tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71433137109002546962024-03-13T13:16:06.727+11:00Down Memory LaneAlexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.comBlogger136125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-55019694130388595082012-12-10T08:28:00.000+11:002012-12-26T15:01:38.477+11:00JP2012 - Doutonbori<p align="justify"><a name="dotonbori"></a></p> <p align="justify">One of Osaka's most popular tourist destinations, Doutonbori is a large scale downtown along the south bank of the Doutonbori-gawa Canal. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Vw5TBDFyKg4/UNpYP6bZ7OI/AAAAAAAAL0E/WkjjYEdGSEc/IMG_0939%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Each side of the canal is thronged with a massive amount of restaurants, shopping, and amusement facilities. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PR6_3kyq19I/UNpYRkjiLBI/AAAAAAAAL0M/gCj2Bc4gPoQ/IMG_7793%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mFksaAHofFg/UNpYSh36YAI/AAAAAAAAL0U/2McsmZygEbk/IMG_7792%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ajgcOouiNKk/UNpYT92PvqI/AAAAAAAAL0c/xDpxpYwJbwU/IMG_7794%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Thus, it is a popular shopping and entertainment district and is also known as a food destination. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3eXW3qW23cs/UNpYVy9Jy_I/AAAAAAAAL0k/Q7xFqR_BCHI/IMG_7791%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iZw1BLroK18/UNpYXE4NtKI/AAAAAAAAL0s/nNA2W7GOt8k/IMG_7795%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--DXe1yh1Jik/UNpYY4190_I/AAAAAAAAL00/rvZ2aOkegn0/IMG_7797%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UTcqZySh5wc/UNpYafC_YsI/AAAAAAAAL08/rWb0bLhnwQY/IMG_7798%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-idyADAxAu6Y/UNpYceGeIiI/AAAAAAAAL1E/g28ii5OIcoU/IMG_7799%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4mLguf4FoMk/UNpYd1JbupI/AAAAAAAAL1M/VNT94XdYR8M/IMG_7800%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">At night, Doutonbori is lit by hundreds of neon lights and mechanized signs; think <a href="http://alexchseng.blogspot.com/2011/06/us2011-new-york-times-square.html">New York Times Square</a> along Venice’s Grand Canal!! </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-F571YETtDxA/UNpYfVo65RI/AAAAAAAAL1U/CCfD__7DLpk/IMG_0922%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Wnh9fYlAkS8/UNpYgzy27jI/AAAAAAAAL1Y/f6axhv0c48w/IMG_0923%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jSksVi8tFBI/UNpYhyL5IRI/AAAAAAAAL1k/BfZUiCpKoMU/IMG_0924%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-N7z6kcV8x4c/UNpYjoe4bZI/AAAAAAAAL1s/wjg3gfxTtIU/IMG_0935%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eBUMw2M0_uk/UNpYlG40k2I/AAAAAAAAL10/06jTu1XQxiU/IMG_0936%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--3kaYAKP-gI/UNpYm2CyYOI/AAAAAAAAL18/lVCwHmBqihs/IMG_0937%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hbWfztQjd6s/UNpYobhg96I/AAAAAAAAL2E/eC_w-0NfTLo/IMG_0938%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Z-2Wn_S9LkU/UNpYqchpUvI/AAAAAAAAL2M/vWujrLFRTWo/IMG_0940%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Obviously, Doutonbori is best viewed at night and one must not miss the famous Glico Running Man sign!!</p> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-4866647947263973592012-12-02T08:32:00.000+11:002012-12-08T21:41:02.973+11:00JP2012 - Hotel Brighton City<p align="justify">Hotel Brighton City is possibly one of the most affordable contemporary and stylish hotel in Osaka.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9BRIIUF_PXI/UMMY354lk9I/AAAAAAAALvw/ZmQ7ZgdUj84/IMG_0659%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jNK2IbXgZeU/UMMY5ZP3ZJI/AAAAAAAALv4/sYYWCESHHKw/IMG_0660%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">While the exterior looks like a squarish boring concrete building, the interiors’ clean and sleek design provides a welcoming and relaxing ambience.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3rAkKynVUHE/UMMY6rpGd_I/AAAAAAAALwA/x0YKDwpdzkg/IMG_0640%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-chT15LwMbZU/UMMY7lU99mI/AAAAAAAALwI/b93O8xECnCU/IMG_0641%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Applying the same concept to the rooms, it turned the compact 20 square metre room into a sophisticated but comfortable space.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-e3oa4zFl16U/UMMY9M8JMRI/AAAAAAAALwQ/VLAy-lBmn-o/IMG_0642%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Among the amenities that really stood out is the in-room humidifier, located next to the comfortable bed.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Gvx8LDVCSX0/UMMY-SbwEWI/AAAAAAAALwY/MhIMsaEfpKk/IMG_0655%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RfH9NiAbos0/UMMY_gUfAQI/AAAAAAAALwg/ZDpngRUFiEM/IMG_0656%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Within the stylish bathroom, there’s also a separated rain shower and a bath tub fitted with a peekaboo window.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jM_FKLmGK_A/UMMZAyKn0pI/AAAAAAAALwo/vHwcKn8mn0w/IMG_0646%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TXiKz-R954s/UMMZB17K9zI/AAAAAAAALww/Q3NjyrZxoRg/IMG_0648%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-utkx-x761S4/UMMZDDHLygI/AAAAAAAALw4/Eu0Ct-LrZag/IMG_0644%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-y9qn_ed9WVU/UMMZEdvvHyI/AAAAAAAALxA/jwGf1aNDPOU/IMG_0645%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vBrt9tS60Vg/UMMZF2oLk9I/AAAAAAAALxI/GDVpbFqVyVc/IMG_0647%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-I5PV156X6DM/UMMZGysGnFI/AAAAAAAALxQ/zv74E0FkOpk/IMG_0649%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zDRDu9xWEwM/UMMZINpYEaI/AAAAAAAALxY/ypfp73aiG2Y/IMG_0650%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">And to top things off is the President Desk, a 160 cm wide stand-alone writing desk with a whole host of gadgets, like the VOIP phone, one-touch control panel, a laptop safety box and a built-in mini bar.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gEotEM35jNo/UMMZJVFagcI/AAAAAAAALxg/zlXlD8g1OcQ/IMG_0652%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MfWTsUxLmUo/UMMZKpRN3JI/AAAAAAAALxo/9bDEUNnIX-g/IMG_0653%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cWwvjr-EHEc/UMMZL1YwolI/AAAAAAAALxw/1rxrowO-TAs/IMG_0654%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qELmqeAcl-E/UMMZNbOHqeI/AAAAAAAALx4/JFlcaob_KCQ/IMG_0657%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Just a word of caution though to those itchy hands who like to remove items from hotel rooms, there is a price for almost everything in the room!!</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lif017z4gjU/UMMZO4eNBuI/AAAAAAAALyA/hfwNoetHDmc/IMG_0658%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p>Yes, even for the hand soap!!</p> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-9593301491988717022012-11-04T07:47:00.000+11:002012-11-04T07:47:00.136+11:00JP2012 - Kyoto Tower<p>Kyoto Tower is the tallest structure in Kyoto with an observation deck at 100 meters above ground. Standing at a total of 131 meters tall, the steel structure contrasts Kyoto's famous ancient temples and shrines.</p> <p> </p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wwnOiwJd6X4/UJTa83zaypI/AAAAAAAALoU/qpB-16Dcxhk/IMG_0465%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p> </p> <p align="justify">While the observation deck provides a 360 degree view of Kyoto, I reckon that the best view of Kyoto is actually from <a href="http://alexchseng.blogspot.com/2012/10/jp2012-kiyomizudera.html">Kiyomizudera</a>. That is because the iconic tower should be included when taking in the panorama of Kyoto!!</p> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-88500210615803636472012-11-02T08:11:00.000+11:002012-11-03T16:29:32.062+11:00JP2012 - Nijo Castle<p align="justify">Nijo Castle or Nijojo was built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of the first shogun of the Edo Period. However, the whole castle complex was only completed 23 years later, with several palace buildings and a five-storey keep.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YgvEfl1mhNU/UJSrMfVwCqI/AAAAAAAALic/6Q7uXW4S9Fc/IMG_0451%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KDpTrIZU1Ag/UJSrOegzAXI/AAAAAAAALik/bDU-z3T6Jjc/IMG_0417%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">After the Tokugawa Shogunate fell in 1867, Nijo Castle was used as an imperial palace (in addition to the nearby Kyoto Imperial Palace) before being converted into a historic site for the public to visit.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-T9M_ut2u-RQ/UJSrP4PldAI/AAAAAAAALis/YmxvxEzR7_o/IMG_0421%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Nijo Castle can be divided into three areas, the Honmaru, the Ninomaru and the gardens that encircle both Honmaru and Ninomaru. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ws_LG0f3vIg/UJSrRpTLBPI/AAAAAAAALi0/TmtjXuhdQFQ/IMG_0415%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AuHd9t3S7W8/UJSrTSBmTJI/AAAAAAAALi8/8zB2qrkr88E/IMG_0416%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">After paying for admission from the ticket office or vending machines, visitors enter Nijo Castle through a large gate on the Eastern side of the complex. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eoySa2EVx8M/UJSrUogZOfI/AAAAAAAALjE/iSkojYYkSaw/IMG_0418%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Venturing further into the castle leads to Ninomaru, where the castle's main attraction, the Ninomaru Palace is located.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-m8430yQiH80/UJSrV77WXhI/AAAAAAAALjM/SB6b0vvoWcY/IMG_0422%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">The Ninomaru Palace served as the residence and office of the shogun during his visits to Kyoto. Surviving in its original form, the palace consists of multiple buildings that are interconnected by nightingale-floored corridors. As a security measure against intruders, it is interesting that the floors squeak when being stepped upon. As for the rooms, they are covered with tatami mats and feature elegantly decorated ceilings and beautifully painted sliding doors.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tFpdYCPV_9o/UJSrXfuffdI/AAAAAAAALjQ/J6FFP9gmBIY/IMG_0427%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Unfortunately, no photography is allowed indoors.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ftU-gC7Zsik/UJSrYXoSbBI/AAAAAAAALjc/3G0XHMRPnDQ/IMG_0425%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oHDbuF-gQo4/UJSrZuP5kiI/AAAAAAAALjk/0m-iUoMLvYg/IMG_0428%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KL_PvX1YeBI/UJSrbZ-9XJI/AAAAAAAALjs/aTn2ohVf7kw/IMG_0426%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1ewh0AKa1N4/UJSrddh6NlI/AAAAAAAALj0/1Ktsf5bFkc8/IMG_0429%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nv3KoMaJeOk/UJSre7or6OI/AAAAAAAALj8/J7JqmLF3QPQ/IMG_0430%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Outside of the Ninomaru Palace is the Ninomaru Garden, a traditional Japanese landscape garden with a large pond, ornamental stones and manicured pine trees.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YGRv2i9myI8/UJSrgDx8JoI/AAAAAAAALkE/uAMr8jqXJtw/IMG_0431%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MS0lR8NScxI/UJSrhXshE2I/AAAAAAAALkM/V3BXBxN7OaA/IMG_0432%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZPTfNBSgAPo/UJSri5LSlVI/AAAAAAAALkU/SaW9T2KaSRs/IMG_0434%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-igZQNCnX7HE/UJSrkAjSW7I/AAAAAAAALkc/T8s12EJOH3Q/IMG_0433%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Crossing the inner moat leads to the site of Honmaru, the second palace complex and the remains of a five story castle keep (both structures were destroyed by fire in the 18th century and were never rebuilt). Due to the fire, the current structure known as the Honmaru palace was actually moved into Nijo Castle from the Katsura Imperial Palace after the fall of the shogunate.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9GyepGli4TI/UJSrlV9mryI/AAAAAAAALkg/zmGqPgaUY7g/IMG_0436%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1NCMLGTLJSs/UJSrmX43djI/AAAAAAAALks/jmPWartlFPc/IMG_0443%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Unlike the Ninomaru Palace, the Honmaru Palace is not open to the public. Hence, visitors could only walk around the Honmaru gardens and climb up the stone foundation of the former castle keep, which offers views over the castle grounds.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--p3Z1PJOuDM/UJSrnmK4LWI/AAAAAAAALk0/h4J9ElZAgJ8/IMG_0437%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NenNxY1EGo4/UJSroziAsbI/AAAAAAAALk4/ttANJ90q4ks/IMG_0439%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PnLhmXW_5XA/UJSrqArFz0I/AAAAAAAALlE/IpTrcw1ebbE/IMG_0441%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Fq62JKPPwtU/UJSrrS9W4xI/AAAAAAAALlI/LpA6m1NF1rw/IMG_0442%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kE_A8hqPlIs/UJSrscNYRVI/AAAAAAAALlU/mraqJK2yolg/IMG_0444%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-A2ELyyTSDM8/UJSrt5ca_cI/AAAAAAAALlc/CYri5a_xnCs/IMG_0449%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Both the Ninomaru and Honmaru Palaces are arguably the best surviving examples of castle architecture during Japan's feudal era. As such, the Nijo castle complex was designated as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1994.</p> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-39518274601393980282012-10-27T08:59:00.000+11:002012-10-28T16:19:21.434+11:00JP2012 - Gion<p align="justify">Right across the river from <a href="http://alexchseng.blogspot.com/2012/10/jp2012-pontocho.html">Pontocho</a>, is another Geisha district, known as Gion.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iiQUlRQx4pM/UIzABKCNqmI/AAAAAAAALYs/BUPynDWVNVo/IMG_8473%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dWxLQR3Q4oc/UIzACV9-rcI/AAAAAAAALY0/MysffYwocqk/IMG_8474%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Originally built to accommodate the needs of travellers and visitors to the Yasaka shrine, Gion had since evolved to become one of the most exclusive and well-known geisha districts in Japan.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1Pw9tMH97ro/UIzADgFBOqI/AAAAAAAALY8/BEWdCHcfefk/IMG_8652%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pxaR1oNWKOI/UIzAE_qWAuI/AAAAAAAALZE/lyiUpH6rU2o/IMG_8653%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Due to the decline in the number of geisha in Gion, the district is now famous for the preservation of traditional architecture and entertainment.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Tgz-xmCa7Mw/UIzAGAuUSXI/AAAAAAAALZM/ekhgV93YcSY/IMG_8654%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7kjxGsKcep8/UIzAHcG5pPI/AAAAAAAALZU/mrAh70nPeqg/IMG_8670%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">One of the major preserved street is the traditional Hanami Lane and its surroundings.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-h7N23T3bsAQ/UIzAI_3m-fI/AAAAAAAALZc/ddGPMpsdmnA/IMG_8655%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--3gdFCPJG7U/UIzAJ_LxGEI/AAAAAAAALZk/SO3ZsF0Xgwk/IMG_8656%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yl7toa5WkgQ/UIzALEbjfuI/AAAAAAAALZs/W7i6KdxXF10/IMG_8657%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-C4kHspnOU3c/UIzAMF5mruI/AAAAAAAALZ0/lbnS1WVT-pU/IMG_8659%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FkgMaXOd2bk/UIzANXKxpOI/AAAAAAAALZ8/Sof4CAaCOIE/IMG_8661%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NYLW0dxyZpE/UIzAObF9xwI/AAAAAAAALaE/1j2UA3pjGu8/IMG_8662%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rq5me4_6zEQ/UIzAPtveB-I/AAAAAAAALaM/moX90fpN11E/IMG_8663%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TIkWhSagwuc/UIzAQ8lu3jI/AAAAAAAALaU/HxBIJbocTHE/IMG_8665%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">To improve the preservation of traditional architecture and the original beauty of Gion, projects are on-going to restore the streets by moving all overhead utilities underground.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ziRXA5Pzylc/UIzAR-lT_nI/AAAAAAAALac/Lj2wz_iNgNE/IMG_8658%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Xrno08fcTJI/UIzATO3Is-I/AAAAAAAALak/zjZclATNkcg/IMG_8660%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LQaEspPDhvg/UIzAUGqJo7I/AAAAAAAALas/vL_GFC_8Rcw/IMG_8668%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GB0tdVEulLE/UIzAVsH4JWI/AAAAAAAALa0/kynad4xiMy8/IMG_8669%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Because of the misconception that geisha are prostitutes, Gion is popularly misunderstood as a red-light district. In actual fact, Gion is not, and never was one.</p> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-28317390384016062012012-10-23T07:11:00.000+11:002012-10-27T19:30:26.905+11:00JP2012 - Kiyomizudera<p align="justify">Founded in 780 on the site of the Otowa Waterfall, Kiyomizudera temple is best known for its wooden stage that juts out from its main hall, 13 meters above the hillside below.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BjSGEueqF7w/UIubRb0F1xI/AAAAAAAALR8/nzcplV-KCaM/IMG_8605%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XuasQbmwRaQ/UIubSQC9urI/AAAAAAAALSE/kzj0ylFCmvU/IMG_8606%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Both the wooden stage and the main hall were built without the use of nails. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6yzUmNLreCg/UIubTbxg6jI/AAAAAAAALSM/CK5wUXIplx8/IMG_8591%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-k0VZ5qOp2TQ/UIubUiNdrbI/AAAAAAAALSU/0PdEnwwqkqM/IMG_8592%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">This impressive temple was added to the list of UNESCO world heritage sites in 1994.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bfddwqXf-SE/UIubVxoYBUI/AAAAAAAALSc/IXNoBMtUKPM/IMG_8585%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-u0hSpIQ4F9I/UIubXKUdAMI/AAAAAAAALSk/WUiBcLSFIhU/IMG_8587%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CFvPIPYpnvI/UIubYWEpRZI/AAAAAAAALSs/OE_rdwwipxw/IMG_8590%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-D27UQnfxbmQ/UIubZiaEqII/AAAAAAAALS0/hAv7dqMaHCg/IMG_8593%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OQ3B4XFmEx4/UIubbI27pjI/AAAAAAAALS8/Xpju4I6DIRQ/IMG_8599%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cKobDqQ5MD4/UIubck-q8sI/AAAAAAAALTE/Gtm_Z_ulSnY/IMG_8600%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">The stage affords visitors a nice view of the city of Kyoto in the distance. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JAq0z_hpOtg/UIubdxavIMI/AAAAAAAALTM/1ZXDGPvtXTU/IMG_8607%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OOhYb36mSmY/UIuberICm1I/AAAAAAAALTU/-rCwcHg3N3g/IMG_8610%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RRNmXu3B_ys/UIubfkzHCWI/AAAAAAAALTc/0bYh6pOLkig/IMG_8613%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4oQhQnbJPvQ/UIubhImarYI/AAAAAAAALTk/55CfJAttxUE/IMG_8615%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Yh7CIsmKE-g/UIubjJrWfJI/AAAAAAAALTs/w6SHg5SYweg/IMG_8614%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">At the base of the temple is the Otowa Waterfall that is divided into three separate streams. It is said that by drinking the water from each stream, one would be granted with different benefits, namely longevity, career and love. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qNrIwP8EhPw/UIubkrdFk5I/AAAAAAAALT0/dGCEPFQ9KXg/IMG_8626%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1r0ChWy10r0/UIubmNrjlgI/AAAAAAAALT8/3S0LosChfjI/IMG_8624%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PdzaU5caUv0/UIubngd4Q7I/AAAAAAAALUE/4-QH6d1qPpY/IMG_8625%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">However, do not drink from all three streams as that is considered extremely greedy!!</p> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-81788299338781070022012-10-21T08:55:00.000+11:002012-10-21T17:40:56.566+11:00JP2012 - Ryoanji<p align="justify">Originally a villa of the Tokudaiji Clan, the site of Japan’s most famous rock garden was converted into a Zen temple in 1450. Unfortunately, like its neighbour, <a href="http://alexchseng.blogspot.com/2012/10/jp2010-kinkakuji.html">Kinkakuji</a>, Ryoanji Temple was destroyed several times and was last rebuilt in 1499.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-U1wdmYjHlAU/UIOYFxpbtxI/AAAAAAAALOU/mz18NnD9F9Q/IMG_8565%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pfRmb1acHGM/UIOYGzhqp8I/AAAAAAAALOc/cIu7GjVJqfI/IMG_8560%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-z_H0q9GMe-U/UIOYIMUdWcI/AAAAAAAALOk/EHNOQyjwX6w/IMG_8562%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Mu5EJ8Q_fCw/UIOYJcYleVI/AAAAAAAALOs/vMfN7RWb6PA/IMG_8563%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">However, this rebuilt marked the creation of a simple and remarkable Zen garden. Measuring 25 x 10 meters, only fifteen rocks and white gravel are used in its design. And interestingly, the garden had survived since the 1500s. It is also said that from any vantage point, at least one of the rocks is always hidden from the viewer.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_LuZCxFRBis/UIOYKdAHrQI/AAAAAAAALO0/LqHInJHt53Y/IMG_8549%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xLNt06Hpp-U/UIOYL9AX47I/AAAAAAAALO8/HYls4IcjUPc/IMG_8551%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kKV_Tm0HZ1E/UIOYNHaLqSI/AAAAAAAALPE/LpghIvlawh0/IMG_8555%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DnynGdmBxDo/UIOYOWLCfyI/AAAAAAAALPM/8yf_F8bmCsc/IMG_8556%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ovs29H-pqEA/UIOYPu6aC4I/AAAAAAAALPU/e5yPnjBYGh0/IMG_8558%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YUsGVjLNWpk/UIOYQ63BM8I/AAAAAAAALPc/tNlei5FF2k4/IMG_8559%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Ryoanji's temple grounds also include a relatively spacious park area with a pond. Due to the large population of mandarin ducks, Ryoanji is also nick-named the temple of mandarin ducks.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6bd5k6UA6bc/UIOYSPycW5I/AAAAAAAALPk/qg8hVVXe6ME/IMG_8578%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ljXaGFURX3Q/UIOYTURmxcI/AAAAAAAALPs/T7pu_BcinqY/IMG_8579%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wpPjGMXybXk/UIOYUnnbCAI/AAAAAAAALP0/Q-ZB90-DLbw/IMG_8580%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RT3zfnKC_F8/UIOYWGxSBbI/AAAAAAAALP8/2bFhNyo_Kds/IMG_8581%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MVEATgxoExY/UIOYXCu3bSI/AAAAAAAALQE/5LvQiWubESQ/IMG_8582%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FF8Tfce_1kA/UIOYYUJXZzI/AAAAAAAALQM/DSpu3LuWli8/IMG_8583%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--BowrIakH2o/UIOYZaFNQGI/AAAAAAAALQU/kffLovvfbz4/IMG_8550%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Collectively with 16 other properties in Kyoto, Ryoanji Temple was registered as a World Heritage Site in 1994.</p> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-39627959123404606712012-10-19T08:53:00.000+11:002012-10-20T12:16:18.953+11:00JP2010 - Kinkakuji<p align="justify">Kinkakuji, or Golden Pavilion, is a World Heritage-listed Zen temple in Kyoto, where the top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3_q9sqN_M-c/UIH7L0R8CsI/AAAAAAAALLk/2wLHM51SKRI/IMG_8522%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cUoWQ7kOCeM/UIH7NRLv1aI/AAAAAAAALLs/W4-99odssCA/IMG_8523%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2EqT6GnPjoA/UIH7O1SkafI/AAAAAAAALL0/x-kSRM7a7z8/IMG_8533%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Officially known as Rokuonji, the temple used to be a retirement villa of Kyoto’s shogun, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. It was later converted into a Zen temple after his death in 1408.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tdozh6SWbSI/UIH7QLbfcYI/AAAAAAAALL8/eNpwrh3fG-E/IMG_8515%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fx6dhcwQKIk/UIH7RTV-2GI/AAAAAAAALME/odV8f2-j1nI/IMG_8512%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TOKTBolTfko/UIH7Swu9ulI/AAAAAAAALMM/u5QR09zYduQ/IMG_8516%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-onz6-X7DFq0/UIH7UTTijnI/AAAAAAAALMU/u8QrONbn7MY/IMG_8541%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tS67pNgSexQ/UIH7ViUZrcI/AAAAAAAALMc/2lYFstWlyNA/IMG_8548%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">However, due to the civil war and fire, the structure were rebuilt several times, with the latest in 1955.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3MulDMXBWAg/UIH7WoGgvtI/AAAAAAAALMk/FV37dve8lGk/IMG_8513%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hIb8jDHbBeU/UIH7XmbZCEI/AAAAAAAALMs/u9R7i-sAfxM/IMG_8514%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">In 1994, Kinkakuji along with 16 other properties in Kyoto were inscribed as a World Heritage Site.</p> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-47084063825001713762012-10-13T08:49:00.000+11:002012-10-14T13:41:10.964+11:00JP2012 - Pontocho<p align="justify">A narrow alley running between the busy Shijo-dori and Sanjo-dori, Pontocho is one of Kyoto's most atmospheric dining areas. Options include the inexpensive yakitori, traditional and modern Kyoto cuisine and highly exclusive establishments that require the right connections and a fat wallet.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_umppmiv9kU/UHomDkTYZ8I/AAAAAAAALIw/8qybFVQA8kw/IMG_8471%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Like the nearby Gion, Pontocho is also widely known for geisha, and is home to many geisha houses and traditional tea houses. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6J2kxeU5GBs/UHomFQ_hO4I/AAAAAAAALI4/A7pxPHnUkH0/IMG_8470%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gHlkhs87t9w/UHomGkGEqaI/AAAAAAAALJA/Ngo_oDpoSEs/IMG_8475%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PAe_vgfEwew/UHomHzLXYHI/AAAAAAAALJI/3AhbWWoYI_A/IMG_8476%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-C2Z_nbuoUns/UHomJLKCADI/AAAAAAAALJM/0u9N6ZSZ3-s/IMG_8477%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uuUxLiN8RKY/UHomKcz8TBI/AAAAAAAALJY/0dDXiSikgGU/IMG_8478%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2kR_IlYm0ec/UHomLUvv8oI/AAAAAAAALJg/1UqRfRxSv4s/IMG_8479%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4NQrSk0Yz3c/UHomMmJBCPI/AAAAAAAALJo/JdlazjZoqLc/IMG_8480%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7aa_sPNsa6w/UHomN7w4SyI/AAAAAAAALJw/FC2knFjaR1w/IMG_8498%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">So, if you are lucky, you may bumped into a Geiko or Maiko while walking down the Pontocho.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dfev-UAbig4/UHomPaMTh6I/AAAAAAAALJ4/XezxOzEuEug/IMG_8496%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Today the area, lit by traditional lanterns at night, is famous for the preservation of traditional architecture and traditional entertainment, with a mix of expensive restaurants, tea houses, brothels, and bars.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gYa3IrEdVHY/UHomQk1NmbI/AAAAAAAALKA/kvrhYfWspwk/IMG_8357%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Ironically, I actually saw more geikos at Arashiyama than in Pontocho or Gion.</p> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-47967956067035868702012-10-11T08:50:00.000+11:002012-10-13T19:33:59.185+11:00JP2012 - Sanjusangen-do<p align="justify">Officially named Rengeo-in temple, Sanjusangen-do is registered as a National Treasure by the Japanese government. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2CwGBZFkIdc/UHknJj0_JbI/AAAAAAAALFU/85WDR7OxsN8/IMG_8351%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aN7wf65yEFU/UHknLt7BTTI/AAAAAAAALFc/SYAlH39lxpk/IMG_8348%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Established in 1164, the 120-metre long building has thirty-three spaces between the support columns, thus the name Sanjusangen-do, which translates into “a hall with thirty-three spaces”.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-O6UHi4GOGuA/UHknNCAQ8XI/AAAAAAAALFk/VZxDx8vTXUE/IMG_8313%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vW4MhzrKHHk/UHknOB_YX9I/AAAAAAAALFo/xXvDKofOLSs/IMG_8345%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pNiDsNmeJ4Y/UHknPfDpw1I/AAAAAAAALF0/mULlmOEHZGQ/IMG_8317%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fYAAe_g00a0/UHknQjTsNRI/AAAAAAAALF8/7BmZfZgBGdE/IMG_8318%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JzkXFKCAgTc/UHknR8peLQI/AAAAAAAALGE/MsN1Ls4ks3s/IMG_8321%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_qO4CxpHZz4/UHknS8_eH2I/AAAAAAAALGM/np2zeNThCek/IMG_8324%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UfWsYZ31dac/UHknUZiQ0XI/AAAAAAAALGU/sWs5Ch5dfu4/IMG_8326%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IRpJzZ168VE/UHknVbd0FWI/AAAAAAAALGc/aJ570kgQpFA/IMG_8329%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tFZvdh4-go0/UHknWlQE9mI/AAAAAAAALGk/PLk8HnR0O6A/IMG_8330%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CbLGS-1A9-I/UHknX2BjqmI/AAAAAAAALGs/dYYPeIKXe3s/IMG_8333%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SKXGhpgAl1s/UHknZRR8w3I/AAAAAAAALG0/gmnDVBydz0w/IMG_8337%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uY4COo1nINs/UHknauUhTaI/AAAAAAAALG8/M97480QWmlQ/IMG_8339%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-N5e51vQsbTc/UHknb2tx_6I/AAAAAAAALHE/BG7jaEXgBZw/IMG_8341%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">The main attraction of Sanjusangen-do is the 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Carved from Japanese cypress, there are a total of 1000 human-sized standing Kannon statues and 1 gigantic seated statue placed in the middle of the Hall. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CI3_6Bqg52c/UHkndL5kfZI/AAAAAAAALHM/LHuFctmEqA8/IMG_8347%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Each statue was impressively crafted with 11 heads and 1000 hands, and survived since the 12th century. It is just unfortunate that photography is not allowed inside the Hall!!</p> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-28285881613068413702012-10-05T08:37:00.000+10:002012-10-05T23:04:25.519+10:00JP2012 - Kyoto Royal Hotel and Spa<p align="justify">Centrally located on Kawaramachi Street, Kyoto’s main restaurant and entertainment avenue, the Kyoto Royal Hotel and Spa provides easy access to Japan’s ancient capital’s famous sights.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-i2LO2d6QEU8/UG7aawpmTtI/AAAAAAAAK1w/53rxP4CDNo4/IMG_0392%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gnH39SxyrG0/UG7acaE51RI/AAAAAAAAK14/gS6FXuTz-Ls/IMG_0413%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oQC8h1s7GvY/UG7ad2oBCQI/AAAAAAAAK2A/VtHfunqZ8Ww/IMG_0414%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">While there, we stayed at the Business Suite, a semi-double suite with a separate bedroom and living area. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VutMFioeM6I/UG7afd7n6nI/AAAAAAAAK2I/z-andTu6Cxc/IMG_0227%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">To do that, they literally combined two standard rooms into a suite. So, it did took us a while to get used to the fact that we have a non-functional door in the bedroom.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-d9RXxtn-YrI/UG7agg4Q1HI/AAAAAAAAK2M/y6RxCcUFenA/IMG_0225%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Other than that, the comfortable and well appointed room is considered extremely modern, if compared to all the World Heritage Sites in Kyoto. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1rKB66PkHwM/UG7ah0qDmxI/AAAAAAAAK2Y/Edr7sW8s14Y/IMG_0209%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YyI5lqJDnQM/UG7ajs4Y5II/AAAAAAAAK2g/NvLpTh0cdbY/IMG_0211%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-meeqQ6hvdfM/UG7alBVigJI/AAAAAAAAK2o/9oOt0y14BF8/IMG_0212%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NcDWoFfEcXs/UG7am5xhdxI/AAAAAAAAK2w/lMbfq1jWPDU/IMG_0213%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XJKRHOo2Go4/UG7aodHpUXI/AAAAAAAAK24/a54hSukGlg4/IMG_0214%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pJZckrM8ybU/UG7apROw6wI/AAAAAAAAK3A/EKizi0pPVps/IMG_0215%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Kv1Bicq157E/UG7arQhnh5I/AAAAAAAAK3I/k1SP6iwZUN0/IMG_0216%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-edLDyVKYs90/UG7asfpIzAI/AAAAAAAAK3Q/7VNKhWiwEgY/IMG_0217%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ldShVNwITk4/UG7at0-DTaI/AAAAAAAAK3Y/LpmJKEH05BI/IMG_0218%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xmguqxBtBiM/UG7avWXEoDI/AAAAAAAAK3g/8WkKlaAip9I/IMG_0219%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GVQGUK7gQDw/UG7awqQOHxI/AAAAAAAAK3o/XTu99m0MCiM/IMG_0220%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CBX8vZRLgJE/UG7ax4nrHfI/AAAAAAAAK3s/boM0y6WXXSs/IMG_0221%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-y1YP84tgIBA/UG7ayx7F1gI/AAAAAAAAK34/6b-w2F4Sjj8/IMG_0222%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-w_dZ2enVciQ/UG7a0FzdNqI/AAAAAAAAK4A/TPUQDoKXO18/IMG_0224%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0X-xXrLx7qE/UG7a1f6ClhI/AAAAAAAAK4I/jRIQyd8PBXc/IMG_0223%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">I guess, the main advantage of staying at Kyoto Royal Hotel and Spa is its accessibility to all major tourist spots, public transport, dining and shopping arcades by foot.</p> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-21581570151395589262012-10-03T08:59:00.000+10:002012-10-03T08:59:00.300+10:00JP2012 - Hasedera Temple<p align="justify">Another famous temple in Kamakura is Hasedera, well known for its eleven-headed Kannon statue. The 9.18 meter tall, gilded wooden statue is regarded as one of the largest wooden sculptures in Japan, and can be viewed in the temple's main building, the Kannon-do Hall. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BYbYbnbqxeo/UGmLUmC725I/AAAAAAAAKv4/uVRjrZbpaOE/IMG_9937%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Unfortunately, photography is not allowed in the Hall.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Gdxb4sfXT98/UGmLVxlRQGI/AAAAAAAAKwA/6WB7oxm6_fs/IMG_9981%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Lcl2bGYNNTc/UGmLXZhuPnI/AAAAAAAAKwI/4CpdgHHMyI8/IMG_9920%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sX0m7YN4HMU/UGmLYuTGWbI/AAAAAAAAKwQ/Y7xdxZXzoMQ/IMG_9923%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Xanf0QzizJA/UGmLZz4JWaI/AAAAAAAAKwY/05RdWarJvO0/IMG_9924%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Built along the slope of a wooded hill, typical Japanese gardens are found at the base as we enter the temple’s compound. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0wyCxGxuaNQ/UGmLbdyUiDI/AAAAAAAAKwg/BLKEoeSiWpM/IMG_9976%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mLkxFDok10w/UGmLcyK7AQI/AAAAAAAAKwo/iIxhEWJPXs8/IMG_9961%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jEMJCfpsjBk/UGmLeSG8VtI/AAAAAAAAKww/sENAa_pQfkU/P6270188%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="537" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZhxTxsuJ0Gw/UGmLfyWYWjI/AAAAAAAAKw4/xSWKR5XSEAw/IMG_9962%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lUewQVz9L6M/UGmLhm1swRI/AAAAAAAAKxA/bMmdp3O1_h4/IMG_9975%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6kVJXNfdr6M/UGmLjQve8FI/AAAAAAAAKxI/5WMd4br63q0/IMG_9960%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Lq5pMjVHG_Q/UGmLlMDYF0I/AAAAAAAAKxQ/ruj5SK77Whg/IMG_9952%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Next to the temple gardens is a small cave dedicated to Benten, a goddess of feminine beauty and wealth. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kdFQK1BNHKA/UGmLm1gSCDI/AAAAAAAAKxY/eXjypoaguPo/IMG_9963%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gdMkfmjN_Zc/UGmLoAElO2I/AAAAAAAAKxg/klrHXomGx10/IMG_9966%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aZq27099Rks/UGmLpphZ81I/AAAAAAAAKxo/dMZIqsNrMAc/IMG_9969%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">All other temple buildings, such as the Kannon-do Hall and the Amida-do Hall, are built further up the slope, reached via stairs.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HQ8xu0svumk/UGmLrbgPKLI/AAAAAAAAKxw/oddV6dW-Tlo/IMG_9935%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jPvld-CUnNc/UGmLszvygbI/AAAAAAAAKx4/14PlKRyvB5Y/IMG_9936%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7bTBcQT9f7Q/UGmLuVMu4bI/AAAAAAAAKyA/83V5dC9Rczk/IMG_9947%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">There’s even a hall built specifically to house a wooden bookshelf.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ol8SFKgjhKU/UGmLvj-hMSI/AAAAAAAAKyI/gt6YJPDNGBA/IMG_9953%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sNQsrIIVPKk/UGmLxLUxSDI/AAAAAAAAKyQ/sdJIWEm2NkU/IMG_9954%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6uP8KPGIx1M/UGmLyrN5CjI/AAAAAAAAKyY/NfnHdczt7rU/IMG_9955%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">At the top, there is also an observation deck with views over the coastal city of Kamakura.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6GNmmh3VT7U/UGmL0csFJhI/AAAAAAAAKyg/nOR4xUzeTxw/IMG_9938%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_qZBSNuJJ0A/UGmL1HGZjTI/AAAAAAAAKyo/F58wGl_MZJk/IMG_9946%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mKqQPvyunZI/UGmL2keQBJI/AAAAAAAAKyw/EOwALCh1wdg/IMG_9940%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-K2FDCaBg-UM/UGmL4MU1_bI/AAAAAAAAKy4/0VzuYieatgk/IMG_9941%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uO23pBx0y04/UGmL5FHFHXI/AAAAAAAAKzA/-Eq32NXkr_k/IMG_9942%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CrYEQgf1KXM/UGmL6tk_2bI/AAAAAAAAKzI/bGQ-lcY1jK4/IMG_9943%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SJaYsp6XVYA/UGmL77VRykI/AAAAAAAAKzQ/OEAdDdc5eek/IMG_9945%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">And if visitors are here at the right season, they can also take part in Hasedera’s famous annual hydrangea viewing event. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GfLh-vnKxSU/UGmL9OknkQI/AAAAAAAAKzY/LqVh9-FTO1k/IMG_9926%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Lc9mqA9_rfw/UGmL-vWg4NI/AAAAAAAAKzg/Jzxtk5PYxjU/IMG_9928%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0LmJ4P1XKKw/UGmL_1qSJPI/AAAAAAAAKzo/0qrsWszHX40/IMG_9949%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-l-9VVl2MmEw/UGmMB4NBvLI/AAAAAAAAKzs/uBqkUns54Oo/IMG_9979%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-d5eTy8Poui4/UGmMC2qehQI/AAAAAAAAKz4/vPLYU7k6t4Y/IMG_9980%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FmWMEewYLQk/UGmMEcwOFsI/AAAAAAAAK0A/wEPTZu5gXmk/IMG_9956%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Definitely more popular than we had expected!!</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Qn-KilcKXKw/UGmMFqfE0EI/AAAAAAAAK0I/CBOJjFJy5GQ/IMG_9927%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fZmugaJInOc/UGmMHDvIxCI/AAAAAAAAK0Q/px0VcY9yuSs/IMG_9958%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">As a result, a queuing system is in place to ensure that the huge crowd is manageable. Through this system, a number is issued to every visitor to indicate their waiting time on the queue. Generally, everyone is expected to wait in line for about 2 hours. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-G7sJRAk6k3Y/UGmMITPFmCI/AAAAAAAAK0Y/-Kil0fgsStc/IMG_9939%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Judging by the number of people who were willing to queue up, it may actually be worth the time!!</p> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-81821095805157010562012-09-27T07:31:00.000+10:002012-09-28T12:06:42.640+10:00JP2012 - Kotokuin Temple<p align="justify">Home to The Great Buddha of Kamakura, Kotokuin Temple houses the second tallest bronze Buddha statue in Japan.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dFjYuWFgsiU/UF7yraTlgmI/AAAAAAAAKl4/Wr_0Fe9maXc/IMG_9897%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">The statue was casted in 1252 and was originally located inside a large temple hall. However, due to typhoons, tidal waves and tsunami, temple buildings were destroyed multiple times in the 14th and 15th centuries. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pcj7XFlW17k/UF7ysyOQmmI/AAAAAAAAKmA/qx4Rb2BaDrQ/IMG_9919%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dL2SbetvXPI/UF7yuq-lT1I/AAAAAAAAKmI/hpcPvG1CK4k/IMG_9884%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Bt_aE1DVMAA/UF7ywbQ3zRI/AAAAAAAAKmQ/hixIHAennGo/IMG_9883%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JDZoFLUN_KY/UF7yx36FxwI/AAAAAAAAKmY/dhe6cVsLe4Q/IMG_9886%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jMdFwuemomM/UF7yzOBDJ9I/AAAAAAAAKmg/Kkf6tZAkTcQ/IMG_9892%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6oxmCNJx-LI/UF7y0vJFSGI/AAAAAAAAKmo/kCHcmfjTHcM/IMG_9887%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rVx06uYiOkQ/UF7y2CmGwcI/AAAAAAAAKmw/pC5GOdjqh-s/IMG_9888%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-l_NbtDCbuvk/UF7y3v4S0PI/AAAAAAAAKm4/KYe7BvvH0l0/IMG_9889%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AD8X0IqYE58/UF7y48fVV0I/AAAAAAAAKnA/U3gdOgx9OWU/IMG_9891%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-R-NiJ0spWRY/UF7y6fje4yI/AAAAAAAAKnI/F1OWGoiN7qM/IMG_9894%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_3ye3Qqken8/UF7y77aycOI/AAAAAAAAKnM/mkthG-huSN8/IMG_9896%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wZy3F0SDTto/UF7y8zgWXjI/AAAAAAAAKnY/t9zSrYZ1wSs/IMG_9898%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Since 1495, the Buddha has been standing in the open air.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wQwWUkDRhiY/UF7y-q_lpuI/AAAAAAAAKng/eI71MX4QLQw/IMG_9899%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">If interested, visitors can also enter the hollow statue for an additional 20 yen. Inside, the structural details on how the 93 tonne statue was joint is outlined.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MDLHm99-jOc/UF7zACagdtI/AAAAAAAAKno/FNk9zHiPxD4/IMG_9902%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MTOvMVkFYn8/UF7zB3r3__I/AAAAAAAAKnw/f3jNjby9yEw/IMG_9900%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HFXmjziflk8/UF7zDXzL9zI/AAAAAAAAKn4/EvwDZ623Ego/IMG_9901%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kFkF7854_RI/UF7zE6z8u3I/AAAAAAAAKoA/BasxlfsN_y4/IMG_9903%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">But, definitely not a place to be for the claustrophobic!!</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cln7v4IBHlw/UF7zGbJaNpI/AAAAAAAAKoI/BtOCsxnI700/IMG_9893%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Interestingly, a pair of Buddha’s slippers (and possibly the largest pair in Japan) is also on display. Till now, I couldn’t find out the relationship between Buddha and the pair of slippers, but would be really interested to learn more about it.</p> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-19596515004792115992012-09-20T08:42:00.000+10:002012-09-20T19:10:23.621+10:00JP2012 - Red Brick Warehouse<p align="justify">The Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is a historical building that is currently used as a complex that includes a shopping mall, restaurants and event spaces.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QHtamJVfTfE/UFhS0IC3lXI/AAAAAAAAKeA/_WP5IC0xW_I/IMG_0300%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GMYi9jsy6tw/UFhS1Dhvk8I/AAAAAAAAKeI/QtdUSBYfJQE/IMG_0299%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZOIjKEv2Tew/UFhS1zdtj1I/AAAAAAAAKeQ/Xc4demULTwU/IMG_0306%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-P4Y0sbi0hNA/UFhS2lO1EFI/AAAAAAAAKeY/cWKPILEi7bs/IMG_0307%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Built to be a customs house, the buildings were later used as a major trans-shipment base for the American troops in World War II, before reverting back to their original function. The buildings ended their role as customs house in 1989.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-U9XNIGIW7QU/UFhS3tuCVQI/AAAAAAAAKeg/lZENd4oDgjc/IMG_0298%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ALPIzrDvDVA/UFhS4SYIeTI/AAAAAAAAKeo/dEB6_ENy9Ok/IMG_0305%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HtuV9HfQOBM/UFhS5eAWE7I/AAAAAAAAKew/PpBfWA0c9hs/IMG_0301%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dkF0_1j5qHo/UFhS6XnpruI/AAAAAAAAKe4/nvt5mpiNDgY/IMG_0302%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-acRLxfCBN98/UFhS7kt5eKI/AAAAAAAAKfA/-QFKCXx7DZQ/IMG_0303%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kdVR-sAax-8/UFhS8gK4QeI/AAAAAAAAKfI/5lMjyZQFYS0/IMG_0304%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Restoration works were then carried out up until 1999, before the buildings were reopened as the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse in April 2002.</p> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-72640336989175818922012-09-18T07:15:00.000+10:002012-09-23T18:58:57.035+10:00JP2012 - CUPNOODLES Museum<p align="justify">The CUPNOODLES Museum is a fun and interactive museum in Yokohama's <a href="http://alexchseng.blogspot.com/2012/09/jp2012-yokohama.html">Minato Mirai 21 District</a> that shows the history of instant ramen noodles using a combination of whimsical exhibits and hands on workshops. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wa7ilOHtrck/UFVJCpeEHTI/AAAAAAAAKX0/JpusY_MEtF4/IMG_0267%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kWb-MhWpV-k/UFVJD0izAkI/AAAAAAAAKX8/9j5dK7KgL0g/IMG_0268%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Qz8BV14w8y4/UFVJE0B6B5I/AAAAAAAAKYE/p1XPiXg5xCw/IMG_0269%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kEU6i66uGYA/UFVJGJSgPJI/AAAAAAAAKYM/TFy5NL8XTys/IMG_0325%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Short films introducing the history of instant noodles, unconventional exhibits, and a visual timeline of instant noodle products from around the world are used to present Nissin’s approach in creating new and innovative products. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-W6AipoL2H_k/UFVJHIZMXRI/AAAAAAAAKYU/vqBIHm0Be1g/IMG_0385%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dqWeWuRzEsg/UFVJIablTTI/AAAAAAAAKYc/TEYv-Z4VYZ8/IMG_0377%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Generally, the exhibits in the museum emphasize on 5 things:</p> <p> </p> <blockquote> <p align="justify"><strong>The Inventor: Momofuku Ando (1910-2007) <br /></strong>Born on March 5, 1910, Momofuku Ando established Nissin Food Products and founded the Ando Foundation. Besides serving as the CEO and chairman of Nissin Food Products, Momofuku was also the chairman of the Japan Instant Food Industry Association and the chairman of the World Instant Noodles Association. </p> </blockquote> <p> </p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hUwp8f6ZdhA/UFVJJT785eI/AAAAAAAAKYk/2onT-SvG-18/IMG_0371%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ctHWHK7uXqM/UFVJKQgzjKI/AAAAAAAAKYs/s8HLIflvRkE/IMG_0380%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <blockquote> <p align="justify"><strong>First Invention: Chicken Ramen (1958)</strong> <br />In a little shed behind his home in the town of Ikeda, Osaka Prefecture, Momofuku started work on an invention for quickly making ramen at home by just adding hot water. After many trial and error experiments, the Chicken Ramen was dubbed “magic ramen”, which gained instant popular sensation.</p> </blockquote> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3NqQapX_MCE/UFVJLn8phuI/AAAAAAAAKY0/H4KwRajZEdI/IMG_0378%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <blockquote> <p align="justify"><strong>Second Invention: CUPNOODLES (1971)</strong> <br />On a fact finding trip to America, Momofuku observed that supermarket managers tend to break up Chicken Ramen noodles, put them in a cup and pouring in hot water, before eating them with a fork. It was at that moment that Momofuku realized the key to make instant ramen a global food. By bringing together all sorts of wisdom and innovative ideas, his second invention, the CUPNOODLES, transformed "made in Japan" instant ramen into a global food.</p> </blockquote> <p> </p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eIl5jE0h8yU/UFVJM5X3ZzI/AAAAAAAAKY8/mZJlhao3oJc/IMG_0376%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <blockquote> <p align="justify"><strong>Third Invention: Space Ramen (2005)</strong> <br />Pursuing his long held dream to invent a ramen that can be eaten in space, Momofuku applied and tested various techniques for eating in weightless environments. Based on the hot oil instant drying method that Momofuku invented in 1958, the Space Ramen was created.</p> </blockquote> <p> </p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Vb1cuxaA0Kk/UFVJNw97P1I/AAAAAAAAKZE/2LIflUqgVe0/IMG_0374%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <blockquote> <p align="justify"><strong>Instant Noodles History Cube</strong> <br />This exhibit displays the instant ramen line up that started with the Chicken Ramen. An astounding selection of over 3,000 product are showcased to show how a single product introduced half-century ago influenced and grew into a global dietary culture.</p> </blockquote> <p> </p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ceTSCQaDVH0/UFVJPX0nWYI/AAAAAAAAKZM/oXjA1QndxnU/IMG_0361%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rM47OOWFFc8/UFVJQQazb0I/AAAAAAAAKZU/9Q5PzVNkLMw/IMG_0362%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Kv537dfoXzs/UFVJRq2-64I/AAAAAAAAKZc/YFPGf875s1U/IMG_0367%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p> </p> <p align="justify">Besides the exhibits, there are also several fun activities at the museum including My CUPNOODLES Factory workshop and My Chicken Ramen workshop. And our main reason to visit Yokohama is really for the My CUPNOODLES Factory workshop.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-x6sQ5fFQVXs/UFVJSyGJipI/AAAAAAAAKZk/LSFnBc8hjI0/IMG_0326%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">In this workshop, we created our own completely original CUPNOODLES package, ranging from the custom-designed cup, to the soup base and the ingredients. With four varieties of soup base and 12 ingredients to choose from, there is a possibility of creating up to 5460 flavours. The steps to create our own CUPNOODLES are as follows:</p> <p align="justify">Step 1: Purchase a cup</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8dLrVOlO-ps/UFVJUZ0WESI/AAAAAAAAKZs/a4N29bm_ShE/IMG_0327%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Step 2: Sanitise our hands</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rLEUjEamJUo/UFVJVqkifyI/AAAAAAAAKZ0/cgqbiv4FE5M/IMG_0328%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Step 3: Apply lid</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QvGzULWILpw/UFVJW5qrRII/AAAAAAAAKZ8/xfHw8RI6ilA/IMG_0329%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Step 4: Creatively draw something</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-022iOtBNDos/UFVJYm75bKI/AAAAAAAAKaE/pPHK78uRLo4/IMG_0330%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XKx40wgtmpY/UFVJZt8VIFI/AAAAAAAAKaI/K21hEZWke08/IMG_0331%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-okO116SS7Tg/UFVJa7O3WJI/AAAAAAAAKaU/MyEzb43R2Do/IMG_0333%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-10hTSex_-x8/UFVJcC2NuGI/AAAAAAAAKac/NVz3s0s02JE/IMG_0332%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-l5isY1e9BZQ/UFVJdeaqMSI/AAAAAAAAKak/ST99LrEYuCY/IMG_0335%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KUNmnbr6mO4/UFVJetYj7aI/AAAAAAAAKas/o0kr1gW3zx4/IMG_0334%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qanWE3yuI4M/UFVJfgZdwWI/AAAAAAAAKa0/uVB0CD62_cE/IMG_0336%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tKeS-fIfUDc/UFVJgzWtV5I/AAAAAAAAKa8/c6mJq5YKztc/IMG_0337%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Step 5: Turn the wheel to place dried noodles in the cup</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-P_F7tTruuWA/UFVJiSjz4pI/AAAAAAAAKbE/eyrEAB9OOiY/IMG_0338%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-snqFgcvwnTE/UFVJjo4i6OI/AAAAAAAAKbM/Hx3mHChmo6w/IMG_0339%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ic1yKQLDJKY/UFVJlmWlSbI/AAAAAAAAKbU/ywWt1Srz2sA/IMG_0340%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Step 6: Choose soup base and ingredients</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6ia6gDzm-LI/UFVJm_g0VUI/AAAAAAAAKbc/2NdHOiaEOf4/IMG_0342%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pgNGKlxfC7Y/UFVJnwRW3TI/AAAAAAAAKbg/lfmFj3ZlSF4/IMG_0344%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Step 7: Seal the cup</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cwoz_3SJX_8/UFVJpCeFoWI/AAAAAAAAKbs/2HjDZtbpwuY/IMG_0347%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Step 8: Shrink wrap</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hHa9lvVvO4o/UFVJqAOSROI/AAAAAAAAKb0/-p95NhhHlrk/IMG_0350%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ah-8YyLhDLg/UFVJrYygRiI/AAAAAAAAKb4/XIPeKDMn19g/IMG_0349%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jWzpShRf91w/UFVJs5bDuwI/AAAAAAAAKcE/T_bSV6NTvy8/IMG_0351%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6IzqBowCQvo/UFVJuTR67DI/AAAAAAAAKcM/l4A86RpohMo/IMG_0352%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Step 9: Place product into an inflatable wrapper</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ykyl_nfF1jA/UFVJv0d0TSI/AAAAAAAAKcU/9ft3a755v-E/IMG_0353%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Step 10: Tie the ends of the wrapper</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jDDy2tB634c/UFVJw6hOtLI/AAAAAAAAKcc/XPrznGTjC-c/IMG_0354%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cb0x2rruusk/UFVJxwmIlYI/AAAAAAAAKck/4msOpMJ2IXw/IMG_0355%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Step 11: Inflate</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xGbTwFrG_64/UFVJzMP7XwI/AAAAAAAAKcs/GA6JxywePsQ/IMG_0356%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rJi1Z4-m2vQ/UFVJ0pfKPyI/AAAAAAAAKc0/hFS39yGs6I8/IMG_0360%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">And of course, the very last step is to eat it, and hopefully none of us regretted putting in some weird combinations of soup base and ingredients!!</p> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-72718757442165152542012-09-15T11:26:00.000+10:002012-09-16T11:57:55.239+10:00JP2012 - Yokohama<p align="justify">Yokohama is the capital city of Kanagawa Prefecture and the second largest city in Japan by population after Tokyo. After being destroyed twice, once in 1923’s great Kanto earthquake and once in 1945’s Great Yokohama Air Raid during World War II, the city re-built itself and developed rapidly as Japan's prominent port city.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-J1QbJRs_NGY/UFUyBNix3-I/AAAAAAAAKWA/Zo3YelWLRo8/IMG_0324%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">And one of the latest development, since 1983, is Minato Mirai 21, a seaside urban area in central Yokohama, which translates into the “harbour of the future in the 21st century”. Home to Japan's tallest building, the Landmark Tower, the three Queens Square Towers, the Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris wheel, and the headquarters of major corporations such as Nisan Motors, Minato Mirai is now flourishing as one of the newest urban business districts in the Greater Tokyo Metropolitan area. <br /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZralcfUgN48/UFUyCerkSnI/AAAAAAAAKWI/fAfTCKxuxkg/IMG_0264%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BVTeZCJiTjc/UFUyDiHZEOI/AAAAAAAAKWQ/qzPcGk_pbY8/IMG_0266%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nRAjF843FH0/UFUyEsek1xI/AAAAAAAAKWY/xWVIWCxo4n4/IMG_0265%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wNQeP6v9_yQ/UFUyFm9xM0I/AAAAAAAAKWg/tYDe3hfUwEY/IMG_0308%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hGu9Or6Bwgg/UFUyGkFqMxI/AAAAAAAAKWo/IU0loEUo-Mg/IMG_0388%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-H7fXzdL4fFc/UFUyHz9W6NI/AAAAAAAAKWw/8o7jm8iWYC4/IMG_0389%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Due to the scenic views and bay proximity, images of Minato Mirai 21 tend to be used as a symbol of today's Yokohama.</p> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-63911193222151933332012-08-25T08:38:00.000+10:002012-09-26T23:48:12.068+10:00JP2012 - Takeshita-dori<p align="justify">Located directly across from the exit of JR Harajuku Station, Takeshita-dori is a pedestrian-only street, lined with boutiques, cafes and restaurants, specifically tailored to the young and fashion focussed. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-U4ut2oZXc_k/UGMHhfYrE_I/AAAAAAAAKpc/EMUJtZmvUmU/IMG_9318%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">While there are major chain stores along the street, the interesting ones are the smaller independent shops that carry an array of styles.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CP_MuweqI8o/UGMHif-rSRI/AAAAAAAAKpk/FwST9oMKEoY/IMG_9304%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Thus, this 400 meter long street is generally considered the birthplace of Japan’s fashion trend.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2fPdoQGp_xQ/UGMHjjQHDOI/AAAAAAAAKps/-3oEk7X5hUc/IMG_9306%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-g7eYhoDEzjE/UGMHk87xWUI/AAAAAAAAKp0/YUvsHDqR8Iw/IMG_0105%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GOyDmpWkem4/UGMHmb_dI0I/AAAAAAAAKp4/dP08AOyTjUM/IMG_0106%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">However, due to its popularity, it is extremely busy and crowded on weekends!!</p> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-8867583867243071252012-06-07T10:27:00.000+10:002012-06-13T23:13:57.780+10:00JP2012 - Hotel Oaks Kyoto Shijo<p align="justify">During my trip to <a href="http://alexchseng.blogspot.com/2012/06/jp2012-icassp-2012.html">ICASSP</a>, I decided to stay at the Hotel Oaks Kyoto Shijo, a 3 star hotel that is both cheap and convenient.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2yCI7pMA_Vs/T9iRow9mk-I/AAAAAAAAJ9U/OQgPBYh8FXg/IMG_81943.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PM3c8VxN0fI/T9iRphJFEMI/AAAAAAAAJ9c/wa6kLloJ9zI/IMG_81953.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Located along the main Shopping Street of Shijo, all the major transportations, shopping centres and the famous Gion area are within walking distances.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-svFLGjEEEjs/T9iRq_LIatI/AAAAAAAAJ9k/lNf-9yBVzHA/IMG_81933.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">While the room is quite small, literally just big enough to fit a double bed, it is the amenities that put Hotel Oaks on par with 5 star hotels elsewhere.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ev-1eWQVTUw/T9iRs9soTzI/AAAAAAAAJ9s/9vBQX1lyM4s/IMG_805211.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FRj3R98A-G0/T9iRt6YoQGI/AAAAAAAAJ9w/Q-fznvxTHtQ/IMG_80583.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-r7zJjw1uqwk/T9iRvp2UlfI/AAAAAAAAJ98/hDEpCJZnkxk/IMG_80363.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pv7ADq22SmI/T9iRw-bZagI/AAAAAAAAJ-E/RthpHF5YUcY/IMG_80373.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VI20bUivh8k/T9iRx18Dd8I/AAAAAAAAJ-M/yg9OigfGfmA/IMG_80507.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xZsdTaiafLQ/T9iRzcYyqsI/AAAAAAAAJ-U/DgxCIqPEiZ4/IMG_80517.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EG3w2ikDfi8/T9iR0jBePzI/AAAAAAAAJ-Y/9Gwpy4-Epso/IMG_80447.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LHLVCm6N7LM/T9iR12NpdzI/AAAAAAAAJ-k/MvGZKRZi5qs/IMG_80477.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wtFw6ivEgwk/T9iR3OKYjRI/AAAAAAAAJ-s/p5YqOWC5i5A/IMG_80537.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aEHFK3t60no/T9iR4H2Yz1I/AAAAAAAAJ-0/bNSJXkcj0jY/IMG_804511.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8L355jfgRqY/T9iR5b9Fs_I/AAAAAAAAJ-4/KcU0ozSR1Ck/IMG_80467.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oZ9pIfAfUAc/T9iR6d9MQOI/AAAAAAAAJ_E/B3zGkLAb4VY/IMG_80486.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Bk-bxckikbQ/T9iR7j7hBcI/AAAAAAAAJ_I/giTyAqJ2-xg/IMG_80496.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Aj9UzNyte7Y/T9iR8udaQYI/AAAAAAAAJ_U/pO2j3cl10Wk/IMG_8038%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6O7uybYF4DM/T9iR9am6CAI/AAAAAAAAJ_Y/8AnftlSVsEs/IMG_8039%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0ZwZk5HZb6o/T9iR-njU5oI/AAAAAAAAJ_k/Ay4_giXJBIA/IMG_8040%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5prXdIxmYmw/T9iSAnfjb8I/AAAAAAAAJ_s/KrBHvQfm40w/IMG_8041%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cq7-lSImGy4/T9iSCpPdM8I/AAAAAAAAJ_0/nNtwIBJUc30/IMG_8042%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-D1BVfz4l2_w/T9iSDngd6iI/AAAAAAAAJ_8/oKfwbXGI2Qc/IMG_8043%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Pretty much whatever a traveller needs, is provided. Those items that really stood out are the toothbrush/toothpaste sets and pajamas. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KTF-7X4Q30A/T9iSE03tmDI/AAAAAAAAKAE/jxBVBd3jg7M/IMG_8059%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">For those who wanted something more, video on demand is also available. But due to the nature of the entertainment, that is something extra to pay for. </p> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-79859092620573639872012-06-02T08:18:00.000+10:002012-06-03T21:13:47.878+10:00AU2012 - Cathay Pacific Premium Economy<p align="justify">Cathay Pacific is one of the latest airlines to offer a premium economy class. During my recent trip to Japan, I was one of the lucky few Marco Polo members to be selected for a free upgrade.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gbWvUaPHh9M/T8tGJ70JjdI/AAAAAAAAJ5E/g9FKJUR49nA/IMG_7726%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">With a 9 hour flight from Sydney to Hong Kong, the extra legroom and wider seats are definitely a plus.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pSAKXh4slqo/T8s_NVvhjGI/AAAAAAAAJ4A/daCqSEinyMs/IMG_7730%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">The noise cancelling headphones and the 10.6” screen are also perfect for the long flight. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hQg5wNLH_Sk/T8s_OxeBCmI/AAAAAAAAJ4I/aHgajaYHyaU/IMG_7729%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qIIE675Lhfc/T8s_P4FXkAI/AAAAAAAAJ4Q/A45H4TC4Yoo/IMG_7727%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">But that is really just about it. Nothing else to shout about. Because, …</p> <ol> <li> <div align="justify">While Cathay Pacific offers a wide and fresh range of movies, their selections still lag behind those of Singapore Airlines. </div> </li> <li> <div align="justify">It will be good if their headphones actually came with an on-off switch since there are interferences when plugging the headphones into the socket. </div> </li> <li> <div align="justify">Besides the flight socks, I think the eye masks are a nice addition. But those are the common items provided to economy class passengers flying Garuda Airlines.</div> </li> </ol> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-o-T7boN6pR8/T8s_RLD0l8I/AAAAAAAAJ4Y/XK10UNFW4Ik/IMG_7728%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZEPRekExOg0/T8s_Sjj8PYI/AAAAAAAAJ4g/5Vs9TktzhOk/IMG_7731%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="539" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">When doing an honest comparison between Cathay’s premium economy and the economy classes of Singapore, Malaysia and Garuda Airlines, those were some of my feedback provided to Cathay Pacific, through a professional market researcher who was also on board. In return of the 20 minute in-flight interview, everyone flying premium economy received a Cathay Pacific keychain.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WAEubKFfJqQ/T8s_TQvswKI/AAAAAAAAJ4o/nMklA6YqAgA/IMG_9084%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kUyoFXsECGU/T8s_UoeTzeI/AAAAAAAAJ4w/10RYZdrEU64/IMG_9085%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">And my trip got even better upon arrival into Hong Kong. A free upgrade to business class for my onward flight to Osaka!!</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YIWs-TiLQ7w/T8tGKwdZOfI/AAAAAAAAJ5M/8OM_17mBZEw/IMG_7732%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">The only little disappointment was, the free upgrade didn’t include lounge access!!</p> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-63724903059428023402012-05-17T07:38:00.000+10:002012-05-17T07:38:00.092+10:00TH2012 - Wat Hat Yai Nai<p align="justify">Wat Hat Yai Nai is where Phra Phuttha Hattha Mongkhon, the second largest reclining Buddha in the world, is enshrined. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NH-Av8l28-I/T7OZ_Xs1SRI/AAAAAAAAJu4/RU6URDWI83c/IMG_7459%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-h0xZcGBZX0g/T7OaAVQm7oI/AAAAAAAAJvA/wOCXQRjtM8I/IMG_7463%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0nQmFz5MRtU/T7OaBoOQlBI/AAAAAAAAJvI/vP2BHKUKjCw/IMG_7464%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9ZfqAtoDVhM/T7OaC-tG6BI/AAAAAAAAJvQ/2yOUocqPDuA/IMG_7460%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NylHUttUkfc/T7OaD7GJQNI/AAAAAAAAJvY/TninxtB-urY/IMG_7462%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-67kapDI8fLo/T7OaEzfjTiI/AAAAAAAAJvc/dOkI-VNEWfs/IMG_7461%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">And one of the hidden treasures of this temple is the curious little museum and mausoleum at the back and inside the image’s gigantic base.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><em>Note: Most websites mentioned that the reclining Buddha at Wat Hat Yai Nai is the third largest in the world. However, if the 33m reclining Buddha in </em><a href="http://alexchseng.blogspot.com/2011/02/my2011-temple-tour-of-penang.html"><em>Wat Chaiyamangalaram, Penang</em></a><em> is the third largest, this should make Wat Hat Yai Nai’s 35m reclining Buddha the second largest.</em></p> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-35194296119482846552012-05-08T07:02:00.000+10:002012-05-08T07:02:00.134+10:00TH2012 - Mayflower Grande Hotel<p align="justify">During our trip to Hat Yai, we stayed at the Mayflower Grande Hotel, a member of the BP Hotels Group. Being one of the newer hotels in the area, Mayflower is also an ideal choice due to its central location.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UbLtbXFkaD0/T6ZLo3LMR_I/AAAAAAAAJrI/e7XrzWc8Xjs/IMG_74873.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-u-e-82HKZ-4/T6ZLqMpsGXI/AAAAAAAAJrQ/VonQr7xwees/IMG_74233.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xNjjEzFk0Ro/T6ZLsIb2YcI/AAAAAAAAJrY/fiNf_LQsVCo/IMG_74223.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Offering 200 so-called “modern” rooms, I just did not expect to see a CRT TV, although not really a concern to us.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dBfTSiIghws/T6ZLtAZEtuI/AAAAAAAAJrg/NMCaaxouZIg/IMG_74243.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Gk0Yasdy6js/T6ZLuPEtLJI/AAAAAAAAJro/08bgZQ9yCpk/IMG_74253.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bvNFEZIkil4/T6ZLu51Eb1I/AAAAAAAAJrw/aeD4a7AjXgQ/IMG_74273.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lI12H-O0pqg/T6ZLwtgAf0I/AAAAAAAAJr4/KpVZ8vObPcc/IMG_74263.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WVnZJnW2SVw/T6ZLxZqrTKI/AAAAAAAAJsA/hkTf1yqJkFA/IMG_74293.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-L_CAujtd0nk/T6ZLyfIRyRI/AAAAAAAAJsI/BuJtfQwMC_M/IMG_74283.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Our main complain though, would be the poor sound insulation for the rooms. </p> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-64724095938683551702012-04-19T07:07:00.001+10:002012-04-19T10:53:42.489+10:00AU2012 - Towers of Chevron Renaissance<p align="justify">For a centrally located and comfortable Gold Coast holiday, we chose to stay at the Towers of Chevron Renaissance. </p><p align="justify"> </p><p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-G7jc0uaNcio/T417XHMdB9I/AAAAAAAAJhI/6qRUHofFOd8/IMG_6987%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p><p align="justify"> </p><p align="justify">Although a little dated, the three bedroom apartment that we stayed in is definitely the ideal accommodation for a getaway with the family.</p><p align="justify"> </p><p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3wIv4Nuyu8k/T417YYWHL9I/AAAAAAAAJhQ/TLbk2P8cXIM/IMG_6986%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p><p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lDngON7XdqM/T417ZcRc5EI/AAAAAAAAJhY/Lnv2bNflLgY/IMG_6969%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p><p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-di2-GpTvnyc/T417aTR3OUI/AAAAAAAAJhg/qgdGDc7d9TQ/IMG_6972%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p><p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-B6_fo-aL6HY/T417bbg0dYI/AAAAAAAAJho/4TG2_Rj6erg/IMG_6970%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p><p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-W8Cc3xs-RII/T417cUDTRhI/AAAAAAAAJhw/MpPhQGD6emQ/IMG_6971%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p><p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2TAPdDGZ9mc/T417dtkocvI/AAAAAAAAJh4/sZOZX3VAKjg/IMG_6974%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p><p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-27tN1qPaYuA/T417eiw1BtI/AAAAAAAAJiA/fnO7IRPXjWI/IMG_6973%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p><p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_V2Ek8w2hKA/T417f_KB3ZI/AAAAAAAAJiI/mx7wUjUAulM/IMG_6975%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p><p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_UZOlYZUIds/T417hPclBzI/AAAAAAAAJiQ/G3NP7B2mOGI/IMG_6976%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p><p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-k0dkVv0Ss8w/T417iK2sGlI/AAAAAAAAJiY/6v2caedzVJY/IMG_6978%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p><p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZLKm8marh8M/T417jbJJuGI/AAAAAAAAJig/UeuTXGkhqMA/IMG_6979%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p><p align="justify"> </p><p align="justify">Located on level 32, we had a great view of the surrounding areas. We even had a toilet with a view!!</p><p align="justify"> </p><p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KHJ3Aj0A3SU/T417kcFReGI/AAAAAAAAJio/w-DIPtjIWa4/IMG_6985%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p><p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4-by4cU6O8c/T417loDfV9I/AAAAAAAAJiw/ImtgeLVez5Q/IMG_6984%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p><p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-D4BEEsltovA/T417mx9n7pI/AAAAAAAAJi4/E0E10uasllc/IMG_6983%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p><p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-W_7XCOTZbFE/T417n_u8wXI/AAAAAAAAJjA/3PrC9JDD_EI/IMG_6982%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p><p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cUAryn5XizY/T417pLZtdOI/AAAAAAAAJjI/TT5kM_BX9Ak/IMG_6981%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p><p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-N4mwQZ25yls/T417qtxNqCI/AAAAAAAAJjQ/CwvlEY-pWm4/IMG_6980%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p><p align="justify"> </p><p align="justify">I guess, one of the most famous facilities at the Tower is “The Beaches in the Sky”, a recreation area located on level 5 that connects all the three separate towers. Consisting of a man-made beach, swimming pools, spa, BBQ facilities, gymnasium and games room, one could easily spend  hours in the resort.</p><p align="justify"> </p><p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BYLCNq9psB0/T417rg4RlEI/AAAAAAAAJjY/JdvtotlR2L8/1%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="537" /></p><p align="justify"> </p><p align="justify">It is just unfortunate that we did not have the time to actually do that.</p>Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-83513843884007461322012-04-17T07:43:00.000+10:002012-04-17T07:43:00.197+10:00AU2012 - Werribee Open Range Zoo<p align="justify">The Werribee Open Range Zoo is a  225 hectare African themed zoo, located 32km south-west of Melbourne. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-382ZJ_-ebm8/T4wdj_krH-I/AAAAAAAAJeg/FUOu2ImSJ68/IMG_7330%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bnRjgxhsaNQ/T4wdlDR0CQI/AAAAAAAAJeo/Ms2k3TkQ4U8/IMG_7338%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yrlpkpUZJWY/T4wdmcCxMQI/AAAAAAAAJew/g6X28SeZDoU/IMG_7331%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">And the main attraction for Werribee Zoo, is the safari bus tour.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aMZpDx9yHCg/T4wdnSDeS4I/AAAAAAAAJe4/pXhptIbTIA4/PC270149%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Starting from the bus shelter near the Meerkat Bistro and Function Centre, the safari tour allows visitors to see animals in conditions as close as possible to those they encounter in their natural habitats. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rQoa8u8Z7d0/T4wdo1h9xII/AAAAAAAAJfA/97SOt2nTGbE/IMG_7335%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Among the animals on exhibit included the hippos, zebras, giraffes, ostriches, rhinos, antelopes and bisons.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NxHqStD93Ac/T4wdp-Q_lBI/AAAAAAAAJfI/62pa6XtXUS0/IMG_7334%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Bu3iy3-RwKc/T4wdrGGNDmI/AAAAAAAAJfQ/zTek63XnOgk/PC270126%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3P-w6MLkV20/T4wdsIdBbOI/AAAAAAAAJfY/gVHYoc39S4U/PC270130%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-b8GIl2l6UWk/T4wdtPuX5bI/AAAAAAAAJfg/10kdq5BMgVE/PC270132%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CIt3eWFNEew/T4wduJvH1SI/AAAAAAAAJfo/1crV0njjqqM/PC270135%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XrduZa51kIU/T4wdvlutM-I/AAAAAAAAJfw/_e572_kJxSM/PC270138%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HX7HP_2kMHE/T4wdwta5pgI/AAAAAAAAJf4/Xl0Wpn0EEe8/PC270144%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VKn07Op1ob4/T4wdxsqqtVI/AAAAAAAAJf8/AxGf3x_AtTI/PC270153%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CYV8gyWIThc/T4wdyXbxbcI/AAAAAAAAJgI/N3LwySyq4vk/PC270152%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">In addition to the safari tour, visitors can also follow the 800m Pula Reserve Walking Trail, which focuses on African animals, such as lions, vervet monkeys, cheetahs, African wild dogs and meerkats.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_oYznHZjm_c/T4wdzjKoYSI/AAAAAAAAJgQ/B_nR6cRiLvw/PC270162%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BoRg6uufxNM/T4wd0po0GII/AAAAAAAAJgY/-C6szq4Gk-c/PC270154%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9iftXsqbIj8/T4wd148cDMI/AAAAAAAAJgg/ypObcytGXpg/PC270156%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-49STEU5s2jk/T4wd3MdT2TI/AAAAAAAAJgo/qu6rYn5XC-8/PC270157%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UMRentJeBNc/T4wd4FGLo1I/AAAAAAAAJgw/STRY6Ok5ck8/PC270164%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Adding to the zoo’s list of exhibits is the new gorilla enclosure, which is a huge sanctuary with wide-open spaces and climbing structures.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hVro4fgtIyU/T4wd5Xl5HuI/AAAAAAAAJg4/5ekonSslA2M/PC270168%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">But the hidden gem of Werribee Zoo, is the leopard tortoises that are not even mentioned in the zoo map.</p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pWmYbCV84PM/T4wd6vrUsDI/AAAAAAAAJhA/NW56jfC33As/IMG_7339%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">For a true African experience, I reckon that they should also include the lions and cheetahs in the safari enclosure.</p> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-12005085778915620622012-04-14T07:34:00.000+10:002012-04-14T07:34:00.048+10:00AU2012 - Victoria State Rose Garden<p align="justify">The award winning six acre Victoria State Rose Garden is a “hidden” tourist gem in Victoria. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_RlJO_TbrVY/T4a1lGO1rlI/AAAAAAAAJWc/rRORKLFVbBM/IMG_7300%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IBjfcRSbtpI/T4a1miOJ-nI/AAAAAAAAJWk/6SfAFJyleFk/IMG_7228%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-35y6M0dTc14/T4a1n9D2xxI/AAAAAAAAJWs/p6pQpNCxYb8/IMG_7245%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-x3Ic4Aaah0w/T4a1o6whpfI/AAAAAAAAJW0/i80_-vV-GbM/IMG_7297%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Hidden behind a screen of trees from the carpark of the Mansion at Werribee Park, the Garden boasts over 5000 roses, planted in a stylised rose design.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pfSAfB0WUJQ/T4a1pzENKmI/AAAAAAAAJW8/aoENQjdJSnk/IMG_7223%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Among the roses with interesting names included the:</p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">Chicago Peace</div> </li> </ul> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zYnoZInhJQ8/T4a1rInecbI/AAAAAAAAJXE/FkY30CZOCT0/IMG_7229%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">White Spray</div> </li> </ul> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-S62WYuv_8Dk/T4a1sOqRBUI/AAAAAAAAJXM/dqtUBCSJ0sQ/IMG_7231%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">Warm Wishes</div> </li> </ul> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-w7ENwYi6cfo/T4a1tStL1bI/AAAAAAAAJXU/PMqA2BziXEA/IMG_7233%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">Gelber Engel</div> </li> </ul> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3sAusNXFlYA/T4a1uumgvxI/AAAAAAAAJXc/MuEq92tipCI/IMG_7235%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">Fragrant Plum</div> </li> </ul> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GZcXEUSDcMg/T4a1vpS6sbI/AAAAAAAAJXk/YSj1Lx32M7g/IMG_7237%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">Red Cross</div> </li> </ul> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LqM8llVxEic/T4a1xLSsynI/AAAAAAAAJXs/SnHXfPZV1T0/IMG_7239%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">Blue Moon</div> </li> </ul> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PmvcpZs_BXg/T4a1yRobKWI/AAAAAAAAJX0/JLcXuZXzwFs/IMG_7241%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">Memoire</div> </li> </ul> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wO-k-xvtrmo/T4a1zajPegI/AAAAAAAAJX4/uO7udQnxMqk/IMG_7243%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">Aspirin</div> </li> </ul> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mh2YbH7QStA/T4a10j68-UI/AAAAAAAAJYA/juQSronta6I/IMG_7246%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">Elizabeth of Glamis</div> </li> </ul> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-outbLFwo9_I/T4a11jqyRUI/AAAAAAAAJYM/Ty9VBNtlm60/IMG_7248%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">Golden Years</div> </li> </ul> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BGiOI3dqoIY/T4a13LJL4WI/AAAAAAAAJYU/PAu843myzcE/IMG_7250%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">Love Potion</div> </li> </ul> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-O-SYjBVbLr0/T4a14R_Bf3I/AAAAAAAAJYc/XlfHrxgCEtE/IMG_7252%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">Oklahoma</div> </li> </ul> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-c7grOki6ASs/T4a15VcpTdI/AAAAAAAAJYk/trc3LxaDhyE/IMG_7254%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">Sight Saver</div> </li> </ul> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9hvl645a2Ho/T4a16YUH2UI/AAAAAAAAJYs/Wf0tXeT3M8U/IMG_7256%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">Pomponella</div> </li> </ul> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bXTgA39Kkig/T4a17fmvBwI/AAAAAAAAJY0/SKndtmfE3Yk/IMG_7258%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">Orange Silk</div> </li> </ul> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-b9DcXozMmFI/T4a18lYrw_I/AAAAAAAAJY8/H9eLPg_o2Hw/IMG_7260%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">Sunstruck</div> </li> </ul> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Z0eQn42gOt4/T4a19w9iUrI/AAAAAAAAJZE/Bg6ZeQLG2FA/IMG_7262%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">Bold Seduction</div> </li> </ul> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-C3Qmr6Z9-9A/T4a1_Kpb9II/AAAAAAAAJZM/3JCExWiABJQ/IMG_7264%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">Parole</div> </li> </ul> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9pc-vio392M/T4a2AjaUqHI/AAAAAAAAJZU/0I0AcK3jpbg/IMG_7266%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">Mondiale</div> </li> </ul> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_zDWdoDpmvU/T4a2CJRp5yI/AAAAAAAAJZc/-vqmPmHtxTc/IMG_7268%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">Savoy Hotel</div> </li> </ul> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3R_WBw_zWLY/T4a2DdRldmI/AAAAAAAAJZo/5juXAKNfVq4/IMG_7271%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">Bridal Pink</div> </li> </ul> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vWM5ZstV5As/T4a2EQ_dsOI/AAAAAAAAJZw/Ugi0umNUJE0/IMG_7273%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">Oranges and Lemons</div> </li> </ul> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OeaN0mGXyEc/T4a2F-Y82MI/AAAAAAAAJZ4/_kKH8PMxsUw/IMG_7275%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">Makybe Diva</div> </li> </ul> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WNs7b6VZ__8/T4a2GoGG_6I/AAAAAAAAJaA/x1YzNEVWDaQ/IMG_7277%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">Julischka</div> </li> </ul> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ij-mwywZqPg/T4a2IcMuCvI/AAAAAAAAJaI/ErsgvnjCwUw/IMG_7279%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">Fire and Ice</div> </li> </ul> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-55Mzkd6jbgQ/T4a2JhXJACI/AAAAAAAAJaQ/xvvRXF_aIKc/IMG_7281%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">Playboy</div> </li> </ul> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-F5qAo-vZ3Dw/T4a2KkWKohI/AAAAAAAAJaY/TEaINpUEeXk/IMG_7283%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">Daybreaker</div> </li> </ul> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YEHIQcxlPsw/T4a2Lhe7_3I/AAAAAAAAJag/CVlk8VWrnWY/IMG_7285%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">Topsy Turvey</div> </li> </ul> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-v_VoGHgUZ9U/T4a2Nt5Cz8I/AAAAAAAAJao/aWZiIEbmfM8/IMG_7287%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">Colorama</div> </li> </ul> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gFluo--0kz8/T4a2O2nJvgI/AAAAAAAAJaw/6jiOQSwrBQU/IMG_7289%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">Gemini</div> </li> </ul> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FrOlmHCHHeE/T4a2QQnECUI/AAAAAAAAJa4/RayDqKTP8_U/IMG_7291%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">Love In</div> </li> </ul> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-se4waM2wAwY/T4a2Raz4Q_I/AAAAAAAAJbA/1bcOxmapxOY/IMG_7293%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">Gold N Fancy</div> </li> </ul> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4xkSp2TUSGY/T4a2Ss2MSdI/AAAAAAAAJbI/oFH8YGPngr8/IMG_7295%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">Pakeha</div> </li> </ul> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-joXKTVE1Bps/T4a2T_3tVII/AAAAAAAAJbQ/GqpFdAt5VyM/IMG_7298%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">Valerie June</div> </li> </ul> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-L6S1rl3jzzg/T4a2U8bwYFI/AAAAAAAAJbY/fd03rjEualQ/IMG_7301%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">Countrywoman</div> </li> </ul> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Xaqujb3FN3U/T4a2WDkRe6I/AAAAAAAAJbg/tyXiT_zrqrw/IMG_7303%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">Warrawee</div> </li> </ul> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-K8_QRpjWzlg/T4a2XG_o3EI/AAAAAAAAJbo/iCeCTPJ_JO0/IMG_7305%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">Peter Benjamin</div> </li> </ul> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-n7YGrTPzglg/T4a2YFQpwfI/AAAAAAAAJbw/y2fKlm7zdSw/IMG_7307%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">Governor Macquarie</div> </li> </ul> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6nPLQJoo1NM/T4a2ZUzeE0I/AAAAAAAAJb4/Rc2ugLwIgAg/IMG_7309%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">Lemon Silk</div> </li> </ul> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0_DEe0DgjeA/T4a2at_W_GI/AAAAAAAAJcA/3FoM2RdF76I/IMG_7311%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">Blueberry Hill</div> </li> </ul> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ec3VYOY0VD0/T4a2bpvEEiI/AAAAAAAAJcI/8dm1kPHoilc/IMG_7313%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">Burgundy Iceberg</div> </li> </ul> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-onIcNeNTlB4/T4a2c53TdGI/AAAAAAAAJcQ/pc9xN20Oong/IMG_7315%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">Amatsu Atome</div> </li> </ul> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mRqPEDN5_78/T4a2ektqcvI/AAAAAAAAJcY/0FN29Rls7E8/IMG_7317%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Not sure how they decided on those names, but with roses originating from all over the world, the Garden is like the United Nations, but for Roses.</p> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-43608124734936866982012-04-03T07:24:00.000+10:002012-04-05T23:19:19.250+10:00AU2012 - Southbank One<p align="justify">Another place that we stayed during our trip to Melbourne is Southbank One, an award winning apartment project in Victoria.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BxvdslWbjMA/T32bTJIyyHI/AAAAAAAAJQw/dPlRSnIBLlU/IMG_7222%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Q6Qf80igXMo/T32bUWIOhuI/AAAAAAAAJQ4/V-pYyxClYDY/IMG_7112%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lZE0XbZ0wZI/T32bVYn-MaI/AAAAAAAAJRA/Vask_m6wmLs/IMG_7084%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NRMualCGc7g/T32bWYYijZI/AAAAAAAAJRI/V8PNZQXfZf4/IMG_7072%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-f79huPoAF88/T32bXbywcQI/AAAAAAAAJRQ/B5zaxKCSzSc/IMG_7088%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Located just a block away from <a href="http://alexchseng.blogspot.com/2012/03/au2012-quest-southbank.html">Quest</a>, this 4.5 star apartment complex is much closer to the Crown Entertainment Complex and Yarra river. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YpfjoHrvd-0/T32bYxCgW7I/AAAAAAAAJRY/TdiRlKdjzGk/IMG_7087%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Thus, we do get a much better view of the city.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gENiQummlG8/T32baQ4VomI/AAAAAAAAJRg/WZS7U1d9sMI/IMG_7107%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XV33jCLej_U/T32bbb3RBZI/AAAAAAAAJRo/ACe-OUtFV24/IMG_7108%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-327hhAeyVaE/T32bcqCzu8I/AAAAAAAAJRw/bXwmLjeQjyw/IMG_7109%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-e6kH4XVTaCQ/T32bd9qYd4I/AAAAAAAAJR4/Z3KbHSN6lMg/IMG_7110%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oS9Hzzr-Ob0/T32bgbeAqsI/AAAAAAAAJSA/p0HdNIlMhVs/IMG_7111%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">As for the units, our 2 Bedroom SoHo apartment features floor-to-ceiling windows, a fully equipped kitchen, a built-in laundry and a bedding configuration for five people.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sNkjZ_JFDQw/T32bhZZgneI/AAAAAAAAJSI/QOnK35mW7oI/IMG_7091%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MiYcKCDUs9E/T32bifas1CI/AAAAAAAAJSQ/A34G0Qpixk4/IMG_7092%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-a5T18FoTrpo/T32bjgwD_sI/AAAAAAAAJSY/HnZGMNxSkaw/IMG_7089%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6em2Tdrh_6A/T32bku2KchI/AAAAAAAAJSg/hi5hESwP7b0/IMG_7090%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qZcj2vFYqUc/T32bl-a1QYI/AAAAAAAAJSo/nbyBqFTox7U/IMG_7105%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XVkXEjm2i6I/T32bm7Ywj3I/AAAAAAAAJSw/X9HMxZvq_L8/IMG_7104%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bT4vj5lmxEM/T32bofa4WrI/AAAAAAAAJS4/qbj9T9ZlnrA/IMG_7094%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1zHFO00dwJI/T32bpClbVDI/AAAAAAAAJTA/0XvOPGZFEvM/IMG_7101%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aOrTF-rGGLM/T32bq-gpFjI/AAAAAAAAJTI/EYT0PMXeNMk/IMG_7080%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NQp5O5NjaHA/T32bsPzzPPI/AAAAAAAAJTQ/THWrOLbpZ3k/IMG_7106%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-g3ntZNmB4T8/T32bs6RvJGI/AAAAAAAAJTY/2laPNMJplzU/IMG_7095%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--EnyfrdzWVA/T32buBXH5WI/AAAAAAAAJTg/6eSrJb4SMdU/IMG_7102%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0ffQJ6OLIQQ/T32bvD3hmHI/AAAAAAAAJTo/YZ710ziCnGg/IMG_7103%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-puhyPGFaE4M/T32bwKRUFnI/AAAAAAAAJTw/O1prRc6ctJ4/IMG_7096%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5JrnN-tleKY/T32bxrx1nrI/AAAAAAAAJT4/QadB-CClUNk/IMG_7097%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qaYzA16mRRo/T32by5Il7pI/AAAAAAAAJUA/dmwjwfIADcQ/IMG_7098%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GB7csKIPqcw/T32bzyj9ikI/AAAAAAAAJUI/eX6yNsNqnRs/IMG_7100%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cxq9JVltFb0/T32b0xJeKOI/AAAAAAAAJUQ/r2SBnGWX82U/IMG_7099%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">While we were happy with the location, services and inclusions, we were disappointed to find out that there is only one air conditioning unit in the whole apartment!! They could have at least install a ceiling fan in each room!!</p> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com1