Chihuly Garden and Glass in Seattle
This museum is new since I’ve last been to Seattle. At the base of the Space Needle, it is a jewel inside and out. Many of the displays have been featured in other exhibits across the globe, but that doesn’t take away from their impact here in Chihuly’s home town. Must be seen to be believed!
Lan Su Chinese Garden in Portland
This Chinese garden in downtown Portland is so authentic that once you step inside you could easily believe that you were in Tongli, one of the ancient water towns outside of Suzhou, China. My pictures of both could easily be interchanged. With its calming water features, Lan Su is a lovely oasis from a downtown doesn't even really need one. The tea house inside is a nice bonus with its panoramic views of most of the grounds from the second floor.
Ai WeiWei @Large on Alcatraz in San Francisco
We were planning to visit Alcatraz anyway, but when we found out that Ai Weiwei had turned the entire place into an art exhibit it became the must-see of the trip. @Large, which was on display for 6 plus months, actually unfolded in multiple buildings, including some (the machinery shop and hospital ward) that are usually closed off to the public. Always political, Ai Weiwei turned his attention to political prisoners around the world. Using both traditional Chinese methods as well as contemporary art materials like Legos, Weiwei’s vision (much of the art is not created by his own hand) can be incredibly beautiful in aesthetic qualities while pointed in politics simultaneously. Included was an opportunity to send postcards to the political prisoners featured in the exhibit. Thrilling stuff!!!
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