Michelangelo's David, Florence

The eyes of David, with a warning glare, looking towards Rome

With the COVID-19 situation creating a havoc in Italy, I decided to go back in time and visit the Accademia gallery. The Accademia gallery in Florence is one of the nation’s top galleries in Italy, which contains collections of Michelangelo’s Pieta, Antonio Stradivari’s cellos. More importantly it flaunts the 17 ft sculpture of David. David is a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture created by the Italian artist Michelangelo between 1501 and 1504. His story from Bible is of the underdog, who defeated a much bigger and stronger adversary.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Italians. Stay home and save lives!

Until next time,
Sagar

La Voiture Noire, Bugatti

Worlds most expensive car

Even if you’re not a car enthusiast, you must have heard of the name “Bugatti”. Over the years Bugatti built a brand known for exclusivity and elegance. Bugatti unveiled “La Voiture Noire“ (meaning the Black Car in French) earlier this March, and it is the world’s most expensive new car sold at $18.68 million. Only one will be built and it won’t be ready for another 2 1/2 years. The car pays homage to the art deco design of the Type 57SC Atlantic, one of the most coveted classic cars in the world. Designed in 1934 by Jean Bugatti, eldest son of company founder Ettore Bugatti, only four were made. Three are accounted for while the fourth one, which was lost in World War II, would be valued at well over $100 million if found today. We were fortunate enough to spot this one at the Pebble beach last weekend.

La Voiture Noire at Pebble Beach, California

Till next time,

Sagar

Navy Pier, Chicago

Navy Pier at night

Navy Pier is a fantastic place to spend time when you’re in Chicago. It’s just a 20 minute walk from downtown, and has access to ton of restaurants and shops. It also has an IMAX inside. Don’t miss out Giordano’s Pizza when you’re here, for the Chicago special deep dish pizza. It’s a good idea, to put your names down for the pizza spot and explore the Navy Pier until your number is called, as it typically takes two hours to get a table. The Centennial Wheel is a great way to experience Chicago’s architecture.

Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier

Until next time,
Sagar

Architecture River Cruise, Chicago

Chicago river cruise on a cloudy day

The Chicago river runs through the entire city connecting Lake Michigan to Mississippi river basin. The architecture cruise provides a fantastic way to experience the city. The skyscrapers in Chicago are unique compared to any other city in the United States, because you’ll see a variety of architectures (beginning from 1800s to 2000s). Top off your visit with the exhibits located in the Chicago gallery, which is walkable from the cruise stop. The exhibits display models of some of the tallest buildings in the world and compare Chicago’s Willis tower with them. They also have a display of the city model of Chicago which is breathtaking.

Until next time,

Sagar

Cherry Blossom Festival, Washington D.C

A view of Jefferson Memorial from Tidal Basin

We visited the capital city this weekend to checkout the cherry blossom festival. We were fortunate to visit around the peek bloom time. The city was full of color. The Tidal basin area was packed with crowd from all over the country. The Cherry blossom festival represents the friendship between United States and Japan, and in-fact the trees were gifted to the US by Japanese Mayor in 1912.

Cherry Blossom with Washington Monument in the background

Besides Japan, the next best thing to experiencing the cherry blossom festival would be checking out Washington DC. If you’re visiting the tidal basin area, the national mall and the Smithsonian museums are close by too!

Cherry blossom in peak bloom

Hope you enjoy the pictures. Till next time,

Sagar

The French Laundry, Napa valley

The French Laundry at sunset

We were in Napa valley this weekend, and we were privileged to find a reservation at “The French Laundry” (TFL). If you haven’t heard of this restaurant, it’s a three Michelin star restaurant run by chef Thomas Keller. Starting with the host, the whole dinner experience was world class. We weren’t surprised why this restaurant was voted the best restaurant in the world in 2003, and 2004. The taste of each course was very unique and our taste buds lit up, upon serving. We got a chance to visit the kitchen later that evening and it was incredible. The kitchen was very well organized and everyone working there were on the same page. This place is a true symbol of perfection, kudos to Chef Keller. If you’re planning a trip to Napa valley, you definitely need to make a reservation at TFL.

Till next time,

Sagar

Casa Batlló, Barcelona

A peek inside Gaudi’s Casa Batlló

The city of Barcelona is truly Gaudi’s Barcelona. Antonio Gaudi left his mark everywhere on this beautiful city. One of his masterpieces among many is Casa Batlló. This place was renovated by Gaudi in 1904 and the architecture was based on human bones, hence the local name Casa dels ossos (House of Bones). We did an augmented reality tour of the building and it was an incredible experience. Wishing everyone Happy thanksgiving!

With love,

Sagar

Tower bridge, London

Sunset at Tower Bridge, London

London is an amazing city, filled with soccer (a.k.a football) frenetics, Harry Potter world, and great restaurants. The week before we landed, the city was hit by a snowstorm and most parts of the city were not accessible. Thankfully, the sun came out on the day we landed. A trip to London is incomplete without a trip to the tower bridge. Don’t miss out the crown jewels (which contains the Koh-I-Noor diamond) at the tower of london, when you visit the tower bridge.

Till next time,
Sagar

US Open Tennis '18

Arthur Ashe stadium, east entrance

The US Open is the biggest festival of tennis that happens in the US. We were lucky enough to get a chance to watch the round of 16 games this labor day. Located in Flushing, New York, the Arthur Ashe stadium boasts some of the best state of the art tennis facilities in the country. The luxury suites offer a perfect spot to watch the game, considering the crazy hot and humid conditions in New York. The suite offers air-conditioning as well as food and drinks, along with a great vantage point to watch the game.

Luxury suites at the Arthur Ashe stadium

The round of 16 game between Nadal and Basilashvili was very entertaining. Basilashvili, although an underdog, provided great competition. In the end, the greatness of Nadal prevailed and he took the game in 4 sets.

Nadal vs Basilashvili, round of 16 at the US Open

I packed my zoom lens and put it to action without fail.

Rafael Nadal in action

Forehand

Game script

Nadal's game play was solid, he was defensively strong, his forehand and backhand are very strong as well. Basilashvili had a never say die attitude and came back to take the third set, after Nadal winning the first two sets comfortably. Nadal was frustrated when he lost the third set as the heat was taking a toll on him. He wanted to close out the game in three sets and rest for the next round. Both guys took a ten minute shower break after the third set and came back fresh to compete in the fourth.

After the game, we stepped out of the Arthur Ashe stadium, to grab lunch. There were plenty of good food options available. On our way back to the next game, we spotted Nadal being interviewed by television.

Nadal at the post match interview

The next game at the Arthur Ashe was pretty exciting too. It was the women's round of 16 game which took place between Serena Williams and Kanepi (the lady who defeated number 1 seed Simona in the first round). It was a thrilling game that Serena won in three sets.

Serena Williams in action at the round of 16, US Open

Overall, watching the US Open live was an incredible experience. If you're a tennis fan, I highly recommend checking out the US Open if you get an opportunity.

Till next time,
Sagar

Mercati di Rialto, Venice

Rialto market

Located near the landmark and arched Rialto Bridge, this busy daily market stands in the commercial center of the city alongside the city’s famed Grand Canal. Venetian locals and international tourists alike frequent this centuries-old market for groceries, souvenirs, luxury goods. When you're in Venice, be sure to check this out.

Until next time,
Sagar

Leaning tower of Pisa

Tower of Pisa

Located close to the city of Florence, Pisa is a must visit if you have a day to spare. It's a small city that hosts the miracle of architectures. The tower's tilt started in 12th century. It was stabilized later in the 20th century. 

Till next time,

Sagar

Gondola ride & Serenade, Venice

Beautiful winter morning in Venice

A visit to the floating city is incomplete without the gondola ride and serenade. We cruised across the small waterways into the Grand canal where we saw Peggy Guggenheim collection museum on the side. The highlight of the ride was one of the classic Italian romantic melody played by the musician at the back of the ride. We were thankful the weather permitted us to do the ride as per schedule!

Till next time,

Sagar

The Louvre, Paris

Night view of Louvre pyramid

For many people all over the world, a visit to the Louvre is a major bucket list item during a trip to Paris. The most-visited museum in the world is also one of the largest—the total length of the facade measures nearly two miles—and one of the richest in artistic treasures (the Louvre exhibits 38,000 works and has an additional 422,000 in storage). Louis XIV was the last king to use the Louvre as a royal residence—he moved his court to Versailles in 1682. In 1793, during the French Revolution, the Musée Central des Arts opened to the public in the Grande Galerie. Napoleon Bonaparte and Napoleon III both added to the Louvre, enhancing their own prestige. It wasn’t until 1993, however, that the whole building was used as a museum for the first time. The Mona Lisa may be the Louvre’s most famous painting, but many people don’t realize that the museum’s largest painting is actually in the same room. The Wedding Feast at Cana by Venetian Renaissance master Veronese is sometimes mistaken for the Last Supper, but actually depicts Christ’s first miracle of transforming water to wine. Don't forget to checkout my video compilation of Paris below.

Until next time,

Sagar

Opera Garnier, Paris

Opera Garnier

When in Paris, make sure you check out Opera Garnier (a.k.a Palais Garnier), named after it's architect Charles Garnier. The sense of grandiose you get once you enter the theater is incredible. I must commend how well this 1875 theater is maintained till date. The 2400 sqft ceiling painted on fresco by Chagall in 1964 must not be missed. 

Grand entrance of the Opera

Till next time,

Sagar

City of Lights!

Sunset in Paris

I was in Paris last month and witnessed a scintillating sunset. People always asked me why I was visiting Paris in winter? I think people should ask themselves why not visit Paris in winter? It's just beautiful no matter what time of the year you visit. It exhibits different personality in February than it does in August. I was freezing up on the Tour Montparnasse to get this shot, but it was well worth it. I must thank my wife for pushing me and sticking around with me in freezing temperature to get this shot. 

Till next time,

Sagar

Vancouver, British Columbia

Downtown Vancouver

This week, I got a chance to return to one of my favorite cities of Northwest. Located in British Columbia province of Canada, Vancouver is one of the top cities of the world that offers little bit of everything. If you ask for nature, it offers you the snow capped peaks of Mount Baker. If you ask, for night life, it charms you with its downtown. Here's one of my favorite pictures from the trip.

Till next time,

Sagar

Northstar California Resort, Truckee

Northstar on Christmas day!

Hi everyone,

I got a chance to visit one of the top ski resorts near Tahoe for Christmas, Northstar. It's an incredible place to visit in winter, specially if you're into skiing/snowboarding. Wishing you a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

Till next time,
Sagar

Ka'anapali beach, Maui

Ka'anapali coastal retreat

Last month, I got a chance to visit one of the islands in Hawaii, Maui. I was looking to get away from the busy bay area life for a week and relax/recharge, and Maui did precisely that. It has a very laid back environment and offered great food and wine. If you're into playing golf, some of the golf courses right by the beach are fantastic. In the picture you'll see the Hyatt Regency right by the Ka'anapali beach. You can also see corals underneath the clear ocean water in the picture too! The coast line is pretty busy with great resorts located side by side. A one mile walk on the coast towards north of the island would take you to a shopping mall right by the beach.

Mahalo,
Sagar 

Denali National Park (Part 2), Alaska

Grizzly bear

A trip to Denali National Park is incomplete without taking the shuttle to Kantishna. I got to see wildlife up close on this ride, and I could never forget my first encounter with a grizzly bear. It was incredible. The bus driver stopped all of a sudden and made a gesture to take a peek towards the left. I rolled down my window and put my zoom lens to good use. After few minutes, the grizzly approached the bus and heard the sound of my shutter and started walking towards my side of the bus. I had to roll down my window and get back to being silent. Did you spot any grizzly bears before? If yes, let me know when and where in the comments below?

With love,

Sagar

Talkeetna, Alaska

Talkeetna Air Taxi

Driving north from Anchorage to Denali, I stumbled across a small town called Talkeetna. We stayed the night there, to get some amazing pizza and beer and had a great time. But the highlight of my Alaska trip was definetly flying the Talkeetna Air Taxi. Here's a click through my window using my wide angle lens. Hope you like it!

Till next time,
Sagar