Rob's Patisserie, Auckland, New Zealand

Up at the corner, three doors down from our rented studio is Rob's Patisserie. They have fantastic pastries, including this savory pepper-steak meat pie. Incredible.

LAX to Auckland, New Zealand

Arrived Thursday, October 8, 2009 to Auckland. A day later than expected, not just from crossing the date line, but due to a delay in Los Angeles. The source of the delay? A battle: 747 versus a bird. The valiant bird, we’ll never know what kind of bird, lost. It didn’t just lose it was atomized. But it did get in one good shot.

New Mexico Photos

Visiting Paso Robles, California

Arriving in Paso Robles I couldn’t help but be disappointed. On the surface El Paso de Robles was brown and barren. However, upon further inspection we found many charming aspects and havens in this up and coming wine region on the central coast of California. Arriving in Paso at the end of summer was perhaps a poor choice in such a hot region. The vines were mostly picked and the hills looked as if they needed a big drink of water. Of course, this aridness is what gives the wines of Paso their character. A few brave growers even dry farm here relying on deep water and nighttime fog to provide moisture for the vines which in turn makes them more hearty.

Palm Springs, California

I have been visiting Palm Spring since I was a child. In the winter we headed to the desert from frigid Los Angeles escaping the 50°F nighttime temps of January. With its mid-century architecture PS was always a “cool” place to go. We stayed at The Korakia Pensione. Some of their remarkable touches - Nighttime fires that came out of the ground blazing around the pool, chilled fruit tea served by the pool daytime, Moroccan themed decor, excellent breakfasts on the deck. I'd stay there again in a heartbeat.