kilometre zero

Ever since I heard about this from Gang, I’ve thought it was a fascinating concept – that there would be a certain point from which all “distances are traditionally measured” in a country. I learned that the Philippine km0 is the flag pole on the west side of Luneta. This explains all the road markers spread out all over the country.  

Ahhhhh.  

According to Wikipedia, the km0 is present in most countries BUT none in the English-speaking world. I wonder why.

And then I found out that it is also the name of an international collective of artists who met at Shakespeare and Co. in Paris. This Kilometer Zero provides everyone “the space, time and inspiration to follow their artistic and political dreams. In doing so, we humbly hope to make the world a better place.” I found both bookstore and organization amazing.

clarechronicles is my km0 – the jump-off point and open space for happy chances, travelogues, inanities and the YTRiP campaign, PILI-PINAS. And sometimes - when it cannot be helped, a bit of drama.

 It’s time to move.

I begin here – my virtual Luneta. Feel free to walk through.

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POSTSCRIPT: Only in the Philippines (perhaps?)

I just found out today (16Aug07) that KM0 in this country moved. Twice.
First it was the Manila Cathedral (as it is the Notre Dame in Paris), and then the Flagpole in Luneta, and now people-speak says it’s the Rizal monument. (Thanks Tammy for the info). I would have liked it being the Cathedral, though primarily because it’s the original site… then again, here we change streetnames at will… what’s next? (Seriously this has to be regulated!)