by Janice H. Reinold on May 20, 2012
Now here’s something you don’t see everyday.
On this gorgeous Sunday, I decided to visit my family friends who live in an an area called Pinon Hills. It’s mostly desert and surrounded by mountains, so basically the opposite of what I’m used to in LA. But deciding to get out of the city couldn’t have been better timing.
After spending an extremely relaxing Sunday surrounded by nature, the host of the party set up a sun-proof telescope for an up-close view of the eclipse! Unfortunately it wasn’t possible to see a total eclipse from our location, but it was still incredible!
I tried my best to photograph the telescopic view and after a lot of patience of getting the angle just right, I managed to take a few:
5:30pm
5:45pm
6:30pm ish
I took a picture of the sun and noticed the reflection of the eclipse on the bottom of the picture.
A reflection of the eclipse
It was an incredible way to view the eclipse, definitely memorable!
by Janice H. Reinold on May 14, 2012
You don’t bite the Apple, the Apple bites you.
Even though I’ve finally started to appreciate and admire New York City during my last 4 days, I am still in no place to put my map and tourist hat down to mingle with the locals. Other than the occasional road rage in LA, I typically don’t spark arguments with strangers. Hm, if this is a norm I guess I’m still by far no where close to being a New Yorker.
I’ve realized that calling a large city like New York “yours” isn’t just a quick n’ easy flight and going on a 4-day touristy adventure. Even though I superficially feel that I’ve gotten used to New York, it feels very one-sided (similar to having a one-sided crush) and we still have a lot of getting used to to do.
Becoming a “New Yorker” isn’t just about knowing the best hole-in-the-wall eateries but being able to keep up with the fast-paced city. You snooze, you lose so you better stay alert if you’re still planning to chase those big New York dreams. It seems like New Yorkers have to adjust their life to avoid getting swallowed up by the city and I’ve noticed some truth in several New York stereotypes:
- It’s a cold attitude – New Yorkers don’t play games. They’re very direct and make it loud and clear when they’re upset
- Aggressive mentality – metros, streets, lines, etc. Wherever you are, you’re the boss and people oblige to your rules
- Avoid eye contact – don’t speak, don’t look, just go. But being from LA, I talked to a lot of people which I think made some New Yorkers uncomfortable
- I’m not getting out of YOUR way – you have to go around them
- I’m so much better than you – they look down on you
True, they don’t sound pleasant but there were a lot of great things about The Big Apple:
- The city NEVER sleeps – it’s like Vegas but you can’t carry drinks around with you (openly)
- There’s always something to do – one can never get bored in the city
- It’s easy to get around – you don’t have to rely on your car, traffic and finding parking to move around the city
- There are people everywhere – you meet new people constantly (not necessarily all friendly)
- Amazing food – there were so many restaurants that it made me want to extend my trip to try more foods
- Photo-op central – it’s really easy to get creative with your camera.
The last metro ride
I never thought I’d say this, but farewell New York – I hope to see you soon!
What are your opinions on New York City?
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by Janice H. Reinold on May 13, 2012
A sunny Sunday in the Big Apple makes us come out and play.
In my head, New York weather = COLD & snowy. But that’s probably because I’ve never been in the city during the spring. And let me tell ya, today was the opposite of the New York weather I was used to.
Even though I wished that I could spend Mother’s Day with my mom, it made me warm and fuzzy to see mothers in New York spend time with their children. And, to watch children happy 
A girl cools off from the heat
Mother and her daughter play with water
On our day 3 adventure, Buddio and I continued to tour the city with our cameras around our necks. Geographically, I slowly started to get the hang of figuring out where I am on a map. Buddio taught me a valuable lesson about the streets of New York today: all avenues run vertically and all streets are horizontal. Yes, I JUST figured this out and it’s a mind-blowing realization so please don’t make fun of me 
Realization or not, I still found every corner of the city a photo opp. I guess that still makes me an Asian tourist But can you blame me, check out this awesome view!
Overlooking the Hudson River around Chelsea Market
Does this street go on forever?
And one can’t be in New York City without seeing the city’s iconic location!
Miss Liberty
That evening I met Buddio’s in-laws and celebrated Mother’s Day with about 10 Koreans in New Jersey. Look at that, I even left the state while I was in the East Coast! It’s amazing how… less exciting… the other side of the Hudson River can be. No wonder everybody migrates over to the city despite the more expensive rent… But I’m sure that New Jersey has a lot to offer, just like how I’m starting to see New York’s hidden gems. But I’ll save that for another trip
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by Janice H. Reinold on May 12, 2012
See that Asian with the big camera and bag? Yeah, that would be me.
This was me for 4 days
Day 2 in New York City and I was basically the typical Asian tourist, minus the fanny pack! But can you blame me? New York City is like photo-opp central! Getting off of the metro was like popping out into a whole new canvas – it was incredible!
Touring the city with my Buddio made me realize just how much this city has to offer. This city is so dense and small compared to LA but walking around everywhere made me see a lot of the excitement that is packed on this island. There is so much to see and do, it’s overwhelming! Luckily, Buddio moved to NYC not too long ago so it was as if we were exploring the city together. Imagine this, two Asians carrying around SLR cameras around our necks. Yep, that was us.
Buddio getting the shot
Enjoy my shots from day 2!
In transit
Looking up
A girl is deep in her book
Seeing double
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by Janice H. Reinold on May 11, 2012
Oh New York, do you EVER sleep?
The hustle and the bustle started this morning – I overslept till 5:45am to catch my 7am flight. I basically had 45mins to get ready, arrive at the airport and check-in to my flight! Somehow I stayed calm and was out the door in 15mins. I still can’t believe how I made my flight, but let’s just say that I was exhausted by the time I sat down in my seat.
To be honest, I was nervous to be in New York City… I’ve always been overwhelmed by the city and never quite understood how it works… Maybe it’s the confusing metro system or the streets and the avenues grid system, but whatever it was I’ve never been a big fan of New York. But because I was visiting my lovely Buddio, I wasn’t too worried about having a bad time
It was an incredible day 1 in the Big Apple! Dinner overlooking Times Square, cocktails at rotating rooftop lounge The View, and smoking hookah somewhere in NYC. I knew that I was somewhere in Manhattan but geographically had NO idea where I was. I guess you could say that I was lost. And I had completely forgotten that the city stays open till 4am. Now THAT’s something I definitely miss in LA.
Some of my favorite shots from Day 1!
Had dinner with an incredible Times Square view
One of my favorite musicals!
Me and Buddio - our long overdue reunion!
I want the very bottom one
by Janice H. Reinold on May 10, 2012
I must think ahead and pack wisely.
I’m about to go on a 4-day getaway to New York City to visit my Middle School friend. It would be our close-to one decade reunion and quite honestly am a little nervous to see her… We used to be inseparable back then, but obviously a lot has changed since. I’m secretly hoping/praying/crossing all 10 fingers that nothing has changed.
So here is the weather forecast for New York City. And over trial and error, I’ve picked up some must-dos for packing wisely:
DOs:
- Lay everything you’re planning to pack on the bed before stuffing it in your suitcase
- FOLD, don’t stuff
- Plan an outfit per day
- Pack at least one pair of jeans
- Pack at least one extra pair of underwear
- Pack flat shoes
- Pack at least one night time dress (unless you’re going to Vegas, you’d need 3)
- Make the ziploc bag with your fluids easily accessible
- Make dresses and jackets the last items to pack (otherwise they’ll get wrinkly)
DON’Ts:
- Don’t forget the PJs!
- Don’t assume your friend will have shampoo & conditioner – take little bottles with you!
- Don’t pack more shoes than the number of days you’ll be there
- Don’t assume the weather forecast is always right
- Don’t forget the chocolate - you never know what lies ahead
Aaaaaand off I go!!
