Tsunami

Tsunami - is a word of Japanese origin. It is defined as a very large ocean wave caused by an underwater earthquake or volcanic eruption. After watching the footage from Japan recently it serves as a strong reminder how powerful the ocean and the forces of nature are. We are all at the mercy of it.

With this being said it is hard to believe I was in Japan this fall. I have no idea what condition all the buildings I saw are in. My heart goes out to all of those impacted by the earthquakes and the Tsunami. Japan is a beautiful country and I hope I can visit it, again. As I sit here comfortably,  I feel helpless in making an impact to the relief efforts. 

I leave you with a couple pictures from my trip to Japan. In the spirit of donating if you like the pictures please consider finding a way to contribute to the Tsunami relief efforts.

The Golden Pagoda

  Ryōan-ji

Karesansui (Dry Garden) 

 Buddha Statue on same property as Ryōan-ji

RICE Thai Cuisine

First a thanks is do to my friend Brian. He pulled me out of my apartment for the night and we tried RICE Thai Cuisine. It was delicious. Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures of the food. We had flavored tea, Pad Thai and spicy orange curry.  I am always debating whether Thai food or Indian food is better. I have to say this place is swaying my vote to Thai. The restaurant had neat sky lights painted blue and fans. Fans like the one below.

I think I would like to have at least a couple in a place of my own. One more thing I ate the leftovers. For me that is a pretty big deal. Sometimes I let leftovers go bad. I hope to visit RICE again soon. If you are in the area I will take you.

Sand Castle

Today a friend and I built a sand castle!

I have to admit I never really built one. Usually my dad and I focused on making a really cool wall and moat. I am always more interested in spending time in the ocean.  I think it turned out really cool but he had what seemed like a billion more really creative ideas to make it cooler. Pretty advanced architecture to have an outer wall and archways.

It reminded me that sometimes we spend so much time building something but it can easily come crashing down. We didn't stay to watch it disappear in the waves.  

Nothing in this life is permanent so I have to enjoy it!

Week One-Post Grad

Well post college was filled with a lot of driving and traveling. I cannot complain! I got to visit the heart of Los Angeles for a bit. I was on the 18th floor of one the sky scrapers for a bit!

I am obsessed with the movie 500 Days of Summer. I often have a hard time rewatching movies unless I find them spectacular. I have watch 500 Days of Summer four times! It was a really cool treat to see the same skyline that Tom and Summer sat at. I did not know that there is a trolley up and down Angels point. I took the stairs :) Bottom line watch 500 Days of Summer and walk around historic downtown LA afterward is totally worth it.

To the Right

To the Left



 The following day I spent some time in San Deigo. It was so beautiful. Since I did not grow up near the ocean I am still in awe of it. I wonder if I grew up near it if I would still appreciate it. The water looks much more inviting than it does on the Central Coast of California. It has this great blue green hue.

San Diego

Wineries in Napa

After turning 21 I happened to be near Napa so my family and I ventured up there for a weekend. The pictures correspond to the winery listed below.

Mumm Napa - excellent champagne and the view is spectacular.

Groth - for red wine. It was so good.

Domaine Chandon - informative champagne tour and nice atmosphere. There are gorgeous old oak trees on the property.


Darioush - Beautiful architecture. It seems to be the place where the young and beautiful check each other out.


Sterling Vineyards- Ride a gondola and reach a tasting area inspired by villas in Greece. You can see most of the valley from here. Castello di Amorosa is across the way.


Castello di Amorosa - It is a castle! Do I need to say more? Tastings are in the cellar after wandering this authentically built castle. Apparently, they have fantastic Halloween parties.