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glasgow: architecture
As is the case with most European cities, religious buildings are some of the oldest remaining. Glasgow is no different. The cathedral has its origins in the early 1100’s with most of the exterior finished by the 1400’s. Not as large as I expected, the church’s unrestored façade is beautiful Gothic although the building is dwarfed by the adjacent Royal Infirmary. Glasgow Necropolis, on the opposite hill, offers some wonderful perspectives of the cathedral… as well as lots of architectural treats:
Read More »glasgow: architectureglasgow: first impressions
Some people questioned my decision to stay four nights in Glasgow & only two in Edinburgh. Everyone assured I’d be happier spending more time in Edinburgh. But after reading a bit about the former industrial scene in Glasgow & the city’s revival in recent years, I knew I’d want as much time as possible to explore. Glasgow certainly did not disappoint. And just like Bogotá earlier this year, I couldn’t understand why the largest city in Scotland receives so little tourism.
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personal: unemployment benefits
Resigning from a company you’ve spent the past 11 years with can be unsettling… even if the time is right. After a long run with Rick Steves —first as a tour guide, then as a guidebook researcher & writer, & later a return to guiding tours— I recently said goodbye. It was a great company to work for & I’ll miss several people, but I can’t be sad for very long. There are just so many benefits to being unemployed.
Read More »personal: unemployment benefits
mar del sur: boulevard atlantic hotel
After finishing the Conquest of the Desert in 1878, the Argentine upper class began to develop all the land forcefully taken from the indigenous population. An extensive coastline, lined with pristine beaches, proved ideal for summer getaways from Buenos Aires. Escaping malaria outbreaks in the city also motivated the rich to leave the big city temporarily. Rail arrived in 1886 to Mar del Plata & two years later the Bristol Hotel opened, catering to all the major landowning families. National tourism was born.
Read More »mar del sur: boulevard atlantic hotelbuenos aires: stencil graffiti 2004
In a previous incarnation of this blog, over 500 images of stencil graffiti were posted… most of them found in Buenos Aires. Although the glory days are gone —stencils have since been replaced by other types of street art— many of those images provided a social outlet for fed-up people in the aftermath of the 2001 crisis. Messages ranged from social commentary to advertisements to political activism. Naturally, I don’t necessarily agree with all the opinions of the artists, but disagreement is not a bad thing. A lack of expression for dissent is much worse. Spray on.
Read More »buenos aires: stencil graffiti 2004lisboa: tapeçarias de pastrana
Even though I saw this temporary exhibit at the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga when it opened in June, I returned today for a second look… mainly because these Flemish tapestries deal with two cities I’m taking groups to this year.
Read More »lisboa: tapeçarias de pastranafound: 1930s basque posters
Part of the permanent collection of the Museo de Bellas Artes in Bilbao. Displayed during the excellent 2009 exhibit Novecentismo y Vanguardia (1910-1936).