Friday, November 26, 2010

Washing With Woolite In He Washer



No excuses, it is inexcusable not to know some treasures to be found a few steps from home. We are attracted to the distant and exotic and good intentions to learn about our natural and cultural heritage often tend to remain as just that, intentions.
I intend to do homework and spend some weekends to visit places that build up in my long list and one of these places was undoubtedly Girona.
Although we have been visiting many places of the province for many years since I visited the city. In fact, I think since we went on tour with the school had not returned to Girona and since then it has rained a lot. A fuzzy image and the steps of the cathedral with its imposing facade to the fund was how little I remembered.
The biggest change that the city has undergone in recent years is usual comment I wanted to make a visit to the new Girona so often praised.
Taking a little break left us last August, we decided to get going and just over ten in the morning on a relatively cool, sunny Sunday and we were leaving the tourist with a map in hand.
Most attractions are in the old town and concentrated in a small area, ideal for travel on foot.
Instead of crossing the river Onyar the Pont de Sant Feliu , walked to the next bridge called Pont d'en Gómez . The sight of colorful facades houses reflected in the river is one of the most picturesque and most photographed while Girona and inspiration of many artists.


continue to find the church of Sant Feliu . Built outside the city walls, seems to have been built on an ancient Christian church built in honor of the holy martyr who gives the name. In times of Moorish occupation, when the cathedral was converted into a mosque, the church of Sant Feliu did turn, the functions of a cathedral. After extensive restoration and cleaning has taken place in these recent years, the temple looks with all its splendor and simplicity of the Romanesque apses in contrast to the brightness of the large Gothic windows. highlights the Gothic tomb of Sant Narcis , patron of the city and related to one of the many legends told in Girona: According to medieval chronicles, in 1285 when Girona was besieged by French troops, a group of Soldiers moved into the interior of the church. The body of the martyred bishop began to leave some flies that caused high mortality among the French troops and their horses, which led to the withdrawal of troops. Despite the repeated invocations of Sant Narcis and flies in subsequent conflicts, the result was not always so successful.


In a corner of the small square of Sant Feliu , is the column with the stone lion , origin of the popular "If you go to Girona you have to kiss the ass of the lioness , a way of expressing the desire to return to the city. In order to do this without having to play the type has been installed iron ladder, and curious, and last winter because of the alarm caused by the epidemic of influenza A, were temporarily removed prevent contagion. As my intention is to return to Girona, I do comedy and kiss the backside of the lioness but I fear that Josep Maria is not with me why does not fulfill the ritual.

Our next goal is the Romanesque monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants , a former Benedictine abbey and head office of Archaeological Museum since 1857. The whole exterior is magnificent but we are interested in visiting the interior, not museum pieces it contains, which are numerous, but to admire the cloister, one of the most beautiful examples from the Catalan Romanesque cloisters.


different plant and animal motifs decorate the rich capitals, with dancing, double-tailed mermaids, musicians and other human figures and biblical scenes.
Throughout the various rooms of the museum contains a full overview of the history of the city and province, from the Paleolithic and Neolithic, through the Iberian and Roman settlement.

We followed and reached the Arab Baths that Arabs only have the name because its construction is quite later. The building is Romanesque and was built in 1194 imitating the structure of the Muslim baths, then fashionable. You can see the Apodyterium or dressing, the Frigidarium or cold room, the Tepidarium or warm room, the caldarium or hot room and the remains of the furnace. The preserved frigidarium a central octagonal pool over which a dome .
Our tour continues to the Cathedral (free tour on Sunday) led by its magnificent staircase. Dedicated to St. Mary, is at the highest point of the city. His 22.98-meter-wide ship, put it in second place after St. Peter's Cathedral, with 25 meters. Although its construction began in the S. XI only retain faculty and the tower in Romanesque style, while the nave is Gothic and the Baroque facade (1730).

Inside, I recommend visiting the Museum Chapter which preserves the Creation Tapestry (s. XI), an extraordinary Romanesque Room in fairly good condition. Nor do we overlook the magnificent Romanesque cloister, of trapezoidal and limited by the wall above. Is considerably larger that of Sant Pere de Galligants but I think it does not have the charm of it.

Leaving the cathedral, we enter the Jewish quarter down the street Força, the main artery. The Jewish Quarter or Call of Girona is one of the most representative and best preserved in Europe. Thanks to its streets and symbols we know about the history of Judaism in Spain and specifically in Girona, where he lived until the late fifteenth century a thriving community. The current study center Bonastruc Ça Porta, stands in the same area likely was the synagogue. The museum, highly recommended to get into the life and customs of that community, and we found it to be closed because the hours are Sunday mornings only (from 10 to 14). Next time. eat in one of the many restaurants in the Jewish quarter and continue walking down the labyrinth of alleys, getting carried away by the time machine.

In the Jewish Quarter and four steps of the cathedral is the Hostal Bellmirall in the street bearing the same name. This charming and cozy hotel with a rock flavor and taste, is owned by Cristina, who had the pleasure of meeting in Fez, and with whom we share pleasant moments. We take for a visit and chat with her a long time. Though we were very comfortable in your company, we said goodbye to her to continue our route.

From Cathedral we headed for the French Gardens where there is a point of access to wall. From here we have a beautiful view of the back of the cathedral and we can see the famous witch, star of another legend: While the people attending the many processions which took place in the city, a nasty witch was engaged in throwing stones. Just the day of Corpus Christi when he was about to throw a rock, a voice that was heard throughout the city cried out: "If Peter tires, i will pull pedres pedra et will become." And so, therefore today can still see the petrified for ever and ever, turned into a gargoyle.

walked along the wall and up to one of the towers to see one of the best views of the city. At our feet we have the Convent of Sant Domènech , where it is now the headquarters of the university. We do all the way to the Plaza General Mendoza. We walked down the Rambla de la Llibertat where they begin to fill the terraces of bars and ice cream.
Before leaving, we take a last walk along the river and admire again the image of the houses reflected in the Onyar, now with a very special light.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Sister Wants To Wank Me

Singa Pura, the Lion City

Singapore's name comes from "Singa Pura " or Lion City, a name that arose during the century XI and which has roots in the legend that a prince who visited the area saw an animal he mistook for a lion.
Singapore is one of those places that appeals to almost everyone. For various reasons and you look at a city-state is unusual in the chaos that exists in other Southeast Asian countries. So much so that at times had the feeling of walking through a theme park. Not in Little India or Chinatown or Kampong Glam (Muslim Quarter) I add up the extreme cleanliness, order or good signs.


Although it may seem otherwise, Singapore is not a mount for tourists, but most visitors feel comfortable. Some choose it as an exotic but safe, without having to take risks of any kind; enjoy its luxury hotels, a rich gastronomy, or their well-stocked shops. Others use it as a break or a short break before or after a trip to other countries in Southeast Asia.


Singapore is a country of immigrants, especially Chinese, Indians and Malays who have adapted to the strict rules of civility imposed by the government, without losing the essence of his country of origin. And all this in perfect harmony sharing a small piece of land where skyscrapers take much of the role.
The Singapore skyline disappointed me a little, perhaps why a few months before had been in Hong Kong, an impressive city and so far, which ranks number one on my list skylines particular, by ahead of New York, Tokyo and Kuala Lumpur.
said, should not detract in any way to Singapore, because its charm is undeniable.



After spending nearly three weeks in Borneo we wanted to finish the trip in Singapore, in a first contact with the Lion City.
The guided tour of the city is pleasant and comfortable. Points of interest are quite close to each other and can easily go on foot. If you have to take a means of transportation, the subway is undeniably better, faster, cheaper and cleanliness ... and the whole city. And this has been achieved based on staff fined for something is known as "The fine city" City or fines. Nearly five million people are crammed into less than 700 kilometers square and despite the high population density, order and cleanliness is not just a myth. Some of the rules have a certain purpose, although some are a little absurd. Violating certain rules as a ban on chewing gum, to obstruct the passage of throwing papers, eating and drinking on the metro, cross the street outside the pedestrian crossings and smoking supuestísimo ... among others, is of fine. Some other prohibitions beyond, since homosexuality is paid with 10 years in prison and drug trafficking is punishable by death.
This series of prohibitions draw attention to visitors, but Singaporeans have managed to find the positive part making up a good collection of souvenirs (shirts, postcards, pens, magnets ...) with the sign of prohibition and the amount of the fine. Anyway I must say that a paper on the floor yeah we saw (was it the work of some clueless tourist ") and that some of the most absurd bans chewing gum as I get the feeling that it is a thing of the past.



So, we spent three days to meet their most historic and enjoy the great atmosphere.

Singapore River Quays:
The first impression of the city was very good. It appears as an elegant city, with magnificent colonial buildings and well kept, manicured lawns, beautiful sculptures that recall the commercial origin of the port of Singapore. In short, a modern and clean city with great atmosphere.
Here, the Singapore River reaches the bay known as Marina Bay . Some lofty skyscrapers to compete with the white colonial buildings transport us to another era, when Singapore was part of the British Crown.





One of these buildings is the elegant Fullerton hotel, situated in the old post office building and rehabilitated for such use. When it gets dark and thousands of lights are appearing as if by magic, the scene changes completely.


Merlion Park Since there are amazing views of the Esplanade Park , the modern skyscrapers of Marina Bay and the Giant Ferris Wheel. Here is the famous fountain (and indeed, quite ugly) with the statue symbol of the city: the lion fish's body.
In Boat Quay is a vast number of pubs and nightlife spots in the beginning, along with seafood restaurants next to each other. Walking around the dinner becomes an obstacle course and each establishment has a "fisherman" trying to convince the potential client base. Prices are not low but the temptation overcomes us and place and convinces us our first night we had dinner overlooking the Singapore River.





Little India and Kampong Glam:
Moving around the different ethnic neighborhoods Singapore is like reading a comprehensive introduction on the Asian continent.
Serangoon Road is the main artery of Little India . This was an area where buffalo were brought up (hence the name of Buffalo Road) and where relevant were also slaughterhouses. The neighborhood was growing and is currently a small portion of India brought here: the colors of the Sharis, the smell of incense and spices, Bollywood music playing in the interior of the stores, small flower lei stands, temples, billboards, the colorful facades of shophouses ... Almost every house has a business on the ground floor, either a shop, a shop, a tailoring ... and the owners live upstairs.






are many aspects reminiscent of India, but the cleanliness of its streets and each of its corners, the lack of traffic chaos, amid cow of the road and mountains of garbage, make the biggest differences with the country of origin. We visited two of the most important Hindu temples in the city, whose unpronounceable names are impossible to learn: The Sri Veeramakaliamman which is dedicated to Kali, the consort of Siva the destroyer and Sri Srinivasa Perumal , dedicated to Vishnu. The activity developed in Hindu temples always I was fascinated, especially in the early hours of the morning is a swarm of people coming and going. The faithful bring offerings of fruit and milk of tetrabrick passes some large containers for such use. The priests, in turn, shared blessings and anointing to those who come to worship their gods, whether the goddess Kali, Ganesh - the elephant god Kali and Siva's son - or anyone else, because they exist for all tastes.






El ajetreo de estos dos templos contrasta con la quietud que se respira en el templo budista de Sakaya Muni Buddha o templo de las Mil Luces, en el cual se encuentra un gran buda de 15 metros y 300 toneladas cuya plácida sonrisa contagia más aun esta sensación de paz o en el templo taoista de Leong San See , justo enfrente del anterior.




Siguiendo las indicaciones sobre el mapa vamos cortando calles hasta llegar to the Arab Street that leads to Kampong Glam, the Malay or Muslim neighborhood of the city. Its name derives from the word "people" in Malay (Kampung) and gelam, a tree that grew in this place. Among the colorful shophouses stands the imposing dome of the Sultan Mosque, the largest in Singapore. We wear shorts and not even try to enter the interior, we settle for admiring the beautiful golden dome from different angles. Street Busorah Street is the most concentrated commercial and tourist activity. It is a picturesque lane with palm trees on both sides that lead to the entrance of the mosque.




Without having to walk too much, change of scenery as well as time and immerse ourselves in the nineteenth century . We are in the colonial district where colorful gopuram (Hindu temple towers) and shophouses are replaced by buildings with white facades that transport us to the years when the British controlled these lands. Perhaps the best example of that time is the Raffles Hotel which is named for Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, who landed in Singapore in 1819. Behind the immaculate white walls lies a world in itself: luxury brand shops, restaurants and beautiful gardens of lush vegetation where, legend or fact, is said to be killed here last tiger in Singapore.




Leaving the nineteenth century and the twenty-first century arrived with one of the most representative buildings of modern Singapore: Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay , consisting of two semi domes are gilded resemble a durian as some or a fly's eyes, according to others. Inside is a large cultural and leisure offer from theaters, concert halls, exhibitions and how could it be otherwise, more shops and more restaurants. The interesting thing is up to the terrace where you can enjoy a magnificent view of Marina Bay, Singapore where the river meets the sea, Merlion Park and the skyscrapers of the financial district.






After exploring Marina Walk and already a little tired, we decided that we would rather a boat trip along the river passing through the so-called "Quays" Boat Quay and Clark Quay.

intuit much in Clark Quay entertainment we return later on foot. This area just a few years ago was neglected and forsaken of God, has become an area where the greatest number of pubs, bars and restaurants throughout the city, of all styles for all tastes .






One
River bridges is completely "Occupied" by the Singapore Gastronomic . During the month of July of each year marks this event where locals and visitors can enjoy and participate in the popular hobby of Singaporeans: eating.

The entire bridge surface is covered with large carp and is concentrated inside a crowd of onlookers and people interested in tasting the different delicacies to an affordable price. On both sides happen a number of food stalls where they serve all sorts of delights for the palate: dim-sum, spring rolls, rice and noodles cooked in several ways, lacquered duck ... and sweets, including different specialties with durian, smelly fruit but who knows.
In the center, they have some large tables where people share while going pecking, drinking and having a great time.





Chinatown:
Anyone traveling to Singapore either Chinatown should overlook. We went underground through the picturesque streets Pagoda St. The red fanalillos and the predominance of color that indicate that we are right in Chinatown, however, the facades of the houses are on the same lines and other districts like Little India and Kampong Glam are painted with different colors . Many souvenir shops, clothing at reasonable prices, Chinese lacquers, and many food stalls. Interestingly, the oldest Hindu temple in the city, the Sri Mariamman Temple , built in 1823, stands in the heart of Chinatown. The gopuram is superb and the images of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva share the limelight with sculptures holy cow that cover the wall that closes the exhibition. The temple has been renovated recently and the colors look especially vivid and intense. Although some devotees, breathe the bustle of the temples visited Little India, home to the majority of people who profess the Hindu religion.












In a small garden, a group of sculptures explain the origin of the neighborhood. Although hard to imagine, Street Telok Ayer St years ago gave the river to boat arrived here early Chinese immigrants in gratitude made build the Thian Hock Keng Temple or Heavenly Happiness, dedicated to the sea goddess Ma Cho Po. A large number of dragons decorate the roof, symbolizing the principles of yin and yang. The Chinese appear to are less devout Hindus as the only staff that walks around the temple are interesting for tourists. We continue our journey through the streets of Club Street, Pagoda Street and Temple Street at this hour of noon begin to fill with people looking for a restaurant.




Our last shot before leaving for the airport what we spend on Orchard Road . This glamorous street was compared to the Champs Elysees in Paris, Manhattan's Fifth Avenue or Oxford Street in London, but I find that even exceeds in some respects. Modern design malls and storefronts that compete in elegance, in Orchard Road is leading the way in fashion and living the dynamism of this cosmopolitan city.