Bucharest, Romania: Street scene.....

From Romania with love.....
xx.

Burcharest, Romania: Lipscani, Old Town

Romania souvenir shop.  Clay figurines.

Much, this time, as the last, referencing my first visit to Romania while on tour with Michael Jackson  years ago, there was little time to explore much of what Bucharest has to offer.  

It's all a bit foggy and a distant memory now, but what I do know, is that on a grey day in September of '96, the breaking news of the day, via TV, not internet, was that Tupac Shakur had died from multiple gun shot wounds sustained from an altercation had days earlier.  Odd, but true, this is one of my more poignant memories from my first, ever, visit to Bucharest.  I'd rather be sharing stories of a great time had at street cafes and local pubs, but that was not my experience.  It's interesting, what clouds ones memories.

In general though, I remember Bucharest as a city that overall felt dark and depressed.  In a word, sad.  The streets seemed desolate, the buildings old and unkempt, trees and grass, a bit thirsty and the roads in need of repair.  Hmmmmm,  that could also sum up Detroit.

Anyway, I'm thankful for a second chance to experience Bucharest, to see a city seemingly very alive and well.  From my observation, I could see the obvious efforts toward gentrification of the historic Old Town in particular, also known as, Lipscani.  Businesses were thriving and tourist were evident.

Streets of Lipscani, Old Town.

Myself and friends walked the pedestrian streets and alleys of Lipscani, being entertained by street performers and people watching.  The streets were full of hustle and bustle, with cafes, restaurants and night clubs, spilling over.  We blended in, stopping for a bite, al fresco, near the Rembrandt Hotel at the Grand Cafe Van Gogh.  I'd definitely recommend it.  The vibe was chill and charming, and the setting casual.  I had a ham and cheese toastie and the burning lemon and Bols strawberry drink.  Nice.

Grand Cafe Van Gogh

We roamed a bit more, seeking photo opts and souvenirs before finding The Tiki Bar.  A wonderfully small space, with an eclectic groove, Maori inspired wall art and bamboo upcycled light fixtures, attracting local hipsters and tourist alike.  The star of the show and masterful mixologist, is an expat from South Africa who, upon request of your palette, will almost magical concoct a brew of spirits to ensure you wanting more.  We loved it!!!  We were so inspired that we felt compelled to leave the bar with signed and dated tiki glasses as souvenirs.  Our server extraordinaire seized the opportunity to get us familiar with Palinka, a Hungarian moonshine of sorts.  All I'll say about that is, smoooooooooth!!!

Palinka

The Tiki Bar

While in Old Town we made time to visit the Old Court Church known as the oldest church in Bucharest and a sort of hub in Old Town.  The original site dates back to the mid 1500's.  It was worth the trip.

Old Court Church interior.

Rounding out a great afternoon and evening my friends and I stopped at Gyro Thessalonikis for the most amazing souvlakis.  By far, one of the best I've had in a long while.  Yum!  It was also a great chaser for our Palinka and tiki drinks. 

Gyro Thessalonikis in Liscani.  Bucharest, Romania.

Gyro guy.

Well,  until next time Bucharest.

Seoul, S. Korea--Olympic Stadium

Lady Gaga concert.  Olympic Stadium, S. Korea.

I have been on a brief hiatus from blogging, but, was inspired to write a word or two when I came across this photo I shot this spring in Seoul, S. Korea at the Olympic Stadium (1988).  I think I was more taken with the prominence and significance of the Olympic rings, than the Lady Gaga banner beneath it, considering my daily dose of sport this past week.  By no means am I an athlete, nor athletic, but, with the 2012 summer Olympic games in full swing, I revere and can appreciate the determination and discipline displayed by all of the world class athletes.  Like many, I'm lured to the tube each day in awe of their achievements.

Having traveled the globe with music tours for years, it struck me that I've had the good fortune and opportunity to work in Olympic Stadiums many times over the years.  I'm the nostalgic type, so I tend to find it thrilling to recognize the relevance of the venues we've performed in.  Just think, in some instances I've walked through the shadows of history and and in the footsteps of great accomplishments. 

A fond memory comes to mind.   I'll teasure and value the time and experience I had in Germany while touring with Michael Jackson in '96.  We performed in a venue next to the original Olympic Stadium in Berlin.  As for the gig, it was business as usual.  As for the venue, I was quite taken with the brief history lesson I learned that particular day.  A small group of us took time out to tour the grounds of the old stadium, walking through the underground paths and walkways built for Adolph Hitler to safely access his position in the stands of the 1936 summer games and other events.  What struck me then, and what sticks with me to this day, is that we performed and shared the same space where, in 1936,  Jessee Owens, an American, but for the sake of history, I'll note that he was a black man, stole the thunder of those summer Olympic games. Recognized as a champion and honored for winning four gold medals in the track and field events, he brought shame to Hitlers' ideals of white racial supremacy.  I remember getting chills knowing that I was in the presence of such history.

Olympic Stadium (1936).  Berlin, Germany

Fast forward to this spring.  While touring with Lady Gaga and after weeks of rehearsals and prep in Los Angeles, myself and an entourage of cast and crew flew to Korea to perform the first of many shows throughout Asia, Australia and New Zealand.  She has launched her Born This Way Ball.

Once in Korea, there was plenty to do--costume fittings, learning stage cues, sewing, stiching, etc.  Aside from our very own amazing wardrobe team, we were staffed with an additional team of professionals from Milan who were on hand to help assist with fittings and alterations on a number of costumes.  We were our own little "sweat shop".  Through communication in "broken Italian"and managing a game of charades to communicate with our locally hired Korean wardrobe ladies, we were a collective of united nations. 

A big shout out and mention is in order for our extended team.  Go team Versace and our lovely wardrobe assistants!!!  We couldn't have gotten through it without you.

Team Versace.

Wardrobe locals.

Leading up to show day, and realizing that this was my second time performing at this venue, I learned that I had made a bit of history of my own.  It is said that Lady Gaga's Born This Way Ball, with a 70,000 crowd capacity, was the highest in attendance this venue has seen since Michael Jackson.  I take pride in knowing that I was present and a member of the wardrobe team for both.  Woo hoo!!!

Show day.

Los Angeles, CA: LA Marathon 2012

Today was amazing!!!! I stood in support of my husband as he victoriously ran his very first marathon, and with outstanding results, I might add. He ran the 26.2 mile (40K) LA Marathon (Los Angeles), crossing the finish line with an impressive time of 3:47:18. I'm soooooo proud of him!!!!! His dedication, determination and conviction inspire me everyday. The commitment and pursuit of his goal are a shining example that preparedness, will power and focus DO pay off.
To celebrate his achievement I am sharing pictures of how the day went.
Note that we were up at 4:00am, surviving on minimal sleep, to leave early to get to Dodger Stadium, the starting point, for the advised 90 minute precall. Super excited and anxious,..... let the day begin!!!






.....Running sleeves,...check. Black fitted running shirt,.....check. Neon orange kufi,.....check. Running shoes,.....check.



Looking like a winner Mui Alto!!! On to Dodger Stadium, the designated drop off and official starting point.




Good luck babe!!!!!



In the interim, I went home to catch a few more zzzzzzzzzz before driving across town to Santa Monica, the end point of the marathon. I met up with Tracey, where we waited for Vanessa to come collect us, only to drive back to mile 12 1/2, Rodeo Blvd and Wilshire, where we hoped to catch a glimpse of Mui Alto run by. We waited anxiously in anticipation looking on with all of the other enthusiastic well-wishing spectators. "There he is!!! There he is!!! I see him in the distance!!!"




I realize the image is tiny, but he's the extremely tall guy wearing the orange hat. Go, Mui Alto, go!!!!
(CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO ENLARGE)

Well, after our sighting, the girls and I rushed back to Santa Monica to wait for Mui Alto to come down the home stretch to the finish line. We staked out a great spot curbside and cheered everyone on. The energy of the crowd was infectious. We were equipped with noise makers and megaphones. It was a great day!!!





Go Mui go!!!! Go Mui Go!!!!



WOW!!! Outstanding and impressive! "Mui Alto's" finishing time:

HONDA LA Marathon:
"MUI ALTO" at Finish in 3:47:18.
Pace: 8:40 min/Mile.
Time of Arrival: 11:22:10.





MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!! Homeward bound!!!!!

Port-au-Prince, Haiti: Common Dreams - Razoo

SEASONS GREETINGS!!!!

If your intention this gift giving season is to spend your money wisely, and to avoid getting caught up in the frivolousness of commercialism and holiday spending, consider a donation to the Common Dreams Haiti Fund. A cause supported by, rap artist, Common. See the attached link. This Christmas, why not consider a donation as a gift on behalf of a family member or a friend. Karmically you'll be rewarded and it will make you feel good in the process.
There's no better feeling than helping someone less fortunate than yourself. Having traveled the globe, seeing depressed conditions firsthand, let me be the first to say that, "those of us who think we have it bad, truely have no idea how bad, BAD, can be." Help someone in need today.
Show that you care. Do something for someone else this holiday season. Why not start today. Learn more.

Common Dreams Haiti - Razoo

Los Angeles, CA: Crepes meet Little Tokyo.....a perfect match!

There are no bones about it,.....Four Leaf Tea Room in Little Tokyo on 2nd Street in downtown Los Angeles offers the best crepes EVER!!! Typically, you don't speak of crepes and Japanese in the same breathe, but what a combo. This place is a hidden jewel set back off the street with optional sidewalk seating. These crepes come savory and sweet and in many unique combinations. A couple of my favorites are the caprese, filled with a very fresh and creamy mozzarella, tangy tomatoes, basil and lettuce, and the blueberries with honey cream. As it sounds, it's a decadent combo of fresh berries and fluffy whipped cream wrapped in a light and airy flat pancake, that creates a "MOUTH FULL OF JOY." Once you check out this place, there's no turning back. You'll become a regular,.....I have. It's become more than a great girlfriend pit stop, it lends itself to the occasional "date night" for me and my hubby too. He favors the Japanese Explosion, a unique blend of red bean paste, mochi and green tea gelato with whipped cream. Yum!
I must give a shout out to "my girl", Addie, for the introduction. Not only are the crepes delicious, but Four Leaf offers affordable food that's fresh, tastes good, and quite filling. Pair a delicious crepe with one of their fragrant teas from the extensive tea selection and, voila,.....you're done!
As a treat to ourselves yesterday afternoon following a great yoga session, myself and the girls made our way to Four Leaf to cap off our afternoon. It couldn't have been more perfect.
Good friends, good food, good laughs,.......good times!!!

Los Angeles, CA: Rediscovering Home

Unlike last year, 2011 has me rediscovering Los Angeles, including my neighborhood. This year does not involve constant travel as did last. Instead, I am nurturing my home life, and learning to appreciate the comforts of familiarity in my immediate surroundings. I recently had the best day and experience retreating for some much needed pampering and a dose of detox. I, and my best friend, Tracey, treated ourselves to one of my new favorite local spots, The Raven. An intimate spa nestled in the confines of the busy city. It is a tranquil, unpretentious and perfectly understated setting, known for its traditional Thai massage, but offering a menu of services to please most, including select yoga practices,.....and it's only minutes from my house. I would guess that the experience is second to none, aside from being in Thailand. The Raven is hidden in plain sight, secluded and tucked away in a small building off the busy street. Once discovered, you're totally lured in by curiosity, setting foot into the narrow open air alleyway entrance and waiting area, decorated appropriately in a Colonial Thai decor of over sized, comfortable and lightly cushioned rattan wicker chairs and ottomans, tropical plants, aluminum water bowls for washing, a troth basin and rustic wooden doors, canopied with a bamboo trellis and ceramic painted floors. You immediately feel transformed. At the end of the corridor is the check-in desk where a simple selection of wares are for sell--cotton drawstring yoga pants, T-shirts and assorted mentholated balms--tiger, monkey, etc. Once inside, Tracey and I, were escorted to the massage room set for two, divided simply, by a heavy natural cotton muslin curtain hung on aged oblong-shaped iron curtain rings. There's no significance to the curtain rings besides their uniqueness and the fact that they matched the attention paid to detail of the decor throughout. We disrobed and laid face down. Moments later our one hour session of massage began. We had both requested the Swedish massage, figuring that it would be easier to endure than Thai, but to my surprise, The Raven's version of Swedish massage was a hybrid, uniquely incorporating Thai methods, making my experience intense, but nonetheless, enjoyable. Na Na, my masseuse, firmly but gently applied pressure to all the right places, kneading my sore tight muscles like lofty yeasty dough, then twisted and tugged on my limbs like they were rubber. It was oddly heavenly. By the end of it all I was so worked over that I was left feeling like a wet noodle. Excellent.
Following our services we dragged our rejuvenated asses a few doors down to Edendale Grill , a fabulously restored firehouse turned restaurant/bar, for appetizers and a cocktail, wrapping up the evening of quality girlfriend time.
It's nice to realize that these simple pleasures, are, and have been, always in my own backyard. Now, if I can only find a way to afford The Raven every week.....