#515 Moshe Safdie - Wow!

Sometimes a building just makes me say Wow!

A few days ago I watched Charlie Rose interview architect Moshe Safdie.  I was shocked to learn how many Wow! Safdie buildings we've recently encountered in our travels without knowing their common architect. 

Singapore: Marina Bay Sands

National Mall: Unites States Institute of Peace

 Arkansas: Crystal Bridges Museum of Art

Kansas City: Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

Montreal: Habitat '67

all images: msafdie.com

Architecture, it's my one weakness.  And maps.

Yours in enjoying the Wow! and the maps,
Kelly

#432 Christmas is all around

From Strasbourg, France (the capitale de Noel)...

to Washington, DC...

we've found that, in the immortal words of Billy Mack, "Christmas is all around."

Yours in believing in the magic of Christmas,
Mary

#339 Visit from Joyce

When Joyce came to town last year, we tried out the newly created Johnston Visitor Plan - Appalachian Trail, Monticello, UVA. When Joyce came to town this time, we threw the Johnston Visitor Plan out the window.

With no particular plans for day 1, we found ourselves touring the emotional exhibits and enjoying the spectacular views at the Newseum in Washington DC.

With no particular plans for day 2, we found ourselves lounging on the deck all day in our pajamas and playing the how-many-countries-can-you-name game.

Yours in revising the JVP,
Mary

#276 Cherry Blossom Time

Nearly a hundred years ago, Japan gave 3020 cherry trees to the United States. From this act of kindness grew a mighty festival in Washington DC attracting 1 million folks to the National Mall each spring.  On Saturday, Indy friend Melody joined us and 999,997 other blossom fans for a spectacular Cherry Blossom Festival.

The blossoms peaked. The sun shone brightly. And we walked.

The Smithsonian Kite Festival has been a part of the Cherry Blossom Festival for 42 years. I suppose that was time enough to prepare this elaborate dragon kite that reached far into the sky.

Yours in appreciating the gift of trees,
Kelly