Saturday, July 17, 2010

Enchanted in Krakow.

I just told Amber I could live here! So far its been a fabulous experience. Just this morning we moved out of our 'Sun" apartment, into a smaller 'Grand' apartment. These two apartments were last minute arrangements suggested by 'Apartments Apart' in light of my recent error of reserving an apartment for 2011! Just as well I requested a confirmation email whilst in Prague and they revealed my mistake. It was a bit of a hassle to move over this morning, but we got a discount for our troubles and we're living in a different part of town (near the Jewish quarter).


Last night we did our evening vipassana hour early to walk in Krakow twilight. Serendipitously, while walking along the northern Planty (unique stretch of gardens surrounding the town center), Amber and I were approached by a friendly lady who told us about a piano recital being held in the Barbacan (a fortified tower over a drawbridge) in a few minutes. This one in particular is the largest military structure of its type in Europe. It was a magical evening in a magnificent historical structure, unlike anything I've experienced before. The performer was by Bartlomiej Kominek, an accomplished scholar and musician and his selected pieces were a tribute to the famous Polish composer Chopin. My experience of watching and hearing sounds coming from the grand piano were absolutely divine, and I observed in myself a heightened appreciation of all 105 minutes of his masterful performances. (*Papa, i've heard you playing Chopin's Nocturne and Polonaise umpteen times before and I'd LOve if you taught me how to play one when we're in Singapore!)

Here is a clip of him on youtube performing a piece we enjoyed last night. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjqvNp_K1Eg

Totally inspired.

Old Town Square at night
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3 comments:

  1. guo tian ruiJuly 18, 2010 at 4:54 PM

    I posted a rather lengthy and insightful entry two days ago but when I tried to retrieve it in your blog, there was nothing! I now try again! Your experieces so far this year confirms that I had made a good decision in giving you both a honeymoon trip around the world - from the sun, surf and sand to the sophistication of the some of the world's cities, inspiring architecture, memorable museums, quizzical paintings and other various forms of the arts vis a vis music. Its kinda of heartwarming that now in your 30s you have found an abiding attraction to classical music when my dreams of moulding you into mastering the piano and violin came to nought as you were growing up. Music does induce one to reflect and delve into the aesthetics that develops a quality of life and thinking differently to academics etc. So happy you are developing a inherent passion for a cultured value system. More importantly, I thought it would be nice for the two of you to bond and discover each other deeper in enjoying jouous moments together and resolving differences away from the domesticity of familiar surrounds in NZ during your first year of married life! Make the most of it.

    There is a concert I am attending on Oct 5 by the raising piano superstar from China, Lang Lang. Tickets are now on sale and I thought it would be nice for the both of you to come along. Its a Tuesday evening at the Esplanade. Wanna?

    I find Auschwitz rather depressing though you write eloquently about your experience there. I do not wish to dwell on the subject much. Its hard for me to comprehend how human beings can be so blind, so unfeeling, and so evil towards others. Happier thoughts next blog!!!

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  2. Snowdon Ern SiregarJuly 20, 2010 at 1:22 AM

    WOOHOO! Liang Liang! We'd LOVE to come!

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  3. guo tian ruiJuly 20, 2010 at 4:30 PM

    I'll try to get two more tickets - they cost SGD$85.00 a piece but I think the concert and visit to the awesome concert hall is worth the money! Must dress up properly, hehehe!

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