The Start of Spring - Kuekenhof

The tulip's have started. The fields in Kuekenhof are in full bloom. This weekends adventure will be a road trip to see the flowers that Holland is famous for. However there will not only be Tulip's but there will be a stop at the "Famous" (I only put that in quotes because I had never heard of it and I'm thinking it may pan out to be like the "Biggest Ball of Twine") Defense Line of Amsterdam -- a 135KM wall around the city of Amsterdam built between 1883 and 1920. It's the only example of a fortification based on the principle of controlling the waters. Since the 16th century the people of the Netherlands have used their expert knowledge for hydraulic engineering for defence purposes -- using controlled flooding of the countryside to discourage invaders. The overnight say will be in Delft -- the setting for the book and latter the movie that thrust Scarlett Johansson out of the indie film arena into main stream ... The Girl With the Pearl Earring (Lost in Translation was before Pearl Earring and still considered "Indie" even though Bill Murray was in it). The weekend will culminate in a special Easter Service at the chapel in Aachen. I'll let you know how it is.

Update on Monday, April 9, 2007 at 10:06 by LIFETRASH

The flowers were about 70% in bloom -- I would say the full height of the season will be in two weeks. The cost for entry was 13 Euro a person and 5 Euro for parking. The flowers that were in bloom were gorgeous... to include a green house full of Orchids -- even the elusive orchid from Adaptation was on display (the Ghost Orchid)
Orchids From there it was off to Delft which was a nice miniature version of Amsterdam, complete with "Cafes" and plenty of shopping of the blue and white ceramic dish variety that makes the town famous. Back in the day, Delft was a huge trade center with China and this is where they got their porcelain making techniques. After the hotel managed to try and over-charged by 40 Euros (Grand Hotel Delft -- just say no)... the traditional Dutch Farm was a really nice surprise. Cheesy but in expensive and fun ... plus -- all the bread and cheese samples you could eat. Lots of photo ops of windmills, wooden shoe making demos, and you could even try a pair on and tromp around in them. Some pretty amazing stuff. All and all I think the best part was the stop in the mid evil city of Aachen. the cathedral, the ancient streets, and the huge stadthalle. It was a wonderful surprise with cold beer and good food.

Bulgaria Via Private Jet

Once again ... total luck out in living the life of the rich and famous. Had to purchase Armani (it was the exchange label so don't get any ideas that I really am rich)... sunglasses to look glamorous when strutting down the Air Stairs in Sophia. However, you have to start to get concerned when the most expensive hotel in town is 45 USD and the biggest attraction, aside from the cathedral, is a natural spring that is believed to be the fountain of youth. Stand by for hotel, food, and foutian of youth review.

Update on Thursday, March 29, 2007 at 13:46 by LIFETRASH

You have to wonder about the fountain of youth with the Sister that took your money to drink from it walked with a cane, and was in bad need of botox.

LOST IN THE AMERICAS

Pureto Rico in May - so tempting... As my friend DeAnna says -- go forth and salsa your Ba-dunk-a-dunk off under the twinklie lights with all those dark GUAPO HOMBRES while drinking drinks with brightly colored umbrellas - feeling the cool seabreeze on your sunburned shoulders.... (you gotta love DeAnna) Rum anyone?

The Berlinale - It's Finally Here!

I love February - not for Valentines Day (Vomit) - but for the Berlin Film Festival. For all its wonderful independent films, shown in rich old fashioned movie houses as well as modern all glass ones. Mingling with directors, and producers, editors, and sound / light specialist. And, of course -- the actors. BERLIN FILM FESTIVAL The tickets go on sale at midnight tonight. Films that win Jury Prizes will be listed next week. Last year was fabulous - Heath Ledger in person at his premire of "CANDY" -- a heart breaking story of loving someone enough to let them go ... masterful performances by Ledger and Geoffrey Rush. Hotel reservations have been made at the super chic festival sponsored hotel -- Ku'Damm 101. Due to some stroke of luck I've been able to network in the photographer circles and it's paying off in my favorite activities...like snagging tickets, rooms, and party invites. C'est to the Jet Set ... I'm sure it will never happen again!

THEATER IN EUROPE

Some of the things I've missed since moving away from Minneapolis is small independent live theater. Those same small theaters where Josh Harnett got his start and Jessica Lange brilliantly played Hamlet's mother. And the music. Where anything could happen. Having a drink at the Underground and you suddenly find yourself having a beer with the Replacements. Or playing the Spoons at Kiernan's in between shots of Jameson. Or one of the most memorable nights ... while on break from "Advanced Copy writing" (one of my classes that met at an advertising agency in the warehouse district of Minneapolis) all 5 members of class ran across the street to "Players" to catch a set from the jazz trio playing and have a drink. After all, a 20 minute break was not to be wasted with small talk. Five minutes in to our drink Prince walks in the door and proceeds to perform a mind blowing acoustic version of "Nothing Compares to You". Withdrawal set in and as I was waxing poetic about the "scene" ... my European friends intervened with theater tickets and night clubs. Theater in English ... followed by live music at Oscar's Live Lounge. That night it was electronica jazz a la Herbie Hancock. It was probably as cool as it gets north of the Alps and east of the pond. Not a GI in site -- wonderful. See you again tomorrow night...

Update on Monday, January 29, 2007 at 1:07 by LIFETRASH

There is an awesome Indian restaurant right next to the Theater -- not your typical Dali Lama decor of the Indian restaurants in K-Town (where everything looks like it needs to be dusted) but more of a Hip Bollywood meets Milano. Clean lines, groovy lighting, sterling silver serving dishes and creative food presentation. The drinks are fabulous and the KIR is a must have before dinner warm up. Cost for two, with drinks and appetizers ... 80 Euro.