Baalbek July 2018
Baalbek is an ancient Phoenician city about 2 hours northeast of Beirut in the Beqaa Valley. It was a religious center attracting thousands of pilgrims who worshipped the Phoenician sky-god Ba’al and his consort Astarte, the Queen of Heaven. There was once a grand temple here dedicated to these two pagan gods which was later … Continue reading Baalbek July 2018
Beirut July 2018
This year, my summer holiday starts in Beirut, Lebanon, which used to be regarded “The Paris of the Middle East”. Being one of the oldest cities in the world, I didn’t imagine it to be a metropolis complete with skyscrapers, new glass buildings, trendy restaurants etc. The Central District area was completely rebuilt due to … Continue reading Beirut July 2018
Teshima May 2018
If you are in Naoshima, a side trip to the neighboring Teshima island is highly recommended. We took a 20-minute ferry ride from Miyanoura Port of Naoshima to Ieura Port of Teshima. At the heart of the island is the Teshima Art Museum that is designed by architect Ryue Nishizawa and artist Rei Naito to … Continue reading Teshima May 2018
Naoshima Part 2 May 2018
All the art sites of Naoshima mentioned in my previous post are located on the southern coast of the island. There are some more art installations near Miyanoura Port on the western side and in the fishing village of Honmura on the eastern side of the island. Other than the yellow pumpkin near Benesse House, … Continue reading Naoshima Part 2 May 2018
Naoshima Part 1 May 2018
I have wanted to visit the art island Naoshima for many years already and finally this year I was organized enough to book the only proper hotel on the island over 5 months ahead. Naoshima is an island located in the Seto Inland Sea of Japan. The island used to be just a Mitsubishi metals … Continue reading Naoshima Part 1 May 2018
Kyoto: Otagi Nenbutsu-ji May 2018
Otagi Nenbutsu Temple outside of Arashiyama houses a collection of 1,200 whimsical statues representing the disciples of Buddha called rakans. Kocho Nishimura, the head priest of the temple in 1955, who was also a master sculptor decided to instruct devotees to carve their own statues. Since these stone rakans were carved by amateurs, each statue … Continue reading Kyoto: Otagi Nenbutsu-ji May 2018
Kyoto: Bamboo Forest & Gion May 2018
Sagano Bamboo Forest at Arashiyama is another highlight in Kyoto not to be missed. It is an easy train ride from Kyoto Station to Saga Arashiyama Station on the JR Sagano Line and then about a 10-minute walk. This bamboo grove is one of the most photographed places in Kyoto. These bamboo forest paths are … Continue reading Kyoto: Bamboo Forest & Gion May 2018
