Renegade Craft Fair in LONDON

I don't know who looks at this blog, but if you are looking now, then look no further except by looking below. If you feel you are in the right area within those given dates, please come on by! I'll be there with Coraux Mei.

Excited indeed!

South America + Australasian reminiscent words...

I have recently stumbled upon my travel blog from 2007 which I didn't keep up to date with. It was reminiscing to read some of my thoughts from back then on my first BIG ADVENTURE through South American, NZ, Fiji and Australia...Ahhh.. If you do find the time and are interested, have a read on Travelpod: May's Travel Blog from 2007 onwards.

Note: It may not be written to high levels-and I still do not write to high levels. Cheerio! Enjoy xx

Tiger Leaping Gorgeous

It is indeed a gem of a gorge and being one of the deepest gorges in the world it doesn't lack any ability in fulfilling that prestigious trophy. I would love to have witnessed a fully blue skied trek during those active two days, but unfortunately we were faced with a gust of clouds; some light, some dark - which laced the mountainous views. I say unfortunately, however I believe the clouds worked in our favour as this meant we were not faced with - what could have been; a sweltering battle with the heated sun. The clouds ultimately enhanced the comfortability of this intrepid walk and of course, there was a glint of magical emotion with them amongst the scenic mountains.

This never-ending uplifting trek gave us the equivalent amount of exercise an average person would require in a month, I'd say...However, I must add that on the final part of this trek, having come to some sort of conclusion that I wouldn't be trekking further down to the Tiger Leaping rock (purely as I had resigned from my energies) - whilst eating a budding and well-earned Chinese lunch and simmering into relaxation mode, I then had a sudden thought and pondered 'When will I ever get the chance to return to this gorge again?' . That's it - 'you only live once', I've reminded myself again and again. GO FOR IT. The bus back to Lijiang was due to leave in less than two hours...we'd been told by numerous locals that this trek would take on average three hours. I do love a challenge. Who doesn't?! Pahaha. Well off i went. Zoom! Definitely in a hurry!

My friends back at the 'restaurant' were certain I wouldn't make it back in time and I really wanted to prove them wrong. Well, to be honest, that was the least of my worries - ultimately I wanted to get that bus!! After a fairly dangerous run down a very steep and jagged route, lots of photos at the bottoms of the gorge and imagining scenes of the tiger leaping across bouncing off the rock, being taken back by the velocity and power of water, huffing and puffing on my way back taking as little rest as possible and following a young Chinese lady up (she sure was small and totally not the persona I would consider 'a trekker', but she empowered & motivated me so much! I thanked her at the end - You Gem!). 1.5 hours later I was saying 'ni hao!!!' to my buddies again. A tomato-faced YAY!! What a fun burst of adrenaline. YES!

I may be very wrong, but I've come to realise I don't think Tiger Leaping Gorge is as famous as I'd originally imagined it was. I guess, if you're in the know, you're in the know....If not, well, you're not. I hope you've either learnt about, learnt more about (much doubted, as I haven't really talked too much about the gorge itself!) or reminisced in some way about the Tiger Leaping Gorge from reading this post.

Many thanks to the cucumber that energised me throughout the journey sold by the comedian of a lady at rest point no. 1. Visited April 2013.


A few photos below to bring more imagery to the little story above. Some silly.....

8/8/13

8/8/2011 - it was a special day for me. This blog was born!



Reminiscing, I take myself back to that first blog post BLAST two jolly years ago. Since that auspicious lucky Chinese date in 2011, I've created several eclectic and random blog posts - though not many as I had intended to; about the heading lined above > Textiles. Art. Travel. Tribes. Textiles. I do hope I have achieved some level of adhering to this heading, for they are my passions afterall. On the other hand, I don't think my audience level has increased to high levels, possibly due to my lack of consistency, focus and more than likely my possible uninteresting blogposts (I do live in a dream bubble, let me remind you of that)! Anyhow, I am continuing to write and post photographs on here as I find it extremely therapeutic and adds some construction to my everyday...I've learnt an abundance of great and vivid things over the years through peers, the trusty internet, adventurous travels, spontaneous people, spontaneous moments, spirituality, having an open mind, crazy & abstract art and literature (the latter of which I am to develop a stronger focus on > to better my writing skills especially). Hopefully the ideas picked from these wonderful sources shall unify, mould, gel and work together to produce a greater outcome! Looking forward to it.


I want to thank you for reading, whether you're a frequent reader/viewer or if you've just read one blog post (including this one)! That'll do for me. Cheers, lovely.


Look! I'm happy (and overly exposed bright!).
*Pure white Illesteva sunglasses courtesy of my sister Misty*


Best wishes. Happy 2nd Birthday maysw.com (or maysanw.blogspot.com).
It'll be a BLAST.

xxx

mama & papa's turn

Mother was painted for her 60th :) Yes, still an amateur, I know only too well. And father painted because...because!



MUM build-up:







DAD build up:








MUM & DAD finale:





Thoughts: However much I loved painting my parentage, the therapeutic joy in painting needs to lead to better outcomes! There are definitely improvements to take on board...still practising and still learning. Joy overrides talent x

BKK wireisms

In this steamy city - Bangkok Wireism.

Birdie! fortunate accident

Birdie caught on a rare blue skies day in London town.

Indeed, accidents can still be fortunate...

a T&K wedding gift

A year ago it was a friend's wedding in the astounding English county of Herefordshire and I decided on painting a gift for the happy couple; Tania and Keiran.

As usual, there was no Plan of Action. The only plan I had was to paint! Tell a lie, I did actually plan to include their initials..but the rest was dependent on everything else. The heart could definitely have been higher, but that's what happens when there is no plan! Here you go, improvised every step of the way...





I hope they liked it. I hear from Keiran it's up on the wall in their wedded abode in Arequipa, Peru (which is a stunning little city, as witnessed in 2007)! Hmmm...

elbows

It’s certainly a vice of mine and probably of many others: The over use of elbows which I believe represents a lazy and ill-mannered attitude.

Leaning on the table, on a desk, whilst talking to friends...and shamefully whilst eating. It’s not that I am keen to present this lazy attitude, it’s just that, somehow it’s unnervingly …..comfortable? Anyway I’m aware, and I will continue hoping that my awareness overcomes my comfortableness.

Aside from these cons of elbow usage, I realised the importance of these joints of ours whilst venturing through a few countries, particularly in social situations.









a Riolisation

A naïve wanderer at the time, I recall being caught up in a post Brazilian Football party in 2007. It was team Flamengo’s and a joyous, proud and blaring fan bunch were celebrating their victory amidst an outdoor street party (or makeshift crowded party, I shall say) in the affluent Gávea residential neighbourhood of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Cheery Flamengo chants emanated and were continually becoming heavier and heavier. Jumping around with glee, it was clear the ratio of men to women was by far miles higher. Being one of few girls in the crowds brought on an array of unwanted craved attention and hassle from the forward Brazilian boys. Infact, 'intrusive' springs to mind! Well, it was fairly funny at the time, but try teaming that with a boy who could not keep away for more than half the time we were there. This persistent boy clearly wasn't playing it very cool, as I believe it may have been a slight alcoholic intoxication that heightened his persistent manoeuvres. An older bunch of male onlookers had clocked on and noticed (how could you not?!) this unrequited attention, I looked at them helplessly but realised they wouldn’t dare speak up to protect for fear of interfering this homeboy’s chase. The only advice they offered me was, “Use your elbows. That’s what they’re there for…”. Uhmmm. Gee, thanks. Obrigada, guys....!? I obeyed. So out were my pointy joints and a whole load of fierce nudging was exerted. This tactic proved slightly helpful…How silly of me not to realise in my timid and naïve behaviour, sooner. As weak as this advice sounded to me at the time, it proved to be smart and wise advice in the long-term. That IS what they’re there for! Thanks for not physically helping you affluent, trendy and rowdy bunch of Carioca-football-supporters, your verbal advice would happily remind me of these 'lethal weapon/shield-helpful' part of the body in years to come…



do not jump the 'queue'/touch: elbows on the attack
From then on, elbows suddenly became more convenient in a number of situations or perhaps I had become aware of it, namely in “queues” or should I say in “bundled mass”. This was seemingly apparent in Vietnamese and Indian shores. I often find it a challenged and hilarious scenario when a local ignores all aims of a queue and jumps directly and blatantly in front of my 'polite' self whilst I’m in my civil western-minded queue thoughts. Why is this funny? I might hear you cry. Well, that is the opportunity for when I can use my assertive “I’m in the right” styled behviour and jump/squeeze back in front. Using the elbows had been helpful in so many situations; particularly at bus or train stations and their ticketing offices. A bit of elbow pushin’ and shovin’ did the trick to help retain that special place in the everso ambiguous'queue', and what makes this friendly pushin' and shovin' easier is that no-one is offended! 'tis the norm over yonder. Gently pushing the elbows out with money in hand and to protect and defend one’s space. Fair is fair.

On par with Elbows on the attack, I recall other scenarios in India where a handful of crafty, perverted and sly Indian men would try their best to "touch". It wasn't pleasant, no. Visiting the tailor so innocently, the tailor would hold the dress up against the body or with the tape measure in hand and 'accidentally' slide his hand in areas he shouldn't be sliding his hand on! "Ahem" - The most natural and initial reaction was, of course; ELBOWS! They were out, along with a sharp, "Chalo ya'hasay!" (Go away from me?). Elbows were vital in every case in India.


it takes two to tango: elbows in losing defence
On a flight from Hanoi to Saigon one day in 2011, I noticed the ubiquitous use of elbows and the sharpness they conveyed. On this domestic Jet Star flight, I was allocated a window seat next to a short and very slim country folk lady. Judging from our initial interaction, I didn’t think she’d be a very considerate journey buddy and for once and sadly, I was right! Thank God the flight was a short one, as her elbows had left me feeling a tad frustrated. Her posture was wide and confident and out were her elbows, spanning over my right arm rest and sharply digging into my helpless waist. It was of slight grief to me to be deprived of the comfort I'd expected. I couldn’t conclude whether it was because she was wanting more space, trying to invade mine, claiming her space, being inconsiderate, attacking me, trying to annoy me, if it was a country folk action, or generally just being her natural self in her natural posture? In my defensive mode and with the aim of wanting to retrieve my space back, I decided to mirror my elbows with her elbows. My jolts and pushes were attempting to send silent indirect messages of “Give me my space back!!” , or “What gives you the right to invade my already tight space?!” I tried and I tried and I eventually thought I’d won, but my worrrd, this defiant lady's elbows arrived back on the scene sharper and bonier as can be! As I tried to give up my 'attacking-elbowed' notion, I turned my head around hoping to send an eye contact message whilst simultaneously letting out a (I hate to say it..) 'tut' (tsk!) and a steamy sigh, but was faced with a jaded and careless moped head looking downwards underneath a floppy hat - elbows still widely stretched out lest we not forget. Pffff, I really did decide to surrender and accepted that I'd suffer the rest of the journey with those sharp blade-like nudges…


elbows in the everyday routine
London proposes less use of the elbows. However, I am not one to say I never use my elbows during rush hour on those Underground Tube lines where we are packed in like sardines. They have proved to be a little helpful. I'm sure I'm not the only one to act in this way. Sorry, carriage friends.



I know that this blog post is quite useless, but I really wanted to express a short-ish message across about how I've used my elbows in social travel situations. Or, perhaps I've nothing better to write about?!

Watch it! M'elbows are always at the ready ;)

Horse Caravan Trading in Yunnan China

A small authentic town still rich in its traditions. A town that begs for more subtleness and is notably smaller in size compared to its neighbouring, commericalised and overly-boisterous towns of Dali and Lijiang. This is Shaxi. In three words (quite simply): It is great.

Shaxi; based in the Jinchuan country was a trading point for tea and horses during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and slowly prospered during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1369-1912). It was an important town for the Ancient Tea Route/Trail as it proposed a great geographical area for connecting Yunnan-China into Burma and Tibet; thus it was known as a horse caravan town (as part of the teahorse road).



Shaxi's market square "Sideng" is what holds the attention of the town. When visiting, I found it to be peaceful and charming...even a bunch of racous people couldn't spoil the decency and quality epitomised in this place. I purely loved it for sticking to its traditions and its ability to veer away from such commercialism (Note: as of April/May 2013!). The spacious square is surrounded by a small handful of independent restaurants and intricate hotels, not to mention its noticeable temple, a hidden museum and Chinese structures. The town itself has its famous water supply running timidly through it. At first hand, all I could witness under the concrete paving slabs was running "white coloured water" ? I found this to be a very odd attribute of the town but soon realised it was due to the plastering renovations taking place on a building located in one of the hidden alleyways. Shaxi's water draingage system was acting as its bathtub! Ah, the bliss of community.


Every town has one, including Shaxi...
Being so firm in its antiquity, Shaxi manages to retain its historic market town abilities by holding a Friday Horse Market where trading of horses, pigs and the like are sold/exchanged. The local market also takes places on this last weekday unifying the locals of the region selling their produce - vegetables, meat and noodles and whatever else. A market stall dentist cropped up a few times; however due to its unusualness, I'm sure the dentists have been papped a few times which led them to be anti-targeted/paparazzi'd by us tourists. Their refusal was definitely at the ready and firm and righteous as harsh as can be!

A brisk walk with a deed...
Staying in such a centrally located hostel: Horsepen 46, of this teeny town, was not only inexpensive, it was well-thought-out, rustic and managed an excellent system of offering a group-guided Saturday trek through the surrounding mountains of Shaxi. This trek was offered for free given that the trekker - in exchange, would act as rubbish collector whilst on the journey i.e. a community service. A little longer than I'd expected, the trek was gorgeous..climbing the peak of the mountain to find gorgeous historic Chinese settlements, derelict temples and to be at one with trees, pine cones and innocent fresh air. I found myself at the end of the trek not only a little worn out and trying to disguise my panting with smiles, but also contrastingly energised with a plastic bag of mixed rubbish (mainly cigarette stubs) in hand; reflecting my other six trekking partners. I found it a tad surprising that one week could accumulate so much rubbish for such an unknown trek in such an area unspoken of!? Well, it was a special deed, indeed!


Pedals
A long hilly cycle ride led us to the White Dragon Pool; a pool heavily preached by the local Bai people as "good water". So heavily preached, that a lone and sleepy security guard protects the pool in a protective and defensive manner. Visiting this pool, we passed many a many local Chinese villages, ancient bridges and a number of eagerly awaiting hills. Out. of. breath.



More photos to feast your perhaps curious eyes on below. I admit, they are a little on the dark side - I believe I may need a lesson in adjusting exposures/light capturing/ISOs?!

....Unspoilt and traditional. This is exactly what I was searching for old Yunnan. Xie Xie x



Note: On the downside, despite being 'unspoilt and traditional', it was discovered that a huge renovation was taking place in Shaxi's old town and it seems due to the speedy dedicated Chinese workmanship - that in a few months or so, that small town of Shaxi; so rich in its traditions and beautiful crusted construction, will hold a complex that might essentially 'stick out like a sore thumb' (very sad face). It's official. Lovely Shaxi will be seeing its very own 5* hotel and slightly commercialised shopping area. Oh dear...





>Shaxi town & around
























>Friday Marketday
















>Shaxi Faces










>May as well get involved myself..NiHao Shaxi friends!



Note: I've never had a dog companion and this doggy up here proved to be one that I felt really attached to for only 2-3 hours as well; not even! I was in tears upon leaving her...!