Museums

Birthday Photo Dump + Reflections

Another revolution around the sun and another year wiser. The past year brought with it a lot more wisdom and a total reshaping of my priorities so I need to write them down to see if they stick.

But first, I had a quiet and lovely birthday. The celebrations started with another beloved Wysocki puzzle and the next day my guy surprised me with a trip to the Getty Museum. I’ve missed museums during the pandemic, and the Getty is one of my all time favorites. Being there reminded me of how simple life can be when I am not busy complicating it. A stroll around gardens, learning something new in the presence of some you love. Bliss.

Last year I didn’t celebrate my birthday. My grandmother passed away about a week before and I was in the thick of grieving. Her death has become an inflection point in my life. Through my grief I recognized that although she lived a simple life, she left the most beautiful legacy. Once centered on compassion and generosity. Over the past year since, I have been reflecting on what my “legacy” will be.

The answer so far is elusive. But between my grief and the pandemic I have become more sensitive to time, and specifically how I spend it. So I know if I give myself more time the answers will come.

The thing about time is that it is what you make it. I spend a lot of my time working, and work brings me a lot of fulfillment. But I take pleasure in so many other things, like learning about an obscure painting like the one above, which I want to spend more time on.

And of course most importantly, who I spend my time with. The biggest lesson of them all. This one I am listening to my gut about. Lately there is a lot less of who I should be spending time with and more of who I crave more time with.

All in all, what a year. What a blessing to celebrate in my own way, and here is hoping for more growth and happiness in the next.

Space Program Europa at the YBCA

I haven't been up for writing over the past week or so. I have some serious new administration blues that seem to worsen with each press release. So until I get my attitude together and figure out a way to contribute positively I will post about other's beautiful contributions to society! Today I want to share with you a few photos from the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) in San Francisco.

Sharing this feels particularly relevant for me considering all of the political actions against the federal science agencies and anyone federally funded in the sciences (especially working on climate change and sustainability). As a climate scientist who relied on federal dollars for all of the research I have ever been involved in I feel the hurt. I hurt because this work, work seeking to help humanity and the most vulnerable communities do not receive significant funding from other sources, certainly not from private one. So this post is dedicated to the determined scientists out there, inspiring hope, art, and a better society for all on a daily basis. We shall resist, we shall overcome.

Landing Excursion Module (LEM), a 1:1 model of the Apollo lunar module
Landing Excursion Module (LEM), a 1:1 model of the Apollo lunar module

While at the YBCA I examined in depth Tom Sachs' third Space Program, Europa which ran through the 15th of this month. In the introduction to this work Sachs writes, 

In our age of disaffection, the sculptures in this exhibition are also objects of love that support the rituals of studio practice, all things analog, and the handmade. Their meaning is born out of action in time - the original act of their making, and later their use, charges them with purpose beyond art for its own sake.

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That's it for my little glimpse into this intricate exhibition and truly hope you get to see some of Sachs "postindustrial mashup of high and low culture" (as he has said) in the future! Save a few hours to if you do, it is very thought provoking and such a spectacle to see.

How to Spend a Weekend in San Francisco

Weekend trips are so hard for me to plan, there just ins't enough time to see all I want to see (story of my life)! So I put this little guide together of my hit list of places to stay, eat and see from my recent trip to the Bay Area.

Stay

The Kimpton Buchanan Hotel
The Kimpton Buchanan Hotel
The Kimpton Buchanan Hotel
The Kimpton Buchanan Hotel
The Kimpton Buchanan Hotel
The Kimpton Buchanan Hotel
The Kimpton Buchanan Hotel
The Kimpton Buchanan Hotel
The Kimpton Buchanan Hotel
The Kimpton Buchanan Hotel
The Tilden Hotel
The Tilden Hotel
The Tilden Hotel
The Tilden Hotel
The Tilden Hotel
The Tilden Hotel

My first two nights I stayed at the Kimpton Buchanan Hotel, a super cute boutique hotel at the nexus of Japantown, Fillmore and Pacific Heights. Stylish and super hospitable, this hotel was offered a wine happy hour in the lobby each evening which is a added bonus! On my last night I stayed at the recently renovated Tilden Hotel. The Tilden is simple, budget friendly and located within walking distance of downtown and shopping districts.

EAT

Sweet Maple
Sweet Maple
Flora Restaurant
Flora Restaurant
Flora Restaurant
Flora Restaurant
Flora Restaurant
Flora Restaurant
Akiko's Sushi Restaurant
Akiko's Sushi Restaurant
A  kik  o's Sushi Restaurant
A kik o's Sushi Restaurant

San Francisco has many great restaurants, all of which I was dying to try! But between all of the running around and the conference I attended there were three stand out meals from my visit. One brunch spot I really enjoyed was Sweet Maple. Sweet Maple is in between the Pacific Heights and Fillmore neighborhoods and truly feels like an institution there. The all american menu gave me diner vibes with a Californian-freshness. One morning I popped over to Oakland (another place I am dying to get back to!) for brunch at Flora with friends. Flora is a stylish, art deco spot with an elegant and delicious menu. Finally, Akiko's Sushi Restaurant. Althoughquite the splurge this is some of the best sushi I have ever had (this coming from someone with a Japanese Grandmother!). I suggest sitting at the sushi bar and asking for omakase (chef's choice) and just letting them know about how much you'd like to eat/spend (scope out the menu ahead of time to get a feel for the prices.) Then sit back and be spoiled! 

Do

The Painted Ladies
The Painted Ladies
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
San Francisco Museum of Modern Arts
San Francisco Museum of Modern Arts
The de Young Museum
The de Young Museum
The de Young Museum
The de Young Museum
The Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge

If you've been following me here you know how much I lovemuseums and my first recommendations won't surprise you. The Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) is a contemporary arts space that aims to show socially impactful exhibitions while making sure it is affordable for all to see. On my visit I had the fortune of experiencing Tom Sachs' Space Program: Europa in all of it's toolshed fusion glory (read more here!). Just across from YBCA and the Yerba Buena Gardens it is nestled in is the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA). Unfortunately I didn't get to pop in on this trip but I definitely will next time, I noticed they have several Richard Serra works (which I fell in love with since my visit to Dia: Beacon!). And finally, the de Young Museum of Fine Arts. From the architecture to the art within, the de Young is a must see destination. Read (and see) more about it in my last post.

As far as the traditional sights, I made my way to the Painted Ladies, drove down the crooked Lombard Street, and admired Crissy Field and the Golden Gate Bridge. Honestly, the painted ladies and Lombard street are tourist traps. If I had it to do over again I would spend more time hiking the trails on either end of the bridge.

And thats about it! Tell me, what have or would you do in in the Bay Area for 48 hours?

5 Things You Must Do When In Athens

In 2015 my partner and I spent a weekend in Greece to celebrate the union of 2 very lovely people. We arrived in Athens in the wee hours of the morning the day of their wedding and after much celebration late into the night we awoke the next day to take in as much as we could in 24 hours! These are 5 things you absolutely must do when you visit Athens, Greece.

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Eat

Number 1 (and most important), eat! But don't just eat anywhere, avoid the tourist traps and eat where the locals do. One of our lovely Greek friends guided us to an incredible restaurant near our airbnb. The food was so amazing we didn't manage to take a single picture of it all (probably the truest test of an amazing meal these days)! 

Another lovely restaurant near our airbnb
Another lovely restaurant near our airbnb
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Of our many delicious meals our first and most memorable was a spot (I forgot the name of) located at the corner of Kidantidon and Kallisthenous in a neighborhood just west of Filopappos Hill.

where we had our first meal in Athens
where we had our first meal in Athens

Filopappou Hill

Filopappou Hill, also known as Hill of the Muses, is a massive park with beautiful geologic outcroppings, trails for hiking and ancient ruins. A group of us wedding guests, led by our Greek diaspora friend-turned benevolent tour guide, slowly hiked through the park all the way to the Panatheanic Way. 

The tour group, only in Athens could you get a group of New Yorkers to look at a map
The tour group, only in Athens could you get a group of New Yorkers to look at a map
Views on our ascent
Views on our ascent
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We took in the beautiful scenery that gradually built up our excitement until the Acropolis was finally revealed!

Views of the Acropolis from afar
Views of the Acropolis from afar

Acropolis

Of course the Acropolis... no trip to Athens is complete without visiting the this rightfully significant spot. The site is home to many structures including the Parthenon, an architectural masterpiece. It is a symbol of democracy, citizenship, and western civilization as we have come to know it today.

Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Odeon of Herodes Atticus
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The Temple of Athena Nike and our fearless guide
The Temple of Athena Nike and our fearless guide
Erechtheum
Erechtheum

Truly the Acropolis is an incredible sight to be seen and even more stunning than I had ever imagined. And the views of Athens cannot be beat!

The Parthenon
The Parthenon
The Parthenon
The Parthenon
The Parthenon
The Parthenon
My honey on the lookout
My honey on the lookout
The Greek sun, ancient ruins and beautiful friends
The Greek sun, ancient ruins and beautiful friends

Acropolis Museum

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After seeing the incredible ruins of the Acropolis we went to the beautiful Acropolis Museum for a deeper dive into history and afternoon cocktail. Be sure to schedule enough time here because you can honest spend hours here without realizing it!

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Explore Pláka 

And finally Pláka! Pláka is a historic neighborhood in Athens at the easterly base of the Acropolis. You can spend lots of time wandering the maze like streets imaging yourself in ancient times or just shopping around in the many shops that line the footpaths.

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Stay for dinner and you may be lucky like us and find yourself a rooftop table with romantic views of the Acropolis and a pink sunset!

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Although our time in Athens was short, it surely was memorable and I look forward to returning to Greece and seeing much more of it's capital city soon!

 

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Governors Island in Pictures

Last Tuesday I spent a beautiful NYC Summer day on Governors Island with couple hundred colleagues. While there is so much I could say about this work event, or mandatory fun days in general, I would rather share a few of my most favorite pictures of the day. 

Jersey City peaking out from behind Castle Williams
Jersey City peaking out from behind Castle Williams
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The island has a long history of serving as a military base, strategically located just off the tip of Manhattan, during the colonial period and American Revolution. During the Civil War it housed prisoners of war in two primary fortifications, Castle WIlliams (above) and Fort Jay (below). Now it primarily serves as a public historical and recreation space.

The pretty flower boxes of Fort Jay
The pretty flower boxes of Fort Jay
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Colonels Row
Colonels Row
Governor's House
Governor's House
View of Manhattan from the Hills
View of Manhattan from the Hills
Nolan Park and Officer's Quarters
Nolan Park and Officer's Quarters
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Missing from this post (and my visit) are the hammocks and adult slides, two very alluring attractions that ensure another visit soon!

A Simple Guide to London

So as I have mentioned before I LOVE London. I was recently asked for a few London recommendations and decided to put together a post about it! Here are some of my favorite activities from my last few visits to this lovely city.

Museums

Museums are some of my favorite sights to see in a new city. Not only are they filled with beautiful and interesting things, they usually are housed in some of the most beautiful architecture.

I think a visit to London would be remiss without a trip to the British Museum and Tate Modern. The British Museum has a permanent collection much like The Met in NYC and stunning classical architecture with surprising modern twists like this beautiful atrium.

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Tate Modern is a retrofitted power station reimagined by renowned architects Herzog & de Meuron. Here exhibits are frequently revolving, each more innovative than the next. And there are several places to take in views of the Thames.

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Outdoors

London has lots of lovely parks, two of the loveliest are Hyde Park and St. James Park. But one of the most surprising places to take in the great outdoors in the middle of the city is Regents Canal. I started at Camden Lock Market with a delicious lunch and walked the Regents Canal towpath.

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Sights

Besides the must see sights (read: Big Ben, London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Globe Theatre, Tower of London, etc etc..), I highly recommend seeing The Shard. The Shard is the tallest tower in London designed by famed architect Renzo Piano and houses some of the best views of the city. As I mention in my 2 days in London post, I think skipping the tour and indulging in a meal or drink in one of the restaurants located in the top floors is a great way to take in this magnificent building.

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Food

I think there are two meals that cannot be missed when you visit London: 1. a classic English breakfast and 2. fish and chips (or my fave saveloy and chips if you can find it!) London isn't praised for it's cuisine generally, but these two dishes are something I can't get enough of (not pictured below, the baked beans which are perfect with buttered toast!).

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Markets

Finally, my number one favorite way to spend time in London is exploring it's many markets. Below are just a few I recommend, but no matter where you go in the city I am sure you will find one or two!

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For more ideas on what to do in London, check out my previous post where I outline how I spent 2 days in London!

Pin this guide and save it for later!

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The of the Metropolitan Museum of Art

I love the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I think one of the greatest assets of living in a big city like New York is the access to institutions like these, so I try to visit the Met specifically at least 2 times a year. Last week was one of those visits and I decided to document my favorite places in this massive museum.

THE TEMPLE OF DENDUR

I think most people are completely in love with this Egyptian temple and the wall of windows that light it. I personally love to sit near the reflecting pool and at this time of year I could see the colorful fall foliage of Central Park.

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THE AMERICAN WING

I love the American Wing on the first floor and Mezzanine. I think I have a thing for great windows and this atrium definitely has that.

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THE EUROPEAN SCULPTURE HALL

My favorite place to go and people watch, after sculpture watching of course.  It's guaranteed you're going to spot someone with their sketchbook, the trick is to see what they are sketching.

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QUIET WATER FEATURES

I love the Patti Cadby Birch court and appreciated the true art, craftsmanship and detail even more after seeing this video of the making of the Moroccan space.

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A newer favorite is Water Stone by Japanese-American artist Isamu Noguchi. If you are lucky and you visit on a quiet day you can listen to the water and be transported to the wilderness.

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ASTOR COURT

Possibly one of the most shocking galleries is that of Astor Court. It truly transports me to ancient China. I also love the skylight that makes this tucked away space feel like it is outside.

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The Met is truly magical place packed with beautiful art and history. These are just a few of my favorite places and I realize after writing this that these favorite places don't correspond to my favorite styles of art or periods of history. Just goes to show how a museum can really help you broaden your horizons.

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