The journal / Visions of Asia

Category: Culture

3 Buddhas

Wat Sanam Chai – An unknown ruin of Thai history

Wat Sanam Chai, a temple in ruins in the city of Suphanburi, is an interesting visit, far from the throngs of tourists in the neighboring Ayutthaya. Suphanburi is a city of historical significance as it is located on the direct pathway for invading armies from Burma. That’s why a number of battles were fought on […]

Of death, ghosts and haunted houses in Hong Kong

Obviously, supernatural is never very far from hongkongese, even if most profess they don’t believe in anything… Hence topics such as death, ghosts, death or haunted houses are quite taboo in Hong Kong. Why talking about this subject? Over the week-end, a crime took place in Hong Kong, at a luxury condominium called the “Coronation”. […]

Inside Man Mo temple

Man Mo Temple in Hong Kong

During a photography meetup, a couple of weeks ago, I visited this quaint little temple called the “Man Mo temple”. It is peculiar for its location among high-rises in the very touristy area of Central. As this area is frequented by a lot of tourists, so is the temple too. What is special about Man […]

Kimono girl

First encounter with Japan in France: the kimono musician in Paris

My first encounter with Japan actually happened in… France! Indeed, as a teenager, I had just started photography with my Canon EOS 600, at the times of the film camera (around 1990). It is where I saw this young kimono musician playing in the gardens of Tuilleries (near the Louvre). The kimono musician This young […]

Nong Ping incense

The Giant Buddha of Hong Kong

A big curiosity of Lantau is the Giant Buddha of Nong Ping (also called Tian Tan Buddha). A famous landmark in Hong Kong, it is a place especially frequented by Asian visitors (Westerners do it more because it is a “must do”). How to get there? The most convenient (and expensive!): the cable car Situated […]

Aberdeen Chinese cemetery panorama

Urban exploration: the hidden temples of Aberdeen

Last week-end, I went out on a bit of an urban exploration in Aberdeen. Aberdeen, on the far side of Hong Kong island is a bit of an unknown entity, mostly reputed for being the location of Ocean Park, but is also rich with hidden temples. Aberdeen the city of shrines? However, taking a stroll […]

Beautiful flower vendor

The Lost Markets of Bangkok (2/2): Pak Khlong Talad

Ah, Pak Khlong Talad! This flower market was an island of poetry in Bangkok. Especially around Valentine’s day, it was a hub of beauty and of happiness. Flowers, activity and friendliness A bustling flower market, most active at night time, Pak Khlong Talad was a favorite destination for tourists. With its colorful flowers and its […]

Three smiths in Helsinki

The three smiths statue

The three smiths In Helsinki’s center, a famous landmark is the “three smiths” statue. A donation by a private foundation, this statue  (called Kolmen sepän patsas in Finnish) was created by the sculptor Felix Nylund in 1932. Today, it has become one of the main points of recognition of Helsinki, where it stands just near […]

Tumikirkko in Helsinki

Helsinki: the white city of the North

A recent trip was the occasion of dropping by the Finnish capital, Helsinki. Often unknown, even among Europeans, the other name for Helsinki is “the white city of the North”. The Finnish capital has a vibrant atmosphere and culture which impregnates the whole city. Helsinki, a city replete with sights From its iconic Tumiokirkko, to […]