Well, today was the first day of my long vacation. The first leg of my trip takes me from Austin to Los Angeles via Long Beach Airport. It was a smooth flight and I arrived at my brother’s place in Redondo Beach in the evening just in time for dinner. That’s when the festivities began, with a flight of beer at HopSaint Brewing Company, then a drink at my brother’s fiance’s neighbor’s birthday party. After that, we went for a couple more drinks at Hudson House and then back home. What a fun night, and a nice way to start the vacation.
Photo info: Motorola Moto G (4), 3.64mm, f/2, 1/200 sec, ISO50 “New Clouds” Cedar Park, 2018
こんばんは。How’s it going?
Today I ran for the first time in my new On Cloud shoes. I want to make sure they are broken in for my upcoming China trip because I think we might be doing a lot of walking and I’d hate to get blisters because of new shoes. I’m not too worried, though, because these are the same size and model of my old running shoes, and they feel pretty much identical.
But besides breaking them in, I want to improve my stamina for the trip. Before Bay and I went to New York, I started running again in preparation for lots of walking around the city, and it really paid off. I was able to keep up with Bay for pretty much the whole trip! 💪
I have to say though that it was tough on my feet the first two days when I was wearing the Converse High-tops. Once I switched over to the running shoes, it was so much easier! That change, plus leaving the messenger bag at the Airbnb and just taking a small shopping bag, were real eye-openers – travel even lighter than usual and the day is much more enjoyable.
With that in mind, I think I will be taking my lightweight packable backpack which I used on our Disney trip last year for our daily excursions. It weighs almost nothing, but I will be able to throw in my power bank, extra camera batteries, and a water bottle.
Since we are going on a cruise and tour, I am not sure how much walking we will be doing, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. One scenario that I can imagine though, is getting tired on the Great Wall excursion.
When I visited China back in 1990(?), our tour group visited a section of the Great Wall, and we really wanted to reach one of the checkpoints to get a souvenir stamp. But dang, the wall was so steep and the steps were pretty big. And we were keeping an eye on the time since we had to be back at the bus soon. Wow, what a workout that was! But we made it to the checkpoint and got our stamps, then jogged back down to the bus. I haven’t thought about that in years, but it is truly a great memory.
Anyway, I wouldn’t be surprised if that same scenario plays itself out once again. So I ran today with that in mind. 😀
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/5.6, 1/1400 sec, ISO200 “One World Trade Center” New York City, 2018
こんばんは。How’s it going?
Today is our last day in New York City, as we are flying home early tomorrow morning. For this final day, we stayed towards the end of Manhattan Island. Our first stop was the 9/11 Memorial and its reflecting pools. These memorials are quite impressive and somber, with the names of the people who lost their lives etched all along the edge.
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/5.6, 1/110 sec, ISO200 “Reflecting Pool” New York City, 2018
We sat for quite a while near the memorial, I think partly because of the nature of the space, and also that we just needed a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. So after a quiet hour or so, we then headed to the top of One World Trade Center to the observation deck.
The elevator ride to the top is very interesting because the walls of the elevator are large screens which not only replicate the rising altitude but how the city changed all the way from its founding until the present day. It was an incredible show. Please check out this video, which will give you and idea.
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/8, 1/680 sec, ISO200 “The City” New York City, 2018
As you might guess, the view from the top of One World Trade Center is stunning. But even though you are at the top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, both Bay and I agreed that the view from Top of the Rock was more impressive, mostly because you are outdoors. But I think the observation deck of One World Trade Center is a must see. With this trip, I’ve now been to the top of Rockefeller Center, The Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, and the original WTC.
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/8, 1/210 sec, ISO200 “Looking Uptown” New York City, 2018Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/8, 1/350 sec, ISO200 “Towards Brooklyn” New York City, 2018
Next, we visited the 9/11 Museum, which is below ground. You can see the original steel foundation beams and slurry wall and many tributes in the forms of murals and paintings, but the heart of the museum has to be the historical exhibits that chronicle the timeline of September 11, 2001. It was shocking to relive that day, and there were several times when I felt tears welling up.
There was one exhibit/film in particular that describes the timeline of Flight 93 which crashed in Pennsylvania after the passengers stormed the cockpit of the hijacked jet. It was heartbreaking to hear the voicemail messages of passengers to their loved ones and families… That was extremely difficult to hear. 😢
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/2.8, 1/70 sec, ISO3200 “Memorial” New York City, 2018
I have to admit that I was not really looking forward to visiting this museum, but I am very glad I did. When we exited the museum I gave Bay a little hug. 😥
After the museum, I really needed to get some caffeine so we searched The Oculus building for the Starbucks. Unfortunately, we didn’t find one, but the building itself is really cool:
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/5.6, 1/240 sec, ISO200 “Oculus” New York City, 2018
Luckily there was a Starbucks on the way to Wall Street, so we had a short rest, I got my caffeine fix, we were ready to go. From the coffee shop, it was just a short walk to the Charging Bull statue. It was pretty cool, but I really enjoyed seeing the Fearless Girl. I wasn’t sure if it was a permanent sculpture or would be there, but it was! I admire what this statue stands for. Resiliency and the strength of the underdog, the less-privileged.
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/3.2, 1/100 sec, ISO800 “Fearless Girl” New York City, 2018
A couple blocks away are the New York Stock Exchange and the Federal Hall National Memorial. It was cool to be in the same place where George Washington was sworn in as the first president. You can actually see the floor that he stood upon to receive the oath.
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/3.2, 1/100 sec, ISO320 “NYSE” New York City, 2018Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/5, 1/100 sec, ISO2500 “George Washington” New York City, 2018Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/5, 1/100 sec, ISO2500 “George Washington and NYSE” New York City, 2018
After Wall Street, we headed back to SoHo for last-minute gift-shopping and then to our last dinner in NYC. And it had to be… pizza! 😆🍕
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/2.5, 1/60 sec, ISO3200 “Pizza Dinner” New York City, 2018
One the way back to our Airbnb I snapped a photo of this wall-art. I like to think of it as Bay and I enjoying our travel together. 😀
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/2.5, 1/100 sec, ISO1000 “Together” New York City, 2018
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/3.2, 1/55 sec, ISO3200 “Popular” New York City, 2018
こんばんは。How’s it going?
Today Bay and I visited a couple amazing places, but before I get into that, I have to mention breakfast. 😀 We went to a cozy little restaurant down the block called Jack’s Wife Freda. Bay had the chicken sandwich with fries, and I got the Green Shakshuka. They were both yummy! A great start to the day.
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/3.2, 1/100 sec, ISO2500 “Breakfast” New York City, 2018Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/3.2, 1/90 sec, ISO3200 “Chicken Sandwich” New York City, 2018
Next, it was time to hop on the subway, but first we had to charge up our MetroCards. Our 7-day unlimited passes expired so now we have to be a little more thoughtful about our subway travels. At $2.75 per ride, it’s still a great deal since you just pay once and can get off on any stop.
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/10, 1/100 sec, ISO2500 “Subway Art” New York City, 2018
The first major highlight of the day was the Museum of Modern Art, or MoMA. We immediately headed up to the 5th floor and were greeted with Brancusi’s amazing sculptures. I love Bird in Space and it was so neat to see two versions of it in the same room.
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/3.2, 1/100 sec, ISO800 “Bird in Space” New York City, 2018
Soon after that, we were blown away by the collection of paintings from Picasso, Cézanne, de Chirico, Leger, etc. And while most of the people were enamored with Van Gogh’s The Starry Night, I was staring at one of my favorite paintings, I and the Village by Marc Chagall. I’ve loved that painting ever since high school so I was floored to see it in person.
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/2.5, 1/100 sec, ISO2500 “Favorite Chagall” New York City, 2018
The Monets also were amazing, especially Water Lillies. I could stare at those for hours.
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/2.5, 1/100 sec, ISO2500 “Water Lillies” New York City, 2018
I also enjoyed the Matisse paintings. Fantastic! Every time I saw one of the paintings that I studied about in Art History classes, it was like seeing a celebrity in person. Really fun!
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/2.5, 1/100 sec, ISO1600 “Dancers” New York City, 2018
And of course, the Van Gogh paintings were amazing. The Starry Night is wonderful, but I love Olive Trees even more. The brushwork is incredible!
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/3.2, 1/80 sec, ISO3200 “Van Gogh” New York City, 2018
I truly love many of the paintings in the MoMA collection, but then there are ones that I just don’t care for. Take this one, for instance:
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/2.5, 1/100 sec, ISO2500 “Yeah, No” New York City, 2018
One thing that really bothered me was that I saw people touching paintings, not once, but twice! I love looking at paintings close up to see the detail without a glass barrier, but they really need to guard those paintings that aren’t behind glass a little more closely. It sucks that people poke the paintings with their oily fingers. 😡
After MoMA, we headed uptown to Columbia to catch the campus information session and tour. The campus is impressive and because it’s in the city, it’s very attractive. I think it would be a dream school for many students… living and studying in Manhattan.
I’ve talked to a few parents whose kids are in college and they all said that campus visits are very important. One school might look perfect on paper (and from the brochure/website) but once you visit, you might realize it’s not for you. I’m thinking that this is kind of what Cornell is for Bay. But since it’s the #1 Architecture school in the country, that will have some sway. On the other hand, Bay loves the city, so Columbia is probably his favorite so far.
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/7.1, 1/400 sec, ISO200 “Columbia” New York City, 2018Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/7.1, 1/210 sec, ISO200 “Columbia Tour” New York City, 2018
After the campus visit, we grabbed a quick dinner, then went to Times Square to buy a couple souvenir t-shirts (buy them from the street vendors, not inside the store) before heading back to our Airbnb in SoHo. It was getting late but we went for coffee at the nearby Starbucks and while Bay read his book, I worked on the blog. And I love this motto on the wall:
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/10, 1/10 sec, ISO3200 “Good Motto” New York City, 2018
When we left the coffee shop we got to see the fire department in action. Not sure what was going on, but those sirens are LOUD!
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/10, 1/4 sec, ISO3200 “FDNY” New York City, 2018
Another long day, but again, a fun one! Our NYC trip is coming to a close soon, which is good because I am starting to miss home!
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/2.8, 1/60 sec, ISO1000 “Photography Class” New York City, 2018
こんばんは。Today was yet another long but fun day. Actually, we didn’t have anything on the schedule that required us to be at a certain place at a certain time, so it was a nice, stress-free day.
We started late with a breakfast burrito and coffee at Dog Haus…
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/5.6, 1/210 sec, ISO400 “Macbook” New York City, 2018Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/4, 1/150 sec, ISO400 “Breakfast Burrito” New York City, 2018
… then took the subway…
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/4, 1/120 sec, ISO400 “Subway Entrance” New York City, 2018
… and started our shopping at the MoMA Design Store. I bought a couple gifts, but I also found a rain-jacket on sale. It’s been rainy and I’ve seen so many people with their waterproof jackets so I thought it would be a good idea to get one too.
Our next stop was Uniqlo where they had some better rain-jackets and I was about to buy one but then I checked the weather forecast, and the rainy week doesn’t look as bad as it did earlier. So, not only didn’t I buy the Uniqlo jacket, but I returned the MoMA jacket as well. Since I live in Texas, I probably won’t need a rain jacket anyways.
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/3.2, 1/60 sec, ISO500 “Warhol Skateboards” New York City, 2018
Next up was the International Center of Photography Museum, which had a Henri Cartier-Bresson exhibit and an Elliot Erwitt exhibit. I thought both were great! They are two pillars of photography so to see collections of both of their works in one afternoon was fantastic.
In fact, I was so inspired by what I saw that I had to shoot a few more black and white photos today. 😀
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/5.6, 1/40 sec, ISO6400 “Coney Island Bound” New York City, 2018Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/2.8, 1/60 sec, ISO640 “Grand Street Station” New York City, 2018
Next, we went across the street to the New Museum to check out their contemporary art exhibits. Both Bay and I weren’t too impressed with the art on display, however. The installations were too experimental and not relatable, at least for us. I prefer traditional paintings over installations and mixed media works. Most of the art we saw today showed no indication of craft or skill, which really turns me off.
After that, we decided to check out the New York City Public Library. It was pretty cool to see, but it’s not really a place to browse the stacks. The librarian I talked to said that most of the books are not in the stacks but in the vaults, so patrons will request books and they will be brought to them for their research.
Still, there was a free exhibit highlighting the culture of the 60s in America which was an interesting mix of art and history.
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/5.6, 1/280 sec, ISO200 “Library” New York City, 2018Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/5.6, 1/60 sec, ISO1600 “Time to Study” New York City, 2018
After a quick ramen/udon dinner, we stopped by the Apple Store in Grand Central Station where Bay got to play with the Macbook Pro he wants to get. While he was doing that, I occupied myself with taking some long exposure photos of the crowds on the main floor. It was a lot of fun!
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/11, 2 sec, ISO3200 “Rush Hour” New York City, 2018
And to end our day, we walked a couple blocks from our Airbnb to Taiyaki NYC to get some ice cream and taiyaki. The most popular menu item is the Unicorn, so of course I had to try that. It was yummy! A great way to end another fun day in New York City. 🦄🍦
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/2.5, 1/100 sec, ISO1250 “Unicorn Taiyaki” New York City, 2018
