This is Cambodia
Traveling cross-country through Cambodia at the end of the wet season, the road seems to be just the Mac-daddy paddy dike, and the rest of the country is a flooded rice paddy. What once was jungle is now solitary trees, often palms, jutting out of a verdant sea. Farmers fish waist deep, casting nets, as emaciated oxen cool their bellies. Everyone lives and dies by water.
Glories Past
Sitting off the Coney Island boardwalk, the old Child’s restaurant–like so many structures at Coney Island–embodies glory days past.
Can you see it in its heyday?
Budapest’s south side
Gellért Hill is a prominent overlook in Budapest; it’s topped by the Citadel. The hill offers splendid views both north and south down the Danube River. I show the view to the South to be contrary (pictures to the north, dominated by the sprawling neo-gothic Parliament building, are ubiquitous–and are commonly the subject of postcards.) If you want some exercise, you can walk up to the top. The stairs are adjacent to the roundabout at the foot of the Buda-side of the Erzsébet bridge.
On the grounds of the Grand Palace
This was taken at the Grand Palace in October 2012 as some foul weather was arriving.
A few things to keep in mind:
1.) The Palace is open all day almost everyday but tuk-tuk drivers tell bald-faced lies, saying that it’s closed for an hour or two. They do this so they can get a fare. The loudspeakers blaring an announcement to not listen to anyone who attempts to divert you, doesn’t dissuade them. They will say that there is some special event involving the King or Queen that has shut the complex down. Don’t believe it.
2.) Cover your thighs. While there are lots of places (temples and so forth) that say they require such modesty, this is one of the few places that seems to strictly enforce it. If you don’t want to end up wearing a communal sarong, leave the daisy dukes in your hotel room and wear some bigboy/biggirl pants (or at least long shorts.) I wore walking shorts that went to the top of my knee, and was fine.
Union Station
The gothic Union Station is now a hotel, but was once a major train station.
Basilica Cathedral
Arequipa is known as the White City for the appearance of the stone that serves as one of its most conspicuous building materials. Above is the Basilica Cathedral located on Plaza de Armas, which is the city’s main square. Arequipa is a beautiful city, and is the second most populous in Peru. One sees a level of indigenous wealth here that one doesn’t in say Cusco. There is vibrancy to this town.
One of the most impressive local sites is the Convent of Santa Catalina. There are also some impressive views of volcanic mountains that can be seen from the city.
Sapelo Island Lighthouse
This lighthouse is located at the southern end of Sapelo Island off the coast of the state of Georgia. Sapelo island can only be accessed by a ferry operated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR.) Tours are available through DNR.
The island is home to the Hog Hammock community (Population 70), a mansion that was once owned by RJ Reynolds (as was the island), and a research facility associated with the University System of Georgia.
Back Lake in Beijing
This was taken in 2008. Beijing is such a pretty city… when the smog lifts and one can see it.
Taken from Temple II
The Grand Plaza comprises two temples towers that face each other, Temples I and II, the manicured courtyard between them, and these buildings off to the side. This photo is taken from atop Temple II.
I like to visit Mayan sites. As with Angkor, I feel that this is a good way to mentally prepare myself for the day our own civilization collapses.
Tikal was one of my favorite Mayan sites, mostly because it was the only large-scale site we could visit in peace. When we were at Chichen Itza, the hawkers were ubiquitous and weren’t above following one around. I don’t recall being bothered at Tikal at all. Of course, it’s been a many years since I visited.
This Incan site overlooks Cusco, Peru.
Sacsayhuamán may well be the first Incan site you see, if you fly into Cusco. It sits on a hill overlooking Cusco. If you’re in the mood to stretch your legs and aren’t too queasy from the elevation (Cusco, 11,200ft), it’s not too difficult a walk from the city center. You can use the Cristo Blanco (huge white Jesus), which shares the same hill, as a navigational reference.
The Incans were the master masons. These stone walls were made without mortar. Yes, those irregularly shaped blocks sit perfectly on each other and have for hundreds of years. The one thing that Sacsayhuamán has that other sites don’t is a naturally occurring fun park of slides. One can also traverse a pitch black cave, and get spectacular overview shots of the city.
Naturally occurring slides
Tiger Riding for Beginners 