Thank you, Debra for organizing this interesting cooking day.

The last Cultural Exchange for the season was a trip around the world, thank you to all the members for their contribution, and to Robin and Linda for putting together yet another fun program.

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We saw a sample of typical Korean dresses, for women, men and children, all very elegant and elaborate.

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A powerpoint presentation of paintings by Icelandic painter, Louisa Matthíasdóttir,was a great introduction to Iceland.

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A few ladies were fitted into Saris, it looked very easy done by an expert who has worn them herself and who has dressed numerous daughters and nieces for special occasions. It would not have worked as well, if we had tried ourselves to do the tucking and folding.

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Eka and Nana served a wonderful brunch, thank you very much. Conversation was lively as usual, everyone happy to have an opportunity to catch up with friends.

The visit to the Jackson Homestead in Newton was an eye opener to the time of the Underground Railroad, during which the Jackson family offered the house as a way station for slaves on their way to freedom.

    
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Phillip Meredith, Higashiyama Kaii Conservator of Japanese Paintings, Asian Conservation, curator and conservator of an extraordinary set of sliding-door paintings,  explained all about the the artist, the MFA’s unparalleled collection of his works, the role of dragons in Japanese culture and details of the two-year conservation process. It is a 35-foot wide, five-foot tall swirl of Dragon and Clouds by the eccentric 18th-century Kyoto artist Soga Shōhaku.

    Thank you, Phillip for your time and extensive explanations and Pauline for organizing.

Monday Morning a group met at Evelyne’s house and enjoyed her hospitality. The group was small yet very lively. They went to Beacon Street to cheer the runners on, also getting a good look at the American champion Meb Keflezighi.

 

Then the group moved on to their book discussion: The author of “The Seventh Etching”, Judith White, gave an insight into the birth of the book and the emotions of the characters at that time of history. Many excellent questions and comments lead to an animated enriching conversation and who knows, ‘inspiring’ some…

 

 

Thank you, Evelyne for hosting and Rosemie for pictures and text.

The Peking Duck and all its accompanying dishes made for a scrumptious feast!!

Thank you, Doris for organizing such a wonderful lunch.

 

 

Member Keiko made a lovely demonstration on Ikebana flower arranging, enjoy the pictures:

 
              

 

A group of ladies met at Jinny’s for coffee and pastries and fruit. Everything was very tasty, and everyone welcomed the opportunity to chat and share their survival stories of the past frigid winter months.

We continued to the WaterWorks Museum in Chestnut Hill, where Jinny had arranged for a guided tour. An enthusiastic guide was waiting for us ready to explain the workings of the pumping station and continuing with a complete description of the water supply system for the City of Boston, and the history of its development, adding many interesting engineering and architecture details.

A small group went to lunch afterwards.

Thank you very much, Jinny, for being a gracious hostess and organizing a wonderful program for the day.