Gdanska/Lodz

"Good luck"

Arthur Rubinstein behind his instrument on Piotrkowska, the main street in Lodz.

Obviously Rubinsteins nose is touched by many people. I thought this could say something about the complicated relationship the Poles have or had with the Jews. Of course I asked people. But "taking somebody by the nose" means just 'good luck'.

Seen in this way it's a funny, cheerful, probably a little bit selfish but nevertheless a nice gesture.

And every statue with a reachable nose gets the same treatment! See for proof this statue from the Polish poet Julian Tuwin , also on Piotrkowska.

But as I found out now, also Julian Tuwin is Jewish... So I don't know yet for sure. And by the way, the man in the background is not a gunfighter but a photographer... Playing around with statues you see here. 

Searching for colour

Searching for some colour is finally not that difficult in Polish society. To start with I have to focus on what is visible outside in my direct surroundings. It's like looking in the scale with developer in the photographers darkroom when colour comes up. You see red fruit with an adorable sweet taste and start thinking about summer time's warm and sunny days. Dreaming about being happy in green fields or in a flowering garden. Wodka can do the job, or imagination.

Both pictures are taken in the entrance from the place where I stay in Lodz, on Gdanska .