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In most cities, I think some of the street art and grafitti is what adds an amazing texture to the surroundings- but here, the color and beauty of the people are what really stand out.
This image is my favorite- you can't get much better than those kids and their awesome sunglasses!
I can't even begin to describe the process of driving in India. It's so insane that at someone you become really calm about the whole thing. I don't know if it's accepting the possibility that you could crash at any moment or if you're in complete amazement that you haven't crashed in to someone. After sitting in traffic for about 6 hours yesterday, the thought of Jumanji Grand Prix came in to my mind. If that was a game, and you were a driver in India, you could choose from your usual, car, truck, motorcycle, bike, taxi or tut tut, or.... you could also jump on a camel cart, horse, cow, donkey, monkey or dog. I've seen ALL on the roads and sometimes an interesting mix, especially when you're riding along a camel and cow at the same time.
Although there are lines on the road delineating lanes, there are so many modes of transfer going that that can't all go at the same speed- so people honk and swing around each other. Hence the need for "honk" signs on the back of trucks. The thing that struck me, is how beautiful the signs are- all hand stenciled and decorated in amazing color...
Hi all, We've made it to India. Most international flights land in Delhi at 1am so it's a bit disconcerting, long lines, no organization and a bit overwhelming. But, as we've all spent time in lines in our lives, it gets sorted out. After getting through customs we were met by our driver who escorted us out of the airport in to total chaos. Everyone seems to know that the flights arrive at this time, so the parking lot was filled with people trying to help to make a buck. We followed our driver to the car and rushed off in to the night. Following curvy roads in the darkness, our driver would beep the horn to let other cars know we were coming- while this might sound insignificant, it's more like cars swerving wildly around corners. Lots of stray dogs running around.
Finally we made it to our hotel- which is lovely.
Today we woke up and headed in to Delhi. The traffic in Delhi is like none I've ever seen. Here's a glimpse. Our drive told us it took us an hour and a half to go 15km.
First we went to Dilli Haat- a very civilized market filled with beautiful carved treasures and scarves. We loaded up. Since i slept through breakfast, i had my first food at the local market. Could this be the first bite to Delhi Belly? let's hope not- but i figure you can't go wrong with fried cheese.
Next we went to Jantar Mantar, an 18th century astronomical observatory where huge sun dials and other complicated devices reside. I tried reading the explanations about 5 times, but couldn't get it. This one that I'm posing with can tell the time in 4 locations around the world when the sun hits noon in Delhi. Pretty genius. Andrew is posing with the sundial. He told me what time it was.
Next we went to Connaught Place which is the center of Delhi. Another market place.
Someone made a comment that the most amazing thing about Delhi is not any one thing, but just seeing Delhi itself.
So via a lunch with WK Studio Manager extraordinaire Michael Frediani, I discovered a new favorite drink. You take a bunch of mint leaves and pour in some hot water. Use a spoon to muddle it a bit. It's so delicious!
Yes, it happens, occasionally my shoes attack me. Ouch. I had to sleep with one foot out of bed all night because this blister would wake me up anytime it touched the sheet. Wow. After writing that, that's pretty ridiculous isn't it. Shoes are damn cute though.
Thought this was a cool window display showing what light bulbs a local lighting store sold.
Sunday is Market Day in Amsterdam, but really everyone always looks this cute on their bikes every day. Bravo to no fleece and bike pants!
Found these Owl sheets in a store here called Hema. It's the Target of Amsterdam- really cool and affordable stuff.
1. The Apple pastries. I come from a family of apple pie bakers, award winners even- but the apple, caramel tart which i have eaten every morning here is the best thing i've ever had. There is bread every where here, pastries, sausages wrapped in pastry, etc etc. I dare someone to go low carb here.
2. Streepwafels. Every night I come home to my hotel- the Hotel Pullitzer- which by the way is the nicest hotel i've ever stayed in ever. Ocean's 12 was filmed here. But getting back to the point- every night i come home and the Streepwafels are waiting for me on my bedside table.
3. De Ruitzer- which is probably the brand name, but these are literally "toast sprinkles". So you've got your toast, you've got your nutella or jam for your toast and then you've got your toast sprinkles. In Chocolate or Vanilla!!
Amsterdam is like no other city I've been to, although the bike friendliness, the small boutique shops and having a Wieden+Kennedy here remind me a lot of Portland. The WK Amsterdam office just moved in to a new building- it's amazing. Many of the floors are colored with vibrant colors and the ceilings have paintings representing different parts of the body or human spirit. Two are here- the lungs and the heart. The symbol for the studio is eyelashes or a closed eye, expressing the idea the sometimes the imagination or what we see inside ourselves is more amazing than what we see in front of us. Also- every Friday is cookie day- yum.
Someone caught me wearing sneakers in one of my posts- not to be dismayed. I've managed to buy a sweet new pair of pink mary janes from Top Shop. It's like Forever 21 on speed with designer clothes and Euro prices. Hope someone does something about our economy soon... but maybe this isn't the time to discuss that while showing off my new shoes.
Above is a view off W+K London's new deck. It's a lot like the Portland deck.
Walking around London has been such a luxury the past few days- so inspiring. As far as I'm concerned there's no excuse in this town to dress poorly or look at bad design when there's so much great stuff for both.
