Watari-um

Earlier this afternoon, I visited the Watari Museum of Contemporary Art in Tokyo. The exhibit is titled "Seed and Grow" and shows the work of Fabrice Hyber.

The words that came to mind when I explored the various installations were "vegetable", "green", "dirt" and "soil." There was something very earthy and clean about the whole experience. Perhaps it is the memory of cutting grass with my dad or chopping down the bougainvillea in my first home in East Los Angeles, but all together, my brain was put at ease by the work presented by the artist. It was not exactly sophisticated in any way, shape or form.

In fact, it could have easily been a public school teacher's pet project at some suburban elementary school in Ohio or West Virginia. But it wasn't. It was in Tokyo, and there was something pleasant about seeing this exhibit after having consumed a nice bowl of miso soup, and a nice cold beer.

So far so good in Japan. Every day is going to be good. Stay tuned for some pics, and for more reports like this one. Currently listening to "Blueberry Hill" on my Bose and green iPod.

And They Were Kung Fu Fighting...

Hola Chicos...

Currently in Tokyo, Japon. Last night, I went to this great little hole-in-the-wall restaurant and tried to order some food. The old man came over and pointed to a menu with no decipherable symbols. Welcome to Tokyo...and when the food came out...it was insanely delicious.

The Mask Slips - New York Times

The Mask Slips - New York Times

Interesting article on the most recent Obama controversy regarding his comments about "bitter" Americans. Putting aside whether the fallout behind his poor choice of words is deserved, it's an interesting piece on whether Americans are able to take and digest such criticism with respect to their churches and their guns. The Pennsylvania election just got a lot more interesting. Stay tuned.

Putting the brakes on East L.A.'s taco trucks - Los Angeles Times

Putting the brakes on East L.A.'s taco trucks - Los Angeles Times

The ubiquitous taco truck of East LA...now you see it, now you don't? If Los Angeles County officials and restaurant owners have their way, this icon of Southern California may well be headed to obscurity. But taco truck owners (catering truck owners) are fighting back.

The question is whether customers will continue to flock to these catering trucks if greater restrictions are imposed on them. Is the experience of eating by a taco truck greater than at a sit down restaurant?

The Roar of Firenze

If you are not vigilant in some European piazzas, the statues and sculptures will eat you alive!

Not only because a structure is made of stone does it make it less of a threat. You may not have all of your senses on defense mode when you are strolling through one of Europe's most charming cities...but beware of Firenze and those eyes that lurk over your shoulder!

Most importantly, always keep your eye on the ball.

A Day With A View

Some days are just plain spectacular. Whether you are in Italy or in Southern California, when you encounter such days you have to embrace them, not fight them, and let them envelope you with their sun, light and water.

Fuentes de Force

En unas fuentes de Guadalajara, el agua se combina con estructuras fuertes y duras que comunican un tipo de fortaleza que normalmente se reserva para fuentes cerca del mar. Pero en esta ciudad tapatia, el agua se presenta con un poder que no requiere permiso ni pide perdon.

Fuentes de Agua Dulce en Guadalajara

When you fly into Guadalajara international airport from Mexico City, you cannot help but feel mesmerized by the Lago de Chapala, one of Mexico's largest lakes, and Guadalajara's principal watering hole.

In Guadalajara, everyone flocks to many of the city's fountains. As we all know, with water there is life.

Sway Back y Otra Vez

When I was walking in Guadalajara last fall, I caught a glimpse of this preview performance by these three young girls dancing to traditional Jalisciense music. Guadalajara is Mexico's second largest metropolis, and the largest city in the State of Jalisco.

This Centro Historico restaurant was promoting their evening dinner performances, and these girls were more than happy to participate in the promotional efforts.

Pantalones Tapatios

Esta foto fue tomada en Guadalajara durante el mes de Noviembre del 2007. Who wears the pants in your plaza?