Monthly Archives: May 2010

Nelson’s ship in a bottle tops the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square

Posted on May 25, 2010 | 1 Comment

This week the new wonder of the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square in London was revealed and it’s something we’re sure that Nelson would be proud of; it’s a perfect relica HMS Victory inside a huge glass bottle!

We visited Trafalgar Square – among the families splashing around in the fountain in the shock sunny weather England has been having - to see the ship up close, and it really is a sight to behold.

The beautiful ship was designed and created by Anglo-Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare who aims to reflect on the historical symbolism of Trafalgar Square with the ship. Because the Square is a tribute to the Battle of Trafalgar and the ship’s sails are made of patterned textiles which are used with African dress, it was designed to represent African independence. Shonibare says the sails highlight, ‘ the legacy of British colonialism and its expansion in trade and Empire, made possible through the freedom the seas and new trade routes that Nelson’s victory provided.’ Although you can’t get too close to see the intricate detail of the sails, the colours are certainly something quiet spectacular as they really brighten up the grey stone of the Square.

It’s been a long time coming, but we think this artwork was worth the wait. The ship makes for a striking picture as it overlooks the Square which brings some much-needed colour and fascniation to the long-standing statues.

Do you think this is a good object to have on the Fourth Plinth? Or have you seen the ship for yourself? Let us know what you think below by selecting ‘Leave a comment’!

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Embrace colour at the Florence Flower Show

Posted on May 21, 2010 | 2 Comments

Each year Florence becomes cloaked in flowers of all shapes and colours for the Florence Flower Show and if you’re travelling in Italy this week you should make time to visit this vibrant and beautiful show.

It really is a spectacular site to behold; flowers blanket the main square, Piazza della Signoria, as well as near by Uffizi.

Look up close and you can expect the flowers to be impeccably arranged and tended with the loving care of dedicated professionals too, making it a truly inspring event for the green-fingered among us.

Immerse yourself in the riot of colour that Florence’s Flower Show affords on 23 May 2010.

Have you been to Florence Flower Show before, or are going this year? We’d love to hear what you thought of it. Leave us a comment below and share your Florence Flower Show experiences!

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The Vogalonga boat race in Venice

Posted on May 21, 2010 | Leave a comment

If you’re travelling in Venice on 23 May 2010, do try to catch the spectacular Vogalonga. This is a larger than life, non-competitive boat race where rowers completely take over the lagoon and canals much to the delight of locals and tourists alike.

On the day of the Vogalonga, all motorboats are banned from Venice’s canals and only rowing boats fill the backwaters. Up to 2000 boats in fact! The final stretch of the race is along the Grand Canal, which is the best place to stand for the best views of rowers’ brilliant fancy dress efforts as well as the glorious winners’ smiling faces. Make sure you cheer them on!

The Vogalonga epitomises the celebratory Venetian way of life and of course their love of the canals and rowing. Attending the event will give you a greater insight to the essence of Venice than any number of walks along the canals will and you’ll certainly be thoroughly entertained too.

Are you heading to Vogalonga this weekend? We’d love to hear your stories. Leave us a comment below and tell us what you thought of Vogalonga, or even let us know a Venice tale or two!

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Catch Florence culture in May

Posted on May 13, 2010 | Leave a comment

If you’re lucky enough to be travelling in Florence in amazing Italy this month, you’re in for a cultural treat. Both the Artisans and the Palace and the International Iris Competition are being held in the charming city in May, bringing you crafts and flowers from around the world in two events that Florence locals are sure to want to be seen at.

From 14 to 16 May 2010 the three day affair, Artisans and the Palace, will be held at Florence’s Palazzo Corsini. This rare event brings together craftsmen, skilled workers and artisans from all over Europe to demonstrate their pottery, glass works and restored furniture in open-air workshops.

The Artisans and the Palace fair will give you more than you’d find in a standard fair or bazaar, as it’s a unique demonstration of the traditional skills of each artisan, which gives you a special insight to the core of Florence and its deep-rooted industries.

If you prefer tending to flower beds than to sculptures, you should certainly head to the International Iris Festival. Each year between 10 and 15 May global gardeners flock to Florence’s Piazzale Michelangelo for the world renowned Iris Garden which opens its gates to the eager green-fingered public, for the International Iris Competition. Expect to see the most attractive flowers, scrupulously cultured over generations by the precise hands of their faithful keepers; something all gardeners will appreciate.

All the different blooms are judged on the basis of the quality of their colour, shape, aroma and all round health. A very special prize, Fiorino D’oro, is awarded to the flower which looks most similar to the iris on the coat of arms of the city of Florence. The overall closing prize giving ceremony is held at Palazzo Vecchio if you stay to see who has the most beautiful flowers!

Even if you’re not passionate about flowers in particular, it will be a refreshing splash of early summer colour in one of Italy’s most handsome cities and you’ll really feel like you’re part of the community.

What do you love about Florence? Let us know in the comment box below and we’ll post the best ones in our community!

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My City: Amsterdam goes orange for Queen’s Day

Posted on May 5, 2010 | 6 Comments

Every April, people all over Holland celebrate Koninginnedag – or Queen’s Day - in many exciting ways, the most extravagant of which is by dressing head to toe in orange! This year, Amsterdam local, Albertine Rae, shares with us her experience and her fantastic pictures of the colourful celebrations that took place in Holland’s capital.

Albertine writes: Just like the Queen of England, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands has two birthdays, but unlike her British counterpart, Queen Beatrix’s official birthday sees millions of Dutch revellers take to the streets. And nowhere is the party bigger than in Amsterdam.

Each year around one million visitors arrive in the city to celebrate in every street and on each of Amsterdam’s famous canals. The tradition of wearing orange, the Dutch national colour, causes ‘Orange Craze’ or oranjegekte: a sea of orange throughout the city.

On Queen’s Day, people set up stalls on every inch of pavement, selling clothes, toys, antiques, furniture and knick-knacks of every kind; this is definitely the time to find a bargain. Alongside the stalls, children do sweet things for spare change too, such as bashing on drum kits, dressing up as fairies, dancing, singing and even painting your portrait.

The party encompasses the entire city and the different parts of town all have their own characteristic celebrations. Go to Museumplein for an outdoor stage and a massive crowd, Vondel Park for bouncy castles, balloons and a brass band, and the Jordaan district for the party boats. The Prinsengracht Canal hosts a parade of competitive party-goers: competing for the loudest sound system, the best co-ordinated fancy dress and the greatest number of passengers per square foot. At the bridges where the canals meet, you’ll find singers, DJs and bands on tiny stages in front of teeming crowds of bouncing orange hats. You’ll see plenty of orange garlands, wigs and sunglasses too and maybe even a painted orange face or two!

On Queen’s Day, there’s something for everyone, and April 30 2011 should certainly be a date for your Dutch diary.

Leave us a comment below to let us know what you thought of Orange Day this year or tell us if you like our very orange photos!

More pictures of Queen’s Day in Amsterdam: