In the 18th century, dear reader, it was considered "de rigueur" for every wealthy young British gentleman to complete his education with a "grand tour" of Europe's main cultural centres. In reality, of course, the whole thing was just an excuse for the idle rich to party their way round the continent out of the public eye, buying the odd souvenir en route. A kind of inter-railing with servants, trunks and wigs, if you like. In homage to this tradition, rhino75 is preparing a trip, taking in the sights of Brighton, London and Berlin. Yes, yes, I know that's obviously more limited in scope, time and budget, but it's the concept that counts. Anyway, it should be excellent fun, particularly Berlin as it will be my first ever (my italics) visit. It does mean, though, that most of this week - apart from work - is going to be spent getting ready for that, sorting out tickets, people to meet, places to stay, things to do etc. To simplify things, I shan't be taking any servants or wigs. Still, it'll be hard to top last week's cultural agenda. The weekend started in a very civilised fashion, meeting up with a friend for a cosmo or two and a quiet chat. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of not having dinner and before I knew it I was necking champagne out of the bottle, speaking German, and dancing with a Fashion/Eurotrash crowd, plus one Mexican, until it all went black (ahem! That's the version I'm sticking to anyway). To redeem myself, I went along to a private view Saturday evening of a new photo and video exhibition called "Seeland" by Marylène Negro (click on the pic to go to her site). It's a small show - just nine pieces - but I particularly liked a series entitled "Baleines"/"Whales". You'll no doubt be reading more about her here as she's working on a project with Mrs. LOG at the moment. Bon courage to us all!
Sunday, April 09, 2006
Rhino's Grand Tour
In the 18th century, dear reader, it was considered "de rigueur" for every wealthy young British gentleman to complete his education with a "grand tour" of Europe's main cultural centres. In reality, of course, the whole thing was just an excuse for the idle rich to party their way round the continent out of the public eye, buying the odd souvenir en route. A kind of inter-railing with servants, trunks and wigs, if you like. In homage to this tradition, rhino75 is preparing a trip, taking in the sights of Brighton, London and Berlin. Yes, yes, I know that's obviously more limited in scope, time and budget, but it's the concept that counts. Anyway, it should be excellent fun, particularly Berlin as it will be my first ever (my italics) visit. It does mean, though, that most of this week - apart from work - is going to be spent getting ready for that, sorting out tickets, people to meet, places to stay, things to do etc. To simplify things, I shan't be taking any servants or wigs. Still, it'll be hard to top last week's cultural agenda. The weekend started in a very civilised fashion, meeting up with a friend for a cosmo or two and a quiet chat. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of not having dinner and before I knew it I was necking champagne out of the bottle, speaking German, and dancing with a Fashion/Eurotrash crowd, plus one Mexican, until it all went black (ahem! That's the version I'm sticking to anyway). To redeem myself, I went along to a private view Saturday evening of a new photo and video exhibition called "Seeland" by Marylène Negro (click on the pic to go to her site). It's a small show - just nine pieces - but I particularly liked a series entitled "Baleines"/"Whales". You'll no doubt be reading more about her here as she's working on a project with Mrs. LOG at the moment. Bon courage to us all!
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16 comments:
I am so envious, I make myself sick. But you must not fret, you must enjoy it all, even gettting there. I would love to go to Berlin mock schnell, Heir Rhino. I speak it better than I write it. Hell, I've not mastered English yet. But if you get really busy, and I imagine you will. I hope you have a wonderful time. Pay attention, you only live once.xoxo
Poor poor Rhino! Are you really going to travel without your wigs! :::gasp:::
Well, good luck darling, enjoy, and I hope you have a lot of S.E.X. I spelled it out just in case any kids were reading.
Bring me back a present from Berlin! Something leathery, with a handle... perhaps. Good to inflict a moderate amount of P.A.I.N.!
=)
Babs, I shall be doing my best Sally Bowles/Liza Minelli impersonation, you can be sure of that! Rob, hon, it's all about A.R.T., and as you know, one has to be prepared to make sacrifices for that. I am thinking of buying you an elephant's foot umbrella stand, tho'...
Rhino, your fasination with animal inspired furniture knows no bounds! What ever happend to that dog lamp you had? I haven't seen it around in your photos lately!
An elephant foot umbrella stand! And yet you claim to make this journey in the name of "A.R.T.!"
I trust the irony will not be lost in that statement! =)
Should you return with such an item, I will be forced to call a meeting for The Gays™ Blogger Ethics. And lobby for the loss of your Gay Card™, and the toaster oven.
I was thinking something along the lines of a shiney new Whip, or flogging deice of some kind. I hear the Germans are masters of the Kink!
OMG, not the toaster oven too, don't you think that's a bit harsh? Show some mercy!
The idea of Rhino touring Germany in search of German ovens brings back bad memories. Please stick to the doggy lamp.
I'ma lil' slow frog but I just caught that one, OMG, you are so bad.
Rhino, I'd be careful, I think Rob's quite serious. You'd better apease him and bring him a riding crop and a butch leather hat!
=)
I'm only playing with the beloved Rhino. I don't require presents, I love you just the way you are Rhino!
HaHa! But what exactly, I wonder, IS a toaster oven?
toaster ovens are a small device used in kitchens across America, whereby slices of bread are placed in open slots on the machine, lowered down, and toasted. Then they pop up when they have reached the desired char level.
It's supposed to be a joke, because toaster ovens are so common place, and domestic, they were routinely freely given away when you enrolled into a new bank account at the bank, or joined a club of some kind. They are a cheap prize.
Returning the toaster oven is the ultimate form of disavowing the membership. Not only are you being kicked out, but you must return the fun prize as well!
I'm hurt you didn't get the full extent of my joke! :(
Aha, that would be what we call in British English simply "a toaster" and in French "un grille-pain". But we associate them more with cheap wedding gifts. Who knew?
Why on earth would you associate with cheap wedding gifts? I thought you had a bit of class?
In defense, Sorry Rob but a toaster is one thing and a toaster oven is another. A toaster is the thing that you put 2 slices of bread in and it pops up when it's done. Now, a toaster oven has a little more classe, croûte supérieure. See with this apparatice you may bake,toast, broil.But rhino, it's pretty nifty and you don't want to lose it now do you?xoxo and squeeze the frog for me, please!
Ouch, Rhino just squeezed me too hard!
You're right Babs sweety. But I don't have a toaster oven :(
I only have a 4-slice toaster! I'm just used to calling ALL toasters, toaster ovens for some reason. I don't know why actually.
I talk weird.
You liked it you freaky frog! It's ok Rob petite faute!! We are all weird are we not well except for rhino. He's probably the sanest, is that a word?
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