"Life is a Journey"

The other day I put up this map of the world right next to my mirror where I get ready every morning. Even though I spend my work days thinking and talking about travel, I wanted to have this in-my-face reminder every morning so that I don't let my personal travel goals get pushed to the far recesses of my mind. I want to actively create new trip ideas, and plan future getaways.

So here's to wherever the wind blows me.

~C

Photos: Cherry Blossoms

I went to Japantown over the long weekend to pick up some Japanese treats that I have been without for a few months now. Little did I know that I'd find myself smack-dab in the middle of an anime convention! It was really fun to see everyone dressed up in their funky costumes, walking around eating ice cream and having a good time. On my way home, I ran into these gorgeous cherry blossoms in full bloom! I love how pretty cherry blossoms are and how they can instantly make a boring old street look beautiful.

~C

Photos: Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach is only about 30 minutes on the Muni train from where I live, but it feels like a completely different world. Even on a chilly winter day, the sun is shining and the water is glistening.

~C

Photos: Unexpected Beauty

I love taking walks in different cities and finding unexpected beauty. The trick is to always look around you when you walk - look up, down, and side-to-side. Sounds simple, but you'd be amazed at what you'll find when you actually do it.

Building in Chinatown, San Francisco

A sunny day at the Trump Hotel, Las Vegas

Pier on the Embarcadero at night, San Francisco

Ships in the bay, San Francisco

Hidden nature in the city, San Francisco

Wall art, Los Angeles

~C

Vintage Photos: My Family

My mom sent me some vintage photos of my family the other day, and I can't stop thinking about them. I feel like I'm looking into a time-machine, and I love it. I wish I could have been a part of those pictures. 

My grandma in the 60s, very pregnant with my uncle.

My great-grandma on Christmas Eve in the 60s

My dad in his first kung-fu film in the 50s

My great-grandma and my grandma dressed up for a night out.

My grandma and (biological) grandpa on their wedding night.

My grandma on the beach in the 50s.

~C

Remembering: Thanksgiving

I wasn't planning on posting anything about Thanksgiving because my celebrations tend to look pretty much the same each year. It normally involves my whole family in LA, a huge turkey and lots of friends. But this year was different. Looking back at the photos of this year's dinner, I realized how special it was to be able to spend the one-on-one time with my aunt.

Typically, I would be fighting the crowds at Oakland Airport on my way home to LA. This year though, I happily opted to stay in the Bay and celebrate with my aunt who lives up here. Neither of us are big turkey fans, so we decided to go the non-traditional route and had a Thanksgiving melting pot of different foods. We spent the whole day together just hanging out, watching movies, eating and chatting. I loved it!

I think as long as you're with people who you love and who love you in return, then it doesn't really matter where you are or what you're eating.

Breakfast of champs: champagne, cheese and crackers

~C

Harvest Hell {Guest Post}

I've always wanted to do a series of guest posts written by friends and family, but I just haven't gotten around to bugging enough people to write something for me. Luckily for me, someone actually wrote something for me without too much pestering on my end! 

Below is a post written by my good friend Dustin who recently spent a few months harvesting wine in Oregon.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We are all familiar with the idiom “this is when we separate the men from the boys”. Well, the harvest season in any wine producing region across the world is truly an example of the men proving that they are men, and the boys falling to pieces.