One of the most surprisingly moving things I experienced at Disneyland this weekend was the “Retiring of the Flag” ceremony at sunset. I happened to be on Main Street headed to California Adventure when I heard the Disneyland Brass Band and the Dapper Dans all performing together American patriotic music. Curious, I stopped by a…
Category: Travel
Slumming in Batuu: My First Visit to Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland
Yesterday was one of my favorite visits to a Disney theme park ever. After years of anticipation, and avoiding as many spoilers as possible, I finally got to visit Stars Wars Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland. As a big scifi nerd and a Disney fanatic, the idea of a completely immersive experience where you got to…
A Vacation Can’t Make You Happy: Wisdom from SNL
“Wherever you go, there you are.” I’m crying laughing because it’s true.
My Tips on Bike Commuting on KQED Radio!
I knew that working at KQED would make me famous! Here’s where it starts. On Tuesday, a story aired on KQED radio about tips for commuting to work by bicycle, in preparation for “Bike to Work Day” coming up soon. I was quoted a couple of times for my tips on riding a folding bike…
Paris Jazz Roots 2019 Review: An Exuberant Celebration of Vernacular Jazz Dance
[NOTE: This was cross-posted to Yehoodi.com] “It’s likeā¦ a solo jazz mosh pit,” Pamela, a lindy hopper from Singapore , remarks beside me, looking out on the crowd. In front of us, hundreds of sweaty and happy people are solo jazzing like crazy to the sounds of the JB swing band, on day 1 of…
The Best Pastries I Ate in Paris
A a huge pastry nerd, a big priority for my trip to Paris last week was to get to experience French pastries, particularly croissants, from the source. I had a huge, impossible list of bakeries to hit up, but alas only got to visit a handful. Anyway, I experienced some amazing viennoiserie, and frankly don’t…
Disneyland Paris: Le Bon, le Mal y le Meh
Being a big Disney park nerd, I was excited to get to visit Disneyland Paris this week, as part of my Paris adventure. This was actually the second time I had been to Disneyland Paris. The first visit was about 16 years ago, when it was still called EuroDisney. That visit was notable for how…
2018 in Review: on Sabbatical, Dancing for Fun and Profit, Baking Incessantly, Asia-hopping
Well 2018 was QUITE the year for me. Certainly not what I expected the year to be about. Quick 2018 Stats Jobs Lost: 1 Countries Visited: 2 Dance Competitions / Showcases Entered: 4 Dance Competitions Won: 1 Theme Parks Visited: 2 Parties Thrown: 3 Number of Pastries Baked: MANY Losing my job was certainly not…
Gear Check: 15 Years of Brompton Riding
I realized today that I’ve been riding Brompton bikes for about fifteen years. The Brompton is one of the best purchases I’ve ever made in my life, greatly contributing to my overall quality of life, health, and happiness. Here’s me with my first Brompton, purchased in London in 2003. (Check the red hair and the…
San Diego: Fish Tacos, Incredible Beaches, Animal Adventures and More
I am just back from a wonderful trip to San Diego, a city that has long been on my list of places to visit, but for whatever reason I never found the time to travel there. Fortunately, my friend Hanah offered to be my guide to the best of San Diego during our trip there….