[photos] illuminus

Spent more time photographing the impromptu performers at Illuminus than that actual light installations.
The exhibits were definitely some very creative uses of light and technology, and reminiscent of products from MIT's Media Lab.

[travels] san diego, joshua tree, and palm springs

On my most recent trip to southern california, Brian and I rounded out our socal bucket-list by hitting up san diego, joshua tree national park, and palm springs, all in one jam-packed weekend.

San Diego and La Jolla

We started off the day early to catch a 9am sea kayaking tour in La Jolla.  In 2 hours, we saw 4 aquatic biomes, 5 caves, and many many sea lions!  I enjoyed learning about the geology of the area, as well as how a certain cave was used during the Prohibition Era.

There was no shortage of sea lions on the tour.  My favorite were the fuzzy baby sea lions, but the big ol' males, who thought they owned the rocks, were very entertaining.

Feeling productive after a morning of kayaking, we made our way to San Diego to see the sights at Balboa Park.  Unfortunately, by that time, it was already unbearably hot.  I enjoyed the gardens and shaded walkways of the Park.  There was plenty of beautiful architecture as well.  After Balboa Park, we walked around the historic Gaslight District and strolled around the harbor.  Early evening, we returned to La Jolla to stroll around the bay and the boardwalk.  The ocean breeze was a relief.

Coachella Valley, Indio, and Joshua Tree National Park

Driving through the mountain pass into Coachella Valley is a beautiful drive at night, although I'm sure it's also beautiful during the day.  We stayed with a lovely couple and their two pooches in Indio valley.  In the morning, we made our way to Joshua Tree National Park.  I enjoyed the Lost Horse Hike, which takes you to an abandoned gold mine.  I also enjoyed the Hidden Valley nature walk and the vista from Keys View. 

You can see Coachella Valley, the Andrea Fault and the San Bernardino Mountains from Keys Views

Joshua Trees are also quite lovely, especially with the rocky mountain the background

[travels] londonium

Traveling for work lends itself to a work hard, play hard experience.  Working 4 hours ahead of my Boston colleagues made for long days in the office, however weekends were for the taking.  I enjoyed living and working in the heart of the City of London.  I loved the energy of the historic neighborhood. Cappuccinos and chocolate croissants quickly became my favorite at the Polo Bar, which was conveniently open 24 hours a day.

Office located just left of the Gherkin

Weekend 1- Saturday- Following in the steps of Royalty

I made the short walk from my apartment to Monument and then on to London Bridge.  I was hoping to find Borough Market, but a quick left left me on The Queen's Walk.  Not losing any time, I recalculated and continued down Queen's Walk, along the River Thame's.  As I strolled toward the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, I admired the statues and interesting bridges along the path.  I continued down to a quaint cobble-stone street and enjoyed some pastries for breakfast.  Not wanting to backtrack, I took my first ride on a double-decker bus, across the Waterloo bridge, to the theater area.  I walked by the Royal Oprah house and stumbled into an artisan's market at Covent Gardens.  

From there, I continued onto Trafalgar Square, where I made a stop at The National Gallery.  From there, I continued on to the Royal Parks.  I started with St. James Garden and walked along the lake admiring the beautiful blooms.  I peeked into the gates of Buckingham Palace before continuing on through Green Park.  I crossed a hazardous intersection to get to Hyde Park.  All that walking built up my appetite, so I stopped for a bite to eat at the Serpentine Cafe.  I enjoyed a mushroom pizza and a small pot of tea, while people-watching.  Parents with their young children peddling the swan boats, couples strolling hand-in-hand.  Life was moving at the perfect pace.

After lunch, I ventured off the royal path to Harrod's.  It was, after all, listed as a major site on all the tour buses.  I did not have the patience to venture beyond the first floor, but I did spend most of my time in the chocolate, tea and coffee room.  After purchasing some tea for my dad, I felt that I had gotten my Harrod's experience.  

I made my way back to the Serpentine pathway, where I continued on to Kensington Gardens.  On the way, I saw the Princess Diana memorial and park.  I walked to Kensington Palace, but alas, did not spot any royals.  Pooped, I could not get myself to Regent's Park.  I would have to do that another day.

Weekend 1- Sunday- Sailing down the River Thames

My second free day in London, I splurged on a river rover pass.  After grabbing my usual cappuccino and chocolate croissant, I took the double decker to the Tower of London.  Growing up, I loved reading about the the intrigue of the Tudor family and the accomplishments of Queen Elizabeth, but I could not justify the expense to go into the tower.  

Instead, I boarded the river rover toward Greenwich.  It was a warm, sunny day.  Perfect weather for sitting atop the river boat, listening to the crew share stories about the river and landmarks along the route.  I saw many old pubs (which may or may not have been inhabited by famous authors), Execution Dock, and old ports.  

Once at Greenwich, I saw the University of Greenwich, which had magnificent architecture.  There, I also admired the painted hall.  But what I was most excited for was the Prime Meridian.   I made the uphill trek to the Royal Observatory to straddle the Prime Meridian.

Straddling the Prime Meridian.

Other things worth seeing at Greenwich include the British Maritime Museum.  I thought the exhibits were very well done.  The spiral staircase at the Queen's House was beautiful.  The Greenwich market was packed with beautiful crafts and the most delicious food.

Queen's House Spiral Staircase

After getting my fill of maritime history at Greenwich, I hopped back aboard the river rover and made my way down to Westminster.  There I saw the Parliament buildings, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the New Scotland Yard, the London Eye, among other things.

Obligatory picture of Big Ben and a double-decker bus

From here, I made my way to Trafalgar Square for the St. Patrick's Day celebration.  The crowds made it difficult to get to the concert area, but once I did, I had the pleasure of hearing traditional Irish music, as well as covers by the Late Late Night Band.  From here, I walked to Somerset House, crossed the bridge, and walked down the embankment by the National Theater and the Globe Theater.

Weekend 2- Saturday- More Ancient History

The second weekend I skipped my cappuccino and chocolate croissant and headed straight for Borough Market.  I was not disappointed.  There was stall upon stall of delicious food, both local and exotic.  I settled on a vegetable stuffed pie with a side of mushy peas, which was all quite delicious.  After breakfast, I took the tube to Green Park.  After pushing through hordes of people, I realized that I had made perfect timing to catch the changing of the guards.  I made my way to the front and watched the display.  I left with some time to spare to get to Victoria Station, where I was trying to catch a tour to Stonehedge.  Unfortunately for me, the ticketing line was long and incredibly slow moving.  By the time I made it to the counter, my tour had supposedly left and I could no longer purchase a ticket.  The departure gate was within sight, and the tour was plainly behind schedule, but there was no arguing with the ticket agent.  I rushed over to the tour guide, forked over some cash, and sure enough, I was on the tour.

I travelled back in time to prehistory.  Stonehenge was a marvelous sight and I marveled at the prehistoric accomplishment.  I enjoyed learning about the engineering feat, but also the mystery and intrigue that still shrouds the ruins.  The weather patterns were quite bizarre during my visit.  The bus ride to Stonehenge consisted of on-and-off downpour.  Upon arrival at Stonehenge, there was hail on the ground.  And by the end of our tour, we were leaving behind a double rainbow.  Our tour guide was a rasta; he was pretty cool and played awesome music.

Stonehenge

Other Highlights:

Shopping on Oxford Street- large department stores as well as trendy boutiques

Carnaby Street

Getting lost at King's Cross looking for Platform 9 3/4

Trying Iron Bru

Leicester Square at night