issue76

Aside from the essential morning espressos, rustic colourful balconies on which the elderly tend to plants, the buzz of an intrigued centre square, beautiful churches to dip in and out of, twenty-four-hour linen wardrobes, and immaculate meat and seafood served with cocktails that taste ‘just nicer for some reason’, what is there to love about the slow, European life? Well, maybe that’s it, but why does it appeal so much?

Images on magnetic tape flicker in succession as a spinning mirror-drum, and revolving disc project (and resurrect) a way of life lost to the ages. In this film we see painted hot air balloons adorning the bulkhead of a 1958 Pan-Am Boeing 707. Six passengers laugh and mingle, seated in the round upon a cushioned booth as flight stewardesses deliver complimentary meals and beverages on trays of sterling silver. A centerpiece of potted flowers adorns the table.