Tin Cup

You are never too old to learn. I did not imagine that it would be in the United States where I would also learn, little by little, a new sport.

I had always thought golf was a dull and exceptionally snobbish activity. When last year I went in the company of a couple of American gentlemen, I thought that it would be primarily a good opportunity to take some photos of the California surroundings.

It turned out that even though my role was just as a caddie - carrying clubs and maintaining player’s good spirits - something intrigued me in this “spoiled walk in the park"- as Mark Twain described golf.

From the cult movie Tin Cup (as in a metal hole in the ground) with Kevin Costner, I learned that in essence golf is all about having everything under control, and at the same time letting it all go. From witty dialogues, I also learned that golf is like sex. Even if you do not know perfectly its techniques, you can still enjoy it!

When practicing with Dean on the driving range (not to be confused with the racetrack, since “driver” is simply the name of one of golf clubs), I did not always manage to hit the ball, let alone hit so it lands close to marked flags. Despite this, the game gives me a lot of pleasure.

I often see young players practicing. Maybe they think about taking part in future professional tournaments, or perhaps the Olympics? It is worth noting that golf has been reintroduced, after over a century of absence, to the Olympics disciplines.

I hope that taking lessons will help me, and in a couple of months I will be ready to finally play at the golf course. Teaching tips from my husband and father in law also come very handy.

In the U.S. , sport is a part of everyday life. From early on, kids practice baseball, football and basketball. I also find it interesting that American golf is accessible to everyone, having formerly been restricted to wealthy white males.

On the golf course, there are also women. Last Sunday I noticed an elderly woman, with I assume her adult daughter, who enthusiastically launched into the game and blasted the little white balls far, far away.

P.s.  Photos from the last entry were taken in an exclusive Kate Spade boutique .This well-known brand released a line of accessories- handbags, shoes and “tee-time” necklaces, all inspired by golf - just in time for the summer sports season :)                                         
                                              

   H.xx

Think pink, when thinking of fashion

For a few days the weather in the pacific northwest has been exceptionally warm. Temperatures showed 20 Celsius (in Fahrenheit it would be .. hmm ..). Hot conditions require measured wardrobe. In Bellevue it is hard not to notice a lot of interesting and very stylish outfits.  Soon the Gucci boutique will be opened here. It will be located not surprisingly in a vicinity of Louis Vuitton.

I recently opted for a much more modest brand. A small, yellow handbag, purchased online and conveniently on sale, will match my summer wear. It is worth adding that, just like a significant part of the U.S. apparel products,  it was  made in China...

Now what should obligatorily be found in our refreshed summer wardrobe? I found an interesting list, which I think sums up quite well this year's summer trends .

According to the newspaper USA Today, we should certainly obtain fabrics with floral patterns, best if they are roses. 

They could even ornament buttons. Bold colors are the this season’s hit.  Look for pink - think pink, radiant orchid, orange, yellow. Striped fabrics are still in fashion, as well as the ones with ethnic motifs.

Metallic gold and silver accessories are also summer essentials.  As for shoes – mules are back. Jewelry or handbags should be embellished with a fringe. Imprints need to communicate a clear message, especially if its connected with the sport spirit.

Neither should men stay away from color. The author of Hot Summer Looks tips jokingly that colored suits does not mean navy and gray shades.

Once in a while, I enjoy looking around American stores. I usually go to the stores such as Forever 21, Banana Republic and GAP. In Seattle, there are also branches, more known in Europe, Zara and H&M. Some time ago, in one of the stores I noticed that on the tag, among other languages, the instructions were written in Polish. 

In the U.S., one should really pay attention to them. I have already managed to shrink some clothing items in our washing machine and dryer.

Let me finish with a puzzle. Maybe you, dear Readers, will recognize, in which very popular boutique we took the photos below?

H. 
                                       

Diversity Index

Certain advantage of living in the United States is the daily contact with cultural diversity. Only during one walking I heard recently Slavic, Asian and, judging by the traditional attire, other Far Eastern languages.

Nearby streets are full of Vietnamese cosmetic salons. I still remember their clear overrepresentation from my student holidays in New York. Let me add here, that I've never seen before a man professionally delivering nails services!

In the Seattle Times newspaper 's column I read that the diversity index , which measures the probability of two people in a random place will differ based on race and ethnicity -  is in Bellevue very high at 58% (58 out of 100 point scale). It's even a couple of points higher than in the neighboring and much larger Seattle.

In our vicinity there are especially a lot of Russians and Asians. Just a few days ago I met a young immigrant, coming  from  far Siberian Irkutsk. Many of them came to work for thriving IT sector. But not only. The only close  small grocery store is run by a couple of older Chinese people.

It was also nice to participate in the baby shower, which was attended by friends from Mexico. I also took part in class exercises with a friendly and hardworking Indian.

Diversity heritage may be also spotted next to Bellevue’s 

public library. It is demonstrated in Ghandi’s monument, being a result of the cooperation between local authorities and official associations representing India.

Ethnic minorities have always been a intrinsic part of American society. From my observations , the multi - culti model works here without serious problems.

I have already discussed the fact that in the U.S. it is unlawful to discriminate against lack of English language knowledge.  In labor law, there are strict rules prohibiting discrimination on grounds of race.

This week American media commented broadly on the racist remarks made a well-known basketball team owner. Public opinion criticism and the consequences of the scandalous statements proved devastating for him.

Meanwhile, as I way of nourishing cultural diversity and my Polish identity, I am beginning this week volunteering at the Seattle Polish Association.

H.xx