Siesta Time (Madrid)

The people of Spain take their siesta times seriously.  As a foreigner, it can be frustrating as all the shops close between 2pm and 5pm.  But I now understand that in the summer, the heat can be brutal here and it's just nice to just relax, drink a nice refreshing beverage at a sidewalk cafe, and just do nothing until the sun goes down.

Madrid at Night

There always seem to be something going on at night in Madrid, especially during the summer when it's a bit cooler and the Madrileños can venture out.  Summers are great for outdoor concerts, eating at the outdoor sidewalk cafes, or chatting with old friends at the square.

 

This was our hotel where we stayed: Hotel Roommate Mario. Very sleek and contemporary. Great location also near the Opera. Placido Domingo was doing a show there one night and the city put up a huge screen in the public garden square for people to watch. After the show, he later came out, along with the queen, to greet the public!!

Madrid Sites

 Here are some more of Madrid sights....

Old City Charm (Madrid)

Madrid is a great city to take photographs.  This beautiful city has the old traditional city charm with its cobblestone streets, small alleyways, and old streetlamps. It was definitely a different experience than Barcelona.

Barri Gothic - Barcelona

 The first stop of my Europe trip 2010 was Barcelona! We were heading back from lunch and decided to wander the streets, instead of taking the metro. It was pretty hot in July and the sun was beating down, but if we had taken the metro, we wouldn't be able to stumble upon the charming Barri Gothic (Gothic Quarter) with its cobblestone streets and old buildings dating back to the Medieval times.
 

 

Jamón (Barcelona, Spain)

Barcelona's central market is called La Boqueria with lively food stalls, fresh fruits, dried fruits, nuts, cheeses, seafood stands, and the jamón!  They had so many different kinds of cured ham, but I couldn't afford the jamón ibérico though.
(I saw one selling for 169 euros/kg!!)

Pedralbes Monastery, Barcelona

Built in the early 14th century, the architecture was influenced by the gothic architecture of Catalonia.  Amazingly, the monastery was built in one year.  Today, the monastery shows the everyday life of nuns.  I traveled here in late July and the heat was pretty intense. Luckily, I was able to retreat to this monastery for lots of shade.

Esther & Khoa's Wedding

Congratulations to Esther and Khoa! They are absolutely perfect for each other! Shooting their engagement and wedding was wonderful as the bride and groom were so endearing to each other.  Wishing the lovely couple much happiness and joy! Thank you for letting me be a part of your special day!


We first did a few shots at the Balboa Inn in Newport Beach. 
 

And a few more shots with the bridal party at Chapman College in Orange.

LA's Historical Union Station

My friend and I visited LA's historical Union Station to admire the art deco architecture and preview the area for the upcoming engagement session. I love the openness and neoclassical feel of this waiting area.

P.A.R.I.S. from the Galeries Lafayette

I recently just returned from a Paris/Spain trip a month ago and enjoyed every minute of it.  Last time I was in Paris, I went to the rooftop of the Printemps.  This time, I made a trip up to the Galeries Lafayette.  Here is the view of the enchanting city.  A bit rainy that day, but it was still nice as some light shone through the clouds.