This is what some of our contributors were up to last week:

Sandra, our contributor from Portugal, writes about a show of light and fantastic creatures called Turn on the Lights 2011 at Dam Square (Amsterdam)

“A couple of weaks ago, I went to Amsterdam to meet my friend Raquel. She had invited me to watch a show at Dam Square. A show of light and fantastic creatures: Turn on the Lights 2011 by Bijenkorf”

DeeBee, our contributor from France, writes about the symbolism of Christmas Holly in France from the Celts to this day.

“The use of holly is full of symbolism that, once more, originated in paganism. Celts believed that its prickly leaves had magic power and protected from evil spirits…druids wore a sprig of holly in their hair during the Winter (and Summer) Solstice celebrations. This belief remained  and for centuries people hung a sprig of holly above their bed.”

Anu, our contributor from India, writes about the celebrations of Kumara Sasthi at her next door temple in Mumbai.

“Next door to our house is a temple managed by the Kukke Subramanya Mutt, and every year, this festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm. The celebrations begin almost a week in advance, but for 3 whole days (including the days before and after Kumara Sashti) we wake up to the sound of Panchavadhyams and go to bed amidst the clanging of the temple bells!”

Ana, our contributor from Argentina, writes about urban interventions and street art in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

“Lately, I’ve noticed there’s a lot more street art in Buenos Aires than before. Or maybe I didn’t pay attention when I was a resident and now that I’m a tourist of sorts, I see the city through different eyes and notice things.”

Read more:

Spring day in Argentina

Gustave Eiffel

Neha: from Mumbai to Zagreb

About the author

Ana Astri-O’Reilly is from Argentina, where she lived until five years ago. She currently lives in Dallas, USA with her British husband, but they move a lot. Previously a translator and English and Spanish teacher, Ana first started writing to share her experiences and adventures with friends and family. She speaks Spanish, English and a smattering of Portuguese.