TravelswithCharie

The Grand Kaminarimon Gate Learning to navigate around Tokyo using the subway system was a liberating experience. I could explore with no qualms of getting lost in this mega city. The possibilities were endless. Except for the fact that I would get tired sooner rather than later because I was trying to do too much in one day. In the morning I strolled up and down Omotesando, shopping for gifts at Oriental Bazaar and checking out the Hiroshige exhibition at the Ota Memorial Museum of Art. Refreshed and rested after a big lunch, I took the subway across town to Asakusa to see Sensoji Temple once more. Nakamise Street Sensoji Temple is the oldest temple in Tokyo, dating back to 628.  The Grand Kaminarimon Gate leads visitors to temple grounds. This is a favorite spot for meeting friends or photo ops with the massive red lantern in the background. Nakamise Street extends 250 meters from the gate to the temple. It is lined on each side with tempting stores but on this Sunday, it was impo

Zion National Park, Utah        Poulnabrone, Western Ireland                                                         City Center, Las Vegas  In 2010 I traveled to (what for me) were uncharted territories like Western Ireland, El Nido Resorts, Palawan, and Zion National Park. I was awed by the incredible natural scenery of these places. In Roxas City, I was moved by the schoolchildren at Conrado Barrios Elementary School who were wonderfully responsive during our impromptu Q&A and how happy they were with the prizes they received for giving the correct answer to our math and history questions. We marveled at the works of art at the Aria Hotel and City Center in Las Vegas. In Tokyo, I learned to go around town by using the subway system and it felt terrific to explore confidently and have no worries about getting lost in this mega city. And in Ko Olina and Lake Tahoe, I understood what it means to slow down and take notice of the beauty and serenity

El Nido, Palawan, Philippines The lists are out and the hot spots for 2011 have been picked by Lonely Planet, Frommer's, The New York Times and National Geographic Traveler. Are there any places you'd like to see in 2011 from these lists? Lonely Planet 10 Best Value Destinations for 2011 LP put together this list of places where the traveler's dinero can go a long way: Bangladesh, Nicaragua, Washington D.C., Paris, Namibia, Philippines, Argentina, Naples, Ukraine, and Syria.  http://www.lonelyplanet.com/bangladesh/travel-tips-and-articles/76216?affil=fb-fan Frommer's Top Destinations for 2011 Cliffs of Moher, Western Ireland Frommer's authors and editors picked these winners as their top destinations for 2011: Rio de Janeiro, Santiago in Chile, Puerto Viejo in Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, Taipei, Hokkaido, Ponza and the Pontine Islands in Italy, Kent Coast in England, Stockholm, Doha, Cesme Peninsula in Turkey, Atlanta, Nahanni National Park in Canada

We thank THEE for the year gone And pray to THEE to bless the new one ............(0 0) .---oOO-- (_)-----. ╔═════════════╗ ║ Happy New Year 2011 ║ ╚═════════════╝ ----------------------oOO ........|__|__| .......... || || ....... ooO Ooo

It's fun shopping in Asakusa though the prices may not necessarily be cheaper than in the Omotesando district. There are hundreds of stalls on side streets and on the main alley leading to Sensoji Temple. But it's hard to get close to some stalls  (like the cookie shops) on Sundays when it seems a third of Tokyoites are congregating in the area. No wonder the cookie stalls are mobbed. Check out these goodies which are wrapped so attractively. Who wouldn't be thrilled to receive a box of these freshly baked treats? The cute knick knacks above are cell phone accessories or possibly something you can put into your key ring or hang from the handle of your handbag. I like the miniature wooden Japanese dolls best though I didn't buy any. These cloth made dolls are beautiful to behold. Note the price for each doll - from 2,000 yen to 5,250 yen or US$24 to $64.00 at $1 to 82 yen. Behind the dolls are paddles with two feather shuttlecocks. There are also many kimono

Join the triumph of the skies With angelic host proclaim: "Christ is born in Bethlehem" Hark! The herald angels sing "Glory to the newborn King!" Merry Christmas * * * Photo by Charie

The table is set with poinsettias Appetizer: Ahi tartare in wontons with chile soy glaze Appetizer: Homemade mushroom infused mini meatballs Appetizer: Grilled chicken satay Choice of Entrées : Chardonnay poached river salmon in citrus beurre blanc with garlic mash potatoes and braised Delta asparagus Grilled organic hanger steak, Dijon butter, fingerling potatoes, arugula Blue Lake string beans Dessert: chocolate cake or gelato with homemade biscotti Great Christmas party under the redwood trees. Enjoyed my salmon in citrus beurre blanc. It was really flavorful. A friend who had the hanger steak said that though it was delicious, the meat was a little tough. Everyone enjoyed the appetizers. Another entrée selection was the wood roasted oven breast of chicken. It was hard to steer the group to the table to start lunch. They lingered a while longer in the bar area where the appetizers where spread out over the counter. For dessert I had the chocolate gelato with homemade biscot