Monday, October 22, 2007

Boston's ICA

After my white mountain adventure, I met up with Accacia in Boston and we headed to check out their brand spankin' new Institute of Contemporary art. Designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro of New York, the building greatly impressed me both with its function and form. I've come to find that the museums that impress me the most manage to serve three functions: a place to display art, a work of art in itself, and a "frame" for the outside environment. The ICA did all three brilliantly.

A general view of the museum.....



There are some dramatic details...


One of the most impressive is a multimedia room that drops out of the gallery space....


and gives you a view of the water as you enter it....



And a view of the harbor at the bottom.....




Thursday, October 11, 2007

New Hampshire's White Mountains....

The first leg of my fall vacation was a trip up to new hampshire to explore the white mountains. I flew into boston and met my friend accacia who accompanied me to retrieve my rental car. To my surprise I was given none other than a red ford mustang convertible for the journey. The man at the rental counter next to us offered to be the "brad pit" to our "thelma and louise". We politely declined.

The next morning I set out for New Hampshire. The day had dawned sunny and 80+ degrees-- perfect weather for a drive in a red convertible.



Once I arrived in the white mountains, I took a stroll up to cathedral ledge.


And then spent some time soaking my feet in Jackson falls... (it was 80 degrees after all!).



There was quite a nice view from my lookout perch....


After a night on the town, I set out the next morning to explore the mountains. The fog that hung in the valleys cast a magical glow on everything....


As the fog appeared to be clearing, I decided to take the autoroad up to the summit of mount washington. At 6,288 ft it has some of the world's most extreme weather. Today I lucked out and although the summit was clouded in the drive up was clear and beautiful.



Having taken the easy way up mount washington I chose to take a hike up mount williard....


The view of crawford notch from the summit was amazing....




To complete the mountain loop I was driving I made may way down through franconia notch. Past the former site of the "man of the mountain", I stopped of at the basin to see some beautiful falls...



And some colorful fall foilage....


A final stop at the flume showed off this covered bridge....


more amazing fall colors....


the dramatic gorge....


and another waterfall (have i mentioned it was a bit of a rainy day? the falls were in full effect)

The next day on my way out of town I took the Kangamangus Highway. One of the top scenic drives in the US. I think you can see why....


In all, it was a fantastic adventure into the great Northeast. I hope to return again soon.