The Hang

During our sprint around Saint-Petersburg, I came across a musician playing an unusually ‘UFO’ shaped instrument on his lap. At first, I thought the music was coming from another source. I couldn’t understand how such a beautiful melody could be produced by such a funny looking instrument. As I got closer, I saw that the melody was really coming from this instrument. He was gently tapping it’s metal surface using only his hands and fingers The melody produced was a mix of harp, bells and steelpan; a perfect relaxation music.

Musician playing the hang in Saint-Petersburg, Russia

I patiently waited for him to pause to ask him the name of this mysterious instrument: Hang he answered. Graduated from a musical school, I had never heard of such an instrument. Since I was falling behind, I then quickly bought his CD and continued on with my sightseeing. It’s afterwards that I learned that the Hang was invented in Bern, Switzerland at the beginning of the millenium. The word Hang means hand in the Bernese language, since it’s played using fingers and hands. Since 2000, the handpan family is growing, as well as it’s popularity around the world.

Yours truly,

Olga Markiza 

Unknown Talent

Costa del Sol stretches over 300 km on the southern coast of Spain, offering endless beaches, restaurants and snack bars. 

I first visited Torremolinos when i was in my late teens. It had left such a pleasant aftertaste in my mouth that made me return 10 years later. Once a poor fishing village, today Torremolinos shines bright as a popular European vacation destination. 

Choosing the right restaurant can be challenging in this region of Andalusia, because of it’s vast selection. 

Continuing along Paseo Maritimo towards the promenade la Carihuela, you will come upon a restaurant called Rincón del Gourmet. Known for their fresh fish, quality meat, and signature Iberian ham, this restaurant offers a cozy and charming atmosphere, friendly service with a view on the Mediterranean sea. 

I must admit however that my discovery of the day wasn’t this charming restaurant but undoubtedly a guitarist by the name of Miguel Batana. Originally from Malaga, his performance at Rincón del Gourmet varied from Spanish folk to his own interpretation of Lasciatemi Cantare. Aside from the delicious food, his voice was why I returned to the restaurant the very next evening. I simply couldn’t get enough. Miguel Batana made me realize how many unknown talents there are all over the world and how today’s music is formula driven, making it harder for artists to find success. 

It’s unfortunate that very little is known about this so talented musician.

Yours truly,

Olga Markiza