Peak 3

East Africa - Rwanda (Chapter) Lonely Planet

As the scars of its terrible past gradually heal, Rwanda is emerging as a first-rate ecotourism destination. Traipse through lush jungle to meet mountain gorillas, enjoy the hidden inland beaches of Lake Kivu...just be sure to keep your camera close! The scenery here is seriously photogenic.

Coverage includes: History, Sights, Festivals & Events, Drinking & Entertainment, Kigali & around, Kigali for Children, Northwestern Rwanda, Southwestern Rwanda, Eastern Rwanda, Nyamata & Ntarama Genocide Memorials, Musanze (Ruhengeri), Parc National des Volcans, Gisenyi, Huye (Butare) & around, Parc National de Nyungwe, Cyangugu, Kibuye, Parc National de l'Akagera, Transport.

East Africa - Rwanda (Chapter)

THE SOUTH COAST SURF SEEKERS

I found these awesome vintage pics of cars from "surf teams" of the 50's on flickr. Nothing is known about the guys in the photo nor about the make of the cars and certainly noting about the "surf teams".

Why bother we still got those great shots.

Design idea: Retro wallpaper.

Since we moved, I thought it would be fun to try out some new decorating ideas in our new house. I recently posted the above photo of some 1960's wallpaper I had put up on one wall in my bedroom and many of you inquired about where I found wallpaper that was in such good condition, so I thought I would share a few options with you today. Unfortunately, the wallpaper I purchased from this Etsy shop has since sold out (sorry guys!) but not to worry because there are still many cute retro wallpapers available on Etsy.

It is also important to remember that when working with wallpapers that are 40-50 years old that their adhesive is probably a little bit worse for the wear. When I put up my wallpaper (with the help and advice from my lovely dad) I used an adhesive called Metylan Wallpaper Paste and it worked like a dream! Just be sure you take extra care to insure that your pattern lines up properly, then you're golden.

I also only did the one feature wall in my bedroom to act as kind of a focal point for the headboard of my bed. I am really pleased with how it turned out, and I definitely think that less is more when it comes to bright bold prints (ie: one focal wall is better than an entire room devoted to that print.) I made sure to keep my bedding and curtains neutral and am really happy with the overall look!

Here are some more cute wallpapers from the 1960's & 70's that are still currently available that I think would make a great addition to your vintage homes, should you be so daring to try:
(click the numbers at the bottom to go to the shops)

Shop here:

1.  2.  3.  4.  5.  6.  7.  8.  9.  10.  11.  12.

It really does make a space more cozy and inviting! I absolutely love spending time in here.

Happy wallpapering friends! 

XO, Stef

La Esfinge in Peru (V5.11c) by Vitaliy + Resue on Skyline 7/29/13

Vitaliy is still in Peru with Hamik and having a great climbing vacation
Rescue on the Skyline Trail 7/29 - two and a half miles above Palm Springs

http://vividrea1ity.blogspot.com/2013/07/la-esfinge-original-route-v-511c.html

 

 

http://mtsanjacinto.info/viewtopic.php?t=4260

http://www.mydesert.com/article/20130729/NEWS08/307290027/Hiker-rescued-mountains-above-Palm-Springs?nclick_check=1

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https://www.facebook.com/cyril.kaicener

Random picture of Mont Blanc on Facebook by Philippe Gatta
http://philippegatta.fr/blog/trail-tour-du-mont-blanc-tmb/

Please visit my website
http://www.hiking4health.com

Harold and Maude (1971)

          Today, Harold and Maude is so widely regarded as one of the quintessential New Hollywood films that it’s surprising to learn the movie didn’t have an easy path to immortality—especially since the early life of the project seemed charmed. Writer and co-producer Colin Higgins developed the project during his graduate studies at UCLA’s film school and won a major prize for the script. Then, while working as a pool cleaner in L.A. to stay solvent, Higgins met the film’s other producer, Mildred Lewis. The pair tried to set up the project with Higgins directing, but Paramount nixed that plan and hired editor-turned-filmmaker Hal Ashby. Good move. In addition to hitting just the right mix of satire and sweetness, Ashby shot the picture on such a modest budget that the story reached theaters with its darkness and humanism intact.

          Yet Harold and Maude did not catch on during its original release; rather, it took years of home-video exhibition, theatrical reissues, and TV broadcasts for the movie to find its well-deserved status as a minor classic. That said, it’s not difficult to see why the film alienates as many people as it enchants. The premise is perverse, the humor is morbid, and the May-December romance at the heart of the story skirts the limits of good taste. After all, the actors playing the lovers in the movie’s title—Bud Cort (Harold) and Ruth Gordon (Maude)—were in their 20s and 70s, respectively, at the time of filming.

          Higgins’ bold script begins by introducing Harold Chasen, a rich kid so bored with the trappings of everyday life that he spends most of his energy staging outrageous suicide scenes for the kinky thrill of shocking his mother, Mrs. Chasen (Vivian Pickles). Since Harold never actually kills himself, however, it’s unclear whether his activities represent a genuine cry for help or just bizarre frivolity. Undaunted, Mrs. Chasen tries to match Harold with various potential brides, but Harold’s eerie theatrics spook all of them. Meanwhile, Harold amuses himself by visiting funerals, which brings him into contact with Maude Chardin, who also digs watching final farewells to the deceased. Maude is as free and open as Harold is repressed and quiet, so as they spend time together, Maude teaches Harold surprising lessons about making the most of every day; she’s also the only person who encourages Harold to embrace his oddness.

          The evolution of this relationship involves a series of touching revelations and surprises that won’t be spoiled here, but suffice to say that Harold and Maude has boundless integrity—the film is never less than true to its offbeat self, which is, of course, why the picture has become a source of inspiration for generations of independent-minded filmmakers. Each of the major elements in the movie approaches a kind of poetry, from Cort’s hangdog quirkiness to Gordon’s ebullient outrageousness, while Ashby consistently handles the material with sensitivity and style.

          The storytelling is a bit on the schematic side, and some of Harold’s suicide scenes are absurdly grandiose, but the soul of this movie is so utterly unique that expecting it to meet normal expectations is foolhardy. Especially with the jubilant soundtrack of Cat Stevens songs giving the piece a gentle heartbeat, Harold and Maude easily ranks among the most unconventional love stories ever filmed. It is also, not unimportantly, a perfect snapshot of the historical moment when mainstream Hollywood studios let young filmmakers run wild so long as they kept costs low. Harold and Maude isn’t perfect, but learning to accept the imperfections of life—no matter how horrific they might be—is a key component of the picture’s inspirational theme.

Harold and Maude: RIGHT ON

New Zealand - Coromandel Peninsula (Chapter)

The Coromandel Peninsula offers easy access to splendid isolation. Its dramatic, mountainous spine bisects it into two very distinct parts. The east coast has some of the North Island's best white-sand beaches, while the west coast has long been a refuge for alternative lifestylers.

Coverage includes: Miranda, Thames, Coromandel Town, Far North Coromandel, Whitianga, Coroglen & Whenuakite, Hahei, Hot Water Beach, Tairua, Puketui Valley, Opoutere, Whangamata, Waihi & Waihi Beach, Karangahake Gorge and Paeroa.

Lonely Planet PDF eBooks are PDF versions. They are available from the Lonely Planet Shop as either individual chapters or complete guides. PDF files can be printed and are viewable on eReaders, tablets, smart-phones and PCs.

New Zealand - Coromandel Peninsula (Chapter)