Motivation or inspiration?

So, we have a summer! Ok, theoretically it is still a spring, but the weather in the last days suggest us something different. I think we all need it. We need the sun to get some new energy, to be happier and healthier. However, I have to admit that it is not so easy to stand it when you have to stay in the city and work or study. When it was cold people complained about it. Now, when the weather is so great people say that is too hot. People are always complaining. I'm afraid, I also do it. What can I say, human nature... But, who said we can't dream? So, if I had an opportunity to teleport myself, I would go to the beach. Maybe just for a moment during the break between lectures or after the class to feel the sand underfoot or to smell this fantastic air. But, let's go back to reality. We have to wait a bit more to enjoy it. However, as a motivation to study for the exams I decided to present the most beautiful beaches in the world. Maybe it will be an inspiration for your holiday destination. I've chosen three that are the most beautiful for me. Which one is the best for you?

Tulum, México

The name Tulum derived from the Mayan word for wall. There you can find not only crystal water, white sand and palm trees but also the ancient Mayan ruins from as early as A.D. 250. It makes this place very special and stunning. Who wouldn't like to go to this paradise?

La Digue, Seychelles

La Digue is an amazing island and oasis hidden away in the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean. Nature, biodiversity, tradition, calm, balance. I think we could find much more words to describe it, but in this case it is unnecessary. The photo tells everything...

Cala Mariolu, Sardinia

And now something more accessible for us. Although you wouldn't say, it is in Europe. It is located along the middle eastern coast of Sardinia, in the province of Nuoro. The area is full of rocks and caves. It is perfect for those who like scuba diving. Let's take a look.

Icarus

The painting I've chosen is Landscape with the Fall of Icarus. It was probably painted by Flemish Renaissance painter Pieter Bruegel in 1558, although this attribution is doubtful. Now, you can find it in Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium.

In the painting we can admire a beautiful landscape. In the foreground, you can see a ploughman working on his field on a scarp next to the sea. He's the focal point here. Lower, there is a shepherd that is looking at the sky. In the bottom right-hand corner, you can find a fisherman. In the background, there is the calm sea with some rocks, islands and boats. On the horizon, we can see mountains and town illuminated by the sun. The most invisible point is the title Icarus. You can find him in the bottom right-hand corner, close to the fisherman. You can see his legs in the water and some feathers floating around.

The composition is full of beautiful colours. However, you can see a clear division between the foreground and the background. The first one presents warm colours, for example, brown, yellow, orange. For that reason, it seems to be very distinct and deep. The second one is rather created with cold colours (blue, white, grey). It's very soft and delicate.

The painting is based on Greek mithology. It's a a story of Daedalus' son who dared to fly too near the sun on wings of feathers and wax. His father cautioned him that flying too near the sun would cause the wax to melt, but Icarus forgot his father's warning and drowned in the sea what we can see in the landscape. Despite the tragedy, all the people stay indifferent and everything continues without any change. It shows the dark side of humans nature and his tendency to be selfish. In my opinion, the small figure of Icarus can symbolize insignificance and fragility of our life. I would also say that the painting shows the traditional model of life that is very mundane and full of work. In opposition to this real world there is Icarus, the dreamer.

I've chosen this piece of art because I love its colours and the composition. However, the most important thing for me is its meaning. The painting is quite old. It has more than 450 years, but its message is still valid and current. It is also very thought-provoking. 

Hey Joe

As you may know, I'm from Wrocław and today I would like to write about the Guinness World Guitar Record that takes place in my city on the 1^st of May every year. The record is a part of Thanks Jimi Festival dedicated to Jimi Hendrix. For that reason, people play his song Hey Joe to break a record. For the first time, the event took place in 2003 and continues till today. There was 12 editions with 6 records broken. Maybe you don't know it but I play the guitar and one day I decided to participate in it! It was 5 or 6 years ago when I was in high school. I went there with a group of friends to play Hey Joe with the others. It was really great! We spent a whole day in this amazing atmosphere. There were a loooot of people that year. We had to play out of the prepared area because there wasn't enough place. There were many participants from other cities or even from other countries. I really enjoyed it! I think the Guinness World Guitar Record in Wrocław is a very interesting event that makes special the city. It attracts a lot of tourist. You don't have to take part to have fun. You can just listen a nice song played by thousands of people at the same time. However, if you want to play with the others, it's quite easy because the song isn't complicated. You just have to know some easy chords. This year the record was broken with 7344 guitarists. Below you can see a picture from the day I broke a record. Ok, it was just rehearsal:)