Ever since I was in college I liked Ada Milea’s songs. I used to listen her albums at every party and at some point I knew all the lyrics. But time has passed and life, problems, happenings took this away from me and I drifted apart from her music.
Last night I had the good idea to go in Green Hours Jazz Club where Ada had a concert.
The place was small, crowded and, unfortunately, not smoke-free. The chairs uncomfortably low and the prices – a little on the expensive side. But all of this would not matter when the recital began.
Ada is so natural, so simple, so jovial that you cannot help but bond with her and her music from the very beginning. She filled the room with smiles and her guitar chords were in synch with everybody’s feelings.
The high point of the evening was "Apolodor" when Ada was accompanied by two young actors: Dorina Chiriac and Radu Banzaru:
The song based on a poem by Gellu Naum carries us along the funny story of a little penguin in search of his family at South Pole and it is (in its twisted way) an allegory for our life in search of happiness.
The music travels too, along with the main character as he goes through Oriental rhythms, country/ western-style, Latino pieces, etc and all the transitions are smoothed by the actors’ vocal special effects.
For those who wanted a little variation, the three artists had prepared the English version of the song, but the original Romanian one was much better.
At the end of the concert, as we left the club, I think everybody felt a little bit lighter, maybe a little bit happier, or at least carrying a smile on their faces.
I promised myself I’ll definitely return to this club whenever a concert like that will take place.
Oh, I almost forgot: if you ever try to make reservations here, call at least 24 hours ahead, otherwise you’re not guaranteed a table.
Since I like giving grades, I would say last night's experience deserves a 9.5 overall.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
It has been a while since I’ve added something to this blog. Maybe because of the slow beginning of the year, or inactivity, or laziness, take your pick. But today I have something:
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, directed by Terry Gilliam.
Heath Ledger’s last movie is a chaotic incursion in the imaginative world. I don’t expect this movie will make it as a blockbuster. As I sat through the 2 hours story, at least one third of the audience stood up and left the cinema. Too bad for them, but I guess The Imaginarium is not for everyone, you have to be a little open-minded and accept the lack of order and linearity in a movie about imagination :)
The plot itself is simple: an ancient wizard (Doctor Parnassus) made a deal with the devil, promising the soul of his child when she'll turn 16 in exchange of youth and love. The old man (who was immortal due to another bet with the devil) was traveling the world with his ambulant Imaginarium, a place that could reach deep into any customer imagination and give shape to thier dreams once they enter the magic mirror.
As the devil comes to reclaim his prize, Doctor Parnassus enters into another bet, promising five souls in three days, which he would obtain with the help of Tony, the hanged man he recently saved from death.
In helping the doctor, Tony enters the Imaginarium and his personality changes every time, hence the actor is different every time: from Heath Ledger, to Jude Law, to Johnny Depp and finally – Colin Farrell, each bringing his own traits to the part (from wits, to charm, to sensuality, to paranoia).
As a fantasy, I think the movie was a success, and the effects used to create the fantastical worlds from everybody’s minds although old-schooled, were really well done.
The Faustian storyline, on the other hand, wasn’t as successful. I think you cannot try to explain how the mysteries of mind work through logical reasoning, relying on an immortal man’s drama.
Heath Ledger’s last performance doesn’t even come close to his Joker role and maybe Terry Gilliam could have left the Oscar-winning part to be the actor’s last one. As to who would have got the role instead of Heath? I don’t know…maybe Johnny Depp, whose performance was the shortest amongst all the “Tony” characters. But I’m no director and I guess the Imaginarium is in a way a tribute to Heath Ledger and all the big names, his friends participated in creating this whimsical world for him, in his memory.
The movie was a little bit too long; one cannot take that much of fantasy intertwined with a reality that’s not very clear either. But it was a good movie, worth seeing in a cinema or at home in a cold winter day with a hot cup of cocoa in front of you.
I think it deserves at least a 7 / 10.
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, directed by Terry Gilliam.
Heath Ledger’s last movie is a chaotic incursion in the imaginative world. I don’t expect this movie will make it as a blockbuster. As I sat through the 2 hours story, at least one third of the audience stood up and left the cinema. Too bad for them, but I guess The Imaginarium is not for everyone, you have to be a little open-minded and accept the lack of order and linearity in a movie about imagination :)
The plot itself is simple: an ancient wizard (Doctor Parnassus) made a deal with the devil, promising the soul of his child when she'll turn 16 in exchange of youth and love. The old man (who was immortal due to another bet with the devil) was traveling the world with his ambulant Imaginarium, a place that could reach deep into any customer imagination and give shape to thier dreams once they enter the magic mirror.
As the devil comes to reclaim his prize, Doctor Parnassus enters into another bet, promising five souls in three days, which he would obtain with the help of Tony, the hanged man he recently saved from death.
In helping the doctor, Tony enters the Imaginarium and his personality changes every time, hence the actor is different every time: from Heath Ledger, to Jude Law, to Johnny Depp and finally – Colin Farrell, each bringing his own traits to the part (from wits, to charm, to sensuality, to paranoia).
As a fantasy, I think the movie was a success, and the effects used to create the fantastical worlds from everybody’s minds although old-schooled, were really well done.
The Faustian storyline, on the other hand, wasn’t as successful. I think you cannot try to explain how the mysteries of mind work through logical reasoning, relying on an immortal man’s drama.
Heath Ledger’s last performance doesn’t even come close to his Joker role and maybe Terry Gilliam could have left the Oscar-winning part to be the actor’s last one. As to who would have got the role instead of Heath? I don’t know…maybe Johnny Depp, whose performance was the shortest amongst all the “Tony” characters. But I’m no director and I guess the Imaginarium is in a way a tribute to Heath Ledger and all the big names, his friends participated in creating this whimsical world for him, in his memory.
The movie was a little bit too long; one cannot take that much of fantasy intertwined with a reality that’s not very clear either. But it was a good movie, worth seeing in a cinema or at home in a cold winter day with a hot cup of cocoa in front of you.
I think it deserves at least a 7 / 10.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Musafir by Amarjit
Gabi again.
At the beginning of the year, our next stop gives us a taste of India.
The Musafir by Amarjit restaurant is a very informal eatery, where the owner is also the cook, sometimes the server and for sure the companion to your table talk. The name of the place says everything: you're a guest in someone's kitchen and he's trying to make your stay as pleasant as possible.
Getting there could be regarded as an adventure, although on the daylight that sector 5 area of Bucharest is not totally unfriendly, some would say “picturesque”.
Finding the place: unless you have specific instructions it will be hard, almost impossible. First of all, there is no signage on the street to announce the restaurant’s existence; second, you have to enter into another restaurant (The Ark), pass a bodyguard, go through another entrance, and then you’re there. Sounds like a shooter game, doesn’t it?
The exact address is: Calea Rahovei 196A but it is always better to have some directions :)
View Larger Map
The place looks like a huge transparent tent, built from wood and foils, with colored wooden benches.
The owner, Amarjit, comes from the northern part of India but he lived for some years in US, worked as a photographer and somewhere along the way he learned to master the art of cooking.
Don’t expect a food menu, as Amarjit will cook something else everyday, two or three appetizers and two or three main dishes and improvise the rest. Everything gets done on the spot, so I wonder what happens on the busier days, when there are more than two or four customers at once…
The food is quite good, I have had better, but in the US, where it is made with ingredients available there; in Romania, using and improvising with the resources from here – I think Amarjit got a pretty good result.
The ambiance is set by some background music (and news) from NPR, a radio station I used to listen to not so long ago in the States. If you feel like talking, the owner will be more then happy to continue a conversation on any subject.
The prices: decent, considering the type of ingredients, some unseasonal, some maybe hard to find here – I guess 25 USD for a two-person lunch is OK.
I think Musafir deserves an 8.5 on my scale (and soon, when I’ll gather more places, I’ll put together some graphics).
At the beginning of the year, our next stop gives us a taste of India.
The Musafir by Amarjit restaurant is a very informal eatery, where the owner is also the cook, sometimes the server and for sure the companion to your table talk. The name of the place says everything: you're a guest in someone's kitchen and he's trying to make your stay as pleasant as possible.
Getting there could be regarded as an adventure, although on the daylight that sector 5 area of Bucharest is not totally unfriendly, some would say “picturesque”.
Finding the place: unless you have specific instructions it will be hard, almost impossible. First of all, there is no signage on the street to announce the restaurant’s existence; second, you have to enter into another restaurant (The Ark), pass a bodyguard, go through another entrance, and then you’re there. Sounds like a shooter game, doesn’t it?
The exact address is: Calea Rahovei 196A but it is always better to have some directions :)
View Larger Map
The place looks like a huge transparent tent, built from wood and foils, with colored wooden benches.
The owner, Amarjit, comes from the northern part of India but he lived for some years in US, worked as a photographer and somewhere along the way he learned to master the art of cooking.
Don’t expect a food menu, as Amarjit will cook something else everyday, two or three appetizers and two or three main dishes and improvise the rest. Everything gets done on the spot, so I wonder what happens on the busier days, when there are more than two or four customers at once…
The food is quite good, I have had better, but in the US, where it is made with ingredients available there; in Romania, using and improvising with the resources from here – I think Amarjit got a pretty good result.
The ambiance is set by some background music (and news) from NPR, a radio station I used to listen to not so long ago in the States. If you feel like talking, the owner will be more then happy to continue a conversation on any subject.
The prices: decent, considering the type of ingredients, some unseasonal, some maybe hard to find here – I guess 25 USD for a two-person lunch is OK.
I think Musafir deserves an 8.5 on my scale (and soon, when I’ll gather more places, I’ll put together some graphics).
Friday, January 8, 2010
Polițist, adjectiv
Victor here.
Last night we finally saw Polițist, adjectiv (Police, Adjective). It's a meditation on words, meaning and law, directed by Corneliu Porumboiu.
Sounds boring, doesn't it? But it's got chases (well, they're not really chases, it's just a policeman following a high school kid around the blocks in Vaslui), it's got suspense (solved by reading from a dictionary), it's got catchy music (a Mirabela Dauer song on Youtube repeated over and over), it's got drug dealers (well, just some teenagers smoking hash), it's got violence (some raised voices, at most).
Last night we finally saw Polițist, adjectiv (Police, Adjective). It's a meditation on words, meaning and law, directed by Corneliu Porumboiu.
Sounds boring, doesn't it? But it's got chases (well, they're not really chases, it's just a policeman following a high school kid around the blocks in Vaslui), it's got suspense (solved by reading from a dictionary), it's got catchy music (a Mirabela Dauer song on Youtube repeated over and over), it's got drug dealers (well, just some teenagers smoking hash), it's got violence (some raised voices, at most).
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Trying new places: Caru cu bere
The second part of my Sunday: going to “Caru cu bere” restaurant (in translation — "The Beer Wagon").
Located in the “old center” of Bucharest, during weekends is always crowded so you better not rely solely on luck and call ahead for a reservation.
If you’re hungry enough you can find the food here delicious… otherwise it’s just a little above average (depending on what you’re ordering). I recommend trying the home made bread; it goes well with anything you’re ordering, especially the home made vegetable spread… yum!
The ambiance is nice and if you manage to get a table during their daily shows, you’ll sure have fun. But don’t get offended if the waiters seem to forget about you or not notice you when you’re asking for some water (you sure need some after the truly spicy Hungarian goulash) — they are really busy, especially at dinner time.
As for the prices: I would say it isn’t cheap (for my standards) and maybe it would be more accessible if not for all the stars that came here (whose misspelled names and pictures you’ll find on the back walls).
Since I started rating stuff, I’ll say the restaurant gets a 7.5 on a scale from 1 to 10…
Located in the “old center” of Bucharest, during weekends is always crowded so you better not rely solely on luck and call ahead for a reservation.
If you’re hungry enough you can find the food here delicious… otherwise it’s just a little above average (depending on what you’re ordering). I recommend trying the home made bread; it goes well with anything you’re ordering, especially the home made vegetable spread… yum!
The ambiance is nice and if you manage to get a table during their daily shows, you’ll sure have fun. But don’t get offended if the waiters seem to forget about you or not notice you when you’re asking for some water (you sure need some after the truly spicy Hungarian goulash) — they are really busy, especially at dinner time.
As for the prices: I would say it isn’t cheap (for my standards) and maybe it would be more accessible if not for all the stars that came here (whose misspelled names and pictures you’ll find on the back walls).
Since I started rating stuff, I’ll say the restaurant gets a 7.5 on a scale from 1 to 10…
Sherlock Holmes: the movie
Sunday afternoon: what can be better than dinner and a movie?
This first part: the movie – the 2009 Sherlock Holmes directed by Guy Ritchie.
We thought we should try a new cinema: Cinema Pro, a one-screen theatre situated near University Place. Besides the good location it also offers pretty comfortable seats and decent sound and image quality. But I digress…
The movie itself: not that great. I totally agree with the film critics that said that if it wasn’t for Robert Downey’s performance the movie would have failed. Maybe I’m a little bit conservative but I like my Sherlock Holmes old-fashioned, keeping its inner mental problems for himself and being more preoccupied to solve the case.
As for Watson, I think he should have been a little more contoured as a character, with a little bit more personality.
Maybe it was Guy Ritchie’s style that didn’t match this sort of story but I must say the plot itself wasn’t a masterpiece either: a few bad characters that try to take over the world using the black magic façade to manipulate the ordinary people. When you’re thinking Sherlock Holmes you’re thinking wits, deduction, and anticipation. The movie had all this but in smaller proportion compared with the fight scenes (that remind one of scenes in Fight Club).
In my humble opinion if you take away a few of the fight shots, add more witty deductions and keep the performances of the male actors you could have a better version of the movie. But, then again, if you change all these you’ll get another classic Sherlock Holmes movie. So I guess it’s up to what you’re expecting.
On a scale from 1 to 10 I would give this movie a 7 at most.
This first part: the movie – the 2009 Sherlock Holmes directed by Guy Ritchie.
We thought we should try a new cinema: Cinema Pro, a one-screen theatre situated near University Place. Besides the good location it also offers pretty comfortable seats and decent sound and image quality. But I digress…
The movie itself: not that great. I totally agree with the film critics that said that if it wasn’t for Robert Downey’s performance the movie would have failed. Maybe I’m a little bit conservative but I like my Sherlock Holmes old-fashioned, keeping its inner mental problems for himself and being more preoccupied to solve the case.
As for Watson, I think he should have been a little more contoured as a character, with a little bit more personality.
Maybe it was Guy Ritchie’s style that didn’t match this sort of story but I must say the plot itself wasn’t a masterpiece either: a few bad characters that try to take over the world using the black magic façade to manipulate the ordinary people. When you’re thinking Sherlock Holmes you’re thinking wits, deduction, and anticipation. The movie had all this but in smaller proportion compared with the fight scenes (that remind one of scenes in Fight Club).
In my humble opinion if you take away a few of the fight shots, add more witty deductions and keep the performances of the male actors you could have a better version of the movie. But, then again, if you change all these you’ll get another classic Sherlock Holmes movie. So I guess it’s up to what you’re expecting.
On a scale from 1 to 10 I would give this movie a 7 at most.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Sibiu
Next stop: Sibiu (or, how others would call it: Hermannstadt).
View Larger Map
I got there on the third day of Christmas, when most of the people barely remember it's still Christmas. The town still had the coat of lights on, maybe preparing for the New Years Eve or just being happy that there is still a holiday, who knows?
I think I see a pattern with these old cities: whenever you want to find the most beautiful part of a town you ask directions to the "old center". You sure are in for a treat ;)
So, like Oradea, Sibiu had gathered its most beautiful buildings in the old part of the city. It had put together three squares interlinked through various small and hidden alleys and everywhere you turn you’re bound to find a coffee shop, restaurant or souvenir kiosk. Just don’t adventure too far on the Small Square, otherwise you’ll end up on Liar’s Bridge (Podul Minciunilor).
On top of that, the mayor (some say he might be the best one in the country) had arranged for the Large Square and the Small Square to be tastefully illuminated for the winter holidays and had gathered all sorts of entertainment gadgets (a skate rink, huge Christmas tree, carousels etc).
During daytime, after visiting the Lutheran Church (Biserica luterana) and being really, really disappointed on the Brukenthal Museum closure 'till February – it was time for a snack and coffee. I recommend everyone to try the Wien Cafe. If you're lucky, you'll get to hear live piano music and if you're luckier (I wasn't) maybe you'll get a piece of strudel, made after a Viennese recipe.
After taking hundreds upon hundreds of photos (amongst them only 10 or 15 worthy enough to be shown to others) – I stopped for a while to admire the cleanliness, the colors, the height of every building. St. Ursula's Church (biserica Ursulinelor), the Central Tower (Turnul Sfatului), the Orthodox Cathedral (Biserica Sf. Treime), the massive city walls and arches and everything else should remain more than a snapshot forgotten on a memory stick somewhere...
At night, for dinner, if you're in the mood for something fancy - the Gothic Restaurant is the place to go; if the budget is not that big try the Grand Plaza Restaurant: there are not that many places where you can buy a good steak for less than 7 USD...
It's true I tend to get easily impressed by new things (small, big, alive or static) but I think anybody would be if they would see how buildings come to life and they are literally watching you...just look at the eyes on the roof, they are on the verge of creepiness.
Other place not to be missed in Sibiu (better seen on a summer day than in winter time, though) is the Astra Museum: a huuuge area gathering all types of old countryside Romanian houses and constructions. If you can, avoid the only restaurant there, or, if it's not possible, stay on the safe side with some appetizers or cold plates.
It wouldn't be fair not to mention the people living in these areas: aside from their sweet accent, they are some of the warmest and hospitable, as ready to help you or give you directions as anyone I’ve ever met.
Fifty years from now (if I'm still alive) I'll retire somewhere around this area (and if not for good, maybe at least some of my retiree vacations will be spent here).
These were my short 2009 visits; I can hardly wait to see what 2010 has in its bag for me...
View Larger Map
I got there on the third day of Christmas, when most of the people barely remember it's still Christmas. The town still had the coat of lights on, maybe preparing for the New Years Eve or just being happy that there is still a holiday, who knows?
I think I see a pattern with these old cities: whenever you want to find the most beautiful part of a town you ask directions to the "old center". You sure are in for a treat ;)
So, like Oradea, Sibiu had gathered its most beautiful buildings in the old part of the city. It had put together three squares interlinked through various small and hidden alleys and everywhere you turn you’re bound to find a coffee shop, restaurant or souvenir kiosk. Just don’t adventure too far on the Small Square, otherwise you’ll end up on Liar’s Bridge (Podul Minciunilor).
On top of that, the mayor (some say he might be the best one in the country) had arranged for the Large Square and the Small Square to be tastefully illuminated for the winter holidays and had gathered all sorts of entertainment gadgets (a skate rink, huge Christmas tree, carousels etc).
During daytime, after visiting the Lutheran Church (Biserica luterana) and being really, really disappointed on the Brukenthal Museum closure 'till February – it was time for a snack and coffee. I recommend everyone to try the Wien Cafe. If you're lucky, you'll get to hear live piano music and if you're luckier (I wasn't) maybe you'll get a piece of strudel, made after a Viennese recipe.
After taking hundreds upon hundreds of photos (amongst them only 10 or 15 worthy enough to be shown to others) – I stopped for a while to admire the cleanliness, the colors, the height of every building. St. Ursula's Church (biserica Ursulinelor), the Central Tower (Turnul Sfatului), the Orthodox Cathedral (Biserica Sf. Treime), the massive city walls and arches and everything else should remain more than a snapshot forgotten on a memory stick somewhere...
At night, for dinner, if you're in the mood for something fancy - the Gothic Restaurant is the place to go; if the budget is not that big try the Grand Plaza Restaurant: there are not that many places where you can buy a good steak for less than 7 USD...
It's true I tend to get easily impressed by new things (small, big, alive or static) but I think anybody would be if they would see how buildings come to life and they are literally watching you...just look at the eyes on the roof, they are on the verge of creepiness.
Other place not to be missed in Sibiu (better seen on a summer day than in winter time, though) is the Astra Museum: a huuuge area gathering all types of old countryside Romanian houses and constructions. If you can, avoid the only restaurant there, or, if it's not possible, stay on the safe side with some appetizers or cold plates.
It wouldn't be fair not to mention the people living in these areas: aside from their sweet accent, they are some of the warmest and hospitable, as ready to help you or give you directions as anyone I’ve ever met.
Fifty years from now (if I'm still alive) I'll retire somewhere around this area (and if not for good, maybe at least some of my retiree vacations will be spent here).
These were my short 2009 visits; I can hardly wait to see what 2010 has in its bag for me...
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