I found some old photos taken in 2009 with an old point and shoot camera which probably had something like 4 mega pixels!
Lesson learned: You do not actually need the latest and most fancy camera – ouch…
Asia brings me inner peace (I can prove it – my Fitbit shows BPM numbers that I never see in the Western World)! The colors, the smells, the buildings, the temples, the food, the people – everything feels like a comforting blanket and I feel strangely safe and calm. I can spend hours in temples and gardens looking at the many faces of Deities of the East. I still have not figured out if I prefer the Japanese version of the Buddha or that of Southeast Asia. Regardless of the origins, they are all very photogenic!
One of the aspects of Japan that I find so captivating is its ability to combine East and West, Old and New. Anachronisms live in perfect harmony with one of the most modern countries in the world and it is a joy to experience!
The first four photos here are from Asakusa (take the Ginza or Asakusa Line by subway) and the last one is from Kyoto (take the Shinkansen, the Bullet Train, from Tokyo or Shinagawa Station). Please note that it is less expensive to buy the Shinkansen tickets on-line outside of Japan!)
Shanghai is a beautiful modern city, but it does have its backstreets behind the glitter. I was lucky enough to get lost while searching for the YuYuan Tea Garden and came across some interesting characters:
