Culture – Page 11 – Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION.

“Show Me Love” – an exhibit by Yayoi Kusama

Selfie Realization!

In 2013, Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room was the surprise hit of the art world, the piece that launched thousands of selfies on its way to becoming an international cultural phenomenon. By the end of her exhibition I Who Have Arrived in Heaven‘s run at David Zwirner Gallery in New York, the waits to see the show had grown to eight hours long. (On an average day, the exhibition received around 2,500 visitors, each allotted less than a minute of time in the space.) So the question hanging over her second Zwirner show, Give Me Love, was if Kusama could once again channel the same spirit.

At 28, Kusama left her native Japan for New York City like so many before and after her, with a one-way ticket and a dream. Like Yoko Ono and the FLUXUS movement, Kusama created a series of instructions and “invitations” that could be re-replicated, her most famous a series of be-in style protests in the late 60s that involved naked men and women, covered in polka dots, stationed outside the UN, the New York Stock Exchange, the Statue of Liberty, and elsewhere.

When she began to deteriorate both physically and emotionally in 1973, she returned to her native country for treatment, to commence what would turn into a decades-long stint in a mental hospital. As she recovered, she acquired her own unique, some have said therapeutic, visual style, the most recognizable her polka dot and infinity net works. With her success of the Infinity Mirrored Room, 60 years after her initial arrival in the city Kusama finally achieved the New York welcome she’d so longed for, an adoration that extended far beyond the cloistered world of the city’s arts institutions—the Guardian even called her the “world’s most popular artist of 2014.“ So what has she done for an encore?

The new show, which will be up through mid-June, features the artist’s intricate paintings, large-form pumpkin sculptures, and Obliteration Room, an interactive project inspired by a makeshift “American middle-class house.” The design is based on the urban planning initiatives of Levittown, New York, widely considered to be the first suburb and prototype for many of the country’s postwar communities. As part of Obliteration Room, which was previously staged in Australia, visitors are given colorful polka dot stickers to place wherever they like inside the all-white house. Eventually, the faux TV, dinner table, sofa, and desk will all become a pastiche of color swatches, transforming the calm, blank slate into a space that is overwhelming with radiant life. Gallery visitors become willing participants in both the project’s destruction and renewal, in keeping with Kusama’s prior themes of life, death, and rebirth.

The most recent reason for Kusama’s resurgence is the social media effect. Infinity Mirrored Room was one of the most Instagrammed and selfied art events of 2013, and perhaps of all time. But you can’t measure her influence merely in likes and reblogs, says Hanna Schouwink, a senior partner at David Zwirner.

“[Kusama]’s a genius, someone who’s really been able to tap into what it means to be human, whether you live in America or Tokyo or Russia,” explains Schowink. “People from all over the world tune in to her message. Every museum, every single venue where these shows have shown, has broken [attendance] records for its institution. And then she breaks them doubly. It’s a phenomenon that I don’t think we’ve ever seen before.”

Antwaun Sargent, Jiajia Fei, and another visitor at 'Give Me Love' — Antwaun Sargent, Jiajia Fei, and another visitor at ‘Give Me Love’

David Zwirner himself says, “Very few artists have this gift to really transcend the art world. It’s rare. Jeff Koons has that gift, of course. What Kusama does is very life-affirming. It’s very positive, and it asks you to enter. It’s not opaque, and she doesn’t hold back as an artist. She’s had difficult times in her life, and I think that transports to the work and people really react to it.”

Though the sheer volume of Infinity Room selfies puts it in a league with such tourist traps as the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge, the photo-friendly nature of the exhibit wasn’t a calculated move by Zwirner to court the smartphone set.

But why do visitors respond to Kusama’s work? Easy: “It just makes people happy.”

And as is often the case with happiness, sometimes you’ve just got to wait.

Yayoi Kusama’s Give Me Love is on view at David Zwirner Gallery in New York through June 13, 2015 with extended hours during New York Frieze Week.

Source – Story and Photos: Laura Feinstein, Brooklyn-based editor and writer for Vice.com

From me:

I Want Happiness! According to Buddha, If you take away “I” which is “ego” and you take away “want” which is “desire” all you’re left with is Happiness.

Art/Nature – GREEN PORNO

The iconic Isabella Rossellini was in Vancouver to perform her provocatively acclaimed and comedic one-woman show Green Pornoat a sold out, one night only performance Saturday night at the Vancouver Playhouse. Presented by The Vancouver PuSh Festival and the Italian Cultural Centre.

Green Porno, explores the fascinating sex lives of land and sea creatures. C’mon, tell me you haven’t ever wondered? Encouraged by actor-filmmaker Robert Redford (who is tremendously supportive of experimental, independent films and very interested in nature), Green Porno was originally a popular web series for the Sundance Channel. Green Porno featured Rossellini live on stage discussing and acting out the scientifically accurate reproductive habits of marine animals and insects in an extremely entertaining manner. The opportunity to learn about the mating habits of some creatures which aim to astonish anyone.

I am personally fascinated by the femme fatale of all insects –the female praying mantis. She always devours the male after mating, sometimes even during if she can’t wait. I can understand this if he doesn’t please her and his services are no longer required; but must this always happen?

Rossellini exposes the intricate and often surprising reproductive rituals of the natural world—from pachyderms (very large mammals with thick skin, like an elephant or rhino) to bugs (no need to explain) to shed light on the fragile balance of our ecological future, to which humans are inextricably linked. From stage, Rossellini delivered a riveting presentation with props, costumes and remarkable wit and charm, accompanied by her Green Porno short films.

I had the opportunity of catching up with the glowing Rossellini at a reception following her performance.

I asked how her daughter Elettra was doing. No surprise to find out she’s a successful New York model (discovered by Bruce Weber), and has a very interesting food blog (which I will talk about soon, since this blog is about Isabella’s show). But I can’t stop…In 2014, Elettra hosted the first ever Live Stream of the Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute Gala. She’s founded a charity called “*One Frickin Day” for which she won the “Young Environmentalist Award” in 2011, among other things. I am so impressed by everything this woman is setting out to accomplish or already has. Needless to say, her mother is very proud.

I found out that my green porno name is “Black Widow” (be careful, I bite!)

Rossellini’s films include Blue Velvet (a personal favourite), Cousins (filmed in Vancouver), Immortal Beloved, The Saddest Music in the World and many more. She was the face of Lancôme Cosmetic Company for 14 years and had a modelling career that lasted for 25 years. Isabella was recently seen in the romantic comedy Late Bloomers. She’s still blooming.

*A charity aimed at equipping PIH clinics (Partners in Health) throughout the third world with solar power via another partner, Solar Electric Light Fund.

DESTINATIONS

City Unique: Montreal Days and Nights

in the 1940’s and ’50s – PRIME time.

Mordecai Richler at Wilensky — **Mordecai Richler** at **Wilensky’s**. Order a “*special*” with cheese, pickles and a soda. It’s still the same.

The original book would grab anyone’s attention. It was bright red and had infamous burlesque stripteaser Lily St. Cyr on the cover. Inside was filled with information relived from the good old days of a wide open city that I heard about from my parents who recollected them. My dad wasn’t from Montreal originally (he was born in Russia and moved to Manhattan before settling in Montreal) and my mother’s parents were from Ireland although she grew up in Montreal. My dad especially had a lot of stories – I’ll just leave it at that.

City Unique was written by William Weintraub (who began his career as a reporter for the Montreal Gazette in the 1950’s) and who was a friend of my uncle (who used to write a column for the Montreal Gazette). Weintraub looks at all aspects of life in Montreal in what Mordecai Richler called “an engaging, evocative book about Montreal’s prime-time.”

After reading this intriguing book back in Vancouver, I mailed it to my mother’s friend in Montreal who I was sure would appreciate and relate to all the insider innuendos. Unfortunately when I phoned about a year later to retrieve the book (which was an original signed copy) she had no recollection of ever having received it. It was on loan from my cousin. When I phoned to reluctantly tell my cousin the news (that he wasn’t getting his book back) I joyfully received another copy in the mail. Maybe not an original signed version with the same cover but, thoughtful and cherished nonetheless.

Leonard Cohen looking like Al Pacino here. — **Leonard Cohen** looking like Al Pacino here.

About City Unique: Review from Amazon.com

Montreal in the 1940s and ’50s was Canada’s largest, most vibrant and colourful city. It was even more pulsating than New York. No one could foresee that political and economic factors would cripple the city and send it into a long decline. William Weintraub, writing with insight and affection, brings the Montreal of his youth vividly, entertainingly and wittily to life in this remarkable book. The Montreal he describes was a city with two communities, English and French, who lived separate lives. They met along the dividing line that was “The Main” – St. Lawrence Boulevard and the nearby streets, where gambling joints, bordellos and night clubs prospered, and where striptease artiste Lili St. Cyr became the toast of the town and gangsters raked in profits while the police looked the other way. It was the Montreal of the colourful, charismatic mayor Camillien Houde within the repressive and corrupt Quebec of premier Maurice Duplessis.

I think this book speaks to anyone who grew up in Montreal especially those with adventurous parents who were involved and active within the community. You might not have personally known everyone mentioned but you have heard their names. To me, it was extremely provocative and noteworthy. And things have settled down since…but it will never be the same!

This is what a real "smoked meat" sandwich looks like. — This is what a real “smoked meat” sandwich looks like.

Available on Amazon.com

Wilensky’s, Bens, Ruby Foo’s, Schwartz’s – are Montreal Institutions.

What makes this city the most unique in Canada:

1) Montreal is an Island.

2) Montreal is built on a Mountain.

3) Home to the largest Jazz, Fireworks & “Francofolie” (French Music) Festival.

4) Habitat 67 – created by Israeli-Canadian Architect Moshe Safdie, is a structure unlike any other in the world. I didn’t say it was nice looking, just unusual.

5) Montreal has one of the largest underground networks in the world. You could literally live underground.

6) The Metro system is one of the best and definitely Canada’s busiest.

7) Enormous Art & Graffiti Culture.

8) Great Shopping and still has the most Stylish Women in all of Canada (maybe North America and possibly the world).

More at…http://www.mtlblog.com/2013/10/things-that-make-montreal-the-most-unique-city-in-canada/2/#slides

Photos: from images

DESTINATIONS

Travel/Culture – Austin’s Power

WHY AUSTIN?A friend of mine will soon be visiting Austin Texas, and knowing that I’ve been on several occasions, asked for a few recommendations of places to go.

Although things can constantly change in this unique capital city I’ll be talking about the mainstays. Everyone who visits Austin leaves with something great to say. If it’s not the legendary live music or vibrant arts scene then it’s the inspiring cuisine or stunning outdoor settings in this effervescent city. There’s not much not to like.

Music in many forms is everywhere in Austin. You can find Musicians playing everywhere from festivals to underground clubs and even grocery stores (like Whole Foods). I listened to exceptional live jazz at a cosy little bar called “the elephant room” and live rockabilly at the Granddaddy of all local music venues, the Continental Club. So much fun.

Food – I have sampled some of the best bar-b-que, tex-mex (naturally) and eclectic bistro fare in this town. I provided links to a couple of previous posts of two places I thoroughly enjoyed – a noteworthy barbeque pit and a restaurant owned by Sandra Bullock. I haven’t been to Franklin barbeque but apparently it’s one of the top places to go. Can’t imagine it being much better than the rustic setting & live music that Salt Lick offers, but that’s the word on the street.

For Tex-Mex there’s Güero’s Taco Bar. They have an amazing salsa bar & hand-shaken margaritas in a landmark building with a patio. Since discovering this place I haven’t gone anywhere else for Mexican in Austin. They have the best chile relleno I’ve tasted to date.

There’s so much more to discover but if you only have a few days you can start with these suggestions.

Any more ideas for music and places to eat?

https://girlwhowouldbeking.com/2012/03/18/bess-bistro-austin/

https://girlwhowouldbeking.com/2012/02/05/best-in-bar-b-que/

Elephant Room: 315 Congress Ave.

Continental Club: 1315 S. Congress Ave.

Bess Bistro: 500 W. 6th St.

Güero’s Taco Bar: 1412 S. Congress Ave.

Franklin Barbeque: 900 E. 11th St.

The Salt Lick (a bit off the beaten path): 18300 FM 1826, Driftwood, TX

Art & Culture

ART/Abstract Attraction

ABSTRACT ART. Does anyone know enough about it – are we supposed to?

My appreciation for abstract has grown through the years. I certainly do not confess to know anything about it other than a strange attraction to its form, colour and content even though it appears to be convoluted to some degree. It makes you question what it means and wonder just what the artist’s intentions were. After all, a tree is a tree for all to see. Abstractally speaking, do you see something totally different to what the artist intended you to. Does it matter? What if we just admire the piece for what it is…whatever it is. Which brings me once more to a former question – what makes good art?

I can only surmise that if it moves you then it must be good art. Abstract art is sometimes misunderstood, but that, ironically, is what makes it beautiful. Abstract art is art in its purest form. Below is a brief history of abstract art and an easy-to-understand, layman’s introduction to the term. And a beautiful way of expressing the form.

“Experiencing Life Through Painting”

Courtesy, Art by Mona.

Most art produced today can be said to be abstract art and, in fact, that has been the case for more than 100 years. The development of photography in the late 19th century and its evolution today have freed artists from the obligation to recreate “picture perfect” paintings that reflected reality precisely. And that has given birth to the everlasting abstract art revolution. Artists today are no longer expected, nor do most even desire, to simply paint what their eyes see. Instead, they paint their interpretations of what they see, and that is abstract art. This lack of objectivity means that today’s art is often complicated and easily misunderstood. But, for the art lover willing to spend time studying paintings for their subtle merits and messages, abstract art is endlessly exciting.

Abstract art is best compared to poetry or literature. Rather than to simply report the facts, the way a piece of non-fiction does, a good poem gives much more: it reveals the writers attitudes and feelings towards what he is writing. Abstract art does much the same. By experimenting with shades of colors that would not necessarily be found together in nature, an abstract art painter can portray moods that would not be seen in a painting that attempted to create a scene realistically. Just the way, say, the legendary writer Edgar Allan Poe took great care to choose every word of his poems and stories to evoke a constant feeling of horror, a good abstract art painter can choose every brush stroke and every color to conjure a specific emotion. This is what makes abstract art, perhaps, the purest form of art. It captures, as many scholars and critics have noted, all that it means to be human.

Art by Mona Abstract art, despite its beauty and excitement, can be difficult to interpret (just as some poems are), and that leads to frustration among many viewers. Often, for example, novice viewers will stroll through a museum filled with abstract art and marvel at what appears to be paint simply splashed thoughtlessly on canvas after canvas. “Gee, I can do that,” the uninitiated might be heard to mumble under their breath.

Eventually, though, the novice art lover will come to understand that, even the most amateurish looking of masterpieces, are, underneath the service, elaborate, master-crafted works of art. The artist has carefully chosen every drop of paint to evoke a certain feeling and express a certain attitude. Sometimes the feelings and attitudes can be directed toward a specific thing, but often, they are simply evoked for their own sake. Only abstract art, for example, can make a viewer feel happy (or sad or frightened or angry) without providing anything concrete to be happy (or sad or frightened or angry) about. A bright yellow painting with plenty of pink, green and light blue brush strokes strategically arranged can brighten up anyone’s day – even if those brush strokes represent nothing in particular.

Abstract art, like nothing else, helps us all to experience everything that it means to be alive.

So, do you agree with Mona? I do. Except for the part about amateurish looking paintings which are not master-crafted works at all. Remember what Matisse said: “everybody is sensitive to art, but that doesn’t mean that they are capable of making it.”

Source: German born Monika Heckenbach (known best simply as Mona) has created hundreds of inspiring paintings that are on display in private residences and galleries across the globe. http://artbymona.soup.io/

DESTINATIONS

Travel/Culture – a tiny taste of Denmark

It’s a long way from Europe. If like me you have never set foot in Denmark but you like sunshine, Danish cookies & pastries, windmills and something bigger than the world showcase at Epcot Center, then you might want to check this place out.

Northwest of Los Angeles (just east of highway 101) and a short drive from Santa Barbara in the Santa Ynez Valley lies the picturesque village of Solvang. It vaguely sounded familiar and now I know why – it was mentioned in the movie Sideways. A movie which I loved by the way. The friend I was travelling with suggested we go on the advice of her sister who had just been there. If her sister suggested we go then that was enough for me to want to see what this town had to offer.

Okay, so it is touristy like we figured it would be with a population of roughly 5,000 people. But since we were already not too far away it was definitely worth the visit which included a stayover and lots of treats. It’s a funky getaway which appropriately translates to mean “sunny field.”

Founded in 1911 by Danish immigrants, Solvang now boasts many Danish bakeries. The woman who owned the hotel we stayed in the Solvang Inn also owned the restaurant across the street and several bakeries. She claimed Michael Jackson (his Neverland Ranch was in the Santa Ynez Valley) used to come in to buy her cookies. Turns out she owns half the town. There’s a Hans Christian Andersen Museum, four windmills, boutique inns and lodges with peaked roofs and monikors such as Svendsgaard’s Lodge and the Hamlet Inn, along with bedspreads emblazoned with the red-and-white Danish flag. Kitsch cuteness!

And you can’t escape the sugary appeal of Solvang’s multiple family-owned Danish bakeries. “There are more bakeries here than probably in the whole world” said one of the owners. So for breakfast we had coffee and multiple shared pastries. I chose the delicious Danish with custard but my travelling companions ordered a cinnamon bun and a bear claw – all pretty darn delicious. Not to mention non gluten-free and fairly fattening.

Last year marked the 10th anniversary of the 2004 wine soaked movie Sideways, which was partly shot in Solvang, and wineries in the area owe a certain amount of credit to the tourist boom that followed the film. Kind of like the movie “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” did for *Savannah, Georgia. *I will post soon about this most charming city.

Next to bakeries sit more than 20 wine-tasting rooms. One winery is called Lucky Dogg Winery which I should not even plug since I sent my dogs photo in to a contest so he could be chosen to be on one of the bottles for their “Doggone Wines” label but he didn’t make the cut. I sent one ~~okay three~~ amazing photos. It may have something to do with his nose. Nevermind.

And so we’re told with Solvang its like they took the best parts of Denmark and put them onto two streets (it’s really bigger than that). Which means you don’t have to walk very far to get good pastries, wine and cheese.

Source: taken in part from The Vancouver Sun Travel

Art & Culture

Art/Culture – Getty Villa

7,000 years of ancient art, from the end of the Stone Age to the fall of the Roman Empire.On all my previous visits to L.A. I never ventured to the Getty Villa until now. I really didn’t realize what I was missing and it’s quite fascinating especially if you’re into antiquities. The grounds alone are worth the outing, and the majority of art and sculptures at this Malibu hilltop hideaway are original pieces with a few recreations.

The educational center and museum is dedicated to the study of the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome and Etruria. The J. Paul Getty Museum at the Villa features more than 1,200 antiquities from the permanent collection, as well as changing and loan exhibitions.

The villa itself is a recreation of an ancient Roman country house that offers a taste of life in the first century A.D.

*Discovery of the Victorious Youth. See description below.

The gardens are inspired by ancient models, with species from the ancient world.

Of course a visit to any museum is not complete without checking out the gift shop.

*The Discovery of the Victorious Youth (above photo): Very few bronze statues remain from antiquity. The Victorious Youth was recovered from an ancient shipwreck in international waters in the Adriatic Sea. It was probably on its way to Rome, where many Greek sculptures were taken to be displayed in cities and villas. The statue was found in the 1960’s and had lost its feet. Otherwise, he’s not in bad shape.

Photos: d. king

DESTINATIONS

Travel/Culture: – Oaxaca, Mexico

Mexico has always been good to me.

Church and Plaza Santo Domingo

I’ve visited a variety of places from bustling and busy Tijuana to what used to be known as the sleepy fishing village of Barra de Navidad to the resort towns of Cancun & Playa del Carmen. I worked at one of the Club Meds in Mexico years ago. Never had a bad time or gotten sick.

A restaurant in al centro

Last week I returned from spending ten days in what is considered to be “the most diverse” state in all of Mexico. Ten days in vibrant Oaxaca (pronounced wah-hah-ka) is definitely not enough time, but it is just enough time to know that I want to go back. It was wonderful.

A typical stroll into town

A friend was house sitting another friends spectacular house high up on a hill with a 180 degree view and invited me to stay. At the time she told me about it I was considering going to Las Vegas to run a half marathon along the strip at night while listening to rock bands (for something different) but I made the wiser choice.

Many, many of these arches (arquitos)

Before I came to Oaxaca (a UNESCO world heritage site) I thought I knew ~~everything~~ a lot about Mexico. I was expecting to hear mariachis everywhere and get a plate of chips & salsa delivered to our table as soon as we sat down at any restaurant. Not so…although you can. Instead we listened to a combination of Cuban, Jazz, Salsa, Argentine Tango, Classical and a 12-piece brass orchestra visiting from Belgium which took place in the dazzling Macedonio Alcala theatre – all gratis. Every night there is something different to take in and lots of puppetry, fireworks and dancing.

Monte Albán, built by the Zapotecs, is one of the country’s most important ruins.

So much activity goes on in the town centre amidst local artisans selling their wares, craft shops and street markets. All the cuisine we had was unbelievably top-notch. I heard this to be true but had to find out for myself. The only thing I did not sample were the worms and grasshoppers that are considered delicacies there (I’ll leave that for the locals and was not so brave even to try the crunchy ones). I might need a whole bottle of Mexcal before doing so.

The inspiring rock formations of a petrified waterfall at Hierve el Aqua.

Here is what else I found besides an amazingly wide variety of food – stunning architecture, rich cultural traditions, important ruins, a great little *Spanish language school where you can sit outside in a garden setting for your lessons, a soft temperate climate (which allows you to sit outside) and Oaxaca’s specialty spirit, mezcal,

I’m not sure I can do this

Many little tasting spots (mezcalerilas) around town

which is made from dozens of types of agave (unlike tequila, which is made exclusively from blue agave). Another thing is that you don’t want to have too much of that. Don’t ask me how I know that…somebody told me. I think it can make you hallucinate.

So I don’t know everything about Mexico but I’m willing to learn. This is a place I’d like to further explore with a side trip to Huatulco. Not to mention brush up on my Español . Hasta la próxima vez!

Have you been?

Photos: d. king (double click to enlarge)

*School – Oaxaca Spanish Magic

Link to my Oaxaca board for more photos on PINTEREST (which I will keep adding to):

http://www.pinterest.com/intrigueimports/oaxaca-mexico/

DESTINATIONS

Travel/Lifestyle/ART – Tuscany

la dolce vita

It’s pretty straightforward. I want to live like an Italian.

There are too many likes. From the Renaissance paintings and sculptures of artists like Michaelangelo and Botticelli in Florence, to medieval villages, historical towns, castles and country churches scattered all over a vast territory of rolling hills. Romantic architecture abounds.

the house that was used to film “Under the Tuscan Sun”

Simply prepared delicious food: lunch on the terrace overlooking ancient vines and olive groves, wine, olive oil, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Aceto Balsamicos, and Gelatos.

Vespas and fast luxury cars like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Pagani & Maserati.

Style in general which includes a well-tailored desire to look alla moda.

I want to live like an Italian.

I’m sure I missed a few things but this pretty much sums it up.

Photos: d. king

DESTINATIONS

Travel/Lifestyle – Tree messages vs e-messages

In today’s age where everyone has either the latest Android or iPhone who has time to leave a handwritten message? Texting is where it’s at! History reveals itself…To go back in time…well just a little, to the romanticism of the handwritten note. There is a centuries old Acacia tree (knows as the Thorn Tree) in the heart of Nairobi where travelers have been leaving messages pinned to its branches over the years to date. The messages reveal personalities that will enthrall you with their heartfelt charm, humor and occasional romance. It is found at the legendary bistro style pavement café of yesteryear called the “Thorn Tree Café” at the Sarova Stanley hotel. It is a Nairobi landmark known as the country’s first luxury hotel, a place many people stay before heading out to safari including yours truly. The message board is situated in the centre of the restaurant.

The Stanley (now the Sarova Stanley) played host to a long line of living legends including Ernest Hemingway. It was in a Stanley hotel room during 1933/34 he stayed recuperating from an illness following a hunting trip to Kilimanjaro and thought up themes and wrote some of his famous short stories and books, several of which mentioned the Sarova Stanley. These books, which were to make him a household name across the world, included The Green Hills of Africa (1935); The Snows of Kilimanjaro (1936); and The Happy Ending, retitled The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber.

The Stanley has also been, at various times, the base for classic Hollywood film idols such as Stewart Granger, Clark Gable, Ava Gardner, Grace Kelly, and Gregory Peck. Not to mention notable entertainers like Old Blue Eyes, Frank Sinatra, who at the time was married to Ava Gardner. This shows its rich heritage and epitomizes affluence that appeals the elite class and celebrities who are searching for top hotels in Nairobi.

In recent times the hotel has hosted modern stars like Isabella Rossellini (Blue Velvet, Wild at heart), Michael Caine, Sidney Poitier (To Sir with Love), Barbra Streisand and James Bond himself, the ageless Sean Connery.

From time immemorial the café has been the perfect meeting place for friends and offers a remarkable dining experience in the central business district. It has a deli counter, serves pizzas from a wood-fired oven, fresh juices, beers, the widest range of coffees and a varied menu which includes popular continental and nouvelle dishes.

‘Tree mail’ endures despite email and the Thorn Tree Café flourishes as the crossroads of Africa.

Side Note: For some reason I’ve followed Ernest Hemingway’s travels without really meaning to – at least I didn’t plan it that way. He had a fascinating life and really knew how to live (maybe too much so) so from Havana to Key West to Nairobi I found myself visiting his famous hangouts. Which makes me wonder – can you be considered someone’s stalker if that person is no longer alive?