Saturday, April 18, 2009
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan, I must confess that we knew almost nothing of that country before deciding to go. Of course, the main reasons for this travel destination choice had names like Silk Road, Samarkand, Bukhara and Tamerlane. But it would have been hard to to provide more details and respond to simple questions such as: actual location of the country, history, current data, etc..
So, the first travel guide let us know that the country which was, up to the late 1800s divided into several small independent nations called khanates, was conquered by the Russians in the late nineteenth century.
Uzbekistan, as a single nation and republic exists only since 1924, when various territorial entities of Central Asia were united in the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic. Uzbekistan is an independent country since 1991.
A century of Russian influence has of course not completly disappeared, but the country still retained its specificity and its national character. We were pleasantly surprised by the friendliness of the people, for their hospitality.
The outer walls of Inchan Kala, the old city of Khiva
Modern madrasah in Tashkent
People are incredibly friendly
The monuments of Timurid Samarkand are simply gorgeous! Here, a view of one of three medrese on the Registan square.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
The Halong Bay, Vietnam
Most probably one of the world most beautiful natural site. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1994.
A couple of thousands islets spread around some 1500 square kilometers of the emerald water of the Gulf of Tonkin. These thousands limestone pillars and isles of various sizes and shapes are all around, disappearing in the distance in the mist in a mysterious atmosphere.
The legend of the dragon
Local legend has it that long ago, when the Vietnamese were fighting Chinese invaders, the gods sent a family of dragons to help defend the land. This family of dragons began spitting out jewels and jade. These jewels turned into the islands and islets dotting the bay, linking together to form a great wall against the invaders. The people kept their land safe and formed what later became the country of Vietnam. After that, dragons were interested in peaceful sightseeing of the Earth and decided to live here then. The place where Mother Dragon flew down was named Hạ Long, the place where the dragon children attended upon their mother was called Bai Ti Long island, and the place where the dragon children wriggled their tails violently was called Bach Long Vi island.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Inn - Around Fujigoko
I always found that in Japan, the colors of the end of Falls were spectacular. Here a traditional inn at sunset.
I love the little deck of traditionnal Japanese country houses that are meant to allow you to just relax, have a cup of tea or simply read a few pages, while standing in front of a garden that is usually very well taken care of.
Near Mount Fuji, Japan
Friday, April 10, 2009
Yasukuni Jinja
I took this photo during the last winter we spent in Tokyo. Within a few hours, the city was covered with snow and almost all the vehicles stopped running around. The atmosphere was quite special, mainly at nightfall.
The entrance of the Shinto temple Yasukuni Jinja had not been deserted by people.
Yasukuni Jinja, Tokyo, Japan
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Registan in Samarkand
The Registan was the heart of the ancient city of Samarkand. This is where the people were listening to their king, Timur (or Tamerlane). It was also the place of the numerous public executions that were held regularly until early in the 20th century.
There are three madrasahs around the Registan: Ulugbek Madrasah (1417-1420), the Sher-Dor Madrasah (1619-1636) (Lion Gate) and the Tilya-Kori Madrasah (1646-1660) (covered with gold). The site is really impressive -- just imagine to be in front or in the middle of three Notre-Dame cathedrals!
The Registan Ensemble is a wonderful combination of the structures built at different times. As we arrived, one of the guards suggested us to go up one of the minaret (for a little fee). The view from up there is really something special.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Face of Uzbekistan
Old man at the Urgut market (near Samarkand), Uzbekistan, August 2008
Our eyes met at the entrance of the Urgut market and he almost stopped me to ask me to take this picture. And after he looked and approved of the photo on the small monitor, he went his way, without a word.
Uzbekistan. I must admit that we didn't know much about this country before deciding to go there. The main reasons for this trip choice have name like Silk Road, Samarkand, Bukkara and Tamerlan. Names that made us dream and think, but without bringing in any precise picture.
A country with very friendly people, very curious and often looking for contact with foreigners. No aggressiveness, on the contrary. But also, amazing monuments and buildings. Atmosphere of another time. Superb sites.
Friday, April 07, 2006
Mist Castle
Maruoka Castle, the oldest castle still standing in Japan 
While in the Fukui prefecture, we took the time to visit this nice little wonder. Located on a high hill above Maruoka Town, this castle is also known as Kasumi ga Jo ("Mist Castle") because a legend tells that whenever an enemy approached the castle, a thick mist would appear and hide it to protect it in time of battle.
The Maruoka Castle was completed in 1576, and is the oldest one remaining of all the castles in Japan. I think it is a National Cultural Asset.
As usual, the whole structure is meant for defense more than for comfort. Its access is quite steep. The inside rooms are actually pretty simple and small, and everything was made to make it difficult to reach the upper stories that were used as the living quarters for the lord of the castle.
A rope has been prepared to help visitors move up and down between the floors. I wonder how they were doing without it, while fighting each other with sword.
The park surrounding the castle has been selected as one of the top 100 most beautiful places for viewing cherry blossoms in Japan, but unfortunately we visited it way too early and won’t be able to come back.
