Loi Krathong Beauties - Chiang Mai, Thailand

All over Thailand, the Loi Krathong Festival celebrates the full moon during the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar every year with an evening of fireworks, lanterns released in the river or like hot air balloons up to the dark skies, music, floats, food and other goodies.  In 2012, the festival fell in November and Chiang Mai put on a show....

and last but the least, the "Queens" or "lady boys" of Thailand!

Taj Mahal - Agra, India

 

Butter Restaurant - New York City

Every year, NYC like many cities promotes restaurant week where prixe fixe menus at highly-rated or cutting-edge (sometimes, more ambience than food) restaurants are offered at lower octane prices.  One on the 2013 list was Butter Restaurant in downtown Manhattan which serves traditional American food with a spicy kick.  For foodies, I heard that the Executive Chef is Food Network favorite, Alexandra Guarnaschelli.

NY Public Library @ 5th Ave & 42nd

A night-time glimpse of the beaux-arts style NYC public library landmark.

Honoring Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness

only light can do that.

Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that"

~ Martin Luther King ~



Free Synagogue of Flushing



Rabbi Michael Weisser from the Free Synagogue of Flushing in Queens, NY along with guest speakers, Reverend Wilfedo Benitez, Rector at St. George's Church, Reverend Richard McEachern, Pastor at Macedonia A.M.E. Church and celebrants honored the life and legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through an ecumenical service about a month ago. The second inauguration of President Obama on MLK's birthday was affirmation that our nation is continuing our journey on a positive path for equal opportunity, rights and justice.

A NYC Christmas - 2012

Christmas in New York City is such a beautiful time of year with iconic landmarks dressed up in lights each year.

NY Stock Exchange @ Wall Street

Radio City Music Hall - Home of the Rockettes 

 A view of Sak's annual visual display from amidst the angels at Rockefeller Center Mall

The brightly-lit Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center  

Bringing on good news for all!!!

Christmas Window Displays - NYC

Thanksgiving has yet to be celebrated but most New York City stores have already completed setting up their window displays for Christmas.

Bloomingdale's - Manhattan

Bloomingdale's - Manhattan

Macy's - Manhattan

A Wedding in Norwalk, Connecticut

How totally refreshing it was to receive a wedding invitation suggesting that the ladies refrain from wearing any spiky heels since the event was outdoors!! I suppose unless you want to help aerate the soil!  So wedges and boots favored over Jimmy Choos, for sure.  Certainly, a low-key way to share a joyous event with family and friends!

Tassa Drummers - Trinidad

A Hindu Wedding - Trinidad

This past summer, I was a guest at a Hindu wedding in Trinidad, the last island in the Caribbean archipelago that is near the tip of Venezuela.  It was not a destination wedding, but one that celebrated the richness of a heritage.  Trinidad is a multicultural island and is home to a large population of East Indians whose ancestors came to the island as indentured servants after slavery ended.  Today, foods such as dhalpourie, doubles, curries, soca music, festivals like Divali, Holi or the observance of Ramadan are now firmly part of the Trinidadian culture and whether you are of East Indian ancestry, have a drop of Indian blood in your veins or none at all, all of these things become part of you.

Todd Street Mandir (Temple)

Wrought iron gate - simple yet secure

Interior of Mandir

 A happy bride

A lucky groom

 A serious moment

Bride adorned with bangles and beads

 A vegetarian meal of buss-up-shot (bread), curried chataigne (breadnut), chickpeas, potatoes, pumpkin and mango amchar served on a soharee leaf.

 Tassa drummers and dancers

Indian Wedding Singers

Hibiscus flowers, rice, water, banana plant, etc. are symbolic elements used during the wedding ceremony

Ceramics Collection @ Rafael Larco Museum, Peru

Portrait vessel from the Moche Apogee period (1 AD - 800 AD) generally represented the ruling elites, priests, warriors and at times, distinguished artisans.

Double-spouted vessel from the Southern Huari Fusion Apogee period (800 AD - 1300 AD) included a bridge handle.

Double-chamber vessel from the Vicus Formative period (1250 BC - 1 AD) was developed in the north of Peru.  Large ear plugs indicate high rank.

 Moche Owl god (1 AD - 800 AD) was associated with the night, occult and death.

Double-spouted vessel

Splendour in Metal @ Rafael Larco Museum, Peru