Victor’s Cafe, South Philadelphia Landmark

 

I just love being a travel photographer…I go in search of new and interesting people, places and things.  I always have a camera with me for that unexpected find which happened this past week.  Victor’s Cafe is a landmark restaurant in South Philadelphia.  It is housed in two brownstones located at 1303 Dickinson Street, Philadelphia and it was my first visit and definitely not my last.

Victor’s has a very interesting history :

“One hundred years ago a young Italian immigrated to America bringing with him little more than a great love for classical music and grand opera. It seemed only natural that his way of living would somehow include that love. John DiStefano settled in Philadelphia in 1908 and in 1918 opened his first business: a gramophone shop. Here, friends and neighbors came and enjoyed an espresso and spumoni while they listened to newly recorded operatic arias, symphonies and popular music of the day. DiStefano’s Victor dealership became a meeting place not only for the musically inclined but also a nexus for companionship and advice.

John often took the South Street Ferry to visit the directors of RCA Victor, located just across the river in Camden, arranging auditions and making suggestions of selections to be recorded. Because of his broad knowledge voice and vocal repertoire he earned the respect and trust of those at RCA, and established a lasting relationship with numerous budding artists, some of whom went on to musical renown.

His efforts to bring together artist and recording studio are well documented by the signed photographs and operatic memorabilia which literally cover the Café’s walls. The collection includes thousands of the family’s considerable collection of 78 rpm recordings, treasures of another era. Many discs are rare, out of print, or never published but still earn their keep. A larger-than-life replica of Nipper, well-known canine mascot of “His Master’s Voice” fame, stands sentinel at the front door, mute witness to a century of devotion to an ideal.”

Sylvester Stallone and the production crew filming “Rocky” decided this would be the perfect restaurant to transform into Adrian’s, an Italian eatery.  Throughout the filming cast and crew hung out here and it was the place to come for dinner every Saturday night.

Victor’s is known for the live performances of arias and instrumental solos which used to be performed by its patrons but now, the servers have taken over that role. Introductions were made and David Koh would be our server.  We learned that he was a doctoral student studying opera at Temple. After delivering our first delicious course, a small bell rang and Puccini would have certainly given his nod to the aria David began to sing to us…we were truly transfixed as his amazing talent  lifted us all. Throughout the meal, we were treated to two more operatic arias and while we dined on delicious homemade dessert, “Younger than Springtime” was one more gift David gave us.

I tried to be very respectful of the rule regarding no video but this was just too good !  I was grateful to receive the permission to film just a very limited amount in order to share this unique dining experience.  I would highly recommend Victor’s Cafe for a lovely, romantic dinner  as well as a wonderful evening out with friends. Experience the stars of tomorrow as they stand in the shadows of the great stars from the past…another of Philadelphia’s historic charms!

Just click on Victor’s Cafe to be treated to a bit of our experience.

 

 

New York City in a Weekend: The Foods of NY Tour

 

Chelsea Market Food Tour

I love New York and I love to eat so  the Chelsea Market/Meatpacking Food Tour for $52.00! (Thursday is a discounted day!) was perfect for a Saturday !

According to the website:
The Snapshot:
NYC’s historic indoor Food Market mecca plus a short walk on the old cobblestoned streets of the, now trendy, Meatpacking District & visit to the famous Highline – a park in the sky
The Full Description:
Tour NYC’s urban (indoor) Chelsea Food Market. Become a market insider while experiencing the sights, sounds, and flavors of this historic 112-year old landmark building which was the birthplace of the Oreo Cookie.
Learn the history of the Market, view original artwork and granite sculptures, and learn how the Chelsea Market has become the ultimate indoor food paradise (while tasting your way through).
Then step outside and take a stroll on “THE HIGH LINE”, New York’s only elevated outdoor park for great views of the Hudson River. Finish the tour with a sit-down food tasting at a restaurant in The Meatpacking District and learn all about this trendy area – NYC’s hottest destination for nightlife!
On this tour you will taste delicious specialties from seven “mom and pop” food shops in the Chelsea Market and one restaurant in the Meatpacking District. Also, get a glimpse inside one of two IRON CHEF RESTAURANTS made famous on the FOOD NETWORK: MORIMOTO or Mario Batali and Joe & Lidia Bastianich’s DEL POSTO!*

I am partial to the Reading Terminal Market here in Philadelphia which opened its doors in 1892 but I have to say that I loved the Chelsea Market! Darrell was our tour guide and his training as an actor certainly brought excitement, animation and great fun to our two and a half hour tour (Definitely ask for him!). We feasted on colorful and delicious cupcakes at Eleni’s , had the best chocolate milk I have ever tasted at Ronnybrook Dairy, tasted the legendary delicious preserves on hot muffins from Sarabeth’s Kitchen,
Lucy’s Whey provided a delicious cheese tasting experience. A warm and perfectly smooth quiche was brought out to the group in Buon Italia . We tasted salts,spices, vinegars and herbs all while laughing and listening to the history of the market, shops and surrounding area. The only problem was the fact that with so many restaurants, there was only one bathroom and the line was soooo long which could have been very painful for some! Darrell took us to the rest rooms in Morimoto (Unfortunately, no taste testing here!).  In all my travels I have never seen anything like it! Women would go in, shut the door and we would all hear exclamatory ooohhhsss and auggghhhhsss behind closed doors…all because of the heated seats, music, infinity glass art, and so many more amenities! Worth the experience if you are in the area!  This is the first time I have ever recommended a toilet experience! “Upscale”, “gentrification” were often used words in our group’s conversations. We numbered 12 from across the US and we all hugged at the end! Darrell brought that bonding about!

The Gansevoort Meatpacking Hotel is luxurious and chic. We could not resist going up to the Penthouse (even though we were not staying there) for a breathtaking 360 degree panoramic view of the city with sunset views over the Hudson. There is a pool, bar and many comfortable couches to just relax. take in the views and momentarily dream!  It was so hard to leave but reality and the dinner bell brought us back to the streets and the Restaurante Italiano. Appetizers were all we needed but we received such attentive care even with a bill not in the triple digit range. Dining outdoors was wonderful for people watching. We met Frances the dog and his owner so you know I had to talk to the dog lover to find out the legacy of this name. Frances was Bill’s mother and sister so he not only bore “Frances” tattoos but named this stubborn little girl after them. A chance meeting that became another bonding experience! Gotta love a man with “Frances” across strong arms!

 

Spices and Tease
Spices and Tease

 

Darrell's Gift Ideas
Darrell’s Gift Ideas
Taste Testing
Taste Testing
Chelsea Food Market
Chelsea Food Market
Sarabeth's Specialty
Sarabeth’s Specialty
Sarabeth's Bakers
Sarabeth’s Bakers
Eleni's Cookies
Eleni’s Cookies
Eleni's Cookies
Eleni’s Cookies
State of the ARt Bathroom Experience
State of the ARt Bathroom Experience
Penthouse View
Penthouse View

 

View from the Penthouse
View from the Penthouse

 

Frances The Dog
Frances The Dog

 

Darrell and I
Darrell and I

 

Sarasota Florida in a Weekend!

On the road in Sarasota, Florida

This story starts with a surprise cell phone call and a very happy ending! My brother and I live close to each other and are close but we haven’t lived under the same roof for a few decades (give or take some)! He had an idea…why didn’t the two of us go off to Sarasota, Florida for the weekend. Never having been to Florida..ever…”YesGreatWhenDoWeLeave” became one word!

The first thing that struck me were the incredible skies, constantly changing due to the two or three hours of rain each day we were there.
Siesta Keys beach was voted the number one beach in 2012. I would heartily add my vote to that. The sand never gets hot, the water is crystal clear and the waves seemed to be the perfect size for drifting and swimming! We were there every evening after the crowds left and it was the perfect way to end the day!

One cannot go to Florida without looking for alligators and or crocodiles! I can now proudly say that I know the difference between the two after riding the “Gator Gal” airboat at the Myakka River State Park. For $12.00, one can go out on a very leisurely and informative tour of natural wonders. There are also canopy trails and horse trails but we were on a time crunch and one always has to leave something to come back to!

Fall has worked its magic on our Philadelphia trees. Maples, oaks and walnut trees are now glorious shades of orange and gold. While in Florida, watching the spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides…what can I say, I love “Google”!) draped over branches and gently swaying in the breeze is as calming as a meditative experience. It is a signature of the Deep South!

During the early 1900’s, 67,000 acres of what is now Sarasota and Longboat Key were purchased by
John Ringling to be used as the summer headquarters for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Hundreds of personal mementos as well as the world’s largest miniature circus is on display in the museum. One can walk through the opulent Venetian styled mansion of John and Mable, envisioning the huge parties and the famous guests who also walked through the same doors. Designed in the Italian renaissance style, the John and Mable Museum of Art houses his collection of over 600 painting, sculptures and tapestries. The entire Ringling estate is now under the auspices of Florida State University. What can I say, I had never been to Florida or a circus and in one weekend, I now felt fulfilled!!!

Back to the water now with Adventure Kayak. I was in the manatee playground and as my paddle went into the water, a family of manatees rose up out of the water. The term “gentle giants” is a perfect description. I loved being so close to them in their natural environment. Now my brother is a MUCH better athlete than I am and he “had my back” as I clumsily tried to maneuver my way through the maze of exotic mangrove tunnels. According the Discover, Science for the Curious, “Mangroves are survivors, due to elaborate root systems that sprawl above and below the waterline. These so-called walking trees coolly shrug off extreme heat and muddy topsoil deficient in oxygen and filter the salty waters of southern Florida and tropical Southeast Asia, where the majority of the 73 known mangrove species live. Mangroves also help other species survive, forming dense forests that shelter monkeys, kangaroos, and tigers as well as shellfish and brightly colored corals. Even humans benefit as impoverished 
coastal communities exploit the tree for food, lumber, and medicine. ”

Heads have to be down as not to hit a hanging black mangrove crab feasting away and paddles have to be close by as not to get caught in the complex root system. A difficult task while trying to capture the experience with a camera in one hand. A memorable experience for sure!

So even though my brother and I are so very different on issues related to politics, religion and philosophy, Florida was the perfect spot to reminisce, argue over who was the favorite sibling and enjoy our shared love for adventure! Where do we go next Tom?

Woodlands Cemetery and Mansion

The Woodlands _MG_6496

It is summer with red roses all around me  but until yesterday, I had no idea that the person who brought the red rose to the US lived right here in Philadelphia.  William Hamilton inherited 356 acres of land in West Philadelphia in 1766 and I made a visit to the venerable property yesterday in anticipation of Elizabeth Gilbert’s new book,  “The Signature Of All Things” (but more of that later). Erica Maust is the Program and Communications Coordinator and Jessica Baumert is the Executive Director and they could not have been kinder in sharing their vast and oh so interesting knowledge of the man, the mansion and the cemetery. (How wonderful to meet you both!)  Mr. Hamilton amassed over 9,000 species of native and imported plants in America…the rose, the hydrangea and the ginkgo biloba plant are just a few. He had friends in very high places and Thomas Jefferson made sure that he was one of three who were able to procure the seeds brought back by Lewis and Clark.  Sadly, with no children, his nieces and nephews were unable to afford the upkeep after his death in 1813.  The property was bought by The Woodlands Cemetery Company with the purpose of preserving this beautiful and scenic building and land in 1840.  Park like green space remained in the midst of a rapidly developing urban neighborhood.  Today, one can walk along the meadering pathways seeing the graves of notable persons, unique monuments and rare and unique trees in the arboretum. I visited the final resting place of Francis Drexel, as in Drexel University, Thomas Eakins, as in the painter of “The Gross Clinic“, Joseph Campbell (yes, those delicious soups!), Jessie Wilcox Smith as in the famous illustrator of children’s books and so many more with a weathered gravestone serving as the touchstone to once vibrant lives.  The largest funerary obelisk in the US stands so tall among the trees and marks the grave of  Thomas Evans who was Napoleon’s dentist  and the founding force behind the University of Penn Dental School.  Trust me, it is so easy to find!

And now,

“The Signature of All Things: A Novel” by author Elizabeth Gilbert will be coming out on October 1st. The story spans the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries with one of the main characters becoming a gifted botanist, According to Amazon.com , “It is the story of Alma Whittaker, who—born in the Age of Enlightenment, but living well into the Industrial Revolution—bears witness to that extraordinary moment in human history when all the old assumptions about science, religion, commerce, and class were exploding into dangerous new ideas. Written in the bold, questing spirit of that singular time, Gilbert’s wise, deep, and spellbinding tale is certain to capture the hearts and minds of readers.”
Elizabeth’s research took her to this mansion in Philadelphia. Since I am anxiously awaiting the release of this novel, I thought I would make the same visit and see what I could discover.   In order to capture a bit of this historical site with mood, I used the vintage movie camera app.

Also, if you visit and take this fascinating walk back in time and become very hungry, I would echo Erica’s and Jessica’s recommendation to eat at the “Gold Standard Cafe” right down the street – delicious food with the owners dedicated to enhancing the community.

Today, the cemetery, mansion and landscape all form The Woodlands National Historic Landmark District…”a site where Neoclassical and Victorian ideals coexist to create a visual, living history of Philadelphia and the United States.

 

Amigos de Jesus: One Very Special Week

The Back Story usually has the element of severe poverty:
Honduras: The Back Story

IMG_2252

When I went to this orphanage in Honduras over Easter Week, I heard story after story. Each child was there because of a very difficult back story but it was the BACK story. In present time, the boys wanted to put on a show for me one night rapping and dancing (I laughed so hard! They were great and so funny!). The older ones would watch out for the younger ones and when they became tired, they picked them up into their arms. Classes were alive with curiosity. Cows were milked and chess was played. Over 100 clothes were washed each day by hand and over 300 meals needed to be prepared each day…everyone helped out, laughing and sharing stories. Yes, I could focus on the “this child came from” etc. but I would hope not to leave it there, not to use that as a defining factor. Here is a collage of the fun, laughter and great spirit I was fortunate enough to experience because in the end, we all need to rise up…we all need to find what makes us smile!

Those Who Inspire and my attempt to honor them!

This will be remembered as the summer of inspiration for me. In the beginning of June, a former student showed me his power point presentation… a simple one with such a compelling message that frankly took me totally by surprise and truly touched me. In his brother he saw a hero. His brother is 12 years old and he can’t speak, can’t eat and has difficulty learning due to CDLS but Joe didn’t remain in the “can’t” category. He saw so much more and recognized all the lessons that his brother was teaching him. Joe created for his audience just a brief glimpse but this story to me, just called for so much more. He needed the tools to tell his story more fully and Kickstarter, a wonderful program that funds those with creative endeavors seemed to be the path we needed. http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1262482929/my-hero-my-brother-a-short-film. I am so sincerely grateful for all those who have visited the Kickstarter site and I am happy to say that in less than a week, our contributions total over $600. My sincere thanks also extend to the Patitucci family, to Beth and Paul and Joe and Andrew for their gracious welcoming (and feeding me) as we try to birth a short documentary on the lives of teenage boys and the impact of CDLS on the family.

Last week, I received a call from a friend who invited me to a Tony Melendez concert and perhaps I would be interested in filming this! Tony was born without arms due to the thalidomide his mother took while pregnant. In Nicaragua, he developed his love for music. His family brought him to Los Angeles to be fitted with artificial arms which he wore until he was ten and then decided to dispose of them because he could use his feet for so much more! Tony has gone on to travel the world, stand next to two Popes, be gifted with the First Inspirational Hero Award from the NFL Alumni Association and asked to sing our National Anthem at the fifth game of the World Series in 1989. He had a desire to enter the priesthood when he was in high school but due to the fact that he didn’t have an index finger and thumb, he was rejected (I could go off on this but I won’t!) but he has remained faithful to his love of contemporary music that speaks to faith, courage and inspiration and has taken it throughout the world and this past weekend to St. Thomas Acquinas parish in South Philadelphia… a truly vibrant parish that celebrates the rich ethnic diversity of its parishioners. The church came alive and I certainly was thrilled that I was there to film this.

So this summer I have been given the challenge and the grace to reflect upon those who strive not let expectations and limitations hold them back and hopefully, when I have something difficult ahead of me, as Tony said, “Just think of me!” Thanks Tony, I will!

Kutztown Folk Festival: Video Alert!

The Preacher
The Preacher
The Expert Quilter
The Expert Quilter

I could travel with a camera 24/7 and feel as if I died and went to heaven! I have been so fortunate that so many people graciously allow me to enter their world and generously share different aspects of their lives with me so freely. It was like that when I attended the Kutztown Folk Festival celebrating the Pennsylvania Dutch Culture …a truly fascinating study. So many people shared story upon story of the traditions, medicinal practices, foods and crafts with me.

The term Pennsylvania Dutch refers to those who left Alsace, Southwestern Germany and Switzerland and settled in Pennsylvania during the 17th and 18th century. The dialect is a combination of Palatinate German and English. However less than 5% of the words are English and it is spoken by nearly 500,000 Pa. Dutch Americans, mostly the Plain Dutch. According to the tradition signs posted: “This is the cussingest language on earth! Here are just some of the compounds of the best known cuss word: Dunnerwedder:
(since I have no idea exactly what I am saying, I will only pass along one!) Himmel-Dunnerwedder!” (go on, get it out and feel better!)

The culture is divided into two completely different ways of life. The Amish and Mennonites represent a minority known as “Plain Dutch” and they separate themselves from the rest of the world in matters of dress. They are biblicists and strictly conform to the bible. Their approach to worship is very simple. They avoid revelry, waste and “worldly ways” with the goal being to be little and unknown, loved by God alone. The majority of PA. Dutch are Lutherans and reformed denominations and are known as “Gay or Fancy Dutch”. These members do not wear plain clothing nor do they refuse to fight in wars. Much of the folklore is derived from this group. Some of that folklore would be: Raisin pie is known as the funeral pie and was rarely served at any other time. Dinners after the funeral were known as “Sees-Koocha Schpree” (sweet cake spree). The camp meeting was known as the bush meeting. Bush to the PA. Dutch is wooded land. A small grove was cleared, a preaching stand or bush arbor was erected with rows of benches and since participants camped in the woods, the bush meeting was both a religious and social experience. It was believed that if it didn’t rain on May 1st, there would be little hay that year. Rain on Whitsunday (Pentecost) means few chestnuts and if there is rain on that day, there will be rain on the next seven Sundays…and it goes on and on and on!
National Geographic covered this festival twice, USA Today named it one of America’s Top Celebrations and The Washington Post called it a “Must See”! The festival runs from June 29th – July 7th, (2013) 9am – 6pm. Come to join in the celebration of the oldest folk festival in the US!

Reflections on Amigos De Jesus on this Very Hot Day.

It is official…our first Philadelphia heat wave of the season. The air conditioning is running at maximum. Hoses are stretched out with water running freely. Showering becomes something done throughout the day with clothes then tossed right into the washing machine…but about 6 weeks ago, that wasn’t the case. The temperature was in the high 90’s and I was back in Honduras photographing at a truly wonderful orphanage there: Amigos De Jesus..

I came down one morning to find a mother and her daughter hand washing everyone’s clothes (there are almost 100 children here!). While this was going on, three boys were filling bucket after bucket and carrying them to an empty pool. It took hours for the water to reach an acceptable level. I was so amazed at how they never stopped or complained. They were on a mission and the mission was fun in the sun and they were going to make it happen. When all was said and done, I just loved watching them totally enjoying the water…they were children not walking the streets, but children jumping every which way and swimming away the hours. Moments like these are those true “grace notes”, putting so much in perspective. Water has taken on a whole new meaning for me.

Arturo

International Beauty Show, NYC

IBS New York

IBS New York

IBS New York

IBS New York

IBS New York

IBS New York

Be it the intricate henna designs on hands of Indian women before a wedding, the brass rings worn around the necks of women in Burma or the scarring process of women in the Karo tribe of Eithopia…beauty is so subjective and dependent upon cultural norms. Exploring the question of “What is beauty?” is a fascinating one to be sure. Two weeks ago, the International Beauty Show was held in New York. I have been to the Jacob Javits Convention Center many times, but I have never experienced the huge crowds as with this event. This is the longest running, professionals-only beauty show in the nation. The show’s main objective is to educate and open new doors of networking and income opportunities. My press pass allowed me a unique opportunity to photograph some of the current western beauty trends. The top trends for 2013 in the hair category seemed to be braids, plaits,up-dos and bobs.(I am now sporting a very short bob thanks to celebrity stylist Mike Karg!) A variety of hues and shades seemed endless. Men seem to be paying much more attention to skin care and hair products while nails are becoming small artistic canvases with new colors and patterns. I was surrounded by state of the art cosmetics, oils, extensions – hair and lash, tools, haircare, nail care, tooth whitening, classes, hair cuts by the very famous stylists… but as Sam Levenson reminded us, “For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.” “For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.”
“For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.” “For beautiful hair, let a child run their fingers through it once a day.” Beauty at its best!

The Experience of Community: The Amish and The Firemen

Amish Mud Sale

Amish Mud Sale

Amish Mud Sale

Amish Mud Sale

Amish Mud Sale

Amish Mud Sale

Amish Mud Sale

All week long we have seen images of people who in the midst of terrible tragedy ran towards the victims, ran selflessly into the danger with one purpose in mind: to help another and often times the other was a stranger. Stories of loss evoked tears to flow but the words, “Boston Strong” emerged as the community identity. We witnessed such solidarity of purpose and compassion… thunderous gratitude for all those first responders and tremendous concern for all those beginning a very long journey of healing.

In West Texas, we once again witnessed the immediate garnering of people to address so much pain left in the wake of a huge explosion but while these events rightly called for tremendous media coverage, there are so many places with supportive acts reflecting the true experience of community which go unnoticed.

The Saturday before the Boston Marathon, I spent the day in Lancaster, Pa. Over the past 45 years, the very private Amish community step into the public light to raise funds in support of their local Rawlinsville Fire Company. They want to show their appreciation to the heroic men and women who volunteer their time to ensure everyone in their community is safe and secure. A minimum of 180 hours of training are required but so many have gone above and beyond that. Learning how to carry frantic people down ladders while a fire is blazing is just one of the many emergency situations they must be prepared for. I would like to add my voice of gratitude to Chief Carl Strickler Jr., Deputy Chief Rich Fuhrman, Assistant Chief Kevin Boyer, Lieutenant One Aaron Neely, Lieutenant Two Matthew Watson, Captain Dave Walter and Fire/police officer Ray Scott for their generosity of time in providing me with interviews and how great you all were in helping me achieve different vantage points to photograph (a special thanks to Rich for great ideas and Aaron for taking the camera to the roof!)

Last Saturday, I was in the midst of true community spirit and during the week witnessed extraordinary collaboration and cooperation merging with dedication and commitment to each other.

Let Me Tell You A Story About A Bean And A Boy’s Ear

Another journey while in Honduras was a trip to the hospital for a surgery. One of the little boys who had just been at Amigos for a few months developed an ear infection. The doctor said it was stemming from a bean stuck down deep in the ear canal and it had probably been there for at least three years (I am not sure how they figured that out…bean disintegration??) but he needed to have this removed surgically. I can’t even imagine what might have happened had he not had access to medical care through Amigos.

The hospital sign in was 5:30 am and then the wait began…not knowing what the schedule would be. Christian and Meg, the volunteers at Amigos, were wonderful with him while boredom, fright and hunger set in. After waiting about 6 hours, the surgery began and one very cute little boy is now beanless and happily in good health thanks to the many caring adults who he is entrusted to.

Footnote: I passed my camera around throughout the day for people to just pick up and photograph from different perspectives…it helped pass the time!

Amigos de Jesus, Honduras

Amigos de Jesus, Honduras

Amigos de Jesus

Amigos de Jesus

Amigos de Jesus

Amigos de Jesus, Honduras

Amigos de Jesus, Honduras

Amigos de Jesus, Honduras

Amigos de Jesus, Honduras

Amigos de Jesus, Honduras

Amigos de Jesus, Honduras

Amigos de Jesus, Honduras

Amigos de Jesus, Honduras

Amigos de Jesus, Honduras

Mummers’ Parade 2013 and New Year’s Traditions

“Tis New Year’s Day! What interesting traditions we have as we move from one year to the next. If I were in South America, last night I would have had a major decision to make about the color of my underwear…yellow would symbolize a hope for abundance. Red would show a yearning for love in the New Year and white would simply mean a desire for peace. I wonder how many people go to a tied dyed approach to get them all in! Scarecrows made up of old clothes are burned on the front lawn while the old calendars are thrown from windows. Speaking of which, I heard on the local news station yesterday that various and assorted items are dropped from high levels at the stroke of midnight…large potatoe chip bags, lebanon bologna and a possum drop in N. Carolina and Georgia (PETA has expressed their total distaste of this one). Here in Philadelphia for the past 113 years and still going strong, grown men (women referred to as the wenches brigade and children) all get dressed in feathers, sequins and umbrellas and strut their stuff up Broad Street and all of this is perfectly normal! They have perfected the art of partying for sure! I wonder what color their underwear is????????

Gifting of the Beads!The New Normal!Guess Who I Am!Here's To The Red, White and Blue!Long lines for the bathroom!The Mummers' StrutThe Strong!  The Bold! The Beautiful!Hey Philly!Your Normal Run of the Mill Rabbit on the Street

Arpillera, the art of remembrance and empowerment





In 1973, General Pinochet led a coup against the democratically elected Marxist government in Chile. His army went after tens of thousands of people believed to be subversive and a threat to his policies. These mothers, fathers, sons and daughters were publicly executed in the national football stadium while others were imprisoned, tortured or simply disappeared. Families were torn apart and basic survival became so very difficult. The majority of women had husbands who had disappeared or were murdered and for the most part, were viewed as passive and unimportant by the government… but they were anything but! In 1975, Arpillera (pronounced as ar-pee-air-ah) workshops were started by the Vicariate of Solidarity which operated under the protection of the Catholic Church and were basically left alone by the Pinochet government. Women just doing women’s work! Arpilleras are hand sewn and embroidered 3 dimensional tapestries. They became as Anna Burroughs called them, “Threads of Resistance, hand-stitched works of hope and protest.” She went on to state, “The arpilleras were often made from clothing of the disappeared and the names of missing loved ones can be found on some pieces. Other sewn words and expressions were simple protests: Dόnde estás? Where are

you? The censorship that characterized Chile under Pinochet’s dictatorship defeated written words that opposed his regime. The handwork of the arpilleristas testified for the oppressed and detailed the struggle for truth and justice despite the suppression of the military government.

Bold lines and colors relayed powerful messages depicted in folk-like scenes. An arpillera of a woman dancing signifies how women now performed the national dance La Cueca alone with the fate of their husbands unknown. Other images depict military violence, bloodshed and armed figures.

The arpilleras were made during clandestine meetings in dark basements or churches. The sewn testimonials of suffering were sold by the women so that their messages were released into the world and so they could feed their families.”

Later, the arpilleras began to depict the women’s dreams for peace and happiness. What began as a way to honor and remember loved ones now served as a catalyst to empower women socially, politically and economically. Workshops continue today throughout Chile and Peru. In Villa El Salvador, I experienced and was humbled by the love and dedication of women who are determined to provide a better life for their children through the sale of their exquisite arpilleras. In the book, “Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide” Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn state that “Masculinity expresses the idea that there are things worth dying for while femininity expresses the idea that there are things worth living for.” These women are dedicating their lives to things worth living for – health care, nutrition and education for their families.

In the next blog, I will make the introductions!

Villa El Salvador, Peru

Villa El Salvador, Peru from Frances Schwabenland on Vimeo.




Villa El Salvador is a twenty minute drive outside of Lima. It is bordered by the Pacific Ocean and yet most of the homes have no access to running water and thus, there is no sewage system. This area began as an “invasion”…during the night, hundreds of people move into an area and set up homes made of straw in order to claim the land. Once the settlement becomes more stable, wood is then used for the housing later followed by tin, bricks and concrete for more permanence. I was fortunate enough to photograph the grass root efforts and leadership of those trying to establish a medical center and provide nutritional/educational programs for the people. Community and stability are surely being birthed into existence through the commitment of very dedicated people.

The following is an interview with Father Simon, a priest with the Missionary Society of St. James, headquartered in Boston. Simon’s sincerity, kindness and attention to welcoming another was so evident from our first meeting. Before I can show the creative work of the people, it is important to gain an awareness and a sense of place.

Peru is but a wonderful memory now.






My laptop has very little memory left. 5,000 images of Peru and 9 hours of video are running through it. My heart is in the same state, filled to capacity with memories of people who are no longer strangers, sounds with such exuberance and inflections, new foods and new places explored. A far off land that now feels so very close.

There was one statement and one question which seemed to be on everyone’s mind when they met me. The question was, “Have you seen Machu Picchu yet?” I’ver heard it is awe inspiring and mystical. A true wonder of the world. A site not to be missed but I have to say, I did miss it and it was planned that way! Machu Picchu is for another time. This trip was about being with amazing and gifted people.

Roxana and Jose, a young couple who are just starting out with the hopes and dreams of fullness and a promising future. I loved photographing their looks, the moments they reached out to touch each other in both gentleness and laughter.

Hermenegildo and Irma, a couple, who renewed their vows after 50 years of marriage. They were truly celebrating this fullness which flows from the day in and day out little things. On the morning of the celebration, I walked through the gate to find Hermenegildo cutting the flowers he had grown and then arranging them into the bouquet Irma would hold throughout the day… he was so tender and so in the moment – I was totally taken by this man and his wife! The entire family also know how to throw a great party!

The statement repeated to me was, “You better put your camera away and not keep it out.” At first I was thrown into fear thinking that Peru must be far worse with a high rate of robbery than many other countries I walked through comfortably with my camera. That perception quickly changed and I came to realize that the Peruvian people were just very diligent in taking care of me and ensuring that my stay would be both happy and healthy. They were constantly looking out for me and enfolding me. “La Familia” has now become “Mi Familia” and I am so very grateful! The people are the true wonders of the world! Si! Si! Si!