Silver Temple (Ginkaku-ji) – Kyoto

This was one of the most magical gardens I have visited.  Perhaps it was just the weather and light that made garden was so peaceful and calming but it just made you want to be still and relax.

Ginkaku-ji Silver Temple Moss Path
Ginkaku-ji Silver Temple Moss Path
Ginkaku-ji Silver Temple Sand Garden
Ginkaku-ji Silver Temple Sand Garden

Japan 2009 Ramen

Charlie and I spent 10 days in Kyoto and Tokyo at the end of his 9 month contract in Japan.    This was our favorite Ramen restaurant in Kyoto, we stopped in here several times to scratch our Ramen itch.

It is part of the Ippudo Ramen chain.  map

Ippudo Ramen Kyoto
Ippudo Ramen Kyoto

http://maps.google.com/maps/place?cid=7835018767475725985&q=ippudo+ramen+kyoto&hl=en&cd=1&cad=src:pplink&ei=5h6KTLujLZWW_QbjsfSNDQ&sig2=XrWh4YTcN44UOBgfqyeFkQ

The Headless Lady amoungst the Lime Trees

The Headless Lady amoungst the Lime Trees

From http://www.paris-walking-tours.com/jardindelintendant.html

Here, in the middle of this square formed by trees is found, standing alone, a somewhat disturbing statue, as well it was intended to be. In its simplicity it makes a powerful impression. It is a bronze statue and fountain of a headless woman who is holding her decapitated head in her own hands. Water issues from her severed neck and flows down her body.

It is the creation of the Belgian sculpture Nicolas Alquin. It was placed here on December 3, 1998, and is dedicated to the memory of the victims of terrorism.

The statue was commissioned by the group S.O.S. Attentats (in English, ”Attentats” means Attacks, or Assaults). This French association was created for victims of terrorism by victims of terrorism. The S.O.S. Attentats sponsor epidemiological studies of the health risks posed by terrorist attacks. For further information on this association their website address, which can be viewed in English, is: http://www.sos-attentats.org

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Summer activities

Summer activities

Summer on the lawns between the Seine and Les Invalides. People come to play all sorts of sports and activities here which is nice but can get packed on a good day. In the distance you can see the Roof of the Grand Palais and bridge Alexandre III with its angels on the right.
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Calotropis procera, Sodom’s Apple

Calotropis procera, Sodom's Apple

Calotropis procera or Sodom’s Apple. Apparently it has little confirmed use and flesh contains ”toxic milky sap that is extremely bitter and turns into gluey coating resistant to soap” according to Wikipedia.  According to my father, camels roll on it as bugs that live in their hair don’t like it much either.

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Acacia tortilis

Acacia tortilis

Everything seems to have spikes out here. Camel and goat defense is tough.
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Goat standing guard

Goat standing guard

This goat didn’t seem to be doing anything in particular, there wasn’t a special patch of grass or rare green leaf to horde.  At least he was taking his job seriously.

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Dune Bashing Tracks

Dune Bashing Tracks

The horrible pastime of dune bashing strikes again.

 

  • DateTime: 2010:03:06 19:16:35
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