Spending My Birthday in DC

Two weeks ago I spent my 26th birthday in a fine city I’ve come to experience before. The one and only DC had only been worthy of one trip so far, back in 2011, where I had a humongous blast staying in a hostel and committing to a sightseeing-marathon. So for the most important day of the year, I already knew I wanted to get away from this city. I couldn’t be bothered with the hectic bustle’n’hustle of Nueva York but wanted to simply do something culturally appealing. A day trip to DC seemed like the right fit and so it was.

After spending some excruciating five hours on the Chinatown bus (read more on this bus here), we were finally dropped off in the midst of, well, Chinatown, of course. Now Chinatown in DC is a bit different than anywhere else in NY. It appears to be pretty much in the middle of town and very close to all sightseeing attractions, such as the White House, the National Mall, and the quazillion amounts of Memorials. So what could my first stop possibly be after a nerve-wrecking bus ride on my birthday? You named it! McDonalds! Yes, I know, perhaps not the first choice in culinary experiences. I also managed to snag two slices of pizza at We, the Pizza in the evening hours, which didn’t add to an elevated experience in gourmet foods.

Turkish protest in front of the White House

However, I was here for the culture. And culture I got to see plenty! First, of course an obligatory stop at the White House. Always fun to watch the famous brick walls and wondering what might be going on inside. And as in two years ago, another protest was held outside of the gates. This time it had to do with Gezi-Park and the inhuman conditions going on in Istanbul. A nice crowd of Turkish protestors had gathered together, with a heap of onlookers and picture-takers.

Then off to the next stop on my personalized birthday tour: The World War II Memorial and its sparkling fountain! Not without forking over 2 dollars for a small bottle of water at most likely one of the only ice cream vendors lurking around the National Mall. I know, you guys can charge that much because everyone was suffering under a heat stroke, but seriously?

Yes, as you might have figured, it was hot. If not hotter as hot. Albeit not as humid as in New York. Which didn’t make sense to me, especially after my roommate later proclaimed that DC was built on swampland (new information learned each day). Perhaps Manhattan cages the heat in between its skyscrapers. However, the National Mall in DC does not have a lot of shadow because of the lack of trees. So just keep that in mind if you’re going on a trip in the summer.

Reflecting Pool

Anyhow, the first day of June was a fine day for sticking my feet into the Reflecting Pool at the Memorial. Like dozens of other exhausted visitors, too. And here comes the tricky part: You can put your feet in and act respectful but you are not allowed to jump up and down, walk around in the water or even carry a bride through it for a good picture! One of those six Park Rangers swarming around the area made sure to warn us when we sunk our feet in the cooling water. And he didn’t make an exception for the young bride and her groom, who were ushered around by their photographer. As soon as they wanted to pose with their bridal party for what would have possibly been a superb memorable picture, he already came hurrying out of the shadows and intervened. Poor wedding couple! And they had been so good blinking into the blinding sun just moments before because their photographer had thought this to be a great shot!

Young Wedding Party at the World War II Memorial

After cooling off and facing the sweltering heat once again, I decided to bypass all the other memorials (the Lincoln for one) I had already seen the last time and went to the National Mall. My goal was to get a peek at a few museums I didn’t get the chance to see in 2011. I entered the Museum of National History (not without zipping and unzipping multiple bags for security) and made a round past the ancient Star-Spangled Banner. It had been sown together by multiple pieces of cloth during the war of 1812 and after the battle some soldiers had decided to cut themselves a share. Such as a star, which was missing in one corner.

While this was an entertaining museum, the most time I did indeed spend in the Air and Space Museum just a walking distance down the road. From the history of the first man-built plane to great accomplishments in aeronautics – everything there was worth seeing.

My impression of DC’s museums so far? They are all for free, which is great. But they also tend to be a bit smaller than let’s say the Met in New York. At the same time, you have a diversity of different topics so close to each other and how could you possibly become bored of those choices? Definitely worth checking out!

The one and only Capitol

My last stop on this spectacular tour was once again the Capitol. A few snapshots here and there and then I was over it. They have a beautiful garden you can walk. And on that particular evening there must have been a high school prom happening, as excited teenagers were posing in nice gowns and made-up appearances.

And finally, a drink at a bar in Capitol Hill with a dear friend I hadn’t seen in over a year. A nice momentum to end a birthday celebration. On our way back to Chinatown we ran into a bunch of people who were running a marathon. At 11 o’clock at night! Well, I guess craziness exists everywhere.

Luckily the bus ride back was relatively uneventful (except for an old Russian guy who loudly talked on his cell phone) and I was back in 3 ½ hours. A set record so far!

While I thought DC was already quite right for a visit back in March of ’11, this time around I was happy to have seen it during a warm summer month. Even though the cherry blossom weeks were over, other flowers had bloomed and it was gorgeous in a different sense. I also liked the fact that I was able to spend the entire day outside instead of having to warm up somewhere. I’m not sure how hot July and August get, but so far June has been the most perfect month!

[For more pictures on DC go to my Facebook page or
A Picture Every Day: A Trip to Washington DC and A Trip to Washington DC (Part 2)]

To Summer – The Fun Season

There is something strangely reassuring about early morning sports. Be it running in the park or doing a boot camp class outdoors – it’s a great feeling to keep myself fit. Even better to do so in the wilderness of nature or next to the Manhattan skyline.

Summer is here! Rainy lately, but here nonetheless! So far I’ve completed three boot camp classes already within the past week. Yesterday we worked out in the rain; it really did feel like a military drill then. People were on their way to work and must have wondered what we were doing: A group of ten athletes just jumping up and down and lifting heavy stones over our heads…

I am also ready for the beach. Have been there a couple of times already during this season. It’s just not super-sunshiny weather wise. The water was freezing cold when I dipped my foot in it. I hope things become warmer eventually.

I snapped this picture while strolling through Gowanus and Carrol Gardens the other day. Oh how peaceful the sun rays look in the evening of a sparkling summer day. I don’t know what to do come October but currently I want this weather to last forever!

People say spring is a new beginning. I believe every season brings a new attitude, a new idea, a new creation into mind. Especially since spring only exists for a few weeks out of the year here in New York. So I devote this post to summer and a new life. And new hopes and new opportunities. Hello from the Big Apple!

Groupon Recap – Martial Arts, Ballet, and Photography

After my recap at the end of January (read more here), much has happened in the world of Groupons and Living Social Deals. As you may recall, I had granted myself a few early Christmas presents and bought some bargains last year (read more here). Now, about half a year later, I’ve gotten to try out even more splendid activities.

1) 10 Hapkido Classes with World Martial Arts Center

One day in March I walked into what was to be my very first self-defense class in my adult life. The World Martial Arts Center is conveniently located near the Barclay’s Center and right off Atlantic Ave. Although it was hard to find at first, I somehow managed to open up the door right next to the clinic, press the elevator button, and stumble into a whole new world. The first eminent sign you are not in a normal class? Shoes off right when you enter! The second sign? The heps and hahs going on in the background. The instructor warmly greeted me and looked for a uniform in my size. Yes, you actually start with a uniform during your first class!

While my belt was still white, other people had different colors, so I’m sure advancement can be a solid thing. The 45-minute Hapkido class was originally with two other guys but another instructor pulled me out of the lot as soon as he noticed that I had zero pre-knowledge. So I got a 1-on-1 when fine-tuning the basics of the first moves. What I did not like so much was that I had to “yell” with almost every move I made. This is supposed to ensure correct breathing when you attack. It’s quite awkward in the beginning but I suppose you get used to it.

In 45 minutes I learned a lot and I was certainly planning on taking full advantage of this Groupon, but unfortunately I never fully recovered returned for another round, as the trip to Germany was in between. I once peeked in again a week after my initial experience, but there was some black belt competition going on and no regular classes held. Overall, from the one time I went, I had a really positive impression and I can recommend this Groupon to anyone living in the Brooklyn area and trying to self-defend themselves. $29 for 10 classes – a true bargain!

picture courtesy of http://www.samingersoll.com

2) Cohen’s Fashion Optical

At the end of February my eye glasses broke and I was in dire need of a new pair. Unfortunately, my regular health care did not cover another exam for the eyes so I was forced to look for a solution online. “Just get a Groupon, they have them starting at $30 and upwards” my friend suggested. Oh how right she was!

After searching and reviewing a few of the places, I decided to go for a bargain with Cohen’s Fashion Optical: For only 35 bucks I got an eye exam and a nice frame of glasses, all worth $200. Because of my strength, I paid an additional $35, so a total of 70 bucks. Not too bad for American optometrists. I highly recommend going to the store at 14th St and 5th Ave, as the salespeople are really nice and the optician was a great fit. For less than $100 I now have a fashionable pair of glasses which fit, are the right strength (unlike my old ones) and which I wear during traveling and laptop work. Thumbs up for that!

3) Photography Class with Brooklyn Central

In January, I also started a photography class with Brooklyn Central, located in Dumbo. 6 hours of education for $59 – not bad I’d say! For this bargain I decided to go with the unknown which meant a guide to THE STUDIO. Lightning, affordable gear, and right positioning of accessories was the gist of this class.

Overall, about 20 people attended and in the first hour or so we introduced ourselves while the instructor gave some more information on him and the course. The course was split in half: Three hours the first night and three hours a week later. This I liked, as we were able to digest what we had learned and turn the concept into action during an entire week of waiting time. I now know more about the studio than I did before and am especially thrilled with the lighting techniques we got to test. The teacher tried to engage the class by having various students hold light meters, strobes, and reflectors into position, which gave them hands-on experience.

After the class, a few of us grouped up and even went for a bite to a bar close-by. It was a great way to socialize with other amateur and professional photographers and to get to know their part of the story.
Redeeming this deal was a great way to support and get to know a local school. I am planning on taking their flash course at some point in time.

4) Brooklyn Ballet on three different days

At some point, I stumbled across a dancing deal with Living Social: 5 ballet classes for only $19! And close to where I live! After having joined the YMCA (read more here) and becoming a hobby ballerina, I was stoked to have finally found a school in my new neighborhood. So on a Thursday evening I made my way over there and started Beginner’s Ballet with an animated teacher from New Zealand. I was at first irritated by how improvised the hall looked but quickly got used to it. If you’ve never been, I’d recommend already coming in your ballet gear, as there aren’t any real changing rooms.

picture courtesy of http://www.theaterseatstore.com/ballet-theater

Due to the deal, the class was packed with about 20 people, but over the course of the next weeks it did become less crowded. The Thursday course was fun but almost too easy for me, so I went for another day and ended up in the hardest “Beginner’s Class” they offered on Wednesday: After half an hour of bar practice, the instructor took the lesson to the floor and I felt like taking off. I’d recommend this for more advanced ballerinas. The instructor seemed nice, though, and applauded me for not giving up.

Finally I found a medium, with Inna on Tuesdays and so far I’ve stuck to it. She does half an hour of bar and half an hour of floor practice. What is really great is that she divides the class up into two groups, so those that are further advanced can dance in Group 2 while the less experienced ones are in Group 1. On top of the 1-hour-class, there is an additional 30 minutes of freestyle/pointe practice after the regular course. I managed to stay for this one and was baffled at how much you can actually learn in addition to that.

I’ve already used up my Living Social deal but have bought an 8-class ticket for $100 and I am inclined to replenish it once I run out of classes. Brooklyn Ballet – a great school to learn the basics and advance!

5) BonStar Fitness

Starting next month, I will begin my first outdoor boot camp. BonStar Fitness is to be held in Dumbo, so not outrageously far from where I live. I plan on taking the subway to the water and then see what it’s all about. My friend told me about this Groupon(she lives in Dumbo) and this is the first course I’ll be doing with her together. I am excited as to how it will turn out but am also slightly nervous as the only boot camp I took before was a complete disaster. This might be a perfect way to improve my condition and to exercise during the summer. For $39 I am going for 14 classes. We will see!

#BllPhotoaday for June: Simplicity

Unlike other times I participated in a photo challenge, I am announcing this one ahead of time. That’s right, this girl is doing another picture show during the month of June. And because I like her topics so very much (and actively suggested 3 of them! *proud-be*), I am being part of Belovelive’s A Picture a Day.
The idea is the same it was with the other four challenges: Take a picture every day, post, and enjoy other people’s ideas.

Theme for this month is Simplicity, as, I quote from Liz, “we can choose to live simply and to simply live.”
Since June also happens to be my birthday month, I think I’ll find a ton of simple, awe-inspiring things to photograph. I also like how she describes this challenge as an actual “journey” – 30 days out of the year to realistically venture out and see something else, be someone else, and do something else.

So, if you’re in, be part of something great that is becoming greater as we speak! Over 1,100 pictures have already been tagged with her picture challenge since December and figures are rising. Get your iPhone, your Android, your digi cam and snap away. Don’t forget to share, either.

Hashtag is #bllphotoaday and photos will be posted via blog and Instagram. But really mostly on Instagram, since that is where all the action is going down.

Peace, let’s stay simple!

The UFC Hosts its Opening Night at John Street

Great opportunities presented themselves to me when I got back from my trip to Germany. One of them was snagging the photographer role for an event held in the Financial District. The UFC stands for the “Ultimate Fighting Championship” and can be seen in the same league NASCAR is for racing sports. It includes Mixed Martial Arts, Kickboxing, and other Self-Defense mechanisms. The UFC owns gyms which are dispersed throughout this country. Even though it’s originally from California, it has made its way over to the East Coast. And April 24 happened to be a big day for this industry: The new UFC gym in John Street was celebrating its grand opening!

Now, you might have gathered from previous posts throughout the past 2 years or so that nowhere do I mention any particular experience in this industry. Indeed, aside from redeeming a Groupon at a Martial Arts school in Brooklyn, I’ve never even come in touch with the side of sports. So, about a week after arriving in New York, I got the surprising call that the UFC was looking for a photographer for this particular event. My interest was awakened and my enthusiasm heightened as I arrived at the location in Lower Manhattan. The opening gala was scheduled to go for some solid 4 hours starting at 5:30 PM. A mouth-watering buffet had been built up and boxing sacks were aligned in the back of the gym. The DJ and his helper were mixing the beats and everyone was ready for the guests and celebrities to drip in. Some motivated fans already stood around, taking in the food and discussing recent fight strategies.

Mouthwatering Buffett

Of course the word was out that one huge star cannot be amiss (as it is during these opening events). In this case the big VIP scheduled to arrive later-on was Ronda Rousey, a current champion of Women’s Bantamweight and owner of an Olympic Medal.

But before her eccentric entrance, a crowd of important-looking suit people, further guests, and more fans dropped by. The martial arts wrestler Cody McKenzie was standing around in a group, goofing off. I caught him when eating food and he felt slightly embarrassed of me having taken a picture of that. He tried to overshadow previous pictures by looking into the camera with a boxer-like demeanor.

Cody McKenzie

More people relevant to the industry were there, signing photographs and pretending to be present making connections. For example, Uriah Hall was quite fun to look at when interviewed by Bloomberg News. He even showed the crew some tricks and motivated them to participate in his headlock moves. Altogether, the vibes at this even were splendid and the people in such a great mood.

A Californian radio station named Impact Syndicate broadcast the event live to its listeners on the West Coast. As I found out later-on, this particular show was also meant to be on AFN, which is the Armed Forces Network. Since my parents overseas are well aware of this station, it was a weirdly abstract idea for me to think how people in my home town would be listening to the show I was currently present at.

The Team of Impact Syndicate

And then, halfway in but not too late, she finally arrived: Ronda Rousey with her own camera man and body guard. After being called into the ring, where she was announced by the CEO of the UFC, she gave her introductory speech. Then lots of posing and fake fighter moves with fans happened on the ground. She went on to signing an oversized poster of herself that was hung on the gym wall and her picture was taken with the soon-to-be owner of the UFC in Philly. Keep an eye out for Larry Mays and his future project only 2 hours from here, as it’s scheduled to open up in September.

Ronda in the ring…

… and interviewed by Bloomberg News

Ronda went on to being interviewed by first Bloomberg News and then an independent blogger network (with Latin background). As an observing fan told me while we stood to the side she is known for “trash” talking her opponents during such interviews (but it appeared rather harmless to me). While she was busy looking serious in front of the camera answering questions, Rob McCullough called in a short work-out session with other animated fans. About ten people were jumping across up and down the floor at first. The second step was kicking the sandbags. Rob corrected some participants’ moves and coached for a good half hour.

Rob coaching fans

Rob coaching fans

At around 8 PM the place started to feel empty and people were gathering for one last picture in front of the UFC canvas. Some more goofy poses from Uriah Hall with the corporate staff of the UFC and then the party continued at the Gansevoort Hotel. A successful opening night to the new gym at John Street!

Uriah once again goofing off!

[For more pictures on this event go to
UFC EVENT AT JOHN STREET (1)
UFC EVENT AT JOHN STREET (2)
UFC EVENT AT JOHN STREET (3)]