A friend of mine suggested the travel theme ‘Gaudy’ after reading about my trip to Las Vegas. That made me giggle; it’s true that Vegas is quintessentially gaudy but I didn’t want to single it out as the sole perpetrator of flashy ostentation, so here are a few flamboyant encounters I have had in other cities.
Never, ever combine silver leggings, ethnic prints and blue wigs. Unless you’re promoting a show at the Edinburgh Fringe.
I was happily enjoying an amble along the Jersey shore when I was stopped in my tracks by the sight of these shorts for sale. They scared me a little – pink’s not a good colour for me 😉
Hiking out on the Olympic Peninsula, my gaze was torn away from the breathtaking scenery by a rather ostentatious sign advertising fishing bait. A giant, irridescent metal fish was suspended from a 20 foot high fishing rod. I found the pink eye a little unnerving.
And last, but by no means least, I give you New York. Every year, Governors Island hosts the Figment Festival, giving New Yorkers a reason (as if they needed one) to dust off their fairy wings, don their tutus and break out the roller skates.
The word gaudy comes from the Latin gaudium meaning enjoyment or merry-making and while today the word may have a slightly negative connotation, it is, at its root, a celebration of the joy of excess. So go on, I dare you, embrace your inner desire to revel in colour and go seek out the excessive, the flashy, the clashing, the showy and the offensively bright. You might just have an awful lot of fun along the way! If you would like to join in this week’s travel theme (everyone’s welcome!) here’s what to do:
- Create your own post and title it Travel theme: Gaudy
- Include a link to this page in your post so others can find it too
- Get your post in by next Thursday, as the new travel theme comes out on Friday
- Don’t forget to subscribe to keep up to date on the latest weekly travel themes. Sign up via the email subscription link in the sidebar or RSS.
Razzle-dazzle me.
xxx
Ailsa
Where's my backpack? 
Not my kind of thing 😉 … I’ll have to dig deep to find something… 😉
I don’t expect you’ll have to look too far in Dublin, aj 🙂
I found something… well, almost gaudy… 😉
http://ouchmybackhurts.wordpress.com/2013/02/09/gaudy-ailsas-wtt/
Oh aj, the look on that policeman’s face is just priceless. You were caught red-handed. So to speak. 😉
Rather! Red faced more likely… 😉
Great theme, Ailsa. For some reason these weekly themes are no longer coming into my reader while your trip travels in all their glory still are 😦
That’s very odd, Mrs Carmichael. I have no idea why that would be happening unless it’s a glitsch in the WordPress reader. I wonder if anyone else has noticed the same thing?
As a confirmed luddite, I have no answer either. Still, knowing the problem means I can navigate it 🙂
I was just going to say that I also am having exactly the same issue – it must be at least 3 challenges where I navigate here by the polar route… well worth it of course!
That’s troubling, ideflex – I have just contacted WordPress to see what the issue is. I’m very glad you found it, polar route or not!
Same here, Ailsa. I don’t get the challenges in my reader either. 😦
Thanks for letting me know, Jennifer. I’ve got a ticket in to the WordPress tech team; waiting to hear back. Hopefully the issue will be resolved soon. I’ll update everyone on any progress. xxx
When you are advised against to combine silver leggings, ethnic prints and blue wigs – so forget to advised against using these boots on the last photo combine to everything… ‘hahahaha’
Wonderful photos for this theme… 🙂 😉
Good point, Drake, 🙂
Just saw your post, Drake, that sea of red is fantastic – and I love operation Turkish Delight. How much fun!
Pingback: Travel Theme (Gaudy) | being mrscarmichael
bit more of the gaudy
http//mrscarmichael.wordpress.com/2013/02/08/travel-theme-gaudy/
Haha, love those bobbles and I had a good laugh at the ‘not gaudy’ shot 🙂
I’ve been saving those three for a theme so thank you 🙂
Hi Ailsa and travelthemefriends,
Hopefully you don’t mind I put a link to a picture here from my archive…
It was the first image I published on the photopage of my new blogaccount and it really fits perfect for the theme, don’t you think so too?
Thanks for the oportunity
http://dauwpics.blogspot.com/2012/10/test-harleys-angels.html
– Dauw –
I am fascinated by the graffiti art on the wall behind the Angels, Dauw, where was this taken? xxx
Hi Ailsa,
It’s taken in a small (ghost)town named “Doel” in the Province Oost-Vlaanderen (Belgium), near the Antwerp harbour.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doel (eng)
http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doel_(plaats) (dutch)
http://www.doel2020.org/index.php
On the contrary of what this photo might show at first sight, the place which is practically completely abandoned nowadays, has a real sad ( hi)story since 1963 for which the harbour authorities and the Flemish government are to blame…
The contradiction in this picture is what makes it so special for me. It refers to the false hope was given to the people who lived there.
Have a fine weekend
Thanks for those links, Dauw, I just read them, what a sad story, and how awful for the inhabitants.
Funny theme (:
Here are my pictures
http://mannalexandra.wordpress.com/2013/02/08/travel-theme-gaudy/
These are wonderful, Alexandra, what a swirl of clashing colours, I love the bloomy shophouse in Singapore, it’s adorable!
This is from people of wal mart dot com, right?
I might – great photography!
Pingback: Travel Theme: Gaudy | Wind Against Current
I didn’t have a chance to go down to Times Square, and in any case the snow now falling will probably make it beautiful rather than gaudy. So here’s something like gaudy: http://windagainstcurrent.com/2013/02/08/travel-theme-gaudy/
You’re so right, Vlad, that photo falls into the uncategorizable, how wonderful, I love it. Stay warm over there! xxx
Anay daaaarling – gaudy it is! Fantastic collection Ailsa:)
Pingback: Travel Theme: Gaudy | Ese's Voice
You have quite a collection, Ailsa, yet must admit this one was the toughest for me so far.
Here you can see what I could come up with: http://esengasvoice.wordpress.com/2013/02/08/travel-theme-gaudy/
I love this post, Ese, especially that last photo where once gaudy colours are now overtaken by the passing of the years, and that Nathalia Crane quote “Every gaudy color is a bit of truth” is perfectly beautiful. I have to ask about that top photo, what and where is it? All those little figures are so intriguing.
I was having a fun time reading and seeing your “gaudy” items until I saw the Mexican “calavera” and I became quite sad. Why do you think that a symbol of respect for our ancestors should be “gaudy”? Look at the Wikipedia entry for the Day of the Dead and you will see how images of death are quite gracefully encorporated into this yearly celebration of death and loved ones who’ve passed on. Here in California we celebrate it and many of the images were incorporated into the Grateful Dead’s artwork during the late 20th century. Gracias.
I am Mexican-American and have been to many Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico, includnig the famous one at Pazcuaro, which I still call the scariest night of my life. I saw many things there much more gaudy than this candy skull. Commenting on the way something looks has nothing to do with what is being celebrated or honored. I am certainly not insulted by Aisla’s inclusion.
Thanks, Logan, I have heard about the Pazcuaro celebrations, they look pretty spectacular. I’m intrigued to hear about the scariest night of your life, it sounds like an awful lot of fun! I think of those candy skulls as sweet reminders of our mortality. However, as I just responded to Susana, I can completely understand her misinterpretation of the photo and have updated my post to omit it out of respect for her concerns. xxx Ailsa
You must like horror movies–scary and fun are opposites for me! ;o)
Haha, I like anything that gets the heart racing, Logan – although no, I can do without the horror movies, I’m a little too squeamish 😉
Ah Susana, I am sorry you feel this way, it was not intended as disrespect but as a celebration of its brightness and the stark contrast between the object and its decoration. I have celebrated Day of the Dead – in Spain, though, not in Mexico – and think it a wonderful celebration and joyous way to pay tribute to the dead. Out of respect for your concern, however, I have updated the post to omit it.
Excellent theme! This will be a lot of fun. 🙂
Hurrah, looking forward to your post 🙂
Here’s my offer
http://mahons.org/blog/
Such glorious photos Nuala, from all corners of the globe. The Holi festival in Jaipur is my favourite photo, how long ago were you there? What an incredible experience that must have been! xxx
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colorful, fun and extravagant collection of photos…here’s mine: http://canoecommunications.wordpress.com/2013/02/08/treasure-of-gems/
Wow, what an amazing collection of jewels, that moonstone is huge – I doubt I’d be able to lift my hand wearing a ring that size!
I had to look up what Gaudy stands for; merry-making … and you have really made theme justice with your gallery. Wonderful happy and colorful shots.
It does the soul good to sometimes cast off the inhibitions of society and revel in the merriment of colour, don’t you agree, viveka? 🙂
I truly do!!! Color and happiness is necessary !!!
Pingback: Gaudy or Gorgeous? You decide at Portugal's National Coach Museum
Hmm, I can’t imagine anyone looking good in those shorts! Here’s my take on the theme: http://juliedawnfox.com/2013/02/08/gaudy-or-gorgeous-you-decide-at-portugals-national-coach-museum/
Wow wow wow those coaches are amazing, Julie. Gaudy AND gorgeous at the same time, the two don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Gosh, even the flashiest of Jaguars or Mercedes can’t hold a candle to these decadent modes of transport. Wonderful post!
Thanks, Ailsa. I was trying to imagine the reactions of the Portuguese population as this convoy of glistening chariots rolled along their roads. Gobsmacked is probably close!
Pingback: 2-8-13 Travel Theme Gaudy (Barcelona Version) « The Quotidian Hudson
I do love the fringe pix. I am sure the shorts would look great…Punny theme this week…
http://quotidianhudsonriver.com/2013/02/08/2-8-13-travel-theme-gaudy-barcelona-version/
I actually saw a girl wearing similar shorts not too long ago, Robert, and she did indeed look fabulous. I, however, could never carry them off! 😉
Squee, I just saw your post, I was wondering who would be the first to post about Gaudi! Love it, and the museum of chocolate looks oh, so good! Stay warm in the snow, Robert. xxx
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Pingback: Travel theme: Gaudy « Sasieology
Great theme! http://sasieology.wordpress.com/2013/02/08/travel-theme-gaudy/
Oh Sas, what a wonderful post, and boy, that looks like quite a journey along Route 66. I only got to travel along a tiny part of it, but after seeing your photos I want to hit the road again and travel the entire distance. Love that smiley face. Oh, and thanks for the education about sandgrown’uns – that’s a new one for me! xxx
One of these days I’ll catch up! I’d just decided to post some shadows, when into my reader popped Le Drake Noir’s take on Gaudy. Foiled again.
Oh no, do your post on shadows anyway Jo, I’d love to see it. xxx
Thanks, Ailsa. It’s my daughter’s wedding today, so I think I know what kind of photos will be up next! (what AM I doing on here today!!! Too excited to sleep or do anything much)
Oh Jo, how exciting, hope it’s all kinds of wonderful today. And yes, what ARE you doing on here today? xxx Ailsa
Jo – I just saw your photos of the wedding, congrats to Lisa and Leonardo, boy it looks like it was a fantastic day, beautiful costumes and your description of the cake made my mouth water! xxx
Thanks, Ailsa! Yes, it was very special.
Pingback: Travel Theme: Gaudy | LoganBruin–An Unauthorized Autobiography
Gaudy, huh? Never having been called that myself–probably the only thing I haven’t been called–I tried my best, following your stunning examples; I wonder if that skull is made of sugar. . . http://loganbruin.wordpress.com/2013/02/08/travel-theme-gaudy/
These are brilliant, Logan, you’re right, the Burning Man decompression was a gold mine, those furry boots are intense, and that is indeed the funkiest chicken I’ve ever seen. xxx
I don’t know if I nightmared more about the chicken or dreamed of the furry boots. . . not on me, of course. ;o)
Those shorts are brutal. I’ll put up a post tomorrow. 🙂
Haha, I have to admit, if I thought I could carry those shorts off, I would have got them then and there. Just because, every so often, you have to toss society’s etiquette out the window and say hey, I rock these pink lacy shorts. I, however, could never rock those pink lacy shorts, not in a million light years. And I’m ok with that. 🙂
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What a wonderful idea for a theme! I can’t wait to find mine. I hope they can come close to the exuberance of yours.
Hurrah, looking forward to your post, lingeringvisions. xxx
Pingback: Travel Theme: Gaudy « The Eclectic Eccentric Shopaholic
ouch! my eyes…lol eye-popping photos those..
here’s my interpretation of gaudy, but sometimes i like gaudy.. ^^
http://theeclecticeccentricshopaholic.wordpress.com/2013/02/09/travel-theme-gaudy/
Me too, kz. That top shot is my favourite with that wonderful light fixture and all those layers of fabric. 🙂
my fave too. ^^ thanks
My Gaudy post
http://alienshores52.wordpress.com/2013/02/09/travel-theme-gaudy/
Oh my, that is ADORABLE, those eyelashes are fabulous. Love it, Alien Shores. 🙂
I like the shorts the most! Funny theme. Have to see what I have in my photos!
Yaay, looking forward to your post, Nia. xxx
I love the idea of the Figment Festival 😀
Pink Lace Skimpy Shorts 😮
Great theme Ailsa !
The Figment Festival is an awful lot of silly fun, poppy, hula hoops, parasols, skates and flowers in your hair. 🙂
well I can dream … the oldest fairy twinkle toes skater in town 😉
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Pingback: Travel Theme: Gaudy « A year in the Life
I couldn’t resist a Vegas shot! http://ayearinmyshoes.wordpress.com/2013/02/09/travel-theme-gaudy/
Yes, Vegas belongs at the top of the list! My favourite, however, is that cute little Christmas post box. 🙂
Great images you posted! A really fun challenge, here are my gaudy spottings: http://thephotoseye.wordpress.com/2013/02/09/travel-theme-gaudy/
Love it, that wall art is fab!
Thank you! Nothing better than gaudy wall art!
Pingback: Travel Theme: Gaudy | Across the Bored
Glitter is not just for pre-schoolers – please have a look at
http://acrossthebored.com/2013/02/09/travel-theme-gaudy/
You can never have too much glitter, and what a wonderful quote from the fabulous Miss M. xxx
Pingback: Travel Theme: Gaudy | A Gringos life in Cusco
Wow, I must say, that last one is a little disturbing, well here is my contribution, enjoy
http://agringoslifeincusco.wordpress.com/2013/02/09/travel-theme-gaudy/
Love it, Lyle, that second photo in particular is adorable, with all the little girls in their finery. 🙂
Pingback: Travel theme: Gaudy « humanTriumphant
What fun photos! I just traveled around the block a time or time to retrieve mine: http://humantriumphant.wordpress.com/2013/02/09/travel-theme-gaudy/
I love it, humanTriumphant, that green wig is faaabulous. 🙂
Fun photos! Here is mine: http://bebs1.wordpress.com/2013/02/09/travel-theme-photo-challenge-gaudy/
Haha, excellent, bebs1, I used to walk past the Naked Cowboy every day in New York, and always made sure I never got caught 🙂