Los Angeles

I went back home to California for the holidays, and it was definitely good to catch up with family and friends.

Went for a walking tour in Pasadena to see the Gamble House, which is a beautifully crafted house. I definitely recommend the tour if you're in town.

@ The Grove - great place to window shop and enjoy the fresh air.

@ the Walt Disney Concert Hall


Now I'm back in NY, and it's back to work for this chica!

Labor Day Weekend

Went exploring this weekend around NY.

Chinatown.


On Crosby Street.


Housing Works Bookstore, Soho.


Sunset Park, Brooklyn.

New York, New York

Hello! I apologize for the lack of updates. I moved to New York this past weekend, and I have been running around the city getting used to my new surrounding. In this coming year, I will be volunteering. There's going to be many challenges, but it will definitely be a rewarding experience. I am ready to serve. Hopefully I will post up photos soon. In the meantime, please enjoy some photos from Flickr.


Photo credit: David Teter


Photo credit: Keaton Andrew


Photo credit: Von Schnauzer

Well, I'm off to do some soul searching!

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.

One Step At a Time

San Francisco homes

Presidio, the Palace of Fine Arts

Sausalito

While I am at home running errands and taking a class, some of my friends are on vacation! They must be having a great time. A former professor of mine once told my class that she liked to live vicariously. I think that is true for many. That's why I like reading blogs and oogling over travel photos.

A few months ago, I went to San Francisco with my mom and brother. We stayed at the Fisherman's Wharf and tried out various restaurants. Some of my favorites include: Good Mong Kok Bakery (delicious dim sum at inexpensive prices) and the Boudin Cafe (rave-worthy clam chowder in their sour dough bread). I am not particularly picky with food; I eat just about anything that's healthy and/or delicious. We were in the mood for some Chinese food, so we headed out to R & G Lounge. They did not disappoint; good food, fast service, and a warm ambience. I really liked their R&G Special Beef.

If you can't venture out for a vacation, no worries! A day trip to the beach or hiking a local trail will suffice. I read in an Elle magazine that it doesn't matter if you go or not - planning a trip will boost your happiness. How wonderful is that?

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