States of Splendor
The States of Splendor’s podcast is back after a more than two year hiatus! Back as the States of Splendor’s Thoughtstream, renamed after a user suggested the nomenclature change, this 10th installation features a special guest. Spencer Campbell, from Spencer’s Adventures, joins us to talk about the renewed interest for low tech, older tech,…
Of the ancient Seven Wonders of the World, six have already passed into the world of memory. Only one survives: the Great pyramid of Gizeh. There are, however, seven wonders of the present world existing today. Though many debates go on as to which of the present day’s world wonders would be classified as the…
Some of the best examples of Splendor in France are definitely not its most famous sites. In this country, happiness is not necessarily the Eiffel Tower, or the beaches of Cannes and the French Riviera. Often, quite to the contrary, it is found in the tranquil reaches of a small medieval village. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is one…
Georgia, an ancient country of the Caucasus. For some, it is off the beaten tracks, although for the wider area, it is a key piece of a regional puzzle, intersection and gateway to Eastern Europe and occidental Asia. For this small country, the centuries have enabled it to develop it’s own distinct culinary palette. Georgia…
Saigon, Berlin, Halifax, Mexico city, and Istanbul… What do these cities have in common? All of them harbour a love for the world famous döner kebab sandwich. Istanbul has no choice, as it is the place where the Ottoman gastronomy dish, the döner kebab, became famous; a hearty sandwich that would travel the world and…
In the United States, the most well known wine region is California’s famous Napa Valley Agricultural Viticultural Area AVA). Oregon as well has some prime AVAs that are gaining traction worldwide. However, one of the country’s AVA with the most significance and history is the Niagara Escarpment AVA, the heart of which is here is…
Entirely encased wthin Turkey’s borders, the Sea of Marmara has been the setting for legends and object of admiration since time immemorial. Although this small sea can be observed from various vantage points both on the Asiatic and European coasts, one of the most poetic locations to observe this magnificent body of water, is from…
It’s now finally time for the SOS Podcast #9, fruit of many hours of composition. For this 9th installment of our podcasts, the title is: micro and macro Splendor. After much delay and corrections this podcast is finally online. We will, in this audiovisual exposé, examine the complementarity that the macrocosm and microcosm have. With…
One of the most visited national monuments in France today, the Sainte Chapelle is a medieval architectural jewel that is only partially visible to passers-by at street level. Indeed, one must enter the precincts of the Palais de Justice in Paris to gain access to it. This jewel of glass, stone, wood and metal was,…
Known in Javanese as the “Land of a thousand temples”, Sewu temple is a great marvel of buddhist architecture in Indonesia. For a very long period, it was praised as a wonder of perfection. For a long tme, the temple complex was shrouded in mystery. It’s origins were associated to a story relating it to…
Ahmed owns the best Biryani restaurant in Karachi, Pakistan. Its 2000 square feet of gleaming stainless steel, filled with stoves, slicers, mixers, grills, smokers, and fryers, manned day and night by a wealth of local Biryani talent. Ahmeds’ biryani restaurant has made it to the tourist guide books, declaring a nugget of truth. The biryani test, it says, is about throwing a…
After a quite long hiatus, the S.O.S. Podcasts are once again on the production line; available on a new Youtube channel as well as on Rumble, ever since a Youtube customer service shortcoming obliged us to migrate from our previous channel. Recorded in the States of Splendor’s city of origin, this episode pertains to the…
A temple dedicated to Shiva stands in Cambodia as it has for the last millenium. Bantaey Srei is celebrated by Ankgorian enthusiasts worldwide. The ”Women’s citadel” is appreciated for it’s unique character, color and scale. It is thus radically different from it’s very famous regional counterparts. Patrick Hacikyan/ Numerous tourists, visitors and pilgrims regularly come…
Widely remembered for it’s 2011 eruption, Mount Bromo is a subject of ancestral worship amongst the people living at it’s foot, in East Java’s Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, Indonesia. /Lai-Kuen Tang Recognized as a Réserve de biosphère (biosphère reserve) in 2015 by UNESCO, Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, is a land of wonders containing, amongst…
View in the Klamath mountains in South West Oregon Oregon is now known as one of the most productive and innovative gastronomical states in not only the West Coast but all of the USA. It’s renowned for the care put into it’s food reflecting the unique products found there. It’s grass fed beef,…
This podcast is exclusively devoted to the appreciation of manifestations of Splendor through objects. Often overlooked, the key to unlocking Splendor in objects enables us to discover fascinating and splendid realities. This is not a materialist appreciation of the object. It is much rather an appreciation of the aesthetic significance of an object. Splendor is…
As Milan is currently preparing to gradually emerge from the recent coronavirus spell, Italy’s second largest city is currently cocooning. This wonderful city nevertheless retains all of it’s charms. Especially during trying times, farmer’s markets prove themselves to be imperative to the well being of the population. Open air marketplaces play a slightly more instrumental…
As the world is in lockdown and anxiously awaits to return to work, amid the virus going around, many are realizing the essential nature and crucial role that farmer’s markets play in every society around the globe. Countless efforts are being deployed to keep them active, much like a lifeline for food security and the…
As we enter this time of chrisis, we must be pragmatic. At the same time, the human soul thrives on Splendor. Here is another SO.S. Podcast, that took many hours to make and which aims to offer solace and comfort to the listeners. Today’s subject explores the notion of the right stuff. What makes an…
By now, many know about the stupendous flavors that the authentic huoguo ( Chinese hotpot) beholds. Huoguo is a juggernaut of a gastronomical ambassador for the middle kingdom. Many variations of this original recipe are found all over China. One of the most spectacular ingredients to be dipped in the hotpot is somewhat of a…
One secret about to become a mild food fad in the next year is probably the “first nations potato”. As many know, the potato is originally from the American continent. In the US, we have long been accustomed to Idaho potatoes and the like. However, some have done some research into the phenomena of native…
After quite a long wait, the States of Splendor Podcasts resume now. Happy new year 2020 to all of our audience! Here is the fifth States of Splendor podcast, with quite an interesting topic about urban emigration. A relatively recent trend often seen in the west. As megacities thrive, there is a parallel current, in…
Covering a distance of 574 km was certainly a welcome to the lush green fields, fresh and juicy fruits, flourishing flowers and freshness in the air that Kashmir brought with it. Kashmir is one of the most beautiful and attractive wonders on the world known for its natural splendor and lovely aspects. Last summer, I decided to travel and…
Here is the 4th S.O.S. poodcast. Where as the last S.O.S. podcast’s subject was about time, today’s podcast is about space, or more precisely, the sense of place. The sense of place is a factor that is one of the possible vectors of splendor. We discuss this subject in depth here, encompassing the notion of…
Searching the world for it’s best common sandwiches is an endless quest. Often overlooked, the world of variety and innovation in everyday sandwiches around the world is very impressive. Among the endless contenders, many stand out. One of the best common sandwiches that U.S.A. has to offer can be found in Western New-York State, in…
When someone talks about South East Asia, the first place that comes to my mind is Thailand. Thailand is a wonderful place whether it comes to its architecture or food; it is a place to go at least once in a lifetime. Thailand’s architecture is wonderful, the temples’ architecture is one of its kinds as…
After a year, we are officially launching today the S.O.S. podcasts on a regular basis. After two introductory podcasts, the S.O.S podcast #3 is starting the ball. These podcasts will necessitate your participation as they are made to provoke conversation as well as induce “dreamtime” or what is sometimes refered to as the state of…
There lies a topographical miracle, in the paradise known as Greece. Hidden for centuries deep within the Greek islands, it is a true wonder , quite comparable to fiction. Sailing to the Ionian sea, all the way to the island of Cefalonia, there lies a superbly beautiful territory, bathing in sun and history. This island…
In the beginning of the 18th century, in Puerto-Rico, cultivation of cocoa was still thriving. It was a quite reputable product, as the earth of this island, the sun, the humidity and the temperature lends itself quite well to that crop. Unfortunately, in the next few years, successive very intense hurricanes completely eradicated the cocoa…
Guilin, China, World Heritage Site, treasure for all to witness. For as long as people can remember, Guilin has always been celebrated for it’s scenic beauty. It is a true wonder and is an official UNESCO World Heritage Site. This city is surrounded by an amazing topography that never ceases to mesmerize those who come…
It is well known, Paris is world renowned for it’s architecture. But beyond the Eiffel Tower, Versailles, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe, there are countless other architectural wonders, big and small, to be found. One of the often overlooked hidden treasures among the magnificent buildings of Paris is the Petit…
There exists an everyday object used by people in Kashmir. Not very well known to the outside world, it is called the kanger or kangri, which is a traditional utensil (fire pot) and also regarded as a work of art. During the severe winter months in these relatively high altitudes, these objects keep people warm when temperatures…
Cambodia, and the Khmer people have most definitely been through the wheel of possible terrestrial realities. Inside this country, one can witness this fact and thus be amazed. A stop in Siem Reap is an increasingly popular one these days, where the history and wonder truly give a flavor to the simple everyday life. Once…
Most everyone has heard of Amsterdam; perhaps sometimes not for the right reasons. This city was once the world’s wealthiest, during the 17th century. Apart from recent touristic wave usual interest, the city also boasts some very authentic markets. Albert Cuyp market is Amsterdam’s most popular one. Patrick Hacikyan/ Amsterdam is the Netherland’s capital. Holland…
Ajrak: The recognition of Sindhi Culture in Pakistan Pakistan is a country with variety of cultures as this great country has four provinces and one autonomous region called Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Today’s story is about Ajrak in Sindhi culture. Ajrak is derived from an Arabic word ‘Azrak’ which means ‘blue’. It is a cloth…
For many, the dream of a cabin in the woods is what keeps them going in the day to day grind. It is seen as an idyllic reward for blood sweat and tears. Some will imagine it for a long time and forget about it. Others will chase the dream and make it happen. Such…
The States of Splendor podcast #2 is finally online. After a month’s wait, it is finally made available to all in it’s present format. It is one hour and 16 minutes, recorded in April 2018. SOS podcast number 2’s main subject is British gastronomy. We sit down and have a conversation with our English…
Kashmiri kulcha The Muzaffarabd Azad Kashmir is noted for its traditional bakery. In Muzaffarabad bakery shops are elaborately laid out. Bakers sell many kinds of crispy, flaky breads and puff pastries with poppy seeds. Below is a story of Kashmiri Kulcha typically consumed in breakfast in Pakistan held Kashmir. Karim chacha, or “Babu Ustad” as…
In any foreign part of the world, who doesn’t love to stop by a local market, to look and smell what goes on. Indeed, when many cities can look sound and feel alike, more often than not, farmer’s markets, offer a glimpse of something that defines a place. Local farmer’s markets are the perfect window…
Bat meat cuisine from North Sulawesi, Indonesia Indonesia has many typical culinary traditions spread throughout the archipegalo. In Manado, North Sulawesi, there is one food which slightly creepy when we imagine eating it. Even for a native Indonesian such as myself, this food brings up images of something that is not unlike what some Americans…
The jewel of Charlevoix: The Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park As avid nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts, my husband and I decided that it was high time we explore the high mountains of Quebec’s Charlevoix region. The Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park was our obvious destination. This majestic national park gets its name from the series of deep glaciated…
Yellow rice As many people know, rice is essential to most of asiatic cuisine.The majority of Indonesia’s populations consume rice as a staple food. The rice can also be used in the practice of certain traditional rituals such as honoring ancestors; therefore rice is an important staple food in the daily life of the Indonesian…
Beecher’s: handmade cheese from the heart of Manhattan The Flatiron district, in the heart of Manhattan, inspires visions of fast paced lifestyles and cutting edge urban activity. The location is where countless individuals flock to, in the course of their bustling international affairs. It isn’t quite where one would expect to find a remarkable hub…
First States of Splendor podcast States of Splendor has just been inaugurated. It follows that it’s first podcast has just been put online. Originally recorded in november 2017, it has been uploaded in february 2018. It has only now (march 2018) been made available through States of Splendor. States of Splendor serves as a…
The most authentic Roman foodmarket Going beyond usual touristic routes pays off. In Rome, if you really want to do as the Romans do, an authentic place awaits you right next to the city state of the Vatican. There, one may litterally taste the splendor of everyday living in marvelous Roma. Every road leads to…