Tag: travel

IVSA Conference – Évry, France

Posted on by sylvia

International Visual Sociology Association Conference
University of Paris-Saclay – University of Evry, Evry, France

In June 2018, I had the pleasure to present a paper I worked on with Cultural Manager Violetta Tsitsiliani:
“Suitcases: A comment on voluntary travel vs necessary dislocation”.

Photographs I had taken of different types of travelers (tourists, marine workers, migrants and refugees) in Greek ports were used as a means to examine the semiotics of suitcases. These ports constitute a common space that holds a different meaning for each user, although the use is the same for all: travel. The essential difference lies in that of choice or need to travel through this port.

“One advantage of photography is that it’s visual and can transcend language.”

Lisa Kristine

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos by Nigel Brunsdon

More information on the IVSA: https://visualsociology.org/

Tibidabo Dream Come True

Posted on by sylvia

 

It’s hard to imagine, but even after 4 years of living in Barcelona, I had never visited Tibidabo. I would see it across the city practically every day when I’d walk my dog around Montjuic, and I had walked and biked in the Carretera des Aigues, but never actually made it up there.

Until on one of my visits back, when my dear friend asked me what I’d like to do when I arrive, I boldly replied: I want to go to Tibidabo! So we did. And it was great! 😀

 

 

Of course the church is beautiful…

But the amusement park and the views are breathtaking!

By the way, we got there just as the amusement park was closing, so maybe next time I’ll actually make it to some of the rides too! 😉

Toledo

Posted on by sylvia

Characterized as “Imperial City” or “City of three cultures”, Toledo’s medieval flair and intrinsic history lives up to UNESCO’s World Heritage title.

 

Madrid… ¡está fetén!

Posted on by sylvia

Madrid: the capital of Spain, the country’s geographic centre, a cultural and political hub. This city is a lot of things and there’s definitely something there for everyone.

I must have been to Madrid about 5 or 6 times, yet every single time has been different from the last. I could come back a hundred more times and probably still enjoy it just as much. So I wonder, what makes this city so unique?

Don’t worry, I’m not going to bore you by talking about all the monuments, architecture and touristic attractions that could easily fill a couple of weeks if you plan to visit them all. I won’t deny though, that there are some amazing sites that appear in most tourist guidebooks and they’re well worth your time and money, but there’s a different dynamic that makes Madrid special.

Even though it’s the third largest city in the European Union, Madrid has somehow managed to harmonically introduce modern infrastructure while preserving the ambience of many of its historic neighbourhoods. Perhaps that’s what’s so particular about Madrid. The neighbourhoods, each one with its own character, somehow create mini cities within a larger city, providing a totally unique experience to the visitor, depending on where they stay and in which area they move around.

There are 128 barrios in Madrid that belong to 21 districts, all very well connected to each other with public transport. Think about that. From the historic barrio of La Latina known for its lively streets and nightlife, to Goya with the WiZink centre for sports matches and concerts, the city is full of little surprises for the visitor and local alike.

Sure, you can find sunny squares, tapas bars with cold beer and delicious delicacies, and bustling bars in other cities as well. To be honest, Madrid would be just another large city if it wasn’t for the madrileños. After all, what’s a city without its inhabitants? The Madrid locals really do wonders when it comes to winning you over, because it’s just the way they are: open, friendly, talkative, pleasant, cheerful.

So is that it? Interesting neighbourhoods with a lot to discover and great locals? Maybe… Or maybe I just need to go back to Madrid to figure it out. 😉

está fetén = wonderful (Madrid slang)
barrio = neighbourhood, ward
madrileño = from Madrid

Görüşürüz Istanbul

Posted on by sylvia

Such a vibrant city with incredibly friendly locals and so many things to discover!

My time in Istanbul was short, so I have not said goodbye… Görüşürüz Istanbul! See you soon. 🙂

Kalymnos: rock, sponge, sea

Posted on by sylvia

Summer holidays are about discovery, exploration, fun and relaxation! I found all that in the Dodecanese.

The island of Kalymnos was put on the map thanks to the long tradition of sponge diving and more recently, rock climbing.
In fact, the reason the island first attracted attention on an international scale was because of the diving-related accidents and illnesses the sponge divers suffered. Thanks to them (and quite unfortunately for them), international diving standards have been set in place in order to avoid such diving injuries as decompression sickness.

Nowadays, Kalymnos is best known for its rock climbing and bouldering. Climbers from all over the world come to the island for its marvelous sectors.

And since it’s an island in the Aegean sea, many come for the beaches! One positive little surprise about Kalymnos was the island of Telendos, separated from Kalymnos by an earthquake, now lying at only 800m. across the channel.

But I’ve already said too much. Take a look for yourself!