Here and There Blog

Around the university area, and the tucked in along shop doors in the city.  Almost all the shop doors had art. This was one of the few that wasn't covered in graffiti.  Political statement about global warning/toxic fumes. Right by the University.    Part of a larger mural at the university.  Along the concrete street divider.

Walking and going into the buildings in the historic part of Bologna takes about 5 hours, including a lunch and a gelato stop. The city is small and compact and while I'm sure there is more to see, I'm happy with my day here. This is a place where you have to look up. So much art is on ceilings, sculptures on buildings, and towers to see that you'll miss out if only looking at eye level,    Even an average building can showcase artful entrance. With the Due Torri closed for restoration, we walked to the top of a church. (Also undergoing restoration) Nice view looking out of the city center.  Even walking along the side walk, there are columns and art. Always look up!

Don't let the sun fool you, it's a cold day in Italy! These were taken from the terrace of our hotel, located in Bologna's historic district. Good location and everything is walking distance. We spent a couple hours wandering around some of the churches and plazas. Now time for lunch!    The homes are all piled and layered in close quarters.  

I'm sitting in the SAS lounge at the Copenhagen airport, surfing the net while I wait for the flight to Bologna, Italy. I realize that after a combined 5 weeks in Denmark from Oct. 1 to today, I've spent more nights here than I have in my own house this year. Co-workers looked at my passport and remarked that I'm not a resident of anywhere. Odd comment but they have a point. I sometimes feel like I'm a resident of United airlines but only for a moment. Today, I'm off to experience Bologna and later this week go to Slovenia and get a few hours in Venice before finally going home for the holidays. I'm glad I had the opportunity to spend so much time in Denmark and get a glimpse into life here. It's different, California is better.  That's all. Home is good. Travel is good. Spending the rest of the week trying to avoid Doctor Who spoilers is not so good.  Next post from Bologna!

Jelling is the home to two large rune stones that were erected sometime around the year 1000. King Harald Bluetooth built the Jelling Stones as a way to give his parents a Christian burial, even though they were the last of the old religion in Denmark. Harald converted to Chritianity and brought the religion to Denmark, and has been credited with giving Denmark it's name. Harald did a lot! The runic writing on the Jelling Stones is the first written mention of the name Denmark and the picture of Christ is the oldest picture known in the northern countries. I didn't realize the northern countries were able to hold on so long to their own religions.  One of the burial mounds. The church was originally built by Harald to show his expression of the new religion. Of course, it burnt down, as did two later churches. The current church was built on the foundations of the previous buildings. The cemetery is still in use today.

The Horsens Abbey Church as it stands today has been reconstructed over the years from the original 12th century Franciscan monastery. I couldn't find a marker for who is buried there but it looks like friars, deacons, and famous patrons. The site also commemorates the Nazi Resistance movement in the 1940's.    The marker for the Nazi resistance movement. The Danish resistance started in Horsens.  

Sculptures you don't normally see. Below "Deer at the Spring" done for the 500th anniversary of Horsens.  Haven't found out about this one yet.  Wall painting as part of an artist takeover to create art in the city.  Not art but I liked the building.  Tucked away in a private courtyard.

This is how it's done properly in Denmark - Big Yellow Sticker - Diesel! And on the gas door - another Big Yellow Sticker - Diesel! And on the key, and they tell you at the rental car counter. National knows how to do this while Avis fails. I will only put in diesel in this car.

An oops wrong turn! Turned into an unexpected photo op near the Copenhagen Central Train Station. So much construction is going on and the walls around the work were creatively covered. These are dated from last year so that is one long project! Below is a sampling of the various artists.       This one was a series of comic book style stories. The girl is getting the guy drunk so he can spill the beans about a girl and a relationship.

It's only been two weeks since I left Copenhagen and all the tree leaves have turned to brown. Even though it was sunny this afternoon, the long shadows cast a dark spell around town and by 4:30 pm, it was nearly dark. The mid-point of Autumn has landed. Below, the train tracks look primed for zombies.  Even along the water the absence of tourists is noticeable.  A few weeks ago an empty shot like this would have been impossible in the afternoon.  And while leaves remain, the vibrant orange and red hues have left us.

Ender's Game was an enjoyable two hours in the movie theater. It's been years since I read the book but I retained enough of it to feel the movie was doing justice to the book while adding updates to the technology to keep the movie believable. In some ways though, it felt like the movie was more about Colonel Graff than Ender Wiggin. Or maybe it's that Harrison Ford is just that kind of actor that the scenes move towards him. Actually, a couple of points he looked like General Solo and I could see how Han would fit in perfect if the Star Wars movies move forward in time. But I digress. The world is at war with a bug-like race and children are recruited since they can adapt to new technology.  Having grown up with that same technology anyone under the age of 14ish, can out-think and out-speed the older generation and hopefully the bugs.  This worked well in the books and it works well in the movies. What was a bit lacking was any emotional connection to Ender. In the ...