January 15, 2008
I've never actually had a personal blog before. This is where I suppose I can write about what I'm doing with my photographs and what I'd like to portray in them. I'm very much impressed with what I see in day to day life. I'm always interested in other photographers and what they seem to be able to capture on film.
I want to be able to contribute to that creativity, and make a lasting impression on people. My goal is to wander the streets of different cities and take people down different paths. I love showing friends what I've had the opportunity to see, which is the absolute beauty in this world. It may sound artificial but I feel that it's necessary. I want to be able to have a connection with what I do and how it's seen.
I've had some harsh critiques in the past, sometimes even none at all. No suggestions, comments, or criticisms. That to me is unusual. Everyone has an opinion, and if you respect artists in general, they want to know what you think, whether you think it's ugly, or unappealing. Tell us. No need to sugar coat it. Bring your own personal perspective to light. That drives us, and gives us initiative and incentive to work off of people, and feed that need for artistic integrity and fulfillment.
My absolute favorite place is Japan. I adore the people and the culture, and the taste and sounds. There are so many places undiscovered, and streets seemingly untouched. Traveling is when I'm the most happy. I'm full of energy, and totally bouncing from place to place. It's a natural high, and the endorphins are pulsating through my veins.
Landed in Narita, took a connecting flight to Osaka, where we then took a shuttle service which took us straight to Kyoto. We had a delicious dinner at home, and went to bed early because of our exhaustion from the 10 hour flight. The next morning we woke up at 6am and took a brisk walk through the country fields and visited some neighborhood temples. For lunch we ate hiyayako which is so fresh here, with really good noodles. Our first stop of the day was Kinkakuji shrine which is a golden temple on a lake. We walked around the quaint shops and boutiques in that area. I bought an ornament for my Dad. There was this great hidden location of carved stone heads called Atago Tera in Kyoto that is such a treat. We were walking, and just decided to go in. It's secluded and in a remote spot, but something just drew us in. It was definitely a pleasant surprise. One of my favorite places is Fushimi Inari. There are two foxes as the mascot or guardians of the shrine, and these gorgeous torii's which were red adorned with people's names lined the walkways up to the top of the mountain. So, imagine rows and rows of torii for as far as you could see right in front of you, like a tunnel leading to heaven.
We then head toward our hotel, got settled a bit, and walked to the shopping district downtown called Terimachi, Shijo. Went to Byodoyin which is a beautiful temple. It's also on the 10 yen. The phoenix birds were amazing atop of the structured building. We were constantly stopping in sushi boat restaurants which are plentiful in Japan. They're fun, and really good!
Took the train to Momoyama (The Peach Mountain) and saw the street festival and walked along the shops and small booths that sell everything you could ever want. We celebrated along with the temple festival which was called Gokougu Matsuri. I bought an Astroboy mask which landed in the hands of Kyle-chan. The lady across the street that likes to clap, woke me up in the morning.
February 17, 2008
I just returned from Harbin Hot Springs. It was an amazing experience. I didn't take one photo, which was a huge surprise. The area was tremendously relaxing, and the trees were unreal under the moonlit sky. It's nice to be able to go and appreciate your surroundings without having to take out your camera every other second, although the thought did cross my mind. It was so serene, and calming. I'm not sure I've had a more soothing experience. Being able to share that time and not have any electrical equipment felt like a huge relief. I hope my experience in India in March, will be as fulfilling.
March 5th, 2008 First day in Ubud and it's a lovely part of Bali. The people are interesting and I'm enjoying my time here overall. We went to see the Monkey Temple, and rice fields and the many adorable monkey's. We rode around on motor bikes all day and ate traditional fare, like Mie Goreng, and Nasi Padang, all vegetarian of course. There was a vegetarian restaurant in Kuta, called Aroma Cafe which was a Lonely Planet recommendation. I loved the authentic food that was served. I had the vegetarian tempeh which was delicious.
Sitting on Dreamland beach, really is a dream. It's a beautiful day, extremely hot with really intense waves. We took a bit of a detour to experience a day and night of silence for Nypei. I got to see their ooga ooga monsters in the street festivals here. I had such a prime spot too in front of the main host. The very night I arrived, I got to see the most massive creatures, in hues of vibrant blue, and red.
I rode the scooter out in the most populated area on Kuta beach. It was great fun venturing out on my own. The bugs here are so unafraid and they roam around as they please. It's like we're in a tropical paradise that was made just for them, and we're just passing through. In the rice fields of Bali, there are men standing there waiting to make some sort of movement with the ropes, and blankets to scare the birds away from the crop.
The funniest thing is that the Balinese receive one of four names in their culture. Wayan, Made, Nyoman, and Ketut. It starts all over again if they have more than four children, which can get a bit confusing when you're introduced to three Wayan's throughout an evening.
I stayed in inexpensive Bungalows which were quite luxurious. There was this incredible view of some rice fields from the top floor of my room in Ubud. The most I spent is on food, and renting bikes/taxi's and even that is cheap. It's really a paradise here, it's no wonder it's a vacation destination for so many tourists. When I first got off the plane, I was wondering if I was in a European country because of all the blond hair, blue eyed people waiting in the customs line. I tell the locals that they're lucky because they get to live in such a green, part of the world and they say they would prefer to live in America. Their top choices ranged from New York City, to Los Angeles.
Bali is such a spiritual place. I sat with the locals and made flower and bamboo offerings to the Gods. It's an art practice in itself. At the Bali Spirit Festival, I took an intense Xi Gong class. It's really a body, and breathing exercise, that combines mental strength, and chi energy. It was incredibly euphoric.
I had the most amazing experience at Apakabar Villas, in Amed. When I was snorkeling yesterday, I felt like Alice in Wonderland in the most lush tropical rainforest. The water was truly amazing with blue raspberries in the water with such everlasting magnificence. I was out there for at least half a day swimming. I could hardly believe the beauty of it all. It was well worth the 4 hour scooter drive out to Amed by myself, through twists and turns, hills and trees, and not one person, speaking a word of English along the way. I got to see an awesome Japanese shipwreck from WWII the very next day in the ocean. It was quite remarkable.
I got caught in the rain today when I rode from Amed to Ubud. I didn't realize how close I had gotten to Ubud on my ride, so I asked a truck driver to pick up my bike and deliver it to the hotel on Hanomen Street. I felt kind of silly doing it after finding out I was pretty much there. There aren't any street signs, so it was nice to get a lift and not have to worry about directions.
There was a lightning storm going on in the middle of the night, after the long day of rain, with a Balinese song that ran through a loud speaker in the distance. It was so calming, and peaceful. The bats were flying through the night so beautifully.
June 8, 2008 The New Contemporary Jewish Museum was really nice. I really liked the exhibition.
June 11, 2008 It was so great seeing Kimie tonight. She's getting married in four days, and I'm ecstatic for her. I wanted to scream when I saw her. She's looking spectacular, and I suppose that women getting married have that special glow about them, but wow. I can't wait for the ceremony!
November 10, 2008 It's Sarina's birthday on Friday. We're making pizza. I'll undoubtedly be bringing soy cheese, some sort of organic pizza dough, and brocolli (my favorite pizza topping of all time). I'm sorry to be missing Jasmine's Belly dancing performance that night at Pink. I'm sure she'll be fantastic, as she always is. Go check her out, if you have the time!
I was a big fan of Twitter for a second, but now I just feel like I need to focus on more productive things and websites that are actually stimulating me in a positive way.
My relationship with Chy has flourished over the past few months. I was so thrilled that she flew out to my photography exhibition. She was only able to stay for one night, and I was unfortunately too preoccupied to really appreciate her presence and hang out with her. But it was great to have her there. I'm also, accepting of Steve. He has his quirks and, I know he's a bit awkward, but it's in a cute, and endearing sort of way. I'm just glad that she's happy. That's all that really matters.
I was at a very exclusive party, with an Edwardian, masquerade theme on Saturday. I've never seen so many beautiful people in one place. The decor was so elaborate, and it was held at the Armory. If only I could describe, in words, the magnitude of this particular event. It must be the best thing I've ever attended.
My best friends are traveling, and for the first time, I'm hanging out in the city. Bruce & Kathy are in New Zealand, Jade is in Mae Sot, Jas is in Costa Rica, Jill & Jeremy are in China, and Sarina is in Germany.
January 15, 2009 Living life and not sitting behind a computer everyday feels pretty good. I'm riding around on my Vespa thinking, ok, I love the independence and freedom that it gives me, and yet, somehow I feel isolated. Planning plays such a crucial role in seeing people in the city. If it's not on their calendar, and they haven't penciled you in, then it can't happen. I feel like a nomad often times, jumping from one place to another, and always feeling at home when I'm with friends. I have such a huge amount of love to share with family and friends, sometimes it overpowers me. I want to help, and share, and laugh, and play with too many people all at once. So I'm throwing a birthday party for myself on Friday, imagine that. Many thanks goes out to Jeff & Jenny for letting me host in their lovely home.