Robyn's Travels

Watertown Savings Bank raises more than $17,000 for Relay for Life

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 17:46:34 -0500

Watertown Savings Bank raises more than $17,000 for Relay for Life:

This is what I participate in every year every since I started working at Watertown Savings Bank. This fundraising event is very important to me!

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old on Flickr.Via Flickr: Tasted...

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:18:12 -0500

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Tasted 2/21/12.

Similar to the Glenlivet, this has the feel of a white wine. Can taste the vanilla and spice. Subtle caramel and fruit, maybe apple or pear flavor. Mild aftertaste.

Again, Macallan 12 still wins this contest, but I like the Glenfiddich 12 whiskey slightly more than the Glenlivet 12.

That “was” Ben’s scarf… on...

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 21:51:26 -0500

That “was” Ben’s scarf… on Flickr.

… now it’s a new fashion accessory for Muta!

My new Nikon D7000 Battery Grip!

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 20:10:17 -0500

As I continue with my photography, I am always trying to find ways to perfect my technique or maximize my comfort from shooting and carrying gear all day. In the last few years, I never considered a high-end DX-format DSLR. Why, you ask? I assumed that the camera body itself would be too big for my hands. I also felt that the camera would be too heavy to carry for long periods of time. That was basically the reason I was hesitant to upgrade from my first DSLR, a Nikon D70, to Ben’s Nikon D300.

Ultimately, I didn’t end up getting Ben’s hand-me-down camera. I purchased the Nikon D7000 instead, staying close in size and weight to my old D70. But over time, I have built up more strength in my arms and shoulders (thanks to kung fu) to withstand a little more weight. Also, I realize that taking photos in portrait orientation can be awkward and unstable after a while with my camera. As a result, I started researching battery grips.

Battery grips are ideal for many reasons. First, they provide the photographer with an extra battery to use, therefore extending the battery life of the camera before having to recharge. Another benefit is the ability to have a side grip to better hold the camera in portrait orientation. There are vertical camera controls on the grip to achieve this. Another use is that the grip may help balance the camera better with heavier lenses. With my Tamron 70-300mm lens being over 1 1/2 lb., the grip may help with hand stability.

I compared multiple battery grips, including the Nikon MB-D11. Although this grip is made by Nikon, I could not justify the price of $220! Again, I try to be budget-minded with this expensive hobby, and try to purchase third party and used Nikon lenses. So I settled on the Vello BG-N4 Battery Grip. This is sold directly from B&H Photo, one of my favorite photography stores. The grip received positive reviews, and the vertical controls operate in the same direction as the Nikon body (many third-party grips have reverse direction for turning, which would drive me nutty). And the price - only $70! Even used Nikon grips on Craigslist aren’t that low. With B&H’s 30-day return policy, and the product’s one-year warranty, I figured I’d try it out.

And the verdict…. it’s a keeper! It takes a little getting used to, but the grip does make a difference in taking vertical shots. This will be put to the test for indoor concerts where I want to take photos in very tight, crowded spaces. The grip is tight and flush with the camera body (many complaints exist about grips being loose and having to use tape or a washer to fix the problem).

Do I have any gripes? Well, it does weight a little more, adding half a pound to the overall weight of my camera. Not a big deal, because I can manage it better compared to a couple of years ago. My other complaint is that the grip attached to my camera results in the camera taking up more space. You don’t fully realize that until you try to pack it in your camera bags. I have to position the camera differently now in my Think Tank Retrospective 5 bag, but thankfully it barely fits and I don’t have to buy the next size up in camera bag. Whew!

The coolest thing about this grip? It makes the Nikon D7000 look like a pro camera. When shooting with this combo of camera body and grip, I look like a professional photographer. Pretty sweet!

Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky on...

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 23:03:05 -0500

Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Tasted 2/18/12.

Stronger to me than the scotches I have had so far. I could feel the alcohol more here. I could experience vapors as I swirled it in my mouth and swallowed. Could even feel the vapors in my nose. I tasted the vanilla and oak flavors.

Overall, Maker’s Mark wasn’t bad, but I enjoyed the scotches I’ve sampled better.

Used the remainder of the bourbon in a latte macchiato (frothed milk and espresso). I enjoyed that more. I probably enjoy this bourbon better as a mixer.

Muta and the “Magical Water Fountain” (by...

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 08:41:39 -0500

Muta and the “Magical Water Fountain” (by robynalman)

Just floppin’ on Flickr.Via Flickr: Muta is pretty chill...

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 23:08:47 -0500

Just floppin’ on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Muta is pretty chill here, wouldn’t you say?

Glenlivet 12 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky on Flickr.Via...

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 21:58:54 -0500

Glenlivet 12 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Tasted 2/15/12. More of a white wine taste to me. No strong flavors. Easy to drink. Known as one of the cheaper scotches, a good starter drink. Prefer Macallan 12 Year, but reasonable in a pinch.

Introduction into Scotch and Bourbon Whiskey = New Experiment!

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 22:17:00 -0500

One of my experiences from my trip to Switzerland was trying certain types of alcohol for the first time. I tried both scotch and bourbon whiskey, along with cognac. My favorite was the Macallan 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whiskey. I felt in love with the taste and realized that I was missing a whole other world of liquor to enjoy. Too bad I realized afterwards that the scotch I loved typically cost $150! (Don’t think I’ll be buying that anytime soon…)

Anyway, after that trip, I realized that I want to try more types of liquor in order to figure out what I do like and what I’d pass on. Ben helped me with this by purchasing some “nips” of scotch, bourbon, cognac and tequila for my birthday, along with some whiskey glasses. Now when we go to bars, we try to sample a new drink or liquor to see how we like it. For instance, at Habanero’s Mexican Restaurant and Tequila Bar, we sampled a reposado tequila. Last night at Solea, I tried a mint julep, which has mint leaf, bourbon, sugar, and water. That was really yummy - similar to a mojito, which I love!

So far, my favorite scotch is the Macallan 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whiskey. You can taste the chocolate and orange flavors. It has a very strong flavor that I enjoy.

So here’s my game plan: as I try new types of liquor, I will try to write up a quick mention of what brand and age I sampled, whether I liked it, what it tastes like, etc. This should be a fun experiment!

Kung Fu: Improvements Achieved and Improvements Needed

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 22:57:59 -0500

In the last couple of weeks, I have been drilling into my Kung Fu classes. Despite it being tax season, I am still trying to budget my time accordingly so that I can go to class 3-4 times a week.

In the last two weeks, my Shi-Fu complimented me on two things I haven’t been able to achieve in my 1.5 years of training. Last week, I was doing side kicks on the heavy bags. Shi-fu stated that it was the first time I actually executed good side kicks, from chambering to striking. That made me feel good, especially since I’m been trying to overcome muscle strain in my right side above my hips.

Tonight, I was doing back fist/spinning back fist floor drills. Last week, I finally realized the proper way to transition foot-wise from the initial back fist into the spinning back fist. Performing it tonight, Shi-fu was actually impressed and stated that I’ve really improved on it. That made my night, especially since I had such a rough day earlier at work.

So what do I need to focus on for this week? Well, two weeks ago, I learned more of my orange belt form, Ng Lun Choy. But certain parts need cleaning up and better execution before I can learn more of the form. Last week, it was the butterfly palm into cover stance. This week, it was my transitioning from horse stance to leaning stance back to horse stance while doing chuen na (a Choy Lay Fut arm strike). My Shi-fu was having the hardest time trying to determine how I was doing it wrong, and during the second of my classes tonight, he figured out that:

1) I’m not opening my foot wide enough from horse stance to leaning stance to propel the motion, and

2) my head is not turning at the right moments, which surprisingly limits my movement. In other words, I’m delaying looking in the direction of my strike when I should be turning my head as I’m starting to switch hands to execute the next chuen na.

Now that I understand how I’m doing it wrong, now I need LOTS of practice to get it right! I’ll just be right back at it again tomorrow, of course!

Dazz Band 2/7/12, a set on Flickr.Via Flickr: On my 33rd...

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 16:22:32 -0500

Dazz Band 2/7/12, a set on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
On my 33rd birthday, Ben and I went out with some of my coworkers to see Dazz Band perform. We were enjoying all the lively funk music that night, I even stood up from my chair at the end, dancing to the music and waving my hands everywhere. What a fun show!

Love that red trumpet! on Flickr.Via Flickr: Skip Martin plays a...

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:56:03 -0500

Love that red trumpet! on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Skip Martin plays a little trumpet for us. All part of Dazz Band playing at Scullers.

Celebrating my 33rd birthday… with alcohol!, a set on...

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:15:34 -0500

Celebrating my 33rd birthday… with alcohol!, a set on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Discovering my new love of scotch while in Switzerland, Ben got creative for my 33rd birthday. He bought me two Glencairn whiskey glasses, along with an assortment of nips ranging from scotch to bourbon. What an awesome gift!

Switzerland January 2012, a set on Flickr.Via Flickr: From...

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:02:31 -0500

Switzerland January 2012, a set on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
From January 13-17, Ben and I travelled to Switzerland to visit my kung fu sister, Tabea. We spent a lot of time with her, her boyfriend Fabian, and her family as we visited the cities of Basel, Luzern, and Zermatt, and Bern. Not to mention a brief stop in Germany for Asian dinner one night! The weather was great for it being January, and the hospitality was amazing. It was truly a wonderful trip and I can’t wait to go back in a couple of years!

Zermatt on Flickr.

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:58:51 -0500

Zermatt on Flickr.

Bern at sunrise on Flickr.Via Flickr: Nothing like waking up...

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:44:01 -0500

Bern at sunrise on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Nothing like waking up extremely early to do a full day of trains and sightseeing. It’s worth it for beautiful views like this. in Bern, Switzerland.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you!”

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:28:59 -0500

“It’s a pleasure to meet you!”

Addictions from Switzerland

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:21:16 -0500

Once I finish my photos of my trip to Switzerland, I will give a full report. But until then, here are some things Ben and I got addicted to while in Switzerland:

espressos and cappuccinos (bought a Nespresso machine when we got home)
marroni (hot roasted chestnuts)
scotch (bought my first bottle when we got home, a Macallan 12 year)
chocolate
tartufi
coconut chocolate yogurt

Peacock on Flickr.Via Flickr: My visit at the Basel Zoo.

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:08:22 -0500

Peacock on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
My visit at the Basel Zoo.

Cheese Fondue Time, pt. 2 on Flickr.Via Flickr: Tabea, Fabian,...

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:01:09 -0500

Cheese Fondue Time, pt. 2 on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Tabea, Fabian, Lukas, Ben and I enjoyed a cheese fondue out on the apartment balcony. The kirsch liquor, warm cheese, and white wine “almost” made you forget that it was cold outside!