Orange tunnel at Fushimi Inari Taisha. Kyoto, Japan

Japan, again, to display of my favorites sites - Fushimi Inari Taisha (or Fushimi Inari Shrine). Fushimi Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari, the god of rice, sake, and prosperity. "Fushimi" is simply the location, added to the name to distinguish it from other Inari shrines. Is one of Kyoto's oldest (founded in 711 AD) and most revered Shinto shrines, Fushimi Inari serves as the headquarters for all the 40,000 shrines dedicated to Inari across Japan. Originally the god of rice, Inari now governs the modern equivalent: success and prosperity in business. Fushimi Inari Shrine draws thousands of businessmen and trades people seeking blessings for their enterprises, especially at the first prayers of the New Year. Fushimi Inari is noted for its remarkable sight of some 10,000 small torii (shrine gates) that arch over a long path up the hill behind the shrine. It takes about two hours to walk along the whole trail, but the experience is unique since it seams like we are walking in to a gigantic, endless orange tunnel. Donated and inscribed by businesses and individuals thankful for their prosperity, the long tunnel of torii is one of the most iconic visions of Kyoto. If possible, visit Furshimi Inari early in the morning since it is genuine worship place and is open since dark. That was what I did, and I felt wander walking alone through the tunnels of torii in the quiet woods. It is a magical experience: as the daylight start, the fresh fog vanishes in to the woods. Foxes are said to be the messengers of Inari, and stern bronze foxes (kitsune) can be seen throughout the shrine. Inari's foxes are generally considered helpful, but they have also been said to bewitch people. The keys that some of them hold in their mouths are for the rice granaries.

A-Ma Temple. Macau, China

Approximately four hundred years ago the Portuguese landed on a sea promontory near a temple. They asked the local inhabitants the name of the land, but the locals misunderstood, thinking that the Portuguese were asking for the name of the temple. So they answered 'Ma Ge', which was the name of the temple. Later, the Portuguese translated the named into 'Macau' and used it to refer to the land. In actuality, this temple is one of the three famous Buddha halls in Macau- the A-Ma Temple. It wasn’t just for this story, but the A-Ma temple was my favorite place in Macau when I visit it. The A-Ma Temple, located in the southeast of the Macau Peninsula, is the oldest temple in Macau. It was constructed in the year of 1488 of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) to commemorate Mazu, the sacred sea goddess who blesses the fishermen of Macau. It is said that the goddess was called Lin Mo, and that she was born in Putian City, Fujian Province, and was more intelligent than other children her age. She could predict good or ill luck and after her death she often helped merchants and fishermen ward off calamities and turn danger into safety. The A-Ma Temple is a destination offering silence and spectacular views. The temple contains six main parts, all of which make up a series of classical Chinese architectural treasures, and this is all guarded by stone lions. Entering the temple and going across a gateway, you will reach the Hongren Hall by a winding path. A statue of Mazu is worshipped here, and it is believed that the hall has the longest history in the complex. Going ahead, the Hall of Avalokitesvara will present itself to visitors. It was constructed mainly using bricks and stone in a simple style. Compared with the other halls, the Zhengjiao Chanlin (a Buddhist hall) was designed tastefully both in regards to size and architectural style. Containing not only an ancient architectural complex, the temple also possesses a measure of the rich and profound Chinese culture. It is worth your while to stay and enjoy the various poems and inscriptions carved on the stone along the cliff. Furthermore, each year, on the days of the birthday of Mazu and the Chinese New Year, many male and female disciples gather here. They burn lots of incense to pay homage and pray for good fortune. I’ left a written wish too, but it is still incomplete. I think I have to return and ask Mazu to remember it.

A taste of colour. Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, is a central European city lying between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea, in a basin where the Ljubljanica River flows into the Sava. Ljubljana as a city made to the measure of man. It is classified as a mid-sized European city, but it has preserved its small-town friendliness and relaxed atmosphere while providing all the facilities of a modern capital, and a very unique city dotted with pleasant picturesque places where you can expect all kinds of nice little surprises. During winter, its dreamy central European character prevails, and during summer its relaxed Mediterranean feel. Due to its geographical position, Ljubljana is also a perfect base for exploring the many faces and beauties of Slovenia, specially the natural beauty and cultural. Ljubljana's present appearance is partly due to the Italian Baroque and partly to Art Nouveau, which found expression in numerous buildings constructed after the earthquake of 1895. In the second half of the 20th century, it was the world famous architect Jože Plečnik that put an indelible personal stamp on his native Ljubljana. The city's appearance was further shaped by his students and a new wave of renowned young Slovenian architects. One of my favorite’s buildings is the well preserved Cooperative Business Bank building, located in the Miklošičeva Ulica Street. It is one of Ljubljana's most famous buildings. Despite being situated in a brightly coloured Art Nouveau quarter, its richly decorated facade makes it stand out from the surrounding buildings. Built in 1921 to a design by the architect Ivan Vurnik, it is considered to be one of the finest examples of Slovenian national style architecture. The inside of the building boasts a large reception hall with wall paintings and a glass ceiling constructed from small blue squares of glass with an inbuilt decorative strip made from various coloured bottles. The staircase hall on the first and second floors is decorated with stained glass windows depicting geometric motifs. The building's facade frescoes and interior wall paintings are the work of the architect Vurnik's Viennese-born wife Helena, who had taken part in her husband's research and design of distinctive Slovenian architecture. Her geometric ornaments in red, white and blue, the colour combination of the Slovenian tricolour, are mixed with elements of Slovenian iconography, such as stylized spruce-wooded and cornfield landscapes, vine plants and women in Slovenian national costumes.

Rønne like a “Lego” city. Island of Bornholm, Denmark

At the easternmost point of Denmark, we find the group of islands called “Ertholmene”, which are probably known better under the name of the largest one, Bornholm. When we look at a map of Bornholm we will se a lot of towns. That’s not exactly truth! Most of those are small fishing hamlets with only a few houses, and some others, a bit larger towns with lots of life. Each small place has its own history - perhaps it is attached to a church, the harbor or perhaps just a crossroads. Nevertheless they all reveal the past where we sense a special spirit. Bornholm has much to offer. I went there in 1993 and had the chance to explore it by myself. I enjoy the atmosphere from the calm but still active towns, also the beautiful agricultural landscape, and all the small beaches and dirty small roads to get there, where a bicycle is essential. If you come by ship from main land to Bornholm, you will arrive in Rønne Harbour at the foot of St Nicolai Church, where this photo was taken. The harbour is the biggest one of Bornholm and lively frequented by ferries, fishing boats and cargo vessels. Here, the sea and land mix air with each other. I took a walk on the cobbles in the quiet streets of the old part of the town behind the church. Rønne is a "garden town" it seams like a “Lego” toy city. Behind the half-timbered houses and walls you find both back gardens and big gardens. It can be difficult to see these gardens from the street, but you can smell the many lilacs and fruit trees, hear the bird life and sense the peace between the houses and gardens. I notice a funny thing: In many of the small windows, the natives of Bornholm show their porcelain figures, handmade glass or knick-knacks of special importance. This porcelain figures represents a personal signal to you from each window. Since ages, Rønne has also been the cultural capital of the island and still today. Rønne offers many restaurants and cafés and several hotels. In short distance from the town centre, it is possible to get sand under our feet. The town has a very nice sandy beach, which stretches both to the south and to the north. Scarcely 2 km north of St. Torv, we will find the Antoinette beach, which is very popular with the beach boys of the town. Just 1 km south of the town centre, at the nice open natural resort of Galløkken, there is another one. This stretches about 30-35 km along the south coast of the island to Nexø. By Galløkken and Antoinette beaches we have two good camping sites, which attract many guests during the summer. Just south of the town, between the citadel and Galløkken, the youth hostel where I stayed. We won't find anything like it anywhere else in Denmark. (www.holiday.bornholm.info)

Banana’s girl. Goa, India

In the morning
she was there when we went to beach
in the afternoon
she was there when we went way
meanwhile
the same bananas where in her hands
perseverance, patience, hope?
at the way home
we bought from her the bananas
we receive a nice smile in return
a smile for tree bananas! fare enough
but not just.
She went home too.

Grand Place. Brussels, Belgium

I just arrive from Brussels this morning. So, I still have fresh in my memory the grey raining day I left behind. But Brussels is a bit more. To honor that, I decide to post a photo from the “Grote Markt” in Dutch or “Grand Place” in French - the central market square of Brussels. It is surrounded by guild houses, the city's Town Hall and the Bread House. The square is the most important tourist destination, one of the most memorable landmarks in Brussels and, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful squares in the world. A bit of history: The Town Hall was constructed between 1402 and 1455. The original architect was probably Jacob van Thienen. At the top of the 97 meter (318 feet) tower stands a statue of St. Michael, the patron of Brussels. In the 13th century the predecessor of the Bread House was a wooden building where bakers sold their bread in a covered market. Its Dutch name Broodhuis recalls this function. It was replaced in the 15th century by a stone building for the administration of the duke of Brabant. When the duchy fell to the Habsburgs, the Maison du Duc (Duke's house) became the Maison du Roi (King's house), the latter being the current French name of the building. Charles V rebuilt the building in a late Gothic style during his reign in the 16th century, similar to its appearance today. In 1873, the city entrusted architect Victor Jamaer to restore the battered structure in neo-gothic style. The Grand Place was first laid out after the construction of the town hall, at the centre of the city's commercial district. Neighboring streets still reflect the area's origins, named after the sellers of butter, cheese, herring, and coal and so on. The original Grand Place was a medley of buildings constructed between the 15th and 17th centuries in a variety of styles. Then we had some wars, some fires, and today, we still have this wonderful place. The Grand Place was named by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1998, and it definitely a place to see. The funny thing is that, the square has two types of visitors during the day! In the morning, the Benelux type: following the umbrella guide, groups of tourist (from all over the world) enter in the Square for a quick look and a fast explanation. After buying a small box of Belgium chocolate, they cross the square to see the Manekin Pis and they run in to their buses, and leave to the Atomiun, also for a quick look, since they have to move to the Netherlands and also Luxembourg, everything in five days. Then, we have the other kind! After seven o’clock in the afternoon, with all the meetings done, and all the EU institutions closed, the “national delegations” come for a beer at “Roy de Belge”. In a more relaxed way, they enjoy the square at the night light before leave to their “capitals”. This brief moment make the difference once they leave home without the impression that Belgium is only the EU meeting rooms at Rue de la Loi.

Over the river Maas. Maastricht, The Netherlands

Maastricht is located in the south of the Netherlands, close to Liege. It has a more southern, relaxed atmosphere than other parts of The Netherlands, and attracts many international tourists not only for its rich history (founded by the Romans) but also for its beauty. The city center is split in two by the river Maas, with the train station located in the smaller part of the center. The centre of the city is especially attractive, due to its wealth of historic buildings; some 1450 monuments are protected by law. Care is taken that both new and renovated buildings maintain the period atmosphere of their surroundings. Because of its heritage value, the whole of Maastricht city centre has been declared a 'protected area'. The history of Maastricht goes back to c. 50 B.C., when the Romans built a settlement by the main road, near a ford in the river. This makes Maastricht the oldest city of the Netherlands. The city's name is derived from the Latin 'Mosae Trajectum', the site where the river Maas could be crossed. This settlement grew to become a walled castellum, which was abandoned towards the end of the fourth century A.D. Maastricht had its first outer walls built in 1229. Before long the town was felt to be too cramped, and at the beginning of the 14th century construction work on a new series of walls was commenced. The city was important strategically, and had to withstand many attacks during its history. For the most of the Europeans, Maastricht means – Treaty of Maastricht – an important step in the construction of the modern Europe. I went there for work, but of course, I found a few minute to see the city and relax. There are many opportunities to just relax or to shop in one of many small streets with nice tourist shops and little pubs. No other Dutch city has so many bars per square kilometer!