Visiting temples, shrines and cathedrals can be an inspirational way to connect with the community when visiting a new place. I enjoy visiting cathedrals in Europe, and I love to find the smaller ones located in villages, rather than the huge, famous ones in the big cities. These are usually quiet and deserted, which makes... Continue Reading →
Day Trip to Akigawa Valley and Tomonaga Akimitsu Museum
During our visit to Japan, our friends treated us to a day trip to the Akigawa Valley. Located about one hour from Suidobashi Station, the valley can be reached by train or car. Cabins are available for rent for longer stays. This is a beautiful place to visit and offers many activities including hiking, hot... Continue Reading →
Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens
The Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens in Tokyo dates back to the early 1600s, at the beginning of the Edo Period. It is the oldest garden in Tokyo and a delight to experience. I first wrote about this garden earlier this year; you'll find that post here. It was July when my husband and I first visited,... Continue Reading →
The Wedding
As many of you know by now, my trip to Japan was prompted by a wedding invitation from a young woman, Saori, who was our exchange student about 10 years ago. She lived with my husband, daughter and I for three months, and it didn't take long for the four of us to become close... Continue Reading →
Seoul, South Korea, a Few Highlights
Seoul, a city we have all heard about and one that is in the news frequently, and one I never thought I would visit, but I am certainly glad I did! It is filled with modern technology, fashion, K-Pop and skyscrapers; but you will also find a traditional Hanok village, ancient palaces and temples, and... Continue Reading →
Tokyo, Big City, Intensity and Bright Lights
Tokyo; it's filled with such intensity, throngs of people, big, bright, flashing bill boards, video game arcades, neon lights, cars, busses, horns, bikers flying past you on the side walks, motorcycles, scooters; it is an endless sea of energy and excitement. Tokyo, Japan's capital city, is the biggest city in the world and is the... Continue Reading →
Shinjuku Gyoen National Park
One of the things I love about Tokyo are the many gardens and temples where one can escape the intensity of the city and retreat into a quiet sanctuary. Shinjuku Gyoen National Park is one such place. This 144 acre park located in the Shinjuku area of Tokyo, dates back the the Edo Period. It... Continue Reading →
A Day at the Palace of Versailles
A visit to Chateau de Versailles makes for a delightful day trip from Paris. The Chateau is huge, so plan to spend much of the day there. We first visited years ago when our daughter was in junior high school; she had been studying Versailles in her history class and knew much about the palace... Continue Reading →
Autumn Colors
Autumn is here and the colors are spectacular as usual. I'm taking a day off from blogging to recover from a cold and a busy week at work, so I will share some photos of autumn. I hope you enjoy these photos taken in Hobart, Australia; Denali National Park, Alaska; Bath Spa, England; Gordes, France;... Continue Reading →