Believe Wall Hanging Ceramic

Exploring Istanbul: The Journey Begins at the Taksim Square

People say places leave memories in your heart, but I left my heart in Istanbul. Turkey’s largest city which spans over two continents, Europe and Asia, is a perfect blend of cultures for centuries.The city is not only modern and vivacious but, maintains its tradition and history too.

Napoleon once said, “If the world were a single state, Istanbul would have been its capital.” The former capital of three successive empires- The Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire and the Ottoman Empire, Istanbul is truly a cradle of civilization.

Recently, I got a chance of a lifetime to explore this ‘city of seven hills.’ The first step into the city, and was amazed with its astonishing skyline, studded to perfection with domes and minarets.Full of modern buildings all around, the deep blue waters of the Bosphorus and the sight of huge ships and small ferries, the view is completely mesmerising

My journey began at one of Istanbul’s most modern city centers, ‘ Taksim Square’, which is a busy hub, located on the European side. As I got down from the mini bus to roam around on the streets of Taksim, the first thing that caught my attention, was a huge monument standing on the Istiklal pedestrian street, which I later found out to be the monument of Independence, representing Atatürk, the founder of the Republic.

While I stood analysing the monument, an old tram just passed from the street, taking me to the old Turkey. It added a perfect ancient touch to the modern square, which was full of big and small eateries, well maintained street cafes and a small flower market. Call it the perfect blend of modernity and tradition that can’t be missed!

As if the tram wasn’t enough, the charm of old Turkey flew out of the window the moment I saw a stunning Turkish girl, dressed to kill- in a short skirt and a white Tee, pumped up high heels, with her curly brown hair catching all the attention, every time the wind teased them. She mixed in the aura, a tinge of Turkish modernity. Well that’smodern Turkey for you, where, there’s no place for burqas and the stifled inhibitions that come with them.

It was later that I discovered the fact that, ‘burqas’ are banned here.Just like any other Indian with a pre-conceived notion, I had this perception that in a country where ninety-nine percent of the population is following Islam,females will be covered from head to toe, they’ll be shy and conservative, but to my surprise, things were completely contrary to what I thought.

Art & Vineyard + Hempstead = Good Weekend | Eugene On the Cheap

The 2011 Art and the Vineyard Festival takes place July 2, 3, and 4 at Alton Baker Park in Eugene. From its inception as a small art auction and wine-tasting event, Art and the Vineyard has grown into the premier art and wine festival in the Southern Willamette Valley. The festival, which is the principal fundraiser for the Maude Kerns Art Center, attracts over 30,000 visitors annually. The money raised from the festival,  helps to fund the Art Center’s year-round exhibitions and art classes in all media for children, teens, and adults.

The “Art” in Art and the Vineyard is represented by paintings, prints, photographs, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, wall hangings, and wearable art created by over 100 artists in the Artists’ Marketplace. It includes the garden furniture, ceramics, gates and arbors, and outdoor sculpture by the 30 plus artists in Art For Your Garden , where artwork is enhanced by the flowers and foliage of native plants. And there’s also art to be enjoyed at the Specialty Booths as well as artist demonstrations throughout the festival.

The Wine part of the event comes from the more than 20 Oregon vineyards in the Wine Court. There is also an International Food Court, Youth Art Arena and Stage , an Art For Your Garden area, and a Main Stage with music and entertainment throughout the three-day event.

Music includes:

Saturday, July 2: Revolver Beatles Tribute Band

Hempstead is at the Lane Events Center Performance Hall (796 W. 13th, Eugene), this Saturday at 4:20pm. Hempstead is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating public events and concerts that are pro-hemp in their focus. This summer’s show with  Toots and the Maytals, Dubtonic Kru, Nikii Davis, Rhythm Culture, and John Trudell and Baddog will directly benefit the Oregon Cannabis Tax Act 2012 and Hempstalk 2011.

Hempstead and Happy Hempy Productions are organizing these benefits on behalf of the Oregon Cannabis Tax Act 2012, an Oregon initiative petition campaign to restore hemp.

Tickets range in price from $39 for General Seating | $69 for Preferred Seating (Includes Poster & Laminate) | $100.00 for VIP Seating in VIP section (Includes a Meet & Greet w/Artists after show, Laminate, Poster & 1 Dinner Ticket of your choice).

Believe Beyond Seeing

Arts and activities

Insiders' Guide to Columbus, Ohio

Ceramics monthly

Transactions of the American Ceramic Society