Hedo Point

The one place I wanted to get to before I left Okinawa was Hedo Point. My friend (and the last ENT on the island), Jerry Castro, has lots of stories about Hedo Point. So Mike Hoffmann and I made the 2 hour drive... and it was worth it!

Hedo Point...

Mike made Ceviche while Beth and I had fish tacos. As excited as I am to get back to authenic Mexican food in Cali next week, I have to say these may have been the best fist tacos I have ever had...

4 blue parrots, 2 red parrots, and a coral trout.

Fore more information about the Okinawa spearfising club see:

http://www.okispearfisher.blogspot.com/

Goodbye Okinawa; Thanks for a wonderful 2 years!!!

Floating Village

For our last day of vacation we traveled to the countryside to visit a floating village.

We traveled to the floating village of Chong Khneas.

There are many floating villages on the Great lake of Tonle Sap. The Tonlé Sap is a combined lake and river system of huge importance to Cambodia. It is the largest freshwater lake in South East Asia. Chong Khneas is the Floating village that most visitors see. There are well over 5000 people living in over 1300 houseboats. While Tourism is bringing in extra income; fishing is the lifeblood of the lake communities. The Fishing industry is one of the most important in Cambodia. Over 2 million people live on or around the lake. It is big business as fishing earns millions of dollars.

For more pictures, see:

http://www.peaceofangkorweb.com/TonleSap.htm

Most of the locals live on house boats and most services- including police, health, school, religion, retail (see below) and Karaoke- are all provided on the water.

Local "traveling salesman."


Although finishing is the main occupation, crocodile farms appear to do well.



On our way back from the village, we stopped at the Cambodian Land Mine Museum.

Three decades of war in Cambodia have left scars in many forms throughout the country.
Unfortunately, one of the most lasting legacies of the conflicts continues to claim new victims daily. Land mines, laid by the Khmer Rouge, the Heng Samrin and Hun Sen regimes, the Vietnamese, the KPNLF, and the Sihanoukists litter the countryside. In most cases, even the soldiers who planted the mines did not record where they were placed. Now, Cambodia has the one of the highest rates of physical disability of any country in the world. While census data for Cambodia is sketchy, it is generally accepted that more than 40,000 Cambodians have suffered amputations as a result of mine injuries since 1979. That represents an average of nearly forty victims a week for a period of twenty years. The Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) estimates that there may be as many as four to six million mines and unexploded ordinances in Cambodia.

History of Land Mine museum:

http://www.cambodialandminemuseum.org/history.html

Many of the different land mines recovered by Aki Ra, Former Khmer Rouge Soldier, who founded the museum and now works as a de-miner.


Also see:

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/week647/cover.html

Bayon

There are many other Temples to be found around Siem Reap. Some of the more interesting include the following:

Bayon Temple

At the centre of the great city of Angkor Thom, lies the Bayon Temple. . Built in the 12th century by Jayavarman VII, this 3-storeyed temple, 43 m in height , stayed for a long time an enigma. The Bayon's most distinctive feature is the multitude of serene and massive stone faces on the many towers which jut out from the upper terrace and cluster around its central peak. Over 200 large faces adorn the 54 towers at Bayon. Although controversial, the similarity of the gigantic faces on the temple's towers to other statues of the king has led many scholars to the conclusion that the faces are representations of Jayavarman VII himself.

http://www.aangkortourguide.com/angkortemples/bayon.htm

The "many faces" of Bayon.




East Mebon

Beth asks our guide, Sam, where are the granite countertops?




Some of these structures could use additional support.


Neak Pean, notable for its medicinal function.

Preah Khan

Preah Khan or “The sacred sword of King” is the second largest temple enclosure in Angkor. Within its square kilometer enclosure lies a temple complex which is almost as atmospheric as Ta Prohm. Like the nearby Ta Prohm, Preah Khan has been left largely unrestored, with numerous trees and other vegetation growing among the ruins. Preah Khan had an army of 80,000 to service and maintain it. It must have been an amazing sight.

The east gate.



This temple is also referred to as Tomb Raider #2.

Ta Prohm

Ta Phrom Temple, unlike most of the other Angkorian temples, has been left in much the same condition in which it was found: the photogenic and atmospheric combination of trees growing out of the ruins and the jungle surroundings have made it one of Angkor's most popular temples with visitors.

Roots of a silk cotton tree running along the gallery of the second enclosure.

The temple of Ta Prohm was used as a location in the film Tomb Raider. Although the film took visual liberties with other Angkorian temples, its scenes of Ta Prohm were quite faithful to the temple's actual appearance, and made use of its eerie qualities.

Needless to say, this was my favorite temple!

http://www.aangkortourguide.com/angkortemples/taprohm.htm

Angkor Wat

While in Siem Reap, we experienced an Apsara dance performance, craft shops, the rice-paddy countryside, fishing villages, a land-mine museum, and, of coarse, “the ancient city in the jungle.”

Our first temple stop was the incredible Angkor Wat.

The 12th century city of Angkor covered an area of over 100 Sq Kms with a population of over 1 million. Angkor Wat, the Worlds largest religious building covers one and a half square Kms and contains more stone than was used to build the great pyramid of Giza. The 200 meter wide moat and causeway with the 350 meter entrance portico is impressive enough, but the grandeur within its square mile of walls is truly stunning. Over 1 kilometer of spectacular carvings lie within its outer galleries and a vast labyrinth of passages, courtyards and the distinctive five lotus flower towers at its center.

On the way to the top...



The view from the top...



A local child at the east entrance.

Siem Reap

We reluctantly left Chu Chu and Vietnam and flew to Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Siem Reap has colonial and Chinese-style architecture in the Old French Quarter, and around the Old Market. Siem Reap is a small charming gateway town to the world famous heritage, the Angkor temples. Thanks to those attractions, Siem Reap has transformed itself into a major tourist hub. Siem Reap nowadays is a vibrant town with modern hotels and architectures. Despite international influences, Siem Reap and its people have conserved much of the town's image, culture and tradition.

Getting to know the town.




Traditional rural thatched-roof house serving as home and business.




Making friends with the local sales people.


Not a lucky day for these pigs on the "way to to the market!"

Map of Siem Reap:

http://www.canbypublications.com/maps/srmapmain.htm

Canyoning

Although considered a Honeymoon mecca, Dalat is also known as the only place to offer Canyoning. Our trip was arranged through Phat Tire Ventures and again we were very pleased with this company. From their website canyoning is described as “navigating your way through a canyon. In this case, the canyon runs through a series of spectacular water falls and in some sections the topography requires ropes to navigate our way successfully.” A fancy way to describe rapelling …

http://phattireventures.homestead.com/files/home.html

After relearning the basics, Beth is ready to go.



Halfway down...


No one told her there was water at the bottom!


Finishing the trip down one of the natural water slides.

Dalat

After three days in Nha Trang, we were picked up by our guide, Chu Chu, and traveled by car to Dalat.


Along the way we stopped at a small ethnic village in the Central highlands.


The locals came out to greet us.


Several hours later we arrived at our hotel in Dalat. Dalat city is probably one of Vietnam's most well known vacation destinations. Since the turn of the century, Da Lat has been the vacation spot for well-to-do vietnamese and foreigners. It is the unofficial honeymoon mecca of Vietnam. Located on Lám Viꮠ(Langbian) high lands, part of the greater Central highlands of Vietnam (Cao Nguyen Trung Phan), the city is 1500 m above sea level and is 305 km from Saigon.


How great is it that a communist country uses a Jeep for a police car?

Nha Trang

After returning to Hanoi, we travel by air to Nha Trang. From the airport we took a cab and then a boat and then a...




another car (great for the Colorado river house).



Arriving at our hotel, the Vinpearl, located on Bamboo Island.


On top of the hotel...



The pool and beach...



The city of Nha Trang is becoming more popular with the tourists in recent years. Yet, with a population of 300,000, Nha Trang still retains its small town atmosphere. This resort town is well known for its miles of beach and the friendliness of its people. The city is flanked by nearly ten kilometers of prime beach where the water is warm year round.

While in Nha Trang I went on a dive trip to some nearby islands. The dive trip was arranged through Coco Divers. I had a very good experience with their staff and boat and highly recommend them.

http://www.cocodivecenter.com/

Ha Long Bay II

Panoramic view of Ha Long Bay (click on picture)



Below are pictures of a floating village.








Morning glass on ha Long Bay. Not ruined yet with wave runners.

Ha Long Bay I

On day #2 we took a 4 hour ride to Ha Long bay.

Ha Long Bay, in the Gulf of Tonkin, includes some 1,600 islands and islets, forming a spectacular seascape of limestone pillars. Because of their precipitous nature, most of the islands are uninhabited and unaffected by a human presence. The site's outstanding scenic beauty is complemented by its great biological interest. The Bay is a World Heritage Site and, like many attractions in Asia claims to be “the Eighth Wonder of the World.”

We boarded our boat, the Lagoon Explorer.

Our restaurant...



Our room...



Our view...



Our shower!

Hanoi

For the past two years, Beth and and I been fortunate to travel to some amazing places. As our time in Okinawa is almost complete, we planned our last vacation to the countries of Vietnam and Cambodia. We both believed we saved the best for last...

Our first stop, Hanoi City. The landmark Tortoise Tower rises from Hanoi's Hoan Kiem Lake.


Exploring the streets of Hanoi...



and making new friends.


Busy streets near the hotel cluttered with motorcycles. Amazingly it was quiet at night!

4th of July

For our last fourth of July in Okinawa, Beth and I traveled to IE (Ieshima) island. It is about a one hour drive from our home and then a 30 minute ferry ride.

Beth and Bijou on the ferry.




One of the main scenic spots is Gusukuyama, a mountain on the center of the island. We met a local Okinawan at the beach who took us to the top.

Gusukuyama, which is called fondly by the nickname of Ijimatacchu, stands slightly toward the east and faces the center of the island. The mountain is 172 meters above sea level. Halfway up the mountain, there is a place called Gusukuyama-utaki, where it is thickly wooded and where people go to pray for safe voyages, good health, and good harvests.



View from the top of Gusukuyama...

Tropical Okinawa...

Another stop was the Ernie Pylie monument.

Ernie Pyle, the son of a farmer, was born in 1900. After studying journalism at Indiana University he found work on a small newspaper in La Plante, Indiana. In 1923 he moved to the Washington Daily News and eventually became the paper's managing editor.
In 1932 he was commissioned to write a travel column for the Scripps-Howard newspaper chain. He did this until the outbreak of the Second World War when he became a war correspondent. He moved to England in 1940 where he reported on the Blitz for the New York World Telegram.
Pyle went with the US Army to North Africa in November 1942. This was followed by the invasions of Sicily and Italy. He also accompanied Allied troops during the Normandy landings and witnessed the liberation of France. By 1944 Pyle had established himself as one of the world's outstanding reporters and Time hailed him as "America's most widely read war correspondent."
In 1945 Pyle was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for journalism. Later that year he went with US troops to Okinawa. On 17th April, 1945, Ernie Pyle was killed by a Japanese sniper while on a routine patrol on 18th April, 1945.

For more information on Ernie Pyle see:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernie_Pyle

http://www.journalism.indiana.edu/news/erniepyle/

For more information on IE Island see:

http://www.wonder-okinawa.jp/007/english/point/ie/index.html

Tokyo

From Yudanaka, we took a train to Nagano and transferred to the bullet (Shinkansen) train for a 140 mile trip to Tokyo.


We stayed at the the military hotel, the New Sanno; highly recommended after a week of traditional Japanese inns. This was our first trip to Tokyo since moving to Okinawa.

In addition to several tourist stops, such as the Imperial Palace below, we caught an act of Kabuki Theater, a popular Japanese form of theater.


Cherry blossoms, a Shishi lion, and the Yushima Tenmangu Shrine. Built in 458, the Shrine is entirely made of Japanese cypress.



Nakamise street- lined with ~100 stores from the Edo Period. The Sensoji Temple in the distance is the oldest temple in Tokyo (and also most crowded).



Our last stop was the Ginza district (the Manhattan of Tokyo).

Jigokudani Monkey Park

While Beth was excited about the Geisha, I was excited about the monkey Park. The Jigokudani Yaen-koen Monkey Park is a half an hour walk from Kanbayashi Onsen. Our hopitable host at the Shimaya Ryokan dropped us off at the base of the mountain where the park is located. The park, established in 1964, is a place to observe over 200 free-ranging Japanese Macaque up close.



The Macaque have their own private onsen (hotspring).

Trivia: the three monkeys who "hear no evil, see no evil, and speak no evil" were based on the Japanese Macaque. The three truths of the Tendai sect of Buddhism are Mizaru (see no evil), Kikazaru (hear no evil), and iwazaru (speak no evil). The Japanese verb ending-zaru and the word for monkey (salu) are similar in sound. Perhaps the use of the monkeys represents religious symbolism.


I am not sure I would drink the water...






Excuse us Mrs. Haegen!



For more information see:
http://www.jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp/english/top/english.html

Yudanaka

On our way back to Nagano, we stopped overnight in Yudanaka. This town is famous for its onsen (hotsprings) and the Jigokudani Yaen-koen Monkey Park.


We stayed at the Shimaya Ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn. This is a great way to experience the Japanese culture and we were pleasantly enamored with this family-run guesthouse. Extremely hospitable, we strongly recommend this inn for travelers in the Yudanaka area. For information about the Shimaya Ryokan see:
http://www.japaneseguesthouses.com/db/nagano/shimaya.htm

Our room with tatami mats, a traditional table, and cushions (zabuton). Where's the bed?


Not to worry; our bedding was laid out while we were exploring the town.

Notice the fine display of the Yukata, a loose cotton kimono symbolizing "relaxation and leisure time."



Scenic Yudanaka!



We spent most of our day at the Jigokudani Yaen-koen Monkey Park. See Beth below doing her best monkey imitation...

Shiga Kogen

From Kyoto, we took a very scenic train ride to Nagano and, from Nagano, a short bus ride to Shiga Kogen. Shiga Kogen is the largest Ski Resort in Japan (21 interlinked resorts). Never a line more than three people deep and to our good fortune it snowed about 3 inches on the second night.







Another Torii...


The Sunroute Hotel.




For more information see:
http://www.shigakogen.gr.jp/english/