art at this inspiring museum. Visitors can take in everything from meditative Tibetan mandalas to palace-intrigue Mughal miniatures, with stops to admire intricate Islamic geometric tile work, giddy arrays of Chinese snuff bottles and an entire Japanese minimalist teahouse. Besides the largest collection of Asian art outside Asia – 18,000-plus works – the Asian Art Museum offers excellent all-ages programs, from shadow-puppet shows to DJ mixers. Expanded ground-floor galleries host groundbreaking contemporary installations, from Jean Shin’s melted cell phone towers to teamLAB’s immersive Tokyo dreamscapes.

7. Savor California food culture at the Ferry Building

Global food trends start in San Francisco. To sample tomorrow’s menu today, head to the Ferry Building, the city’s monument to trailblazing local, sustainable food. Don’t miss the Saturday farmers market, where top chefs jostle for the first pick of rare heirloom varietals, and foodie babies blissfully teethe on organic California peaches.

8. Tour Alcatraz, the notorious island prison

From its 19th-century founding as a jail for Civil War deserters and Native American dissidents until its closure by Robert Kennedy in 1963, Alcatraz was America’s most notorious penitentiary. With easy access from the city, a thrilling and unexpected history, daring tales of thwarted escape attempts and stunning views of the San Francisco skyline, “the Rock” garners 1.4 million visitors each year. Freedom will never feel so good as it will on the return ferry to San Francisco, only 1.25 miles across the bay’s riptides.

9. Duck down the backstreets of Chinatown

Enter Dragon’s Gate to saunter down Chinatown’s main tourist drag, Grant Ave. It's hard to believe this pagoda-topped, souvenir-shop-packed strip was once the wildest spot in the West – at least until you see the fascinating displays at the Chinese Historical Society of America. Walk Waverly Place, Chinatown’s soul, lined with flag-festooned, colorful temple balconies and family-run businesses. Then duck into Chinatown’s historic alleyways to glimpse a neighborhood that’s survived against daunting odds, listening for mah-jongg tiles, temple gongs and Chinese orchestras as you wander the backstreets.

10. Trace the history of the avant-garde at SFMOMA

From the moment of its founding in 1935, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art envisioned a world of radical new possibilities. SFMOMA was a forward-thinking early collector in such then-emerging media as photography, murals, film and installation. Today, the institution has tripled in size and ambition, dedicating entire wings to new media, room-size paintings, high-tech design and monumental Richard Serra sculptures.

11. Go over the rainbow in the Castro

Somewhere over the rainbow (crosswalk), you’ll realize you’ve officially arrived in the Castro district – the most out-and-proud neighborhood on the planet for more than 50 years. Walk in the footsteps of LGBTIQ+ trailblazers along the Rainbow Honor Walk, get to know civil-rights champions at America’s first GLBT History Museum and join history perpetually in progress at San Francisco’s month-long, million-strong Pride celebrations in June.

12. Take in the city panorama from Coit Tower

Wild parrots might mock your progress up Telegraph Hill – but then again, they shouldn’t expect to keep scenery like this to themselves. The Filbert St Steps pass cliffside cottage gardens to reach SF’s monument to independent thinking: Coit Tower. Fire-fighting millionaire Lillie Hitchcock Coit commissioned this art deco monument to honor firefighters, while muralists captured 1930s San Francisco in its lobby frescoes. Coit Tower’s paintings and panoramic viewing platform show off the city at its best: all broad perspectives, outlandish and inspiring. 

13. Hear the sea lions bark at Pier 39

Sea lions took over Pier 39, San Francisco’s most coveted waterfront real estate, in 1989 and have been making a public display of themselves ever since. Naturally, these unkempt squatters have become San Francisco’s favorite mascots, and since California law requires boats to make way for marine mammals, yacht owners have had to relinquish valuable slips to accommodate as many as 1000 sea lions. Night and day, they canoodle, belch, scratch and gleefully shove one another off the docks. It’s a joy to watch.

14. Get hands-on with science at the Exploratorium

Can you stop time, sculpt fog or make sand sing? At the Exploratorium, San Francisco’s hands-on laboratory of science and human perception, you’ll discover superhuman abilities you never knew you had. But the Exploratorium is not just for kids: there are kid-free hours on Thursdays offering mad-scientist cocktails, technology-assisted sing-alongs and themed exhibits for an 18-plus crowd. 

15. Play vintage amusements at Musée Mécanique

A flashback to penny arcades, the Musée Mécanique in Fisherman’s Wharf houses a mind-blowing collection of vintage mechanical amusements. Sinister, freckle-faced “Laffing Sal” has freaked out kids for over a century, yet don’t let this manic mannequin deter you from the best arcade west of Coney Island. A quarter lets you start brawls in Wild West saloons, peep at belly dancers through a vintage Mutoscope and get hypnotized by a Ferris wheel made from toothpicks.

16. Sip a cocktail at a Barbary Coast bar

Friendly bartenders were once highly suspect in Barbary Coast, San Francisco’s Gold Rush–era red-light district. Circa 1849, a night that began with smiles and a 10-cent whiskey could end two days later, waking from a drugged sleep on a vessel bound for Patagonia. Now that double-crossing barkeep Shanghai Kelly is no longer a danger to drinkers, San Franciscans can relax over historically correct cocktails at North Beach’s revived Barbary Coast saloons, including Comstock Saloon, Devil’s Acre and 15 Romolo. Today’s saloon scene is a fitting homage to drunken sailors of yore, with iron stools, absinthe fountains, dim lighting and reassuring barkeep banter.

Text and images courtesy of Alison Bing at www.lonelyplanet.com

[whatsonmedia]

Art Attack: 5 Must-See Exhibitions this December

The year might be drawing to a close, but the art world is still buzzing with creativity! This final week of December offers a smorgasbord of artistic delights, from thought-provoking installations to dazzling retrospectives. So, grab your metaphorical beret and join us on a whirlwind tour of the hottest exhibitions happening around the globe: Weaving Light and Memory: Yayoi Kusama at Tate Modern When & Where: Until 27 February 2024 at Tate Modern, London Immerse yourself in the captivating infinity rooms and polka-dotted worlds of Yayoi Kusama, the Japanese artist who has redefined pop art. This expansive retrospective showcases her prolific career, tracing her artistic journey from early experiments with abstraction to her iconic mirrored installations. Tate Modern is a modern and contemporary art gallery located on the south bank of the River Thames in London, England. It is the UK's national gallery of modern and contemporary art, and one of the most popular art galleries in the world. Van Gogh Alive: The Experience at Atelier des Lumières When & Where: Until 15 January 2024 at Atelier des Lumières, Paris Step into the swirling brushstrokes and vibrant colors of Vincent van Gogh's masterpieces. This multimedia spectacle uses cutting-edge projection mapping technology to transform the Atelier des Lumières into a living, breathing Van Gogh canvas. Prepare to be swept away by a symphony of light and color. Atelier des Lumières is an art center in Paris, France, that hosts immersive digital art exhibitions. The former factory space is now home to stunning light and sound shows that bring famous paintings to life. Afrofuturism: A Journey Through the Black Speculative When & Where: Until 25 June 2024 at Museum of the African Diaspora, San Francisco This groundbreaking exhibition explores the rich tapestry of Afrofuturism, a cultural movement that blends science fiction, technology, and African diasporic experiences. Witness the works of visionary artists, musicians, and filmmakers who have reimagined the future through a Black lens. The Museum of the African Diaspora is a museum in San Francisco, California, that is dedicated to the history and culture of the African diaspora. The museum's mission is to collect, preserve, and interpret objects and stories that reflect the experiences of people of African descent throughout the world. Terracotta Warriors: Guardians of Immortality When & Where: Until 2 April 2024 at National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Brief details: Travel back in time to ancient China with this awe-inspiring showcase of the Terracotta Army. Encounter over 130 life-sized warriors, horses, and chariots unearthed from the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, and marvel at their intricate craftsmanship and historical significance. The National Gallery of Victoria is the oldest and largest public art gallery in the state of Victoria, Australia. Founded in 1867, the gallery houses a collection of over 70,000 works of art, including European, Asian, Oceanic, and Australian art. Frida Kahlo: Appearances Can Be Deceiving When & Where: Until 25 June 2024 at Victoria and Albert Museum, London Unravel the layers of Frida Kahlo's multifaceted identity through this intimate exhibition. Explore her personal belongings, clothing, and self-portraits, gaining a deeper understanding of the artist behind the iconic image. Delve into themes of self-representation, pain, and resilience in this captivating display. The Victoria and Albert Museum is a museum in London, England, that houses a collection of over 8 million objects of decorative art and design. The museum's collection spans over 5,000 years of human creativity Read the full article

[edensliterarydiaries]

M Train by Patti Smith- Finding strength in revisiting your past life.

It can be said that American literature is one epic after another, whether it be set on Route 66 or in the beautiful prairies. M Train is no different. Patti Smith plausibly writes this novel as a method for making peace with her previous life. From the thrill of the microphone to the excessive destruction felt by the written word. Now, with her husband and long term friends moved in the next world, we feel a person that is satisfied with a life she had lived. We do not see despair in old age, but we see a person who has indeed completed life’s puzzle.

In the beginning of the novel, we start with Patti in Greenwich village. A place that represents the quintessential resident of New York City; the loveable workaholic tangled up in a web of repetition in the city that never sleeps. This plausible claim is conceived by Patti’s observation of the people and their ‘shuffling face cards with nothing worth preserving.’ Which makes life in today’s world seem black and white (and futile) compared to the vigour she experienced a mere 40 years ago; refer back to her first book ‘Just Kids’.

The focus on ‘shuffling’ and ‘cards’ connotes ideas of gambling and questionable uncertainty. Something that could allude to the emotional risk Patti took when travelling to her meaningful places (Mexico, France …) On the other hand, ‘shuffling face cards’ could say that the city people have nothing interesting beneath their surface value. A State of play we let grind hearts and souls against. Then, before we know it, we ourselves become the grey figures of this colourless dystopia.

The heartless world Patti offers is then met with the thoughts and feelings ties to Mexico. Whose colourful vigour and creativity provides a welcome balance between it and Patti’s home city. Visiting Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul suggestively creates this much needed spark in the novel:

‘although I craved solitude, I decided I could not pass on an opportunity to speak in the same garden that I had longed to enter as a young girl.’ -Patti on the opportunity to give a talk at Frida’s house opening to the public.

The complex structure of this sentence plausibly releases tension that has been so prevalent in the lead up to this much needed moment. Verbs like ‘craved and ‘longed’ lengthens this sentence and gives us an indication as to how much she had desired opportunity. Another thing to highlight is the imagination and childlike innocence of Patti. The use of ‘solitude’, ‘garden’ and ‘young girl’, in this long sentence, forces us to stay in this idealistic world of Patti’s for a bit longer. Patti travelling on her own is reminiscent of Big Sur by Jack Kerouac and the Happy Prince by Oscar Wilde. The former reflecting heavily upon the art of living after the excitement of immortality is gone. The latter being a shadow of their former selves struggling to release themselves from the clutches of destructive pleasure.

The references to other literary works are, to an extent, deliberate. As they indirectly link to thoughts and moments relating to Patti’s own life. W.G Sebald’s ‘After Nature’ is the novel she refers to the most in this case. The way ‘he senses her husband’s priceless violin buried in the pit of her memory’ is very emotional. The words ‘priceless violin’ and ‘pit’ connote thoughts relating to death and sadness. Something we, unfortunately, think of when we first pick up these sorts of novels. These ideas of emotion and sadness are frustrating, especially in the case of Patti Smith. As a writer, with the childlike mind of hers, we would think she would have the urge to find happiness even in the midst of despair. Thankfully, Patti recognises this as she states that ‘she always hated loose ends’. ‘Dangling phrases, unopened packages (are like) a lone sheet on a clothesline before a vague storm’. (As we all do! Patti, as well all do!). The length of the sentence suggests frustration and, more specifically, the words ‘dangling’ and ‘clotheslines’ associate Patti’s observation with everyday chores and looming tasks. (Something we all find frustrating).

In the end, we have to say that M Train is indeed the embodiment of the human condition in the modern world: grey, faceless with glints of (original) creativity here and there. Patti, a multi talented artist, is indeed one of the last gems of literary genius we have left on the world stage. (That being said, there is nothing wrong with preserving the writings of the past). I would definitely recommend this novel as it could be the solution to finding excitement even in the mists of your 40s and 50s. If you want other recommendations, beyond Smith, Kerouac and Wilde, have a go at the sarcastic observations of Dorothy Parker. Or even the philosophical observations of Haruki Murakami in ‘The Wind Up Bird Chronicles’.

This has been another great rollercoaster of emotion and perspective on life itself. I would be sure to read it again soon.

Thank you Patti, thank you! Xx