pw.travelogue » ch. 42 travel update

[ch. 42 / travel update]

Well, hello there!

It's been a while… and I have no excuse except to say that I've been caught in a whirlwind of travels!

I'm writing this as I fly across the Pacific Ocean to Hong Kong. I finally have a long enough moment to sit still, write a post, and edit my travel photographs.

For the past several months, I've been traveling, shooting, art directing, designing, and making new friends along the way...

August and September. Shortly after the summer issue of Wayfare launched in July, I spent the next two months in San Francisco, Napa, and Sonoma Valley on location for Pottery Barn. Saw many beautiful sunsets in the vineyards and drove down backroads that led to homes that could only be described as picture perfect.

October. Embarked on an once-in-a-lifetime journey and photo assignment to Australia. I got to experience the sacred grounds of Uluru/Ayers Rock, saw the Milky Way with my naked eye, rode a camel named Hercules in the desert, and even had an olive python wrapped around me in Alice Springs. Found my little piece of paradise on Hamilton Island called qualia (pictured above). Went snorkeling for the very first time—where could be a better place to do it other than the Great Barrier Reef itself? Hugged a kuala named Elvis, took a backstage tour of the Sydney Opera House, spent my last (and only) day in Sydney wondering around and getting lost in the streets of Surry Hills. There's so much more to tell, but I'm saving it for the next issue of Wayfare to tell the whole story, so do stay tuned for that!

November. Met Hurricane Sandy in New York City—what started out as a quick weekend trip became a long extended stay. Back to Los Angeles for a four-day shoot with Citizens of Humanity, then I was off again to San Francisco. Even squeezed in time for a press check for Wayfare in Vancouver. Flew home to Los Angeles for two days, long enough to spend Thanksgiving there and now I'm off to Hong Kong, finally. Taking a trip that is called, vacation.

I feel like I've been on a permanent jet lag, and that's okay. I wouldn't trade my past few months for anything. Not even Sandy could've changed that. I'm so blessed to be surrounded by good people, friends, and strangers. There was a moment in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef where I took off my snorkeling mask and snorkel, stood on the ocean floor and said to myself, "Enjoy this, breathe."

Not every moment needs to be captured with a camera. The ones that are captured with your eyes and heart are often times the best.

P. x

PS. I've been posting photos on Instagram during my trips, so do follow me there for the lastest!

TYPE LAYOUT AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY PEGGY WONG

pw.travelogue » ch. 40 guggenheim, new york city

[ch. 40 / guggenheim, new york city]

Happy Birthday to Mr. Frank Lloyd Wright (he would have been 145 years old today!) If you can believe this, all those years I lived in New York City, I had never once took a photo of the Guggenheim. And of course when I was back for a short visit a few months ago, I couldn't take enough of them. Also stopped in at The Wright for a quick bite to eat – burrata and pea greens salad with a glass of crisp Prosecco. Ahh...

Side note: I've been getting some really excellent words from you guys on last week's post, thank you! In case you missed it, it's not too late to tell me your word. Keep them coming!

Happy weekend everyone. x

TYPE LAYOUT AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY PEGGY WONG

check in for luxury » the standard, east village

Making this series official — check in for luxury (although I think it really started with my stay at The Upper House in Hong Kong last year!)

I used to live in the East Village many years ago, and during my last trip to New York City, I revisited my old stomping ground and checked into The Standard, East Village. The view alone is worth the stay. And if you could get a corner unit, even better. I had also been meaning to check out Chef David Chang's Momofuku restaurants in the East Village, so the location was perfect. His Ssäm Bar was quite good, full of big culinary flavors.

stay
The Standard, East Village
25 Cooper Square
New York, New York
USA

must-do
Wake up in time for sunrise (top photo), if even for just one morning.

tip

If you are looking for a curated list of boutique hotels that showcase good designs and attention to detail, give Tablet Hotels a go. Perks: can't go wrong with being a Tablet Plus member neither (I am one!), special amenities and upgrades at check in. Nothing beats enjoying a complimentary bottle of wine while you unpack — thank you The Standard!

TYPE LAYOUT AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY PEGGY WONG

pw.travelogue » ch. 36 the met, new york city

[chapter 36 / the metropolitan museum of art, new york city]

Every time I go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, it just seems like I'm seeing it for the first time. Spent the morning walking Central Park and the afternoon at the Met. With The Steins Collect exhibition as my priority, I also did a walk through of the Modern and Contemporary Art section. Equally inspiring – artwork and the space that houses them. Click here to read a bit more about my day in the city.

Enjoy your weekend everyone!

TYPE LAYOUT AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY PEGGY WONG

[sponsored post] pw.travelogue » ch. 35 mixing work with pleasure, new york city

YOUR GUIDE TO A HEALTHY BUSINESS TRIP THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY THE MARRIOTT REWARDS® CREDIT CARD FROM CHASE



[chapter 35 / mixing work with pleasure, new york city]

stay wisely.
A healthy business trip starts with choosing the right hotel for me. Whether it's a short two-day trip or a week-long stay, being in a comfortable hotel AND at a convenient location is crucial to me. My recent business trip to New York City is a good example. A little homework goes a long way... researching for an ideal hotel, mapping out all my must-see spots and museum exhibitions, or downloading useful apps for the phone while traveling (the NYC subway app is an essential one in this case). I knew I wanted to be near Central Park, so I chose Six Columbus, a Thompson Hotel at Columbus Circle. I also like to have at least a day to myself before the hectic schedule begins, so planning my agenda ahead of time really pays off.

spend alone time.
Watching the city wake up is one of my favorite things to do, even when I lived in New York years ago. Finding time for myself has become a routine for me these days. The top photo was the first image I took of this trip — the morning of my arriving at the hotel in Columbus Circle. It was that one perfect moment with a cab on an empty street, the sun casting a warm glow across Central Park... The blossoms were in full bloom all around the Park and it made me happy just being there. Also stopped at the Metropolitan Museum of Art for The Steins Collect exhibition. If you haven't seen it, please do. You will not be disappointed. Rooms after rooms of paintings by Matisse, Picasso, Cézanne, Degas, Gauguin... the list just goes on and on.

Dining for one has also become somewhat of a ritual for me at museums these days, and I have to admit, I quite enjoy it. While I was at the Met, I was seated at a table with a view at The Petrie Court Café and Wine Bar — looking out to Central Park while enjoying a late afternoon lunch was absolute perfection.

love what you do.
How many times have you heard someone say that? And yet, it rings true every time. I came upon an alto saxophonist (pictured above) at Central Park earlier on the day. I watched him play for a good ten minutes before he took a break. I struck up a conversation with him and found out he has been playing under the same arch for over a decade, everyday. Listening to him play was a gentle reminder that you HAVE to love what you do. Find that balance between work and pleasure — allow yourself the time to decompress, walk the city, listen to the sounds, immerse yourself into nature, and if you are lucky enough to spend a few hours at a museum, be inspired by works of art. You will leave your destination with a new-found joy in business trips, and hopefully, get to know yourself a little better as well.

TYPE LAYOUT AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY PEGGY WONG

pw.travelogue » sneak preview of new york city

[chapter 34 / central park, new york city] back from an inspiration-overload trip to new york city and washington, dc! spent some quality time alone, with friends, and with my parents. took this shot as i was walking central park early one morning. more to come next week!

in the meantime, check out my [away] tumblr page for snaps that i uploaded during the trip. have a wonderful weekend everyone!

ps. are you on instagram? they recently came out with an android version of the app and yes, i'm finally on it! join in the fun with me - username bluepoolroad.

TYPE LAYOUT AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY PEGGY WONG

travel collage // new york city

... chapter three : old and new favorites.

CAMERA PHONE IMAGES BY PEGGY WONG

travel collage // new york city

... chapter two : graphic days.

CAMERA PHONE IMAGES BY PEGGY WONG

travel collage // new york city

... chapter one : museum days.

CAMERA PHONE IMAGES BY PEGGY WONG

friday yumminess...

the standard grill / dining alfresco with simple starters

... brown-bagged baguettes, bite-sized parmesan, a hit of vibrant radishes, and sprinkles of sea salt... simplicity at its best. have a wonderful weekend everyone!

{on a personal note} thanks dad for letting me play with your camera – love how these shots came out!

IMAGES BY PEGGY WONG