#AviewFromWhereIStand | Around the World

I thought it would be fun to reminisce and document #aviewfromwhereistand, a blog post of some our favourite views we have had the pleasure to set eyes on.  I list the location where I stood to take each shot and I bullet point below, where we were at the time the photo was taken.

Kev and I have been fortunate enough to travel around the world, with most of our bucket destinations being ticked off. We always try and make a visit at a high vantage point or place that enables us a panoramic or advantageous angle. There is something being so high up, looking down which makes you reflect and appreciate everything you have in your life. When you see the world from a different view, it just brings perspective. When you are troubled or emotionally involved in something, it can be hard to take a step back as you are too close to the view, but zoom out and see the bigger picture, you change your core belief system and it can bring a positive change to your life.

Photo 1 | NEW YORK, USA | On top of the Empire State Building 443 meters tall, overlooking the thousands of skyscrapers of Manhattan during a delightful and colourful sunset. (Photographed in 2014)

Photo 2 | NEW YORK, USA | I love this shot - we climbed over 200 steps, through a narrow winding staircase to reach the very top of Lady Liberty's crown, and I just poked my camera out of a small window (which was a gap in the crown) to take this shot. Though it is just a shot of Statue of Liberty's arm and her torch, I also find the this shot very dignifying to be so close to something that signifies such an historic, iconic and life changing importance. (Photographed in 2014)

Photo 3 | NEW YORK, USA | Our first night in Manhattan was unforgettable with a trip up the Rockefeller Center aka Top of The Rock, in the evening to see the sparkly and glistening city lights of the concrete jungle beneath us was a great way to start our New York trip! (Photographed in 2014)

Photo 4 | FLORENCE, ITALY | One of our favourite cities within Italy was Florence (followed by Venice and Rome and Verona). It was our 10 year anniversary and we made an impromptu trip to sample the finest gelato, eat the best charcoal flames cooked Florentine steak we have EVER had in our lives (no exaggeration!) and soaked in the beautiful views from Piazzale Michelangelo and the Arno Valleys. Piazzale Michelangelo is in actual fact a parking lot! But many locals and tourist come here simply for the majestic views, like we did! (Photographed in 2012)

Photo 5 | TOKYO, JAPAN | The Tokyo Tower undeniably resembles the Eiffel Tower, but the views are far from Parisian. As the sun went down, it casted a beautiful orange hue in the sky and Mount Fuji’s silhouette was clearly visible from the special observation deck of Tokyo Tower (Photographed in 2015)

Photo 6 | ROPPONGHI HILLS, TOKYO | Standing 52 floors high within the Mori Tower enables us a night time view as far as the eye can see with Tokyo Tower (illuminated in a golden yellow) in the distance. The sky deck is surrounded by floor to ceiling windows which gives you an unobstructed panoramic view of Tokyo. (Photographed in 2014)

Photo 7 | HAKONE, JAPAN | The trains and trams that took us ascending up to this beautiful view point, left us appreciating the vast natural surroundings largely untouched by buildings and structures. A quiet location to gaze at the mountains and foliage. (Photographed in 2015)

Photo 8 | CAMBRIDGE, UK | St Mary the Great Church offers one of the best views of Cambridge. Access to the tower is via 123-step medieval turret staircase. From here, you can see King's College Chapel, one of the most iconic landmarks of Cambridge, the colourful rooftops of the market stalls, Senate House and beyond. (photographed in 2013)

Photo 9 | TAIPEI, TAIWAN | One of our earlier holidays we had taken together, Kev and I thoroughly enjoyed our time in Taiwan. We fondly remember all the fresh fruit juices we must have drank as it was so humid. Taipei 101's elevators swiftly takes us from the fifth floor to the 89th-floor observatory in only 37 seconds where we circled the indoor observation deck before heading up a few more floors to the windy outdoor deck. (Photographed in 2009)

Photo 10 | HONG KONG, CHINA | Pearl of the Orient is often what comes to mind whenever we visit Victoria Peak. I can never ever get bored of such a beautiful view. Although missing the musical soundtrack, it's possible to still view The Symphony of Lights from here. (Photographed in 2015)

Photo 11 | KOH SAMUI, THAILAND | The boat journey from Koh Samui took us to Ang Thong Marine Park in a few hours where we did a spot of kayaking around the edges of the island and soaking in the Sun. To reach the viewpoint was a steep traverse, almost like climbing a step-ladder but it was worth it to see the bright e blue/green waters of Thale Nai (Emerald Lake). (Photographed in 2015)

Photo 12 | On a British Airways plane, JAPAN | Okay, so we were not standing on Mount Fuji when I took this shot, we were flying past it! As we had lift-off from Narita Airport, I saw the most incredible sight of Mount Fiji and the surrounding City and I just clicked away! (photographed in 2015)

Photo 13 | PARIS, FRANCE | For our 13th anniversary, we spent a few days admiring the Eiffel Tower, drinking coffee and eating deliciously home made patisserie in cute cafes, cherishing the beautiful views of the French Capital. Our trip to Paris was surprisingly awesome - not that we did not expect it to, but in some ways, it far exceeding our expectations which is always welcomed. (Photographed in 2014)

Photo 14 | PARIS, FRANCE | Close to the famous Moulin Rouge we walked up the incline path with rows of shops leading to the Sacred Heart Basilica of Montmartre (Sacre-Coeur). Photographed in 2014)

Photo 15 | ROME, ITALY | Though the Spanish Steps does not provide a particularly high point to see the City, it is a great place to just soak in the atmosphere and views of the City. With 138 steps, they connect with the upper piazza Trinita dei Monti with its twin tower dominating the skyline. (Photographed in 2010)

Photo 16 | LONDON, UK | Situated 155m up of the Walkie Talkie Building, the Sky Garden is by far one of the best places see spot some of the Capital's most iconic attractions as well as provide spectacular views across London. (Photographed in 2015)

Kyoto Diary | Meeting a True Geiko | Japan | November 2015

If there was one particular highlight on our 2015 Japan trip, I would say that watching a Geisha perform a beautiful dance, taking selfies together, playing drinking games and getting to know more about these mysterious beings was a particularly memorable experience for us both.

When you visit Gion, the Geisha district of Kyoto, you may spot one scurrying along a quiet side street, or being surrounded by tourists trying to catch a glimpse into a quintessential part of Japan. One thing is obvious, they are not attention seeking beings, they are more elegant, quaint and prestigious to the Japanese culture.

An opportunity to spend an evening with a Japanese Geisha at Gion Hatanaka was truly a magnificent way to get to know the artists in a more personal way.  We got to see their makeup close up; the way their eye-shadow, face powder, lipstick are all applied with precision. The manner in which their hair is made up, their beautiful kimonos and the way they hold themselves. I was mesmerised. Young ladies aged between 15-20 train for five years to become a Geisha (in Western Japan in regions such as Kyoto, they preferred to be called Geiko). During this training period, they are known as Maiko, learning the traditional art of Japanese entertainment. 

The host showed us our table where we were seated with fellow diners from all over the world. Laid on the table in front of us was a dark lacquered box, wrapped in a decorative paper ribbon. It was presented as a gift, a box offering beautifully presented Kaiseki cusine and each course was beautifully presented and cooked with care and attention.  It was here that I also experienced my first Sake drink – it was strong and one sip was enough to send me into a deep coma! Lol.

The evening started out with the host introducing a beautiful Maiko called Koyoshi, followed by a graceful Geiko called Fukumari.  Both performed a traditional Kyoto dance called Kyomai with such poise and beauty.  It was hard to take your eyes off them!   After the dance, the Koyoshi and Fukumari, along with a translator visited each table and we took the opportunity to ask them anything we wanted to. It was a chance to get to know them behind the iconic façade as well as understand more about why they do this as a profession.  They were truly sweet and adorable girls who just like to watch American movies and go to the cinema and hang out with their friends on their days off.

Though it has become a popular tourist attraction, it will give you a glimpse of the culture which is otherwise difficult to access and an evening with a Geisha is undoubtedly is one of our highlights of our trip.   Further details can be found here

I created a video to document our unforgettable evening we spent with a Maiko and Geiko (aka Geisha), showcasing the traditional Japanese dance, listening to the music being played from the Shamisen (a traditional three string lute instrument) by Takae. 

The Japanese culture and traditions are admired from many people around the world, I hope you are able to see the beauty of the arts in which Maiko's & Geiko's are taught to perform taking many years to master and the challenges they face in pursuit of this lifestyle. 

One day, I hope you too will be able to experience this amazing Kyoto tradition. 

Tokyo & Kyoto| Beautiful Hotspots to see the Autumn Leaves in Japan

As much as I am very much looking forward to stepping into spring, I need to showcase the beautiful intense autumn colours we were lucky enough to experience during our time in Japan.   There is something quite romantic associated with Autumn, the cool crisp air, the misty mornings and nights,  scented spice candles, apple & cider and pumpkins and cosy evenings.

After being lucky enough to have experienced the beautiful Sakura (Cherry Blossom) season in 2014, we vowed to return in the autumn season as Japan exuberates a huge display of luxuriant and colourful array of foliage due to the high infusion of maples and cherry trees.   The passing of season is so pronounced, it’s no wonder why Japan are so proud of its seasons.  

We had timed it perfectly when it came to visiting Japan during the autumn season, in particular in Kyoto. Kyoto boasts some wonderful infusions of colors from early-mid November through to December.  Buddhist temples with their Zen gardens in autumn or spring is an impressive and magical experience.

Whilst in spring, pastel pink cherry blossoms petals line the streets and gardens, thousands of autumn maples become intense vermilion red and gyngko trees turns into an intense yellow and you’d think there’s no other place in the world that does Autumn better than Japan! 

Tokyo & Kyoto is awash with many good foliage spots, I serve up our top hotspots to see the magnificent colours of the autumn leaves changes. 

Kiyomizu-dera (Kyoto)

Koda-ji Temple (Kyoto)

Daigo-ji Temple (Kyoto)

Kyoto Imperial Palace Grounds 

    Nara Park

Rikugi-en Garden (Tokyo)

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kiyomizu-dera translates as ‘pure water temple’ and was named after Otowa Waterfall, where a spring within the mountain falls since its foundation.The Kiyomizu stage was built over a thousand years ago using special methods, assembled on large pillars without using a single nail. 

We visited this temple as the sky turned dusk and it was a small climb to the top and once you reach it, it is a refreshing experience.  From here, you see miles of stunningly beautiful foliage autumn scenery and even Kyoto Tower can be seen with the city lights twinkling in the distance.  The hills, flourish of foliage and temples all come together in beautiful harmony.    It is a well-known landscape that represents Kyoto. 

Koda-ji Zen Temple

Koda-ji is an outstanding temple, in the Higashiyama District. It is a Buddhist temple which is surrounded by beautiful Zen rock gardens. Though Beeches, birches, permissions, larches and gynkos all produce wonderful colours, the King of trees to see is the Japanese maple. They are just as impressive sunlit or artificially illuminated at night and this temple is where to see just that.   

During the autumn season only, the gardens illuminates the gardens to showcase the stunning leaves that produce a multitude of colours which is simply magnificent.  Visiting the temple during the night certainly adds a different atmosphere and we feel incredible lucky to have been surrounded by such beauty, harmony and history.

Daigo-ji Temple

Daigo-ji is a designated world heritage site, hold an importance element for the Japanese Buddhism.   The grounds are large and even comes with an entire mountainside.  Within the grounds is one of the most beautifully created Zen gardens we have ever seen.   It is most unfortunate that we were not permitted to take photographic memories, however, to have seen it in person is the most remarkable way to have experienced and appreciate the garden at it’s finest.  

The beauty of Daigo-ji is one where I highly recommend to visit when visiting Kyoto. Being slightly further out than the other temples, we found it to be less crowded and far more tranquil with many peaceful pods to sit back and relax.  The vermilion red temple and bridge against a backdrop of greenery in spring or fall reflected and rippling in the water makes a picturesque setting. 

Kyoto Imperial Palace
Our English-speaking guided tour took us around this former ruling palace. Its long walls with gates, halls and ornamental gardens surround the complex. The buildings within cannot be entered and pictures can only be taken from the outside. With a good zoom lens you can pick up some of the internal details of the buildings such as the decorative walls and doors. The tour certainly provides you into a glimpse of Japan's Imperial History and the grounds and ornamental gardens were all immaculately maintained. 

Nara Park

The Park is located centrally in the City of Nara.  It is a deer free roaming park – all the deers are accustom to human interaction and are fairly tame. In Shinto, deers are considered messengers of the gods and have become a natural treasures of the City.   Many deer frolic on the spacious lawns with small streams and ponds and this has become a wonderful backdrop of Nara.   

Rikugi-en Garden 

Rikugi-en translates into 'Six poems garden'. A popular Tokyo park in the Bunkyo district built in the Edo period. One of the key highlights is close to the Somei-mon entrance of the park and is the beautiful stone Togetsukyo Bridge with its large centre-point rock. The maple trees at either side of the bridge creates a scenic picture as the water below gently reflects its surroundings. The park itself is exquisite and is rather a hidden gem. It may not be as large as Shinjuku Gyoen National Park, but it certainly displays wonderful colourings during each season to season and the autumn is no exception.

Walking around the spacious park offers calming views. The pathways lead you around the central pond where many of the miniature hills can be seen and many koi fishes swimming in the ponds.