Friday, November 26, 2010

Goa's Natural Treasures



Hi! I am just back from a vacation in Goa-- the small south-western state of India, that is famous for its beaches. As we soaked into the natural beauty of the place, we realised why the 40 beaches of Goa are ranked among the top beaches of the world.



Splashing water : On a speed boat








The azure blue water, the lashing waves, the powdery golden sand, the swaying palm and coconut trees, the green hillocks meeting the sea, several boats sailing at a distance -- the total view was stunning.







The moment we entered our hotel, Miramar Residency, we were mesmerised by the greenery and the thoughful landscaping-- something that cannot be equated with other government hotels. Situated on Miramar beach, this was an abode of peace and tranquility.











Since we had visited Goa earlier also, this time we were keen to explore the hidden treasures of the place instead of the usual beach hopping. During a visit to Panaji market, we spotted these Mario Miranda illustrations on the wall!!





Like all tourist attractions, Goa also has lots of artefacts and souvenirs for the tourists.I was particularly attracted by these silver ornaments...




And more blings....




Mirror-embroidered belts....







And vibrant jholas (totes)



Decorative plates.




An interesting Mario Miranda plate!!




Being a Portuguese colony till 1961, Goa also boasts of intersting houses with a distinctive architechtural style. I could only get pics of a very few since most of them I had noticed from a moving vehicle!!




A school building








At a supermarket in Miramar, we spotted these intersting shopping bags printed with the map of Goa.

 



And finally, I got this bag at a steal at a shop having 25-70 % discount.




And this leather messenger bag we found at shop run by a Bengali. He even offered a discount to us fellow Bengalis!!


Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Craft Melas: Colours and Forms

Craft Melas attract me in a special way. The riot of colours, the variety of forms, interacting with the artisans, touching the fabrics and absorbing the designs-- all are very therapeutic. And bargaining is an additional attraction!!

Here are glimpses from my recent sojourn to such a mela at Bandra in Mumbai.


Embroidered and appliqued bedspreads

Embossed leather handbag from Shantiniketan



More such bags



Ceramic Napkin-holders, pots and mugs





Cute leather purses


Orissa Patachitra


Stool made of clay






An earthen elephant with an intricate work

Giraffe, dogs, frogs,tortoise....


Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Flaunt a Monet or Picasso artwork

              Paris is synonymous with high fashion. It is also one of the best preserved cities with beautiful palaces, monuments, museums, churches and cathedrals-- each one a work of art. But not many know that you can actually buy a Monet, Picasso or Van Gogh and flaunt it stylishly back home.


I love these blings, so would you...





There are more than 100 gift ideas directly inspired by artwork from French national museums! Each item is unique and has a story to tell. You will be amazed at the choices: products from museums, gifts of artwork, reproductions of individual pieces and original creations. The sources of inspiration for these very special home accessories can be found at museums such as the Louvre, Versailles Castle, Orsay and Malmaison.




 Fancy a Monet candle holder or a Van Gogh poster?



  This one is for your dressing table or coffee table


Pharao Ahmose box
 

                              For your sister-in-law


Brown Damask stole





            

                             








       

And for your brother

Ottoman Tie
 
These are the treasures for your living room



The Thinker statue




A Polar Bear

   











Owlet

   





















What about this calender with your favourite Hollywood stars?



 
 Do not forget the little members of your house...

Stegosaurus
Dr Magnet games


If you love collecting stationery items, go for these:
Paris diary


Chagall Notebook



Hardboard file cover


Salvadore Dali notecards


Chinese Flowers Notecards



A piece of art on your wrist!!


Mona Lisa
Or Water Lily



 Perhaps a pop-up book?






Jot down your thoughts in this Marc Chagall notebook





Don't you love this quirky poster?
The Summer- Arcimboldo
Or this Water Lily poster by Monet?
                                        
















Beat the heat with a Marie Antoinette fan or a Odalisk fan.


















         Want something for your breakfast table ?


Herbarium
   

Delights of Four Seasons


If you want to carry a piece of fashion, this is for you.
Lola Tee-shirt

Or this Tuaregs red shawl?




Some more options...



Water Lily notecards
 

Louvre Tablemats


Boscoreale Cup


Museum of South Mug


Butterfly scarf
 
  

And for your best pal or li'l sister, what about these totes?




Monet's Japanese Bridge
Tote

 












Louvre Museum Tote
 
 
You may also order these items online at http://www.boutiquesdemusees.fr/
But do keep in mind the shipping charges and the customs duty.