Art
They say, if you want 2000 years of Chinese history, go to Xian, for 1000 years, go to Beijing and for 150 years, go to Shanghai. It is a fascinating city – we were there in mid-June. If big buildings, shopping, nice restaurants and glitz are your cup of tea, it’s for you. I rather …
Beijing has become avant-garde, in its own way. We already posted about the art scene – now a bit about the trendy club/dining scene. Not too long ago, night life for foreigners in Beijing meant private dinner parties for the powerful or alcohol-soaked karaoke bars followed by visits to massage parlors for those so-inclined. Foreigners …
Built by the Russians in the early 1950s as part of a war-reparations deal with Germany, the large-scale state-owned plant in Beijing -then officially named Factory 798 – churned out electronic radios and components by the million. Architecturally, the sprawling complex was, and remains, pure Bauhaus. But its significance as a state-owned entity waned in the 1990s …
by BobP I hadn’t been to Istanbul in 10 years and was pleasantly surprised at how much the city has progressed. The most striking difference can be seen along the shores of the Bosphorus – which separates Europe from Asia. The Ortakoy district is delightful at night and full of pretty and prosperous people. This hopping waterfront …
“Marie Antoinette,” at the Grand Palais in Paris (open to the public until 30June), is a fascinating exhibition gushing with rich imagery. Dario and I attended the private, invitation-only, vernissage at the Grand Palais for the fascinating retrospective on Marie Antoinette. It opens with a rendition of a pearly-eyed adolescent in a rose-strewn dress dancing …
We had the most wonderful 4 days in Venice this week. The city sparkled under the brilliant sun and crisp winter air. Absent the summer crowds and cruise shore-excursions, it was a true pleasure to stroll down the streets, grab an espresso, hop on a vaporetto and even walk right into St Mark’s with nary …