Visit to Otagi Nenbutsu-Ji Temple and a bamboo forest

Kyoto Otagi Temple - carved figures

Originally built in 766 Otagi Nenbutsu-Ji Temple was rebuilt a few times since then, most notably by Kocho Nishimura, a statue sculptor and restorer who himself became a Buddhist monk.  Over 10 years stating in 1981 reconstruction was in full swing.  The main project was the construction of the 1200 carved statues that now cover the hillsides.  These are rakan, the followers of Buddha, created individually by everyday followers who made the pilgrimage to learn carving from Kocho Nishimura.  you can see the individuality and even elements of personality in each carving.

Kyoto Otagi Temple - carved figures Kyoto Otagi Temple - carved figures Kyoto Otagi Temple - carved figures Kyoto Otagi Temple - carved figures

Kyoto - Otagi Temple - shrine Otagi Temple Document Side 1Otagi Temple Document Side 2

There are many bamboo forests in Japan, many of the most famous are in the outskirts of Kyoto.  This was one of the less popular ones, but none the less beautiful or majestic.

Kyoto - Bamboo Forest

Incredible experience at Arashiyama Monkey Park

Kyoto Arashiyama - Monkey Park - Ticket Kyoto Arashiyama - Monkey Park - ForestKyoto Arashiyama - Monkey Park - Forest above Kyoto

Kyoto Arashiyama - Monkey Park above Kyoto

In the mountains above the outskirts of Kyoto rests the Monkey Park where i met some enchanting new friends.  I got some incredible pictures and videos of some very food motivated primates.  They had a great system where all the feeding happens though the bars and outside the feeding room, the monkeys were happy to walk among the visitors.  I learned much about these the monkeys and met an adorable mother and child.

Kyoto Arashiyama - Monkey Park - Feeding Room

Kyoto Arashiyama - Monkey Park - Feeding Room Kyoto Arashiyama - Monkey Park - Feeding Room Kyoto Arashiyama - Monkey Park Kyoto Arashiyama - Monkey Park - Mother & Child

teamLab Borderless exhibition delights and amazes visitors!

teamLab Borderless - Perspective

The teamLab Borderless exhibit in Tokyo shows what is possible with interactive art.  From video projection to three dimensional LED or other installation, i was constantly wondering what i would find around the corner.  Brining life was a reoccurring theme with one room literally having flowers spring up around slow moving visitors.

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Back from Defcon 32 with knowledge swag but no voice

Defcon32 - Big Sign

I had a great time this year.  i went deep into the sticker game and spent WAY too much time playing with the badge.  Playing with the badge allowed me to meet and work with some incredible people with whom we learned, laughed, and lamented the badge’s terrible supplied SD cards. This year i brought flyers to promote my phone adventure game and joined in with a supply of stickers of my own.  unfortunately the printers gave me too many flyers, but not enough stickers.

Defcon32 - be3n stickers and flyers

My game did get some traction this year for the first time.  Still no winners, but i did get this incredible voicemail from one of the players.  I appreciated more ridiculous phone stuff.  great job whoever you are! EDIT: i think i found you Foxbox!

Defcon32 - badges

Defcon32 - be3n badge zelda

The Badge had a lot of problems.  only some of which were patched with updates.  I excitedly made changes, but then the SD card would fail and be unable change back.  currently mine is stuck as a Mario Game, which is not so terrible.   i can finish the Defcon GameBoy game on an emulator.

Defcon32 - Badge Dev Mode Defcon32 - Badge Game 1 Defcon32 - Badge Game 2 Defcon32 - Badge Game 3Defcon32 - Sticker Haul

A visit to Meow Wolf Dallas on my Eclipse 2024 Roadtrip.

MeowWolf Dallas - FrontI couldn’t pass through Dallas for the Eclipse without stopping at the newest installation by my favorite art collective. I was ready to continue my immersive art experience.  No booping this time, you collected accomplishments with TXT messages. (i found a few secrets). As usual, the reality bending transitions and transposition of Meow Wolf installation delight and amuse.
MeowWolf Dallas - be3nMeowWolf Dallas - CorridorMeowWolf Dallas - Panorama StageMeowWolf Dallas - HoseMeowWolf Dallas - DuctingMeowWolf Dallas - SecretMeowWolf Dallas - Popsicle DoorMeowWolf Dallas - Refrigerator Vortex

I have been walking into refrigerators at Meow Wolf since  visiting House of Eternal Return in Santa Fe. It was exciting to see that all refrigerators come together in the latest installation. I had to try out the popsicle door.

i climbed a mountain. almost.

ladyface mountain, view from the bottom. ladyface mountain climbladyface mountain climbladyface mountain peak
I have wanted to climb Ladyface for ages. The weather was perfect and my morning was free. As i drove over, there was some fog still suspended in the morning chill.  Flowers were blooming, bees buzzing, and bunnies taking care of buisness.  The view from the bottom was a bit daunting.  I spent too much time with my camera and drone, so i didn’t quite reach the summit.  i also allowed more time than required for the decent. I will return in part 2!

ladyface mountain climb

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My visit to Nike Missile Site LA-88

Nike Missile Site LA-88

The Nike Missile Site LA-88 is back in the mountains of Chatsworth, not far from Oat Mt.  It’s an impressive 450 foot gain from the parking, but it’s a pretty cool piece of Los Angeles’ Cold War history.  The site includes some great dilapidation if your like that kind of thing.  Ruins of two Buses and a car as well as a few buildings and some very sketchy entrances into dark underground places.

Nike Missile Site LA-88Nike Missile Site LA-88

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