Not a bad place to rest |
The Wayfarer
Monday, December 5, 2016
A Shot of Formosa - Taipei
My grandfather didn't make it. Overly confident that Chiang Kai-shek would soon return, he remained in Shanghai despite many friends, colleagues, and even his brother whom he'd followed to China after WWII, begging him to leave while he still could. As Mao's communists seized control of China in 1949, many foreigners escaped to safety in British Hong Kong. Others, along with most Chinese loyal to the Kuomintang, boarded boats in Fujian (my husband's home province) to cross the Taiwan Strait. My grandfather wasn't one of them.
66 years later, sitting in the business class lounge at Beijing Capital Airport awaiting my nonstop* flight to Taipei, I thought about my grandfather. Smuggled onto a Russian frigate after slipping past the guards surrounding his home, I imagined the sorrow he felt catching his last glimpse of China from a small porthole as the Hong Kong bound ship disappeared into the night. He would never see China again, nor would he ever forgive Chiang for abandoning them.
Sunday, November 27, 2016
Historic Tainan
It had just stopped raining when I exited the train station in Tainan, once the largest city in Taiwan. Because of its rich cultural heritage and striking architecture, it is often referred to as the 'Kyoto' of Taiwan. My friend an local guide Stephan was waiting with a taxi. There was quite a celebration happening in the streets as we exited the car and began walking down a narrow pedestrian/moped alley towards his friend's guesthouse - my humble lodgings. Emerging from around a dark corner, I literally ran into a parade celebrating the reunion of individual "branch" gods who reside in small temples unto themselves. (That explains the commotion from earlier.) Every so often, these gods must gather at the main temple to celebrate [their godliness??] Afterwards, they are paraded together back through the streets and alleyways, stopping at one another's small temple in a sign of brotherly unity. Exploding fireworks, blaring music, and dancing temple gods manifested delightful chaos - the best welcome gift a traveler could ever ask for.
Friday, November 25, 2016
(Is)land of the Rising Sun
No. 29 |
London Calling Once...
Do you ever think these are just for tourists? |
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Beijing: The Good
Gulou (Drum Tower) |
It's difficult to convey in words my reflections on a long, drawn-out experience that for better or worse not only shapes one's transition to adulthood but also weaves his fibers of what can only be described as 'cultural character,' that is, extinguishing all concept of precognition in favor of embracing self-devotion to opening one's mind for all life's possibilities. I am but one of many whom have experienced this 'je-ne-sais-quoi' in China, her energy measured in units of foregone bias and life-changing friendships. For all that was my time in Beijing, I embrace that which I came to love in this first installment - Beijing: The Good.
Thursday, July 2, 2015
An English Weekend - Part 3
"England's Garden"
Southeast of London's thriving metropolis one finds the charming Weald of Kent, often referred to as England's Garden. Wildflower meadows and wide green fields surround sleepy villages nestled among gentle rolling hills. Dotted across the landscape are some of England's finest country homes and castles. Just an hour journey by train from Victoria Station we arrive in Staplehurst, our gateway to what will be stops in several "hursts," including the sublime Elizabethan era estate of Sissinghurst Castle. [N.B. if you don't know what a 'Weald' is, that makes two of us - until I decided to actually look it up. P.S., N.B. is Latin for 'Nota Bene' - thank you, Steve Cheney.]
Sissinghurst Tower |
Monday, June 29, 2015
An English Weekend - Part 2
Monday, June 22, 2015
An English Weekend - Part 1
The Layover
Fate is the only explanation. I had not intended any trips, least of which across the Atlantic on a whim for just a weekend. Sure, living in Boston or New York might make such a proposition seem more reasonable - it takes the same time to fly to L.A. as to London. From central Texas, it's a different story. Admittedly even after declaring my willingness to consider the offer, the universe hadn't yet spoken to me to tell me that this was its desire, what was meant to be. The confirmation came Tuesday night - I needed to leave in 36 hours.
Fate is the only explanation. I had not intended any trips, least of which across the Atlantic on a whim for just a weekend. Sure, living in Boston or New York might make such a proposition seem more reasonable - it takes the same time to fly to L.A. as to London. From central Texas, it's a different story. Admittedly even after declaring my willingness to consider the offer, the universe hadn't yet spoken to me to tell me that this was its desire, what was meant to be. The confirmation came Tuesday night - I needed to leave in 36 hours.
Monday, May 11, 2015
Riviera Maya
More than just an Ocean View Room |
Friday, May 8, 2015
Diving the Cenotes
The Pit |
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
San Francisco - The Minimoon
Looking down from Twin Peaks |
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Cruising the Pacific Coast Highway
It started long ago with a dream: to one day cruise the majestic Pacific Coast Highway, a journey by way of long roads winding around mountains edging the great Pacific. Breathtaking scenery lurked around every turn. Having already had a taste of the journey before when I went to Santa Barbara, I was sure great surprises would lay along the road ahead. Unfortunately as so often happens, the weather was against me. Low lying clouds and intermittent rain showers dampened the mood. Still, I enjoyed the trip for what is was: another chance to explore the unknown.
Saturday, January 31, 2015
L.A. Escapades
Pasadena City Hall |
Friday, January 30, 2015
Paris - The Many Memories
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Argentine Cuisine
Argentina is all about meat. I don't recall eating any vegetables, which explains why I gained 6 lbs on my trip - and perhaps was a reason for being so tired. The food scene doesn't utilize vast arrays of spices in the cooking, which can lead to the food being sometimes bland. As far as cooking, always ask for meets to be cooked rare because they easily overcook them to the point that medium = well done!
Nevertheless, I had some delicious meals at several of the very best restaurants in South America. Best part besides the food were the prices. At our wonderful Blue Market rate, no meal costs more than $100 USD - (2 people, dessert, bottle of wine, gratuity).
La Cabrera (#17 best restaurant in Latin America)
- its all about meat here - only need small dishes to cleanse pallet.
Nevertheless, I had some delicious meals at several of the very best restaurants in South America. Best part besides the food were the prices. At our wonderful Blue Market rate, no meal costs more than $100 USD - (2 people, dessert, bottle of wine, gratuity).
La Cabrera (#17 best restaurant in Latin America)
- its all about meat here - only need small dishes to cleanse pallet.
Sunday, January 25, 2015
San Carlos de Bariloche - Patagonia
Uncle Rick and I left Buenos Aires and headed south to Patagonia for some much needed rest & recreation. Along the eastern edge of the Andes lies an alpine lake district, and our destination, San Carlos de Bariloche. The area could best be described as a untouched version of Switzerland, an outdoor lover's paradise. From the airport we passed several ecosystems - beginning on the edge of the desert and ending in an alpine forest.
Lake Moreno |
Saturday, January 24, 2015
I'm new...Buenos Aires
People of Argentina - I send you the gift of The World of Anton….
**Cue the music..**
Picked up by the driver known as John Boyle, the 'go-to' man for the fast track tour, his insights of town means you'll never get bored. He gave me a taste of the best B.A. has to offer, but when there's so many things on offer, choosing's hard!
**Cue the music..**
Picked up by the driver known as John Boyle, the 'go-to' man for the fast track tour, his insights of town means you'll never get bored. He gave me a taste of the best B.A. has to offer, but when there's so many things on offer, choosing's hard!
Friday, December 26, 2014
Brazilian Christmas
Thiago, Me, and Uli |
A Week in Provence
While spending the summer of 2004 in France, my godfather, Uncle Rick, came to visit. Mentor, motivator, creator, role model - if there is anyone I owe (or can blame) for inspiring me to get out and see the world, it's him. A fellow francophile and my benefactor, it was no surprise he wanted to come check in on me. We decided to rendezvous in Nice.
Obviously this is not my photo. Promenade d'Anglais. |
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Alsace, France - The Summer That Changed My Life
Garden in Thanvillé |
When my father came to the restaurant to pick me up one evening (but not before socializing with the last remaining patrons), Chef Paul strategically made the offer again, this time in front of my father. As I turned to my dad with that look on my face saying, "Father, may I?," he quickly added, "If Mack Brown (head coach of U Texas football) has a summer camp in France then you can go." Honestly, my heart sank a bit, only to float back to the surface with a wonderful inflatable I call determination.
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