Strasbourg, a French city on the border of Germany

I spent my Easter this year in Strasbourg, a north-easten french city on the border of France and Germany.

Strasbourg's historical center is located on a big island, where you could find the famous Gothic-styled Cathedral and the beautiful area of "Little France" with the typical wooden houses. Strasbourg is also famous for its X'mas market.

Either wandering in the city discovering each little corners, or climbing up the Cathedral, or taking the boat tour along the canal with a vivid explanation of the city stories would be very nice. More over, the boat tour will take you to a new area of the city where the European Parlement is situated.

Don't miss out the delicious food in Strasbourg. Choucroute(different kinds of pork and sausages), Tarte Flambée, Baeckoff, Brezel bread, varies beer and wine. However, the Salad Alsacian really surprised me, as I was expecting something "green", I've got a big portion of cheese with sausages on the top and it was tasty!

For some historical and geographical reasons, Strasbourg has mixed culture of France and Germany, through the food, the language, way of living, etc.  It recalls me "La dernière Classe" of Alphonse Daudet, which I learnt in the primary school.  

Alphonse Daudet : La dernière Classe

Around Strasbourg, Colmar, a picturesque town lies in the south part of Strasbourg. Only 30 mins by train to get there from Strasbourg station.  If you have even more time, you may also cross the frontier to enjoy the thermal in Baden-Baden, Germany.

Are You a Big Fan of Phantom of the Opera?

Are you a big fan "Phantom of the Opera"? 

No doubt I am. Being to the its musical theater show, read the novel, watched the film, and imagined about the story when I was inside Opera Garnier where the story took place. 

When I took the Parisian metro, the pub of the show caught my eyes again. This dramatic and fantastic story combined with Andrew Lloyd Webber's music makes this musical theater quite popular. Melodies were flowing in my mind.














This musical theatre "Phantom of the Opera" is on show all over the world. If you'd be in Paris this Winter 2016, you may enjoy its French version at Theatre Mogador. 

Sacksick, Grey and White

First time I saw Gille Sacksick's works was on a post inside the Parisian Metro. I was amazed by his painting on the post with just some simple and pale grey colors however so impressive!! It was the first time Sacksick's name come to me.

Since his first solo exhibition in 1968, he spent 40 years in painting, meeting people, joining events and making researches. His works vary from portraits, landscapes, still lives, etc. His works were often shown in different galleries in the world. He was also interested in theatre and music. Nowadays, La Maison-près-Bastille presents his works every year.

                                 









(info from: http://gillessacksick.com/)

Metz, North-east part of France

Recently I went to Metz to visit my friend. Metz is a city in the north-east part of France close to Germany and Luxembourg, about one and half hour by train from Paris. It locates in the region of Lorraine. 

Soon as I stepped out of the Metz train station, I could feel the a little "Allemande or Flamand" styled something, red bricks buildings, clock tower, old bronze decors, etc.  Some pieces of snow flakes, in the grey early morning, along with the cold winter wind chilled me up. Just couldn't wait to discover the city and enjoy the thermal.

 

Thermal，Relaxed

My first stop is to go to the thermal near Metz. There was still a tiny trip to go, need to take Shuttle bus 77 to go to a little town nearby called Amnéville, where there are two thermal centers. Thermapolis center is similar as a public swimming pool, but the water is enough hot with different water massages and different fitness programmes, it also has a part in the open air. All you need to do is put on your swimsuits and jump in. 

Just remind you, the buses between Metz and Amnéville are not available every hour. If you go there by public transport, you just need to check up the detailed info （Transport Metz - Amnéville)

Metz Center

I spent a whole day walking around Metz center, impressed by the big Gothic Cathedral Saint-Étienne, amazed by Le Temple Neuf which sits on the island in the middle of the Seille river. 

Only a little unlucky that I was not able to visit two museums in Metz as it was Tuesday, the only day museums are closed in Metz.   Centre Pompidou Metz and Le Musée de la Cour d'Or.

A recommended restaurant : Le bouche à Oreille   @46 place Saint-Louis, Metz, France

The restaurant provides typical food from the region, the decoration looks warm and sympathetic. Their desserts could even make you happier.

Naples, has its own Order

"Napoli is dangerous","chaotic", " mafias", etc. Those rumours keep me from visiting Napoli for so long.  Luckily a good friend of mine  who lives there never thinks those are the facts of Napoli.  On the other side what I've discovered on my trip is that the city is full of history and is famous for its food and it is quite well in its own order.

Here are some interesting points I found:

1. Napolitans are very warm and direct.  Friends' friends are own friends, even they only know you for one day. Parties, dinners, weekend trips,etc, if you are in town, they won't miss you out.  When talking to the people, even within a little distance,  if the voice could reach, they won't make efforts to walk near. （that's why they have big voices?)

2. Points that we considered dangerous.  Must have one arm outside the window when driving, because the weather is so hot, and air conditioner doesn't work well in the car.  Crossing the road whenever and wherever you want without paying attention to the cars, who already catch your rhythm and slow down. However, if you hesitate to cross, this may cause a confusion to the drivers. 

3. Must be super fan of the football team Napoli. The team! the matches! the color blue! Maradona is the "God"!

Let's don't miss out the culture and the food.

It was an amazing trip to discover Napoli's underground. There's really another world under, well developed.  Some parts are used for collecting water, some parts are used for staying, there were also ancient markets under for fishes. From the stones, we could tell that they were built from different epochs, the earliest from the ancient Greek to Empire Romain to Middle Age, one built onto the other by using different shapes of stones.

For Napoli's history, not only has Ancient Greek and Romain, it was also taken by Spain, Napoleon, South Africa, etc . It also had its own emperor.  No wonder the dialect Neapolitan is mixed with many different languages and in the end formed its own.

Good food, it is true. Everything with the Extra Virgin Olive Oil, fresh, good coffee, famous pizza, light cheese. There are also other things which I just couldn't name them out, you have to go there and try them out yourself. 


Place of interests nearby Naples:
- Islands: Capri, Ischia
- Positano, Amalfi coast
- Pompeii

What does your Chinese zodiac sign mean?

Today is the first day of Chinese new year of Monkey, which is one of the 12 signs on the zodiac Chinese which turns each lunar year. Do you really know what does your sign mean?  

• Rat: Intelligent, adaptable, quick-witted, charming, artistic, sociable.
• Ox: Loyal, reliable, thorough, strong, reasonable, steady, determined.
• Tiger: Enthusiastic, courageous, ambitious, leadership, confidence, charismatic.
• Rabbit: Trustworthy, empathic, modest, diplomatic, sincere, sociable, caretakers.
• Dragon: Lucky, flexible, eccentric, imaginative, artistic, spiritual, charismatic.
• Snake: Philosophical, organized, intelligent, intuitive, elegant, attentive, decisive.
• Horse: Adaptable, loyal, courageous, ambitious, intelligent, adventurous, strong.
• Sheep: Tasteful, crafty, warm, elegant, charming, intuitive, sensitive, calm.
• Monkey: Quick-witted, charming, lucky, adaptable, bright, versatile, lively, smart.
• Rooster: Honest, energetic, intelligent, flamboyant, flexible, diverse, confident.
• Dog: Loyal, sociable, courageous, diligent, steady, lively, adaptable, smart.
• Pig: Honorable, philanthropic, determined, optimistic, sincere, sociable.

(info from:  http://www.telegraph.co.uk/)

Discover Orchids in Paris this Spring

Exposition: "MILLE ET UNE ORCHIDÉES" @ Jardin des plantes, Paris - Feb 11th to Mar 7th, 2016

This spring Le Jardin des plantes presents the " thousand and one orchids" from Feb 11th to Mar 7th. More than thousand orchids will be blooming together inside the tropical greenhouse. It will be an unmissable event for the lovers of flowers and the lovers of orchids.

During the exhibition, the big greenhouse inside Le Jardin des plantes will be filled with more than 3,000 kinds of the orchid, which come from Africa, Asia, America, Australia and Europe, among them 160 species are from France.

Bus : Lignes 24, 57, 61, 63, 67, 89, 91
Batobus : arrêt Jardin des Plantes.
Métro, RER : Ligne 5 Gare d’Austerlitz, Ligne 7 Censier Daubenton, Ligne 10 Jussieu ou Gare d’Austerlitz, RER C Gare d’Austerlitz


(Info from: 
http://www.sortiraparis.com/arts-culture/exposition/articles/58630-exposition-mille-une-orchidees-2016-au-jardin-des-plantes#ClAMz2thjWdl2iGS.99

http://www.jardindesplantes.net/fr/visitez/agenda/exposition/mille-orchidees-2016)

Le Douanier Rousseau, the Archaic Innocence

From March 22nd to July 17th 2016, Exposition "Le Douanier Rousseau, The archaic innocence" at Musee d'Orsay.

Talented painter, Henri Rousseau is a unique case in the history of European art. His work yet registered in his time at the turn of the twentieth century: by confronting his painting to some of his sources of inspiration, which account academicism as new paint. He has been enthroned as father of modernity. The archaic innocence is intended as a critical illumination of his art around a reflection on the notion of archaism.

The archaism is the common thread between his works of this exhibition. It has been presented at the Palazzo Ducale in Venice in 2015, before showing up at the Musée d'Orsay. The masterpieces of Henri Rousseau museum collections Orsay and l'Orangerie (from The Snake Charmer in The Night) will face the paintings lent by the most prestigious international institutions. 

@Musée d’Orsay
1, rue de la Légion d’Honneur
75007 Paris

( info from: http://www.musee-orsay.fr/fr/evenements/expositions/au-musee-dorsay/presentation-generale/article/le-douanier-rousseau-43250.html?tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=254&cHash=06ffaa6c9e)

Pompeii, Ruins can't cover Ancient prosperity

Ancient Pompeii was a Roman city situated in the modern Campania region at the foot of Mont Vesuvius.  It was built on the fertile land between Vesuvius and the sea and was also used to watch out the ports on Gulf Naples. As it was on such important strategical position and was taken control by several forces. Meanwhile, the city was expanded and its economy, arts, architectures, etc were developed as well.

Unfortunately, all was buried after a big unexpected eruption of Vesuvius and it turned Pompeii into ruins. However, from ruin we could still see the "prosperous" Pompeii, from the temple of Apollo to Amphitheatre, from the house of Faun to the Villa of the Mysteries, etc.

Capri, the Most Poetic Island

"Capri, Capri! ..."  There are many songs and poems about Capri, little paradise island Napolitain. Isolated, distanced from the "chaotic" Naples city center, Capri is like pearl on the Mediterranean Ocean, with its own beauty and quietness.

Grotta Azzura, Faraglioni, Augusto's garden, Monte Solaro, Villa San Michele, etc. are among the most visited places on the island. 

P.S. Please pay attention of the notice if you do want to visit the Grotta Azzura. As it  might be closed for safety when the tide is high.

Gustave Moreau, Georges Rouault : Memories of Workshop

Jan 27th to April 25th 2016
Musée Gustave Moreau
14, rue de la Rochefoucauld
75009 Paris


From 1892 to 1898, Gustave Monreau (1826-1898) was the professor at L'Ecole des beaux-arts de Paris. Georges Rouault(1871-1958) was his favorite student, was considered as Monreau's "representative". The exhibition focuses on these two artists, presenting not only their visions on landscapes, women potraits, themes religious, but also the amazing common points in the material the color.

The memory from the students at Gustave Monreau, the prof considered himself as a passager, who used the liberal teaching method. "I am the bridge on which some of you spend." quoted from the professor.

(info from: 
http://www.exposition-paris.info/expo-peinture-paris-gustave-moreau-georges-rouault-souvenirs-d-atelier/
 http://musee-moreau.fr/evenement/gustave-moreau-georges-rouault-souvenirs-datelier#sthash.A4xDKcaB.dpuf)

"Red Ocher" Bologna

My first impression about Bologna came from the BBC Italian language learning program. In my mind, the city was in the red ocher color, ancient, historical, there were some old columns and had the oldest university in the world. 

Luckily I had chance to visit it last Xmas. Indeed ancient and historical. The center square is magnificent: Big Cathedral,  churches, museums, with Poseidon standing on the central square. 

Bologna is also famous for its high towers. Estimated total number is around 80 to 100 towers inside the city in Middle Age Bologna. I couldn't stop thinking about the middle age legends, high towers, flying dragons, trapped princess, brave knights, etc. They might all be true.

By the narrow stairs inside the tower, you could get up to the top of the tower. I do believe it was not at all an easy job to build these towers in 12th or 13th century. Either wouldn't be easy to climb up them.

What a wonderful view once get to the top! all the city is in you eyes now!

Those towers remember me of another little Toscana city - San Gimignano, where has the similar towers.

Master Pieces of Artworks from Budapest

From March 9th to Juillet 10 2016,  master pieces of Budpest Museum will be on exposition in Paris Luxembourg museum. The collections vary from the Midde-Age sculptures to the symbolism and the expressionnisme, in total about 80 paintings, drawings and sculptures by Dürer, Cranach, Greco, Goya, Manet, Gauguin, Kokoschka and other dozens of artworks of Hungry.

(info from:  http://museeduluxembourg.fr/expositions/chefs-doeuvre-de-budapest)

"Truly Madly Deeply"

"Truly Madly Deeply" - A famous single pop of Savage Garden in the 90s brings me back to that careless free teenagehood. The same melody, lyrics, singers and that warm golden-colored video. But when I checked up the it again, I suddenly realised it was shot in Paris. Every location seems so clear and familiar to me now, since I've been living here for years. It feels like time has been crossed up with life experience. The music brings me back, and the video brings me to reality. Anyway, Paris has always been so beautiful!!

So let's enjoy the song.

"I'll be your dream I'll be your wish I'll be your fantasy. 
I'll be your hope, I'll be your love, be everything that you need. 
I'll love you more with every breath truly madly deeply do... "

Mid-autumn Day

The Mid-Autumn Day is on the lunar calendar Aug 15th each year, which is the holiday for some eastern countries. 

In China, it is the day for family gathering, to apperciate the moon (the brightest and the roundest of the year), the flowers and to have the moon cake. It would be a little sad if you are alone and far away from your family. However, the moon connects gets you closer with them.

Through out the history of Chinese literature, many poets had wrote about the day and the moon. 

Some famous lines are as follows:

“但愿人长久，长里共婵娟。”  - 苏轼 《水调歌头》

“海上生明月，天涯共此时。” - 张九龄《望月怀远》 

...

Here I took a photo of the "roundest" moon from Paris, and made a painting of flowers to wish all my family and friends a happy Mid-Autumn day. Miss you all.

The pleasure to make coffee

This is the national machine of Italy, which could be found in every Italian family with a full collection of different sizes. 

And the nation is really "addicted" to coffee and makes one of the best coffee in the world. 

Without coffee the day won't start; 

without coffee the meal won't end;

without coffee the stress won't pass; 

without coffee we won't be friends... 

Coming from another oriental tea culture, I am so fascinated by this coffee machine - the cutest smallest version and ready to discover more about coffee. Finally I owned one like this.

What should I say..it is really a pleasure and my day starts with a good coffee!

P.s: I also drew it to challenge my drawing skill, as it has so many surfaces with straight and curled lines and the metal gives special reflection of light. I am quite content with the result. 

Most Beautiful Sea Ever - Cefalù, Sicily

One hour by train from Palermo Sicilia,  Cefalù is a beautiful town on the sea. The town is built between the sea and the Rock, from where you could get beautiful views.

Monkey or Human?

Here is my key chain Monchhichi, which is a humanized "monkey" with hair covers all over its body. Do you see its tail hiding behind? See how cute its eyes and nose are!

Just by a flash of mind, I started to draw this monkey. Thought that this furry toy would be difficult to be present by pencils, but the result turned out to be good enough.

While drawing, there was a question wandering around my mind: how does one define himself as a human? 

-not hairy?

-civilized?

-have languages? (I do believe animals also have their only "languages", just we couldn't understand them)

...

Here I attach a video of "Ze Frank: Are you human?"  for those who have doubts.

Milan, Beautiful in its Own Way

Milan, another fashion and commercial center in Europe, is well-known for its commerical aspects. Comparing with other touristic cities in Italy, Milan looks a little modest, but extremely exquisite down to details.

Here is the famous Cathedrale of Milan situated in the city center. It really has a take-the-breath-away look. The big square in front of it allows us get perfect views from different angles.  How splendid and exquisite it is!!!!  The whole cathedrale is made of marbles. The facade is of cream color marbles with their natural texture, which changes color according to the sunshine. Under the sun it is shining like the shell. Aside from beautiful decorations inside, the colorful marble floor really attracts my eyes. How those beautiful flower-shaped marbles were well- cutted, matched and paved!!!

But this is not just the end. Don't forget to get onto the top terrain of the Cathedrale, this is an interesting part which couldn't be missed in Milan. It will get you so close to it and estonished by the architectures and the view.

There are also other places to visit in Milan: Museum Pinacoteca di Brera, Church Santa Maria delle Grazie, Castello Sforzesco, The Opera - la Scala, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, etc.  

Artists could be seen everywhere in the city center. a good performance will easily get crowds. So just slow down, enjoy the music of Milan.