Pixar Animation Studios has been known for bringing us some good animated movies. And the latest movie I like to add to the list is UP. This is PIxar’s 10th feature film and the studio’s first in 3-D. The movie came out in 2009, but I just recently saw it on DVD.
Who would think a children’s movie with the hero being 78 years old is so much fun!
It’s actually great that children’s movie have unconventional heroes that find adventure in far off places. The place they are traveling to is “Paradise Falls” in South America. It’s what I would refer to as Tepui (Tabletop) mountain in Venezula. Tepui is a magical place with high plateaus, waterfalls, misty clouds, and stones that are shaped like animals.
Back to the movie, it’s both a comedy and adventure that’s great for all ages. There is the classic theme of good guys versus bad guys. With a few modern twist including dogs with collars that speak, a mythical bird, and a funny optimistic kid.
I don’t want to repeat the whole story line here. But I think it’s a great movie that’s worth checking out (if you haven’t already). The artwork is cheerful, especially with the colorful balloons. And the storytelling is great - although some part may be predictable, there is never a dull moment!
Read the rest of this entry »
Buenos Aires, Argentina was this month’s travel highlight from the Smithsonian magazine. I thought it would be neat to make a note of some positive changes coming from this country. Especially with all the political and social unrest the country has seen in the past.
Buenos Aires translate to “fair winds” and has become a stylish and affordable place to live to for many foreigners from the U.S.
A nice day at the Plaza de Mayo in Buenos, Argentina. Photo from National Geographics.
In 1853, Argentina opened it’s door to immigrants mainly from Spain and Italy. Between 1869 and 1914, the population had grown from 1.8 million to 7.8 million. And by 1914, about 30% of Argentina’s population was foreign-born.
The current wave of foreigners moving in started in 2001 when the nation’s economy collapsed. With a favorable exchange rate, many people who travel here have decided to stay. Many young entrepreneurs have found success here as well. Some have started restaurants serving foreign food as well as an organic food deli. While others are artist and writers that found their calling in Argentina.
Read the rest of this entry »
I came upon some interesting fruit trees at the International Rare Fruit Orchard in San Jose, Ca. The place had a good variety of rare fruits, from Jujube to Brazilian guavas. You are allow to taste the fruits, but not allow to take any home with you. Unfortunately many of the fruits were not ready for picking yet.
Of those ready for picking were these Suriname Cherry. Suriname was once part of the Dutch colonies and located on the top northeast tip of South America, near French Guiana and Brazil. According to The Fruit Hunter, Brazil has the richest varieties of rare fruits on the globe.
Read the rest of this entry »
