Torino 1.3 : Eclectic Energy

Woodcarved ceiling medallion : Torino, IT

Our tour guide for the weekend was Maya's father's cousin, Mariangela. In addition to the many book shops and il Circolo dei Lettori, she showed us so many different sights, I can't remember half of what we say. Here are just a few pictures.

Detail on the medallion : Torino, IT

The top two photos don't do it justice, but these are photos of a woodcarved ceiling medallion that was absolutely exquisite in craftsmanship and detail. I wish these photos did it justice.

Woo-gah Doo-gah Boo-gah : Chanting Masks : Torino, IT

I can't remember where this exhibit was, but it was a plaza full of mask that chanted and were lit up by changing lights.

Christmas at City Hall : Torino, IT

Over the plaza near the old City Hall, the city has strung up Christmas colored lights. It was rather festive and fun and lots of young people were hanging out here, enjoying the pleasant weather and each others company.

Decked out with Constellations : Torino, IT

Where other European cities hang up lights related to Christmas and the upcoming holidays, Torino strings up random motifs. We also saw neon swimmers and birds on other streets. This street features the constellations.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 11/11

Torino 1.2 : il circolo dei lettori

Engrossed : il Circolo dei Lettori : Torino, IT

This is one of Torino's best kept secrets: The Circle of Readers (il circolo dei lettori). It's a salon where people can go to, get this... READ! Real books. And newspapers. And magazines. There are comfy couches and chairs. The organization hosts readings, lectures, and book signings. And, if you're keen to have a coffee while you read, there's a bar. On Sundays, the Circle serves brunch.

To get into this hidden treasure, go to Via Bogino 9. If the large doors are shut, the entrance code on the key pad is 1115 + bell button. It's a nice place to get away from the hustle-and-bustle of Torino for an hour or two.

 The entrance hall at il circolo dei lettori : Torino, IT

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 11/11

Mr Lincoln in London

Saint-Gauden's statue of Lincoln in Parliament Square : London, UK

As we were headed for Westminster Abbey, we stumbled upon this statue of American president Abraham Lincoln in Parliament Square. Again, the light was horrible and this was the best I could do. Anyone who knows me knows I love Lincoln! It was quite a treat to find my favorite president featured in the City of London. I tried to find more information about how Mr Lincoln came to be in London, but the National Archives' site was down for the evening.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/11

Golden Chicken!

 Which came first? The golden chicken in Lyon or the golden chicken in Farmville? : Lyon, FR

If you're on Facebook and you play Farmville, you know all about Golden Chickens. This one was spotted atop a building in Lyon near the Place de la Republique.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 2/10

Buffalo a la Geneva

North American Bison roam the farmland north of the airport : Colovrex, CH

When I first arrived in Switzerland and France, I mentioned to some friends that I'd seen some North American buffalo not far from the airport. A well-meaning and often knowledgeable friend back in the States informed me that more than likely what I had seen were not buffalo from America, but wisents--their European cousins. Having seen buffalo in the States, I was pretty sure these were the same, but didn't contradict because, well, why the hell would there be American buffalo in Switzerland?!

A home where the buffalo roam... Across the street in Switzerland. : Colovrex, CH

Turns out, I was actually right for once. These are, indeed, buffalo from North America. They were brought here by a guy named Laurent Girardet in 1990 and the herd has grown to 150 animals spread out across several fields in Colovrex northeast of Geneva International Airport. How long they'll remain an attraction on the road from Ferney-Voltaire to Geneva is a question. According to this article, written a year ago, not long. (And yet, they remain. Yeah!) For the time being, at least, they're a popular, though unusual, attraction to be found across the street in Swtizerland!

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 1/10