Portland Japanese Gardens

I must admit, I didn't know this place existed until recently. Set in a beautifully lush and serene location, it transported me to a very peaceful part of myself before the madness of the holidays set in. Well, the madness of Black Friday.  I'm going to try and come back sometime when it's snowing here. 

Tenderloin improvements

Saw these lovely folks working on a mural project in the worst block of Ofarrell and Jones in the upper TL. It's always been a spot where tweekers and other drug seekers congregate after Naan 'n Curry closed down years ago.  This is a major artery into downtown SF from the west side, and I always wondered how the city could let this area decline so badly. But leave it to private citizens, or maybe the church next door(?) to actually  do something where the government has clearly failed for so long. Bravo!

Pagoda Theater in North Beach

Took decades to remove this eyesore. SF politics at its worst. 

Case Study N0.8 The Eames House

Case Study N0.8 The Eames House, a set on Flickr.

Definitely worth a visit if you are in the LA area. Nicely maintained and only $10 donation to the Eames foundation.

Loch Ard Shipwreck coast

Loch Ard Shipwreck coast, a set on Flickr.

A long drive from Melbourne but totally worth the views.

Sydney 2013

Sydney 2013, a set on Flickr.

We still got sunny and mild weather despite our winter trip. I really warmed up to Sydney, with it's smart urban vibe and friendliness. It reminded me of all the good things I like about LA. The art museums were mostly free, fantastic Chinatown food and I was very impressed with VIVID Sydney festival and Bondi Beach. Just don't take the red double decker tourist buses, a total rip off and not reliable.