Friday Fotos: New Orleans

I had no idea, when I arrived in New Orleans in September 2010, that my visit would coincide with the start of the American Football season. And so it was, that on a hot Thursday night, I found myself amongst tens of thousands of New Orleans Saints fans lining the streets of the French Quarter for the parade that would herald the beginning of the competition.

This series of images shows just a few of the fans who dressed for the occasion in fancy hats decorated in all manner of finery, including feathers, masks, cheap plastic baubles, and necklaces – thousands of which were showered onto the crowds lining both sides of the parade route by those taking part in the actual parade itself.

It was my first experience of an All-American Parade which included dozens of school marching bands, complete with dancers who sweated profusely in the stifling heat and humidity of a Crescent City evening.

My three day visit to New Orleans was far too brief to get more than the faintest feel for the city, and I would love to visit again for an extended period – preferably around Mardi Gras in March, when the weather is more conducive to extended walking and explorations of the city.

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Things You Discover Walking – Nellie’s Garden

General view of Mitcham Railway Station

Just around the corner from home is my local train station. Mitcham railway station is one of a number of stops on the Belair line. The station opened in March 1883, and over the years has played a major role in the South Australian rail system.

Modern commuter train speeding through Mitcham station

Mural painted on side of station building

For example: the "Melbourne Express" (now The Overland) used to stop at Mitcham; and the station once operated as a parcel shipping depot. During World War I, the station served as a pick-up and drop-off point for troops stationed at the Mitcham Military Camp, and finally, the railway enabled huge quantities of stone to be moved from nearby Mitcham quarries, including much of that needed for the construction of the Outer Harbour breakwater in the early 1900s.

But that’s not what this blog post is about.

This post is about Nellie’s Garden.

Detailed view of station building and mural

Alongside the heritage buildings that compose the Mitcham railway station is a delightful area of well maintained landscaped garden, known as Nellie's Garden.

General view of station building and murals

The garden is named in honour of Nellie Iris Ellis (1920-1983) who established the garden during the 1950s and 1960s. Mrs Ellis was the wife of Bob Ellis, a former stationmaster.

General view of Nellie’s Garden

General view of Nellie’s Garden

The Garden features huge old trees, many large camellias and other shrubs as well as some native species. Nellie died in 1983 and her ashes were buried here. At the northern end of the garden a plaque commemorates her association with the garden which is maintained by a volunteer group supported by the City of Mitcham.

Plaque commemorating the life and legacy of Nellie Iris Ellis

Autumn colours in Nellie’s Garden

Old station outhouse or ‘dunny’ as we like to call them in Australia.

Another in my occasional series of Things You Discover Walking posts. You never know what you will discover in your local neighborhood or town when you get out of your car or subway line and take to the streets - walking. Try it yourself one day. You may be surprised at what you find just around the corner.

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Three New York City Cultural Institutions

China Institute building in New York City

There is more to New York City than tall buildings, the bright lights of Times Square, and free rides on the Staten Island Ferry. Visitors and locals looking for something on the road less travelled might consider a visit to one of these three cultural institutions, all of which provide year-round programs of lectures, exhibitions and courses that educate, inform and help add something unique to any New York visit.

China Institute
Founded in 1926, the China Institute in America is a nonprofit educational and cultural institution whose stated purpose is:
To promote education and culture in art, literature, science, history, and other subjects among Chinese and Americans, and to cultivate a mutual understanding between China and the United States and the citizens thereof…

It does this by providing scholarships and for other expenses of students studying in the United States, and for the exchange of information and views between Chinese and Americans.

The Institute, located at 125 East 65th Street, encourages a deeper understanding of China through programs, activities, courses and seminars on the visual and performing arts, culture, history, music, philosophy, language and literature. The China Institute is the oldest bi-cultural, non-profit organization in America to focus exclusively on China.

Upcoming Programs & Events
Curator’s Lecture: Blooming in the Shadows
Thursday, September 15, 2011, 6:30 – 8 PM
Kuiyi Shen and Julia Andrews, guest co-curators of the exhibition, will speak about their work on Blooming in the Shadows: Unofficial Chinese Art, 1974–1985.

Symposium
Saturday, September 17,2011, 9 AM – 4:30 PM
Blooming in the Shadows: Art and Culture at the Dawn of the Post-Mao Era. Renowned scholars and artists will speak on history and law, art history, literature, and performance to contextualize this ground-breaking exhibition.

Art Salon
Tuesday, September 20, 2011, 6:30 – 8 PM
A rare opportunity to meet three of the artists of the No Name Group to discuss their works in the exhibition.

Short Course: Windows to a Culture —The Fascinating Chinese Proverbs II
Tuesdays, November 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29. 6:30 – 8:30 PM
By popular demand, join us for another session of fascinating lectures by Ben Wang on a specially selected collection of Chinese proverbs.
More Information…

Japan Society (New York)

Japan Society building, New York City

Founded in 1907, Japan Society is a nonprofit, nonpolitical organization that aims to bring the people of Japan and the United States closer together through understanding, appreciation and cooperation. Its mission is: "To bring the people of the United States and Japan closer together in appreciation and understanding of each other, and each other’s way of life."

It does this with a busy program of performances, exhibitions, film screenings, lectures, conferences, courses, seminars, symposia and workshops, all of which occurs at Japan Society's landmark building located near the United Nations at 333 East 47th Street, New York.

Designed by Junzō Yoshimura as the first building in New York of modern Japanese architecture and opened in 1971, the elegant structure with its distinctive facade features a three-story indoor bamboo water garden, a 262-seat theater, art gallery, library, conference and administration facilities, and the world renowned Toyota Language Center.

Toyota Language Center
Beginning in 1972 with a single class, the Toyota Language Center has grown into one of the most respected learning resources in the nation for the study of Japanese language, offering comprehensive levels of Japanese as well as a variety of advanced and specialized courses, workshops and conversation classes. In 2005-2006 over 2,000 students were enrolled in 165 classes.

The C.V. Starr Library
Japan Society's C.V. Starr Library contains roughly 14,000 volumes (primarily in English), offering Society members a comprehensive resource for information on Japanese art, history, culture, society, politics, religion and many other subjects.

Upcoming Programs & Events
Exhibition: Fiber Futures: Japan's Textile Pioneers
Friday, September 16 — Sunday, December 18
Moving far beyond traditional utility, Japan's textile pioneers fuse past and present to create innovative, beautiful and sometimes challenging works of art.

Japan's Beer Revolution: The Birth, Death, and Resurrection of Japanese Craft Brewing
Wednesday, October 5, 6 PM
Thanks to Japanese craftsmanship, gourmet ingredients and attention to quality, craft beer in Japan has recently experienced a revolution.

Nintendo: What's Next for the House of Mario?
Thursday, October 6, 6:30 PM
Has a change in the industry toward lower-priced games for smartphones or tablets caught Nintendo flat-footed or will one of Japan's greatest corporations again find its way?
More information…

The Korea Society

Korea Society located on 8th floor of this 950 Third Avenue building

Like it Asian neighbours mentioned above, the Korea Society, at 950 Third Ave, New York, is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan, organization dedicated solely to the promotion of greater awareness, understanding and cooperation between the people of the United States and Korea. In pursuit of its mission, the Society arranges programs that facilitate discussion, exchanges and research on topics of vital interest to both countries in the areas of public policy, business, education, intercultural relations and the arts.

In 2006, The Korea Society became the official organizing body for the annual New York Korean Film Festival. Operating since 2001, the New York Korean Film Festival has become the largest showcase of Korean-made films in North America.

Upcoming Programs & Events
Korea for Beginners - Summer 2011
This series of workshops for educators, immerses participants in Korean language, history, religion, literature, film, politics, and pop culture, as well as the global tensions surrounding North Korea.

A Taste of The Kimchi Chronicles: Korean Cooking for an American Kitchen
Join The Korea Society in welcoming Marja Vongerichten, star of the new PBS series Kimchi Chonicles, and wife of famed chef Jean-Georges, as she cooks and shares recipes from her newly released cookbook, The Kimchi Chronicles.

Minhwa: Korean Folk Painting Workshop
Minhwa commonly refers to a genre of Korean folk art from the late Chosŏn era (17th–19th C.). Based on Shamanic, Buddhist, or Confucian themes, Minhwa, as a popular form, conveys freshness and vitality in a relaxed ambiance.

The Writings of Lee UFan
The Korea Society presents the writings of celebrated artist, poet, and philosopher Lee UFan, in conjunction with the Guggenheim Museum's retrospective exhibition, Lee UFan: Marking Infinity (June 24-September 28, 2011).

More information…

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Canada’s World Heritage Sites

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So much to see – so little time…

Canada has fifteen national treasures that the world has officially recognized—and plenty of others. UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, has named 15 Canadian national treasures World Heritage Sites. Personally, I haven’t seen any of them, and I’m probably never going to see more than one or two if I’m lucky. However, you may have more money, or more luck than me so for the record, here is the list. What are you waiting for? Get crackin’!

At SGang Gwaay, an island in the southern portion of Haida Gwaii (formerly the Queen Charlotte Islands) in British Columbia, you can still walk among the remains of the Haida First Nations cedar longhouses and carved mortuary poles crumbling under hairdos of day-glo green moss.

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, Alberta, is aptly named. It’s the place where, as far back as 5,500 years ago, Aboriginal peoples chased herds of bison over a cliff, killing the animals so they could use the buffalo meat, dried skins, hair and other parts for their survival.

If you are after a more urban experience, the Historic District of Old Québec is a 400-year-old portion of Québec City, QC, bursting with European flair.

In Old Town Lunenburg, Nova Scotia (a British colonial settlement, established in 1753), the colourful wooden houses and buildings have been well-preserved or restored by past and present residents of the town.

L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, situated on a northern point of the island of Newfoundland, uncovers the remains of an 11th-century Viking settlement, the earliest known European steps and establishment in the New World.

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There are 10 more Canadian World Heritage Sites, including:

• Nahanni National Park
• Dinosaur Provincial Park
• Kluane/Wrangell-St Elias/Glacier Bay/Tatshenshini-Alsek national parks
• Wood Buffalo National Park
• Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks
• Gros Morne National Park
• Waterton Glacier International Peace Park
• Miguasha National Park
• Rideau Canal
• Joggins Fossil Cliffs

Click links below to see video footage on YouTube of some of Canada’s great attractions:

Tipi Camping Experience: Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump...

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump...

Quebec UNESCO Heritage Site...

Québec, ville inscrite au patrimoine mondial de l'UNESCO...
L'Anse aux Meadows...
Wood Buffalo National Park...
Parc National Wood Buffalo...

More Information: www.travelmanitoba.com
Article courtesy of the Canadian Tourism Commission. Text has been modified from the original.

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Friday Foto – Giant Kouroi of Samos

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The human figure in this image helps puts the giant male sculpture into some sort of perspective, although nothing prepares you for the stunning craftsmanship, the perfectly proportioned figure or the size and beauty of this work.

The figure stands a small archaeological museum on the island of Samos, in the Eastern Aegean.

Located in Vathi, the capital of Samos, the museum occupies two buildings: one known as the ‘storehouse of ancient objects’, built in 1912, and a modern building financed by the German auto manufacturer Volkswagen in 1987.

The museum houses exhibits found in excavations all around Samos, the most impressive of which is the gigantic kouros (male) statue which towers above all other exhibits and visitors alike. There are also other statues and friezes depicting scenes from mythology or daily life, pieces of pottery, small statues, tools, pieces fashioned out of bronze and ivory, weaponry and much more to fascinate and delight the interested visitor.

Opening Hours:
Tuesday-Sunday: 08.30-15.00
Monday: closed

Entrance fee:
Full admission, 3 Euro
Reduced admission, 2 Euro
Telephone: +30 22730 27469

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In Review: Sean and David’s Long Drive

Sean Condon is a master of the quick quip, an eye-catching headline, and a connoisseur of the finest pomades*. As a young copywriter in an unnamed Australian advertising agency, Sean was bored, disillusioned, and desperate for a change in his environment, and his life. His answer? To undertake a long drive around Australia with his mate David O’Brien.

The result of their 6-7 week odyssey is what constitutes Sean + David’s Long Drive (Lonely Planet Publications, 1996. Republished 2009). In fact, the book is essentially a reproduction of the daily diary Sean kept throughout the trip.

To be precise, their trip didn’t take them around Australia per se, but through the centre of the continent. Roughly, the route they followed went thus (see map): [E]Melbourne to Adelaide (via the Great Ocean Road), then Alice Springs, Uluru (Ayers Rock), Tennant Creek, [B]Darwin, Tennant Creek (again), Mount Isa, Townsville, [C]Cairns, Townsville (again), then down the east coast of Australia taking in Surfers Paradise, Brisbane, [D]Sydney, Canberra, and finally back to [E]Melbourne. Whew! If that seems like a long way – it is. Over eleven thousand kilometres in fact.

Incredibly, Sean Condon didn’t drive even one kilometre of that total distance. It seems he doesn’t drive (or at least he didn’t at the time he and David undertook their journey), which meant that David O’Brien had to drive every one of those eleven thousand plus kilometres.

Sean Condon is a graduate of the Bill Bryson School of Travel Writing. (Actually, I just made that up. To my knowledge there is no actual BBSoTW, but if there was, Sean would surely have been a graduate of the Class of ‘96).

Sean, like Bryson has an acerbic wit, a talent for focusing on the odd, the banal, and the ridiculous as they travel across continents, and a talent too for writing about them with humor and occasionally something bordering on compassion and empathy.

Condon, I guess would be labelled a Generation X-er (he was born in 1965), and presumably he reflects the thinking – and lives the lifestyle – of that generation of thirty-something’s that are lumped within that catch-all label. Sean and David spend much of their down time (when not actually on the road), boozing, smoking, eating junk food, womanising, and boozing some more.

Come to think of it, they spend much of their driving time indulging in the same practices as well.

The book is not a travelogue in the usual sense of the word. If you are looking for specific information and advice about say, Alice Springs, or Darwin, or Charters Towers, you are only going to get the briefest glimpse from Sean + David’s Long Drive. A peak behind the curtain, so to speak. Partly this is because Australia – especially the interior, or ‘outback’ – is so vast, flat, and featureless, that the landscape seemingly never changes for hundreds of miles.

To break the monotony and boredom of the trip, Sean and David engage in small talk – lots of it – that covers their favourite music and bands, women they have known, and television shows that Gen X-ers grew up on. Shows such as the Brady Bunch, Scooby Doo, and other such fare.

I don’t think I learned anything new about Australia that I didn’t already know, and I learned a lot about Sean that I didn’t need to know. While the book is entertaining enough and easily digested, Sean’s humor and jaundiced view of the journey began to grate on me after a while, and it was all I could do to finish the book. Having said that, I must admit that Bill Bryson’s writing can have the same effect on me, so maybe the problem lies with me, and not with Sean Condon – or Bill Bryson.

I suppose that’s a roundabout way of saying, if you like Bill Bryson’s writing, you will like Sean + David’s Long Drive as well.

Details:
Paperback: 296 pages
Publisher: Lonely Planet; 2nd edition (February 1, 2009)
ISBN-10: 9781741795226
ISBN-13: 978-1741795226
ASIN: 1741795222

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*Pomade
— n
1. a perfumed oil or ointment put on the hair, as to make it smooth and shiny
[http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Pomade]

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Purchase Sean + David's Long Drive from Amazon.Com as well as other books written by Sean Condon via the links below.

Friday Foto – Tradesmen’s Entrance

I spotted this sign on the gate of a large property as I wandered through the streets of the London suburb of Kensington, one spring day in March 2008. I hope this sign, and the class society it represents, is a relic of a distant past, and that tradespeople and servants are now able to enter the building in question via the front door, rather than be required to enter through a rear entrance.

The building in question, Cromwell Mansions, and the sign itself (at lower right) can be seen below in this screen shot taken from Google Maps. The address is 217-239, Cromwell Road, Kensington, London.

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