tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39117244645012634662024-03-05T13:33:52.261-05:00To Dull to a Pausesyntheticliveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116854304154297566noreply@blogger.comBlogger186125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911724464501263466.post-15972267844348574122013-09-10T07:37:00.001-04:002013-09-10T07:37:27.115-04:00ForwardingHello. On the off chance someone is checking or stumbled across this blog, I have moved over to tumblr. Find photos at http://syntheticlivesblog.tumblr.com.
See you there!syntheticliveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116854304154297566noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911724464501263466.post-89293871108242508252013-07-11T09:47:00.001-04:002013-07-11T09:47:42.624-04:00Tumblr is better<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071113tokyo/tokyo-tower-bridge.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071113tokyo/tokyo-tower-bridge.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071113tokyo/tokyo-tower-bridge-2.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071113tokyo/tokyo-tower-bridge-2.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071113tokyo/construction.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071113tokyo/construction.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071113tokyo/alley-night.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071113tokyo/alley-night.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>syntheticliveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116854304154297566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911724464501263466.post-59118480183313255232013-05-27T19:14:00.001-04:002013-05-27T19:16:29.182-04:00Neon Dream, Neon Life<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/052713Tokyo/future-boat-bridge.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/052713Tokyo/future-boat-bridge.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>Really killing it this year. Like 4 posts in 6 months. I should get an award for that. More images from Tokyo. This time, the weirdness known as Odaiba. Title from "Beyond" by Daft Punk.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/052713Tokyo/future-boat.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/052713Tokyo/future-boat.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
Odaiba is a man-made island in Tokyo that can be reached by boat or monorail (possibly driving too). We opted for the boat, and the thing we rode in looked like something out of a Godzilla movie.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/052713Tokyo/boat.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/052713Tokyo/boat.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/052713Tokyo/bridges.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/052713Tokyo/bridges.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/052713Tokyo/no-feeding-pigeons.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/052713Tokyo/no-feeding-pigeons.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
One of the best parts of Tokyo are the signs. Here a dignified pigeon tells a man not to feed him.<br>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/052713Tokyo/palazzo.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/052713Tokyo/palazzo.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
Not a brief trip to Italy. This is actually the inside of a giant mall on Odaiba.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/052713Tokyo/gundam-wide.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/052713Tokyo/gundam-wide.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
Ah yes, the old 40-foot tall robot. What mall is complete without one of these?<br>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/052713Tokyo/gundan-full-frame.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/052713Tokyo/gundan-full-frame.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/052713Tokyo/gundam-screen.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/052713Tokyo/gundam-screen.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/052713Tokyo/tokyo-mall.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/052713Tokyo/tokyo-mall.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/052713Tokyo/self-portrait-car.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/052713Tokyo/self-portrait-car.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
And the antique car museum in the mall with the palazzo and Gundam.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/052713Tokyo/palette-town.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/052713Tokyo/palette-town.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/052713Tokyo/stairway.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/052713Tokyo/stairway.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/052713Tokyo/tokyo-night.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/052713Tokyo/tokyo-night.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
Tokyo Tower waits in the distance.
syntheticliveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116854304154297566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911724464501263466.post-35822881478594473082013-04-24T17:11:00.000-04:002013-04-24T17:17:31.548-04:003D IcelandThe future in the form of an 80's Nashika camera. Four images are taken at once, then stitched into one to create an animated "3D" gif.<br>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042313iceland-3D/a_gulfoss.gif" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042313iceland-3D/a_gulfoss.gif" border="0" width="50%" /> </a>
<br>
This is the first set of 3D images from Iceland. <br>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042313iceland-3D/cliffs2.gif" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042313iceland-3D/cliffs2.gif" border="0" width="50%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042313iceland-3D/geysir.gif" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042313iceland-3D/geysir.gif" border="0" width="50%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042313iceland-3D/red_rocks.gif" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042313iceland-3D/red_rocks.gif" border="0" width="50%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042313iceland-3D/rock_water.gif" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042313iceland-3D/rock_water.gif" border="0" width="50%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042313iceland-3D/thingvellir.gif" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042313iceland-3D/thingvellir.gif" border="0" width="50%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042313iceland-3D/westman_boat.gif" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042313iceland-3D/westman_boat.gif" border="0" width="50%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042313iceland-3D/westmanyjar_island.gif" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042313iceland-3D/westmanyjar_island.gif" border="0" width="50%" /> </a>
syntheticliveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116854304154297566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911724464501263466.post-48207295740272722612013-02-05T12:58:00.001-05:002013-02-05T12:58:49.014-05:00Dettifoss<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/020213roadTrip2/crater-curve.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/020213roadTrip2/crater-curve.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>Continuing on with the road trip to Myvatn. Outside Myvatn a bit are two amazing waterfalls, Dettifoss and Selfoss, practically right next to each other.<br>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/020213roadTrip2/dettifoss-rainbow-CU.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/020213roadTrip2/dettifoss-rainbow-CU.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>Dettifoss has a near permanent rainbow above it due to the spray coming off the waterfall. This is the waterfall from the intro to Prometheus. Unfortunately without a helicopter you can't get the angles they have in the film. <br>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/020213roadTrip2/rainbow-arch.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/020213roadTrip2/rainbow-arch.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/020213roadTrip2/edge-of-falls.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/020213roadTrip2/edge-of-falls.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/020213roadTrip2/selfoss-rocks.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/020213roadTrip2/selfoss-rocks.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>These were naturally occurring rocks next to the falls. Beautiful. <br>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/020213roadTrip2/selfoss-rocks-1.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/020213roadTrip2/selfoss-rocks-1.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/020213roadTrip2/walking-on-mars.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/020213roadTrip2/walking-on-mars.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>This was a bit before we went to Dettifoss. I don't remember the name of this area but there were lots of geothermal vents spewing smoke into the air. So cool. They heavily advise staying on the paths as you never know when your foot is going to sink into a boiling mud pit.<br>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/020213roadTrip2/high-noon.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/020213roadTrip2/high-noon.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/020213roadTrip2/steam-vents.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/020213roadTrip2/steam-vents.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/020213roadTrip2/ground-colors.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/020213roadTrip2/ground-colors.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/020213roadTrip2/edge-of-frozen-crater.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/020213roadTrip2/edge-of-frozen-crater.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/020213roadTrip2/geothermal-vent.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/020213roadTrip2/geothermal-vent.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/020213roadTrip2/iceland.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/020213roadTrip2/iceland.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/020213roadTrip2/landscape.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/020213roadTrip2/landscape.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
syntheticliveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116854304154297566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911724464501263466.post-28845390292957984062013-01-17T22:30:00.002-05:002013-02-08T11:00:32.920-05:00Hverfjall crater<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/011413myvatn-2/blu_mountains.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/011413myvatn-2/blu_mountains.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
Away for a while but I'm back, bringing you from NY to Iceland. More photos from the trip to Myvatn, a national park in Iceland.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/011413myvatn-2/rim.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/011413myvatn-2/rim.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>We hike up the Hverfjall Crater.<br>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/011413myvatn-2/crater-slant.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/011413myvatn-2/crater-slant.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/011413myvatn-2/mountains.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/011413myvatn-2/mountains.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/011413myvatn-2/crater.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/011413myvatn-2/crater.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/011413myvatn-2/crater-top.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/011413myvatn-2/crater-top.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/011413myvatn-2/lake.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/011413myvatn-2/lake.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/011413myvatn-2/myvatn-crew.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/011413myvatn-2/myvatn-crew.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/011413myvatn-2/ascent.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/011413myvatn-2/ascent.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/011413myvatn-2/edge-of-crater.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/011413myvatn-2/edge-of-crater.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/011413myvatn-2/scarf.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/011413myvatn-2/scarf.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>Windy.<br>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/011413myvatn-2/scarf-wide.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/011413myvatn-2/scarf-wide.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/011413myvatn-2/hot-springs.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/011413myvatn-2/hot-springs.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>The best way to end a day of hiking? Myvatn Nature Baths, the Blue Lagoon of the north.<br>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/011413myvatn-2/cave.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/011413myvatn-2/cave.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/011413myvatn-2/cave-1.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/011413myvatn-2/cave-1.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>syntheticliveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116854304154297566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911724464501263466.post-76388894978274997162012-11-10T18:35:00.004-05:002012-11-10T18:41:52.363-05:00Coney Island after the storm<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/110912coneyIsland/amusement-shelf-wide.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/110912coneyIsland/amusement-shelf-wide.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/110912coneyIsland/amusement-shelf.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/110912coneyIsland/amusement-shelf.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/110912coneyIsland/balconies.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/110912coneyIsland/balconies.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/110912coneyIsland/balcony-triangle.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/110912coneyIsland/balcony-triangle.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/110912coneyIsland/couch-CU.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/110912coneyIsland/couch-CU.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/110912coneyIsland/couch.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/110912coneyIsland/couch.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/110912coneyIsland/cushion.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/110912coneyIsland/cushion.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/110912coneyIsland/helicopter.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/110912coneyIsland/helicopter.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/110912coneyIsland/pier-CU.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/110912coneyIsland/pier-CU.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/110912coneyIsland/pier.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/110912coneyIsland/pier.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/110912coneyIsland/plastic-shelf.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/110912coneyIsland/plastic-shelf.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/110912coneyIsland/shelf-CU.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/110912coneyIsland/shelf-CU.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/110912coneyIsland/side-house-wide.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/110912coneyIsland/side-house-wide.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/110912coneyIsland/stairway.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/110912coneyIsland/stairway.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/110912coneyIsland/stool.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/110912coneyIsland/stool.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/110912coneyIsland/trash-barrel.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/110912coneyIsland/trash-barrel.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/110912coneyIsland/tree-house.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/110912coneyIsland/tree-house.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/110912coneyIsland/playhouse.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/110912coneyIsland/playhouse.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
syntheticliveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116854304154297566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911724464501263466.post-11948535418122483522012-09-28T20:08:00.002-04:002012-09-28T20:10:16.951-04:00an absolute love free of shadows<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/092812japolaroids2/Double-DVD.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/092812japolaroids2/Double-DVD.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a><br>
More Polaroids from Tokyo. A lot of double exposures. Unfortunately while traveling it's hard to keep the photos separated and clean.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/092812japolaroids2/Double-Fish-Market.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/092812japolaroids2/Double-Fish-Market.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/092812japolaroids2/Double-Flower-Tower.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/092812japolaroids2/Double-Flower-Tower.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/092812japolaroids2/Double-Flowers.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/092812japolaroids2/Double-Flowers.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/092812japolaroids2/Double-Ginza.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/092812japolaroids2/Double-Ginza.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/092812japolaroids2/Double-Light-Blur.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/092812japolaroids2/Double-Light-Blur.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/092812japolaroids2/Double-Lines-Lanterns.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/092812japolaroids2/Double-Lines-Lanterns.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/092812japolaroids2/Double-Sexy-Zone.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/092812japolaroids2/Double-Sexy-Zone.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>Sexy Zone again.<br><br>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/092812japolaroids2/Double-Shibuya-2.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/092812japolaroids2/Double-Shibuya-2.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/092812japolaroids2/Double-Shibuya.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/092812japolaroids2/Double-Shibuya.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>Shibuya.<br><br>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/092812japolaroids2/Double-Shinjuku-Lights.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/092812japolaroids2/Double-Shinjuku-Lights.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>Shinjuku. <br><br>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/092812japolaroids2/Double-Shinjuku.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/092812japolaroids2/Double-Shinjuku.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/092812japolaroids2/Double-Tokyo-Cut.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/092812japolaroids2/Double-Tokyo-Cut.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/092812japolaroids2/Fish-Cut.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/092812japolaroids2/Fish-Cut.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>Fish Market.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/092812japolaroids2/Fish-Market.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/092812japolaroids2/Fish-Market.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/092812japolaroids2/Flying-Houses.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/092812japolaroids2/Flying-Houses.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>Amusement park!
<br><br>
Title- 1Q84 - Haruki Murakami
syntheticliveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116854304154297566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911724464501263466.post-51843881352995281672012-09-03T14:27:00.001-04:002012-09-03T14:29:13.676-04:00Electric Lights, Electric City<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/090312japandroids1/Amusement-Blur.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/090312japandroids1/Amusement-Blur.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
It's been a while (think about Staind...THINK ABOUT THEM). But I am back, the Polaroids always get the shaft in my adventures, I usually sort through things Digital, Film, and Polaroids last. I decided to invert it this time and while there are still gigabytes of digital photos from both Iceland and Tokyo, I'm presenting Tokyo Polaroids before any of the others. <br>
The neon lights lent themselves to great double exposures. Above, however, is a small, rather decrepit amusement park in central Tokyo. I saw it in <i>Enter the Void</i> and fell in love.<br><br>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/090312japandroids1/Big-Buddha.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/090312japandroids1/Big-Buddha.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
Kamakura.<br>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/090312japandroids1/crane_origami.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/090312japandroids1/crane_origami.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>Paper cranes left at a shrine in Kyoto.<br>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/090312japandroids1/double_menu.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/090312japandroids1/double_menu.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/090312japandroids1/Double-Akihabra-2.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/090312japandroids1/Double-Akihabra-2.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>The monster known as Akihabra...aka Electric City. This is pretty much mecca for anyone interested in Anime, Manga, video games, or weird Japanese fetishes.<br>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/090312japandroids1/Double-Akihabra-Fish.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/090312japandroids1/Double-Akihabra-Fish.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>After just a few short hours here, I felt dirty. Like, really dirty. A pretty amazing amount of porn shops and maiden cafes coupled with an extremely unhealthy dose of consumerism and the future.<br>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/090312japandroids1/Double-Akihabra-Monster.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/090312japandroids1/Double-Akihabra-Monster.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/090312japandroids1/Double-Akihabra.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/090312japandroids1/Double-Akihabra.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/090312japandroids1/Double-Bourgeouis.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/090312japandroids1/Double-Bourgeouis.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>Louis Bourgeouis sculpture in Ropongi hills.<br>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/090312japandroids1/Double-Buddha-Beach.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/090312japandroids1/Double-Buddha-Beach.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>Kamakura double exposure, Buddha and the beach.<br>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/090312japandroids1/Double-Characters.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/090312japandroids1/Double-Characters.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/090312japandroids1/Double-Cranes.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/090312japandroids1/Double-Cranes.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>syntheticliveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116854304154297566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911724464501263466.post-90585831789636141752012-07-25T01:29:00.001-04:002012-07-25T01:33:11.652-04:00This is still day 2<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072512_Tokyo3/beheaded.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072512_Tokyo3/beheaded.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
More photos of the amusement park and around Asakusa. Above is a beheaded samurai in the animatronic Ghost Mansion at the amusement park, which was actually rather terrifying. <br><br>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072512_Tokyo3/ghost_dolls.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072512_Tokyo3/ghost_dolls.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072512_Tokyo3/amusement_park.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072512_Tokyo3/amusement_park.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072512_Tokyo3/flying_houses2.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072512_Tokyo3/flying_houses2.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072512_Tokyo3/house_track.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072512_Tokyo3/house_track.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072512_Tokyo3/tokyo_model.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072512_Tokyo3/tokyo_model.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072512_Tokyo3/tokyo_model_a23.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072512_Tokyo3/tokyo_model_a23.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>This was in the tourist info in Asakusa. It's a model of Tokyo.<br><br>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072512_Tokyo3/golden_turd.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072512_Tokyo3/golden_turd.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>So I took this picture of the odd sculpture on the building. Apparently it is the subject of some ridicule.<br><br>
However, upon further inspection, there is all sorts of Japanese goodness in this photo. That small building on the left, with the nice colors and mousey cartoon characters, is actually some sort of police hut.<br><br>
Also, look at that blue sign...<br><br>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072512_Tokyo3/abandoned_store.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072512_Tokyo3/abandoned_store.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072512_Tokyo3/asakusa_crossing.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072512_Tokyo3/asakusa_crossing.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072512_Tokyo3/asakusa_motorcycle.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072512_Tokyo3/asakusa_motorcycle.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>Loved this intersection.<br>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072512_Tokyo3/dirty_tile.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072512_Tokyo3/dirty_tile.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072512_Tokyo3/izakaya_back.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072512_Tokyo3/izakaya_back.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072512_Tokyo3/izakaya_man.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072512_Tokyo3/izakaya_man.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>Some streets with Izakaya restaurants.<br>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072512_Tokyo3/skytree.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072512_Tokyo3/skytree.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>This is Tokyo Skytree that just opened and is pretty amazing looking. <br><br>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072512_Tokyo3/skytreeline.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072512_Tokyo3/skytreeline.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>syntheticliveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116854304154297566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911724464501263466.post-33652738674039415892012-07-23T23:26:00.001-04:002012-07-23T23:30:00.812-04:00Still Lost<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072312_Tokyo2/all_dressed_up.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072312_Tokyo2/all_dressed_up.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
Second day in Tokyo. This is mostly Asakusa and a small, kind of decrepit amusement park near Asakusa.<br>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072312_Tokyo2/asakusa.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072312_Tokyo2/asakusa.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072312_Tokyo2/asakusa_fortune.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072312_Tokyo2/asakusa_fortune.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072312_Tokyo2/asakusa_shrine.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072312_Tokyo2/asakusa_shrine.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072312_Tokyo2/asakusa_temple.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072312_Tokyo2/asakusa_temple.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072312_Tokyo2/asakusa_temples.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072312_Tokyo2/asakusa_temples.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072312_Tokyo2/asakusa_street.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072312_Tokyo2/asakusa_street.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072312_Tokyo2/flags.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072312_Tokyo2/flags.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>Definitely felt like Japan here.<br>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072312_Tokyo2/flying_houses.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072312_Tokyo2/flying_houses.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>This is the amusement park, I think it was the one shown briefly in Enter the Void. I would recommend a visit here while in Tokyo. There are these weird animatronic pandas you can ride, a surprisingly scary Ghost Mansion, and let me just say the Surprise House is indeed, very surprising.<br>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072312_Tokyo2/lake_amusement.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072312_Tokyo2/lake_amusement.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072312_Tokyo2/space_shot.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072312_Tokyo2/space_shot.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072312_Tokyo2/samurai.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072312_Tokyo2/samurai.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072312_Tokyo2/meditation.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/072312_Tokyo2/meditation.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>syntheticliveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116854304154297566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911724464501263466.post-17603394047857895842012-07-15T12:56:00.000-04:002012-07-15T12:56:39.652-04:00Super Frog Saves Tokyo<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/tokyo_street.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/tokyo_street.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/tokyo_street_2.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/tokyo_street_2.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/tokyo_street_1.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/tokyo_street_1.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>Pedestrian overpasses seem to be quite popular in Tokyo. Makes for good centered photos of the streets, which I was really attracted to. For whatever reason, the first thing that really made me feel like I was in Tokyo were the characters painted on the street. <br><br>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/temples.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/temples.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/tokyo_temple.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/tokyo_temple.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>Our first day consisted of wandering around a neighborhood Meguro near where my sister teaches. We went to a few temples and shrines, unfortunately, I have no idea what any of them were called. At that point, I was still in shocked and awed mode. <br><br>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/warrior_statue.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/warrior_statue.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/temple_fountain.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/temple_fountain.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/darumas.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/darumas.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>This guy I believe is named Daruma. I believe he is a Shinto god of some sorts, but I am really not sure about that.<br><br>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/dog.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/dog.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/dragon.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/dragon.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/prayer_cards.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/prayer_cards.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>These are prayer cards you can buy at a lot of temples. You write your prayers on the back side of them and then hang them up for the gods to read. Very beautiful. I brought a few home.<br><br>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/statue_colors.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/statue_colors.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>A lot of the shrines and temples had these beautiful strings of origami hanging behind statues. Really amazing.<br><br>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/wedding_chapel.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/wedding_chapel.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>This is a massive wedding chapel. It had a beautiful outdoor area with waterfalls and coy fish. Also, hands down the nicest bathroom I've been in. It was like Disney world in there. <br><br>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/corner.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/corner.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/artichoke_flower.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/artichoke_flower.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/bamboo_gate.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/bamboo_gate.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/fish.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/fish.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/fish_CU.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/fish_CU.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/recycling.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/recycling.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>Scenes from around Meguro/Nakameguro.<br><br>
Title: Haruki Murakami short storysyntheticliveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116854304154297566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911724464501263466.post-6688269025112323342012-07-15T12:27:00.001-04:002012-07-15T12:30:51.599-04:00Dreaming and Drifting Through Tokyo<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/drift.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/drift.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a><br>
Hot on the heels of Iceland posts, now we journey to Tokyo. It's been a crazy year, no doubt a back log of photos for the rest of my life.<br>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/slots.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/slots.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>This is in a Pachinko arcade. These places literally sound like the apocalypse happening. It is one of the loudest environments I've been in. There is no coordination to the sound. Just full on aural assault.<br>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/cakeman.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/cakeman.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>Snuck this one of Cakeman in Shibuya.<br>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/shibuya_crossing.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/shibuya_crossing.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>Shibuya Crossing at night. Absolutely amazing. Every five minutes literally thousands of people cross this intersection from five different directions. So cool.<br>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/shibuya_streetnight.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/shibuya_streetnight.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/shibuya_taxi.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/shibuya_taxi.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
Approaching Shibuya Crossing. <br>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/sexy_zone.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/sexy_zone.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>At some point in Shibuya, there was a line on the ground. On one side of the line, you are not in Sexy Zone. On the other side of the line, there is no question about the fact that you are all up in Sexy Zone.<br>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/streetnight.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/streetnight.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/streetnight1.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/071512_Tokyo_1/streetnight1.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>This is a side street off Shibuya. It's about two or three streets all lined with tiny bars. And by tiny, I mean they seat about 4 people.syntheticliveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116854304154297566noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911724464501263466.post-19833703986909574632012-06-06T14:52:00.002-04:002012-06-06T14:55:12.792-04:00Kaldbakur/Come Back<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/060612myvatn_day_2/pseudocraters.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/060612myvatn_day_2/pseudocraters.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<br>
Images from our trip to Myvatn. The photo above and the one below are the pseudocraters. I guess not cool enough to be real craters. The name has something to do with the formation. I believe these were formed when hot lava hit cold water. Or something. I am no geologist.
<br>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/060612myvatn_day_2/pseudocrater_1.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/060612myvatn_day_2/pseudocrater_1.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/060612myvatn_day_2/path.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/060612myvatn_day_2/path.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
Our third stop in Myvatn, after the pseudocraters. We followed this path through the woods and wound up on the edge of a lake with turquoise water and these amazing rock formations.
<br>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/060612myvatn_day_2/rock_formations.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/060612myvatn_day_2/rock_formations.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/060612myvatn_day_2/rock_formations2.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/060612myvatn_day_2/rock_formations2.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/060612myvatn_day_2/rock_formations3.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/060612myvatn_day_2/rock_formations3.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/060612myvatn_day_2/rock_formations4.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/060612myvatn_day_2/rock_formations4.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/060612myvatn_day_2/rock_formations5.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/060612myvatn_day_2/rock_formations5.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/060612myvatn_day_2/lrg_rock_formations.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/060612myvatn_day_2/lrg_rock_formations.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/060612myvatn_day_2/icicle.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/060612myvatn_day_2/icicle.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/060612myvatn_day_2/icicle2.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/060612myvatn_day_2/icicle2.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/060612myvatn_day_2/rock_water2.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/060612myvatn_day_2/rock_water2.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/060612myvatn_day_2/rock_water.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/060612myvatn_day_2/rock_water.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/060612myvatn_day_2/blue_water.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/060612myvatn_day_2/blue_water.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/060612myvatn_day_2/rock_turqouise.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/060612myvatn_day_2/rock_turqouise.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>syntheticliveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116854304154297566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911724464501263466.post-22932916738917415012012-05-19T21:30:00.002-04:002012-05-19T21:31:39.618-04:00Mývatn Day 1 - Dimmuborgir<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/051912dimmuborgir/rock_formation.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/051912dimmuborgir/rock_formation.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
Our first stop in Mývatn was a place called Dimmuborgir, the home of the Yulelads pictured in the last post. I've tried several times to understand how this place was actually formed but can't quite seem really get it, so here is Wikipedia.
<br><br>
"The formation of pseudocraters halted the advance of the lava in some places creating temporal lava lakes. The lava eventually drained from the lakes, leaving behind a forest of rock pillars."
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/051912dimmuborgir/rock_formation_1.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/051912dimmuborgir/rock_formation_1.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
There was a light snow when we got out of the car and took an hour long hike through these eery rock formations.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/051912dimmuborgir/rock_formation_2.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/051912dimmuborgir/rock_formation_2.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
I feel like some of these photos just don't do this place justice. There were hundreds of little caves and crevices all over the place. One expected hidden people, Yulelads, or aliens to appear at any moment.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/051912dimmuborgir/rock_formation_3.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/051912dimmuborgir/rock_formation_3.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/051912dimmuborgir/creeping.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/051912dimmuborgir/creeping.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
Speaking of hidden persons...
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/051912dimmuborgir/rock_arch.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/051912dimmuborgir/rock_arch.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/051912dimmuborgir/rock_arch_CU.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/051912dimmuborgir/rock_arch_CU.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/051912dimmuborgir/the_pass.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/051912dimmuborgir/the_pass.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/051912dimmuborgir/rock_crater.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/051912dimmuborgir/rock_crater.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/051912dimmuborgir/lunar.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/051912dimmuborgir/lunar.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/051912dimmuborgir/lunar_1.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/051912dimmuborgir/lunar_1.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>syntheticliveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116854304154297566noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911724464501263466.post-50434845510945338122012-05-07T12:34:00.000-04:002012-05-07T12:34:50.352-04:00Escape from Hrisey<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/050612myvatn1/gothafoss_far.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/050612myvatn1/gothafoss_far.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
After a rather unsuccessful attempt to acquire groceries and supplies (read: booze) from the mainland, we had started to realize Hrisey was a bit like the Hotel California. "You can check-out any time you like, but you can never leave."
After a bit of planning, acquiring a 7 AM ride to Akureyri from our friend Juli, we managed to get out of Hrisey and onto the mainland for a road trip to a large national park, Myvatn.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/050612myvatn1/alex_and_kimmie.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/050612myvatn1/alex_and_kimmie.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
After navigating some snow covered mountain roads, we arrived at our first stop Gothafoss. A waterfall that in hindsight was not nearly as spectacular as some of the dozen or so we saw over the course of the month. Here, our housemates and road trip companions, Alex and Kimmie, hang out in front of Gothafoss.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/050612myvatn1/a_gothafoss.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/050612myvatn1/a_gothafoss.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/050612myvatn1/forlorn.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/050612myvatn1/forlorn.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/050612myvatn1/gothafoss_close.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/050612myvatn1/gothafoss_close.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/050612myvatn1/gothafoss_close_1.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/050612myvatn1/gothafoss_close_1.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/050612myvatn1/gothafoss_stream.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/050612myvatn1/gothafoss_stream.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/050612myvatn1/rock_rapids.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/050612myvatn1/rock_rapids.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/050612myvatn1/snowman.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/050612myvatn1/snowman.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/050612myvatn1/myvatn.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/050612myvatn1/myvatn.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
After an hour or so of driving from Gothafoss, we arrived at Myvatn. A huge lake that happened to be frozen over. There are many amazing geological/natural sites surrounding the lake. Craters, volcanoes, geothermal vents, geothermal pools, pseudo craters, and unbelievable rock formations. But that is all for another post. I leave you with the Yulelads.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/050612myvatn1/yulelads.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/050612myvatn1/yulelads.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
So these rather terrifying guys on the left are three of the 13 "yulelads," Icelander's version of Santa Claus. The story is they were born at Dimmuborgir, a site of crazy rock formations in Myvatn. They escaped from their mother (a witch) and now bring presents or potatoes to children on Christmas.
I'm not sure exactly of the mythology, but they all have different "purposes." One of them seems to carry binoculars and peer into windows at night? Also, I sent my sister a really terrifying Christmas cards of one of these fellows with blood on his nose. Quite terrifying, indeed.syntheticliveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116854304154297566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911724464501263466.post-21418641172742241792012-04-23T19:03:00.001-04:002012-04-23T19:03:49.882-04:00Up All Night, Under Northern Lights<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042312northern_lights/lights_1.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042312northern_lights/lights_1.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
Four of us had traveled to a large national park area named Myvatn. After an incredible day of geothermal pools, craters, tectonic plates colliding, and countless other natural wonders, we retired to our little hotel for the night.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042312northern_lights/lights_2.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042312northern_lights/lights_2.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
Always on the look out for northern lights, we periodically checked the windows every hour or so.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042312northern_lights/lights_3.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042312northern_lights/lights_3.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
No luck. I fell asleep with an alarm set at midnight. Anna checked and although she didn't see anything, took the car to get away from the few street lights.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042312northern_lights/lights_4.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042312northern_lights/lights_4.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
A few minutes later, I heard a knocking at the window and looked outside to see Anna beckoning me.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042312northern_lights/lights_5.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042312northern_lights/lights_5.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
I sleepily threw on clothes, grabbed my tripod and camera and stumbled out into the night.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042312northern_lights/lights_6.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042312northern_lights/lights_6.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
A few kilometers outside of town, we stopped the car. As we got out, immediately overhead were incredible white lights. They looked like sticks of light moving about in a stair stepping motion.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042312northern_lights/lights_7.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042312northern_lights/lights_7.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
The disclaimer is, the camera sees much more than your eyes. We could only see some light greens, and the red behind the mountain. However, the sensor of the camera picked up much more. These pictures are definitely not heavily Photoshopped, just some light color correction. The movement of the light was unreal though, unfortunately about impossible to capture in video with my camera.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042312northern_lights/lights_8.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042312northern_lights/lights_8.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
Sorry about the crooked tripod, it was freezing and I was half asleep and also too shocked/absorbed in the light show to really pay attention to the photos.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042312northern_lights/lights_9.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042312northern_lights/lights_9.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042312northern_lights/lights_10.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042312northern_lights/lights_10.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042312northern_lights/lights_11.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042312northern_lights/lights_11.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042312northern_lights/mountain_lights_1.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042312northern_lights/mountain_lights_1.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042312northern_lights/mountain_lights_2.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042312northern_lights/mountain_lights_2.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042312northern_lights/mountain_lights_3.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042312northern_lights/mountain_lights_3.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042312northern_lights/mountain_lights_4.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042312northern_lights/mountain_lights_4.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042312northern_lights/mountain_lights_5.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042312northern_lights/mountain_lights_5.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042312northern_lights/mountain_lights_6.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042312northern_lights/mountain_lights_6.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042312northern_lights/mountain_lights_7.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/042312northern_lights/mountain_lights_7.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
Title: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kstjWP-QvWY">Grum</a> (kind of)syntheticliveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116854304154297566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911724464501263466.post-211801578717571352012-04-19T07:42:00.000-04:002012-04-19T07:42:00.168-04:00Hrisey Snow<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041912hrisey_snow/blue_house_snow.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041912hrisey_snow/blue_house_snow.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
I was hoping to get you guys off the island today. I guess I misunderestimated the number of photos I take.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041912hrisey_snow/magic_spot.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041912hrisey_snow/magic_spot.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
Where that sign is marks the second most powerful spot in Iceland. Across the fjord there is a mountain, Kaldabakur (? I think) that channels its energy of peace and love to this spot. Seriously, that is paraphrasing what that sign says. I haven't developed any super powers yet, but I will say, that spot is incredibly peaceful.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041912hrisey_snow/snow_black.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041912hrisey_snow/snow_black.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041912hrisey_snow/snow_black_1.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041912hrisey_snow/snow_black_1.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
Crushed these levels, not sure how I feel about it.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041912hrisey_snow/snow_fjord.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041912hrisey_snow/snow_fjord.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041912hrisey_snow/thua_snow.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041912hrisey_snow/thua_snow.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>syntheticliveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116854304154297566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911724464501263466.post-21585309455212430362012-04-18T07:50:00.000-04:002012-04-18T07:52:48.673-04:00Bounty<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041812bounty/bounty.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041812bounty/bounty.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
The fruits of our labor. An epic trip to Akureyri, which is only about 45 minutes away. It involved two boat rides and two times hitching rides with strangers. And of course, celebrating Easter for an entire week is not enough for Iceland, they had to tack on Easter Monday, which was the day we chose to make our trip to the city. Most everything was closed...Iceland!<br><br>
I'd never been so excited to be in an actual grocery store before. I believe the phrase is "a kid in a candy shop."
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041812bounty/akureyri_art_install.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041812bounty/akureyri_art_install.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
Installation in the Akureyri art museum which was actually open on Easter Monday. Unfortunately I didn't get the name of the artist.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041812bounty/ak_shoes.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041812bounty/ak_shoes.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
I guess this is an international trend.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041812bounty/gamli_skoli.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041812bounty/gamli_skoli.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
Oh yeah, so this is where we are staying. Not the best photo but whatever.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041812bounty/night_snow_1.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041812bounty/night_snow_1.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
Took the camera out for some long exposures the night of our first snow.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041812bounty/night_snow_2.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041812bounty/night_snow_2.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041812bounty/night_snow_3.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041812bounty/night_snow_3.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
What's that in the top left? A trick of the light or a hidden person flying off to the magic mountain? I think we all know the answer to that.<br><br>
Title: Not the candy bar, but an incredible short story by George Saunders.syntheticliveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116854304154297566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911724464501263466.post-30942401174499614122012-04-15T09:18:00.002-04:002012-04-15T09:18:27.541-04:00Around Hrisey<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041512around_hrisey/dead_fly.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041512around_hrisey/dead_fly.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
When we arrived at the house, nearly every window sill had loads of dead flies on them. I thought it was too cold for flies here but apparently not. This photo illustrates the mortality found in every living being...or something.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041512around_hrisey/view.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041512around_hrisey/view.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
This view greets us as soon as we step foot outside the house. Pretty breathtaking even after two weeks of daily viewing.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041512around_hrisey/tractor_night.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041512around_hrisey/tractor_night.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
More tractors.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041512around_hrisey/lake_hrisey.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041512around_hrisey/lake_hrisey.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041512around_hrisey/rocks.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041512around_hrisey/rocks.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041512around_hrisey/castle_rock.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041512around_hrisey/castle_rock.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041512around_hrisey/castle_rock_1.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041512around_hrisey/castle_rock_1.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041512around_hrisey/crags.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041512around_hrisey/crags.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
The coast of Hrisey.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041512around_hrisey/shoreline.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041512around_hrisey/shoreline.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041512around_hrisey/thistle.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041512around_hrisey/thistle.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
More thistles.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041512around_hrisey/dandelion_tire.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041512around_hrisey/dandelion_tire.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
These things look like large, wooden dandelions and are all over the island.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041512around_hrisey/thistle_rig.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041512around_hrisey/thistle_rig.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041512around_hrisey/seagull_flight.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041512around_hrisey/seagull_flight.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
Even for a seagull, this thing looks pretty majestic. Of course, anything in flight looks pretty majestic. Well, maybe not this <a href="http://www.bordom.net/view/40867/Wings_on_my_back_legs_">guy</a>.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041512around_hrisey/dead_bird.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041512around_hrisey/dead_bird.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
Not so majestic any more are you Mr. Seagull?
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041512around_hrisey/graveyard.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041512around_hrisey/graveyard.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
Hrisey graveyard.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041512around_hrisey/abandoned_3.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041512around_hrisey/abandoned_3.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
Leave it to me to go to an island in the middle of a fjord and find the only abandoned building.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041512around_hrisey/abandoned_1.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041512around_hrisey/abandoned_1.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
I've explored abandoned buildings in Philly and New York without much trepidation. Maybe it's all the talk of hidden people and magic mountains but this place freaked me out. Well, maybe that in combination that all of the furniture was left, and it almost looks as if the previous occupants tried to barricade the house from something outside. I snapped a few photos and bolted.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041512around_hrisey/abandoned_2.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041512around_hrisey/abandoned_2.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041512around_hrisey/contemplation.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041512around_hrisey/contemplation.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041512around_hrisey/heather_bliss.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041512around_hrisey/heather_bliss.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
This stuff is all over Hrisey. It might be called heather. Or maybe not. But it's super springy and soft and would make for a nice bed.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041512around_hrisey/lighthouse.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041512around_hrisey/lighthouse.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
The smallest lighthouse I've ever seen.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041512around_hrisey/lighthouse_fog.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041512around_hrisey/lighthouse_fog.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041512around_hrisey/lighthouse.gif" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/041512around_hrisey/lighthouse.gif" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>syntheticliveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116854304154297566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911724464501263466.post-82621063135276662742012-04-09T18:47:00.001-04:002012-04-15T09:18:47.870-04:00Adjustments<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/gas_pump.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/gas_pump.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>A strange place indeed. We have had to make quite a few lifestyle adjustments, going from one of the most convenient places in the world to the tiny island of Hrisey. The gas pump is a rest stop during our six hour bus ride from Reykjavik to Akureyri.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/rainbow.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/rainbow.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>On the drive we drove underneath a rainbow. Def never experienced that before.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/church.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/church.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>After a six hour bus ride, we had an hour and half layover in the 2nd largest city in Iceland, Akureyri.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/akureyri_tree.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/akureyri_tree.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/sailboat.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/sailboat.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/rocks_mountain.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/rocks_mountain.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/rock_jetty.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/rock_jetty.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/boat_mountain.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/boat_mountain.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>We boarded a second bus in Akureyri which drove us for 45 minutes to a town I can neither spell nor pronounce but it's something like Arksosundur. Or nothing like that. And by town, I mean like four buildings and a dock.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/hrisey_house.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/hrisey_house.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>After a fifteen minute boat ride, we stepped off the boat onto the island of Hrisey. We asked someone if they knew where the old school house was. We were directed up a hill where we found an empty, locked building.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/church_anchor.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/church_anchor.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>After considering breaking in through an open window we saw, we noticed three artistic looking people coming our way. Turned out they were the other artists in residence. Two from the States and one from Japan.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/saeborg.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/saeborg.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>Our first full day on the island, we ran into a strange problem for dwellers of the first world...a lack of food. The one store on the island didn't open until 2 PM and we had not thought to bring food with us from the mainland. Luckily we had a few squares of chocolate leftover from the massive bar of chocolate Chris gave me for my birthday. After our "breakfast" we went for a four hour hike to wait out the opening of the store.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/whale_face.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/whale_face.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>This is a whale vertebrae with a face carved into it that's sitting in someone's front yard.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/tractor.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/tractor.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>Tractors are a popular form of transport on the island. Not really sure why. There is even one with a taxi sign on it.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/fish_heads.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/fish_heads.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>On our first hike, we saw all these wooden structures that looked like swing sets with no swings. Instead of swings, there were fish heads swinging from them. We assume it's where they dry their fish, although in a place as wet as this, I'm not sure how anything gets dry.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/stairway_to_beach.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/stairway_to_beach.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>We read that this stairway goes to their beach. Not sure where the beach is or who would swim in the freezing water.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/cliff.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/cliff.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>Much of the island's perimeter looks like this.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/moon_lander.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/moon_lander.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>Imagine stumbling through the heather delirious with hunger and stumbling across this. We already felt like we were on the moon, this sculpture did not help. We later found it out it was a site specific installation by an American artist.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/moon_lander_robot.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/moon_lander_robot.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/moon_lander_robot_1.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/moon_lander_robot_1.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/moon_lander_robot_2.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/moon_lander_robot_2.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/thistle.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/thistle.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/thistle_1.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/thistle_1.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/thistle_2.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/thistle_2.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/isolation.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/isolation.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/heather_feet.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040912iceland/heather_feet.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>Much of the island is composed of this stuff. It's incredibly soft and springy. Your feet often times sink a few inches into it as you walk along.syntheticliveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116854304154297566noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911724464501263466.post-60480646161149321412012-04-07T14:18:00.002-04:002012-04-07T14:18:32.285-04:00Journey to the Blue Lagoon<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040712reykjavik_2/dripping_mirror.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040712reykjavik_2/dripping_mirror.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
Reykjavik was full of awesome street art. These things were all individual shiny pieces that rippled in the wind. Saw a few pieces like this around Reykjavik.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040712reykjavik_2/glass_iceland.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040712reykjavik_2/glass_iceland.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040712reykjavik_2/cool_guy.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040712reykjavik_2/cool_guy.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>Possibly my favorite piece of street art. Not sure who/what thiss is. But every time I saw it I laughed a little.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040712reykjavik_2/moon.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040712reykjavik_2/moon.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>This is what much of the landscape (I've seen at least) looks like here.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040712reykjavik_2/blue_lagoon_entrance.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040712reykjavik_2/blue_lagoon_entrance.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>The entrance to the Blue Lagoon!
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040712reykjavik_2/blue_lagoon_1.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040712reykjavik_2/blue_lagoon_1.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>So this is the Blue Lagoon. Probably Iceland's most famous spot. It's a geothermal spa. There's white silica mud you can smear on your face. You can also get floating massages (we did). Saunas, steam rooms, waterfalls. All in all a pretty awesome place.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040712reykjavik_2/blue_lagoon_2.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040712reykjavik_2/blue_lagoon_2.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040712reykjavik_2/blue_lagoon_3.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040712reykjavik_2/blue_lagoon_3.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040712reykjavik_2/blue_lagoon_4.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040712reykjavik_2/blue_lagoon_4.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040712reykjavik_2/hey_blue_lagoon.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040712reykjavik_2/hey_blue_lagoon.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>"So behind me the world might be on fire, but you wanna get a drink later?"
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040712reykjavik_2/blue_lagoon_deck.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040712reykjavik_2/blue_lagoon_deck.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040712reykjavik_2/icelandic_pose.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040712reykjavik_2/icelandic_pose.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>syntheticliveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116854304154297566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911724464501263466.post-49307889869168128472012-04-06T13:51:00.000-04:002012-04-06T13:51:45.849-04:00Reykjavik 101<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040612reykjavik_1/church.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040612reykjavik_1/church.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
We have arrived in Iceland!
The title is the name of a movie you are supposed to watch before coming to Iceland (we didn't). These are all photos of Reykjavik. The church above is in the center of town, our hotel had a view of it, quite nice!
Reykjavik was pretty great. It seemed much like many northern European towns; clean, well-organized, friendly people that speak English better than I do, etc. It is a bit pricey, but luckily we live in NYC so the cost of things seems pretty equivalent to what we're used to paying. We spent two days wandering around, going to museums, and checking out bars and restaurants.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040612reykjavik_1/jc.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040612reykjavik_1/jc.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040612reykjavik_1/harbor.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040612reykjavik_1/harbor.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040612reykjavik_1/harbor2.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040612reykjavik_1/harbor2.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
The harbor.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040612reykjavik_1/reykjavik_above.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040612reykjavik_1/reykjavik_above.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040612reykjavik_1/reykjavik_houses.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040612reykjavik_1/reykjavik_houses.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040612reykjavik_1/water_window.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040612reykjavik_1/water_window.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
These are all from the top of the tower in the first picture.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040612reykjavik_1/church_above.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040612reykjavik_1/church_above.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040612reykjavik_1/knitted_tree.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040612reykjavik_1/knitted_tree.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
The love knitting in Iceland. So much so that they make sweaters to keep their trees warm all winter!
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040612reykjavik_1/graffit_curtain.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040612reykjavik_1/graffit_curtain.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
Like many Euro cities, there's great street art. Luckily, I'm not going to show you much of it today. This is just a close up of what I can't really call anything other than a graffiti pit.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040612reykjavik_1/passion_stoner.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040612reykjavik_1/passion_stoner.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
I mean, why half ass something? If you're going to be a stoner, why not be passionate about it?
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040612reykjavik_1/urine_tornado.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040612reykjavik_1/urine_tornado.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
This is an installation in one of the art museums. I can only assume that is a tornado of urine. The text did not confirm or deny this although it did inform us that the tornado could be viewed from four sides which was very helpful as I am used to viewing and moving around in only two dimensions.
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040612reykjavik_1/church_night.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040612reykjavik_1/church_night.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040612reykjavik_1/church_night2.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/040612reykjavik_1/church_night2.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
Good night Reykjavik!syntheticliveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116854304154297566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911724464501263466.post-90930373298055489592012-03-07T21:58:00.000-05:002012-03-07T21:58:31.347-05:00Walking with Thee<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/030612florida_balda_3/double.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/030612florida_balda_3/double.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/030612florida_balda_3/overlap.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/030612florida_balda_3/overlap.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/030612florida_balda_3/pier.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/030612florida_balda_3/pier.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/030612florida_balda_3/pool.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/030612florida_balda_3/pool.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/030612florida_balda_3/plane_wing.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/030612florida_balda_3/plane_wing.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/030612florida_balda_3/sky.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/030612florida_balda_3/sky.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/030612florida_balda_3/trees.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/030612florida_balda_3/trees.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
Title: Clinicsyntheticliveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116854304154297566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911724464501263466.post-90150710693591200962012-03-05T23:05:00.000-05:002012-03-05T23:05:37.768-05:00Some day the grapes will be wine and some day you will be mine and so the story goes on and on.<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/030512florida_balda_2/alecsothgagosian.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/030512florida_balda_2/alecsothgagosian.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>Title: Justice
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/030512florida_balda_2/cindyshermanmoma.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/030512florida_balda_2/cindyshermanmoma.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/030512florida_balda_2/damienhirstdots.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/030512florida_balda_2/damienhirstdots.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/030512florida_balda_2/klompchinggallerydumbo.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/030512florida_balda_2/klompchinggallerydumbo.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/030512florida_balda_2/picassomet.JPG" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/030512florida_balda_2/picassomet.JPG" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
<a href="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/030512florida_balda_2/ungovernablesnewmuseum.jpg" target="_blank"> <img src="http://syntheticlives.com/blog/030512florida_balda_2/ungovernablesnewmuseum.jpg" border="0" width="100%" /> </a>
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