June 18th, 2011 by Rachel | Country: Iceland | No Comments »
I’m in a country where it’s so underpopulated unlike China, but yet beautiful and peaceful – Iceland. As I walk through the capital city, Reykjavik, it is seemingly bizarre to be in a place that is so small and to call it a capital city. All the capital cities to where I’ve travelled are busy with lots of people and too many roads to navigate in one day. In Reykjavik, it takes only a few hours to explore every roads. The buildings are extraordinarily colorful – so colorful that they standout too much from the landscape. Some buildings are bright red or yellow or green. There is even one in my favorite color, TURQUOISE. In my hometown, Boston, we have quite a few wildly colorful buildings and when I see them, I always react, “Why the heck someone would paint in bright colors?” I’ve realized that I haven’t asked this question here. It’s because in my hometown, bright buildings are far few and between. In other words, there are not many painted in bright colors as that’s not the norm in our culture. However, in Reykjavik, most of the buildings are in flamboyant colors and so, it is obviously part of the culture in Iceland.
I have to shamelessly admit that I thought Icelandic people would have a totally extravagant and different fashion style from other cultures as this country has only a few hundred thousand people and didn’t think that other countries would pay the expense to import goods to a tiny country and therefore, create their own ordinary fashion and plus, this country is so seemingly isolated from other parts of the world when I see the map of the world. I couldn’t be anymore wrong. These people look just like any other Europeans. They were same and ordinary clothes that Americans and Europeans wear. Although, they do have one unique fashion piece and that is hand- knitted sweaters with interesting patterns below the neckline. Iceland is known for its unique wool that can’t be found in any other parts of the world due to having this unique breed of sheep that doesn’t exist in other countries. I brought one sweater for myself.
It’s in middle of the night here in Iceland and the sun is shinning as bright as it can be. It’s a challenge to live in 24 hours of sunlight. I’ve been struggling to sleep because the sun wakes me and moreover, I have a hard time going to sleep because my mind is telling me, “It’s still light out! No need to go to bed!” I was so exhausted last night that I actually was able to fall asleep earlier, but tonight, that’s not the case. UGH! Fortunately, tomorrow, I’m going to the Blue Lagoon, a spa resort and relax in this nice and big thermal bath and get a massage. It’ll be my first time going to a thermal bath and so, I’ll be interested in seeing how this experience goes. I hope it doesn’t smell too bad…when I put on hot water in the shower or in the sink, it smells kind of like rotten eggs! Ewww! BUT – it’s still totally natural water…it’s just how it smells in Iceland!
July 12th, 2010 by Rachel | Country: Colorado United States (home) Utah | No Comments »
As I headed from Vail to Moab, I watched the amazing transformation of the landscapes from the window of Michael’s Grand Cherokee Jeep. Lush green mountains were everywhere in Vail. They looked so stunning that I wanted to lie down on a grassy field and just relax under the sun as if I was resting on a sandy beach. Then about an hour into the drive, I began to see some alterations in the mountains. Patches of red soil appeared on the mountains. Seeing complimentary colors mixed together in a landscape was a beautiful appearance.
Moments later I was tuned out to listening to music on my iPod, daydreaming, and not really paying attention to the scenery. While I my mind was in a haze, Michael said, “Rachel! Look!” My eyes popped out. Canyons were at my sight! As I was admiring the awe-striking scenery, we were driving through a very curvy road. I felt as if I was on an amusement park ride like ‘It’s a Small World’! There were trains roving on the very steep walls of the canyons. A glistening green river weaved through the canyons. Along the river, there were people kayaking and swimming. I wanted to splash into the water, but I had to keep on going.
Shortly before reaching the finish line, a more stunning set of canyons came in sight. The canyons were redder. I asked Michael to stop to enjoy a moment in the canyons. Once the car was parked, I hopped out and snapped a few shots. We continued on.
The city of Moab was a bit disappointing and so, there is no need to go into details. It was just simply a pit stop with a few shops and restaurants.
In order to enjoy the sunset and viewing beautiful lighting on the landscape, Michael and I headed to Arches National Park in the evening. As the planet was turning westward, the landscape appeared more and more dramatic to the point that it became a silhouette. It was a sentimental moment to view the West.
The following morning, Michael and I went for an off-road trekking through the canyons. It was a very bumpy roller coaster ride! We were riding on the edge of the canyons and going steep down the hill while the rocks on the ground were causing our bodies to jerk and wobble like popcorn popping.
Shortly after trekking down and up through the canyons, we headed back to Vail. As we were heading back, I suddenly felt trapped in another planet. The sky was gray. The air was thick and filled with dust. Wind was blowing so hard that I could feel the car rattling. I was experiencing a dust bowl! What a grand western life!
July 6th, 2010 by Rachel | Country: Colorado United States (home) | No Comments »
Escaping from the city for a few days to be surrounded by the beauty of nature is absolutely a must for those who normally live in the city or near the city. As I headed to Vail from Denver with Mj and her family two Fridays ago, the number of lanes on the expressway reduced from five lanes to two lanes. During the first hour of the drive, we were surrounded by hundreds of cars, buildings, subway stations, and a not-so-pretty backdrop. Then we emerged into a landscape of nothing but lush green mountains with a few buildings perched there and a few cars roaming.
While Vail is known as a ski resort, the town has a lot to offer in the summer – hiking, biking, riding the gondola, art festival, eating, and just relaxing. The following morning after arriving in Vail, I headed to the top of the world by taking a gondola. Being at the top of the mountains provided nothing but a serene moment. A number of evergreen trees stood on the rolling hills filled with lush green grass. The weather couldn’t be anymore perfect. The sun glimmered in the sky while there were a few clouds scattered everywhere. Mj, her husband, Merril, her son, Max, and I hiked throughout the beautiful landscape.
The following day, Mj, Max, and I walked for about a half mile on the road and then we went into the woods. When I think of woods, it often brings magical treasures. After about a mile or so, I was brought to an open vast space of mountains with a field of grass with a few flowers scattered throughout the ground. Then about another mile into the hike, I heard the sounds of water running from somewhere. A few moments later, I approached a beautiful waterfall nestled in the mountains. Life couldn’t be anymore beautiful…
June 28th, 2010 by Rachel | Country: Colorado United States (home) | No Comments »
I once thought that I had to wait for months for summer to turn into winter; however, this perspective changed when I took a journey to the Rocky Mountains from the suburbs of Denver.
A week ago, my friends from internship and I headed for another journey to the top of the world by taking a road trip to Estes Park, Trail Ridge Road, and the Rocky Mountain National Park.
At 9 AM in the morning, when we were in the suburbs of Denver, while the temperature was warm, the sun was sparkling in the sky. The mountains were brilliantly green. Pine trees with evergreen leaves adorned the landscape. As we continued to drive, a mountain filled with snow on the top peaked in the background of our own views. As someone who grew up in the south where snow rarely existed, seeing snow is a treasure.
While we were driving down the road towards Estees Parks, mountains with snow appeared larger and larger in our eyes. While we were getting closer to the snow, the weather was still warm. So warm that I was still in short sleeves.
Shortly after we passed by Estees Park, we finally entered the Rocky Mountain National Park and drove along the Trail Ridge Road. We were driving towards the sky. As we emerged to the higher altitude, the temperature dipped to the point that it felt wonderful. The feeling of cool breeze swooping by me felt really good.
We continued to go up and up towards 12,000 ft above the sea level. The higher we traveled, we felt closer to the North Pole. Snow appeared right in front of our eyes. The minute my friends and I saw a field of snow, we pulled the car to the side. The minute we entered outside, we felt we were living in middle of a winter season! It was so cold that I had a coat on me. Aside from the freezing temperature, the wind was so fierce that girls’ long hair were flowing upwards. As I was walking, the wind obviously wanted to be in charge of my journey because it pushed me forward giving me the signal to keep on walking. There were occasions when the wind pushed to the side.
In spite of the powerful winds, it didn’t stop me from enjoying the snow. I picked up some snow, created a snowball, and threw it.
We continue to travel on top of the world and admired the beautiful scenery. After a few hours of driving, we made back down to the sea level where I was able to take my coat off and eventually no longer saw snow on the ground.
If I suffer from heat one day, all I have to do is go to the Rocky Mountains to cool off!
June 21st, 2010 by Rachel | Country: Colorado United States (home) | 1 Comment »
Being in the office for 8 hours everyday where we’re trapped inside a box, my friends from internship and I crave for fresh air, mountains and soft, green grasses. One evening after work, I asked a friend of mine who was my mom’s good friend from Boston, Mj and her husband, if there is a place for us to escape from the society of big box stores, commercials and other corporations. Mj and her husband took me for a journey to a mystical land.
Daniel’s Park couldn’t be any more stunning for a quick place to escape. Watching the sun set behind the mountains was glorious. What was even more beautiful was watching the bikers ride into the sunset! It was a symbolism of a typical life in Colorado.
The following day, I brought my friends to Daniel’s Park where we enjoyed another magnificent view of the sunset. Best of all, we enjoyed hearing the sounds of winds gushing by our ears. Aside from enjoying the world of nature, we had a picnic dinner.
June 21st, 2010 by Rachel | Country: Colorado United States (home) | 2 Comments »
Just because the weather is so disgustingly bad, it does not mean that we can’t have fun. Sometimes it’s good to view various weather conditions rather than just sunny days to have a different perspective of the world.
On a very bleak and gloomy Saturday, two weekends ago, three friends and I headed south of Denver to venture on the COG railway to the top of the mountain.
As we were riding on the tracks to the top, we looked out the window. There were many pine trees along with rocks in various formations. While we could see the foreground, we could not see the background. It was totally gray. It was OK because I devoted more time to seeing the land itself rather than to both the land and the sky.
As soon as we arrived at just over 14,000 feet above the sea level, we could see nothing but the ground. We were practically inside the clouds! It was one of those moments where I had the opportunity to feel what is like to be in the massive thickness of clouds. When I fly on the plane, I always wondered what is like to be inside those clouds. I got an answer to this feeling. There was no sense of feeling softness like as if we touching the cotton balls. I was walking through a sauna except it was FREEZING. While at the sea level ground, it was in the 60’s, the temperature was around 30 degree Fahrenheit with strong winds at the top.
Aside from immersing inside the clouds, we saw snow! As someone who is from the south, seeing snow is a real treasure. Unfortunately the combination of cold temperature and winds did not signal any motivation to play snowball fights.
The high altitude obviously messed up my friends’ and my brain because during the entire journey back down, we did nothing but laugh hysterically. We all looked like we were bunch of riots!
Before we headed on the COG railway, we stopped at a funky, little town called Manitou Springs where I felt was in a foreign country. The architectural style was so different. There were buildings with turquoise trimmings. There was a pink house! A few buildings had paintings of a fantasy world. People were proudly hippie by wearing tie dye shirts and other hideous clothing. The shops and restaurants were the best of all. I was free from the world of big box and chain stores. This gave me the opportunity to buy unique items – items made by artisans. Because I met a residence of the town, he introduced me to a few locals including shopkeepers, which gave me a sense of close connection to the town.
June 14th, 2010 by Rachel | Country: Colorado United States (home) | 3 Comments »
It’s been six months since I returned to my home country to finish up my last year of university. A few weeks ago, I graduated graduated Summa Cum Laude from SCAD with a Bachelor of Arts degree in photography.
I am now in Colorado for the summer to work and travel. It’s really a “kill two birds with one stone” moment because while I have an incredible opportunity to gain experiences in working in a corporation by interning with Cochlear, I am also immersing myself in the beautiful scenary of the state of Colorado!
While I have seen so much of the world, outside of my own country and culture, I still have so much more to explore in my own backyard, especially the West.
Just over a week ago, I had the privilege to spend a day in the mountains with a good friend of my mom’s who was her colleague in Boston over 20 years ago.
I always thought other places around the world such as Europe and New Zealand are far more beautiful than my own country; however, the US has many hidden treasures too. Eldorado Springs, the mountains where I ventured, proved me that stunning landscapes exist in the US.
Mountains rose high above the sea level and trees covered a vast area of the land. Watching the clouds move as the shadows shifted on the mountains and viewing the brilliant green leaves wave like a flag as the wind blows away are pieces of moments I enjoyed seeing. There was one particular spot that made me stop and view the scene because not only it was so beautiful, but it made me think of American realism paintings – paintings that depicted the open vast landscapes of America with serene sentiments.
November 11th, 2009 by Rachel | Country: France | 3 Comments »
I don’t want to write this entry, but I feel the need to so that I can record my feelings for the sake of memories. This past eight weeks lasted only a millionth of a second. I have no clue how time flew by so fast. It seems like it was just a few minutes ago when I unlocked the door to my home in Provence after walking up the hill, drenched in pouring rain and having just said “hello” to Finn and giving him a hug. In spite of not having my suitcase as it got lost on the flight, all I could think about was being happy to be back in the school where I felt that I belonged and being in a very cozy bedroom. The following morning, I headed to the market in Apt and was eager to greet some old faces including the leather man who makes special orders for me. Since then, days whooshed watching the sunrises, viewing the scintillating moon high in the sky, sitting in middle of a large vineyard, chatted with friends at a cafe until the wee hours, dancing at a Halloween party, standing under the Eiffel Tower, trekking to Avignon with my art history class, and photographing all of my wonderful surroundings. As I reflect all of the memories of this past eight weeks, I feel as if I just flipped through the pages within a second. Because I had so much fun and experienced many tremendous laughter, it is expected to feel as if the time flew by too much. I apologize for repeating the thought of the time flying by so fast, but I just can’t understand why it did happen!
November 6th, 2009 by Rachel | Country: France | No Comments »
There are some villages in Provence that are must to see again and again every time I revisit Provence, and Gordes is one of those villages. Gordes is a village in the sky. While it’s a typical village being perched on a cliff, it is a very unusual village because of the way it was built on the cliff. The cliff is so steep that it seems as if the village is floating in the sky. This village was founded by the Romans in 11th century and was developed around the fortified castle, which still exists today. What is hard to believe is that Gordes has a long history of ups and downs. One century, it was a strong fortress and then during another century, it was prospering thanks to the silk weavers, the production of olive oil and cobblers who came to the village. Later on, Gordes suffered an earthquake in 1909 and also the German bombings during the World War II. Fortunately, since 1960′s Gordes has been thriving thanks to the tourists who are visiting to appreciate the beauty of landscape and the architecture.
The Provençal folktale song that you will be hearing in the video is La mazurka souto li pin.
While I’m not a religious person and viewing religious art does not allure me, I just have to make a note of a church, The Saint Firmin Church, in Gordes just because of its interior design. It is embellished with stunning paintings in rich colors and sculptures. It is different from other historical churches and cathedrals because there is no somberness feeling to it due to plain and simple colors.
After taking the moment to view the marvelous interior of the church, I headed down a hill and just admired the stunning countryside of Provence.
November 6th, 2009 by Rachel | Country: France | No Comments »
Many works of art is created without an inspiration by another artist. Artists at the Fondation Vincent Van Gogh in Arles is a perfect example as many works of arts displayed at this place depicts the obvious influences of van Gogh’s work. When one holds up a painting of brightly colored brushstrokes painted in unique set of lines, viewers can easily guess the work was done by Van Gogh’s or by an artist who was inspired by van Gogh. For instance, David Hockney, a painter from England, was obviously influenced by van Gogh as he used bright color paints and tried to imitate the brushstrokes of van Gogh. Plus, without any doubts, Vincent’s Chair was his influence.
While some artists like Hockney made very obvious imitations of Van Gogh’s work, some others were far different from van Gogh’s work but still incorporated some of his artistic characteristics. For example, Oliver Debre from France, painted a peculiar image of yellows with hues of blacks, browns, grays, and greens looking like as if the brushstrokes are dripping down the canvas. While it looks like as if no one can assume that his piece of work was inspired by van Gogh, there were still many references according to his artist statement. He stated:
“I have been fascinated by van Gogh both as a human being and master for many years.
His sense of colour and shape is very contemporary and present in modern painting.
He exploited colour with such force that I went to the same source, choosing yellow to evoke it.
I have painted these irises as a wreath of flowers to offer him.”
Overall, my art history course, French Modernism, enjoyed the visit to the museum to understand how we can use artists from French Modernism period as our source of inspirations.
