Rediscovering a Hydro Field

Near Birchmount Road and McNicoll Ave, Toronto, Canada |

Hydro field is not exactly the kind of tourist attraction that would get included in the "must-see" list of a travel guide for a city or any cities in the world. But there is one just a few blocks away from my street that I think is worthy of a look.

With lines after lines of hydro towers standing tall, all connected together through thick cables, this long stretched field becomes like a giant canvas painted with a uniquely formed graphical pattern of geometrical shapes.

The best season to visit hydro field is probably summer or fall (winter is not recommended). When is a good time to see the pattern? In my opinion, the best time is during sunset hour on a clear day. For all the travel bugs out there, this could be your number 502 must-see destination.

Faces

Lisbon, Portugal |

Qingdao, China |

"Who is like the wise man and who knows the interpretation of a matter? A man’s wisdom illumines him and causes his stern face to beam." — Ecclesiastes 8:1, NASB

Rediscovering my Neighbor

Toronto, Canada |

My wife and I became friends with Uton—our neighbor, ever since we moved into our house some thirteen years ago.

Uton is a serious and knowledgeable gardening enthusiast. He would spend hours working in his yard to make it perfect. So for first time homeowners and gardening novices like us, Uton’s expertise came in handy. Over time, he naturally became our private lawn care and landscaping consultant.

Over the years, we never thought of taking photographs of each other ... until recently. The result is this casual portrait of Uton. Yet for the few seconds when I was looking through my camera, it was as if I was meeting my neighbor of thirteen years for the first time.

Rediscovering a Crosswalk

Finch Ave/Warden Ave., Toronto, Canada |

Driving by this crosswalk often, as this is the route I normally take to get to my house. It is a typical/ordinary crosswalk near a busy intersection which can easily be found anywhere in Toronto. But when stopped to look closer through the camera viewfinder, this crosswalk at its location appeared more visually engaging and perhaps not so ordinary, as I have discovered.

This photo is part of a new photography project I am working on; it's a visual exploration as well as a rediscovering exercise for both the familiar and unfamiliar, common places of my city.

Unofficial

Markham, Ontario Canada |

I cannot help, but my eyes are easily being drawn to this building (under construction) every time when driving by this location. Though it is only a concrete structure, yet its size and somewhat traditional design are making it an unofficial landmark of this area … that is what I think anyway.

Today, no longer just driving by, I parked my car, walked over to the site and took a few photos as visual document of this work in progress.

Note: the site is the future home of St. Mark's Coptic Cathedral in the city of Markham.

A Music Stand

Toronto, Canada |

This is Ethan’s first and only music stand — so far anyway. With this, it marked the beginning of our musical journey with a violin. Yes, "OURS"!

From the beginning of his first lesson where he only managed to hold the instrument, through the many weekly classes and practices, to finally being able to participate in a mini-concert…we’re all in this together!

From frustrated moments (both on his end and ours) during lessons/practices and enduring the not-so-melodic sounds in the house, we stuck with and started to see progress. We finally had music in our ears. We’re all in this together!

Like many parents, we have wishes and dreams for our children. With Ethan and his violin, our only wish is that the music he plays will bring him joy, and the process of learning to play it will help him to become a person of good character.

November 2

The Beaches, Toronto |

Getting the rippling effects of Hurricane Sandy, we had this windy, cold November Friday. Though it’s not a perfect day for a walk in the park, but to see everything around us remained intact was truly a thankful moment.

"He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed". — Psalm 107:29, NIV

Three Trees and A Mountain

Near Málaga, Spain |

We left Sevilla early in the morning to catch a bus for Málaga—a southern city by the Spanish Mediterranean coast. The bus arrived at a stop outside of the main city centre. As soon as we step out of the bus, I was totally taken by this view of the mountain. For a little someone like me from Ontario, Canada where small hill is the closest we could get for anything that's above sea level. Seeing a real mountain was totally inspiring!

"I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from?"  — Psalm 121:1 NIV

Marching

Urumqi, Xinjiang China |

Marching on the street is probably one of the most universal forms of displaying public opinion. It happens all the time in different parts of the world. This group of students that I ran into on the street of Urumqi certainly has a message or perhaps an opinion wanted to pass along.

With all the marching that has taken place both in ancient times and modern days, I think the one recorded in the Bible about the Israelites marching around a city is definitely phenomenal.

“By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the army had marched around them for seven days.”   - Hebrews 11:30, NIV

Shape and Shadow

Marbella, Spain |

Chilean photographer, Tomás Munita, once said in an interview:

“For me, photography is an additional language. Different from words, it can immediately touch on an emotional aspect of what is being treated. Images, beyond being proof of truth, can help us understand our reality in a direct way.” - New York Times, Lens blog, "Losing Fear and Learning to See"

I agree with Tomás.

To me, photography also helps us interpret reality and provides a different perspective.

Green In The Sand

Mingsha Sand Dune, Dunhuang,  China |

I always thought it's easy and fun to walk in the sand. But I started to have a different understanding about this activity after visited the Mingsha Sand Dune of Dunhuang in western China. It was not fun and easy at all! The deep sand, extreme heat and strong wind mixed with sand particles making every step forward a labor-intensive workout. However hard work it can be, the sight of an oasis with the greens in the middle of a sea of golden sand simply made everything worthwhile. It’s the simple rule of living—working hard then your reward follows.

54 Hours in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is known colloquially as "the City of Bridges" and "the Steel City" for its many bridges and former steel manufacturing base.

Downtown Pittsburgh

Modern skyscraper mix with classical style building in downtown Pittsburgh

Hofbräuhaus Pittsburgh featuring traditional Bavarian dishes, and their freshly brewed beer.

Hofbräuhaus Bier Garden has a waterfront view with Pittsburgh skyline as its backdrop.

The Church Brew Works opened as the first and only Brew Pub in the country to be located in a historic church.

One of the many bridges that connects Pittsburgh downtown to the south side of the river.

Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater, designed in 1935 for the Edgar J. Kaufmann family.

A walk-out balcony from the main house of the Fallingwater.

Carnegie Museum of Art

Cathedral of Learning, University of Pittsburgh

Giant mural at a parking lot on Penn Ave where locals go to dine, shop for fresh produces, seafood and speciality items.

View of the city and bridges from the other side of the river.

Endless Circle

Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada |

Generations come, and generations go, but the earth lasts forever.

The sun rises, and the sun sets, and then it rushes back to the place where it will rise again.

The wind blows toward the south and shifts toward the north. Round and round it blows. It blows in a full circle. - Ecclesiastes 1:4-6, GW

Straight Ahead

Xi'an, China |

You who are young, make the most of your youth. Relish your youthful vigor. Follow the impulses of your heart. If something looks good to you, pursue it. But know also that not just anything goes; You have to answer to God for every last bit of it.  — Ecclesiastes 11:9, The Message

At the Stop

Beijing, China |

October, 1986 somewhere in Beijing, trying to get on a bus; this is what's in front of us.

Eat Little or Much

Mongkok, Hong Kong |

The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of a rich man permits him no sleep. — Ecclesiastes 5:12, NIV

4 Days in Okinawa

Cape Manza (in Japanese, it is called "Manzamou"), a popular tourist spot that has breathtaking view of the ocean and rocky cliff.

Souvenir shops in the parking area of Cape Manza

Sea Side Jet City Burgers, filled with old American wares for decor, serves up not only juicy burger—Americana style; there are also Pineapple burger, Goya burger and Avocado burger on the menu. It's American fast food with a Okinawan flair.

A beautiful beach scene that is common along the coastline of Okinawa Island.

Ufuya, a 100 years old folk house turned restaurant. Their famous Agu pork soba is very popular.

Ryukyu Mura, a cultural village that introduce Ryukyu culture, musician/performer here introducing traditional music to young Japanese tourist.

Nakijin Gusuku (Castle) Ruins

Domani Café, run by three Japanese ladies, has a family restaurant feel that serves up fusion of French and Japanese cuisine.

Set lunch at Domani includes this appetizer platter for as low as ¥1200.

Square located inside of Shurijo Castle, a symbol of the magnificent history of the Ryukyu Kingdom era.