While I was based in Tallahassee Florida I rented a car and made my way towards a conference (SPSP2013) taking place at New Orleans. It was a wonderful trip, New Orleans was absolutely fascinating with the crazy Mardi Gras traditions,
Japanese Tea Garden at Golden Gate Park : San Francisco
Golden Gate Park in San Francisco is a wonderful retreat right at the center of San Francisco. The park includes lots of attractions to enjoy, like the conservatory of flowers I mentioned before, and it even offers something for those
Travel Town Museum at Griffith Park : Los Angeles
While in Los Angeles, I followed the cliché somewhat idiotic tourist obsession with going up to the Hollywood sign, and I figured that I’ll pick up an attraction or two in the area along the way. The Hollywood sign proved
Daienji Temple : Meguro Toyko
Tokyo is filled with little hidden gems around every street corner. There’s definitely something very special about the Japanese temples. They’re extremely esthetic, delicate and beautiful in design, tranquility that calms your mood and lifts your spirits. When visiting Tokyo
Yong He Gong Lama Temple : Beijing
On one of my recent visits to Beijing I decided to stay at the Hutong area near Confucius Temple. It was a wonderful area, filled with local alley magic and temple shops, but it wasn’t all Confucian. In that area
Shibuya Crossing – Tobacco and Salt Museum : Tokyo
In one of my favorite movies of all time – Lost in Translation – the Shibuya Crossing represents all that’s different and overwhelming about the Tokyo experience. The neon lights, the gigantic rail station in the back, and the hordes
Mexican festival near Union Station : Los Angeles
At the heart of Los Angeles is Union Station, surrounded by a variety of culturally themed neighborhoods. You’ve got your China Town, your Little Tokyo, and closest by is the Mexican area. While walking through those neighborhood I came across
Conservatory of Flowers at Golden Gate Park : San Francisco
San Francisco is gorgeous. I enjoyed everything I saw in the last visit, was very impressed with how things looked and how relaxed and happy the locals seemed in most parts of the big city. One of the things I
OHenry’s House & Museum : Austin Texas
While I was walking towards my academic conference at the Austin Convention Center in Austin Texas I noticed a plain old historical house. It was quite humble, but it was definitely out of place in the area surrounding the convention
Meigetsuin Temple : Kamakura Japan
The last temple in my Kamakura temple run on my daytrip away from Tokyo is the Meigetsuin Zen Temple dating back to the 12th century. A very tranquil temple surrounded by green forest trees in what feels like a true
