There are numerous shrines and temples in Japan. Some date back centuries and dynasties. In Kyoto, the Fushimi Inari Shrine is a must see! Hiking the mountainside trails behind the shrine feels like a pilgrimage. Thousands upon thousands of red-orange-vermilion torii gates (paid for by local businesses,) line the trail, and fill camera lens with […]
Traveling to Japan during this time of year puts you into the heart of Cherry Blossom Season, an annual occurrence throughout the islands. Recently, I traveled from East to West Japan and back again and saw some beautiful samples of the flowering cherry trees, aka Sakura, throughout Japan. Their significance is threefold: (1) they signal […]
For a final destination in Australia, (this time,) I travelled to the Great Barrier Reef. The easiest way to see the Reef, and dive or snorkel there, is by boat from Cairns and Port Douglas. Or, as I did, you can hop aboard a fast, rubber Zodiac boat from the beach off the coast of […]
In Australia, most of the land developments are on the coastlines. Well, that is true anywhere in the world – the biggest population centers are on or near a coastline. Perhaps it is the human affinity with water. the more temperate climate near a coast, or just that they like the look and sound of […]
The title of this post plays on the pronunciation of the city name “Cairns” in the tropical northeast part of Australia. It sounds like “can,” and if you enjoy this post, someday you Cairns go there! My favorite site in Cairns is the display of beautifully stained-glass windows at St. Monicas War Memorial Cathedral. Also, […]
During my trip last year, one of the museums I visited in Sydney, Australia, was the Hyde Park Barracks. It is located conveniently downtown, and it is free. This type of museum, in which a historical place has been converted into a museum with items of its era, can be just as intriguing as a […]
As we continued on in our travels in Melbourne, Australia, modern architecture became one of the most striking sights encountered. Of course, we discovered historical cottages and public buildings in Melbourne as well. But, the juxtaposition of these different styles brings forth the vitality of this country in a good way. Although you may prefer […]
Wherever I travel, I like to view the local art scene. If it be at a museum, an art gallery, or even on a wall, (sometimes,) I take in as much art as I can as part of my travel “sightseeing.” As an enlightening experience, I better understand a culture, a history, and what makes […]
Because Australia is in the southern hemisphere, springtime is from September through November. Is there a better way to enjoy a spring day other than to go for a walk in the park? The city of Melbourne, Australia, has wonderful gardens to visit, and thankfully, a great, public, modern, trolley-like, light rail system to get […]
In the south of the Northern Australia region lies Uluru. Titled Ayers Rock, yet time indeterminate, this area is the Outback which Australia is famed. I was fortunate enough to make this trek via jet airliner from Sydney. Flying over acres and acres of brushland, it can be easy to overlook how the flora, fauna, […]