Bali

I've just gotten to the section in Eat, Pray, Love where Liz is in Indonesia. I went there almost 10 years ago and reading about her adventures, so different than mine, makes me recall my trip. It's hard to believe that it's been so long ago already...

It was less than a year after my mom had died, and the first time in my adult life that I had traveled to an impoverished Asian country. And while Elizabeth Gilbert's book touches on the poverty and corruption of the island's colorful past, experiencing it with my own eyes was a disconcerting experience. I couldn't help but compare the people and locale to my mom and where she grew up in the Philippines, also an impoverished Asian country. I'm pretty good at trying to keep my emotional experiences separate from my tangible ones, but the death of your mother sticks with you more than anything. As some of you know. I remember thinking while I was there, that I have no desire to ever go back. Before that trip, Bali had always sounded so glamorous and exotic. And the reality was disheartening. Perhaps it is an Island of the Gods, but it's far from paradise. However reading Liz's book makes me remember the beauty of the people and the island.

A woman carrying her goods on her head, a common way to carry things in Asia. This was taken near Ubud, where Liz lived for those 4 months.

Near Ubud.

Getting ready for a spiritual ceremony at a temple near Ubud.

Lake at Mount Batur.

At the Elephant Cave, or Goa Gajah. There is a mix of Buddhist and Hindu spiritual symbols here and is estimated to have been built around 1022AD.

At Goa Gajah, there are amazing bathing pools:
The bathing pools are divided into 2, one for women the other for men, each with three water spouting statues.

This the Mother Temple, Pura Besakih. It is Bali's most holy and Indonesia's biggest Hindu temple.

A little peak at a private ceremony at the Mother Temple.

These were our tour guides. Niti, on the left showed us around the whole day. The other man was our guide thorough the temple.

Interesting architecture at the temple.

Still at the Mother Temple. She's carrying heavy stone bricks on her head!

The flowers and plant life take over everything.

Rice terraces of Bali.

I can't remember the name of this instrument, but it's traditional Balinese and Niti played it for us during one of our stops.

A view from above. Bali is very lush. Notice the feral dog and cat. The island had plenty of feral animals.

We saw a couple of traditional Balinese dances.
This was the Barong Dance. A dance that depicts the fight between good and evil.

A beautiful Barong Dancer.

Talented wood carver in Mas.

The Temple of the Holy Water, or Pura Tirta Empul.
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Beyond

Maybe I am, but at least I know my contractions well enough to know when to use you're vs. your.

Sign leaving Hope, Arizona.
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Here leezard, leezard, leezard

Arizona Lizards



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Far From Paradise

I'm the type of person who usually blogs about the warm fuzzies in life. I try focus on the affirmative. No need to dwell on the negative. Or at least publicize it. But sometimes, I come across something so distressing that it sticks with me for days, weeks, or a lifetime.

Right now, this something is the Salton Sea.

I can't explain the technical or environmental issues that have/are happened here, but I can tell you what I saw and what I felt when we went to the Salton Sea last Friday evening.
As we approached the Salton Sea, it looked like just about any other lake in the California desert.

In fact, there were glimpses of paradise.

But here are a few things about this body of water that's not typical:
-The surface of the sea is over 200 feet below sea level.
-Currently, agricultural runoff via nearby rivers, is largely responsible for sustaining it.
-There's no outlet, so evaporation is the only way the water is lost, leaving more salt than water.
-Because of the evaporation, the concentration of pesticides and pollutants left in the sea increases.
-Approximately 400 species of birds have been documented at the Salton Sea and it's a major resting stop for migratory birds.
-Thousands of birds have mysteriously died since 1996 at the Salton Sea and is still a significant issue today.

Here's another almost picturesque photo.

But are you ready for a closer look?
It's not sand that lines the sea shore...
it's salt...barnacles...

fish bones and carcasses.

Millions of fish carcasses left because of massive die-offs.

And there are more dead fish floating in the sea.

I don't think I need to go into detail about the stench.

Some of the die-offs are unexplainable, others occur every year during the hot summer months when the water evaporates and oxygen levels decrease dramatically.

While a few people claim the water is safe, my eyes tell me differently.

Of course, my observations totally oversimplify the actual issues. Jimmy and I talked it for hours, he's spent countless more researching it. And I've scratched the surface reading about it online. I'm a visual learner, just reading about something doesn't have nearly the impact as actually seeing it in person or being able to touch or smell it. And even though my tendencies are to gloss over the icky stuff, I know when I've been slapped in the face of reality.
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Desert Flowers

We left Sedona Friday morning. Saturday went to our niece's college graduation in Claremont, then drove home after dinner with the family, getting home at 2:15am. Sunday, as you may imagine, was a do-absolutely-nothing day aside from spoiling the kitty.
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Sedona: Day 2

I’ve never had much affection for the desert. Jimmy and I both easily criticize it. However, neither of us have seen a desert quite like Sedona.
I’m certain that much of our admiration of this beautiful place has to do with the time of the year we’re visiting. Spring has to be this little of bit of desert’s magical time of the year. Not only do the reds in the rock and soil seem to just burst, and the greens are still green not sun burnt brown, but wildflowers are everywhere.
But as I learned the hard way…
…wear appropriate shoes when exploring the desert. Yes, despite my thoughtful footing, I still managed to get one of those cactus needles stuck in my foot. I took this photo after the fact to remind myself of my stupidity.

Many of the rock formations in Sedona are named by what they resemble, like Coffee Pot Rock, Chimney Rock and even Snoopy Rock.While we don’t know the actual name of this rock, you can imagine what we nicknamed it.

Today, we traveled by car, staying on pavement rather than brave the dirty bumpy roads. We decided to go to Montezuma Castle National Monument.The Sinagua people built this dwelling in the early 1100s and lived here till the 1400s. It’s built about 100 feet above the ground.

It has 5 levels, about 20 rooms and housed around 35 people. Several more Sinagua people lived in other homes built within this mountain, but most of the ruins have been destroyed. I encourage you to click on any of the links above to learn more.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve felt a connection to Native Americans, so for me to merely say this was an awesome place would be an understatement.

Later in the afternoon on our way back to Sedona, we stopped for a quick geocache.

and saw beautiful rainbow with the pot of gold leading right into Sedona.

We got into town with enough time for another geocache near the airport till we joined the 100+ other people at an overlook to enjoy the sunset
and end the day sunkissed, happy and feeling blessed.
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Sedona: Day 1

We are in Sedona, Arizona.

We drove over 12 hours yesterday, arriving just before midnight. While it was a v.e.r.y long drive, it was very nice, too. We drove through the California desert where we grew up, so it's always fun making fun of reminiscing about the high desert. As a bonus, we ate at one of the western most Cracker Barrel's for dinner. Bring on the sweet tea!

That catches us up to today, Wednesday, our first day in Sedona. After lunch at Oaxaca Restaurant uptown, we headed to the Sedona Off-Road Center to rent a Tomcar for the afternoon.
The tomcar is a street legal vehicle made to handle rough terrain. And while all the roads we were on are legal forest service roads, the dips, bumps, rocks and dust definitely made it a very adventurous ride that brought us to locations we couldn't have seen in a regular car.

These are a few favorite pics of the day:
Along Schnebley Hill Road

Indian Paintbrush

At a vista point overlooking Sedona




Soldier Pass Trail

Balancing rock

I tried my hand at the wheel. It was a lot of fun, but admit that I prefer being a passenger so I could enjoy the views rather than the road.
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Good intentions gone bad - or - a lack of fortitude

You may recall my proclamation in February about attempting to eat less fast food. However, something happens with good intentions when you're traveling. I hate to admit it, but I ate fast food 4 times during my 6 days of traveling.
Granted, 2 of the times I was with kids so in my reasoning, those are justifiable, but the other 2 times were purely because I was driving for 6 hours and didn't want to stop for a 'real meal'.
Sigh.
However, I'm getting back on track. No fast food till...? hopefully as long as possible.
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Flying over the Sierra Nevada

The magnificent Sierra Nevada Mountains. Our hideaway is hidden somewhere within that range.
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Chicago: Day 3

I’ve mentioned before that at one point in my life, I wanted to be an architect.

So one of the events on my must-see lists was the Frank Lloyd Wright home and studio tour.

I started my tour with a self-guided audio walking tour that led me though his neighborhood, highlighting many of the homes that he designed along with homes that his students and associates designed. The tour also highlighted this Unity Temple which he designed. Definitely a Frank Lloyd Wright design, but certainly not a typical church style.

After about an hour and a half walking through the neighborhood, I got back in time for the home and studio tour. Unfortunately, no photos allowed. He built, lived worked in this house from 1889 till 1909 when he moved to Europe, working there till 1911. This house was restored to how it looked in 1909.

Jimmy’s conference ended at 3 today, so we had time to explore Chicago together. YAY! It was bitter cold and windy. There’s no doubt in this California girl’s mind that Chicago being called “The Windy City” is appropriate. Bitter, bitter cold. We walked to the Chicago River, which was still green from the day before. The dye just dissipates after time as the water from Lake Michigan flows in to replace it.

We found ourselves at the fun reflective bean, so of course, I couldn’t resist another self-portrait .
We had dinner in the city. Fantastic soup and dessert, but note to self: seafood in Chicago, especially in the winter, can’t compare to seafood in California any time of the year.
We are homeward bound on Monday. We’ll be very happy to be home. I’m exhausted from all the walking and being cold. Jimmy’s exhausted from bending his brain, and we’re certain the kitty misses us.
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Chicago: Day 2

Ohboy, when I went downtown today, I had no idea what was in store. I got a bit of an inkling when I got on the train and 90% of the people were dressed in Kelly green. Then within 5 stops, the train was packed like sardines. Apparently, the city celebrates St. Patrick’s day the Saturday before if the 17th falls on, say a Monday.
Well, since I didn’t plan on attending any St. Pat’s parades or drinking green beer since 6am, I kept my schedule as planned.

I went to the top of the Hancock Building, on the 94th floor, where I had amazing views of Chicago.

Here’s the Chicago skyline, looking south from the Hancock building. The top of the Sears Tower is covered by the fog. By the way, it was 28 degrees and windy. You may notice that bit of green at the bottom left. I’ll get to that in a little bit.

This is Lake Shore Drive. North of the tower.

Here’s a view of Navy Pier. Looked so appealing, I decided to walk there.

It was a long walk. I was tired. I was cold. I took just a few photos.

But getting this view was worth the walk to Navy Pier. Notice the color of the water. That’s the color the river normally is. Remember this color when you see the river in a few more pics.

The Chicago Tribune tower. Love the neo-gothic architecture.

The Wrigley Building. Like Wrigley's chewing gum? Well, this is their building. Nice, huh?
Ok, now let me get to the main event of the day.

The green Chicago River.

It’s been a tradition to dye the river green for St. Patrick’s day for the past 40+ years.


It’s sponsored by the Plumbers Union, Local 130, not the city of Chicago.

Why? I donno. Because they can, I suppose.

They use a Plumber’s dye that’s used to detect leaks.

And it’s a big hit.

The ducks don’t seem to mind.

There were a ton of people there, enjoying the festivities and views. And probably the green beer more than anything.
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Chicago: Day 1

Fantastic view to wake up to, isn’t it? We’re at a hotel near O’Hare airport, which can be somewhat noisy with the planes landing and taking off, but it’s fun watching them.

As Jimmy began his conference, I took the train downtown. My first stop was the Art Institute. Before we left on this trip, the most common thing my friends said I had to do was go to the Art Institute. I’m glad I took them up on their suggestion. I spent a quick 90 minutes there, enjoying some of my favorites like Picasso, Dali, Matisse, Monet and the special exhibition of Edward Hopper. I could only spend 90 minutes because I still had a bunch of things on my todo list. Besides, it was noon and I was hungry. I have my priorities.


On my way to lunch, I stopped to take photos of this Crown Fountain. It portrays images of Chicagoians. During the warmer months, it’s a fountain where water squirts out of mouths and such where children of all ages play.


I grabbed a sandwich and sat by the fantastic Cloud Gate or more affectionately The Bean at Millennium Park . So much fun people watching especially with the warm sun. It was actually in the high 40s, low 50s today. Blessings.

As you all probably know, when you’re adventuring alone, it’s not likely that there’ll be many photos of yourself. That’s where reflective mirrors become the friend of anyone requiring a self-portrait. The Bean must be the best thing for anyone wanting to capture their own image. Me, dead center.

But I’m sure that it’s intended purpose was to reflect the amazing Chicago skyline in fun and unusual distortions.

The guide book I’m reading recommended taking the brown line El (Elevated Train) because it snakes around the downtown highrises, crosses the Chicago River and cuts through many Chicago neighborhoods, giving the visitor a local’s view of the city. I liked the idea, so I did exactly that. Took the brown line out about 10 stops, walked to the other platform and headed back into downtown. I got out near the Sears Tower and just walked around the downtown Loop awhile.

Within the Loop, there are some famous sculptures. This one is the Flamingo by Calder at Federal Center Plaza.

This one is clearly a Picasso, which is untitled.

And this one is Dubuffet’s “Monument with Standing Beast.”

This one apparently is a changing piece: Pigeons warming by an eternal flame. Just kidding, it’s not really an exhibit. But the eternal flame is at Daley Center Plaza for some reason I’m sure, which I’ll look up why sometime, just not today.

St. Patrick’s Day is Monday and it’s well known that Chicago dyes the river green. I guess they dyed this fountain as a precursor of the event.

And one of the last views of the day before heading back was the famous Chicago Theater.
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My extra day: Nothing different

You'd think I would have taken advantage of this extra day, this odd 29th day of February. But i didn't. How did you spend your extra 24 hours?

We're going to Chicago in 2 weeks. Jimmy's going to his annual Python conference (programming language, not the snake...I had some of you wondering for a second there, didn't I?). For the most part, I've never been. Drove through the city 12 years ago, but only stopped at Walgreens to get a bottle of water. What are your favorite Chicago spots? Great restaurants? Neighborhoods I shouldn't miss? Do you know what the weather is typically like around the 15th of March? Clueless California girl looking for help. Thanks in advance!
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hello from NYC

You have to believe we are magic...nothing can stand in our way!
Sorry, still on a Xanadu high. Saw it Sunday matinee. Beyond fabulous! Would expound but ohsovery tired.
want to give few lots more details, but it's late and seriously...so very tired, but wanted to pop in and say hello! for now, so far:

Sunday:
-Breakfast at Balthazar's
-Shopping at Kate's Paperier
-Xanadu
-Dinner at Junior's
-Marathon viewing of Sex in the City

Monday:
-Lunch during the Food and History Tour. 3.5 hours, walking in 11 degrees, with wind chill that made it actually feel like -3 degrees. California Girl thanks NYC for being so thoughtful on the weather.
this tour was amazing! totally worth being in what actually felt like sub zero temperatures for 3.5 hours. we did walk into restaurants and food shops so weren't outside the entire 3.5 hours so at least we got a few moments to recover while inside. and eat very very good food. Including:
a slice at Joe's Pizza
Artisan bread featuring O&Co olive oil, cherry balsamic vinegar and sea salt.
An amazing beatnik underground 'theater' downstairs in the Cornelia Street Cafe
Cheese tasting at Murray's Cheese
Thai dumplings at Lime Bistro
Chocolate chip and oatmeal cookie at Milk and Cookies Bakery
Another slice of pizza at Bleeker Street Pizza
Ending with Italian cannoli's at Rocco's Pastries
Plus lots of other influential restaurants and historic sights in the village.
Again, I hope to give more details later.
-actually went to the fitness center and rode stationary bike for 20 minutes after the above indulgence.
-Out again for dinner at Patsy's back in the Village. Split misto salad and penne a la vodka with my SIL.
-then dessert at Chocolate at the Bald Man's.
Back to apartment to ooze. and thaw. and sleep.
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2:08 NYC bound

Can you tell I've been a bit single minded lately?
I have a zillion things on my to-do list, haven't sat down for more than 10 minutes since I got home at 2:30. But somehow I managed to find the time to make this little Daily Card/ATC and blog about it. I have to wake up in 6 hours, of course my typical MO is not enough sleep before a trip. "I can sleep on the plane" is my motto. I can never sleep on the plane. Can anyone? I had to let go of a few items on my list that I know won't happen, but my house is clean (by my standards) and I'm almost packed.

A few things on our agenda:
-Browsing through the New York Public Library
-Food and History walking tour of Greenwich Village
-Going to the Top of the Rock
-Cupcakes at Magnolia Bakery
-Xanadu, the musical on Broadway
-eating at the Grand Central Oyster Bar

With all this and more, you can see why I've been so focused.

Have laptop will travel...hopefully I'll be able to update my blog a few times.

Have a wonderful week!
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2:7 The last time I was in NYC

Getting very excited about my trip to NYC. The last time I went was the summer of 2004. That time I pretty much took the city in alone. Jimmy was on a business trip and I tagged along. While he was working, I explored. This time I'll be with my sister-in-law, who has lived in the city since the fall of 2006. A couple of you might remember my cross country trip with her.
It'll be awesome exploring NYC with a local.
In the meantime, here are just a few of my favorite photos from that trip.The architecture in NYC is as phenomenal as you'd expect it to be. I swear I had a neck ache every evening from looking up all day.

Famous Radio City Music Hall, just a few blocks from the hotel where we were staying.

A tribute to John Lennon in Central Park.

The Brooklyn Bridge.

Sitting on the Cosby's front stoop. This is the house where the Huxtable's lived in The Cosby Show.

The Ed Sullivan Theater where David Letterman does his Late Show.

The Empire State Building.

For any Seinfeld fans. The real Soup Nazi's restaurant.

The "Friends" apartment on the corner of Bedford and Grove.

Lady Liberty herself.

More pictures on my family website here.
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Christmas in Graceland

Last year I was traveling cross country with my sister-in-law. We stopped in Memphis and toured Graceland, which was fully decorated for the season. The tour guides said that it was decorated exactly how Elvis had it decorated for the holidays.
The front of the mansion.

As you enter the front doors, to the right is the formal living room.

Continuing down front entry, behind the living room was Elvis' parents bedroom. After he purchased this home, he moved his parents in with him. They were very important to him. They even had a Christmas tree in their bedroom, with purple ornaments to match the decor.

Back out to the front entry, this stairway leads to the off-limits part of the home. The family still stays here when they are in town.

The formal dining room is to the left of the stairway and front entry.

The famous Jungle Room, towards the back of the mansion.

On the front lawn, Elvis wishes everyone a Merry Christmas.
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I'm riding off into the sunset

Tomorrow morning I'm off on another adventure to Pismo Beach with my BFF. Pismo is about half way for both of us and 10 years ago we met up for the weekend and hoped to do annual trips. LOL, 10 years later we're finally getting back there.

Here's a quick digi-scrapbook page I did about our trip back then.I don't think it'll be a warm sunny day at the beach this time, forecasts predict mid-50s, but it still promises to be a good time. Then on Sunday I'm flying to Vegas to meet Jimmy and the parentals to help load some things. Won't get the chance to see the sights or a show or anything, but I'm sure our dining opportunities will be good.

Once again, I'm abandoning the kitty cat.It's a good thing she's used to it.

When I get back, it'll be a week before the Thanksgiving feast. Can you believe it? Thanksgiving is only 2 weeks away from today. The holidays are here people. Are you ready?

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Leaving on a jet plane

Be back soon! Hope ya'll have a great weekend.
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Glimpses of past Alaskan adventures

I'm so blessed. I've been to Alaska twice already. But our upcoming trip will be my first to Anchorage and first not on a cruise. So I've been reflecting about my past adventures. Alaska has been very good to me. I've already shared a few photos here and on our family website. So this is just another one of my visual tributes to one of the most amazing places I've been.

Ketchikan



Juneau





Skagway




Glacier Bay




Sitka

Oklahoma City

12 years ago yesterday, April 19th, our nation was devastated and saddened by the senseless bombing in Oklahoma City. My sister-in-law and I visited the Memorial in December and it was sad, awkward and horrific yet reflective and peaceful, also.

As I'm starting to write this, I'm struggling with my words because of the events that happened in Virginia this week. Hoping not to make any wounds deeper, but wanting to share my experience at the Oklahoma City Memorial. So in an effort to remember the people lost 12 years ago as well as those lost this week, I'll continue with my experience.

Reflecting Pool
This reflecting pool was built on the street that fronted the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. There are identical gates at either end of the pool with 9:01 and 9:03 inscribed that represent the time immediately before and after the explosion. It's always awkward seeing yourself in reflecting pools such as this. It brings to home those thoughts that "It could have been me".

Survivor Tree
On the north side of the reflecting pool stands a solitary American Elm tree known at the Survivor Tree because in the face of the explosion, the tree survived. There's a lot of symbolism in this tree - Strength and Hope at the forefront.

The Field Of Empty Chairs
The saddest and most moving area of the Memorial was The Field of Empty Chairs. There are a total of 168 Empty Chairs on this field where the federal building once stood. There are a total of 9 rows of chairs, representing the 9 floors of the former building. Each person's chair is positioned in the row that corresponds to the floor where they worked or were visiting. There are also 5 Empty Chairs that honor those who were killed outside of the federal building. Each persons name is inscribed on his chair. Yes, there are smaller chairs, too.

Jesus Weeping
Just outside the Memorial Gate is this statue.

Written on both gates and inside the memorial museum:
"We come here to remember those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever. May all who leave here know the impact of violence. May this memorial offer comfort, strength, peace, hope and serenity."

Peaceful blessings.

Reminiscing

It's hard to believe that it's already Thursday and I've been home for 3 days. My visit was waay too short and I wish I was able to spend more time with my cousin. I had a great time with her, every moment was cherished!The above view of Seattle was taken from Beacon Hill.

Moi, enjoying the tulips.

Me and Jimmy at Tulip Town. Windblown but happy. :)

This is Pacific Medical Center, which sits atop Beacon Hill. Amazon.com's global headquarters is here.

Cherry Blossoms on Beacon Hill.