I loved traveling through Southeast Asia in the 1990s because so many places seemed like they hadn't changed in decades. Vietnam was one of those places and Cambodia another.Take these hand-written boarding passes. My mom used one in 1965 and I used the other in 1991.We … [Read more...]
Archives for August 2010
Flight 001 arrives in Chicago
The annual Chicago Air and Water Show dominated the city's lakefront this weekend. While I didn't have time to go out and enjoy it, I did find myself stuck in traffic and got a quick peek and the show.My brother-in-law did go down to the Air and Water Show and on his way … [Read more...]
The miracle of fragrant harbor
When I look at this photo, I want to cry.It's not because I'm appalled by the living conditions or the monotonous architecture. Or the fact that many people have no choice but to live in these buildings. (In fact I'm not appalled by any of this. I love the … [Read more...]
The return of the Peace Hotel
Continuing the theme of 1930s Shanghai (it's not going away), I'm excited to see new images of the refurbished Peace Hotel.Three years ago it closed for massive renovations. After much anticipation, it re-opened last month.Built in 1929 by Victor Sassoon, the north … [Read more...]
Book of the week–The Man in the Wooden Hat
Several years ago I read a highly anticipated novel called Old Filth (Europa Editions, 2006) by Jane Gardam.Filth, the acronym for Failed in London Try Hong Kong, is also the nickname of the novel's protagonist. My memory is bit clouded, and I can't remember all the details … [Read more...]