Throwback Thursday- San Mateo

A couple of years ago I was given the good fortune of being assigned to the USA. I was working in San Mateo, it's a not-so-often-heard place that I haven't heard from any Hollywood movie. It's located around 20 miles south of San Francisco. Unlike the crowded 'Frisco though, it's actually very peaceful and quiet. It is by far among the best surprises I ever had. The town is very upscale and folks are friendly. This is one of the few places that I'll definitely remember.

I got a good chance to take evening walks and a nice camera at the time. Here are some of the pictures I've taken around town. A lot of these are experiment shots, since I was new to the handling of the E-PL2 at the time. So it's not surprising if you see several shots of the same view with slightly different settings.

Other than my long exposure shots, I also got a good chance to shoot the moon while testing my then-new lens, the Samyang 500mm f/8. It's a decent lens, to say the least.

This is one place that I long to return to someday.

Reality To Surreality Via Taoyuan

It is yet again that I partake in a journey to escape a bleak daily reality. It is again that I leave my old bland self, albeit temporarily. And on my way to a world that's surreal I take a stop at somewhere that is both surreal and quite strange. I've seen wonders in Taiwan. And I didn't even have to leave the airport for it. It truly is beautiful!

Here are some of the sights of that wonderful place...

Kiss Me Goodbye

I discovered this little gem not too long ago. I guess this one really touched me. So I'm sharing the english translation of the lyrics here:

Even if you're lost
The door is open

Our world--is that alone
Not enough for you?

I'll give you wings, so believe and take flight

Kiss me good-bye, love's memory

Even if I should lose you
My beloved memories will be my strength

In search of something certain
Everybody loves, but
Steadfast love lies within yourself

Kiss me goodbye, farewell
I'll transform into a new me

Kiss me good-bye
Kiss me good-bye

Kiss me good-bye, love's memory
We'll transform into a new us

Kiss me goodbye--I won't cry
Because I could love you
Because I could love you


http://finalfantasy.wikia.com/wiki/Kiss_Me_Good-Bye_(Song)

Otaku With Filters

Maybe I'm really down with my luck. It was the 14th of February. But my activities were vastly different from practically everyone else. It was unlike the usual romanticism that everyone adheres to and want to get into.

The Best Lover I Never Had

It's unbelievable it's been that long. To give some context to this, I was going through the worst day of worst days for someone like me. After a long battle I just lost my better half. Four years into the relationship she cheated and this left me distraught. Despite that we carried on. Sadly, it was all for naught. In the wake of that devastation I ended up bothering people I shouldn't have bothered, and bothered some friends way more than I should have. 

This particular friend of mine was there when the wounds were at their worst or when the memories and demons of what I lost haunted me. She made the most painful of days bearable. Sadly I have eventually worn out my welcome, especially when I found myself inadvertently attracted to her. Needless to say, that's faux pas on my part.

The feeling was not mutual, however and due to that, and that made for awkward conversations. Gradually, we kind of drifted apart. She's now with someone and I wish her the best. She deserves that much. We're still friends, but not like before. Nonetheless, I owe her. I hope that it won't come to it, but in the unlikely event she ends up in my shoes, I promised myself that I'd come running to her aid. Always, I'll remember her.

I'm amazed at what words overflowing emotions can come up with. During the lenten season she abstained from using the phone or getting online on social networks. That's when I conjured up the stanzas below. At the time I didn't know what fate awaited me. Sad, but no, not really. Hit the jump to read it all.

It's Like In The Movies... Almost.

It's not everyday that I get to step into some place that looks like something that I see the movies... But when I got into a place like that, the experience is surreal.

I can almost imagine some country singer or rockstar performing here.

Filters, Anyone?

Who likes using filters in their photos? Digital filters are basically just effects applied to a photo, with the intention either to emulate the colors, contrast and tones of certain film formats or to add some new artsy effect.

Heavenly Moon Cutter!

Okay not really... It was one of those rare nights that the moon was low. I'm always a sucker for night photography.

It's one of those rare nights that I see the moon hovering low over the skyline.

I liked the shot but the moon looked nothing more than a yellow blob. So I focused on getting the moon instead...

Not Just Another Dinner - It's a Discovery Of Something I Fancy

What comprises a dinner? Where I'm from that would usually mean rice and a viand. But for others like me who prefer something interestingly different that means anything random that catches my attention... And plus points if it has a memento that goes with it.