jolie jamie

winter

2012-01-06T23:23:00.000-05:00

Christmas Day

2011-12-27T22:14:00.002-05:00

I can say that the past 3 Christmas days have been very very different. This year I spent the entire day with my brand new baby niece Vivian. I love the way she feels, smiles, stretches and even cries. I also had the chance to watch my 3 year old niece Leah interact with the new baby. Spending time with these little ladies is one of the most enjoyable things I do. I'm not really big on Christmas, and this year is the first year in a while that I've even spent it with my family, but what I am big on, is spending the whole day in their company.

Last year Christmas day was really hot in Laos, and the year before I spent it cheering on these guys.

Meg

2011-11-30T18:47:00.000-05:00

I hung around the east village with ms meg of Meg's Mumbo recently.

Arion Toles Photography

2011-11-09T21:53:00.000-05:00

Arion Toles Photography

Leah

2011-10-30T22:26:00.000-04:00

Thanks for having us DC!

2011-08-16T07:10:00.000-04:00

On our walk to check out the White House

Victoria!

We were here.

 America

Arlington, VA

Georgetown

Lincoln Memorial

We tried to accomplish the most we could, with the energy of elders. We manged to check out Georgetown, have dinner in Arlington, VA (after a nice boat ride), Cruise around Capital Hill while trying to find some hidden monument (that totally wasn't there) and hanging out on the steps of Lincoln Memorial at midnight on a Saturday night. Throw in a visit to not one, but two Smithsonian museums...you can say we had a successful visit to our country's capital.

Aside from the hell like temperatures, spending the weekend with danielle was more than fun (as she continuously keeps me laughing) and catching up with our college friend Victoria always does the trick!
Thanks for having us DC!

1st night in DC

2011-08-14T20:25:00.000-04:00

not as bad as the NYC Subway, but seriously, who likes to be this close to anyone!

Sushi in Adam's Powers - Miss Victoria

Grungy Hookah Lounge - Adams Powers

JUMBO SLICE - (They say I had to try one)

So my friend Danielle and I decided to take a mini road trip to DC for a weekend. Our friend Victoria was doing an internship in the Capital so we took advantage of her location to experience DC. The first night we arrived in downtown DC, we decided to of course go out and explore. My friend Daniel who lives in the area joined us, as we crammed into the DC metro (is that what they call it there) and had dinner in the "Adams Power" neighborhood of town.

2011-07-09T13:34:00.000-04:00

learning about street art, discovering little places in NYC (like where they store all the hot dog stands at night), and playing with focus.

Have a wonderful and happy weekend.

This girl!

2011-07-08T15:27:00.000-04:00

I really like hanging with this gal Vishwani. As if you didn't know already.

I spent a nice afternoon with Vish, including flea market finds, tapas at Yuca Bar, and roaming Williamsburg. love.

Skateboarder

2011-07-07T15:35:00.000-04:00

I've found myself on several occasions stopping to take photographs of skateboarders.

Maybe because i have no real connection to the community, or maybe part of my evilness wants to catch a good crash and burn. Whatever the case my be, I can recall when I was in Phoenix this past spring, stopping to watch random skateboarders and felt entertained. Also, my first weekend in Paris in September, I remember one night, asking Michael to stop and watch the skateboarders with me.

2011-07-05T09:17:00.000-04:00

Eric Fischl

Cedar Hill, Central Park

John C

Francis Bacon

Gelato

Gallery hopping on the upper east side with my pal john. Learning about art through his interpretation, and enjoying the afternoon in one of my favorite places, Central Park.

2011-07-05T00:16:00.001-04:00

playing in the grass as the sun sets with some lovely people. something i love to do in the summertime. or anytime.

love.

all photos of me, are by Miss Hillary Z.

I take them for my mama!

2011-06-20T22:01:00.000-04:00

Not that I don't adore you, my readers, but I take most of my photos for my mama. Whenever I see something beautiful or interesting I usually bust out my camera and snap a few photos in anticipation that my mother will eventually see them. The other evening my aunt called me out to the balcony to alert me of the beautiful sky hanging over the village. These are the photos I took from that evening.

I take a lot of photos from this vantage point, but they never get old to me. It still amazes me that I can call this view my home, and that I am lucky enough to live where I do.

Too bad my mama couldn't share this view in person with me. (even though she is perfectly happy exactly where she is!)

*Hi Mom!

The Sweetest boy

2011-06-18T22:13:00.000-04:00

Artist: John C. - Self Portrait
Enamel on watercolor paper

I hung out with this guy recently, and I think he is a totally awesome artist. Not that I am well educated or knowledgeable about art, but I'll be anticipating this first show. You can view more of this work here.

Just a little break from photography to show you a cool new artist based in Brooklyn. (actual photos from our hangout to come next week)

Cheers,

Jamie

A wedding

2011-06-11T16:34:00.000-04:00

All giggles aside, my friend Henry & I attended the wedding of Rasheed and Laila last week. I took some engagement photos of the couple last summer, and was more than honored to be a guest at their wedding in Saratoga Springs, NY.
Rasheed and I go way back to my Albany days, and I met his beautiful wife just after they started dating two years ago. I'm excited for them, as they truly share an endearing connection.

Congrats again Rasheed and Laila, we love you!!

Nika in NYC

2011-06-10T14:12:00.000-04:00

I met up with my friend Nika, who visited NYC for the first time as an adult. I was excited to play tour guide, and to spend some time with Nika and her boyfriend. Nika was traveling in Europe the same time as I (and also used Helpx, so she can tell you how great it is as well) and met her BF during her travels.
Such a sweet girl, and I was happy to take them on a 2hr boat cruise around the tip of Manhattan...and of course we hung out in Times Square (only for you Nika!)

Beck

2011-06-06T07:29:00.000-04:00

My aunt and I spent time with my little cousin Beck for the day. Ahhh, love these little babies!
Here are more times i've hung with cousins. HERE,

East Village Skies

2011-06-04T08:25:00.000-04:00

Unedited shots off our East Village balcony.
The sky baby!

BBQ Action

2011-06-03T06:40:00.000-04:00

I tagged along with Anthony, to Harlem for a little memorial day BBQ action. Some of my favorite characters that are always at these Funsport/Hard 2 Guard events include Edgar, Doug, & Rock.
We ate some delish cooking, played some softball in the hot, hot sun and enjoyed the umm, action of the day!

Last summer, we attended the same BBQ, and I only watched the boys (and few girls) play, so this year I joined in on the fun and am glad I did.

(via facebook- Preston)

Meghan

2011-06-02T22:13:00.000-04:00

Meghan B&W
Washington Square Park

Her stuff here.http://www.megsmumbo.com

Bowery

2011-05-31T16:44:00.000-04:00

Original Vs. Antique

My superstar!

2011-05-27T12:44:00.000-04:00

While I was in upstate New York helping my sister out with her biz, I had some time to watch my darling Miranda play some softball. Since I knew it might be some slow action, I asked my friend Hillary to come along and chat with me.

BUT, when miranda was up to bat, the side conversation was on hold, and I went into super fan mode. Including running up to the on deck circle with my camera to shoot miranda before she was up to bat. She was probably mortified, but she is use to my schnenigans by now.

My little superstar had a great game, and is a fantastic athlete...now if only I could convince her to play field hockey! sigh!

2011-05-26T06:11:00.000-04:00

2011-05-25T06:09:00.000-04:00

2011-05-24T06:06:00.001-04:00

Jamie & Dice

2011-05-23T17:31:00.000-04:00

Back to the Aquarium

2011-05-20T16:17:00.000-04:00

OK, I'm back at the aquarium. I swear i'll be back a bunch more this summer. It's such a great thing to do on the weekend. Next time I come, I might do it solo, so I can really just sit and watch the big beautiful walrus gracefully swim around.

I brought my girls Dice and Vae with their lovely momma Celia. When it's just the four of us hanging out it feels great. They are my little family, and i love the girls, and my best friend dearly!

I adore spoiling them, and buying them matching outfits. Because i'm a little crazy like that!

Love you girls, come back to NYC soon!!

And to all of you...check out the damn NY Aquarium in Coney Island.

Love!

Those faces

2011-05-18T08:56:00.001-04:00

Sassy gals

2011-05-16T13:04:00.000-04:00

I spent some time with these beautiful girls recently. I love watching my best friend's children grow.

Dice and Vae are my darlings, and are becoming wonderful little ladies.

Ready for the Day

2011-05-13T15:36:00.000-04:00

Running

2011-05-12T15:48:00.001-04:00

Madison Square Park

2011-05-11T07:58:00.000-04:00

I spent one beautiful afternoon roaming around Madison Square Park admiring the pretty pretty flowers they had just planted. The park had so much life and excitement at 3pm in the afternoon. It made me appreciate not being stuck behind a desk.

Since I had never had the chance try Shake Shack before, this day I did. I stood in line for 40 mins. Asked all the twitter friends what I should get, and really enjoyed the outcome.

A little cheeseburger with fries and a milkshake.

Not my usual, but gosh it was good.

I am now retiring from Shake Shake, but will be recalling the salty and sweet flavors forever.

Dinner Party

2011-05-10T08:35:00.000-04:00

Dinner Party. Just a few snapshots from when I had some of my best friends over for dinner.

It was my first "real" dinner party. I prepared a bruschetta, a white bean dip for appys, a yellow summer squash casserole and ratatouille for the main courses, and cooked a home made blueberry pie for dessert. I choose to make it all vegetarian because two of my friends who were coming were vegetarian. So I figured we could all benefit from going meatless that night.

All my friends brought the drinks, Henry prepared some sangria as you can see him enjoying it in the final photo. Thanks to my wonderful friends for spending the evening with me. We finished off the night by playing some INTENSE Taboo. I guess you can say we can be a competitive group of people.

Mets Action

2011-05-09T08:01:00.000-04:00

Meg and Mike!

Me and my old bossman! HI G!

Meg invited me to Citi Field with her for a Mets game, so I asked my old boss to come along since he is actually a Mets fan.

Although, I love the Yankees, it WAS a really great stadium and a fun time. Meghan and her boyfriend Mike are wonderful company!! The Mets lost, but we ate sushi and drank wine...at a Mets game.
Don't judge us. Ha.

Happy Mother's Day.

2011-05-08T14:58:00.000-04:00

I am truly grateful for my mother. She always supports me [even when I pack my bags and fly around the world by myself].

She's my biggest fan, and there is no one that I am more obsessed with in this world than her.
Hi mom. I love you!

With Dice

2011-05-07T11:43:00.000-04:00

A simple shot of me and my little love Dice. We spent some time playing on my computer, and I was showing her some of my travel photos. Such a sweet heart. More photos of the little loves next week...

Have a happy weekend

2011-05-06T10:08:00.000-04:00

Spending time getting reacquainted with New York.
Have a warm and happy weekend.

The Jellyfish

2011-05-03T09:20:00.000-04:00

Cousins

2011-05-02T09:24:00.000-04:00

Some of my cousins were in town. Baby Beck and Little Mikey!
Such fun!

Happy Birthday Linc

2011-05-01T09:33:00.000-04:00

Happy 1st Birthday to little Lincoln. He is sweet as pie, and so is his silly mommy above! xo

Blueberry Pie

2011-04-29T11:12:00.001-04:00

My first home made blueberry Pie. It was delicious. I had some difficulty with the crust, but practice makes perfect, eh?
Thanks for your fun in the kitchen Michael!! :)

Goodbye Knicks

2011-04-28T09:26:00.000-04:00

I wrote about my time at the Game 4 Knicks play off game on Easter Sunday over on Broadwayvogue.com

I just wanted to share a few shots with you here too, to see all the photos visit HERE.

Highline

2011-04-27T10:13:00.000-04:00

Michael in NYC

2011-04-26T09:17:00.000-04:00

I mentioned it before. My friend Michael visited NYC for a few days. We met in Paris...that time last September when I took a one way flight to Paris. Michael was actually one of the first people I met on my trip, he's a really good guy.

Bawwston.

2011-04-25T00:13:00.000-04:00

I guess I've wrote about it before, So it doesn't matter if I write about it now. I spent some time in Boston a few weeks ago with my little friend Gianna. She is finishing up the final stages of cancer treatment undergoing Proton Radiation Therapy.

Since I'm a floating being, I decided to hang out in Boston for a few days to spend some quality time with her. We found things to do in the hospital including lots of movie watching, arts & crafts, legos and playing with my camera.

Cow

2011-04-23T14:46:00.000-04:00

my brother is a farmer. this is where he works. I enjoyed hanging out with him while he milked the cows. I think he was annoyed by my picture taking.
Thee end.

2011-04-22T07:05:00.006-04:00

Enjoy your Weekend folks. I'll be back to regular posting next week. This is one of our family horses.

Belleyre

2011-04-21T09:05:00.001-04:00

When I was in upstate New York visiting my family, my mom and I took off one day and decided to hit the slopes. It's something that we try to do when we have a day to ourselves and to spend some time together. On this day we went to Bellayre Ski Mountain (http://www.belleayre.com/ ) and spent the day swooping around the hills.
The last time I had been skiing was on my little weekend getaway to Vermont. (Photos here)

Thanks for the good company Mom!

Around the world with Jamie

2011-04-17T22:53:00.000-04:00

A 10 minute video showcasing my recent travels! Enjoy! Thank you to everyone too! :)

Around The World with Jamie from Jamie Love on Vimeo.

Knicks Pre Play Off & Fundraising Event!

2011-04-15T11:19:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone. I organized a little (well hopefully BIG) fund raising event tonight for one of my closest friends and his family. His 11 year old sister Gianna was diagnosed with Brain Cancer last May. Gianna is my little sister. My darling!

Tonight we are celebrating the Knicks birth into the playoff as well as raising money for Gianna and her family.

We have some amazing prizes we are raffling off. Mets, Knicks, Yankees and all other types of gear.

If you have a moment, we would love for you to stop by and say hello!

Hype Lounge

243 E. 14th Street

7pm

Thank you.

An afternoon with Leah

2011-04-15T07:23:00.001-04:00

Spending

Spending time with my family. Simply wonderful. My niece Leah is growing, and becoming more beautiful and more interesting to me. She really is a perfect little being.

Christian

2011-04-14T09:56:00.000-04:00

I had the chance to watch this little guy while I was visiting friends and family in upstate New York.
Meet Christian, one of my childhood friends little man. He was such an easy and fun kid to babysit.

My ladies want some ice cream!

2011-04-13T07:11:00.001-04:00

I had the chance to spend time with my little ladies while I was home visiting family. They drove from far away just to come and see ME! Enjoying ice cream, silly faces, and laughs with my girls. I love watching them grow, and having this blog allows me to keep up with how fast they are growing.

Here is a little photoshoot I did with them last year.

Shooter

2011-04-12T07:51:00.005-04:00

It was kind of hard to find people to go out with in my hometown. I don't go home that often, and I'm not always sure who's around anymore.

I did get to hang out with Hillary and James, which is always a good time. James and I were a dream team at pool that night. I loved how my sister, Zack and hillary frolicked around while we played pool.

A pure comedy show folks.

The sisters

2011-04-11T04:20:00.001-04:00

Playground shots by Zack

2011-04-10T07:16:00.000-04:00

Ya know, just for fun. Me and my silly friend Zack. Because we still act like we are 12 years old when we hang out!

HI ZACKKKK

Shooting Hoops

2011-04-09T07:08:00.001-04:00

It was unseasonably warm one of the days, so I skipped out of my sister's restaurant to ride bikes and play some basketball. Max and I played some one on one at the park, then met up with my BFF Zack to get some other kids involved.

We also saw little Noah at the park, and he actually let me take this picture. Here are some more great pictures of Noah.

The Penguin

2011-04-08T07:57:00.000-04:00

I ran upstate to see my family, and I got stuck at the Penguin.

My sister is quite fantastic, and runs a few businesses in our hometown. I was her right hand man for the two weeks I was there.

MSG & Grand Central Station

2011-04-07T08:26:00.002-04:00

I made my first appearance at Madison Square Garden for this 2010-2011 season. Being on the road since September left no time for basketball. I hadn't really watched any games this season, and only knew what was going on because of Anthony. So he took me to the Pacers game, and we lost, and I made a video about it.

after that I ran up to see my family via Grand Central Station. Such a great station....

Bleeker Bar & Flight Club

2011-04-06T06:38:00.000-04:00

Margarita ridiculousness

After checking out a comedy show with Morgan and Henry on Essex street we cabbed it over to Bleeker bar to play some pool. Bleeker bar is pretty chill, and a nice little dive bar to hang out and play some pool at.

The next day I when to a store on Broadway called "Flight Club." If you are into hats or sneakers then you need to visit this store! I loved the layout, and of course the large mirror!

Michael is coming today!

2011-04-05T06:22:00.000-04:00

I took this eerie yet amazing photo at 4am on a friday night. How spectacular!

ALSO, my friend Michael is flying in from South America today. I can't wait to see him! You remember Michael? He's my travel companion from Paris! HI MICHAEL!!

It's my party...

2011-04-04T06:02:00.000-04:00

"BV" aka Broadwayvogue

Ok, more like, "It's my happy hour...and i'll cry if i want to."

Tears of JOY! Happy to be back with my wonderful friends, and my BV partner in crime, Henry.

Happy!

Cadillac

2011-04-03T06:52:00.000-04:00

Some shots around New York, from my few days back in the city. It's looking a little dreary compared to my time spent in Florida. I'm going to make sure to have an amazing summer in this city I love.

Fly away home

2011-04-02T06:31:00.000-04:00

While getting reacquainted with my favorite neighborhood in NYC, the east village. I spotted these winged wonders checking out rooftops.

Two of my favorite things

2011-04-01T06:25:00.000-04:00

My first day back in New York City. After literally traveling around the world. Then hopping around the US of A, and soaking up tons of sun in FLORDIA. I was back home. My beloved NYC.

OH, man. It was unreal. I was so happy.

SO first thing I did, was call up my gal Gianna, and hit the streets of New York.

We did make a stop at The American Girl Store (that place creeps me out, sorry baby doll fans!) Then walked down to Bryant Park because we had the idea of iceskating, until i realized I was two months too late, and they had already taken down the Bryant park rink. Boo.

Two of my favorite things: NYC & Gianna G

HARRRRY POTTTER WORLD

2011-03-31T06:15:00.000-04:00

GAAAAAH, I was so excited to check out Islands of Adventure in Orlando with the girls, especially because I wanted to visit the Harry Potter World part.

I love HP. Oh i love HP.

It was absolutely amazing. It was even more amazing to spend a whole day with Vicki, Vishwani and Daniellle. Such wonderful women they are! GUSH

The gals came down

2011-03-30T06:12:00.000-04:00

My darling VISHWANI, and miss thang Danielle (or dow as we call her..and she hates that we call her that) came own to visit me in Cocoa Beach, Florida. They wanted to get out of snowy NYC and come hang with their gal in Florida. It was a perfect idea.

We spent a lot of time Kayaking, since my aunt's backyard is on this above water canal. We could wake up in the AM, jump in the kayaks and spend some time in the sun. We also played with the puppies, tried on silly hats, and went to the beach. We even met some college kids who brought Beer Pong to the beach and named it Beach Pong. They played with 5 gallon buckets, and tennis balls. I of course spotted them, and chatted them up. What a brilliant idea!

Golfing around

2011-03-29T06:49:00.000-04:00

My aunt is an avid golfer. She is the best golfer i've ever seen play too. So when she invited me out to play 18 holes, I was a little intimidated and decided I was better off her caddie for the day. As we walked the 18 holes, and the boys drove their cart I got tons of golf tips from everyone, and even played a few holes. I scored my first par on a professional golf course. To me, that's a big deal! I am hoping to improve my game, and play more of these beautiful florida courses.

Oh, and my aunt encouraged me to take off my shoes, and play barefoot. The hippy inside of me jumped for joy!

This is kind of a long post.

2011-03-28T06:33:00.001-04:00

The doggies came on the boat with us, so we could pull up to one of these "thousand islands" and let the dogs have a good run. The water was definitely not as deep as I thought, and it was only up to your knees in all of the surrounding area. I just love some of the facial expressions I've captured of the dogs, the black female is Bocci and she is usually the leader of the pack.

Shuttle Launch

2011-03-27T06:23:00.000-04:00

When my aunt and I were traveling together in October, we had discussed the possibility of a shuttle launch happening while I was visiting her in Flordia. Well the calendar lined up perfectly, and the second day I was in Cocoa Beach we went out on her friend's boat and watched the shuttle to outter space launch (while sipping moonwalk cocktails!)

Pool Party

2011-03-26T07:11:00.000-04:00

After an enjoyable week in Atlanta, I took another long bus (because i'm too cheap to fly...and the lady i was gonna hitch hike with was a bit too sketch for me) back down to Flordia. Luckly my father picked me up somewhere in the middle of florida, and we drove a few more hours to my aunt's house on the east coast.

On one of the days, we hung out by the pool and played with the dogs. They enjoyed playing ball and "cannonballing" off the side just like little kids.

This is not the last you will see of these four pooches!

Seeing RED!

2011-03-25T23:50:00.000-04:00

I don't know what has gotten into me lately. I just haven't had the urge to blog. I have definitely been taking a lot of photos. Which is good news, because if i am taking photos, I will eventually post them.
Here are a few more shots I took when I was spending time in Chandler Park in Atlanta, GA with one of my best friends last month. Chandler park is hosting the 420 Sweetwater festival again this year next month. Be sure to check it out if you live in the area.

Guess who's back

2011-03-12T19:16:00.000-05:00

I've definitely been MIA on my blog the last week and a half. All for good reason, as I've been living. And you should too.

Lots of photos to come of the last few weeks.
Here is a little collage of last night.
My first happy hour back in New York City!
a good chunk of my wonderful NYC friends came out to have a drink, laugh, and be silly with me at the Fat Black Pussy cat on West 3rd street.

The only one missing is my darling friend Rany. We are hoping he is having a better time than we are living in CHINA this year. We love you RANY!

BACK STAGE BETTY & DRUM CIRCLES

2011-03-02T08:35:00.000-05:00

My friend has a little jewelry business called "Backstage Betty", so we decided to head down to the little 5 points neighborhood of Atlanta and hustle her goods outside some of the shows. Tressa and I as a sales team duo is a dream. At times it even turns into a comedy show, like times when she decides borrowing skateboards and giving it a go in front of the venue. As soon as she has her website up and running i'll be sure to let you know, so you can all own your own pair of BB earrings.

ALSO

We stopped by a Drum Circle get together on Saturday night. I was excited to hang out and enjoy the beats and vibe of all the people and music. Definitely an interesting and good time. Love me a good drum circle.

Amicalola Falls, Georgia

2011-03-01T07:58:00.000-05:00

Since Tressa and I are adventurous gals, we decided upon a mini road trip to Amicalola Falls which is just over an hour outside of the Atlanta area. The day couldn't be nicer for February weather, and to get out in the fresh air was just what we needed! I love a good hike in the woods!

Moon Taxi

2011-02-28T07:24:00.000-05:00

We went to see the band MOON TAXI in the Buckhead area of Atlanta. They were quite good, and i'm not really one to check out different bands. I liked their energy, they sounded good, and they were fun to chat with afterwords. That's all I need.

You can check out tour dates of the band and more information on their website

Welcome to Atlanta

2011-02-27T00:00:00.000-05:00

I've arrived in Atlanta to see my partner in crime, miss Tressa P. I wrote about my time spent in Atlanta on my other blog two years ago. (I can't believe it's been that long since i've been to ATL!)

Anyways. She totally rocks. Here are a few appetizer photos of my Atlanta, Georgia trip. I still have a Southern Accent! More to come...

Jamie and Devin - G'ville style

2011-02-25T14:01:00.000-05:00

I hate snakes. Like really hate them. Most people do right?

Except for my friend Devin, who owns two of them. I swallowed my fear for a day and played with Atlas, her little corn snake.

Devin is awesome, and was one of my close girl friends from NYC. She moved down to Flordia this past summer, and she is truly missed in New York. The kinda gal who is down for anything, and explored the streets of New York with me on a regular basis.

Playing in the woods + Graffiti

2011-02-23T12:20:00.000-05:00

They have this graffiti wall near the Unversity of Flordia that changes it's graffiti on a regular basis. We were checking out all the different 'art' and even saw a guy who was painting a section of the wall with a love message to his wife. (awww)

Anywho, we decided to play in the woods and explore. Because Devin and I are fun and awesome like that.

Go Gators

2011-02-22T09:13:00.000-05:00

Gainesville, Florida. Home of the Gators.

I spent the weekend in this college town visiting my old NYC gal pal DEVIN.

We spent a few hours one day checking out the University of Florida campus. It was big and impressive and people definitely loved their Gators.

Florida

2011-02-21T07:11:00.003-05:00

Hanging with my grandparents. N. Sandree Drive

Touch the Sky

Building fires with my grandfather

Blue Skies

Powerlines and Cattle

Monster powerlines

Passing Trains

Searching for Manatees

I kinda took a little break from taking photographs for the two weeks that I was visiting my father and grandparents in Florida. I had just came around the world, and was finally in the Eastern Time Zone in America and had taking literally thousands of photographs in the previous 5 months.

So I only have a few from my few weeks in Florida, but in that time I played tennis, went kayaking, played poker, bike rides, hung out with gram, road trips with my father, felt like a kid, ate healthy, looked at old photographs and tons of other things...

Arizonian

2011-02-18T07:24:00.001-05:00

I wandered around my aunt's neighborhood in Tempe a suburb of Phoenix to snap some photos of the local scenery. This was my first time in the South West, and my first time visiting some family I have out here.

I learned so much about all the different types of cactus. I didn't know there were so many, but my aunt told me about all the different kinds, and I happily snapped away while she informed me. I'm starting to get into learning about different plants... mother nature never ceases to amaze me.

(The last photo is of my aunt's pet Tortoise...how cool is that?)

Up next: The Sunshine state!

Downtown Tempe

2011-02-17T07:50:00.003-05:00

I had the best intentions of visiting the grand canyon. That's all I could think about, photographing the grand canyon. Unfortunately i didn't make it there this time. I ran out of time with the flight I booked so I just stayed with some family in Tempe, Arizona.

I watched some skaters skate, I walked all around downtown Tempe, and decided to hike A mountain so I could check out the view from the top. It gave you a nice panorama view of the big college suburb.

Venice Beach

2011-02-16T08:31:00.000-05:00

Although my time in the LA area was really short. With only one full day to do something, I decided to hang out at the Santa Monica pier, and then walk to Venice Beach. I was excited to finally see what everyone was talking about. (and to soak up the sun because I was freeeezing in China)

So I people watched, and waited and waited to catch some surfers do their thing, and watched skater boys, then walked the Venice Beach boardwalk.

I didn't really have any expectations for Venice Beach, it was interesting, but really nothing that appealed to me. I liked watching the guys playing ball, it kinda reminded me of White Man Can't Jump.

Off to the desert, aka Phoenix...

Tea Party Crasher

2011-02-15T07:53:00.000-05:00

My grandmother is the most amazing women i've ever met.

We went on a little outing the other day, we wanted to photograph some manatees, and since they are usually around and about near her area we thought we could find some.

We went to a few locations, chatted with a few park rangers, local fisherman,and random people to see if they had seen any.

No luck.

So instead, we were driving past an assisted living home, and she told me they offer free tea and dessert at 3pm.

And she pulled in.

Whattt, we were definitely about to crash a tea party.

See...my grandmother kinda fit in, but why was a 24 year girl there?

Well no one cared, and we had some tea, ate way too many treats and chatted with all the elder women. They had a little music, and a cat in the building.

Among all the other amazing things me and my grandmother did the last two weeks, she never surprises me anymore.

Coming to America

2011-02-14T09:29:00.000-05:00

Downtown San Francisco

The Santa Monica Pier

Yes, I am back in America. I flew from Hong Kong to San Fran on a delightful 12 hour flight.

I have to be honest, it was a weird feeling being back in the states the first 48 hours.

I spent a fun two days in San Fran before I hitched a ride down the coast to Sunny LA.

Well Santa Monica to be exact.

Bittersweet

2011-02-11T09:32:00.000-05:00

Nevaeh and Dy'cia

These photos were from exactly a year ago. This is the last time I got to see my little ladies.

It's about time to get back home.

I love them so much, I even let them practice photography with my Nikon.

Hey, you can never start too early!

I love to travel, but it makes it bittersweet to see these beautiful girls faces.

Last few hours of Hong Kong

2011-02-10T08:35:00.000-05:00

Dusk with a slight view of Hong Kong Island

Kowloon Park- My last evening in Hong Kong I walked all in and around Kowloon Park. I sat and watched the flamingos. I had an icecream cone. (Such indulgence, i know). Then after all that, I had a good hour to 'kill' before I had to leave for the airport, so I sat on a bench in the rose garden and finished the book I was reading. (Henry Miller, Tropic of Cancer)

Nathan Road at night. Hong Kong.

This is my final post of international travel. I caught a flight back to the United States. Experiencing reverse culture shock.

The journey isn't over yet, I have several stops in the US of A to make before i'll be back to the great NYC.

Stay tuned.

Hong Kong Contrast

2011-02-09T09:31:00.000-05:00

Developing and Developed Hong Kong Island

A view from the top. I decided to hike the top of Hong Kong Island, and it paid off. Beautiful sites of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, and beautiful pathways and hiking trails.

In the middle of the city, a tree grows from concrete.

The longest escalator in the world i believe. San Francisco should invest in one of these.

During the day, the signs don't seem nearly as chaotic as the night time glow of it all.

Baby Love!

2011-02-08T12:46:00.000-05:00

A photo of sisters. My little Vae and Dice. I love these girls, and as I was organizing travel photos I saw this shot, that I had never posted. I miss these girls dearly, and my own sister!

Baby Feet! I've been reading so many baby blogs lately. Possibly due to Taza finally having her little bundle of joy. This photo was from my only visit with little Lincoln. One of my lovely friends baby boy.

Hong Kong coming at cha'

2011-02-07T08:42:00.001-05:00

arts center

fancy hotels near Nathan Road

Big shinny buildings

Fresh grapefruit juice, mmm

Hong Kong Island. 7:59pm

Bruce Lee, representing

Jamie, with Hong Kong Island in the background

Hong Kong Island, fog intact

Final international destination.

Hong Kong is special, it truly is. I've never seen anything like this city. I was only there for two days, but it wasn't nearly enough time. In a lot of cities I loose interest after a few days, but Hong Kong needed a lot more time. I will be back here one day, hopefully to hang out with my friend Joe, and explore more of this interesting and wonderful place.

Guilin, China

2011-02-04T09:35:00.003-05:00

Majong

Kobe in the background

After spending a few days in Kunming, and took a long long train tride to Guilin, China.

There is truly something unique about taking an overnight train for 18 hours through the south of China, without speaking a word of Mandarin. I bought a "sleeper" seat in a 6 bed cabin. Something about trying to fall asleep while looking out the window and watching the glow of the chinese villages fly by and hearing the other people in my cabin chat in their language while I ponder in mine.

Anyways, about Guilin: It's considered a small town comparing to chinese standards. It is actually quite nice, but just like any other city. Their significant tourist attraction are the two towers pictured above, which are quite nice. You can walk around the small pond and get a view from every angle, and you can watch locals going about their daily business. Including the men pictured about playing a overly serious game of Mahjong.

Kunming, the south of China

2011-02-03T09:11:00.002-05:00

"Oh god, the roof is open"

Any of my mandarin speaking friends..can you translate this for me?

Odd children characters

Watching some ladies practice in the afternoon

With the amount of birds in my last few posts, I won't be shocked if my friend Meg disowns me, since she has such a distaste for pigeon like creatures.

But listen, from my experience, in these Chinese cities feeding birds in parks was the thing to do. The last several photos were from my walk around the big lake in Kunming. It was actually quite an experience just from the mass amounts of birds that were actually there.

Anyways, Since I was solo traveling through China I wanted to put my contacts out there to see if I knew anyone in this southern Chinese city. Turns out a friend of a friend of a friend came through. So I found myself hanging out with 'Andy' who was traveling around the world as well, and from the North East area of the States as I was. It was fun to swap stories and learn about places I had never been, and also meet some other friends of his that were living in Kunming.

Animation!

2011-02-02T14:08:00.003-05:00

Kunming, China

2011-02-02T10:26:00.001-05:00

Scenes from Kunming, China.

This was my first introduction into China. Boy was it cold and after spending two months in SE asia I wasn't ready to face the chill. I bought a new jacket, and a comfy knit hat and managed the chilly weather.

A park in Kunming, China

2011-02-01T08:31:00.001-05:00

After an exciting weekend in Hanoi, I took a flight into Kunming, China.

It was my time to move on after SE asia, and I thought I would give China a go. Unfortunately the weather was a lot colder than I had anticipated, but I was still glad to have the chance to explore the south of China.

So Kunming I went.

I choose to spend a morning at this local park on the outskirts of town. It was so clean and well organized, with a huge mountain painting the backdrop of the grounds. As you will see in the next few days with the photos I will post, feeding birds in China is the thing to do.

Enjoy

The sounds of Hanoi will stick with you forever.

2011-01-30T21:53:00.001-05:00

Sitting atop this cafe in Hanoi will promise you a captivating view of the stillness and pleasantness of the lake. It will also entertain you with the constant buzzing, honking and clunking of the streets of hanoi.

Picture frogger, multiplied with motobikes and no extra lives. This is walking in the streets of Hanoi. After spending time in Vietnam, you will get the hang of it, but not without a few scares. The rules of crossing the street in Vietnam do not apply in other South East Asia countries.

Trust me, just walking out in front of traffic with a steady strut and your eye on the prize (the other side of the street) does not work in other countries as well as it does in Vietnam.

Back to Vietnam- The Capital, Hanoi

2011-01-27T12:57:00.001-05:00

Some random shots around Hanoi, and some photos of my lovely walk around the lake in the middle of old town. It's a mix of locals and tourists scoping out the scene and enjoying all the colorful lights. I'm not sure if the lake is so lit up because the chinese new year is soon, or if it's always like this. Either way, the walk around the lack was quite enjoyable. Even if it was a drop in temperature from Vientiane, Laos where we had just came from.

I was happy to be back in Vietnam, as it was where I started my asia leg of the journey back in November. Although I didn't go back to the south (Saigon) I was still happy to find the time to visit the capital. Hanoi, Vietnam.

If I could describe Hanoi, I would say it's what I would picture Bangkok to look like. If that makes sense, the crazy hecticness I always imagined Bangkok to be was exactly what I took from Hanoi.