Our shopping spree began in Udaipur at the Ganesh Handicraft Emporium. We initially felt like we were on a secret treasure trail when following directions down a narrow winding alley way leading to a small wooden door. We cautiously entered what appeared to be a workroom with numerous sewing machines dwarfed by mounds of …
This long-awaited trip to India was to honour my Mother’s 80th birthday, and equally to fulfill a mutual curiosity for this fascinating country. Our inaugural trip, visiting the Indian states of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, was rich with colourful experiences in every sense of the word … pungent fragrances, mouth-watering flavours, combined with incredible contrasts …
CUBAN ART Our experience of the Cuban art world began at the Museo de Arte Colonial whose collection of colonial furniture and decorative arts was appropriately displayed in a beautifully restored 1720 mansion. We wandered from room to room admiring the treasures, as though we were guests in a private home. The museum was truly …
Our explorations around Old Havana were mainly on foot, but trips to other parts of the city were generally in the 50s Trabants, reminiscent of model toy cars of my childhood as they nipped in and out of the traffic. These little vehicles were just one step up from the ubiquitous bicycle rickshaw ‘bicitaxis’, …
Hotel Nacional de Cuba Considering ourselves travellers versus tourists, we always seek to avoid the beaten track; we nevertheless followed recommendations to visit one of the capital’s national monuments – Hotel Nacional de Cuba. The building itself is undoubtedly impressive, but sadly its ‘refined elegance and ancient splendour’ are somewhat tired and neglected, clearly showing …
I had anticipated there being scarce resources in Cuba, particularly in relation to food, but I didn’t realise the extent of such limitations until trying to find a few basic food supplies, namely milk, bread, fresh fruit and veg. Shopping ‘Spree’ Local ‘Supermarket’ The vast warehouse-style stores were practically void of stock, selling principally …
Gran Teatro We recently enjoyed a ‘city break’ to Havana, Cuba for my big zero birthday – a trip full of contrasts and new experiences, peppered with unexpected eccentricities. Our first morning was spent with a local Cuban, Michael (ironically named after the US king of pop), who took us on a comprehensive four-hour tour …
Making the most of the last week Dear All, Writing this Monday morning before painting with a fellow student, Yan, who has invited me to her home for the morning. I also thought you would like to see some practice pieces from last week. As you know, on Friday, I went to the ‘Warhol …
Dear All, I am sending you a selection of work that I have done over the past couple of weeks. This particular batch is rather fun and splashy – I did it for homework … I hope you like it. Love Rachelx Splashing in Parisian pools! By the way and believe it or not, …
Marc Chagall Dear All, I thought you would like to hear more news from Paris … I went to a super exhibition on Mark Chagall (‘la triomphe de la musique’ at the Philharmonie de Paris), which included a V long & detailed tour. It was rather poignant having recently been at the Opéra Garnier, adorned …