Bali is a hot place, even in February when I visited. For me, its odd, but I actually spend almost this whole trip at the resort. I was just plain exhausted! Sometimes despite being half the world away from home, the right answer is just to stop and enjoy yourself however you wish!
I just finished up watching Hong Kong’s Symphony of Lights show (I’m afraid the name is the most exciting part of this show) and was headed back to the hotel for the evening. The waterfront is really pretty and the Hong Kong Space Museum was all lit up in oscillating colors.
I often get tired during international trips. The time changes, though I like to think myself a good adjuster really throw me for a loop at times! I am often back in my room before dark, and often get shots out the windows, especially if I am high atop the city with a fantastic view. This is one such nite in Tokyo, Japan.
A quick photo today, for it is New Years! This is one of the many carvings at a Buddhist monastery Pamela and I visited while in Hangzhou, China.
This interior is dominated by the Chinese scholar’s rock. These rocks are usually placed in Chinese gardens, but this one is placed here inside. These rocks were meant (to my understand) as a contemplation focus. A place to undoubtedly gaze upon natural beauty and use quite to bring insight. This is he interior of this fantastic building on the outskirts of Yuyuan Garden.
They tend to wind and flow in ways that make me, as well as spirits apparently, confused. They are, however terribly beautiful in a specific way that often reminds me of China itself. That is probably because I spend so much time when I travel visiting museums and gardens. My impression of a place, tends to be shaped by the history and nature they prefer to show. Regardless, I saw these two dragons in Yu Yuan Garden in Shanghai peaking over the top of this covered walkway. The sun was low in the sky, and the view standing there was quite majestic.
I have posted view’s of the guard towers of the Imperial Palace before, but this one is a view that really melds the old and new Tokyo in a fun way. All around the city are evidence of ancient times integrated with some great modern designs.
Continuing my theme of BIG PLACES, I give you the temples of Cambodia! This one I believe is Ta Prohm, but given the maze-like winding I did at somewhat breakneck speed, I am doing good to recall where I was at all! There are throngs of tourists, but you still can’t help but sometimes seeing the place through the lens of western video games.
Technically Tomb Raider was shot at Ta Prohm and this is Angkor Wat temple, but being American, I can’t help but tell you how much I felt like I was in a movie! Sure there were hoards of tourists and guides, but there is something amazing (and terrible) being able to freely explore this ancient temple complex!
This is one of the most famous carvings in Angkor Wat temple and perhaps all of Cambodia. The Churning of the Ocean of Milk tells the story of a battle between Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons) to gain supremacy on the Earth. The two sides battled in a great tug-of-war struggling while pulling on the Naga (a mythical snake creature) thus causing the great churning of the ocean of milk and things to be revealed in the turmoil of the ocean including the Amrita (the elixir of immortality). In the process they numerous times petitioned the help of Vishnu who aided the Devas. In several ways the Devas tricked the Asuras and gained supremacy in the world, sending the demons to hell.
This is of course my rendition from what my guide at Ankor Wat shared of the story. I am still trying to work my way through how this story relates to modern times. Perhaps this is further complicated as this is a Hindu sculpture inside a Buddhist temple.
