Category: BITS and PIECES

A Visit to the Berlin Biennale 2022

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After having presented three mega art events on this blog over the past few weeks, I actually wanted to leave it at that for this summer. But last weekend, I paid the Berlin Biennale 2022 a visit. This event impressed me so much that I needed to write at least a short post about it.

Exile Is a Hard Job by Nil Yalter at the Berlin Biennale 2022
Turkish-born artist Nil Yalter left Turkey in 1965, hence, she knows what it means to be an immigrant. Today, she is 84 years old. In 1983, she interviewed and filmed migrants on their experiences in a foreign country. Now she brought the topic to the Berlin Biennale.

Like the Biennale in Venice and above all the Documenta in Kassel, the Berlin Biennale is also influenced by current political and social developments. Therefore, conceptual works and installations are presented rather than pretty pictures.

What impressed me in Berlin – especially ten days after my visit to Kassel – is a clear concept, the conscientious subdivision, and the stringent and consistent thematic organization and execution.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

How to Visit the DOCUMENTA fifteen in Kassel in 2022

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Cultural Life is back! And instead of timidly knocking, it simply kicked down the door and threw three mega art events at us. So after having introduced what’s on at this year’s Biennale di Arte in Venice and at the NordArt in Northern Germany, it’s time to inform you on how to visit the 15th edition of the documenta in Kassel in 2022.

Mural by the Ruan Grupa at the Documenta fifteen in Kassel in 2022
A bold mural on the northern wall of the ruru House is announcing all the amazing participants of this year’s documenta.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

How to Visit the NordArt in 2022

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In this post, I’m telling you how to visit the NordArt 2022, an international art event taking place in Büdelsdorf. Büdels…what? I knew you’d need more information and possibly a guide.

Ode to Art by Liu Ruowang at the NordArt 2022
Ode to Art by Chinese superstar Liu Ruowang. I’ve introduced him on the blog before – for instance in my post on Florence where his cast iron wolves were roaming the city.

Although the NordArt is an international art show that takes place every year, it’s by far not as important as the Documenta in Kassel let alone the Bienniale di Arte in Venice. However, it is installed in an intriguing setting, a wonderful day trip away from Hamburg or Berlin, and therefore totally worth the visit.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

Break a Leg – My Bumpy First Encounter With Gran Canaria

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It was last June, Europe’s borders were slowly opening and the Canary Islands lost their high-risk status. I finally had the chance to book a flight, look for accommodation, plan a trip. Life was like it used to be in the olden days.

It was on a Wednesday that I landed at Gran Canaria’s international airport south of the capital Las Palmas. This city would be my base, however, it had to wait another night for me. The first day was dedicated to Agüimes, a small town about 30 minutes inland at the foot of the island’s famous mountains.

Barranco in Gran Canaria where I did break a leg
Not a busy spot, indeed.

Agüimes is very picturesque, however, there is not that much to do. I spent the afternoon walking around, awing and taking pictures of alleys and well-maintained houses and many statues telling stories about the town’s history and culture. Then, the next morning, I wanted to walk to the famous Barranco de las Vacas, a gorge with rock formations as beautiful as in Utah.

And then it happened. I broke a leg.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

How I Became A Citizen Of The World

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How did I become a Citizen of the World? Why do I have these itchy feet? Where does this greed for exploring come from? Why this fascination with foreign customs’n’cultures? Was there a specific moment? Or did I get injected this yearning for travel in homeopathic doses?

Renata Green on the Beach in Split, Croati
For the first time on Croatian beaches.

I’ve put together five anecdotes about my earliest – and most impressive – travel memories that might explain a thing or two.

It’s really amazing what my brain remembers, how these trips sank in and anchored in my mind and soul.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

Language Learning in Brazil

Posted onAuthorRenata Green4 Comments

My passion for travelling and my interest in learning yet another language took me to Rio de Janeiro, the legendary metropolis on the Atlantic coast of Brazil.

Renata Green in Rio de Janeiro while learning the Portuguese language in Brazil.
This is what Bildungsurlaub stands for: Getting inspired by seeing things from a new perspective!
Here at Rio’s Jardim Botanico, a beautiful, serene oasis not far from the beach of Ipanema. 
There is not only an eclectic mix of untamed nature growing next to manicured lawns and flowerbeds, decorated with old, weathered statues and fountains. There is also an exhibition of modern art taking place. 
My favorite piece is an installation by Gustavo Prado called “Caminho Inverso”/”Reversed Path”. It consists of about thirty mirrors facing the top of the palm tree alley which shows you the plants from many, many….different perspectives!
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Travelling by Bus Around the World or Ride with the Devil

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I always thought if I had the chance to choose on judgment day, I might rather go to hell than to heaven. I’m suffering from acrophobia so a place as high as heaven might scare me to…well, at least it cannot scare me to death anymore. Then, I’m afraid that way up high over the clouds it will be always a little nippy. And I like it hot.

Renata Green on the bus from Delphi to Kalambaka in Greece
I’m definitely a solo traveller – taking the whole alone travel to an even higher level.

But after recent events, I’m not so sure anymore. After I was riding with the devil, I’m afraid I’m not fit for the highway to hell.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

Pickled: Easy Recipes to Store the Mediterranean Sun in Your Pantry

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Pickled fruits and herbs from the Mediterranean cuisine are fantastic: Tasty, pretty, and with my recipes so easy to make! It’s also a great gift to your family’n’friends and a creative way to store the Mediterranean Sun in your pantry.

Oil infused with Herbes de Provence, lemon peel, and garlic next to a lavender plant. An Easy Recipe for Pickled Mediterranean Herbs
Oil infused with Herbes de Provence, lemon peel, and garlic. Close your eyes and find yourself in a lavender field at the Plateau de Valensole.

Especially during travel-restricted times, it’s a great way of bringing the flavors of summer into your kitchen cabinets.

This Way to the Whole Story ->