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| This photo album personalized with Smilebox |
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Friday, March 4, 2011
Beautiful and Historic Kyoto
Kyoto was Japan's capital for over 1,000 years, and during that time became the repository of much of the best of Japanese art, culture, religion, and thought. Fortunately, during WW II, it was decided that this historic city not be bombed in order to preserve these beautiful treasures. The city is only 2 hours and 40 minutes from Tokyo by the famous Bullet Train.
When we arrived in Kyoto, we were greeted by our guide for the day, Avi Lugasi, an Israeli who moved to Japan 15 years ago. Avi is a magnificent guide, providing us with so much history of the city that we almost couldn't take it all in. We visited temples, the most famous geisha district and we even had time to do a little shopping (the only time we were really able to do that on the trip.)
In addition to the veranda and for health reasons, Kiyomizu dera temple brings in visitors hoping for luck in love. The sub-temple Jishu-jinja has two love stones placed roughly 20 meters apart. If you can manage to walk between with the stones, eyes closed, you will find love--or so the faithful believe. (Cheating however is allowed: pilgrims are often seen being led by their significant other.)
In addition to being a World Heritage Site, Kiyomizu was recently submitted as a candidate as a New Seven Wonders of the World.
The next morning, after a restful sleep and a delicious dinner with Joseph Kelley, the Sales Manager, we had a cultural experience with WAK Japan. This consisted of a tea ceremony, flower arranging, kimono wearing, and origami with an in-depth talk. How lucky we were to have experienced the Ikebana program and to learn from the famous instructor, Jalko Fujii.
Ah, Kyoto, where you can feel the essence of Japan.
When we arrived in Kyoto, we were greeted by our guide for the day, Avi Lugasi, an Israeli who moved to Japan 15 years ago. Avi is a magnificent guide, providing us with so much history of the city that we almost couldn't take it all in. We visited temples, the most famous geisha district and we even had time to do a little shopping (the only time we were really able to do that on the trip.)
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| The Golden Pavilion |
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| The Most Famous Geisha District |
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| Famous Geisha School |
The Kiyomizu Temple is famous for its wide wooden veranda jutting out over an exquisite valley that extends to a panoramic view of the city. The day we visited, and I assume it's like this every day, the temple was full of visitors, young and old.
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| Kiyomizu Temple Shrine |
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| Kiyomizu Temple |
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| Traditional Wedding Couple at the Temple |
In addition to the veranda and for health reasons, Kiyomizu dera temple brings in visitors hoping for luck in love. The sub-temple Jishu-jinja has two love stones placed roughly 20 meters apart. If you can manage to walk between with the stones, eyes closed, you will find love--or so the faithful believe. (Cheating however is allowed: pilgrims are often seen being led by their significant other.)
In addition to being a World Heritage Site, Kiyomizu was recently submitted as a candidate as a New Seven Wonders of the World.
After visiting the temple, visitors wander around Sannenzaka, a small shopping street lined with traditional shops and wooden houses. They can follow this road as it winds its way down past Nene no Michi, Kodaiji to Gion - the traditional pleasure and geisha quarter of the city.
The next morning, after a restful sleep and a delicious dinner with Joseph Kelley, the Sales Manager, we had a cultural experience with WAK Japan. This consisted of a tea ceremony, flower arranging, kimono wearing, and origami with an in-depth talk. How lucky we were to have experienced the Ikebana program and to learn from the famous instructor, Jalko Fujii.
Ah, Kyoto, where you can feel the essence of Japan.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Welcome to Toyko From a Novice
We arrived by plane at night and it was foollowed by a 1 1/2 hour drive from the airport to the Grand Hyatt Tokyo all the while watching flashes of light through the windows of the bus. We passed Tokyo Disneyland, the most popular theme park in Japan, easily identified by the castle in the background. The park is located only 17 minutes by train from Tokyo Station.
After resting for the night we took off to explore the city by rail, subway and walking. We visited the Times Square of Tokyo - the Ginza District known the world over for elegant shopping and its bright kaleidoscopic neon lights. For a glimpse of the past, we visited the Asakusa district with it's many narrow back streets, lined with old buildings and shops which sell traditional iems from kimono to hand made-combs. This is a great district for souvenirs. Onward to the underground and it's 14 lines all color coded on our map.
For an American, who enjoys her "personal space" a lot was learned by the crush of people on the streets of this sophisticated Asian city. It was almost impossible to walk some of the lanes without being pressed by people passing in both directions. This is important to remember when choosing where to go while on your visit to Tokyo.
This time of year is perfect for weddings and there were at least a half dozen taking place at the Meji Jingu Shrine, a holy Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meji and Empress Shoken. The bridal couple were dressed in traditional Japanese wedding garb and many of the women guests were dressed in beautiful kimonos. We felt so fortunate to see this special event.
The day ended with a Rickshaw ride. What a delightful way to see a small part of the city from a "birds-eye" view.
We are off to Kyoto tomorrow. More to tell.
Sharon Oberritter
Premier Aussie Specialist
After resting for the night we took off to explore the city by rail, subway and walking. We visited the Times Square of Tokyo - the Ginza District known the world over for elegant shopping and its bright kaleidoscopic neon lights. For a glimpse of the past, we visited the Asakusa district with it's many narrow back streets, lined with old buildings and shops which sell traditional iems from kimono to hand made-combs. This is a great district for souvenirs. Onward to the underground and it's 14 lines all color coded on our map.
For an American, who enjoys her "personal space" a lot was learned by the crush of people on the streets of this sophisticated Asian city. It was almost impossible to walk some of the lanes without being pressed by people passing in both directions. This is important to remember when choosing where to go while on your visit to Tokyo.
This time of year is perfect for weddings and there were at least a half dozen taking place at the Meji Jingu Shrine, a holy Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meji and Empress Shoken. The bridal couple were dressed in traditional Japanese wedding garb and many of the women guests were dressed in beautiful kimonos. We felt so fortunate to see this special event.
The day ended with a Rickshaw ride. What a delightful way to see a small part of the city from a "birds-eye" view.
We are off to Kyoto tomorrow. More to tell.
Sharon Oberritter
Premier Aussie Specialist
Friday, February 18, 2011
Off To Japan
How exciting that today I am leaving for my first trip to Japan. I can't wait to post pictures and information on Tokyo, Osaka and the likes. I'm into learning and this will be a great experience,
Stay posted.
Sharon Oberritter
Premier Aussie Specialist
Stay posted.
Sharon Oberritter
Premier Aussie Specialist
Monday, February 7, 2011
Luxury Australia Trip Review
As is my practice, I met with my clients to gather information on what the couple wanted to see and do on their Australia holiday. It was the wife's birthday and they wanted to visit Australia to fulfill a "dream of a lifetime". Contacting me through the Australia.com site, they were open to my suggestions based on how active they are, the type of accommodations they usually stayed in while traveling, what cities they wanted to visit and any tours that could be included to enhance the trip.
My clients stayed at boutique properties in Sydney, Melbourne and Tasmania. At my recommendation, they did a self-drive in Tasmania, a walk with the Kangaroos and Koala spotting along with a Reef cruise in addition to sightseeing suggestions.
I spoke with the clients on their return and was pleased to hear them say everything was perfect. Since they returned, I have received 2 referrals from them and I couldn't be more pleased. Because I am an Aussie Specialist and have visited Australia more than 15 times, I was able to make suggestions based on my experiences of taking the tours and visiting the properties.
Sharon Oberritter
Premier Aussie Specialist
My clients stayed at boutique properties in Sydney, Melbourne and Tasmania. At my recommendation, they did a self-drive in Tasmania, a walk with the Kangaroos and Koala spotting along with a Reef cruise in addition to sightseeing suggestions.
I spoke with the clients on their return and was pleased to hear them say everything was perfect. Since they returned, I have received 2 referrals from them and I couldn't be more pleased. Because I am an Aussie Specialist and have visited Australia more than 15 times, I was able to make suggestions based on my experiences of taking the tours and visiting the properties.
Sharon Oberritter
Premier Aussie Specialist
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Southern Ocean Lodge Review
I had an opportunity to spend 2 night at Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island, South Australia. Impressed? Yes, I was very impressed. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat. For your own experience at Southern Ocean Lodge, please visit their website at: http://www.southernoceanlodge.com.au
The Lodge sits atop a secluded cliff in Hudson Bay surrounded by Kangaroo Island wilderness. It is adjacent to the Flinders Chase National Park making it a perfect location for walking and is within easy reach of all of Kangaroo Island's major attractions such as the seals at Seal Bay or climbing on the Remarkable Rocks.
Twenty-one luxury suites commanding mesmerising views of the Southern Ocean cantilever along the coast, creates the ultimate fusion between a breathtaking wilderness setting and unbridled creature comforts.
Interiors feature lavish King beds, sunken lounge, dramatic glass walled bathroom featuring Southern Spa amenities and outdoor terrace with occasional seating and daybed. Other features include; walk-in robe, complimentary room bar, twice daily housekeeping, optional climate control, heated floors, internet, music system (with MP3 input), safe and telephone.
Celebrated as Australia's culinary capital, the rich soils and pure rains of South Australia inspire artisan growers to produce a bounty of premium, fresh and often organic food and wines. These ingredients are presented in a daily changing menu. If you can't find what you want, the chef is more than willing and able to produce a meal that will satisfy your request. A selection of diverse Kangaroo Island and South Australia wines and beers have been hand selected to compliment the beverage menu. Since the Lodge is all inclusive, food and beverages are included in the rates.
Southern Ocean Lodge was part of Oprah's Ultimate Australia adventure and a group of her fans were wowed by their 2 day stay. What a memorable way to end a stay in Australia and it can be added to any package that includes South Australia in the itinerary.
Sharon Oberritter
Premier Aussie Specialist
sharontravel@cox.net
The Lodge sits atop a secluded cliff in Hudson Bay surrounded by Kangaroo Island wilderness. It is adjacent to the Flinders Chase National Park making it a perfect location for walking and is within easy reach of all of Kangaroo Island's major attractions such as the seals at Seal Bay or climbing on the Remarkable Rocks.
Twenty-one luxury suites commanding mesmerising views of the Southern Ocean cantilever along the coast, creates the ultimate fusion between a breathtaking wilderness setting and unbridled creature comforts.
Interiors feature lavish King beds, sunken lounge, dramatic glass walled bathroom featuring Southern Spa amenities and outdoor terrace with occasional seating and daybed. Other features include; walk-in robe, complimentary room bar, twice daily housekeeping, optional climate control, heated floors, internet, music system (with MP3 input), safe and telephone.
Celebrated as Australia's culinary capital, the rich soils and pure rains of South Australia inspire artisan growers to produce a bounty of premium, fresh and often organic food and wines. These ingredients are presented in a daily changing menu. If you can't find what you want, the chef is more than willing and able to produce a meal that will satisfy your request. A selection of diverse Kangaroo Island and South Australia wines and beers have been hand selected to compliment the beverage menu. Since the Lodge is all inclusive, food and beverages are included in the rates.
Southern Ocean Lodge was part of Oprah's Ultimate Australia adventure and a group of her fans were wowed by their 2 day stay. What a memorable way to end a stay in Australia and it can be added to any package that includes South Australia in the itinerary.
Sharon Oberritter
Premier Aussie Specialist
sharontravel@cox.net
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