The city of Philadelphia is so rich with history. Not only it was the place where America’s founding fathers declared the nation’s independence from the British. It was also the nation’s first capital city and many other “firsts” including the making of the first American flag and also the first arts school and museum. I was so amazed by how ornate these old buildings are and how beautifully kept they are. Some people might find it weird having to see an 18th century buildings tucked between modern skyscrapers, but to me they’re so charming. It also shows how proud the people are to their heritage by preserving these exquisite old buildings alongside new developments.
The city’s very brief history
George Washington statue in front of the Independence Hall
If we took a holiday
Took some time to celebrate
Just one day out of life
It would be, it would be so nice
-Holiday (Madonna)
Maybe it’s just me, but one question that has been going through my mind lately (in the middle of Accounting exercises ever so often) is: “What is summer without the longing of a road trip?”
Railroad along cliffs
Nebraska Highway
Grand Teton Mountain Range
All pictures taken in the Summer of 2007 when i, along with 3 good friends, went for a road trip from Nebraska to Yellowstone (Wyoming), then through Montana, idaho, then to Utah, Colorado, and back to Nebraska in the span of 8 days. We got to see a lot of picturesque views and it was one of the most memorable trips i had in the US.
As for this summer, i have no grand travel plans. However, i do have a smaller scale travel wish: To explore Lincoln’s surroundings, which may include towns/attractions such as Brownville, indian cave state park, and Fort Atkinson. We’ll see if my wish comes true
Ihave always want to go and see a ballet performance.There’s something about these dancers’ ability to spin and twirl.. and spin and twirl.. that seems magical to me. Another reason whyI was intrigued by it is probably because of a classic manga called “Mari-chan”, which told a story of two competing ballerinas. Kinda like Glass Mask, but for the dance enthusiast. Oh, i miss classic mangas like that. They had real stories not just mangas nowadays that’s mostly about some random girl like boy, boy acts cool, girl cries, boy finally admits he likes her too. It gets old.
Anyway, I finally got to see The Nutcracker this year! Yesh, it’s an annual performance by a local dance troupe and it’s pretty big a deal. People dressed up to come and see it. Families came together, children of all ages looking cutesy on bowties and velvet dress… aawww!!! It’s a delight just to do random people watching. As we reached the second floor of Lied center, there was a long table filled with nutcrackers goods: tall wooden nutcrackers, ornaments nutcrackers, music box, trinkets, etc etc.. they were all appealing to the eyes. But it’s less than 5 minutes before the show so we hurried to our seats, promising ourselves that we’ll be back during the intermission.
Coming into the theater i could feel the “magic”. There’s a projected pictures of snowflakes and nutcracker on the transparent screen. Not long after we sat down, the light dimmed and the show started.
If i wanted to describe the show in one word… there’ll be none. I’m practically torn between magical, dreamlike, cute, beautiful, mesmerizing, colorful… and any other words synonimous to them. I love everything about it… the graceful dancers, the cute young dancers, the pretty backdrop, the beautiful costumes, even their tutus and leotards… ok, forget about that part.. that’s kinda stretching it. Overall, it’s a wonderful experience. I came home with the Sugar Plum Fairy tunes in my ear, the Dew Drop Fairy dance in my head, and a delighted heart. Oh, and of course a cute vintage looking hand crank music box that plays the Nutcracker March.
note: the above video is from YouTube and it isn’t the performance that i watch today. Apparently the user has a good collection of the nutcracker dances.. so it’s worth checking out.
Instant Messenger is probably the best invention ever. Well, i think the internet is.. but IM just make it even better. Not only it allows us to talk to our friends and family, it also serves as a media to chat randomly… just by clicking on one name that I haven’t talked for ages and ZAM!! (it’s a new word from playing scrabbles just now) We’re thrown back in time… all the way to elementary school days. Oh so nostalgic! (more…)
George Washington statue in front of the Independence Hall
William Penn statue on top of the City Hall
From the City Hall’s quadrangle
PAFA: The first arts school and museum in USA
