April 19, 2010

Monterey Bay Aquarium.

So the Monterey Bay Aquarium is pretty dang cool. I will say it's a bit hard to rationalize the $30 entry fee once you see it all, as there's really only a handful of "amazing" things... but the handful of things make it pretty worthwhile.

And I not a pro-photographer, but the iPhone and my eye seem to have done a pretty good job. I suspect it's more the subjects than my skill. Enjoy the picture show.























April 18, 2010

Turning Japanese, #5.

muchy like a moth, I am attrached to lights and like to take pics of them
these were taken while walking in the very famous Gion district in Kyoto, where the geisha is still seen walking and working.






My home away from home (away from home)

April 16, 2010

Turning Japanese, #4.

cherry blossom trees are a HUGE deal in japan. they even have a word for the parties they have under them during the blooming season, it's that serious. though most cherry blossom trees were not quite out yet, we did get a glimpse of how amazing this place would be full of cherry blossoms. it was easy to understand why you'd have a party/picnic under them.





"standard" cherry blossom tree




"weeping" cherry blossom tree




not a cherry blossom, i forget which kind, but pretty







the third kind of cherry blossom tree, with small, dark pink, delicate flowers



a weeping cherry blossom tree in the Kiyomizu area

April 14, 2010

Monterey Aquarium, Sea Nettles.

Turning Japanese, #3.


Kiyomizu Temple grounds


their famous veranda - as I understand it, "taking a leap" from this veranda is a phrase that means to do something risky or out of faith. it's a big risk, you can't predict the outcome, but you do it anyways


don't look down, it is a pretty big leap


that same veranda from another viewpoint


Kiyomizu means "pure water". there is a very pure source in the mountains with three streams, which now stand for health, wealth, and wisdom. drink from all three streams and you'll be granted those. Thirsty?


the cherry blossoms were just about to burst out


shogun's castle - very cool place


even a shogun needs a pretty garden


and two, not just one, moats (inner and outer)


Golden Temple grounds, truly gilded temple


not a huge place, but def very shiny

April 13, 2010

April 12, 2010

Crookedest Street in USA

Did someone say, "Opening Day"?


Finally, the Vans Chukka LX "Chicago Cubs" - You might want to go over to St. Alfred's in Wicker Park and snap up one of the twelve pairs of these that will be available for sale (if there are any left). And no, I don't care that they made a Sox version too. Go Cubs!!!

April 10, 2010

Turning Japanese, #1.


cherry blossom ice cream


lil squids


inoki, cabbage, gluten (glue) square


fugu = blowfish


"real" sushi (and the only plate of it we had in Japan)

April 2, 2010

"Don't mess with me...

... my shirt may say 'Pinch Me', but if you pinch me, I'll sock you right in the nose!"

transplanted.chicagoan

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