Tag Archives: Cultural

A Feast for the Eyes and Soul

Posted on May 26, 2013 by

Credits:  Template by K Pertiet (Bears Life) I love how the Gassho-Zukuri farmhouses stand out against the warm hues of autumn – a stunning contrast, really.  This tall (possibly 3-4 stories high) coffee-colored A-shaped thatched roof farmhouses were first built … Continue reading →

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Takayama Morning Markets

Posted on May 23, 2013 by

It was cold. The warmth of the comforter and the futon was extremely inviting, but I was determined not to give in to the temptation because we are going to the market today. So at exactly 6am, we ambled to … Continue reading →

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Missing In Action

Posted on May 22, 2013 by

So I’ve been missing in action.  Yes, I’ve been away, to a land overflowing with exoticism, and I’m still struggling to get back to the rhythm of my everyday.  Oh how I wish I could spend more days soaking up … Continue reading →

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Old Town Splendor

Posted on May 16, 2013 by

It was close to lunch when we hailed a taxi at the Takayama Station to take us to Futurishizuka Hakuun, our Ryokan.  Not exactly at the center of town but Takayama is small enough to go around on foot anyway.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Hida, Japan, Takayama | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Nishiki Market

Posted on March 20, 2013 by

Kyoto has a kitchen in a vibrant retail market specializing in all things related to food – fresh seafood, fresh produce, fresh fruits, sweets, knives, cookware, etc. – 5 blocks long, lined with more than one hundred shops and restaurants.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Japan, Kyoto | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

East of Kyoto: Of Geishas and Wagyu

Posted on March 4, 2013 by

Their world a mystery to me, my fascination with Geishas is one reason I am walking the streets of Gion. To catch a Gion Odori  (a geisha dance performance) at the Gion Kaikan Theater was high on my list of priorities … Continue reading →

Posted in Japan, Kyoto | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

East of Kyoto: Shrines, Temples and Garden

Posted on February 26, 2013 by

Lunch was very satisfying…  and the rain abated after all.  So walk some more we did. Chion-in Temple was not easy to find.  The map was confusing.  We walked back and forth several times between the Yasaka Shrine and the … Continue reading →

Posted in Japan, Kyoto | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

East of Kyoto: Southern Higashiyama Neighborhood Walk

Posted on February 15, 2013 by

Credits: Papers by Designs by Tater from ScrapMatter’s Life’s Little Surprises Kit. The guesthouse took sometime to find.  Tucked away in a street where cars aren’t allowed.  The driver of our shuttle service eventually found it; he led us into … Continue reading →

Posted in Japan, Kyoto | Tagged , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

East Africa

Posted on January 29, 2013 by

It actually stretches from the northern arid deserts of Ethiopia to the tropical forests of Mozambique and Madagascar, with 19 countries in between.  While my East African adventure in 2006 only spanned 3 countries, the experience it yielded were quite … Continue reading →

Posted in Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 19 Comments

Rest of Batan: Mahatao

Posted on November 28, 2012 by

When I think of Mahatao, this simple church is the first thing that comes to mind – not the lighthouse, Photo taken in 2006. and certainly not the boat shelter, An island detached from the main island provides shelter for … Continue reading →

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