beijing and shanghai: street fashion

# Showing off the shoes at the Summer Palace #

# A date on the Bund #

# iPhone break #

# Girls' day out #

glimpses of beijing and shanghai

# Ambidextrous water calligraphy at Beihai Park #

# I think these are entreaties written on wooden plaques and hung from a tree #

# Bicycles hidden along a hutong in Beijing #

# Street scene in Shanghai #

I recently came back from a trip to Beijing and Shanghai, which was an eye-opening experience.  It provided for a deeper insight into a culture that I have only understood from the outside.  Little things we value (and take for granted) in the Western culture go completely unnoticed--such as preserving personal space and what we consider common courtesy.  The underprivileged live in view of the upper class, though seemingly completely ignored.  I could not help but be startled by the huge disparity between the haves and have-nots that was so readily apparent, with skyscrapers sometimes overlooking a neighborhood of dilapidated shacks across the street.  Behind the veneer of rich historical sites, which truly are amazing (especially the Great Wall), is a society that is broken but possesses a great deal of perseverance.  I may not support the government but coming face to face with the people during my brief trip there, I understand a little better the wonder that is China. 

bokeh fun

# Spring flowers for a bridal shower #

# Breadsticks and water #

# Rows of macarons #

# Swirls of beads #

I'm disappointed in myself--I've already started to slack off on my commitment to taking pictures every week.  I recently helped throw a bridal shower, which gave me an opportunity to do a little catch up, but in the end I chose to post a few pictures that highlighted the fun of bokeh--that out of focus area which can give a picture character.  I sometimes wonder if it's a way of cheating, to make an otherwise uninteresting photo more compelling and mysterious.  Either way, it has its time and place, whether my pictures are technically good or not, I still like the effect.

street music on a saturday morning

# Bach by the bay #

# Rockin' wheelchair #

# Ensemble (couldn't get the cone out of the way) #

This was my first trip to the Ferry Building for the Saturday morning Farmer's Market.  I realized I should come up here more often.  The produce seemed hidden among the various food stands, but it was still full of life with the myriad of treats (I bought myself an ice cream sandwich from Miette and it wasn't even lunchtime!) and the crowds there to enjoy a leisurely weekend morning.

douceur de vivre (the sweetness of life)

# Madeleines wrapped in hearts #

# Vicariously experiencing the sweet life in Paris #

# Bistro-ware for when you're not at a bistro #

# Almond tea cakes #

# Cafe fare #