Saturday, August 31, 2013

On Understanding and Expectation - Elvis Costello / Spectrum (Sat 31 Aug 2013)

A Door (*), A Window (*) - Red and Blue - Paddington / London (Sat 17 Aug 2013)

Elvis Costello (*) talks about musical creation (*):
We were somewhat free from expectations (*) because we didn't tell anybody we were doing it, because we didn't know (*) we were doing it ourselves at first.''
via Pump it up: How hip-hop seduced Elvis Costello (*) by Nick Miller (*).

Back home now. A fantastic trip (*) with many great moments and experiences. Not a natural traveller, but this trip I seemed to handle it all better than I ever have and was fully engaged in the moment, not feeling homesick and not wanting myself to be somewhere else.

Hardly gave my work, paddling or situation in life (my usual preoccupations) a thought. A usual thought was to try and understand a place, event or thing, not to judge or to wish it to be something I am familiar with. It is there for a reason, and if I could just understand it a little, then I might learn something about it, life, or even myself.

I also thought how lucky I was to able to do this, to have these experiences and this outlook on life.

Took over 10,000 photos and have much to look at and ponder over the next few months, in particular, and no doubt, for the rest of my life.

Some photos have been taken so I can remember a place, a moment, or a transientary thing - to give it a life beyond its time.

Some have been taken because something caught my eye - a colour, a combination of colours, lines, shadows or maybe just the quality of the light.

Others I think have been captured for reasons beyond my comprehension, just as Elvis explains above. Most of these photos will never be seen by another person and in some ways this relieves me of any expectation or what others might think, as the above quote so nicely demonstrates.

So if you think some of the photos that appear here are a little beyond comprehension, maybe you should be thankful that you don't see some of the others that will never seen by anyone other than me.

Thanks Elvis and Nick, a great interview which allowed me to learn something about myself, which is what great writing and its sharing is about.

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Friday, August 23, 2013

Rowers Tribute - Den lille havfrue / Copenhagen (Fri 23 Aug 2013)




Rowers Tribute - Den lille havfrue / Copenhagen (Fri 23 Aug 2013)

Happy 100th Birthday - Den lille havfrue / Copenhagen (Fri 23 Aug 2013)

Happy 100th Birthday - Den lille havfrue (*) / Copenhagen (Fri 23 Aug 2013)

We are in Copenhagen for the last stop on our Europe 2013 (*) Adventure. I wanted to come here because of the numerous Danish TV Series, Unit One (Rejseholdet) (*), The Eagle: A Crime Odysse (Ørnen: En krimi-odyssé) (*) and more recently Borgen (*), that are so well crafted and are shown on SBS (*) with excellent subtitles.

For some reason, I love the Danish accent and it is a language I like for some reason. It is very easy to identify and they all seem to have deep voices and it almost appears that it is spoken from the middle/back of the mouth and tongue.

Australia now has a close connection with Denmark, through Mary, the Crown Princess of Denmark (*), or our Mary, as we Australian's fondly refer. And of course, there is the late Danish Architect, Jørn Utzon (*), who designed the Sydney Opera House (*).

We learnt in Amsterdam that today would be the Den lille havfrue (*) (The Little Mermaid) 100th Birthday. A visit was always planned, but it would be a special visit. Joanne had first seen her in 1984 with Jenny on their first European trip, and Joanne and I had seen her in Shanghai in the Danish Exhibition at the 2010 World Expo (*), following the 2010 Asian Dragon Championships in Wujin (*)

Today Joanne and I rose early to see the sunrise on Den lille havfrue (*). It was quiet when we arrived following a short walk from our Hotel, which through good fortune was only a 5 minute walk. There were the street cleaners making sure she would look her best, which is something I am sure is done everyday.

A couple of local TV Crews were in attendance and preparations were underway to interview a couple of people.


We made a few photos amongst ourselves and couple of others who were randomly passing and offered to photograph us. Little did they know they would end up in the photo with us.



We decided to spread some of Jenny's Ashes in the water near the Statue. It was nice to see that a little bit of Jenny would remain here and that we can think of her here and the wonderful moments she had with Jo in 1984 as well as the time that Jo and I had today.


Shortly afterwards we were asked if we would like to be interviewed by one of the TV crews. We more than happy to agree and we gave our little story as outlined above. On reflection, I feel I may have given them the impression that we travel the world to see the Mermaid wherever she maybe. While we don't explicitly do this, maybe there is a connection, as Jo and Jenny are of Swedish descent, I would like to think that maybe it is just good fortune and maybe a special implicit relationship that draws us together for small meetings every now and then.

Geoff, Maree Louise, Kristian and Joanne - Den lille havfrue / Copenhagen (Fri 23 Aug 2013)

A couple of moments I will remember, and touched me, as they showed me the fondness that the Statue has to the people of Copenhagen.

The first was a local runner, a little older than myself, pulled up from his run, stepped down to the rocks we were standing on and then stepped across the watery gap to touch the Statue on her tail. As he passed us, he said with a smile on his face, "it is her 100th birthday". We smiled back and said, "yes, we know".

The second moment was a local rowing crew, who we had seen putting there boat on the water, on the our way to the Statue, passed her on the way out for their training session. They stopped and removed their oars form their rollicks and raised them to acknowledge her special day. They did same thing on their return.




I have another lovely story to tell in a later post, maybe tonight.

There are all kinds of celebrations today, including 100 Mermaids entering the water near the Statue at 4pm and fireworks this evening at 9pm.

Better get going. Last day here and for our trip (*).

Waterfront - Nyhavn / Copenhagen (Thu 22 Aug 2013)

Waterfront - Nyhavn (*) / Copenhagen (Thu 22 Aug 2013)

Water (3 of 3) - Nyhavn / Copenhagen (Thu 22 Aug 2013)

Water (3 of 3) - Nyhavn / Copenhagen (Thu 22 Aug 2013)

Photo of the trip (*) so far.

Water (2 of 3) - Nyhavn / Copenhagen (Thu 22 Aug 2013)

Water (2 of 3) - Nyhavn / Copenhagen (Thu 22 Aug 2013)

Water (1 of 3) - Nyhavn / Copenhagen (Thu 22 Aug 2013)

Water (1 of 3) - Nyhavn / Copenhagen (Thu 22 Aug 2013)

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Billy Fury (2 of 2) - Billy Fury Way / West Hampstead / London (Sun 18 Jun 2013)

Billy Fury (*) (2 of 2) - Billy Fury Way (*) / West Hampstead / London (Sun 18 Jun 2013)

Reminds me of my little find in New York in 2011, Joe Strummer (*).

Billy Fury (1 of 2) - Billy Fury Way / West Hampstead / London (Sun 18 Jun 2013)

Billy Fury (*) (1 of 2) - Billy Fury Way (*) / West Hampstead / London (Sun 18 Jun 2013)

Jump - Parliament Hill, London; (Sun 18 Aug 2013)

Jump - YouTube (*) Parliament Hill, London (*) / London (Sun 18 Aug 2013)

Kite Flyer - Parliament Hill, London / London (Sun 18 Aug 2013), Made my random walk on Sunday to Hampstead Heath. I also wanted to see Parliament Hill and the seat from the movie, Notes on a Scandal featuring our Cate, Cate Blanchett, and Judy Dench. Too many people seating on the seats overlooking London, so I sat on Seat facing the other way and was entertained by the Kite Flyers. Makes me realise there so many things to do. I wish I had time to fly kites. I think I figured out movements of the hand controls to manoeuvre the kite. I was mesmerised.

On Maps - Seth Godin (Mon 19 Aug 2013)

Australia - Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal / Amsterdam (Tue 20 Aug 2013)

Seth Godin (*) writes On Maps (*):
maps are no good if you haven't decided to go somewhere new.
via Q&A: The 14 revolutionary trends and the Meatball Sundae (*).

Che Guevara (2 of 2) - Amsterdam Centraal Station (Tue 20 Aug 2013)

Che Guevara (*) (2 of 2) - Amsterdam Centraal Station (Tue 20 Aug 2013)

A few moments later (*).

Che Guevara (1 of 2) - Amsterdam Centraal Station (Tue 20 Aug 2013)

Che Guevara (*) (1 of 2) - Amsterdam Centraal Station (Tue 20 Aug 2013)

Hello from Amsterdam - The IT Crowd - Series 1 - Episode 1 (Yesterday's Jam)

The IT Crowd - Series 1 - Episode 1 (Yesterday's Jam) - YouTube (*) Amsterdam / Netherlands (Wed 21 Aug 2013)

We arrived in Amsterdam on Monday and we have a lovely apartment on the southern side of the U area near the Museum Park. It overlooks a canal and I got lucky booking this apartment. For some reason I had trouble making the accommodation arrangements here and it was only booked in Lisbon last week, while all the others were booked back in Australia some time ago.

When I think of Amsterdam I always think of this little Amsterdam Story from the first episode of The IT Crowd - Yesterday's Jam. It was mid 2006 when we saw this episode on a Wed night on the ABC. It was hilarious and we did not miss an episode from Series 1 and 2. They were all recorded on my first (and best) PVR and we would often watch an episode when nothing else was on. We never tired of it and each time we watched a show, we would laugh as much as the first time we saw it. In fact, we would pick up the subtle moments in each scene that made the scene even funnier.

This is the first of so many fantastic scenes from the show. We often roll out many a punch line when we face a situation that makes us think of the show. Hope it makes you laugh as much as it did for Jo and I on ours arrival in Amsterdam on Monday.

Now to find a Fair. I told everyone I will pay for the rides.

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

The Speaker - Speakers Corner / Hyde Park / London (Sun 16 Aug 2013)





The Speaker - Speakers Corner (*) / Hyde Park / London (Sun 18 Aug 2013)

His message did not speak to the throbbing crowd and there was lots of heckling. A stunningly well dressed lady, even threw a small piece of rolled up paper at him. At least no one threw their shoe at him. I felt like I was in a market place somewhere in the Middle East. It was surreal as the sunset creating an amazing backdrop to this vibrant scene. Love tha hands.

Our Future is Greater than our Past - Ben Okri - Memorial Gates / Hyde Park Corner / London (Sun 18 Aug 2013)

Our Future is Greater than our Past (*) - Ben Okri (*) - Memorial Gates (*) / Hyde Park Corner (*) / London (Sun 18 Aug 2013)

The Dinner Outing - The Mulgrave Road Crowd - Ealing / London (Thu 15 Aug 2013)

The Dinner Outing - The Mulgrave Road Crowd - YouTube (*) - Ealing / London (Thu 15 Aug 2013)

We popped into see Eileen in Ealing (Joanne's 86 year old "Aunt") on the way from Heathrow to Russell Square on our arrival from Lisbon.

We decided to stay for dinner and took her down to Pitshanger Lane (*) from her home in Mugrave Road. Eileen suggested that she would be OK in the wheelchair rather than calling a Taxi (up until 3 years ago she would ride her bike down).

I told her, "Brace yourself Sheila" as I knew Jo could not help herself but make it a quick trip. So much fun. It's a long way to Pitshanger Lane and a few songs were sung.

Fantastic to see Eileen again and decided to see her again on Sat night with Cod, Chips and Mushy Peas brought in. Love you Eileen. xxx
Inspired by The IT Crowd (*) and The IT Crowd (*), The Work Outing (*).

Monday, August 19, 2013

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Horizon - The Photographers Gallery / Ramillies Street / London (Sat 17 Aug 2013)

Horizon - The Photographers Gallery (*) - Ramillies Street / London (Sat 17 Aug 2013)

Come here every time I am in London. First time was 2005 and then 2009, where it had moved to this location. Each time I come, there are more people, which seems to indicate a stronger interest in photography, brought on by Digital Cameras and Smartphone.

Surveillance Camera - Ramillies Street / London (Sat 17 Aug 2013)

Surveillance Camera - Ramillies Street / London (Sat 17 Aug 2013)

Smoko - Oxford Street / London (Sat 17 Aug 2013)

Smoko - Oxford Street / London (Sat 17 Aug 2013)

"concentrate yourself upon details" - Baker Street Tube Station / London (Wed 16 Aug 2013)

"concentrate yourself upon details" - Baker Street Tube Station (*) / London (Wed 16 Aug 2013)

Sherlock Holmes (*) from A Case of Identity (*):
Life is infinitely stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. [..]

Never trust to general impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details.

Saturday, August 17, 2013

David, Joanne, Eileen, Betty and Geoff - Ealing / London (Thu 14 Aug 2013) / Thu 03 Sep 2009 )

David, Joanne, Eileen, Betty and Geoff - Ealing / London (Thu 14 Aug 2013)

David, Joanne, Eileen, Betty and Geoff - Ealing / London (Thu 03 Sep 2009)

Mike, Phyll and Jenny in Spirit, Joanne and Geoff - Phyll MacKeddie-Haslam Memorial Garden / Llysfaen Primary School / Cardiff / Wales (Fri 16 Aug 2013)

Mike, Phyll and Jenny in Spirit, Joanne and Geoff - Phyll MacKeddie-Haslam Memorial Garden / Llysfaen Primary School / Cardiff / Wales (Fri 16 Aug 2013)

Believe! - Phyll MacKeddie-Haslam Memorial Garden / Llysfaen Primary School / Cardiff / Wales (Fri 16 Aug 2013)

Believe! (*) - Phyll MacKeddie-Haslam Memorial Garden / Llysfaen Primary School / Cardiff / Wales (Fri 16 Aug 2013)

Green - Jardim da Estrela - Lisbon (Wed 14 Aug 2013)

Green - Jardim da Estrela (*) - Lisbon (Wed 14 Aug 2013)

Friday, August 16, 2013

Untitled - Lisbon (Wed 14 Aug 2013)

Untitled - Lisbon (Wed 14 Aug 2013)

Not to everyone's taste, but for me I love the way the colours and outlines work one the uneven surface of the wall.

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Street Portrait - Calle de Cervantes / Madrid (Sat 10 Aug 2013)

Street Portrait - Calle de Cervantes / Madrid (Sat 10 Aug 2013)

The little S110 does another amazing job. The detail in the original is amazing.

Portrait - Hitch - Madrid (Fri 09 Aug 2013)

Portrait - Hitch - Madrid (Fri 09 Aug 2013)

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Flowers - Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid / Madrid (Sun 11 Aug 2013)

Flowers - Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid (*) / Madrid (Sun 11 Aug 2013)

Flowers - Costanilla de los Desamparados / Madrid (Fri 09 Aug 2013)

Flowers - Costanilla de los Desamparados / Madrid (Fri 09 Aug 2013)

Portrait - Madrid (Fri 09 Aug 2013)

Portrait - Madrid (Fri 09 Aug 2013)

Any guesses as to whom it might me? Will reveal in a future post.

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Pasteup - Sagrada Família - Barcelona (Mon 05 Aug 2013)

Pasteup - Sagrada Família (*) - Barcelona (Mon 05 Aug 2013)

Live Your Life - Calle de Santa Isabel / Madrid (Sun 11 Aug 2013)

Live Your Life - Calle de Santa Isabel / Madrid (Sun 11 Aug 2013)

Pasteup - Calle de Santa Isabel / Madrid (Sun 11 Aug 2013)

Pasteup - Calle de Santa Isabel / Madrid (Sun 11 Aug 2013)