Holding on to bits of the past

Being back to the city where I was born has brought back quite a big load of memories. Things like flavors, sights and scents.  The things we tend to forget when we are no longer exposed on a daily basis to them, simple things that make you feel you have arrived, that you are back, that you belong.

I have always struggled to understand where I belong. Even if I was born here, I never felt I belonged.  Ever since I can remember, I always wanted to leave this place. Eventually I left and even if I still feel like I don´t belong anywhere, I reached a safe place in my heart where I don´t need to belong to a place anymore.

If I let those memories of my adolescence come afloat then I can go back and hold on to those bits of the past that are still inside of me (which to my relief are plenty). Coming back here doesn´t feel like "coming home" anymore, but I still get to enjoy the wonderful things this place has to offer, and walk a bit down on memory lane.

This is a beautiful place despite the terrible reputation it has gained throughout the years. People are warm and welcoming, the food is glorious, and the sights are breathtaking. Like any other country in the world it has its good and bad things, it just depends on where you look or the perspective you take.

So far I´ve been taking it all in, as if I was seeing it all for the first time.Enjoying every single second so it will last me another fours year or more before I get to come back again, and holding on to those bits of the past because I don´t want to forget.

I wish you a very wonderful day,
Giova

Felt Art by Akiko Kumazawa

I've had the chance to visit some very interesting exhibitions here in Cali. One that has stand out by far from everything I've had the opportunity to see here is by artist Akiko Kumazawa. She is a Japanese artist that two years ago came to Colombia for an artist-in-residence program and decided to stay. She works mostly with felt and hair, and to tell you the truth makes the most amazing 'objects' out of this wonderful materials (my first encounter with felt was thanks to my sister). This exhibition left me so satisfied and completely happy that someone could create such things with this very fragile, flexible material, and show it in such a spectacular way.

It was funny how the hair pieces reminded me of how many of my own hair I've thrown away. Such a waste! haha.  It was such an inspiration! And entirely motivational really, because now I want to make lots and lots of things! And hopefully my sister will teach me about felt!

Have a great day!
Giannina.

Ode to my favorite fruit

The first thing in my to do list while I'm in Cali, is eat granadilla everyday! I love it! In pre-K we used to call it "elephant snot" which is very funny because I don't think any of us have ever tasted that!
It is sweet and mild and the seeds add texture and a little bit of a sour note. I find it beautiful and every time I crack open one I'm amazed by the perfection inside. The very hard but fragile skin opens up to a very soft plushy white under-skin that protects the succulent, sweet jelly covered seeds!

If you are ever in Colombia give it a try! It will surely surprise you and maybe you will fall in love as I did a long, long time ago!

Sweet day to you all!
Giannina.

I love tiles!

I started a collection of photos, they contain a moment in time where I experienced some sort of a big load of nostalgia mixed with inspiration (the patterns and colors are out of this world!!!) and of course a lot of wonderment. Why aren't houses and places made this way anymore?

For me it has always been in my city, Cali that I encounter the most of this tiles; old houses (the "good" ones) used to be the ones filled with beautiful colors! I really don't understand when all this beauty faded away and people thought it was ok to just vanish them. In the mean I'll keep looking for more of them. Did I manage to take you back to your memories of these sweet places?

Have a great weekend! And a happy friday!

Giannina. 

Arriving and departing

While my sister is saying goodbye to the wonderful NYC, I'll be heading to our hometown Cali! The flight was good and in no time (3hours 40minutes). I'm where it feels as though a blazing summer is occurring, but furtunately a light breeze comes from the mountain and its feels marvelous. Every time I'm visiting- which is often because my boyfriend lives here- it feels right, somehow our roots make that happen I guess.

The sunset was our companion for most of the flight

And I love waking up to this view!

One of the things that I truly miss are the mountains, and all the green that comes with it. I'm blessed to be here and be able to find it everywhere I look! I'll keep you posted on my adventures while in Cali; my boyfriend's birthday is tomorrow; I have a few appointments with some really cool artists; in my schedule there is always time to eat delicious food; travel around the city and its outskirts; and then comes Valentine's day- one of my favorite celebrations!

Have a happy Wednesday!
Giannina.

Finding Inspiration #2

Here I go again finding inspiration everywhere I go! You're already informed about my obsessive photo taking tendencies, so it is only natural that I keep doing it, it keeps me sane haha! I've enjoyed great weather while finding beautiful scenery. This city (Cali) and its surroundings are really breath taking!

top right: moon rising from a mountain!; below: cotton! Everywhere cotton!

Does anyone know the name of this out of this world flower?

My trip is almost coming to an end. So I'm making sure I take with me as much inspiration as possible. All of this wonderful places and things I not only take back in my camera but certainly in my heart with a special place in my mind! Hoping I remember each and everything for the winter that will be arriving very soon!

Giannina.