C O S T A R I C A

Costa Rica is dope. San Jose is Love. Pura Vida!

Que Viva La Paz, Que Vive El Amor - Gerardo Ramirez

M O R O C C O

It was no surprise to find so much going in the kingdom that sits at the very top of the African continent.  Whether near mountains, desert, or ocean.. each place I visited seemed so different from the last.  There's a distinct Arab/Berber culture throughout the land with tiny hints of French and Spanish influence in some areas.  I can't help but feel like there's so much more I could have experienced while in Morocco, nonetheless here are a few moments captured:

Chefchaouen is a small village in northen Morocco, near the Rif Mountains. Almost everything in sight is painted blue.

Seemingly endless, narrow pathways in every direction.

Enjoying a little hashish on the balcony of the home we stayed in. Apparently the hash from this region is some of the best in the world.

Local children at play.

The blue village is a mystical place at night.

Casablanca, Morocco - Such a contrast from Chefchaouen. This is one of the largest cities in the country & has all the modern attributes of any other big city, & with a noticeably heavy European influence.

Riad Puchka - This is an incredible place that we stayed at while visiting the the city of Marrakesh. It’s a traditional Moroccan style ‘Riad’ with multiple floors and a courtyard. Elaborate detail from top to bottom.

Tajine - A Morrocan dish cooked & served in a clay pot with a variety of ingredients. This one was potatoes, carrots & chicken with various spices.

Jemaa el-Fnaa - A large market square in Marrakesh with lots of fresh fruit, food stalls, & local merchants.

Yuko posing with a snake charmer and his pals.

Moroccan street musicians play for tips in the market square.

Local beggar reluctantly traded me this photo for money.

Snails! 50¢ a bowl. So good, we had several.

A friend told me that a lot of people in Morocco DO NOT like having their photo taken in public. Now I know, this is very true.

I was very drawn to subjects randomly passing the tunnels.

Locals shopping, commuting & carrying-on about their day.

Local man posing for photos with his bird, for tips only of course.

The colorful markets of Marrakesh.

Local man near the Kasbah, an old historical fortress.

Moroccan style architecture is very unique. Every door seems to have a story.

Candid photo of local woman in colorful garb.

Hand painted signs for sale by local artists.

Japan!

Recently I had the pleasure of visiting Japan.  I've been many times but each time tops the last.  As cliché as it sounds, the land of the rising sun is a different world all together.  My senses were constantly overloaded by the cartoon like city and sounds around me.  The food & beverage alone will keep me coming back.  I love you Japan!

The Roland Kirk Experience

Recently I've been into the performances and raw creative genius of "Rahsaan" Roland Kirk. Having gone blind at an early age, Kirk grew up to be a fascinating dude  He's now a Jazz legend and was known for his unusual performances.  Kirk would go off on political rants or poetic banter and was known to play multiple instruments at once, even playing them with his nose!  Say wut!?  His compositions are very lively and groovy as hell. I truly dig his work!  Check him out!