I was all set to post a new Letter To My Future Husband today, and then an unexpected writing deadline popped up! I’m sure all you fellow writers can relate, right? So look for said letter tomorrow, but for now, I thought we’d have a little Family Photo fun in the form of these life […]

Nose to nose with Pattycake, a Western Lowland Gorilla, originally uploaded by ashapiro515. I highly recommend pretending it's summer so you can take summer hours and happily visit one of your favorite places. Mine is the Bronx Zoo where I was literally the only person in the vast zoo other than the zookeepers and other staff. Headed off to the Congo Exhibit for a family reunion of sorts where I camped out with my camera and watched the antics of the gorillas (my hairier relatives) who didn't seem to mind my company. In fact, based on some of the images I got, quite the contrary. Pattycake was playing with one of her teen boys when she noticed me and came over. And just looked at me. I almost didn't want to raise the camera to take a picture because of the connection I felt.

Let me guess which country is on your bucket list: the chances are it’s going to be Japan. The country of the rising sun lures tourists and nomads as one of the most unique destinations, capturing our imagination with attractions from robot restaurants to snake cafes. And then there’s the country’s rich history and unique culture that’s impossible to compete with. Think of martial arts, calligraphy and origami, geishas and tea ceremonies, as well as its popular culture with anime and video games.