Categories
Travel

Black and Paper Christmas List 2016 Travel

It was not easy choosing a destination this Christmas Season.  There were so many factors regarding the decision, ranging from safety to geopolitics to experiencing the new and undiscovered or the adventure.

Tel Aviv, Israel and Colombia stood out because each one possesses so many unique qualities that reward a traveler.  I know, one is a city in the Middle and the other is a country in South America.   What they had in common is: Expectation.   What would a traveler find in these locations?  As a seasoned traveler when I think of these places I am not sure what to expect: A liberal oasis in the Middle East, the other a vast country  in the process of healing after years of multiple destructive conflicts.

A metropolis that offers so much, Tel Aviv seems to go by the beat of its own music.   Regardless of what happens around it, this is a city with vitality for life, I would describe it as vivacious.  Beach life, cultural, LBGT, and music festivals are only some of myriad of options.  An “enjoy today” confidence and attitude that radiates in all directions.

An exotic destination ready for those willing to be rewarded with an adventure of a lifetime, Colombia, after decades of civil war and the War on Drugs one would think this country is not ready to be explored; I think it is the opposite.  With peace at hand, this South American country has a lot offer: cultural diversity, miles and miles of tranquil coastal beaches, islands, and mountain and jungle terrains all authentic not spoiled by mass tourism.

For more information you can visit the following websites:

Tel Aviv

Colombia

Categories
Fashion Interview Music Theater

THE ONE Grand Show with Gaultier in Berlin

THE ONE Grand Show

French fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier has arrived in Berlin collaborating with the Friedrichstadt-Palast for the stage show The ONE Grand Show.   Opening October 6, the 11 million euros spectacular show features performers from 26 nations with 500 costumes on the world’s largest stage. Director and writer Roland Welke is the creative force behind “THE ONE Grand Show” employing streams of images in the form of slow motion effects, cross fades, and multi-dimension effects.  The show is nothing if not ambitious on all levels from staging to the physical movements and acrobatics of the performers.

Starring German Eurovision Song Contest representative Roman Lob as the young party guest and Brigette Oelke from the musical “We Will Rock You” in the role of the theatre manager THE ONE Grand Show  is packed with tunes from Kate Victoria and Gregor Meyle.

I sat for a preview press performance of THE ONE Grand Show in Berlin.    The costumes were classic Gaultier albeit a little toned down, with eye catching looks filled with, counter culture sexuality mixed with  plaid men’s kilts, conical bras, Breton stripes, panel, nude toned body suits,  and iconic corsets.  A perfect combination of dancers and Gaultier, the former understood the fluidity and fun of the creations by the Parisian couturier without being dominated by them, not an easy feat but they pulled off.

I admit it.  I wanted to see the costumes from Mr. Gaultier and they did disappoint.  Androgyny, a wide color palette all infused the stage like a field of butterflies.  I would not say the looks were provocative for 2016 but titillating for mainstream audiences, pure eye candy delight.   There are so many signature looks it is a bit difficult to include them all but the ones that stood out were: Red conned dress with red hairstyles, the nude tones on the male dancers, colored splashed suit, and of course the feathered outfits.   If you are a John Paul Gaultier fan you will not be disappointed.

THE ONE Grand Show is currently at the Friedrichstadt-Palast in Berlin.

Images by Vladimir Sichov.

Categories
Travel

Surf’s Up

The Baltic Coast of Germany is known for the historic trade of the Hansa League, a federation of shipping states that controlled commerce from Russia to England, historical references are everywhere.

However, the past is not the only thing on offer in the region, if you are searching for something more modern, sexy, and active like a bit of surfing this is the place. Kitsurfing is a popular recreation because of the strong wind conditions with young and old hitting the surf in the afternoons.  These guys and ladies move over the water at speeds of up to 40 kilometers per hour.

Many schools, rental shops, and clubs dot the coastline.