First raced in 1829, the 162th annual Boat Race between the rowing clubs of Oxford and Cambridge Universities was held today on a cold but sunny Easter Sunday, on the River Thames at Putney Bridge. I live close by, so a quick walk upriver got me there. The race was won by the Cambridge team, overtaking Oxford at Hammersmith Bridge.
Spent some time at Westminster Cathedral in Victoria this morning. Today is Maundy Thursday, the first day of the Easter celebrations covering the three main events called the Easter Triduum. During the last two weeks in Lent season, all statuary and crucifixes in churches are veiled in purple cloth, a ritual practice since the Middle Ages. The traditional colour for veils is purple, a colour that represents penance and humility.
Well, Obama shook hands with Castro in Havana today. The US national anthem is played over and over in front of José Martí’s memorial in Independence square. Historic day indeed, as President Obama is the first US president to set foot in Cuba since 1928.
The people of Cuba long for a better life with less restrictions, to travel and run businesses. Only 90miles from US soil, young Cubans hang out on the Malecón sea wall in the evenings, to cool off, but mainly to drink, sing and just chill with mates.
I brought a group of keen photographers to Cuba in 2011 to photograph Havana and the countryside. The Cubans are warm and friendly but in a wary way. The service industry is patchy and the food is only average (apart from several amazing restaurants) but the music and smiles will charm you.
Take a look at what our group photographed in 10-days here.
Christians today commemorate Christ’s entry into Jerusalem on a donkey, and this Sunday is also known as Palm Sunday as palm branches were laid on the path of his entry into the city, before he was betrayed and crucified on Good Friday. Hence, today marks the beginning of Holy Week, the last week in Lent.
I was fortunate to attend a choir performance of Faure’s Requeim at the Polish church of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Islington, a friend was singing Baritone, and got this photograph of three Polish shool boys selling homemade palms and cakes by the church entrance. These palms are wholly different from the ones handed out in the other churches.
Just 100 days to the Brexit referendum, on June 23rd. The public is getting informed by polls and opinions from both sides of the campaign. No one really knows what the effects would be for Britain if there was an ‘out’ victory.
Got off my backside and forced myself to go for a walk in the cold and dank weather yesterday down in Shanklin beach. The tide was low and exposed a great distance of the pebble-sands from the steep 150m drop cliffs. What a find, as I was to discover these two ancient trees trunks lying, rotting, hardening, prone like two giant carcasses left to the forces of nature.
explorenation.net ~ photography posts, workshops, writings and thoughts by Steven V-L Lee 
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