When you look at the Shanghai skyline towards the Pudong District, along the Huangpu River, you will notice a tower dotted with spheres. That spherical tower is the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. This tower was the tallest building in China from 1994 until 2007, when the Shanghai World Financial Center was built.
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Tag Archives: design
Texas State Capitol
I was in Austin for the weekend to attend Austin City Limits. I had a blast at the music festival but had little time to explore Austin. It was my first time visiting Austin so I decided to make the most of the little time I had. I decided to check out the Texas State Capitol since it was only a few blocks from my hotel. I made my way up Congress street and ended up at the capitol. As they say, “Everything is bigger in Texas,” this capitol was huge.
When I walked in, I didn’t know where to start. There were free tours available but I had just missed the one that just started and didn’t have time to wait for the next.
After I passed through security, I found myself standing under the dome of the capitol. Its intricate detailing especially the spiral staircase makes it breathtaking in person.
Taylor Maid Farms
After the sad attempt at the Sonoma Hot Air Balloon Classic, I was in dire need of coffee having been up since 3:30 am. Taylor Maid Farms hit the spot with their lavender latte made from organic coffee. It had just the right amount of lavender to pair with your morning punch.
I loved the decor of this place and was enchanted by the light fixtures.
I do plan on going back to try their ginormous maple bacon donut.
(6790 McKinley Street, Suite 130, Sebastopol, California 95472)
Kodaiji Temple
Kodaiji temple was my favorite temple on this trip. The zen qualities of the temple was soothing among the busy rhythm of this trip.
This temple was built in 1605 by Kita-no-Mandokoro, also known as Nene, in honor of her late husband Toyotomi Hideyoshi. However the temple is named after Kita-no-Mandokoro’s honorary name Kodai-in.
Peaceful zen stone garden in front of the main hall.
Kaisan-do, Founder’s Hall, with bonsai trees.
Hojo, main hall, rebuilt after being burned down in 1912.
Garyoro corridor, named after the resemblance to the back of a reclining dragon.
Mausoleum enshrining Toyotomi and Nene.
Shigure-tei teahouse constructed by bamboo and logs interwoven in a radiating pattern.
Next up on my house plans will be a bamboo forest.
Huge goddess statue.
Admission: 500 yen
Umeda Sky Building
Umeda Sky building consists of a pair of skyscrapers connected by a floating garden observatory, depicted above, with a 360 degree view of Osaka. The mirrors reflect the sky to give the observatory a floating effect.
Escalator down from the observatory.
View of how high up the observatory is.
Admission: 800 yen
YUMTRAVELS 