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Wanderlust Bookclub: Ann Patchett’s State of Wonder and the Amazonas Theatre
Although I have not traveled to Manaus, Brazil, when I read Ann Patchett’s State of Wonder, I felt immediately transported to this exotic city, located at the convergence of 2 rivers and the gateway destination to travels on the mighty Amazon. Ms. Patchett’s writing drew me into a city filled jungle bugs, unbearable heat, and third-world conditions, yet, glaring out with irony and wonder was the majestic classic colonial opera house, the Amazonas Theatre. With a glistening gold leafed interior and Verdi classic being sung, this opera house seems to be quite a contrast to it’s neighboring world of the jungles of the Amazon. State of Wonder is the story…
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Time+Place: Warwick Castle – A Visit to Medieval England
If you want a taste of Medieval England without having to give up modern amenities like plumbing, I would highly recommend a day at Warwick Castle in Warwickshire England. While on a trip through England, we stopped here for an afternoon with our 2 kids. Since our kids were pretty young, we weren’t sure how much “castle ruins” they would enjoy… it’s quite hard to convince a 4 year old that a princess truly lived here, if the place is in ruins. To our surprise, we were happily mistaken. Touring Warwick Castle is a great blend of walking through an old castle, filled with crumbling spiral stair cases, turrets, arrow…
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Type+Place: County Fair Rides
There’s nothing like a county fair! The rides, the food, the ribbons, the animals, the people watching… In the past, I would imagine it was highly anticipated yearly gathering to head to the fair. Although times have changed quite a bit, I do still love going to county fair. There are aspects that can be a little run down and a tad bit seedy… but if you look past the dust, grime, very unhealthy food– it definitely has it merits. These photos are of the rides at the California Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles. Just some great, bright colorful type– lightbulbs and all. When these light up at night, it’s total…
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Textures+Place: The Sands of Hawaii and a Free Download
There’s nothing like Hawaii. Being from California, I’ve been lucky to have been to many different Hawaiian islands. They all offer amazing tropical beaches, warm waters, and palm trees swaying– but each have their own uniqueness which means a trip to Oahu, say, is very different than a trip to Kauai or the Big Island. This texture sampling of sand from the Big Island, Oahu, and Maui is a great example of how each island can vary. I love taking pictures of sand. It seems so mundane at first, but when you see it in pictures afterwards, and start to compare sand in different locations– you can really see how different…
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Palette+Place: Roussillon, France
We came to Roussillon after a long leisurely French lunch filled with delicious food and wine, so, needless to say, we weren’t in the best condition to start a touring adventure… but once there, we were in for such a rich colorful treat our eyes became wide open! A town in the Luberon area of the South of France, Roussillon is at the base of Monts de Vaucluse. It is quite unlike many of the typical Southern French hill towns in that it is painted in rich reds, rusted oranges, golden yellows, and dark greens of the pine trees. With the striking Provençal blue skies, it offers quite a feast…
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On Location: Sayulita, Mexico
Sayulita, Mexico — the perfect sleepy surfing town just North of Puerto Vallarta– I was lucky to head over and explore this town on a recent trip to PV. I had a friend who had rented a house for the week there, and he encouraged me to visit. I was assured an authentic Mexican coastal town experience, and I was not let down! We hired a driver for the day to take us the short 45 minute drive North, then wait the afternoon while we explored, and take us home in the evening. Although in recent years, I have seen more and more write ups about Sayulita, I was happily…
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On Location: Old World Charm in New World Place
Scenes from a town in France? That’s what you may think, but these photos are actually from the new world, in Redwood City, California. It’s amazing what some rich colors, old fixtures, and cafe chairs can do to trick the eye! Do you have any old world charm in your city?
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Pattern+Place: Geometric Exploration in Redwood City
It wasn’t really apparent at first, but once I was home and processing my photos from my outing in Redwood City, California, did I see all the geometric patterns. Window lines, storm drains, grates, balusters, bike racks and more… quite graphic and a great look when all together.
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On Location: Redwood City, California
To start my wanderlust adventures, I thought it would be fun to look at my own surroundings. A photo shoot in a neighboring town, Redwood City, proved to have lots of visual interest. With a welcoming sign and slogan – Redwood City: Climate Best by Government Test, this San Francisco suburb proves to be quite a charming town. A classic court house, art deco theatre, turn of the century hotel and other historical details are surprising for such a young city (compared to the rest of the world.) The bustling downtown and “theatre” district are alive in the day with county workers (Redwood City is the head of San Mateo…
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Welcome to the Wanderlust Designer!
I’m that person who’s bent over taking a picture of a metal grate in the road. I’m the one who’s walking in the neighborhood that’s not in the tour book. I’m the gal sketching the pattern from the detail on the side of the building. I’m the one buying an item purely because the packaging is so cool. I’m the tourist who’s photographing the very city I live in… and I’m the writer and designer behind the Wanderlust designer. This blog is my spot to share the findings from my adventures – from photographs to patterns, palettes to products, textures to typography and much more. Come explore the world with…
