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  • Thai Gilt Bas Relief depicting a phoenix done up in gold leaf.
    thai-gilt-bas-relief.jpg
  • Gilt Temple Chandelier at Horinji - Daruma-dera or Horin-ji belongs to the esoteric Shingon sect and is dedicated to the Daruma or Dharma as it is often spelled in English.  Even the ceiling of the temple has a large painting of a dharma!  Hundreds of Daruma, of every shape and size is displayed here including Horin-ji’s own special design.  The moss covered garden at the rear lets you enjoy a few moments of tranquility, unlike most well-composed gardens in Kyoto thanks to its off-the-beaten-path neighborhood.
    Horin-ji-1.jpg
  • Wat Doi Suthep - or its official name Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is a Theravada Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The temple is often referred to as simply "Doi Suthep" although this is actually the name of the mountain it is located on. The temple is a sacred site to many Thai people.
    doi-suthep-1.jpg
  • Most Thai towns have a clock tower that marks the center of the city which are useful for both the time and an orientation point. This majestic landmark puts on a "show" every night at 9 o'clock, changing colors and become one of Chiang Rai's favorite tourist attractions. The Chiang Rai Clocktower was built to honour his majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
    chiang-rai-clocktower-3.jpg
  • Adjacent to Wat Mahathat is Bangkok's biggest amulet market, where a fantastic array of religious amulets, charms, talismans and traditional medicine is sold..Here hundreds buyers and sellers squat on the ground, studying tiny images of the Buddha with magnifying glasses, hoping to find one that will bring good fortune or ward off evil. Each type of amulet brings a specific kind of luck: to get the girl, to pass your exams, to keep bugs out of your rice stock, or to ward off diseases or even your mother-in-law.
    bangkok-amulet-market-3.jpg
  • Wat That Noi Door and Mural
    Wat-That-Luang-Luang-Prabang-2.jpg
  • Wat Sri Suphan was built in 1502 though almost nothing remains of the original temple. Today Wat Sri Suphan is the focus of renovations designed to make it a centerpiece for the Wualai silver village.  The entire surface of the temple's halls are being covered in silver - an ongoing project at the temple which is also a sponsor of the silversmithing school so as to ensure that the traditions of the village is passed on.  Wat Sri Suphan's nickname, is the Silver Temple.
    wat-sri-suphan-25.jpg
  • Buddha at Ryotanji - Ryotanji temple is from the Nara period, founded in 733.
    ryotanji-buddha-1.jpg
  • Kencho-ji is the oldest Zen monastery in Japan. The temple and monastery was built in 1273 during the Kamakura Period of Japan.  The layout of the temple follows the Chinese Zen tradition, that is, all the buildings are arranged on an axis. The garden can be found in the end of the temple complex, behind the quarters of the head priest. Muso Soseki, a famous Zen priest and garden designer built the garden.  The pond in the garden reminds of the shape of the character for mind or heart - an important element in Zen Buddhism.
    kenchoji-1.jpg
  • The Kappa Kawataro is a water spirit of Japan, with webbed hands and feet and a tortoise shell.  Crowning their head of page-boy style hair is a circular depression filled with water.Such demons are said to be the ghosts of drowned souls.  They have immense strength - the source of this power comes from the stored water within the dish on their head.  Activities from this demon can range from mischievous to deadly. It enjoys passing gas and forever gives off a fishy odour.  The kappa enjoys vegetarian cuisine particularly eggplants and cucumbers.
    kappa-1.jpg
  • Wat Arun or the Temple of Dawn is a Buddhist temple on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok.  Its name comes from the Indian god Aruna.  Wat Arun is one of the best known of Bangkok landmarks and often used as the icon for the city.  Although the temple has existed since at least the seventeenth century, its distinctive prang spires were built in the early nineteenth century during the reign of Rama II.  The main feature of Wat Arun is its central Khmer-style prang towers which are encrusted with colorful porcelain and ceramics.
    temple-of-dawn-2.jpg
  • Wat Intharawihan or Wat Intharavihan is a temple located in the Nakhon District of Bangkok, Thailand. It was built at the beginning of the Ayutthaya period and was originally called Wat Rai Phrik.  One of the main features is a 32-meter high standing Buddha referred to as Luang Pho To or Phra Si Ariyamettrai  It took over 60 years to complete and is decorated in glass mosaics and 24-carat gold. The topknot of the Buddha image contains a relic of Lord Buddha brought from Sri Lanka.
    Wat-Intharavihan-3.jpg
  • Most Thai towns have a clock tower that marks the center of the city which are useful for both the time and an orientation point. This majestic landmark puts on a "show" every night at 9 o'clock, changing colors and become one of Chiang Rai's favorite tourist attractions. The Chiang Rai Clocktower was built to honour his majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
    chiang-rai-clocktower-2.jpg
  • The magnificent statue of Hase Kannon is housed here for all to see and worship. It is 9 meters pr 30 feet tall and has eleven heads in addition to its main one - three in front, three to the left and three to the right, plus one at the top and another on the back. Each face has a different expression, signifying that the deity listens to the wishes of all types of people. Gold leaf was applied to the statue in 1342 and in 1392 the halo was added. Although Kannon is usually described in English as "the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy" strictly speaking it is neither masculine nor feminine and represents compassion, mercy, and love.
    hase-dera-kannon-3.jpg
  • Bonsai is the art of growing trees in containers. Bonsai is sometimes confused with dwarfing but dwarfing refers to creating plant material that are permanent, genetic miniatures of existing species.
    bonsai-exhibition-01.jpg
  • The Royal Thai Barges at their berths in Thonburi near Bangkok.  The barges can be seen in action on the river on the King’s birthday and other important events.
    royal-thai-barges.jpg
  • The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings in Bangkok which served as the official residence of the Kings of Thailand from the 18th century onwards. The Palace has been constantly expanded and many additional structures were added over time. The present King of Thailand, King Rama IX, however, resides at the Chitralada Palace.
    grand-palace-images-2.jpg
  • Buddhas wrapped and ready for delivery in one of the many shops that sell Buddhas along Bamrung Muang Road near Bangkok City Hall. Here you can pick up a giant Buddha, delivery not included in the price.  A variety of shops sell Buddhist paraphernalia as well -  giant orange candles, monks robes and statues of all sizes.
    bangkok-buddha-street-6.jpg
  • Lucky Pig with Festoons
    lucky-pig.jpg
  • Sands Casino, one of the new breed of gaming centers in Macau.  Visitors to the casinos should note the sign at each entrance urging players to chance only what they can afford - a warning that is seldom heeded. Casinos in Macau operate 24 hours a day.
    sands-macau.jpg
  • Wat That Noi, Door and Mural
    Wat-That-Luang-Luang-Prabang-3.jpg
  • In almost all Japanese homes, temples and restaurants, one can find fusuma, which slide from side to side to redefine spaces within a room, and also act as doors. They typically measure about the same size as a tatami mat, and are two or three centimeters thick. They consist of a wooden frame, covered in cardboard and a layer of paper. They typically have a black lacquer border and an indented door handle. Historically, fusuma were painted, often with scenes from nature such as mountains, forests or animals.
    tatami-room-5.jpg
  • In almost all Japanese homes, temples and restaurants, one can find fusuma, which slide from side to side to redefine spaces within a room, and also act as doors. They typically measure about the same size as a tatami mat, and are two or three centimeters thick. They consist of a wooden frame, covered in cardboard and a layer of paper. They typically have a black lacquer border and an indented door handle. Historically, fusuma were painted, often with scenes from nature such as mountains, forests or animals.
    tatami-room-5.jpg
  • Wat Sri Suphan was built in 1502 though almost nothing remains of the original temple. Today Wat Sri Suphan is the focus of renovations designed to make it a centerpiece for the Wualai silver village.  The entire surface of the temple's halls are being covered in silver - an ongoing project at the temple which is also a sponsor of the silversmithing school so as to ensure that the traditions of the village is passed on.  Wat Sri Suphan's nickname, is the Silver Temple.
    wat-sri-suphan-26.jpg
  • Wat Sri Suphan was built in 1502 though almost nothing remains of the original temple. Today Wat Sri Suphan is the focus of renovations designed to make it a centerpiece for the Wualai silver village.  The entire surface of the temple's halls are being covered in silver - an ongoing project at the temple which is also a sponsor of the silversmithing school so as to ensure that the traditions of the village is passed on.  Wat Sri Suphan's nickname, is the Silver Temple.
    wat-sri-suphan-24.jpg
  • Chateau de Versailles Gate - Chateau de Versailles is laid out over 800 hectares with large sprawling gardens and fountains. Most of the gardens were designed by Andre Le Notre, and are as breathtaking as the Palace itself. High on symmetry, adorned by massive number of sculptures, groves and fountains, these gardens represent royal French aesthetics and power at the time of the Sun King.
    versailles-03.jpg
  • Chateau de Versailles Gate - Chateau de Versailles is laid out over 800 hectares with large sprawling gardens and fountains. Most of the gardens were designed by Andre Le Notre, and are as breathtaking as the Palace itself. High on symmetry, adorned by massive number of sculptures, groves and fountains, these gardens represent royal French aesthetics and power at the time of the Sun King.
    versailles-02.jpg
  • Mary Magdelene at Notre Dame des Doms - The Palace of the Popes stands as a symbol of the church’s influence throughout the catholic world in the 14th century.  Construction was organized by two popes, Benedict XII and his successor Clement VI. Palais des Papes is one of the largest medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. The Palais became obsolete when the papacy returned to Rome. The visitor can view scenes of historic events, the pope’s private chambers and the frescoes painted by the Italian artist Matteo Giovannetti.  The Popes’ Palace is in the top ten most visited attractions of France and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    Mary-Palais-Papes.jpg
  • The Kappa Kawataro is a water spirit of Japan, with webbed hands and feet and a tortoise shell.  Crowning their head of page-boy style hair is a circular depression filled with water. Such demons are said to be the ghosts of drowned souls.  They have immense strength - the source of this power comes from the stored water within the dish on their head.  Activities from this demon can range from mischievous to deadly. It enjoys passing gas and forever gives off a fishy odour.  The kappa enjoys vegetarian cuisine particularly eggplants and cucumbers.
    kappa-2.jpg
  • Wat Suan Dok or Flower Garden Temple is a Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai.  King Kue Na's flower garden suan dok mai which was located here, gave the temple its original name. Among other things Wat Suan Dok is the site of a Buddhist institution of higher learning:  Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University
    suan-dok-3.jpg
  • The silver temple at Wat Sri Suphan is an ordination hall or Ubosot.   The temple has ties to the local craft of silver work, and so lots of silver has been integrated into the buildings. At the back of the temple silversmiths are usually at work. Inside the main hall, the paintings show twelve Buddhist zodiac symbols,. a unique pattern used in Wua Lai silverware.
    sri-suphan-3.jpg
  • The silver temple at Wat Sri Suphan is an ordination hall or Ubosot.   The temple has ties to the local craft of silver work, and so lots of silver has been integrated into the buildings. At the back of the temple silversmiths are usually at work. Inside the main hall, the paintings show twelve Buddhist zodiac symbols,. a unique pattern used in Wua Lai silverware.
    sri-suphan-2.jpg
  • The silver temple at Wat Sri Suphan is an ordination hall or Ubosot.   The temple has ties to the local craft of silver work, and so lots of silver has been integrated into the buildings. At the back of the temple silversmiths are usually at work. Inside the main hall, the paintings show twelve Buddhist zodiac symbols,. a unique pattern used in Wua Lai silverware.
    sri-suphan-4.jpg
  • Chedi at Wat Yai Chai Mongkhan or the Great Monastery of Auspicious Victory was also known by other names: Wat Pa Kaeo, Wat Chao Phraya Thai and Wat Yai Chaya Mongkhon. The chedi of Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon is one of the landmarks of Ayutthaya.
    yai-chai-mongkhan-4.jpg
  • Chedi at Wat Yai Chai Mongkhan or the Great Monastery of Auspicious Victory was also known by other names: Wat Pa Kaeo, Wat Chao Phraya Thai and Wat Yai Chaya Mongkhon. The chedi of Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon is one of the landmarks of Ayutthaya.
    yai-chai-mongkhan-3.jpg
  • Reclining Buddha at Wat Yai Chai Mongkhan - Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon or the Great Monastery of Auspicious Victory was also known by other names: Wat Pa Kaeo, Wat Chao Phraya Thai and Wat Yai Chaya Mongkhon.  The chedi of Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon is one of the landmarks of Ayutthaya.
    yai-chai-mongkhan-7.jpg
  • Reclining Buddha at Wat Yai Chai Mongkhan - Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon or the Great Monastery of Auspicious Victory was also known by other names: Wat Pa Kaeo, Wat Chao Phraya Thai and Wat Yai Chaya Mongkhon.
    yai-chai-mongkhan-6.jpg
  • Reclining Buddha at Wat Yai Chai Mongkhan - Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon or the Great Monastery of Auspicious Victory was also known by other names: Wat Pa Kaeo, Wat Chao Phraya Thai and Wat Yai Chaya Mongkhon.  The chedi of Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon is one of the landmarks of Ayutthaya.
    yai-chai-mongkhan-1.jpg
  • Offerings are objects set on altar tables before images of The Buddha and Buddhist deities at temples or at home. Among the items presented as offerings are special flowers, lotus blossoms, rice balls, fruit, sweets, amulets, coins, lotus buds, holy water, tea, candles, and incense.
    burmese-temple-offerings-5.jpg
  • Wat Doi Suthep - or its official name Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is a Theravada Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The temple is often referred to as simply "Doi Suthep" although this is actually the name of the mountain it is located on. The temple is a sacred site to many Thai people.
    doi-suthep-3.jpg
  • Wat Pan Tao meaning "to increase 1,000 times." The temple was built in the late fourteenth century and was one of four monastic temples serving the royal temple next door: Wat  Chedi Luang.. The temple's most interesting feature is its teak  wooden wiharn, which was formerly a royal residence but the practice in Lanna was for each new king to built a new palace. The old palaces were often 'recycled' into other uses, especially in temples. Over the main entry door on the east end of the chapel is a large gilded wood carving depicting a peacock flanked by several other animals, some of which are mythical. The peacock was the symbol of the kings of Chiang Mai; this carving has appeared on stamps and other materials celebrating Chiang Mai's 700th anniversary.
    wat-pan-tao-4.jpg
  • Praying at Wat Intharavihan or Wat Intharavihan is a temple located in the Nakhon District of Bangkok, Thailand. It was built at the beginning of the Ayutthaya period and was originally called Wat Rai Phrik.  One of the main features is a 32-meter high standing Buddha referred to as Luang Pho To or Phra Si Ariyamettrai  It took over 60 years to complete and is decorated in glass mosaics and 24-carat gold. The topknot of the Buddha image contains a relic of Lord Buddha brought from Sri Lanka.
    Wat-Intharavihan-2.jpg
  • Most Thai towns have a clock tower that marks the center of the city which are useful for both the time and an orientation point. This majestic landmark puts on a "show" every night at 9 o'clock, changing colors and become one of Chiang Rai's favorite tourist attractions. The Chiang Rai Clocktower was built to honour his majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
    chiang-rai-clocktower-5.jpg
  • The magnificent statue of Hase Kannon is housed here for all to see and worship. It is 9 meters pr 30 feet tall and has eleven heads in addition to its main one - three in front, three to the left and three to the right, plus one at the top and another on the back. Each face has a different expression, signifying that the deity listens to the wishes of all types of people. Gold leaf was applied to the statue in 1342 and in 1392 the halo was added. Although Kannon is usually described in English as "the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy" strictly speaking it is neither masculine nor feminine and represents compassion, mercy, and love.
    hase-dera-kannon-1.jpg
  • The magnificent statue of Hase Kannon is 9 meters pr 30 feet tall and has eleven heads in addition to its main one - three in front, three to the left and three to the right, plus one at the top and another on the back. Each face has a different expression, signifying that the deity listens to the wishes of all types of people. Gold leaf was applied to the statue in 1342 and in 1392 the halo was added. Although Kannon is usually described in English as "the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy" strictly speaking it is neither masculine nor feminine and represents compassion, mercy, and love.
    hase-dera-kannon-4.jpg
  • Wat Doi Suthep - or its official name Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is a Theravada Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The temple is often referred to as simply "Doi Suthep" although this is actually the name of the mountain it is located on. The temple is a sacred site to many Thai people.
    doi-suthep-2.jpg
  • The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings in Bangkok which served as the official residence of the Kings of Thailand from the 18th century onwards. The Palace has been constantly expanded and many additional structures were added over time. The present King of Thailand, King Rama IX, however, resides at the Chitralada Palace.
    thai-grand-palace.jpg
  • The Maneki Neko literally "Beckoning Cat" is also known as Welcoming Cat, Lucky Cat, Money cat or Fortune Cat.  They are common Japanese decorations, made of porcelain or ceramic,  which is believed to bring good luck to the owner. The sculpture depicts a cat usually  a Japanese Bobtail beckoning with an upright paw, and is usually displayed at the entrance of shops, restaurants  and other businesses. Some of the sculptures are electric and have a slow moving paw beckoning. In the design of the sculptures, a raised right paw supposedly attracts money, while a raised left paw attracts customers.
    lucky-cats.jpg
  • Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham, often called Wat Mai is a Buddhist temple in Luang Prabang.  It is the largest and most richly decorated of the temples in Luang Prabang. Built in the 18th century it is located near the Royal Palace Museum.  An emerald Buddha statue sits inside the red-gold interior
    wat-souvannapumaram.jpg
  • Ganesha at Wat Sri Suphan  - Wat Sri Suphan was built in 1502 though almost nothing remains of the original temple. Today Wat Sri Suphan is the focus of renovations designed to make it a centerpiece for the Wualai silver village.  The entire surface of the temple's halls are being covered in silver - an ongoing project at the temple which is also a sponsor of the silversmithing school so as to ensure that the traditions of the village is passed on.  Wat Sri Suphan's nickname, is the Silver Temple.
    wat-sri-suphan-27.jpg
  • Wat Sri Suphan was built in 1502 though almost nothing remains of the original temple. Today Wat Sri Suphan is the focus of renovations designed to make it a centerpiece for the Wualai silver village.  The entire surface of the temple's halls are being covered in silver - an ongoing project at the temple which is also a sponsor of the silversmithing school so as to ensure that the traditions of the village is passed on.  Wat Sri Suphan's nickname, is the Silver Temple.
    wat-sri-suphan-23.jpg
  • Ganesha at Wat Sri Suphan  - Wat Sri Suphan was built in 1502 though almost nothing remains of the original temple. Today Wat Sri Suphan is the focus of renovations designed to make it a centerpiece for the Wualai silver village.  The entire surface of the temple's halls are being covered in silver - an ongoing project at the temple which is also a sponsor of the silversmithing school so as to ensure that the traditions of the village is passed on.  Wat Sri Suphan's nickname, is the Silver Temple.
    wat-sri-suphan-21.jpg
  • Yeng Keng Mansion Penang - The Peranakans, also known as the Babas and Nyonyas, was a prominent community of Chinese in Penang and other Straits Settlements.  Adopting selected ways of the local Malays and British, the Peranakans created a lifestyle that left a legacy of cultural influences that are still evident in Penang today especially with regards to architecture and cuisine.
    chinese-screen-2.jpg
  • Yeng Keng Mansion Penang - The Peranakans, also known as the Babas and Nyonyas, was a prominent community of Chinese in Penang and other Straits Settlements.  Adopting selected ways of the local Malays and British, the Peranakans created a lifestyle that left a legacy of cultural influences that are still evident in Penang today especially with regards to architecture and cuisine.
    chinese-screen-1.jpg
  • Wat Bang Nam Phueng Nok is a Buddhist monastery situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in Samut Prakan Province on the edge of Bangkok.  One of the highlights of the temple, besides it's giant gong, is the large outdoor seated fat buddha with his large navel exposed.  "Navel gazing" is considered a type of meditation, as the navel is a powerful chakra of the body.  Never mind that the phrase "navel gazing" or "contemplating your navel" is used in a joking fashion to refer to selfish or self absorbed pursuits.
    buddha-navel-3.jpg
  • Wat Bang Nam Phueng Nok is a Buddhist monastery situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in Samut Prakan Province on the edge of Bangkok.  One of the highlights of the temple, besides it's giant gong, is the large outdoor seated fat buddha with his large navel exposed.  "Navel gazing" is considered a type of meditation, as the navel is a powerful chakra of the body.  Never mind that the phrase "navel gazing" or "contemplating your navel" is used in a joking fashion to refer to selfish or self absorbed pursuits.
    buddha-navel-2.jpg
  • Wat Sri Suphan was built in 1502 though almost nothing remains of the original temple.  Today Wat Sri Suphan is the focus of renovations designed to make it a suitable centerpiece for the silver village it serves known as Wualai.  The entire surface of the temple's halls, inside and out, are being covered in silver an ongoing project at the temple which is also a sponsor of the silversmithing school so as to ensure that the tradition of the village is passed on.   Wat Sri Suphan's nickname, as you might guess, is the Silver Temple.
    sri-suphan-1.jpg
  • The silver temple at Wat Sri Suphan is an ordination hall or Ubosot.   The temple has ties to the local craft of silver work, and so lots of silver has been integrated into the buildings. At the back of the temple silversmiths are usually at work. Inside the main hall, the paintings show twelve Buddhist zodiac symbols,. a unique pattern used in Wua Lai silverware.
    sri-suphan-5.jpg
  • Chedi at Wat Yai Chai Mongkhan or the Great Monastery of Auspicious Victory.  This chedi is one of the landmarks of Ayutthaya.
    yai-chai-mongkhan-8.jpg
  • Wat Intharawihan or Wat Intharavihan is a temple located in the Nakhon District of Bangkok, Thailand. It was built at the beginning of the Ayutthaya period and was originally called Wat Rai Phrik.  One of the main features is a 32-meter high standing Buddha referred to as Luang Pho To or Phra Si Ariyamettrai  It took over 60 years to complete and is decorated in glass mosaics and 24-carat gold. The topknot of the Buddha image contains a relic of Lord Buddha brought from Sri Lanka.
    Wat-Intharavihan-1.jpg
  • Most Thai towns have a clock tower that marks the center of the city which are useful for both the time and an orientation point. This majestic landmark puts on a "show" every night at 9 o'clock, changing colors and become one of Chiang Rai's favorite tourist attractions. The Chiang Rai Clocktower was built to honour his majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
    chiang-rai-clocktower-6.jpg
  • Most Thai towns have a clock tower that marks the center of the city which are useful for both the time and an orientation point. This majestic landmark puts on a "show" every night at 9 o'clock, changing colors and become one of Chiang Rai's favorite tourist attractions. The Chiang Rai Clocktower was built to honour his majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
    chiang-rai-clocktower-4.jpg
  • Adjacent to Wat Mahathat is Bangkok's biggest amulet market, where a fantastic array of religious amulets, charms, talismans and traditional medicine is sold. Here hundreds buyers and sellers squat on the ground, studying tiny images of the Buddha with magnifying glasses, hoping to find one that will bring good fortune or ward off evil. Each type of amulet brings a specific kind of luck: to get the girl, to pass your exams, to keep bugs out of your rice stock, or to ward off diseases or even your mother-in-law.
    bangkok-amulet-market-5.jpg
  • The magnificent statue of Hase Kannon is housed here for all to see and worship. It is 9 meters pr 30 feet tall and has eleven heads in addition to its main one - three in front, three to the left and three to the right, plus one at the top and another on the back. Each face has a different expression, signifying that the deity listens to the wishes of all types of people. Gold leaf was applied to the statue in 1342 and in 1392 the halo was added. Although Kannon is usually described in English as "the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy" strictly speaking it is neither masculine nor feminine and represents compassion, mercy, and love.
    hase-dera-kannon-2.jpg
  • Wat Suthat Thepwararam, usually called Wat Suthat by Bangkok residents, is a royal temple of the first grade, one of only six such temples in Thailand. Construction was begun by His Majesty King Rama I in 1807.  Further construction was carried out by King Rama II who even helped carve the wooden doors.  This temple contains the Buddha image Phra Sri Sakyamuni.  There are 28 pagodas around the base, symbolizing  the 28 Buddhas born on this earth
    wat-suthat-04.jpg
  • Wat Suthat Thepwararam, usually called Wat Suthat by Bangkok residents, is a royal temple of the first grade, one of only six such temples in Thailand. Construction was begun by His Majesty King Rama I in 1807.  Further construction was carried out by King Rama II who even helped carve the wooden doors.  This temple contains the Buddha image Phra Sri Sakyamuni.  There are 28 pagodas around the base, symbolizing  the 28 Buddhas born on this earth
    wat-suthat-05.jpg
  • Santa Prisca Cathedral, Taxco - The Parish of Santa Prisca y San Sebastían, commonly referred to as the Santa Prisca Church, is located in Taxco, and is one of the few Baroque buildings in the state of Guerrero. It was built between 1751 and 1758 by José de la Borda. It is built with pink stone, flanked by two towers which are plain in the lower half but highly decorated in the upper bell portions.
    santa-prisca-taxco-3.jpg
  • Wat Pan Tao meaning "to increase 1,000 times." The temple was built in the late fourteenth century and was one of four monastic temples serving the royal temple next door: Wat Chedi Luang.. The temple's most interesting feature is its teak wooden wiharn, which was formerly a royal residence but the practice in Lanna was for each new king to built a new palace. The old palaces were often 'recycled' into other uses, especially in temples. Over the main entry door on the east end of the chapel is a large gilded wood carving depicting a peacock flanked by several other animals, some of which are mythical. The peacock was the symbol of the kings of Chiang Mai; this carving has appeared on stamps and other materials celebrating Chiang Mai's 700th anniversary.
    wat-pan-tao-2.jpg
  • Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham, often called Wat Mai is a Buddhist temple in Luang Prabang.  It is the largest and most richly decorated of the temples in Luang Prabang.<br />
Built in the 18th century it is located near the Royal Palace Museum.  An emerald Buddha statue sits inside the red-gold interior
    Wat-Souvannapumaram-2.jpg
  • Wat Arun or the Temple of Dawn is a Buddhist temple on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok.  Its name comes from the Indian god Aruna.  Wat Arun is one of the best known of Bangkok landmarks and often used as the icon for the city.  Although the temple has existed since at least the seventeenth century, its distinctive prang spires were built in the early nineteenth century during the reign of Rama II.  The main feature of Wat Arun is its central Khmer-style prang towers which are encrusted with colorful porcelain and ceramics.
    temple-of-dawn-1.jpg
  • Kencho-ji is the oldest Zen monastery in Japan. The temple and monastery was built in 1273 during the Kamakura Period of Japan.  The layout of the temple follows the Chinese Zen tradition, that is, all the buildings are arranged on an axis. The garden can be found in the end of the temple complex, behind the quarters of the head priest. Muso Soseki, a famous Zen priest and garden designer built the garden.  The pond in the garden reminds of the shape of the character for mind or heart - an important element in Zen Buddhism.
    kenchoji-2.jpg
  • Wat Suan Dok or Flower Garden Temple is a Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai.  King Kue Na's flower garden suan dok mai which was located here, gave the temple its original name. Among other things Wat Suan Dok is the site of a Buddhist institution of higher learning:  Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University
    suan-dok-1.jpg
  • The seven spired chedi at Wat Jet Yot is similar in style to that of its Chiang Mai namesake. Of more aesthetic interest is the wooden ceiling of the front veranda of the main building which features a unique Thai astrological fresco.
    jet-yot-chiang-rai-1.jpg
  • Yokan is a Japanese jellied dessert made of red bean paste and sugar. It is usually sold in a block form and eaten in slices. Yokan also contain chopped chestnuts, persimmons, figs, sweet potato among other seasonal additions.  This version of yokan is from Kanazawa with tiny flecks of real gold embedded in the confection.
    gold-sweets-1.jpg
  • Gilt doorway at Puri Saren, commonly known as Ubud Palace. Previously used as the center of government during the empire era.  The complex features  unique buildings ornamented by Balinese traditional design and interiors. The lush tropical garden with beautiful flowers creates a peaceful atmosphere.
    ubud-palace-02.jpg
  • Gilt Buddha at Ananda Temple one of the best preserved of the Bagan temples. Built around 1105 by King Kyanzittha, this perfectly proportioned temple follows the stylistic end of the Early Bagan period and the beginning of the Middle Bagan period
    ananda-bagan-6.jpg
  • Nankobo is temple No. 55 with a magnificent gate facing the main road, with four fierce guardians decorated with gold leaf.  The daishido is large and impressive. It’s the only temple of the 88 to be called “bo” instead of the typical “ji”. “Bo” means “small Buddhist temple”, which is ironic because Nankobo is one of the biggest of the 88. It stands in what is in effect a religious agglomeration, a complex of sandy plazas dotted with temple and shrine buildings that stretches for three city blocks.  Although it isn’t immediately obvious, the main hall of Nankobo is made of concrete. The original building was destroyed in the bombing of Imabari during WWII. The wooden gate at the entrance to the temple is of recent construction too, although its style is old. The temple guardians housed in the gate, front and back, are magnificently ferocious and expressive with their wooden and gilt highlights.
    temple-55-nankobo-7.jpg
  • Nankobo is temple No. 55 with a magnificent gate facing the main road, with four fierce guardians decorated with gold leaf.  The daishido is large and impressive. It’s the only temple of the 88 to be called “bo” instead of the typical “ji”. “Bo” means “small Buddhist temple”, which is ironic because Nankobo is one of the biggest of the 88. It stands in what is in effect a religious agglomeration, a complex of sandy plazas dotted with temple and shrine buildings that stretches for three city blocks.  Although it isn’t immediately obvious, the main hall of Nankobo is made of concrete. The original building was destroyed in the bombing of Imabari during WWII. The wooden gate at the entrance to the temple is of recent construction too, although its style is old. The temple guardians housed in the gate, front and back, are magnificently ferocious and expressive with their wooden and gilt highlights.
    temple-55-nankobo-3.jpg
  • Nankobo is temple No. 55 with a magnificent gate facing the main road, with four fierce guardians decorated with gold leaf.  The daishido is large and impressive. It’s the only temple of the 88 to be called “bo” instead of the typical “ji”. “Bo” means “small Buddhist temple”, which is ironic because Nankobo is one of the biggest of the 88. It stands in what is in effect a religious agglomeration, a complex of sandy plazas dotted with temple and shrine buildings that stretches for three city blocks.  Although it isn’t immediately obvious, the main hall of Nankobo is made of concrete. The original building was destroyed in the bombing of Imabari during WWII. The wooden gate at the entrance to the temple is of recent construction too, although its style is old. The temple guardians housed in the gate, front and back, are magnificently ferocious and expressive with their wooden and gilt highlights.
    temple-55-nankobo-9.jpg
  • Nankobo is temple No. 55 with a magnificent gate facing the main road, with four fierce guardians decorated with gold leaf.  The daishido is large and impressive. It’s the only temple of the 88 to be called “bo” instead of the typical “ji”. “Bo” means “small Buddhist temple”, which is ironic because Nankobo is one of the biggest of the 88. It stands in what is in effect a religious agglomeration, a complex of sandy plazas dotted with temple and shrine buildings that stretches for three city blocks.  Although it isn’t immediately obvious, the main hall of Nankobo is made of concrete. The original building was destroyed in the bombing of Imabari during WWII. The wooden gate at the entrance to the temple is of recent construction too, although its style is old. The temple guardians housed in the gate, front and back, are magnificently ferocious and expressive with their wooden and gilt highlights.
    temple-55-nankobo-4.jpg
  • Nankobo is temple No. 55 with a magnificent gate facing the main road, with four fierce guardians decorated with gold leaf.  The daishido is large and impressive. It’s the only temple of the 88 to be called “bo” instead of the typical “ji”. “Bo” means “small Buddhist temple”, which is ironic because Nankobo is one of the biggest of the 88. It stands in what is in effect a religious agglomeration, a complex of sandy plazas dotted with temple and shrine buildings that stretches for three city blocks.  Although it isn’t immediately obvious, the main hall of Nankobo is made of concrete. The original building was destroyed in the bombing of Imabari during WWII. The wooden gate at the entrance to the temple is of recent construction too, although its style is old. The temple guardians housed in the gate, front and back, are magnificently ferocious and expressive with their wooden and gilt highlights.
    temple-55-nankobo-6.jpg
  • Nankobo is temple No. 55 with a magnificent gate facing the main road, with four fierce guardians decorated with gold leaf.  The daishido is large and impressive. It’s the only temple of the 88 to be called “bo” instead of the typical “ji”. “Bo” means “small Buddhist temple”, which is ironic because Nankobo is one of the biggest of the 88. It stands in what is in effect a religious agglomeration, a complex of sandy plazas dotted with temple and shrine buildings that stretches for three city blocks.  Although it isn’t immediately obvious, the main hall of Nankobo is made of concrete. The original building was destroyed in the bombing of Imabari during WWII. The wooden gate at the entrance to the temple is of recent construction too, although its style is old. The temple guardians housed in the gate, front and back, are magnificently ferocious and expressive with their wooden and gilt highlights.
    temple-55-nankobo-2.jpg
  • Nankobo is temple No. 55 with a magnificent gate facing the main road, with four fierce guardians decorated with gold leaf.  The daishido is large and impressive. It’s the only temple of the 88 to be called “bo” instead of the typical “ji”. “Bo” means “small Buddhist temple”, which is ironic because Nankobo is one of the biggest of the 88. It stands in what is in effect a religious agglomeration, a complex of sandy plazas dotted with temple and shrine buildings that stretches for three city blocks.  Although it isn’t immediately obvious, the main hall of Nankobo is made of concrete. The original building was destroyed in the bombing of Imabari during WWII. The wooden gate at the entrance to the temple is of recent construction too, although its style is old. The temple guardians housed in the gate, front and back, are magnificently ferocious and expressive with their wooden and gilt highlights.
    temple-55-nankobo-1.jpg