2011.11.12
It was a day of uniformity: solid grey skies, thick green forests, and ladybug red carpets. Not a gorgeous day by any means, but lots of interesting sights made for a rewarding hike. Photographing the ladybugs made me yearn dearly for a macro lens.
It was a day of uniformity: solid grey skies, thick green forests, and ladybug red carpets. Not a gorgeous day by any means, but lots of interesting sights made for a rewarding hike. Photographing the ladybugs made me yearn dearly for a macro lens.
2011.11.04
The best time to take photos around the Bay Area is after a rainstorm. An idea to photograph half the Bay Bridge from Yerba Buena Island turned into an adventure. After being rescued from locking myself out of my car, I paid the favor forward and helped a trapped goat escape its confines.
The best time to take photos around the Bay Area is after a rainstorm. An idea to photograph half the Bay Bridge from Yerba Buena Island turned into an adventure. After being rescued from locking myself out of my car, I paid the favor forward and helped a trapped goat escape its confines.
2011.10.22
The day out at Lake Tahoe was spent trying to find someone willing enough to rent us kayaks. It was difficult this late in the season, but we finally found a group that would let us rent only for one hour. After kayaking we hiked over to the beaches we wanted to hit up and took nice long naps under the sun.
The day out at Lake Tahoe was spent trying to find someone willing enough to rent us kayaks. It was difficult this late in the season, but we finally found a group that would let us rent only for one hour. After kayaking we hiked over to the beaches we wanted to hit up and took nice long naps under the sun.
2011.10.21
Nestled in the Sierras near Lake Tahoe, there is a comfortable B&B near the crossroads of CA-89 and CA-88. There is lots of great hiking around here, and the streams carry water tastier than a water bottle. We also were able to see the Orionids meteor shower from the clear skies over the alpine plains at night.
Nestled in the Sierras near Lake Tahoe, there is a comfortable B&B near the crossroads of CA-89 and CA-88. There is lots of great hiking around here, and the streams carry water tastier than a water bottle. We also were able to see the Orionids meteor shower from the clear skies over the alpine plains at night.
2011.10.07
Briones is really close to where we live and it is a great chance to see hawks and other birds of prey, until you realize they are probably checking you out to see if they can eat you. From the tops of the hills you can see a lot of the Bay, on a clear day you can see all the way out past Diablo.
Briones is really close to where we live and it is a great chance to see hawks and other birds of prey, until you realize they are probably checking you out to see if they can eat you. From the tops of the hills you can see a lot of the Bay, on a clear day you can see all the way out past Diablo.
2011.09.30
Alameda doesn't look like much on a map, but turns out it has a lot of cool parks and shoreline where it is fun to hang out and picnic or drop by a cafe. There are great views of the SF skyline and lots of different birds make use of the shores. Unfortunately there is also a lot of garbage...
Alameda doesn't look like much on a map, but turns out it has a lot of cool parks and shoreline where it is fun to hang out and picnic or drop by a cafe. There are great views of the SF skyline and lots of different birds make use of the shores. Unfortunately there is also a lot of garbage...
2011.09.15
The coda of the trip was spent in another body of water I had long intended to explore. Mono Lake is a high-altitude lake just east of the Tioga Pass, which goes through Yosemite. US-395 goes up to 8000 feet near Mono and a collection of pristine alpine lakes nestled in the Sierras.
The coda of the trip was spent in another body of water I had long intended to explore. Mono Lake is a high-altitude lake just east of the Tioga Pass, which goes through Yosemite. US-395 goes up to 8000 feet near Mono and a collection of pristine alpine lakes nestled in the Sierras.
2011.09.14
Visiting the coast was one reason for the trip around California, and visiting Death Valley was the other. Most people come to CA for a slice of the ocean, but some come for the desert, and despite its crushing heat and still winds, Death Valley is the most bizarre and wonderful desert the country has to offer.
Visiting the coast was one reason for the trip around California, and visiting Death Valley was the other. Most people come to CA for a slice of the ocean, but some come for the desert, and despite its crushing heat and still winds, Death Valley is the most bizarre and wonderful desert the country has to offer.
2011.09.13
I only came to Red Rock Canyon to spend the night before going to Death Valley early the next morning. I left with the regret that I could not explore this area more. It felt a lot like the high deserts of Joshua Tree. The rocks in this area form a spectacular canyon. I can't believe that CA 14 runs right through this park!
I only came to Red Rock Canyon to spend the night before going to Death Valley early the next morning. I left with the regret that I could not explore this area more. It felt a lot like the high deserts of Joshua Tree. The rocks in this area form a spectacular canyon. I can't believe that CA 14 runs right through this park!
2011.09.12
I've always been curious about the Salton Sea. What is it doing out there in the middle of the desert? The journey there was an adventure. I wanted to turn back, but the only way out of the thunderstorms and flash floods and to Death Valley was through them.
I've always been curious about the Salton Sea. What is it doing out there in the middle of the desert? The journey there was an adventure. I wanted to turn back, but the only way out of the thunderstorms and flash floods and to Death Valley was through them.
2011.09.08
I spent two days at Montana de Oro State Park, south of Morro Bay. Jagged rock formations streaking out into the ocean and unstable cliffs towering over the beaches below. I was fortunate to catch one sunset from the high cliffs above but it would have been nice to have another sunset to shoot from the beaches below.
I spent two days at Montana de Oro State Park, south of Morro Bay. Jagged rock formations streaking out into the ocean and unstable cliffs towering over the beaches below. I was fortunate to catch one sunset from the high cliffs above but it would have been nice to have another sunset to shoot from the beaches below.
2011.09.07
The first couple of days of my ten day trip through parts of California were along the coast on CA 1. Leaving late on the 6th, I spent one night at Andrew Molera State Park and saw a freaking bobcat, and then rolled down the coast to Morro Bay the next day, where seals and pelicans congregate for retirees' amusement.
The first couple of days of my ten day trip through parts of California were along the coast on CA 1. Leaving late on the 6th, I spent one night at Andrew Molera State Park and saw a freaking bobcat, and then rolled down the coast to Morro Bay the next day, where seals and pelicans congregate for retirees' amusement.
2011.08.27
While visiting Dariya's father in Seattle, we went on a day hike up Sauk Mountain, which is in the Cascades just south of British Columbia. After an exhausting 26 switchbacks and a romp through a snow-covered trail, we had a good lunch at the top and a great view of Mt. Baker, the San Juan Islands, and even Mt. Rainier.
While visiting Dariya's father in Seattle, we went on a day hike up Sauk Mountain, which is in the Cascades just south of British Columbia. After an exhausting 26 switchbacks and a romp through a snow-covered trail, we had a good lunch at the top and a great view of Mt. Baker, the San Juan Islands, and even Mt. Rainier.
2011.08.21
I purchased a Sigma 10-20 wide angle lens for my Nikon and took it for a test shoot around Berkeley. While wide angles are significantly expensive, this is by far my favorite lens to shoot with, as it brings the depth and volume to landscape photos that I have always wanted. Here in Berkeley, it just served to make things look weird.
I purchased a Sigma 10-20 wide angle lens for my Nikon and took it for a test shoot around Berkeley. While wide angles are significantly expensive, this is by far my favorite lens to shoot with, as it brings the depth and volume to landscape photos that I have always wanted. Here in Berkeley, it just served to make things look weird.
2011.08.14
This album marks the arrival of my dSLR, a Nikon D3000. We went to Temescal Creek to test out its capabilities, which ended up being a lot more fun than reading an instruction manual. Temescal Creek is surprisingly pretty for being mashed in between two Bay Area freeways.
This album marks the arrival of my dSLR, a Nikon D3000. We went to Temescal Creek to test out its capabilities, which ended up being a lot more fun than reading an instruction manual. Temescal Creek is surprisingly pretty for being mashed in between two Bay Area freeways.
2011.07.10
On one trip to Monterey we went through this lovely little small park. We knew what we had to do on our way back - return and catch a sunrise. Being right at the fog level made the results stunning. Most of the winning shots are on a roll of film which will probably get developed someday but may these suffice in the meantime.
On one trip to Monterey we went through this lovely little small park. We knew what we had to do on our way back - return and catch a sunrise. Being right at the fog level made the results stunning. Most of the winning shots are on a roll of film which will probably get developed someday but may these suffice in the meantime.
2011.06.25
Much of my time in New Orleans is on permanent blackout. Don't ask me why because I don't remember. High heat and skull-crushing humidity will do that to a weak Californian. Anyways, we did go on a swamp tour where apparently cases of beer are allowed, and had some good times on the hotel roof watching the sun come up.
Much of my time in New Orleans is on permanent blackout. Don't ask me why because I don't remember. High heat and skull-crushing humidity will do that to a weak Californian. Anyways, we did go on a swamp tour where apparently cases of beer are allowed, and had some good times on the hotel roof watching the sun come up.
2011.02.20
In between the heavy rains early this year we scored a gorgeous day in the middle of February. We took this opportunity to do all the touristy things in SF without all the crowds around. We mostly went around the north side of the peninsula, on Lombard Street, then by Fisherman’s Wharf, the Marina, the Presidio, and the Golden Gate.
In between the heavy rains early this year we scored a gorgeous day in the middle of February. We took this opportunity to do all the touristy things in SF without all the crowds around. We mostly went around the north side of the peninsula, on Lombard Street, then by Fisherman’s Wharf, the Marina, the Presidio, and the Golden Gate.
2011.01.15
There is a lot of fuss about Mt. Diablo being one point in the world where you can see the most surface area of the Earth. This is not strictly true, but on a clear morning you can see to the Sierras, the Pacific, and Mt. Lassen. If you tire of the Bay Area fog you can get well above it here.
There is a lot of fuss about Mt. Diablo being one point in the world where you can see the most surface area of the Earth. This is not strictly true, but on a clear morning you can see to the Sierras, the Pacific, and Mt. Lassen. If you tire of the Bay Area fog you can get well above it here.
2011.01.03
My family is big. Very big. So big, that even dedicating one whole album is insufficient to capture all of them. Many of the people here I had not seen since the last time I visited over 10 years ago. Meeting them again was in itself a chance to renew and strengthen ties to my family and roots.
My family is big. Very big. So big, that even dedicating one whole album is insufficient to capture all of them. Many of the people here I had not seen since the last time I visited over 10 years ago. Meeting them again was in itself a chance to renew and strengthen ties to my family and roots.
2010.12.28
For a change of pace, my father and I took a three day excursion into southwestern Gujarat. We visited the Hindu temple at Somnath, which has a history of being destroyed by Muslims. We also ventured into the Gir National Forest for a look at the Asiatic lion and the incompetence of the tourism industry.
For a change of pace, my father and I took a three day excursion into southwestern Gujarat. We visited the Hindu temple at Somnath, which has a history of being destroyed by Muslims. We also ventured into the Gir National Forest for a look at the Asiatic lion and the incompetence of the tourism industry.
2010.12.25
I have visited Ahmedabad so many times but I never got the opportunity to see it like this. My father and I hired a personal driver and tour guide and ran around town for a day to see the sights of the city and to learn about its rich cultural history. It was a rewarding and satisfying experience.
I have visited Ahmedabad so many times but I never got the opportunity to see it like this. My father and I hired a personal driver and tour guide and ran around town for a day to see the sights of the city and to learn about its rich cultural history. It was a rewarding and satisfying experience.
2010.11.30
If I had a real job, I would move to this little East Bay oasis, where it is on average sunnier and warmer and younger than dreary old Berkeley, where everything closes at 10 pm. In the meantime we are content with visiting when the weather is good. This particular trip was also when we visited the Pixar exhibit at the Oakland Museum of California.
If I had a real job, I would move to this little East Bay oasis, where it is on average sunnier and warmer and younger than dreary old Berkeley, where everything closes at 10 pm. In the meantime we are content with visiting when the weather is good. This particular trip was also when we visited the Pixar exhibit at the Oakland Museum of California.
2010.11.13
It was time for an escape from the Bay and an excuse to visit Southern California. The alluring Mojave Desert is the perfect soul-cleansing destination. Reuniting with friends old and new in the desert for two nights was a great relief. Joshua Tree is always alive with inspiring silent landscapes, and this visit was no exception.
It was time for an escape from the Bay and an excuse to visit Southern California. The alluring Mojave Desert is the perfect soul-cleansing destination. Reuniting with friends old and new in the desert for two nights was a great relief. Joshua Tree is always alive with inspiring silent landscapes, and this visit was no exception.
2010.11.01
After leaving Atlanta I had forgotten what it was like to be in a city that wins a major sports title. After 50-odd years of baseball title drought San Francisco lavished its unique love onto the Giants. Being much older this time I got to experience firsthand the reaction from bars, outside the stadium, and on the streets.
After leaving Atlanta I had forgotten what it was like to be in a city that wins a major sports title. After 50-odd years of baseball title drought San Francisco lavished its unique love onto the Giants. Being much older this time I got to experience firsthand the reaction from bars, outside the stadium, and on the streets.
2010.09.25
We had planned on camping at Point Reyes overnight and hiking around for two days. Unfortunately the campgrounds were full, so instead we left early in the morning and hiked around all day. It was a strenuous pace but we were well rewarded with ocean views and a rope swing into Bass Lake.
We had planned on camping at Point Reyes overnight and hiking around for two days. Unfortunately the campgrounds were full, so instead we left early in the morning and hiked around all day. It was a strenuous pace but we were well rewarded with ocean views and a rope swing into Bass Lake.
2010.08.30
An old friend of mine recently left behind the trappings of academia and along with his wife started his own pasture-raised poultry farm in Pescadero, CA, a rural oasis in a desert of overpopulation. Their chicken is fantastic, and well taken care of, and I appreciated the opportunity to observe and connect with my future food.
An old friend of mine recently left behind the trappings of academia and along with his wife started his own pasture-raised poultry farm in Pescadero, CA, a rural oasis in a desert of overpopulation. Their chicken is fantastic, and well taken care of, and I appreciated the opportunity to observe and connect with my future food.
2010.08.01
The Berkeley Marina catches a lot of ocean breeze straight from the land gap bridged by the Golden Gate. It is a perfect spot for a summer kite festival, and one occurs every year around the end of July. I scored a Care Bears kite for $2 from a local toy store and flew alongside the giant octopi and professional synchronized kite teams.
The Berkeley Marina catches a lot of ocean breeze straight from the land gap bridged by the Golden Gate. It is a perfect spot for a summer kite festival, and one occurs every year around the end of July. I scored a Care Bears kite for $2 from a local toy store and flew alongside the giant octopi and professional synchronized kite teams.
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.