Christmas Day Bagels

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/60 sec, ISO160
“Christmas Bagels” Torrance, 2024

The annual bagel brunch was a hit once again! I always kick things off with salmon and onion, then treat myself to pastrami, onion, pesto, and cheese. After that, it’s a free-for-all, but I typically end up with something on toasted rye. Naturally, every bagel gets a generous layer of cream cheese. Absolutely delicious!

Sedona to Torrance

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/60 sec, ISO1000
“Breakfast” Cottonwood, 2024

Today was a long travel day, starting in Sedona, Arizona, and ending in Torrance, California. We kicked things off with a yummy breakfast at the Old Town Red Rooster Café in Cottonwood before hitting the road. Bay took the wheel for the first leg, and I drove the California stretch.

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/340 sec, ISO80
“Driver” Arizona, 2024

After a full day of driving, dinner at CoCo Ichibanya hit the spot. I usually go for level 10 spiciness, but this location now offers levels 15 and 20! Naturally, I had to try level 15. It was spicy, though I feel like their old level 10 from years back packed more heat. Either way, I’m definitely trying level 20 next time!

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/60 sec, ISO320
“Katsu Curry” Torrance, 2024
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/120 sec, ISO320
“Spiciness Level” Torrance, 2024

A Day in Sedona

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 9mm, f/2.8, 1/2700 sec, ISO20
“Sedona Sunrise” Sedona, 2024

We spent the entire day in Sedona, starting with a chilly but beautiful sunrise outside our hotel. Afterward, we enjoyed a hearty breakfast at the Coffee Pot restaurant before setting out for a few scenic hikes in the area. Later, we wrapped up the day by unwinding with a delicious beverage and burger. It was just about as perfect as a day could get!

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/1600 sec, ISO80
“On the Trail” Sedona, 2024
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/6.4, 1/1250 sec, ISO320
“Beautiful Vista” Sedona, 2024
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/7.1, 1/1700 sec, ISO320
“Sana in Sedona” Sedona, 2024
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/4.5, 1/240 sec, ISO320
“Evening Refreshment” Sedona, 2024

Aliens and Tacos

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.6900000572505mm, f/1.9, 1/15 sec, ISO800
“Alien Encounter” Roswell, 2024

We kicked off the day with a quick breakfast at our hotel before heading to the International UFO Museum & Research Center. It was my third visit, and I feel the exhibits have improved a bit over the years. It’s still quite hokey but undeniably charming – definitely worth a stop!

Next, Bay drove us to Albuquerque, where we enjoyed a tasty lunch at Taqueria Mexico. Bay’s birria tacos were incredible, and my carnitas burrito wasn’t bad either!

I took over the driving afterward, and we arrived at our hotel in Sedona by early evening. A long travel day, but fun to spend it with family!

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/100 sec, ISO50
“Driver” Roswell, 2024
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/60 sec, ISO125
“Birria Tacos” Albuquerque, 2024