2010.07.11
A few close friends from the Bay attended a small ceremony my parents organized for our engagement. I don't think I've ever seen them so happy before. I am also happy the landlords, neighbors, and attendees' respiratory systems did not mind the massive quantities of smoke coming out of our apartment.
A few close friends from the Bay attended a small ceremony my parents organized for our engagement. I don't think I've ever seen them so happy before. I am also happy the landlords, neighbors, and attendees' respiratory systems did not mind the massive quantities of smoke coming out of our apartment.
2010.02.15
Pinnacles National Monument is a small federal park in central California. We decided to come here one weekend before the bruising heat destroys any reasonable chance of enjoying hiking or camping here. We were rewarded with lush vegetation, swooping California condors, and the austere majesty of the Pinnacle Rocks.
Pinnacles National Monument is a small federal park in central California. We decided to come here one weekend before the bruising heat destroys any reasonable chance of enjoying hiking or camping here. We were rewarded with lush vegetation, swooping California condors, and the austere majesty of the Pinnacle Rocks.
2010.01.10
Nunin is our second cat, and we originally adopted him to act as a playmate for Nara. He grew up with her beating the crap out of him and licking him clean. Now that he is sleek and muscular he has taken more to the outdoors, meeting new friends, stealing their cat toys, and catching live birds. He also learned how to shake hands!
Nunin is our second cat, and we originally adopted him to act as a playmate for Nara. He grew up with her beating the crap out of him and licking him clean. Now that he is sleek and muscular he has taken more to the outdoors, meeting new friends, stealing their cat toys, and catching live birds. He also learned how to shake hands!
2009.10.16
Treasure Island is a man-made island that sits right between Oakland and San Francisco, neatly dividing the Bay Bridge into two parts. This is a relatively new festival but well run and green-focused. It was a fun show, Vetiver and The Flaming Lips were great, but it was as cold and windy as I've ever felt here so far.
Treasure Island is a man-made island that sits right between Oakland and San Francisco, neatly dividing the Bay Bridge into two parts. This is a relatively new festival but well run and green-focused. It was a fun show, Vetiver and The Flaming Lips were great, but it was as cold and windy as I've ever felt here so far.
2009.09.01
In retrospect it is an absolute travesty that it took me over four months to put these pictures up, because camping in the Olympic Mountains and hiking through the temperate rainforest was a lot of fun and extremely gorgeous. I have never been so close to so many deer so many times - by the end of the trip I didn't even flinch at seeing one.
In retrospect it is an absolute travesty that it took me over four months to put these pictures up, because camping in the Olympic Mountains and hiking through the temperate rainforest was a lot of fun and extremely gorgeous. I have never been so close to so many deer so many times - by the end of the trip I didn't even flinch at seeing one.
2009.08.27
Nara was born on March 21, 2007; we adopted her when she was 2 months old. She died on this date; she was instantly killed by a car on our street in Berkeley. She has filled every day of our lives with happiness, joy, and comfort. These pictures stand as a memorial of her life, full of innocent love and playful silliness.
Nara was born on March 21, 2007; we adopted her when she was 2 months old. She died on this date; she was instantly killed by a car on our street in Berkeley. She has filled every day of our lives with happiness, joy, and comfort. These pictures stand as a memorial of her life, full of innocent love and playful silliness.
2009.06.15
I enjoy the brief walk to work in the mornings. It is cool weather, which is perfect active time for the snails that make their homes in the bushes near work. Since I am leaving this area soon, I took the opportunity to record the lives of the ugly little slugs that make walking to work all the more worthwhile.
I enjoy the brief walk to work in the mornings. It is cool weather, which is perfect active time for the snails that make their homes in the bushes near work. Since I am leaving this area soon, I took the opportunity to record the lives of the ugly little slugs that make walking to work all the more worthwhile.
2009.05.17
I spent four years of college next to this mountain and never went near it, but since I am leaving LA I figured I should conquer it. The elevation gain over four miles is almost 4000 feet. The remaining seven miles of the loop were comparatively mild, which after the grueling hike to the peak (just over 10000 feet) was a blessing.
I spent four years of college next to this mountain and never went near it, but since I am leaving LA I figured I should conquer it. The elevation gain over four miles is almost 4000 feet. The remaining seven miles of the loop were comparatively mild, which after the grueling hike to the peak (just over 10000 feet) was a blessing.
2009.03.22
There are a precious few months out of the year where the vegetation in the LA area is actually green and wildflowers actually bloom. We took advantage of this rare event to go up in the nearby Sesnon hills, where a wildfire ravaged the land just five months ago, to check out how the life began anew.
There are a precious few months out of the year where the vegetation in the LA area is actually green and wildflowers actually bloom. We took advantage of this rare event to go up in the nearby Sesnon hills, where a wildfire ravaged the land just five months ago, to check out how the life began anew.
2009.03.07
I figured while I was in the area I should swing by and see my cousins in New Jersey, which in all fairness I did owe them a good visit. We explored New York City and I tried playing with my nieces in the backyard, but I couldn't quite keep up…
I figured while I was in the area I should swing by and see my cousins in New Jersey, which in all fairness I did owe them a good visit. We explored New York City and I tried playing with my nieces in the backyard, but I couldn't quite keep up…
2009.03.05
I was itching to go out to see what Boston was like, so one weekend we did just that. We visited Chris and Nina, and drank lots of great microbrews. I also got to see my cousin after about 12 years. I don't know the word to describe that particular feeling but it was a good feeling. All in all it was a great time.
I was itching to go out to see what Boston was like, so one weekend we did just that. We visited Chris and Nina, and drank lots of great microbrews. I also got to see my cousin after about 12 years. I don't know the word to describe that particular feeling but it was a good feeling. All in all it was a great time.
2009.02.21
I had never been to Disneyland, and Dariya decided this was sacrilege and took me to Disneyland for my birthday. It was awesome until the spinny teacup ride where she almost made me throw up. I spent the whole day riding the dinky little rides and reliving my childhood watching old Disney cartoons.
I had never been to Disneyland, and Dariya decided this was sacrilege and took me to Disneyland for my birthday. It was awesome until the spinny teacup ride where she almost made me throw up. I spent the whole day riding the dinky little rides and reliving my childhood watching old Disney cartoons.
2009.01.03
After our New Year plans fell apart, we decided to make something out of the weekend and make for Sequoia. A storm had just finished crashing the mountains so 7000 feet up, our campsite was covered in three feet of snow. We tried hiking around as well but the thin air and lack of snowshoes just killed us. Also it was 15 F at night.
After our New Year plans fell apart, we decided to make something out of the weekend and make for Sequoia. A storm had just finished crashing the mountains so 7000 feet up, our campsite was covered in three feet of snow. We tried hiking around as well but the thin air and lack of snowshoes just killed us. Also it was 15 F at night.
2008.11.20
The San Fernando and Simi Valleys are not known for their natural wonders, or pretty much anything other than agonizing summer heat. But this little area in between the two valleys, recently torched by a wildfire, offered splendid views of both valleys and the Santa Monica mountains to the south.
The San Fernando and Simi Valleys are not known for their natural wonders, or pretty much anything other than agonizing summer heat. But this little area in between the two valleys, recently torched by a wildfire, offered splendid views of both valleys and the Santa Monica mountains to the south.
2008.05.11
Our itinerary included an overnight stay in London so we tried to make the most of it. Unfortunately I started feeling the effects of the Valencia flu and as a result we weren't able to walk around as much as we would have liked. I did get my fish and chips though and yes, they were good.
Our itinerary included an overnight stay in London so we tried to make the most of it. Unfortunately I started feeling the effects of the Valencia flu and as a result we weren't able to walk around as much as we would have liked. I did get my fish and chips though and yes, they were good.
2008.05.10
I recently spoke with an international student from Valencia who lived there for years and never saw it rain there. Well I saw it rain there and I caught the flu because of it. That aside, it was the best part of the trip, because the locals were more welcoming and forgiving of my pathetic Spanish skills.
I recently spoke with an international student from Valencia who lived there for years and never saw it rain there. Well I saw it rain there and I caught the flu because of it. That aside, it was the best part of the trip, because the locals were more welcoming and forgiving of my pathetic Spanish skills.
2008.05.07
Madrid was where Dariya had to be present for an international magnetics conference, so most of these pictures I took while wandering the city on my own. We visited the Royal Palace together but there are no pictures allowed inside. Business mostly observes the siesta, and I found myself beginning to observe it as well.
Madrid was where Dariya had to be present for an international magnetics conference, so most of these pictures I took while wandering the city on my own. We visited the Royal Palace together but there are no pictures allowed inside. Business mostly observes the siesta, and I found myself beginning to observe it as well.
2008.05.03
Our first part of the trip to Spain was in Barcelona. Lots of British people being arrested, barflies staggering around until 4AM, bums on the beach begging and stealing clothes from unsuspecting skinny dippers. The rest was quite nice.
Our first part of the trip to Spain was in Barcelona. Lots of British people being arrested, barflies staggering around until 4AM, bums on the beach begging and stealing clothes from unsuspecting skinny dippers. The rest was quite nice.
2008.04.12
CA 2 goes through the Los Angeles National Forest just north of Pasadena. It is a nice retreat from the city noise for a day, although it is by no means an escape from the area or its people. Fun fact: You don't need to press either gas or brake pedals on the way back down.
CA 2 goes through the Los Angeles National Forest just north of Pasadena. It is a nice retreat from the city noise for a day, although it is by no means an escape from the area or its people. Fun fact: You don't need to press either gas or brake pedals on the way back down.
2007.12.25
I was torn about whether I should refer to the holiday as christmas or xmas. Who came up with xmas anyways? Was the letter X born on the same day as Jesus? Could the Romans not count to ten before the birth of Christ? I went with xmas because as Hindus we have no interest in Christ's birthday. We do enjoy the days off though.
I was torn about whether I should refer to the holiday as christmas or xmas. Who came up with xmas anyways? Was the letter X born on the same day as Jesus? Could the Romans not count to ten before the birth of Christ? I went with xmas because as Hindus we have no interest in Christ's birthday. We do enjoy the days off though.
2007.10.20
For our one year anniversary (awwww) we drove up CA 1 to Big Sur. CA 1 is gorgeous and I would recommend it to anyone with a pulse. Big Sur was wonderful; perfect weather; no flashlights needed with the moonlight. We also stopped by Monterey before coming back down and I would retire there right now if I could.
For our one year anniversary (awwww) we drove up CA 1 to Big Sur. CA 1 is gorgeous and I would recommend it to anyone with a pulse. Big Sur was wonderful; perfect weather; no flashlights needed with the moonlight. We also stopped by Monterey before coming back down and I would retire there right now if I could.
2007.05.26
A puja is a general Hindu term used for a type of religious service that blesses a momentous occasion. The occasion here was my graduation and starting work, and since I had never had one for anything else my parents organized this, and my cousins from Dallas and Dariya all attended.
A puja is a general Hindu term used for a type of religious service that blesses a momentous occasion. The occasion here was my graduation and starting work, and since I had never had one for anything else my parents organized this, and my cousins from Dallas and Dariya all attended.
2007.05.13
Yeah I graduated from college. Lots of pictures with friends and family. My parents were the photographers and they used a film camera, which is why all the pictures are grainy. I eventually bought them a digital camera so they could take better pictures and not have to worry about forgetting the film.
Yeah I graduated from college. Lots of pictures with friends and family. My parents were the photographers and they used a film camera, which is why all the pictures are grainy. I eventually bought them a digital camera so they could take better pictures and not have to worry about forgetting the film.
2007.05.06
I wish I could have come here under different circumstances, and maybe someday I will. But these pictures are the result of an overning trip to Maui to interview with Silicon Kinetics. The island is quite small, pretty and warm, but ultimately I decided I couldn't live there. Too far from family and friends, and no Indian stores.
I wish I could have come here under different circumstances, and maybe someday I will. But these pictures are the result of an overning trip to Maui to interview with Silicon Kinetics. The island is quite small, pretty and warm, but ultimately I decided I couldn't live there. Too far from family and friends, and no Indian stores.
2007.03.10
This was my first multi-day backpacking trip (since I didn't have the equipment in NZ). Dariya and I hiked across Santa Cruz Island, the largest of the Channel Islands, over two days. It was perhaps a little early to see things bloom but we had enough fun hiking and camping through clouds.
This was my first multi-day backpacking trip (since I didn't have the equipment in NZ). Dariya and I hiked across Santa Cruz Island, the largest of the Channel Islands, over two days. It was perhaps a little early to see things bloom but we had enough fun hiking and camping through clouds.
2006.11.01
These are collected pictures from my senior year in college that I found lying around my hard drive. I know there are more and they will be up soon. Do you notice any pictures that are missing? Good - keep them to yourself. They are not here for a reason. Hopefully they are not on Facebook either.
These are collected pictures from my senior year in college that I found lying around my hard drive. I know there are more and they will be up soon. Do you notice any pictures that are missing? Good - keep them to yourself. They are not here for a reason. Hopefully they are not on Facebook either.
2006.10.20
There is so much more to this trip than the pictures can relate. I think it was a wonderful few days for everyone involved, and an absolutely necessary getaway from the strain of an unusually difficult semester. Lighter note: it was also the first camping I had ever done where there was actually cooking involved.
There is so much more to this trip than the pictures can relate. I think it was a wonderful few days for everyone involved, and an absolutely necessary getaway from the strain of an unusually difficult semester. Lighter note: it was also the first camping I had ever done where there was actually cooking involved.
2006.06.12
This is a collection of photos I took during my solo trip through the east coast of the South Island. Twelve days of recklessness in Dunedin and Wellington with the Arcadia crews stationed there. Also a hitchhiking attempt from Dunedin that only got me to Oamaru. I bet it was because I was brown.
This is a collection of photos I took during my solo trip through the east coast of the South Island. Twelve days of recklessness in Dunedin and Wellington with the Arcadia crews stationed there. Also a hitchhiking attempt from Dunedin that only got me to Oamaru. I bet it was because I was brown.
2006.05.20
After almost four weeks of bad weather and not going anywhere, I finally escaped Auckland again, this time to a winter wonderland. Dramatic mountains and vast plains covered in snow unlike anything I have ever seen before. I wanted to stay at the top forever, and the hike back down was done reluctantly.
After almost four weeks of bad weather and not going anywhere, I finally escaped Auckland again, this time to a winter wonderland. Dramatic mountains and vast plains covered in snow unlike anything I have ever seen before. I wanted to stay at the top forever, and the hike back down was done reluctantly.
2006.04.23
Of course it was misty and raining in one of the wettest regions of the world. Despite its grandeur I can't help but feeling the guidebooks overhype this location a bit. Perhaps a backpacking trip to this place would do it better service. We just took the boat out through the sound.
Of course it was misty and raining in one of the wettest regions of the world. Despite its grandeur I can't help but feeling the guidebooks overhype this location a bit. Perhaps a backpacking trip to this place would do it better service. We just took the boat out through the sound.
2006.04.21
This was a strenuous six hour hike up Fox Glacier. This glacier is odd in that it cuts right through a temperate rain forest. The juxtaposition is striking. The first half was clear; the second half was pouring rain on the glacier. My camera's LCD was permanently damaged as a result of this hike.
This was a strenuous six hour hike up Fox Glacier. This glacier is odd in that it cuts right through a temperate rain forest. The juxtaposition is striking. The first half was clear; the second half was pouring rain on the glacier. My camera's LCD was permanently damaged as a result of this hike.
2006.04.19
We taxied out to Bark Bay over the water and hiked 20 km back to the entrance of the park along the coastal route of Abel Tasman National Park. It was really beautiful; envious coastal views were everywhere. It would have been nice to catch a good sunset but this is mostly a north-facing route.
We taxied out to Bark Bay over the water and hiked 20 km back to the entrance of the park along the coastal route of Abel Tasman National Park. It was really beautiful; envious coastal views were everywhere. It would have been nice to catch a good sunset but this is mostly a north-facing route.
2006.04.17
The first stop was Arthur's Pass in the heart of the Southern Alps. We crossed through the Canterbury Plains from Christchurch to get there. We hiked Devil's Punchbowl and Bridal Veil with Big Dave, who was nice enough to chauffeur (I use the term loosely) us there for a nominal fee.
The first stop was Arthur's Pass in the heart of the Southern Alps. We crossed through the Canterbury Plains from Christchurch to get there. We hiked Devil's Punchbowl and Bridal Veil with Big Dave, who was nice enough to chauffeur (I use the term loosely) us there for a nominal fee.
2006.04.16
These were taken over several days during our trip through the South Island. We rented a car and drove around the entire island in little over a week, stopping along the way (galleries below). These are taken along SH1, SH6, and SH8. My partners in crime are Davey and Mike.
These were taken over several days during our trip through the South Island. We rented a car and drove around the entire island in little over a week, stopping along the way (galleries below). These are taken along SH1, SH6, and SH8. My partners in crime are Davey and Mike.
2006.04.14
Everything here closes for Good Friday, so I took the opportunity to photograph the university campus and a few other places that are part of my everyday life here. Everything is deserted, which is of course a misrepresentation, but I like to compare it to the empty shots of London captured in 28 Days Later.
Everything here closes for Good Friday, so I took the opportunity to photograph the university campus and a few other places that are part of my everyday life here. Everything is deserted, which is of course a misrepresentation, but I like to compare it to the empty shots of London captured in 28 Days Later.
2006.04.02
In this album you will see various people performing an activity called canyoning. It is a curious combination of hiking up hills and either jumping or abseiling down waterfalls. It had just rained in this mountain range near Auckland so the river flow was much higher than usual.
In this album you will see various people performing an activity called canyoning. It is a curious combination of hiking up hills and either jumping or abseiling down waterfalls. It had just rained in this mountain range near Auckland so the river flow was much higher than usual.
2006.03.25
The Bay of Islands hosted the first permanent Western settlement. Pirates packed this place full and gave it a reputation. It's now populated mostly by aging hippies and fishermen. Normally it is very sunny here but a cyclone was passing nearby and threw a cloud blanket over the whole region.
The Bay of Islands hosted the first permanent Western settlement. Pirates packed this place full and gave it a reputation. It's now populated mostly by aging hippies and fishermen. Normally it is very sunny here but a cyclone was passing nearby and threw a cloud blanket over the whole region.
2006.03.18
A few photos of my city adventures. Includes bungee jumping off the Auckland bridge, and pictures from Muriwai, a turbulent west coast beach, and Devonport, a calm east coast beach. Rangitoto keeps the waves on the east side to a minimum, while the west side is exposed to the Australian storms.
A few photos of my city adventures. Includes bungee jumping off the Auckland bridge, and pictures from Muriwai, a turbulent west coast beach, and Devonport, a calm east coast beach. Rangitoto keeps the waves on the east side to a minimum, while the west side is exposed to the Australian storms.
2006.03.11
My first real encounter with the calm splendor of the New Zealand landscape was right here. This is quite possibly the most beautiful place in the North Island. The sunrise photos were shot on the beach of Cathedral Cove. There are just not enough superlatives to describe its qualities.
My first real encounter with the calm splendor of the New Zealand landscape was right here. This is quite possibly the most beautiful place in the North Island. The sunrise photos were shot on the beach of Cathedral Cove. There are just not enough superlatives to describe its qualities.
2006.02.25
Rangitoto Island is an extinct volcano that apparently came out of nowhere about 700 years ago. It sits right in the middle of the Auckland Bay. This was also an orientation event, except it was sponsored by the University of Auckland, instead of Arcadia, my study abroad program.
Rangitoto Island is an extinct volcano that apparently came out of nowhere about 700 years ago. It sits right in the middle of the Auckland Bay. This was also an orientation event, except it was sponsored by the University of Auckland, instead of Arcadia, my study abroad program.
2006.02.18
The orientation for our study abroad program was in Rotorua, a place known for its geothermal activity and sulfurous odor. Mostly typical touristy stuff, like sheep shearing and geyser watching, but I had some time alone to photograph Lake Rotorua in the early morning.
The orientation for our study abroad program was in Rotorua, a place known for its geothermal activity and sulfurous odor. Mostly typical touristy stuff, like sheep shearing and geyser watching, but I had some time alone to photograph Lake Rotorua in the early morning.
2004.05.09
Freshman year, we decided jumping out of a plane at 13000 feet was the most ideal method to prepare for our physics final. Unfortunately it cost too much to hire a guy to take pictures of you during freefall, so we took pictures before and after jumping by ourselves for free.
Freshman year, we decided jumping out of a plane at 13000 feet was the most ideal method to prepare for our physics final. Unfortunately it cost too much to hire a guy to take pictures of you during freefall, so we took pictures before and after jumping by ourselves for free.