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  • Landmark Tower - Looking out over the panorama of Yokohama from Japan’s tallest building, you can hardly believe that 150 years ago, Japan’s second largest city and largest port was hardly even a village.
    landmark-tower-02.jpg
  • Surin Circle clock tower, a landmark in Phuket Town, as once a radio tower, butwas replaced with the clock tower that reflects the local Sino-Portuguese style of architecture found in Phuket, Penang and Singapore. It sits within a roundabout in Phuket Town and is a familiar sight in local downtown Phuket Town. Sitting next to the Metropole Hotel, the Surin Circle is the focal point of the annual Vegetarian Festival, held in Phuket.
    surin-clock-tower-05.jpg
  • Surin Circle clock tower, a landmark in Phuket Town, as once a radio tower, butwas replaced with the clock tower that reflects the local Sino-Portuguese style of architecture found in Phuket, Penang and Singapore. It sits within a roundabout in Phuket Town and is a familiar sight in local downtown Phuket Town. Sitting next to the Metropole Hotel, the Surin Circle is the focal point of the annual Vegetarian Festival, held in Phuket.
    surin-clock-tower-02.jpg
  • Surin Circle clock tower, a landmark in Phuket Town, as once a radio tower, butwas replaced with the clock tower that reflects the local Sino-Portuguese style of architecture found in Phuket, Penang and Singapore. It sits within a roundabout in Phuket Town and is a familiar sight in local downtown Phuket Town. Sitting next to the Metropole Hotel, the Surin Circle is the focal point of the annual Vegetarian Festival, held in Phuket.
    surin-clock-tower-01.jpg
  • St George Anglican Church Penang is officially known as Church of St George the Martyr. The church was completed in 1818 and been a George Town, Penang landmark ever since. St George’s Church Penang is the oldest Anglican Church in the Far East and has been designated by the government of Malaysia as National Heritage, given this title in 2007. The church is part of the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia.
    St-George-Penang-06.jpg
  • St George Anglican Church Penang is officially known as Church of St George the Martyr. The church was completed in 1818 and been a George Town, Penang landmark ever since. St George’s Church Penang is the oldest Anglican Church in the Far East and has been designated by the government of Malaysia as National Heritage, given this title in 2007. The church is part of the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia.
    St-George-Penang-05.jpg
  • St George Anglican Church Penang is officially known as Church of St George the Martyr. The church was completed in 1818 and been a George Town, Penang landmark ever since. St George’s Church Penang is the oldest Anglican Church in the Far East and has been designated by the government of Malaysia as National Heritage, given this title in 2007. The church is part of the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia.
    St-George-Penang-02.jpg
  • St George Anglican Church Penang is officially known as Church of St George the Martyr. The church was completed in 1818 and been a George Town, Penang landmark ever since. St George’s Church Penang is the oldest Anglican Church in the Far East and has been designated by the government of Malaysia as National Heritage, given this title in 2007. The church is part of the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia.
    St-George-Penang-03.jpg
  • St George Anglican Church Penang is officially known as Church of St George the Martyr. The church was completed in 1818 and been a George Town, Penang landmark ever since. St George’s Church Penang is the oldest Anglican Church in the Far East and has been designated by the government of Malaysia as National Heritage, given this title in 2007. The church is part of the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia.
    St-George-Penang-01.jpg
  • Surin Circle clock tower, a landmark in Phuket Town, as once a radio tower, butwas replaced with the clock tower that reflects the local Sino-Portuguese style of architecture found in Phuket, Penang and Singapore. It sits within a roundabout in Phuket Town and is a familiar sight in local downtown Phuket Town. Sitting next to the Metropole Hotel, the Surin Circle is the focal point of the annual Vegetarian Festival, held in Phuket.
    surin-clock-tower-04.jpg
  • Surin Circle clock tower, a landmark in Phuket Town, as once a radio tower, butwas replaced with the clock tower that reflects the local Sino-Portuguese style of architecture found in Phuket, Penang and Singapore. It sits within a roundabout in Phuket Town and is a familiar sight in local downtown Phuket Town. Sitting next to the Metropole Hotel, the Surin Circle is the focal point of the annual Vegetarian Festival, held in Phuket.
    surin-clock-tower-03.jpg
  • St George Anglican Church Penang is officially known as Church of St George the Martyr. The church was completed in 1818 and been a George Town, Penang landmark ever since. St George’s Church Penang is the oldest Anglican Church in the Far East and has been designated by the government of Malaysia as National Heritage, given this title in 2007. The church is part of the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia.
    St-George-Penang-07.jpg
  • St George Anglican Church Penang is officially known as Church of St George the Martyr. The church was completed in 1818 and been a George Town, Penang landmark ever since. St George’s Church Penang is the oldest Anglican Church in the Far East and has been designated by the government of Malaysia as National Heritage, given this title in 2007. The church is part of the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia.
    St-George-Penang-04.jpg
  • St George Anglican Church Penang is officially known as Church of St George the Martyr. The church was completed in 1818 and been a George Town, Penang landmark ever since. St George’s Church Penang is the oldest Anglican Church in the Far East and has been designated by the government of Malaysia as National Heritage, given this title in 2007. The church is part of the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia.
    st-george-anglican-penang-2.jpg
  • St George Anglican Church Penang is officially known as Church of St George the Martyr. The church was completed in 1818 and been a George Town, Penang landmark ever since. St George’s Church Penang is the oldest Anglican Church in the Far East and has been designated by the government of Malaysia as National Heritage, given this title in 2007. The church is part of the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia.
    st-george-anglican-penang-1.jpg
  • Eagle Square Dataran Lang is one of Langkawi’s best known landmarks -  a large sculpture of an eagle poised to take flight.  The sculpture greets visitors to the island as it is located just next to the ferry terminal.  The statue is the island’s icon and most recognizable monument.  Eagle Square is a great place to watch ferries ply across the harbour coming and going from Penang as well as mainland peninsular Malaysia.
    eagle-square-langkawi-2.jpg
  • Eagle Square Dataran Lang is one of Langkawi’s best known landmarks -  a large sculpture of an eagle poised to take flight.  The sculpture greets visitors to the island as it is located just next to the ferry terminal.  The statue is the island’s icon and most recognizable monument.  Eagle Square is a great place to watch ferries ply across the harbour coming and going from Penang as well as mainland peninsular Malaysia.
    eagle-square-langkawi-4.jpg
  • Eagle Square Dataran Lang is one of Langkawi’s best known landmarks -  a large sculpture of an eagle poised to take flight.  The sculpture greets visitors to the island as it is located just next to the ferry terminal.  The statue is the island’s icon and most recognizable monument.  Eagle Square is a great place to watch ferries ply across the harbour coming and going from Penang as well as mainland peninsular Malaysia.
    eagle-square-langkawi-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-8.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
  • Eagle Square Dataran Lang is one of Langkawi’s best known landmarks -  a large sculpture of an eagle poised to take flight.  The sculpture greets visitors to the island as it is located just next to the ferry terminal.  The statue is the island’s icon and most recognizable monument.  Eagle Square is a great place to watch ferries ply across the harbour coming and going from Penang as well as mainland peninsular Malaysia.
    eagle-square-langkawi-5.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
  • The Hanoi Opera House was built during the French colonial administration of Vietnam between 1901 and 1911 and was modeled on the Palais Garnier in Paris. It is one of the architectural landmarks of Hanoi.  After the departure of the French the opera house became the scene for several political events.  After independence the venue was mostly used for performances of Vietnamese plays and folk dances, but in recent years has begun to stage classical music, ballet and operas once again.
    hanoi-opera-house-1.jpg
  • The Hanoi Opera House was built during the French colonial administration of Vietnam between 1901 and 1911 and was modeled on the Palais Garnier in Paris. It is one of the architectural landmarks of Hanoi.  After the departure of the French the opera house became the scene for several political events.  After independence the venue was mostly used for performances of Vietnamese plays and folk dances, but in recent years has begun to stage classical music, ballet and operas once again.
    hanoi-opera-house-2.jpg
  • Baguio Cathedral "Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral"  The majestic church islocated on top of a hill in the heart of Baguio. It is one of the more familiar icons and most visited landmarks of the city. Its beautiful rose colored structure is distinguished from other churches in the Philippines by its twin spires. Easily Baguio City's most magnificent building, the cathedra is richly decorated inside, standing atop Mount Mary Hill, with a wonderful bird's eye view of Baguio's landscape.
    baguio-cathedral-3.jpg
  • Wat Pho also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon or The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is a Buddhist temple in  Bangkok right next to to the Grand Palace.  Its official full name is Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn. The temple is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
    wat-pho-guardian-2.jpg
  • Wat Pho Reclining Buddha - Wat Pho also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon or The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is a Buddhist temple in  Bangkok right next to to the Grand Palace.  Its official full name is Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn. The temple is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
    reclining-buddha-04.jpg
  • Wat Pho also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon or The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is a Buddhist temple in  Bangkok right next to to the Grand Palace.  Its official full name is Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn. The temple is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
    wat-pho-7.jpg
  • Wat Pho also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon or The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is a Buddhist temple in  Bangkok right next to to the Grand Palace.  Its official full name is Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn. The temple is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
    wat-pho-6.jpg
  • Wat Pho Reclining Buddha - Wat Pho also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon or The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is a Buddhist temple in  Bangkok right next to to the Grand Palace.  Its official full name is Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn. The temple is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
    reclining-buddha-02.jpg
  • Wat Pho Reclining Buddha - Wat Pho also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon or The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is a Buddhist temple in  Bangkok right next to to the Grand Palace.  Its official full name is Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn. The temple is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
    reclining-buddha-01.jpg
  • Wat Pho also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon or The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is a Buddhist temple in Phra Nakhon district, Bangkok,  located in the Rattanakosin Island, directly adjacent to the Grand Palace.  Its official full name is Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn. The temple is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
    wat-pho-5.jpg
  • Wat Pho also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon or The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is a Buddhist temple in Phra Nakhon district, Bangkok,  located in the Rattanakosin Island, directly adjacent to the Grand Palace.  Its official full name is Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn. The temple is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
    wat-pho-2.jpg
  • Wat Pho also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon or The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is a Buddhist temple in Phra Nakhon district, Bangkok,  located in the Rattanakosin Island, directly adjacent to the Grand Palace.  Its official full name is Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn. The temple is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
    wat-pho-1.jpg
  • Wat Pho also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon or The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is a Buddhist temple in  Bangkok right next to to the Grand Palace.  Its official full name is Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn. The temple is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
    wat-pho-guardian-1.jpg
  • Wat Pho Reclining Buddha - Wat Pho also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon or The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is a Buddhist temple in  Bangkok right next to to the Grand Palace.  Its official full name is Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn. The temple is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
    reclining-buddha-03.jpg
  • Wat Pho also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon or The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is a Buddhist temple in Phra Nakhon district, Bangkok,  located in the Rattanakosin Island, directly adjacent to the Grand Palace.  Its official full name is Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn. The temple is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
    wat-pho-3.jpg
  • Wat Pho also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon or The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is a Buddhist temple in Phra Nakhon district, Bangkok,  located in the Rattanakosin Island, directly adjacent to the Grand Palace.  Its official full name is Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn. The temple is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
    wat-pho-4.jpg
  • Tsutenkyo Bridge at Koishikawa Korakuen Garden -  one of Tokyo's oldest and most beautiful Japanese landscape gardens. It was built by close relatives of the Tokugawa Shogun in the early Edo Period. Like most traditional Japanese gardens, Koishikawa Korakuen attempts to reproduce famous landscapes from China and Japan in miniature using a pond, stones, plants and a man made hill.
    koishikawa-tsutenkyo-amber.jpg
  • Tsutenkyo Bridge at Koishikawa Korakuen Garden -  one of Tokyo's oldest and most beautiful Japanese landscape gardens. It was built by close relatives of the Tokugawa Shogun in the early Edo Period. Like most traditional Japanese gardens, Koishikawa Korakuen attempts to reproduce famous landscapes from China and Japan in miniature using a pond, stones, plants and a man made hill.
    koishikawa-tsutenkyo-5.jpg
  • Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens is a strolling garden centered around a pond, reflecting the preference for the Chinese aesthetic with landscapes replicating famous sites in China, in accordance with the style of Zhu Zhiyu, a scholar of Confucianism in the Ming Dynasty.  Koishikawa Korakuen is now maintained by Tokyo City Parks.
    koishikawa-korakuen-08.jpg
  • Engetsukyo Bridge, or "full moon bridge" built in the Chinese style at Koishikawa Korakuen Garden in Tokyo. It has this name because a full moon is formed by the arch of the bridge and its reflection in the pond beneath. Like most traditional Japanese gardens, Koishikawa Korakuen attempts to reproduce famous landscapes from China and Japan in miniature using a pond, stones, plants and a man made hill.
    koishikawa-engetsukyo-9.jpg
  • Engetsukyo Bridge, or "full moon bridge" built in the Chinese style at Koishikawa Korakuen Garden in Tokyo. It has this name because a full moon is formed by the arch of the bridge and its reflection in the pond beneath. Like most traditional Japanese gardens, Koishikawa Korakuen attempts to reproduce famous landscapes from China and Japan in miniature using a pond, stones, plants and a man made hill.
    koishikawa-engetsukyo-6.jpg
  • Engetsukyo Bridge, or "full moon bridge" built in the Chinese style at Koishikawa Korakuen Garden in Tokyo. It has this name because a full moon is formed by the arch of the bridge and its reflection in the pond beneath. Like most traditional Japanese gardens, Koishikawa Korakuen attempts to reproduce famous landscapes from China and Japan in miniature using a pond, stones, plants and a man made hill.
    koishikawa-engetsukyo-4.jpg
  • Engetsukyo Bridge, or "full moon bridge" built in the Chinese style at Koishikawa Korakuen Garden in Tokyo. It has this name because a full moon is formed by the arch of the bridge and its reflection in the pond beneath. Like most traditional Japanese gardens, Koishikawa Korakuen attempts to reproduce famous landscapes from China and Japan in miniature using a pond, stones, plants and a man made hill.
    koishikawa-engetsukyo-2.jpg
  • Engetsukyo Bridge, or "full moon bridge" built in the Chinese style at Koishikawa Korakuen Garden in Tokyo. It has this name because a full moon is formed by the arch of the bridge and its reflection in the pond beneath. Like most traditional Japanese gardens, Koishikawa Korakuen attempts to reproduce famous landscapes from China and Japan in miniature using a pond, stones, plants and a man made hill.
    koishikawa-engetsukyo-1.jpg
  • The Karamon Gate is an official entrance from the study of the house through the inner court to Korakuen Gardens. It is supported on both sides by the Sodebei and side walls. The Gate was burnt down in an air raid in 1945, and only the foundation of the gate, stone steps and the stone masonry were left intact.  Karamon Gate has recently been restored along with the small pond garden adjacent.  Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens is a strolling garden centered around a pond, reflecting the preference for the Chinese aesthetic with landscapes replicating famous sites in China, in accordance with the style of Zhu Zhiyu, a scholar of Confucianism in the Ming Dynasty.
    koishikawa-east-12.jpg
  • The Karamon Gate is an official entrance from the study of the house through the inner court to Korakuen Gardens. It is supported on both sides by the Sodebei and side walls. The Gate was burnt down in an air raid in 1945, and only the foundation of the gate, stone steps and the stone masonry were left intact.  Karamon Gate has recently been restored along with the small pond garden adjacent.  Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens is a strolling garden centered around a pond, reflecting the preference for the Chinese aesthetic with landscapes replicating famous sites in China, in accordance with the style of Zhu Zhiyu, a scholar of Confucianism in the Ming Dynasty.
    koishikawa-east-09.jpg
  • The Karamon Gate is an official entrance from the study of the house through the inner court to Korakuen Gardens. It is supported on both sides by the Sodebei and side walls. The Gate was burnt down in an air raid in 1945, and only the foundation of the gate, stone steps and the stone masonry were left intact.  Karamon Gate has recently been restored along with the small pond garden adjacent.  Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens is a strolling garden centered around a pond, reflecting the preference for the Chinese aesthetic with landscapes replicating famous sites in China, in accordance with the style of Zhu Zhiyu, a scholar of Confucianism in the Ming Dynasty.
    koishikawa-east-08.jpg
  • The Karamon Gate is an official entrance from the study of the house through the inner court to Korakuen Gardens. It is supported on both sides by the Sodebei and side walls. The Gate was burnt down in an air raid in 1945, and only the foundation of the gate, stone steps and the stone masonry were left intact.  Karamon Gate has recently been restored along with the small pond garden adjacent.  Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens is a strolling garden centered around a pond, reflecting the preference for the Chinese aesthetic with landscapes replicating famous sites in China, in accordance with the style of Zhu Zhiyu, a scholar of Confucianism in the Ming Dynasty.
    koishikawa-east-7.jpg
  • The Karamon Gate is an official entrance from the study of the house through the inner court to Korakuen Gardens. It is supported on both sides by the Sodebei and side walls. The Gate was burnt down in an air raid in 1945, and only the foundation of the gate, stone steps and the stone masonry were left intact.  Karamon Gate has recently been restored along with the small pond garden adjacent.  Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens is a strolling garden centered around a pond, reflecting the preference for the Chinese aesthetic with landscapes replicating famous sites in China, in accordance with the style of Zhu Zhiyu, a scholar of Confucianism in the Ming Dynasty.
    koishikawa-east-6.jpg
  • The Karamon Gate is an official entrance from the study of the house through the inner court to Korakuen Gardens. It is supported on both sides by the Sodebei and side walls. The Gate was burnt down in an air raid in 1945, and only the foundation of the gate, stone steps and the stone masonry were left intact.  Karamon Gate has recently been restored along with the small pond garden adjacent.  Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens is a strolling garden centered around a pond, reflecting the preference for the Chinese aesthetic with landscapes replicating famous sites in China, in accordance with the style of Zhu Zhiyu, a scholar of Confucianism in the Ming Dynasty.
    koishikawa-east-2.jpg
  • The Karamon Gate is an official entrance from the study of the house through the inner court to Korakuen Gardens. It is supported on both sides by the Sodebei and side walls. The Gate was burnt down in an air raid in 1945, and only the foundation of the gate, stone steps and the stone masonry were left intact.  Karamon Gate has recently been restored along with the small pond garden adjacent.  Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens is a strolling garden centered around a pond, reflecting the preference for the Chinese aesthetic with landscapes replicating famous sites in China, in accordance with the style of Zhu Zhiyu, a scholar of Confucianism in the Ming Dynasty.
    koishikawa-east-1.jpg
  • Kurokabe Square, Black Wall Building - Nagahama was born about 400 years ago as a castle town. It was, and still is, the center of the town, and the tourist attraction Kurokabe Square is a group of traditional buildings built from the Edo period to the Meiji period, most notably the Black Wall Building. Also known as Kurokabe Square Building, it was erected during the Meiji period as a bank but currently used as a gallery for glassware, displaying and selling glass accessories and music boxes. They also offer hands on lessons for making glass and stained glass.
    black-wall-building.jpg
  • Brother and Sister on a Swing is one of the most noteworthy murals in George Town, Penang. It was created by Penang local Louis Gan a deaf- mute artist. The mural shows two children on a swing and celebrates the intimacy between siblings, as Louis had with his brother. The subjects of the mural are of the children of the building onto which it’s painted, SBS Paper Products in the adjacent alley just off Chulia Street. It’s joyous theme is a favorite of both locals and visitors of the many murals and street art on the streets and alleys of Penang.
    brother-sister-1.jpg
  • Seh Tek Tong Cheah Kongsi, Penang - usually known simply as Cheah Kongsi for short, is the oldest of the five clan communities in Penang. The Hokies community of Chinese settlers in Penang established this clan house, and together with Tua Pek Konh temple nearby formed the hub for this community in Penang. Such clans were formed for mutual support and self defense from rival clans. These clans also supported their brethren back in Southern China who were experiencing repression at that time. Today the clan promotes the welfare of its membership and provides educational events and scholarships for their children.
    Seh-Tek-Tong-Cheah-Kongsi-1.jpg
  • Peranakannitat Museum, which is also called the Baba Museum. Most of the displays are on loan from locals, so the holdings are continually in flux without a permanent collection. The museum is still in a state of development, in other words. It’s beautiful Sino-Portuguese building was once the Standard Chartered Bank and was built in 1900. For years the building remained empty and abandoned, until it was tidied up and turned into a museum. Peranakan refers to people of Chinese and Malay descent - Phuket had a large influx of these people during its tin mining boom.
    phuket-museum-3.jpg
  • Peranakannitat Museum, which is also called the Baba Museum. Most of the displays are on loan from locals, so the holdings are continually in flux without a permanent collection. The museum is still in a state of development, in other words. It’s beautiful Sino-Portuguese building was once the Standard Chartered Bank and was built in 1900. For years the building remained empty and abandoned, until it was tidied up and turned into a museum. Peranakan refers to people of Chinese and Malay descent - Phuket had a large influx of these people during its tin mining boom.
    phuket-museum-1.jpg
  • George Town Penang Street Art started with Penang’s Georgetown Festival in 2012.  Beginning then, crumbling old walls gained a new lease of life.  Most of the more artistic murals and street art were created by a Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic who was living in Penang at the time.  His artworks are humorous but at the same time open to interpretation.  Besides the paintings and murals, there are also steel rod wire sculptures scattered around the old sections of George Town with more local and somewhat less artistic themes.
    penang-street-art-07.jpg
  • George Town Penang Street Art started with Penang’s Georgetown Festival in 2012.  Beginning then, crumbling old walls gained a new lease of life.  Most of the more artistic murals and street art were created by a Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic who was living in Penang at the time.  His artworks are humorous but at the same time open to interpretation.  Besides the paintings and murals, there are also steel rod wire sculptures scattered around the old sections of George Town with more local and somewhat less artistic themes.
    penang-street-art-06.jpg
  • George Town Penang Street Art started with Penang’s Georgetown Festival in 2012.  Beginning then, crumbling old walls gained a new lease of life.  Most of the more artistic murals and street art were created by a Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic who was living in Penang at the time.  His artworks are humorous but at the same time open to interpretation.  Besides the paintings and murals, there are also steel rod wire sculptures scattered around the old sections of George Town with more local and somewhat less artistic themes.
    penang-street-art-03.jpg
  • George Town Penang Street Art started with Penang’s Georgetown Festival in 2012.  Beginning then, crumbling old walls gained a new lease of life.  Most of the more artistic murals and street art were created by a Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic who was living in Penang at the time.  His artworks are humorous but at the same time open to interpretation.  Besides the paintings and murals, there are also steel rod wire sculptures scattered around the old sections of George Town with more local and somewhat less artistic themes.
    penang-street-art-02.jpg
  • VT Namnueng Vietnamese Restaurant - Namnueng Restaurant is another of a series of upmarket restaurants in Phuket Town that have taken over lovely old Sino-Portuguese straits architectural gems of villas, spruced them up, and turned them into restaurants. Namnueng’s special feature is that it is focused on Vietnamese cuisine, rather than Thai food. It also occupies a large, green compound with lush gardens in front. Mixed reviews make it clear, however, that the experience is more about the architecture and surroundings than the food or service.
    Namnueng-Phuket-04.jpg
  • VT Namnueng Vietnamese Restaurant - Namnueng Restaurant is another of a series of upmarket restaurants in Phuket Town that have taken over lovely old Sino-Portuguese straits architectural gems of villas, spruced them up, and turned them into restaurants. Namnueng’s special feature is that it is focused on Vietnamese cuisine, rather than Thai food. It also occupies a large, green compound with lush gardens in front. Mixed reviews make it clear, however, that the experience is more about the architecture and surroundings than the food or service.
    Namnueng-Phuket-03.jpg
  • VT Namnueng Vietnamese Restaurant - Namnueng Restaurant is another of a series of upmarket restaurants in Phuket Town that have taken over lovely old Sino-Portuguese straits architectural gems of villas, spruced them up, and turned them into restaurants. Namnueng’s special feature is that it is focused on Vietnamese cuisine, rather than Thai food. It also occupies a large, green compound with lush gardens in front. Mixed reviews make it clear, however, that the experience is more about the architecture and surroundings than the food or service.
    Namnueng-Phuket-02.jpg
  • VT Namnueng Vietnamese Restaurant - Namnueng Restaurant is another of a series of upmarket restaurants in Phuket Town that have taken over lovely old Sino-Portuguese straits architectural gems of villas, spruced them up, and turned them into restaurants. Namnueng’s special feature is that it is focused on Vietnamese cuisine, rather than Thai food. It also occupies a large, green compound with lush gardens in front. Mixed reviews make it clear, however, that the experience is more about the architecture and surroundings than the food or service.
    Namnueng-Phuket-01.jpg
  • Kiew Kai Ka restaurant in Phuket focuses on traditional Thai cuisine. It is possible that the place’s claim to fame is rather the Sino-Portuguese architectural style of its fabulous building, once known as Ang Mor Lao House. The architecture reflects the influence of Penang and also Phuket’s wealth during its tin mining heyday. Inside, vintage furniture, decorative stucco curlicues, and hand-crafted and carved doors exude an ambiance from the last century.
    Kiew-Kai-Ka-2.jpg
  • Kiew Kai Ka restaurant in Phuket focuses on traditional Thai cuisine. It is possible that the place’s claim to fame is rather the Sino-Portuguese architectural style of its fabulous building, once known as Ang Mor Lao House. The architecture reflects the influence of Penang and also Phuket’s wealth during its tin mining heyday. Inside, vintage furniture, decorative stucco curlicues, and hand-crafted and carved doors exude an ambiance from the last century.
    Kiew-Kai-Ka-1.jpg
  • Endless Summer Cafe Phuket, housed in a lovely Sino-Portuguese mansion that later became a local kindergarden before its present incarnation as a boutique cafe. The cafe and shop has become a popular hotspot in downtown Phuket Town, partly because of its setting but also thanks to its eclectic collection of goods on offer, and gourmet treats.
    endless-summer-phuket-2.jpg
  • Endless Summer Cafe Phuket, housed in a lovely Sino-Portuguese mansion that later became a local kindergarden before its present incarnation as a boutique cafe. The cafe and shop has become a popular hotspot in downtown Phuket Town, partly because of its setting but also thanks to its eclectic collection of goods on offer, and gourmet treats.
    endless-summer-phuket-1.jpg
  • Church of the Assumption Penang - the church was built by Eurasians who followed Captain Francis Light to Penang when it was established as a British trading post. These Eurasians were fleeing persecution. Their leader was Bishop Arnaud-Antoine Ganault. They were joined by Catholics of Portuguese descent. The first group of Catholics arrived in Penang on the eve of the Feast of the Assumption in 1786 and later named their church after this historic arrival. The first wooden church was replaced by moving the site to its present location and the current building was constructed in 1861.
    church-assumption-penang-03.jpg
  • Church of the Assumption Penang - the church was built by Eurasians who followed Captain Francis Light to Penang when it was established as a British trading post. These Eurasians were fleeing persecution. Their leader was Bishop Arnaud-Antoine Ganault. They were joined by Catholics of Portuguese descent. The first group of Catholics arrived in Penang on the eve of the Feast of the Assumption in 1786 and later named their church after this historic arrival. The first wooden church was replaced by moving the site to its present location and the current building was constructed in 1861.
    church-assumption-penang-02.jpg
  • Church of the Assumption Penang - the church was built by Eurasians who followed Captain Francis Light to Penang when it was established as a British trading post. These Eurasians were fleeing persecution. Their leader was Bishop Arnaud-Antoine Ganault. They were joined by Catholics of Portuguese descent. The first group of Catholics arrived in Penang on the eve of the Feast of the Assumption in 1786 and later named their church after this historic arrival. The first wooden church was replaced by moving the site to its present location and the current building was constructed in 1861.
    church-assumption-penang-01.jpg
  • During  both the Meiji and Taiho period, the Katakura family made a fortune in the silk industry and used that wealth to build the Katakurakan Spa. The building has a gothic style façade but there are many Japanese design touches in the interior, including stained blass windows with a Japanese motif. All in all, however, it must be said that the building is a whimsical mixture of styles. The building and the marble bath are designated as Important National Artifacts. The expansive bathing area is called the Thousand Person Bath although it really can accomodate 50 people at a time confortably.
    katakurakan-01.jpg
  • The Eiffel Tower "La Tour Eiffel" is an iron lattice tower on the Champ de Mars in Paris. Built in 1889, it has become both a global icon of France and one of the most recognizable structures in the world. The most visited paid monument in the world - millions of people ascend it every year. Named for its designer, engineer Gustave Eiffel, the tower was built as the entrance arch to the 1889 World's Fair.
    tour-eiffel-2.jpg
  • 24. Byodo-in Phoenix  平等院 is well known in Japan, so much so that its outline is featured on the 10 YEN coin. Byodo-in was originally a private residence like many Japanese temples.  It was converted into a temple by the Fujiwara clan in 1052. The Phoenix Hall, the 8 foot tall statue of Amida inside it and several other items at Byodoin have been declared Japanese National Treasures. The pond garden at Byodo-in is considered to be one of best examples of a Pure Land garden in Japan.
    24.KYOTO-BYODO-IN-02.jpg
  • 24. Byodo-in 平等院 is well known in Japan, so much so that its outline is featured on the 10 YEN coin. Byodo-in was originally a private residence like many Japanese temples.  It was converted into a temple by the Fujiwara clan in 1052. The Phoenix Hall, the 8 foot tall statue of Amida inside it and several other items at Byodoin have been declared Japanese National Treasures. The pond garden at Byodo-in is considered to be one of best examples of a Pure Land garden in Japan.
    24.KYOTO-BYODO-IN-01.jpg
  • 17. Kinkakuji 金閣寺 Temple of the Golden Pavilion was built in 1393 as a retirement villa for Shogun Yoshimitsu Ashikaga.  He intended to cover the entire exterior of the pavilion with gold, but only managed to coat the third floor with gold leaf before his death.  After his death, his son converted the building into a Zen temple of the Rinzai school named Rokuonji in accordance with Ashikaga's wishes.  He also managed to get the first and second stories covered in gold leaf as it stands today.  This architectural treasure, reflecting in its surrounding pond, is a masterpiece of Japanese aesthetics
    17.KYOTO-KINKAKUJI-01.jpg
  • 16.  Tenryuji 天龍寺 has been ranked first among Kyoto's ‘Five Great Zen Temples’.  Muso Soseki, the temple's founding abbot and famous garden designer, is said to have created Tenryuji's garden which, unlike the temple buildings,  survived several fires intact and is considered one of the oldest gardens of its kind. This is a shakkei or borrowed landscape garden, integrating the background scenery of the hills of Arashiyama as part of the garden's composition. Rather than physically entering the garden, it shows a 3D effect and was meant to be viewed from a distance.  It is often cited as a one of the best examples of the use of borrowed scenery gardens in Japan.
    16.KYOTO-TENRYUJI-02.jpg
  • 15. Ninnaji 仁和寺 has always had strong imperial and aristocratic connections, as it was founded by Emperor Uda.  Since the time of Uda the temple has been headed by an imperial prince, which endowed Ninnaji with many buildings and gardens on its spacious grounds. Among the buildings on the temple grounds that have survived to the present day are elegant palace-style buildings surrounded by Japanese gardens, various temple halls, a massive entrance gate, belltower and tea houses.  Its five story pagoda dominates the entire scene. Ninnaji was the first imperial temple in Kyoto and it is still an active temple rather than a mere tourist attraction.
    15.KYOTO.NINNAJI-03.jpg
  • 14. Kiyomizu Temple 清水寺 or Kiyomizu-dera is a major attraction to the city much celebrated for its awe-inspiring architecture.  Not one nail was used in building the entire temple. The showpiece here is  'dancing stage’ veranda where performances were once held.  Kiyomizu takes its name from the waterfall in the hills nearby, the water itself being sacred. Kiyomizu means pure water in Japanese.
    14.KYOTO-KIYOMIZU-03.jpg
  • 14. Kiyomizu Temple 清水寺 or Kiyomizu-dera is a major attraction to the city much celebrated for its awe-inspiring architecture.  Not one nail was used in building the entire temple. The showpiece here is  'dancing stage’ veranda where performances were once held.  Kiyomizu takes its name from the waterfall in the hills nearby, the water itself being sacred. Kiyomizu means pure water in Japanese.
    14.KYOTO-KIYOMIZU-01.jpg
  • 12. Shimogamo Shrine 下鴨神社 or Shimogamo jinja is an important Shinto sanctuary in Kyoto.  The shrine occupies a ‘power spot’ at the confluence of two rivers.  Shimogamo gives us the sense of being surrounded by nature as it sits within a forest, a remnant of a primeval forest mentioned in Tales of Genji.  The shrine is approached by a long trail through a forest of broadleaf trees.  That is what makes this forest and shrine particularly special, considering that it is within a large city.
    12.KYOTO-SHIMOGAMO-01.jpg
  • Byodo-in Phoenix - Byodo-in is a Buddhist temple in the city of Uji Kyoto prefecture, a National Treasure and a World Heritage Site.  Its outline is featured on the ¥10 coin. Built in 998 AD during the Heian period, Byodo-in was originally a private residence like many Japanese temples.  It was converted into a temple by the Fujiwara clan in 1052. The Phoenix Hall, the great statue of Amida inside it, and several other items at Byodoin are Japanese National Treasures. UNESCO listed the garden and building as a World Heritage Site in 1994.
    byodo-in-phoenix-1.jpg
  • Byodo-in Phoenix - Byodo-in is a Buddhist temple in the city of Uji Kyoto prefecture, a National Treasure and a World Heritage Site.  Its outline is featured on the ¥10 coin. Built in 998 AD during the Heian period, Byodo-in was originally a private residence like many Japanese temples.  It was converted into a temple by the Fujiwara clan in 1052. The Phoenix Hall, the great statue of Amida inside it, and several other items at Byodoin are Japanese National Treasures. UNESCO listed the garden and building as a World Heritage Site in 1994.
    byodo-in-phoenix-2.jpg
  • Byodo-in is a Buddhist temple in the city of Uji Kyoto prefecture, a National Treasure and a World Heritage Site.  Its outline is featured on the ¥10 coin. Built in 998 AD during the Heian period, Byodo-in was originally a private residence like many Japanese temples.  It was converted into a temple by the Fujiwara clan in 1052. The Phoenix Hall, the great statue of Amida inside it, and several other items at Byodoin are Japanese National Treasures. UNESCO listed the garden and building as a World Heritage Site in 1994.
    byodo-in-13.jpg
  • Byodo-in is a Buddhist temple in the city of Uji Kyoto prefecture, a National Treasure and a World Heritage Site.  Its outline is featured on the ¥10 coin. Built in 998 AD during the Heian period, Byodo-in was originally a private residence like many Japanese temples.  It was converted into a temple by the Fujiwara clan in 1052. The Phoenix Hall, the great statue of Amida inside it, and several other items at Byodoin are Japanese National Treasures. UNESCO listed the garden and building as a World Heritage Site in 1994.
    byodo-in-10.jpg
  • To-ji is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon sect in Kyoto founded by Kobo Daishi. Its name means East Temple. Toji's pagoda is 54.8 meters high and is the tallest wooden tower in Japan. The pagoda has long been the icon of Kyoto.  However, Toji is far more than merely its pagoda.  It hosts a centureis old antique market once a month and the huge compound just south of Kyoto Station makes it almost never crowded except during market days.
    toji-12.jpg
  • Along the northern shores of Hoan Kiem Lake nestled on tiny Jade Island is the site of Temple of the Jade Mountain or Ngoc Son Temple as it is known in Vietnamese. The temple was erected in the 18th century and honors Tran Hung Dao, Van Xuong and Nguyen Van Sieu. Jade Island and Ngoc Son Temple is connected to the shore by the red, wooden Huc Bridge which means Morning Sunlight Bridge. Surrounded by water and shaded by trees, the temple contains fine ceramics, gongs, ancient bells and a stuffed turtle, which weighed 250 kilos when it was alive.
    hoan-kiem-turtle-5.jpg
  • Huc Bridge or "bridge where light is absorbed" over Hoan Kiem Lake or the Lake of the Returned Sword is located in the historical center of Hanoi.  The lake is one of the major scenic spots in the city and also serves as the center for its public life.
    hoan-kiem-turtle-1.jpg
  • Confucious at the Temple of Literature Van Mieu is Confucian temple which was formerly a center of learning in Hanoi. It is Confucian Temple, not Buddhist, and was once called Imperial Academy - Vietnam's first university.  It is one of several temples in Vietnam which are dedicated to Confucius, sages and scholars. The various pavilions, halls, statues and stelae of doctors are places where offering ceremonies, study sessions and the strict exams of the Dai Viet took place. The temple is shown on the 100,000 Vietnamese Dong banknote.
    temple-of-literature-26.jpg
  • Confucious at the Temple of Literature - The Temple of Literature Van Mieu is Confucian temple which was formerly a center of learning in Hanoi. It is Confucian Temple, not Buddhist, and was once called Imperial Academy - Vietnam's first university.  It is one of several temples in Vietnam which are dedicated to Confucius, sages and scholars. The various pavilions, halls, statues and stelae of doctors are places where offering ceremonies, study sessions and the strict exams of the Dai Viet took place. The temple is shown on the 100,000 Vietnamese Dong banknote.
    temple-of-literature-24.jpg
  • Dragon Topiary at Van Mieu Temple of Literature - a Confucian temple which was formerly a center of learning in Hanoi. It is Confucian Temple, not Buddhist, and was once called Imperial Academy - Vietnam's first university.  It is one of several temples in Vietnam which are dedicated to Confucius, sages and scholars. The various pavilions, halls, statues and stelae of doctors are places where offering ceremonies, study sessions and the strict exams of the Dai Viet took place. The temple is shown on the 100,000 Vietnamese Dong banknote.
    temple-of-literature-23.jpg
  • Temple of Literature Van Mieu is Confucian temple which was formerly a center of learning in Hanoi. It is Confucian Temple, not Buddhist, and was once called Imperial Academy - Vietnam's first university.  It is one of several temples in Vietnam which are dedicated to Confucius, sages and scholars. The various pavilions, halls, statues and stelae of doctors are places where offering ceremonies, study sessions and the strict exams of the Dai Viet took place. The temple is shown on the 100,000 Vietnamese Dong banknote.
    temple-of-literature-18.jpg
  • Dragon Topiary at Van Mieu Temple of Literature - Topiary is the art of trainingn shrubs and plants via clipping leaves to develop certain shapes. The word comes from lLatin topiarius.  Plants that are usually used for topiary are evergreens with dense foliage such as yet.   Hedges sometimes take on a fanciful form like topiary to give them extra beauty.
    temple-of-literature-16.jpg
  • Temple of Literature Van Mieu is Confucian temple which was formerly a center of learning in Hanoi. It is Confucian Temple, not Buddhist, and was once called Imperial Academy - Vietnam's first university.  It is one of several temples in Vietnam which are dedicated to Confucius, sages and scholars. The various pavilions, halls, statues and stelae of doctors are places where offering ceremonies, study sessions and the strict exams of the Dai Viet took place. The temple is shown on the 100,000 Vietnamese Dong banknote.
    temple-of-literature-15.jpg
  • Temple of Literature Van Mieu is Confucian temple which was formerly a center of learning in Hanoi. It is Confucian Temple, not Buddhist, and was once called Imperial Academy - Vietnam's first university.  It is one of several temples in Vietnam which are dedicated to Confucius, sages and scholars. The various pavilions, halls, statues and stelae of doctors are places where offering ceremonies, study sessions and the strict exams of the Dai Viet took place. The temple is shown on the 100,000 Vietnamese Dong banknote.
    temple-of-literature-14.jpg
  • Stelae of Doctors at the Temple of Literature - <br />
Carved stone turtle steles with elaborate motifs are meant to honor both talent and to encourage study. The turtle is a symbol of longevity.  The doctors steles are a valuable historical resource for the study of culture, education and sculpture in Vietnam.  The Chinese engravings on each stele praise the merits of the monarch and cite the reason for holding royal exams.  The Temple of Literature's 82 steles engraved with the names of doctorate holders dating as far back as 1442 were recognized as a World Documentary Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2010.
    temple-of-literature-09.jpg
  • Stelae of Doctors at the Temple of Literature - <br />
Carved stone turtle steles with elaborate motifs are meant to honor both talent and to encourage study. The turtle is a symbol of longevity.  The doctors steles are a valuable historical resource for the study of culture, education and sculpture in Vietnam.  The Chinese engravings on each stele praise the merits of the monarch and cite the reason for holding royal exams.  The Temple of Literature's 82 steles engraved with the names of doctorate holders dating as far back as 1442 were recognized as a World Documentary Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2010.
    temple-of-literature-10.jpg
  • The Pont du Gard was built to allow the aqueduct of Nimes, which is almost 50 km long, to cross the Gard river. The Roman architects and engineers who designed this bridge created a technical as well as an artistic masterpiece. A true masterpiece of ancient architecture, the Pont du Gard aqueduct is one of the most beautiful Roman constructions in Europe.  The Pont du Gard was added to UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1985.  It was designed to carry water across the Gardon river valley.  The full aqueduct had a gradient of 34 cm/km descending 17 meters in its entire length and delivering 20,000 cubic meters of water daily. Incredibly, it was constructed entirely without the use of mortar.  From the 4th century its maintenance was neglected, and deposits filled up the conduit space. Most of the Pont du Gard remains intact. The aqueduct was restored in the 18th century, by which time it had become a major tourist sight, and was restored again in the 19th century.
    pont-du-gard-11.jpg
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