Anson departs for college, where he will study astrophysics, next month. We promised a European vacation before he flies from our nest, and he chose London and Berlin. Jia had meetings for Transcendance and on preparing work for ArtExpo, so Geoffrey took Anson to London, Stratford and Oxford; Jia joined them in Berlin for a quick, five-day visit.
Berlin was cold and quiet, but offered much for the art-loving family. Classical sculpture and architecture on Museum Island, a wonderfully restored Schloss Charlottenburg filled with paintings, chamber music and antique furniture, and all the treasures of the Gemaldegallerie.
Alas the meals were not always to our liking: very salty and rich. One doesn't feel the exuberance of Italy or France among Berliners, rather the oppression of a dark history seems to have made its inhabitants dour and untalkative. But Anson enjoyed himself and our eyes were opened, and we felt we could have spent another week or two getting to know the city better. 
Recent Posts
What Jia's reading
Mitch Albom: Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life's Greatest Lesson
I've just started reading this simple book: it's easy to read and understand.- Yang Zhijun: Tibetan Hound [Zang Ao]
The author thinks wolves are like selfish, devious and violent, but the Tibetan hound is loyal, elegant, brave and proud. - Jiang Rong: Wolf Totem [Lang Tuteng]
This is the true-life story of a man who went to live with wolves in the Mongolian steppes, and like Dances with Wolves, he comes to appreciate the native Mongolian relationship with nature as the shortcomings of Han Chinese culture become more apparent.
What Geoffrey's reading
Andrew Hussey: Paris: The Secret History
This is soft, anecdotal history without hard facts or convincing arguments, but it's still a fun read. Influenced by the History Channel and London: The Biography by Peter Ackroyd, it features the unwashed, licentious and satanic elements of Parisian society.Thomas Gordon Smith: Vitruvius on Architecture
This is a beautiful edition of a text I've always had in the inexpensive Dover version, but have never taken time to read. It is the bible of classical architecture, the Roman source and inspiration for all Renaissance, Mannerist and Baroque styles to follow. Smith has done a wonderful job of annotating and illustrating the text with original diagrams and numerous photographs.Richard Phillips Feynman: The Pleasure of Finding Things Out and the Meaning of It All
Our son has been admitted to California Institute of Technology, so I have begun to read about one of his heroes, the late Caltech professor of physics Richard Feynman, who was ever ready to admit his own ignorance and his belief that healthy science is based on an acceptance of doubt. This is an enlightening read.W. Allyn Rickett: Guanzi
Masterful translation of the classic Chinese book on statecraft and economic management, begun in the 3rd Century BC in the state of Qi (Shandong today).- Ben Okri: Songs of Enchantment
Simply one of the most evocative writers in English today. Ben Okri won the 1991 Booker Prize for The Famished Road. This continues the story of a boy torn between this world and the world of spirits. Connie Willis: To Say Nothing of the Dog : How We Found the Bishop's Bird Stump at Last
Fun blend of time travel scifi, costume drama and romance. A summer read recommneded by Book LustMargaret Atwood: The Robber Bride
Takes me back to the Toronto of my tender years.
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September 22, 2007
Comments
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I have remained astonished with your drawings and me gustaria to be able to do a port, ask for permission you for it
A strong embrace and regards from Reus Catalonia
Posted by: Té la mà Maria | July 13, 2008 at 01:32 AM