Some Gypsies I've Never Met...

Many call themselves Gypsies and Gypsy Travellers these days because of the lifestyle they live.
The real Gypsies are a people I have enormous respect and admiration for.
They are very proud and beautiful.
To meet one is a pleasure and a privilege.
They've had to fight to exist and live their chosen nomadic life for centuries.
It's time things became easier for them but in the UK and Europe especially, life keeps on getting harder.
I do have a Romany friend.
His name is Bob.
When he speaks of his father, his family history, my heart and soul sing.
I'll introduce him to you one day...

Beautiful Bohemian Interiors Of Traditional Gypsy Vardos...

Some images of the lifestyle of the Gypsy Traveller that we can celebrate.
But we know too that the life of the Gypsy wasn't as beautiful as it seems. For centuries they've been, and still are hounded by the Authorities of whatever lands they've travelled.
These images are of an era of energy, style, colour and freedom of expression that's almost a thing of the past.
We can look back and admire these beautiful bohemian interiors that speak of a way of life that has all but disappeared.
Fortunately we have images like this to prove it did exist, that there was a life on the road that had romance and style before the world was morphed into one of mediocre sameness and blandness...

Where The Hobbits Live...

Bilbo Baggins invited me down to Hobbiton, where the Hobbits live.
Where RJ Tolkien's Middle Earth writings of The Lord Of The Rings were based. Where Peter Jackson filmed the famous trilogy.
This film set at New Zealand's Matamata is just like the real thing...

Some Of The World's Most Unusual Buildings...

Are these some of the world's most unusual buildings asks the UK newspaper The Telegraph.
They recently published an image gallery suggesting that they may well be.
Knowing how you enjoy the unusual,
I thought you should see them.
There's more to view here complete with descriptions and locations...

Wonderful Creative Photogaphy At Annenberg...

This first image is titled 'Why don't we go home right now darling?'
If you're interested in creative photography,
or even if you're not,
I'd say 'why don't you visit the Annenberg Space for Photography right now, darling?'
It's right here darling. You might need more than one visit though.
The Annenberg is a cultural destination dedicated to exhibiting both digital and print photography by some of the world's most renowned photographers...

A Celebration. One Thousand Posts...

I bought this stunningly beautiful glass sculpture of Miles Davis blowing his trumpet at a market on San Francisco's Union Street back in the 1980's.
The great musician had them made by a highly talented glass artist and usually gave them as gifts. It's about 16 inches high, exquisitely delicate and I was lucky to get it.
It's apt for today. If you'll indulge me,
I'll blow my own trumpet. Just a little.
Today's post is the thousandth post and the latest in over 950 without missing a day.
I'm delighted to bring it to you and thank you for sharing the oft-times funny, weird and wonderful journey The Flying Tortoise is on.
There's been many highlights, the biggest is the friends I've made around the globe.
Discovering the 'Stats' blogger information a year or so ago was a revelation and I've watched the daily page views go from under 200 to steadily climb and go over 11,500 on one day just a week or so ago.
My aim, apart from amusing myself, is to present something brief, humorous, entertaining, maybe inspiring, thought provoking and informative to you each day.
Perhaps brighten another's day and contribute something positive to the world.
Some days are funnier, more entertaining and informative than others but that's life.
Your humorous, intelligent, critical and yes, pithy commenting too, is welcome.
Freedom of speech is valued here as is the lack of profanity.
There are millions of blogs out there.
I thank you for taking precious time to visit here...

Naked Biking Takes Off Around The World...

Cyclists in cities around the world
have recently taken part in another annual 'World Naked Bike Ride'.
Started in 2004, the clothing optional event aims to promote cycling as a greener mode of transport and encourage more of a 'body positive' culture.
The underlying message is one of road safety.
To 'Notice Us When We're Not Naked'...