RiSE FESTiVAL

I have been kicking myself since 2011. 

Asia is known for revolutionary Lantern Festivals, such as those seen in the movie, Tangled. 

I departed Taiwan in 2011, and never had the chance to embark in this glorious tradition.

During these past few years of searching and searching, Google finally delivered great news.

On September 15, 2014, I bought a ticket to the RiSE festival.

The RiSE festival took place on a Lake Bed, in the Mojave Desert.

RiSE is a lantern festival dedicated to making dreams come true, one lantern at a time.

The director has been trying to make this happen for many years in the United States, and has taken

many hints from those lantern festivals he has participated in Thailand. After many years 

of hard work and dedication, he made it happen. This was the first lantern 

festival launch held in the United States - I am so blessed to have been part of such a 

moving, spiritual and emotional experience. 

People trickled in, little by little, to find themselves a deliciously delightful yoga mat, which we sat on, and some paper lanterns we could write down dreams, wishes or struggles #togetherwerise

We were shocked to know that over 10,000 people participated in this event.

 Here we all are, in the middle of nowhere, in a dry desert. But, honestly

this was the best place I could have been, hands down. 

 We made a pit stop at SWIG - St. George

(sadly, I could not indulge.. blast you gluten!)

 I am half Asian, I am sure of it.

HOT 'N JUICY

 Adam Richman (Man vs. Food on the Food Channel) 

pounded down some serious seafood at this joint.

Julie convinced me of its' greatness. I am a foodie by nature, 

(and I always trust the Food Network)

 so in complete acquiescence, I stayed, ate and loved.

Oh, Las Vegas. But more importantly, CHINATOWN.

RiSE FESTiVAL - Mojave Desert

 can you see RiSE?

(cute little yoga mat, pens and an itinerary.. I always love a good itinerary)

Time to write on our lanterns... almost time to launch...

Fireworks to end a perfect evening. Thank you Mojave Desert for hosting such
beauty. After the festival, we walked towards the shuttle buses. And now we wait...


oh, p.s. the music at the festival was MIND BLOWING. 
Joshua James (a band from SLC, UT performed a mini concert),
but beyond the band, the chill music totally blew my mind. 
it was INSANELY good. pensive, contemplative and magical.
whoever chose the music selection, you are my soul mate.