For my first post I thought I would follow the wise words of architect Bob Borson, 'Architecture is a business built on the abilities and creative talents of the architect. As a result, architecture is a personality driven process so understanding the favorite things of an architect let’s you understand the architect.'
Although tempted to go with some of the obvious ones such as favourite architect and favourite country, I decided to keep a few cards close to my chest. Perhaps the more obscure favourites will be more interesting anyway. So here we go... my list of favourite things in no particular order.
Favourite Artwork - Reptiles (1943) by M.C. Escher
I've always loved the work of Escher and his deliberate mixing together of the second and third dimensions. I've had the good fortune to see an original print of this Lithograph at the Escher Museum in Den Haag in the Netherlands, however I very much loved it long before that. It has a certain playfulness and light-heartedness about it and is one of those pieces that you can look at countless times and still notice a detail that you hadn't seen before. Escher was amused when the little book of JOB was interpreted in biblical fashion. It was in fact a little book of Belgian cigarette paper.
Favourite Car - 1975 Leyland Moke Californian
Without a doubt the coolest car in the world! Originally designed as a military vehicle but remarketed as a civilian vehicle due to its small wheels and low ground clearance, later becoming a popular 'cult' vehicle in the Algarve, Seychelles, Australia, the United States and many tropical resorts in the Caribbean. I first drove one of these when I was eighteen and haven't stopped wanting one since. One day I will own one... oh, and it has to be yellow!
Favourite Drink - Glenfiddich Scotch Whisky
"Too much of anything is bad, but too much of good whisky is barely enough." - Mark Twain
Favourite Beach - Edava Beach, Kerala, India
I cannot recommend visiting India highly enough... especially the South. I saw Edava Beach on a map when I was staying nearby in Varkala . I was intrigued by the cool shape of it - a narrow strip of land running parallel with the coast.
A friend and I hopped on a scooter and went searching to find this gem. A narrow strip, only 20 meters wide separated from the coast by a river, with one side of the strip being grassy with palm trees, and the other side being pristine sand and perfect waves and not another soul to be seen... that was until a local offered to climb one of the palms to fetch us some coconuts for a light refreshment!
Favourite Partner in Crime - Bianca Spears
Well you may have your own favourite, but I guess that works out well because I'm not the sharing type. Bianca not only complements who I am and likes all the same stuff as me such as exploring every square inch of this planet but she also makes me strive to be the best version of me I can possibly be - and for that I thank, and love her.
Favourite Book - Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts
This book is a hefty read... but without a doubt worth the effort. Shantaram is a novel influenced by real events, in which a convicted Australian bank robber and heroin addict who escaped from Pentridge Prison flees to India. The book had me hooked from the opening line: "It took me a long time and most of the world to learn what I know about love and fate and the choices we make, but the heart of it came to me in an instant, while I was chained to a wall and being tortured."
There you have it - the first instalment of my favourite things....