We had a good time visiting my family in Philadelphia over Christmas. We took it easy, did a little gift shopping, ate Tastykakes and meatball sandwiches (heh), went to the Franklin Institute, saw the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall (Mayu wanted to do some sight-seeing), setup the Christmas tree, and opened presents! We went to New York for a few days, so only had a little over a week in Philly. Before we left though, we had a nice group dinner at Jen's restaurant.

Christmas 2006 - Philadelphia Photos

While Mayu and I were in New York, we partied with Keith and his friends, saw the United Nations and Grand Central, went to The Cloisters medieval museum, made a pilgrimage to B&H Photo, saw the Nutcracker at the Lincoln Center, went Salsa dancing with Keith & Sandy, and saw the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Egyptian, Arms & Armor, and Asian Art exhibits). So much to do in New York, so little time. Oh yeah, and we ate a ton of good pizza!

Christmas 2006 - New York Photos

Mayu and her sister Ellie came over the other night for dinner and to carve pumpkins. It was Ellie's first time, and she made a Mickey Mouse pumpkin! I made a mountain sunset over water, and Mayu made a desert night sky with stars and a moon. Afterward, we played around with a laser pointer, and drew pictures and words on the ceiling during long exposures.

Pumpkin Photos

I took Mayu to The Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur for a very special occasion. We were welcomed by name, and treated like kings and queens. We had full-body massages at the spa, enjoyed lunch overlooking the ocean, and then checked into our room, which was a luxury Tree House! We then enjoyed some complimentary wine and snacks in an "infinity" hot tub above the ocean before going out for a 5-course dinner.

Afterward, we walked around under a full moon, relaxed at the Tree House in our spa tub, got a fire going, and then I proposed! The next day, we had a yummy breakfast, took a nap, went swimming at the pool (where we had a picnic lunch delivered to us), visited the shop and fitness room, and hiked the trails around the ranch. We enjoyed the outdoor hot tub one last time before leaving. The service was impeccable. This is the place to go for special occasions!

Post Ranch Inn Photos

As soon as I returned from Burning Man, Jeff and Jen flew out for a visit. I didn't even have time to clean the playa dust off my car! We did a lot during the week they were here: rock climbing at Castle Rock, booth and bottle service at 1015 in San Francisco, drinks at an Irish pub in Campbell, and a trip down to Big Sur and Nepenthe, which is where these photos are from. Mayu's cousin also came along, and got wet!

Jeff & Jen Photos

Before I left for Burning Man, I wanted to spend some time with Mayu. I'm a big Cirque du Soleil fan, and also a Beatles fan, so seeing "Love" in Vegas seemed like the perfect trip. We stayed in a wonderful room at The Venetian, explored The Wynn, and spent some time at The Mirage before the show, which was a visual delight. It was not so much a circus act, but more a dramatic interpretation of the music. "All you need is Love, Love, Love..." And I didn't gamble a penny!

"Love" in Vegas Photos

We stayed with Cassy over night and had lunch the next morning at a cafe in North Beach. Mayu then wanted to go to the De Young Museum in Golden Gate Park, so we drove over there, but it was closed! So instead, we walked around the Japanese Garden. We finished the day with some shopping in Union Square. For an unplanned weekend, it turned out great!

Japanese Garden Photos

After the Marin County Fair, we took a winding drive up to a ridge on Mount Tamalpais. The sun was just starting to set, and the scenery was beautiful. The tall grass was rippling in the wind, and a golden hue was cast by the sun. And up there with us was this giant red monkey! It made for some interesting photo opportunities. I think I got a few good ones.

Mount Tam Photos