Kyoto day 4- part 3- Arashiyama sanpo

For my last day in Kyoto, I spent the majority of my time wandering without any real direction through the various paths I encountered in Arashiyama/Arasiyama. The area was serene and beautiful in it's rural tone, with friendly rickshaw drivers (and riders) smiling and waving when they noticed me snapping photos. While I did have a train to catch, eventually, I felt no need to rush or hurry while I wound my way through the rural setting. 

I hope you enjoy my photos and can perhaps catch a sense of that calm, happy stroll.

Hong Kong: Day 2 Tsim Sha Tsui pub craw and dinner

Tsim Sha Tsui  is an area or neighbourhood of Hong Kong located on the Chinese-mainland attached Kowloon Peninsula, just across the bay from the glittering lights of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong island proper. Easily accessible for any visitor to Hong Kong due to being the port of call where the world famous Star Ferry drops you off, it was also relatively close to my hotel, only a short metro ride away. While the main streets tend to be crowded with high end shops and expensive eateries, walking further inland and exploring the small alleys that proliferate the area you'll quickly find all sorts of affordable, trendy clothing and deliciously appetising foods at fantastically low prices tucked away into all sorts of inconceivable corners. On this particular evening I was more hungry for food than fashion, so with my single serving Aussie friend we explored the vibrantly coloured, crowded, perfumed streets of Hong Kong. Well, I imagine they must be scentsual... I have a nearly non-existent sense of smell, but given the plumes of steam and all the delicious foods and sexy things stewing in the streets I can only imagine how robust the cornucopia of scent dancing through the air must be at any given moment. I get the distinct impression that Hong Kong would have a particularly unique bouquet, one that is special to the region.

Our adventure through the streets of Tsim Sha Tsui were not to be unrewarded; we sampled delicious grilled foods in a restaurant where we clinked excessively large beer glasses with locals, dabbled in drinking aquavit with jovial old ex-pats, conquered century eggs and even poked our curious heads into a seedy sex shop. There truly is something for everyone in Hong Kong, whether you're a food lover, fashionista du jour, jet-setting party animal, bargain hunter or nature lover. While by this point I haven't gotten to fully flesh out the natural beauty of the region that I experienced, rest assured that it is rapidly approaching! Hong Kong manages to achieve a trepidatious balance between natural wonder and high-tech commercialism in a microcosm that is unlike any other in the world.

Seoul Trip: Seoul Station

Seoul station.

A bustling hub of activity with continual flow of activity with live music some nights. Sky scrapers and landmarks abound.

Seoul Trip: Day 4, exploring near Anguk station

Changdeokgung Palace.

A brief walk from Yim's house stood Changdeokgung palace, a vibrant landmark and beacon of hope during my stay; once I saw the palace in it's resplendent decorative colors and tiles looming into view, I knew I was either close to my home base or off on my way to another adventure. 

I had an appointment later in the afternoon, but had enough time to do a little exploring. Anguk station was the closest and I stayed relatively close for the morning in an effort to avoid tardiness. The area was quirky and fun. 

Seoul Trip: 2014-03-05 Seoul Tower

After an afternoon recharge from Insadong, I headed out towards Seoul tower, which later led me to wander Namdaemun market.

This post, however, is specifically about Seoul tower. It really is a beautiful tower that offers stunning views, so click on through for the photos!

Seoul Trip: May 5th, 2014 Insadong visit

The historic neighborhood of Insadong was a relatively short walk from where I was staying, so I headed over my third day there. 

Photo heavy post below!