Hotel De La Paiva Brings Versailles to Paris
Have you ever wondered what life in Paris was like during France’s second Republic (1848 – 1852)? Tucked away on the world’s most famous boulevard is a magnificent private house offering visitors an immersive experience of 19th century Paris. But it’s not just any house, Hotel de la Païva was the home of one of Paris’ richest and most famous courtesans, and the story of how she acquired the house, and what she made of it, is quite incredible. Readers of Zola’s ‘Nana’ and ‘Lady of the Camellias’ by Alexandre Dumas Fils, will be familiar with the more commonplace version of the lives of Paris courtesans in the 1800s. During…
Sunshine Coast Dreamtime – the legend of Mount Coolum
I’m not sure this is true of all expats, but I’ve always felt a bit more ‘local’ (on setting up home in a new place) once I learn about the stories behind my new local place names. Local mythology and storytelling varies greatly around the world but, especially in places with a long history, there is almost always an interesting story to be discovered. Take the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, just north of Brisbane and where I am currently based, for example. The region has a glorious coastline of epic surf beaches and wetlands, rivers, mountains, and further inland rainforest and waterfalls. The landscape really is very special. So, imagine…
Counting kisses in Europe
Do you suffer a flash of fear at the thought of how to greet people in Europe? Is a kiss inappropriate? Should you double or triple kiss? Is a handshake a bit formal? Allay you concerns, read on. With the vast number of countries at such close proximity, each with their own ideas about what is standard by way of greeting, Europe offers a plethora of options to put your foot in it. Practicing graceful social etiquette in such circumstances can be a tricky business. Never fear, wherever you go people are people, and most understand that if you are not local you may have different customs. Dive into new…
Bali’s Barong Dance
Balinese mythology is often illustrated through dance. Bali’s traditional Barong dance is a mythical story about good versus evil and provides a fascinating insight into Balinese culture. Barong Barong is the good spirit and looks quite lion-like. He has a red head and his body is covered in white hair. His head is adorned with jewels and pieces or mirror providing sparkle. Despite his innate goodness the Barong mask can still look a bit frightening. Rangda Barong’s appearance is nothing as scary as that of Rangda however. Rangda is the evil spirit. She is portrayed as a witchcraft-practising widow. Her appearance features more black symbolising her evil nature, she has…
The Aussie Way
I have been in Australia a few months now. What have I noticed that’s different from other places? The Land Downunder is unique in several ways. Here are some I have noticed. The colourful Australian use of English Jokes about speaking ‘straylian aside, English is the official language of Australia, but not as we know it. It is not only the Aussie accent that confuses non Aussies, but the use of different words. The news reports that someone was ‘bashed’. The cheddar cheese in the supermarket is defined as either being ‘mild’ or ‘tasty’. Then there are phrases like “I was flat out like a lizard drinking” which once you’ve…
