Showing posts with label Prague. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Prague. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Skin

"My skin is coming off!"
What? How? Why?  8 straight days of sun in Vienna without sun screen is the cause. I couldn't resist to stripe off as much as possible to absorb that radiant light my being so needed.  Yes, I was told that it was unusual for Vienna, but this golden experience of the city has been printed on my mind.  My tanned skins remind me that this dream was real. I did run by the canal, cycle through the woods, climbed into an abandoned church/restaurant, party in the mountain, hug a tree during sunrise...

On the contrary, Prague was a more introspective trip. The beautiful city has a calm spirit with a slight touch of sadness.  I felt a sense of alienation and disconnection not only in the architectures but also in the very air we breathed.  Perhaps the history of continuous occupation and the communist ideal still have subtle influences on its society or was it just me? Nevertheless, my lovely couchsurfing host lives a nudist lifestyle, and he gave me my first taste of a naturalist indoor swim.

I enjoy the kind of travel which takes me out of my comfort zone as well as stimulate my intuition and sentiments.  Each city will be remembered as a specific experience; not merely a postcard photo.  One year of non-stop adventure has given me the inner strength to fearlessly pursue what makes me come alive.  Yet this expedition only feels like the beginning of something much bigger.  No rush to find out what it is, but this much I know – I need to keep learning how to flow with open arms.

三星期的旅程完滿結束,難忘巴塞隆納的情、布拉格的靜、維也納的光,倫敦生活緊迫,密密麻麻的時間表跟長長的工時立即帶我回現實,但那不是夢境,我真的偷了西班牙之吻、吸了捷克優美略帶哀傷的空氣、飲了奧地利熾熱奔放的能源。

離港闖蕩已一年了,重看第一篇博客,記起當時的憧憬及心情,意想不到的事已接踵地發生,究竟要做一個擔驚受怕還是從容不迫的人,其實到最後都是自己的決定,還想什麼?繼續感受當下,為認為值得的人和事而活吧!

A quiet small town near Prague - only 40 mins by bus.
Run into this peaceful foresty park while I wandered in the city.
Sketching is one of the best way to observe and feel a city's details and rhythm.  I sat there for almost 2 hours! (well, with some naps n between)
Prague 2 is rather calm and has less tourists, especially at night.
Big road, small alley way all seem to have a history, tell a story.
Captivating Jazz/blue performance by Stan the Man (right); just a little too expensive for poor travelers like me
The modern art museum, Veletrzni palace, carry the same grayish cold feeling as the city.
Mushroom-like form and marked motionless child - can't be a coincidence, right?
These are my kind of artwork - vibrant order in chaos.
An enjoyable 4.5 hours bus ride from Prague to Vienna went by real fast.
My first impression of Vienna - sun, sUn, SUN!!!!!
Left: Before Sunrise?  Right: an artwork casted from a 2000 years old tree in a Greek temple exhibition hall.  Terrific space for installation!
Museumsquartier assembles most of the art museums in one area.  Easy for visitors to see it all.  I only managed to check out the Museum of Modern Art though.
MUMOK was mostly showing works by Claes Oldenburg.  To be honest, apart from this soft/fabric everyday object series, I wasn't really engaged.
Sunbathing time outside of the galleries!
Joined my friend for a geo-scientist post-conference party - a very different crowd.
Splendid night view of the canal.
Hiking time, tanning time!
Gosh, I miss being surrounded by woods.
Checking out an abandoned restaurant (possibly previously monastery) with Stefan.
It's very exciting to explore deserted places.  Loads of history and breath-taking energy.
The exterior of the building and the church next to it.
A lovely meaty Austrian family lunch with my superb host, Roland.
Cute looking scene from a movie.
Ready to cycle through the woods?
Left: pure self-amusement.  Right: fountain in Schlosspark
What a magnificent view of the mountains outside of the Goa party, 2.5 hours drive from Vienna.  This is where I had my first and probably last psychedelic trip.
Sunrise only means half-time in the party.
How can I miss out painting in such a natural/chaotic phenomenon?
The sun is up & shining.  Time to dance more!
Not your usual party location.
Back to London.  The forest tribe in preparation for yet another party.
Ready to rock N' roll.
The tribe patiently waiting for the tube.
Introducing the full gang: Mother Earth, Goblin, Dark Rainbow & Shaman Lau.
So here's how the story begins...

Sunday, April 22, 2012

On the road

"You see, I'm crazy for you.  Touch me once and you will know it's true."

Will I ever get enough of you, Barcelona? Though my body is tired from lack of sleep and running around the city, my spirit is rejuvenated!  Sitting at the airport waiting for my delayed flight, I relax and take joy in the delightful memory from the full week of meetings, reunions, and intimacy.  You know this is not goodbye, my love.  I will be back to taste your distinctive vibe and passion before you know it.

Since I started my journey in May 2011, I have only been to three countries for specific purposes.  This is the first trip with no deliberate aim except to visit places I have never been to.  The heart-warming Barcelona prepared me well for the next unknown destinations.  As usual, I didn't do much research and will simply let the flow take me to countless unexpected encounters.  Here I come, Prague, and you are next, Vienna.

早上739咖啡店內播起熟悉的旋律是Cocteau Twins的This Love想起鍾愛這首歌的老朋友我倆的清歲月,接待我等沙發客的東道主要中午才能另門匙所以一早便要與他同步出門於寒冷濃霧中四處尋覓終於找到這所精緻小館好讓我暖暖身、喘喘氣、定定神... 這是我在布拉格的首個清晨。

在巴塞與不同單位密集地開會、見面、敘舊我仿似有用不完的能源心靈亦被充得滿滿已深深愛上這個自由熱情之都所以這個只是後會、必定有期。


Waiting, tasting, anticipating... at Barcelona airport.
Thanks to my first morning shelter from the misty cold Prague, I finished my blog entry at last.
Let's rewind back to London.
Off to a modeling session & spotted this magnificent view by the Thames.
The adventure never stops.
Ali using his photographer instinct.
Bookshop literally by the river.
Can never get enough of Jazz, especially from the oldies.
The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living by the celebrity British artist Damien Hirst.  Some of his artworks were kind of provocative, but I feel like there is still something missing...  I'm just not engaged. 
A view of London from Tate Modern.
Gorgeous perspective from Ali's guest room.  Thank you for the lovely week, my dear!
Oh yeah, return to our favorite "French guys" cafe in BCN.
Squat for circus practice.
NO, no one is drunk here.
Street performers are still my welcomed surprises as I wander around.
Brunch party at Linda's.  Got to love your unique way of avoiding the camera, my love. ;)
So much food, so much joy.
So glad we shared the week together, my Lena.  KISS KISS!
Sitges, a town 30 mins train from Barcelona.
Left: reaching to our hope.  Right: a sample street view of the laid-back town.
The infamous shot when you google-image "Sitges".
Walking, talking, pausing, kissing...  what more can you ask for?
The last sunset reminds me it's time... but only to say "see you later".
A memorable scene in BCN under my buddy, Miquel's home.
My first impression of Prague - Václavské náměstí - the heart of the city.
Morning visit to the Charles Bridge is rather quiet and refreshing.
Excellent weather for wandering among such historical structures.
Buildings with individuality fill the entire city.
Though St.Vitus Cathedral is not really in use except for tourists, its marvelous interior still has a breathtaking presence. (well, at least when it's not packed with crazy picture taking tourists.)
A taste of the romantic Prague
Ahha, I always manage to find a peaceful corner to feel my own heartbeat & the rhythm of the city.
Sketching is a wonderful way to slow down, observe & listen.
What's next?