Ensemble IYASA (Simbabwe)

I had this incredible music experience yesterday which I have to share with you!! As part of the African festival, the ensemble IYASA from Zimbabwe came to the Donau Insel to perform as well. Ensemble IYASA has been touring Europe for 4 months and this is one of their last performances. These young guys and girls from the Inkululeko Yabatsha School of Arts performed a full of energy dance and singing show for more than 1.5 hours. They literally brought people around to the african continent with them. I don't have words for that... please come to see them.

African Festival 2007, Wien, Austria

African festival started at Donau Island this Friday. Its a 10-day long event full of music, dance, food, fashion... Various groups fighting against racism in Austria also present them selfs. So does the radio Africa. I only picked one out of the enormous amount of stalls presenting crafts from Libya to South Africa and provided picture of it below. This Kenyan lady from Stuttgart is presenting craft, jewelry, decorations, and various items made originally in Kenya and Tanzania. Every piece looks absolutely authentic.

Rathaus Festival, Keith Jarrett

There is a summer Rathaus (Townhall) festival these days in Wien. That means that every evening around 9 30 when you browse around the the main townHall you will here some jazzy or classic notes coming from there. Dont hesitate and stop by, thats probably some big concert being broad casted from NY, Berlin, etc. Though the concerts are not live, they have a touchable great atmosphere.


Yesterday, Keith Jarrett concert was presented. Until few days ago I did not actually know who is Keith Jarrett. For those of you who are in the same shows, check this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPqK1JJOFxw&mode=related&search=
This american piano player can improvise for 2 hours bringing you feel of piano music you have not had before.

AUSTRIA and SMOKING

You all know that I am not a smoker. Most of my life I either was in countires were public smoking was not allowed or , if that was not the case, I tried to stay always little aside from smokers when they had "their while". Things changed when I came to Wiena. No.. I did not start smoking.

The smoking is allowed everywhere here and people literally TAKE advantage of it. There is no place to hide. Not even at your own home. During these hot days with average daily 28 Degrees, you really want to keep your window open. Than, however, you should be prepared, that you would have to share a deep smoke with your neighbor. Sometimes I think "lets" go better somewhere out. But, that doesnt usually help. People smoke in bars, thats nothing surprising. But people smoke on open concerts while being 20 cm from you, people smoke on a bus station 1m from you, people even smoke in the swimming pool!!.. That time I got really pissed, though.

I am angry, Come one people, Dont really think just about your self, can you just imagine that 30% of the population would just start fart for fun anywhere downtown? Its comparable, its actually much better, it at least doesn't damage our health..

Wageningen, Netherlands, IALE conference, 25 years

First week in July I visited Netherlands . The main reason was to visit with my former adviser who was presenting at the conference in a small city near to Utrecht (Wageningen). Moreover to meet my friend and former cooworker who came to Wageningen to present as well. Within 4 days I visited 4 cities and biked nearly 30 km. Although it was a short trip, I got some nice experiences, got to know part of Netherlands, and realized some trues about the Dutch people. Let me share with you puzzles from what I learnt.

Netherlands, typical architecture

Among other cities, I also visited Utrecht and Amsterdam. Architecture in both cities can be considered as typical dutch architecture. Some of the houses are as old as 550 years. BUT .. what does it mean "a typical dutch house"? ANSWER: A typical dutch historical buildings is leaning either to right, left or front. It doesn have more than 4 stores. And is usually not more than 10 m wide.

These houses were built during times when Amsterdam was the most important city in the world. The city was rising really fast and there was not too much space. Thus, most of houses are relatively narrow. One of the houses on Dam square hold the official world record. Is narrow only 101 cm.

Only very rich families could afford to build houses wider than 15 m. These are to see on the Kaizergracht. On the picture you see on the "poorer" houses. On the top you can notice the hook which was used to lift furniture to higher floors. The stairs are really narrow.

Netherlands, herring

Herring is a small oily fish, which has been part of traditional diets since 3000 B.C. There are numerous ways how to serve this fish, but Dutch prefer to eat it raw. First, I hesitated to put it into my moth, and better took picture of one older dutch gentleman who was enjoying posing for my picture:-) Later, I tried anyway! ... Its delicious. Can be served with pickles or onion. I tried the onion. What surprised me that it doesn't really smell fishy. There are some small bones. So be cautious.

BUT!!!
Its said that herring is served raw. Usually the fish is first cured with salt, though. Doing this the water is extracted. There may be also a second stage when flavorings are added (vineger, salt, sugar). I wonder if I would like a real raw one... I hesitate.

TRAVELING IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

Recently, I found an excelent link for those who would like to travel in the Czech Republic. This not only provides an info about the most touristic places, but also suggest you trips to such areas as Beskydy or Palava to adore the natural beauties of my country. Go to:

http://www.travelguide.cz/en/tourism/nature-trips

and let me know when do you want to come.