Magicleaf

As I rode the bus 4:30 am to the start line of the Big Sur Marathon, I wondered why I am doing this to myself AGAIN. The journey to the Big Sur Marathon was quite long and lonely. Houston marathon ended in January, which gave me a whole 3 months of "unsupported" training. I did as few hill trainings as I possibly could. I dragged every long run on Sat mornings. All these effort just to run at the rugged edge of the western coast. The challenging 26.2 miles course took us from the majestic redwood at Big Sur through the Pacific ocean view to Carmel. The weather was the best I could ask for. Sunny, breezy wind, not too hot, completely opposite from the previous day. The climb up to the hurricane point was daunting. ... read more

Lava, by definition, molten rock expelled by volcano during eruption. Lava and volcano are definitely not the vocabulary I need to use in my daily life. Growing up in Taiwan, I am quite familiar with "dead" volcano. Now, living in a metropolitan area of Houston, lava and volcano seem so distant, impossible, unimaginable. Until, my trip to Big Island, where I accumulated many many of the "once in a life-time" experiences. Here are the summaries: First time seeing an active volcano: wow....... "it's alive! It's smoking". "It glows at night". First time seeing a lava field: this is when I felt Pele's mystical power to destroy a land and yet to create new land. Quite freaky and scary........ First time seeing lava flow into the ocean: awesome fireworks. It was amazing watching lava shooting into the ... read more

It is no doubt that winter in Chicago is punishingly cold. The windchill, like knifes, cut through your skin without any mercy. The lake looks arctic. Snow storms, icy roads....... But, I've always found ways to enjoy winter in Chicago. This year is no exception! Christkindlemarket Christkindlemarket, located at the Daley Plaza, has been a Chicago holiday tradition since 1996. Decorated lavishly with red and green lights, snow flake ornaments, it was hard not to let the giant Christmas tree caught my attention. Daley plaza looks nothing like a usual serious courthouse. An old gentleman, in his black wool scarf, was sitting on the side of Randolph street playing accordion holiday music. Children and adults were waiting in line impatiently to get into the "Sweet Castle" to grab those European candies and chocolates to satisfy the ... read more

Canals, crooked buildings, bikes, sex and the periodic smell of weeds in the air. Amsterdam is truly a unique and diverse city. The Markets I had the most fun in the markets! It was definitely worthwhile to spend sometime walking through Albert Cuypmarkt, Bloemenmarkt and Waterlooplein. At Waterlooplein, I found quite a few interesting things that are not legal in the U.S. There were also charming antiqued Delftware. Bloemenmarkt was filled with colorful flowers and a wide variety of bulbs. Cannabis starter kit can be found here too! Food is always on my major attraction list. We had some more fries with curry ketchup (I love curry ketchup!), herrings with pickles, syrup waffles at Albert Cuypmarkt. (This is how we fulfilled our stomachs without breaking the bank). The Red Light District I walk through it three ... read more

Bruges.... I like its meandering canals, narrow cobblestone streets, and magnificent squares. It's quieter, and more romantic than Brussels. ... read more