• Art,  Spirituality,  Travel

    Hsi Lai Temple (post pandemic)

    Hsi Lai Temple
    During the pandemic, Hsi Lai Temple made it more complex for people to visit the temple. There was a reservation system in place and their dining hall wasn’t open. In other words, no one could visit this temple on a whim. It wasn’t until recently that Hsi Lai Temple did away with their reservation system and I decided to take advantage of this.

  • Nature

    Among Greenery

    It’s been uncomfortably hot lately and I know it’s only going to get hotter as it gets closer and closer to summer. Fortunately, it seems like we’re going to get some respite for a week or so with cooler weather. The issue, present already, whether it be hot or cool are the mosquitoes.

  • Nature

    By the Water


    It’s Spring, yet there are times when the weather gets almost unbearably hot. It’s a sign that summer is fast approaching. Of course, there are days that remind me of Autumn – nice, cool and refreshing. These Autumn-like days in Spring are only going to get fewer and fewer as it gets closer and closer to Summer. The best way to keep cool is to be by the water.

  • Travel

    Santa Anita Depot


    In a somewhat hidden place of The Arboretum is the Santa Anita Depot. I’m thinking it’s safe to say that not many visitors of The Arboretum are aware of this hidden gem of a museum. It’s full of history and I’m glad to have finally run into the Santa Anita Depot.

  • Food,  Reviews,  Travel

    Ueshima Coffee Shop at Nikko Toshogu

    Sweets from Nikko

    At the time, I didn’t realize that Ueshima Coffee Company was a chain. I was just hungry and looking for a place to get a bite in overly crowded Nikko without having to wait in a line. I wanted to try yuba (tofu skin) or eat at a tiny bustling place but it looked like it’d take forever to get a seat. So, I settled with Ueshima Coffee Shop which was located near the Nikko Toshogu Museum.