Tracklist goes like this:
01.April Stevens - Teach me tiger
02.Тања Бошковић и Зоран Симјановић - Далеке јецају звезде
03.Alec Medina - A night like this
04.Seinabo Sey - Sorry (Le Boeuf remix)
05.Boogie Belgique - Forever & ever
06.Vivaldi- Gloria In D, RV 589 - Gloria In Excelsis Deo
07.Bellanova - And I love him
08.Mando Diao - Sweet wet dreams
09.Sophia Loren - Zoo be zoo (Shellacsoul remix)
10.Jeanette - Por Qué Te Vas (Nelue ReEdit)
11.LP - Other People (Consoul Trainin Remix)
12.Papercut feat Efi Theologou - Better skies
13.Bloomfield - Love me please love me
14.Axelle Red - Sensualité (Antis Rework)
15.Grace Jones - La Vie en Rose (Bogdan edit)
16.Dida Pelled - Jack Nice (DiPap Remix)
17.Chris Rea - Looking For The Summer (Ludwix Remix)
18.Ben Watt feat Estelle - Pop A Cap In Yo' Ass
19.Brigitte Bardot - La Madrague (Antis Remix)
20.Thorsteinn Einarsson - Leya! (DiPap 2k16 Remix)
21.Deadmau5 vs АллаПугачёва- You and I Like (iLex night mashup)
Alex in Wonderland goes down the music path with mixed story vol 2. Hear it:
To download mix click here: http://www.filesonthe.net/AO3It
Tracklist:
01. Andreya Triana - Changing shapes of love
02. Elina Born & Stig Rästa - Goodbye to yesterday
03. Yuval - דיין בדיוק כמו הירח
04. Zaz - Eblouie Par La Nuit
05. Bebe - Siempre me quedara
06. Isabel Bayrakdarian - Song to the Moon (from Antonín Dvořák's Rusalka)
07. Pink Martini & Saori Yuki - わたし も あなた と ないて いい (Consolation)
08. Оливера Марковић и Бора Тодоровић - Та твоја мунд хармоника
09. Vintage 1930's Jazz Wham! Cover Ft. Dave Koz - Careless Whisper
10. Hailey Tuck - Don't think twice
11. Marco Mangoni - Sai che
12. Sivert Hoyem feat. Marie Munroe - My Thieving Heart
13. Brainstorm - Maybe
14. Gigliola Cinquetti - A las puertas del cielo (81 Edit By RDJ)
15. Frank Sinatra - Autumn Leaves (Papercut mix)
16. Alvaro Soler feat Emma Marrone - Libre (Versione Italiana)
17. Kygo feat. Parson James - Stole The Show (Original Piano Cover)
18. Sia - California dreamin'
19. Pet Shop Boys - In his imagination (VJdustin 2014 edit)
20. Ricky Martin ft. Maluma - Vente Pa' Ca
21. Grace Jones - Williams' Blood (Aeroplane Remix)
22. Lydmor & Bon Homme - Things We Do for Love
23. Алла Пугачева - Прости, Поверь (Shapovalov Edit)
24. KarlK ft. GuitK - Daydreamer
25. Leonard Cohen - You Want It Darker (Paul Kalkbrenner Remix)
A perfect warm salad for a cold day. Vegetarian, full-tasted and aromatic. Besides, a benefit for weight-watchers is that new research shows chickpea-rich-diet helps in weight reduce. So, let's move on.
You'll need:
1 small head cauliflower
3 tablespoons regular olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons cumin seeds
250 grams home-cooked chickpeas (or drained weight from 1 can or jar)
2 tablespoons harissa paste (according to taste and the heat of the harissa)
4 smallish ripe vine tomatoes
1 teaspoon sea salt flakes (or to taste)
4 tablespoons pomegranate seeds
large bunch fresh flatleaf parsley (approx.1/2 cups)
Preheat the oven to 220ºC.
Trim the cauliflower and divide into small florets. Pour the oil into a large bowl, add the cinnamon and cumin seeds, and stir or whisk to help the spices disperse. Tip in the prepared cauliflower and toss to coat. Pour the contents of the bowl into a small oven tray (I mostly use my silicone tray 25 x 25 cm) and place in the oven for 15 minutes. Don’t wash out the bowl you’ve been using just yet.
Add the chickpeas to this bowl, and add the harissa (available to buy in all North-African and Mid-Eastern deli shops), tasting it first to see if you want both tablespoonfuls, and, at the risk of being repetitive, toss to coat. Quarter the tomatoes and add them to the bowl, and shake or stir to mix. When the cauliflower has had its 15 minutes, remove the tray, quickly tip the chickpeas and tomatoes over the cauliflower, and toss to combine before returning to the oven for a further 15 minutes until the cauliflower is tender.
When it’s ready, remove from the oven and sprinkle the salt over the vegetables, then (and this isn’t the last time) toss to combine with half of the pomegranate seeds before dividing between 2 bowls. Divide the parsley leaves – without chopping them – between the 2 bowls and toss to mix. Scatter with the remaining pomegranate seeds.
After long hiatus, AiW is back in saddle. Mixed story in sound format can be heard here:
To download mix click here: http://www.filesonthe.net/BC0FX
Tracklist:
01.Chiara Mastroianni & Olivier Bernet - The Eye Of The Tiger
02.Boogie Belgique - One Day Soon
03.Gadjo Dilo - Sou Sfirizo
04.Hello Seahorse! - Que Nadie Sepa Mi Sufrir
05.Ian Ikon Feat. Marina Celeste - Supersonic Love
06.Scala and Kolacny Brothers - Le Vent Nous Portera
07.Haris Alexiou - Ena Fili (Soumka remix)
08.Sia - Unforgettable
09.Taj Ranjid - Mumbai nights
10.Let's Talk - Death in the Afternoon
11.LP - Lost on you
12.Papik & Ely Bruna - Parole Parole
13.Vicentico - Paisaje
14.The Rasmus Feat. Anette Olzon - October And April
15.ZHU - Palm of my hand
16.Rebeat Feat. Michael Jackson - Neverland
17.Triggerfinger - I follow rivers
18.The Baseballs - Umbrella
19.The Drapers - Million Dollar Baby
20.Leonard Cohen - Everybody Knows ( The Gunman Ripoff Merchant mix)
21.Rebeat Feat. The Doors - Light My Fire
22.Kate Ryan - Runaway (Smalltown Boy)
23.Joachim Pastor - Joda (Worakls Remix)
24.The Vinylistic - I'm Confessin That I Love You
25.LuvBug - Best is yet to come
Wikipedia claims Neverland is a fictional place, and dwelling place of Peter pan and Tinker Bell. No one ages there, and in metaphoric way, it is used to describe childhood, immortality and escapism.
In popular culture, beside Walt Disney' Peter Pan, Neverland is also known as a name of Michael Jackson's estate in Santa Barbara.
Residents of this magical place (not the ranch) include: Fairies, Birds, Lost boys, Pirates, Native Americans, Mermaids, Animals and other residents.
Reference to Michael Jackson still remains one of the most important in the Magic Kingdom. Hear the immortal king in the Rebeat's 2014 remembrance.
I was born in the last quarter of the 20th century (officially) and I remember muuuuch better times. Now, I know it sounds like a beginning of the romance biography, but it won't be.
I remember vinyl records, Rubik's cubes, Joe Bazooka bubble gums, Tahiti treat, Karate kid movie but also Grease and neon clothes before its revival. I remember loads of music tapes and the way to use pencil with it (no clue, mp3 kids?) I remember Converse and Levi's were really cool, and not in today's retro way. I remember my first Mackie Dee before we all became aware what toxic waste lays within. I remember Coke was Coca Cola, good, old-fashioned million-calories mixture of sugar and water, not the symbol of american imperialism. I also remember writing down things by hand, running scale of the radio, eating red meat, rotary dials on the phone, Pacman and tv antennas rotation. I remember how Madonna REALLY looked (before facelifts, photoshops and hyaluron fills she doesn't use). Cher looked same as she does today.
So 80s were fun. But some places fun was different. East Germany, for example. To show you the joys of living in the communist paradise, RTL made an 8-part series Deutschland 83, thriller in its best form of the Bourne franchise. As most german TV shows it lacks humor (and, knowing lots of Germans, I got to say it is so NOT like them) but not the action and suspence. As an architect (luckily) uninfluenced by ridiculous american architectural mambo jambo, I find architecture of Berlin marvelous, and authentic interiors and buildings in D83 are really worth seeing the show. Script written really good, dialogs make sense, so no lines after which you're puzzled "WTF is he saying?"
Characters are logical and colorful. Of course, all commies smoke like crazy, btw Alexis was the only smoker in Dynasty, another pearl of the eighties tv. Loved her dragging Chrystle through the mud.
Anyway, the show is great for another thing: soundtrack is like a Top40 of the decade....it was soooo good to hear those hits again.
Acting is realistic, direction really, really good, whole story even covers some phenomena so new at the moment (AIDS, computers) but still polished enough to be broadcasted publically. Costumes and archive footage majestically inserted into story.
Generally, 8 x 45 minutes of good fun, and you may see it online by clciking the link below.
For info purpose, you may see ALL 12 episodes online by clicking on the link below (active after 5 sec delay):
Please note: This blog provides links to material provided by third party, and none of it is hosted and/or transmitted by creator/owner of this blog. Further info here
The age of science has failed to explain our universe in rational terms.
Consequently, the power of magic has gradually emerged from our conscious minds to fathom the unfathomable.
Our most distinguished scientists reluctlantly admit that mankind is nothing but some billion creatures sitting on a piece of solar driftwood, floating in space.
Magic is the art of influencing the course of events by the intervention of spiritual forces or some other occult device.
According to Arthur C. Clarke any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. Early civilizations often mistook the unexplained world around them to be magic.
Rupert Sheldrake in his book "Seven experiments that could change the world" has stated that scientists attitude towards the experiments affect the results of their experiments.
There is no such thing as a definite fact in science and therefore the irrationality of magic plays an important part in our rational world.
Werner Heisenberg, the leading 20th century physicist has stated that mass is a physical interpretation of energy.
Religious organisations have understood the power of magic and therefore monopolized
the interpretation of the supernatural to control the human mind.
The universe as a whole is beyond explanation. Only at the end of the 20th century the
Roman catholic church admitted that the great visionary Galileo Galilei was in fact correct.
The second millennium has come to an end. Scientists have to admit that the universe is magic.
The sentence of the Inquisition was delivered in three essential parts:
Galileo was found "vehemently suspect of heresy", namely of having held the opinions that the Sun lies motionless at the centre of the universe, that the Earth is not at its centre and moves, and that one may hold and defend an opinion as probable after it has been declared contrary to Holy Scripture. He was required to "abjure, curse and detest" those opinions.
He was sentenced to formal imprisonment at the pleasure of the Inquisition. On the following day this was commuted to house arrest, which he remained under for the rest of his life.
His offending Dialogue was banned; and in an action not announced at the trial, publication of any of his works was forbidden, including any he might write in the future.
Last time you could read about one of the most important professions in modern history of mankind art critic (if you didn't, you may read it HERE) and now it is time to discuss the fruit of their hard labor:
THE LIST (of 10 most expensive paintings*)
Paul Gauguin - Nafea Faa Ipoipo (When Will You Marry?) 1892, sold in February 2015 , in a private transaction for (close to)US$300 million to unknown buyer, possibly the state of Qatar (after Saudi Arabia, the most conservative state)
Paul Cézanne - The Card Players1892/93, sold in April 2011, in a private transaction for US$259 million to the state of Qatar, where Sharia law is the main source of the legislation. No, you wouldn't like to live under it.
Mark Rothko - No. 6 (Violet, Green and Red) 1951, sold in August 2014, in a private transaction for US$186 million to Дмитрий Евгеньевич Рыболовлев, a business entity that took part in the most expensive divorce settlement in history
Pablo Picasso - Les Femmes d'Alger Version O 1955, sold in June 2015, by Christie's NY for US$179.4 million to former Qatari prime minister, simultaneous arms dealer and peace mediator :-)
Jackson Pollock - No. 5 1948, sold in November 2006, by private sale for US$140 million to David Martinez, a business creature that hides traces successfully and has only 1 (one) photograph on the internet, but numerous links to the wealthiest of the planet
Willem de Kooning - Woman III 1953, sold in November 2006, by private sale for US$137.5 million to Steven A Cohen, a "humanitarian" continuously linked to criminal insider tradings and hedge fund strategies that, somehow, end in financial authorities' inquiry
Gustav Klimt - Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I 1907, sold in June 2006, by private sale for US4135 million to Ronald Lauder, son of Estée Lauder, who bought it for Neue Galerie NY
Pablo Picasso - Le Rêve 1932, sold in March 2013, by private sale for US$155 million to Steven A Cohen, yes the one above, again
Vincent Van Gogh - Portrait of Dr Gachet 1890, sold in May 1990 by Christie's for US$82.5 million to Ryoei Saito, creature that said things like "My motto is: If you have money, make it into a big pile and roll naked in it" and "It's my principle to get what I want, no matter how much money it costs." Adding laterhe wanted the Renoir and Van Gogh paintings to be put in his coffin and cremated with him when he died. Looney case locked two paintings away from the public in a warehouse.
Francis Bacon - Three studies of Lucian Freud 1969, sold in November 2013 by Christie's for US$142.4 million to Elaine Wynn, (...erm, how should I put it....) socialite, philanthropist and an ex-wife *as on August 1st, 2015
Fifteen years ago I watched The Matrix, and I still consider it revolutionary not only in film language, but also a state of mind. It truly opened up my way of thinking, and I am quite sure I'm not the only one, widening the limits of what we see as reality. Years later some physicists admitted that Matrix concept is, in fact, very possible. (You haven't seen The Matrix? Are you serious? Before we go on, do it HERE)
Cloud atlas, Jupiter acsending, V for Vedetta, and now, Sense8, along with The Matrix trilogy are the product of genius minds of The Wachovskis, brother and sister (formerly two brothers). Those who saw and follow their work may be able to see the continuum in it. Sometimes way too ahead of our limited thinking of understanding only things we see in physical appearance, The Wachovskis created stories very interesting for both techno freaks and new age enthusiasts. The evolution line goes always up, no matter how it looks to us in the "real" world, and various pluses that these heroes are entitled to, look impossible but logical at the same time. Other important continuum is similar to another masterpiece Avatar, and is based on idea of parapsychological connection, subconscious circles and telepathic activity. All very important issues in both Age of Aquarius community and cybermedical and, even edgier, transhumanistic examinations (You don't know about it? Find out more HERE, and even more:get link to another cinematic masterpiece Still Alice!)
Sense8 is another masterpiece that will keep you nailed for your TV during those 12 episodes, and you'll have fun - yeah, it is 12 hours of your lifetime, but just think how many times you had a boring date, a stupid office meeting, an hours-long commuter train ride, or (put any of your favorite activity here). Story written in extraordinary way, without goofs soooo familiar in today's TV production. Shot all over the world, showing majestically all the best spots of location, it gave me a possibility to revive some of the great moments that, as a passionate traveler myself, I had during my own visits. No A-list stars, with an exception of the everlasting blonde mermaid Daryl Hannah, in this show and I may say the new A-list is born - they all play their roles with such determination. Now, do you remember Run Lola Run, another twisted reality and time manipulation masterpiece? Its director, Tom Tykwer, was among colaborators here, he did directing but also authored some music scores. What a team, ha?
Proceed now, you'll thank me later.
For info purpose, you may see ALL 12 episodes online by clicking on the link below (active after 5 sec delay):
http://www.any.gs/Ctd2F
Please note: This blog provides links to material provided by third party, and none of it is hosted and/or transmitted by creator/owner of this blog. Further info here
All cities have tourist attractions, those that we all know. Usually, I write about them under my Travel label, This time, I'll put a list of five less-known spots in some cities, with its stories. Here we go.
Fontaine des Innocents @ Paris
The oldest monumental fountain in Paris, is placed on a large square hidden from big streets by surrounding buildings, so you'll have to look around to find it. Built in 16th century Renaissance style, this hidden treasure takes place where burial ground took place since middle ages. This mass grave cemetery is today defunct, after exhumation was done in 18th century.
Author of this masterpiece is Pierre Lescot, the architect in charge of building projects of Palais du Louvre. Lescot's style is best described as "implantation of pure and correct classical architecture in France." so, it is quite natural that he was inspired with Nymphaeum of ancient Rome while working on fountain. Today, FdI is another photogenic meeting point in the City of Lights. People are wandering around, meeting each other, having a cup of coffee or falafel in surrounding cafes, watch each other, rolling a cigarette and having fun.
Jewish quarter @ Rome
In the city proclaimed a center of catholic Christianity, there is a quarter that belongs to other world. Ghetto di Roma was established in 16th century in the area up north from Isola Tiberina, and west of Teatro Marcellino.
A grand 16th c fountain by Giacomo della Porta, with palazzo Cenci in the background. This used to be the only source of fresh water for the entire Jewish population of Rome.
Although there are references to the underground world below Il Ghetto, like in most of today's Rome, it is more interesting above. The atmosphere is different from the other parts of the city: once it was the worst place in Rome, nowadays it is a mix of history and good eating. If you have no idea get a place at La Taverna del Ghetto and enjoy life.
This might easily be the most magical place I visited, and I did it right after all castles and palaces of Sintra (that are magnificent, as well). This hidden gem is a part of UNESCO World Heritage Site "Cultural Landscape of Sintra", and is also known as "The Palace of Monteiro the Millionaire".
(Click to enlarge)
Although estate has a very interesting history, as an architect I was enchanted by the "everything" in one place. I love maximalism, and felt here like at home. Weird owner Monteiro designed this place with the help of italian architect Luigi Manini, full of towers, statues, grottos, benches, plants, stairs, secret passages, tunnels and lakes. It showed his interests into alchemy, Masonry, the Knights Templar, and the Rosicrucians. Estate itself has various architectural styles implemented, its own Chapel, Labyrinthic Grotto, Leda's cave and Initiation Wells. Wells are actually underground towers with the staircase around. They were never used as a source of water but for ceremonial purposes. I was lucky enough to visit it by myself (with no tourists around), and even was privileged to stay in after the opening hours (still, I don't recommend it, spending night here might be little uncomfy), so plan your visit carefully.
Let me be clear: in the cooking world there's no Ale, no Jamie, no Giada, no Gordon godforbid .... there's only one divinity and its name is Nigella. Now we may continue.
In her cookbook Nigella's bites, there are festivities popping out on every page, and there's one chapter called "Comfort food" with various recipes made to ease the pain and give you the feeling similar to mum's hug and partner's kiss. I always return to this one, a sleeping beauty, as I call it, for the full joy in all seasons. It is not a quick one, yes, it takes time to prepare, but, oh boy, how worth it is.
Not only it takes a long bake (fudge) but also it needs several hours, if not overnight, sleeping (yup, that's where the name comes from) in a fridge to get together and smooth the chocolate taste.
Find original recipe HERE , in shrine itself.
Indiana Jones was one of my childhood heroes: loved the adventure, exotic surrounding, easy-to-handle situations...what else could you ask for when kid. Still, some things remained. I still fall for good thriller, a let's save the world plot, from time to time.
Dig is photogenic, it is shot in Jerusalem, and has this End-of-the-world-theme that is revealed by the end of series. Jewish and christian religious cults with the Doomsday agenda, conspiracies and personal issues, 21st century tech weaved with rustic traditions, the main character with 50/50 positive score and everyone else as a suspect in this mystery game turned TV show.
Although of sensitive matter, show doesn't hold a political message, it is just good evening entertainment. Very good casting, with Jason Isaacs, Anne Heche and Lauren Ambrose in leading roles. Script leads you through 10 episodes in a snap, well, OK, sometimes you get lost in the plot, but what would it be if the world ended in a simple story.
I am not a prophet, but I see the rise of "Escape the room" kind of TV show, such as this, some viewers like to participate, so if you're one of them this is the show for you.
Anyway, to see all ten episodes in streaming service, click HERE(link active after 5 sec)
to view all episodes in offline mode, click HERE (link active after 5 sec)
Please note: This blog provides links to material provided by third party, and none of it is hosted and/or transmitted by creator/owner of this blog. Further info here
I was hooked on vietnamese cuisine years before I even went there. During my stay in China, I had to do a little research for various reasons. I discovered asian, fresh taste with less grease and meat than chinese, but not-as-minimal as japanese or overspiced like indian. Although I still enjoy Nasi Goreng, Tikka Masala and hot TomYam soup that once was really my life-saver, there is something little no ordinary viet meal should start without - THE Spring rolls.
Vietnamese cuisine is based on the principle of balanced combination of 5 tastes. Fresh vegetables and fruits are the main ingredients, and as someone who enjoys salads on everyday basis, I was totally enlightened.
Still, just like there's hundreds of curry variations, there's a plenty of different for this lovely fresh feast. The major difference is, of course, Fresh or Fried. For me, "Fresh or Fried" always recalls a funny situation from a Phan Thiet restaurant, where I came to grab a bite. Although there was an "english" menu without images, I tried to order fresh ones, noticing they were assigned with the same name in vietnamese script. I don't know who tried harder to understand and be clear, me or a lovely waitress, but we had, like 5 minutes conversation with the "Fresh or Fried?" question rooted in. It involved my acting as a chopper, a bubbling hot oil, and the cracking sound medium, and her laughing out loud, and probable thinking "Note to myself: Check out where this guy took his drugs".
Anyway, fried ones are for those who prefer heavier, greasier but crunchier bite. It is tasty as well, but I don't eat fried food and prefer the fresh ones, so here's this one.
Catchiest ingredient is the rice paper, so find your local supplier, or get it online. Safest way is to find your own oriental food shop and see what they got.
They come in plenty of shapes, sizes and thickness, and trust me, no one can tell you which one is good for you. After years of doing it, I came to the one I prefer. These are easy to handle, and that's actually the main reason.
So, to make 8 of these beauties (which is a serving for me only, but regular people use it as a starter with 2 pieces each, so you're warned) you'll need:
8 rice paper sheets
8 shrimps (carnivores, use sliced chicken and stop complaining), steamed, we're not animals
10 leaves lettuce, chopped
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
1 cm fresh ginger, finely chopped
1 spring onion, finely chopped
1 fresh carrot, shredded
1 cucumber, shredded
1/2 cup fresh sprouts, any kind
2 + 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 Tbsp water
2 + 1 tsp sweet chili sauce
1 tsp white sugar
Mix vegetables in a bowl, add 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1 tsp sweet chili sauce, and stir well.
Use large bowl full of warm water for soaking paper. Use ONE WRAPPER at time, soak it in water for few seconds, until it softens, lay it on clean dry cloth and place shrimp in the middle, followed by vegetables mix. Fold sides inward and tightly roll the wrapper. If unsure of what I'm talking about see HERE
Mix 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 Tbsp water, 2 tsp sweet chili sauce and 1 tsp white sugar in a small bowl and dip spring rolls in before tasting.
I went to Cyprus in March, when it is already sunny and warm, but not as hot as in the summer yet. So, perfect time to get the impression of the island, that is the most eastern point of the EU. What I found there impressed me more than I expected.
The island isn't big, about a 100 km east to west, and I'll discuss here the southern part only, the one that is in the EU; the story of the northern part you may find HERE (link is repeated at the end).
So, mostly, it's all about the shore and I will take that route here.
Ayia Napa monastery (click to enlarge)
Ayia Napa is a regular vacation spot you might find anywhere in the world, full of fancy and budget restaurants, bars, cafes, shops, rentacars etc. Since it wasn't a full season yet, bars and clubs were in the state of face-lifting procedure, so it looks kinda sad but optimistic in a I-can-still-be-on-the-market way. One thing worth visit is Ayia Napa monastery, still keeping its beauty from the 15th century past. Anyway, I know how it looks when crowded with teenagers drunk or stoned, rolling on the streets and flashing tits and weenies, but it isn't my cup of tea, so, I just passed, but you may take my YouTube video HERE
Flamingos @ Larnaca Salt lake (click to enlarge)
Larnaca, a coastal town without glamour, is boring, but if you're located at it, as I was, you learn to find places of interest. Promenade is quite uninteresting, alright, palms and benches, but nothing much beside it. Waterfront facades trying hard to leave impression stay unnoticed: bars and restaurants are grabbing your attention on one side, while boats with annoying captain-wannabes scream 'watch me' on the other. If you're a birdwatcher, try to find way to Larnaca Salt lake (Αλυκή Λάρνακας), with the population of 30 thousand birds, and among 85 species, between 2000 and 12000 pink flamingos.
Maqam Al Sultan falafel (click to enlarge)
Maqam Al Sultan lebanese restaurant is the right place for those who like Mediterranean cuisine. Comfy indoor seating, with huge windows looking at the sea, soft lounge music and very hospitable and helpful staff. I had falafel with vegetable, tabbouleh salad, pita bread and the food was great, I can tell as someone who prefers vegetarian. I was accompanied with those who ate meat, telling me their meal was excellent, as well, so don't hesitate. Kalamaki is another place to grab a glass of wine and/or enjoy the meat bites. Post-industrial cantina interior and menu tells me it was opened with the intention of a steak meeting point, but luckily, carnivores aren't the only welcome crowd here. I had Prawns skewer, Cypriot village salad, grilled halloumi cheese and red house wine, and food was finger licking. Wooden chairs are a bit hard to sit on, but the loud music and chat will make you forget it.
If you follow seaside further west, you'll see Kamares Aqueduct, right from highway, and Choirokoitia, a neolitic place that is the most important prehistoric excavation in the eastern Mediterranean. You won't see much here, since only a part of it is found and open to the public. If you go on by highway, you'll reach Limassol, modern city with the wide boulevard full of shiny places that whisper 'spend-spend-spend' in your ear. Luxurious hotels and dinings, really nice promenade on the shore, similar to Barcelonetta and La Malagueta, with palms and wooden pavings will make you want to get back once more, have a long walk, enjoy the occasional outdoor artworks, view of the sea, and the sound of waves and seagulls. Sea breeze must be really refreshing in the summer, when the sun literally burns everything here.
Marina @ Limassol (click to enlarge)
The largest port in Cyprus also has Old town, built mostly in British colonial style, which is only one of the British remains in the island. Beside the obvious progress they installed in all their colonies (roads and railways, postal service and establishment of educational system, introduction of art, sports and social clubs) Brits also had a disastrous role in historical/political circumstances they later met all over the world (India, Ceylon, South Africa, Israel, Egypt, Rhodesia...), and you may see the pattern here, but more on that in part 2 of this review (see HERE)
Limassol's development began after the year of 1974 with tourism. In the 1990, continued with the money laundering, in the 2000s with the russian realty investments and today with just about any of that.
View from Kourion (click to enlarge)
Going further west will lead you to Kourion archaeological site from hellenistic period. Absolutely amazing, these remains will show you all the capital features of the ancient Greek architecture. Floor mosaics are sheltered under a huge tent structure, so you may enjoy them (and the magnificent view of the shore) from the deep shadow (sometimes windy). See the fabulous amphitheater, Apollo sanctuary, houses with pools....To see my YouTube video click HERE
Thirty kilometers west are Petra tou Romiou and the Aphrodite hills, both tourist attractions, the former a beach with the rock in the sea marking the birthplace of Aphrodite (swimming three times around it will provide you eternal life) and the latter a form of gated social club resort complex with all hospitality features. If still not convinced, my YouTube video might help. Click HERE
Pafos (click to enlarge)
If you continue that direction you'll see Pafos, maybe the best historical attraction in Cyprus, with the Neolithic, pre-hellenic structures from 12th century bC.
Tombs of the kings @ Pafos (click to enlarge)
One significant part are Tombs of the kings, something absolutely amazing, the stone structures carved in the ground, with spaces from the other world. Do not miss, if you get the chance to visit. You may see my YouTube video HERE
Modern Pafos is a small coastal town, with plenty of silly moneygrabbers in form of ice-cream parlors, bars, restaurants and boutiques, with all the funny hot-boddied-east-european lures trying to get you in their reserve.
Now, 40 km up north, there's Polis and Latchi beach, a place where Cypriots come to swim in the summer. On the border of the Akamas peninsula National park, it has lovely white sand beach and crystal blue sea. If you're lucky enough to stay here for few days, you might experience the plankton swim, a sort of Avatar-like fairy-tale scenery sport. If not, grab a chance to see the Baths of Aphrodite, a freshwater spring in the wild forest, shadowed and hidden from the tourist beaten path.
You'll have to get back to Pafos or even Limassol to turn left, and go uphill to Platres, Kakopetria and Pelendri, small villageson the Mount Trodos.
Mount Trodos (click to enlarge)
Why you should go there? Because the region is famous for the villages and churches from the byzantine period - nine churches and one monastery are on UNESCO World Heritage list. Because you might go to the mountain top by car and see whole island (fantastic) through the pine woods, although the top itself is still under British "military presence". Because, you may go to Kakopetria, see how Cypriot village used to look like, and go to The Mill, a mountain hotel and restaurant, for amazing dish. I was privileged to be taken there by my dear friends, and have the absolutely BEST grilled trout I ever had as a lunch. The hotel is family-ran with the patriarch, a charming cosmopolitan senior gentleman that makes every single guest feel at own home.
See my YouTube video from Trodos HERE
The capital of Cyprus is Nicosia/Lefkosia, located in the middle of the island, where first inhabitants lived 4500 years ago. Plenty of history here, from Hellenic period, byzantine and medieval to modern. Old town has interesting round fortification structure, actually star-like with eleven bastions and three gates, built during Venetian rule.
City itself has a great vibe: on a daylight it is quite busy and loud, and so relaxed, mysterious and with a glimpse of danger at night. At some point reminded me of Jerusalem, another divided place with nice atmosphere. People are friendly, like anywhere else in Cyprus, and still full of life. Central area with pedestrian streets around Ledra is very vivid, and still not as touristy as the coast. Plenty of cafes, restaurants, nice bars and various shops are a shopping heaven. You'll find just about every world brand here (Makarios III Ave and Stasikratous), but more interesting, plenty of small shops with authentic design, sort of hand made production.
Eating here is easy to find and tasty as well:there's a restaurant everywhere and for every taste, from the splendid local cuisine to the global trash bins like MackieDee and PizzaHut.
Baklava is one of my favorite sweets. Although I usually get sick of all the sweetness, I still remain in eternal love with this layered beauty. For those who avoid allergens like nuts, there is a Poppy seed baklava, a sort of layered pie, filled with tasty black gold, and soaked in rich sugary syrup.
You'll need:
1 cup of sugar
1/2 cup of water
1 lemon, washed
To make syrup, wash lemon, peel skin finely. Lemon juice, skin, sugar and water bring to boil and leave for 15-20 minutes, boiling. Remove from heat to cool.
500 g of filo pastry
250 g of ground poppy seed
1 cup of warm milk
3 eggs
1 cup of coconut oil
1 cup of sugar
1 pack of baking powder
Pour warm milk, coconut oil, sugar and poppy seed into a bowl and leave for 5-10 minutes. Add baking powder and eggs and mix well. Grease baking dish and put two layers of filo on the bottom, with sides covered. Pour poppy mixture onto it, to cover the pastry. If you like you may add: washed raisins, crushed walnuts or chopped dates on top of it. Repeat process until you've used it all, and cover with the double layer of filo. Use sharp knife to cut it into squares, and bake this beauty in the oven at 180°C for 30-45 minutes. While still hot, pour syrup on top of it, evenly spreading, and let it cool.
Enjoy without hesitation.
As you probably know, every single family on the planet has its own Black Sheep. Some of them even few, the more the merrier. However, when a Black Sheep is just a weird clown, everyone else in the family just keeps on rumbling, rolling eyes and gossip. People are philistines, and love to badmouth everyone else different, family or not - look at the newspaper everyday (hint: showbiz page).
But, there are situations when Black Sheep starts causing troubles, and no matter what you do to convince the BS not to make BS, they keep on doing it. Sometimes, it goes to the point that you, your life, security, health, possessions and loved ones are compromised. You try to convince the BS to stop it...it's not only their problem any more, it is actually yours. The BS is dragging everyone else down with them, feeling there's nothing to lose. IMDB
Bloodline is a family drama with the twist. In general, it looks like most of good serial family dramas we could see in the past few years: looks like Brothers & Sisters, or my all-time-winner Six Feet Under, but with the modern touch. The dark BS personality, sort of 21st century white trash male Maleficent, is the epicenter of all troubles in Florida family-ran inn.
The usual plot turned into great script, even better direction and acting, with (sometimes annoying) handheld camera that gives you the feel of presence, holiday-like surrounding of southern Florida. Story is told the way it should be in serial show, one step in time, without confusing and unnatural twists and turns.
Great show to spend your hours on slow summer days.
For info purpose, you may see ALL 13 episodes online by clicking on the link below (active after 5 sec delay):
http://www.any.gs/CIis5
Please note: This blog provides links to material provided by third party, and none of it is hosted and/or transmitted by creator/owner of this blog. Further info here
We think of the disabled, the old, the widow(er)s, the mentally challenged as asexual individuals.
This is SO wrong.
As I also pointed in another post on The Sessions, sexual desires do not die with age or physical disorder. That it is still taboo for us, yes. That they still have a need, hell, yes.
Lake (Pier-Gabriel Lajoie) is a regular young man: lives with divorced mom, goes to school, skates and texts. In one moment, although he has girlfriend, he discovers his attraction to the elder people. He finds a summer job in a senior care facility, to find out if his obsession with grey hair and wrinkles is just a matter of time in growing, or a permanent obsession. When he becomes closer to one old man, he discovers that all care-takers are given psychotropic drugs to be held in easy-to-handle-state. His own affinity as well as conscience push him into actions and situations that are definitely across the line. IMDB Finally LaBruce's movie watchable in other than tripleX environment, it still touches taboos, something he reaches for whenever the rest of the movie has head over heels narration. Unlike the rest of his work, this movie is visually polished, alright not in a Tom Cruise kind of way but compared to his other "works". You might be a bit stricken few times, but it is good to feel and remember these moments, and to notice what are your own taboos and/or prejudices. In some weird way, excellent acting will only help you do that.
To keep you thinking of me as a generous person, here's a candy: For info purpose, you may see it online by clicking on the link below:
http://www.any.gs/B5vKQ
Please note: This blog provides links to material provided by third party, and none of it is hosted and/or transmitted by creator/owner of this blog. Further info here
