Santa Lucía Hill an oasis within Santiago

Stumbling around Santiago, we had seen it all and were just about to head back to the hotel for some spa time. We passed by an intriguing mansion that looked like something out of a Latin version of Savannah from 150 years ago. Santa Lucia is a peaceful refuge from Santiago.

Hamarikyu Gardens in Tokyo

 A classic teahouse in the center of Hamarikyu Gardens - my favorite park in Tokyo

Parque Metropolitano de Santiago on a misty day

This is a funicular that whisks you away to a hill above the clouds 

A Belgian street scene

Around any corner - great depth on this image. 

Meiji Jingu in Tokyo

Here is a massive Torii, or gate, that serves as an opening to the Shinto shrine and park of Meiji Jingu. This is a peaceful park just steps away from the street cat walk of Harajuku.

Shibuya Crossing

Busiest Crossing in the world - Shibuya, Japan 

Some great Soba and Tempura in Tokyo - Yabu Soba

 One of my favorite Japanese meals 

 Entry to Yabu Soba 

 Udon

Kristin enjoying

The heart of Tokyo - Tokyo Imperial Palace

Tokyo is like an octopus. It has many hearts. At its heart of hearts though is the Imperial Palace, covering a massive expanse of open space and shaded paths on perhaps the most valuable land in the world. During the peak of the Japanese boom in the 1980's, the Imperial Palace grounds were valued higher than all of the real estate in California, combined. That was a bubble, but still, fucking crazy.

Nakagin Capsule Tower

The old school new school. The future stillborn in the past. Much of Tokyo has this sort of retro futurism that is cool and disarming. One of the icons that represent this aesthete is the classic Nakagin Capsule Tower, which you can Airbnb now. I will definitely stay there next time I am in Japan. I always pass by it and wonder what the hell is inside. It is very very curious looking.

Akihabra in Tokyo - the digital jungle

A bored maid 

Street Art Amsterdam

I like this pink guy - great pop

Delirium Cafe in Brussels

 Lost of these places are worth skipping, one is definitely not - Delirium Cafe is one of the best spots for beer