A Natural Perspective

Another tree trunk and branches from a low-angle picture. You know, I always find it amazing how one can look at a tree, and well that’s it really, it’s just a tree. But then as soon as you go right up to it, stand by the trunk and look up… wow! That branching (well, this is where the term comes from after all) just produces such a stunning effect. In this case the change in perspective really transforms a simple tree into something worth stopping and staring at. Of course you don’t get this effect with all trees; but enough of them however that it’s worth trying it out.

Life of Pi 2

[Spoiler Alert]:

The protagonist tells the investigating officials his tale. However they are unable to believe his account of the tabby that ‘played’ with the bunny for hours on end; swiping at it, continuously tapping it with its paws, even meowing right into the bunny’s ears, without a single reaction from the bunny at any time.

The protagonist then offers them a second story of a young lady in a striped top, entranced by her phone, which happens to have a bunny ear case.

“So tell me”, he asks them.

“…which story do you prefer? Which is the better story, the story with the animals or without the animals?”

Observer

The main hall at Jogyesa Temple (see the previous post) in Seoul houses three striking golden Buddha statues. Just as the dusk settles, and the contrast between the light inside and dark outside becomes more marked, you can almost feel a warmth emanating from the statues through the glass windows.

Jogyesa

Jogyesa is a Buddhist temple located in downtown Seoul. For locals it is a place of worship and a symbol of Korean Buddhism. For tourists it is a conveniently located temple that’s easy to visit. There are also a variety of stores located around the grounds that specialize in Buddhist items. The main hall (as in the picture) with that rare 500 year old lacebark pine tree in front make a beautiful sight. The temple site is relatively compact, meaning a leisurely stroll is all you need to have a pleasant experience indeed.

A Fire in the Sky

 

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A couple of pictures of a sunset against a Bangkok skyline. Bangkok is heterogeneous enough that you can get fairly different skylines depending on from which high-rise you are viewing the city. Which makes for some great photo opportunities.

The Key to Riches

Sesame is fantastic. Where to even begin? From its adornment in seed form on breads, bagels and other baked goods, to its use as an oil for cooking and flavoring – sesame is a truly wonderful ingredient. Grab a snack with white sesame seeds on it, try a similar one with black sesame seeds on it and you get a subtly different taste. At a Japanese katsu restaurant, the roughly ground toasted sesame seeds add a delicous nutty aroma and pleasant crunchy texture to the katsu sauce. And let’s not forget tahini (which is actually sesame paste), an important component of various Middle Eastern cuisines and dishes; probably the most famous of which is hummus.

Sects and the City

Bongeunsa (see earlier post) – the Buddhist temple right in the middle of one of the most modern parts of Seoul. As a backdrop to the scene, you can see some of the skyscrapers surrounding this beautiful temple. In the picture is one of the entrances to the temple; in this case a set of stone steps leading up from a parking area. Unfortunately the sense of perspective which creates an almost tangible split between the old and the new as you stand gazing upon this scene is lost to the third dimension not present in the only two dimensions of this picture.

An Alternate View of ‘…Black and White…’

An alternate view of ‘A Black and White View’ from under the support columns. Yup, this is indeed the same spot in Changdeokgung Palace (see earlier post). Just center-left you can see the arched gateway under which the picture of ‘A Black and White View’ was taken. Since there luckily was no-one else around at the moment, I took the chance to pace up and down behind these columns; and enjoy the slightly differently framed view afforded me each time.

Gateway Market

Although Gateway Ekamai (see earlier post) is not one of Bangkok’s most exciting shopping complexes, they do have an interesting food market event. It takes place on many weekends throughout the year. It features mainly fresh homemade foods such as quiches, lasagnes, roast pork sandwiches, freshly grilled sausages and burgers. There are also salads, breads, steamed foods, and desserts such as brownies, cookies, muffins, etc. You can also usually find fresh brewed coffee / tea stalls and a few fresh produce vendors. As you can see in the picture, the market is held outdoors (on the second floor terrace). Since it’s likely to be hot, possibly raining, or both, the market is always covered with tents and outdoor parasols.

The Murmur

Not since Munch’s masterpiece of Expressionism has there been a piece so worthy of the name. Raw in emotion, agonizing in feeling. An intensity so sharp it almost cuts through the canvas. Dramatic and tragic, this picture… isn’t it.  But she does look quite serene though, doesn’t she?