Tag Archives: Asia

Red Japanese Maple Leaf at Tenryu-ji

Posted on June 23rd, 2016 by

Falling Maple Leafs in the Rain

I sat on a small bench, the rain that had been falling my entire trip out of Kyoto to Tenryu-ji had mostly stopped, but a humid sheen cast odd colored light glares all over. I sat taking in the Kyoto fall scene. I was a bit too early for the truest expression of color the city is capable of, but the beauty of Tenryu-ji’s gardens were not lost. Suddenly and in near slow motion, this near perfect maple leaf fell from a nearby tree. It floated gracefully to rest next to me on my wet bench. I took this as a sign and snapped this photo. I often try to find meaning in the small occurrences like this that happen on my travels, but perhaps this time, I will leave this leaf’s message for you to decipher.

Red Japanese Maple Leaf at Tenryu-ji
Red Japanese Maple Leaf at Tenryu-ji

Photo Technical Info

  • Aperture: ƒ/2.8
  • Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
  • Taken: 14 November, 2015
  • Focal length: 35mm
  • ISO: 800
  • Shutter speed: 1/200s
  • Title: Red Japanese Maple Leaf at Tenryu-ji

Tea Leaves for Inspection in Shanghai, China

Posted on June 9th, 2016 by

Smelling Tea

The thing I have learned though Pamela’s love (some might say obsession) with tea is the joy of tea is much the same as the joy of wine. The terrior, the growing season, how the tea is harvested, the method to refine the tea for drinking, even the sampling methods are reminiscent of wine. How do the flavors hit the palate, what flavors are apparent and perhaps a surprise because of some of the above mentioned conditions. It is honestly quite fascinating. This bowl of (I belive) oolong was set out at one of the very first places in Tea City, where Pamela and I stopped to sample tea. I think I have never seen her so overwhelmed with joy, shyness and perhaps an equal part reverence that that first visit to Tea City.

Tea Leaves for Inspection in Shanghai, China
Tea Leaves for Inspection in Shanghai, China

Photo Technical Info

  • Aperture: ƒ/4
  • Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
  • Taken: 30 June, 2015
  • Focal length: 35mm
  • ISO: 3200
  • Shutter speed: 1/125s
  • Title: Tea Leaves for Inspection in Shanghai, China

Waiting for a Train in Shanghai

Posted on May 26th, 2016 by

Trainspotting

I enjoy spending time in places of transit. I know others find the airports and train stations stressful and tedious (and they can be), but almost always I find them relaxing. There is a part of me that just lets go when I enter one of these spaces. Often I have a bit better access than the general traveler. I know some inside “secrets” and tend to use then as frequently as I can, but even when I am someplace without the greater comforts, I still am able to exhale and settle in. Often I take photos, when they are allowed, as with this one waiting for our train to Hangzhou.

Waiting for a Train in Shanghai
Waiting for a Train in Shanghai

Photo Technical Info

  • Aperture: ƒ/2.8
  • Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
  • Taken: 30 June, 2015
  • Focal length: 31mm
  • ISO: 1600
  • Shutter speed: 1/250s
  • Title: Wating for a Train in Shanghai

Hyatt Villa One Night in Bali

Posted on May 16th, 2016 by

Wandering at Night

It is not something I much do. I tend to go places with large populations, so it’s likely very safe +1 for safety. I also tend to carry around a bunch of camera gear, -1 for safety. I generally have a big tripod at night which is like a modern day mace, +1 for safety. You can see where all this gets you, overall protecting yourself and your stuff can be complicated. As such my traveling rules generally are don’t drink much in public AND be back to the hotel before the town rolls up for the night (or becomes a different world all together).

In this case in Bali, I was oddly on a resort…something I almost never do. I stayed here for three days almost exclusively and had a really relaxing time just sitting and reading by the beach. At the time, it was perhaps the perfect thing I needed. As such, walking after dark was almost entirely safe!

Hyatt Villa One Night in Bali
Hyatt Villa One Night in Bali

Photo Technical Info

  • Aperture: ƒ/5.6
  • Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
  • Taken: 17 February, 2015
  • Focal length: 16mm
  • ISO: 1000
  • Shutter speed: 15s
  • Title: Hyatt Villa One Night in Bali

Sakura Blossoms in Ueno Park

Posted on May 12th, 2016 by

Sakura

I get why the Japanese have a word specifically for cherry blossoms and another for the viewing of these wonderful flowers. My visit to Japan this last April was toward the end of the blossoming season, just at the start of the fall. There is an otherworldly beauty, not unlike snow, but different all the same, as the still cool breeze blows and petals fall, gently invade all your senses. I think for me Hanami is a perfect explosion of color after the desolateness of Winter. Wrapped, surviving in the cold, then one day the beautiful promise of Spring.

Sakura Blossoms in Ueno Park
Sakura Blossoms in Ueno Park

Photo Technical Info

  • Aperture: ƒ/4.5
  • Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
  • Taken: 9 April, 2016
  • Focal length: 31mm
  • ISO: 100
  • Shutter speed: 1/800s
  • Title: Sakura Blossoms in Ueno Park

Old Guard House of Japan’s Imperial Palace

Posted on May 5th, 2016 by

A Preferred View

This is the view of this particular guard tower I prefer. It sits in stout defense of the unseen palace behinds its wall. It, guarded by a moat that would leave attackers undefended in crossing. The think is just outside the frame is a mass of new Japan. Big buildings and construction equipment abound. Behind is a massive parking lot. I don’t show you these. This photo looks old, but was taken in 2016. I guess in many ways our fortresses and our photographs aren’t unlike ourselves.

Old Guard House of Japan’s Imperial Palace
Old Guard House of Japan’s Imperial Palace

Photo Technical Info

  • Aperture: ƒ/8
  • Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
  • Taken: 11 April, 2016
  • Focal length: 30mm
  • ISO: 100
  • Shutter speed: 1/50s
  • Title: Old Guard House of Japan's Imperial Palace

Lanterns on Display for Sakura

Posted on April 18th, 2016 by

Cherry Trees!

I have wanted to visit Japan in late March or early April some time for the Sakura. There are numerous places in the world that have flowering trees. Our own state is gorgeous with dogwood, redbud and apricot trees, but getting to experience Hanami (flower viewing) in person is something a bit otherworldly. This location is in Ueno Park, a part of Tokyo I had not yet visited. Lanterns had been strung to keep the viewing going even after dark and there are hundreds of people and groups having a picnic under the falling petals.

Lanterns on Display for Sakura
Lanterns on Display for Sakura

Photo Technical Info

  • Aperture: ƒ/8
  • Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
  • Taken: 9 April, 2016
  • Focal length: 23mm
  • ISO: 100
  • Shutter speed: 1/200s
  • Title: Lanterns on Display for Sakura

Kyoto Temple

Posted on April 11th, 2016 by

Not All Who Wander are Lost

I went on a walk searching for a temple. I got lost and it started to rain…hard.

It often happens to me during my travels. I tend to get lost, I even TRY to get lost. Sure I have my phone, so I am never TRULY lost, but believe me…I get lost. I also like to walk places. I feel like I get to see more and see the color of places if I walk. Sometimes I am detrimentally stubborn about it, but the wander is hard to satisfy.

This day, my wandering soul found this beautiful place at the top of a small hill. I am not entirely sure where in Kyoto it is, but this entry was very beautiful and nestled quietly away allowing for reflection. I generally don’t care for people in my photos, but this couple seemed to fit.

Kyoto Temple
Kyoto Temple

Photo Technical Info

  • Aperture: ƒ/4
  • Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
  • Taken: 15 November, 2015
  • Focal length: 17mm
  • ISO: 2000
  • Shutter speed: 1/800s
  • Title: Kyoto Temple

The Best Spicy Peanut Noodles in Shanghai

Posted on March 10th, 2016 by

Chinese Comfort Food

I have eaten some spectacular food throughout my travels. New flavors, exotic smells, weird dishes…all are an essential part of world travel, today’s photo is one of those. This plate of Spicy Sesame Noodles has all the trappings of “Comfort Food”. I was told the menu on the wall has been there since the 1970’s. They list things as “Out” that they no longer even make. The staff rushes out other patrons out so you can sit down; Chinese Fast Food. There is a gruff lady who takes your money, she speaks no English, for this is a place of locals. The bottles of soy sauce are old plastic, reclaimed for a purpose they are not intended. All matters little, once you have a bite you will know this is some of the best Peanut Noodles in all the World.

The Best Spicy Peanut Noodles in Shanghai
The Best Spicy Peanut Noodles in Shanghai

Photo Technical Info

The Snail that Said Slow Down

Posted on March 7th, 2016 by

Finding Meaning

I think, if you listen, the universe sends you messages. I was hiking Fushimi Inari-taisha in Kyoto, Japan. The day was grey and rainy, but I had arrived early before the truly overwhelming mass of people. I also knew the physical toll the Kyoto mountains would take on many tourists and the further I hiked, the fewer people I would find. Furiously I climbed, passing people, stopping only for photos, perhaps I missed some things. All of a sudden, I came upon a lake surrounded by this fence, it was a welcome serene sight and a respite for the ever upward climb.

It was then I noticed the snail, alone on the fence. People hurried by all to involved to notice the snail. In a flash, the Sun broke gloriously through the clouds and reflected power from the surface of the still water. The snail continued all the same, but I heard the message. The snail was saying, “slow down”.

The rest of my hike was alive with light, that danced off the rain drops still clinging to the endless Torii Gates of Fushimi Inari-taisha. I did slow down, people came and went, but my speed now allowed them to pass by with ease, and me to linger to find things hidden in the Japanese wood. I took some of the best photos of my trip, because I listened.

The Snail that Said Slow Down
The Snail that Said Slow Down

Photo Technical Info