Europe, Travel

Istanbul | Exploring Karaköy and Fetih

En route to Iran (posts on that amazing country coming soon), I spent three nights in Istanbul.  I stayed at Vault Karaköy,  a terrific boutique hotel, a short walk and a world away from Sultanahmet. Think Brooklyn vs Manhattan or Left Bank vs Right,  albeit on a much smaller scale.  From my fifth floor room, I could in see the minarets on Sultanahmet in one direction while the Galata Tower loomed in the … Continue reading Istanbul | Exploring Karaköy and Fetih

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Travel

Travel as Time Warp

Once I decide on a destination or itinerary, weeks, even months of research, planning, and preparing ensue.  I read books about the history, politics and sometimes geography of country/countries I will visit.  Whenever possible I immerse myself in novels and movies as well. I spend countless hours on the internet visiting sites both destination-specific and travel in general. Travel Magnolia’s Pinterest boards are full of … Continue reading Travel as Time Warp

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Travel, Travel Tips

Pack Light and Carry On

I once traveled for ten days in four countries with a day pack. That was a long time ago. However, I do try to take only a carry-on size roller bag and a backpack whenever possible. My favorite suitcase conforms to European carry-on size restrictions, but has a zipper expansion feature that means I can bring home more than I take. I leave today for a … Continue reading Pack Light and Carry On

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Packing, Travel Tips

Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance

In a perfect world, all electronics would use a universal adaptor/cord (the EU is moving in this direction with the mandatory cellphone charger standard). In reality, as I survey the pile of cords for the things I can’t leave home without, I am overwhelmed.  Of course, this trip is a bit unusual in that I will be spending much of it in places where I might not … Continue reading Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance

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Takashi Murakami, The Broad, LA
Architecture, Art

LA’s Newest Museum – The Broad

Eli and Edye Broad’s museum is a great gift to the people of Los Angeles and all contemporary art lovers. The Broad was designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro in collaboration with Gensler and fits in well with its neighbors Walt Disney Hall, the Los Angeles Cathedral,  and MoCA among others.  It is possible to spend an entire day appreciating all that this small section of … Continue reading LA’s Newest Museum – The Broad

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Asia, Travel

Must See | Tokyo | Meiji Shrine

Timing is everything, or at least a lot. When we made plans to visit the Meiji Shrine, we had no idea that the day would be spectacular and that many families would be celebrating Shichi Go San (7-5-3), a celebratory right of passage that dates back to the Heian period.  On this occasion, boys who are aged three or five and girls who are aged three or seven are  dressed … Continue reading Must See | Tokyo | Meiji Shrine

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Naoshima, Japan
Art, Asia, Travel

Naoshima Part III | Wrap Up

Perhaps what makes the Naoshima experience so memorable is the combination of sublime contemporary art and architecture with the traditional fishing villages and shrines. We were struck by the sensitivity to and respect for the environment that pervades these islands and is manifested throughout. Hiroshi Sugimoto restored an Edo Period shrine and added a new superstructure in his 2002 work “Appropriate Proportion.” The optical glass staircase he designed links the … Continue reading Naoshima Part III | Wrap Up

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Art, Asia, Travel

Now for Naoshima | Chichu Art Museum

Up the road from the Benesse House complex, visitors approach the Chichu Art Museum via a Giverny-inspired garden. This homage to Monet is the perfect introduction to a museum centered on five of the artist’s spectacular Water Lily paintings. Those works are housed in an exquisite gallery of white marble with soft filtered natural light. Photos are forbidden, although you can see some on the museum’s … Continue reading Now for Naoshima | Chichu Art Museum

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George Rickey Three Squares Vertical Diagonal 1972-82
Art, Asia, Japan

Now for Naoshima | Art in Japan’s Inland Sea Part I

There are must see places and there are must see again places. Naoshima is both.  Once is good, twice is better. This is only appropriate, since Naoshima encompasses several museums, public art installations and spreads over several islands located in the Seto Inland Sea of Japan. Getting there is a process and actually enhances the experience: bullet train to bus to ferry to bicycle or … Continue reading Now for Naoshima | Art in Japan’s Inland Sea Part I

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