Snakes can be deadly. From cobras to rattlesnakes, poisonous snakes kill approximately 90, 000 people a year across the world. Such powerful animals were made into Gods in many cultures. Buddha slept under the protection of the seven-headed Naga God. Naga is a cobra (also referred to as Naja), who, in its divine form, has…
Some of you may remember a previous post of mine on a road in Singapore, named after my great-uncle, René Onraët. The family lore told of that road, of my uncle’s career as a police officer in the Straits settlements at the beginning of the 20th century. The above was sent to me by my…
Mary Poppins? Bogotá, 2018. You sweet thing you… San Francico, 2016. (Some of you may remember my fondness for Lichtenstein’s art…) Amazon forest, 2006. Bradypus. Paresseux in French, sloth in English. This one took over half an hour to cross on the next tree. Slooooow. We need war… Mexico City. 2018. Fingers crossed. London 2016.…
Previously on “Liberation”: the gallant crew of TSS Equinox has gone back in time to Paris, August 1944, in search of the Captain’s uncle Gérard Leclerc who participated in the fighting to liberate Paris. Above: two high-ranking German officers are taken prisoners. The private driving the Jeep seems to be asking: “Where to now, General?”.…
“We are watching you.” Usaquén neighbourhood, Bogotá, Colombia. 2018. The dream. Autolike. On 7th Avenue. How many eyes? “Madame rang?”. Cachivaches, a fab house supply store in Usaquén. “1946. El pollo vive.” 1946, the chicken is alive. Er. Chicken? Yes. That is street art. No arguing anyone. “Don’t make my brown eyes blue”. Note…
“Mr Spock, Mr Sulu, good morning. Bridge to Engineering room: Scotty? Ready to hop at full warp?” “Yes, Sir. Destination?” “August 19, 1944, Paris.” “The Liberation of Paris, Sir? I’ll put the shields up. May I ask whether we have a special assignment?” “You may, Scotty. We’re looking for my uncle, Gérard Leclerc, who was…
Bangkok, as many cities in the “South” is a pot-pourri of sorts. Extreme beauty side by side with abandoned car parts in the street. A 21st century elevated metro stepping over century-old canals. The city can get to you. Unless you know special gems hidden away. The Artist house on Klong Bang Luang is one…
A year ago yesterday, we lost our son-in-law Andrés. Yesterday, our daughter organized a celebration in our other daughter’s house and garden. A shrine was set up with flowers, and photos and photos and photos, and garlands of Mexican cut-paper. And strings and strings of origami. Dozens and dozens and dozens of friends, family, children,…
Palais du Luxembourg, Paris, December 1946. Among the countless stuff gathering dust in my drawers is a stamp collection which will be donated to Grand-baby Gonzalo in due time. And another collection of first day issue envelopes. Not too sure how it’s called in English. The envelopes, sometimes postcards, were issued on the day of…
Equinoxio 