Tag Archives: Artwork

Switzerland: 7 Activities For a Weekend in Gstaad

Posted on December 16, 2019 | Leave a comment

1. Snowshoeing & Nature In Sparenmoos

When it is snowing a lot and the fog is falling, I much prefer snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing with an experienced instructor who will be able to choose the right place. Significantly less stressful than being at the top of a slope for skiing without any visibility! So I discover with pleasure the beautiful scenery of Sparenmoos. Big crush on the fir trees, a bit like in Méribel! A fairytale landscape.

2. Visiting The Mirage of Doug Aitken

The Unusual Experience

I really liked the short hike to the Mirage by the American artist Doug Aitken. A visionary construction, located between Gstaad and Schönried. Fantastic! All walls (including ceiling and roof with the exception of the floor) are mirrors. Stunning and fun! A must see and experience! The installation will remain until January 2021.

3. A Drink On The Slopes

Enjoying The Panorama

During this weekend, the weather is pretty capricious, two white days (very foggy) and one single sunny day (the one of my departure, lol!). Finally with a friend and our instructor, we take a long break at the top of the slopes, waiting for a better visibility. The weather darkens and we went back down by cable car. But happy!

4. Sleeping at 1,450 Meters Above Sea Level

In Nature

I spent the first night of my trip at the Rinderberg Swiss Alpine Lodge. A real change of scenery! You need to take the cable car to access this very welcoming and cozy little hotel, located near the Rinderbergbahn intermediate station. From the small balcony of my room, I have a panoramic view of the mountain and the fir trees. The landscape is a bit magical. Photo above: the spa bordered by fir trees.

5. Strolling in Gstaad

Away From The Hustle And Bustle

The Gstaad I discover (off of the season) is a quiet and charming village. People are relaxed and the general rythm is calm. Perfect when you need to recharge, or if you are agoraphobic. On the shopping side: Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Dolce Gabbana … are installed in beautiful wooden “chalets”. There are plethora of restaurants and some cafes and bars are really cool.

6. Discovering Saneen

The Historic Village

The center of Saanen is charming with small streets lined with wooden houses built between the 15th century and the 18th century. The woodwork (facades and doors) is beautiful. And the al fresco paintings of the Saint Maurice church date back to the 15th century. There are also a few lovely shops with local handicrafts. A nice walk after skiing.

7. The Hype Design Hotel

Where To Stay

The HUUS Hotel Gstaad is defenitely my favorite place in Gstaad! I am absolutely delighted with my two nights there. Awesome design, team and atmosphere! I really liked my room, the common areas, lounge with the fireplace, long bar, excellent Italian restaurant, view, champagne evening, breakfast and location!

Informations

www.MySwitzerland.com, www.gstaad.ch, www.visitvalais.ch, www.swiss.com, www.swisstravelsystem.com

Related articles : Destinations & Hotel Review

Many thanks to the tourist offices, My Switzerland and Gstaad for this beautiful invitation. As always, these are my opinions.

Hermès, Brussels: The Opening of Barthelemy Toguo’s Exhibition, “The Well Water”

Posted on November 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

Few things I know about Barthélémy Toguo… The colorful barrels represent his childhood : “when I was a kid, I used to bring water at home, it was hard. I paint barrels with colors to bring fun“. The scales with iron nails, on the walls, or the ones painted (pictures below) : “Each scale representes a lifelong journey“. Some ladders have more rungs and iron nails… The African proverbs that pursue “universality“, selected excerpts : “Heart is not a knee that we can bend”, “Say yes won’t stop the one who refuses to refuse”… Brillant, as those draws showing “what we have in head” and “this wall was empty“. The entire series represent fifty draws. Me : “I know I ‘ve recently seen some of your artwork. I can’t remember where…” Amused he anwsers me : “At the Biennale de Lyon, coffins… ”

Me : “Yes! Of course, near the entrance! I knew your name reminded me things!”. I won’t discribe you the audience around, looking at me as if I was a poor E.T. lost in the middle of nowhere! I’ve always wanted to understand why some grown-up people need to adore (like teenagers) an artist, a politician, a model, guru, or everything-supposed-to-be-a- human-being, granted of a talent and/or a charism. And for sure Barthélémy Toguo’s got the both, talent and charisma, famous artist of the contemporary art scene. But happy poor minded like me, who never reads a line about the artist of the exhibition he watches. I watch, it’s the principe of an exhibition, isn’t it? And if I enjoy it, I read or chat with the artist. And I won’t show you the “Shower life” happening too. When everybody was shooting like mad the performance in the great space of La Verrière, in the Hermès shop. I believe that the first interest of a performance is to be present and attend the live, not to be watched in streaming. A meteor meeting with the univers of a prolix artist, his artwork, my vision, your curiosity… Enjoy!

Infomations : La Verrière, Hermès, 50 boulevard de waterloo, Bruxelles 1000, Phone : + 32 (0)2 511 20 62. Exhibition from Novembre 4th till December 17th 2011, open from monday to saterday, from 11 a.m. till 6 p.m.

Related posts : INTERVIEWS & NEWS