Episode 245 - Dracaena Fragrans IV

 

This plant has been with my family for over 15 years. 

It first flowered in the spring time of 2012 and bloomed again in 2013.   It stopped flowering for 11 years since then.   

By the end of last month,  the plant developed 2 flower buds. It started flowering on the eve of the Chinese New Year and is fully bloomed now.

Episode 244 - Those were the days

I found these two photos from a book published in around 1910, showing the Qinhuai River and the Confucian Temple Area.

Let the photos speak.

Episode 243 - River in Prime Time

These photos were taken by me, alongside the river banks of the Qinhuai River, during a visit to Nanjing in November last year.

This particular section of the river at where I took the photos was situated at the heart of The Confucian Temple Area (named after the Confucian Temple erected nearby).  It was evening time. The temperature was low but the tourist area was packed with people - a must visit place it was!

In addition to the Confucian Temple, another famous spot in the area is the Jiangnan Examination Centre through where the ancient governments picked their civil servants among the outstanding students.   This was therefore an area of importance in ancient China.

Running through the city of Nanjing, the Qinhuai River should have witnessed all the ups and downs in history of China.

Whilst the river was silent, I could tell, from what I saw during the journey, that the up trend is definitely re-surfacing again.

Episode 242 - Advertisements or Fantasies?

The above are some of the many interesting, and beyond imagination, advertising signboards erected on the walls of the buildings, all along the streets in downtown Obihiro, Hokkaido.

It appears to me that the people there are not just advertising their goods and services.  These signboards are their fantasies and imaginations come true.

Episode 241 - Where is the Fairy?

The above is a photo of a michi no eki ("roadside rest area") situated along Japan National Highway No. 39.  This eki is called Meruhen-no Oka Memambetsu, meaning the Hill of Fairy at the Memambetsu (which old town, having merged with Higashimokoto, is now known as the Ōzora-cho).

It would appear that the outlook of the eki does not live up its name.  However, this is a "must visit" eki for many photography lovers.  It is because the eye catching spot "Hill of Fairy" is situated within half a minute's drive from the eki:

It's easy to drive pass this wonderful spot without noticing it if you come from a long distance.  The best way to do is to stop at the eki, take a rest there before start searching for the fairy.