Postcard from Venice:
HAPPY SUMMER HOLIDAYS
XOX from Pixel and Jay peg
VENEZIA
Punta Sabbioni - Sand art. Ollek Masarik is from Czechoslovakia and he spends his summers going up and down the coasts of Italy, France and Spain, "sculpting" big crocodiles and big fishes in the sand. It takes him about six hours to complete a three to four meter alligator. He is very talented and has two assistants who bring him buckets of sea water. I couldn't think of a better way to enjoy the seaside, create and also earn a little bit of pocket money on the side. Have you come across him yet?
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
photograph courtesy Missoni Press
LOVE BEADS
Margherita Missoni, president of orphanage Africa Italia, is the advocate of the Love Beads, Sexy e Solidale Campaign by Missoni, made in Ghana. All the proceeds from this lovely belt will go the Orphanage Africa Onlus, a non profit organization, that helps the needy children of Ghana. Love beads are not only a symbol of feminality, but also a ceremonial ornament. Hand made, of very tiny glass beads, these belts are worn by the women of Ghana, traditionally next to the skin, hidden, as if they were an intimate part of the body. Every color has a particular significance, and the belts are worn in odd numbers only. Once worn, they should never be taken off. And, they have a strong sexual claim so, don't waste any time. You can buy the Love beads in all the Missoni Boutiques and support the needy children of Ghana.
www.missoni.com Orphanage Africa Onlus: Tel. 340 8715915 italia@oafrica.org - www.oafrica.org
Margherita Missoni, president of orphanage Africa Italia, is the advocate of the Love Beads, Sexy e Solidale Campaign by Missoni, made in Ghana. All the proceeds from this lovely belt will go the Orphanage Africa Onlus, a non profit organization, that helps the needy children of Ghana. Love beads are not only a symbol of feminality, but also a ceremonial ornament. Hand made, of very tiny glass beads, these belts are worn by the women of Ghana, traditionally next to the skin, hidden, as if they were an intimate part of the body. Every color has a particular significance, and the belts are worn in odd numbers only. Once worn, they should never be taken off. And, they have a strong sexual claim so, don't waste any time. You can buy the Love beads in all the Missoni Boutiques and support the needy children of Ghana.
www.missoni.com Orphanage Africa Onlus: Tel. 340 8715915 italia@oafrica.org - www.oafrica.org
Monday, July 10, 2006
Photograph by Manfredi Bellati
VIVA L'ITALIA
Jay Peg is still enjoying basking in the glory of Italy's fourth victory in the soccer World Cup, while Pixel eagerly looks on hoping for more celebratory treats. They are completely exhausted from rooting for the Azzurri this past month. BRAVISSIMI..............
Thursday, July 06, 2006
VENEZIA
Basilica di San Marco. Let me leave you with this "magical" special effect, in which I am trying to transmit to you too, the emotion we all felt during this unforgettable concert. Lorin Maazel conducted the Symphonica Toscanini in Anton Bruckner's 8th symphony. The concert was organized by Venice Foundation president, Franca Coin to raise money for the restructuring of the Cupola of Creation inside the Basilica di San Marco. The patriarchal curia to the Basilica, Mons. Antonio Meneguolo, describes the emotions he felt " I was struck by the intensity and the strength with which Maestro Maazel conducted. He lost the baton three times and he conducted the whole symphony by heart, without a musical score. He transported the orchestra with his engaging way. The symphony he chose, he performs with such intensive greatness in the recurrent motifs that go from vivace to intenso to profondo."
VENEZIA
Basilica di San Marco. It was appropriate that writer John Berendt should be present at the concert directed by Lorin Maazel, in the Basilica, the proceeds of which will go towards the restructuring of the Cupola of Creation. The cupola, is also know as the "Cupola of Angels", because in each of the seven segments winged figures are depicted. And like in John's book about Venice, The City of Falling Angels (The Penguin Press) the angels in the cupola also need restoring. John was in Venice for the book party, in a special cordoned off section of the Piazza San Marco, to mark the end of his world tour book launch. He told me that the concert ".... was a momentous occasion. Very exciting and I felt completely surrounded by the sound, more than ever I have in a symphony hall."
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
VENEZIA
Palazzo Ducale. Besides all the Venetian and Milanese socialites present at the Lorin Maazel concert which will benefit the restoration of The Cupola of Creation inside the Basilica of San Marco. A few illustrious Americans were also present. Beautiful, talented writer and performer, Victoria Labalme was talking to Professor of American studies at Venice University, Rosella Mamoli Zorzi. Victoria's mother was the late Venetian historian, Patricia Labalme and a great friend of Rosella's. Victoria has been entertaining and inspiring audiences with her performance keynotes, coaching, and communications. Her unique theatrical keynotes are a dynamic and engaging blend of customized comedy, acting, movement, original witty film clips, and cutting edge commentary. I invite you to visit her website it is hilarious or "Visceral Fun" as the New York Daily News calls her. Unanimously, they both told me that the concert was a "Great event, wonderful symphony, sublime."
VENEZIA
Palazzo Ducale. After the magical Bruckner concert conducted by Lorin Maazel dinner was served in the Ducal Palace, the proceeds will finance the restoration of The Cupola of Creation, inside the Basilica di San Marco. In it's 10th anniversary, Venice Foundation president and concert organizer, Franca Coin, is being interview for the third time by yet another TV station. She said "The Basilica di San Marco is an extraordinary place; it represents not only Venice, but the whole world. Thanks to the generosity of the friends of Venice Foundation the restoration can now begin. Inspired by the Cotton Bible The Cupola of Creation is the work of Venetian artisans who learnt the art of mosaics from the Byzantines in the XIII Century. Legend has it, that Marco Polo used to go into San Marco and spend hours "reading" the stories told in the spectacular gold mosaics."
Monday, July 03, 2006
VENEZIA
Basilica di San Marco. Lorin Maazel is arriving at the Basilica di San Marco to conduct the neo Symphonica Toscanini, an offshoot of the Filarmonica Arturo Toscanini of which he is also musical director. The concert was organized by Venice Foundation and the proceeds will finance the restoration of The cupola of Creation, inside the Basilica. Note, the score the Maestro is carrying, however, also note that he conducted the whole of Anton Bruckner's 8th Symphony without it. Since the age of five when he started studying the violin and the piano he has had an exceptional photographic memory. Another amusing tidbit is that the Maestro never wears tails, he wears his white tie with an impeccably cut dinner jacket.
Sunday, July 02, 2006
CAPRI
Time to go home. I'm very sad on the aliscafo going from Capri to Naples to catch my plane. In the background is Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. It is the only volcano on the European mainland to have erupted within the last hundred years, although it is not currently erupting. Vesuvius is notorious for its destruction of the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum in 79 AD. It has erupted many times since and is today regarded as one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world because of the population of 3,000,000 people now living close to it and its tendency towards explosive eruptions. It is however a magnificent sight. I'm certainly going to go back to Capri next year to explore all the other places I didn't get to this year, so I can tell you all about them.
The intellectuals have houses in Anacapri, which can be reached by car and is situated on the highest part of the island. While you are there, the monumental church of San Michele is certainly worth a visit just to admire the exquisite majolica tiled floor, which dates from 1761 and was the work of Leonardo Chiaiese. In the centre is an angel, his sword in flames, who is driving Adam and Eve from the garden of Eden. On high is the devil, in the form of a serpent wrapped around the trunk of a beautiful tree. Various exotic animals are imaginatively depicted and near the entrance the floor is painted with remarkable figures of domestic animals. You must absolutely not miss this unique example of Neapolitan 18th-century architecture.
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photograph by Susanne Thun
Local products # 3 - lemons. Agapanthus and lemon trees line the Thun's private "bowling alley". Lemons are the symbol of Capri, they grow everywhere and are used not only in cooking but as inspiration for and on everything. You can find lemons painted on jugs, soap dishes, tea towels, plates and tiles. Or you can buy scented lemon chocolate, soap and perfume, the best is from Carthusia, I Profumi di Capri. Or try the delicious limoncello liqueur which comes in a variety of bottles in all shapes and sizes including the boot shape representing Italy. Or taste the cakes, biscuits, granite, sorbets and spaghetti al limone, just to mention a few dishes made with lemons.
CAPRI
The paparazzi. There are four paparazzi agencies on Island. The photographers roam the Piazzetta, the restaurants and the discos chasing celebrities. They work hard from seven pm to four am every day of the week. One of the main fun pastimes today is to go and look at the contact sheets and have your photo printed. Gaetano Cafaggi, of Foto Rosso started working with a German, 35mm, Voigtlander camera, way back when the Vesuvio volcano was still smoking. After being thrown a whisky and soda in the face by the legendary American filmmaker, John Schlesinger, he later became his personal photographer and rose to Capri paparazzi fame. Gaetano has stories to tell about all the stars, and believe me he has seen them all, but his favorite was Brigit Bardot, because she was so fresh and fabulous, he also loved la Loren, but wasn't too fond of la Lollo.
Foto Rosso - Via Camerelle 31 - Capri - tel +39 081 8377477 www.johnschlesinger.org www.sophialoren.com www.ginalollobrigida.com
CAPRI
A charming hotel. Since the mid 1800's the Esposito family have owned and have been running the Hotel Gatto Bianco or white cat, in the center of Capri. It is strategically placed, near the Piazzetta and in the heart of shopping-land. Whilst, other hotels have lost their identity this little charming hotel, though modern and comfortable, has maintained the Capri style of interior decoration. Beautiful majolica tiles characterize the interior and the patio garden of the hotel, as do the pastel colors used throughout and the paintings all dedicated to Capri. This is where the intellectuals, journalist and writers, as well as, the America's Cup team stay. When Jackie O used to come to Capri, she was met just as she was getting off the yacht Christina and brought up to the Gatto Bianco for lunch. Jackie's favorite dish was Gnocchi alla Valentina, gnocchi made with spinach and a pale pink sauce of tomatoes and cream.