Returning to the Ether
Air travel, textiles, yoga and sunshine, the world over
Hellooooo everyone. Yes, I have returned to the ether after a lengthy absence of summer sun and fun. Weekends are prescious time spaces, but still, it is really nice to take a moment and chill with the people who matter: that's you folks. For those of you wondering what I have been up to in the last little bit, things were really busy with the International Training Programme at the Museum and after 4 weeks, our lovely friends from all over were shipped back to their homes and loved ones. That was a little interesting for some of our friends given the recent terror alert in the UK, where Wang's flight to Shanghai was cancelled, along with (I believe) the flights for the Egyptians and/or Iraqis. Luckily though, they were only held a day and this allowed for some much desired last minute London time. Shout out to Wang who sent the sweetest email about his time in London and forthcoming time at the Shanghai Museum. You SO know you are on the visit list. Second shout out to Mona who carried enough baggage for 3 people, even after I took the two massive bags of hardcover books off her and said I would send them by slow boat. How you ever got onto a plane with all that stuff and no excess baggage is the work of both miracles, smart packing, and some sensible offloading on your part. Miss you much and see you in Luxor!
Besides the training, we also had the visit of the Asantehene from Ghana, which was a great experience. I have now shaken hands with Royalty. Other cool things happening at the Museum are our plans to hold a March exhibition on the 50th year anniversary of Ghana's independence. We will be looking at some fabulous textile traditions in Ghana, some being the Kente cloth of the Asante but also some very interesting printed textiles. In the 60s when independence was growing in Africa, there wasn't much in the way of newspapers or television, mainly because of cost, literacy and language differences. But, the two things in amble numbers was radio and a plethora of printed textiles, both acting as propaganda for growing and ever changing African subcultures. It is a really fascinating thing to learn about, and I love hearing Claude (aka the French Malian Papa aka my boss) talking about his childhood in Mali, remembering migrant fishermen from Nigeria listening to radios while his friends played football, or the popular textile patterns he used to see as a kid.
The other big thing I did this summer was to participate in a week long Ashtanga yoga retreat on Ibiza at Ibiza Moving Arts (and can I just say that Sandra gives the most amazing and relaxing massages - I felt a good 25lbs lighter afterwards). I went with Henry and we had a fantastic time, meeting a ton of great new people and sharing some pretty amazing experiences (shout out to Perdi, Fee, Jay and Maren). We first stayed in San Antonio Bay, which was a nice alternative to the slightly club-trash San Antonio proper. But, we loved the Café del Mar/Savannah sunset part, which really got us into the swing of appreciating the beauty of each passing day. I'm also glad that Matt and Kath convinced me to join them at Hed Kandi that night, allowing me to have a great night dancing before retreating to the north of the island. Each day at the retreat involved 2 hours of Ashtanga self-practice, followed by an amazing breakfast. Afternoons were spent around the estate or at Baneiras beach, with 3 of the days having an additional afternoon practice (one being yoga nidra, my new mantra, on Friday morning). Anyhow, without going into all the details, let me just say that it was amazing to devote a week to one's health and I really advise it, particularly to anyone a little down or feeling unhealthy or just needing a break. I am so grateful for the amazing sunsets, the fantastic food and the terrific company. And, I am especially grateful for just being grateful. I think that is one thing that is often missing from busy lives and I am so happy to have had this great experience and time to reflect on the sweeter things in life.
Anyhow, I've been back at work for two weeks now and am enjoying all the big things coming our way. I am also really looking forward to Thanksgiving and Alex's visit, which should be super fun. Also, shout out to Jessica Crompy and Karma for the awesome last party-night last Saturday at the Circus Burlesque at the Working Man's Club in Bethnal Green. The two fun-loving lovely ladies are now back in Vancity but I am looking forward to March when Crompy and I can take another cruise of Spitalfields. Other than that, things are chill and I am just focusing on finishing my London book, looking up a place to take Portuguese lessons (for chatting with our Mozambican colleagues) and working on a video for my friend Kevin, a really talented lawyer-by day/composer-by-night.
Lots of love to you all and more posts to come!
~L
Air travel, textiles, yoga and sunshine, the world over
Hellooooo everyone. Yes, I have returned to the ether after a lengthy absence of summer sun and fun. Weekends are prescious time spaces, but still, it is really nice to take a moment and chill with the people who matter: that's you folks. For those of you wondering what I have been up to in the last little bit, things were really busy with the International Training Programme at the Museum and after 4 weeks, our lovely friends from all over were shipped back to their homes and loved ones. That was a little interesting for some of our friends given the recent terror alert in the UK, where Wang's flight to Shanghai was cancelled, along with (I believe) the flights for the Egyptians and/or Iraqis. Luckily though, they were only held a day and this allowed for some much desired last minute London time. Shout out to Wang who sent the sweetest email about his time in London and forthcoming time at the Shanghai Museum. You SO know you are on the visit list. Second shout out to Mona who carried enough baggage for 3 people, even after I took the two massive bags of hardcover books off her and said I would send them by slow boat. How you ever got onto a plane with all that stuff and no excess baggage is the work of both miracles, smart packing, and some sensible offloading on your part. Miss you much and see you in Luxor!
Besides the training, we also had the visit of the Asantehene from Ghana, which was a great experience. I have now shaken hands with Royalty. Other cool things happening at the Museum are our plans to hold a March exhibition on the 50th year anniversary of Ghana's independence. We will be looking at some fabulous textile traditions in Ghana, some being the Kente cloth of the Asante but also some very interesting printed textiles. In the 60s when independence was growing in Africa, there wasn't much in the way of newspapers or television, mainly because of cost, literacy and language differences. But, the two things in amble numbers was radio and a plethora of printed textiles, both acting as propaganda for growing and ever changing African subcultures. It is a really fascinating thing to learn about, and I love hearing Claude (aka the French Malian Papa aka my boss) talking about his childhood in Mali, remembering migrant fishermen from Nigeria listening to radios while his friends played football, or the popular textile patterns he used to see as a kid.
The other big thing I did this summer was to participate in a week long Ashtanga yoga retreat on Ibiza at Ibiza Moving Arts (and can I just say that Sandra gives the most amazing and relaxing massages - I felt a good 25lbs lighter afterwards). I went with Henry and we had a fantastic time, meeting a ton of great new people and sharing some pretty amazing experiences (shout out to Perdi, Fee, Jay and Maren). We first stayed in San Antonio Bay, which was a nice alternative to the slightly club-trash San Antonio proper. But, we loved the Café del Mar/Savannah sunset part, which really got us into the swing of appreciating the beauty of each passing day. I'm also glad that Matt and Kath convinced me to join them at Hed Kandi that night, allowing me to have a great night dancing before retreating to the north of the island. Each day at the retreat involved 2 hours of Ashtanga self-practice, followed by an amazing breakfast. Afternoons were spent around the estate or at Baneiras beach, with 3 of the days having an additional afternoon practice (one being yoga nidra, my new mantra, on Friday morning). Anyhow, without going into all the details, let me just say that it was amazing to devote a week to one's health and I really advise it, particularly to anyone a little down or feeling unhealthy or just needing a break. I am so grateful for the amazing sunsets, the fantastic food and the terrific company. And, I am especially grateful for just being grateful. I think that is one thing that is often missing from busy lives and I am so happy to have had this great experience and time to reflect on the sweeter things in life.
Anyhow, I've been back at work for two weeks now and am enjoying all the big things coming our way. I am also really looking forward to Thanksgiving and Alex's visit, which should be super fun. Also, shout out to Jessica Crompy and Karma for the awesome last party-night last Saturday at the Circus Burlesque at the Working Man's Club in Bethnal Green. The two fun-loving lovely ladies are now back in Vancity but I am looking forward to March when Crompy and I can take another cruise of Spitalfields. Other than that, things are chill and I am just focusing on finishing my London book, looking up a place to take Portuguese lessons (for chatting with our Mozambican colleagues) and working on a video for my friend Kevin, a really talented lawyer-by day/composer-by-night.
Lots of love to you all and more posts to come!
~L
posted by Laura aka Transglobal Lip at 7:14 p.m.
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