A Sound Experience

My class is currently working on an audio project dealing with space and place. Each group chose a spot along one of the metro lines (non-place) to record sound, and take photos to coincide with the audio. I chose to go to the Olympic Stadium stop, mainly so I could see the track. It cost us each 3 Euro to get in (even with our discount student ID cards), but it was well worth it. The stadium itself was breathtaking. Beautiful music was playing inside, creating a peaceful, riveting atmosphere. I loved and recognized one of the pieces of music that was playing, but I couldn't place it. I closed my eyes. Images of animals floated through my mind. The carnival of animals, perhaps? No. I had another image of myself dancing, but I would have recognized the music right away if I ever performed to it. So that wasn't it either. The it hit me, the music was from the Carleton College's semi-professional dance group's spring recital a year ago, where the dancers represented animals. I still don't know the name of the piece of music- I'd hum it here, but that won't help anyone reading this to identify it, so never mind.

Berlin's Olympic Stadium

Once we recorded several sounds I went in search of a rumored wildlife reserve/ woods area just south of the stadium with two friends. After much searching we found the woods and spent awhile wandering the expansive trails. Right away we encountered a slew of caterpillar type creatures. At first it was a little disgusting, they were everywhere, but after pausing and listening we were able to hear the sound of them chewing and it was rather remarkable and beautiful in a strange sort of way.

Yes, this is in Berlin

After some more wandering we discovered an abandoned tower of some sorts sitting on top of a large hill. When we got closer we saw that there were 3 nine or ten foot fences surrounding the building with barbed wire. We also saw a few people inside. If they could get in, we could get in. We discovered a large hole in the fence- one that hadn't been repaired yet- and climbed in. It was well worth it.

Between Fences

We discovered a winding staircase and carefully climbed up. We were immediately met with an expansive view of the city and surrounding woods and river.

We continued up the stairs, and found ourselves inside one of the domes. The "wow" that escaped from my lips bounced right back at me several times, demonstrating the beautiful resonance of the room. We spent an hour or so stomping, clapping, whistling, snapping fingers, and singing, to experience with the gorgeous sound.

It was a beautiful day, full of beautiful sounds, moments, photos, and memories.

Rainy Rephotography

In Barcelona my class was drilled the idea and practice of rephotography (re-photographing the exact location and vantage point of an old photograph) over and over again. The first time we discussed this practice everyone was excited about it. I've always been interested in comparing and contrasting places over time, and re-photography does just that. However, We met up with the same group of people over and over to look at the same photographs and the same maps of the city, and eventually everyone was burnt out.

When our professor told us of a re-photography project in Berlin, many groaned. However, I was aware that a friend and fellow student from campus (Kate Trenerry), who had biked across the Berlin Wall the previous summer, was coming to lead our re-photographing.

This morning I woke up early along with 2 of my roommates and Kate, and we went to the Brandenburg Gate with a stack of old photographs. Despite rain and traffic, we had a fun and successful time.

Brandenberg Gate Rephoto

During class we traveled along  Bernauer Stasse, and in pairs rephotographed photos back when the Berlin Wall was erect.

Bernauer Strasse Rephoto

Guten Tag?

It was a hard transition for me to arrive in Berlin after spending nearly six days in the Alps. The soft landscapes, sky-scraping mountains, crystal-cool lakes had been replaced with never-ending pavement, cigarette butts lining every curb, and an unnaturally dirty river. I longed for the fresh air, dark, quiet nights, and brilliant colors that had accompanied me in Switzerland.

Shortly after arriving in Berlin and navigating the metros to our supposed destination I met up with the rest of my group. It was nice seeing everyone who I had bounded with the previous 4 weeks again to exchange hugs, photos and stories.

After a group dinner we all headed to our hostel. My room doesn't have the entire city view that I had in Barcelona, nor does it have a cobble stone street leading towards the mountain, but it overlooks a tiny, dirty courtyard, and it has a cozy bed, a tiny closet, and I have three roommates.

Tiergarten

It took me a few days to warm up to the city. I realized today that my problem was it lacked excitement. Barcelona had the original excitement of arriving in a new place, new country, new continent even... the colorful atmosphere that lined the streets, the music, the people... Switzerland obviously had the thrill of being in the Alps. It had a beautiful, whispering excitement that clung to everything I saw and touched. As for Berlin... the excitement is there, hidden away... I just need to discover it for myself. It's peeked out of hiding every once in awhile, like when I ran through the Tiergarten Saturday morning (a giant park in the smack center of the city), when I went out briefly, despite the windy cold, to do some night photography, when I stumbled upon some May Day festivities and some old woman told me to "Party... it's the weekend! Tomorrow is for working", and when I found a small park about half a mile from my residence while on a run this morning. I just need a sharper shovel here than in Barcelona and Interlaken, but once I dig away at the city I'm bound to uncover the excitement I'm currently craving.

Night Train

The Swiss Do it Best

Between Barcelona and Berlin everyone on our trip had 6 days to travel absolutely anywhere they wanted. In order to satisfy my craving for mountains I chose to go to Interlaken, Switzerland. I fell in love at first sight. It's a small town nestled right in the Swiss Alps, with a large lake on either side, and a turquoise river running in between. The sun was out, flowers were in bloom, and the air was fresh.

A Round-a-bout in Interlaken

The first full day was spent relaxing by the lake on the east side of the town. It was about a 2 mile walk from our hostel. I spent the time skipping walks, taking photos of ducks, and drawing.

View from Beach

The town itself was full of flowers, cute buildings, and chocolate and swiss army knives shops. 1/2 price Swiss chocolate easter bunnies filled the stores.

Flowers Downtown

On Monday I woke up early to run along the river to the western lake, and finished the morning with a free breakfast at the hostel. Late morning we set out on a hike. Unfortunately I couldn't find a decent trail map anywhere. I had asked for suggestions at the front counter of my hostel, but I was encouraged to pay for a train to go to Lauterbrunnen, pay to take a cable car up a mountain, and take a short walk to a waterfall- oh, which I would have to pay to see as well. Instead I opted to head in a general direction, eyes open for trails, and go from there. I spotted one, which was pleasant for about 200 meters until it lead straight into a parking lot of a hotel. I spotted another trail which was actually legit, and took us to the top of a large hill over looking the town. Eager for more, I pointed to a mountain nearby and declared I wanted to hike up that one.

By heading in the general direction, we eventually found trails which led up my mountain of choice. Turns out it was a ridge which led to a trail much higher than what it originally looked like. We first stopped for a lovely picnic lunch.

Picnic View

We continued up, higher and higher, curious as to what was around each corner.

Distant Interlaken

On Top of the World

It was a beautiful hike, well worth the soreness in my calves that arose the following day.

The following day we took the train into Grindelwald. It was very beautiful, perhaps even more beautiful that interlaken, with a small mountain stream running through the valley besides the town, and gigantic mountains cuddling the buildings. Perhaps it's because I wasn't there for as long, or perhaps it was TOO beautiful, but Grindelwald just didn't grab my attention the way Interlaken had.

Mountain River

Grindelwald

Our final day was spent gathering more chocolate, spending more time by the lake, and walking around Interlaken.

It was a wonderful trip, and I was extremely sad to leave the mountains. I appreciated the chance to escape back into nature and fresh air and take a break from cities. My mind was blown over just how easy it was to travel between countries.

The best things about Switzerland/Interlaken:

*The chocolate
*The brilliant color of the river and lakes
*Gorgeous place to run
*Taking a train through the mountains
*The overall beauty
*Hiking
*The gelato
*Fresh tap water
*Sitting by the lakes
*The Alps

Barcelona Projects and Closing Words

Apologies for the lack of posts. I hope to improve on that here on out. Barcelona was a whirlwind of photography, early morning runs, lectures, gallery visits, art museums, narrow streets, metro stops, exploration and rooftop sunsets.

Our final Barcelona project for class consisted of 2 favorite photographs, one rephotography photo, one 'grid cities' photo, and one photo from our class visit to a labyrinth.

 My underlying project for the term is creating "2-ups" which are two photos placed next to each other to create one image that complements, strengthens, and gives new meaning. Here are two of my favorites, which I chose for my final project.

 

I pieced together a collage for my rephoto. I had an original photo from awhile back of a fountain taken from a gazebo, and I wentto the same location to essentially re-take the photo. I wanted to give it a different feel than the photos of my classmates, however, which is why I created the collage.

 Barcelona's streets, like many cities, are based on a grid structure. Our job was to represent this using photos and looking for grid representations around the city. I overlayed three photos for this one photograph, a blue tiled wall, the bottom of a fountain, and a wall with tree shadows, to give the photo a Mediterranean feel.

My final photo, in the labyrinth park, I used some fun photoshop adjustments to give it a feel from the past.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kait_randolph/

The three and a half weeks in Barcelona flew by, and I appreciated and enjoyed every single day. Here is a list of my favorite things, and reasons why I would love to go back:

10. The music
9. Siestas
8. Adorable cafes full of delicious coffee, pastries, and color
7. The hills surrounding the city
6. The old city
5. The sunset view from my residence
4. Laughter is the same in any language
3. Hot chocolate and churros
2. The many beautiful parks sprinkled throughout the city
1. Sunrise runs next to the Mediterranean Sea

Morning Magic

Tuesday Travels

After my morning class I went to a restaurant nearby for a quick lunch of a sandwich and hot chocolate. But this wasn't any normal hot chocolate... The hot chocolate in Barcelona can best be described as hot, melted fudge. Thick and delicious. Almost like pudding. I'm not sure I'll be able to handle hot chocolate back home ever again...

Hot Chocolate

A little bit after lunch I headed on a journey to find the 1992 Olympic Track Stadium. There were many beautiful distractions along the way.

One of the Beautiful Distractions

We discovered the track stadium, eventually, although we approached it from the side. From our vantage point the track was fenced off and we were worried for a little while that we wouldn't even get to see it. Fortunately we continued our walk around and the gates opened and our search had seemingly come to an end.

Barcelona Olympic Stadium

Much to my dismay no one was allowed on it. I would have liked to take a lap or two.  The track was a fresh blue, although postcards informed me that in it's heyday it was a burnt red.

 We had heard of a building in the vicinity that resembled a castle, so we decided to check that out...with the exception of one who decided he was too hungry to continue.  That's why you pack a snack. On the way we passed, and were distracted by, several beautiful gardens.

Steps in the Garden

A Brief Rest in the Garden

 We continued on our way, a little surprised, and in my case happy, at the step hike that led towards this "Castell." At the top, we discovered two of our classmates who had just finished taking in the views.

Through the Castle Door

 It was a successful trip, proving that the journey can be just as great, if not more, that the destination.