Lisbon Blog

For Tantra, sex does not necessarily involve only the physical part but also the mental one, thus ensuring that the experience reaches a  larger extent of satisfaction for the couple. And to get mind and body involved in sexual life despite the many distractions and problems we face in everyday life, Tantrism proposes a series of exercises that will help us very much. One exercise is called “twisted eroticism”, an excellent way to start having sex.

To  begin  the twisted erotic exercise, it is necessary that the couple dress in loose clothings, preferably transparent, pink for women and blue for men. For starters, the couple should sit cross-legged, facing each other, with eyes closed and breathing quietly, not touching. This first stage of tantric practice is to idealize the partner, imagine how he/she is the best lover, imagining his touch, his kisses, the positions they enjoy, remembering  the times that sex together has been fantastic.

Then he should join hands, eye contact and breath at the same rhythm: six seconds to inhale, hold breath for eight and four to  exhale.  This should be repeated nine times. Then she will place  her legs on his  and continue for another nine repetitions.

Then, it’s time to undress and lovers to come closer, still sitting face to face, the genitals should be touch but there must not be penetration. The couple could be embraced and must have their lips together and visualizing each other having sex together. Then she will lay on her  back on the bed and he will caress her and kiss her slowly. The caresses she should pay attention to her spine

Finally, he should penetrate her but both parties will remain motionless, concentrating all the attention on the genitals and the erotic and emotional charge that has been generated, the stored energy begins to flow between both of them, the desire they have to start with rhythm of penetration increases. The more time you spend wishing for intercourse, the intensity of sex will be higher.

For Tantra this exercise of twisted eroticism ends without having intercourse, orgasm is sought without the stimulation of the genitals However, you can continue the exercise as you and your partner wish, for many, the best way to end this exercise is a slow but intense erotic sex session privileging the emotions rather than physical aspect. But each couple should find the best pleasant way to end.

Remember you do not need all the Tantric philosophy to revitalize sex.

Miruton

If your sex life needs a new impulse, get Lisbon accommodation and give yourself a passionate vacation with your spouse, bohemian Lisbon and its splendid views can be very stimulating for both.

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Translated by: Marc
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Until the 25th of June, contemporary art gallery Cristina Guerra in Lisbon is exhibiting the work of Austrian conceptual artist Erwin Wurm, who is famous for his minute and a half sculptures. The Cristina Guerra Gallery was founded ten years ago, and is specially dedicated to showcasing the work of both national and international conceptual artists.

Erwin Wurm was born in Bruck an der Mur, Austria in 1954. He studied at Vienna’s Academy of Applied Arts, and the Academy of Fine Arts in the same city, and currently is professor at the University of Vienna. Since his beginnings in art, Wurm placed himself in the vanguard, making an impression with his complex approach to art, and the idea of the temporary and the transcendental and the material.

From these reflections grew the interesting work with the sculptures of a minute and a half, which have helped place him in the higher ranks of contemporary sculpture.

With these very unique works, Wurm has developed an interesting aesthetic theory about the material reality of sculpted work. If these pieces have been the subject of various ironic comments and criticism, the other camp of critics have celebrated his conceptual revolution of sculpture, which is still one the most conservative spheres of art.

What are these minute and a half sculptures all about? It’s very simple; Wurm photographed his own body, or that of somebody else’s, as it was transformed in an installation using different daily objects. This union of photography and object was a kind clear aesthetic and conceptual criterium – whereby the person would assume absurd poses, in a spoof of the traditional style of sculpture; poses which can only be maintained for a couple of minutes. This was how Wurm achieved his minute and a half sculpture, as it is the period of time of both the photographing process, and the posturing of the person.

The interesting thing is that Wurm, as with any ordinary sculpture work, takes into consideration the weight of the object (which in this case is the human body) – as well as the volume, the shape, the balance, and all the classic criteria for sculpture, in order to create his parodies, which often appear as grotesque caricatures of reality.

This revision of the concept of sculpture re-positions objects in order to humanise them, and to objectify the human body in order to denaturalise it. It’s an interesting, and subversive form of placing ourselves inside of art; particularly when the values of postmodernism has stopped being radical in terms of the business of confronting the intangible. Under these settings, Wurm uses photography and video as a way of demonstrating the instantaneity of creation, and ephemeral life.

For more information http://www.cristinaguerra.com/

Nancy Guzman

In any case, if you want to make your own minute and a half sculpture, each of Wurm’s comes with an instruction manual, so head down to this exhibition if you happen to be renting Lisbon accommodation and discover conceptual sculpture.

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Translated by: Poppy
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One may think that women do not need to use spells or magical potions any more to attract a sentimental or sexual partner by, but that is not true, the notorious prayers to Saint Anthony continue to be a motivation that attracts every year hundreds of females to Lisbon, where on the 12th and 13th of June, the city celebrates its Patron Saint’s day.

During two days the streets of Lisbon fill with multicolored balloons, proclaims, parades and the voices of thousands of women that have arrived from all over the world to sing and to beg Saint Anthony to please find them a husband. This is a unique festival where people guarantee that this wish is granted to those who truly believe in him. Praying becomes massive and thousands of small figures are sold as effective lucky charms against being single. That is why this festivity is anxiously awaited by the single women who perform their rituals and hope to find their soul mate

Folklore recommends to buy on the 13th of June a Saint Anthony figure and place him upside down until the miracle in form of a male body appears asking the women to marry him, and even if you don’t believe it, it is said this is the best way to find a man to spend your whole life with, at least this is what the women of Alfama believe, where Saint Anthony’s festivity blazes with life surrounding you with Fado, dances, fried sardines and the enveloping smell of basil and sensuality that can make you lose your mind. As the song says “Ask Saint Anthony for a husband and rumble through the city streets.

Saint Anthony was a theologian and a Franciscan pastor born in Lisbon whose name was Fernando de Bulhoes and passed away in Padua, that being the reason why they added this city to his saint name “San Antonio de Padua” He was one of the fastest beatified saints by the Vatican for numerous miracles are accredited to him, like a ability to communicate with fish or carry baby Jesus during one full night. Beside these stories, he was attributed with the capacity to perform miracles of fertility in women and protect travelers, bakers and poor people

This festivity that commemorates his birth has transformed into a cultural activity that little has to do with Catholic religion. During the 60′s and 70′s his festival was sponsored by the storekeepers  , but later was transformed in a international touristic celebration which the City Hall takes care of

More Info: http://www.fiestastradicionales.com/fiestas-populares/celebracion-de-san-antonio-en-lisboa

Nancy Guzman

If you enjoy popular festivities, this is the perfect moment to come and enjoy the summer charm in Lisbon accommodation and roam the streets packed with single women looking for a husband

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Translated by: Marc
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Crowley is probably one of the most controversial and misunderstood men of the twentieth century.

For many his name is synonym of magic, occultism, spiritualism and witchcraft. Few people know that behind this image, there is a great writer, essayist and poet. He was indeed, a very eccentric man, but with an inimitable artistic legacy.

Known as the Great Beast, the Beast 666 or the most evil man in the world (among many other derogatory names), Crowley is the author of essays like “The Lost Continent”, poetry books as “Rodin in Rime” (named after the sculptor for whom Crowley felt genuine admiration), fiction as “The Stratagem and other stories”, (in which he relates his experiences with drugs), and multiple books of magic as the “Book of the Law” which describes his philosophy of life.

Crowley was a misunderstood man of his time, a visionary, a person that was ahead of his time and never received the recognition he deserved as a poet and writer. Son of an English millionaire, from his youth he entered in different orders of magic and occultism as the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, in which he met writers such as Bram Stoker, Arthur Machen and William Butler Yeats. During this time, Crowley published in the journal The Equinox. Later he became a member of the Order of Oriental Templars, as the head of the English branch. In this order, the law of Thelema was practiced, which primarily suggested to “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law”, this doctrine, by François Rabelais, began in the sixteenth century and was popularized and updated by our great magician and writer.

He was into Tantra, Occultism and Esotericism from a very young age.

Crowley, founded the Abbey of Thelema in Cefalù (Palermo), Sicily, a place that today is practically destroyed and abandoned, but where it is still possible to admire some of his paintings, (inspired by Gauguin, whom he also admired) and the rooms where they performed their rituals. It is a place of pilgrimage for its loyal followers despite the fact that the islanders have never accepted its presence. Here, his followers could experience a mixture of sexual freedom, consumption of drugs, meditation, and an interesting mix of Eastern and Western religions. People hated Crowley because, according to them, he performed black magic rituals in which children were sacrificed, he was bisexuality and consumed drugs regularly.

Another person who deeply influenced Crowley was Pessoa, who was another lover of occultism. They kept for several years an extensive correspondence. In 1930 Crowley visited Lisbon to meet the poet and writer, who translated into Portuguese his famous poem “Hymn to Pan”. Crowley concealed by Pessoa, faked his suicide in Boca do Inferno, near Sintra. Today there is a plaque that reminds us of their practical joke.

Without doubt, there is no country that we can associate with Crowley, because he was an intense traveler, but certainly Lisbon and its surroundings were a perfect place to develop what we now call “performance”.

Ara

Lisbon and Portugal have always been full of magic, and it is not surprising that someone as visionary as Crowley was seduced by this city and its surroundings. If you visit the city or its surroundings, rent Lisbon accommodation

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Translated by: Hans
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Around the end of the 1980s and the beginning of the 90s, a band called the Divinyls released a sexually provocative song called “I touch myself,” which went “I don’t want anybody else, when I think about you, I touch myself.”

I was a teenager at the time, and I remember I was fascinated: it always made me dance when I heard it. It made me feel sexy – even though the truth was, I hadn’t paid much attention the actual wording of the famous song. The group disbanded a few years ago, but the song remains for many as a kind of “anthem” for masturbation. Why am I telling you about the Divinyls? Because pleasuring oneself should never be a taboo or uncomfortable topic – and what’s more, it is a necessary part if physical and mental health. Masturbation teaches us about ourselves, and about pleasure – which is a fundamental aspect of a healthy sex life.

How do we benefit from a good session of masturbation? Well, putting to one side any feelings of guilt or inhibition, or any religious education which demonised desire and pleasure, the first thing we ought to know is that masturbation is the first step to having good sex – how we learn about our sexual and erotic sides, and how we learn to love our bodies. It also keeps our sexual system in good working order; it relaxes us, helps reduce stress levels, strengthens our nervous systems – and if that weren’t enough, it helps build self-esteem, because through sexual independence, we can learn to love ourselves, which generates more secure relations with others.

Our bodies are a whole universe to explore – a world to discover; and as my friend from the Divinyls said” “I love myself.” Discover the joys of self-satisfaction!



Luz Obscura

It’s nothing to do with egotism – but the old saying: “To love somebody else, you have to love yourself.” Another great way of relaxing, loving ourselves and being happy is travelling. If you fancy renting Lisbon accommodation , you don’t need to meet anybody special – explore the beautiful Portuguese city for yourself.

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Translated by: Poppy
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‘Paloma Blanca’, ‘Por Ella, Por Ella’, or ‘For All the Girls I’ve Loved Before’ are just three of the numerous successes of Julio Iglesias. The Spanish singer has conquered over the years the title of a true planetary star, and has also established some records in terms of record sales. By the mid-80s, he was the first artist to be awarded the Diamond Disc, for sales of more than 100 million copies of his records, a distinction delivered by the Guinness Book of World Records. Iglesias also has more than two thousand gold and platinum records, and has even conquered the right to a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His recognition and fame were first limited to the Spanish borders, but soon enough he got to be a star on countries like the United States, Japan or even on some Arab countries. For some, Iglesias was the first Latin Pop star in the world, another title that offers him a truly pioneering part on the world of music.

Julio Iglesias songs are easily recognized for their romantic aura. The singer has said on several occasions that he loves all people, and the he loves all those that surround him, and that is why he does his best to offer all songs about love and about giving back relationship that he likes to have with the world. This constant feeling of sharing is surely associated to the fact that Iglesias is a survivor. The singer, who also studied Law, and that later played as the goalkeeper for Real Madrid football club, suffered a serious car accident it the beginning of the 60s. At the time, Iglesias thought he was going to die, but the truth is that he managed to overcome all those difficult circumstances, even if he had to definitely quit his football career. But the truth is that the limitations and all the suffering he went through opened new doors for his future.

Starting at the end of the 60s, Julio Iglesias built a solid path in music, first in Spain, and then in Europe and all over the world. ‘La Vida Sigue Igual’ was the first song written by him, and which also granted him with the first victory on a music Spanish festival. Since then, the rest is history. Willie Nelson, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder are among the several dozens of artists with whom Julio Iglesias recorded his songs. The Spanish singer is also well-known for singing in several languages, from English to French, from Portuguese to German, or even in Japanese. After a course of more almost 50 years, Julio Iglesias recently revealed that he intends to put a term to his path in music in June 2011, after ending his ongoing and current tour.

Get to know more about Julio Iglesias show in Lisbon at the Pavilhão Atlântico, on May 28th, on its official website: http://www.pavilhaoatlantico.pt

thecultureman

Julio Iglesias is a real and unique pop star. Do not lose the chance to see him perform in the Portuguese capital. Book your Lisbon accommodation and take the chance to visit this great city at the same time.

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The Ramones was the band that invented Punk Rock, there is no doubt about that. Punk Rock as it is known nowadays was created by this band from Queens in New York and all the members that have played in the group are worldwide honored punk rock icons in the history of rock and roll.

Marky, who substituted Tommy (one of the original band founders) on the drums is one of those icons, who retired in 1982 when on the 10 of October of 1981 he missed a concert and it had to be cancelled. That concert was the only Ramones show that was programmed and never happened. Later on, Marky started other musical projects, some more successful than others. .

Marky was substituted by Ritchie, but returned to the formation the 4th of September of 1987 and remained seated as the drummer until 1996 when the decided to disband with a humongous farewell show in Argentina.

Not long ago, in 2006 the 30th anniversary of the recording of their first album called “The Ramones” was celebrated with a huge party and Marky organized a tour all over the world playing classics like “Blitzkrieg bop” “Judy is Punk Rocker” and “I remember you” among many other.

More info: http://www.santiagoalquimista.com/agenda.php

MiLK

Nowadays Marky is on tour around the world with his new band called Marky Ramone’s Blitzkrieg and this time they’ll perform on the 8th of June at the Santiago Alquimista, so if you want to attend the show and enjoy of one of the most important persons of the punk culture, you can rent apartments in Lisbon and not miss the chance!

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Translated by: Marc
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Strolling down the seafront with a loved one, I came across a unusual scene this city – an image which reminded me of my good friend Fermin, a man of 68 who lives in Lisbon with his new wife of 62, and who emails me every now and again inviting me to spend a few days soaking up the city’s bars and meeting its interesting people – or so he tells me.

The scene reminded me of him, because I’d suddenly seen two elderly people sat on a park bench kissing – as in, passionately eating eachother’s faces – him with his hands clasped tight round her waist, and her upright, rigid. I say “old” people at the risk of offending a few readers – in reality, today’s image of men and women in their 60s is a far cry from “old age.” I think the best way then of referring to them is as “mature.” At 60, people are still fighting fit, and have not necessarily stopped having a sex life – something we often wrongly assume.

Sex amongst mature adults is sure to come with its own set of issues, just like everything – but like the sexologists always say when writing on this topic, it is becoming more and more common, in spite of the fact that it is the last remaining sex taboo.

Normally, the first thing that comes to people’s minds are the drawbacks to sex in the 60s (erectile dysfunction in men, and need for lubricant in women are the most common) – but we have to also take into account the advantages, like for example that in the 60s there is no risk of unplanned pregnancy, so there’s less need for contraception. Also, it takes longer to get turned on, so foreplay, and the lead up is longer, giving more time for experimentation and reaching new heights unknown to those in their 30s.

There are of course more physical problems – but in reality, the great barrier to break to the mental one: for many, it still sounds bad the idea of a widow having a new boyfriend at 60 – or that two mature adults kiss passionately in the street. This type of prejudice affects the attitudes and behaviour of people in this age group, so lets all encourage them to learn to enjoy the sexuality that is still rightfully theirs until their last dying day.

Miruton

My friend Fermin, an mature man who doesn’t mind being called “ancient,” makes the most of his sexuality, and is happy with his girlfriend. I think in my next holiday I’m going to visit him to Lisbon accommodation and take a leaf out of his book.

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Translated by: Poppy
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The Pritzkers are a wealthy magnate family from Chicago who own, amongst other businesses, the hotel chain, Hyatt. Reasonably famed in the world of finance, in the cultural sphere they are mainly known for the prestigious prize of the same name. Started in 1979 by the Hyatt Foundation, the Pritzker Prize, which is a total of $100,000, is awarded every year with the intention of recognising the trajectory of an architect still alive, who has contributed to the cultural enrichment of humanity. The prestige, importance and power of the prize is such that it has been dubbed the Nobel of architecture.

This year, with praise from the jury on the basis of its ‘power and modesty‘ the prize went to Portuguese Eduardo Souto de Moura (Oporto, 1952), who became, after his mentor Álvaro Siza, the second Portuguese architect to have gained such a distinction, whose list of past winners includes some of the most important and influential names in contemporary architecture, such as the likes of Oscar Niemeyer, Frank Ghery, Aldo Rossi, Fumihiko Maki, Rafael Moneo, Renzo Piano, Norman Foster, Rem Koolhas, Herzog & Meuron, Zana Hadid, Richard Rogers, Jean Nouvel and Kazujo Sejima .

In the judging of the prize, the jury has pointed out the quality of Mora’s work, which creates a simultaneously intimate and unavoidable connection with the tradition of architecture. The nature apparently at odds with his architectural production is present, through the fusion of concepts such as power, and modest, bravery and sublimation – the public, and the private have been particularly emphasised.

In spite of having completed projects in countries like Italy, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Belgium and Spain, the majority of his 60 plus creations are located in Portugal – including Torre Burgo in Porto, the Braga football stadium (a work in the words of the jury which was “muscular, monumental, and a reflection of the powerful landscape“) – and the fantastic House of Stories by Portuguese artist Paula Rego, on the outskirts of Lisbon (http://www.casadashistoriaspaularego.com/pt/).

The latter work is an incredible construction formed by two pyramids (which in some way look like the chimneys of certain Portuguese palaces and monasteries) whose colour contrasts evocatively with the green of the surrounding trees. Respect for the natural environment is particularly significant, since the ceiling of the museum was built in such a way so as not to interfere with the growth of the greenery. As Souto de Moura has asserted himself, sustainability, rather than a merit, is a necessity for all architecture.



Paul Oilzum

The House of Stories also houses much of Paula Rego’s work, whose progressive and powerful style has left an indelible mark. A very attractive destination for when you rent accommodation in Lisbon.

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Translated by: Poppy
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Have you ever gone to a supermarket and seen those little devices that are displayed beside the packets of condoms? If you’re not very into sex toys, you might even think they’re some type of modern and strange bottle openers, but no.

They’re actually rings for penisses also known as cockrings, that have the double aim of increasing the period of erection and delaying the ejaculation so that the orgasm is more intense. These little gadgets can be found in all sorts of variations, from the classic disposables to much more elaborate designs and materials. Obvioulsy, the most important thing is getting the right size.

Less simple but clearly more effective is the model that includes a vibrator to stimulate the women’s clitoris and help them reach the orgasm faster.

mia1603

A place where you can put the cockring to use is one of the biggest festivities in Lisbon. If you want to discover this wonderful country rent Lisbon accommodation nd don’t forget to pack the cockring.

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Translated by: Maria
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