Beautiful Disaster

It took up the sky with a quiet sadness.

That was my first thought when seeing it initially.

It bullied the everyday skies I looked up to from my driveway.

I knew the plume had come from the devastating wildfires.

Nevertheless, I couldn't help, but be in awe of it.

It was a paradox -- the smoke cloud was beautiful.

I hope they contain the fires soon.

In the meanwhile, I'll keep eyeing the visitor.

-H.

Happy Happy at the LACMA

H summarized the day at the LACMA quite accurately, so here are more images of the day through my eyes.

- C.

Day at the Museum

C&H went to LACMA this Saturday afternoon. After checking out an average American Art exhibit and an architecture themed collection, we were dazzled by 12 Contemporary Artists from Korea.

I half-expected to see super-duper, Asian-Asian work, but I was pleasantly surprised with the relatively race neutral art. It was visually stimulating and thought-provoking. The many young, hip Koreans viewing the show were probably swelling with pride. Rightfully so.

This Korean exhibit is only up until September 20, 2009. Go see it!

This is a close-up of one of the outdoor exhibits. The artist created a vine-like jungle made of colorful, cheap plastic cups, bowls, trays, lids, etc. The kids loved it (myself included).

In order to get to the exhibit, they made you go up, then go down. Kinda weird. But, I enjoyed the view of all the lines and color.

We couldn't take pictures inside, but the grounds of the museum are just as fascinating. I spotted this crazy looking flowery, palm-like plant. It felt over-sized and freakish. Cool.

This wasn't taken at the museum, but I saw it on Melrose. Seemed to capture the spirit of C&H today: two kids out exploring. Good day.

-H.

A Chance Encounter

There's a restaurant in Silver Lake I often drive past only because it's near the freeway entrance. A couple of weeks ago, I found myself on foot walking past this oft-ignored place. Since I was there, I scoped it out.

It's called El Caserio and they specialize in Ecuadorean/Italian food. Interesting combo, no?

Luckily, I was by myself because I wouldn't want anyone watching me strain myself as I pulled open this big, heavy wooden door.

The first thing you notice after you've struggled with the door is the stain-glassed ceiling that is more impressive than this poor photo.

They have a fully-stocked bar that hosted no one, but myself. Most of the customers were having meals in the garden-like patio.

I was tempted to have a meal, but I opted for an appetizer of empanadas. I thought they'd be like the ones I had in Buenos Aires, but these were fried crispy and served with a spicy hot sauce.

I cannot end this post without making fun of the tacky and loud restaurant vehicle parked out front. It almost made me keep walking.

-H.

Bridge to Nowhere

Another hike today. It was a repeat of the one from a few weeks back because last time we fell short of getting to the "Bridge to Nowhere." Today, we met our goal of seeing this bridge with no point.

The "Bridge to Nowhere" was built in 1936, but a huge flood wiped out the road they were trying to build for it. So, they abandoned the road project giving this bridge absolutely no purpose, thus the name.

There are areas of the hike where you have to walk across lots of rocks. Maybe I need to get real trail shoes instead of old sneaks because my feet hurt.

My feet were happy soaking in the surprisingly cold river water.

As I was researching the history of the bridge, I came across a website for a company that does legal bungee jumps off the sucker. Looks like something I might treat myself to for my b-day...

-H.

Get Out.

It's August. I'm sorry to bring it to your attention, but summer is on its way out. I'm very proud of myself this sunny season, I think I took advantage of the beautiful weather. Nothing is more exemplary than a Reggae concert at the Hollywood Bowl on a perfect Sunday afternoon.

Friendly people, grooving music, homemade picnic foods w/wine. Sundays don't get any better.

- H.

Billy.

Billy is my upstairs neighbor. He's 72 years old and has been living in the complex for over 30 years. Alone. It's a bit sad, but he keeps upbeat about it. He lives for the Dodgers, America and Jesus.

I try to visit him sometimes. Although, lately I've been neglecting him because he has the tendency to talk my ear off and I've been busy. On this day, I went up to help with his tv that was on the fritz.

This is how you'll find Billy 99% of the time -- in front of the tv in his folding chair, soda pop and snack.

I first thought Billy had a thing for horses since the biggest pieces in his apartment are of frolicking colts. Nope. Someone was throwing them out and he grabbed them.

Billy has curious knick-knacks all over his apartment. He doesn't understand why anybody would throw away such treasures.

Oh yeah, Billy likes Star Trek, too. Although, I think he's moved on to the Power Rangers because I've caught him watching it twice already. But, this poster is one of his prized possessions.

Billy has this bumper sticker scotch-taped up above his bed. I guess it's the reason he's always so resilient and buoyant about life.

Tell Billy to smile for the camera, this is his go-to pose.

Funny guy.

- H.

Picket Fences

Long Beach has its nice parts and its not so nice parts. Belmont Heights is a quaint neighborhood in Long Beach where people ride around on their beach cruisers and live in adorable homes. Unlike the OC where all the houses are brand spanking new and formulaic, the nice thing about Long Beach is the individual character of each home.

Walking around, you realize that things don't have to be perfectly manicured to be admired. The crooked things somehow add more to the charm of the neighborhood.

Even the front doors and house numbers are distinctive.

But my favorite home was this one:

Filipinos on the run.

If it weren't for the city signs, you would never know you were in "Historic Filipinotown." There are quite a few Filipinos in this small patch sandwiched near Echo Park and Downtown, but it's pretty covert.

Well, this weekend they were out in full force for a yearly festival. It was kicked-off with an early morning 5K where I joined my fellow brown-skinned, brothers and sisters for a run.

Jollibee is the McDonalds of the Philippines. The equivalent of the Big Mac is called ChickenJoy. I've had it and it is joyful.

I have to give props to my Pops who took most of the pics I'm displaying. Although I give the Canon PowerShot just as much credit. Damn good point-and-shoot.

-H.