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| Human size vs Car size ( she is not a midget ) |
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| the tourist train |
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| Herbie? |
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| Our Hired car |
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| Tram in Nice |
Wednesday 29 May 2013
Scooters & Cruisers :
Strolling around France you are often in near head-on / side-on / rear-on collisions with various forms of transport.. this ranges from barbie sized cars to hoards of vespas nipping in and out of side streets, that you never even thought were streets to begin with. However I have come across some rather unique and unusual 'transportation devices', the bright colors and the 'schwarve' designs always catch my eye immediately. I think what is almost more intriguing is trying to imagine the type of person who actually utilises such awesome cars/bikes.. its quite a dun game drawing up a personality that could possibly match what you are about to see below. You can definitely consider this post incomplete, as every second day there is a new weird and wonderful bike/car that I happen to not collide into, more to come, but for now, enjoy.
It's Summer in France : Go to the Beach and Dance : Disclosure
As always : here is are two track for you to press play and enjoy : both are by the same duo, Disclousure : Two brothers out of the UK who are doing everything right : vocal samples combined with some of the tastiest baselines coming through the music industry at the moment : both tracks were played at different times of the day and in both moments you could not have wished for more : the shoulders were shifting, the sand was soft, the smiles were wide and sound was sensational.
Location : Juan-Les-Pins, Moorea Beach Bar.
Weather : Sunny Skies and Beautifully Breezy.
Crowd : A combination of Superb Saffa's, Kif Kiwi's, Amazing Aussies (well some) and the odd transformed tourist. Generally a whole bunch of 'yachties', who for one day, forgot that they were here to work in the industry, but rather here to play beach bats, swim, dance and be more than merry.
Vibe : Complete disbelief for the amazing surroundings we all found ourselves in / Complete belief for how awesome everything in that moment was, and could become. Kitted out with various sized tiki huts, rope swings, hammocks, watering-can beach showers, insanely irrelevant yet relevant decor and palm tree leaves for days.
Music : Somewhat a carbon copy of some of may favorite playlists from my iTunes, the music flowed in through your ears, lifted you up but yet dug your toes into the soft sand at the same time. The progression of the music seemed to follow the sun, lighthearted and cheeky in the noon and deep down and dirty towards the setting.
Beverages : Moorea is famous for many things, the music, the setting and the overly massive bottles of Rose. They come in different shapes and sizes and the novelty of getting a bottle of rose no smaller than a 7 year old toddler served in a wheelbarrow is one that never ceases to excite. Other cocktails and drinks are readily available from the the bar, however the price factor is one that is not very enticing. However from what we gathered they seem to be very lenient on you bringing your own lick-lack onto the beach : vodka ice-tea's and cranno's were our call for the day, not bad shout as it was both hydrating and tasty. ( TM )
So with the contextual words out the way here are some carefully selected photos I managed to capture throughout the day. All in all I hope to have painted the most perfect sense-filling picture of Moorea Beach, a big recommendation for any of you who just so happen to find yourself amongst a cool crew in the South of France. Oui Oui Bon Nuit
Thursday 9 May 2013
: Oh wait I know this song
Music : a pleasant noise that can turn any situation into something more. One of the many reasons I devote so much time to the searching, the gathering and the playing of said concept. There is so much out there and most of the time for me at least, its a matter of finding 'situational sounds'. Hang on.. what did I just say.. I guess it makes sense if you understand that there is music for any moment, a background track, a very present sing-a-long or a classic memory-fuelled banger. In my last blog I devoted a fair amount of posts to a few songs that I enjoy. I hope to continue to do the same, each will (bear with me ) be accompanied by a somewhat summarised descripition of why the specific song often makes it into my ears more than once a day.
Today's theme, one of my favourite, " The power of Remix " :
http://thexboxedfiles.blogspot.fr/2012/08/the-power-of-remix.html is a previous post I did and this one follows very similarly along the same lines. I love a little remix,it takes a song that is either popular, old or yet unheard of and throws it headfirst into a new space. Below are some recent rippers that I have come across. All of which bring a classic sing-a-long forward into 2013 with a great new sense of style.
Love me some beach boys, even though everytime I play one of their songs at home my Mom ( Hi Mom ) will without fail remind me of how '' this is my music '' , well mom I take your statement and raise you this remix. Beach boys with some cheeky extra base and cymbals, whats not to love.
The year is 1980 and a casual character by the name of George Benson unleashes this song on the public. The smooth funk with the scat like backing vocals is an immediate success. Fast forward to today its become one of those 'typical' middle of the night, keep the crowd going, lets all get clapping song scenarios. It doesn't really stand out and can be easily muffled in between various other dance floor shufflers like Saturday Night Fever and Staying Alive. However, fear not, I present you with a fresh oh so fresh new take, George Benson you can still kick it in my books!
Cyndi Lauper, where does one even begin? I don't even think I can, but in a collective of words; kooky, crazy, inspirational and unpredictable. For her song 'True Colors' the mood was toned down and shifted into something very heartfelt and strong. Bring this song forward and give it to a man that in our 'era' can do little wrong. Angus Stone has one of the smoothest sounds escaping his mouth. The guy is so casually cool and, yeah i'm going to say it, 'schwarve' (cringe for usage of the word, I couldn't resist). I present you with True Colors, Angus style.
Today's theme, one of my favourite, " The power of Remix " :
http://thexboxedfiles.blogspot.fr/2012/08/the-power-of-remix.html is a previous post I did and this one follows very similarly along the same lines. I love a little remix,it takes a song that is either popular, old or yet unheard of and throws it headfirst into a new space. Below are some recent rippers that I have come across. All of which bring a classic sing-a-long forward into 2013 with a great new sense of style.
Love me some beach boys, even though everytime I play one of their songs at home my Mom ( Hi Mom ) will without fail remind me of how '' this is my music '' , well mom I take your statement and raise you this remix. Beach boys with some cheeky extra base and cymbals, whats not to love.
The year is 1980 and a casual character by the name of George Benson unleashes this song on the public. The smooth funk with the scat like backing vocals is an immediate success. Fast forward to today its become one of those 'typical' middle of the night, keep the crowd going, lets all get clapping song scenarios. It doesn't really stand out and can be easily muffled in between various other dance floor shufflers like Saturday Night Fever and Staying Alive. However, fear not, I present you with a fresh oh so fresh new take, George Benson you can still kick it in my books!
Cyndi Lauper, where does one even begin? I don't even think I can, but in a collective of words; kooky, crazy, inspirational and unpredictable. For her song 'True Colors' the mood was toned down and shifted into something very heartfelt and strong. Bring this song forward and give it to a man that in our 'era' can do little wrong. Angus Stone has one of the smoothest sounds escaping his mouth. The guy is so casually cool and, yeah i'm going to say it, 'schwarve' (cringe for usage of the word, I couldn't resist). I present you with True Colors, Angus style.
Till Next TIme
X
To Marche To Marche :
Love me a good old fashioned market. There is nothing that beats the buzz of the over-insistent market-folk who try sell you everything from amazing foodstuffs to very tinker-worthy objects. Ive done my fair share of markets, back home in South Africa it ranges from the awesomely-dirty farmers markets or old school style ones out of town, http://thexboxedfiles.blogspot.fr/2012/06/to-market-to-market.html to the cleaner wine farm markets to the suburban hipster filled stalls of pure wickedness.
London also had various markets to go to, the smaller pop-up ones, http://thexboxedfiles.blogspot.fr/2012/10/to-market-to-market-2-high-highs.html, the colorful Portobello Market in Notting Hill, the old bustling Borough Market on the Thames and the insanely large market upon market upon back alley upon market in Camden.
It was therefore no surprise that I would attempt to find one when arriving in Antibes. Lucky for us I didn't have to search very far because we live just above the historical Provencal Marche. About 6 days a week throughout the day this market is on the go. Repetitive shouting from produce sellers, locals bargaining loudly whilst doing their daily shop, and a vast array of different types of tunes being whistled can be heard as you nudge past the cramped yet comfortable space. During the late afternoon the market closes and local cafes begin setting out their tables utilising the central space.
We have got stuck in a few times, bought a selection of macaroons from a very shy yet wonderful man, vegetables from a woman intent on locating the best of each for us, and some meat from a young flirtatious butcher who threw in a few extras, no charge. We did find however that shopping in the market proved to be a bit more costly than if we traipsed the isles of the local supermarket, however in hindsight you are not just getting a simple piece of fruit. You are getting the warm smile from the man weighing it for you, you are getting the genuine 'Merci" when its handed over to you and finally you get the undeniable satisfaction when you eat it.
This is what makes a market, it's something more personal, something with far more character, something that makes for a better memory. You are never able to remember one grumpy cashier from another when you shop at a store, but a market is a whole different ball-game, produce becomes personal. I captured a few snapshots in a hope to convey the atmosphere of this little market that has without a doubt found a place in my heart. It is not the same as the smells and sounds can obviously not be combined, however listen to the following track, scroll around and enjoy.
London also had various markets to go to, the smaller pop-up ones, http://thexboxedfiles.blogspot.fr/2012/10/to-market-to-market-2-high-highs.html, the colorful Portobello Market in Notting Hill, the old bustling Borough Market on the Thames and the insanely large market upon market upon back alley upon market in Camden.
It was therefore no surprise that I would attempt to find one when arriving in Antibes. Lucky for us I didn't have to search very far because we live just above the historical Provencal Marche. About 6 days a week throughout the day this market is on the go. Repetitive shouting from produce sellers, locals bargaining loudly whilst doing their daily shop, and a vast array of different types of tunes being whistled can be heard as you nudge past the cramped yet comfortable space. During the late afternoon the market closes and local cafes begin setting out their tables utilising the central space.
We have got stuck in a few times, bought a selection of macaroons from a very shy yet wonderful man, vegetables from a woman intent on locating the best of each for us, and some meat from a young flirtatious butcher who threw in a few extras, no charge. We did find however that shopping in the market proved to be a bit more costly than if we traipsed the isles of the local supermarket, however in hindsight you are not just getting a simple piece of fruit. You are getting the warm smile from the man weighing it for you, you are getting the genuine 'Merci" when its handed over to you and finally you get the undeniable satisfaction when you eat it.
This is what makes a market, it's something more personal, something with far more character, something that makes for a better memory. You are never able to remember one grumpy cashier from another when you shop at a store, but a market is a whole different ball-game, produce becomes personal. I captured a few snapshots in a hope to convey the atmosphere of this little market that has without a doubt found a place in my heart. It is not the same as the smells and sounds can obviously not be combined, however listen to the following track, scroll around and enjoy.
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| French Tomatoes |
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| A historical snapshot of the same space |
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| Nicest man who threw in a free olive after the photo |
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| Packed up |
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