JUST RELAX AND SAY "AAAHHHH"

Signs of Spring

Can’t you just taste Spring?

And can you see numbers as colors? Assign colors to letters? See colors when you hear music?

Are all your words tasty as they flow from your mouth?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then you are one of the 1 in 2000 people with the extraordinary gift of having your five senses intermingled. You have Synesthesia -- A condition arising from insufficient “ in-utero pruning” of the nerve connections between the five senses. People with Synethesia do things like, “think of the letter A as red, S as yellow or Z as black”. That sounds like Dr. Seuss to me. That was pruning at age 3. You know, A is (red) for apple, S is for (yellow) sun, and Z is for (black) zebra. And besides, who wouldn’t say 1,000,000 makes them think green, and Braham’s Lullabies blue?

And as for tasting words? Can anyone seriously argue about the taste of the word mint,

or vomit?

And how about O? Does it take a Synethesia affliction to assign orange to that letter?

Let's just say I am skeptical of this new found "diagnosis". Unusual characteristic maybe, but diagnosis?

It's those Pharmaceutical Companies. Up to something -- again.

Yes, that's it, a scheme to market Psychedelics.

But Dr. Julie Simner from the University of Edinburgh, along with her colleagues at UCSD feel Synethesia is indeed a real entity. They see “striking consistency” among Synethesics in “not always predictable” ways.

Does that mean some people see "O", and think magenta?

Think "ocean" and see red?

Really? I see trouble up ahead for ROY G. BIV.

But let's be fair. Perhaps there's something to it. Take “Clockwork Orange”, now that was black humor, and tasteless as well. That must somehow be relevant. And here in Slovenia doors do seem good enough to eat. Like candy lining the streets really. One delicious door after another -- -- Jolly rancher, Double Bubble, sour lemon drops.

And then there’s MARCH. That word makes one see gray before it is even out of one's pink mouth.

Whether it is the gray clouds, gray fog, grey rivers, black boots, gray socialist-era buildings, relentless cold, the constant smell of sauerkraut in the square, the gray dilapidated Baroque buildings, recurring snow to highlight the grey, grey clothes, grey art nouveau, or the long lines of pale root vegetables in the market, it is somewhat bleak right now in Ljubljana. It does give one a new perspective on all the orange hair, but it gets old.

Shades of gray

Root Vegetables: "Winter in a Bin"

There is a lot of cabbage in this country, and sauerkraut
(note the bucket)

Winter Window on Cankareva Cesta
Ljubljana

In order to combat the grey, Slovenians put orchids or other colorful flowers in their grey windows, go skiing, and recreate……in water.

It is this time of year that Slovenians know how to turn that gray, into blue.

Blue you can see, and taste, and feel, too.

Yes, Slovenians have this late winter season figured out.

They visit WELLNESS CENTERS, SPAS, THERMAL RESORTS, MINERAL SPRINGS, and WATER PARKS.

Slovenia is a karst region with extensive caves, underground canyons, geysers, and thermal springs.

In fact, there are 87 thermal springs in this country the size of New Jersey, and that translates into blue, and green, opportunity.

Spa tourism accounts for the largest percentage of tourist activity in the country. In fact, the number of admissions to thermal pools per year is triple the total number of inhabitants in all of Slovenia. The Slovenian Spa Association boasts 25 multi-acre and government accredited Thermal Health resorts, as well as countless other smaller water parks, pools, and spas. AND, the “natural healing powers of the magnesium and calcium rich waters have been officially recognized by the Slovenian Ministry of Health."

Now that is a government with taste.

Resorts dot the country’s landscape, and boast saunas, relaxation, skiing, massages, healing waters, water slides, solariums, mud baths, and ..........

dentists.

Dentists?,

Dentists?

The word that makes one see black, and taste cherry flavored Novocaine?

Dentists on vacation?

Dentists, on a relaxing getaway?

Dentists, as part of a wellness package?

No. It can't be.

It must be one of those google translator mishaps.

But further inspection left no doubt. The international symbol for dentist was clear.

Yes, Slovenian spas, and many ski resorts as well, have the unfathomable to American tourists:

In-house, full-time, dentists.

A picture is worth a thousand words

Slovenians have quirky perspectives that make them quite endearing to foreigners.

Endearing Slovenian characteristic number 1:

Slovenians care about comfort, and beauty, and art, and have their dental work done on vacation.

It does seem odd at first, but given further thought, the idea of having a dentist on vacation is brilliant. Why haven’t Americans thought of this?

I think we have a shortage of Synethesics. How else can one explain our not intermingling the senses when it comes to our teeth?

What better way to mitigate hell, than to intermingle it with a little bit of heaven. You know, surround the bitter with the sweet, the terrifying with the relaxing.

“This will be a holiday to make you smile with confidence and give you more zest for life.”

Quotes like this are common on Slovenian spa and ski resort websites.

"Visit the Hotel Miklic, and your holiday will include relaxation for all the family in the state of the art Health Resort and Wellness Center, as well as dental treatments you may have been putting off. On the first day of your holiday you will be seen for diagnosis and advice. The treatment may start on the 2^nd day, and generally speaking your dream of a beautiful smile can come true in a 7 day holiday. In cases such as implants, you will come back after a few months to complete your treatment. You will enjoy your stay --- that’s a PROMISE!"

Now it doesn't take a Synethesic to put two and two together.
That is, suddenly, the word dentist has a whole new meaning, and color, and taste.

“DENTIST : No more cherry Novocain, just Cherries Jubilee.

“DENTIST”: No more dingy yellow, only pearly white

“DENTIST”: No more drill, just beautiful music to one’s ears.

Dr. Simner, I think we have some data for you.

Vodno Mesto Atlantis, Ljubljana’s inner city water resort, does not have its own dentist. It seems clear that its healing powers are needed to mitigate the surrounding sprawl, of suburban boxmart shopping stores.

VODNO MESTO ATLANTIS, Ljubljana

Atlantis has plenty to offer though, and is indeed rejuvenating. It is complete with saunas, thermal pools, underwater caves, geysers, three story water slides, hair salons ,naked men,and clean feet.

Endearing Slovenian characteristic number 2:

Slovenians are not self-conscious. Not on buses, not in stores, not in cafes, and not in spas.

There is only one dressing room in the Atlantis. That is a true statement. One dressing room for women, men and children. There are stalls, IF one chooses to use them, but they don’t seem particularly relevant. Call it refreshing really, though suddenly the word naked takes on a blushing hue.

“Are you sure this is the right way?”

“Yes, MOM, we told you this is how it was. You ARE a DOCTOR aren’t you?”

“Yes, I know,

but all these naked bodies. I do feel like I'm in my office. ."

Once inside the spa, it is no different.

Men and women hug and kiss, and frolic and laugh in the hot tubs.

Children are topless. Women wear very small bottomed bathing suits, and men wear even smaller ones.

Unlike (in the) US, Slovenians just don't seem to have hang-ups about their bodies.

And thus, no cover-ups either. Not when lounging, chatting, or even when eating.

Hollin was jealous of the hot tub pairs, Hippolyta appalled, and Zue downright tickled.

“Mom, don’t tell anyone but I see that man’s two balls. You know, his two PRIVATE balls.”

Finally, a place where the language barrier could come in handy.

And as for me? I spent my time contemplating how I was going to act casual with those men in small suits so close to my food.

Because next, was dinner.

“Tzhat will be 8 and 50 UUurros, and I will tell you where to go”.

“Yes, here is 10, Thank you very much”

“Now, You can go there, to tzhat wheelchair”

“the wheelchair?’

“yes, tzhe wheelchair”

Do we sit in wheelchairs? Is this some sort of spa café healing ritual?

“Yes, look, there, over there, tzhere is the wheelchair.”

"I am so sorry. I do not understand. Is there a particular table, or chair we need to sit in?"

“No, No, Come, Come with me, I wvill show you.”



Ah ha. Imagine my relief when I saw that the wheelchair was for the knives and forks, not the dinner guests.

"TZHE WHEELCHAIR"

One final spa note -- men in these spas don’t seem to stare, glare or even glance at all those women in small suits. Would that be the case in the U.S.?

Are our clandestinely clad private parts leaving something to be desired? ............... so to speak.

Endearing Slovenian characteristic number 3:

Slovenians appreciate the fact that shoes are dirty.

All you AK and other bloggists, for whom removing shoes inside is a must, will feel right at home at these spas, and schools, and museums in Slovenia.

The entrance to the spa area at Atlantis is lined with three, foot-height, and forceful, jet streams of disinfectant. One’s feet get an obligatory and automatic, anti-bacterial wash before partaking of the health and wellness. There are three spickets, so if the first one misses, the other two won’t.

And finally, as if that weren’t enough, here a two other bits of evidence that shoes are dirty, and that foot cleanliness is a priority here.

First, check out Danila Kumar International School’s slipper policy for grades K through 8. Or try and check out a book at their beautifully green-tiled floor school library. "Excuse me, if you would like to come in our library you must put zon yzour slippers. Oh, Ah, ha. you dzon't have any. No, No, do not worry, thzeze in tshis basket fit right zover thse shoes."

And next, take a look at the historical exhibits at Skofja Loka’s (12 km from Ljubljana) Castle museum.

The History of Slipper making in Slovenia

Fragile Museum Floor Display. Please don slippers.

CODE OF CONDUCT Danila Kumar International School

Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that brings respects and honour to their parents and the schoolStudents are expected to:

J put forth effort: do homework regularly, respect deadlines, organise notebooks, be equipped at lesson
J not cheat or copy other people’s work

J be respectful to themselves, to their schoolmates and to their teachers

J be respectful of school property and others’ belongings

J not take anything which does not belong to them

J talk quietly so as not to disturb others especially during lessons

J display a positive attitude towards school life

J contribute to a friendly class atmosphere

J not use profane or abusive language

J not run in the hallways or on the stairs

J not be in the halls and corridors during lessons unless having a special permission

J not smoke

J never chew gum at school

J stay on the school grounds until their school day is over

J wear slippers at all times

J turn off their cellular phones in the school building and leave them in their lockers or schoolbag as instructed.

Now that sure gives the word feet a whole new feel.

RINK AROUND THE ROSIES

"Americans put value on the creative element and artistic side of things, whereas we here in Europe care about times, and athletic achievement and such."

You'd think it just the opposite really, if you spend any time looking around Europe.


But, after all, that was just the opinion of one European --- the British accented EUROSPORT Live commentator, on the third day of their Winter Olympics coverage.


One wouldn't expect the combination of Confinement, infirmity, and piggy hell-hole, to be pretty, but EUROSPORT Live's, 24 hour a day, coverage of the Vancouver Games didn't help.

And, unfortunately, it is the single way to get any video images of the winter games here in Slovenia.



"Competition Video from the 2010 Winter Olympics is available to US viewers only"
is the message one gets when trying to access any other Olympic coverage via the Internet


There are several problems with EUROSPORT,live.



First, things aren't really live, instead, each event is carried two and three, sometimes four times in a day, and next, as the commentator said, they like the time element, and the endurance thing. That means every last cross country ski marathon, cross country ski with guns, and cross country ski race, from start to finish, is broadcast multiple times each day - - intermingled with bobsled (yes!, for the .0001% of us who follow that sport), downhill racing, and ski jumping.
It's like a Sound of Music/Groundhog Day medley, with pretty people in gaily colored suits, running around snow-capped mountains ---over and over and over again.

"Didn't we just see this?"

"It's kind of mesmerizing, their legs just going back and forth."

"That poor woman, we have to see her fall, again?"

"Don't look! here it comes"

"Gross, that drooling, spitting man again."


Next, there are not any of those creative Olympic-targeted commercials, that you think you get tired of, but in fact that are the perfect remedy for the monotony of all those robotic legs and arms moving in unison. The term Winter Olympics certainly has a different meaning here.

The only commercial is an advertisement for Eurosport, Live itself. The ultimate in conveying human characteristics, and rights, to corporate conglomerates, the "Eurosport Woman, by Victoria", in her shimmering gold corset, really big bosoms, and even bigger lips, sits in her chaise lounge elegantly, sexily making incoherent sporty comments. Her purpose is still not entirely clear to us, but what is clear is that other than curling maybe, she just doesn't seem to fit in with any Olympic fortnight event.

And that is NOT meant to be "sacri-curly" -- because curling IS in fact, sacred in my book. It makes me feel my own Olympic potential. And I know many of you feel the same way. Give you a set of black tights, faux high heels, earrings, microphone, other women to chat with, something to clean, a tight shirt, a stunning piece of marble, and some glittery clean ice to make your moves look graceful, and you can do anything.

" EUROSPORT by VICTORIA"

But the biggest problem here, and maybe this goes back to the artistry and value thing, is the paucity of televised figure skating. No men's skating at all, a snippet of pairs skating, three ice dancers, and 90 minutes devoted to the women's finals.

And that has turned out to be a BIG problem, because if Slovenia weren't so far away, I might be there with that Russian women, sitting at the end of Johnny Weir's driveway, admiring his every move.
If, as the Canadian commentators tell us, Johnny Weir gives men's skating a bad name, then I say Eurosport gives Olympic coverage a bad name. How can true 24 hour Olympic coverage omit such an idyllic figure?

Johnny Weir first skated in 1996, at age 12, on the frozen cornfield in his backyard.
Really, could that be possible? From cornfield to cutting edge in just 13 short years?

It is possible, and last week was the second Olympics for fashion-forward Johnny Weir. Ravens and snakes may be "manly", but roses, and corsets, and heart-shaped pillows are just plain fun, funny, artistic, you know, in a sporting kind of way.

Mark Lund and Quebec commentators be damned. There is just something intoxicating about Johnny Weir, even to us females. Creative brilliance at least, fearlessness at best, humility swirled amidst flamboyance in the middle.

You can't watch YouTube's Johnny Weir skating to Poker Face in Korea and not be inspired by his artistic and bodily talents. With the added bonus of hearing Korean commentators say "Lady GAGA, poku face" it is well worth watching. Google it today.


"I may not be the most decorated person in the skating world, but judging by the audience reaction, well, they go on my journeys with me."

That was Weir's comment after his undeserved (not my bias, remember, I didn't see it) poor finish this week. And what is that journey exactly? The courage to be who you are, I would guess. Because, how else could one wear a vinyl pink and black corseted porn star suit, while attempting to win the hearts of all those white-haired judges in navy blue pinstripes?

"I just want to inspire kids that dance to a different beat", he said.

You know, "Be everything that makes you, you. Show that and never be afraid. What other man's going to go out in a hot pink tassel that looks like a helicopter when you're rotating? That to me, was GORGEOUS. There's something so boring to me about going out in a black cat suit and looking like you're a giant sperm."

So, I say, Johnny Weir, you are my pink tasseled Vancouver hero.

And if any of you bloggists are still skeptical about a man's public display of rosy wreaths,

just take a look at Kerr and Kerr's pair's skate.

Now, that's the kind of public display that makes me uncomfortable.
Brokeback Mountain has nothing on these cowboys.

So, go on, put on your pink tassel, and dance to your own "different beat".

Sestre did, and it paid off for them,
and for their country.


The three man Slovenian group, dressed in drag, singing their hit song "Samo Ljubezen" (Only Love) became an overnight sensation when they represented Slovenia in the 2002, very popular, Eurovision Song contest.

And overnight, "thanks to Sestre (Sisters), homosexuality became an open subject of discussion throughout the country."

SESTRE

In that same year a visiting Canadian gay poet, Jean Claude Daust, was denied entry into a well-known Ljubljana cafe, Galerija, because of his sexual orientation. Also, that year, the book
"Media representation of Homosexuals : An Analysis of the Print Media in Slovenia 1970-2000" was published by a well-known researcher, and it exposed the "homophobic" reality of the former Yugoslavia.

These were among the events that prompted the newly formed Slovenian government to take up equal rights, and protective rights for gays.
In 2005 a registered partners law was passed, insuring some, but not completely equal rights to gay partners.

Then, in 2009, a prominent gay activist and journalist, Mitja Blazic, was injured by a group of masked men, storming and burning a Ljubljana bar during a gay literature forum.

And Slovenia has this really gutsy Minister of the Interior named Katarina Kresal.
This was her comment after the attack on Blazic.

"These are people like everyone else, and I wish that human rights would be secured for them as they are for everyone else. I have already proposed to my colleagues in the coalition parties to reflect on whether the drawing up of the family legislation is not a chance to also put their rights on par with everyone else’s."

THEN she went on to attend the 9th annual Slovene Gay Parade, which took place two days after the assault. "Side by side with around 500 people, she marched against the violence and discrimination against gays and lesbians. The parade was also escorted by a strong police force, in order to prevent any additional attacks."

And words took on action when on July 2, 2009, "the Constitutional Court of Slovenia found that it was unconstitutional to prevent registered partners from inheriting each other's property. It held that treating registered partners differently from married partners constituted discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, breaching Article 14 of the Slovenian Constitution. It gave the Parliament six months to remedy the situation."

Slovenia's Katarina Kresal

In response, in September 2009, the"center-left" Government drafted the new "Family Code", which would allow same-sex couples to marry and adopt children. Minister Kresal's comment was "Slovenia is likely to legalize same-sex marriage in the near future" and " the government is committed to providing equal rights for both opposite sex and same-sex couples."

December 2009: The bill was approved.

May 2010: Amendments will be considered and the bill will have its final parliamentary vote.

If passed, Slovenia will become the first Central European country to legalise same-sex marriage.
Surveys show that 31% of Slovenians support same sex marriage, and 17% support the right of gay couples to adopt -- As compared with 44% and 33% respectively in the EU.

These opinions are driven by the Roman Catholic church here, and are skewed by the elderly.

So what an interesting phenomenon, the government doing the right thing, in the face of relatively little support from the people.

Hum, that sounds eerily unfamiliar.

Mr. Obama, may I have the honor of introducing you to Minister Kresal?

Notable, is that here, unlike in the U.S., there is no anti-gay movement organized against the legislation.

Market Graffiti

Marquee over Maxim, Ljubljana's business district supermarket

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A VALENTINE'S DAY MESSAGE FROM HERMES

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY, FELLOW BLOGGISTS

















There is no better architectural style with which to say "Happy Valentine's Day", than the Baroque. Well, maybe a little Art Nouveau as well.

As if it were created on the 14th day, the Baroque period is filled with cherubic faces, and chubby cupids, curly qs, and swirly curls, twining branches and heart-shaped leaves, gods of power and goddesses of love -- and, there are even reds, if not orangish reds.

So if the poets of Ljubljana weren't enough to lace these Valentine's weekend posts, these two lush and laden styles are.


Supposing there is no changing the forces of nature, Ljubljana's massive earthquakes of 1511 and 1895 couldn't have come at a better time. Having to rebuild a city first in the Baroque style, and then again at the height of Art Nouveau was a gift for future generations. And if that were not enough, after WWII, Joze Plecnik (Slovenia's version of Frank Lloyd Wright) was around to expand the city using his unique architectual ideas. These included a strong committment to functional, as well as pleasant, public spaces.

Needless to say, the combination of lines here, is a perfect visual fit for any day, but particularly for this day of celebrating beauty and love.


There are Baroque buildings, and churches, and fountains, and statues, and monuments, and doors, and adornments throughout the city, which abut the undulating, lively, and organic Art Noveau (apparently they have their own subset called Vienna Succession here) style gates, and houses, and bridges. Then there is an intermingling of Plecnik's libraries, monuments, thoroughfares, marketplaces, and virandas. And eventhough many of the elegant older buildings are quite dilapidated -- the origin of shabby chic I guess -- they still serve as a powerful dilutant for the socialist-era high rises. That's only opinion though. Some feel the osmolality is just fine. One of the Fulbright Fellows this semester is an architect, and over lunch this week, he discussed the attribute of "equity" (and it followed that equity was a good thing of course) in socialist-era architecture, because of its functionality and ability to accomodate large numbers, at a low cost it. I say that is looking at the bright side. He also appreciated the "austere" quality of it. I am not sure I do. I'm all for leveling, but can't we do it on a little higher plane?

Or in fact, does functionality alone make something beautiful, and thus leveling at any level, is good, and beautiful? Do we need a poll?


Or maybe it is just that in architecture, beauty is simply what no one is tired of yet.





So, for your Valentine's day enjoyment, here are a few "Baroquen" hearts, leafy hearts, and chubby cupids, as well as other-era structures, in which you may, or may not, find beauty.

The Hauptman House c. 1904

The Embassy again
1897









The Dragon Bridge, 1901




designed by a student architect. The most famous Vienna Successionist example in Ljubljana,




and the most photographed sight.

And now some Plecnik

The Triple Bridge

Plecnik 1931

Triple Bridge railing, and market promenade,

both by Plecnik

1931




Plecnik designed library

and some more recent styles

Socialist era, 1969

and finally,

Consumer era

2010

Lollipops for polymer clay lovers















and Happy Valentine's Day, AK Bloggists.










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