Tag: ABJS

  • ABJS Meeting in Japan

    ABJS Meeting in Japan

    Part 1: Kauai | Part 2: Japan | Part 3: Oahu

    Part 2

    Arriving in Tokyo Monday evening is very hectic. We leave the airport and take the light rail to our hotel. Our dinner consists of take-out food court items from the subway station, and we eat in our tiny hotel room.

    We are treated to a wonderful breakfast buffet of Japanese, Chinese, and western selections. Then, we strike out to visit the Meiji shrine and the Hamarikyu Garden. The best part of this day is the tea ceremony in the teahouse overlooking the water. Our day ends as night falls at Senso-ji, and afterwards, we enjoy a hot udon dinner in a restaurant nearby.

    On Thursday morning, we stroll the east garden of the Imperial Palace. Then, we take the bullet train to Kyoto.

    We wake up to mountain views from our balcony at the Westin Miyako Kyoto. After morning meetings, the Association of Bone and Joint Surgeon tour takes us to Kiyomizu-dera. After the temple visit, we ramble down the path, sampling matcha soft serve and other local snacks.

    Over the next few days, we use Kyoto as a base to tour surrounding areas. We discover that the deer at Nara actually bow to get food. The Totoro store in Osaka tickles Yan and the kids. We find other picturesque areas of Kyoto, from the red torii gates to the verdant bamboo groove. Before departing, I learn that the back trails of the Westin meander along a garden and lead to a bird sanctuary.

    Then, it’s time to leave. Visiting a new place makes deep impressions, and my biggest impression is that there is not a single public trash can in Japan. Now, back to the California via Hawaii.

    Gateway to the Meiji Shrine
    At the Meiji Shrine
    Sake offering at the Meiji Shrine
    Gateway to the Meiji Shrine
    Rest area in the Hamarikyu Garden
    Strolling along a path in the Hamarikyu Garden
    Crossing a bridge in Hamarikyu Garden
    Having matcha and mochi in Hamarikyu Garden
    Having matcha and mochi in Hamarikyu Garden
    Myles running in the Hamarikyu Garden
    Family picture in front of Kaminari mon
    Sensō-ji Five-Storied Pagoda
    Couple bowing at Senso-ji
    Sensō-ji Hozomon lit up at night
    Sensō-ji Five-Storied Pagoda lit up at night
    Sensō-ji Five-Storied Pagoda lit up at night
    At the Imperial Palace East Garden
    Jayden, Myles, and Yan walking down the ramp
    Pond and stone lantern
    Koi fish in the pond
    Daphney looking at the koi fish
    Koi fish in the pond
    Sunlight through the bamboo grove
    Myles first one awake, on our balcony
    View of Kiyomizu-dera
    Family picture in front of the Kiyomizu-dera pagoda
    Pagoda at Kiyomizu-dera
    Yan eating matcha soft serve at Honke Nishio Yatsuhashi
    Eating soft serve at Honke Nishio Yatsuhashi
    In front of the Ghibli Totoro store in Kyoto
    Myles interacting with a deer at Nara Park
    Kids in Nara Park with deer
    Myles interacting with a deer at Nara Park
    Deer standing on a ridge
    Family picture in front of Kōfuku-ji Tokondo
    Myles running with the deer outside Tōdai-ji
    Deer outside Tōdai-ji
    At Osaka LUCUA rooftop garden
    With the giant stuffed Totoro, Osaka Ghibli store
    Thousand Torii Gates
    Thousand Torii Gates
    Thousand Torii Gates
    Thousand Torii Gates
    In the lobby of the Westin Miyako Kyoto, just before the ABJS banquet
    Pathway in the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
    Japanese irises in Tenryu-ji
    Sitting in front of Tenryu-ji Kohojo
    Zen meditation rock garden at Ryōan-ji
    Kinkaku-ji reflections in the pond
    Daphney taking pictures of the Kinkaku-ji
    Kids climbing the bamboo railing at Kinkaku-ji
    Yan and Daphney at the entrance to Nijō Castle
    Details at Nijō Castle
    Pigeon at Nijō Castle
    Jayden in front of an entryway at Nijō Castle
    Myles reading the information pamphlet for Nijō Castle
    At the Shinto gate outside the Westin Miyako Kyoto, trail to the bird sanctuary
    At gate 17, Osaka Kansai Airport, getting ready to board our flight to Honolulu
  • ABJS Meeting in Seattle

    ABJS Meeting in Seattle

    Seattle  |  The Grand Princess  |  Katmai  |  Kenai Peninsula  |  Wrangell-St. Elias  |  The Interior  |  Denali  |  Anchorage and Home

    Wednesday: Arriving in Seattle

    This trip’s idea began a year ago, as 2023 has a milestone birthday for me, and Yan will finish all her training and begin work as an attending. Our calendars align the best in July and August.

    I started booking everything in the fall. On January 5, Yan and I both got on our computers and hovered on the reservation site, hearts pounding, to snag a spot at Brooks Camp. Our trip’s schedule will have to revolve around that.

    Finally, the day has arrived. We leave Ontario and arrive in Seattle on a direct flight. Public transportation on the 1-Line takes us downtown. This is a trial, a practice run for Saturday when we will have to haul everything from here all the way to Vancouver to meet our cruise ship.

    After platform gaps and hills and ramps, we arrive at the Fairmont Olympic, check in, get lunch at Mod Pizza (the kids’ favorite place), and walk to Pike’s Market. The kids are tired and not impressed. Macaroons did nothing to lift the mood.

    We return to get ready for the Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons Welcome Reception. Jayden is so tired he falls asleep.

    Thursday: Tour of Seattle

    In the morning, I attend the ABJS scientific session, while the rest of the family escapes to the aquarium. I join them afterward in Target and walk to lunch at Xi’an Noodles in Westlake Center. Daphney and Jayden enjoy the ride on the Seattle Monorail to Seattle Center. We visit Chihuly Garden and Glass. They had seen a glass-blowing demonstration at the Sawdust Festival in Laguna Beach, so this tour rounds out their experience.

    The best part of the Seattle trip will be the Museum of Flight at Boeing Field. This is where we have the ABJS evening reception. The kids immerse themselves in reading about the planes and exploring the control tower. They both fall asleep on the bus ride back to the hotel.

    Friday: Seattle Excursions

    I am in the meeting all morning again. The rest of the family goes to the Pacific Science Museum, where they watch the IMAX on butterflies. Afterwards, I take an e-scooter ride to Seattle Center and meet up for lunch at Blue Water Taco.

    In the evening, we meet up with friends for a barbecue dinner and take a group picture. The last time we were together, Daphney was 2 months old.

     
    The Grand Princess »
     
    Eating sushi by baggage claim
    Getting on the 1 Line
    Riding the 1 Line from the airport to downtown
    Taking the Seattle Monorail
    Arrived at Seattle Center
    Visiting Chihuly Garden and Glass
    Grumpy pictures in Chihuly Garden and Glass
    Daphney under the chandelier
    Yan and Myles in the glasshouse
    Visiting Chihuly Garden and Glass
    Viewing the exhibits in the Museum of Flight
    Viewing the exhibits in the Museum of Flight
    Viewing the exhibits in the Museum of Flight
    Viewing the exhibits in the Museum of Flight
    Jayden looking out at the planes at the Museum of Flight
    In the Control Tower at the Museum of Flight
    Viewing the exhibits in the Museum of Flight
    Viewing the exhibits in the Museum of Flight
    ABJS dinner in the Museum of Flight
    ABJS dinner in the Museum of Flight
    Jayden and Daphney in the bus, returning from the Museum of Flight
    Visiting Zhang Yang and friends
  • Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons in Oregon

    Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons in Oregon

    The Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons meeting took place in beautiful Eugene this year. One of the highlights of the meeting was Bernard Chazelle’s lecture on Bach’s life and music. This is especially fitting for this meeting, since this is where the Oregon Bach Festival takes place.

    Outside of the meeting, I joined Seth and Matt on a scenic drive out to the beach area, with a short but scenic waterfall hike along Sweet Creek. On Sabbath, I visited the Fall Creek region and parts of the Willamette National Forest. This last day was packed with driving, but I made it back just in time for the annual ABJS banquet at the Eugene Country Club.

  • Post-Meeting Sightseeing in Istanbul

    Post-Meeting Sightseeing in Istanbul

    Part 3

    I visit the church in Beyoğlu on Saturday morning, enjoying the fellowship and the lunch. I even tried out the organ in the balcony.

    Back at the Çırağan Palace, a wedding is taking place out along the Bosphorus while we party at the ABJS banquet. Ed hands the presidency over to Miguel.

    On my last full day, I take a whirlwind tour, first to Taksim, then on the Nostalgic Tram. I get tickets to the second evening dervish service. The view from Galata Tower is spectacular, and I decide to come back later after sunset. After stopping by the Dolmabahçe Palace, I travel up the Bosphorus to the Sakıp Sabancı Museum. Feza had suggested this museum because of their calligraphy and miniature drawings collection. Coming back, I also visit the Pera Museum, with their special collection of ancient weights and measures. The whirling dervish ceremony is interesting and meaningful, and I’m glad I was able to fit it into my itinerary. I end my day back at the Galata Tower for sweeping views of the city.

    Leaving Istanbul on public transportation is quite an experience. From Taksim, I take the funicular and change to the tramway. Then, it’s a transfer to the metro line which ends at the airport. Leaving at 8:30, I arrive at the airport at 10:05, much longer than I had anticipated. Then, there is high security: entering the airport terminal, passport check before the check-in line, immigration, security, gate passport check.

    My last meal in Istanbul is special: menemen and gözleme for brunch. For this meal, I spend my last bit of Turkish cash; it’s a nice way to end this trip.

    « ABJS Meeting in Istanbul
  • ABJS Meeting in Istanbul

    ABJS Meeting in Istanbul

    Part 2

    At the Çırağan Palace, we hold the first business meeting that afternoon and the welcome reception that evening. The sponsors introduce the new members.

    The next day starts the scientific session. I got my paper out of the way. Then, a group of us went on the Ottoman Visions tour to the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, and the Grand Bazaar. We return with a little time to spare before the dinner cruise on the Bosphorus.

    On Friday morning, Feza ran the book club, going over Orhan Pamuk’s book My Name is Red. Afterwards, I visit the new side of town. For dinner, I meet Talha and Ibrahim, who are students on the Asian side. Serkan had introduced us. After dinner, we enjoy the beautiful views of Istanbul from a cafe in Çamlıca.

    « Istanbul Pre-Meeting Tours
    Post-Meeting Sightseeing in Istanbul »
  • Istanbul Pre-Meeting Tours

    Istanbul Pre-Meeting Tours

    Part 1

    My first full day takes me into the heart of old town, Sultanahmet, to visit the Underground Cistern, the Hippodrome with the Egyptian Obelisk and the Column of Constantine, and the Blue Mosque. Originally, my plan was to visit the Hagia Sophia first, but the lines are too long. I cross over to Karaköy and walk back along the Galata Bridge. From Eminönü, I take the bus to Chora Church. The mosaics are strikingly detailed. From there, I visit the old city wall. At Ayvansaray, I miss the ferry by two minutes, seeing it take off. The attendant tells me that it will be another hour. Instead of that, I catch a bus back to Eminönü, where I hike up the hill to the Mosque of Süleyman the Magnificent. That is enough to call it a day.

    First thing on Wednesday morning, I get into the line for Hagia Sophia. Even a half hour before opening, the line is already wrapping around the building. This is the most spectacular building here, especially the way streaming shafts of light hit reflective gold pieces. After brunch, I walk over to Gülhane Park and also visit the Istanbul Archaeology Museum. I am saving the Topkapı Palace for the next day, since I signed up for the ABJS tour.

    ABJS Meeting in Istanbul »
  • Washington, DC

    Washington, DC

    The Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons met in Washington, DC. On this trip, I had the chance to visit Kandus and Brad Thorp and their office at the Hope Channel in the General Conference. It was very nice to visit. Another highlight was the chance to tour the monuments at night.

  • Maui

    Maui

    Last week, on Wednesday, I arrived in Maui for the Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons’ Annual Meeting. After getting the car, I picked up my parents and Alice before heading to Kapalua. We checked in at the beautiful Kapalua Villas, and our condo overlooked the golf course and ocean. That evening, it was an honor for me to become a member of the Association. I had a good time meeting everyone again.

    The next two mornings were filled with paper presentations, all of which were very good and interesting. On Thursday afternoon, my family and I visited the foothills of Haleakala, including the ‘Ulupalakua Ranch. Then, my family dropped me off at the Mendes Ranch, which lies on a bluff above the northern shore. I presented our research on Friday morning. That afternoon, we went sightseeing around Honolua Bay, returning to swim in Kapalua Bay before getting ready for the luau at the Ritz Carlton.

    My family and I woke up very early Sabbath morning with hopes to see the sunrise from Haleakala summit. We arrived about ten minutes after sunrise, but the views were beautiful, with clouds rolling over the dark mountains, in some areas churning like an angry sea. For the rest of the Sabbath, we took the Road to Hana. In the later part of the afternoon, we had time to relax and stroll through the resorts around Wailea.

    I jointed the ABJS for breakfast Sunday morning. Then, Alice and I snorkeled in Kapalua Bay before checking out and heading back to Kahului. My flights to Honolulu and then to Los Angeles were uneventful. Luckily, Alice was able to get on an earlier standby flight, and we arrived in LAX via three separate flights—all around the same time.

    Now, this week was spent trying to catch up.

  • Wyoming

    Wyoming

    A few days after getting back from Québec, I headed out to Wyoming for the Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons meeting in Jackson Hole. I arrived on Thursday and drove to Yellowstone. It had been snowing for several days, and I snow-camped Thursday night. The scenery and wildlife were spectacular. At the meetings, I made a lot of new friends and met some that I had lost contact with. I enjoyed the cordial meetings and the beautiful setting. During my stay, the sky had cleared. I had been trying to get some sunset shots of the Tetons, but the cloudless sky at dusk made for a colorless sky. Anyhow, on my layover in Salt Lake City, I finally got the colorful sunset I’ve been looking for.