#Mystical Hot Spring Wall Art | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

callistolivia · 4 years ago

Text

What is in your itinerary?

Aries Ninth House/Mars in the Ninth House

Under the Australian sun, you will indulge in the ancient sands and mystical waters. You’ll stand and stare into the Indian ocean, peer into reefs of sharks and stingrays, look onto endless roads through the red desert, listen to the stories of dreamtime, sense old energies, old spirits, and fall in love with the down under.

Taurus Ninth House/Venus in the Ninth House

You’ll find luxury in France, where good food and wine, fashion, and art is celebrated. You’ll spend your mornings in Parisian cafés, your afternoons in trendy boutiques, and your nights in sweetly scented vineyards. You’ll ponder the meaning of beauty as you stand in cathedrals or in front of hundred year old paintings.

Gemini Ninth House/Mercury in the Ninth House

Beside the Atlantic Ocean, grey skyscrapers stand over the noisy, busy city of New York. You’ll be lured in by every “World’s Best,” dance at the most exclusive clubs, and stand at the top of the tallest towers. You’ll find beauty in this city’s rugged imperfection and vibrance with its people.

Cancer Ninth House/Moon in the Ninth House

Home of the world’s roots, you’ll find yourself tracing back to ancient lands in Botswana. You’ll find yourself reflecting over a lively delta of birds, elephants, and hippos as the sun sets and the moon begins to greet you. You’ll raise your own sun, a campfire, where stories can be told. Listen to what nurtured this land for thousands of years and what traditions have been sacredly preserved.

Leo Ninth House/Sun in the Ninth House

The Polynesian triangle that holds islands of beauty afloat, you will discover vibrant greens coving pools of blue. Rigid, hot rocks mantel ancient statues. Plump fruit hanging from every tree. Sunsets that are celebrated with dance. You’ll forget about the Western world on these happy, secret islands.

Virgo Ninth House/Vesta in the Ninth House

The hidden gems that lie within India, such as the Ajanta Caves, reveal elaborate religious history. Peregrinating the whole country, you’ll discover intricate architecture, diverse culture, remote beaches, and rolling hills. Realign with what matters in the Parvati valley with mountain views and spiced tea.

Libra Ninth House/Juno in the Ninth House

Far from the capital, Tokyo, you’ll find peace and simplicity in rural Japan. You’ll wander through forests greeted by torii and guarded by shrines. This island accentuates the beauty in ceremony and the comfort of a familiar meal. During a week in spring, you’ll drink underneath a cherry tree and witness the wind carry its petals.

Scorpio Ninth House/Pluto in the Ninth House

In the deserts of Jordan, you’ll float in the Dead Sea, explore sandstone ruins, and walk with camels through dunes and canyons. You’ll feel the energy of ancient traders and travels who once navigated through this country. Sunsets here paint the sky pink over the orange Petra.

Sagittarius Ninth House/Jupiter in the Ninth House

The old worlds that sit at the Mediterranean Sea who fascinate the endlessly curious. Where philosophers pondered in Athens, where pharaohs reigned along the Nile, where Gods blessed the lands of Turkey and Israel. You’ll embrace the ancient walls and scriptures, the magickal textiles and wares, and the religiousness, culture, and knowledge.

Capricorn Ninth House/Saturn in the Ninth House

In the chill of Scandinavian air, you will look up at auroras that dance over Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. Beneath your feet is volcanic earth, fresh snow, and the footprints of reindeer herders. You’ll feel warmed by valleys, the traditional art, the culture, and the sound of ancient joik.

Aquarius Ninth House/Uranus in the Ninth House

Within the other worldly landscapes of Russia, you’ll find solitude and rediscover how large this planet is. You’ll be in awe at the active volcanos in Kamchatka, the endless fields of ice around Siberia, and the beautiful architecture in Moscow and St. Petersburg. The geographical diversity of this alien world is yet to be known.

Pisces Ninth House/Neptune in the Ninth House

In the haunting and mysterious Northern Canada lies untouched or forgotten places. Fragrant pine trees conceal its silent world. You’ll find secret roads that lead to creeks, rivers, falls, relics, and old, forgotten mine towns. The very North faces the blackness of the Arctic Ocean. A lonely sight that makes you wonder if anyone else has stood where you have.

#astrology #9th house #travel #the signs #the zodiac

372 notes · View notes

ninbayphua-moyan · 3 years ago

Text

Where The Harvest Moon Is Brightest

Sweat trickled down my back as I lugged my suitcase behind me along the five-foot ways of Penang. A sense of Saturday afternoon languidness hangs in the balmy air like a soft, heavy blanket, lulling you to sleep. A gentle breeze fleets through the walkway, pleasantly cool against the slight stickiness of my skin. I paused and took a deep breath, head tilted back with eyes closed, listening to the faint rustling of palm leaves. The air was steeped with the fresh, earthy petrichor of a recent shower, and tinged with undertones of the alluringly sweet scent of frangipanis.

Loud giggles. Shrieks of laughter. Opening my eyes, I turned towards the sound and saw a group of children playing a game of ‘The Eagle Catches The Chicks’ on the street. They dodged and ran with unabashedly childish grins plastered onto their mud smeared faces, eyes twinkling with youthful glee and carelessness. I smiled. It wasn’t that long ago when I too was a little rascal playing on these very streets without a care in the world. I remember the days when the neighbourhood kids and I would play in the streets until our mothers called us in for dinner. Oh, the adventures we had! Climbing up trees; playing in the rain; racing the roti man down the street as he rides by on his bicycle. Ah yes……the roti man……how we used to wait for him to make his rounds each evening after school……The tinkling sound of the metal cup-like object being struck with an iron rod signalling his arrival…our short legs running, shouting ‘roti!’ until he stopped by the side of the road…the chaos that ensues as we crowded around him like hungry chicks waiting to be fed, coins held tight in our sweaty little palms……

Then, I heard it. The familiar ‘Ting! Ting! Ting!’ of the roti man echoing down the street, as if summoned by my reminiscence of it. The children had heard it too. They ran towards the roti man shouting ‘roti!’, their game abandoned without a second thought. Instinctively, I started running as well, fumbling around my pockets looking for loose change to pay for the bread. I joined the little gathering crowd just as the roti man was getting off his bicycle. A tantalising aroma of freshly baked breads and buns wafted out the minute he undid the catch on the little glass framed doors of the meat-safe seated behind his bike. I couldn’t help but groan internally at the heavenly sight and smell. I watched as he slathered the savoury margarine and rich kaya onto thick slices of roti benggali, mouth watering uncontrollably. After a few minutes, he handed me a big bag of the bread to me and I dropped the money into his outstretched palm. He flashed me a quick grin before returning his attention to the next customer.

Making my way back to the five-foot way, I stuck my hand into the plastic bag and brought out a piece of warm roti banggali. Biting into the bread, I felt my tongue melting. The crispy, golden crust and soft white crumb of the bread served as a fragrant base, a sacred chapel where the buttery saltiness of the margarine and the rich, creamy sweetness of the kaya sang, each in their unique tune before harmonizing into a heavenly choir and melding into one savoury mouthful of bread. Before I knew it, I had already finished a third of what I’d bought. Realising that I wouldn’t have any left by the time I reached my destination if I continued eating, I quickly knotted up the bag and hurried along.

Ten minutes later, I came to a stop in front of a shophouse at the end of the five-foot way. A large ebony plaque hung regally above the doorway, my family name engraved upon it in golden Chinese characters. U-shaped terracotta tiles covered the roof and three full length louvred windows lined the upper floor of the two-story building. The pillars were adorned with painted, three-dimensional decorative plaster of beautifully crafted flowers. Majestic peonies and tender lotuses blooming, their elaborate and delicate carved petals unfurling elegantly. Majolica tiles lined the dado façade on the lower quarter of the walls, adding yet another splash of colour to the otherwise, dull and plain exterior. The carved timber ventilated doors stood wide open, each of its panel depicting legendary creatures of ancient Chinese folklore. The exquisitely detailed carvings of phoenixes never ceased to amaze me, even after all this time. Perching nobly on golden branches, their wings were spread wide as if to take off at any second as I gazed, entranced. Then, as the late afternoon sun shines upon their gilded bodies, it was as if those carved mystical beauties were suddenly brought to life. Their once dull sheen now aglow in brilliant shades of scarlet, orange and gold, almost as if they would burst into flames at any moment, just like in the myths of old, and be reborn from the ashes.

The sound of fluttering wings and clear melodic chirruping snapped me out of my daze. Looking up, I saw a family of swallows roosting in their nest at the corner of the roof. Ah…it was that time of the year again wasn’t it…the swallows always left the nest as the harvest moon approached. I remember how excited I used to get when they came to roost in the spring and how sad I would be when they’d left as autumn drew near. A-Poh[1] would always pick the nest once the swallows had flown, clean it and turn it into a bowl bird nest soup. She always told me it was good for the skin as well as health but I was never sure how true these claims were.

Peeking my head through the door, I announced my arrival home out of sheer force of habit. There was a loud clanging and scuffling from the kitchen as I heard a delighted shout. I had barely stepped across the threshold into the house before I was pulled into a tight bear hug by A-Poh, immediately enveloped by the familiar scent of incense and rice powder. She was strong despite her age and sometimes I couldn’t help but wonder if all her stories about bird nest soup were true. Pulling out of the hug, she gave me a quick look over and pinched my cheeks, complaining that I’ve lost weight again even though I hadn’t. I tried protesting but she shushed me with a fond pat on the cheeks and shouted for A-Gong[2] who instantly came wobbling out of the ground floor bedroom, a large toothless grin on his wrinkled face. He wrapped me into a warm hug whilst A-Poh hurried off into the kitchen, determined to stuff me up with food before anyone could stop her. I shook my head in resignation whilst A-Gong just laughed and ruffled my hair, amused.

Pouring some pu-erh tea into two clay teacups, A-Gong motioned for me to sit down, asking about my time abroad. As we sipped on the earthy fragrance of the pu-erh, I told him about my time in the UK; about its miserably wet weather; its tasteless food; its strange customs; and how much I had missed home whilst I was away. Upon hearing that comment, he chuckled heartily, a knowing look in his eyes. He too had left the comforts at home at a young age, sailing the seas to unknown lands to avoid the war. When I asked if he ever missed Hainan and his childhood home, he would always smile a little wistfully but would then shake his head saying home for him was where my A-Poh, a content look upon his wisen face. Even after all this time, they were still as in love with one another as they were back then, just like the butterfly lovers from Chinese folklore.

Halfway through our conversation, he suddenly stood up as if he had just remembered something. Giving me a wink, he disappeared out the door. I grinned, knowing exactly where he was headed off to. As I sat by the round wooden table in the living room, I gaze absentmindedly at the sparrows fleeting about A-Gong’s potted plants. The afternoon sunlight was streaming in through the lightwell, brightening the otherwise dimly lit interior. I remember still how my siblings and I would play hide-and-seek in the interior courtyard amongst those potted plants. Ah, those really were the days……

Shifting my gaze, my eyes were immediately drawn to the majolica tile floor. Its kaleidoscope of bright colours a stark contrast against the plain wooden and rattan furniture. Come to think about it, those mosaic pattered tiles were probably what triggered my interest in art in the first place…oh, the afternoons I’d spend on those cool, smooth floor drawing and trying to mimic their intricate patterns and colours…..

I was brought out of my reminiscence when a bowl of steaming hot pork dumplings was placed before me. Ahh…A-Poh’s pork dumplings. How I’ve missed it while I was away! Eagerly, I picked up the chopsticks and took a bite, my mouth immediately exploding with flavour. The saltiness of the pork meat marinated with soy sauce and sesame oil, the refreshingly sweet spring onions contrasting the meat’s saltiness, the delicately wrapped flour encapsulating it all, the slight bitterness of the herbal broth…this was my definition of heaven. Seeing me happily wolfing down the dumplings, she smiled and returned to the kitchen.

I was only halfway through my bowl of dumplings when the intense aroma of spices and chili came wafting out of the kitchen, making my mouth water. There wasn’t a need to look. I already knew what it was A-Poh was preparing. And sure enough, she came tottering out of the kitchen a few minutes later with two big bowls of hokkien-mee. Taking a seat next to me and we both dug in. I took a big slurp of soup and my tongue was instantly set on fire, the spices clashing as they performed a tango on my tongue. I had forgotten how potent the chili at home were. My lips were turning a numbing red within seconds but that didn’t stop me from downing down the entire bowl of noodles. After all, no self-respecting child of Penang would ever be caught dead bested by a bowl of spicy hokkien-mee. A-Poh chuckled as she watched me switching comically between fanning my tongue and slurping down the spicy soup.

Just then, A-Gong came walking in through the front door and I squealed in delight. He grinned, handing me the little plastic bag in his hands before sitting down. Like a child who was just given her Christmas present early, I happily started munching on the packet of ais kacang. The frozen sweetness of the shaved ice instantly cooled my burning mouth and I quickly took a few more mouthful. Content, I glanced at my grandparents and started noticing things that had previously escaped my attention. A-Poh’s once salt-and-pepper hair was now silvery white and her hands seemed more worn and wrinkled than I last remembered. The wrinkles on A-Gong’s face seemed deeper now and his hands, especially the one with a missing finger, shook a little more than they used to whenever he held something. Since when had they aged so much?

Realising that I had stopped eating, A-Gong pushed the plate of pandan cake closer to me, urging me to eat. Now, I was never much of a sweet tooth but I was particularly fond of this green coloured sponge cake that just melted in your mouth like a piece of cloud. The mild, aromatic sweetness of pandan and the light, fluffy texture of a chiffon cake, a beautiful fusion between European cake-making techniques and locally grown ingredients.

As I continued munching on the cake, I couldn’t help but smile, having realized how beautifully diverse my hometown was. Just like the pandan cake, it was a place where cultures of the East and West collided and coexisted in harmony. Yes…this little culture cocktail of an island was what I called home and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

NOTES:

[1] ‘A-Poh’ means ‘grandmother’ in Hainanese

[2] ‘A-Gong’ means ‘grandfather’ in Hainanese

[3] ‘Where The Harvest Moon Shines Brightest’ is a play on 月到中秋分外明，每逢佳节倍思亲 meaning the moon is brightest in mid-autumn; homesickness multiplies during each festival

Author's Notes:

Back with Part 4 also known as the final part of the short story slash prose pieces from uni series (this was the earliest piece I wrote in first year lol). The story takes place a year and a half after Part 3. A-Yun has finally graduated uni and has now gone home. All is well ends well. Yes I am aware that there is a slight glitch and A-Gong shouldn’t exist at this point but I wrote it before I wrote everything else so we’re bringing him back to life OuO Anyways, I hope you enjoyed reading Part 4~

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

Since exams are over and graded and I've officially graduated, I can finally post my work online without having to worry about Turnitin picking it up as plagiarism because apparently you aren't allowed to plagiarise yourself according to university which is absolutely ridiculous but I'm not the one making the rules here so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Also, please don't reupload my works without permission.

#ninbayphua 墨彦 #prose #short story #constructive critisms are always welcomed #please don't repost without permission

9 notes · View notes

swisscgny · 5 years ago

Text

MEET NEIL ENGGIST

We recently interviewed Swiss-American painter Neil Enggist to talk about his life, work and how he is coping with self-isolation. Neil’s exhibition The Practice of the Wild was supposed to open at the Consulate General of Switzerland in New York last month as the 8th edition of Art@The Consulate but was postponed due to COVID-19.

Hi Neil, thank you for taking the time to talk to us. Where are you right now? It is my pleasure. I’m in New Jersey. I have a backyard studio near Princeton, in the old house where I grew up. I’m staying put as much as I can.

Tell us about yourself, where did you grow up? My mother is from Taiwan and my father was born and raised in Luzern, both coming for graduate studies in 1969 to Buffalo. I was born and raised in Princeton Junction in an old stone house near a small forest and the train station. My father was teaching in the Bronx and Connecticut, then trying his hand at importing Swiss Chocolate, but at some point in the 1970s, he turned to stained glass. I remember him cutting, wrapping, and soldering in the backyard. My mother worked for the state of NJ, and drew from the model in her spare time. I drew dinosaurs like a maniac, not very well I may add, but at some point around age 7, my father asked me to draw a dinosaur that he made into a stained glass panel. As a family we traveled to Luzern about every 2 years, and I still remember the smell of Birenwecken and lightning over the Vierwaldstättersee. I drew all the time but wasn’t precocious, as a youth, I was shy, quiet, hot tempered, diligent with school, perfectionist, and mostly played soccer and saxophone and you know, did my math homework.

When did you know you wanted to become an artist? I went to art school at Washington University in 2000, but it wasn’t until studying abroad in Florence in 02 that I had the feel of becoming an artist. There is a laminated portrait from first grade, age 6, where I put into writing that I wanted to be an ‘Artist.’ But in Florence my life felt like it shifted from art student to artist, 3 dear friends and I shared an apartment on Piazza Independenza, learning photography, printmaking, illustration, bookmaking, Italian and art history at a tiny art school called Santa Reparata. My future Love lived up the street and sometimes the cheap red wine would flow. Behind every door were Renaissance frescos, leaping off the walls were Donatellos, and it was the beginning of my explorations as a painter. I would paint plein-air small landscapes and cityscapes with oils, but by the end my ambition grew into a very large Kandinskyesque abstract rendition of Michelangelo’s Final Judgment fresco from the Sistine wall. A year later, back in St. Louis I declared painting as my major, and in the words of Joe Campbell, began ‘following my bliss.’

Neil Enggist, Sea on Earth, acrylic and stain on wood, 2011

How would you describe your style? Has it changed over the years? I would say it’s an Organic Abstract Expressionism, or Nature Action Painting. Over nearly 20 years, YES it has changed! Like a photon going from point A, painting the Ponte Vecchio, to B, dancing on a piece of steel with turmeric and ocean water, taking every single possible path! To say it’s moved linearly would be wrong, but there is a sequence of transformations or leaps, in the Ozarks, Mysticism, Heartbreak, Dylan, New Mexico, Traveling Europe, The Mir, snow painting, India, Brooklyn, Voice and Veil, Gardening, going cross county, yoga, India again, the dance, steel, the tides, The Tao and the Yellow Mountains, devotion. I’m very interested how Dylan’s work has transformed and shifted, beyond expectation, without calculation, yet somehow almost always in line with his poetic essence. My paintings have changed like dinosaurs and birds, from a common source, many branches, some seemingly from different worlds, some becoming bones and fossils, some soaring through the sky.

Tell us about your artistic practice, where do you paint, what inspires you? Well we can start with Highway 61.. music of the American vernacular, jazz, blues, country, rock, folk, hip hop.. from Louis Armstrong, Strange Fruit, Charlie Parker, to the early Bluesmen of the Mississippi Delta, Robert Johnson, folksingers like Woody Guthrie, onwards and outwards to Wutang and Nas. Basquiat inspires me. Ana Medieta, DeKooning, Paul Klee, David Hammons, Polke, Mel Chin, James Turrell, Richard Long, Kerry James, Doig, Ofili, Wangechi Mutu, John Akomfrah, Bonnard, Matisse, Puryear too. Gary Snyder's brilliant collection of essays 'The Practice of the Wild,' from where the title of the exhibition comes, has helped me attune to the wild systems at play in nature and within, and continues to evolve my way of thinking, seeing, and creative being. Taking a journey into nature, not just a dip into nature, but really feeling the connections, the web that runs through the forest and is woven into your own nature. The Redwoods, the Swiss Alps, the Coast of California.. I lose and become myself here. In my practice, nature is welcomed into the process of artistic creation. The imagined line between artistic intention and the creative functioning of wilderness is blurred, or more accurately, these spheres merge into a unified moment. It’s a spiritual practice, a kind of Taoist exercise, merging with the changes of the natural world, not holding, not fixing, listening to what the painting wants to become, and finding the color to enable the beholding. I paint outside and on the road, sometimes inside.. anywhere..

Neil Enggist, Odyssey III, acrylic, dye and turmeric on canvas, 2020

What role does Switzerland play in your life/art? My family has a house in Luzern, with a balcony opening to a view of Mount Pilatus that I would call perfect.. at least on the days where it’s not obscured by Nebel! Since 2012, I’ve been spending many springs / summers living there, in the bohemian remodeling of our chalet attic called the Macolette. I have painted and drawn our view of Pilatus so many times, it is ingrained in my mind’s eye. I’ve explored and hiked the mountains surrounding the Vierwaldstättersee, Grindelwald, Engadin, and Zermatt, finding places on and off the path to paint. When I am in the mountains, alone with my pack, in the quietude and breathtaking beauty, I feel something akin to being home, being one with myself, being on my true path. This feeling is fleeting and eternal. Also, during many of the summers, I have worked with my great friend and mentor, garden designer, Andre Ammann, constructing and maintaining gardens around Luzern. Working with him has taught me in so many ways, to notice the minute changes of spring, to work with contrasts of nature and culture, to understand placement of boulders and trees, how to create a riverscape, to dissolve into the consciousness of the river. When we are done with the work, all cleaned, raked, and hosed down, Andre and I look at our work, and he’ll say, ‘Now, the garden starts, try to see how this will look in 10 years, in 50 years..’ This has been a major influence in my own ‘Practice of the Wild’ and painting. It has also taught me how to shovel!

You have traveled all over the world, how has the nomad life shaped your art? As a traveler, painting becomes the act of experiencing and processing place; the painting becomes an archive of experience. Traveling serves to connect the painter with the uncomfortable and uncalculated, which forces a spontaneity and body-memory response. I aim to paint as one would do battle and dance and play jazz at once. In traveling, the painter becomes the abstraction, inhabiting transient and visionary territory. Materials from places of special significance, white gypsum sand from New Mexico, pigment from the Holi festival of India, black sand from Kanyakumari, gravel from Highway 61, layer into the topography, giving the painting a personal geographic context, while opening formal and textural possibilities. On the road, I explore the spiritual territory of color, and natural occurrences of unearthly blues.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, travel is no longer possible, in what ways has the pandemic shaped your practice / life? I just drove from California to NY in 5 days to install the Consulate show, just before the Covid situation hit the fan. I am supposed to be in India right now, doing a residency in the Himalayas! I’ve had a number of shows postponed and it just really doesn’t seem like people are buying many paintings right now.. But, really compared to people who are sick, caring for loved ones, and risking their lives to care for others, my sacrifices are minuscule. And I can most surely still paint! But I’m trying to use this time to do things I would have done in ‘normal’ times, but there are no normal times anymore. I’ve been making sculptures out of half rotten wood using an ax and a handsaw. I’ve been learning some Tai Chi from my Ma. I’ve started reading the Mahabharata. I’ve been texting whole a lot of hearts to California and writing love songs, and staying out of the bar..

Neil Enggist, That Great Mysterious Storm, acrylic, ink, oil and sand on canvas, 2010

What important lessons do you think we can learn from the impact of the pandemic? Well, first and foremost gratitude for life, health, and for the things that we used to take for granted. To be grateful for the people who are dear to us. This may sound cliché, but the pandemic has shown us how connected we are, for better and for worse. We are interdependent, and what affects one region affects the global community. I hope that people can stop and reassess their personal and collective relationship with the planet. In a profound and dire way, humans and our socio-economic systems have entered an unbalanced, virus-like relationship with this Earth. Humans seem to need wake up calls to affect changes, I hope this pandemic serves as a paradigm shift for enough of us. We are in this together. Yes when this is over, it will be great to go to a yoga class, an Indian restaurant, and to toast with friends, but we each need to use this time to reaffirm our commitments to each other and to all beings of this planet, and not go back to business as usual.

What advice do you have for people stuck at home? Can you recommend something to read, listen or watch? Well I’m a Liverpool fan, and we were just about to WIN the premier league, so I’ve had to go back and watch Liverpool highlights to cope. There’s a lovely interview with the legendary skipper Steven Gerrard in conversation with Gary Neville on youtube. I’m a very lazy television watcher, meaning I don’t really watch new things, so it’s The Sopranos, and very little else. Peaky Blinders is good, violent, but solid. Kurosawa’s ‘Dreams’ is a ravishing movie. I just saw ‘Purple Rain’ again, EPIC. When I drove across country I listened to Toni Morrison’s own reading of her novel ‘A Mercy,’ and it took my breath away, literally every sentence .. I don’t know how I even made it! She’s a true master in telling a harrowing story in pure poetry. Also reading ‘An Indigenous People’s History of the United States’ and Leonard Peltier’s ‘Prison Writings.’ Musically I needed a lil rock, so I went back to the Black Keys ‘Brothers’, Brittany Howard’s solo ‘Jaime’ is good, JS Ondara, Black Pumas, Valerie June’s ‘Love Told a Lie,’ AM!R’s ‘Parachute, ‘ and the syrupy ‘Cigarettes after Sex.’ I’ve been listening as well to Gann Brewer’s most recent ‘Absolution.’ I made the video for his ‘River Song.’ Tracy Chapman’s first album is incredible. Springsteen’s ‘The River’ is like his White Album and sometimes I need to hear the Boss sing ‘Heart and Soul’ over and over.. and hear that ‘Drive All Night’ sax solo by the late great Clarence Clemons. I am from Jersey, don’t forget. Listening to a lot of John Prine too, and with his recent passing, his music shines like a diamond ring. ‘Christmas in Prison’ is one of my favorites of many. Oh and Bob Dylan just released a 17 minute song about the assassination of JFK, and it’s .. indescribable.

Thank you Neil!

To find out more about Neil Enggist go to www.neilenggist.com, contact Neil at [email protected] and follow him @neilenggist

Scroll down for more information about the exhibition The Practice of the Wild which will open to the public as soon as it is safe to do so. Please note that all paintings depicted in this article are featured in the exhibition.

NEIL ENGGIST

THE PRACTICE OF THE WILD

8TH EDITION OF ART@THE CONSULATE

THE PRACTICE OF THE WILD by Swiss-American painter Neil Enggist is comprised of a series of abstract mixed media Nature Action Paintings, a method by which nature performs an integral part in the artistic process.

Neil Enggist, The Storm Ends, acrylic, ink, dye and sand on canvas, 2019

“My work seeks to embody the random precision through which life and spirit intersect. Within a liminal environment, I present set of conditions where the form can be born through an unfolding of natural currents. The nature of water, marks of evaporation, melting, freezing, burning, gravity, animal tracks, traces of dance, time, storms, tides and all manner of seasonal and emotional weather coincide to transform the canvas into a terrain in flux. Whether I am dripping ink into a melting tuft of snow, pouring the ocean on burning ink, or slashing the surface with a fallen pine branch, each action is composed within a system of nature. The result is a site of becoming where oceanic, emotive, and mystical stories interplay”

Raised in Princeton, New Jersey, Neil Enggist studied fine arts at Washington University in St. Louis and Santa Reparata in Florence. He earned his MFA at San Francisco Art Institute in 2016 where he made paintings on steel in the tidal zones of the Bay Area, searching for a language between art and nature, incorporating ideas of performance and sculpture imbedded in the earth art movement. Enggist has participated in a number of art residencies including the Lucid Art Foundation in Point Reyes, CA, and most recently journeyed to the land of his grandmother to paint the City of Shanghai and the Yellow Mountains of China. Through his extensive travels in Europe, the Americas, and Asia he developed a body of painting and poetry shown in New York, Milan, Mumbai, Luzern, and Paris. Enggist lives and works between New York and Luzern, Switzerland.

Neil Enggist, The Schreckhorn, acrylic, ink, pigment and oil on canvas, 2007

THE PRACTICE OF THE WILD is the eighth edition of Art @ The Consulate, a curatorial initiative by the Consulate General of Switzerland in New York to showcase the work of Swiss artists living in the United States. Follow Art @ The Consulate on Social media #SwissArtNYC

Neil Enggist, A Candle Burns at Night, Acrylic and ink on canvas, 2008

#SwissArtNYC

2 notes · View notes

dippedanddripped · 6 years ago

Link

As retailers are finding it increasingly difficult to get shoppers (particularly new, young ones) into their brick-and-mortar stores, a slew of luxury brands seem to have a strategy for engaging consumers: Get them to go somewhere else — not to shop, but to hang out.

This summer, Dolce & Gabbana opened a "cultural hub," as it's calling it, on Mercer St. in Soho, New York. While one can shop there during the day, the space is first and foremost a luxurious, Instagrammable clubhouse for the youths. It hosts monthly events, like a concert featuring up-and-coming bands, or a "drink and draw" night.

Also this summer, Coach debuted Life Coach, an experiential pop-up in New York meant to "lead guests on a journey of self-discovery." It contained exactly zero products for sale; instead, it housed immersive and photogenic rooms. Perhaps you saw one made to look like a New York City subway station, where guests could graffiti the walls, on your social media feeds; there was also a Coney Island-inspired room with games and a mystical forest with tarot card readings.

Over the past few months, Hermès, the most exclusive and luxurious of all exclusive, luxurious brands, opened "Carré Club" (carré means "scarf") pop-ups in New York, Toronto, Singapore, Los Angeles and Milan. With free public admission, guests could get photos taken, sing karaoke (sorry, Carré-Ok), enjoy complimentary refreshments from a café and watch artists and designers work in an on-set atelier. Scarves were available to purchase, but they were in no way the main focus of the event.

A guest at Dolce & Gabbana Mercer St. Photo: Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana

In September in London, Matchesfashion.com opened 5 Carlos Place, a Mayfair townhouse with a retail component that most notably serves as a community space where all sorts of event programming has and will take place, as well as live streaming and podcasts for those who can't visit it in person — think high-level events like book signings, panel discussions, supper clubs, luxury brand installations and intimate musical performances. The opening follows a series of temporary residencies the retailer held in cities like New York, Los Angeles, Paris and Hong Kong for its 30th anniversary featuring similar types of engaging, often-educational events.

Chances are, you've seen at least one of these activations on Instagram, but aside from their photogenic designs, they all have one major (and initially surprising) thing in common: Unlike the many ephemeral retail concepts that came before them, the main goal here is not to sell you stuff. These brands are investing in physical spaces and events without any expectation that they will see a return on that investment — at least not a return that can be measured in dollars.

This concept didn't exactly come out of nowhere. There was February’s Chanel Beauty House in LA featuring room after room of Instagrammable moments. Tiffany & Co.opened its Blue Box Cafe last fall, resulting in a robin's-egg-blue flood of "breakfast at Tiffany" Instagram posts, and it's still tough to get a reservation there. Nordstrom debuted its Local concept in 2018, where service is prioritized over inventory. All the way back in 2016, Burberry opened Makers House in London, a pop-up featuring activities and installations meant to showcase the work of British artisans, which it revived in 2017.

The Carré Cafe at Carré Club. Photo: Courtesy of Hermès

Brands and retailers have also started to create Instagrammable moments and/or host workouts, Q&As and panel discussions in their existing stores with increasing frequency, some going so far as to host their own festivals and conferences (see: the In Goop Health wellness summit, Beautycon and Sephoria). Outside of the luxury fashion and beauty markets, Instagram-fueled experiential spaces have reached a fever pitch in cities like New York and LA, from Refinery29's 29Rooms to the Museum of Ice Cream to the Rosé Mansion that draw lines of people simply hoping to get some good content out of their outing.

"Lululemon really started this shift a number of years ago when it started offering yoga classes in-store," explains Petah Marian, senior editor for WGSN Insight. "It's evolved as other brands saw how consumers bought into this strategy, and then evolved it for their brands."

Today, we're seeing more instances of brands creating these experiences outside of their stores, simply because people don't need to go to stores anymore. "There is a shift taking place where people aren't as keen to spend Saturday afternoons wandering around the mall looking at stuff, because they're largely doing that on their phones," says Marian. "Experiences give them a reason to come into a retailer's space and have an interaction with a brand."

For luxury labels, which tend to be especially precious about their messaging and often shy away from inclusivity and accessibility for fear of brand dilution, the goal should be to convey the value of their brand and product to people who aren't going to visit their store to find that out. "Consumers are increasingly discerning, and simply placing an expensive item on a rail is not going to convince the customer of its worth," says Marian. "These events help create the perception of a product or retailer as a purveyor of valuable goods." Take the Hermès Carré Club, which was clearly about educating attendees about the brand's heritage in an accessible, entertaining way.

Coach's Chief Marketing Officer Carlos Becil tells Fashionista how the company chose to promote its signature collection from Spring 2018: "Instead of being more precious with it, we really set out a plan to be much more inclusive." Hosting the pop-up in a separate space from its retail stores and having nothing to sell were both conscious decisions. "We deliberately wanted to create a new environment and not have the limitations of a pre-designed retail space," he says. That way, guests could "roam throughout the spaces and be on a discovery mission and explore." The goal? That "every single person that walked through it had a very unique experience and walked out of there with a sense of what Coach was about."

Matchesfashion Chief Brand Officer Jess Christie explains that it now takes more than offering free champagne in a store to create a community-like experience. After the 30th anniversary residency events, she realized, "People were looking to make more connections, and the storytelling and content aspects were more important." With the residencies and 5 Carlos Place, the goal is to create community and inspire loyalty, acquiring new customers while engaging existing ones with sophisticated events and educational talks. Marian thinks this is the right way to go about things. "The events they host fit in with ideas of modern luxury around intellectual sophistication," he says. The retailer's sales rose 44 percent last year, so whatever it's doing seems to be working.

Another goal of these experiences is, of course, to generate social media content that those who aren't in attendance will see. "A lot of times, you're like, does it make a good picture for Instagram? That wasn't our first thought," Becil claims. "Our first thought was: How does this space make you feel? If it makes you feel a certain way, you're going to want to capture it; you're going to want to share it."

A rep for Dolce & Gabbana who preferred not to be quoted was open about the fact that the Italian house's space was largely meant to generate social media content. As with its entire marketing strategy lately, from runway shows to campaigns, it's designed to engage younger shoppers, namely millennials, who might not otherwise feel inclined to walk into a regular Dolce & Gabbana store.

"It surprised us when we did In Residence in the U.S., the reach we got was just incredible," says Christie. "In New York and LA, a few thousand customers [in attendence] across all events reached over 21 million on social and Facebook Live."

For most of these events, the metric of success is engagement. Becil says that visitors spent an average of an hour inside the Life Coach space and that social media engagement and editorial coverage exceeded the brand's expectations. He confirmed Coach plans to debut different versions of Life Coach in China, Japan and across North America over the next year, starting with Shanghai, where it's staging its Pre-Fall show on Dec. 8, suggesting the first pop-up was a success.

A panel discussion at Matchesfashion.com In Residence. Photo: Courtesy of Matchesfashion.com

Many of these experiential concepts are meant to engage young people and generate social media content, but, increasingly, that's not enough. "We are going to get to a point where consumers tire of 'brand museums,' those that are just backdrops for Instagram shots," says Marian. "They will start to seek more from those experiences — to learn, play, connect (with a brand or likeminded individuals) or feel a sense of wonder."

Indeed, the brands mentioned in this story seem to be getting that. Matchesfashion's programming has expanded beyond fashion to encompass a 360-degree lifestyle, including workouts and panels on wellness, spirituality and how to become an art collector. Culturally, Christie feels luxury shoppers have "moved away from being on the surface and about status; it's about all what makes you an interesting person, and that's the music you listen to, your food, wellness ... it feels very considered."

On Thursday, Anya Hindmarch will begin a four-day series of events at her Sloane Street store in London geared towards helping attendees get more organized, literally. There will be talks led by productivity enhancement experts who train Google employees, as well as Gill Hasson, the author of "Declutter Your Life," and Helena Morrissey, a financier and mother-of-nine, according to WWD.

That's exactly the sort of thing Marian thinks we'll start seeing brands do next: "Experiences that add more value to a consumers' life, stuff around co-creation, learning new skills, and helping people to live their best lives."

It makes sense given that millennials are increasingly prioritizing self-care and self-improvement when it comes to how they spend their money. It's probably why the name Life Coach resonated so well: In the U.S., the self-improvement market is expected to grow 5.6 percent per year, reaching $13.6 billion by 2022. Millennials reportedly spend twice as much as baby boomers on things like exercise, diet plans, therapy and, yes, actual life coaching.

Brands are just starting to reach millennials where their money is, and while these inventory-less experiences might not drive sales immediately, they will put those brands at top of mind for said millennials when they are ready to make a big purchase, which is increasingly important and invaluable in today's crowded landscape

#hermes #dolce and gobanna #activations #millennials #luxury retail #coach #fashion blogger #streetwear blogger #luxury fashion

2 notes · View notes

autodidact-adventures · 7 years ago

Text

History of Tea (Part 3): Japan

Tea first came to Japan around 593 AD. Imports of its leaves and plants grew during the 700's & 800's (Chinese influence on Japan was very strong during these centuries).

Tea was grown for medicinal purposes in monastery gardens, and used to combat sickness and keep monks alert during meditation. Unlike in China, it was used pretty much only in court/monastic environments, rather than becoming a national drink.

In the late 1100's, some reformed sects of Buddhism (such as Zen) grew, in which the monks practised extremely demanding forms of withdrawal & meditation.

In 1191, the monk Eisai returned from China, and brought back green powdered tea and Rinzai Zen Buddhism. He laid out precisely how tea should be grown, picked, prepared and drunk, to get the most out of it. The leaves should be gathered in the morning, before the dew has fallen; they are to be roasted on a piece of paper, over a very gentle heat so they don't burn; and they should be kept in a pot with a stopper made of bamboo leaves.

Eisai wrote Notes on the Curative Effects of Tea (it had two volumes). He wrote about its medicinal properties: “Tea is the most wonderful medicine for preserving health; it is the secret of long life. It shoots forth its leaves on the hillside like the spirit of the earth. Now, as in the past, it possesses these same extraordinary qualities, and we should make much greater use of it.”

“The health of the five human organs is strengthened through the plentiful intake of the five flavours they each respectively enjoy...But, whilst people absorb the four flavours of sharp, sour, sweet and salty, the bitter flavour necessary for the heart is unpleasant and cannot be taken in. This is the reason why Japanese hearts are afflicted and Japanese lives short. We are fortunately able to learn from the people of the continent and we must make our hearts healthy absorbing the bitter flavour of tea.”

He wrote that tea-drinking was “a secret technique for the prolongation of life.” It didn't just help the heart – “it was believed to banish sleep and to be effective against liver and skin complaints, rheumatism and beri-beri.”

He strongly recommended it “as a cure for five types of disease: loss of appetite, drinking water disease, paralysis, boils and beri-beri.” Tea was “a remedy for all disorders.”

Minamoto no Sanemoto was the 3rd shogun of the Kamakura Shogunate. He was born in 1192, and ruled from 1203-19 (he was assassinated). When he was suffering from a serious stomach problem caused by bad food, Eisai sent him a copy of his book, and some tea. Sanemoto recovered, and became a strong devotee of tea, helping to spread tea-drinking throughout the country.

And the Japanese “cult” of tea began. For monks of the new sects, it was the centre of the rites of withdrawal, self-abegnation and the attainment of nothingness.

In order to get as much as possible from the drink – to release the maximum amount of caffeine (and other relaxants & stimulants) – it had to be prepared in its purest, most powerful form: ground into powder, and used as fresh as possible. It was prepared & served in an almost sacred manner, which emphasized & encouraged the belief in its mystical power. This is how the elaborate tea ceremony developed.

An old Buddhist saying is: “The taste of ch'an [Zen] and the taste of ch'a [tea] are the same.”

The Muromachi period was from 1336-1573. By the beginning of this era, tea-drinking had spread to all classes in Japan. There were tea-houses, or tea-stalls, along the streets and roads. It was very easy to grow tea, as it had been domesticated into a bush, which could be trimmed to keep it small. The whole surface of the bush could produce leaves, so it was also very productive.

Japan's climate (except the far north) was great for the tea-bush. It had many similarities with the warm, wet, mountainous environment of the eastern Himalayas, so the tea-bush thrived. From the 1200's to the 1500's, the tea-bush spread throughout the country.

It wasn't just grown on public land, either – every household that had enough land (only a few square feet were needed) could grow a bush or two for themselves. It could also be grown as a hedge. Only a leaf or two were needed to prepare a drink of tea (and the leaves could be reused), so it was very economical.

The Tea Ceremony

Because of how tea is prepared, it allows for ceremony and ritual to develop around it; for social interaction in both preparation and serving. The Japanese tea ceremony is the best example of this.

Edward Morse was an American scholar who visited Japan in the 1870's, and wrote about how a tea ceremony is carried out. “In brief, the party comes about by the host inviting a company of four to attend the tea-ceremony, and in their presence making the tea in a bowl after certain prescribed forms, and offering it to the guests.”

The tea is ground to a fine powder. It is always freshly-prepared for each party, and usually kept in a chaki. There are two kinds of chaki – 1) those made of ceramic, called chaire, and used for making koicha (thick tea); 2) those made of wood/bamboo, called natsume, and used for making thin tea.

Chaire (1580).

Natsume (early 1600's).

A fire-pot provides the heat, or sometimes a depression in the ground, partially-filled with ashes, into which the charcoal is placed. Water is boiled in an iron kettle, and there is a little rest for the kettle-cover, made of pottery, bronze, or bamboo sections. A bamboo dipper scoops water out of the tea-kettle, and a wide-mouthed jar full of water is used to refill it.

The hot water is added to the tea (in a bowl), and then a bamboo stirrer is used to stir it briskly.

For washing the implements, a square silk cloth is used to wipe the jar and spoon. The tea-bowl is washed, and the rinsing-water is poured into a shallow vessel. There is a brush made of three feathers (sometimes eagle feathers), and this is used to dust the edges of the fire-vessel.

There is a shallow basket with charcoal to replenish the fire. The basket also contains hibashi (a pair of metal rods to handle the coal); two interrupted metal rings for lifting the kettle off the fire; a circular mat to place the kettle onto; and a small box with either incense or pieces of wood that smell nice when burned.

The tea can take over an hour to prepare. “With the exception of the fire-vessel and an iron kettle, all these utensils have to be brought in by the host with great precision upon the mats after the prescribed rules of certain schools. In the making of the tea, the utensils are used in a most exact and formal manner.”

Sen no Rikyū

Rikyu (1522-91) is considered to be the greatest Japanese tea-master, and he had the most influence on chanoyu (the tea ceremony). At the Nanshūji Temple in Sakai (Honshū), he wrote seven tea rules on the wall of his cell:

When the guests have arrived at the waiting-lodge, and all the like-minded participants are assembled there, the host announces himself by sounding a wooden gong.

As far as washing the hands is concerned, what really matters on this Way is the purification of the heart.

The host must approach the guests with every respect and conduct them to the tea-room. If the host is a person without composure and imagination, if the tea and eating utensils are of bad taste, and if the natural layout and planning of the trees and rocks in the tea-garden are unpleasing, then it is as well to go straight back home.

As soon as the boiling water sounds like the wind in the pine trees and the sound of a gong rings out, the guests enter the tea-room for the second time. It is unforgivable to let slip the right moment as regards water and fire.

Neither inside nor outside the tea-room let the conversation turn to worldly things: this is a commandment of old.

At a true gathering neither guest nor host has recourse to fine words or smooth airs.

A gathering may not exceed two double-hours in length. If, however, this time is exceeded in the course of discussion of the Buddha's teachings and aesthetic matters, that is not objectionable.

Okakura Kakuzo

Okakura wrote in his Book of Tea (1906):

The 15th century saw Japan enoble [tea] into a religion of aestheticism – Teaism. Teaism is a cult founded on the adoration of the beautiful among the sordid facts of everyday existence. It inculcates purity and harmony, the mystery of mutual charity, the romanticism of the social order. It is essentially a worship of the Imperfect, as it is a tender attempt to accomplish something possible in this impossible thing we know as life...

The Philosophy of Tea is not mere aestheticism in the ordinary acceptance of the term, for it expresses conjointly with ethics and religion our whole point of view about man and nature. It is hygiene, for it enforces cleanliness; it is economics, for it shows comfort in simplicity rather than in the complex and costly; it is moral geometry, inasmuch as it defines our sense of proportion to the universe. It represents the true spirit of eastern democracy by making all its votaries aristocrats in taste...

Tea with us became more than an idealization of the form of drinking: it is a religion of the art of life. The beverage grew to be an excuse for the worship of purity and refinement, a sacred function at which the host and guest joined to produce for that occasion the utmost beatitude of the mundane. The tea-room was an oasis in the dreary waste of existence where we travellers could meet to drink from the common spring of art appreciation. The ceremony was an improvised drama whose plot was woven about the tea, the flowers, and the paintings. Not a colour to disturb the tone of the room, not a sound to mar the rhythm of things, not a gesture to obtrude on the harmony, not a word to break the unity of the surroundings, all movements to be performed simply and naturally – such were the aims of the tea ceremony. And strangely enough it was often successful...

All our great tea-masters were students of Zen and attempted to introduce the spirit of Zenism into the actualities of life. Thus the room, like the other equipments of the tea ceremony, reflects many of the doctrines. The size of the orthodox tea-room, which is four mats and a half, or 10 feet square, is determined by a passage in the Sutra of Vikramadytia. In that interesting work, Vikramadytia welcomes the Saint Manjushiri and 84,000 disciples of Buddha in a room of this size – an allegory based on the theory of the non-existence of space to the truly enlightened. Against the roji, the garden path which leads from the machiai to the tea-room, signified the first stage of meditation – the passage into self-illumination. The roji was intended to break connection with the outside word, and to produce a fresh sensation conducive to the full enjoyment of aestheticism in the tea-room itself...One may be in the midst of a city, and yet feel as if her were in the forest far from the dust and din of civilization...

Great as has been the influence of the tea-masters in the world of art, it is as nothing compared to that which they have exerted on the conduct of life. Not only in the usages of polite society, but also in the arrangement of all our domestic details, do we feel the presence of the tea-masters. Many of our delicate dishes, as well as our way of serving food, are their inventions. They have taught us to dress only in garments of sober colours. They have instructed us in the proper spirit in which to approach flowers. They have given emphasis to our natural love of simplicity, and shown us the beauty of humility. In fact, through their teachings tea has entered the life of the people.

#book: green gold: the empire of tea #history #culinary history #japan #sen no rikyū #okakura kakuzo #tea #chanoyu #buddhism #zen buddhism

16 notes · View notes

magicjesuscup · 5 years ago

Text

Another thing for my reference

I made note of all of the servants who have had their rerun event already, which ones haven't, and which servants are going to have a new event. I was just curious to see how many of the event servants I had (I knew I was missing a few). I also added the CEs of past events so I could use this to get rid of CEs that I haven't used outside of the event. Fun Fact: There are going to be 13 free event servants in 2020; 8 will be through rerun events and the other five will be new. It’s under the thing so anyone who doesn’t care doesn’t have to scroll through a wall of text.

Nero Fest - No Welfare Servant

Year 1: (July 06, 2017 - July 19, 2017)

5* Nightless Rose

Year 2: (September 13, 2018 - September 26, 2018)

5* Joint Recital

5* Princess of the White Rose

5* Glory Is With Me

4* Original Legion

3* Howl at the Moon

Year 3: (August 29, 2019 - 23:59, September 11, 2019)

5* Cheer for Master

5* Divine Three-Legged Race

5* Battle Olympia

4* Food Colosseum

3* Muscle Cavalier

Past Servants/Events

No Welfare Servant

Moon Festival

Original: August 17, 2017 - August 23, 2017

Rerun: January 17, 2019 - January 23, 2019

5* Moonlight Fest

5* Moon Goddess' Bath

4* Moony Jewel

3* Mooncell Automaton

Elizabeth Bathory (Halloween)

The Adventure of Singing Pumpkin Castle Mad Party 2017

Original: October 17, 2017 - October 31, 2017

Rerun: October 04, 2018 - October 17, 2018

5* Halloween Princess

5* Maid in Halloween

5* Little Halloween Devil

4* Halloween Arrangement

3* Trick or Treat

3* Jack-o'-Lantern

Oda Nobunaga

Gudaguda Honnoji

Original: November 08, 2017 - November 23, 2017

Rerun: March 12, 2019 - March 27, 2019

5* GUDAGUDA Poster Girl

5* Guda-o

4* After-Party Order!

4* Nobbu

3* Fate GUDAGUDA Order

3* Okita

Artoria Pendragon (Santa Alter)

Almost Weekly Santa Alter

Original: December 01, 2017 - December 10, 2017

Rerun: November 14, 2018 - November 20, 2018

5* Holy Night Sign

5* Present For My Master

4* March of the Saint

3* Lightning Reindeer

Artoria Pendragon (Lily)

Saber Wars - Lily's Cosmic Winter Rebellion: The Caliburn Awakens

Original: Jan. 04, 2018 - Jan. 18, 2018

Rerun: March 13, 2020 - March 26, 2020

5* Purely Bloom

5* Star of Altria

5* The Crimson Land of Shadows

4* Mikotto! Bride Training

4* CE EXP Card: Mysterious Substance α

3* Trueshot

3* CE EXP Card: Mysterious Substance β

No Welfare Servant

Chocolate Lady's Commotion

Original: January 25, 2018 - February 02, 2018

Rerun: February 07, 2019 - February 20, 2019

5* Street Choco-Maid

5* Melty Sweetheart

4* Kitchen Patissiere

3* Valentine Dojo of Tears

Ryougi Shiki (Assassin)

The Garden of Sinners/The Garden of Order

Original: February 08, 2018 - February 21, 2018

Rerun: February 18, 2020 - March 01, 2020

5* Decapitating Bunny 2018

5* Threefold Barrier

5* Grand Puppeteer

5* Mature Gentleman

4* Summer's Precognition

4* Chorus

4* Mystic Eyes of Distortion

4* Vivid Dance of Fists

3* Repeat Magic

3* Sprinter

No Welfare Servant

Da Vinci and the 7 Counterfeit Heroic Spirits

Original: April 04, 2018 - April 13, 2018

Rerun: January 10, 2020 - January 19, 2020

5* Maiden Leading Chaldea

5* The Merciless One

5* The Scholars of Chaldea

4* Gentle Affection

4* Art of the Poisonous Snake

4* Art of Death

No Welfare Servant

The Demonic Capital Rashomon

Original: May 16, 2018 - May 30, 2018

Rerun: May 22, 2019 - May 30, 2019

5* The Wandering Tales of Shana-oh

5* Golden Captures the Carp

5* A Fox Night's Dream

4* Burning Tale of Love

3* Reciting the Subscription List

No Welfare Servant

Sanzang Coming to the West

Original: May 31, 2018 - June 13, 2018

Rerun: April 10, 2020 - April 20, 2020

5* The Classic Three Great Heroes

5* Divine Princess of the Storm

5* Ox-Demon King

5* Go West!!

4* True Samadhi Fire

3* All Three Together

Sakata Kintoki (Rider)

The Great Tale of Demons: Onigashima

Original: June 14, 2018 - June 27, 2018

Rerun: June 06, 2019 - June 20, 2019

5* Golden Sumo: Boulder Tournament

5* Hot Spring Under the Moon

5* Dumplings Over Flowers

4* Faithful Companions

3* Hidden Sword: Pheasant Reversal

Scathach (Assassin)

Chaldea Summer Memory/Chaldea Heat Odyssey

Original: July 26, 2018 - August 14, 2018

Rerun: July 12, 2019 - July 28, 2019

5* Summertime Mistress

5* Pirates Party!

5* Chaldea Lifesavers

5* Knights of Marines

4* Twilight Memory

4* Meat Wars

3* Shiny Goddess

3* Shaved Ice (Void's Dust Flavor)

Elizabeth Bathory (Brave)

Super Ghouls 'n Pumpkins -The Seeds of Adventure-

Original: October 25, 2018 - November 08, 2018

Rerun: September 19, 2019 - October 02, 2019

5* Hero Elly's Adventure

5* Dangerous Beast

4* Wizard & Priest

4* Witch Under the Moonlight

3* Mata Hari's Tavern

3* Count Romani Archaman's Hospitality

Jeanne d'Arc (Alter) (Santa Lily)

The Little Santa Alter

Original: November 27, 2018 - December 05, 2018

Rerun: November 12, 2019 - November 21, 2019

5* Holy Night Supper

5* A Moment of Tranquility

4* Reading on the Holy Night

3* Saint's Invitation

Chacha

Gudaguda Meiji Restoration

Original: March 28, 2019 - April 10, 2019

Rerun: May 8, 2020 - May 19, 2020

5* Fortress of the Sun

5* Wolves of Mibu

5* Demon King of the Sixth Heaven

4* GUDAGUDA Meiji Restoration (CE)

4* A Stroll in the Spring Breeze

3* GUDAGUDA Recruitment

3* The Flower of High Society

Paul Bunyan

All the Statesmen! Learning with Manga: The History of the American Frontier!

Original Run: July 04, 2019 - July 17, 2019

Rerun: July 3, 2020 - July 17, 2020

4* Learning With Manga! FGO

Ishtar (Rider)

Dead Heat Summer Race! ~The Ishtar Cup of Hopes and Dreams 2019~

Original Run: July 29, 2019 - August 20, 2019

Rerun: July 17, 2020 - August 1, 2020

5* Seaside Luxury

5* Dive to Blue

5* Midsummer Moment

5* Summer Little

4* King, Joker, Jack

4* White Cruising

3* Chaldea Beach Volleyball

3* Sugar Vacation

Servants with an Upcoming Rerun Event

Irisviel (Dress of Heaven)

Fate/Accel Zero Order (April 2018)

Rerun TBA 2020

Mecha Eli-chan Mecha Eli-chan MKII

Halloween Strike! Demonic Climb - Himeji Castle War (Oct. 2019)

TBA 2020

Attila the San(ta)

Merry Christmas in the Underworld (Dec. 2019)

TBA 2020

Chloe von Einzbern

Fate/Kaleid Liner Prisma Illya [End Sacrifice] - Prisma Codes (Aug. 2018)

Rerun TBA 2021

B.B.

Abyssal Cyber Paradise, SE.RA.PH. (April 2019)

Rerun TBA 2021

Sakamoto Ryoma

GudaGuda Legend of the Imperial Capital Grail: Far East Demonic Front 1945

Rerun: 2021

Jeanne d'Arc (Berserker Alter)

Servant Summer Festival

Rerun: 2021

Seig

Fate/Apocrypha: Inheritance of Glory (April 24, 2020 - May 7, 2020)

Rerun: TBA 2022

Upcoming Servants

Shuten Doji (Caster)

TBA 2020

Quetzalcoatl (Samba/Santa)

TBA 2020

Gray

TBA 2021

Nagao Kagetora

TBA 2021

Katsushika Hokusai (Saber)

TBA 2021

Nightingale (Santa)

TBA 2021

#Fate/Grand Order #References

0 notes

icelebrities-dalisa · 6 years ago

Text

Street Art

When exploring the wonderful world of Street Art, we are forced to look upon our own neighborhoods and even those foreign to us in a new and oftentimes refreshing way. Through the eyes of those who dare to do more for the walls of our community and push the boundaries of both art and legality as it is a crime. Well, at least in most cities, but it does have a place in the world of art. And it is beautiful and valid. Let’s go around some neighborhoods together, shall we?

First, let’s go to Hawaii, Hawaii, the big island. Where I went on Spring Break and found this magnificent piece.

I personally, loved the moon hanging out in the background, it adds a very mystical element to it.

Now coming back to my current home, Orlando, Florida. Where a lot of street art has become a way to honor the beautiful souls who lost their lives in the tragic Pulse shooting. It’s a beautiful way to keep the city vibrant while remembering our unfortunate past.

Orlando also has some other great spots that are mostly located on Mills Ave, which has become a hot spot for its great food spots, amazing bars, and overall youthful energy.

And lastly, I’d like to share this mural that I saw in St. Pete, Florida. It truly encompasses a feeling that I can only describe as being all too aware that Disney/Universal own central Florida. It doesn’t matter which way you swing it, they have immense power over this region, you can’t poke fun at one without the other. It’s very whimsical, to say the least.

0 notes

thebibliomancer · 8 years ago

Text

Essential Avengers: Avengers #114: Night of the Swordsman

August, 1973

When Swordsman and his new ally Mantis get hold of a cache of Pym particles, they shrink the Avengers down to finally enact vengeance upon the team-

Wait. I think this is one of those covers that isn’t actually literal. Whoops.

Well just allow me one joke. THIS IS MANTIS’ BIG DAY!

So we start the comic with Scarlet Witch brooding. Because this is an Avengers comic and someone has to brood. But also because a bunch of jerks that strapped bombs to themselves and took off their pants almost killed the Vision. So she’s in a bad place, emotionally.

Not helped by someone making symbolic shadow puppets right outside her window.

In her moody wanderings, she also contemplates passing privilege and how since she could pass as human she never fully saw herself as different from humanity.

Unlike Pietro with his prematurely white hair and handlebar cowlicks.

Meanwhile, Captain America and Iron Man try to beat up Vision in mock combat in the Not-Danger Room to see how he’s recovered from his injuries.

To summarize:

He is fit.

Captain America agrees. Good thing Vision is an android! If a human had someone explode in their face, they’d still be bedridden, probably.

This sets off Scarlet Witch who was watching the little mock fight. Even their friends keep reminding them that they’re not the same.

She decides to go for a walk. If she hoped to calm down she’s out of luck because she instantly runs into the worst cat-caller.

Lets call him Harry Terribleguy. Harry Terribleguy stands in her way, snidely comments on her getting her jollies from kissing a plastic man (but not Plastic Man), tells her he finds her sexually attractive, and then says that its a shame that Vision didn’t die because then she’d be on the open market.

So Wanda blasts him through a hot dog cart and calls him a stinking human pig.

Which, y’know. They say violence doesn’t solve everything but violence is about to solve this particular situation.

Harry Terribleguy springs right back up from getting blasted through the air with the greatest of ease. He is downright peeved that she called him human like its a dirty word. Can you believe the nerve? So he decides to teach her a slap lesson with slaps.

[Then suddenly, from behind--] a new challenger.

Mantis joins the fray.

Already we see that Mantis is mighty impressive. With one glancing hit to the shoulder, she knocks Harry away from Wanda even though she was clearly punching him toward her. Her punches don’t just break bones, they make a mockery of physics.

Wanda tries to stop Mantis, saying random Harry is too strong. And Harry says that standing up to him is suicide.

And then Mantis punches him in the face... one, two, three... a lot. A lot times.

Mantis is apparently a master of preying mantis style kung fu. I assume. I don’t know enough to know whether the artist knows enough to portray it correctly. Also, Mantis is not a codename. Its her only name. I wonder if she was called Mantis before she mastered preying mantis style or what.

Also, she has antenna. She must have been hiding them in her six previous panels in the last two issues.

Did she learn preying mantis style because she figured ‘well I got the antenna already’? Or does mastering preying mantis style kung fu cause you to grow antenna?

Truly, Mantis is a mysterious character.

Anyway, Harry Terribleguy is gonna want some aspirin and probably ice to put on his face when he wakes up because he is WHOMP!’d. Mantis offers to escort Wanda home.

When they arrive at Avengers Mansion, the Avengers have all been worried about Wanda. She went somewhere without even leaving a note! They were about to go looking for her.

Geez, the Avengers are so clingy.

Anyway, Wanda insists that she can take care of herself (despite these comics going out of their way to spitefully disprove that whenever they can) and besides she made a new friend.

She invites Mantis inside but Cap objects. Unauthorized people in the clubhouse headquarters? THATS AGAINST THE RULES.

Wanda thinks Cap is being ridiculous. What harm could Mantis possibly do to the Avengers Assembled?

Swordsman pipes in to agree with Cap. If, for example, he were planning a sneak attack, their shitty, shitty security would have been no problem for him.

But he claims he’s not here to fight. Despite how reluctantly they accepted his help against Ares in issue #100, when he heard that Hawkeye had ragequit the team, he decided it was time for him to rejoin.

Cap is not quite thrilled. Swordsman is the worst security risk he has ever met. And in case anyone forgot, he runs through a little history of the Swordsman. The first time he conned his way onto the team, he was working to undermine them for the Mandarin.

And even if he claimed Mandarin had duped him into treachery, he then attacked the Avengers several more times for good measure. Remember how he joined Natasha’s Angels?

But Swordsman gives his side of the story. Yeah, no. Everything Cap has said is true. Swordsman has been a shitty person. And guess what he has learned from that? It is a lonely, nasty life. You make zero friends. He is persona non grata across most of the world.

Eventually he stopped caring and let himself sink into the depths of degradation. It was only meeting Mantis that helped him turn his life around. It was her interest in him that made him want to be a better person. It was her that convinced him to rejoin the Avengers and live the right life for once.

Cap doesn’t buy it.

Wanda on the other hand is the only other Avenger on the team from that time. And in her opinion, there’s been too much prejudice involved with them lately.

And the Avengers side with Wanda. Iron Man points out that Wanda and Hawkeye all had criminal records before joining. And they both proved themselves.

Thor argues that at the least, they can offer Swordsman a period of probation. With Thor taking the responsibility of keeping close watch on him.

And Black Panther just says that the name of the team is “Avengers” not “Revengers.” Which sure is an argument.

Cap loves democracy so he bows to the will of the majority. But he’ll also keep a close eye on Swordsman. Distrust but verify, y’know?

With that settled, Iron Man asks if Mantis is also asking to join.

Being an Avenger doesn’t really mean anything to her. She only wants to stay at Swordsman’s side. But screw it, I’m considering her an Avenger anyway. Try and stop me.

Wanda tells Mantis that of course she can stay in the Mansion and come on missions and spend girl time with her! Wanda really, really wants a girl friend to hang out with. Avengers Mansion is such a boys club.

In gratitude Mantis gives Wanda a big ol’ hug and gives the Guyvengers big ol’ kisses. I’ll talk a little about that later.

So, we get some compressed time. Several days and several missions go by with Swordsman on the team in his probationary status. Hmm. I’m reminded that his first time on the team was time skipped through as well.

At least this time we get to see some of it.

They fight sea monsters and robots and presumably other things and all throughout Swordsman acquits himself well. At no point does Thor detect any sign of treachery. Just bravery and skills.

So at the end of the vague number of probation days, Thor recommends Swordsman for full membership into the Avengers. The guy is really good with a sword, you guys. He even rivals any e’er seen in Asgard.

And its not that Vision and Black Panther don’t believe Thor. They just kinda want to see it for themselves. So how about a little friendly suspicious sparring match in the gymnasium?

So Swordsman and Vision shit talk each other a bit. Swordsman is the best blade artist in the world, Vision rarely offers a good target and also shoots solar beams from his forehead, I’ll see your solar beam and match you a sword beam that Mandarin put in my sword.

Black Panther jumps in. Did you mean that Mandarin who is a supervillain maybe?

Swordsman is a bit offended that Black Panther still thinks he’s trying to infiltrate and destroy the team. Black Panther offers a good point that in the middle of mock combat, he could “accidentally” kill of the Avengers with nobody the wiser so no way in hell is Black Panther going to give him the chance.

Plus, mock or no, the point of battle is to win so that’s what Black Panther is going to do.

And then he runs headfirst into Swordsman’s pommel with a TUNK!

Swordsman stands over the prone Black Panther with his sword pointed at Black Panther’s throat.

“You underestimated me, Panther! A lot of dead men made that same mistake, as their final act in life--”

But that’s not him anymore. All-New All-Different Superior Swordsman doesn’t kill anyone anymore. Especially not his teammates.

And apparently this puts to rest most of the suspicion the team has about Swordsman.

Another unknown amount of time passes until one day, Hawkeye is on the evening news. Because, remember, the Avengers get most of their information from television news.

Hawkeye is back in New York, making a name for himself as a solo act in Hulk #166. Swordsman dismisses Hawkeye as a grandstander. Swordsman taught him everything he knows so with him on the team, the Avengers don’t need Hawkeye.

And then he walks out of the fancy television news room with inadequate chairs.

Cap wonders if he should follow him... but decides that would just be neurotic.

Upstairs, Swordsman meets with Mantis. It is time, the hour has arrived. See, studying martial arts gives you limited knowledge of mysticism, obviously.

Which Mantis uses to summon...

THE LION GOD!

I told you he’d be back.

THE LION GOD promises the two traitors will feel the warm glow of his gratitude for preparing a path to victory and then he OH YEAHS through a WALL to attack Black Panther.

The Lion God is very big now. Also just as mean. He mocks the Avengers for believing in wolves wearing lambskins and also for thinking they could destroy a god.

Thor throws Mjolnir at the big Lion God but in the split-second he’s distracted catching it, Mantis punches Thor in a pressure point in the neck, knocking him out.

Meanwhile, Swordsman blasts Vision with an electronic ray that hits him even intangible.

And Mantis puts a death-grip on Captain America to knock him out. So not quite a death grip.

And Lion God finally joins his own murder party and blasts Iron Man with his backup divine weapon, the Lion God Hunting Spear, sold separately.

And then with the rest of the Avengers knocked out, the Lion God just scoops up Black Panther in his big hand.

How tall are the roofs in this place anyway?

Except this time, Lion God doesn’t want Black Panther’s tribal secrets. I think he’s still a little pissed over last time. Instead, he’s going to burn Black Panther at the stake as a sacrifice to the Lion God glory.

Its always human sacrifice with this dude.

Swordsman thinks this sounds A-Okay.

But do you know what goes great with human sacrifice?

Live performances!

Swordsman performs a sword salute traditionally performed to pay homage to a liege. It looks like he’s just spinning the sword around by part of the crossguard but what do I know?

This is evidently a very sparkly salute. The sword catches the light and creates a compelling pattern of spinning flashes.

Not to be left out, Mantis dances a special sensuous dance just for the occasion! It just so happens that she’s dancing in the middle of Swordsman’s sword strobe show.

The Lion God is completely hypnotized by this. I dunnae. Maybe this performance should have come with an epilepsy warning.

My description does not do this justice. Check it out:

But so taken in by the psychedelic sparkle dance that the Lion God doesn’t notice Iron Man coming to. The armored Avenger blasts a button that drops an impenetrable adamantium cylinder right over the Lion God.

Since the Lion God was in his mortal form (begging the question of who he body jacked this time), he should be well and trapped. And Thor can just blast the Lion God into another dimension and keep him off T’Challa’s back for good.

Because that’s what Thor learned from his dad. Just dump your problems into other dimensions where they’ll be someone else’s problem.

Sure was lucky though that the Lion God was standing on the one spot where an inescapable cylinder would drop.

So about that...

IT WAS MANTIS’ PLAN. Her study of martial arts give her empathy with the natural world. After she and Swordsman arrived, she sensed a malignant force hovering over the Mansion.

So she came up with a plan to lure it into a trap by pretending to side with the Lion God. Then they’d use their distraction moves to steal his will to destroy and trap him.

So why didn’t they just tell the Avengers? Well. I mean. They were already suspicious of the Swordsman. What do you think they’d say if he told them he wanted to let the Lion God into Avengers Mansion and pretend to help him destroy the Avengers?

How do you think that would have gone over?

Thor thinks this is rad. Swordsman "played a dangerous game with great daring!” Thor does strike me as a guy with appreciation for doing things in the most awesome way.

Cap still finds himself suspicious. Faking being traitors to help capture the Lion God would be the perfect smokescreen to get away with worse treachery later down the line.

Cap is possibly paranoid. Possibly justly so. Who knooooows!

So! Mantis’ real first appearance for more than three mysterious panels!

Obviously, there are problems. Mantis being an Asian woman (specifically Vietnamese-German) with the power of martial arts. Also vague mysticism. Kind of leaning on stereotypes there.

I said I’d talk about the kissing and here I go. Its not a problem as presented where its just kind of charming. Its a problem as originally envisioned. According to Steve Englehart, "Basically Mantis was supposed to be a hooker who would join the Avengers and cause dissension amongst all the male members by coming onto each of them in turn."

That plan, thankfully, was largely abandoned.

More of a neutral than a problem but this is a densely packed issue. This is the kind of story that modern comics would stretch out to a multi-parter. Chris Claremont would probably unfurl a plot like this over a year of stories.

But despite all that, I love this issue.

There is so much good here! Using a similar-ish plot structure to sow suspicion about the Swordsman’s motives, making it plausible that he really did join the team to betray them to the Lion God. If you discount the mysterious panel appearances leading up to this issue.

That the Avengers still believe in second-chances even with everything that’s been happening in their lives.

Also, Mantis!

Mantis gets a strong introduction, at least in the sense that she gets to show off what she can do quite a bit. At this point she’s a bit of a satellite character to Swordsman, although the narration hints at mysterious dimensions to her.

Also, Mantis instantly becoming Wanda’s best friend because a best friend will break someone’s septum for you. Alas, this will inevitably devolve into love triangles and cattiness but dangit, it could have been one of the great superhero friendships.

(Imagine a Scarlet Witch/Mantis team-up book, for example. ‘She’s magic, she punches people in the throat. Together, they fight crime.’)

And lets never forget that Swordsman and Mantis defeat a god with some flashing lights and a distracting dance.

It was pretty glorious.

So now Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is out and I’m going to go see it. Because I’ve long hoped that my inexplicable fave Avenguardian would someday be in the MCU. She probably won’t save the day with a distraction dance but I hope she gets a cool, charming portrayal. Because that’s how she’ll be in the comics from then on.

Hey, if you like this cool Avengers liveblog, consider following @essential-avengers. One day, the liveblog will live there.

#Avengers #Mantis #Swordsman #the Lion God #these tags are spoilers #Thor thinks Swordsman is cooler than Fandral #disco party maneuver is sadly underused in Avengers tactics #Essential Avengers #Essential marvel liveblogging #when she joins the Silver Surfer book Mantis decides to backpack around space #and that's magical

15 notes · View notes

queenine · 8 years ago

Text

Name: Jenine

Nickname: Jenny or Jen (or what my close friends call me:panda)

Gender: Female

Star sign: leo haha

Height: TBH IDEK I think i grew few more inches LOL last time I checked I was like 5'4"

Sexual orientation: why you wanna know lol

Hogwarts house: slytherin

Favorite color: maroon or black

Favorite color to paint the walls: Light blue or light purple

Favorite color of lipstick: rose-pink bc i like how it looks on me XD

Favorite animal: PANDAS

Time right now: 8:54pm

Cat or dog person: Dogs

Favorite fictional character: Viktor Nikiforov (For now lol—theres so many that I like, I’m just into Yuri on ice atm.

Number of blankets I sleep with: 2~ actually I have to get rid of 1 because its getting hot in CA & its only spring…

Favorite singer/band: Panic! at the Disco (lol yes, I listen to other music than kpop for those who know me haha)

Dream trip: anywhere tbh, but I do wanna visit South Korea and Paris before other places that I wanna go to.

Dream job: Photographer or independent artist lol (i just need to improve my art skills)

When was this blog created: I believe this was created around 2013 or 2014

When did your blog reach its peek: UUUHHH I think 2015 to 2016(I’m not even that popular but mehhh :P )

What made you decide to make a tumblr: Trendy and majority of my time was mainly looking for good fanart of anime characters and reading kpop fanfics LOL

Why did you pick your url: Long time ago I used to anime roleplay and Yuko was my OC(original character) that I used, and I used to be describe her has quiet soooo Silentyuko. I just kept the name ‘cuz I like it still :)

Last movie you watched: Last movie I had watched… K-project: new king (ANIME)

Last song you listened to: LA Devotee by Panic! at the Disco

Last book you read: A Work in Progress by Connor Franta

Last thing you ate: Pocky–matcha flavor :)

If you could be anywhere right now, where would it be: IN MY BED

What time would you travel to: 2014 where everything was fun and easy…

Fictional character you would hang out with for a day: OMG uhhh Saeyoung(707) from mystic messenger LOL (I know…im trash)

no pressure to do this just letting u know im thinking bout u and love u ill tag: @fluffyfluffybunbun @studyign @myetie @elkstudies :

#about me #:)#<3 #silentyuko

1 note · View note

mastcomm · 5 years ago

Text

Kesha’s Week: Digging Springsteen and Meeting Nicolas Cage

“For me, music is mind-altering,” said the 32-year-old pop hell-raiser Kesha. “It can force me into a better mood, or it can force me into a more introspective mood when I don’t want to go there.”

She hopes her new album, “High Road,” can do both, too. Out on Friday, it features a star-studded hodgepodge of cameos from Big Freedia, Sturgill Simpson and Brian Wilson (though not all on the same song). While working on her fourth album, Kesha said she often found herself blasting Queen (“on amazing speakers, to hear how the vocals and harmonies are mixed”) and perking herself up with the infectious energy of Cardi B, Lizzo and Ariana Grande: “Anything that keeps me from descending into an existential crisis first thing in the morning.”

She tracked her cultural intake for 48 hours in mid-January and called from Los Angeles to break it all down. These are edited excerpts from the conversation.

Wednesday Morning:

I was going to a photo shoot and on the way I was listening to “Nebraska,” my favorite Bruce Springsteen record. I know an unusually large amount of people from New Jersey, and I remember once having a conversation about Bruce Springsteen with one of them. Of course, I liked Bruce Springsteen’s hits and I respected him, and then someone was like, well, if you’re ready to have your mind blown, then you need to listen to “Nebraska.” And I did, and my whole perspective of him changed. I had a newfound love for him. Especially “Atlantic City” — that’s one of my favorite songs ever.

That record makes me nostalgic for some reason, the same way that [Bob Dylan’s] “Nashville Skyline” does. I also had an interview that day, so I wanted to be in a genuine, soul-bearing kind of mood, and there are a couple of records that I put on to encourage honesty. Because when I listen to music that I really relate to, it can almost inspire me to be the most authentic version of myself.

Wednesday Afternoon:

At the shoot, I was really inspired by a lot of the designers I was wearing. There was an amazing Versace dress that reminded me of 1960s Palm Springs, and then there was a Delpozo pantsuit with this very powerful silhouette, and a Thierry Mugler vintage-future look that was almost like “Barbarella.” I love fashion because I find it to be walking art. You put it on and it can inspire you to feel a certain way.

When I was leaving someone sent me this video of Nikki Tutorials, an amazing woman who does makeup on YouTube. I’ve been watching her stuff for years. In this video she came out as transgender. It was so brave and inspiring — it gave me full-body chills and made me cry. I’m always out there saying, “Be yourself!” but anytime I see someone else truly being themselves and seeming so free, it inspires me to continue being that way and to practice what I preach.

Wednesday Night:

That night I went to the premiere of “The Color Out of Space,” the new Nicolas Cage movie. It’s based on an H.P. Lovecraft short story. I loved it. I’m obsessed with anything that’s about space. It’s the final frontier of magic. And there were also some wonderful themes in the movie about how the beautiful things or the things you chase in life can kill you if you don’t watch out. For me, that was a metaphor for fame. If you chase fame or money or success or power without ever checking in on yourself, it can lead to your demise. [Laughs] So that’s what I took away from the movie!

I had also been wanting to meet Nicolas Cage. We’ve been friendly for a while, but that was the first time we actually got to meet. He’s everything you imagine, and more. He’s just wildly funny, incredibly charismatic, super kind and so talented. Sometimes I’ve had experiences where I’ve been like, “Do not meet your idols,” but this was definitely the opposite of that. I’ve always wanted to meet certain people that come across as strange, unique, interesting individuals, and I was not disappointed.

On the way home I watched the most recent “Colbert.” Especially now with the impeachment, I like to try to stay as informed as possible without being completely consumed. I try to check The New York Times website a couple times a day, and [“Colbert”] is a nice way to consume information that also adds some humor. If you can’t laugh at things, you’re [expletive].

Thursday Morning:

The next day I woke up and then went to work out. When I do Pilates I usually don’t listen to music, but if I go on a bike ride or runs or even just a walk around the block I do listen to music, and I’m so into the new Selena Gomez record, [“Rare”]. It makes me happy. I love listening to women who have been through things but come out still fully badass. I can especially relate to people who have to go through things publicly and then get to put out music that reclaims their power, positivity and strength. And I very much feel like that’s what I’m doing on my new record, so I have a lot of love for other women who do that.

Then I went to the photo shoot [for this piece] at an interactive art space called Flutter. I just loved it. There was one room that was completely covered in blue fake fur. Every single thing: The floor, the walls, there as a toilet, a bathtub, all covered in this fur. It reminded me of some kind of weird Dario Argento movie. Very trippy.

And then another one of the rooms was covered in depictions of women. Different takes on what a woman feels like she is or looks like, her essence. I really liked that, because I saw myself in some of them. The artist, Katie Stout, had made a statue of this tigress with wings and golden eyes. I related very much to that, because that’s what I feel like I am. I don’t feel like the quintessential woman, I feel more like some sort of mystical tiger being. [Laughs]

Also at the photo shoot, there was this Helmut Newton book that I ended up buying called “Pages From the Glossies.” I love to look at something like that before I do a photo shoot because it reminds me to try to be as cool-looking as possible.

Thursday Afternoon:

Then I went to the La Brea Tar Pits. I’m just obsessed with them — they’re naturally occurring tar pits that are in the middle of Los Angeles. They were a staple from my childhood and it gives me that nostalgic feeling of being a kid, because there are all these sabre-toothed tiger animatronic things in the museum, and I just am a sucker for anything like that. I love animatronic things. I’m like a 32-year-old 5-year-old.

Then I came home briefly to feed my cats. I’m rewatching “Twin Peaks” for like the fourth time, so I watched an episode of that while I was cleaning up my house. And then I just started “The Morning Show.” I’m pretty A.D.D. so I’ll watch one episode of something while I’m cleaning, and then one episode while I’m putting my clothes away. It seems like a really interesting and relevant show, and I also love all the actors and actresses in it.

Thursday Night:

I went with some friends to see my boyfriend D.J. I love listening to music on vinyl. It’s how I grew up listening to music, and nostalgia is my favorite drug. I requested Hot Chocolate, “Every 1’s a Winner” [starts singing]. I love that song. Also a song by Suicide. I heard a lot of different songs that night, but those were my requests.

And then I just came home and I was reading a little bit before I fell asleep. I’m rereading this Iggy Pop book called “Total Chaos.” I’m obsessed with Iggy Pop. There are certain people that I just look to for everything, and he’s definitely someone who shaped the music I make and my perspective on the world and life and performance. It’s more like a coffee-table book, you can open it to any page and just read a little bit. And then I fall asleep with one of my favorite humans. I’m talking about Iggy Pop, not my boyfriend [laughs]. He wasn’t home yet, so I had to find my other boyfriend.

from WordPress https://mastcomm.com/keshas-week-digging-springsteen-and-meeting-nicolas-cage/

#Entertainment

0 notes

space--cadet-glow · 6 years ago

Text

Translation: “The Minish Cap” in German, Part 11: Melari and the Seven Apprentices

We meet Snow White- I mean- Master Melari, and get shown the way to the Cave of Flames! OUR SOULS ARE ON FIRE. Here is my translation of the German version of "The Minish Cap" to English!

My translation key: DT: „direct translation" (translated word for word) EQ: “English equivalent” (as in, as close to an English-sounding sentence as it’s gonna get) DT/EQ: „"direct translation/English equivalent" (for when the DT is so similar to an EQ that it’s practically English already) OE: “official English (translation as given in the European English version of "The Minish Cap”)“ (NOTE:) "anything I need to point out” (exactly what it says on the tin) BG: „backwards German" for the Minish language in reverse form

My translation work under the cut.

ITEM GET: „Du hast Wasser in die Flasche gefüllt! Gieße es auf verschiedene Sachen!" DT: „You (x) water in the Bottle filled! Pour it on various things!" EQ: "You filled the Bottle with water! Pour it on various things!" OE: "You put water in your bottle! Sprinkle it on different things!"

Ezelo: „Ohne die Eisenmaske wäre dieser Kerl völlig harmlos..." DT: „Without the Iron-mask would (be) this guy completely harmless..." EQ: "Without the iron-mask, this guy would be completely harmless..." OE: "Once you've pulled off their iron masks, those guys are no trouble whatsoever."

Ezelo: „Hm... Aha! Jetzt fällt es mir wieder ein!" DT: „Hm... Aha! Now falls it (to) me again (x!)!" EQ: "Hm... Aha! Now it occurs to me again!" OE: "Hmn?! Hmmmmnnnn... Ah, of course! How silly of me!" (NOTE: Idiomatic. New drinking game: take a drink every time German Ezlo uses an idiom in his sentences. You'd be dead by this point.)

Ezelo: „Kindchen! Wir sollten von oben in diesen Wirbelwind springen!!!" DT: „Kiddo! We should up above in(to) this whirlwind leap!!!" EQ: "Kiddo! We should jump into this whirlwind from up above!!!" OE: "Hey, my boy! Jump into that vortex over there for me!"

Ezelo: „Hehehe! Habe ich nun gute Einfälle, oder nicht!?" DT: „Hehehe! Have I then good ideas, or not!?" EQ: "Hehehe, I have good ideas, then, don't I!?" OE: "I think I've got an idea!" (NOTE: Idiomatic Ezlo is idiomatic.)

ITEM GET: „Glücksfragment erhalten! Die Fragmente sollen Glück bringen." DT: „Luckyfragment received! The Fragments should luck bring." EQ: "Received a Luckyfragment! The Fragments should bring luck." OE: "You got a Kinstone piece! These mystic stones are said to bring happiness."

ITEM GET: „Großen Grünen Rubine (= 50 Grüne Rubine) erhalten! Wahnsinn!" DT: „Big green Rubin (= 50 green Rubine) received! Awesome!" EQ: "Received a big green Rubin (= 50 green Rubine)! Awesome!" OE: "You got 50 Rupees! You must be very happy!"

Ezelo: „Dieser unscheinbare Stein ist in Wirklichkeit ein Portal!" DT/EQ: „"This inconspicuous stone is in reality a Portal!" OE: "So this perfectly normal-looking stone was another portal to the Minish world!"

Ezelo: „Es ist bestimmt nicht das einzige Stein-Portal dieser Art..." DT/EQ: „"It is certainly not the only Stone-Portal (of) this kind..." OE: "I suppose I would have remembered that if I'd stopped to think about it..."

ITEM GET: „Gongol-Wasser erhalten! Das gibt es nur auf dem Gongol-Berg!" DT: „Gongol-Water received! This is there only on (the) Gongol-Mountain!" EQ: "Received the Gongol-Water! This is only on Gongol-Mountain!" OE: "You put Crenel Hot Spring Water in your bottle! It's piping hot!" (NOTE: Another viable translation would be, "This is only available/found on Gongol-Mountain!")

Deku-Händler: „Tut mir Leid wegen der Nuss!" DT: „Sorry because of the nut!" EQ: "Sorry about the nut!" OE: "OK, ya got me! Let me make it up to ya!"

Deku-Händler: „Ich verkaufe dir auch einen Kletter-Ring für 40 Rubine!" DT: „I sell (to) you also a Climbing-Ring for 40 Rubine!" EQ: "I will also sell to you a Climbing-Ring for 40 Rubine!" OE: "This fabulous Grip Ring is just perfect for a young mountaineer like yourself!" (NOTE: And so, the Grip Ring becomes the Climbing-Ring.)

Deku-Händler: „Ideal für den Bergsteiger! Damit kommst du jede Kletterwand hinauf!" DT: „Ideal for the mountaineer! Therewith come you every climbing-wall up!" EQ: "Ideal for a mountaineer! With that, you can come up every climbing-wall!" OE: "Climb in style for only 40 Rupees! What a bargain!"

ITEM GET: „Kaufen?" DT/EQ: „"Purchase?" OE: "So, what do you say, huh?"

POSSIBLE REPLIES: „Ja." oder „Nein." DT/EQ: „"Yes." or „"No." OE: "Sure" or "No, thanks"

ITEM GET: „Kletter-Ring erhalten!" DT: „Climbing-Ring received!" EQ: "Received the Climbing-Ring!" OE: "You got the Grip Ring!"

ITEM GET: „Jetzt kannst du dort hochklettern, wo du bisher nicht hingelangt bist." DT: „Now can you there climb up, where you as yet not reached (x)." EQ: "Now you can climb up there, where you have not reached as of yet." OE: "Now, you can easily climb cliffs that you could not scale before."

Deku-Händler: „Danke für den Einkauf!" DT/EQ: „"Thanks for the purchase!" OE: "Thanks a lot!"

ITEM GET: „Du hast ein Fee eingefangen! Sie hilft dir, wenn du am Ende bist." DT: „You (x) a Fairy captured! She helps (for) you, when you at the end are." EQ: "You captured a Fairy! She will help you when you are at an end." OE: "You caught a fairy in your bottle! This winged friend will come to your aid if your life energy is depleted."

Hohe Schimmer-Fee: „Willkommen am Brunnen der Abenteurer!" DT/EQ: „"Welcome to the Well of (the) Adventurers!" OE: "Welcome to the adventurer's spring..." (NOTE: The Great Fairy of Mayflies became the High Gleam-Fairy. Okay.)

Hohe Schimmer-Fee: „Hast du diese Goldene Bomben hineingeworfen oder diese Silberne Bombe?" DT: „Have you these Golden Bombs thrown in or these Silver Bombs?" EQ: "Did you throw in these Golden Bombs or these Silver Bombs?" OE: "Did you throw the Golden Bomb into the spring? Or the Silver Bomb?"

POSSIBLE REPLIES: „Die Goldene." oder „Die Silberne." oder „Weder noch." DT/EQ: „"The Golden." or „"The Silver." or „"Neither, nor." OE: "Golden Bomb" or "Silver Bomb" or "Neither"

Hohe Schimmer-Fee: „Du bist sehr ehrlich! Deshalb werde ich dir helfen." DT: „You are very honest. Therefore will I (for) you help." EQ: "You are very honest. Therefore I will help you." OE: "You are honest. I must reward such an honest adventurer with some of my power."

ITEM GET: „Große Bombentasche erhalten! Jetzt kannst du mehr Bomben tragen!" DT: „Big Bomb Bag received! Now can you more Bombs carry!" EQ: "Received the Big Bomb Bag! Now you carry more Bombs!" OE: "You got a big bomb bag! Now you can carry more bombs!"

Hohe Schimmer-Fee: „Mögest du erfolgreich sein..." DT: „May you successful be..." EQ: "May you be successful..." OE: "May you fare well in your quest..."

Ezelo: „Das ist, als regnete es Bomben! Pass gut auf, mein Kindchen!" DT: „This is, always raining it bombs! Take good care, my kiddo!" EQ: "It is always raining like bombs! Take good care, my kiddo!" OE: "These raindrops are like boulders of water to us, kid! Watch out!" (NOTE: The only thing I can think of what German Ezlo is trying to say is to imagine some German Minish-ised version of "It's raining cats and dogs".)

Ezelo: „Bei unserer jetzigen Größe wäre es fatal, wenn uns ein Tropfen träfe!" DT: „At our current size would (be) it fatal, if us a droplet meet!" EQ: "At our current size, it would be fatal if we meet a droplet!" OE: "If one of them hits us, it'll do more than a little damage!" (NOTE: Alternate translation would be, "At our current size, it would be fatal if we were struck by a droplet!")

Berg-Minish: „Eisenerz, ich grab nach dir! ♪ Eisenerz, dich find ich hier! ♪" DT: „Iron ore, I dig after you! ♪ Iron ore, you find I here! ♪" EQ: "Iron ore, I dig for you! ♪ Iron ore, I find you here! ♪!" OE: "Ting along, tong along!♪ Dig along fer iron!♪" (NOTE: Random fun fact: the OE version doesn't have spaces before the music notes, but the German one does. Strange. Also, the "Mountain" Minish stayed the "Mountain" Minish.)

Berg-Minish: „Eisenerz, ich grab ganz flott! ♪ Eisenerz, geh nur nicht fort! ♪" DT: „Iron ore, I dig all briskly! ♪ Iron ore, go only not away! ♪" EQ: "Iron ore, I dig all briskly! ♪ Iron ore, do not go away! ♪" OE: "Ting along, tong along!♪"

(This random Mountain Minish then proceeds to hi-jack the plot with an extra text box in the English version for literally no reason.) [OE: "Dig down, dig around!♪ Dig the ground fer iron!♪"]

Berg-Minish: „Dies ist die Mine von Melta und seinen sieben Schülern. Bist du hier," DT/EQ: „"This is the Mine of Melta and his seven students. Are you here," OE: "This mine belongs to Melari and us, his seven apprentices."

Berg-Minish: „um dein Schwert reparieren zu lassen? Unser Chef ist ganz unten." DT: „in order your Sword repair to let? Our Boss is all below." EQ: "in order to let your Sword get repaired? Our Boss is at the bottom." OE: "Did you ting along, tong along, all this long way to get your sword repaired?" (NOTE: Slightly idiomatic.)

(This same OE Mountain Minish continues to hi-jack the plot with an extra text box.) [OE: "The boss is down on the lowest level."]

Berg-Minish: „Eisenerz, ach Eisenerz! ♪ Da ist es, das herrliche Eisenerz! ♪" DT: „Iron ore, oh iron ore! ♪ There is it, the wonderful iron ore! ♪" EQ: "Iron ore, oh, iron ore! ♪ There it is, the wonderful iron ore! ♪" OE: "Ting along, tong along!♪ Deep down, dig down!♪ Dig joy in the ground!♪"

Melta: „Grüne Kleidung, komische Mütze... Du musst Link sein." DT: „Green clothes, comical hat... You must Link be." EQ: "Green clothes, comical hat... You must be Link." OE: "Green clothes? And an odd hat?!? Sir! Might you be young Link?"

Melta: „Hab's vom Ältesten im Wald gehört. Ich heiße Melta und bin hier der Chef." DT: „Have it from (the) Elder in the Forest heard. I (am) called Metla and am here the Boss." EQ: "I've heard it from the Elder in the Forest. I am called Melta and (I) am the Boss here." OE: "I am Melari, master smith."

Melta: „Es gilt, das Heilige Schwert zu schmieden," DT: „It necessary, the Holy Sword to forge," EQ: "It is necessary, to forge the Holy Sword," OE: "I hear you want me to reforge the sacred sword..."

Melta: „um die Prinzessin von dem Fluch zu befreien, nicht wahr?" DT: „in order the Princess from the curse to be-free, not true?" EQ: "in order to free the Princess from the curse, isn't it?" OE: "...and help break a curse."

Melta: „Das Schwert der Minish kann die Kraft der Elemente aufnehmen." DT: „The Sword of the Minish can the Force of the Elements incorporate." EQ: "The Sword ot the Minish can incorporate the Force of the Elements." OE: "I'll be needin' the old sword, which holds the power of the elements first."

Melta: „Gib mir das zerbrochene Schwert der Minish! Ich helfe der Prinzessin gern." DT: „Give (to) me the broken Sword of the Minish! I help the Princess gladly." EQ: "Give me the broken Sword of the Minish! I'll gladly help the Princess." OE: "Show me that broken Picori Blade! I love all this adventure, what with the rescuing of princesses and such."

Melta: „Ich werde das Schwert erneuern, damit es zum Heiligen Schwert werden kann." DT: „I will the Sword renew, therewith it to the Holy Sword become can." EQ: "I will renew the Sword, so that it can become the Holy Sword." OE: "I'd be happy to reforge this thing into a brand-new sacred blade for you."

Melta: „Es wird eine Weile dauern, bis es fertig ist." DT: „It will a while last/take, until it finished is." EQ: "It will take a while, until it is finished." OE: "It'll take me a while to rework your sword."

Melta: „Geh inzwischen das Element suchen! Hier in der Nähe befindet sich eine Mine!" DT: „Go meanwhile the Element to seek! Here in the vacinity located (x) a mine!" EQ: "Go, meanwhile, and seek the Element! A mine is located in the vacinity here!" OE: "In the meantime, you should track down the missing elements."

Melta: „Sie wurde vor langer Zeit von der Menschen geschaffen." DT: „It has been for long time of the humans created." EQ: "It was created by the humans a long time ago." OE: "One of them should be in the mine the humans dug. It's not far from here."

Melta: „Gut! Dann wollen wir mal mit der Arbeit anfangen!" DT: „Good! Then will we (softener) with the work begin!" EQ: "Good! Then we will begin with the work!" OE: "All right! Let's get started!"

Ezelo: „Gut, Link. Die schaffen das auch ohne uns." DT: „Good, Link. The create this also without us." EQ: "Good, Link. They can do this without us." OE: "They'll be a while, Link." (NOTE: Completely idiomatic. Of course, it's Ezlo's dialogue.)

Ezelo: „Wir suchen inzwischen nach dem Element!" DT: „We seek meanwhile after the Element!" EQ: "Meanwhile, we seek after the Element!" OE: "Let's leave them to it and find that element!"

Berg-Minish: „Was?! Du willst zur Mine? Na gut. Wenn du die Erlaubnis vom Chef hast," DT: „What?! You want to the Mine? Very well then. If you the permission of the Boss have," EQ: "What?! You want to go to the Mine? Very well then. If you have the permission of the Boss," OE: "What? You're going to the mine?"

Berg-Minish: „bitte schön! Aber pass auf dich auf!" DT/EQ: „"here you go! But take care of yourself!" OE: "If you've talked to the boss, I won't stop you. But be careful." (NOTE: He's basically saying, "If you have the Boss's permission, well, right this way!")

#the bard of light rants #minish cap #the minish cap #the legend of zelda #the bard of light translates #the bard of light schedules #German #translation

0 notes

quriluli-blog · 6 years ago

Text

Top Tourist Destinations In The World

On Earth, there are so many amazing, well-known and not-so-so places, getting into which, you involuntarily feel yourself as a small part of the majestic universe. Planning a vacation, some people dream of being in a paradise corner and enjoy a comfortable rest, others are looking for fascinating tourist routes, where each new day will give unforgettable impressions of the seen natural beauties and attractions, while others wish to combine business with pleasure.

1. The different-colored villages of the Cinque Terre in Italy

Five bright villages, located on the steep cliffs of the Cinque-Terre National Park, do not look like a resort zone with developed infrastructure. This amazing Italian outback is far from civilization and therefore, probably, so attracts tourists from all over the world with its genuine simplicity of life. Unusual and unlike villages, where, to this day, as if strung together, there are low-rise houses of local residents, full of sights and legends. So the questions about what to do and what to see, the travelers do not exactly arise. An indelible impression will leave a walk along the ten-kilometer trail, which unites all the villages among themselves. Such picturesque landscapes, winding paths and turns you will not find anywhere else in the world! And for the young couple, the path will be symbolic, which has been called the road of love since ancient times.

2. Grape roads in Switzerland

The best pedestrian walk through the vineyards and villages awaits visitors to the Swiss province of Martigny (Martigny). Six kilometers of grape roads (The Chemins des Vignes) - such a tourist route is laid along the alpine slopes, lined with man-made terraces for vineyards. Magnificent landscapes, the purest mountain air and the tranquility of rural life have made this place popular among tireless tourists.

3. Colored lakes on top of Kelimutu in Indonesia

Three colorful lakes, shrouded in mystical beliefs about the souls of dead people living in them, are hidden from prying eyes in the crater of the majestic volcano Kelimutu at an altitude of almost 1700 meters. "Lake of the Older People", adjacent "Lake of Boys and Girls" and "Enchanted Lake" periodically change their color from black to turquoise, green and red under the influence of chemical reactions between the minerals in them. It is best to admire the lakes early in the morning or after twelve o'clock in the afternoon, when they are not covered by a veil of fog.

4. The Perennial Salt Mine in Peru

A fascinating salt mosaic is the brainchild of resourceful Incas - one of the most interesting tourist places in the world. It would seem that what can attract salt baths, of which salt mining is going on by hand to this day ?! Multistage terraces will not only be a brilliant find in all senses for photographers, but also on a sunny day impress tourists with multicolored salt landscapes. And everyone can check on yourself whether it's easy to get salt!

5. Monasteries of Meteora in Greece

Transparent waters of the river Pinios, forming the Thessaly Valley, embrace the mighty cliffs drowning in the greenery of the forests ... Harmony of nature and harmony of spirit! For 15 centuries it has been the history of this most popular tourist route in the world. Despite the fact that only 6 monasteries (4 male and 2 female) survived from the 24 built, Meteora (Meteora) is a true pillar of Orthodoxy. The six hundred-meter high rocks, which had once been the bottom of the ancient sea, became a reliable foundation for monastic buildings. Climbing the stone steps, you can involuntarily think about how difficult is the ladder to the sky. But that's why the power of monastic deeds and God's granted grace is so strongly felt.

6. The mysterious rock of Uluru in Australia

Monumental - with an altitude of 0.35 km, a length of 3.6 km and a width of 3 km - the orange-brown chamael rock Uluru (Uluru), located on the territory of the National Park, has become one of the most interesting tourist places in the world due to its ability to change color in depending on the time of day: from dark purple at dawn, bright red and pink in the morning to golden by noon. Riddled with numerous caves and ponds, it keeps the history of ancient tribes in fantastic rock paintings. On the sacred path of the local tribe anangu, you can ascend to the top of the cliff, from where the day opens truly breathtaking views of the surrounding area, and in the evening you can admire the carnival of the starry sky.

7. Koh Poda Islands in Thailand

The most popular tourist destination in the world is the Koh Poda Islands in the province of Krabi. Here on boats arrive for silence and rest tired of entertainment tourists. Sprawling palm trees, the purest white sandy beach, clear sea water, a coral reef with exotic fish and stunning views of the rocks of the Raile peninsula will give paradise pleasure. And near the island of Poda there is a local landmark - a hundred-foot island-rock Ma Tang Ming, also known as one of the best places for diving in the center of Krabi.

8. Isle of Skye in Scotland

Skye is the largest and most unusual island in Scotland. Typically the Scottish landscapes: deserted, hilly, with rocks, lakes and green meadows, along which lambs roam, are surprisingly interspersed with tropical oases that have emerged under the influence of the Gulf Stream, which is washing the island. Palms and rhododendrons bloom here in October! The island of Skye is a favorite place for rest and work of creative natures. There are a lot of small art museums here. Rock-climbers of the whole world are also flocking here to conquer the peaks of the Kullin mountain range, called the Scottish Alps.

9. The blue town of Chefchaouen in Morocco

To all fans of small cozy places on Earth, this glorious tourist town, which began its history in the 15th century with the construction of a small fortress, which is now one of Chefchaouen's sights, will taste like this. The popularity of this town brought a blue color: it is in bright shades of blue painted walls of houses and sidewalks in Chefchaouen. Unforgettable impressions will leave pedestrian walks along the narrow and winding streets, warm gatherings in the cafe, climbing the mountains and visiting the beautiful parks and reserves: Talassemtan, Talembota and Bukhasham.

I highly recommend a coffee blog, where you can read everything you need on how to make the best coffee! Be sure that by following all the advice of a professional barista, you can make the best coffee in the world! There you can also find tips on choosing a coffee machine, espresso grains, coffee recipes and more!

10. Bryce Canyon in the USA

National Park Bryce Canyon (Bryce Canyon) is located on the territory of Utah and covers an area of 145 km ². It is a majestic man-made amphitheater, consisting of quaint orange, pink and creamy hudu rocks, whose shape is relentlessly corrected by the most unpredictable sculptor in the world - nature itself. Sharp peaks are replaced by mysterious turrets or aspiring spiers. The slopes of Bryce Canyon are surrounded by bright green dense coniferous forests and mountain meadows that soften the warlike landscape and make it charming. But the most spectacular spectacle Bryce Canyon presents at dawn, at sunset of the day and in winter - that's when the parade of fantastic colors unfolds!

11. Volcanic island of Kamigin in the Philippines

Drowning in the luscious green island of Camiguin (Camiguin), it is not accidental that one can call it the pearl of the Philippine archipelago. Just imagine: a tropical climate, magnificent white beaches and caressing azure waters of the ocean, delightful 50-meter waterfalls and hot springs, seven active volcanoes and first-class diving, unique flora and fauna! And if you climb to the top of the mountain Hibok-Hibok, then your view will be fantastic views! The local landmark and tourist attraction is a huge white cross, which is installed on the site of a sunken cemetery in the sea.

12. The many faces of Cape Town in South Africa

The capital of the multinational Western Cape province and the legislative capital of South Africa, the most southerly African city, nestled near the legendary Cape of Good Hope, Cape Town is of great interest to tourists around the world. Even the very architecture of the city is a popular tourist route. Bright mosaic of historical and ultramodern buildings creates a unique color of Cape Town, as if walking around the city, you travel in time. This is especially noticeable when visiting the colorful Bo-Kaap district, where the descendants of slaves live.

A wonderful climate, natural wealth, beautiful infrastructure will make an unforgettable beach holiday and will allow you to enjoy the popular surf here. The best tourist places of Cape Town are, of course, Table Mountain - the main lighthouse of sailors, the harbor of Victoria and Alfred - the center of shopping and entertainment centers, the stunning beauty of the botanical garden of Kirstenbosch, the "Aquarium of the Two Oceans", where the inhabitants of the Atlantic and Indian oceans are represented. A huge number of cultural centers, national museums and art galleries, historical monuments and objects will not bore the most demanding guests of Cape Town.

13. Impressive Cappadocia in Turkey

Fairy Cappadocia (Cappadocia), symbolized by steel mushrooms with hats, fully justifies its definition. Strange landscapes created by volcanic eruptions and weathering of rocks, seem unreal, come from childhood dreams. Imagine only the mysterious natural labyrinths, in which the first Christians, mountains and rocks in the form of cones, pyramids, stone pillars and freaks were hiding during the persecutions! To watch the bizarre landscapes of Cappadocia, tourists will have to fly from a balloon. But the popularity of this place brings also the "Museum in the open air", which unites worthy travelers' attention ancient rock churches and monasteries with here and there preserved frescoes that have sunk in the fly of times.

14. Halong Bay in Vietnam

The favorite bay of Halong (Ha Long) - one of the most beautiful and mysterious, covered with ancient legends, places in the world. Two thousand stone blocks, covered with luxurious greenery, solemnly scattered over an amazing, emerald color, water. A lot of fascinating grottoes and caves, mirror lakes and waterfalls will amaze the imagination of even quite unromantic natures and will adjust to a contemplative harmony. Delightful landscapes in combination with a wonderful climate have a relaxing time on white beaches, water skiing or jet skiing, as well as provide excellent opportunities for camping and climbing.

15. Lake Tahoe in the USA

Beautiful in North America, Lake Tahoe (Tahoe), whose crystal clear blue waters do not freeze in winter, are ringed by the delightful scenery of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Unique charm to the lake is given by coniferous forests and snow-covered rocks. This lake region is famous for its beach and ski resorts, several national parks where dozens of hiking trails for ecotourism lovers are laid. Add to the natural resources of the brilliantly developed infrastructure - and before us is one of the most popular tourist places in the world where you can relax at any time of the year.

16. Waterfall in the National Park Plitvice Lakes in Croatia

To the amazing tourist places of the world belongs the Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia. On the territory of almost 30 000 hectares are picturesquely located 16 large and huge number of small lakes, more than a hundred waterfalls and several dozen caves. But the most striking sight is the Great Waterfall of Sastavci (Sastavci). The crystal waters of the rivers of Plitvice and the Koran from the 72-meter height tend to descend under many-voiced silver streams.

17. The blue sea of nemophiles in Japan

The most touching place in the world, awakening in the person all the best, all clean, is the National Seaside Park Hitachi (Hitatchi) in Japan, occupying 120 hectares. There are no age-old trees, nor intricate bushes - here all year round, replacing each other, gentle flowers reign. They are not collected in elegant flower beds, but planted with huge fields, why suddenly a person begins to feel himself not the master of nature, but its integral part. It's amazing, but the world's fame was brought to the park not by proud tulips and graceful poppies, but by millions of quivering nemophiles with air petals that turn the earth into a blue ocean. Each year in the Hitachi Park there is an enchanting festival of flowers called "Harmony of the Nemophilus".

#Travel #Beautiful places #World

0 notes

foundtheworl · 7 years ago

Text

New Post has been published on Found The World

New Post has been published on https://foundtheworld.com/israel/

Why visit Israel?

This coastal, historical, Middle Eastern Country is a hidden naturally beautiful gem. Israel is filled with breathtaking views of the different bodies of water, of the dramatic desert scape and of the ancient cities. Israel is very new and was created in 1948, however, the history and buildings of the country dates back thousands of years, which gives the cities charm and character. Being the size of New Jersey, Israel is very small, which makes it easy to travel around to the different beautiful and sacred areas. It is an amazing country to visit filled with culture and splendor, for your next vacation explore the incredibly charming Middle Eastern nation.

Often the preconceived notions that people have about visiting this Middle Eastern country are negative and apprehensive due to how the media portrays political tensions between Israel and Palestine. Yet, the country is not a dangerous hot bed of tension, the majority of the country is very safe. In Israel it is very common to see armed guards patrolling the streets, however, they are doing this for protection. Research specific areas if you are unsure about the amount of conflict in that area. Please do not visit the West Bank or the Gaza strip because of the complex situation and instability in this particular region. Do not let the media deter you from exploring this amazing country, because the nature, cities, and history are incredible.

Tel Aviv

The capital of Israel, Tel Aviv is the cultural and financial center of the country, however it is also a start up and technology hub. The city is fusion of Middle Eastern and Western cultures that have come together to create a trendy and modern city. Tel Aviv is really a cultural hotspot that looks over the tones of blues in the gorgeous sea, and the eco friendly bike lanes connect the different sections of the city and architectural styles. There are 4 main areas that the city is divided into, the center, the north, the south, and the shoreline that runs along the Mediterranean.

The center of the city is filled with unique streets that have designer clothing boutiques, hip cafes, fantastic restaurants, and markets. On Disengoff St. there is a beautiful spinning fountain that has both water and fire running through it, surrounding this unique square is a small flea market that operates on Tuesdays and Fridays. There is also a large shopping center on the street that sells international brands, and on Fridays is home to a food market, which celebrates cuisines from around the world. For more popular markets, visit the HaCarmel Market, which is the busiest in Tel Aviv and sell all sorts of delicious candies, pastries, fruits, vegetables, meats, and much more. Haggling for a deal with Israeli vendors is the best way to spend less on food; it is much cheaper than the prices at the super market. Across the street is the pedestrian mall Nahalat Binyaminon, which is the place to buy handmade art on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The Northern part of Tel Aviv is least touristy part of the city; it is made up of upscale neighbourhoods, and an area for many businesses. It is still a nice area to explore with many restaurants and bars; there is even the Ramat Aviv Mall, which is a good place to shop for popular brands. However, compared to the other 3 districts it is not as much of a tourist hub.

The Southern section of Tel Aviv is Jaffa, it is the ancient port city and is known for being the backdrop to biblical stores such as Jonah, Saint Peter, and Solomon. This port is filled with history as it was used since the Bronze Age in the era of the Ancient Egyptians as early as 1440 BCE. This district of the capital is filled with narrow cobble streets that connect an array of ancient buildings from different time periods. This incredibly charming area is filled with courtyards, beautiful views of the port, and quirky shops such as the Jaffa Flea Market. It is a second hand heaven, complete with antique and trendy things and furniture that has both a Middle Eastern flare and a western influence. Once the sunsets, the southern part of Tel Aviv transitions into an intimate setting for restaurants and bars that string small lights between the narrow streets. The outdoor seating adds to the character of Jaffa, it is a very alluring and romantic district.

The shoreline in Tel Aviv is a picturesque part of the city that runs for miles along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. The water is tropical shades of blue that reflect off the strong Middle Eastern sun, and is alive with locals and tourists enjoying the waves and the soft sand. It is a place to enjoy swimming, wind surfing, and surfing; yet the beach part about the beach is the sunsets that reflect golden colors against the sea. Along the promenade there are many different shops and once it turns to evening the vibrant nightlife comes alive. Bars, clubs, and lounges across the city become animated with people coming to dance and drink.

Jerusalem

The city of Jerusalem is a religiously complex area to visit, charged with the spirituality of Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. It is a cultural mecca and is one of the oldest cities in the world, and has white buildings that dot the skyline of the religious infused metropolitan that shows the beautiful ancient architecture.

Within the city there is a lot to see, such as the Mahane Yehuda Market, and the old city, which is home to the religious sites. The Mahane Yehuda Market, is the biggest market in Jerusalem, it is a busy area that sells an assortment of things. It is recommended to go there during the morning to avoid the hectic crowds. To get to the old city, take the light rail; it is a very cheap and easy way to get around Jerusalem. To have a deep understanding of the Wailing Wall, The Temple Mount, and The Church of the Holy Sepulchre get a tour guide for the day who can give many details behind the 3 religious sites and ancient buildings. In old city, the religious energy is palpable, the smell of incense and the call to prayer demand an atmosphere of spiritual respect to allow people to worship. The Western Wall or the Wailing Wall is an important site holy site in Judaism. People of all religions can visit this area, and there is an area that allows visitors to write a wish of a blessing on a piece of paper and put it into the wall. The Church of Holy Sepulchre is significant to Christianity and it the place where Jesus is laid to rest. It is a very old structure and is a stunning piece of architecture and history. The Temple Mount is significant to Muslims and is the 3rd most holy sit in Islam. In all of these areas, dress and act respectably and understand that these places are divine expressions of faith for 3 religions. The entire metropolis is beautiful tribute to the history of empires that ruled over it in the last thousands of years. The streets are paved with stone, and the buildings are filled with character. This city of contrast is a complex area, however it is extremely beautiful and worth visiting.

The Dead Sea

This mystical body of water is at the lowest spot on the earth, yet it is also filled with the most minerals. The sea borders Jordan and Israel, and is a place of healing and beauty treatments. Essential things to bring to the Dead Sea are sunscreen, a lot of water and shoes to wear on the shore and in the water. The blue hues of the water are breathtaking and calming, which flow from the Jordan River, yet the high salt content makes the sea a floating paradise. The water shoes are important to wear because the salt is crystalized into the rocks and the sea floor, which is beautiful but very sharp. There are salt pearls everywhere that look like little pieces of glass, making this a very unique beach experience. After leaving the water, the minerals will make your skin feel incredible and extremely soft. It hardly rains in this area of the country, and most days are sunny and very warm, ranging between 30-40 degrees Celsius. The heat is why bringing water is important, it is easy to become dehydrated and there is little shade around the Dead Sea, and being in direct sunlight without water can be very damaging. Near the Dead Sea is En Gedi, which is a nature reserve this is a beautiful area to hike in and explore fresh water rivers and waterfalls. Within the reserve it is also possible to hike to springs, canyons, caves, and the ancient buildings of the synagogue and a Bronze Age temple. The natural beauty, religious history, and modern cities within Israel, make it a fascinating place to discover on vacation.

0 notes

ironjohnred · 7 years ago

Text

Be like water

Don’t make a plan of fighting; that is a very good way to lose your teeth. If you try to remember you will lose. Empty your mind. Be formless, shapeless, like water.

Be adaptable, and don't be dogmatic about sticking to some set of ways of doing things. Adapt and use whatever is best, is the only principle. Water is supremely adaptable: it changes form depending on whatever it is in; it doesn't hold a solid form. It also can flow, or it can splash and crash; it can feel hard, or it can feel soft. These reflect different aspects of martial arts: e.g., jiujitsu is considered "the gentle art" because it doesn't have striking and uses grappling techniques and leverage, while the "hard arts" are striking arts, like Muay Thai, boxing, etc. Water represents all of these styles, and it uses whichever one best accomplishes its job.

What does water do when faced with a wall? It finds a way through it. Water will crash, erode, or seep into crevices until it can find its way again. For example, the famous Grand Canyon in Arizona was carved from a great river that once flowed through it. Water is one of the most powerful elements on earth, capable of moving boulders, shaping coastlines, and carving massive caves.

Sometimes, your problems become a huge mountain that blocks your path. It seems too tall, too big, and too powerful to overcome. So what do you do? Instead of trying to climb it, why not go through it? Often, the challenges you face have multiple solutions – but you can’t see it because you keep looking above. Answers can lurk in the most unexpected yet obvious of places. If you’re too busy viewing just one angle, you won’t be able to get through it.

Once when Lee was under the instruction of his teacher, Yip Man, he became frustrated because he couldn’t master what Yip wanted him to learn. Thus, Yip gave him a week to meditate and reflect upon his situation. Lee surprisingly found the answer to his dilemma not from something supernatural, but rather, when he went sailing alone. It was when he looked at the water that he realized what he has to do in order to be great.

Be like water making its way through cracks. Do not be assertive, but adjust to the object, and you shall find a way round or through it. If nothing within you stays rigid, outward things will disclose themselves.” – Bruce Lee

Being like water is a fairly common goal within the world of martial arts, regardless of style. Students of everything from gong fu to karate to muay thai have sought to improve themselves by emulating its fluidity, force and formlessness. Not only martial artists can learn lessons from it though. So what does it mean to be like water, and how can doing so help improve our lives?

Formlessness

Another quote by Bruce Lee that’s often tossed around is this one:

“Empty your mind, be formless. Shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot it becomes the teapot. Now, water can flow or it can crash. Be water my friend.” – Bruce Lee

Technically that was him reciting lines he wrote for his role on the TV show Longstreet, but I think it still reflects both his thoughts on the matter and an essential property of water that can seriously help people in their day to day lives.

Water, as he says, is shapeless. It doesn’t fight when it’s put into a new container, instead it adapts and changes to perfectly fit its new home. If an object is dropped into the water it doesn’t fight back it just moves out of the way and swallows it up. This formlessness and adaptability is a quality that everyone should strive to achieve.

So how are some ways we can practice this attitude? Think of all the times you’ve been forced into a new situation. Maybe it’s something benign like going to an unfamiliar coffee shop or maybe it’s something more serious like losing your job. What have your reactions been like?

For most people change, no matter how small, is at the very least uncomfortable if not completely terrifying. The natural reaction when people are forced into a new situation is to flee or to fight to get back to the way things were. Instead, try to be more like water. Let go of all that energy you’re wasting trying to cling to the old way things were and let yourself reshape to fit your new surroundings.

The key to achieving water-like adaptation to new situations is understanding the concept of formlessness. The reason water doesn’t fight when it’s placed into a new environment is because water doesn’t have it’s own form. There is no one ‘shape’ of water, it assumes the shape of whatever its container is.

The best way to achieve a similar lack of form is to work on letting go of your self-created identity. I’m not saying you should completely abandon your personality, but rather that you should come to accept yourself as a malleable being. Once you understand that, like water, your defining aspect is that you are constantly changing you can easily adapt to any new situations that may arise.

Fluidity

Ok, I understand that fluidity and formlessness are essentially the same thing since formlessness is a general physical property of all fluids, but bear with me here because fluidity as a concept for our purposes has a slightly more nuanced meaning that separates it out.

When water is flowing, like in a stream or a river, it’s difficult to stop. You can try and push it back but it will slip around you and continue on its way. Like all currents it finds the path of least resistance automatically and follows it without effort or hesitation. If there is even the slightest crack or weakness it will find its way through and keep going.

You can apply this principle to your own life through the practice of wei wuwei (爲無爲) or action without action also sometimes referred to as effortless action. The idea of wei wuwei is central to Taoism and is characterized by releasing conscious control of your actions over to the flow of the infinite Tao.

In more Western terms – go with the flow.

As I said this may sound a lot like the above point of adapting to your surroundings but it’s slightly different. Adapting to your surroundings means changing yourself to become as comfortable as possible in the situation that has presented itself to you. Being fluid, or practicing wei wuwei, deals more with how you deal with obstacles.

Traceurs will understand this concept well. The idea is that when faced with an obstacle you react instantly and naturally taking the path of least resistance around it and moving on. Rather than slam into obstacles you let the natural order of things take its course as you glide around them.

Here obstacles doesn’t necessarily mean physical things. These can be any blocks to your progress tangible or not. When manifested into your general attitude it can also be an effective way to overcome mental blocks. When you hit a block in your thinking or creativity don’t dwell on the problem, just accept that its there and move on.

Dealing with problems this way is not only more effective, it keeps stress to a minimum as well.

When my acute self-consciousness grew to what the psychologists refer to as the “double-bind” type, my instructor would again approach me and say, “Loong, preserve yourself by following the natural bends of things and don’t interfere. Remember never to assert yourself against nature; never be in frontal opposition to any problems, but control it by swinging with it. Don’t practice this week: Go home and think about it.”

After spending many hours meditating and practicing, I gave up and went sailing alone in a junk. On the sea I thought of all my past training and got mad at myself and punched the water! Right then — at that moment — a thought suddenly struck me; was not this water the very essence of gung fu? Hadn’t this water just now illustrated to me the principle of gung fu? I struck it but it did not suffer hurt. Again I struck it with all of my might — yet it was not wounded! I then tried to grasp a handful of it but this proved impossible. This water, the softest substance in the world, which could be contained in the smallest jar, only seemed weak. In reality, it could penetrate the hardest substance in the world. That was it! I wanted to be like the nature of water.

Suddenly a bird flew by and cast its reflection on the water. Right then I was absorbing myself with the lesson of the water, another mystic sense of hidden meaning revealed itself to me; should not the thoughts and emotions I had when in front of an opponent pass like the reflection of the birds flying over the water? This was exactly what Professor Yip meant by being detached — not being without emotion or feeling, but being one in whom feeling was not sticky or blocked. Therefore in order to control myself I must first accept myself by going with and not against my nature.

The natural phenomenon which the gung fu man sees as being the closest resemblance to wu wei [the principle of spontaneous action governed by the mind and not the senses] is water:

Nothing is weaker than water,

But when it attacks something hard

Or resistant, then nothing withstands it,

And nothing will alter its way.

The above passages from the Tao Te Ching illustrate to us the nature of water: Water is so fine that it is impossible to grasp a handful of it; strike it, yet it does not suffer hurt; stab it, and it is not wounded; sever it, yet it is not divided. It has no shape of its own but molds itself to the receptacle that contains it. When heated to the state of steam it is invisible but has enough power to split the earth itself. When frozen it crystallizes into a mighty rock. First it is turbulent like Niagara Falls, and then calm like a still pond, fearful like a torrent, and refreshing like a spring on a hot summer’s day. So is the principle of wu wei:

The rivers and seas are lords of a hundred valleys. This is because their strength is in lowliness; they are kings of them all. So it is that the perfect master wishing to lead them, he follows. Thus, though he is above them, he follows. Thus, though he is above them, men do not feel him to be an injury. And since he will not strive, none strive with him.

0 notes

towerzzstuff · 8 years ago

Photo

New Post has been published on http://routebyroad.com/36237/bihar-tourism-glory-past-present/

BIHAR TOURISM WITH GLORY OF PAST AND PRESENT

Ancient Nalanda University Bihar

Capital: Patna Largest city: Patna

Bihar is the 13th largest state of India that has 3000 years of glorious history. In other words, the past of Bihar has been the stronghold of its imminence in the whole of India with vibrant economic activities, cultural exchanges, originating place for Buddhism and of conquest and expansion and sites of learning and scholarships. The land has history unlike anything any other states in India has seen. Bihar has abundance of mineral resources.

Introducing Bihar

Bihar is a state in East India and has an area of 94,163 square kilometers and is the 3rd largest populated state of India. The political map of Bihar would show it being bordered by Uttar Pradesh on its west, Nepal at its north, on the east by Northern part of West Bengal and Jharkhand in the south.

Region where Bihar is situated is among the oldest inhabited places by man on the planet and this is primarily due to the River Ganges that flows through it making both sides of its banks very fertile. Apart from that the state is very rich in sources of natural minerals so essential for the development of industries in the whole country.

Bihar has 85% of population living in its numerous villages where subsistence is mainly agriculture. However, of late apart from other industrial development that has staged a comeback; the government of Bihar has laid out greater emphasis on the development of tourist centers in the State both for domestic and foreign travelers.

Notable parts of Bihar’s History

It is quite a common knowledge among archeologists and scholars that in India Bihar was the center of power for learning and culture in the ancient and classical India. Two prominent ruling dynasties and the most powerful India had ever produced on its soil came from Bihar. These were commonly known as the Magadha Empire which was ruled by the Mauryas and the Guptas dynasties. These dynasties together were very successful in keeping within its fold through conquests and co-operation a sizeable part of South Asia under their firm centralized power.

The state capital nowadays known as Patna has a very ancient history and was earlier known as Pataliputra. Near to Patna were the important centers of learning and these were known as Nalanda and Vikramshila. Archeological studies have revealed that these were established in Bihar in the 5th and 8th centuries.

It was here on this land that Buddha got enlightenment and introduced Buddhism to the whole world. In other words, India became a well known mystic land with untold wealth and was soon to be plundered and attacked by foreign invaders which led to the establishment of the Mughal Empire and later under British colonial rulers.

Climate and Geography

Bihar has a subtropical climate in general and yet is notable for its hot summers and cold winters. The banks of the Ganges River keep the temperature of the towns and cities near to it quite hospitable and support one of the largest population bases in the world. You will also see that most ancient monuments and architectures not too far away from the banks of this flowing river.

The Ganges has several tributaries and the most famous of them are Son, Budhi Gandak, Chandan, Orhani and Phalgu. The climate of the state is also greatly affected by the Himalayas although the latter falls in Nepal. You will also find the Rajagiri Hills in Central Bihar although this may affect the climate only mildly. If you proceed further south then you will come across Chota Nagpur Plateau that lies in the new state of Jharkhand.

The climate of Bihar is quite comfortable for average tourists entering the state from other states while for foreigners it would be better to avoid the extreme heat of the summer. Yet there are good affordable and star hotels and the state has good turnover of tourists as it is estimated that around 24 million tourists visit Bihar every year.

For those whom the climate is very important aspect for taking tours then Bihar’s temperature may range between 0 to 10 degrees C in the cold season while during hot season the mercury may sore to 40 degree C.

Tourist Spots of Ancient Wonder

One of the most important tourist center and that can keep you wondering about the learning culture that was predominant of the region’s past is the Nalanda University. This is a must see place as you will be astonished beyond words that this university was in existence in Bihar in India when the whole world had not even thought of a concept called university.

It was well planned structure with an entrance where they used to conduct what one would call an entrance exam and the most distinguished of the pupils would get a chance to enroll for further studies. There were about 2000 teaches who taught around 10000 student from all parts of the world. It is here that Buddha himself taught and the famous Chinese traveler Hein-Tsang was also a student.

If you have visited Nalanda then the next most important place would be the Bodhi Tree where Buddha got his enlightenment. This place is about 100 kilometers from Patna. You may also visit the Maha Bodhi Temple which is also situated quite close to it.

True, a larger part of Bihar tourism revolve around religious as well as learning centers yet for those who knows the ancient and medieval history of this region then this wouldn’t be a surprise. Hence, while visiting religious centers think that these are not simply religious ones, but are part of a greater understanding and revelation of different cultures that was predominantly sculpted out through religious dogmas and practices.

Hence, no tour to Bihar is complete without touring Machalinda Lake and Griddhakuta Peak. The beauty of the Machalinda Lake is that it is named after the serpent called Sesh Naga or the Snake King Machalinda. It is said that Gautama Buddha during his sixth week of meditation was threatened by a storm and it was this Snake King who protected him by providing shelter with its enormous hood. You will find a sculpted form of the Snake King with its hood open and on its coils resting in meditation Lord Buddha himself. The place is more popularly known as Bodh Gaya.

When you reach Griddhakuta Peak then you will be astonished that the whole rocky peak in its natural formation resembles a gigantic vulture. This is quite a marvel by nature itself and even more fantastic scene is that real vultures from the sky and that too in large numbers descend upon the rocks or fly around it.

The Rajgir Hot springs is yet another wonderful spot for tourists and nestles at the foot of the Vaibhava Hills. These hot springs get their water from Saptadhara which flows just behind the Saptaparni Caves. It is said that the hot water in the springs contain medicinal properties that can cure several ailments. Among these hot springs the Brahmakund spring is the hottest and its temperature may reach up to 450 C. It is established that both Buddha and Mahavira frequently bathed in these pools.

You may then visit Buxar Fort which is something quite different from the usual religious monuments. This fort is situated along the Ganga River and offers excellent views of the surrounding landscape. The next must see monument is the Hein-Tsang Memorial Hall which gives you the details about the lifestyles of the people then and the different kinds of cultures, art and crafts.

You may also see the Patna Museum which contains a lot of artifacts and items and also images and sculptor works. You will be amazed to hear that the museum was constructed in 1917.

Not much frequented tourist places

You may find it quite difficult to locate tourist spots that are not quite frequented in Bihar. However, you may visit the wild life sanctuaries which are quite remote and may need special permission from the forest department. These wild areas are great fun if you are touring in groups and have vast numbers of flora and fauna. Some like Bhimbandhu Wildlife Sanctuary is surrounded by thick human populations around its borders.

You may also locate a few good not much known places in Bihar by putting a query with your agents or online websites. In some place it is always better to travel in groups for safety reasons. The Cyclopean Walls which is around 2500 years old and stretches about 40 kilometers long is a mysterious fortification that you may find as something strange.

0 notes