Road Trip Stories: From Sequoia to Big Sur!
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Sequoia National Park, Gael standing tall under a fallen Sequoia tree root.
Day 7. Here we are at Sequoia National Park. “Sequoia” means ” Big” in Native American language. When I was growing up in Seoul, South Korea, I would hear some people traveled to America came back and bragging about how “Big” everything is in America. The road, people, land, river… And Now, here I am standing in front of one of fallen Sequoias, I myself experience the moment of the truth that the bragging I heard is real!
The park is located in Southern Sierra Nevada, CA. Not only it is vast spanning 404063 acres but also it encompasses a vertical relief of nearly 13000 feet ( 4000m) of height, the park reaches the highest point in the contiguous 48 United states, Mount Whitney, at 14505 feet above the sea level! So the park makes the perfect home for World Largest Trees, Sequoia.
Ahhh it’s a beautiful day! The ride leaving from Palm Springs to Sequoia was ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL! Coming out of such hot and deserted surrounding to have experiencing all different layers and progress of changes of vegetation along the elevation and temperature is a wild experience. Something that you just can’t feel or even imagine reading such information through a text book. Here we are at near the town underneath the park.
Here we are at Gateway, about 6 miles to the Park Entrance. We are going to have a nice dinner before a big day to the Park next day.
Looking over a small brook, we are seated at terrace. It’s lovely here.
Tasting Gateway’s own vino. The town’s main income source is Farming. There are ton of Orange farms to Tree nuts and Wineries.
It’s getting dark and we are having a good time… I see my Brother in Gael’s smile. Love you both!
It’s a beautiful day! we are up early and ready to hit the park.
Next morning. Loving the Visitor’s guide! We are So excited to go in. We are about to have a Life Time experience!
They are enormous but we were told we have not seen anything yet!
We stop to look out and take moments. Clear air and clear mind.
Here we are hiking up on Moro Rock, a gigantic granite dome located just off the Generals highway near Giant Forest. There’s a 1/3 mile staircase from the ground level that ascends more than 300 feet to the summit. The reward is spectacular views of the western half of Sequoia National Park. It’s leg shaking walk up but it’s definitely worth it!
Planet Earth is Magnificent.
Here we are in front of ”The World Largest Tree”, General Sherman!
Studying the tree.
The Tree’s diameter is 36.5 feet. Our brownstone home back in Brooklyn is 17 feet wide. So this tree is about twice big as our home. That’s impressive!
You will see a few of these Sequoia tree Tunnels at the park. This one is quite popular as you get to climb up and cars can pass under. It’s so much fun!
We all got to hug lots of trees including the world largest one. We inhaled and exhaled cleanest air and opened our eyes to what’s out there. There are such powerful lessons when you see yourself in this world. This beautiful world.
After 2 days of amazing experience of Sequoia trees, now we are on the road again to hit the south tip of San Francisco to explore much beloved California Highway 1 and Big Sur! We are talking about 8 hours of drive!
Here we are Finally Hitting Highway 1!!!
We stopped countless times to sock up these amazing views. So grand and So beautiful! Here we are at the point of Big Sur!
Here we are for our Easter Lunch at Sierra Mar on Big Sur. I just got on line while we were on the road and made a quick reservation. They are known for the most amazing view of the ocean!
Beautiful estate with sculptor garden and high end guest houses. It’s an amazing place. Sierra Mar restaurant is part of Post Ranch Inn.
Wow, we didn’t know what we were getting into. This place is absolutely beautiful overlooking never ending horizon of pacific ocean and open layout with natural light and subtle and tasteful decor.
A private dinning rom is also very lovely.
The way this restaurant is built overlooking the ocean is breathtaking! You feel like you are up in the air floating sort of.
The Lunch Menu. Lunch is a really nice way to experience Sierra Mar restaurant. You will be sitting in natural light setting, which enables you to gaze out to the ocean and it is quite a good deal to have beautiful full course meal including dessert at $40 per person. We are also doing wine tasting today. It is Easter! Loving the Wood Sheet menu and the name of Chef is represented.
Gael with his pretty appetizer. Mmmmmm Happy!
House cured goose prosciutto with wild huckleberries, acorn bread ( crunch flat), creme fresh and touch of arugula.
Emi and my choice of Appetizer. Dungeness crab meat salad. They are plump and juicy. They are Soooo Goood!!!
YuuummM! This is my main dish! It’s so pretty to look at. Amazing green off dark purple on white back ground. I had to stare at it for a while and eat slowly. Braised Sonoma Lamb. Fried Black wild rice and green peas.
Emi’s choice was Local Sand Dabs in cockle broth with braised fennel. Delicious!
Gael’s dish. Ione Mountain Ranch Wagyu steak with crispy Pork Belly. So tender!
On a little break waiting for dessert. Gael’s out on the deck. Wonder what Gael has on his mind looking out to this big ocean. It’s always a priceless moment to see you provide such experience to your child.
The view of the restaurant from the deck.
Guest Homes around.
The sorbet was so delicious. Light and delicious! Hibiscus flower sorbet and Mayer lemon meringue.
A cheese plate. Loving the plate itself.
Cheese! before we leave this wonderful lunch!
Love you guys!
Mr. Post, the owner and founder of the Post Ranch Inn.
Heading back to LA, we can’t believe what we are seeing here. Thousands of Elephant Seals!!
They are Fabulous!
The trip is coming to almost an end. But we are very present to Now to be there for every moment. Living at fullest. That’s who we are even if it means wiping the front shield of a car. There is no Someday. Why not Now? Being in right at this second fills up whatever it is to be Whole.
Do something Now! Live Every Second!
LOvE being in the NOW!
Road Trip Stories: Salvation Mountain, CA
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How Little Do I Know of This World.
But I Know How Eerily Beautiful This World Could Be.
We Are Moving Forward to See More of This World that We Know little of.
Road Trip Stories: Living Palm Springs!
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“Pool Side Gossip ” Photographed by a jet setter and socialite photographer, Slim Arron at the house designed by Richard Neutra for Edgar Kaufman, Palm Springs, 1970
Welcome to Palm Springs! Above opening picture completely captures what Palm Springs Life is all about since the New Architectural and Design movement, Mid Century Modernism was born in America around 1933-1970, which could have been a reflection of International and Bauhaus Movement that was going on in time, but in Our opinion, American Mid Century Modernism has this bright and sort of happy side yet maybe even more minimal than where it all may have started. And Palm Springs is a Living Museum, Showcase and Real life Evidence of American Mid Century Modernism, and I hope all of you Americans are very proud of it!
Palm Springs has a unique geographical set. It only takes about 1 1/2 hour long car ride from LA airport area. The ride is beautiful along the non stop chain of mountain view and as you reach the town, these gorgeously lined up California Fan Palms will greet you. The heart of town is protected by breathtaking San Jacinto mountains and sitting on the vastly open desert field. Closer to the mountain, you will get to more expensive area of the town filled with some of the most prominent Mid Century Homes designed by Donald Wexler, Lautner, Neutra, William Krisel and more.
In My opinion, the dry and hot open desert land filled with lush palm trees surrounded by the most beautiful mountains right int the heart of the town could have been the Critical Natural Setting and Reason for why Mid Century Modernism could have been particularly flourished right here in Palm Springs.
You’ve all have seen this picture before in books or magazines. This is Palm Springs Tram Way Gas station then, now is turned to Palm Springs Visitor Center designed by Albert Frey in 1965.
Palm Springs Visitor Center. It’s unreal that we are here!
Visitor Center carries All the information you need plus good range of post cards and AMAZING Mid Century Modern Architects’ Books and Documentary films. We went bit crazy buying All the films and more…! It’s a place you must stop by when you visit Palm Springs!
Please check out my past blog post on Julius Shulman. Julius Shulman resided in Palm Springs for many many years. By the way, from watching Shulman’s documentary, I learned that the 2 men on this book cover is actually Julius himself and his uncle. This is Bop Hope’s house designed by John Lautner and photographed by Shulman. Isn’t it just amazing?
Gael browsing books at the Visitor center.
Donald Wexler not only designed Mid century residential homes but also was the first person who designed Steel houses. Only 7 of them were built and they were all built by Wexler. Wexler also has worked on many prominent public buildings such as Palm Springs Airport, Water system office, Public Schools and more in Pam Springs and areas near. This book cover shows Wexler’s signature roof detail.
Palm Springs and close areas are known to get windy. America is blessed with big land everywhere. Right outer edge of Palm Springs, you will see these thousands and thousands windmills creating energy. They come in different heights and sizes. I find the quite beautiful.
Yay! We are arriving at ACE Hotel Palm Springs Swim Club!! Our Glorious And Fun Stay base in Palm Springs!
LOVING ACE HOTEL! We highly recommend you to stay at ACE Swim Club in Palm Springs. Hotel itself is not only a Mid Century Architecture but also it got all the right attitude with casual easiness. The staffs are easy going like next door guys and the hotel draws great bunch of crowds. You will see good mix of hip and cool adults to beautiful young family with fully tattooed rock and roll mom and dad , most amazingly dressed hipster grannies in white shades and floral swim suits… This is the Place to BE! Here we are waiting to check in at the front desk area. It feels bit like we are at Opening Ceremony shop.
So Here’s a Quick history on ACE Hotel Palm Springs. ACE Hotel was built on the foundation of a 1965 Howard Johnson Hotel and the Restaurant space today was then Denny’s chain from the later years. ACE had done an excellent job keeping it all simple and also highly functional ( Good design is also high in function: this is my personal motto and strong belief). Rooms are excellent with right decor and function again. Here we are to grab a quick bite for lunch. Restaurant at ACE is called ” King’s Highway”.
Emi and I were wondering if these cute Sun Shades were already here from Howard Johnson time. You can buy one from Modernica website today. The shade you can adjust in any angle you want. I think they look quite fun and modern. By the way, Pool Area!!
ACE hotel is located in quiet area, Twin Palms where is one of main areas you can see numerous Mid Century Modern Homes built right near to San Jacinto Mountain. It’s lovely to have that mountain view from the pool.
That’s Gael, il Lupo di Mare ( wolf of the ocean), jumping in. You get full bar and food service right by the pool. Again friendly staffs, beautiful sunny dry weather, the pool. Life is good here!
Our Captain, Emi deserves some lay low time by the pool. He had driven quite a bit already.
The Pool and generously sized Jacuzzi is open till 2:00 am.
Gael enjoys night ping pong with dad and other guests at ACE.
By the pool food and drinks goes from early morning to late night. Everyone is respectful and relaxed here.
Each building has outdoor communal fire place lounging situations. Ir’s soooo nice. Everything is set up for outdoor. I really envy out here for this.
The indoor full Bar at ACE Kicks Your Butt! They open for all day and have fun small events at night like concert, karaoke, parties…
Here we are outside of Edgar Kaufman’s Home designed by Richard Neutra. This is the house of the very first picture I put on this posting. Can you believe this home was built back in year 1970? Today, We are dedicating our day to go see and visit Mid Century Architecture. Residences and also some public buildings. We are very excite! You can hire a private tour guide or get a self guided map for all the prominent Mid Century Modern architecture. We decided to do self guide one and made an appointment to go see inside of 5 mid century homes in Palm Springs.
This is the interior of Kaufman house. The picture is taken by Julius Shulman.
This is one of Wexler designed Mid century home with classic and key detail, Butterfly roof. Butterfly roof was created to prevent roof leaking.
Donald Wexler’s big break and main training stared by working for an Architect, Richard Neutra.
How Beautiful is this?!! The gloriously famous and much loved Palm Springs Spa. Then it was the hot spot for old Hollywood heavy weights. Designed by Donald Wexler. 1958.
Donald Wexler’s Shore House. San Jacinto mountain must have been the key natural inspiration for these Palm Springs Mid Century Modern Life Style. All the Houses were built with minimal and simple lines to bring indoor to outdoor or vice versa. The Pool is a key point.
Another Wexler Designed home in Palm Springs back in the 60’s. The photo was taken by Julius Shulman in 2005.
Now we are at inside of one of recently sold Donald Wexler’s Mid Century Home. We are here to see the house with one of agents from a much respected Real Estate Agency, Paul Kaplan, Palm Springs. Chris, Thank you for your time and your selection!
Here we are at the second house to see. This place is all about the outdoor space. There’s more outdoor than the actual home. Average Mid Century Home is built on about 1300 square foot indoor space including kitchen, bedrooms and the bathroom. And there will be about double the size of outdoor space or more.
A typical entrance situation of Mid Century Modern homes.
We also ran and biked around the Twin Palm area one morning for couple hours. That’s Gael on the bike! The neighborhood is really quiet and safe.
Some homes have serious front gardening going. Ahhh we so envy these desert plants..!
One of the Most fun we had in Palm Springs was going on a Horse back riding across the desert field and arrive at a small oasis in San Jacinto mountain. I am just excite as Gael! We chose to go for Smoke Tree Stables. Friendly, safe and conveniently located near ACE hotel.
YAY!!
Desert is Dry. But when you get to Oasis, it’s Unbelievably LUSH!!!! Here we go again, The sign of where water is in desert, California Fan Palms. I learnt couple things about desert plants in this trip for sure.
It’s literally a little Oasis. Oasis comes in all different forms by the way. It’s an amazing feeling you have after a hour long of horseback ride gazing such grand and open mountain and desert view. Then finally arrive at the Oasis. It is our very first time to have such an experience. We are usually beach goers, so this entire trip has been definitely bit of shock to us.
Cheese! From left, Cholla, Poncho y Pedro. Thank you horses! We love you guys!!
Palm Springs Tram is famous for being the world largest rotating Tramcar and also the Tram station itself is designed by Albert Frey.
It’s 15 minute ride but boy, you get to feel the thrill of going up to 8500ft from the sea level.
The View is Absolutely amazing. Up here at 8500ft high, the temperature drops down about 30 degrees lower than the town. Bring a warm jacket. The Air’s bit thin, but also so clean.
After we got off the tram, We had gone for a nice walk. It’s so crazy how cold up here!
The vegetation completely changed. It’s a different kind of beauty.
Here’s the Tram station designed by Albert Frey. Read about it’s history here.
Albert Frey’s Russel House.
Albert Frey’s residence.
Here are some good souvenir we got from Palm Springs. They are all great. Especially William Krisel was our favorite one for his much stylish life, amazing taste, exotic travels and the happiness he had brought to his family as a wonderful father and a man who only got to do what he loved to do. If anyone is interested in watching any of these documentary films, Please see below!
There are So many things to do in Palm Springs and near areas. Especially if you are interested in Mid Century Modern Architecture, this is The Place to visit. The weather is hot and dry year around. From June to August, many businesses are closed as it reaches up to 120 degrees or higher. January to March is a really good time to visit for wonderful weather. Annual Modernism Week is definitely a main event in Palm Springs to check out. Most major important Mid Century Modern Architecture is open to public for visit along auctions and special lectures.
Now we are heading out to Salton Sea!
Road Trip Stories: Joshua Tree National Park
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Typical yet Gorgeous Joshua Tree at Joshua Tree National Park
It’s the second day and the last day staying at Rosa Muerta in Joshua Tree area. We were up early, socked in the hot pool with morning fire going gazing out to low mountain view, then up for quick breakfast sipping local cup of Joe and baked goods from Crossroad Cafe ( where you get good hippie food). Ok now, We were So ready to hit ” Joshua tree National Park”!!
Any sort of Yucca family plant, We absolutely adore and love. The hearty and hard leaves are strong and sculptural and they appeal to us very Modern. And Joshua Tree is one of them among others like Yucca palm, Tree palm and Palm tree yucca. We had planted 2 Yucca Palms in our Brooklyn home back yard last spring and surprisingly they are doing quite well. After bit of reading about the tree, now I know the name “Joshua” was given to itself by Mormons in Mojave desert in mid 19 th century because the shape of tree and the fruit reaching out to the sky reminded them ” Joshua reaches his hands up to the sky in prayer”. So it had Biblical story behind how this beautiful tree was named.
Our 4×4 Jeep Wrangler was at the end the Right choice we made to rent. We were first then fancying Vintage Cadillac sort of thinking of Thelma & Louise , but Wrangler gave us so much mobility and function at real good deal for the entire trip.
You will get to layers of different habitat as driving or biking through up and down hilly mountains of Joshua Tree park.
There are 3 entrances and we started where the blue line starts through red then moved onto the yellow. Whole trip is about about under 200 miles. You stop and hike, you stop and break and you stop to gauze. It’s a beautiful trip.
Here we are going through amazing rock formation in Hidden Valley area of the park. Rock formation is believed to have happened about 100 millions years ago by earlier time erosion, then time high rain falls and low temperature. Joshua tree park is much loved by many rock climbers from all around the world!
We have climbed a few good looking rocks!
That’s me and Gael up there!
Here’s the beloved “Old Woman Rock”.
Here’s a close look at Joshua tree! I think it sort of looks like skinny mammoth with pine needles on the top. I LOVE them!
Here we are at Grand scale field of Cholla Cactus. They are absolutely Stunning! You stand there. You almost feel like you are in the very bottom of the ocean but only the Sunny and Dry one. It feels surreal.
They are absolutely Amazing!
It’s hard to leave them….
Now we are up at about 5000 ft above the sea level. Camera lens just can’t do the justice the beauty of Mother Nature.
That’s Gael and Me. We are so small at the end in this big nature.
And Emi here…
These are called California Fan Palm and it means you are near the water! In this dry case, Yes we call it Oasis! there are a few Oasis but they are not available for the public as Park rangers protect them for animals and plants in the park.
Joshua Tree National Park. One of few places you Must visit at least once in your Life Time.
After the long day at the park, here we came to check out 29 Palms Inn on 29 Palms area. Ahh Can’t wait for one refreshing Drink!!
Loving a small and quaint lazy pool area with California Fan Palms and Tiki inspired Kick Butt Indoor Bar and dining area.
Nothing like a late afternoon Cocktail while you are vacaying… She made me a mean Margarita.
As always, Emi has been the tough moving force for all of us. We are dusty and tired but waking our bodies up and getting recharged over a drink and bit of sitting down. We are not done yet for the day!
29 Palms Inn’s Heart, their own little Oasis. There are small huts built around the Oasis for your lovely night overs. It’s so cute!
You just look up from the Oasis and the Fan Palms will just look down on you. They are Amazing!
On a way back to Rosa Muerta for a shower and change before dinner, We are here to see Noah’s Art Site. This is 10 acres of land where the Artist Noah Purifoy worked on large scaled sculptures entirely constructed only using junked debris for his last 15 years of life. Noah’s work has been shown world widely including Whitney museum and Corcoran Gallery. Please read Noah’s Art site Website to learn about this wonderful Artist who dedicated his life to practice Art for the Community.
Open Desert and Art. It can’t get any better…
Stopping by couple places in town of Joshua Tree. Saloon. I remember seeing these places in John Wayne’s Movies! The Saloon itself is sort of an artistic place in many ways.
OK Now we are at a very popular Saloon and Restaurant, Pappy and Harriet’s. in Pioneer town! It’s a wonderful place where Locals go out and also visitors to Parks come and all mingle for good food and music. They got a great stage for a night of live music and all different cuts of meat for grill and all the beer you like to have on tabs.
About 15 mt car ride through local town of Joshua tree, you will get to Pioneer town headed toward Palm Spring area. Pioneer town is situated on upon hilly mountain area, and was built as work and live in Motion Picture Movie Set back in 1945. It’s surreal to see all of these small houses and business structures are still left and some of homes are still occupied by home owners.
Gael having fun!
Right by the Pappy and Harriets, there are a few shops open for actual business. A long time resident here. A saddle maker!
Here we stopped and had bit of chat with one of resident in town. The gentle man owns this home and a shop next door.
This gentle man gave us whole walk through of history of the town. Apparently the town had produced hundreds of Western films during it’s golden time like Cisco Kids and Roy Rogers. (Thank you for the nice talk again!!)
This is a shop space the gentle man owns. He’s opening up a Guitar shop where also you can learn hot to make a guitar. It’s quite deep inside and has lovely quaint vibe.
Ok, Now we are inside of Pappy and Harriet’s. This Place ROCKS! It’s a big space with high ceiling. There are ton of tables and seating but people are lined up for the table. The vibe is warm yet and got that All American coolness. Bit of rock and roll. I am loving the place!
Beer first!
There are ton of signs everywhere make you feel that you are at ”IT” place.
A serious sound system station.
Yay, We got a real good table after all. We were waiting for more than a hour! right in front of the band and a dance floor!
Pappy and Harriet is a place for all. It’s wonderful to see there is a place for entire family can entertain not being kiddish. Just great music and why not a 5 year boy can dance to it. Right? I love that.
Mean Grilling going on at Pappy and Harriet’s. They got this out door grill/kitchen and also generously open outdoor tables as well. This dry and hot climate makes everything possible for year around.
The sun is finally going down and we had done SO MUCH today!
What a wonderful day full of adventures! I am so thankful that here we are all together again exploring what’s out there out of our comfort zone. Every trip opens our eyes and makes us realize how lucky we are, that we get to do these trips then also to know how little we have seen of this world.
Our vacation is becoming more of Investment in time and learning about things for Our Life together ahead of us. We just Can’t Stop! Hoping many more to come, and with curiosity and excitement to know how the rest of the trip will go, we are heading back to precious last night of sleep at Rosa Muerta.
Departing our Journey: Rosa Muerta, Joshua Tree
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Our very first 2 night stay of 9 days of Road trip across the West Coast at Rosa Muerta , Joshua Tree, CA
Since the last trip to LA back in February for more of business reason, We were brewing this West Coast Fever a bit under our cold toes for a while. Regardless chilly weather then in LA, after the longest winter that is still continuing to very much Today ( 04/04), Spring Break for Gael to visit West Coast was one big thing to look forward to. ( almost desperately!)
All the Love we have for Mid Century Modernism and Modern Architecture in general, “To Follow” a trail of very best work of Mid Century Architects such as Donald Wexler, Albert Frey, William Krisel, Richard Neutra, John Lautner and more in Hot and Dry Palm Spring area was definitely the Biggest Focus in our trip and also hitting major natural parks in high desert such as Joshua tree, and going to see world Largest trees in Sequoia National Park were super adventurous and added fun!
Here come and get on the Ride of our total 1800 mile long road trip and very exciting journey that we are about to share with you! Whatever you will get to on the road, we will get through together with lots of fun!
Here’s our quick scribble map for the road trip planned. I like to pay special thanks to Emi for driving All these miles all by himself!! ( yeah, no, I don’t drive…)
I like to ask all of your full attention to the beauty of this Architecture. Landed in LA then we drove through Palm Spring to get to our real first stop was all about doing 2 things. EXPERIENCE Rosa Muerta and Joshua Tree National Park in Joshua Tree Area. I present you the beauty, Rosa Muerta, a Modern Architecture built in the middle of high desert by an Architect and Designer, Robert Stone.
Rosa Muerta. This was the place where we got inspired, appreciated and recharged for the first 2 days and nights.
Mr Stone,
If I dare take your concept to my way, for me, it was all about the structure that is boldly edited yet naked open then unbelievably complete sitting in this dry open high desert that takes this natural light in so many different ways in every hour and angle if that is inside of the house or the outside. I saw your black in countless shades. The outdoor was the indoor and the indoor was the outdoor. The ceiling was the sky and the sky was the ceiling.
I could not allow One single object of ours in the sleeping area because it felt like a crime that is so against your strong vision. We happily did our best to keep the entire space as the second we walked in. It was our challenge and respect for the space and such a pleasure. It was a shocking experience for me to be there just to realize what just ” being” is. I felt shaken in a wonderful way. I am completely blown away and much touched by Rosa Muerta and I have highest regard and respect for your vision and concept.
Thank you.
3 days in LA!
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Day 1 at Rose Bowl Flea, Pasadena, LA
Auwheee! It has been So long that I have been at Rose Bowl Flea!! Maybe almost good 8 years have passed by since the very first glorious visit to the market. Ahhh it was a hot beautiful day then with blazing sun on my back complaining at myself not thinking of bringing a tube of sun block with me. But this time around, it was quite chilly and cloudy only reaching up to 45 degrees. Only after 5 hours of sleep, Emi, Gael and myself hit the road to Pasadena munching on complimentary continental breakfast in the car to go (Chocolate Croissants and some coffee from Viceroy, Santa Monica). By the way, Viceroy Santa Monica was bit of disappointment after all for that whooping nightly rate they charged on us. ( Pls send me an email if you were planning to stay there and have any questions). The market opens at 5:00 am with VIP admissions then regular admissions from 7:00 am till 4:30 pm for the last minute bargains. The market is HUGE with 6 colored areas. The white area across 2 small canals is where most of hard core vintage clothing lovers will be at and that is where you get to do most of people watching. And be ready to say ” Kawai and Ohaio” to those well vintagely dressed Japanese friends popping everywhere!
We arrived right before 7:00 am and our admission costs $15.00 From 8:00 am and on, admission reduces down to $10.00. 12 years old and younger gets in for free.
The Rose Bowl Stadium itself. We pay a quick visit.
Welcome to Rose Bowl where Real Vintage Hippies exist.
Epitome of Men’s Vintage and Cool Gals: ARMY AND NAVY. You go crazy here. Experiences like this truly sharpens your eyes to spot what is Really good Vintage or not.
Plus Turn of the Century ones. They are too good!
Motorcycle is Huge here.
Dress comfy and casual to dig at Rose Bowl.
Two things here. One, you need to have at least 1 breakfast Burrito when you are in Rose Bowl Flea. Two, all those tough denim and leather Rose Bowl girls.
Then real highlight of Rose Bowl this time was these Heavy weight Vintage Insiders and Dealers visiting Rose Bowl only a day after now the 4th annual event: Japanese Vintage God Father Rin Tanaka’s Kulture Recycling Show, INSPIRATION LA in Long Beach, LA. Lots of Hand shaking, huddled groups deep in conversations, exclusive U haul trucks with highly collectible vintage items being dealt inside… Then beautiful Japanese buyers completely decked out in Kapital denim pieces with all those Army jackets and Native American accessories. How about sharp and stylish Italian buyers dealing all those sexy leather jackets… It truly felt like we were in a week of Grammy of Vintage in LA as we kept bumping into those insiders feeling lots of energy in town!
Here is the 8th edition I purchased of Rin Tanaka’s MyFReedamn! Book series. A great book that shows Tanaka’s wealth of Knowledge and love for Vintage Clothing, Motorcycles and Accessories. It’s a Great source for everything I do. It’s inspiring and I really respect how far Tanaka had taken his love for the Vintage and it’s history. Rin Tanaka was born in 1970 in Japan.
Then here’s the owner and a crew of Irons and Duck.: An awesome Wear house full of Vintage and Vintage Inspired Industrial Design furniture and clothing. They Fuel many of important design showrooms, retail places and residential homes in west coast. Great guys with all the positive energy. And I LOVE their about to shred to a string small yet well edited vintage clothing.
Awesome collection of Vintage Iron Rail road nails. The number indicates what year the nail has been produced and used to repair or build the rail roads. They are beautiful.
Serious buyers will come prepared with big bags. I had brought luggages on wheels!
We also browsed Home stuff and mid century modern. By the way, we saw very little of Mid century modern furniture at Rose Bowl.
Ever so getting popular NA and European Farm Crop Sacks ( for any end use). The stripe indicates which farm the crops belong to.
Crop Sacks come to a Life in one way.
Day 2, we are hitting Abbot Kinney in Venice Beach Area. All the business opens at 11:00 am so we came to the Venice beach to stroll a bit and check out also the Canal area. ( it got little warmer! yay!)
Ahhh We love Canals of Venice beach! It’s so quiet and It’s Lovely! Sun is finally out and homes are cute. I am totally envious of beautiful palms, cactus and flowers… I want to have a home here!
A lady on a surf board in canal. It feels so surreal to see such thing as I am from NY. This is Very LA.
Ahhh I So want this tree!
Gosh, they are Gorgeous. I am in LOvE!!
Keep Walking.
After day 2 at Abbot Kinney and my favorite store in LA, Opening Ceremony in West Hollywood, here we are on Day 3 at Silver Lake. We are here for some breakfast and a few store visits.
Inside at Inteligentsia Coffee in Sunset Junction. I love cool Blue mosaic tiles against the rustic warm lighting.
Here we are sitting at Cafe Stella the next door to Itelligentsia for some warm breakfast. LA has been chilly the whole time…!
It’s a French place in Brooklyn sort of way in Spanish style architecture. It feels like home here.
Warm pita on Soft eggs and Merguez. SOOo delicious!
Entering a Cheese Shop the next door. A cutest little places here. Got some locally made Sea Salt Caramel bags for my design team back home here and they are delicious!
Shop Lake. We had such little time before taking off to Airport and Shops open late in this area. But managed to hit a few good ones.
Lovely Wall paper.
The Last place we visited in LA. High Mart in Los Feliz. A great airy space that offers Tranquility and quality. Japanese owned and this place will take you right to Tokyo ( in Zen way).
Here’s my LA list:
And For the BEST COMPLETE GUIDE:
COLOR OF TULUM
Filed Under Design, Family, Mexico, Travel, Tulum | 2 Comments
Life Imitates Art: Miami Art Basel
Filed Under Art, Culture, Design, Events, Miami, Street, Travel | Leave a Comment
Entrance to Design Miami, South Beach Miami.
This year’s visit to Miami Art Basel was our very first time and I must say I have really enjoyed all the lively Art scenes with back drop of beautiful Caribbean ocean and eye soaring envious palm trees. It is much more relaxed and Sexier it gets than ones in NYC as quick breaks of peppered in beach hours and refreshing cocktails over the sunset talking about Arts with friends in your fresh outfit is just unbeatable good time and experiences. The days get by, you connect with more people in art and design world and all the choices and added extra interesting events throughout the day actually turned the slight sense of overwhelming that I had the first day I arrived to a Real Good Time.
Thanks to all of my Dear Friends who Work So Hard and Successful who added extra perks to meet up at their fabulous events for good meals and fun chats walking through all those art pieces and beautiful designs. I love you all and it was so lovely to spend time together during the Art Basel!
Our day 1 starts with PULSE. Here Emi are I are to attend the VIP Opening Brunch. Now I think back, maybe this was the best event to start the whole experience with for me. More downtown and More approachable.
Pulse event is being held in Design District. Ton of great graffiti arts in the area are extra Bonus when you get to Design District.
Friendly entrance.
Loving the relaxed Great outdoor space and Low rise industrial building situation here. It is very much like a Brooklyn style actually.
Not a real information booth. A part of Pulse Art installation. I like to call it Ikea meets a dorm room.
… and the Artist’s note on the wall.
And I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS PIECE. A poster. Circa 1950’s. I want it.
Amazing drawing.
Yes he moves. The biggest trend. Digital Art.
NYC 1974. Gorgeous photography by Daido Moriyama.
A lamp of All. And there’s a small motor built in which makes all those glass bottles move and hit each others making small sounds. It’s cute.
Love this Piece.
A curator’s Deck.
Toilette paper rolls turn to art.
Hallow hand blown glass breasts capturing moving images. Bit like Tim Berton version of Charlie and Willy Wonka. I love this! They are quite beautiful to look at.
A few favorite moments at NADA
I would not compare Art Basel to a Fashion week really but there are some fun characters. It’s always fun to people watch.
Standing is more fun.
The artist is known to hire the best of best taxidermists to create this elegantly odd yet amazingly beautiful new creatures. Guess how many birds and animals make this beauty.
Maybe one of the most beautiful thing I saw during the Basel.
It feels like I am in HK! Amazing view at Mandarin Oriental Hotel in downtown Miami. Emi and I came to see Beppe for an event he put together for Girard Perregaux.
Having a good time with my bare feet tucked in cool night sand.
He says She says.
A cigar roller for the guests.
The second day at Design Miami. My favorite exhibit of all. I really loved this event the best.
Gigantic sausage like blown ups definitely catches eyes of all visitors and also offers cool breeze and shades.
Emi and Keith entering. Keith is also one of event participants. Keith represents Moroso, a high end Italian design company.
Creme de la Creme of Mid Century Modern is All here from around the world in Design Miami. It’s impressive.
Not only what’s in it but also the booth the stage itself is beautiful design in general. Most prominent galleries around the world are presented.
A Beautiful mirror.
Joe Colombo Circa 1969. Amazing chair.
Awesome legs. Always Good crazy, Gaetano Pesce.
All of these are actually being sold for outdoor use.
Audi booth.
Guest speaker at Design Miami, Farrell.
A view from the roof top of Dream hotel, Miami : Lords, South Beach. The facade usually in white was specially painted in Black plus all the decoration for the Art Basel week. Great parties here.
Now finally at Art Basel, Miami where everything started. Probably the same artist who did “Paradise” in Moca, Miami.
Always Picasso.
LOve this Piece.
A real one is inside.
Gorgeous Beach, Art, Design. A few days’ hang out in Miami Art Basel will refresh your longest winter days. Surprisingly well priced Tickets during the time and use Air BnB for swanky affordable pads to crash and even a little dip in a pool!
You will be pleasently surprise. And don’t forget hidden gem of Miami, North Beach for stays.
LOvE ArT!
Emi and I hit beautiful North Beach every morning for miles of Run and thousands of strokes Swimming in crystal clear crisp Ocean. Totally discovering beautiful North Beach of Miami.
There is Art in Everything.
VivA MiaMi Art BaSel!
3 Days with 19 Stars : Altos De Chavon School of Design
Filed Under Design, Dominican Republic, Events, Fashion, Travel | 2 Comments
Me and Director of Fashion Design Department, Alida Leon in the center surrounded by bright future stars at Altos de Chavon School of Design.
Over the Thanksgiving week, I was invited to give 3 day lecture and workshop for 19 very talented Fashion Design major students at Altos de Chavon School of Design in Dominican Republic. What an wonderful opportunity for me to give back and be inspired again!! I like to specially thank to my friend and wonderful Professor Miss Alida Leon in behalf of Altos De Chavon for inviting me as her very first guest speaker for her department. The Lecture was a Power course of Introduction to Cut and Sew Knits and Sweater Knit. The Cut and Sew Knit and Sweater Knit are maybe the most important categories financially to any brand in Fashion Industry world wide and also needless to say an epitome to anyone and everyone’s wardrobe on any given day.
Unless you travel all the way to Europe, it is true that not many schools or possibly No Fashion schools in US offers specialized major degree program in Cut and Sew knit or Sweater knit. Almost every designer in this area I know learned and still is learning designing knits doing the actual work at their current and past jobs. During my school year at FIT then, actually I was going to do 1 year Sweater knit major program at St. Martin School of Design in London followed right by my 2nd year exchange program through FYT NY at Polimoda Florence ,which actually did not happen as I met Emiliano but at least I was able to take special Sweater course for 1 full semester at Polimoda by traveling once a week to this Knitting studio located in Empoli about 20 minutes outside of Florence. So Students at Altos de Chavon in such a hot climate to have this opportunity is surely an eye opening experience and I was thrilled to be there to feed all the knowledge that I was able to share from years of experience working in the industry.
A rustic and quaint view from the Guest House we are staying at Altos de Chavon. Altos de Chavon is located in the heart of Casa de Campo in La Romana area in DR. Altos de Chavon is a small village built in 1970’s inspired by general architecture of Medieval European village. It is so well done, its hard to believe that this town is only built in 70’s!
We are going for an easy dinner and bit of night stroll at Altos de Chavon. I feel like I am in South of Italy here.
Passing by the Gallery. It will be open in the morning.
The Best and Go to restaurant in Altos de Chavon. We are having a dinner here.
Gael snapping us. Just arrived and I look very tired coming out of many weeks of intense work back in NY. I am so glad Emi and Gael are with me during this trip and hope this will have a good influence on Gael especially. Teaching mom!
After dinner quick visit to School. Fine Art major students are working late hours to meet their deadline on group project.
Nothing like a roomful of fresh artists’ art. Ahhh I love this.
Continuing Education! Student Gael at Altos de Chavon with back ground of Incredible work of fashion design students. I can’t wait to meet them tomorrow!!!
Beautiful illustration of one student on the wall.
Beautiful hair she got! I love it!
The dorm. So rustic and So beautiful. All the talents live and work here.
Good morning Chavon! A beautiful day.
A view from the guest house.
Early morning visit to an amphitheater. This theater held quite a bit of heavy weight concerts.
Look out to Chavon river. It’s sssooo lush here with mountains and river.
The piazza and the church.
The First day to School!
Walking into the campus. It’s very cute!
Day one talking through all the technical aspects of Knit fabrication, yarns, knitting terms, wash techniques, how to read and measure fabric weight, yarn weight and gauges, texture vs non texture… The list goes on and on. Hundreds of images of examples and inspiration from all around the world and my own travels… So much to talk about and learn. 9-5 full 3 days are going by fast.
Now talking about technical flats and showing how to illustrate stitches, cuts, shapes and drapes.
Now showing a Life of one sweater from a sketch to the final product.
Day two. The Workshop and mentoring. The project outline is given at the end of day one and here we are together practicing rendering and sketching sweaters and building the line. 3 looks to complete from the top to bottom full outfit including cut and sew knits and sweater pieces with complete flat sketches and colored illustration showing full texture and stitches. Kids got only 24 hours to turn it around after 1 day of lecture. And day 3 is presentation of their collection and all day critique.
They learn fast and they are amazing.
A creative desk. I love it.
Quick break outside but questions are pouring in.
A night check out of swimming pool. We had great early morning swims here looking out to Chavon river. Hope kids are doing all right and they will show up with fabulous work tomorrow.
Wow Kids!!! You guys are Super!!! I guess This is Why You Teach. See what you harvest after you plant that seed. I mean only after 2 days of lecture to who never knew anything about knits and sweaters, I get this wonderful fruits back. I get teary. Thank you kids.
The presentation and Critique starts now. So CREATIVE!!!
Critique and discussion goes all day.
The president of Altos de Chavon School of Design and the Cultural Center Foundation, Ms Dominique Bluhdorn visits the class during the Critique hours. Dominique, thanks again for the wonderful hospitality and conversations we had and of course for the teaching opportunity! You have wonderful Directors like Alida and very talented kids at your school. Thank you!
More memories! Thank you guys!
After completing much successful 3 day lecture, here we are off to Bayahibe with Alida!
Amazing lunch at Captain William Kidd. Despite the name, trust me, you get beautiful food here!
A beautiful and really delicious Appetizer for 4. Octopus salad, grilled lobster, pan fried shrimps, Tuna carpaccio with cilantro and lime juice and sea bass fritters. To die for. And a bottle of Falanghina!
Yum Yum Yum. Spaghetti with tomato and a Whole crab. Amazing! This is an Italian restaurant owned by this Italian lady. Very authentic Italian but all based on fresh local seafood from ocean of DR. One to share for 4.
Ahhh the Saturday always feels short…
Gael synchronizing.
The Last night at Altos de Chavon. Here we are for a dinner at Marina area in Casa de Campo. It’s quite lively!
After dinner Pre B day cake for Emi with mega Fire work Surprise! Thank you Martha! Thank you for taking us out for a wonderful dinner al fresco and for such great hospitality! We enjoyed the night very much!
Night Stroll around the Marina. It’s a lovely night.
From the left, Martha Victoria, Administrative Director of Altos de Chavon Cultural Center Foundation, Director Alida Leon, Me and Gael. Emi on the camera. Cheese!
Alida and me.
Alida! Thank you for everything and thank you for inviting me to teach your wonderful 19 little stars. You are very well respected and loved by all of your students. So it was easy for me to just take your string and go with it. Teaching is a wonderful thing and I loved every second of it. On the third day, Seeing all the projects from the kids and their hard work truly impressed me. You have taught them well and you are doing a wonderful work guiding and nourishing them to become bigger stars. Thank you my friend.
To all of you wonderful fashion kids at Altos de Chavon! I saw such height of true talent and passion in that room for the fashion. Eager to learn more and wonderful plans for your future studying more and getting into the field. Passion is a beautiful thing and do not ever loose it no matter what condition you ever will be in. Don’t forget to do your best and show up at your best you can. Thank you all.