Looking Out, Looking In

I've been riding the buses lately, dashing off to town in inclement weather.  In November in Vancouver, things can be grey and misty and cold and wet.  On my way to Chinatown the other day, I rubbed a clearing in the fogged up bus window to get my bearings.  It was like a glimpse into a steamy, magical world.

I remember we sometimes ate at the HoHo when I was a kid.  I always got a kick out of the name.  The food was good, too.  I liked the sweetly floral aroma of the steaming jasmine tea in small, thick, green china cups.  I inevitably burned the tip of my tongue with my first sip.

My bus rides this past week transported me to places where I could not only gaze out at the passing world but gaze in through windows to worlds of myriad possiblilities. 

Painting by Mark Lang at the Winsor Gallery, Vancouver BC

Peering in through the glass portals of art galleries transports one to almost entirely other worlds that speak of postmodern deconstructivism and the reimagining of times past writ large in future perfect, reflecting the overall feeling of my trip "home." (And if you understand what I just wrote, may I please have a sip of whatever steaming, magical brew you must be imbibing?)

Should you feel inspired to gaze upon other reflected worlds, take a little visit to James' Newton Area Photo blog.  It's a free ride with great scenery.

P.S. As I compose this, there is a windstorm banging things against the house and the threat of snow being bandied about in the cold night air.  Brrrrr!  It's perhaps a good thing that I'm leaving Monday to return to the east coast...