Azulejos

The azulejo refers to a typical form of Portuguese or Spanish painted, tin-glazed, ceramic tilework. They have become a typical aspect of Portuguese culture, manifesting without interruption during five centuries the consecutive trends in art.

Wherever one goes in Portugal, azulejos are to be found anywhere in the streets - inside and outside ordinary houses, churches, palaces, and even train or subway stations. They constitute a major aspect of Portuguese architecture as they are applied on walls, floors and even ceilings. They were not only used as an ornamental art form, but also had a specific functional capacity like temperature control at homes. Many azulejos chronicle major historical and cultural aspects of Portuguese history.

I couldn't stop photographing all the different patterns while I saw all this beauty around me in Portugal (I like to study patterns) - so I managed to gather a small photo collection of azulejos of my own.



















All images by Olga

And I have more patterns to come...

ESCAPISM

While my leg still hurts, I try to distract myself from it.... So I have just finished reading this book and can really recommend it to those interested in Indian culture and reality.



This movie is an interesting attempt at showing various aspects of la vie parisienne. Probably not as brilliant as 'Paris' by Cedric Clapisch, but is a take of 20+ different directors expressing their love for the 'city of light' - totally worth watching..


Images via Google

SKIING

Images by Olga

Some images from our unfortunate ski trip - as promised. The weather ranged from super sunny to snowy and cold and at times foggy with the fog almost palpable! All in all great time first 4 days...

LIFE IN THE CAST

Image by Olga

I managed to enjoy 4 days of skiing in Italy... and then I tore my ligaments in my knee after my ski didn't come off as it was supposed to when I fell... Having your whole leg in a cast is quite a torture - can't do much for myself... but ironically can work perfectly well from home - just need to be able to type and speak :).

Planning to take it easy though, which definitely means more blogging during this looong recovery period.. Will post some ski pics next :)

TO YOU, LADIES ..!

Image author unknown

This is to you, ladies, to the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn, like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars and in the middle you see the blue center-light pop and everybody goes "Ahh!”

quoted from Jack Kerouac

NOSTALGIA

Gomel - my beautiful home-town in various seasons...





















All images by Sasha Pshul - classmate and best friend

The Ring

Image by Olga

I was sent this beautiful ring by LuShae Jewelry. It was a complimentary item I was able to choose myself from their collection. I picked it because it has quite interesting and unique design.. and I like the combination of the form, black enamel and luster.

The company is involved in blogging world as well, check their website if you are interested in cooperation.

...zzzzZZZZ...

Image by Olga

sleeping too much these days and at the same time can't get enough sleep... it's always like that in feb-march.. have started to mix dreams with reality... winters definitely too long in this part of the world..