Asia Archive

Himeji, Japan and the White Egret

Posted on January 27, 2010 | No Comments
Coming out of Himeji Train Station, I saw an orderly gathering of taxis to the right and a large main street that led to the goal of visiting Himeji, the castle. The castle is called Shirasagi (The White Egret) for its white walls that still shines after all these years.
Full Story
Nara, Japan and the Park

Posted on January 25, 2010 | No Comments
Collectively, the historic monuments of Nara are considered a UNESCO world heritage site. It is easy to see why once you step into Nara Park. The beautiful details of the dozen or a so different temples serve as a testament to Japanese spirituality and zen like calm.
Full Story
Nara, Japan and the Arcade

Posted on January 20, 2010 | No Comments
When the word arcade comes up in regards to Japan, I always think of the monumental buildings with level after level filled with video games. But a better connotation for arcade would be a shopping arcade. Shopping arcades in Japan are in every city. Every city has one and that includes Nara.
Full Story
Tokyo, Japan and Tsukiji Fish Market

Posted on December 8, 2009 | No Comments
It probably would have been better if I woke up earlier than 6am to go to the Tsukiji Fish Market. But as it was a vacation, I crawled slowly out of bed.
Full Story
Taipei, Taiwan and the National Palace Museum

Posted on December 4, 2009 | No Comments
The story I am told by my relatives about the National Palace Museum in Taiwan is that it has the highest density of Chinese treasure anywhere in the world, compared to any museum in China. After having visited the Forbidden City, the Shaanxi History Museum in Xian, and the Shanghai History Museum, I would probably have to agree.
Full Story
Postcard: Hua Mountain, China

Posted on November 21, 2009 | No Comments
Out of the five sacred mountains in China, according to Daoist tradition, Hua Shan in the Shaanxi province is known as one of the most dangerous hiking trails in China. If not the world.
Full Story