Life, Travel, GRACE

Photos were taken many many years ago. You can see the year was 2005. Back then, I used the novice point-and-shoot camera. That was the trip to Hanoi and Sapa. Sapa has to be the best retreat place in northern Vietnam. Its vast rice terraces and scenery are one of its kind. Of course, how could one leave Vietnam without sampling its famous coffee.  

From the front gate, the author walked passed the row of souvenir shops. And it was getting dark as well (already passed 6pm local time). In between the shops, you could find some decent Japanese restaurants tucked just behind the alley. In one corner, you would be able to gaze the Tokyo Skytree (at that time, it wasn't open for public, not until later May). Tokyo Skytree is the latest addition to Tokyo's high rise structures; twice as high as Tokyo Tower. Towards the end of the complex, one would reach the temple. At this hour, many people were  still queueing up for prayer offering. As night approached, the temple complex was lightened up. It was very natural, not too much artificial lighting.

I would say the most interesting thing to see in Asakusa is the vast variety of shops selling local delicacies and souvenirs. With all these stuffs, come nice packagings. You will rarely get your purchased items put in a plastic bag though. Most likely they will wrap or put them in a paper bag. Their paper bags are great yet simple. And of course one must not miss out the famous Tokyo Banana snack. A banana-shape sponge cake with banana cream filling. It's not available outside Tokyo, as far as I know.