TheVaporTrail

Hello Jaleo

A view along the window from inside Jaleo, in Washington, DC. (See the big picture. It's much clearer.)

Fresh Donuts, Open 24 Hrs

Can there be any finer sign?

I found this sign, and the donuts within, earlier this week while driving around Newport Beach, CA, looking for dinner. And, yes, they do make a fine appetizer. (See the big picture.)

Remain Clam!

Helpful Earthquake Suggestions
During an Earthquake:
It is important to remain clam!

Oh, I wish I was making this up, but apparently I checked into the Hyatt Atlantis. I guess no one bothered to doublecheck the Hotel Safety page of the Guest Services book before sending it to the printer. And what's with the idea of calling this 'Helpful' or a 'Suggestion'? Where's the gravitas? They should be using words like 'Important Advice'. Really, 'Helpful Suggestion' simply does not belong in a sentence with the word 'Earthquake'. On top of that there is something ironic that the same state that warns that just about everything might cause cancer someday can also be a place total destruction without any notice at all. (See the whole picture.)

Pipe Access Cover in Ginza

...for lack of a better name.

I really don't know what this is called, so if anyone knows, please leave a comment. I find a certain beauty in these bits of engineering. They are meant to be functional and informative (in an institutional sort of way), yet they often have a simple elegance all their own. (See the big picture.)

White Diamonds

Hmm, it doesn't smell like perfume.

At the right time of the morning the angle of the sun gives this brick wall extra depth. I found it rather striking. The real depth of the indentations can be seen clearly on the bricks in the shadow. (See the big picture.)

Pig Headed in Namdaemon

Find the jade monkey...

So maybe it is still too creepy to post, like I thought, but what the heck, here it is. It just looks like it might start talking to you when no one is looking. But instead of something haunting or sage, it would simply be Try the other white meat. I love the way they put the bacon right next to it, as if you might wonder where bacon came from. (See the complete picture for that lovely detail.)

Where The Road Isn't

A Little Slice of Sky. Sometimes you see a view you have to go back for. And this before I realized I had missed my exit. Driving up to Cupertino I noticed how the mountain tops and sky came into view between the overpasses for only a moment. This picture was the third day I passed this spot. I hoped the sky would be clearer, but at least it wasn't raining, like the day before. (You have to see the big picture to get a sense of this.)

Manhattan from 30,000 Feet

What's out your window?

It is not every day you look out the window and realize that the familiar shape you recognize is not a map, but the real thing. I just didn't expect to be looking down on Manhattan when flying from Washington to Heathrow earlier this year. It was one of those Is that..?!? Yes, it is. Where's my camera? moments. I guess this is my idea of glitterati. (See the big, though slight blurry, picture.)

Angelina's in Paris

It's good for what ails you.

You will find it on the menu as chocolat L'Africain. They bring it in a small pitcher with a side of whipped cream. It does not much pour as glide from the pitcher as you fill you cup. And don't let it cool, because it will start to solidify. Calling it hot chocolate almost seems like a crime. (See the big picture.)

Palais Royale Encore

Talk about faux pas. It is the Palais Royale, not the Palais de Justice. Now they will never ask me back.

So I fixed the titles of the posts. As for the posts in the pictures, they are just there to enjoy. But it is the finding of them, the chance discovery, that is such a thrill. You just don't expect to round a corner and find something so, well, unexpected. (See the big picture.)