The journey from purchase to @air__water was 7 months of working with @rob_carlsen to get this lovely ‘68 912 into daily driver condition. I genuinely cannot thank Rob enough as he really cared more about making sure the car was sorted than making a profit. Engine rebuild and big bore, new brakes, tie rods and shocks. Dropped off 4 days before the show. Thanks to @nicholas_kalikow for showing why pros with real cameras will always outperform iPhones - great pics. Also @carboneliveries for making the interior pop - more to come 😉.
Kachoufugetsu - the beauty of nature. Kyoto’s harmony with nature, spirit and people is inspiring. We took a boat up the Katsura River to @hoshinoya.official Kyoto and were transported into an 111 year old inn nestled into a forest. Posts won’t do it justice suffice to say it’s a grail trip and stay. Thank you to Carlo for the recommendation 🙏🏼.
Fell in love with Japan in Kyoto/Nara. Cities full of shrines, temples and amazing restaurants and tended to by craftsmen and artisans. The slower pace here suited us well - the city’s locals are certainly outnumbered by tourists and yet it never felt too crowded or disrespectful. Having tea with @tousengama and his son at their 300+ year old home and kiln, having intimate dinners at family operated restaurants and sitting to meditate in a 1200 year old temple created an attachment to the city and country. The past and present exists in a cohesive harmony in both Kyoto and Nara and is reflected in the ceramic craftsmen who create functional art. Special thanks to @gallery_gyouzan another amazing family operated kiln, @takasegawa.kyoto , @takasegawa_maki for his amazing Izakaya (especially his dashi based soup), and @kodaiji_tantora who apparently told @nicholas_kalikow and @katkalikow I was “fashionable” MECCHA SUGOI! Also @nohgahotel.kiyomizu - I cannot recommend them enough possible the nicest hotel I’ve ever stayed in. And of course my amazing partner @donnavanotten who never gets tired of me dragging her into one more shop saying “last one!” Or “we can walk it’s only 9 minutes away”.
Greater Tokyo stands alone in scale - the population of CA (38M residents) and larger than 100 Manhattans it is impossible to get to know even one Ward in a few days. There are so many spaces to rest, eat and simply be present. Witnessing local Tōkyō-jin photograph Cherry Blossom trees, relax in their parks and pay their respects at shrines imparted the gratitude many people feel about living in this city. Sometimes we can feel like visitors in our own cities and I have to imagine that can happen on a daily basis in a place like Tokyo.
Few things in life live up to the hype - Japan is one of them. The people aren’t as warm as they are in Mexico, Costa Rico or Thailand - and there is a sense of order and unified culture cut through by individualism. The Japanese food has been worshiped for years - and for good reason. There is a sense of pride and craftsmanship that goes into every meal (what you see on the menu is what you will get on your plate). I would say the Japanese culture is one of craft more than art - similar to mid-century modern furniture and houses or 30s-50s Hollywood films. It’s not an absence of art in the work but a sense of duty in what’s being created that is greater than the individual artistic focus. And in that everything becomes timeless and worthy of respect and dutiful care. I also feel a sense of sadness and misplaced nostalgia walking through the cities - Japan is the mythical “50s” Americana that never ended. A culture based on respect, craft, and public benefit with investments in parks, transportation and street cleaning. The obligation driving much of it is an acceptable trade for the harmony, safety and beauty of this society. This could have been America had we pushed our capital into investments for the people vs the military industrial complex and forever wars.
What an amazing month March has been - culminating in my 50th today 😮💨 👴🏼. Catalina, dinners at @vespertine.la , @damafashiondistrict , @barxuntos , spending time on the water, multiple Laker Games (and wins!), and just blessings on blessings - an abundance of family, friends and beautiful experiences. Truly looking forward to the next decade - best one ever!
Feb Drop… after a month off social media (highly recommended 🤌🏼). Another month of lovely weather, amazing dinners (@muse.santamonica is a must visit) and a chance to meet @magnuswalker and his car collection). ❤️ CA.
First drop of ‘26! Grateful for Jan; time with family, amazing food (including a monthly bike ride to @eat_fwd in MB), Lakeshow, beautiful sunsets and lots of relaxation. Logging off for the month be back in March.
Dec Drop: Dec is all about good food, friends and family, eating as much junk as you can before Jan 1 and staying cozy. Thanks to @asakura.la for their amazing omakase, @ussakasyu for the best uni, @wanderwellsociety for welcoming me as a member and helping me learn how to change spark plugs, @lucianico9 and Ram for letting me teach their lovely kids how to sail and @donnavanotten for being the best partner.
