India – RDZ Photography

Washington DC – May 2019 – People of the World at the Embassy Open House Day

Once a year many of the embassies located in Washington have an open house, officially known as The Around the World Embassy Tour.

This was the event we went to Washington for, and it didn’t disappoint. On this busy Saturday the embassies were open from 10-4. We had selected 14 from over 50 that were open. In the end we visited 17, but only 6 that were on our original list – regardless it was a great time.

Easily the best part was meeting the people from around the world. Each embassy had a variety of people – artists, musicians, delegates, and just regular folks from their home country. In the Peru embassy we met the artist Mario Arcevedo Torero.

Our morning continued down the street at the Embassy of Trinidad and Tobago, A recurring theme soon began that the smaller countries had the most lively groups.

At the Iraqi embassy we met this artist and his traditional (yet electrified) guitar.

India’s was so popular they took over the nearby street and had a concert, with the traditional dancers, as well as a drum circle.

The visit to Albania was great as well – really tasty free food, traditionally costumed people, and a free shot of alcohol at the end!

There were numerous people in their traditional dress.

Despite tasting our way through 7 countries we had lunch in Costa Rica. As with the others it was nice to taste the local foods.

While many had small tastes of food and drink, some had food lines set up for a nominal fee – it was well worth it.

The Dominican Republic was a lively place as well.

In addition to the dancers there were a number of craftsmen, including this chain saw artist who makes amazingly small items using a chain saw (and seemingly still has all his fingers).

The Korean Cultural Center featured dancers as well.

The second act we saw was a drum line. It is interesting that the cultures from around the world tend to use similar items for their entertainment – dance and drums.

The Haitian embassy featured an artist doing paintings on site.

Meanwhile over at Cote d’Ivoire the greeters wore traditional headdresses.

They also had a display of costumes.

This artist was proudly displaying her work – it was beautiful.

Ah Belize…. What a party….

Before you even entered the grounds you couldn’t help but feel the energy of the party.

People were dancing in front – people were dancing in back.

People from very different cultures were jamming out to the Belize party. Ironically they were next door to the Muslim Center, which we visited in what I would expect should be quiet respect, but you could still hear the party next door – hopefully they get along ok.

We went through a very quiet and strangely austere Brazilian embassy, then headed on up the street to see these two colorful ladies….

Coming from Bolivia! They had a number of dancers performing their traditional dances.

And posed for a group photo at the end of their act.

This older guy was very active in his dance.

And with that we ended our amazing day at the Embassy Open House. This is one you need to put on your list!

Detroit – April 2019 – Cultural Center

Architecture, Art, History

The Cultural Center of Detroit is located in the Midtown section, just north of downtown. We had the opportunity to visit two of the centerpieces of the neighborhood, the Main Library and Institute of Art.

We started at the Library where one of Detroit’s newest features, a streetcar called the Q Line’ was passing as we arrived.

We made our way around the building to the Cass Avenue entrance, which is much newer than the Woodward Avenue side.

The original building is in an Italian Renaissance style, with it’s impressive stairways and ceilings.

This look is carried over to one of the exhibition halls.

While one of the hallways on the second floor resemble a cathedral.

Reliefs celebrating the classics adorn this level.

A look at the main entrance ceiling.

We are still in the library, not the Institute of Art…

Directly across Woodward Avenue is the Institute of Art, with a statue of the Thinker greeting you.

The exterior had a significant amount of sculptures.

It is immediately apparently that the library and art museum were designed in similar style and completed at the same time.

Coincidentally there was a celebration of India going on the day we were there.

We came for the Rivera murals and ended up celebrating India as well!

The artists were happy to tell you about their culture.

A Rangoli demonstration.

This henna artist was very skilled, with a steady hand.

The east lobby had this great display.

Another exhibition hall featured pop art.

Some great chairs.

Ruben & Iabel Toledo had an exhibit called Labor of Love.

They also paid homage to the River murals. The DIA is a destination just for the murals, but the rest of the exhibitions are world class as well.

Driving in India – November 2017 – Bangalore and Hyderabad

Transportation

Having the opportunity to spend a week in Bangalore and Hyderabad India I took the opportunity to get some photos of the everyday life on the streets of the cities.

It should be noted that while it is very different from North America and Europe in terms of driving/walking ‘protocol’, it seems to work for India. I saw amazingly few dented cars despite the constant tight traffic.

Why take the walkway when you can dodge traffic.

Home Depot was apparently out of trucks.

The random high rise cow.

In 120km of riding around the city I saw 1 traffic light, which can explain some conflicts at the intersections.

Hang on buddy.

The no horn sign is easily the most ignored sign in all of India.

What is the record for people on a scooter, why 4. Although the 3 on the other scooter is a close second. It should be noted that they have a helmet law for drivers – but not apparently for children or adult passengers.

Drive thru fruit stands.

Hyderabad – November 2017 – The Charminar and the Market

Architecture, Art, Festival, History

The Charminar is a monument and mosque in the Old City section of Hyderabad. Given that we passed on a Friday (Muslim Holy Day) the area was packed with the market in the surrounding area. Unfortunately we were unable to tour the interior because of it being Friday.

There were numerous fruit stands.

Rug delivery by bicycle.

One of the many buildings with numerous small shops, most had displays out in the street. The old city had far more took tooks than it the newer areas near Hi-Tech City.

A close up of the Charminar – note the bamboo scaffolding.

An overview of the area.

The shopping apparently complete it was time to march home.

Past the chick pea (??) vendor

And out of town.

Hyderabad, India – November 2017 – Golkonda Fort

Art, History, Nature

Golkonda Fort in Hyderabad, India is built into a nearly 500′ high granite hill, about 7 miles west of the old town city center. The original fort was built in 1143, but was rebuilt numerous times with this iteration dating from the 1500s.

The lower levels had the living quarters.

From below it is clear to see the integration of construction into the existing rocks.

The view from the top is fantastic.

Nearby Qutb Shahi Tombs are clearly visible.

More of the geology on top of the hill.

An overview of the lower fort.

Including a courtyard.

View from the courtyard back up the hill.

Hyderabad, India – November 2017 – Qutb Shahi Tombs

Architecture, Art, History

The Qutb Shahi Tombs are located in Hyderabad, India, a city of 8 million people. The tombs were originally constructed during the Qutb Shai dynasty in the 14th and 15th century. They were initially restored in the 1800s, with some restoration continuing.

With one central tomb, there are numerous ones surrounding it. For those interested in more details I suggest using the wiki page as it describes each in detail

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qutb_Shahi_tombs

For those not interested in reading the photos give a good overview of them.