Roumazières-Loubert is known as the “city of clay”. This small town in France’s western Charente region has been turning the precious raw material into tiles for more than a century. For 40 years, Bernadette has been passionate about working with clay and says the local factory has become her second home. A little further south, the town of Chalais boasts opulent villas along the railway line: a unique architectural heritage. Jean-Louis shows us the impressive medieval castle, while Joël takes us to discover the world of traditional cattle farming, with calves fed under their mothers.
Tag Archives: Culture
New Walking Tour Videos: ‘Porto, Portugal’ (2020)
Porto is a coastal city in northwest Portugal known for its stately bridges and port wine production. In the medieval Ribeira (riverside) district, narrow cobbled streets wind past merchants’ houses and cafes. São Francisco Church is known for its lavish baroque interior with ornate gilded carvings. The palatial 19th-century Palácio de Bolsa, formerly a stock market, was built to impress potential European investors.
We recorded this 4k ultra hd video during our trip to Porto, Portugal on July 2020.
Video Timeline Links: 00:00 – Porto, Portugal Walking Tour Intro 01:49 – Luís I Bridge 06:24 – Ribeira Pier 09:57 – Ribeira Square 12:43 – Prince’s House 13:59 – Prince Henry Square 14:41 – St. Francis Church 15:59 – Stock Exchange Palace 22:20 – Vitória Viewpoint 27:45 – Portuguese Centre of Photography 30:32 – Porto University 32:56 – Carmo Church 36:30 – Clérigos Tower 39:50 – Clérigos Church 43:26 – Liberty Square 48:41 – Porto City Hall 51:33 – Holy Trinity Church 58:39 – Chapel of Souls 1:08:30 – Sá da Bandeir Theatre 1:11:06 – Santo António Church 1:13:40 – São Bento Train Station 1:21:16 – Porto Cathedral
Ocean Culture & Sports: Spearfishing On North Shore Of O’ahu, Hawai’i
What does it mean to be connected to our food? What is the balance between taking life and giving life?
Based on the North Shore of O’ahu, IMPRINT is the story of two souls, whose lives have intertwined with the ocean. Shane Hamamoto, who has lost the ability to spearfish and dive, from barometric trauma now expresses his passion for the ocean through Gyotaku – the traditional art of Japanese fish printing.
Alicia Holland, a young spearfisher woman from the Big Island of Hawai’i, has taken her love for the ocean to support her family and as an outlet through nature. She recognizes that she is growing up in an age of abundance and grocery stores – the aching unnaturalness of modern amenities has had her resort back to the thrill of the hunt.
We follow her life as she navigates the taboos and rewards associated with spearfishing.
Travel: Ten Underrated African Countries (Video)
Filmed and Produced by: Displore
Africa is the second largest continent in the world in terms of both land area and population, only after the Asian continent. Despite the ignorant thought that Africa is one country, Africa is home to 54 sovereign countries, and might be the world´s most diverse continent with very different and unique culture. The diversity makes Africa one of the world´s most interesting travel destination with several countries to choose from. The first thing most people will think of when planning a trip to Africa is the amazing wildlife the continent has to offer. With over 1100 different types of mammals most choose countries with the “big five animals “, national parks and the most popular countries but Africa has so much more to offer than just the most popular countries.
Italian Culture Tours: ‘Scrovegni (Arena) Chapel’ In Padova – Spectacular 360 Virtual Reality Video
New Books: ‘Versailles – From Louis XIV to Jeff Koons’ (Assouline 2020)
Welcome to the most storied palace in the world, the glittering Château de Versailles. Recounting the most important historical, social, and cultural milestones of Versailles, beginning with the original proposal for a modest hunting lodge requested by Louis XIII in 1623, this volume encompasses the expansive property, from the palace and gardens to the Grand Trianon and the Queen’s Hamlet.
From the first great constructions under Louis XIV, to its reimagining by Louis-Philippe in 1837 as a museum dedicated to all the glories of France, Versailles has truly seen many momentous occasions, including diplomatic summits, scientific advancements, and renowned visitors over the centuries, from Mozart, Benjamin Franklin and Queen Victoria to Fred Astaire and the Kennedys, not to mention exhibitions of today’s great artists, beginning with Jeff Koons in 2008.
Lavishly illustrated with archival images and beautiful photography, Versailles: From Louis XIV to Jeff Koons features insightful texts by Catherine Pégard, president of the Château de Versailles, with the collaboration of Mathieu da Vinha, scientific director of the Château de Versailles Research Center, revealing all the stories that have unfolded within this glorious monument.
Complimentary white gloves are included with each purchase from Assouline’s Ultimate Collection. A limited edition vibrant blue tote bag is included with Versailles: From Louis XIV to Jeff Koons.
Design Books: “Handmade In Japan – The Pursuit Of Perfection” (Gestalten)
After documenting the crafts makers and traditional artisans of Japan for years, Irwin Wong assembled this wealth of unique knowledge and culture in a book. Handmade in Japan is a look into the endless pursuit of excellence, and this film represents some of the individuals featured in the book.
Culture Podcast: “Wine Windows Of Florence” Date Back To 17th Century
In the era of social distancing, Italians in Florence have revived the custom of serving wine through pint-size windows in centuries-old buildings.
Year 2020: The covid-19 pandemic arrives. Italy is under lockdown starting March 8th. Everyone is confined to home for two months and then the government permits a gradual reopening. During this time, some enterprising Florentine Wine Window owners have turned back the clock and are using their Wine Windows to dispense glasses of wine, cups of coffee, drinks, sandwiches and ice cream—all germ-free, contactless!
Year 1634: The Black Death or Plague has passed through the city of Florence, leaving death and havoc in its wake. The Florentine scholar, Francesco Rondinelli, writes a report about disease contagion and describes the use of the abundant Wine Windows in the city for the safe sale of wine, without direct contact between client and seller. Diletta Corsini describes this important document regarding Wine Windows and their uses almost 400 years ago.
Travel & Culture Videos: Germany Celebrates 250th Birthday Of Beethoven
The celebration of Ludwig van Beethoven’s 250th birthday this year is reaching a crescendo in Germany. The composer and pianist was born in Bonn on December 16, 1770, and his musical legacy carries on. In this reel, we meet concert pianists putting a new spin on Beethoven’s work. Susanne Kessel, for one, put out a call to composers for 250 new piano pieces inspired by Beethoven and is now in the midst of performing them. Elsewhere, the duo known as Pianotainment is using humor and serious piano chops to make the work of the likes of Beethoven accessible to all. We wrap up this ode to Beethoven with a visit to a museum full of self-playing musical instruments. And, yes, some of them even play Beethoven.
This Great Big Story was made possible by the German National Tourism Board and BTHVN2020: https://www.germany.travel/beethoven2020
Travel Videos: “Bordeaux, France – A Cultural Guide”
Bordeaux is best known as France’s wine HQ. But over the past decade, this wonderful old metropolis ten times smaller than Paris has been enjoying a new lease of life thanks to huge investment in culture and transport – that includes a whopping great wine museum. Eve Jackson travels to this UNESCO-listed city to discover its buzzing arts scene with a visit to the Cité du Vin and a tour of the regenerated banks of the Garonne river.
