Destinations is where I share the places I’ve actually visited and photographed, with honest impressions and practical tips for visiting yourself.
It was California’s first capital under Spanish and Mexican rule. It was also where California’s first constitution was drafted for admission into the U.S. as its 31st state. This is Monterey, a city of firsts—California’s first theater, public library, printing press, and many more. Aside from these pioneering events, Monterey also saw the boom and…
This is not your typical ranch. As soon as you step into The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, you will quickly realize that “in bloom” is quite an understatement. Featuring 55 acres of giant tecolote ranunculus flowers, the ranch boasts more than 200,000 plants per acre with each plant yielding an average of 10 blooms,…
Here comes March. The days have started getting longer, yet it is still a tad breezy and rainy. You wonder if it is even spring, as season changes are typically not obvious in most parts of California. At least not until you see the hills—no longer a drab of yellow, but a carpet of lush…
Nothing is more Kyoto-esque than strolling along the streets of Gion and Higashiyama, the historic districts in Kyoto featuring well-preserved wooden buildings dating back to the feudal era of Japan. The streets here exude a unique charm, where one can easily get lost for a few hours at each turn around the corner just to…
Fresh blossoms and rolling hills flaunt a refreshing color palette at this time of year. Inspirations abound, especially for shutterbugs like me. With sunny days being a scarcity in recent months, a little break from the rain became that perfect window of opportunity to venture out and enjoy the great outdoors. I’m glad that I…
Literally translated as “Storm Mountain”, the name Arashiyama is inspired by the wind that blows down Mount Atago and sweeps away cherry blossoms and maple leaves in the region. A trip to Arashiyama, however, involves less turbulence but more tranquility. In fact, it is such an idyllic getaway that in just 30 minutes’ time, you…
On the foothills of Mount Otowa stands a magnificent wooden structure overlooking the city of Kyoto. This wooden structure, perched over 13 meters high from its foundation and supported by wooden pillars over 400 years old, was built solely from interlocking wooden joints without a single piece of nail. The large veranda on the front…
A golden silhouette reflected on the still water, against the backdrop of lush greenery—the image is simple, yet peacefully zen. This is the world-renowned Kinkaku-ji, or “Golden Pavilion”, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northwestern Kyoto. Officially named Rokuon-ji, the structure used to be the retirement residence for the military leader Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. After his…
Torii gates are a common feature at the entrance of Shinto shrines in Japan, symbolizing passage into the sacred ground. When these vermilion gates line up in thousands, they also embody wishes for prosperity and success, each representing a donation with the donor’s name inscribed on the back. This is the torii-studded pathway at Fushimi…
Buildings with rustic brick walls are a rare find nowadays, especially in a concrete jungle like Taipei. This is why Bopiliao, a block of historic buildings dating back to the Qing era, is such a hidden gem. At the height of its day, this area used to be a commercial trading center given its proximity…
When residents of Eucalyptus Ave in San Carlos put up holiday lights each December, they mean business. The result? This might be one of the most over-the-top Christmas displays you will ever see. First started by the Liner Family as a holiday tradition, the dazzling lights and festive decorations are now an annual community affair. …
You are surrounded by glistening white sands against the clear blue sky, but there is no ocean in sight. You see footprints on the wave-like sand dunes, even though you cannot seem to find visible traces of life. You can touch the baby-powder-like sands beneath your feet, yet everything feels surreal at the same time. …