Cindy's Salon

November 20, 2009 | Link This | Email this | Comments (0)

“…In my solitude you taunt me with memories that never die…” - from Billie Holiday’s Solitude

Every little child has his own dream castle. Growing up, I also had a fantasy castle of my own ever since seeing a postcard of the Summer Palace perched over the Kunming Lake in China. To remind you, it was not the Sleeping Beauty castle from Disney. Holding on to this sweet dramatic fantasy, I finally had an opportunity to visit the palace while I was in Beijing. Despite the hot and humid late summer, I was determined not to pass this rare opportunity to visit my dream castle.



Along with other hundreds of locals on a hot Sunday, I decided to relive th...Read More

November 13, 2009 | Link This | Email this | Comments (3)

“…The great big city’s a wondrous toy, just made for a girl and boy. I’ll turn Manhattan into an isle of joy.” - from Manhattan

At times, I become aware of what’s been going on underneath my own nose for some time. Ninth Avenue in between 23rd Street and 14th Street is the new Eighth Avenue, located parallel and a block east. Mysteriously, characteristics of the old Eighth Avenue have been washed away with global brand coffee shops, t-shirt stores, chain drug stores, and homogenic bank facades. A corporate migration has occurred quietly to the neighborhood, but I have begun to see that these shifting of characteristics in Manhattan neighborhoods aren’t unusual. Nevertheless, people often mumble miserably “there goes the neighborhood...Read More

November 6, 2009 | Link This | Email this | Comments (3)

“Fresh air makes me throw up. I can't handle it. I'd rather be around three Denobili cigars blowing in my face all night.” -Frank Sinatra

Travel to Beijing is a long anticipated task, which makes the distance worth its torture. It is the capital of China and a heroic ancient city. Visiting Beijing can be overwhelming with sweeping traffic and overgrown city limits, and, after three days, I felt my glands swelling and my lungs gasping for clear blue sky; air pollution in Beijing is intolerable and visibility reminds me of Los Angeles smog.

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October 30, 2009 | Link This | Email this | Comments (3)

“Nobody can bring you peace but yourself.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

It is always a pleasure to stop in Shanghai and see friends as well as check out the latest in China’s contemporary arts scene. Immediately, I can describe the city as a vital and highly inspiring Asian city. It has many brilliant artists and creative intellects, and there are circles of artists from all over the world stirring up soaring energies, which make people turn their heads and open their eyes.

 

Shanghai is the largest city in China and the largest me...Read More

October 23, 2009 | Link This | Email this | Comments (2)

“I like nonsense; it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living; it's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope. Which is what I do, and that enables you to laugh at life's realities.” -Dr. Seuss

Warm and lazy perfect summer days are gone now, leaving us with uneasy brisk rains and falling leaves. I step away for a moment to romanticize of an early September day strolling around one of the prettiest neighborhoods in posh Paris, near Trocadero. You’re probably guessing my path right: I started from the top of the hill to look down at the Eiffel Tower with the embracing water garden and beautifully aligned fountains, then met the base of the tower, and proceeded through the gardens.

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