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  • Odd Japanese Products; Inflatable Swan Penis - Japan has long been one step ahead of the rest of the world technologically. Most people, however, don’t recognize Japan for its innovations or creativity, let alone its knack for all out fantasy.   Some inventions are clever, a few are even brilliant ideas, while others are absurd but in an interesting way.  It has become such a “thing” that there is even a word for it: chindogu.  Mr Kenji Kawakami, an inventor and founder of tofugu.com.  Kawakami describes the products as un-useless, which is to say almost useful but at the same time, so outlandish that people would not want to be seen using them.  He also has a few rules for chindogu:  products may not only be funny but sort of useful and products must represent freedom, never taboo and not patented.  Finally, the products must not be for sale.  Well, a few of them have slipped through the cracks.  Anything to make a buck!   Even 100 Yen shop chain Daiso now has inflatable tits.  Another gold mine for shopping for un-useless products is Don Quijote or “donki” as it is known in Japan.  A few popular items: Lipstick guide stencils for klutses who can’t apply makeup without smudges; karaoke mufffled microphone so you can belt out that song without anyone hearing it;  nose enhancers, and even inflatable swan-shaped penis extenders!
    odd-products-11.jpg
  • Odd Japanese Products: Soup Splash Guard - Japan has long been one step ahead of the rest of the world technologically. Most people, however, don’t recognize Japan for its innovations or creativity, let alone its knack for all out fantasy.   Some inventions are clever, a few are even brilliant ideas, while others are absurd but in an interesting way.  It has become such a “thing” that there is even a word for it: chindogu.  Mr Kenji Kawakami, an inventor and founder of tofugu.com.  Kawakami describes the products as un-useless, which is to say almost useful but at the same time, so outlandish that people would not want to be seen using them.  He also has a few rules for chindogu:  products may not only be funny but sort of useful and products must represent freedom, never taboo and not patented.  Finally, the products must not be for sale.  Well, a few of them have slipped through the cracks.  Anything to make a buck!   Even 100 Yen shop chain Daiso now has inflatable tits.  Another gold mine for shopping for un-useless products is Don Quijote or “donki” as it is known in Japan.  A few popular items: Lipstick guide stencils for klutses who can’t apply makeup without smudges; karaoke mufffled microphone so you can belt out that song without anyone hearing it;  nose enhancers, and even inflatable swan-shaped penis extenders!
    odd-products-12.jpg
  • Odd Japanese Products; Inflatable Swan Penis - Japan has long been one step ahead of the rest of the world technologically. Most people, however, don’t recognize Japan for its innovations or creativity, let alone its knack for all out fantasy.   Some inventions are clever, a few are even brilliant ideas, while others are absurd but in an interesting way.  It has become such a “thing” that there is even a word for it: chindogu.  Mr Kenji Kawakami, an inventor and founder of tofugu.com.  Kawakami describes the products as un-useless, which is to say almost useful but at the same time, so outlandish that people would not want to be seen using them.  He also has a few rules for chindogu:  products may not only be funny but sort of useful and products must represent freedom, never taboo and not patented.  Finally, the products must not be for sale.  Well, a few of them have slipped through the cracks.  Anything to make a buck!   Even 100 Yen shop chain Daiso now has inflatable tits.  Another gold mine for shopping for un-useless products is Don Quijote or “donki” as it is known in Japan.  A few popular items: Lipstick guide stencils for klutses who can’t apply makeup without smudges; karaoke mufffled microphone so you can belt out that song without anyone hearing it;  nose enhancers, and even inflatable swan-shaped penis extenders!
    odd-products-10.jpg
  • Odd Japanese Products: Animal Hot Pad - Japan has long been one step ahead of the rest of the world technologically. Most people, however, don’t recognize Japan for its innovations or creativity, let alone its knack for all out fantasy.   Some inventions are clever, a few are even brilliant ideas, while others are absurd but in an interesting way.  It has become such a “thing” that there is even a word for it: chindogu.  Mr Kenji Kawakami, an inventor and founder of tofugu.com.  Kawakami describes the products as un-useless, which is to say almost useful but at the same time, so outlandish that people would not want to be seen using them.  He also has a few rules for chindogu:  products may not only be funny but sort of useful and products must represent freedom, never taboo and not patented.  Finally, the products must not be for sale.  Well, a few of them have slipped through the cracks.  Anything to make a buck!   Even 100 Yen shop chain Daiso now has inflatable tits.  Another gold mine for shopping for un-useless products is Don Quijote or “donki” as it is known in Japan.  A few popular items: Lipstick guide stencils for klutses who can’t apply makeup without smudges; karaoke mufffled microphone so you can belt out that song without anyone hearing it;  nose enhancers, and even inflatable swan-shaped penis extenders!
    odd-products-04.jpg
  • Odd Japanese Products: Extreme Fire - Japan has long been one step ahead of the rest of the world technologically. Most people, however, don’t recognize Japan for its innovations or creativity, let alone its knack for all out fantasy.   Some inventions are clever, a few are even brilliant ideas, while others are absurd but in an interesting way.  It has become such a “thing” that there is even a word for it: chindogu.  Mr Kenji Kawakami, an inventor and founder of tofugu.com.  Kawakami describes the products as un-useless, which is to say almost useful but at the same time, so outlandish that people would not want to be seen using them.  He also has a few rules for chindogu:  products may not only be funny but sort of useful and products must represent freedom, never taboo and not patented.  Finally, the products must not be for sale.  Well, a few of them have slipped through the cracks.  Anything to make a buck!   Even 100 Yen shop chain Daiso now has inflatable tits.  Another gold mine for shopping for un-useless products is Don Quijote or “donki” as it is known in Japan.  A few popular items: Lipstick guide stencils for klutses who can’t apply makeup without smudges; karaoke mufffled microphone so you can belt out that song without anyone hearing it;  nose enhancers, and even inflatable swan-shaped penis extenders!
    odd-products-01.jpg
  • Odd Japanese Products: Cupman- Japan has long been one step ahead of the rest of the world technologically. Most people, however, don’t recognize Japan for its innovations or creativity, let alone its knack for all out fantasy.   Some inventions are clever, a few are even brilliant ideas, while others are absurd but in an interesting way.  It has become such a “thing” that there is even a word for it: chindogu.  Mr Kenji Kawakami, an inventor and founder of tofugu.com.  Kawakami describes the products as un-useless, which is to say almost useful but at the same time, so outlandish that people would not want to be seen using them.  He also has a few rules for chindogu:  products may not only be funny but sort of useful and products must represent freedom, never taboo and not patented.  Finally, the products must not be for sale.  Well, a few of them have slipped through the cracks.  Anything to make a buck!   Even 100 Yen shop chain Daiso now has inflatable tits.  Another gold mine for shopping for un-useless products is Don Quijote or “donki” as it is known in Japan.  A few popular items: Lipstick guide stencils for klutses who can’t apply makeup without smudges; karaoke mufffled microphone so you can belt out that song without anyone hearing it;  nose enhancers, and even inflatable swan-shaped penis extenders!
    odd-products-02.jpg
  • Odd Japanese Products; Inflatable Swan Penis - Japan has long been one step ahead of the rest of the world technologically. Most people, however, don’t recognize Japan for its innovations or creativity, let alone its knack for all out fantasy.   Some inventions are clever, a few are even brilliant ideas, while others are absurd but in an interesting way.  It has become such a “thing” that there is even a word for it: chindogu.  Mr Kenji Kawakami, an inventor and founder of tofugu.com.  Kawakami describes the products as un-useless, which is to say almost useful but at the same time, so outlandish that people would not want to be seen using them.  He also has a few rules for chindogu:  products may not only be funny but sort of useful and products must represent freedom, never taboo and not patented.  Finally, the products must not be for sale.  Well, a few of them have slipped through the cracks.  Anything to make a buck!   Even 100 Yen shop chain Daiso now has inflatable tits.  Another gold mine for shopping for un-useless products is Don Quijote or “donki” as it is known in Japan.  A few popular items: Lipstick guide stencils for klutses who can’t apply makeup without smudges; karaoke mufffled microphone so you can belt out that song without anyone hearing it;  nose enhancers, and even inflatable swan-shaped penis extenders!
    odd-products-09.jpg
  • Odd Japanese Products: Massage Roller Japan has long been one step ahead of the rest of the world technologically. Most people, however, don’t recognize Japan for its innovations or creativity, let alone its knack for all out fantasy.   Some inventions are clever, a few are even brilliant ideas, while others are absurd but in an interesting way.  It has become such a “thing” that there is even a word for it: chindogu.  Mr Kenji Kawakami, an inventor and founder of tofugu.com.  Kawakami describes the products as un-useless, which is to say almost useful but at the same time, so outlandish that people would not want to be seen using them.  He also has a few rules for chindogu:  products may not only be funny but sort of useful and products must represent freedom, never taboo and not patented.  Finally, the products must not be for sale.  Well, a few of them have slipped through the cracks.  Anything to make a buck!   Even 100 Yen shop chain Daiso now has inflatable tits.  Another gold mine for shopping for un-useless products is Don Quijote or “donki” as it is known in Japan.  A few popular items: Lipstick guide stencils for klutses who can’t apply makeup without smudges; karaoke mufffled microphone so you can belt out that song without anyone hearing it;  nose enhancers, and even inflatable swan-shaped penis extenders!
    odd-products-03.jpg
  • Fake  Boobs - Japan has long been one step ahead of the rest of the world technologically. Most people, however, don’t recognize Japan for its innovations or creativity, let alone its knack for all out fantasy.   Some inventions are clever, a few are even brilliant ideas, while others are absurd but in an interesting way.  It has become such a “thing” that there is even a word for it: chindogu.  Mr Kenji Kawakami, an inventor and founder of tofugu.com.  Kawakami describes the products as un-useless, which is to say almost useful but at the same time, so outlandish that people would not want to be seen using them.  He also has a few rules for chindogu:  products may not only be funny but sort of useful and products must represent freedom, never taboo and not patented.  Finally, the products must not be for sale.  Well, a few of them have slipped through the cracks.  Anything to make a buck!   Even 100 Yen shop chain Daiso now has inflatable tits.  Another gold mine for shopping for un-useless products is Don Quijote or “donki” as it is known in Japan.  A few popular items: Lipstick guide stencils for klutses who can’t apply makeup without smudges; karaoke mufffled microphone so you can belt out that song without anyone hearing it;  nose enhancers, and even inflatable swan-shaped penis extenders!
    odd-products-08.jpg
  • Fake  Boobs - Japan has long been one step ahead of the rest of the world technologically. Most people, however, don’t recognize Japan for its innovations or creativity, let alone its knack for all out fantasy.   Some inventions are clever, a few are even brilliant ideas, while others are absurd but in an interesting way.  It has become such a “thing” that there is even a word for it: chindogu.  Mr Kenji Kawakami, an inventor and founder of tofugu.com.  Kawakami describes the products as un-useless, which is to say almost useful but at the same time, so outlandish that people would not want to be seen using them.  He also has a few rules for chindogu:  products may not only be funny but sort of useful and products must represent freedom, never taboo and not patented.  Finally, the products must not be for sale.  Well, a few of them have slipped through the cracks.  Anything to make a buck!   Even 100 Yen shop chain Daiso now has inflatable tits.  Another gold mine for shopping for un-useless products is Don Quijote or “donki” as it is known in Japan.  A few popular items: Lipstick guide stencils for klutses who can’t apply makeup without smudges; karaoke mufffled microphone so you can belt out that song without anyone hearing it;  nose enhancers, and even inflatable swan-shaped penis extenders!
    odd-products-07.jpg
  • Fake  Boobs - Japan has long been one step ahead of the rest of the world technologically. Most people, however, don’t recognize Japan for its innovations or creativity, let alone its knack for all out fantasy.   Some inventions are clever, a few are even brilliant ideas, while others are absurd but in an interesting way.  It has become such a “thing” that there is even a word for it: chindogu.  Mr Kenji Kawakami, an inventor and founder of tofugu.com.  Kawakami describes the products as un-useless, which is to say almost useful but at the same time, so outlandish that people would not want to be seen using them.  He also has a few rules for chindogu:  products may not only be funny but sort of useful and products must represent freedom, never taboo and not patented.  Finally, the products must not be for sale.  Well, a few of them have slipped through the cracks.  Anything to make a buck!   Even 100 Yen shop chain Daiso now has inflatable tits.  Another gold mine for shopping for un-useless products is Don Quijote or “donki” as it is known in Japan.  A few popular items: Lipstick guide stencils for klutses who can’t apply makeup without smudges; karaoke mufffled microphone so you can belt out that song without anyone hearing it;  nose enhancers, and even inflatable swan-shaped penis extenders!
    odd-products-06.jpg
  • Japan has long been one step ahead of the rest of the world technologically. Most people, however, don’t recognize Japan for its innovations or creativity, let alone its knack for all out fantasy.   Some inventions are clever, a few are even brilliant ideas, while others are absurd but in an interesting way.  It has become such a “thing” that there is even a word for it: chindogu.  Mr Kenji Kawakami, an inventor and founder of tofugu.com.  Kawakami describes the products as un-useless, which is to say almost useful but at the same time, so outlandish that people would not want to be seen using them.  He also has a few rules for chindogu:  products may not only be funny but sort of useful and products must represent freedom, never taboo and not patented.  Finally, the products must not be for sale.  Well, a few of them have slipped through the cracks.  Anything to make a buck!   Even 100 Yen shop chain Daiso now has inflatable tits.  Another gold mine for shopping for un-useless products is Don Quijote or “donki” as it is known in Japan.  A few popular items: Lipstick guide stencils for klutses who can’t apply makeup without smudges; karaoke mufffled microphone so you can belt out that song without anyone hearing it;  nose enhancers, and even inflatable swan-shaped penis extenders!
    odd-products-05.jpg
  • Oni are creatures from Japanese folklore, variously called demons, devils, ogres or trolls. They are popular characters in Japanese art, literature and theatre. Depictions of oni vary widely but usually portray them as hideous, gigantic creatures with sharp claws, wild hair, and two long horns growing from their heads. They are humanoid for the most part, but occasionally, they are shown with unnatural features such as odd numbers of eyes or extra fingers and toes. Their skin may be any number of colors, but red and blue are particularly common.
    oni-3.jpg
  • Oni are creatures from Japanese folklore, variously called demons, devils, ogres or trolls. They are popular characters in Japanese art, literature and theatre. Depictions of oni vary widely but usually portray them as hideous, gigantic, creatures with sharp claws, wild hair, and two long horns growing from their heads. They are humanoid for the most part, but occasionally, they are shown with unnatural features such as odd numbers of eyes or extra fingers and toes. Their skin may be any number of colors, but red and blue are particularly common.
    oni-1.jpg
  • Oni are creatures from Japanese folklore, variously called demons, devils, ogres or trolls. They are popular characters in Japanese art, literature and theatre. Depictions of oni vary widely but usually portray them as hideous, gigantic, creatures with sharp claws, wild hair, and two long horns growing from their heads. They are humanoid for the most part, but occasionally, they are shown with unnatural features such as odd numbers of eyes or extra fingers and toes. Their skin may be any number of colors, but red and blue are particularly common.
    oni-4.jpg
  • Oni are creatures from Japanese folklore, variously called demons, devils, ogres or trolls. They are popular characters in Japanese art, literature and theatre. Depictions of oni vary widely but usually portray them as hideous, gigantic, creatures with sharp claws, wild hair, and two long horns growing from their heads. They are humanoid for the most part, but occasionally, they are shown with unnatural features such as odd numbers of eyes or extra fingers and toes. Their skin may be any number of colors, but red and blue are particularly common.
    oni-5.jpg
  • Niijima Moai Though they are called "moai" these artifacts are more like outdoor sculptures, dotted along the coastline of Niijima. Oddly enough, Niijima Island is a part of Tokyo although it in no way resembles the crowded city or any city for that matter.  In fact, it is more of a tropical paradise and hangout for surfer dudes, with huge wages and surf.  To make life more interesting, or some other reason, Niijima also has a smattering of moai or public art sculptures along the coast.  Though they are called "moai" these artifacts are more sculptures, dotted along the coastlines of Niijima.  Most of them are made of ryolite, a precious volcanic rock that is mined only on Niijima.  These sculptures are actually called moyai by the locals which means ‘work together’ in their dialect.
    Niijima-Moai-2.jpg
  • Niijima Moai - Though they are called "moai" these artifacts are more like outdoor sculptures, dotted along the coastline of Niijima. Oddly enough, Niijima Island is a part of Tokyo although it in no way resembles the crowded city - or any city for that matter.  In fact, it is more of a tropical paradise and hangout for surfer dudes, with huge wages and surf.  To make life more interesting, or some other reason, Niijima also has a smattering of moai or public art sculptures along the coast.  Though they are called "moai" these artifacts are more sculptures, dotted along the coastlines of Niijima.  Most of them are made of ryolite, a precious volcanic rock that is mined only on Niijima.  These sculptures are actually called moyai by the locals which means ‘work together’ in their dialect.
    Niijima-Moai-3.jpg
  • Niijima Moai Though they are called "moai" these artifacts are more like outdoor sculptures, dotted along the coastline of Niijima. Oddly enough, Niijima Island is a part of Tokyo although it in no way resembles the crowded city or any city for that matter.  In fact, it is more of a tropical paradise and hangout for surfer dudes, with huge wages and surf.  To make life more interesting, or some other reason, Niijima also has a smattering of moai or public art sculptures along the coast.  Though they are called "moai" these artifacts are more sculptures, dotted along the coastlines of Niijima.  Most of them are made of ryolite, a precious volcanic rock that is mined only on Niijima.  These sculptures are actually called moyai by the locals which means ‘work together’ in their dialect.
    Niijima-Moai-1.jpg
  • One of the quirkiest, yet most interesting attractions in Vientiane would have to be Xieng Khuan, commonly called "Buddha Park". Xieng Khuan or "Spirit City" is just as much a monument to one man's eccentric and bizarre ambition as it is an impressive collection of massive ferro-concrete sculptures dotted around a riverside meadow. Although the brontosaurian reclining Buddha and strange edifice resembling a pumpkin - there are statues of every conceivable deity in the Buddhist/Hindu pantheon. Even if you are not up on your Buddhist/Hindu deities you will enjoy strolling around some of the more fantastic shapes.  Xieng Khuan was designed and built in 1958 by Louang Pou Bunleua Sulilat a self style holy man who took Hinduism and Buddhism and merged them into his own iconography. After the revolution in 1975, he fled from Laos to Thailand where he built another sculpture park, Sala Keoku in Nong Khai.. He fled because his anti-Communist beliefs conflicted with the views of the Pathet Lao.
    xieng-khuan-2.jpg
  • Literally hundreds of penises or rather phallus statue or statuettes from small wooden carvings to big stone sculptures that stand ten feet tall and decorated with ribbons - make this shrine quite unique. It honors Chao Mae Tubtim, a female fertility spirit. Women visit this shrine when they are trying to conceive, leaving offerings of lotus and jasmine.
    tuptim-shrine-5.jpg
  • One of the quirkiest, yet most interesting attractions in Vientiane would have to be Xieng Khuan, commonly called "Buddha Park". Xieng Khuan or "Spirit City" is just as much a monument to one man's eccentric and bizarre ambition as it is an impressive collection of massive ferro-concrete sculptures dotted around a riverside meadow. Although the brontosaurian reclining Buddha and strange edifice resembling a pumpkin - there are statues of every conceivable deity in the Buddhist/Hindu pantheon. Even if you are not up on your Buddhist/Hindu deities you will enjoy strolling around some of the more fantastic shapes.  Xieng Khuan was designed and built in 1958 by Louang Pou Bunleua Sulilat a self style holy man who took Hinduism and Buddhism and merged them into his own iconography. After the revolution in 1975, he fled from Laos to Thailand where he built another sculpture park, Sala Keoku in Nong Khai.. He fled because his anti-Communist beliefs conflicted with the views of the Pathet Lao.
    xieng-khuan-3.jpg
  • One of the quirkiest, yet most interesting attractions in Vientiane would have to be Xieng Khuan, commonly called "Buddha Park". Xieng Khuan or "Spirit City" is just as much a monument to one man's eccentric and bizarre ambition as it is an impressive collection of massive ferro-concrete sculptures dotted around a riverside meadow. Although the brontosaurian reclining Buddha and strange edifice resembling a pumpkin - there are statues of every conceivable deity in the Buddhist/Hindu pantheon. Even if you are not up on your Buddhist/Hindu deities you will enjoy strolling around some of the more fantastic shapes.  Xieng Khuan was designed and built in 1958 by Louang Pou Bunleua Sulilat a self style holy man who took Hinduism and Buddhism and merged them into his own iconography. After the revolution in 1975, he fled from Laos to Thailand where he built another sculpture park, Sala Keoku in Nong Khai.. He fled because his anti-Communist beliefs conflicted with the views of the Pathet Lao.
    xieng-khuan-1.jpg
  • One of the quirkiest, yet most interesting attractions in Vientiane would have to be Xieng Khuan, commonly called "Buddha Park". Xieng Khuan or "Spirit City" is just as much a monument to one man's eccentric and bizarre ambition as it is an impressive collection of massive ferro-concrete sculptures dotted around a riverside meadow. Although the brontosaurian reclining Buddha and strange edifice resembling a pumpkin - there are statues of every conceivable deity in the Buddhist/Hindu pantheon. Even if you are not up on your Buddhist/Hindu deities you will enjoy strolling around some of the more fantastic shapes.  Xieng Khuan was designed and built in 1958 by Louang Pou Bunleua Sulilat a self style holy man who took Hinduism and Buddhism and merged them into his own iconography. After the revolution in 1975, he fled from Laos to Thailand where he built another sculpture park, Sala Keoku in Nong Khai.. He fled because his anti-Communist beliefs conflicted with the views of the Pathet Lao.
    xieng-khuan-4.jpg
  • The Christmas House is a one-of-a-kind institution designed by Dr. Rico Absin, an anesthesiologist in the city of Dumaguete.  All the young and the young-at-heart flock to the nutty Spanish mansion of  Dr. Absin, a practicing anesthesiologist  who has successfully created an institution out of a genuine passion for art and decoration and a flair for the dramatic. .
    christmas-house-dumaguete-01.jpg
  • The Christmas House is a one-of-a-kind institution designed by Dr. Rico Absin, an anesthesiologist in the city of Dumaguete.  All the young and the young-at-heart flock to the nutty Spanish mansion of  Dr. Absin, a practicing anesthesiologist  who has successfully created an institution out of a genuine passion for art and decoration and a flair for the dramatic. .
    christmas-house-dumaguete-02.jpg
  • The Exploratorium created the hands on movement among museums.  There are about a thousand museums in the world that trace themselves to the Exploratorium in terms of exhibits or programs. This innovative museum of science, art, human perception and technology provides for even those with the most limited scientific knowledge and gives them back the joy of discovery. It is an experience that inspires young and old to understand science and nature.<br />
The Exploratorium in San Francisco is a public educational institution for peoples of all ages. Its audience numbers over 20 million each year, as its exhibits travel to science centers and other locations worldwide. At least 90 percent of the nation’s other science museums have borrowed ideas from Exploratorium exhibits or programs.
    exploratorium-1.jpg
  • Lantau Island, also Lantao, is the largest island in Hong Kong, located at the mouth of the Pearl River.  Originally the site of sleepy fishing villages, in recent years has been increasingly developed.
    lantau-5.jpg
  • Hello Kitty Show at Sanrio Puroland - an indoor theme park located in Tama Center, Tokyo that attracts over 1.5 million visitors per year and hosts various musicals, restaurants, attractions, and theme rides using popular characters such as Hello Kitty, Pochacco, Keroppi, and many more. While many of the shows are only in Japanese, Puroland nevertheless attracts many visitors from overseas as well as Japan because of the worldwide popularity of these characters.   Puroland has become one of Japan's most popular attractions.
    sanrio-puroland-1.jpg
  • Halloween in the San Francisco Castro District
    castro-street.jpg
  • Bay to Breakers is an annual footrace which takes place in San Francisco. The name reflects the fact that the race starts a few blocks from San Francisco Bay and runs west through the city to finish at the Pacific coast, where breakers crash onto Ocean Beach. The race is 12 kilometers long and takes place on the third Sunday in May and more of a costume party than a real marathon.
    bay-to-breakers-2.jpg
  • Bay to Breakers is an annual footrace which takes place in San Francisco. The name reflects the fact that the race starts a few blocks from San Francisco Bay and runs west through the city to finish at the Pacific coast, where breakers crash onto Ocean Beach. The race is 12 kilometers long and takes place on the third Sunday in May and more of a costume party than a real marathon.
    bay-to-breakers-1.jpg
  • One of the quirkiest, yet most interesting attractions in Vientiane would have to be Xieng Khuan, commonly called "Buddha Park". Xieng Khuan or "Spirit City" is just as much a monument to one man's eccentric and bizarre ambition as it is an impressive collection of massive ferro-concrete sculptures dotted around a riverside meadow. Although the brontosaurian reclining Buddha and strange edifice resembling a pumpkin - there are statues of every conceivable deity in the Buddhist/Hindu pantheon. Even if you are not up on your Buddhist/Hindu deities you will enjoy strolling around some of the more fantastic shapes.  Xieng Khuan was designed and built in 1958 by Louang Pou Bunleua Sulilat a self style holy man who took Hinduism and Buddhism and merged them into his own iconography. After the revolution in 1975, he fled from Laos to Thailand where he built another sculpture park, Sala Keoku in Nong Khai.. He fled because his anti-Communist beliefs conflicted with the views of the Pathet Lao.
    xieng-khuan-5.jpg
  • Lantau Island, also Lantao, is the largest island in Hong Kong, located at the mouth of the Pearl River.  Originally the site of sleepy fishing villages, in recent years has been increasingly developed.
    lantau-4.jpg
  • Hello Kitty Show at Sanrio Puroland - an indoor theme park located in Tama Center, Tokyo that attracts over 1.5 million visitors per year and hosts various musicals, restaurants, attractions, and theme rides using popular characters such as Hello Kitty, Pochacco, Keroppi, and many more. While many of the shows are only in Japanese, Puroland nevertheless attracts many visitors from overseas as well as Japan because of the worldwide popularity of these characters.   Puroland has become one of Japan's most popular attractions.
    sanrio-puroland-2.jpg
  • Rakan at Eirinji - Rakan and Arhat statues represent the 500 disciples of Buddha. Although many Buddhist sculptures are carved to represent exquisite beauty or terrifying ferociousness, rakan often seem to be carved in the spirit of humour and good fun, or at least they usually appear to have comical faces, even though their message or what they represent may be dead serioues.
    eirinji-rakan-2.jpg
  • Fukurokokuji Diety of Good Fortune at Mengake Procession Kamakura - Mengake or Masked Parade at Goryo Jinja shrine.  At this festival held in September a group of ten people take part in this annual ritual: 8 men and 2 women. Wearing comical or grotesque masks that signify different demons, legends and dieties  leave the shrine and parade through the nearby streets accompanied by portable shrine and festival music.
    mengake-kamakura-28.jpg
  • Oni Demon at Mengake Procession Kamakura- Mengake or Masked Parade at Goryo Jinja shrine.  At this festival held in September a group of ten people take part in this annual ritual: 8 men and 2 women. Wearing comical or grotesque masks that signify different demons, legends and dieties  leave the shrine and parade through the nearby streets accompanied by portable shrine and festival music.
    mengake-kamakura-27.jpg
  • Lions at Mengake Kamakura Procession - Mengake or Masked Parade at Goryo Jinja shrine.  At this festival held in September a group of ten people take part in this annual ritual: 8 men and 2 women. Wearing comical or grotesque masks that signify different demons, legends and dieties  leave the shrine and parade through the nearby streets accompanied by portable shrine and festival music.
    mengake-kamakura-25.jpg
  • Midwife at Mengake Kamakura - Mengake or Masked Parade at Goryo Jinja shrine.  At this festival held in September a group of ten people take part in this annual ritual: 8 men and 2 women. Wearing comical or grotesque masks that signify different demons, legends and dieties  leave the shrine and parade through the nearby streets accompanied by portable shrine and festival music.
    mengake-kamakura-23.jpg
  • Jiji Elderly Man at Mengake Kamakura - Mengake or Masked Parade at Goryo Jinja shrine.  At this festival held in September a group of ten people take part in this annual ritual: 8 men and 2 women. Wearing comical or grotesque masks that signify different demons, legends and dieties  leave the shrine and parade through the nearby streets accompanied by portable shrine and festival music.
    mengake-kamakura-22.jpg
  • Drummers at Mengake Kamakura - Mengake or Masked Parade at Goryo Jinja shrine.  At this festival held in September a group of ten people take part in this annual ritual: 8 men and 2 women. Wearing comical or grotesque masks that signify different demons, legends and dieties  leave the shrine and parade through the nearby streets accompanied by portable shrine and festival music.
    mengake-kamakura-07.jpg
  • Tengu at Mengake Kamakura - Mengake or Masked Parade at Goryo Jinja shrine.  At this festival held in September a group of ten people take part in this annual ritual: 8 men and 2 women. Wearing comical or grotesque masks that signify different demons, legends and dieties  leave the shrine and parade through the nearby streets accompanied by portable shrine and festival music.
    mengake-kamakura-03.jpg
  • Shinto Priests at Mengake Procession - Mengake or Masked Parade at Goryo Jinja shrine.  At this festival held in September a group of ten people take part in this annual ritual: 8 men and 2 women. Wearing comical or grotesque masks that signify different demons, legends and dieties  leave the shrine and parade through the nearby streets accompanied by portable shrine and festival music.
    mengake-kamakura-04.jpg
  • Mengake Procession - Mengake or Masked Parade at Goryo Jinja shrine.  At this festival held in September a group of ten people take part in this annual ritual: 8 men and 2 women. Wearing comical or grotesque masks that signify different demons, legends and dieties  leave the shrine and parade through the nearby streets accompanied by portable shrine and festival music.
    mengake-kamakura-02.jpg
  • Mengake Procession - Mengake or Masked Parade at Goryo Jinja shrine.  At this festival held in September a group of ten people take part in this annual ritual: 8 men and 2 women. Wearing comical or grotesque masks that signify different demons, legends and dieties  leave the shrine and parade through the nearby streets accompanied by portable shrine and festival music.
    mengake-kamakura-01.jpg
  • Glico Man - Dotombori is a district of Osaka famous for its neon and mechanized signs, most famously for the sign of the candy manufacturer Glico.  The Glico Man sign shows a giant electronic display of a runner crossing a finish line.  Along the streets, to advertise their products and menus visitors are amazed at the moving giant crabs, puffed out blowfish, smoking dragons and other dramatic kitsch.  Dotombori is a district has always been known for its historic theaters, night life, shops and restaurants and in modern times its many neon and mechanized signs,
    glico-man-01.jpg
  • Glico Man - Dotombori is a district of Osaka famous for its neon and mechanized signs, most famously for the sign of the candy manufacturer Glico.  The Glico Man sign shows a giant electronic display of a runner crossing a finish line.  Along the streets, to advertise their products and menus visitors are amazed at the moving giant crabs, puffed out blowfish, smoking dragons and other dramatic kitsch.  Dotombori is a district has always been known for its historic theaters, night life, shops and restaurants and in modern times its many neon and mechanized signs,
    dotombori-signs-22.jpg
  • Dotombori Signs - Dotombori is a district of Osaka famous for its neon and mechanized signs, most famously for the sign of the candy manufacturer Glico.  The Glico Man sign shows a giant electronic display of a runner crossing a finish line.  Along the streets, to advertise their products and menus visitors are amazed at the moving giant crabs, puffed out blowfish, smoking dragons and other dramatic kitsch.  Dotombori is a district has always been known for its historic theaters, night life, shops and restaurants and in modern times its many neon and mechanized signs,
    dotombori-signs-19.jpg
  • Dotombori Dragon - Dotombori is a district of Osaka famous for its neon and mechanized signs, most famously for the sign of the candy manufacturer Glico.  The Glico Man sign shows a giant electronic display of a runner crossing a finish line.  Along the streets, to advertise their products and menus visitors are amazed at the moving giant crabs, puffed out blowfish, smoking dragons and other dramatic kitsch.  Dotombori is a district has always been known for its historic theaters, night life, shops and restaurants and in modern times its many neon and mechanized signs,
    dotombori-signs-16.jpg
  • Dotombori Dragon - Dotombori is a district of Osaka famous for its neon and mechanized signs, most famously for the sign of the candy manufacturer Glico.  The Glico Man sign shows a giant electronic display of a runner crossing a finish line.  Along the streets, to advertise their products and menus visitors are amazed at the moving giant crabs, puffed out blowfish, smoking dragons and other dramatic kitsch.  Dotombori is a district has always been known for its historic theaters, night life, shops and restaurants and in modern times its many neon and mechanized signs,
    dotombori-signs-15.jpg
  • Dotombori Sushi Restaurant - Dotombori is a district of Osaka famous for its neon and mechanized signs, most famously for the sign of the candy manufacturer Glico.  The Glico Man sign shows a giant electronic display of a runner crossing a finish line.  Along the streets, to advertise their products and menus visitors are amazed at the moving giant crabs, puffed out blowfish, smoking dragons and other dramatic kitsch.  Dotombori is a district has always been known for its historic theaters, night life, shops and restaurants and in modern times its many neon and mechanized signs,
    dotombori-signs-10.jpg
  • Dotombori Crab Restaurant - Dotombori is a district of Osaka famous for its neon and mechanized signs, most famously for the sign of the candy manufacturer Glico.  The Glico Man sign shows a giant electronic display of a runner crossing a finish line.  Along the streets, to advertise their products and menus visitors are amazed at the moving giant crabs, puffed out blowfish, smoking dragons and other dramatic kitsch.  Dotombori is a district has always been known for its historic theaters, night life, shops and restaurants and in modern times its many neon and mechanized signs,
    dotombori-signs-7.jpg
  • Dotombori River - Dotombori is a district of Osaka famous for its neon and mechanized signs, most famously for the sign of the candy manufacturer Glico.  The Glico Man sign shows a giant electronic display of a runner crossing a finish line.  Along the streets, to advertise their products and menus visitors are amazed at the moving giant crabs, puffed out blowfish, smoking dragons and other dramatic kitsch.  Dotombori is a district has always been known for its historic theaters, night life, shops and restaurants and in modern times its many neon and mechanized signs,
    dotombori-signs-6.jpg
  • Don Quijote Dotombori Branch - Dotombori is a district of Osaka famous for its neon and mechanized signs, most famously for the sign of the candy manufacturer Glico.  The Glico Man sign shows a giant electronic display of a runner crossing a finish line.  Along the streets, to advertise their products and menus visitors are amazed at the moving giant crabs, puffed out blowfish, smoking dragons and other dramatic kitsch.  Dotombori is a district has always been known for its historic theaters, night life, shops and restaurants and in modern times its many neon and mechanized signs,
    dotombori-signs-3.jpg
  • Don Quijote Dotombori Branch - Dotombori is a district of Osaka famous for its neon and mechanized signs, most famously for the sign of the candy manufacturer Glico.  The Glico Man sign shows a giant electronic display of a runner crossing a finish line.  Along the streets, to advertise their products and menus visitors are amazed at the moving giant crabs, puffed out blowfish, smoking dragons and other dramatic kitsch.  Dotombori is a district has always been known for its historic theaters, night life, shops and restaurants and in modern times its many neon and mechanized signs,
    dotombori-signs-2.jpg
  • Ginza Mikimoto Building - Ginza is known as an upscale area of Tokyo with numerous department stores, boutiques, restaurants and is recognized as one of the most luxurious shopping districts in the world. Many upscale fashion flagship stores are located here, including Chanel, Dior, Gucci, Louis Vuitton....  In recent years extraordinary architecture has gone up including the De Beers Building, Mikimoto Building among others.  Ginza is named after the silver-coin mint established there in 1612 during the Edo period..
    ginza-mikimoto-1.jpg
  • Ginza De Beers Building - Ginza is known as an upscale area of Tokyo with numerous department stores, boutiques, restaurants and is recognized as one of the most luxurious shopping districts in the world. Many upscale fashion flagship stores are located here, including Chanel, Dior, Gucci, Louis Vuitton....  In recent years extraordinary architecture has gone up including the De Beers Building, Mikimoto Building among others.  Ginza is named after the silver-coin mint established there in 1612 during the Edo period..
    ginza-de-beers-2.jpg
  • Legendary Sage, Jiang Zi Ya at Haw Par Villa - a one-of-a-kind theme park in Singapore with over a thousand statues and a hundred dioramas depicting scenes from Chinese mythology,  Confucian stories, folklore and legends.  Originally called Tiger Balm Gardens, the park was built by the Burmese-Chinese brothers Aw Boon Haw and Aw Boon Par  who were the developers of Tiger Balm ointment. They created the park in 1937 for teaching the public traditional Chinese values. The most renowned attraction at Haw Par Villa is the Ten Courts of Hell featuring gruesome depictions of hell in  Buddhism and Chinese mythology.
    haw-par-legendary-sage-2.jpg
  • Haw Par Villas -  Ten Courts of Hell - Haw Par Villa is a one-of-a-kind theme park in Singapore with over a thousand statues and a hundred dioramas depicting scenes from Chinese mythology,  Confucian stories, folklore and legends.  Originally called Tiger Balm Gardens, the park was built by the Burmese-Chinese brothers Aw Boon Haw and Aw Boon Par  who were the developers of Tiger Balm ointment. They created the park in 1937 for teaching the public traditional Chinese values. The most renowned attraction at Haw Par Villa is the Ten Courts of Hell featuring gruesome depictions of hell in  Buddhism and Chinese mythology.
    haw-par-ten-courts-hell-3.jpg
  • Tiger car at Haw Par Villa - a one-of-a-kind theme park in Singapore with over a thousand statues and a hundred dioramas depicting scenes from Chinese mythology,  Confucian stories, folklore and legends.  Originally called Tiger Balm Gardens, the park was built by the Burmese-Chinese brothers Aw Boon Haw and Aw Boon Par  who were the developers of Tiger Balm ointment. They created the park in 1937 for teaching the public traditional Chinese values. The most renowned attraction at Haw Par Villa is the Ten Courts of Hell featuring gruesome depictions of hell in  Buddhism and Chinese mythology.
    haw-par-tiger-car-1.jpg
  • Tiger car at Haw Par Villa - a one-of-a-kind theme park in Singapore with over a thousand statues and a hundred dioramas depicting scenes from Chinese mythology,  Confucian stories, folklore and legends.  Originally called Tiger Balm Gardens, the park was built by the Burmese-Chinese brothers Aw Boon Haw and Aw Boon Par  who were the developers of Tiger Balm ointment. They created the park in 1937 for teaching the public traditional Chinese values. The most renowned attraction at Haw Par Villa is the Ten Courts of Hell featuring gruesome depictions of hell in  Buddhism and Chinese mythology.
    haw-par-tiger-car-2.jpg
  • Haw Par Villa is a one-of-a-kind theme park in Singapore with over a thousand statues and a hundred dioramas depicting scenes from Chinese mythology,  Confucian stories, folklore and legends.  Originally called Tiger Balm Gardens, the park was built by the Burmese-Chinese brothers Aw Boon Haw and Aw Boon Par  who were the developers of Tiger Balm ointment. They created the park in 1937 for teaching the public traditional Chinese values. The most renowned attraction at Haw Par Villa is the Ten Courts of Hell featuring gruesome depictions of hell in  Buddhism and Chinese mythology.
    haw-par-villa-3.jpg
  • Haw Par Villa is a one-of-a-kind theme park in Singapore with over a thousand statues and a hundred dioramas depicting scenes from Chinese mythology,  Confucian stories, folklore and legends.  Originally called Tiger Balm Gardens, the park was built by the Burmese-Chinese brothers Aw Boon Haw and Aw Boon Par  who were the developers of Tiger Balm ointment. They created the park in 1937 for teaching the public traditional Chinese values. The most renowned attraction at Haw Par Villa is the Ten Courts of Hell featuring gruesome depictions of hell in  Buddhism and Chinese mythology.
    haw-par-villa-5.jpg
  • Phuket Fantasea is cultural and entertainment theme park at Kamala Beach Phuket.  The park features various attractions with a focus on Thai culture and myths. Classical dances from Thailand’s regions play a prominent part in the theme park's signature show.  Some have described Phuket Fantasea as a Las-Vegas-style spectacle blending Thai culture with 4-D effects, acrobatics, pyrotechnics, special effects, elephant performances all in one unique theatrical show.  Fantasea adds a whole new spin on theme park entertainment, with attractions not found elsewhere in the world
    phuket-fantasea-1.jpg
  • Phuket Fantasea is cultural and entertainment theme park at Kamala Beach Phuket.  The park features various attractions with a focus on Thai culture and myths. Classical dances from Thailand’s regions play a prominent part in the theme park's signature show.  Some have described Phuket Fantasea as a Las-Vegas-style spectacle blending Thai culture with 4-D effects, acrobatics, pyrotechnics, special effects, elephant performances all in one unique theatrical show.  Fantasea adds a whole new spin on theme park entertainment, with attractions not found elsewhere in the world
    phuket-fantasea-3.jpg
  • Every Easter Sunday, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, San Francisco's beloved sect of cross-dressing nuns, host The Hunky Jesus Competition in Dolores Park - celebrating people who take the look of "our lord and savior" and transform it into "our lord and sexy."  The sisters believe all people have a right to express their unique joy and beauty and we use humor and irreverent wit to expose bigotry and ignorance.  The Hunky Jesus Competition is the highlight of the Sisters' free Easter party that's been going on in the Mission's premiere public space for over three decades. These events bring all all the drag queens and even a few designers in the city because of features such as a bonnet contest and drag performances..  One of those only-in-San-Francisco events.
    hunky-jesus-contest-16.jpg
  • Savan Vegas Hotel and Casino has 499 hotel rooms and 5000 square meters of gaming and entertainment space. Savan Vegas regularly hosts gaming tournaments and other events. The facility attracts an average of 4000 visitors per day.  The resort facility employs a staff of nearly 2000 people, 90% of which are Lao citizens.  Savan Vegas provides housing, meals, clothing, medical care, and language instruction to many of its employees at no cost.  Savan Vegas provides complementary shuttle service for all guests arriving at Savannakhet Airport and the nearby Thai border.
    savan-vegas-casino-4.jpg
  • Taking a trishaw ride through Melaka seems to be the thing to do for every visitor.  There are dozens of them offering this service and the price is fixed these days at 40 Malaysian Ringgit per hour. Unlike other towns where rickshaws still ply the streets, the fixed rate ensures a reasonable fare for passengers and an equitable income for the driver. The trishaws in Melaka are colorful with lots of decorations, each with their own individual design and add flambouyant colors to the streets of Melaka..
    malacca-rickshaw-4.jpg
  • Taking a trishaw ride through Melaka seems to be the thing to do for every visitor.  There are dozens of them offering this service and the price is fixed these days at 40 Malaysian Ringgit per hour. Unlike other towns where rickshaws still ply the streets, the fixed rate ensures a reasonable fare for passengers and an equitable income for the driver. The trishaws in Melaka are colorful with lots of decorations, each with their own individual design and add flambouyant colors to the streets of Melaka.
    malacca-rickshaw-3.jpg
  • Misaki, at the tip of the Miura Peninsula, is a well-known fishing port that is famous for tuna.  Besides the giant tuna market, small shops and restaurants also offer up tuna, tuna and more tuna.
    japanese-fish-10.jpg
  • Kashiya Yokocho, Penny Candy Alley, is a famous lane in Kawagoe with a stone paved streets embedded with colorful glass that is lined with 22 traditional style Japanese candy shops.  An additional feature of the neighborhood are the kitsch animal characters that decorate some of the buildings and candy shops from penguins to salamanders.
    kawagoe-13.jpg
  • Coffee Bath at Yunessun Springs, Hakone - Kowakien Yunessun is a hot springs spa resort and water amusement park located in the scenic surroundings of Hakone.  With a unique blend of traditional Japanese onsen hot springs and water recreation and activities such as pools, slides, and man-made waterfalls.  Yunessun also has some wacky baths such as the coffee bath, sake bath, wine bath and even a green tea bath.
    yunessun-coffee-bath-2.jpg
  • Green Tea Bath at Yunessun Springs, Hakone - Kowakien Yunessun is a hot springs spa resort and water amusement park located in the scenic surroundings of Hakone.  With a unique blend of traditional Japanese onsen hot springs and water recreation and activities such as pools, slides, and man-made waterfalls.  Yunessun also has some wacky baths such as the coffee bath, sake bath, wine bath and even a green tea bath.
    yunessun-tea-bath-1.jpg
  • Teruhisa Kitahara's collection of 3,000 tin toys produced from the 1890's to the 1960's is displayed here. Christmas goods can be purchased at any time of the year at 'Christmas Toys'.
    kitahara-toy-museum-2.jpg
  • Teruhisa Kitahara's collection of 3,000 tin toys produced from the 1890's to the 1960's is displayed here. Christmas goods can be purchased at any time of the year at 'Christmas Toys'.
    kitahara-toy-museum-4.jpg
  • Nicknamed the 'Gundam' building for it's resemblance to a huge robot.  This Shibuya building is in fact Aoyama Technical College, that teachers students specializing in design.
    gundam-building-03.jpg
  • Naoshima Public Bath, I love Yu
    naoshima-public-art-8.jpg
  • Faces at Dotonbori Hotel in Osaka with an amazing entrance featuring four huge columns with faces depicting the special qualities in human beings. The face columns act as a landmark and define the hotel's traditional architecture.
    Dotombori-Hotel-1.jpg
  • Gravestone in the shape of a coffee cup lies at Okunoin, one of the most sacred places in Japan. Presumably this person worked for UCC coffee, and wanted to be remembered this way. People from all over the country who wished to be buried close to Kobo Daishi lie there including former feudal lords, politicians and other prominent personalities. Their graves line the approaches to Okunoin for hundreds of meters throughout the forest.
    okunoin-5.jpg
  • Costume Play Maids are a classic stand-by of cosplayers.  Every Sunday, cosplay characters of various types meet up in Harajuku, Tokyo's fashion quarter. Cosplay aficionados put a tremendous amount of effort into their costumes. Cosplay maids were once de rigeur, with semi-sexual connotations but have fallen out of favor with the cosplayers for this very reason.
    costume-play-maid-1.jpg
  • Costume Play Maids - A wide variety of "costume play" getups are shown here: goths, cartoon characters from Japanese manga, anime,  the sweet-and-innocent frilly look or combinations in between (goth lolly)  Every Sunday, these cosplay characters converge on Harajuku, Tokyo's fashion quarter. Most casual observers say that cosplay is a reaction to the rigid rules of Japanese society. But since so many cosplay girls congregate in Harajuku and Aoyama - Tokyo headquarters of Fendi, Hanae Mori and Issey Miyake, others consider it is a reaction to high fashion. Whatever the cause, cosplay aficionados put a tremendous amount of effort into their costumes every Sunday. One wonders what they wear on Monday morning...
    costume-play-maid-2.jpg
  • Japanese university festivals are annual events held by most schools in Japan at which their students display their everyday achievements. Prospective students may come to see what the school and atmosphere are like. .However, most people who visit these cultural festivals come just for fun. Food is served, and often classrooms or gymnasiums are transformed into temporary restaurants or cafés. Dances, concerts and plays are usually performed by  by various clubs such as the dance club, the orchestra club or the drama club..The "bunkasai" is intended to be a fun event, but it is also intended to enrich people's lives by increasing social interaction. Cultural festivals are frequently depicted in Japanese animation and manga, with an increasing number of students dressing up in costume play outfits.
    japanese-university-festival-1.jpg
  • Nishi Rokugo Koen in Tokyo is affectionately known as Tire Park or "Taiya Koen" made of up used recycled tires of every size in the shape of robots, dragons, swings, bridges, tunnels and mountains. Approximately 3,000 old tires were used to make  the playground, popular with local neighbors and visitors from other parks of Tokyo for its sheer novelty.
    tire-park-3.jpg
  • Nishi Rokugo Koen in Tokyo is affectionately known as Tire Park or "Taiya Koen" made of up used recycled tires of every size in the shape of robots, dragons, swings, bridges, tunnels and mountains. Approximately 3,000 old tires were used to make  the playground, popular with local neighbors and visitors from other parks of Tokyo for its sheer novelty.
    tire-park-2.jpg
  • La Machine at Minato Mirai, celebrating Yokohama's 150 years as a seaport and Japan's opening to the world.   No ideas why the French "La Machine" spider was invited to participate but it's a crowd pleaser.
    la-machine-spider-2.jpg
  • Kep Crab Statue - The symbol of Kep and the Kep Coast since crab is the area's most renowned product.
    kep-crab-01.jpg
  • Koiwai Farm is located 12 kilometers northwest of Morioka on the southern side of Mt. Iwate. Of the total area of the farm two thirds consists of mountains and forests. The central part of the farm is open to visitors as Makiba-en Park where farming demonstrations are shown in an amusement park atmosphere. In order to seek further understanding about Koiwai Farm, they prepare and deliver foods that are made mainly from the ingredients produced on the farm.
    koiwai-farm-2.jpg
  • The post-industrial era of Japan has brought new cultural products and thus new associations to Japan, including karaoke, Tamagotchi, Pokemon, Aibo, and Hello Kitty.
    japanese-kitsch-1.jpg
  • Japanese "Love hotels" attempt various themes to lighten the mood of such assignations,  this particular love hotel likes soft lights and moody colors.  this particular love hotel could almost pass for a real, normal hotel except for the smoked glass dark windows for privacy and the hidden entrance...Japanese love hotels always have a discreet entrance. More commonly they are "drive-through" with hidden parking lots or at least giant mud flaps hiding cars, or that is to say, car license plates in case the wife happens to drive by.
    japanese-love-hotel-1.jpg
  • The SM Mall of Asia, also known as MOA, is a shopping mall owned by the SM Group, the largest mall developer in the Philippines. Mall of Asia is the 2nd largest shopping mall in the Philippines and occupies more than 410,000 square meters. The mall is located on Manila Bay and attracts daily foot traffic of 200,000 people and even more  on weekends.
    mall-of-asia-4.jpg
  • Puerto Galera is well known by diving enthusiasts for its coral reefs and professionally run diving operations.; Asia Divers is one of the originals that not only set up dives but offer PADI instruction; and certification.
    diving-equipment.jpg
  • The Festival of the Phallus or Kanamara Matsuri is a Shinto fertility festival held in Kawasaki at Kanamara Shrine. The phallus forms the central theme of the event that is reflected everywhere: decorations, candy, and even sake bottles.  The grand finale is a huge parade going through the streets with penis floats. The festival is centered around Kanamra shrine, once popular among prostitutes who wished to pray for protection against diseases and other sexual problems.
    kanamara-shrine-4.jpg
  • Kanamara Matsuri or Festival of the Phallus is an annual Shinto fertility festival held in Kawasaki in spring. The penis forms the central theme of the event that is reflected everywhere: candy, carved vegetables, decorations, sake bottles and a parade. The Kanamara Matsuri is centered around a local penis venerating shrine once popular among prostitutes who wished to pray for protection against sexual problems and diseases.
    kanamara-shrine-3.jpg
  • Coloful, cheerful balloons at the previously grim All Russia Exhibition Center in Moscow.
    all-russia-exhibition-3.jpg
  • Sisters of St Paul Statue in Dumaguete, often called the "Sisters Statue".  Seven Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres, set sail from Saigon and arrived in Dumaguete, southern Philippines in 1904. Their mission was to nurture the faith of the predominantly Catholic population recently freed from 377 years of Spanish rule but was then prey to the intense proselytizing campaign of Protestants as well as patriotic influences of the Philippine Independent Church. Starting their missionary work under extreme conditions of poverty and enormous cultural difficulties, they nevertheless proved to be excellent nurses and educators.  The first Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres in the Philippines opened the first Paulinian School in Dumaguete Negros Oriental in 1904.
    sisters-st-paul-2.jpg
  • Mengake Mask Procession - Mengake or Masked Parade at Goryo Jinja shrine.  At this festival a group of ten people take part in this annual ritual: 8 men and 2 women. Wearing grotesque or comical masks  leave the shrine and parade through the nearby streets accompanied by portable shrine and festival music.
    mengake-5.jpg
  • Long Nosed Mengake Mask at  Mengake Parade Procession at Goryo Jinja shrine.  At this festival a group of ten people take part in this annual ritual: 8 men and 2 women. Wearing grotesque or comical masks  leave the shrine and parade through the nearby streets accompanied by portable shrine and festival music.
    mengake-6.jpg
  • Mengake Mask Procession - Mengake or Masked Parade at Goryo Jinja shrine.  At this festival a group of ten people take part in this annual ritual: 8 men and 2 women. Wearing grotesque or comical masks  leave the shrine and parade through the nearby streets accompanied by portable shrine and festival music.
    mengake-2.jpg
  • At various festivals around the Japanese Islands, shishimai dances are performed to consecrate the festival ground and open the festival. A wooden lion mask and wooly-looking costume of woven and dyed banana/choma strips is worn, and the dance is performed to loud music featuring gongs, drums, bells, flutes, sanshin, and various other instruments. Some lion dances feature two or more dancers.
    shishimai-6.jpg
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