Jan 2014: New York: The old courtesan

this statue is a Roman copy around 1st century BC of a Greek Statue dating back to the 2-3rd C BC. Whilst it is commonly known as the Old Woman of the Market, experts now believe that she was a an old courtesan and a worshiper of Dionysus. She is too well dressed to be a common market place vendor. but that is not why I fell in love with her. The statue has been battered around the past 2 millennium, the nose has been struck off, the arms are missing. But then, she was an aged courtesan. They live a very difficult life, after 25-30 years, they are well over the hill so unable to really keep on earning their keep by selling their bodies. And looking at her, she would be say 70 years? so for 50 odd years, she would survive on her wits after a very difficult life. You can see the body bent at the spine, one exposed breast drooping, the brow furrowed in thought while carrying that heavy basket. I just stood there and looked at her silently, she spoke to me so much. Did she have a granddaughter? was she warm in winter? Did she have an old paramour with whom she would talk and laugh in her thin reedy voice? remember old friends and warriors who have now passed on? would she close her rheumy eyes and remember those days when she was the toast of Athens or the Peloponnese?  When men would throw themselves at her feet just to receive one tilted head small secret smile?

what a girl.

Jan 2014: New York. Alexander

I was struck by this bronze representation of Alexander dating back to 150 BC, couple of hundred years after his time. The man was very forceful and had a very strong character, well, you needed to be, right? And after his death, he became a God and was worshipped for many many moons afterwards. Statues and sculptures like these were used in temples. Such a young looking face, very strong, sensual face. Those heroic flowing locks and all this in bronze. The sculptor would be a wonderful artist indeed.

May 2012: a very interesting slice of America in London

I went for a walk about London. Now that I have a great pair of shoes, it has literally given me wings, I can walk for hours without my knee swelling up like a puffer fish.

I turned the corner and there’s your American Embassy.

With the great man himself, Ronald Reagan.

I had to touch it. The Berlin Wall itself. But despite the huge history behind it, I couldn't feel anything, it didn't talk to me, I am afraid. But a piece of history none the less.

Couple of doggies playing in the park.

This is something that I wanted to see for a long time. The American volunteer pilots who fought for the United Kingdom during WW2. This monument is a great remembrance to those brave pilots.























There were three squadrons, 71, 121 and 133. Brave men, many many died here. These squadrons were transferred to the USA 8th Air Force and now are based in the Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Quite a story. We thank them warmly.

Standing in front of the Eagle Squadron memorial, I look on the other side of the garden.

  

Yep, its FDR, that great man indeed.

Couple of memorial benches. And a bong connection is present here as well. Joy Bangla!

Its a bit of a severe garden…



Hello? what is this?

Its an extraordinary looking structure.

A Grecian temple…

This little garden was constructed to commemorate the 67 British citizens who died in the 9/11 terrorist event. Below this stone is a girder piece from the buildings…

These three plaques note the names of those innocent ones who died.

a wreath.

A very quiet contemplation place.







It was well designed indeed.

I can see the American Flag flying on the other side. And the garden is beautiful as well, with some brilliant flowers.

Sat there for few minutes, remembering that terrible day, when i lost friends and my life changed a wee bit.

I started walking out

Man, we specialise even in bloody garbage!

 

Looking at the imposing if a bit boring buildings on the east side of the garden, I exit the square. Nice place but too anti septic, too processed and too clean and tidy for my taste. It didn't ring my bells, I am afraid.