Seeing is Believing

This has been an incredible couple of weeks. I safely experienced my first earthquake on my birthday. It has been a bucket list item for some time, and it is something you can't possibly predict and plan for. But there I was, sitting in my office while my house shook (alright quivered), noise built up to a crescendo, and I wondered what it was (explosion, subway, or earthquake). It is difficult to describe, but seeing is believing. The same goes for the solar eclipse. While this was not my first one (August 21, 2017), the excitement in the air and the temporary feeling of darkness were like no other. It doesn't feel like sunrise or sunset; it is its own thing, and seeing is believing.

Another place where seeing is believing is Havana, Cuba. I had the opportunity to travel there with three couples, one of whom is a Cuban expert and patron. As you may know, Cuba is currently under US embargo and listed as a terrorist nation, but you can travel there under certain qualifications. Nonetheless, the combination of US restrictions, its former Soviet Union's collapse, and the horrific inefficiency of a planned economy (somewhere between socialism and communism) has made for some difficult economic times there. I didn't know what to expect when I arrived in Havana, but I was amazed by how large and beautiful it must have been in its heyday. Wide boulevards, elegant mansions, historic buildings, and classic cars are everywhere, but they are all crumbling before your eyes since they have been poorly maintained since the revolution in 1959. Yet still, there is plenty of art, music, dance, cigars, and rum to enjoy in this vibrant city. Since Fidel Castro's death, the government has begun to allow some private industries in specific sectors, but they have a long way to go. I highly recommend visiting there; you must see it to believe it.

Bokksu Box
Snacks

Speaking of travel, one of my favorite places to visit is Japan. There is something unique about Japan, particularly in terms of its food. I am not sure why, but food producers in Japan offer more creativity with flavor profiles. Take Kit Kat, for example; in the US, there are generally the Original chocolate and white chocolate (newer entrant), whereas, in Japan, they have a ton of variety, including matcha, strawberry, raspberry, malty caramel, sakura, and much, much more. I love the variety of the snacks, and with a Bolksu subscription, you can get a random assortment of these snacks every month. They will delight your palette, stimulate your curiosity, and leave you craving for next month's next box. The monthly Bokksu brings Japan to your front door! You can even order more from the site if you like any of the snacks in the box, which you inevitably will. You have to see it to believe it.

Suffs
Musical

Regarding seeing is believing, every season in NY, a new crop of shows opens. While I am not a Broadway critic, I enjoy attending a few shows yearly. It feels like my duty as a New Yorker to support the incredible amenity in our backyard, which is Broadway. I was skeptical when summoned to attend the premiere of Suffs, a show that my sister-in-law and fellow Louper Allison R. is a producer of. This is a show about historical events surrounding the women’s suffrage movement written by and starred in by Shaina Taub, with obvious parallels to Lin Miranda. Very simply, the show is a triumph. It is well written, well performed, and necessary to see. I even liked it better the second time I saw it, when I did not have to concentrate on the story (of which I was shamefully unfamiliar) and could focus on the standout and character-driven performances by the all-female cast. See it as soon as possible, though I suspect it will have a very long run. You have to see it to believe it.

Bird Buddy
Technology

Spring has arrived, and with it, the blooming of Sakura and tulips around the city. As the birds head back North, Central Park becomes the Port Authority for bird migration. To capture some of that activity, you can use the Bird Buddy, which functions as both a bird feeder and a bird watcher. It captures images of your avian visitors, allowing you to identify them. I recommend solar roof options so you don't need to charge them continuously. Seeing is believing, so give it a try!

Seeing is believing, so consider Bokksu, Suffs, and Bird Buddy found!