After returning to Tokyo by train from Kyoto, I took a day trip to Kamakura, where I saw the Great Buddha (Kamakura Daibutsu) at Kotokuin Temple. Minutes away was also Hasedera Temple, which had its own cute statues. And again, there were cherry blossoms.… Read More »
Category: Travel
Photo Highlights: Kyoto, Japan 2014
On my first day in Kyoto–my second trip here–I took a train to Arashiyama, where I walked to the Togetsukyo bridge and nearby bamboo groves, followed by Tenryuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site with gorgeous flowers and a moss garden. In Kyoto itself, I visited Ginkakuji (the Silver Pavilion) and walked down the Philosopher’s Path, a canal near Ginkakuji. Cherry blossoms, as well as peach blossoms were aplenty.… Read More »
Photo Highlights: Osaka, Japan 2014
I stayed one night at Osaka, though it was my second time here. On my previous trip, Osaka was my stopping point to visit Nara and Koyasan, but this round I was bound for the cherry blossoms. Kyoto was my main cherry blossom destination, however.… Read More »
Photo Highlights: From Nagoya to Tsumago, Japan 2014
Nagoya was just a stopover point in my trip, and wasn’t exactly part of my vacation. It was memorable, however, for the food, since I was taken to a fabulous restaurant I’d never have found otherwise. From Nagoya, I took a day trip to Tsumago and Magome, preserved post towns that hail from the Edo period. Hiking along the trail between the two towns felt incredibly refreshing.… Read More »
Photo Highlights: Tokyo, Japan 2014
I love Japan. These photos are from my third trip–partly a cherry blossom trip–running from late March to early April. From Tokyo, I caught trains to Osaka and Kyoto, taking short trips to small places such as Tsumago. I took countless shots of flowers and so much delicious food!… Read More »
Photo Highlights: Ostia Antica, Italy 2012
Since I had five days in Rome, I took a day trip by train to Ostia Antica, which was once a port city. Known as an alternative to Pompeii, Ostia Antica offered so much to explore, and it was a lovely break from Rome’s crowded ruins. I had such thrill discovering all the little things, from overgrown nooks and ancient steps to worn frescoes and mosaic floor tiles.… Read More »
Photo Highlights: Tivoli, Italy 2012
During my stay in Rome, I took a day trip to Tivoli–to the Villa Adriana (Hadrian’s Villa) and Villa d’Este, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Villa d’Este is famous for its beautiful gardens and abundant fountains, while Villa Adriana offered yet more ruins.… Read More »
Photo Highlights: Rome, Italy 2012
In Rome, I tried an Airbnb apartment for the first time. And the last time. The apartment was spacious and located in a central area, along Via di Capo le Case, near Trevi Fountain and the Fontana del Tritone (Triton’s Fountain). I typically pick hotels within walking distance to train stations, and this apartment met my minimum requirements. Unfortunately, the door to the apartment building had a faulty lock, and more often than not, it refused to open!… Read More »
Photo Highlights: Lokrum Island, Croatia 2012
While in Dubrovnik, I took a boat to Lokrum island, a nature reserve with a medieval monastery, interesting gardens, and lotsa peacocks. The botanic gardens had a strange citrus tree with velvety-skinned fruits that had a wondrous floral scent, which, to me, smelled better than perfume.… Read More »
Photo Highlights: Dubrovnik, Croatia 2012
We took the scenic, winding coastal road from Trogir to Dubrovnik. The mountains and clouds looked so close, the sky and sea so blue, and the water rippled on and on. It was a gorgeous drive–let down only by Garmin. When we approached Dubrovnik from the highway, we had a hard time figuring out how to get into the city. Because Garmin kept asking us to turn into roads that didn’t exist. Worst, to turn into a mountain!… Read More »