Washington: Foggy Fall Morn and Morning Pages

Imagine; cool air kissing your cheeks as the first gentle rays of morning sunlight tentatively glimpse through the clouds, birdsong and squirrel chatter filling the air as rich coffee steam fills your nostrils. Kisses on the forehead and tiny smooches from a furry friend. It's not a bad way to start the day, right? I'm certainly not complaining. I can't really recall now how long Antho's been in the habit of making my coffee for me, but it's been a consistent occurrence since we've moved north. He's generally an early riser and has been since the beginning, though I'm still trying to adapt to this whole morning thing. I've gotten into the habit of writing morning pages, which is a fancy term for stream-of-consciousness journaling when you first wake up. I first heard about on the Lavendaire podcast, I think, when Aileen was discussing it with one of her guests. Since my day job gives me full permission to listen to headphones while I work, I've taken the opportunity to catch up on all those podcasts and streams I've been missing!  When it comes to morning pages, the advantages are manifold, but for me, the most important have been clarity and space. I am always traveling and running around for my job, and traffic in Seattle is no joke! It's really easy for my type-A, perfectionistic, over-analytical personality to get overwhelmed and stressed out, and I've got the white hairs to prove it. Taking the time to clear my mind and prepare for the day, both mentally and physically, has been a huge step forward in managing my anxiety and stress levels. There have been some hiccups along the way, as Antho typically has way more energy upon rising than I do, so it took a few tries for him to understand and appreciate that my morning process is a bit different. These days, he'll bring my coffee in and give me some time to write out my thoughts while he steps outside for some fresh air and vaping. This gives him some time to relax and rev up for the day, while I get my words out onto paper and psyche myself up for the day's challenges. This has given me so much insight, whether it's tuning in to my body and recognizing that I have a fever and need to spend the day resting, or acknowledging a frustration or roadblock that prevents me from achieving my goals. Every day is a work in progress, but as long as we keep working, we'll keep improving, right?

Korea: Christmas at Yonie's

While it's a bit early for Christmas yet, as we haven't even had Halloween yet, the nostalgia of winter holidays seems fitting enough to roll out this post celebrating the last (and only!) Christmas I spent in Seoul, living with Yonie. It had been quite a ride! I lived in Korea for six months, the entirety of which I spent living in her apartment, which I shared with a rotating roster of various other guests (who booked on AirBnB) along with other artists who would sometimes stop through to visit. The caricature community is a small one, after all, so most of us end up knowing eachother, especially when we tend to spend extended stays in the same countries. Sometimes this rotating company meant letting a small, quiet Japanese girl in some evening after 11pm, when the creepypasta I'd been reading had thoroughly tainted the tone with spoopies and I was disproportionately spooked by the doorbell, others it meant an impromptu evening of shopping and Doctor Strange with Yonie and Sam. Yonie always takes pride in her hostess skills and as such, she arranged quite a lot of activities for everyone throughout my time there- including this Christmas eve celebration, replete with caricature-themed (or named) wine, red velvet cake, candles and company. It was a lovely evening, and while I had a nice time with everyone, I was more wrapped up with my preparations for leaving Korea in the next 24 hours or so. This was the final stretch of my time living in Seoul, and it was a nice gathering to top it off. While at times I may not have always agreed with Yonie, like when it comes to leaving an oscillating fan on overnight (there's a Korean superstition that leaving a fan on overnight can lead to death) or the scent of cooked fish, I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity she allowed me to have and the incredible adventure I was able to embark upon thanks to her kindness, openness, and hospitality. While nothing is ever perfect, it was pretty fun overall and was absolutely a learning experience. 

Vegas: May Visit to the Springs Preserve part one

Another Springs Preserve post! Can you believe it? I know, readers, I certainly like to drivel on about this place a lot, but it's endlessly evolving and so much fun to visit!

This post is, unfortunately, a bit delayed in going live given that it's from a visit last month. It's been a hectic month or so, though, with new jobs and changing schedules, adventures, out-of-town work requiring road tripping, and all sorts of other excitement. I've touched on this outing a little bit already, having shared our visit with the friendly tortoise and the snazzy Gila monster, but these photos will cover more of the open grounds from when you first enter the preserve itself. The Springs Preserve is massive, with a lot to try to take in on any given visit and then it changes with every season and holiday to boot, making it an endlessly fascinating place to stop at while here in lovely Las Vegas. Antho and I got annual memberships after our very first visit in the September of 2017, and we've gone time and time, and time, and time, again since then! There's a museum with rotating exhibits, live animals to check out, then gardens and hiking paths galore. It's pretty epic. Not only is there the animals in their zoo, but plenty of wild animals stop in, too, like this cute little green guy above. Nature doing nature stuff. 

This particular visit took place on a warm, beautiful, sunny day in early May. I guess you'd say that was the tail end of spring by Vegas standards, as we start to get into the high 80's / low 90's (Fahrenheit) by the end of May, if not higher. Once the heat really settles in, it takes hold for months on end with only brief thunderstorms and heavy rains surprising us once or twice, if we're lucky. Those summer monsoons provide much-needed moisture to the drought-ridden desert landscape, along with providing some flash-floods that catch unwitting drivers by surprise. You win some, you lose some. The ground is so hard packed here that when we do finally get that rainfall the land so desperately needs, it tends to collect on the surface and run into the lowest points of elevation before eventually draining. There's an extensive system of tunnels and drainage tubes underneath the city of Las Vegas, because even though our rain is few and far between it tends to come with quite a flash.

  

Despite our drought conditions, life does thrive here. From lizards to birds, spiders to mountain lions, there are plenty of creatures that have adapted to survive the terrain. Plantlife, too, has adapted to these tough conditions. 

More photos below~

10 Things to do in Vegas this summer (part one)

If you're in Vegas this summer (you lucky thing) you'll surely be in need of some forms of recreational fun between benders at the buffets and endless rounds at the tables. Our summer months here are especially toasty and the sun shines bright with little obstruction throughout most of the season. Given our sunny disposition, you might want to get outside and soak up some of that free-flowing vitamin D that proliferates here! 

1. Dive-in movies at the Cosmopolitan 

Like movies? Like swimming? How about floating in the cool, crisp water while classic films play at the Cosmopolitan hotel? Win-win, guys! There's a range of movies playing throughout the summer months, from a Star Wars triple feature (heck yes) to Ferris Bueller, Forrest Gump and other sentimental or cult classics. There will invariably be movie-themed beverages at the ready for your boozing up, along with lots of cool water to dip in should you find yourself growing warm. Isn't this what summer nights were made for?

2. Intergalactic Art Car festival

If you're into fancy vehicles and fantastic creations, but don't want to deal with the crowds, travel or cost of Burning man to see their freaky art cars, you're in luck! The giant flame-throwing Preying Mantis (doesn't every city have one?) at Downtown Container Park is teaming up with Lyft for this psychedelic festival. They'll do a parade down Las Vegas boulevard (aka the Strip) to show off for everyone, before returning to downtown for the festivities at 8pm. 

3. Stop in at the Springs Preserve

Get away from all the hedonism and debauchery of the strip and breathe in some fresh air and floral scents at this lovely oasis of natural beauty in the city. Only a short drive from Las Vegas boulevard, all the major casinos AND downtown, there's no reason to miss out! Much more open and less crowded than the Bellagio's conservatory gardens, you can check out their butterfly habitat (for a limited time) or check out the rotating exhibits in their museum! 

4. Catch a 51's game during their last season at Cashman field

After this season wraps up, Las Vegas's own minor-league baseball team will be moving to new grounds for their games, retiring the historic Cashman field. While all good things do have to come to an end, you'd definitely be missing out if you didn't try to catch one last game at this classic field before they move on to newer grounds. You can find their schedule here. Get you a helmet full of nachos while you're there, because you deserve it.

5. Ditch the city for the mountains, like Mount Charleston

If you enjoyed getting away from the tourist centers of the Strip by going to the Springs Preserve and are willing to go a little further out of the way, hop into your car (or rental, Uber, Lyft, or even a bus) and head out for the mountains. There's a lot of them to choose from, and while snow may be a rare sight during the summer months it'll still be many degrees cooler than the city itself. There are log cabins you can rent for an extra-special get away. They're only about a 40 minute drive from the heart of the city, and well worth the journey if you enjoy the outdoors!

Stay tuned for the second half of the list, dolls.

Thanks for stopping by!

💕

XOXO,

NAU

Seoul: Gwangjang at Night part one

Gwangjang or Kwangjang market is without a doubt one of my favorite places in all of Seoul. Not only are most of Seoul's most delectable foods readily available, it's easily accessible from multiple tourism destinations, or places to stay while visiting, so it's convenient to pop over and grab a bite for most, and given that there are places serving food late into the evening you're guaranteed to find a bite well into the evening. I never stayed out past the trains here because I was staying out in the 'burbs and preferred the comfort of my own sofa over the rental accommodations in the city during this stay, but my first visit I was staying in Yim's Guest house and it was a relatively easy walk from here. You could easily stay at Yim's and walk your drunk ass back at any hour of the evening, so long as you don't disturb the other guests. If you chose to stay in any of the guest houses or hostels in Insadong, you'd be even closer! Wow. It really is an exceptionally easy country to visit for hedonistic ends, with all the means to satisfy your various appetites within ready reach of most accommodations. 

Fresh, hot, delicious handmade foods available at most hours of the day. Get you some.

Korea: Noryangjin Old Fish Market part one

Seoul, much like my hometown of Las Vegas, is a city constantly striving to improve upon itself and renovate the old in the hopes it will bring in brighter, better futures along with more visitors and more money, so I can't be surprised that things will have changed since my previous visit in 2014. However, with Vegas we're a fairly young city, having only been founded in 1905, so our history, and even our culture as Americans, is still rather new when compared to a city and culture as old as Seoul and Korea's so tradition hasn't really had time to set roots..I mean, seriously, guys, have you considered just how ancient the Korean culture is? The United States of America was established on the 4th of July in 1776, a measly 242 years. That's not even three centuries yet. In contrast, it's believed that the ancient precursor to what is now known-as Seoul (Baekje) was established in 18 BCE. That's right, 18 years BEFORE we even started this whole 0-to-2000 countdown thing, so that'd be 2036 years ago. That's seriously OLD, guys. 

What all this means is that for Vegas, I think we have a bit more wiggle room to tear down and rebuild because the history, culture and traditions of the city of Las Vegas, while important to the region, are so young and still fomenting. With Seoul, they have to be mindful that sometimes the endless pursuit of modernisation and improvement must be tempered by appreciation and respect for their past and the ways that have been established over their many centuries. There are ancient Temple buildings peppered all throughout Seoul, neighbourhoods where traditional Bukchon style homes and old-school streets are kept in pristine condition, and the ancient Fortress Wall (first built in 1396) still stands it's somber vigil like a spine crawling atop the back of a massive, slumbering dragon. Soldiers still walk the wall, too, and you'll need to sign in and be alert of the no-photography zones because they're quite serious about enforcing them. This same fierceness has been brought to the desire to renew and rejuvenate, and at some expense. 

The old Noryangjin market has been in operation since 1927 before settling in to it's current location for over 40 years. It's a bit old, nostalgic, and funky, but these are all part and parcel of the reasons I loved it so much! It was real, gritty, slippery, fishy work and the people working the stalls true blue-collar hard working Koreans trying to make their livelihood the best way they know how. There's little to no pretence, no glossy K-pop idol wannabe's patta-patt-patting their perfectly coiffed faces or checking that their bangs maintain the perfect arch in their compacts, at least not working the floor. You will find guy's like this friendly fellow to the left, who was here during my previous visit, too! I gave him a hug both times. Thank you for what you do, dude. Motorbikes and heavy-duty carts roll through, beeping or honking to alert photo-focused photogs and awestruck tourists alike. The new building, shown in part above, is absolutely nothing like it. And, to be totally honest, I didn't like it. This post, however, is going to focus on the old market, the part I love so dearly. Thank glob.

More photos below!

Japan: Shin-Okubo 2012-06-18

Shin-Okubo is Tokyo's epicentre for accessible Korean culture and food. Shortly upon stepping outside the station you'll find yourself in a vibrant and colourful neighbourhood full of restaurants, groceries, culture-stores plastered in images of the moment's most popular idols and lots of cosmetic shops. Korean cosmetics and skincare have been gaining in notoriety and for good reason!

Japan: 19th floor tea over Tsukiji

After exploring the markets for several hours, Yuka and I escorted her mother to the hospital she was visiting for medical treatments. There was still a bit of time before her appointment, so we nipped up to the 19th floor of the hospital to have afternoon tea in their restaurant. Once seated we were greeted with a fantastic view of the city below, including the famous Tsukiji fish market complex and even a helipad!

Japan: 2012-02-08 Kamakura

Kamakura is a beautiful town roughly a couple hours by train outside of Tokyo. It's a popular tourist destination and used to be the political centre of Japan in 1192. Yes, that's right, 1192! My coworkers Naoko & Noriko Watanabe were familiar with the area and suggested we all visit together on our days off from Disney. I happily obliged and Naoko kindly drew up a guide for me to find my way through the maze of Tokyo station on my own. Fun fact: the Watanabe sisters commuted over 2 hours one way, each day, to go to work at the Disney parks! Despite the carefully crafted map, I still found myself at a loss as to which train to board. Overcoming my lifelong timidness, I summoned the courage to ask a station staff member for directions and he cordially escorted me to the correct platform and double checked that I was in the correct location to reach my destination before returning to his previous duties. ^^; Thank you, sir!

Japan: Winter vibes 2011

Having recently acquired my beloved Mamachari, it was time to do some exploring!

Japan: Toyouke Shrine in Urayasu

Japan is an old country, especially compared to a newcomer like the United States. As such, there's a lot of history to accommodate in a relatively small space. Appreciably, they try to conserve this history whenever possible, meaning that your liable to stumble into multiple unexpected temples throughout the cities.  Surrounded by all the modern trappings you can still readily find your zen zone.

Toyouke shrine, in the Nekozane area of Urayasu, is a beautiful structure and integral part of the cultural heritage of the area. Every four years there's a huge festival in the town called the Urayasu Sanja Matsuri, which includes Toyouke shrine among the three celebrated. 

All was quiet when I visited this time, but I was lucky enough to catch the Sanja Matsuri in 2012!

Here's hoping I can catch the next one in 2016~

Japan: Fujimi Yonchome & City Hall 2011-11-28

After settling in and preparing for work, it was time to tend to all the legalities of my move. 

Working in Japan it was imperative to have a work visa, which was hammered out prior to my arrival but now that I was here there were some final details to hash out. I made my way to city hall and took many photos along the way. Here's a glimpse into my neighborhood and day to day life in Urayasu!

Japan: Daily life & unique foods 2011-11-27

MOS Burger! 

A Japan-specific burger chain, they're actually pretty tasty. One of the things they're most known for is being among the first burger chains to offer rice buns, essentially rice balls subbed in for the regular bread buns. Who knew the Japanese were early adopters of the gluten free movement? ;)

A typical Japanese taxi, classy in black.

Japan: First day in Disney 2011-11-26

Welcome to Urayasu!

Urayasu is an old fishing village located on the bay of Tokyo, just across the water from Tokyo proper. Shin-Urayasu, or new-Urayasu, was another district of the city built out of reclaimed land (utilizing landfill) and provided the space for many of the Disney cast and dancers's housing, as well as much of the land used for both Disney parks. This meant that when the 3.11 Earthquake hit liquefaction was a major problem for much of the Shin-Urayasu area, whereas my neighborhood in old-town was relatively unaffected in comparison. By the time I arrived late in 2011, most of the damages in Urayasu were unnoticeable, whereas places near Disney and throughout Shin-Urayasu were starkly and noticeably impacted. 

Japan: Arrival in Japanland 2011-11-24

My very first day in Japan, ever.

Something I had quite literally dreamt about since I was just a wee little kid. 

My heart soared high with anticipation and curiosity boarding the plane.

How would I adjust?

What would I come to love about the country?

What would drive me nuts?

All things to be discovered over the months and years to follow.

Japan: Yakitori Alley in Yurakucho 2012-11-23

On this evening my friend & coworker Azusa, aka A-chan, was my guide to Yakitori Alley in the Yurakucho area of Tokyo. A short walk from Ginza and tucked away between buildings underneath tracks for the Yamanote line is this bustling alley full of amazing restaurants and astounding people watching opportunities. 

I have never seen anyone drink Tequila quite like a group of Japanese salary men who were pounding it inside this beef restaurant that A-chan and I stopped in.

Japan: Urayasu Fresh Market 11-23

My favorite neighborhood fresh market was a brief 10 minute bike ride from my apartment, so I frequented it fairly often. There was always a bounty of beautiful fresh foods! 

Hopping atop my trusty mamachari or "mama's bike", the equivalent of a minivan on two wheels, I'd take advantage of the handy basket and stock up on reasonably priced produce while there.

There was also a small fish market with fresh sushi and prepared fish inside, along with a butcher wrapping packages of meats in cellophane. All your necessary staples were there (as long as you're comfortable with cooking and/or Japanese food), but sometimes unexpected items like grasshoppers or seasonal sweet cakes would appear on the shelves.

Their flowers were among some of the most reasonably priced I encountered; usually around ¥300-700 whereas the somewhat closer Yaoko supermarket's flowers were often twice the price! 

One option that makes shopping in Japan more affordable is to visit stores late in the day or evening, closer to closing time. Fresh things, like sushi, precut vegetables, cut flowers, etc. will get marked down and the later it is, the greater the discount. I've had many a satisfying sushi or sashimi centered dinner for under $10! Of course, the people at the fresh market were so pleasant and friendly, and the prices so reasonable to begin with, that I'd make a point to shop there on my days off as their hours didn't pan out on days I had work. 

Japan: Harajuku Illuminations 2012-11-22

Harajuku is a vivacious and colorful district of Tokyo renowned for it's "Harajuku girl" fashions. 

Trendy and fun though the fashions may be, they are primarily geared towards teenaged girls rather than 20-something adults…that's where Omotesando comes in!

Catering to a slightly more mature audience, the styles are still eclectic and fun without being quite as avant garde (and the prices reflect it). Don't be too quick to dismiss either neighborhood as there are all sorts of fun shops and unexpected surprises around every corner. 

You can quite literally shop high & low by walking only a few short blocks! 

Whichever your preference, there's no denying the charm of walking through the winding streets of these neighborhoods and good company just makes it better.

On this particular evening, Kazu and I met in Harajuku with plans to take in some of the illumination displays that were going on. Several of the displays crept through the entire building, causing the crowds of curious to wind their way up to the roof. Kazu had the map and led the way, I gawked and took photos.