My Last Days in the US

“In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.” ― Robert Frost More than half a month ago, I came back to Japan. When my plane finally touched down, and I made the first step in my home country after the six months of my stay in Louisiana, I whispered in my heart “it’s all done”. Despite the relatively short-term stay in the US, my experiences there were immensely rewarding, and I will proud of myself for having challenged myself to jump into the unknown world. Thanks to those whom I met through work in the project, I was able to spend such remarkable moments, which are … Continue ReadingMy Last Days in the US

LSU Rural Life Museum

“The very secret of life for me, I believed, was to maintain in the midst of rushing events an inner tranquillity.” ― Margaret Bourke-White, Portrait of Myself Our last stop was the LSU Rural Life Museum. It’s such a unique open-air museum that gives us a look back in the time of life of the state. The museum is operated under the aegis of Louisiana State University. It also represents the diverse history of the state built upon immigrants native of French, Spanish, Native American, Acadian, African and Anglo American heritage.                                      

USS Kidd

“Time eventually positions most photographs, even the most amateurish, at the level of art.” ― Susan Sontag Our second stop was USS Kidd, a WW2 battleship that is now open to the public as a museum. The ship allowed us to have a glimpse into how sailors used to live and work. But as Japanese, it was a little hard to witness some historical remains of the war, where Japan was America’s enemy, such as newspaper clippings that mention Japan was defeated. Additionally, there were some remains of Japanese items, like samurai swords, which had been belonged to a Japanese soldier. Considering today’s political and economic ties between the two, it is … Continue ReadingUSS Kidd

Louisiana State Capitol

“First rule to be a photographer, you have to be invisible.” ― Sameh Talhamy October 21st was my last Sunday in Louisiana. My boss and colleague, therefore, took me to several places I have never been to during my stay there. The first stop was Louisiana State Capitol. When you enter the building, you walk into the gorgeous entry with carved marble and wooden wall, high ceiling with spectacular artwork and it may take your breath away at its beauty. Additionally, you’ll find a hallway where Governer Heuy Long was assassinated. With its elevator, you can go up to the 27th floor’s observation deck. Luckily, it was not a windy … Continue ReadingLouisiana State Capitol

New Orleans – Part 3

“The single most important component of a camera is the twelve inches behind it!” ― Ansel Adams This is the third and final part of my trip to New Orleans. Even though it was a one-day trip to the city, it was a fun-filled, food-fueled, great day. Both locals and visitors are friendly and are looking for a relief from their daily tasks and responsibilities. Although it was a little challenging for the weather, all in all, it was an amazing trip. If I have a chance, I would definitely want to go back to the city again.  

New Orleans – Part 2

“It’s amazing how photography can capture just a split second of something exquisite.” ― Kiera Cass, The Prince Here is the second part of my trip to New Orleans. We spent most of our daytime in the French Quarter, which offers excellent eating experiences. For this reason alone, it is worth the trip. Also, the district is known mostly for the famous Bourbon Street. Recommended by my American friend who once had a trip to the city, we went to Cafe Du Monde where you can eat beignets, which brought to Louisiana originally by Acadians. The beignet is a square piece of dough, fried and covered with powdered sugar. There … Continue ReadingNew Orleans – Part 2

New Orleans – Part 1

“Today everything exists to end in a photograph.” ― Susan Sontag I went to New Orleans on Sunday, the September 1st. Since my dad is a huge fan of Jazz as well as plays piano with his band members, I’ve always been interested in visiting the city. The city, when I read an article for travellers, was described as the least-Americanized city in the US. That is because of its architectural uniqueness. Colonized by the French, one of its nicknames is Paris of the south. You can enjoy wonderful jazz and amazing food. Strolling through the French Quarter, you can find numerous shops that guarantee an amazing shopping experience.

Being a Minority Abroad

“It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.” ― Audre Lorde, Our Dead Behind Us: Poems Once in your lifetime, it is important to be a minority when you have a chance to go abroad. In my own experience, this is my second time to stay in the United States for the long term since my abroad study during college. Living abroad has been exciting but also allowed me have a glimpse into what those who are considered a minority in my own country struggle every day. Try being Tibetian in China. Or Asian-American in the U.S. Or an LGBT … Continue ReadingBeing a Minority Abroad

Chapel of the Madonna

“My alone feels so good, I’ll only have you if you’re sweeter than my solitude.” ― Warsan Shire In August, I came back to the United States after a temporary stay in Japan. Since I had a chance to visit a special little place in my area on Sunday, I felt I need to write about it. Located across the street from the Mississipi River, Chapel of the Madonna silently stands, offering its past tales to those who visit the beautiful little sanctuary. The chapel was build in 1903 by Anthony Gullo, a poor sugar farmer, who prayed to the Virgin Mary for the recovery of his sick child. He … Continue ReadingChapel of the Madonna

Farewell BBQ Party

“The whole point of taking pictures is so that you don’t have to explain things with words.” ― Elliott Erwitt Can you believe it? A half of the year is already gone, and now we’re in the second half of the year. We have only six more months for the year to end. For me personally, the year 2018 is already more exciting and complicated than I have ever experienced in my lifetime. And that is largely because of the chance I was given to cross the waters to come to the country halfway around the earth. And thanks to my colleagues in my office, experience I’m accumulating here is irreplaceable, … Continue ReadingFarewell BBQ Party