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  • The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco has one of the most comprehensive collections of Asian art in the world. Until recently housed at the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park, the Asian Art Museum reopened in 2003 in the former San Francisco city library building. The museum owes its origin to a donation to the city of San Francisco by Chicago millionaire Avery Brundage, who was a major collector of Asian art. The Society for Asian Art, incorporated in 1958, was the group that formed specifically to gain Avery Brundage's collection.
    asian-art-museum-2.jpg
  • The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco has one of the most comprehensive collections of Asian art in the world. Until recently housed at the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park, the Asian Art Museum reopened in 2003 in the former San Francisco city library building. The museum owes its origin to a donation to the city of San Francisco by Chicago millionaire Avery Brundage, who was a major collector of Asian art. The Society for Asian Art, incorporated in 1958, was the group that formed specifically to gain Avery Brundage's collection.
    asian-art-museum-1.jpg
  • Asian giant millipede or Thyropygus spirobolinae sp   -  There are more than 10,000 species of millipedes. Despite its name the largest amount of legs recorded on any millipede is 375 pairs of legs. Some tropical millipedes are brightly colored though most millipedes are dull in appearance usually with either red or blue bands. Its body is long and cylindrical with a smooth slimy surface. The Asian giant millipede has the same width more or less throughout the length of its body.  It is a long cylindrical rammer or bulldozer. Millipedes can be found around the world in caves, mountains anddeserts though almost all members of Spirobolida live in the tropics as Asian giant millipedes prefer a hot and humid environment. Their many legs give them traction, and which allows them to bulldoze through soil.
    giant-asian-millipede-01.jpg
  • The black scorpion Heterometrus longimanus of the Scorpionidae family. This type is usually identified as the Asian forest scorpion, typically found in tropical Asian regions. Black scorpions typically live under rocks or logs and though they spend a lot of time above ground, preying on insects for food. Asian forest scorpions are often confused with ordinary black scorpions or Malaysian forest scorpions Heterometrus spinifer. The two are similar but they are distinct species.<br />
Black scorpions' venom is usually not lethal but packs a strong sting.  A black scorpion is large, often around 10 cm in length.
    Black-Asian-Forest-Scorpion-01.jpg
  • Asian Water Monitor Lizards are some of the largest lizards in the world and are native to Southeast Asia. These monitor lizards almost always live in areas close to water, hence their name. The species is also called: Asian water monitor,  ring lizard, rice lizard, Malayan water monitor, as well as simply water monitor and its Laatin name Varanus salvator.  Water Monitors are rarely found far from sea water and are particularly common in mangroves.
    asian-water-monitor-lizard-01.jpg
  • Asian Female Professional, friendly, efficient and reliable, dressed in a women's business suit.
    asian-professional-06.jpg
  • Asian Water Monitor Lizards are some of the largest lizards in the world and are native to Southeast Asia. These monitor lizards almost always live in areas close to water, hence their name. The species is also called: Asian water monitor,  ring lizard, rice lizard, Malayan water monitor, as well as simply water monitor and its Laatin name Varanus salvator.  Water Monitors are rarely found far from sea water and are particularly common in mangroves.
    asian-water-monitor-lizard-02.jpg
  • Asian Female Professional, friendly, efficient and reliable, dressed in a women's business suit.
    asian-professional-03.jpg
  • Asian Tourists at Nagoya Castle
    asian-tourists.jpg
  • Asian Mountain Vegetables
    chiangmai-sunday-market-19.jpg
  • Asian Mountain Vegetables
    chiangmai-sunday-market-18.jpg
  • Pasar Ngasem Bird Market, or Yogyakarta Bird Market is a popular attraction for visitors to Yogyakarta as well as afficionados of birds and exotic bird cages.  It is an endearing quality of Asian men who fondly take care of their birds, take them out for walks, walk them down the street.
    asian-birdcage-2.jpg
  • The Hmong are an Asian ethnic group from the mountainous regions of China, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. Hmong are also one of the sub-groups of the Miao ethnicity in southern China. Hmong groups began a gradual southward migration in the 18th century due to political unrest and to look for more arable land..
    hilltribe-children-1.jpg
  • A spirit house is a shrine to animist spirits found in the Southeast Asian countries of Cambodia and Thailand. Most houses and businesses have a spirit house placed in an auspicious spot, most often in a corner of the property. The spirit house is normally in the form of a miniature temple and is mounted on a pillar or on a dais.<br />
The house is intended to provide a shelter for spirits which could cause problems for the occupants of the main house if not appeased. Offerings are left at the house to propitiate these spirits.
    cambodian-spirit-house.jpg
  • Pasar Ngasem Bird Market, or Yogyakarta Bird Market is a popular attraction for visitors to Yogyakarta as well as afficionados of birds and exotic bird cages.  It is an endearing quality of Asian men who fondly take care of their birds, take them out for walks, walk them down the street.
    yogyakarta-bird-market-7.jpg
  • Pasar Ngasem Bird Market, or Yogyakarta Bird Market is a popular attraction for visitors to Yogyakarta as well as afficionados of birds and exotic bird cages.  It is an endearing quality of Asian men who fondly take care of their birds, take them out for walks, walk them down the street.
    yogyakarta-bird-market-3.jpg
  • Street vendors are a common sight in the towns and cities of Nepal, like in most Asian cities. Treats range from bangles, T-shirts, nuts, doughnuts to fresh fruits.
    bangle-vendor.jpg
  • Indonesia man and his son shopping for birds at the Yogyakarta Bird Market - a popular attraction for visitors to Yogyakarta as well as aficionados of birds and exotic bird cages.  An endearing quality of Asian men who fondly take care of birds, walk them down the street as loving pet owners.
    yogyakarta-bird-market-6.jpg
  • Pasar Ngasem Bird Market, or Yogyakarta Bird Market is a popular attraction for visitors to Yogyakarta as well as afficionados of birds and exotic bird cages.  It is an endearing quality of Asian men who fondly take care of their birds, take them out for walks, walk them down the street.
    yogyakarta-bird-market-2.jpg
  • Pasar Ngasem Bird Market, or Yogyakarta Bird Market is a popular attraction for visitors to Yogyakarta as well as afficionados of birds and exotic bird cages.  It is an endearing quality of Asian men who fondly take care of their birds, take them out for walks, walk them down the street.
    yogyakarta-bird-market-4.jpg
  • Bac Ha Market, Flower Hmong - The terms Hmong and Mong refer to an Asian ethnic group in the mountainous regions of southeast Asia. Hmong groups began a gradual southward migration due to political unrest and to find more arable land. As a result, Hmong live in several countries in Southeast Asia, including northern Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Burma. There are various types of Hmong throughout Southeast Asia, including Black Hmong and Flower Hmong, named after the styles of their clothing and costumes.
    flower-hmong-1.jpg
  • Street vendors are a common sight in the towns and cities of Nepal, like in most Asian cities. Treats range from bangles, T-shirts, nuts, doughnuts to fresh fruits.
    nepali-fruit-vendor-4.jpg
  • Street vendors are a common sight in the towns and cities of Nepal, like in most Asian cities. Treats range from bangles, T-shirts, nuts, doughnuts to fresh fruits.
    nepali-fruit-vendor-3.jpg
  • Street vendors are a common sight in the towns and cities of Nepal, like in most Asian cities. Treats range from bangles, T-shirts, nuts, doughnuts to fresh fruits.
    nepali-fruit-vendor-1.jpg
  • The terms Hmong  and Mong  refer to an Asian ethnic group in the mountainous regions of southeast Asia.  Hmong groups began a gradual southward migration due to political unrest and to find more arable land. As a result, Hmong live in several countries in Southeast Asia, including northern Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Burma.  There are various types of Hmong throughout Southeast Asia, including Black Hmong and Flower Hmong, named after the styles of their clothing and costumes.
    flower-hmong-4.jpg
  • Street vendors are a common sight in the towns and cities of Nepal, like in most Asian cities. Treats range from bangles, T-shirts, nuts, doughnuts to fresh fruits.
    nepali-fruit-vendor-2.jpg
  • Pasar Ngasem Bird Market, or Yogyakarta Bird Market is a popular attraction for visitors to Yogyakarta as well as afficionados of birds and exotic bird cages.  It is an endearing quality of Asian men who fondly take care of their birds, take them out for walks, walk them down the street.
    yogyakarta-bird-market-1.jpg
  • ACROS stands for Asian Crossroads Over the Sea -  ACROS Fukuoka Prefectural Hall is a center for cultural exchange.  The building features 1 million square feet of space with an atrium, symphony hall, conference facilities, shopping and an art gallery.  Emilio Ambasz the architect added 15 stepped green terraces to exhibit an urban model of green building and architecture. ACROS is adjacent to Tenjin Central Park and has added to the the overall size of the park while providing Fukuoka a powerful symbolic structure while its at it.
    acros-fukuoka-7.jpg
  • ACROS stands for Asian Crossroads Over the Sea -  ACROS Fukuoka Prefectural Hall is a center for cultural exchange.  The building features 1 million square feet of space with an atrium, symphony hall, conference facilities, shopping and an art gallery.  Emilio Ambasz the architect added 15 stepped green terraces to exhibit an urban model of green building and architecture. ACROS is adjacent to Tenjin Central Park and has added to the the overall size of the park while providing Fukuoka a powerful symbolic structure while its at it.
    acros-fukuoka-1.jpg
  • There are many forms of incense and its use is tied to traditional asian medicine and are still referred today as "fragrant medicines". Use of incense has long been as much for healthy well-being as religious ceremonies. Incense is an aromatic material which puts out fragrant smoke when burned and is used for ceremonies of many religions. It is also sometimes used to cover bad smells and for meditation.  Incense is made of plant materials and the forms differ depending on the culture and is usually made of a paste formed around bamboo sticks.
    joss-sticks-11.jpg
  • ACROS stands for Asian Crossroads Over the Sea -  ACROS Fukuoka Prefectural Hall is a center for cultural exchange.  The building features 1 million square feet of space with an atrium, symphony hall, conference facilities, shopping and an art gallery.  Emilio Ambasz the architect added 15 stepped green terraces to exhibit an urban model of green building and architecture. ACROS is adjacent to Tenjin Central Park and has added to the the overall size of the park while providing Fukuoka a powerful symbolic structure while its at it.
    acros-fukuoka-9.jpg
  • ACROS stands for Asian Crossroads Over the Sea -  ACROS Fukuoka Prefectural Hall is a center for cultural exchange.  The building features 1 million square feet of space with an atrium, symphony hall, conference facilities, shopping and an art gallery.  Emilio Ambasz the architect added 15 stepped green terraces to exhibit an urban model of green building and architecture. ACROS is adjacent to Tenjin Central Park and has added to the the overall size of the park while providing Fukuoka a powerful symbolic structure while its at it.
    acros-fukuoka-4.jpg
  • ACROS stands for Asian Crossroads Over the Sea -  ACROS Fukuoka Prefectural Hall is a center for cultural exchange.  The building features 1 million square feet of space with an atrium, symphony hall, conference facilities, shopping and an art gallery.  Emilio Ambasz the architect added 15 stepped green terraces to exhibit an urban model of green building and architecture. ACROS is adjacent to Tenjin Central Park and has added to the the overall size of the park while providing Fukuoka a powerful symbolic structure while its at it.
    acros-fukuoka-8.jpg
  • ACROS stands for Asian Crossroads Over the Sea -  ACROS Fukuoka Prefectural Hall is a center for cultural exchange.  The building features 1 million square feet of space with an atrium, symphony hall, conference facilities, shopping and an art gallery.  Emilio Ambasz the architect added 15 stepped green terraces to exhibit an urban model of green building and architecture. ACROS is adjacent to Tenjin Central Park and has added to the the overall size of the park while providing Fukuoka a powerful symbolic structure while its at it.
    acros-fukuoka-5.jpg
  • ACROS stands for Asian Crossroads Over the Sea -  ACROS Fukuoka Prefectural Hall is a center for cultural exchange.  The building features 1 million square feet of space with an atrium, symphony hall, conference facilities, shopping and an art gallery.  Emilio Ambasz the architect added 15 stepped green terraces to exhibit an urban model of green building and architecture. ACROS is adjacent to Tenjin Central Park and has added to the the overall size of the park while providing Fukuoka a powerful symbolic structure while its at it.
    acros-fukuoka-6.jpg
  • ACROS stands for Asian Crossroads Over the Sea -  ACROS Fukuoka Prefectural Hall is a center for cultural exchange.  The building features 1 million square feet of space with an atrium, symphony hall, conference facilities, shopping and an art gallery.  Emilio Ambasz the architect added 15 stepped green terraces to exhibit an urban model of green building and architecture. ACROS is adjacent to Tenjin Central Park and has added to the the overall size of the park while providing Fukuoka a powerful symbolic structure while its at it.
    acros-fukuoka-2.jpg
  • ACROS stands for Asian Crossroads Over the Sea -  ACROS Fukuoka Prefectural Hall is a center for cultural exchange.  The building features 1 million square feet of space with an atrium, symphony hall, conference facilities, shopping and an art gallery.  Emilio Ambasz the architect added 15 stepped green terraces to exhibit an urban model of green building and architecture. ACROS is adjacent to Tenjin Central Park and has added to the the overall size of the park while providing Fukuoka a powerful symbolic structure while its at it.
    acros-fukuoka-3.jpg
  • The gong village of Phibun Mangsahan, near the confluence of the Mekong and Mun Rivers at  Khong Chiam, is famous for its hand forged bronze gongs used in temples and Asian music ensembles.   This is a local cottage industry -  and one of the remaining few.  Visitors can view the artisans making these prized gongs - the process involves hammering metal disks and tempering them in fire. The gongs range from the simple to the detailed and decorated, and are available for purchase.
    Phibun-gongs-7.jpg
  • The gong village of Phibun Mangsahan, near the confluence of the Mekong and Mun Rivers at  Khong Chiam, is famous for its hand forged bronze gongs used in temples and Asian music ensembles.   This is a local cottage industry -  and one of the remaining few.  Visitors can view the artisans making these prized gongs - the process involves hammering metal disks and tempering them in fire. The gongs range from the simple to the detailed and decorated, and are available for purchase.
    Phibun-gongs-5.jpg
  • The gong village of Phibun Mangsahan, near the confluence of the Mekong and Mun Rivers at  Khong Chiam, is famous for its hand forged bronze gongs used in temples and Asian music ensembles.   This is a local cottage industry -  and one of the remaining few.  Visitors can view the artisans making these prized gongs - the process involves hammering metal disks and tempering them in fire. The gongs range from the simple to the detailed and decorated, and are available for purchase.
    Phibun-gongs-4.jpg
  • The gong village of Phibun Mangsahan, near the confluence of the Mekong and Mun Rivers at  Khong Chiam, is famous for its hand forged bronze gongs used in temples and Asian music ensembles.   This is a local cottage industry -  and one of the remaining few.  Visitors can view the artisans making these prized gongs - the process involves hammering metal disks and tempering them in fire. The gongs range from the simple to the detailed and decorated, and are available for purchase.
    Phibun-gongs-3.jpg
  • The gong village of Phibun Mangsahan, near the confluence of the Mekong and Mun Rivers at  Khong Chiam, is famous for its hand forged bronze gongs used in temples and Asian music ensembles.   This is a local cottage industry -  and one of the remaining few.  Visitors can view the artisans making these prized gongs - the process involves hammering metal disks and tempering them in fire. The gongs range from the simple to the detailed and decorated, and are available for purchase.
    Phibun-gongs-2.jpg
  • The gong village of Phibun Mangsahan, near the confluence of the Mekong and Mun Rivers at  Khong Chiam, is famous for its hand forged bronze gongs used in temples and Asian music ensembles.   This is a local cottage industry -  and one of the remaining few.  Visitors can view the artisans making these prized gongs - the process involves hammering metal disks and tempering them in fire. The gongs range from the simple to the detailed and decorated, and are available for purchase.
    Phibun-gongs-1.jpg
  • The gong village of Phibun Mangsahan, near the confluence of the Mekong and Mun Rivers at  Khong Chiam, is famous for its hand forged bronze gongs used in temples and Asian music ensembles.   This is a local cottage industry -  and one of the remaining few.  Visitors can view the artisans making these prized gongs - the process involves hammering metal disks and tempering them in fire. The gongs range from the simple to the detailed and decorated, and are available for purchase.
    Phibun-gongs-6.jpg
  • Thai Chef - Thai curry refers to dishes in Thai cuisine that are made with various types of curry paste; the term can also refer to the pastes themselves. A Thai curry dish is made from curry paste, coconut milk or water, meat, seafood, vegetables or fruit, and herbs. Curries in Thailand mainly differ from the curries in Indian cuisine and other South Asian cuisines in their use of fresh ingredients such as herbs and aromatic leaves over a mix of spices
    thai-chef-1.jpg
  • Calligraphy is widely practiced and revered by Vietnamese, East Asians and especialy the Chinese. There is a standardization of the various styles of calligraphy in this tradition. Chinese calligraphy and ink and wash painting are closely related since they are accomplished using similar tools and techniques. Chinese painting and calligraphy distinguish themselves from other cultural arts because they emphasize motion and are charged with dynamic life. Calligraphy represents life experienced through energy in motion that is registered as traces on silk or paper, with time and rhythm in shifting space its main ingredients.
    calligrapher-12.jpg
  • Calligraphy is widely practiced and revered by Vietnamese, East Asians and especialy the Chinese. There is a standardization of the various styles of calligraphy in this tradition. Chinese calligraphy and ink and wash painting are closely related since they are accomplished using similar tools and techniques. Chinese painting and calligraphy distinguish themselves from other cultural arts because they emphasize motion and are charged with dynamic life. Calligraphy represents life experienced through energy in motion that is registered as traces on silk or paper, with time and rhythm in shifting space its main ingredients.
    calligrapher-11.jpg
  • Banana flowers are used by Filipinos and most Asians for cooking and as a garnish for meals. Filipino vendors roam around town early morning peddling their wares such as this man with his yoke.
    banana-flowers.jpg
  • Kaitokukan Tokyo University Garden - Marquis Toshinari Maeda, the 16th head of the Maeda Clan of the Kaga Domain, built a stately Western residence in the neo-baroque style in 1907 for receiving imperial visits. In 1926, the University of Tokyo reached an agreement with Marquis Maeda through which this residence and its property would be given to the University in exchange for University property in Komaba. The University named the residence Kaitokukan East Pavilionand used it as a facility for welcoming distinguished guests. In 1945, as a result of an air raid, the residence was completely destroyed. Kaitokukan was rebuilt in 1951 as a Japanese-style residence. The new Kaitokukan uses stones from the original Western-style residence in its foundation, while wood for the building was supplied by the University’s forests. The garden was designed by Hikoemon Ito, the Maeda Clan’s gardener. As well as the common characteristics of Japanese gardens from the late Meiji to Taisho periods, as well as the remains of the gardens built by the former lord of the Edo period in the modern city center of Tokyo. It is precious and has high artistic value in the history of modern Japanese gardens.  Kaitokukan is only open to the public one day of the year, on Todai's homecoming day, mid October each year.
    AMBER-LOTUS-2023-8.jpg
  • Indian men are famous for their moustaches and facial hair - and nowhere else in India is this cultivated more than in  Jodhpur, where it is almost raised to an art form.  This grisly character has interesting headwear as well.
    jodhpur-gentleman-3.jpg
  • Thai Senior at Ban Bat Village or Monk Bowl Village where you will find Thai artisans making traditional alms bowls for monks who use traditional alms bowls to receive donations of food in the early morning.
    monk-bowl-village-15.jpg
  • Much of the activity in Vientiane has always centred along the riverside.  Most evenings, people gather to play badmitten, stroll the riverbank, have a sundowner or even buy and sell printed artwork.
    vientiane-art.jpg
  • Indian Handlebar Moustache - Indian men are famous for their moustaches, and nowhere else in India is this cultivated more than in Rajasthan, where it is almost raised to an art form.
    indian-moustache-1.jpg
  • Indian Handlebar Moustache - Indian men are famous for their moustaches, and nowhere else in India is this cultivated more than in Rajasthan, particularly Jodhpur, where it is almost raised to an art form.
    jodhpur-gentleman-4.jpg
  • Ban Baat is the only remaining village of three established in Bangkok by Rama I for the purpose of handcrafting bàht (monk’s bowls), the ceremonial bowls used to collect alms from the faithful each morning. As cheaper factory-made bowls are now the norm, the artisanal tradition has shrunk to about half a dozen families. You can usually observe the process of hammering the bowls together from eight separate pieces of steel, said to represent Buddhism’s Eightfold Path.
    monk-bowl-village-12.jpg
  • Chapati is unleavened bread common in India and Pakistan.  It is also called roti. The word chapati means "flattened round" in Hindi and they are made of whole wheat dough, water and salt.
    chapati-1.jpg
  • The Akha are a hill tribe of subsistence farmers known for their artistry.  Most of the remaining Akha live in small villages in the mountains of China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand.  The Akha subsist through an often destructive form of slash and burn agriculture which can result in elimination of old growth forest, native animal species and serious soil runoff problems. They are expert farmers who focus on mountain rice, corn, and soybeans that are planted in seasonal shifts. The Akha are also very efficient hunters, though their prey sometimes includes endangered species.
    akha-woman-2.jpg
  • Besides the abundant tea in the local tea planatations, Nuwara Eliya is known for its vegetables and produce that grow well in the cooler climate of the region.
    nuwara-eliya-4.jpg
  • Lantau is the largest island in Hong Kong, situated at the mouth of the Pearl River.  For years just a sleepy fishing village, has become a popular daytrip for Hongkongers partly because of its outdoor market.
    lantau-3.jpg
  • Japanese Ocha Green Tea Canisters - Japanese green tea ocha is the most common drink in Japan.  Not only is it loaded with vitamin C and caffeine, but its healthy antioxidant properties are making the drink a hit all around the world. Shizuoka Prefecture accounts for almost 50% of all of Japan's total green tea production. Consequently, tea shops are a common staple in almost every Japanese town.  Traditionally, loose tea or loose green o-cha tea has always come in vast wooden boxes or jars to keep it fresh.  In modern times, Japanese green tea tends to come packed in smaller aluminum or steel boxes.
    green-tea-containers-1.jpg
  • Jaipur has so many markets, it is sometimes difficult to tell when one has ended and another has begun.  Baapu Bazaar, Nehru Bazaar, Indira Bazaar markets are all a part of the market jumble of Jaipur. In between and embedded within each of these markets are snack vendors, craftsmen and spices on display.
    jaipur-market-1.jpg
  • The  Nuwara Eliya region of Sri Lanka, often called "Hill Tea Country"  is the scene of umerous tea estates such as Pedro, St. Claire and Blue Fields who, altogether,  produce much of the premium Ceylon tea for the world market.
    sri-lanka-tea-2.jpg
  • Tai Chi at Lou Lim Ioc Chinese Garden - Lou Lim Ioc Garden is a garden in Macau. The garden was built in 1906 by local merchant Lou Kau as part of his residence. It was later turned over to the Macau government in 1974 as a public park.
    lou-lim-ioc-garden-4.jpg
  • Integrated with the architecture of the building, and one of the causes for its fame is Angkor Wat's extensive decoration, which predominantly takes the form of bas-relief friezes. The inner walls of the outer gallery bear a series of large scale scenes mainly depicting episodes from the Hindu epics the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
    angkor-bas-relief-2
  • Bayon is known for its impressive sets of bas-reliefs, which present an unusual combination of mythological, historical, and even mundane scenes such as these workmen carrying a tree.
    angkor-bas-relief-3.jpg
  • Karen Hill Tribes living along the border with Myanmar in Thailand, The Padaung members of the Burmese Karen are also known as the Padaung or "long-necks" because of the heavy brass rings they wear around their necks. How they came to be "long-necks" is the stuff of legend. Long ago, the headman of the tribe had a dream in which he was told that a tiger was going to kill one of the children in the village, a child that had been born on a Wednesday.  Since tigers kill their victims by first breaking their necks, the headman decreed that all children born on a Wednesday should wear heavy brass rings round their necks.
    long-necks-3.jpg
  • Kandy has a large market as you might expect in a major town, with shops inside a main building on two levels as well as streetfront shops. Some vendors simply set up their wares on the pavements surrounding the official marketplace.  There are a number of shops selling tropical fruit, sarongs, saris, scarves and textiles.
    kandy-market-1.jpg
  • Tai O Market at Lantau Island, also Lantao is the largest island in Hong Kong, located at the mouth of the Pearl River.  Originally the site of a sleepy fishing village, in recent years has been increasingly developed.
    lantau-6.jpg
  • Chinese teahouse snacks are often the highlight of any visit to a Chinese teahouse; some would say the snacks are nicer than the tea itself.
    Chinese-Teahouse-Snacks-1.jpg
  • 41. Chakkirako チャッキラコ is a folk dance that blesses the harvest and prosperity of the townspeople of Misaki, at the tip of the Miura Peninsula, for the new year. The chakkirako ritual is a traditional event held in this fishing port famous for its tuna markets. Girls aged 5 to 12 perform dances to music holding bamboo sticks called chakkirako and fans. There is no established theory behind the origin of chakkirako, but it has been performed as a prayer for a good catch of fish since the Edo period.
    41.INTANGIBLE-CHAKKIRAKO-03.jpg
  • Hua Hin boasts no shortage of local markets, the most popular one being the night market in the center of town. This opens daily from around 6pm till late and offers all manner of hawker food, some clothing, and a few tourist items such as wooden elephants, trinkets etc. The market is a fascinating insight into Thailand and the way Thais like to live. You will find countless outlets selling delicious food that is freshly cooked and served to you within a matter of minutes.
    hua-hin-night-market-1.jpg
  • Bangkok the temple gong at Wat Sareerikatart Sirirak in Chiang Mai's old city.
    bang-gong.jpg
  • Chakkirako is a folk dance that blesses the harvest and prosperity of the townspeople for the new year.  The chakkirako festival in Misaki is a traditional event held in Miura City. Girls aged 5 to 12 perform dances to music holding bamboo sticks "chakkirako" and fans. There is no established theory for the origin of Chakkirako, but it has been performed as a prayer for good catches of fish since the Edo period.  In 2010 Chakkirako was added to the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in UNESCO..
    chakkirako-4.jpg
  • Chakkirako is a folk dance that blesses the harvest and prosperity of the townspeople for the new year.  The chakkirako festival in Misaki is a traditional event held in Miura City. Girls aged 5 to 12 perform dances to music holding bamboo sticks "chakkirako" and fans. There is no established theory for the origin of Chakkirako, but it has been performed as a prayer for good catches of fish since the Edo period.  In 2010 Chakkirako was added to the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in UNESCO..
    chakkirako-6.jpg
  • Japanese festivals are traditional festive occasions. Some festivals have their roots in Chinese festivals but have undergone dramatic changes as they mixed with local customs.  Matsuri is the Japanese word for a festival or holiday. In Japan, festivals are usually sponsored by a local shrine or temple, though they can be secular..There is no specific matsuri days for all of Japan; dates vary from area to area, and even within a specific area, but festival days do tend to cluster around traditional holidays such as Setsubun or Obon. Almost every locale has at least one matsuri in late summer or autumn, usually related to the harvests. Matsuri almost always feature processions which include elaborate floats and "mikoshi" or portable shrines which are paraded around the neighborhood.
    kamakura-matsuri-9.jpg
  • Food in the Philippines usually means fresh seafood.  Here a Filipino chef shows off his catch of the day - a giant yellowfin tuna caught by one of the local fishermen and delivered fresh to the door of the restaurant.
    yellowfin-tuna-1.jpg
  • Apart from its role as a convenient beach town to Bangkok, Hua Hin is a favourite spot for seafood and seaside dining along the wharf.
    hua-hin-night-market-4.jpg
  • Apart from its role as a convenient beach town to Bangkok, Hua Hin is a favourite spot for seafood and seaside dining along the wharf.
    hua-hin-night-market-5.jpg
  • Dining Car on the Tibet Train - The Qinghai-Tibet Railway, the highest rail line in the world, is usually called the Tibet Train.  Its 1,200 miles of tracks traverse 342 miles of permafrost, lots of it at altitudes exceeding 12,000 feet. The end of the line is Lhasa, Tibet. Proponents of the new railway say it will bring economic development to the Tibet and China's hinterlands as Tibet and China's far west lag behind the rest of the country, and rail connectivity promises to be a crucial tool for closing that gap.  Critics say the railway is  a political tool to strategically stitch Tibet into the fabric of China and facilitate the westward migration of ethnic Chinese.  The only thing about the train that everyone agrees on,  the the Tibet  train is an engineering marvel.
    tibet-train-2.jpg
  • Japanese boy at Shichi-Go-San, literally seven-five-three, a traditional rite of passage in Japan held annually on November 15.  The event is not a national holiday, so it is often observed on the nearest weekend and these days througout November.  Boys who are aged three or five and girls who are aged three or seven are dressed in kimono, usually for the first time, for visits to shrines.
    shichi-go-san-3.jpg
  • Japanese children climbing the stairs at Shichi-Go-San - a traditional rite of passage and festival day in Japan for three and five and seven year olds, held annually on November 15. Since Shichi-Go-San is not a national holiday, it is observed on the nearest weekend.  Kids are still dressed in kimono, many for the first time, for visits to shrines.  Western-style formal wear is also worn by some children.
    shichi-go-san-2.jpg
  • Shichi-Go-San literally seven-five-three, is a traditional rite of passage and festival day in Japan for three and seven year-old girls and five year-old boys, held annually on November 15. As Shichi-Go-San is not a national holiday, it is generally observed on the nearest weekend.  Boys who are aged three or five and girls who are aged three or seven are still dressed in kimono, many for the first time, for visits to shrines.  Western-style formal wear is also worn by some children.
    shichi-go-san-5.jpg
  • Octopus Vendor at Ameyoko Market, Tokyo.  Ameyoko or Ameyocho as it is sometimes called was once Tokyo's black market district.  Nowadays it is given over to selling knockoff designer jeans, sunglasses, bulk food items, fish and just about anything you can think of.  It is liveliest at night with spillover passengers from nearby Ueno Station.
    ameyoko.jpg
  • The Luang Prabang Night Market has perhaps the most extensive collection of handicrafts for sale in the country, with a wide variety of textiles, clothing, carvings, basketry, quilts, and much more. The market is open daily from dusk, around 6 pm until about 10 pm. Strolling  through the night market is an enjoyable experience in itself and is something that should not be missed for those visiting Luang Prabang.
    luang-prabang-night-market-1.jpg
  • A Vietnamese mother giving her baby a sponge bath along the banks of the Mekong River.  Never mind the onlookers and photo happy tourists - this is just natural everyday life in Vietnam.
    vietnamese-baby-mother.jpg
  • Nara Deer Park is a large park in central Nara and the location of many of Nara's main attractions including Todaiji, Kasuga Taisha, Kofukuji and the Nara National Museum.  The park is home to hundreds of freely roaming wild deer. Considered messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion of Japan, Nara's deer have become a symbol of the city and have even been designated a National Treasure.
    nara-deer-park-1.jpg
  • Shichi-Go-San literally seven-five-three, is a traditional rite of passage and festival day in Japan for three and seven year-old girls and five year-old boys, held annually on November 15. As Shichi-Go-San is not a national holiday, it is generally observed on the nearest weekend.  Boys who are aged three or five and girls who are aged three or seven are still dressed in kimono, many for the first time, for visits to shrines.  Western-style formal wear is also worn by some children.
    shichi-go-san-7.jpg
  • Lotus roots are a popular snack throughout Southeast Asia, and Thailand is no exception.  Usually available on the streets on vast trays.  The Chinese even believe that they are "lucky" and particularly auspicious during New Years.
    lotus-snacks-1.jpg
  • Damnoen Saduak a provincial district of Rajburi Province. Most people live along both sides of the canal fmany of them agriculturists.  Thanks to th emany canals in the area, the land is naturally fertile. Damnoen Saduak is most famous for its floating market which is routinely crowded with hundreds of vendors floating in their small rowing boats selling and buying or exchanging their foods, mostly fruit and vegetables brought from their orchards.
    bangkok-floating-market-1.jpg
  • Karen Hill Tribes living along the border with Myanmar in Thailand, The Padaung members of the Burmese Karen are also known as the Padaung or "long-necks" because of the heavy brass rings they wear around their necks. How they came to be "long-necks" is the stuff of legend. Long ago, the headman of the tribe had a dream in which he was told that a tiger was going to kill one of the children in the village, a child that had been born on a Wednesday.  Since tigers kill their victims by first breaking their necks, the headman decreed that all children born on a Wednesday should wear heavy brass rings round their necks.
    long-necks-2.jpg
  • Chakkirako is a folk dance that blesses the harvest and prosperity of the townspeople for the new year.  The chakkirako festival in Misaki is a traditional event held in Miura City. Girls aged 5 to 12 perform dances to music holding bamboo sticks "chakkirako" and fans. There is no established theory for the origin of Chakkirako, but it has been performed as a prayer for good catches of fish since the Edo period.  In 2010 Chakkirako was added to the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in UNESCO..
    chakkirako-3.jpg
  • Chakkirako is a folk dance that blesses the harvest and prosperity of the townspeople for the new year.  The chakkirako festival in Misaki is a traditional event held in Miura City. Girls aged 5 to 12 perform dances to music holding bamboo sticks "chakkirako" and fans. There is no established theory for the origin of Chakkirako, but it has been performed as a prayer for good catches of fish since the Edo period.  In 2010 Chakkirako was added to the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in UNESCO..
    chakkirako-8.jpg
  • Any dive spot in the Philippines is sure to have a few seashell vendors roaming around ready to sell an array of colorful seashells.  After school, kids help out mom and dad by roving the beach resorts with baskets of shells, snacks and other goodies to sell to tourists.
    filipino-children-1.jpg
  • Rizal Park Playground - Manila's Rizal Park's history began in the early 1700s during Spanish rule. While Manila's social and business activities were confined within Intramuros, a small area just south of the walls was cleared to prevent sneak attacks from the patriotic natives. The area was shaped like a small moon and thus was named Luneta. The park in modern times has become a local spot for families to have picnics on Sundays and holidays and a major tourist attraction of Manila. It has a small man-made lake with a replica of the Philippine archipelago in the middle. Other attractions of Rizal Park include the Chinese and Japanese Gardens, the National Museum of the Filipino People, the Orchidarium,  a children's lagoon, a chess plaza, and  a bas-relief map of the Philippine islands.
    rizal-park-manila-9.jpg
  • Hoi An Market Vendor - most Vietnamese markets are very colorful and active humming with activity from morning till noon.  You'll find everything from herbs to fresh crabs and other produce.
    hoi-an-market-6.jpg
  • Ladies Street Flower Market - also known as Ladies Street, the Laitai Flower Market is  part of the Beijing Laitai Flower Trading Cente
    chinese-florist-1.jpg
  • Shichi-Go-San literally seven-five-three, is a traditional rite of passage and festival day in Japan for three and seven year-old girls and five year-old boys, held annually on November 15. As Shichi-Go-San is not a national holiday, it is generally observed on the nearest weekend.  Boys who are aged three or five and girls who are aged three or seven are still dressed in kimono, many for the first time, for visits to shrines.  Western-style formal wear is also worn by some children.
    shichi-go-san-1.jpg
  • Shichi-Go-San literally seven-five-three, is a traditional rite of passage and festival day in Japan for three and seven year-old girls and five year-old boys, held annually on November 15. As Shichi-Go-San is not a national holiday, it is generally observed on the nearest weekend.  Boys who are aged three or five and girls who are aged three or seven are still dressed in kimono, many for the first time, for visits to shrines.  Western-style formal wear is also worn by some children.
    shichi-go-san-8.jpg
  • Little Japanese girls out on Shichi-Go-San, literally 7-5-3, a traditional rite of passage and festival day in Japan for children the age of seven, five or three, held annually on November 15.  As Shichi-Go-San is not a national holiday, it is normally observed on the nearest weekend.  Children are still dressed in kimono, many for the first time, for visits to shrines though western-style formal wear is also worn by some children.
    shichi-go-san-6.jpg
  • Young Japanese boy kitted out in samurai gear. Samurai is the term for the military nobility of pre-industrial Japan. The samurai followed a set of written rules called the Bushido. Samurai teachings can still be found today in modern day society especially in the world of Japanese martial arts.  Various samurai re-enactments are held throughout Japan, with lots of attention to detail in  costumes and demeanor - not all that much changed since the 12th century.
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