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Category: Architecture
Accommodation, Architecture, Art, Australia, City sights, City stays, Consume, Culture, Food, Heritage, History, Hotels, Memories, Retro charm, Rural and regional Australia, Short stays
How to capitalise on the capital
January 6, 2021 January 12, 2021 by bmalzard2 Comments on How to capitalise on the capital
Australia's capital city is a little different to those of other countries; it is confined to a territory and is surrounded by the bush, with a mountain range in the backdrop.
It really began as a rather vast paddock with a view of the Brindabella mountain range to the west, the high country snow fields to the south and the Pacific Ocean way over to the east. And that precious piece of Australian territory became the seat of parliament – the Australian Capital Territory, the ACT.
The place was decreed in 1913 and as early as 1908, tenders were put out internationally to design this new city. And Walter Burley Griffin won the toss and the rest is history.
I talked to a local sheep farmer a few years back (beautiful grazing land here) and he said he imagined that Canberra was designed on a template in the sky and plonked down on a bare paddock. Having not thought about this comment for ages, I recalled it recently when I saw a picture taken of the newly built Hotel Kurrajong Canberra from the early 1920s. It sits alone with an odd gum tree observing in bewilderment at the long, two-storey habitat floating in a sea of dirt and space.
And as the elegant building still sits in the same place now with a sophisticated city built up around it and the rooms filled with memories and perhaps the odd ghost – the gum tree has lived its life and has been replaced by thousands more in this ultimately green city.
The hotel was designed by Commonwealth Chief Architect, John Smith Murdoch, also renowned for designing Old Parliament House and built during the Australian Capital Territory's alcohol prohibition years. There was a strong Temperance Movement in Australia (hard to fathom!) but never full-on prohibition – except for the ACT from 1910-1928 – when new liquor licenses were banned. The writing was on the wall for the pollies!
Hotel Kurrajong accommodated officials transferred from Melbourne to set up Australia's new capital, Canberra. The hotel hosted officials and press for the opening of Parliament House in 1927 and continued as a home to Members of Parliament, their families and public servants for years to come.
It was basically one of three 'hostels' built in the fledgling capital. It catered to single people or couples (married, natch) with no kids. For almost half a century it provided residential accommodation for Members of Parliament. Basically an upmarket boarding house in a country town.
Today's hotel is more than a shadow of its former self. There's a calm elegance to the hotel that starts to creep up on you as soon as you arrive.
The garden in front of the entrance when I arrived at the beginning of summer was awash with a crowd of English Tea Roses – pink, fluffy fragrant blooms displayed in the garden.
The lobby, reflecting the Art Deco ambience is cool and collected – a fire flickers in the original fireplace (modern gas) alight even in summer to add to the old school ambience of the lobby with quirky chairs surrounding the fireplace. Chairs are of different designs, to give colour and variety to the welcoming space. Look down – Oscar winning designer Catherine Martin designed the 4m x 5m rug in the lobby.
Rooms (there are 147 of them, with 26 in the heritage wing) are large and have the calming edge with blues, charcoals, a dash of silver, dove grey and a pop of colour in the framed wall prints. The room 205 (the numbering has now changed with the renovation) is remembered as the room in which Ben Chifley (Australian politician who served as Prime Minister from 1945-1949) lived. He suffered a fatal massive heart attack in 1951. There have been various ghost sightings claimed over the years – apparently a grey-suited man manifests pointing towards Old Parliament House.
Big is beautiful as the bed spreads to eternity with the finest linen and some pretty damn fine pillows. Breakfast is in Chifley's Bar and Grill, plus dinner served here as well – it's mostly about the great steaks. The outdoor garden beckons on a fine day but best to stay indoors in the middle of winter and summer here.
Visit: https://hotelkurrajong.com.au/
Getting the goods on Canberra
Jay Hore, Hotel General Manager – Hotel Kurrajong Canberra, knows his way around the city and advises:
Why visit Canberra? "Not only is Canberra the national capital city and the administrative centre of the Australian government, it is the home of the Australian story! Canberra is a place that is a diverse, innovative and modern city that houses the stories of Australia. Whether it's the world class national attractions or the bustling events calendar, Canberra has plenty to offer visitors of all ages. Couple this with a thriving food and wine scene and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors (we're called the bush capital for a reason), you'll see that Canberra is a city full of surprises!
Don"t miss the Botticelli exhibition at the National Gallery of Australia, opening 5 March 2021.
Botticelli to Van Gogh: Masterpieces from the National Gallery, London https://nga.gov.au/masterpieces
Museum of Australian Democracy – Old Parliament House
Walking distance from Hotel Kurrajong
https://www.moadoph.gov.au/
Last post ceremony every day at 5pm
https://www.awm.gov.au/
National Portrait Gallery Love Stories
https://www.portrait.gov.au/content/australian-love-stories
Questacon – the National Science and Technology Centre – with more than 200 interactive exhibits to explore. www.questacon.edu.au
Australian National Botanic Gardens
Opening hours 8.30am to 5pm Daily
Nice café.
https://www.anbg.gov.au/
Lonsdale Street Braddon Great cafes and restaurants. Check out https://lazy-su.com.au/
Extra special places not to miss:
Canberra Glassworks: a gallery and glass art studio. www.canberraglassworks.com
The Gallery of Small Things (a tiny gallery in a suburban backyard) www.galleryofsmalthings.com
Dirty Janes Canberra (a fab emporium of vintage and bespoke items too fab to not buy, plus a cafe): www.dirtyjanes.com
Rizla – a bar serving only Riesling: htpp://www.drinkrizla.com.au
AKIBA ( in the city for Asian fusion) http://www.akiba.com.au
At Braddon book for the amazing authentic Italian experience at Italian & Sons, also still in Italy is The Italian Place (scrumptious ragout). www.italianandsons.com.au and www.theitalianplace.net.au
Maybe Canberra should be proud of the nickname 'Bush Capital', as the hospitality here has a warmth and the service offers friendly authenticity as a country town – that has been gently plonked down in the middle of a big paddock.
Accommodation, Architecture, Art, Australia, Consume, Culture, Distilleries, Food, Heritage, National Parks, Rural and regional Australia, Tasmania, Travel
How to hang out in the Huon Valley, Tasmania
November 11, 2020 by bmalzard1 Comment on How to hang out in the Huon Valley, Tasmania
Huon Valley with mist
As I said last post 'How to indulge in Tasmania', Tassie is hot to trot as borders open up and folk are on the move. Following is more info to fit into the travel plan. This is provided content that I am happy to share as we are all in this together – domestic travel that is! Funny thing, I lived in Geeveston way back in the day when us youngsters would go apple picking and at the end of the season, every nationality gathered at the pub in Huonville and there was an unforgettable party. I was dancing on the bar, blokes were going in for the serious biff and chaos reigned . . . ah, my sweet days of youth. Perhaps a future blog on my Tassie adventure while picking apples and . . . But the area is so very nice now, and has much to offer the traveller . . . just keep yourself nice.
There are plenty of reasons to hang out in the region; some are new and some are as old as the mighty forests that flank its townships. The Huon Valley has been social distancing long before it was on trend, sitting on the edge of World Heritage Wilderness and often popping whole paddocks between neighbours. By its very nature, the valley is drawing visitors and a swag of new locals. Find out why with our top five picks:
Wilderness and wildlife – you've seen the pics; this patch is naturally epic. South West Wilderness Heritage Area is on the doorstep. Summit Hartz peak in a day, wander down to South Cape Bay or perch 30-metres above the forest floor at Tahune Airwalk. Venture underground at Hastings Caves and take a dip in the thermal springs. Don't be surprised if wallaby eyes are watching on, the Huon Valley teems with wildlife. From migrating whales to Wedge-tailed eagles and wandering wombats, there is no shortage of impromptu appearances of the wild variety.
Newdegate Cave at Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs
For the love of water vistas – they're everywhere! Sip morning coffee served with mirror reflections on the Huon River. Dip a kayak paddle in lesser-known waterways deep in the Far South. Watch Huon pine boats bob down Cygnet or Franklin way, likely built near their mooring. Snap your Insta-worthy sunrises across winter misted waters or pour a Valley wine at sunset by the Southern Ocean. Water views come standard in these parts, punctuated by the hues of seasonal changes.
Boats at Franklin on Huon River
Delish produce – arrive hungry. That is all. This is ocean to plate, farmer to mouth kind of amazing. Pull on gumboots and meet rare pig breeds with Gourmet Farmer Matthew Evans or find out why Massaki Koyama's Geeveston sushi is hailed by some as Australia's finest. Meet craft cider makers, where apples don't fall far from the ciderhouse at Willie Smith's Apple Shed, Frank's Ciderhouse & Cafe or Pagan Cider. Meet the innovative food and drink producers who choose the Huon Valley as home from Hansen Orchards apple growers to Tas Saff, now selling saffron nationwide through Coles and Woolworths, to the roadside stalls with produce and local blooms.
Creative inspo – there's a bounty of prominent artists and makers in the valley; some national treasures who love the anonymity, others recent locals like potter Bronwyn Clarke, who found a natural clay seam running beneath her Deep Bay studio. Wander the artist studios and galleries, bring your sketch pad or sign up for a workshop. Lots is happening in the creative space including acclaimed producer and writer Posie Graham-Evans embarking on a McLeod's Daughters TV series spin-off. Settle in to this inspiring hub and let the creativity flow. Did we mention Posie has accommodation known as the Writer's House?
Bronwyn Clarke
End of the road – that's right, you can't drive further south in Australia. Cockle Creek is literally the end of the road. Park your car at Australia's southernmost parking lot and pull on your boots. The 4-5hour return walk to South Cape Bay is a cracker. When you get there, next stop is Antarctica. Breathe deeply – it's some of the freshest air on the planet.
Egg Islands Conservation Area, Franklin, Huon River, looking back at sleeping beauty
Hartz Peak Track, Hartz Mountains National Park, Tasmania
Ruby McPherson (left), Stanley Fuller (right) on the walk from Cockle Creek to South Cape Bay
Keen to find out more about any of our five reasons to hang out in the Huon Valley? Pick your fave and we'll handpick more detail to send your way. If it's the southern wilds that take your fancy, let us shoot you the latest short walks. Want to connect with our creative community? We'll fill you in on the current visitor offerings or an emerging landscape artist. If it's food and drink experiences, we'll provide your fill from cooking classes to our Pinot labels.
Dover Wharf, Port Esperance
For more information visit: www.huonvalleytas.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thehuonvalley/
Insta: www.instagram.com/huonvalleytas/
Here are some accommodation highlights.
Coast House, Cygnet – https://www.coasthousetasmania.com/
Frenchman's River, Cygnet – https://www.frenchmansriver.com.au/
Peninsula, Dover – https://peninsulatas.com/
Villa Talia, Wattle Grove – https://villatalia.com.au/
Accommodation, Africa, Architecture, City sights, City stays, Consume, Culture, Doors, Food, Heritage, History, Hotels, Morocco, Retro charm, Retro places, Sweet treats, Traditions, Travel
Travel: How to explore Tangier
March 3, 2020 February 25, 2020 by bmalzard2 Comments on Travel: How to explore Tangier
Tangier, top of the continent and a name that conjures myth, legends and exotic stories of decadence is a city of intrigue. Go see for yourself.
There's the labyrinthine medina, an expat dream town, cafes and souks, tempting tagines – there is so much to uncover in Morocco's top town. It's a city on the edge, always has been, in every way. It squats at the northernmost tip of Africa just 14km across the narrow Strait of Gibraltar connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea, which separates Gibraltar and Peninsula Spain in Europe from Morocco and Ceuta in Africa.
Looking to the Straits of Gibraltar.
This city is more than a destination, it is a heady escape that has attracted spies, outlaws, outcasts, and writers for centuries.
All imaginable pleasures were to be had here, back in the 1950s characters such as Errol Flynn, Woolworth heiress Barbara Hutton and Ava Gardner did their best to establish Tangier as the last word in louche and hedonism, while writers William Burroughs, Jane and Paul Bowles sought out the dark side of depravity and drug addled derangement. This was Tangier offering a haven to those who pushed the artistic boundaries of creativity.
In the 20th century writers drawn to Tangier wrote some of the most influential and incendiary works of our time. The Naked Lunch, The Sheltering Sky were two of those novels that influenced the beat generation and future hipsters.
Tangier has been a strategic gateway between Europe and Africa since Phoenician times. There are some startlingly lovely buildings in the city with its whitewashed hillside medina: Moorish mansions, French villas and palaces converted to museums.
This is an enigmatic city that begs to be explored, so take your time and take a glimpse into modern Tangier.
Matisse's fenetre.
The American Legation: restored (from shabby obscurity) the American Legation in the medina is a 1982 Moorish former consulate, which documents early diplomatic (very peaceful and businesslike) relations between the U.S. and Morocco (the kingdom of Morocco was the first country to recognise American Independence). The first American public property outside the United States, it commemorates the historic cultural and diplomatic relationsbetween the United States and the Kingdom of Morocco. It is now officially called the Tangier American Legation Institute for Moroccan Studies, and is a cultural centre, museum, and a research library, concentrating on Arabic language studies.
Stay in the fabulous Hotel Villa de France, a hotel with its own secrets and list of celebrity guests. Biggest name has to be the French impressionist Henri Matisse, who stayed at the hotel in 1912 and 1913. He painted some of his great works here because of the inspiration of bright, clear African light, vivid colours and the soft sensuality of the landscape and gardens.
His room is still in the Hotel Villa de France, room 35, and a few notes change hands to obtain a night's stay here. It's not glamorous or elaborate, just a sensible double bedroom with ensuite. But – it has the fenetre which is the window to Tangier!
The most famous painting from that hotel room period though is "Landscape Viewed From a Window". There's a copy of the painting in room 35.
Leave the hotel behind and across the road we see the square white steeple of St Andrew's English church, now nearly hidden by date palms and evergreens. St Andrew's Church is one of the more curious buildings of Tangier. Completed in 1890 on land granted by Sultan Hassan, the interior of this Anglican church is decorated in high Fassi style, with the Lord's Prayer in Arabic curving over the altar.
St Andrew's.
The graveyard yields history wherein the journalist, socialite and traveller Walter Harris is buried here, along with Squadron Leader Thomas Kirby Green, one of the prisoners of war shot during the 'Great Escape'. There is also a sobering section of war graves of entire downed aircrews, their headstones attached shoulder to shoulder.
The medina maze Now, into the medina. (A medina is the old walled city.)
Across from the church enter the corner of the medina where the bazaar area of the grand souk (markets) stretch through colourful alleyways.
From baskets, to ropes, to carved sticks (to hit what?), hand made cheeses, fruit juices (try the pomegranate), stalls groaning with mountains of olives of all persuasions and flavours, hats, sweets, dates, breads (the staple food of Moroccans), butchers with nose to tail pieces on display (and so clean and fly-free), camel meat with the obligatory head (real one) hanging to advertise the fact that this is real camel meat, shoes, buckets and nuts of all sorts, fat and fresh.
Walking though the crowded curved alleys of food and noise and people jostling, Berber tribal woman wearing wide-brimmed conical hats with pompoms, and children darting through the melee carrying stacks of flat bread is a dizzying sensation – but every step is rewarded with a bold sensation. Just step aside for the donkey carts.
Food is a dream here. Fresh vegetables, subtle spices, fruit and centuries-old cuisine that has been refined by many invaders, protectorates, governing bodies, religions – there's something for everyone.
Food – Be warned – bring your appetite to Morocco. Food servings are big and hearty. Must eats are the traditional tagines, meat, fowl or vegetable, cous cous Tagines are basically an aromatic stew cooked with a thick sauce with fruits such as prunes and dates; harira is a delicious soup normally made from chick peas; pastille – a dish made from pigeon meat, rice and egg and covered with a sweet filo pastry – sounds weird but – it's scrumptious.
If you fancy a glass of wine with your dinner you will have to hunt out a shop, but most good hotels and restaurants have a wine list, and wine is produced in Morocco so give it a try.
Due to legal restrictions of Morocco being a Muslim country, remember that drinking in public is prohibited.
Take in the sunset views of the harbour after walking through the medina that tumbles down to the sea. The old homes are hidden and only a fancy or perhaps a modest door and decorated doorway indicates that there's life behind the door. It can be a vast riad (a type of traditional Moroccan house or palace with an interior garden or courtyard). Homes and shops are all spick and span and the houseproud Moroccans keep their entrances well-swept and houses and windows painted fresh and in pretty colours.
7. And shopping. Leather slippers called babouche (French for slippers), argan oil, lanterns, wonderful leather goods, beautifully decorated pottery and carpets and mats are in abundance and on display art every corner. Shopping here is a sport and the prizes are great indeed.
8. Take a Tangier side trip: Cap Spartel marks Africa's The promontory projects into the water, marking the boundary of the Mediterranean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean. For atmosphere, the best time to come here is at sunset, when you can see dusk settle over the Atlantic.
This is Tangier, short on conventional attractions but it's the artfully aged fabric of the city itself – the magnificent ruination of the Cervantes theatre, the lush graveyard gardens of St Andrew's church, or the casbah walls' tiled starbursts – which supplies the spectacle. The sights come thick and fast in a city where its compactness is a big slice of its charm.
The writer travelled with www.bypriorarrangment.com
This article has been published in www.letstravelmag.com
Architecture, Australia, Culture, Doors, Heritage, History, India, Morocco, Switzerland, Traditions, Travel, Vietnam, Vintage views
Travel: looking for the best doors to capture
February 4, 2020 February 6, 2020 by bmalzard4 Comments on Travel: looking for the best doors to capture
A simple wooden door made from fence palings – whatever does the job. On the road to Freycinet, Tasmania.
What is it about doors? I can't stop photographing them. Below are just a few of the recents I've slammed but I've been shooting them for years.
The beautiful coloured doors of Ireland, especially Dublin – all shiny and bold. There are many reasons stated as to why the doors were painted different colours, my favourite is that the doors were painted by women so that their drunken husbands would come home at night and recognise their houses!
A great essay on the origins of the architecture and the door culture of Dublin can be found here: https://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/ALandmks/DoorsofDublin.html
Adding colour to the neighbourhood and a safe place for a cat to sit so it can skeedaddle inside at the sound of danger. In Essouira, Morocco.
We have doors for privacy, decoration, boastfulness, to keep the elements at bay and to protect ourselves. I have walked past doors and wondered what's going on behind this one: drama, joyfulness, creativity, poverty, sadness and some doors hide wickedness, mayhem and cruelty. There are great and grand doors that have watched kings and queens pass through to their death or to exile; doorways that elephants have rumbled through carrying spices, jewels and goods that countries and indeed populations had never seen before; doors that have opened to the brightest brains in the halls of universities; doors that have been slammed in the faces of the idealists and the revolutionaries and doors that have had some of the finest music ever written sounding behind them. It's best I mind my own business and take them at face value and remain curious.
So old, so lovely. Faded glory in Tangier, Morocco.
Going grand with this beauty in Rajasthan. After a few drinks it's fun to play the axe throwing game.
You can't go past Morocco for the best doors, especially the one's painted to match my hair. Most of these are the doors and doorways to riads. Often rather modest doors and when they are opened you step into another world, a world of a royal palace or grand mansions with orange trees and fountains and amazing tiles . . . stepping into beauty and calm.
And all hail the circular door, small, compact and fits snuggled into round doorways. This is a home of a Hobbit outside the town of Matamata in the north island of New Zealand. There's a large population of the small folk here and a few humans have been sighted too.
This bold and beautiful door hinge is on a door in one of the old buildings in St Gallen, a city south of Lake Constance in northeastern Switzerland. It couldn't be pried off even with a Swiss Army Knife.
These two gals drove a pretty fierce bargain as to the price of getting this shot. Even when agreed on a price we had to renegotiate as there was two of them . . .at the Red Fort, Jaipur, India.
On the left, the doors do two jobs, they shut for privacy and they hang goods for sale. On the right, the 20th century brought roller doors to the world.
I always thought that red doors were the ants pants of a style statement but the blues got me in Morocco. The diversity and gradations of the colour is seductive and ever pleasing.
Oh, this . . .
This mighty archway with its thick walls is an old stables house for a palace outside Fes, Morocco.
Now we are in the Red City of Marrakech. This weird little stitched up door looks rather irritated or almost like a fake door . . .
This cutie is in a small village on Maui, Hawaii called Paia (Pay-ee-ah) which is a bit like Nimbin but less functional (no atm or chemist). But plenty of surf shops and ice cream parlours. Dates back to about 1927.
A bit of fun for very short people in Long Beach, California.
And an almost 'moonish' gate in Hanoi, Vietnam. Door to a busy buddhist temple. Closed until the keepers have their cigarettes and coffee. Enlightenment is patient.
Doors, door, doors and more doors at the Marriott in Anaheim, California. Same, same. same. Doing the same job as all the others.
Lurking at the Red Fort, Jaipur. Waiting for a surprise visit from a Maharajah . . .waiting, waiting, waiting.
Out in the countryside in Rajasthan, where doors are thick and strong to keep out the wild tigers . . .true.
http://www.incredibleindia.com
http://www.bypriorarrangement.com
Accommodation, Africa, Architecture, Bali, City sights, City stays, Consume, Culture, Food, Heritage, History, Markets, Morocco, Traditions, Travel
January 14, 2020 January 15, 2020 by bmalzard6 Comments on Travel: Make mine Marrakech
Marrakech Morocco, it's bold and it's beautiful. Colours collide here and eyes and ears are put to an endurance test. Every morning I woke up in the Red City, I fell in love with it, over and over again.
The early foreign travellers to Morocco called Marrakech 'Morocco City'. The city of old has expanded over the centuries since its origins but it is those beginnings that have kept it as mesmerising and traditional as it was in the past. It's still a marketplace.
It is the 'Red City', soaked with the natural red ochre pigment that is the walls and buildings dominating the city, souks and medinas, but there are other colours too that fight for space – colour is king in Morocco. A variety of blues and bright yellow and pink fight for your attention.
To try and give a blanket narrative on this magical place is like trying to cover an oval of brilliant blooms with a handkerchief. Following are observations, ideas and suggestions of how to experience the beauty, colour and movement of Marrakech.
Playing the market
Marrakech has Berber rather than Arabic origins as it was originally the meeting place of the Atlas tribes. It was the centre of the past for gold, slaves, ivory and leather brought to Morocco by caravans from far away empires via the desert port of Timbuktu. The visiting and trading population swelled the city's souks and its way of life.
In the heart of the medina (a medina is a distinct city section in north African cities, typically walled, it has narrow lanes and streets that are maze-like), is the wide open spaced Djemma El Fna or Jemaa el Fna (this has many spellings) – the city's main market where all aspects of north African life is on view and the space becomes a theatre. The main souks are to the north of the market place but this is where the action is.
The epicentre of Marrakech is Jemaa el Fna, weaving its chaotic magic all day and all night.
The famed "night market" at Jemaa el Fna is a bizarre microcosm of entertainment, food, and tradition. Since the mid-11th century, this plaza has been the beating and sometimes bloody heart of Marrakech's old city. A thousand years ago, executioners plied their trade here (hence one translation of the plaza's name to mean "assembly of the dead"). Today, the only gore you're likely to see is from the skinned sheep's heads ready for barbecue that await the market's hungry patrons. The market is eminently intriguing in all ways – in a can't-look-away kind of way.
You have to keep moving at a steady pace throughout the market to avoid the snake charmers because if you stop for a brief moment to look at the reptiles, you'll find one or two wrapped around your neck and shoulders. They'll stay coiled there until you pay up for the experience – or else you might choke!
There are fortune tellers, water sellers, jugglers, acrobats, garment makers, sellers of strange things in bottles and one stall that I cannot ever unsee – the man selling the teeth.
Day and night this middle-aged man sits on a folding chair at a card table presiding over a mounds of teeth. Some of the teeth have been worked into half dentures, delicately displayed for toothless shoppers (and generally the people of Morocco have terrible teeth due to to amount of sugar they consume daily).
Where did he get all these teeth?
A charming sight is the water sellers dressed in colourful garb as they have been for centuries with pompom hats fringed with coloured wool. In the local dialect they are called Gharrib and they carry goatskin tar lined bags holding water. They are mostly wandering entertainers these day but the Moroccans consider it lucky to drink the water they sell (see picture above).
After wandering around and if you aren't stopping to eat a barbecued cow's head, or skewered chicken feet, go to a café on the perimeter of the square, grab a cold beer and watch the amazing dance of pedestrians below as they shape shift thought the market.
Colour and culture
Take an historical tour of the Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs are exquisite examples of refined architecture and tradition. Bahia (Bahia means brilliance) Palace was built in the 19th century and captures the the essence of Islamic and Moroccan style.
It's interesting to explore the layout and see the rooms of the harem which includes a vast court with four rooms built for Si Moussa, the grand vizier's wives and many more for his 24 concubines. School rooms for the great many offspring that were produced on a regular basis.
A visit to a souk is mandatory. If you've run out of spending money – sell a kidney. Beautifully made shoes and leather goods, carpets, embroidered caftans, spices, brass and copper goods are begging to be snaffled up.
In the early morning when the traffic is cool and calm, hop into a caliche (horse-drawn carriage) and let your destination be spectacular Jardin Majorelle, with its abundance of giant bamboo, yucca, palm, cypress and banana tree, bougainvillea and otherworldly cacti. These earthy, natural colours contrast vividly with the cobalt blue façade (called Marjorelle Blue) of the villa lovingly restored by Yves Saint Laurent.
The French fashion legend said he 'found colour' in Morocco and made it his second home. The Musee Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech is a joy, a revelation and to see the exhibits is an emotional experience. The building is made from local bricks and the architecture is formed like the fabric of a dress with the curve of a draped cloak. There's a rotating cast of 500 fashion items of clothes, and 50,000 pieces of accessories on display to be absorbed.
Saint Laurent dedicated his later years to this museum and created the extraordinary Berber Museum and stocked it with glorious, historical garments and accessories from the diverse Berber community that he had collected in his travels over the years.
Shuffle through the medina to fill your heart and soul with the essence of Morocco and once you've had your fill of the sights and sounds, the people and the donkeys crowding the medina's alleyways step back in time to the 12th century. Count the 19 grand gates surrounding the medina – the grandest of all being the Bab Agnaou. And before you leave the distant past behind, walk the grounds of El Badi Palace, a 16th century ruin (but in very good shape) that still has an orchard growing ornamental oranges.
Close by to the museums and gardens there's a small local and French designer section of new buildings promoting modern, collectible goods and there's a cool café to calm the shopping ardour.
A taxi ride back to Jardins de la Medina a superior riad (a type of traditional Moroccan house or palace with an interior garden, courtyard and fountain) to shake off the heat of a heady Marrakech day and perhaps take a dip in the pool set in luxurious gardens or maybe a spa with hammam (a traditional cleansing ritual), steam bath and traditional Moroccan beauty treatments.
Marrakech has centuries old layers to be uncovered and enjoyed. So much of its history is on display and open to touristic scrutiny but remember it has secrets – just think about the streets lined with orange trees, so pretty and not quite what they seem.
The trees are for ornamentation only – you can't eat the fruit.
The author travelled to Morocco with http://www.bypriorarrangement.com
This story was first published by https://letstravelmag.com/
I have to fess up – I did not drink the water.
Architecture, City sights, Consume, Culture, Heritage, History, New Zealand, Retro charm, Retro places, Travel
Art Deco capital of New Zealand (and possibly the planet)
October 23, 2019 June 3, 2020 by bmalzardLeave a Comment on Art Deco capital of New Zealand (and possibly the planet)
Not often you get to thank a natural disaster and community tragedy for a splendid architectural creation. In February 1931 a bastard of an earthquake rocked Napier, a town on Hawke's Bay on the east coast of the north island of New Zealand. The 'quake measured 7.9 on the Richter scale and rocked the Hawke's Bay area for more than three long minutes. There were 260 lives lost and the vast majority of Napier's town centre structures were destroyed, either by the earthquake of the following fires.
It wasn't long after the earthquake that the Kiwis rallied and do what they do best – got on with it! Rebuilding began and much of it was completed in two years. Architects were on the spectrum of quirky and ambitious and the new buildings reflected the architectural styles of the times – stripped classical, Spanish Mission and Art Deco.
Local architect Louis Hay, an admirer of Frank Lloyd Wright, had his moment to shine! Maori motifs emerged to give the city an identifiable New Zealand character – just check out the ASB bank on the corner of Hastings and Emerson Streets that features Maori koru and zigzags.
I recently visited Napier for the first time and driving into the city centre on a bright sunny day I was thrilled to be immersed in this stylish time capsule. And driving further afield around Hawke's Bay (just out-of-town to find the cultish ice cream parlour Rush Munro's, which has been here since 1926. And yes, I had a double scoop for research purposes, hokey pokey and vanilla, and yes, it was divine), you drive along a tree-lined boulevard waterfront. Marine Parade is where you drive slowly and capture the extent of the bay.
Napier's city centre displays a seamless line of 1930s architecture is quite extraordinary. Enjoy the streetscape via a self-guided walk – ask for a map at the information centre or at the Art Deco Trust. Guided walks around the city are also available every day rain or shine (except Christmas Day!).
Every February, Napier celebrates its heritage with the Art Deco weekend – a stylish celebration of all things 1930's, including vintage cars, fashion and music. So get your flapper on, tilt your boater at a rackish angle and do the Charleston, drink pink cocktails and throw caution to the wind.
Napier's other special attractions include the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers and the many vineyards that make good use of the region's alluvial soils. Pinot Gris and Syrah are the region's signature drops. On Saturday mornings, the Napier farmers' market is a chance to shop for artisan foods and fresh produce.
Writer, Bev Malzard ate ice cream, had dinner at the Thirsty Whale Restaurant and Bar and stayed just outside of town at the Albatross Motel, Westshore Napier. She will learn to dance and hold a long cigarette holder before her next visit.
Visit: http://www.artdeconapier.com ; http://www.napiernz.com and get your art deco vibe happening n 2018!
Architecture, Austria, Culture, History, Music, Vienna
Vienna – let's waltz!
July 25, 2019 July 25, 2019 by bmalzard1 Comment on Vienna – let's waltz!
A museum of the waltz king
Vienna invites you to dance into a museum dedicated to Johann Strauss, creator of the Blue Danube Waltz, and his family. But there are also plenty of other places for fans of the waltz king to visit, from his apartment to his final resting place.
Only Vienna could do a museum like this justice. The Johann Strauss Dynasty Museum in the ninth district is the first museum in the world to focus on the history and artistic output of the entire Strauss clan: from Johann Strauss the Elder and the waltz king Johann Strauss the Younger to his two brothers Josef and Eduard. Visitors can also look forward to an impressive range of pictures and documents that bring Biedermeier-era Vienna to life. Audio stations dotted throughout the museum give fans a chance to listen to popular and less well known pieces from the family canon as often as they like, without interruption.
Johann Strauss (1825-1899), known to family and friends as Schani, his father Johann and his brothers Josef and Eduard took the world by storm with their music. With 1,500 works between them, from Die Fledermaus and The Radetzky March to the Blue Danube Waltz, they embody Viennese music like no others. Their waltz and operetta melodies can be heard in the capital's concert halls throughout the year as well as at the traditional New Year's Concert which is broadcast all over the world from the Golden Hall of the Musikverein.
It goes without saying that there is a Johann Strauss monument in Vienna. This golden statue of the waltz king playing his violin can be found in the Stadtpark, a short distance from the Kursalon. The Vienna Philharmonic played at its unveiling in 1921 and today it is one of the most photographed sights in the city. Johann Strauss II composed Vienna's unofficial anthem The Blue Danube in an apartment at Praterstrasse 54 in the second district in 1867 where he lived with his first wife Jetty from 1863-1870. In addition to original furnishings and period instruments, exhibits include everyday objects from the great musician's estate as well as portraits, photos, and documents on his life and work. The waltz king was laid to rest at Vienna's legendary Central Cemetery, near the graves of Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms and Johann Strauss the Elder.
Museum of the Johann Strauss Dynasty, Müllnergasse 3, 1090 Vienna, www.strauss-museum.at
Johann Strauss Memorial, Stadtpark, 1010 Vienna
Johann Strauss Apartment, Praterstrasse 54, 1020 Vienna, www.wienmuseum.at
Central Cemetery, Simmeringer Hauptstrasse 234, 1110 Vienna, www.friedhoefewien.at
Visit: www.austria.info
The waltz began as a dance of rebellion, embraced by teens and sneered at by conservative parents. When the dance first whirled through the ballrooms of Vienna, it caused an outrage and marked a decisive shift in European social customs.
The dance's origins are probably humble. Its name comes from walzen— "to turn" in German—and may have developed out of the folk music of Austria's western Tyrol region (although some authors associate its choreography with the volta, a 16th-century couples dance). Whatever its exact origin, by the late 1700s the waltz spread throughout Europe. The dance craze was particularly popular among young people from the wealthy middle classes, the perfect expression of a new, confident bourgeoisie, who were discarding the aristocratic customs of their elders.
A scene from 1774 novel The Sorrows of Young Werther, by J. W. von Goethe, describes a ball that begins with stuffy minuets until a new tune is struck: "When the waltz commenced, and the dancers whirled around each other in the giddy maze . . . Never did I dance more lightly. I felt myself more than mortal, holding this loveliest of creatures in my arms, flying, with her as rapidly as the wind, till I lost sight of every other object."
In 1833 a British manual of good manners recommended only married women should dance it, as it was too immoral for the unwed.
Accommodation, Airlines, Architecture, Art, Beer, Cathedrals, City sights, City stays, Consume, Culture, Food, Heritage, History, Short stays, Sweet treats, Traditions, Travel, United Kingdom, VisitBritain
How to see York – in 48 hours
July 2, 2019 May 2, 2020 by bmalzard1 Comment on How to see York – in 48 hours
I love cities that have many layers of history, where the stones speak of grim deeds, majestic events, innovative creations and the odd ghost. If your itinerary allows – spend some time in the atmospheric and elegant city of York, in Yorkshire, the UK's second mediaeval city. Eat, drink, sleep and play – all budgets catered to.
Vikings, Romans and chocolate have all left a lasting impression on the historic city of York. Encircled by impressive ancient walls (the City Walls form a walkway on both sides of the River Ouse), it has a long and varied history. York has been named the most haunted city in Europe – a fact enhanced by the city's many ancient and shadowy snickelways (a local term for narrow lanes, passageways and alleys).
York also boasts the largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe, as well as the largest railway museum in the world, plus it has a comprehensive calendar of events and festivals, including the February Jorvik Viking Festival, March's York Literature Festival, and September's York Food & Drink Festival.
Not to forget the world-class horseracing meetings held from May to October each year at York Races – a favourite among racegoers since it was founded in 1731.
The York Minster is a magnificent building inside and outside. Construction in timber began in 627 and stands today as testament to overcoming invasion, war, vandalism, religious persecution and every damn thing humans could throw at it.
Modern day saints
My favourite little statues (above) can be found up above at the back of nave, above the entrance to York Minster. They are actually Semaphore Saints, each of them represents a letter. The twelve headless saints holding haloes are signalling in semaphore. Semaphore is a way of sending a message without a mobile phone! Using two flags, or in this case haloes, each letter of the alphabet has its own signal. Artists Terry Hammill carved these stautues for an exhibition in 2004.
During the sixteenth century Protestant reformers accused Catholics of praying to statues. In a bid to stop this they attacked statues, either getting rid of them completely or making them unrecognisable by removing the heads and haloes and the objects that identified them. There are many instances of this kind of damage in the Minster. The Semaphore Saints pay tribute to all thse that have lost their heads.
The Grand Hotel & Spa.
Set in a charming Victorian rectory, the Parisi is a small, friendly and affordable hotel. Or, with 101 rooms, casual restaurant, and a sumptuous colour palate inspired by York's chocolate heritage, there's the InterContinental Hotel Group's boutique Hotel Indigo York.
And housed in the iconic former headquarters of the North Eastern Railway Company, The Grand Hotel & Spa is the city's only five-star hotel, providing fabulous first-class service and facilities.
10:00 Step up to York's highest point
The largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe, York Minster took 250 years to build, from 1220 till its consecration in 1472. This hallowed landmark impresses with dazzling stained glass, historic artefacts and awe-inspiring architecture. It's open for sightseeing every day, as well as for regular services, concerts and events (including the famous York Mystery Plays). For magnificent views, climb 275 winding steps, passing medieval pinnacles and gargoyles, to the top of the Minster's central tower – the highest point in all of York.
11:30 Circumnavigate the city walls
Familiarise yourself with York by taking a walk around the City Walls. At 3.4km long, they are the longest and best-preserved medieval city walls in England. Taking approximately two hours to complete the entire circuit, you may prefer to focus on just a few sections – in which case, the Friends of York Walls website suggests various routes and trails.
The centre of York is surrounded by walls whose foundations date back to medieval times. There is a wall walk around the city. 'VistBritain/Andrew Pickett'
13:30 Take away a 'Shambles' lunch
While exploring the Shambles, York's oldest street, grab lunch from Shambles Kitchen. Famous for its pulled pork sandwich, other healthy options include street food boxes, soups and smoothies.
The Shambles is an old street in York, England, with overhanging timber-framed buildings, some dating back as far as the fourteenth century. This image must be reproduced with the credit 'VistBritain/Andrew Pickett'
14:30 See the return of a steam-era superstar
The Flying Scotsman (a locomotive flagship for modernity in 1924) in York's National Railway Museum had a complex and lengthy £4.2million overhaul three years ago. This is the largest railway museum in the world, other attractions include the mighty Mallard, which has held the world speed record for steam locomotives since 1938, the massive Chinese Engine, presented to the museum by the Chinese Government, and the only Shinkansen (Japanese Bullet Train) outside of Japan.
16:00 Go back in time for afternoon tea on a train
Travel back in time to an era of luxury railway dining aboard the Countess of York, a beautifully restored rail carriage stationed in the South Gardens of the National Railway Museum. Its Afternoon Tea is a civilised treat with a Yorkshire twist: sandwiches and savouries include Yorkshire blue cheese and red onion marmalade tart, scones are baked to a traditional Yorkshire recipe, and homemade fancies include Parkin crème brulee. Choose a fine leaf tea by Taylor's of Harrogate.
17:00 Spot the little devil of Stonegate
Lined with shops, Stonegate is one of York's most fascinating and photogenic streets. Craftsmen including goldsmiths and stained-glass makers had premises here in the Middle Ages, many leaving their mark on the historic buildings. The little red devil outside No. 33 was a traditional symbol of a printer – a printer's apprentice being known as a "printer's devil".
18:30 Start dinner with proper Yorkshire puddings
The cousin of Michelin-starred country eatery The Star Inn, stylish The Star Inn The City specialises in authentic and delicious Yorkshire cooking. Yorkshire Puddings were traditionally served before, not with, a main meal – just as they are here. Other local flavours include Whitby crab, confit of east Yorkshire duck leg and plenty of Yorkshire beef. Served until 19.00, their two-course Market Menu is ideal for lunch or pre-theatre.
19:30 Open the curtains on a new production
A leading British theatre, York Theatre Royal has produced great drama for more than 250 years. Reopening in spring 2016 after a major £4.1million redevelopment project, productions include Shakespeare, opera, ballet and plays by famous UK and international playwrights.
10:00 Invade William the Conqueror's ruined castle
William the Conqueror built York Castle in 1068 shortly after the Norman Conquest, to cement his status over this former Viking city. The castle endured a tumultuous early history and its keep, known as Clifford's Tower, is almost all that remains. Standing high on its mound, this medieval ruin has served as a prison and a royal mint in its time. Once a lookout point for castle guards, the open-air wall walk at the top provides wonderful far-reaching views.
11:00 Experience prison life, the First World War & the Swinging Sixties
An increased demand for prison capacity in York in the 18th century required the construction of two new prison buildings below Clifford's Tower: The Female Prison and Debtors' Prison. These now form the York Castle Museum, with exhibitions illustrating York's social and military history. Popular attractions for all the family include a recreated Victorian cobbled street with authentic shops, schoolroom, police cell and Hansom cab. Other galleries give a sense of prison life, portray the horror of the First World War, and recreate the spirit of the 1960s.
13:30 Confront a Fat Rascal at Bettys
The founder of Bettys Café Tea Rooms travelled on the maiden voyage of the Queen Mary in 1936, and was so enthralled that he commissioned the same designers and craftsmen to create this elegant café – and it soon became a local landmark. Although there are plenty of tempting treats, Bettys is renowned for the Fat Rascal: an oval teacake with currants and candied peel, it goes well with a cup of Yorkshire tea.
Fat rascals.
14:30 See a sweet side to the city
While neighbouring towns made their wealth from wool, cotton and steel, York made its profits from chocolate. Some of the world's best-known names in chocolate were concocted in York. Joseph Rowntree created bestselling brands including Kit Kat, Smarties and Aero, while Joseph Terry gave us the Chocolate Orange and All Gold collection – inextricably linked with York's social and industrial past, these sweet empires are now part of Nestlé and Mondelēz International respectively. You'll find evidence of this chocolate heritage throughout York. Goddard's, the Terry family's beautiful Arts and Crafts style home, is now owned by the National Trust and is open to the public. A major visitor attraction, York's Chocolate Story, tells the rich tale of chocolate and confectionery in the city. There are also chocolate-themed walking trails, chocolate-making workshops, even an annual chocolate festival.
16:30 Get a chocolate retail fix
Chocolate connoisseurs should head to Monk Bar Chocolatiers, York's longest established artisan chocolatiers.
19:00 Dine in a former brothel
Enjoy casual yet decadent dining at The Blue Bicycle, a former 19th-century brothel overlooking the River Foss. Couples may share a romantic meal in one of the original private vaulted booths, while old photographs of exotic girls are reminders of the building's historic improprieties.
20:00 Unearth York's spookiest secrets
York has a spooky past. Infamous highwayman Dick Turpin was executed here in 1739, and local folklore is full of similar tales of tragedy and death. Experience the shadowy side of York on one of numerous nightly ghost walks. These include the Original Ghost Walk of York. The eerie apparitions you'll hear about include the Grey Lady, the Headless Earl, and the Legendary Legionnaires. Rather not walk? Try the Ghost Bus Tour, a professional comedy theatre company who present a mix of thrills, chills and chuckles on board a former funeral bus.
21:30 Whisky, gin…or a ghostly spirit
Afterwards, steady your nerve with a stiff drink at The Golden Fleece hotel, York's most haunted pub. Said to have five resident spirits, there have been numerous reports of ghostly apparitions and moving furniture. Or sample a vast range of local and international craft ales at The House of the Trembling Madness, an atmospheric ale shop and inn that also serves pub food, snacks and shareable platters.
Writer's tip: York is in the county of Yorkshire in the north of England, two hours north of London by train. The nearest international airports are Leeds-Bradford and Manchester Airport. Best to fly into Manchester and catch the train to York– quick as a wink!
http://www.visitbritain.com
Architecture, City sights, Culture, Heritage, History, Singapore, Travel
Singapore: Shophouses shine
December 11, 2018 February 24, 2019 by bmalzard2 Comments on Singapore: Shophouses shine
There was a time in Singapore when everything old is old again and must be torn down. After the devastation of Singapore during WWII, the region struggled to rebuild and restore pride for the locals.
Well, Singapore quickly became an economic gateway for the Asian region and a powerhouse for modernity, architectural innovation and post-war progress.
And while the machine of perpetual change revved up, many of the old buildings were demolished and streets flattened to make way for high-rise. And through to the 1990s the gleaming, clean, sharp-edged city was a model for progress – and the city had lost its soul.
But a change of heart was beating through the city and old shophouses were given a new lease of life and were being restored at a rapid rate to stand proud and colourful to add charm and a sense of history to Singapore. And there were even new buildings, built in the old style to compliment this emerging trend of heritage entitlement. Old buildings painted and shining with the bright gleam of pride sit comfortably in the shadow of the glass and steel monoliths.
With many beautifully preserved examples, the shophouses in Singapore are prime examples of timeless architectural appeal. These are narrow units built a neat row that explain and display Asian heritage and culture here more than any other structure – except maybe, for the temples.
Traditionally, a shophouse has a narrow frontage with a sheltered corridor at the front for pedestrians (called a five-foot way). They have internal courtyards, open stairwells and skylights to bring light and air into otherwise dark and narrow interiors.
Shophouses display different architectural influences, often depending on when they were built. Several periods have been identified when it comes to shophouse architecture.
There is the minimalist approach taken in the Early Style with little to no ornamentation, the austere elegance of the Second Transitional Style and the streamlined modernity of the Art Deco period, which eschewed rich detailing and tiling for sleek columns and arches instead.
A brilliant mix
It is the Late Style that is the most head-turning, with its bold use of colour and fancy tiles, as well as the eclectic mix of Chinese, Malay and European elements.
Think of Chinese porcelain-chip friezes and bat-wing shaped air vents co-existing with Malay timber fretwork, French windows, Portuguese shutters and Corinthian pilasters.
Neighbourhoods of Katong, Chinatown, Tanjong Pagar and Emerald Hill boast many fine examples of the shophouses described above.
Chinatown, Tanjong Pagar and Emerald Hill boast many fine examples of the shophouses described above.
Take a walk through these five-foot ways and see for yourself these beautiful examples of historic Singaporean architecture.
Writer, Bev Malzard has taken some of the above material from Singapore Tourism for extra info on the architectural styles. And recommends to keep your camera or phone at the ready to snap images of the startling sight of these jolly little shopfronts – so colourful, so charming.
Architecture, Australia, City sights, Culture, Heritage, History, Music, Vintage views
The State I'm in!
October 16, 2018 October 16, 2018 by bmalzardLeave a Comment on The State I'm in!
Or how I love old cinemas, eccentric architecture and overwrought decor.
Shame on you 1960s through to 1980s in Sydney. Just tore down old buildings willynilly to 'modernise' the city. And as the bricks tumbled, down came more than 20 old-style, elegant cinemas in Sydney including the Roma, Lido, Lyceum, Regent, Palace and sadly on and on the list goes.
The remaining cinemas are the State Theatre and the Capital Theatre.
And the State Theatre is here because its history spanned so many economic changes in the city that plans made to demolish, reinvigorate, turn into an office block and more, never got past the drawing board – and lucky it had history on its side.
It opened to grand fanfare in the social heyday of Sydney in 1929. It was the "Palace of Dreams'. Amazing architecture for the time and innovative structure behind the gothic, Italianate French and Jacobean crazy decor and foyer, theatre seating and private rooms design, made this extraordinary addition to the prominence of development in Sydney.
I recently took a two-hour tour of my fave theatre and discovered so much about it. I went as a child to the State when it was a movie theatre. And as television stole the movie-going public away from the theatres it became a live venue – as it had originally started out – with vaudeville acts and showy musicals.
I've seen artists from Bette Midler, through to Bob Dylan perform here and am off to see Catherine Tate soon.
There are many facts that are fascinating about the theatre which include:
Standing in the 2000 seat auditorium beautifully framed by 13 hand-cut crystal chandeliers
Observing the eclectic elements of the Theatre's Gothic, Italian and Art deco design
Discovering the State's famous Character Lounges including the exotic Butterfly Room (the ladies loo), the Pioneer Room, College Room and more
Be mesmerised by the world's second largest hand-cut crystal chandelier, the
Koh-i-Nor. This is the second largest hand-cut chandelier in the world – the first is the divine chandelier that hangs in the Hapsburg Palace in Vienna, Austria.
Admire prize-winning artworks by famous Australian artists including William Dobell, Mary Edwards, Charles Wheeler and Raymond Lindsay. Stories of people trying to steal these paintings are shocking. In fact the theatre has so many stories of vandalism and what has been stolen over the decades makes you realise that Sydney is a den of thieves.
Delve into the depths of the Theatre to discover engineering marvels and mechanical masterpieces.
The ladies toilets (powder rooms) were designed to be hidden away discreetly because way back in the 1920s it was unseemly that a 'lady' would go to the toilet. Women would not eat or drink during the show until they arrived at home – and they 'went' before going out for the night.
Also there were private smoking rooms throughout the theatre (smoking wasn't permitted in the foyer or inside the theatre) and these were for men only – ladies didn't smoke!
The beautiful brass filigree doors to the seating were going to be melted down in the 1950s and the metal would have been worth around $130 but now and still standing (or opening and shutting) and are worth $17000.
When the American servicemen were in Sydney on R&R during WWII, smoking was allowed in all public areas. And 40 years later when the entire interior of the foyer and staircase areas was cleaned there was so much nicotine clinging to the walls that the decoration had disappeared.
The Theatre is still available for special films and recently held the premier of Ladies in Black. The annual Sydney Film Festival is held here and always begins with a silent film.
The State's famous Wurlitzer organ that entertained the masses for many years is almost finished being restored. It will be back in action with its glorious makeover in 2019 when the State Theatre celebrates its 90th birthday. (The organ has to be played once a week to keep it in good working order.)
If you enjoy 'old Sydney' and the charm of the eccentric, try for a tour, it's interesting, nostalgic as you learn the character and traits of this magnificent and special building of majestic elegance.
Architectural purists may scoff, but remember this is a Palace of Dreams, am amusement park.
Visit: http://www.statetheatre.com.au to book tickets for a tour $25 – mad if you don't.
Writer Bev Malzard was pashed in this cinema when she was 17. And on another note, she grew up in the Sydney suburb of Earlwood that supported two cinemas – the Chelsea (now a bottle shop) and the Mayfair (now three small shops). She likes to visit the last of the grand old girls in Sydney – The Randwick Ritz and the Cremorne Orpheum.
Snce its opening in 1929, The State Theatre Sydney has captivated the hearts and minds of patrons with its majestic elegance. Join in a guided tour of this magnificent and unique building and discover why it's known as the Palace of Dreams.
During a fascinating 2 hour tour, you will:


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Home / NEWS / Constitutional crisis worsens in Cameroon
Constitutional crisis worsens in Cameroon
in NEWS, POLITICS March 24, 2019	0 306 Views
FRANCK KUWONU
Agitation over language is based in deeper grievances about political and social representation
What started as a struggle for sovereignty by citizens of southern Cameroon has spiralled into a full-blown crisis. Rebel groups seeking an end to what they consider domination of the anglophone south by the francophone north have taken up weapons against the government's security forces, causing hundreds to die while tens of thousands are forced from their homes.
Factories have been shuttered, roads have become impassable, warehouses have been destroyed, and truck drivers are routinely kidnapped for ransom.
The current crisis heated up in 2016 when activists in Cameroon's western provinces protested the official use of the French language in these predominantly anglophone regions.
In the past two years, those protests have turned deadly.
A prominent Cameroonian scholar and professor at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa, Achille Mbembe, observes that Anglophone Cameroonians "don't feel there is a place for them in the current administrative and political order in the country."
People complain about being marginalized because the administration doesn't speak their language, Mr. Mbembe says, adding that the controversy over language is an expression of deeper, long-held grievances around good governance and equitable political and social representation.
Humanitarian problems
UN Secretary-General António Guterres in September 2017 urged Cameroonian authorities to "promote measures of national reconciliation aimed at finding a durable solution to the crisis, including by addressing its root causes."
In her report to the 39th session of the UN's Human Rights Council last September, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet mentioned the crisis in Cameroon: "Fighting has intensified in the so-called anglophone regions between security forces and armed groups.
"The government has not acted to promote the conference on dialogue suggested by religious leaders, and there is still no mechanism in place which could envisage a halt in hostilities in the short term."
Approximately 437,000 people are internally displaced across the affected provinces, said David Malan of the local Norwegian Refugees Council Office in an interview with Africa Renewal.
Most displaced people are taking refuge in remote rural areas or in surrounding bushlands and forests, several humanitarian agencies confirmed. Mr. Malan added that "getting them needed help has proved challenging."
Cameroon's GDP growth had been projected to reach 3.8% this year, a rebound from the previous year, due to an increase in natural gas production. That goal is now likely unattainable.
The country's economic growth "depends on the government's ability to successfully handle the violent secessionist conflict in the two anglophone regions," the World Bank stated last October.
The western provinces, hotbed of the crisis, produce cocoa and coffee, the country's two main agriculture exports. Oil production, which accounts for an estimated 40% of the country's GDP, mostly takes place in the coast of the Southwest Region.
Groupement inter-patronal du Cameroun (GICAM), an association of business leaders, declared in September that violence in two anglophone regions in the west of the country was forcing companies to halt operations.
Due to the crisis, GICAM estimates total loss of revenue as of October 2018 to be about $470 million, while 13,000 jobs, mostly in the agricultural sector, have been or are about to be lost.
Regional concerns
While fighting so far is within Cameroonian borders, there are fears its escalation could destabilize all of Central Africa and parts of West Africa.
Cameroonian refugees have begun moving to border communities in Cross River State in the south of neighboring Nigeria. They arrive nearly destitute and eke out a living in low-wage jobs.
They are mostly young people and women who have witnessed violence firsthand. "I could not take any clothes. There was shooting—they killed my uncle and shot my cousin," a 39-year-old mother of four told UNHCR, in a story published on the refugee agency's website.
Janet Obi, who used to trade in cocoa and clothes back home in Cameroon, is now tending cornfields in a village in Nigeria, the Qatar-based media company Al Jazeera reported in August.
"I get paid between 500 to 1,000 naira [$2 to $4] a day," Stella Obi (no relation of Janet) told Al Jazeera as she worked the soil in a small vegetable field. "I never tasted this kind of suffering when I was in my village in Cameroon."
These refugees are "employed as cheap day labourers, mostly in cocoa fields," Chiara Cavalcanti of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCR) told Africa Renewal. Just as it is for western Cameroon, cocoa is Cross River State's main commercial agricultural product.
Meantime, rights groups continue to denounce both the activities of the separatists and the central government's tough response. Political observers warn that government crackdowns may exacerbate the situation.
Cameroon gained independence in 1961 and operated a federal system comprising two former UN trusteeship territories: French Cameroun and British Southern Cameroon. In 1972, the federal state was abrogated in favour of the United Republic of Cameroon, which was later renamed Republic of Cameroon.
In 1990, the first All Anglophone Conference was held in Buea, the historic capital of British Southern Cameroon. The participants called for a return to a federal state by April 1993, deeming the federal arrangement a better option than the prevailing unitary system.
The dream of a federal government did not materialize, sparking complaints over the years by people in the western regions that they were being marginalized by the central government.
Although the government has made efforts to address the situation by promising an inclusive approach to governance, few or no actions seem to have been taken, which prompted the latest protests and the ensuing violence.
The Catholic Church steps in
The Catholic Church recently renewed its calls for dialogue. "The Catholic Church can help break this dangerous stalemate," suggests the Brussels-based international policy research group International Crisis Group (ICG).
Some 30% of the Cameroonian population is Catholic, giving the religious body clout to bring the warring parties to a peace table, the ICG believes.
Still, there appears to be divisions between anglophone and francophone clergies. Those divisions "stand in the way of [the Catholic Church] playing a constructive role," notes the ICG.
To resolve the crisis and bring stability to the country, Mr. Guterres indicated his preference for a "genuine and inclusive dialogue between the government and the communities in the South-West and North-West regions."
Cameroon Constitutional crisis	2019-03-24
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Selena Barrientos
Associate Entertainment and News Editor
Wendy Williams fans were ecstatic to learn that their "Queen of Tea" is officially making her return to "The Wendy Williams Show." Thursday marks two months since Williams last appeared on the air. Although no return seemed anywhere in sight, it's clear the beloved host was always meant to reclaim her throne."Wendy Williams is an incredible talent with the most unique voice in daytime," a statement from media company Debmar-Mercury reads. "We can't wait to welcome her back to her iconic purple chair on the set of her show on Monday, March 4th. We so appreciate all of the guest hosts and panelists who filled in for Wendy during this time. These people are, and always will be, true family to the show. And we want to thank all of the loyal and supportive fans who have been with us for 10 years now."Finally hearing the news they've been waiting for, fans immediately began celebrating on Twitter. "Real Wendy watchers can wait for you, Queen! Take your time! Can't wait for your return! Your purple chair isn't going anywhere," one person tweeted. "YESSSSSS! Can we get 2 hours of hot topics everyday of that week?" another fan requested. Although many viewers are eager to make up for lost time, there are others who are still unsure whether Williams will really return, with some asking celebrity blogger Perez Hilton for his thoughts. "Do you think she's really back on the 4th?" one person tweeted. "Yes," answered Hilton.Given Williams' difficult journey to recover from a number of medical emergencies, it isn't surprising that fans question her return. Williams' original break was due to a shoulder injury that took more time than expected to heal. Not long after, it was revealed that she was hospitalized due to Graves' disease complications.During Williams' absence, loyal watchers were left in the care of temporary celebrity hosts, including Nick Cannon, actress Keke Palmer and comedian Sherri Shepherd, among others. In the meantime, "The Wendy Williams Show" will be showing reruns next week, with new episodes on March 4, when Williams returns. Our DVRs are already set!
Wendy Williams fans were ecstatic to learn that their "Queen of Tea" is officially making her return to "The Wendy Williams Show." Thursday marks two months since Williams last appeared on the air. Although no return seemed anywhere in sight, it's clear the beloved host was always meant to reclaim her throne.
"Wendy Williams is an incredible talent with the most unique voice in daytime," a statement from media company Debmar-Mercury reads. "We can't wait to welcome her back to her iconic purple chair on the set of her show on Monday, March 4th. We so appreciate all of the guest hosts and panelists who filled in for Wendy during this time. These people are, and always will be, true family to the show. And we want to thank all of the loyal and supportive fans who have been with us for 10 years now."
Wendy Williams announces 'extended break' from talk show
Wendy Williams diagnosed with Graves' disease, announces show hiatus
A post shared by Wendy Williams (@wendyshow)
Finally hearing the news they've been waiting for, fans immediately began celebrating on Twitter. "Real Wendy watchers can wait for you, Queen! Take your time! Can't wait for your return! Your purple chair isn't going anywhere," one person tweeted. "YESSSSSS! Can we get 2 hours of hot topics everyday of that week?" another fan requested.
Although many viewers are eager to make up for lost time, there are others who are still unsure whether Williams will really return, with some asking celebrity blogger Perez Hilton for his thoughts. "Do you think she's really back on the 4th?" one person tweeted. "Yes," answered Hilton.
Given Williams' difficult journey to recover from a number of medical emergencies, it isn't surprising that fans question her return. Williams' original break was due to a shoulder injury that took more time than expected to heal. Not long after, it was revealed that she was hospitalized due to Graves' disease complications.
During Williams' absence, loyal watchers were left in the care of temporary celebrity hosts, including Nick Cannon, actress Keke Palmer and comedian Sherri Shepherd, among others.
In the meantime, "The Wendy Williams Show" will be showing reruns next week, with new episodes on March 4, when Williams returns. Our DVRs are already set!


D Sharp Mobile Diabetes Management started out with a simple and very personal goal: create an app to make managing type 1 diabetes easier.
The simple request quickly grew into a cross-device, cross-platform web-based app for any type of diabetes.
(c) 2019 D Sharp Mobile Software Corporation. All rights reserved.


EAO Ltd has introduced a new family of DC centrifugal fans that in typical high performance cooling applications consume 13% less power than competitive products currently available and offer significantly reduced acoustic noise levels.
Manufactured by Sanyo Denki the new San Ace C175 9TGA DC centrifugal cooling fans measures just 175mm x 69mm. The 48VDC version delivers 1100Pa (max) static pressure with a maximum airflow of 1056m3/hour (622 CFM) whilst the 24VDC version produces 830Pa (max) static pressure and delivers a maximum airflow of 918m3/hour (541CFM). Both fans features a sound pressure level (SPL) rating that is 3dB(A) lower than competitors' products.
The new San Ace C175 9TGA cooling fans are part of an extensive Sanyo Denki centrifugal fan range supplied and supported by EAO Ltd. The company's product portfolio also includes DC centrifugal fans in100, 133, 150, 175, 221, 225 and 270mm diameters, available in both standard and IP55 rated versions.


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Posted by MarkGB | Apr 20, 2009 | Uncategorized | 0 |
"Knowing" is the new Sci-fi thriller from director Alex Proyas (Dark City, I, Robot). A thriller that, unfortunitely, doesn't live up to it's promise we witness in the first hour of the film.
It stars Nicolas Cage, who, to be kind, is really mailing-it-in these days, and is on quite a cold streak with recent fare like "Wicker Man", "Next", and "Bangkok Dangerous". Unfortunitely, his performance here is no different.
Cage stars as Professor of Astrophysics at MIT, John Koestler. He is a depressed, widowed father to his young son, Caleb(Chandler Canterbury). At Caleb's school, a time capsule from exactly 50 years earlier is opened from the ground infront of the school. It contains the drawings and precitions of children from 1959. But the strange sheet Caleb gets is far from a child's drawing: Just rows and rows of numbers. We see in the opening, the numbers are written by a strange girl named Lucinda.
Koestler discovers these numbers contain every tragic event from the last 50 years. Except for 3 events, which have not yet occured. His discovery, is of course initially scoffed at by colleague and close friend Phil Beckman (Ben Mendelsohn), a cosmologist.
The numbers lead Koaestler to Diana (Rose Byrne), the daughter of Lucina, and Abby,Diana's Daughter, and Lucinda's Granddaughter (Linda and Abby are both played by Lara Robinson).
The first half of "Knowing" plays out like a 50's sci-fi flick. It also shares similarities to M.Night Shyamalan's "Signs", especially concerning the lead characters, as both men have lost their wives,their faith, and are raising young children alone.
There are some suspenseful and stylish scenes Proyas creates, such as a stunning plane crash sequence which catches the viewer offguard. It's too bad the strong first half makes way to a very silly second half. Without going into spoilers, the plot developments late in the film are simply not necessary. The film would have been betterleft in a different direction than the resolution provides. The final scene ultimately is one that is far too familar with sci-fi films and offers the viewer nothing they have not seen before.
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text:
/*
  SD Datalogger.side

  Application prompts you to type numbers into SimpleIDE Terminal, and
  records to SD.  Plays back all numbers after you type q and press Enter.

  http://learn.parallax.com/propeller-c-simple-devices/sd-card-data
*/

#include "simpletools.h"                      // Include simpletools header    .

int DO = 22, CLK = 23, DI = 24, CS = 25;      // SD card pins on Propeller BOE

int main(void)                                // main function
{
  print("Enter several values.\n\n");         // User instructions
  print("To see logged values, press\n");
  print("Enter a second time.\n\n");

  sd_mount(DO, CLK, DI, CS);                  // Mount SD card

  FILE* fp = fopen("test.txt", "w");          // Open a file for writing

  int n, status;                              // Number & status variables
  while(1)                                    // Endless loop
  {
    print("> ");                              // User prompt
    status = scan("%d", &n);                  // Get number & status
    if(!status) break;                        // Status 0? Break out of loop
    fwrite(&n, 4, 1, fp);                     // Write number to SD card
  }
  fclose(fp);                                 // Close the file

  print("\nYou entered:\n");                  // List heading

  fp = fopen("test.txt", "r");                // Open a file for writing
  while(1)
  {
    status = fread(&n, 4, 1, fp);             // Read from SD & get status
    if(!status) break;                        // If no more, break loop
    print("n = %d\n", n);                     // Display value
  }
  fclose(fp);                                 // Close the file
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


For those seeking more modest, relaxed surroundings, Patisserie Tomoko, a half-bakery, half-dessert bar, opened in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, in November with a dessert prix fixe ($12 to $16) available at a counter beneath space-age lamps. The pastry chef and owner, Tomoko Kato, is still settling in, and only a few desserts are available on any given day. But there is promise here, in a cake of rich chestnut mousse undercut by bracing pear gelée and in the terrifically soft matcha cookies that have the texture of a half-baked brownie.


text:
Karnataka Assembly election 2018 results will teach BJP lesson to mend ways, says Congress' M Mallikarjun Kharge
Kalaburagi | Published: May 8, 2018 10:06:55 AM
Karnataka Assembly election 2018: The May 12 Karnataka Assembly election results would teach a lesson to the BJP to mend its ways and send a larger message that people will not accept what the NDA-led party is doing on the advice of RSS, senior Congress leader M Mallikarjuna Kharge has claimed.
Karnataka Assembly election 2018: Alleging that the BJP-led NDA government did not fulfil election promises, Kharge listed various schemes and welfare programmes of the Siddaramaiah government in Karnataka.
Karnataka Assembly election 2018: The May 12 Karnataka Assembly election results would teach a lesson to the BJP to mend its ways and send a larger message that people will not accept what the NDA-led party is doing on the advice of RSS, senior Congress leader M Mallikarjuna Kharge has claimed. While the Congress' campaign theme revolves around development, it's also an "ideological fight" against the RSS-BJP which he alleged, is taking people for a ride.
"They (RSS-BJP) are implementing their own agenda. Particularly the weaker sections, minorities and poorer sections, they feel insecure under the BJP and RSS-supported government," the Leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha alleged.
Karnataka Assembly poll is "very crucial" not only for the State's interest but also from the national perspective, he said. "If you don't prevent BJP here (in Karnataka), then definitely they will destroy the democracy; they are talking a lot of things about change of Constitution and also 'Hindutva' against the minorities. All these arguments (of the BJP), people don't accept," Kharge told PTI.
On some opinion polls forecasting a hung verdict in the poll, he said pre-election survey predictions depend on their terms of reference and on parameters they were conducted. Karnataka is 'ahead' in development, and on law and order, investment and employment-generation fronts and, so, the ruling Congress would be 'ahead' in election also, Kharge said.
Alleging that the BJP-led NDA government did not fulfil election promises, Kharge listed various schemes and welfare programmes of the Siddaramaiah government in Karnataka. "I don't think people will let us down," he said. Kharge claimed that the BJP has deployed 30 to 40 Central ministers and about 100 ministers from various States for campaigning in Karnataka and drafted RSS workers for door-to-door canvassing. "This itself shows that they (BJP) are afraid of Congress," he added.
The coming election is "very important and crucial" as it would send a "message" that "whatever the BJP is doing, on the advice of RSS, people are not going to accept." Charging the BJP with trying to weaken institutions, including the Judiciary, Kharge said people would be happy if such a party is defeated at the hustings. "This will teach them a lesson to mend (ways), (and) to act according to the Constitutional methods," he said.
Follow financialexpress.com for all news and analysis on the Lok Sabha Elections 2019. Check Lok Sabha election 2019 schedule, Lok Sabha Constituency Details and updates on campaigning by Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi. Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter.
Karnataka Assembly Elections 2018


text:
Dot the i
February 20, 2017 · by The Thorn · in Film. ·
Synopsis: A wavering bride, a stranger, an earnest groom: "romantic triangle," right? Think again. To that set-up, filmmaker Matthew Parkhill adds twist after twist to shape a surprising romantic thriller. Gael Garcia Bernal (The Motorcycle Diaries) plays the stranger. Natalia Verbeke is Carmen. And James D'Arcy (Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World) portrays her fiancé. Each has secrets to be revealed. Each is prey to the others' agendas. Keep your eyes open. Don't miss a detail. Cross your t's and Dot the I.
Dot the i 7.25
eyelights: its core concept. its pretty cast.
eyesores: its unlikely plot twist. its wobbly performances.
"Come on, whatever you say, whatever you do, movies always got there first. Even that line you just said comes from a movie."
What if your life was a fabrication, a manipulation by outside forces? What if you were being watched everywhere you went? What if your actions were being recorded and you didn't know it? What if the people closest to you weren't who you thought they were?
Such are the questions thrown at the audience in 'Dot the i', the 2003 suspense film by Matthew Parkhill starring Gael García Bernal, Natalia Verbeke and James D'Arcy. It follows Carmen as her life is thrown into upheaval when she falls for Kit at a party.
…just as she's about to get married to Barnaby.
An impetuous and tempestuous woman, she explores this new connection even though she knows it will destabilize her whole life: she spends her days with Kit, lying to Barnaby, losing her job, even getting arrested over this burgeoning affair. She can't help it.
But she comes to regret it as she sees Barnaby fade out of her life and her former insecurities grow; she feels as though she's being followed, and though Barnaby was there to protect and soothe her in the past, she can't count on him anymore. Or anyone else.
She doesn't feel safe.
And rightfully so, as 'Dot the i' makes painfully clear: Carmen was being followed. She was also being filmed everywhere she went. But who's intruding so massively on her personal space? And what does this person want? What exactly is going on?
The picture tries so hard to muddy the waters so that we always wonder who the culprit is, but ultimately it's not an especially deep or satisfying result. Thankfully, it's also not random – we can deduce who the person is, though not quite their motivations.
And this is where the picture falls apart: the big reveal is intriguing, in a "could someone do that?" or "could someone get away with that?" sort of way, but it's not especially convincing. Instead, it leaves us incredulous – and even more so as it carries on.
And the whole finale is totally absurd: there's no way to believe that the relationships have developed the way that they did or that the outcome could be staged the way that it was. This twist is really just the product of a movie flailing for a happy ending.
But it's rubbish.
The relationship between Carmen and Kit is also questionable at times, especially when Kit makes grand gestures or they have typically "romantic" moments. They feel fake, contrived. And the lengthy love scene is just silly, with Carmen wearing her top throughout.
Who does that?
Look, if you must conceal the actress (likely a contractual obligation), which is fine, just shoot her at unrevealing angles. It's not rocket science! Sheesh.
Thankfully, the actors are worth a look:
Bernal is his usually excellent self, though some of his carefree laughter didn't seem genuine at all.
Verbeke isn't always convincing, but there's certainly something about her that makes her watchable.
D'Arcy was interesting, in that he channeled some of Anthony Perkins' creep factor as Norman Bates.
And look for Tom Hardy and Charlie Cox in early parts, though both are too goofy to be bearable.
Where the picture succeeds the most at is in being mildly creepy: by giving us POV shots from the cameras watching Carmen, we are constantly reminded of this looming threat. It does what 'Sliver' attempted slightly more successfully, though not perfectly.
The box art claims that 'Dot the i" is "This year's Memento". It isn't: it's far too simplistic for that. But of course, in all fairness, no other movie could ever be 'Memento'. Still, this one's reasonably captivating for the genre and it never overstays its welcome.
At the very least, it's worth a look.
Date of viewing: January 10, 2017
Tags: Crime, Drama, Foreign films, Mystery, Romance, Sex, Suspense
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text:
Umbrella Academy: Everything We Know About Ben's Death
by Craig Elvy
in SR Originals
The Umbrella Academy has yet to reveal how Ben died, but did leave a trail of clues throughout season 1. Based on the comic books by Gerard Way and Gabriel Ba, The Umbrella Academy tells the story of 7 children with superpowers who are adopted, trained into heroes and go on to become deeply flawed, dysfunctional adults. When the show's present-day story begins, Ben, the sixth of the Hargreeves children, has already passed away but, fortunately, one of his siblings has the ability to commune with the dead. Unfortunately, said sibling, Robert Sheehan's Klaus, is deeply hooked on alcohol and drugs and is unable to use his powers properly while in such a state.
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While Ben appears to Klaus as a ghost throughout season 1 of The Umbrella Academy, only during the final episode is Klaus able to physically manifest Ben - to the amazement of the other siblings. Ben's ghost seems largely ashamed of Klaus' hedonism but despite being quick to chastise his brother, Ben doesn't reveal anything to the audience about how he actually died. The other Academy members, with the exception of the time-travelling Number 5, clearly know the details of Ben's demise, but the event is only ever mentioned in hushed references, leaving viewers none the wiser.
Related: What To Expect From The Umbrella Academy Season 2
The Umbrella Academy has now been confirmed for a second season and Ben's death remains one of the show's biggest outstanding mysteries. Season 1 may have left this question unanswered, but there are several breadcrumbs hidden in season 1, providing some hints and teases regarding what may have happened to Ben on that fateful day.
What We Know About Ben's Death In The Umbrella Academy
It's not clear exactly when Ben died in The Umbrella Academy's timeline, but deduction would imply that it happened during his late teens. In the Hargreeves mansion, a series of family portraits depicts the crime-fighting youngsters through the years and, in the first portrait without Ben, the other siblings are clearly at the beginning of adulthood. It's established that Ben died before Diego, Allison and Klaus left the Academy and before Luther spent years on the moon, so it would make the most sense for Ben to have died between the ages of 18 and 21.
The Ben-less family portrait also shows all of the team looking noticeably miserable, with the exception of Luther. Since Luther is the only Academy member never to leave, this hints that Ben's death acted as the motivation for Klaus, Allison and Diego to strike out on their own, since this too is never explicitly addressed.
When it comes to the manner of Ben's death, The Umbrella Academy provides conflicting information. After Number 5 returns from the future, Vanya ominously confirms that Ben's final moments were "bad," implying a violent end for her brother. However, when Klaus sees ghosts, many of them still are still sporting their fatal injuries in the afterlife. On the other hand, Ben's ghost looks more or less untouched, which perhaps nods towards a more unconventional death than viewers might assume. Had Ben died from a gunshot wound, stabbing, explosion or fall from height, the evidence would likely be visible on his spectral form.
Related: The First Season Of The Umbrella Academy: Every Episode Ranked From Worst To Best
What The Umbrella Academy Comics Reveal About Ben's Death
Usually, fans of a live action comic book adaptation can go back and check the source material to find out answers to certain key mysteries. This is not exactly true when it comes to Ben's death in The Umbrella Academy. At the time of writing, the Gerard Way and Gabriel Ba series has yet to reveal the exact circumstances surrounding Ben, despite the story being much further along that the Netflix series. Once again, there have been a few hints and clues, but no concrete confirmation or exploration of how Ben died.
In the Umbrella Academy comics, Allison claims that the Hargreeves siblings blame Luther for Ben dying, and it's suggested that he, alongside the group's adoptive father, pushed Ben too hard. Certainly, Luther is the most dedicated member of the group but there's no real suggestion in the TV show that the Academy pin any responsibility on their furry leader.
Furthermore, Way has since suggested that Luther won't necessarily be linked to Ben's death in the Netflix series, at least not solely. Speaking with IGN, the former My Chemical Romance vocalist stated, "I think that they all maybe have some involvement in Ben's death." If ultimately proven true, this would account for the general sense of morose unease when the remaining members of the Umbrella Academy discuss their fallen brother. The subject of Ben is more than just a sensitive topic or painful memory in the Hargreeves household, it's a huge shadow weighing over the group.
Ben Didn't Have A Cause Of Death Until The Umbrella Academy Came To Netflix
Interestingly, Way has also claimed that he didn't have Ben's death planned out properly before the TV adaptation was developed, and that while writing the comics, his intention was to simply address the issue at a later stage. In a Forbes interview, Way described his writing process as "improvisational jazz," where the details are gradually added to a rough eight-volume outline and the specifics of Ben's death hadn't actually been jammed-out until Way sat down with The Umbrella Academy's showrunner, Steve Blackman. In order to create a fully-realized TV series, Way was forced to flesh out his fictional world and it was only at this point that he came up with an answer to Ben's death.
Related: EXCLUSIVE: The Umbrella Academy Was Bigger Than Stranger Things Season 1
Theories About How Ben Died In The Umbrella Academy
One popular online fan theory regarding Ben's death is that the character took his own life. This largely stems from the inscription seen on Ben's memorial statue, which reads, "May the darkness within you find peace in light." If Ben did commit suicide, that might help explain why his ghost shows no sign of injury and would also fit in with The Umbrella Academy's general message that training kids to fight crime was tantamount to abuse. Committing suicide naturally follows on from the idea that Ben hated using his powers - something highlighted in the bank robbery flashback - and could explain Gerard Way's claim that the other siblings share responsibility for Ben's fate. After all, it was they who encouraged a reluctant Ben to summon his inter-dimensional beasts and beat up bad guys. This theory doesn't, however, fit with the overall suggestion that Ben died as the result of a mission gone wrong.
The "darkness" mentioned in Ben's epitaph could also be interpreted more literally, referring to the monsters he's capable of bringing forth. This would account for Vanya's claim that something went badly wrong and fit with the idea that Ben wasn't comfortable with his ability. The season 1 finale demonstrated that powers can easily spiral out of control if not properly trained, so it would make sense if Ben was killed while trying to push his ability past its limit and summoned something he couldn't control.
Of course, it's completely plausible that Ben simply died while taking part in a routine mission, and that a formidable crook took advantage of his youth and inexperience to take down one of the famous Umbrella kids. Alternatively, if this were the case, The Umbrella Academy surely wouldn't build up such a sense of mystery around Ben's death, and instead would've explained what happened at the first opportunity. After so much speculation, a routine demise could feel like somewhat of a letdown, and therefore The Umbrella Academy could have something typically unique in store for the eventual reveal of Ben's death.
More: Umbrella Academy's Dance Scene Teased Season 1's Ending
The Umbrella Academy season 2 has been confirmed by Netflix. More news as it arrives.
Tags: the umbrella academy
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