Hi Alexandra. Although I have not finished reading your whole epistle, I love your foray into a more literary, descriptive and metaphorical style of writing. Congratulations, too, on your progress with Japanese communication!
I will comment further once I have completed my reading and have fully absorbed your excellent photographs. Just for now, your interactions reminded me of the solo trip I took by train from Hong Kong to Helsinki in 1966, when I interacted with complete strangers and some native citizens usually for better but sometimes not so much. It was always interesting, though. I realize that traveling solo as a young man is quite distinct from the experience that would befall a young woman, and that any kind of travel anywhere in the world in 1966 would be vastly different from 2024.
In any case, huge thanks for keeping us updated. Your bulletins are reliably a treat to read! As I write this, your mom, dad and sisters are airborne toward you; I know that you shall welcome them (and they, you) with open arms for a wonderful family Christmas in an exotic location. Winter solstice cheer to you all! Love, Papa
I love the photos and especially your reflections on Saito Villa with its views into nature. I adore the use of windows in architecture as picture frames. It's immersive in such a brilliant way. Your photos gave me inspiration for a current project I am working on in the east village. Also, the first photo you show of the Saito Villa space reminded me of Monet's Water Lillies displayed at MoMA and the way Mark Rothko is hung at Tate Modern. It's kind of the opposite in the sense that paintings can become windows too. A favorite example of this for me is the work of Matisse during his time in Morocco, where many/ most of the paintings are framed by windows/ doors/ passageways; portals. Also, on another note, if you see the woman in the store again, early morning buying Vodka, don't be shy to make eye contact, and even smile, or quietly say, "I'll see you at class!" A smile with zero judgement goes a long long way. Love you always, Sasa
i loved reading this aloo! you’re an amazing writer 🫶 i love you!
Your writing is vivid. We travel with you. Gorgeous photos!
Meri Kurisumasu!
Jock
Brilliant
I love reading these each week Aloo!! I am blown away by your writing– you're incredible!!🫶🫶
Hi Alexandra. Although I have not finished reading your whole epistle, I love your foray into a more literary, descriptive and metaphorical style of writing. Congratulations, too, on your progress with Japanese communication!
I will comment further once I have completed my reading and have fully absorbed your excellent photographs. Just for now, your interactions reminded me of the solo trip I took by train from Hong Kong to Helsinki in 1966, when I interacted with complete strangers and some native citizens usually for better but sometimes not so much. It was always interesting, though. I realize that traveling solo as a young man is quite distinct from the experience that would befall a young woman, and that any kind of travel anywhere in the world in 1966 would be vastly different from 2024.
In any case, huge thanks for keeping us updated. Your bulletins are reliably a treat to read! As I write this, your mom, dad and sisters are airborne toward you; I know that you shall welcome them (and they, you) with open arms for a wonderful family Christmas in an exotic location. Winter solstice cheer to you all! Love, Papa
I love the photos and especially your reflections on Saito Villa with its views into nature. I adore the use of windows in architecture as picture frames. It's immersive in such a brilliant way. Your photos gave me inspiration for a current project I am working on in the east village. Also, the first photo you show of the Saito Villa space reminded me of Monet's Water Lillies displayed at MoMA and the way Mark Rothko is hung at Tate Modern. It's kind of the opposite in the sense that paintings can become windows too. A favorite example of this for me is the work of Matisse during his time in Morocco, where many/ most of the paintings are framed by windows/ doors/ passageways; portals. Also, on another note, if you see the woman in the store again, early morning buying Vodka, don't be shy to make eye contact, and even smile, or quietly say, "I'll see you at class!" A smile with zero judgement goes a long long way. Love you always, Sasa