Destinations is where I share the places I’ve actually visited and photographed, with honest impressions and practical tips for visiting yourself.
The ocean roars restlessly, its waves relentlessly crashing against the cliffs. The cypress trees lean against the ever-present wind, as if clinging to the rugged terrain. The 17-Mile Drive, stretched from Pacific Grove to Carmel as suggested by the name, is a scenic drive through rugged cliffs, pristine coastline, and curiously shaped cypress groves. Among…
Nestled along California’s iconic coastline, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a mesmerizing haven and a revered sanctuary. The moment you arrive, you will be captivated by the enchanting blend of turquoise and cobalt ocean, as well as the rich marine life that thrives in these waters. Among the park’s most treasured hikes is the…
This trail is one that you do not want to miss, especially during this time of year. At first glance, the unassuming trailhead seems like just another path off Highway 1. It is not until you venture toward the ocean when a hidden treasure gradually unfolds in front of you: a secluded valley, blanketed in…
A trip to San Francisco would not be complete without paying homage to the Golden Gate Bridge, undoubtedly one of the most enduring symbols of the city. Great vista points abound, yet one that always wins my vote is Battery Spencer, an abandoned military point just north of the bridge. The view here is one…
Fuji-michi, or “Fuji road”, is a quaint street running through the center of Fujiyoshida and ultimately leading to Mount Fuji at the far end. Once a bustling commercial district, most of the stores are now vacant. The abandoned street look, lined with old signboards and traditional lanterns with Mount Fuji in the backdrop, gives a…
As you reach the top of the staircase landing, turn around. Here, you will see Mount Fuji at eye level, almost as if floating above the village at its foot. With the vermilion Chureito Pagoda in the foreground, this view of Mount Fuji cannot be more iconic. To get to this scenic spot at Arakurayama…
The moment that iconic silhouette comes into view, you start to understand why the Japanese people hold it in such high regard. Noted for its signature snowcap and perfect symmetry, Mount Fuji (Japanese: Fuji-san) is not only a sacred symbol of Japan, but also a cultural icon and a source of artistic inspiration. At any…
Sitting at the confluence of Ottawa River and Rideau River, Ottawa is not only the political center of Canada but also home to the Rideau Canal, a 125-mile waterway connecting the capital all the way south to Lake Ontario. Led by British military engineer Colonel John By, its construction was originally intended as a defense…
When architect Eugène-Etienne Taché designed the Parliament Building of Québec, he was looking to highlight the history of Québec. He did so not only by embellishing the building’s façade with important figures from the region’s past, but also by engraving the following words at the main entrance: Je me souviens. Literally translated into “I remember”…
Atop the high cliff of Cape Diamond sits La Citadelle, a fortress originally built by the British between 1820 and 1850 to protect Québec from a potential American invasion. The attack never happened, yet La Citadelle has remained an active Canadian military installation to this day. The adjoining Plains of Abraham, on the other hand, witnessed the…
Québec is a city built on steep hills. Staircases abound in connecting the Upper Town with the Lower Town, each exuding its unique charm. Frontenac Stairs (French: L’Escalier Frontenac), one of the most frequented, starts right by the Frontenac Kiosk at the Dufferin Terrace and leads you down the hill to Côte de la Montagne. …
It is an omnipresent landmark in Québec—you find it on postcards, in souvenirs, or simply when you look above the hills from any corner in the city. Perched atop the prominent Cape Diamond (French: Cap Diamant) overlooking the St. Lawrence River, the Château Frontenac is a quintessential element of the Québécois skyline. A UNESCO World…