RADIX magazine

RADIX

Volume 1 January 2014

DISCOVER THE MOST UNCONVENTIONAL PLACES TO VISIT! • on page 30

WONDERING WHAT THE ULTIMATE CURIOSITIES FROM AROUND OUR WORLD ARE? • Head to page 10 to find out!

THE MYSTICAL WORLD OF FESTIVALS. ...INCLUDING THE HOLI FESTIVAL OF COLOURS!

$2.80 1.80£ 2.20€

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RADIX vol. 1

Letter from the Editor

• Editorial supervisors: Rebecca Terzano, Kristen Palana • Editors: Rebecca Terzano

Dear Readers,

• Layout Design: Rebecca Terzano • Cover: Rebecca Terzano, Eastern Illinois University Photography Department

It is with great pleasure that I present to you your monthly dose of…Radix! What a word: more intriguing and unique than any other. Blossoming like the branches tied to the roots of a healthy tree; strong like the people and events that built the foundations for who we are today.

Radix is captivating, fun, entertaining; a breath of fresh air amongst the smog of the media.

Radix is about the people we look up to. Radix are those that make us dare to dream. Radix are the things to see, the pleasures to discover, and the ideas which inspire our lifestyles.

• Contributors: Rebecca Terzano • Special Thank You: Kristen Palana, Randi Rowe

Image by the Eastern Illinois University

Here we all are, in the midst of the ‘holiday season,’ wondering what there is to come after the traditional holidays like Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanzaa, the Western New Year, Eid or the dreaded Valentine’s Day. Well, there are actually many more things to celebrate throughout the year. Not only do these events and festivals provide fun and entertainment for all ages, but they are also educational and spread world culture – keeping alive traditions from all over the world; start marking your calendars and booking your tickets because you do not want to miss out on these events.

The beauty of international festivals is that they can introduce culture to others that may not have the capability of experiencing them in the environment from which they originate.

However, apart from the wonders one can find in their own towns, if one has the opportunity to discover these unforgettable places and festivities that cannot come to you, start by visiting these unique finds worldwide which we will dwelve into further throughout this issue.

Rebecca Terzano, Editor of Radix.

Rebecca Terzano, Editor of Radix.

Published by: The American University of Rome Via Pietro Roselli, 4 Rome Italy

RADIX vol. 1

•TABLE OF CONTENTS • Curiosity

10 Discover the latest curiosities from around the world!

• Festivals

16 The mystical world of festivals 20 Jazz a Juan 22 Holi Festival of Colours” 24 Doha Tribeca Film Festival 26 Songkran” New Year • Travel

32 Find out all about the most unusual places to visit!

33 The Tarot Garden 34 The Grand Bazaar 35 The Church of St George 36 Mada’in Saleh • Street Art

38 Reclaim the Streets- Sbagliato 40 Photogallery • Reviews

46 What to read, watch and listen to 6

7

The crisis has never been more real.

If you are struggling to find a job, you are not alone.

Visit www.gov.uk for more information.

GLOBAL WARMING IS HAPPENING. TOGETHER WE CAN STOP IT.

RADIX vol. 1

CURIOSITIES FROM AROUND our WORLD.

If you ever find yourself wondering what is going on around you, do not worry, as you are not the only one.

We strongly believe that curiosity is what fuels our body and mind and allows us to broaden our personal and social universe. If you are just like us, which we are sure you are, then these couple of facts throughout the following pages will be more than just a pleasant read. Also, you can share your most interesting discoveries by submitting them to our online account!

Smart City Lights-

In a world where the interest for the environment is becoming stronger, that’s just how the street lights turn to be eco-friendly. In Italy, the streets of the cities of Padova and Mantova are populated by multitasking electronic units, with an intelligent brightness that provides services as well as savings. Under these lights it will be possible to surf on the internet, to see digital panels or why not recharge the battery of your own electric bike or car. Furthermore, these street lights split in half the energy and costs of maintenance. It is a truly integrated system capable of measuring the amount of light needed depending on the time and the presence of cars and report in real time any possible failures. What may seem like a minor change is a big step for our environment. Go Italy!

Dorothy Parker once said there was no cure for curiosity. Well, we couldn’t agree more here at Radix as there is nothing more attractive than a curious mind.

In the following pages, we put together some of the most curious things happening at the moment.

We hope this will curb your curiosity at least until the next issue!

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The New Amsterdam-

A real two-wheeled revolution, the one that sees London as protagonist. Soon a billion pounds will be invested in the transformation of the british capital into a new Amsterdam. The project sees the creation of a wide lane reserved for cyclists, a nearly 25kilometres long track that crosses the entire city. It will take ten years to turn London into a bicycle-friendly city, but you can already imagine what will be the appearance of the new urban landscape. Enormous benefits for the environment and the health are expected with the realization of what some may refer as ‘the most ambitious development plan of the two-wheel transport in the history of Britain.’

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RADIX vol. 1

Books Save Forests- Books with paper pages derived from the pro-

cessing of straw. This is the latest initiative of the Canadian non profit Canopy that, along with Random House and other publishing houses of Canada, is conducting an awareness program to save the trees. The idea is to exploit the huge amount of straw that every year the agricultural industries produced in North America, thus showing to publishing companies that a more economical and environmental way to make books exists. This innovative support will also hopefully help keep good old fashioned books alive, as they are slowly being replaced by digital technology.

Patch Hides Humans From Mosquitoes-

The Kite Patch offers an alternative to toxic sprays, and a new way to fight the spread of diseases, by using a blend of ingredients that make humans invisible to mosquitoes.

The device, which has already far surpassed its funding goal on Indiegogo, is a disposable square only 1.5 inches on each side and is meant to be worn on the clothing. The patch is embedded with a proprietary blend of non-toxic, FDA approved compounds that disrupt the mosquitoes’ ability to track humans through exhaled carbon dioxide. Each patch provides 48 hours of protection once it has been exposed to the air.

The team developed the patch with the intention of helping stop the spread of mosquito-borne diseases in remote areas, and pledge money is being used to send the patches to families in Uganda.

Live Music at the Gym- Gymnastics and music

,always considered a valuable antidote against depression, are back together in a winning combination. But this time in a completely new and unexpected way and in the United States.

The trend that rocks in the most exclusive gyms of the big Apple seems to be the live shows. In many fitness clubs the Ipods have given way to bands and deejays, with stages and consoles. Live music accompanies zumba, aerobics as well as step classes, and everyone has the opportunity to chose the sport according to personal musical taste. Keep fit while attending a real concert, a great novelty that will surely soon be adopted by a greater number of cities.

Invisible Bike Helmet-

Most of us spent our childhoods rebelling against our parents to wear a bike helmet. Whilst they’re an undeniably life saving accessory, they’re ugly and bulky and uncomfortable.

Anna Haupt and Terese Alstin, two design students from Sweden, have no less than answered our prayers by developing an ‘invisible bike helmet’. The wrap around structure inflates into a protective bubble around the wearers head upon impact, revolutionising the way we think about bike safety.

It’s now available to buy after 7 years of development, but at a price of £350 – is it too much to fork out just to avoid helmet hair?

Digitalized Library- Pope Francis isn’t the only newcomer to the Vatican. New technology has also

found its way inside the ancient institution. Cloud computing corporation EMC recently announced that it will soon begin the process of digitalizing the Vatican Apostolic Library. Among the works to be digitalized is the Gutenberg Latin Bible, which dates from 1451 and was the first book ever printed with moveable type. Other historically important manuscripts include the ancient 9th century Hebrew Sifra, a Greek Bible from the 4th century, and Greek testimonies of the works of Homer, Sophocles, Plato, and Hippocrates.

The library contains some of the oldest texts in the world that represent a priceless legacy of history and culture.

Digitalizing these documents ensure their protection and at the same time will become available to scholars and individuals around the world.

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A Dieter’s Dream, the electronic HapiFork can actually help

you lose weight while eating in China. The fork vibrates if you take bites more frequently than every 10 seconds, increasing awareness of how much you consume. By slowing your eating, HapiFork claims to cut calories; an online dashboard tracks how long it took you to finish your meal and how many forkfuls you swallowed. Could this be the secret to the Chinese’s population thin figure? Grab a fork and start eating to find out!

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DISCONNECT TO RECONNECT.

disconnect to reconnect.

3232 hours are spent daily on INTERNET the HOURS ARE SPENT ON THE internet alone in the us.

ALONE IN THE USA DAILY. ...how about some “me” time? ...HOW ABOUT SOME “ME” TIME?

visit www.go-GULF.COM FOR MORE SHOCKING statistics.

RADIX vol. 1

THE MYSTICAL world OF FESTIVALS.

R a d i x’s m e m b e r s t e a m e d up t o b r i ng you a list of t h e i r ab sol ut e f avour i t e f e st iva l s! I n the next fol l ow i ng pa ge s, you w i l l b e abl e t o read all ab out t h e m , f rom t h e i r h i st ory t o som e pretty i nt e re st i ng a ne c d ot e s, t o pe r sona l m em ories as we l l a s t h e i r i nc re d i bl e c onse q ue nc e s.

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With a world that consists of

seven billion people, roughly one-hundred-ninetythree countries, hundreds of religions, and more ethnicities than one can keep track of, how can people remain loyal and faithful to their cultures and beliefs while still maintaining respect for others? The answer is through entertainment. People love to have fun and people learn best when having fun.

Today we throw them to keep the townsfolk happy and to educate a more diverse world than we have ever seen before. As the people in the world started to journey to new lands, some traditions were lost while some remained and were carried and cared for by migrants to new lands.

Culture adapted and with it, so did the customs – which is why several different cultures might celebrate May Day, but each has their own name and their own way of welcoming the spring. However, the most important part about festivals in this technology based age is that we still try to experience them firsthand. One cannot feel the grapes squashing beneath one’s toes at the Grape and Wine Festival in the small village of Paw Paw, Michigan unless you go there the second weekend in September, climb up in the barrel and start squashing them for oneself.

One cannot understand the feeling the audience receives from watching a bunch of girls in traditional Mayan clothing, synchronized dancing to banjos and clapping by reading a book about it. Festivals can be held in any number of causes and names, and they date back to before the birth of Christ. Ancient Greeks and Romans would throw festivals and feasts to honor their gods and to keep them happy.

“Festivals are not only important for the knowledge that they exude but the diverse people they attract that all have their own unique stories.”

While before festivals were a way to keep peace and to please the gods, they have become fun learning experiences that teach peace through understanding and cultural awareness.

Festivals

are not only important for the knowledge that they exude but the diverse people they attract that all have their own unique stories. Articles to come will talk about the uniqueness of these festivals, how they enrich people’s lives as well as what different symbols mean in different parts of the world, or in different times in history - such as the swastika, originally a symbol of peace turned into an icon for Nazi Germany.

As well as becoming historically aware and informed, festivals introduce people to facts they might not even be aware exist. However, once they discover and if they enjoy themselves, they end up exchanging knowledge with one another, searching for more specific things they find particularly interesting, and impressing less informed friends and family with their incredible ‘new’ findings!

In this upcoming issue of Radix, we want to update our readers on some of the festivals and cultural sites happening throughout the world this upcoming year that we believe need some more attention. We’ve picked a few to highlight, but as you will find in the back, there are many more worth your time and effort to consider.

Remember that there are probably events just as close to home as well as all over the world that can provide you and your family with an array of knowledge about everything from food, dancing, foreign countries, music, and art.

“As well as becoming historically aware and informed, festivals introduce people to facts they might not even be aware exist.”

Additionally, you can find more festivals taking place throughout the year 2014 in all countries in our map at the end of the magazine.

Hopefully, this list will trigger in you an irresistible urge to check them out yourself, or even make one of your own!

By: Rebecca Terzano 18

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RADIX vol. 1

d Festival pick no. 1 acclaime most France’s cert! n o c z z • “jazz a juan” ten day Ja

Hearing the word jazz, one tends to think about New Orleans, but think again! The small town of Juan les Pins in Southern France has been the home of the “Jazz a Juan” Festival for 53 years now. Since then, “Jazz à Juan” has become one of the most efficient vectors of communication for tourism and culture in Antibes Juan-les-Pins and has now grown into an event that is centered on so much more than just jazz.

One can discover a multitude of sensations, a variety of music, a pleasant and more than relaxing feeling on a human scale, set on a mythical site between the stars, the beach and the sea. Pinède Gould represents to all major jazz players what La Scala in Milan does to an opera singer: a confirmation of success and an extraordinary venue and a unique communion with an interactive and responsive audience.

The spectacular set up of the stage where singers, bands, musicians and choirs perform for the pleasure of the public. Mountains, sunset, sea, relaxing voices and tunes...what more can a spectator ask for?

If Jazz isn’t your passion, do not be turned off by this festival as it has expanded its boundaries since its creation. “Jazz a Juan” is now known for its diversity of styles, programs and musicians.

One can have the joy of listening to anything from Gospel, to Blues, Swing, Be-bop, Latin Jazz, Cool Jazz, Hard-Bop, Free Jazz, Jazz-Rock, Modern Jazz or Electro Jazz over the course of many historic concerts which represented the memory of European jazz, but which also helped to build its future as can be seen by the recent performances by Roy Hargrove, Richard Bona, Thomas Dutronc, Norah Jones, Carlos Santana, Sting, Jamie Cullum and even Tom Jones.

It is such a pleasure to see that an event can bring together so many people from different ages and backgrounds. Jazz a Juan will definitely leave you whistling and nodding your head to the rhythm of the music for days.

The renowned logo of the ‘Jazz a Juan’ Festival that has been in use for over half a century.

A typical view of the streets of the charming city of Antibes Juan les Pins.

This upcoming year, the festival will run from the 17th to the 27th of July. Ten days of music, happiness, discovery and encounters marking its 54th anniversary. More than half a century! The artists and performers have not yet been revealed, making the wait almost unbearable for all the jazz devotees out there.

“Jazz a Juan” is truly available to everyone as aside the main daily concerts which range from 16 to 60 euros where artists such as Keith Jarret, Dizzy Gillespie and Sonny Rollins to name a few perform, the festival plans free concerts open to people of all ages showcasing equally talented and renowned artists and bands as well as breath taking, for a lack of less cliché word, fireworks in honour of the festival, its staff, musicians and public. If lucky enough, one can also have the pleasant surprise of bumping into a brass band walking around the streets of Juan les Pins.

Mark your calendar as this is an event you surely do not want to miss out.

By: Rebecca Terzano 18

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RADIX vol. 1

the mo

st colo urful event in the world !

The Holi Festival of Colours has become quite a hot topic amongst young people these past couple of years. Here at Radix however we love when things have a significant origin and a powerful anecdote that we can share.

Originally, the festival of Holi is celebrated because of a story in the old Hindu religion. The word “Holi” comes from “Holika”, sister of Hiranyakashipu. In Vaishnavism, Hiranyakashipu is the great king of demons, and he had been granted a boon by Brahma, which made it almost impossible for him to be killed. The boon was due to his long penance, after which he had demanded that he not be killed “during day or night; inside the home or outside, not on earth or in the sky; neither by a man nor an animal; neither by astra nor by shastra”. Consequently, he grew arrogant and attacked the Heavens and the Earth. He demanded that people stop worshipping gods and start praising respectfully to him. Quite the arrogant type if you ask me.

According to this belief, Hiranyakashipu’s own son, Prahlada, was a devotee of Vishnu. In spite of several threats from Hiranyakashipu, Prahlada continued offering prayers to Vishnu. He was poisoned by Hiranyakashipu, but the poison turned to nectar in his mouth. He was ordered to be trampled by elephants yet remained unharmed.

He was put in a room with hungry, venomous snakes and survived. All of Hiranyakashipu’s attempts to kill his son failed.

Finally, he ordered young Prahlada to sit on a pyre in the lap of Holika, Hiranyakashipu’s demoness sister, who also could not die because she had a boon preventing her from being burned by fire. When the fire started, everyone watched in amazement as Holika burnt to death, while Prahlada survived unharmed.

The salvation of Prahlada and burning of Holika is celebrated as Holi. Quite the story right?

Today, the celebration takes a whole other meaning, but still gathers millions of people from all nationalties, religions and beliefs in one place. The beauty of this festival is that it erases the worries of today’s world, such as dirtying your clothes as coloured powder is thrown in the air, being shoved around by complete strangers, dancing like no one is watching...

A day that sure adds colour to your life but not only.

It also inspires other events such as ‘The Color Run’, ‘Run or Dye’, ‘Color in Motion’, ‘Color Me Rad’, ‘The Graffiti Run’-all events that gather people together in the hope of bringing our population closer from one another.

Julio from Guatemala, Olga from Russia, Verushk from Greece, Rose from Australia and Dilva from Italy enjoying festivities together.

festival pick no. 2

holi festival of colours. the australian edition.

This year, you will be able to enjoy the Holi Festivities during the Spring (lover’s season) and more specifically during the month of March in Rome, Los Angeles, London , Auckland, Amsterdam and Syndney amongst many others.

By: Rebecca Terzano

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RADIX vol. 1

festival pick no. 3

the “doha tribeca film festival”.

DOHA’S MOST GLAMOUROUS EVENT, WITH PRODUCERS AND ACTORS ATTENDING FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD!

Doha went all out for the event.

So when it came to the fireworks, they sure knew how to end the festivities with a fantastic boom.

Locals as well as tourists described the show as ‘spectacular and ‘never seen before’.

The skyline of Doha, the capital of the state of Qatar.

When the renowned Tribeca Film Festival announced they were partnering with a newborn and unheard of at the time institute in the small state of Qatar in the Persian Gulf, it certainly came out as surprising and interesting news.

The annual five day festival, founded in 2009 to promote Arab and international film as well as develop a sustainable and respected film industry in the country, which used to be merely known for its gas, petrol and wealthness, the festival is one of the largest events attracting over 50,000 people from all over our globe.

On the Qatari red carpet have walked since 2009 celebrities from the Western film industry such as Robert De Niro, Salma Hayek, Freida Pinto and Kevin Spacey as well as artists from the Middle Eastern industry such as Hiam Abbas, Rachid Bouchareb and Yasmine Al Massri.

The two festivals, the Ajyal Film Festival for the young and the Qumra Film Festival will both share the same vision as DTFF- to promote cultural understanding and community through film and education, but with a little twist.

The Ajyal (in Arabic ‘generations’) is designed to bring generations as its name implies, together by providing opportunities for creative interaction and opening a space for discussion about issues facing youth today.

A few months later will be held the Qumra (Arabic for ‘camera’) Film Festival in March that will be committed to exploring the imagination and visions of upcoming directors.

Not only are these events beneficial for the creation of a film community and industry in the Middle East but to also promote an environment where freedom of speech, ties between countries and generations are respected encouraged.

The Doha Tribeca Film Festival has been a great success and has opened up the doors for Arab films. So, it came as an even bigger surprise when DTFF announced it was ending after four memorable years for the history of Qatar its partnership with the Tribeca Enterprises.

But weep not! Doha may have removed one film festival from the list but only to add two more. With DFI (The Doha Film Institute) having successfully formed strong community and industry bonds, the new festival format will add onto the already existing passion for filmmaking mainly from talent in the region as well as around the world and will serve to engage, entertain and inspire as well as the Doha Tribeca Film Festival did for the past years in a region with a profound and growing interest in film.

Leona Lewis performing for the opening of the 2011 DTFF. 24

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Children are caught in action, buckets filled with water.

festival pick no. 4

“songkran water festival”.

CDOTES

AL ANE N O S R E P G IN CLUD

•IN DITOR! FROM THE E

In Thailand, things are done differently; and when it comes to celebrating the New Year, there is no exception in that field. While most of us might pop a bottle at the end of the ten second countdown marking the start and making a wish to what will hopefully be a better year, the Thai pop more than just one bottle.

The talc is sometimes mixed with scents that once mixed with the water make the streets smell like menthol, lavender or rose- you can only imagine what a sweet experience that must be.

The mixture also slowly turns you into a human statue, making you walk home at the end of the day in a robotic way which can only make you and the people around you laugh and enjoy things one step at a time, literally.

Thais are open to tourists and share their unique festival with anyone walking by. I remember going to Bangkok with my family unconscious of the fact it was their New Year. For all we knew we would be walking calmly around the streets of the capital and visiting its museums and monasteries and eating their delicious foods from street vendors at any time of the day. We had picked that time as it was the start of dry season.

Needless to say we were a little surprised when walking out of the airport and into a mankind generated monsoon. We were unprepared but embraced the tradition as the tradition embraced us, joining the Thais in their celebration.

At the time, waterproof cameras didn’t exist so we had to put all our belongings, which resulted in a camera and some money, into a plastic bag for protection. The sight of all these people from all ages, nationalities and social classes having fun together in the streets as things used to be in the past, the generation of our beloved parents, was a moment I am not ready to forget, almost as if there was nothing that mattered in the world but that precise moment in time.

Besides the throwing of water and talc, Thais use these days to pay a visit to family, the elderly, friends, loved ones and monks as well as to go to a wat (a Buddhist monastery) to pray and give food to the monks.

Locals being submerged, literally by water coming from all over.

A vintage shot of a street in Bangkok.

In fact, they soak in what can be considered the world’s biggest water ‘fight’ for days; from the 13th to the 15th of April usually.

This tradition has been ongoing for many centuries and its main celebration is the throwing of water upon others with buckets, cups, bottles, balloons or water guns. In addition to water, Thais do not leave their house without a pot of white talc that is sold cheaply in any store. The talc is used to gently-depending on the strength of your ‘opponent’- bless you. The whiter you are at the end of the day, the happier you will be during the upcoming year.

Another vintage shot showing pedestrians covered in talc.

By: Rebecca Terzano

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Elephants are seen spraying locals and tourists, creating a connection between humans and animals, a truly rare sight.

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®

EASTPAK , IT’S GOT YOUR BACK.

RADIX vol. 1

unique, alternative and undisclosed places to visit Are you always on the lookout for something typically traditional and off the beaten path? These magical spots will make your jaw drop for sure.

• The Picasso Museum in Southern France

After receiving an invitation from archeologist, curator and French professor Romuald Dor de la Souchere, artist Pablo Picasso arrived in Antibes on the French Riviera in September 1946 where he painted three months in the 12th century Grimaldi Castle, built upon the foundations of the ancient Greek town of Antipolis, known as Antibes today.

Picasso gave 23 paintings and 44 drawings to what is now the Antibes Picasso Museum, one of the best Picasso Museums in the world, including his famous “La joie de vivre”.

The Picasso paintings are the heart of the Museum but one should not discard the details of the building itself, which became the home to the artist during his stay.

The paintings, drawings and sketches are complemented with works by Nicolas de Stael and Hans Hartung among other great 20th century artists.

• The Tarot Garden in Tuscan Italy

If you are a fan of unusual, colorful and quirky art, this truly is a must see. The Tarot Garden is a sculpture garden based on the mysterious tarot cards created by the French artist Niki de Saint Phalle in Pescia Fiorentina,Tuscany, Italy. Opened to the public not too long ago in 1998, four years before its creator died of a lung condition caused by inhaling chemicals she had used in her art, can easily be considered a diamond in the rough, hard to find on a map, scarcely indicated on Italian highways and surprisingly not listed in most guide books.

Niki de Saint Phalle, inspired by Antonio Gaudí´s works in Barcelona and Bomarzo, as well as Ferdinand Cheval, and Simon Rodia, decided to make something similar: a monumental sculpture park created by a woman. In 1979, she acquired some land in Garavicchio, Tuscany, about 100 km north-west of Rome along the coast.

There she built the Giardino dei Tarocchi, containing twenty-two monumental figures representing the greater Mysteries of the tarot, constructed of reinforced concrete and covered with mirrors and ceramic mosaic. The figures can be walked through; the artist lived inside the sphinx-like Empress for several months during the construction of the garden.

So it’s little wonder that the Tarot Garden renders one in a dreamlike state and makes adults instantly feel like children again, a feeling we should all have every once in a while to disconnect, even just for a minute, from our hectic and structured world.

If you have the chance to visit the picturesque town of Antibes one day, be sure to visit this one of a kind attraction.

Part of the exterior view of the house of Niki de St Phalle where the artist lived during the construction of the enchanted garden.

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‘La Joie de Vivre’, Picasso.

The intriguing and extravagant dragon scultpture.

An exterior view of the Picasso Museum.

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• The Grand Bazaar in Turkey’s Capital.

• “Bete Giyorgis” in Ethiopia.

You can venture inside the covered bazaar of Istanbul thinking to spend not more than twenty minutes, only to walk out three hours later with typical bracelets, chandeliers, spices and ornaments originating from Turkey as the vendors promise.

Carved from solid red volcanic rock in the 12th century and referred to as the eighth wonder of the world, the Church of St George, or Bete Giyorgis in Amharic, is one of eleven monolithic churches carved both inside and out from a single rock in Lalibela, a city in the Amhara Region of Ethiopia. The chiseled creations have turned this mountain town into a place of pride and pilgrimage for worshipers of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, attracting 80,000 to 100,000 visitors every year.

A woman cannot help but feel beautiful as the vendors try to grab your attention with catchy and funny ‘Hey, Carla Bruni!’ or ‘Bracelets, Shakira?’

Fascinating lights are on display in a stand of the Capital’s Grand Bazaar.

Even though Lalibela sits in a remote region of Ethiopia, the faithful will walk for days, even weeks, to get here, many of them traversing the rugged mountains barefoot. Amongst them, blind men and women and people with disabilities also join the pilgrimage, making their way along Lalibela’s winding, hilly roads to reach the sacred site.

The churches have been built in a variety of styles. Some of them were chiseled into the face of the rock, where others stand as isolated blocks, like the iconic church of Saint George, constructed in the shape of the cross. A complex and extensive system of drainage ditches, tunnels and subterranean passageways connects the underground structures.

Thanks to their impressive architecture and rich influence on Ethiopian Christianity, the churches, which have been built from the top down, have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978.

The market is one of the oldest covered markets in the world, with 61 covered streets and more than 3,000 shops and is visited by between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily. These particular features make it the most visited ‘landmark’ of Istanbul, beating in popularity and charm the modern and air conditioned malls.

Lamps on sale, purchased with the hope of a dream that will come true.

An aerial view of the Church of Saint George. The cross is remarkable from the top.

The cross shaped church, carved from red volcanic rock from the top downwards. A very unusual and rare procedure.

Traditional shoes on sale.

• Continued on page 36 34

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SMOKING DOESN’T JUST HURT YOU AND OTHERS AROUND YOU.

• “Mada’in Saleh” in Saudi Arabia.

When it comes to homes, tombs and en-

tire cities carved into stone and mountains, Petra is the number one reference.

However, in Saudia Arabia there exists a pre-islamic archeological site that is believed to be the largest settlement after Petra.

According to the Qu’uran, the Islamic Holy Book, it is said that the Thamudis, who would carve out homes in the mountains, were punished

by Allah for their persistent practice of idol worship. Thus, the site has earned a reputation down to contemporary times as a cursed place, an image which the national government is attempting to overcome as it seeks to develop Mada’in Saleh, officially protected as an archaeological site since 1972.

In 2008 UNESCO proclaimed Mada’in Saleh as a site of patrimony, becoming Saudi Arabia’s first World Heritage Site.

A view of the succession of cut-out rock homes and tombs of mada’in Saleh.

One of the main ‘towers’ of the site, open to the public in order to relive life at that time.

If one has the chance to ever wonder through it’s 131 cut-out rock monuments, be prepared to see a vision you will not forget. Perfectly carved monuments, dating as far back as the 3rd millenium BC will leave your mouth wide open regardless or not archeology and architecture are your main interests.

Next time you want to plan a trip to Petra, envision the hurds of tourists, souvenir vendors and dehydrated camels waiting to be photographed and remember there is a place just like it, minus all the superficial aspects of tourism.

By: Rebecca Terzano 36

SMOKING DAMAGES OUR ENVIRONMENT. visit www.surfrider.org for more information

STREET ART: RECLAIM THE STREETS

RADIX vol. 1

By: Rebecca Terzano

If you have ever travelled to Rome, you may or may not have come across this particular type of street art as although it is literally everywhere, it is in most cases impossible to see, unless you pay very close attention. A lesson from it’s creators? Read along and find out!

Street art has always had somewhat of a negative connotation. If we look up in any dictionary the definition of the term, one can read ‘writing or drawings scribbled, scratched, or sprayed illicitly on a wall or other surface in a public place.’ Nothing too positive sounding there. One thinks about street art and immediately envisions walls filled with toxic spray paint, swear words covering buildings, love or hate messages towards people we do not know or political parties.

We are always told there are two sides to every story. But rarely do people see the other side of urban art, the positive side; the side where dull walls are illuminated by colourful and vibrant designs; the side where people express their creativity without asking for recognition and exposing it to the world without asking for money to photograph it.

While it is true that some do absolutely no justice to a street or city, others make it shine, giving it a new life and aspect. And this is the kind of art we like to focus on at Radix. ‘Street Art’ doesn’t have the word art in it for no reason, and one mouvement in particular is devoted to showing that positive aspect - SBAGLIATO.

SBAGLIATO, which in english would be translated as ‘wrong’, bases its experimentation on the theme of the gap: one of the most immediate architectural elements of the field of vision. Its implementation process generates a synergy among architecture, graphics and photography.

SBAGLIATO relies solely in posters that depict realistic doors, wondows and gates.

Along with these ‘shutters’ are stickers that have somewhat became their global trademark that can today be found almost in all parts of the world.

The poster shows to be the ideal communication vehicle because it is suggestive, ephemeral and civilized since it anyway preserves the individual liberty to remove it in the case one thinks that it is ...SBAGLIATO.

Radix was lucky enough to meet one of the mouvements founder, the master mind behind it all, L. A, currently a student and a music producer in the city of Rome, and ask him a few questions regarding their unusual type of art.

• How did the mouvement get started?

L.A- “The movement started from the mind of three architecture students, a designer and a music producer. We all loved architecture, lines, landscapes. I have always been attracted by brutalism, it has always been a major source of inspiration for my music, I felt the need to give it a clearer color and we all shared the same view.”

• What is your mission statement?

• Why was the name ‘sbagliato’ chosen?

L.A- “Sbagliato was the right word at the right time. Imagine these four kids with a bright idea but no name. After several propositions to which none of us were merely happy about, one of us gives his last say. My friend looks at him and mockingly says “é completamente sbagliato”, the other kid sparks up and says “dude, you’re a f***ing genius!” and so Sbagliato was born.

The Sbagliato name is short, funny, makes people laugh and especially makes people question us. It’s perfect.”

• Are you limited to Rome/Italy or reach out to other cities and countries?

L.A- “We don’t have a manifesto. Our works are manifestos themselves. Each and every landscape portrayed in the windows is a manifesto of a new landscape. We want to fight that deep seated urban decay we are so much attracted from.”

“We used to be limited to the Rome metropolitan area, but thanks to our box logo stickers we have exported our name throughout the world, places such as the Unites States, Asia, Europe and even the Middle East. Afterwards we have “embedded shutters” in NYC, Budapest, Gaeta, Milano and the best my friends, has yet to come. “

• SBAGLIATO’s art isn’t immediately noticed by people, is that a way of showing that people do not pay enough attention to the world surrounding them?

• Would you consider it as “vandalism”?

L.A- “Some posters are made not to be seen by distracted people, they have to be searched for. We want people in the streets to concentrate more on their journey from A to B rather than just on the destination, we want them to search for something new and amazing with the eyes of their heart, you know.’’

“Do we consider it “vandalism”? Well, we are fully aware and conscious that it is technically against the law, but we carefully choose our spots. As I mentioned above, we want to cover up urban decay.

We want to improve the urban landscape around us, how? by creating new ones the government doesn’t take the time to do themself.”

• Continued on page 40 38

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Photogallery

The “Scuola Elementare Virgilio” in Gaeta in Italy, a public high school got a free makeover from SBAGLIATO.

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SBAGLIATO’s open door is located on Via Trieste, in the Italian province of Ascoli.

Piceno.

SBAGLIATO’s realistic gate can be found, if you look well enough, on a wall in Terracina, in the province of Latina in Italy.

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SBAGLIATO going international on the Red Church Street in London, United Kingdom.

SBAGLIATO’s window spotted in Semmelweis Utca, in the Hungarian capital of Budapest.

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Can you spot the art?

We’ll give you a little hint, the staircase leads wherever your mind takes you...

This trompe l’oeil door can be found on Via di Monte Fiore in Rome, Italy.

CHARLESTON WINE + FOOD

FESTIVAL 44

MARCH 6-9, 2014 SOUTH CAROLINA

WHAT TO READ, SEE AND LISTEN TO

With all there is to set your eyes on out there, we’ve picked out for you our top three books, movies and bands for the month of January. Hopefully, this will help you next time you are submerged by books at the bookstore, staring at the youtube page asking yourself what to play or trying to make up your mind on a fascinating movie to watch.

• A BOOK “Dear Life” by Alice Munro

No wonder Canadian author Alice Munro won the Nobel prize. ‘Dear Life’ is a collection of short stories where she illumines the moment a life is forever altered by a chance encounter or an action not taken, or by a simple twist of fate that turns a person out of his or her accustomed path and into a new way of being or thinking.

A poet, finding herself in alien territory at her first literary party, is rescued by a seasoned newspaper columnist, and is soon hurtling across the continent, young child in tow, toward a hoped-for but completely unplanned meeting. A young soldier, returning to his fiancée from the Second World War, steps off the train before his stop and onto the farm of another woman, beginning a life on the move. A wealthy young woman having an affair with the married lawyer hired by her father to handle his estate comes up with a surprising way to deal with the blackmailer who finds them out.

These tales about departures and beginnings, accidents and dangers, and outgoings and homecomings both imagined and real, depict a radiant, indelible portrait of how strange, perilous, and extraordinary ordinary life can be, which is a reminder we all need every once in a while.

•A BAND ‘The XX’

For all you XX devoted fans, 2014 will certainly be a year to look forward to. The XX are coming out with their third album, following their highly acclaimed ‘xx’ and ‘coexist’.

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By: Rebecca Terzano

The XX continued

The indie pop band, formed in London back in 2005 by three unique individuals; Romy Madley Croft, Oliver Sim and Jamie Smith have not yet shared any details as to what can be expected from their album, but judging by their previous and current performances, The XX will not dissapoint their fans, giving them their melow yet funky tunes that have become their trademark since their debut album back in 2009.

Will The XX transport us in a parallel universe once again, freeing our mind from all the troubles of society even just for the time of a song? We think yes.

• A MOVIE “Disconnect” by Henry Alex Rubin

A powerful film that exceeded any expectations.

This is a compelling ensemble film of how three different set of characters are impacted by the technology that has become so integral to our lives.

We follow the stories of these people as they cope with the a new reality brought on by their reliance on electronic devices.

This is a mere description as I can’t go much further into it without spoiling this gripping agonizing film for you.

What I can say is it will make you recall and relive every decision you took or action you did as a teenager, every senseless and selfish decision you make now, and how those decisions are amplified by our reliance on electronic devices.

None of the stories are new in the human experience, but the speed in which events occur and the seriousness of the consequences are greater because of the wired alienation of society.

The screen play, acting, cinematography, editing, lighting all work together to increase the tension of this film.

‘Disconnect’ stars Jason Bateman, Jonah Boho as well as Haley Ramm, amongst others.

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The world in festivals.

Radix has come up with a list of peculiar festivals ongoing throughout the year 2014. Some might be close to your home, some might be far, but all definitely worth the trip.

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18 14 23

16 24 15

9

20

3

12

2 7

10

1 21 17

4 11

22 5

Flip the page to discover what event is behind each red dot! remember, these are just a few of the thousands of festivals taking place!

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Legend of pinpoints.

January 2014 1) Bikanar Camel Festival Rajasthan, India 15th - 16th of January 2014

February 2014 2) Carnival of Venice Venice, Italy 1st of February 2014 3) 20th International Iranian Film Festival Texas, Houston, USA Throughout February 2014 4) Rio de Janeiro Carnival Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 28th of February - 4th of March 2014

march 2014 5) Hot Air Balloons Over Waikito Hamilton, New Zealand 26th - 30th of March 2014 6) Jam in the Dam Amsterdam, Holland Throughout March 2014

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8) International Ballet Festival Mariinsky St Peterburg, Russia 14th - 24th of April 2014

16) Tomorrowland Boom, Belgium 24th - 27th of July 2014

9) Tribeca Film Festival New York, USA 16th - 27th of April 2014

17) Kistretch Poetry Festival Kenya 31st of July - 5th of August 2014

10) New Orleans Jazz Festival New Orleans, USA 25th of April - 4th of May 2014 11) Cheese Agricultural Exposition Sandringham, South Africa 26th - 29th of April 2014

june 2014

23) Malvern Festival of Innovations Malvern, United Kingdom 7th of November 2014

december 2014 august 2014 18) Oya Festival Oslo, Norway Throughout August 2014

24) 60’s Festival London, United Kingdom 12th - 15th of December 2014

19) Artmania Festival of Sibiu Pinta Mare, Sibiu, Romania Throughout August 2014

12) Otaue Rice Planting Festival Osaka, Japan 14th - 17th of June

septembre 2014

July 2014

20) Lisbon Gay and Lesbian Film Festival Lisboa, Portugal Throughout September 2014

13) Festival of Avignon Avignon, France 2nd - 22nd of July 2014

November 2014

21) Muscat Festival Muscat, Oman Throughout September 2014

april 2014

14) Calgary Stampede Calgary, Alberta, Canada 4th - 13th of July 2014

October 2014

7) Middle East Film and Comic Con Festival Dubai, United Arab Emirates 4th - 5th of April 2014

15) Urban Art Forms Festival Wiener Neustadt, Austria 14th - 16th of 2014

22) Coolum Kite Festival Coolum, Australia Throughout October 2014 51

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