trucker's atlas/father's atlas

Memory lane is a two-lane highway.

For five years, my father and I took roadtrips, trailing the asphalt in different corners of the country. Dotting around New England seeing college towns; moving from the beaches of my native south Florida to the mountains of North Carolina; down the whole Oregon coast; from my birthplace, St. Paul, Minnesota to Colorado; then from Colorado to Washington state.

We loved the American West the best, and we still do. And we’ll always remember the music too.

One song guides me back to the places, the western landscapes, bleak and lush. I want you to listen and see what I saw.

I’m going to Colorado

to unload my head…

Flatirons Vista, Colorado

This truckers atlas roads the ways,

The freeways and highways don’t know

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

The buzz from the bird on my dash,

Road locomotive phone

Badlands National Park, South Dakota

I don’t feel and I feel great I sold my atlas by the freight stairs

Colorado River, Colorado

I do lines and I crossed roads I crossed the lines of all the great state roads

Moab, Utah

I’m going up, going over to Montana

Three Forks, Montana

You got yourself a trucker’s atlas

You knew you were all hot

Arches National Park, Utah

Well, maybe you’ll go and blow a gasket

You start at the Northwest corner

Haystack Rock, Canon Beach, Oregon

Go down through California

Northern California

Beeline, you might drive three days

Three nights to the tip of Florida.

All images were taken by me.

The Virtual Travel Hop: From NYC to Sardegna and Beyond

When my family visited Florence’s Uffizi Gallery, we missed Botticelli’s Birth of Venus. It was a hot summer afternoon, and we chose to wander the gallery ourselves. We had a map, and we spent hours marveling at the gallery’s statues and frescos.

But, I’ll admit that I’ve never liked tours. Like my parents, I’ve always preferred to explore on my own. As such, it wasn’t until we entered the museum’s gift shop that we realized we’d missed Botticelli’s work. We laughed. We hadn’t intended to miss viewing one of the most famous paintings in the world, but we’d nonetheless had a great afternoon. And so we left the museum, and trekked back to our hotel.

A few years later, I found myself wanting to know more about art, from a formal perspective. And so when I ranked my 2020 Spring Quarter classes, I listed 19th Century French Art in the Art Institute of Chicago first. Of course, this class isn’t about Italian Renaissance art. But, I’ve spent years dragging my family to art galleries, and I wanted to learn to think better about the works that I’m often so aesthetically drawn to. More than that, I wanted an excuse to take the “L” to the AIC twice a week. I figured I’d write my MODA articles from a bench in the European Painting and Sculpture Galleries.

The Art Institute of Chicago

I now find myself enrolled in the art history course I’d so wanted. However, while we plan to someday travel to the AIC in person, the class is nonetheless taught over Zoom. We often talk in class about the day we’ll all gather in person - and view the works with our own eyes. But, for the meantime, my art travels (and travels in general) have been suspended.

However, while it’s not nearly equivalent to wandering an art gallery or walking off the tarmac in a new city, I’ve been increasingly studying the instagram feeds of some of my favorite content creators. And I’ve found myself enjoying these “virtual travels.” The photos are a reminder of all the places I someday hope to visit. And while instagram photos are obviously quite different from Botticelli’s paintwork, they nonetheless represent their own genre of artistry. There is something captivating about a single photo, so expertly framed and edited, that it can stand alone as its own story. And I find myself increasingly enjoying these photo stories. They allow me to temporarily travel beyond Columbus, Ohio. And they act as a reminder of the impact that both art and travel can have on individual lives - even from afar.

As such, what follows is a virtual itinerary - from NYC to Sardegna - of some of my favorite Instagram feeds.

• NYC and Beyond, from the lens of Chloe Chung: @chloejg

From French onion soup cravings to brunch spots, lots of coffee, and walking in the rain, Chloe is a proud New Yorker who documents her explorations around the Big Apple. One of my favorite aspects of her feed is that she captures the city’s grit, without losing a sense of its simultaneous warmth. And studying her feed always makes me want to pull on my boots and head to a local coffee shop.

• Lisbon and Beyond, from the lens of AI Scientist and Fine Art Photographer Sejkko: @sejkko

This has been one of my favorite feeds for years. Simultaneously whimsical and haunting, Sejkko’s portrayals of lonely houses always make me want to write. I find myself wondering about the possible inhabitants of these fictitious, yet all-too-real, creations. More than that, the colors of Sejkko’s photos make me want taffy.

As Sejkko writes himself, these “lonely houses were a way to keep the child in me, and the weird side of myself at peace…” And while Sejkko just recently decided that it is time to move on from these house portraits, he plans to continue his feed. The first photo in the gallery (below, top left), is representative of Sejkko’s transition to new subjects: “This image represents a bit of a transition. I am inside one of those [lonely] houses looking beyond the sun, wondering about worlds that could exist.” Needless to say, I’m excited to see where Sejkko’s future endeavors lead.

• The English Countryside and Beyond, from the Lens of Photographer and Book Connoisseur Carolyn: @theslowtraveler

With her dog Lenny by her side, Carolyn explores everything from old bookstores, to castles and the Lake District. And while her photos are themselves beautiful, I also enjoy her captions. She’s a careful and honest observer, who finds joy in observing her everyday life. From watching ducks in an English garden, to enjoying her own garden and laughing about Lenny’s exploits, she consistently provides little vignettes of life in the English countryside. (She also dresses Lenny stylishly, for the holidays.) And she just started a monthly women’s book club, @theslowtravelerbookclub, to discuss novels with her community of fans.

• CA, from the Lens of Ally Hansen: @allygrammin

As Ally writes in her bio, she’s “probably waiting in line for tacos.” And her feed is an homage to all things retro and summery. From photographing old road signs and haciendas, to Mexican food, midcentury homes, and hiking trails, her feed makes me want to travel to somewhere warm (ideally with tacos).

• Morocco, Egypt, and Beyond, from the Lens of Emilie: @emilielula

Emilie’s captions are short and mysterious, and her photos are equally sparse. But they don’t need explanation. Her photos often include camels, books, and lots of sand. And the mysteriousness of her feed only makes me more excited to someday explore far flung regions of the globe.

• Italy and Beyond, from the Lens of Creative Director and Photographer Simone Bramante: @brahmino

Simone is a prolific photographer, with well over one thousand images in his feed. And it’s clear from studying his brightly-colored photographs that each image is a finalized project and story. As Simone writes in his bio, he’s all about aesthetics, story, and message. And during these uncertain times, he’s focusing upon his own surroundings in Italy. Rather than engage in mass tourism, Simone “invite[s] everyone to get to know their territory, their valleys, preferably by helping the economy of small businesses, because they often know how to stay in balance with their own environment.” And while his photos feature regions from all over the globe, he has increasingly begun to depict the Italian countryside.

Click here, for thumbnail image source. The image was taken by @brahmino and features Sardegna, Capo Comino.

Spring Break Ideas for Every Budget

It’s that time of the year where we’re all tired of winter quarter and just looking forward to sunnier, less stressful days ahead. If you’re like me, maybe you’ve started focusing on spring break plans as a form of escapism. Unsure of what to do for spring break? Whether you’re fortunate enough to be able to afford an extravagant vacation abroad or on a super low budget, I’ve got you covered.

*Disclaimer: I have not visited most of these cities in person, but I spend way too much time planning my future vacations, so I feel somewhat qualified to provide travel recommendations.

Chicago Staycation

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Just because you’re not leaving Chicago for spring break, that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun! Chicago is a large, diverse city with so much to offer, and it can be hard to explore it properly during school when you only have time for the occasional meal with friends. Take this opportunity to try out that new dessert place you’ve been meaning to explore, relax at a new park, or visit a neighborhood you’ve never been to before. There are also plenty of seasonal events that you can go to, such as the annual Orchid Show at the Chicago Botanic Garden!

Indiana Dunes

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If you’re really itching to get out of Chicago but don’t want to splurge on plane tickets, there are plenty of great places that are easily accessible by train! Particularly notable are the Indiana Dunes, which you can get to directly from campus via the Metra. Soak up some nature and enjoy being able to leave Illinois for the price of only a cheap train ticket!

Milwaukee

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Also easily accessible by train, Milwaukee is great if you want to explore a new city over spring break! Check out the many great food options and museums.

Los Angeles

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Yes, I am biased because I’m from the LA area, but LA is warm and pretty, and what more can you ask for during spring break? It was 85 degrees when I went last year during spring break, and it was mindblowing after three months of Chicago winter.

San Francisco

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It’s got good seafood, photo ops (did you even visit San Francisco if you didn’t post a picture with the Golden Gate Bridge or Full House street?), and the most beautiful, colorful buildings.

New Orleans

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Some of the most delicious and unique food in the US with the added benefits of good music and pretty architecture. Plus, let’s be real, we’ve all wanted to visit New Orleans after watching The Princess and the Frog.

Vancouver

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For some reason, it has been a personal dream of mine to visit Vancouver. I’ve had Vancouver trips canceled on me no less than five times over the past few years, so this is a particularly touchy subject, but in the many travel itineraries I’ve created before these heartbreaking cancellations, I’ve found that Vancouver is home to many gorgeous nature reserves and charming neighborhoods.

Las Vegas

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I promise Vegas is still fun even if you’re under 21! Sometimes it’s nice to stay in a fancy hotel for a few days, and Vegas hotels are full of glamorous decorations and cute shops. There are also a lot of great buffets and shows at your disposal.

Paris

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When I checked last week, flights to Paris were really cheap compared to other international flights during spring break, so if you’re looking to get out of the country, this is your chance.

Happy travels!

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In-Flight Essentials For Your Holiday Travels

As the holidays are quickly approaching, so is the busiest travel time of the year. Traveling can be stressful, but it’s a lot easier when you know exactly what you need to bring for a smooth flight. Here are the 6 essentials guaranteed to be in my carry-on this season:

1. Vitamin C

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This is probably the most important thing on my list. No matter how healthy I would feel before a flight, I always seemed to get a cold the next day; the recycled air and the low levels of humidity make everyone more susceptible to illness. But when I started taking Vitamin C on the plane, this problem stopped. I used to use the powder form, but it’s super impractical to pour powder into the small opening of a water bottle as the plane is taking off and everything in front of you starts flying backwards at you. So now I just pop these dissolvable tablets in my bottle and the whole affair is over very quickly. I like the Airborne kind because the light citrus flavor isn’t too overpowering.

2. Eye cream

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Let’s be honest: no one is ever looking their best coming off a flight, but this It Cosmetics eye cream can mitigate that disheveled, “how did I even get here” look ever-so-slightly. It’s hydrating, de-puffing, and brightening. Also, I always get a certain sense of pride when I put on eye cream— like, for once, I’m doing something that will actually benefit me in the future.

3. Disinfecting Wipes

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I’m not a germaphobe, but I won’t lie, when people are coughing and sniffling in close proximity to me, I get a little paranoid. And yeah, maybe I even give them some side-eye from time to time. Either way, I always make sure to have cleaning wipes on me. I’ve seen people (@ my dad) go so far as to wipe down their seats and entire surroundings, but I haven’t reached that stage yet— I stick to using them on my face, hands, and arms. Because I use them on my skin, I like these gentle Johnson’s wipes. They kill 95% of germs, while still being sensitive enough for a baby’s skin.

4. Skin Mist

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My skin can get very dry on the plane, but I’m just not the kind of person who can whip out a hydrating sheet mask and not feel uncomfortable with the looks I’d get. I wish I could be, but I’m not. This Tatcha Dewy Skin Mist is a good compromise— it’s extremely moisturizing and the spritzing is acceptably discreet. It feels soothing on the skin and gives a really nice glow, too. However, because it’s a fairly rich formula, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it for oilier skin types.

5. Lip Treatment

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Again, it’s super dry on planes. And when you’re dehydrated, so are your lips. This is technically an overnight lip mask, but I use it as a regular balm and it works better than any lip product I’ve ever tried. It comes in Original, Vanilla, Apple Lime, and two newly released limited-edition flavors: Mint Chocolate and Sweet Candy. I’ve tried the Original, Vanilla, and Mint Chocolate, and they all work equally well, but my favorite right now is the Vanilla flavor. They all go on clear and give your lips that shiny, glazed donut effect. Also, look how cute the colors are!!

6. Work

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I find planes one of the best places to get work done. If you’re a procrastinator like I am, you know that it’s easy to find distractions in pretty much any situation. When you’re on a plane, these distractions are as limited as they could possibly be. First of all, the internet can be spotty on airplanes so your streaming options are limited. And you can’t go anywhere, so it’s not like you can just leave the room and pretend your work doesn’t exist. So if you bring work, you’re basically trapped in your seat with it. Also, there’s the added pressure of getting your work done before you land so you don’t have to do it during your holiday. Or if you’re returning, your in-flight productivity is boosted by that panicky feeling of having gotten nothing done your entire trip.

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Los Angeles is for Living

There are some Los Angeles privileges that locals take for granted. Having eight Brandy Melville stores when the rest of America has six altogether? Going to Disneyland on a school night? I’ve heard that some people do that. And seeing Jennifer Aniston shopping at Beverly Hills? Maybe if you know the right places.

I’ve lived in the Greater Los Angeles metropolis for about eight years in total. At this point, I’m past hoping that one day while I'm window shopping, the casting director of Mulan will point dramatically at me, exclaiming, “That’s her! I’ve found our next Girl Number 3!” In any case, I’m not well-versed in many of the customs (like surfing or beach-tanning), but I feel like I know the local scene well enough to give you a quick tour of my favorite spots in the city and beyond!

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Because stores are spread out in the suburbs, everyone drives around the neighborhood for basic errands, so some days seem languid and even a little boring. But once you settle in, with every new restaurant opening in the local mall, and every blockbuster that was produced by those guys down at Universal Studios, you feel like you are on the edge of the times—the front row seat of an exciting ride.

Hop on! Have a slice of the real Los Angeles.

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Local Insights and Tips

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1. The sun lives up to its reputation. LA's dry, baking heat warms the system from within, like a thermos of hot soup. Interestingly, I’ve noticed many times that the shades under trees or buildings are cool, and sometimes even chilly.

2. The dress code is casual, with some athletic and bohemian influences. I’ve seen girls go on shopping sprees at brands like Brandy Melville (beachy), Urban Outfitters (vintage), and Lululemon (sporty). For shoes, younger people check in at Converse, Toms, and Vans stores. Current trends favor Adidas' Stan Smith and Superstar sneakers. At some point, almost every girl has gotten a colored plastic bottle of fruity mist from Pink.

3. The San Gabriel Mountains are always to the north. I use them as a compass.

4. A plethora of Spanish street names reflects the city's history as a colonial Mexican town. The place is rich with Mexican cultural delights, from pork carnitas and authentic tamales to English/Spanish signs in stores. It’s popular to learn Spanish here in schools, and only then did I begin to appreciate the beauty of Bonita Street and El Dorado Avenue.

5. Some people here were raised on boba. I think it’s the underage equivalent of alcohol—you get boba as a social custom and opportunity to meet up with friends. The queue outside the renowned Half & Half Tea Express is slightly ridiculous, but if you get a chance, try the caramel milk tea + egg pudding.

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Cali Style

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Since its founding in 1970, Brandy Melville has been carefully crafting and idealizing the Californian cosmopolitan girl's simplistic lifestyle. The Brandy Girl wears her hair down in beachy waves, and is always seen with a relaxed, lazy smile. She never leaves the house unless she's wearing either of the following: corduroy A-line skirts, cropped pastel sweaters, logo hoodies, striped trousers, vintage jeans, strappy tanks, floral shorts, simple layered jewelry, and baseball caps. Brandy's visual marketing is a catalogue of faded July photos glimmering with all-American vibes. We're really just buying the effortless, carefree attitude that has a Brandy Melville price tag on it.

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Where to Eat

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1. Din Tai Fung - Taiwan cuisine, made-to-order xiao long bao (mini steamed buns), $11-$30/person. Must-Haves: Soy Noodle Salad, Wood Ear Mushrooms in a Vinegar Dressing, House Beef Soup, Sweet & Sour Spare Ribs, Sticky Rice & Pork Shao Mai, Truffle & Pork Xiao Long Bao, Vegetarian Noodle Soup, Sticky Rice Wrap w/ Pork, Red Bean Bun.

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2. Souplantation - Buffet style, vegetarian-themed, $9.59/person (lunch), $11.59/person (dinner). Must-Haves: Wonton Happiness salad, Big Chunk Chicken Noodle soup, Buttermilk Cornbread, focaccia, ice cream.

3. In-N-Out - Californian-style hamburgers, < $10/person. Must-Haves: Combo #2 with Cheeseburger + Fries + Vanilla Shake.

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4. There is a definite bakery culture here! Many people seem to incorporate doughnuts into their journeys to and from work, often preferring to stop by a Dunkin' Donuts. Some destinations to pick up daily dough: JJ Bakery, Some Crust Bakery, 85°C Bakery Cafe.

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Spotlight on Decanter Magazine

We here at the MODA blog like to decode and debunk what's trendy, and mostly it's just luck, or being in the right place at the right time. However, I'm naturally competitive, so I'm gonna try to one-up that. I think it has to do with being in the right place with the right wine.

As college students, many of us understand the struggle with wine. On a student budget we often resort to Franzia or Three Buck Chuck. To be fair there's nothing wrong with that and, in fact, I'm an ardent lover of Three Buck Chuck and would encourage everyone to capitalise on its low price. But what do we do when we're networking, or at dinner with a friend's unexpectedly fancy parents? What if they ask as about wine?

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Okay, so I understand how this topic isn't necessarily relatable. But knowing a bit about wine pays off. Not only can you use your knowledge to impress Real Adults, but also to improve your own life — even if that just means knowing which flavour of Franzia will pair best with your instant ramen.

So where do we start? Most kids in the US aren't raised around wine, and even if they are, their perceptions are usually limited to their parents' tastes. I fall into the second category, but as you can see I'm super passionate about it. So I decided to subscribe to Decanter magazine.

Articles I've enjoyed (clockwise from top left): pairing with barbecue, great value rosé, wine and charcuterie, pairing wine and chocolate.

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Decanter is a British magazine affiliated with TimeInc., a company that manages brands such as Homes and Gardens, and MarieClaire UK. They're known for reviewing and discussing wine, but what I appreciate most about Decanter are their sections dedicated to helping you find your feet in the wine world. From the basic tasting notes, to quizzes on wine production, and even recommending what to pair with mooncakes during the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, Decanter teaches you everything you want (and didn't know you want) to know. Moreover, Decanter also puts a fair emphasis on phenomenal wines that are affordable too. So even though we might not have the same selection as in the UK, you can at least get a decent idea of what's in your price range.

Once you cross that river, the whole world of wine awaits.

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Happy tasting!

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Decanter Magazine's Website

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Feeds to Follow: Paris in Four Months

Paris based fashion photographer Carin Olsson runs a fashion, travel and photography blog and Instagram account that documents her adventures around the world. Whether she's collaborating with brands like Dior on their latest beauty campaign, attending Paris Fashion Week or shooting in the most beautiful and remote locations, Carin has made a name for herself in the fashion industry for her dreamy, beautifully staged photographs.

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Carin's blog also doubles as a wonderful guidebook for some of the most beautiful cities in the world. Whether she's sharing with followers her favorite café in Paris, stopping by the best London boutiques or flying back home to Stockholm for the weekend, a quick scroll through Paris in Four Months provides readers with an incomparable glimpse into the best and brightest cities around the world have to offer!

Memories from last week in Antibes and Cannes for the film festival ✨

12.2k Likes, 135 Comments - Carin Olsson (@parisinfourmonths) on Instagram: "Memories from last week in Antibes and Cannes for the film festival ✨"

So out of my comfort zone while filming together with @Diorparfums in the middle of a field (in between the legs of the cameraman 😂) in the South of France last week and I can't wait to see the final result of what this incredible team created! Thank you for having me be a part of this beautiful story 💛 #missdiorforlove

8,157 Likes, 75 Comments - Carin Olsson (@parisinfourmonths) on Instagram: "So out of my comfort zone while filming together with @Diorparfums in the middle of a field (in..."

Carin's blog, Paris in Four Months, documents her most exciting adventures, taking readers everywhere from the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic in New York City to the Chanel in Cuba show several seasons back. Her blog features a colorful collage detailing her outfits, behind-the-scenes footage of fashion shows, racks upon racks of couture at designer showings, and more! Check out Paris in Four Months to keep up with Carin's latest adventures!

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Hidden Treasures in Woodlawn

You've covered Hyde Park, explored downtown, blew past Chinatown... but a Chicago neighborhood you could have missed in your adventures may have been right in front of you. The neighborhood of Woodlawn–bordered by Lake Michigan to the east, 60th Street to the north, Martin Luther King Drive to the west, and 67th Street to the south–is steeped in culture and life that oozes through every corner of the region. Although it has a dangerous reputation, the friendly nature of Woodlawn natives creates a welcoming and exciting new environment to venture into. Here are a few hotspots to check out!

Greenline Coffee

Located on 61st and S. Eberhart Avenue, this swanky café is now a cultural intersection for everything Woodlawn has to offer. The vibrant atmosphere provides delicately crafted food with hand-made drinks that are one of a kind. The meeting rooms offer local businesses and groups space to discuss and meet up in a new location. This location encourages employment through local residents, and offers an open space for Woodlawn residents to study, learn, and grow.

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Harold's Chicken Shack on 64th Street

You may know Harold's on 53rd Street, but the best Harold's in our area has to be in the heart of the Woodlawn community on 64th and S. Cottage Grove Avenue! Its hole-in-the-wall location allows it to be treasured by those aware of its presence, however the smell of the freshly-made chicken permeates through the doors and entices you to come inside. The food is to-die-for, and its small location is good for a small outing or a quick carry-out option!

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Prosperity House

This institution is located in a homey environment that offers transitional housing and other support services for homeless women and male veterans. The employees work tirelessly and diligently to offer the best support for those who come through the House, many of whom end up becoming successful and crediting Prosperity House to their success. Meeting the founder Beverly Davis and hearing all the amazing work she has done has lifted my spirits and made me look forward to offering my help in any way possible to those who truly need it. For more information about how to get involved, visit their website here.

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Mississippi-Chicago Blues Historical Museum

This store has some of the great hits of music that Chicago is known for–the blues! The wide collection of choices this location offers lets you explore the versatile styles of blues and jazz, while admiring the fitting decor. Johnny Twist–the elusive bluesman legend who has worked with many of the greats from Tina Turner to Elmore James–continues to work here and cultivate his love of blues.  

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Chitown Spring Break Bucket List: Pt. 2

If you are like me, the short break doesn't warrant a trip all the way back home. Whereas I get to spend the first half of break doing UCSC's Alternative Spring Break Program (go check it out it's great), I still have the second half open to the Windy City. What is there to do for a college student in the big city? Here are 5 things that are worth checking out:

1) The Hampton Social for a nice brunch/lunch

If you are looking for the perfect place to take Instagram-worthy and aesthetically-pleasing photos, you have found it! This gorgeous location up North has a lovely selection of meat, seafood, drinks, and everything in between that is sure to crave your hunger while you admire the captivating lights and decor of the restaurant.

My friend and me at brunch this past week! 

2) Naperville Riverwalk for a lovely stroll

This beautiful riverwalk has it all - a nice playground to reminisce on your childhood, a bridge that cross over the water, and many ducks to wave at. Trailing from the bridge is downtown Naperville filled with window shops and cute restaurant to grab a bite at!

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3) Garfield Park Observatory to just wander

As one of the largest and most beloved conservatories in the nation, Garfield Park Observatory will take your breath away. Often referenced as "landscape art under glass", walk around the two acres full of life and tropical temperatures to get away from the brisk weather that is notorious in Chicago!

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4) Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary to see some birds and capture a beautiful landscape

Ranked number one by Illinois Birders Exchange Thoughts, this is Chicago's most diverse bird area with 329 species documented. Gather to bird-watch, but make sure to take time to appreciate the beautiful view of the city. 

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5) Blue Chicago to enjoy some live music

If you are itchy to get some soulful tunes and something Chicago is known for, Blue Chicago is the way to go. Not far from Magnificient Mile, this swanky place is a hot spot that usually brings female vocalists that can really sing the blues. The cover is usually $8-10, well worth the fantastic blues!

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