SF - Taiyaki

One place I always have to stop by whenever I am in Japantown is the little Taiyaki stand. (It's located in the Japan Center, where most of the restaurants are.) Taiyaki is basically a pastry treat made with waffle batter, which is poured into a fish-shaped mold, and a sweet filling. They have more flavors now, but since I haven't had one in a while, I had to get the original red bean filling. It was so good! Make sure to get yours heated, so you have a nice little crust and the filling is warm. So glad I stopped in to get one. I'll have to try the chocolate banana one next time.

MIA But Back Again

has it really been a year since i posted? shame on me. not that there was not a lot going on. i just got lazy, and somewhat disinterested in what was going on in Seattle. but that is changing...i moved back to the Bay Area this past weekend for a change of scenery. i have not lived in this area since i was 18 (over 10 years!) so i am sure a lot has changed, meaning more new things to discover. i already have a few things i want to post about already, but i'll be organized and dedicate a post per topic.

i'm planning on traveling soon as well, so keep an eye out on where in the world is ewo...

*this picture i took is not of me, but of my dear friend, rutsu! it just happens to be a favorite right now and wanted to share.

Floaties

it's been getting a little bit colder, so that means more time on the couch. and time to doodle.

NYC - Jeff Koons

there was also an awesome rooftop exhibit at the Met of Jeff Koons's works. the balloon dog was totally my favorite. i want one in my backyard! or it would be neat if they made miniature ones. in different colors. that'd make me pretty happy.




me and freddy. 2 of hearts in 1.

NYC - Olafur Eliasson

my my, it's been a while! i was over on the east coast for a bit in August and was able to check out several museums in NYC and see the Waterfalls too! lots of good stuff out there right now...

i made a couple attempts to view the NYC Waterfalls by Olafur Eliasson the best i could, but i ended up just viewing it from the waterfront, which turned out nicely. other attempts included:

1. night time: the falls were supposed to look prettier lit up, but i didn't really think it made that much of a difference. and for some reason, the brooklyn bridge waterfall was off that night. my pictures didn't turn out that well anyways... had to go back to see them again for sure.
2. ferry ride: they had free tix, which would have been awesome because they bring you pretty close to the falls, but of course, tix were out the days i wanted to go.

nonetheless, i was satisfied with what i got to see...definitely beautiful. i loved the concept of placing nature in an urban context.







made it over to PS1 as well to see some more of his work. it was so fun taking photos of his exhibits....

giant round rotating mirror hanging from the ceiling:





and then this beautiful mist waterfall...with the light shining on it just right:






i wish i had time to go to the MOMA to see the rest of Eliasson's works, but unfortunately, i didn't have time. ah well....at least i got to go to NYC!

Salk Institute

Last year, I watched My Architect, a documentary on Louis Khan. It was a pretty compelling story about his path as an architect and his personal life between his 3 families. There were some amazing shots of his buildings.... most memorable were the Jatiyo Sangshad Bhaban in Bangladesh and the Salk Institute in La Jolla. I would definitely love to visit his buildings if I could...especially in India!

But on a recent visit to the San Diego area, I actually stayed in La Jolla. The Salk Insitute was close enough to walk to, so I trekked on over there. When I arrived, a campus security guard informed me the interior was closed to the public on the weekend, but I wormed my way in. A researcher on his way in to work was kind enough to let me in to take some photos. Really glad I did, because I would have missed out on seeing the "endless" fountain in person.

First impression of the Institute was how cold and warm it felt at the same time. The straight lines and edges of the buildings seemed utilitarian, but modern. The symmetry and balance of the buildings and elements made it so easy to take wonderful photos of the Institute.

If there is anything to see at all in La Jolla, it would be the Salk Institute.











PS. i AM going to NYC to see Olafur Eliasson's Waterfalls!

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this makes me happy.