Chicago!

Last week, I visited Chicago with my mom for a few days, and I definitely enjoyed the trip. Some of the trip highlights were: visiting the Arts Institute of Chicago, touring Frank Lloyd Wright's Home and Studio, and going on the architecture boat tour. Public transportation was easy to use; I mainly googled the directions the night before and asked the locals for help. Sometimes we used a taxi when we were pressed for time, and it was relatively inexpensive because everything is close together. People in Chicago are friendly and helpful. My former supervisor is from Chicago, so she was helpful in recommending where to stay, go, and eat. Here are some photos from the trip:

Waiting for the boat tour.

On the boat ride learning about the various buildings.

I brought my traveling gnome with me. Mom asked if they came in smaller sizes. I think she's embarrassed that I bring it along every time we travel. :D

In front of The Bean or also known as Cloud Gate. I have been wanting to go to Chicago for many years to see The Bean. It was definitely worth the wait.

We walked through the Millenium Park to visit the Art Institue of Chicago. They have so many wonderful artists. I wanted to stay there the whole day. Thank goodness I was allowed to take pictures inside.


Standing in front of a home that Frank Lloyd Wright designed.

President Obama was in town for his 49th birthday. We got stuck in traffic because he was passing through. So we hopped out of the bus and waited for him to drive by. There were so many cars that I didn't which one he was in. Mom just waved to every car hoping to catch a glimpse of Obama.

We had a great view of the John Hancock building from our hotel window.

I thoroughly enjoyed the trip. The weather was for the most part good. It was hot at times, but the light rain would cool down the weather. Sightseeing was fun, transportation was convenient, and the food was delicious.

Trip to the Getty Villa

I'm happy to say that I am now done with my summer classes. This weekend has been enjoyable thus far. I've been catching up with friends and eating good food.

A few weeks ago, I went to the Getty Villa in Malibu. I went on the last day of their Aztec Exhibition; they definitely brought in some note-worthy pieces. The Aztecs were known for their human sacrifice rituals, and so their huge statues with enlarged organs reflected that.

I would highly recommend that you visit the Villa if you get the chance. Admission is free; you just have to make reservations in advance online. I feel like I am in Italy when I visit.

What's going on?

Hello. I am excited for Thanksgiving break which starts in seven hours. Until then, I will be doing work. Something about the holidays makes me want to go to museums. It's quite beautiful during the winter season.

I took this photo at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles a few years ago on Christmas day.


The Getty Villa in Malibu is another amazing museum. The architecture and outdoor design makes me feel like I am in Rome.


For MOCA's 30th Anniversary, the Italian artist, Francesco Vezzoli, will escort Lady Gaga to the museum. I didn't hear about him until the NY Times mentioned the news.


Lady Gaga, above, and Eva Mendes below. I like the remake of La Dolce Vita.


MoMA in New York City is featuring Asian films. Their theme is ContemporAsian. Thanks to globalization, films are easily distributed throughout different cultures and languages.


So what are you doing? Plan a trip to a museum!

Photo credits: www.getty.edu,
www.nytimes.com,
www.moma.org