A thousand years from this tonight
(Herman is the one in the top right hand corner)
The native people in these parts consider the lake sacred and the therapeutic quality of the waters have apparently been known throughout time as far back as their history goes. In fact legend tells that warring tribes once declared a truce in the middle of a battle so that both sides could tend to their wounded in the lake. Throughout history, tribes from all around came for the “medicine” the lake contains. Stories told by these peoples’ ancestors tell of the cures the lake has provided, both physically and spiritually through its medicine powers.
The festivities span from Friday through Monday of the May long weekend. They include events such as the choosing of the May Queen, pancake breakfasts, ball games, carnival games, logger sports, car shows, craft fairs, dances, parades, beer gardens, live music, outdoor movies and, of course, the May Pole dance. It is a festival not to be missed.
Sunday’s events included the Logger Sports, a very typically Canadian event; although I must confess that this was my first time attending such a spectacle. The town was there in full force with testosterone thick and heavy in the air. The fellow sitting next to me, an Acadian who had made his way out west decades ago, gave me a brief run down on each event, then proceeded to show me his tattoos, as he put it, his mid-life crisis a little after mid-life. I’m so sorry I didn’t get a picture.
Enthusiastic crowds cheered each event, but the highlight was the log rolling finale. That was when we got to watch Darren, a Nova Scotian boy as well as the world log rolling champion. I tell you, does that boy ever have fancy footwork and I bet he’s a great dancer too. With him on the log, those other boys couldn’t have avoided getting wet had their life depended on it. I’m including a video clip a little further on of a similar event that took place at Gross Mountain in Vancouver for those of you who are interested (and I actually think it might Darren on the log…apparently he was at that event as well).
After that, I took a walk down the main street to see the vintage cars, everything from a 1924 Model T to an antique hearse from the 40’s or 50’s.
Finally, out of mere curiosity, I ended the afternoon by checking out the Burnout Contest, an “exciting tire spinning burnout” competition. No one seemed to be able to tell me what the actual purpose of this final event was or how one determined who won, but I think it’s nothing more than to see who can burn the most rubber and make the most smoke…definitely an event for the guys. And I must admit, their enthusiasm was contagious, that was until the noxious fumes almost knocked me out. Perhaps that is the same reason why the men were having difficulty articulating more than how “cool” they thought the event was.
Overall it was a fun day full of festivities and I would definitely recommend checking it out if you are ever in the area over the May long weekend.
The thirties were the hey-day of cinema and crowds flocked to see nightly shows complimented by live acts to introduce the movies. In the mid-thirties, the old Opera House in Nelson burnt down and the 1000 seat Civic Theatre, which I understand was a depression "make work" project, was built. It's initial purpose was for live theatre.
During the wartime forties, cinema began to fall out of fashion as people had less time and money. Eventually, Famous Player, holding the lease on both theatres, opted to book the larger Civic Theatre for films. The Capitol continued to sporadically show films along with live acts and music shows, however, as time went on, these began to dwindle in number. By the fifties, as necessary repairs and improvements to the building were neglected, the Capitol fell into disrepair. For awhile, it was used as an auction hall and furniture warehouse and at some point in the sixties, the seats were eventually removed. By this point, the roof leaked and the Theatre which had once held audiences spellbound, sat in a dank pool of water. Indeed, its future looked bleak.
By the early eighties, the seeds of a dream had been planted, and the Capitol Theatre Restoration Society had formed. Locals began to raise funds, and soon thereafter, the City of Nelson acquired the building. Through a fortuitous stroke of luck in the mid-eighties, a significant government grant allowed the project to really get under way. The Theatre was completely gutted, and received an extreme makeover. The original side murals on the walls were lovingly restored, the stage area was increased, and among other things, rich crimson carpets and seats were installed. By the time the repairs and restoration were finished, this original Art Deco Theatre had never looked more grand. Since this time, the Capitol Theatre has reclaimed its prestigious place in Nelson's history as it has once again become the hub of the performing arts in this community. If you're ever passing through, make sure you check out.
7. My favourite places ...
I am relieved to arrive in 
So here am, sitting in another taxi. I don’t know if I’m dizzy from the traffic or the exhaust fumes. Perhaps I’m dehydrated. The heat is starting to get to me. The driver has the radio going; a lone female voice twists her way out of the speakers. At this point, it’s all background noise: the voice, the blaring horns, everything. We zigzag in and out and I search for landmarks but I recognize nothing. We should be going back in the general direction from whence I came, but even that is uncertain. I’m glad I picked up a business card of the hotel where I am staying. The address is written on the card in both English and Chinese. I make a mental note to remember to do that at all my stops. The last thing I need is to be unable to find my way back to my hotel in a city with a population of close to 16 million.
I have decided to go to Jingshan park. I don’t know much about it except that it is a man made mountain that was constructed sometime in the Ming dynasty. This 47.5 metre hill was created from the dirt extracted from around the
Do you hear the whispers of those whose blood courses through your veins as you trod on the soil from whence they came?
Do the voices of the past echo down through the shadows of the mountains or do they bubble up from within?
Can you feel the stories the stones have witnessed, the sagas of the very same imprint on your DNA?
Do you recognize that which you have never seen but is, the distant memories and past dreams which call out, which draw you in?
It is...
Shop owners first set up businesses on the Ponte in the 12th century. Rumour has it that a tax exemption on the bridge played a large role in the creation of these premises. For centuries food stores monopolized the bridge until Ferdinando I de’ Medici had Giogio Vasari construct a corridor along the top of the bridge to link the Palazzo Veccio with his home. He couldn’t stand the smell of rancid meat emanating from the butcher shops below so he thus promptly expelled all such businesses along with any businesses deemed lower-class. Goldsmiths and jewelers promptly took their places and are still prominent along the bridge today.
The far bank across the bridge is bordered by the backs of picturesque houses, their foundations lightly bathed by the river. Beautiful views are seen looking both up and down the river in part of the oldest area of town.
During the German retreat at the end of World War II, the Ponte Vecchio was the only bridge in
The following pictures are of the Santa Maria del Fiore Duomo in Florence. Above the dome is visible through a narrow side street. Although I took some pictures of the whole church, it really is quite immense and a picture just does not render it justice.
The construction of this Gothic cathedral commenced in 1296 and was completed by Brunelleschi in 1436. The frescoes that cover the dome (seen above) were painted by Varsari and Zuccari. The paintings on the lower part of the dome depict the depths of hell. As you move up, you come to earth and then finally at the top the heavenly realm.
As many churches this age, there are narrow passage ways and steep stair wells. Going around this one (I no longer remember how many steps...but quite a few) left me dizzy and breathless, and not just because of the view.
Finally, the dome as seen at a lower level. This church was unique in that taking pictures of the interior was not an issue. In many of the churches, because they are considered sacred places of worship, cameras are not welcome.
A little history on the tower: The tower of Pisa is the bell tower for the cathedral seen in the photo below. Construction commenced in 1173 and continued (with two very long interruptions) for about two hundred years. From what I can tell, we are still uncertain as to who the architect of this project was, although there have been various speculations.
What seems to be most unusual about the tower, aside from the lean, is that normally bell towers are built along the facade or along one side of the church. Here, however, the tower is a total disconnect to the other buildings in the vicinity.
Back to the lean: The inclination of the tower is what has most fascinated visitors over the centuries partially due in fact that the reasons behind the inclination are still very much a mystery. At one time it was thought that perhaps the lean was consciously desired by the architect. However, it doesn't take long in walking around Pisa to suspect that this is most likely not the case. Just about everything seems to be leaning somewhat in one direction or another.
I absolutely love the picture above as I feel as if the tower is just taking a little peek around the corner. I haven't yet mentioned the workmanship of these buildings. They are made of marble and limestone. Even the sidewalk around the grounds is made of marble. It really is quite stunning.
This picture seems so typical of many side streets in Pisa. The streets are narrow and it really is much more convenient and probably quicker to take your bike. I found the walk along the river stunningly beautiful. Who wouldn't be inspired?
On Monday, one of the leading French presidential contenders, Segolene Royal, told Parti Quebecois leader Andre Boisclair (for those who are unaware of Canadian politics, he is leader of the separatist party in Quebec) that she endorses "the sovereignty of Quebec." Although this may be sweet news to the ears of many Quebecois separatists, it does raise a few issues. First, Ms Royal, has made comments with little or no comprehension of Canadian history, and second, her insensitivity to Canadian internal affairs has now opened the door for Canadians to comment on the internal affairs of France.
This Renaissance town of 1000, with medieval gates still standing at the town’s entrances, has been designated by UNESCO as part of the cultural heritage to mankind. Walking the narrow streets can’t but bring one back to a simpler time, the way I idyllically imagine life should still be.
The narrow streets are filled with tiny family owned shops. Meandering down one alley way, I passed the local barber shop where I could view a local getting a shave through the big picture window. In another shop was the tailor measuring up someone for a suit. Store fronts are filled with locally made delicacies…pecorino cheese aged in ashes or vine leaves, wine, homemade sweets and more. In many ways, one can imagine that life is much the same as it has always been
Pienza owes its position as one of
If you ever have the chance, this is one stop that I wouldn't miss.
The three days I spent in Rome was not nearly enough to fully appreciate this beautiful, chaotic, fascinating city. I guess thus the saying, "Rome, a lifetime is not enough." What inspired awe in me most were it's ruined but very imposing monuments, the top among them...the Colosseum. I was in my element.
Romulus is the legendary founder of Rome. He and his twin brother Remus were the son’s of Ilia, a vestal virgin impregnated by Mars. Ilia’s father was Numitor the thirteenth King of Alba Longa who was disposed of and imprisoned by his evil brother Amulius. So as you can well imagine, these twins were no good news. Amulius thus decreed that they be thrown into the Tiber.
As luck would have it, not only did the basket that the twins were in wash up upon shore, but a she-wolf found them and suckled them until they were rescued by a shepherd named Faustulus.
Eventually the twins went back to Alba Longa, killed their great uncle and restored their grandfather to the thrown. However, rather than staying to eventually inherit the kingdom, the twins set off to found their own city at the site of their rescue. During the laying of the stone for the wall of the city, a sibling spat broke out when Remus made a mockery of his brother’s work by leaping over his “mighty wall.” Apparently this was a great insult and Romulus in his anger struck down and killed his brother. Now try to tell me that there aren’t issues in this family. Romulus called the city Rome after himself (how very creative and humble).
