Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Huangshan - Sun Rise


Huangshan Day 2
Originally uploaded by
S. Zachko
Sun rise at 6:00 AM in autumn, we should have had plenty of time to reach one of the peak to see it. However, there are so many people who were so brave to hang their lives at the edge of the cliff. We decided to go some other places to save our lives instead. We were able to find this spot to take pictures. It was just amazing how beautiful the place is..

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Huangshan - The stone coming out of nowhere


Huangshan Day 1
Originally uploaded by
S. Zachko
For ages, people can not understand how this huge stone ends up at the tip of the peak and believe the stone has some kind of magic power - fertility. People will bride the stone by stocking coins in a crack and pat the stone. Poor park ranger has to keep cleaning the coins but not taking the coins. It is a brutal task when it is wet, cold and dark.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Huangshan - Heart Lock


Huangshan Day 1
Originally uploaded by
S. Zachko
People believe to keep two lovers' hearts attached to each other, these two lovers should buy a lock together and make promises to each other. Then they attach this lock in one of the chain and throw the key over the cliff.

What do you think?

Monday, November 16, 2009

Huangshan - Pine


Huangshan Day 1
Originally uploaded by
S. Zachko
Yellow Mountain itself likes groups of giant granite. There are only dusts or derbies stuck between stones. Those pine tree manages to stick their root in such a tiny space and grow in a such elegant ways. Depending on the altitude where those pines grows, people naming differently. For those pines grow at the lower altitude areas, people call them pony tail pine because their leaves/branches only grow one direction. For those pine trees grow at the higher altitude areas, people call them Yellow Mountain Pine.

No matter how the tree grows or leaves are heading, their roots are so strong and firm that make those trees grow more generations to come.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Tunxi- Chinese Ink Stones


Old Street in Tunxi
Originally uploaded by
S. Zachko
One of four major Chinese traditional stationary: Yieng Tai (a.k.a. Chinese Ink Stone). The better ink stones come from the oldest mines. There are four major patterns in the ink stone. Fish Scale is one of them and I really can not remember the rest. It will be a good excuse to go back. The design of the ink stones could be very elaborated. Some of ink stones are just for holding to cool down the body temperatures in the hot sunny days..

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Tunxi - Old Street


Old Street in Tunxi
Originally uploaded by
S. Zachko
This is a very interesting street in Tunxi - Old Street. This street could dates all the way back in Ching dynasty or older.

Huai-Cho is famous for the supply of traditional Chinese stationary: brush pens, Ying Tai, Ink stick and paper. This is a street for one shop shopping for all of them.

Huai-Cho is also famous for its teas. Well informed by all sorts of travel guides, there are four most famous teas in China, and Huai-Cho produces three of them: Mao-Fong green tea, Monkey King green tea and Chi-Meng black teas. Well, you might be able to find all of them on this street. However, this street targets tourists not real tea drinkers.. :)

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Tunxi - Breakfast


Breakfast in Tunxi
Originally uploaded by
S. Zachko
Even though this was just a normal breakfast for local people, we thought this was unforgettable breakfast we've ever had. After 23 hours trip and jet lag, we just wanted to have a very simple and delicious breakfast before the big hike.

One thing never occurs to me is that there is no milk cows in An-Hua province; therefore, it is very expensive to get a cup of milk. Cream powder and canned coffee are the better substitutes.

Months after the trip, I still miss those little pickle dishes and congee...

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Shanghai - Fresh Crab at Pu Dong Airport

It was the crab season at that time of the year. We are expecting to have some crabs in Shanghai. However, it surprised me that the place we actually saw and ate the crabs (live) one is at the Pu Dong international airport. It is not only that we can buy live crabs in the airport, but also restaurants in the airport could cook them for you with minimum 15 RMB.

The crab meats are sweet and shells are very crispy. It was an interesting memory to have crabs in the airport...

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

NYC Ft. Tryon - 2009 Medieval Festival

Once a year, Ft. Tryon park in New York City has this Medieval Festival. Living in New York area for more than a decades, I just visited this festival for the very first time. Surprisingly, this is a very different festival from the ones in the city. People actually dress up for the festival and lots of Medieval entertainment in the park.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

New York-Winter Garden


NYC 2009
Originally uploaded by
S. Zachko
Lines of palm trees standing in this sleek plaza are overlooking the ruin to be rebuilt.
Tired brokers and traders are sipping the bitter beers wishing the market to come back.
Glittering Bentley is waiting hopelessly for his master.Beautiful September sunset is whispering sadness in the Winter Garden.

Monday, August 31, 2009

New York- Bronx Zoo-Different View of the Zoo


NYC-Bronx Zoo
Originally uploaded by
S. Zachko
Been to zoo so many time, I've never got the chances to visit the Asia area. We decided to make a different route to visit this area in the Bronx Zoo this past weekend.

It turned out to be a quite different experience. We took the mono-rail and visit those animals in more natural habitats. Those Mongolian wild horses look exactly the same as the one in those countless Chinese painting. Elephants are more active. Rhinos are playing with mud happily. Even this red panda looks more relaxed than the one in the other area of the same zoo.

Kids were excited about the experience. Different from the previous one we'e done, we are the ones who need to be confined in the cart instead. We need to open our eyes to search and to feel those animals in the nature. I have a dream to bring kids to a real safari one day. I hope I can see more animals have better life quality (including human) in the natural habitats ..

Saturday, August 22, 2009

New York-MoMA


MoMA
Originally uploaded by
S. Zachko
Almost forget why I love NYC until I came back to MoMA many years after. You feel like modern history is playing just right in front of your eyes. You feel the creativity, you feel the sense of timelessness, you feel the art. It is not the classic history, it is now, what is happening now? Many years ago, it was MoMA that make me fall deeply in love with water lily. I hope I can express this kind of human passion to my kids as well..

Monday, August 17, 2009

New York-Cornwall on the Husdon - Storm King Art Center


Storm King Art Center
Originally uploaded by
S. Zachko
One will wonder if the giant artists left their masterpiece in this beautiful place?

This park is the jewel of the Hudson. 500 and more different masterpiece in the natural habitat make the perfect play ground for whoever has young hearts.

New York-Queens-New York Hall of Science


New York Hall of Science
Originally uploaded by
S. Zachko
What is the best way to teach kids about science? Give them chances to touch and feel the science.

New York Hall of Science is one of the best science museums which allow kids to experience all the experiments through touch and feel. Museum also spends great efforts to keep all the equipments in good shape. Staffs are very atheistic and keep kids interested in science. It surely provides great science experiences for kids.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

New York-Cornwall on Hudson-Woody's All Natural Burgers & Fries


Storm King Sculpture Park
Originally uploaded by
S. Zachko
After a wonder summer hike in the Storm King Sculpture Park, we would like to have some easy food for dinner. There is a nice cafe named Wood's Cafe in the park but it was closed around 5:00 PM. Thanks for Yelp's help, we would able to find this place. The burgers met exactly what we've expected. What surprised us are fried red onions hay and sweet potato fries. Staff are ultra friendly, they make you feel at home.. Lovely place.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Maine-Kennebunkport-Hi, I am a "Secret Agent"


I am Secret Agent
Originally uploaded by
S. Zachko
There are only two black boats (huge) in the entire marina. Each boat has this humongous sign saying "Secret Service". Hmm, it did show that Americans have great sense of humors.

Monday, July 20, 2009

NYC-American Museum of Natural History


Gottesman Hall of Planet Earth.

American Museum of Natural History is full of surprised. Gotesman Hall of Planet Earth displays a series of outstanding collections of geological specimens. I've never known that even a petrified tree can tell the source of volcano eruptions millions years after...

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Hoboken - 2009 4th July


2009 4th July Party
Originally uploaded by
S. Zachko

To celebrate 400th anniversary of find Hudson River, Macy's July 4th fireworks was held on the Hudson River this year. Naturally, Hoboken became one of the best spots to view this fantastic fireworks of the years.

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Hoboken-BIN 14 Trattoria Wine Bar


BIN 14
Originally uploaded by
S. Zachko

1314 Washington St
Hoboken, NJ 07030
(201) 963-9463


Trattoria is said less formal than a ristorante but more formal than an osteria. BIN 14 is definitely a casual hang out place for friends and families. Restructuring from an old Irish bar, BIN 14 still maintains some old trace of pub house with stylish SOHO style deco.

As the first visitors of the Saturday brunch, we managed to settle ourselves in the best corner of the house to review the entire store design. It is a typical space in Hoboken store space- Long and Narrow. The mirror with tree bar frame reflects the different view of the other side of restaurant.

As indicating in its name, Trattoria Wine Bar serves casual Italian food like salads, omelet, Bruschetta. If you are hungry and want a big pile of Pasta, then you need to go couple more blocks towards downtown area. If you are looking for something casual and delicious snack, then you are in the right place. I had the best grilled shrimps bruschetta, and truffle fries.

I could not say this is the best place for wine tasting since we were in the place too early for wine tasting. However, this will be a nice place to have a glass of wine and snack to have a wise conversation with friends....

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

NYC-Bronx Zoo


Bronx Zoo, NYC 2009
Originally uploaded by S. Zachko

Never figure out why they put these three silver balls in the zoo. We also found that there is no more sky ride.

The newly opened Madagascar session is very interesting. Believe it or not, the chicken fingers from the cafeteria is very delicious.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Quebec City-Poutine


Quebec City, Canada
Originally uploaded by S. Zachko

The tour guide strongly recommended that we should try this local chain, Ashton where it servers local squeaky cheese with light brown source. We managed to find this place in Upper Old Town and had our first try of "squeaky" cheese. It was surprisedly delicious. We have to make another stop before back to United States.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Quebec City-The Wall


Quebec City, Canada
Originally uploaded by S. Zachko

No matter it is Great Wall in China, Roman Wall in London, or this wall in Quebec City, human being has some complex feeling against these historical wall. We miss the history? We feel lucky that we are not bounded by the wall? Or feel the conflict between want to be free or want to be bound?

Can this musician get some inspiration from these complex feeling? Or he just added extra white noises for people in deep turbulence?

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Quebec City-Le Marie Clarisse


Quebec City, Canada
Originally uploaded by S. Zachko

We were walking around lower old town area in the early spring. Street is very quiet while we are looking for some different experience. We walk into this place. The room was dark and classical music was playing in the background. The host led us to the window seat and brought the big board to show us the menu of the day, all in French. He vividly translated all items in perfect English. All the items are the menu are very creative. I've tried the snail and curry source. It was so delicious that I still miss it today. The seafood soup was light and present.

Quebec City-Crazy Pig (Le Cochon Dingue)


Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
Originally uploaded by S. Zachko
The best duck pie I've ever had in this pretty place..

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Philadelphia - Independence Hall


Philadelphia
Originally uploaded by S. Zachko
Here is the place where United States was born...

Friday, February 20, 2009

Philadelphia - Liberty Bell


Philadelphia - Liberty Bell
Originally uploaded by S. Zachko
This is the world's symbol of Liberty!

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Philadelphia - China Town


Philadelphia
Originally uploaded by S. Zachko
It was Lenten Festival. Dancing Lions is giving bless to shops. We were surprised by real firecracker at the end of the show...

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Philadelphia - Reading Terminal Market


Philadelphia
Originally uploaded by S. Zachko
http://www.readingterminalmarket.org/

Reading Terminal Market is very interesting market. You can find the local restaurants, grocery shops, bookstores......

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Umeda Sky Building, Osaka


Umeda Sky Building,Osaka
Originally uploaded by S. Zachko
This is a very dazzling building.

Mail Man


Mail Man
Originally uploaded by S. Zachko
This is how mail man delivers mails in Kyoto..

Monday, January 19, 2009

This is our temporary home in Japan.


Front Yard
Originally uploaded by S. Zachko
This is our temporary home while we were in Japan. Very nice..

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Osaka Aquarium-Parade


Osaka Aquarium-Parade
Originally uploaded by S. Zachko
It is amazing that those penguins parade in such a noisy place..

What is next?


Osaka Aquarium
Originally uploaded by S. Zachko
In Osaka Aquarium, penguins are very active.

Automatic Process


Automatic Process
Originally uploaded by S. Zachko
Everything is automatic including traditional snack making process..

Geta


Geta
Originally uploaded by S. Zachko
This is Geta.

Zori


Zori
Originally uploaded by S. Zachko
This is Zori.

Taxi


Taxi
Originally uploaded by S. Zachko
Taxi in Japan equipped with automatic door opener, white car seat cover. Di revers are wearing the uniform with cap and will give you packs of tissues for free.

Minami-Za


Minami-Za
Originally uploaded by S. Zachko
The oldest Kabuki theater in Japan. The old show will take up to 5 hours. You have to bring lunch boxes and eat during the 30 minutes intermission.

Lady Only Car


Lady Only Car
Originally uploaded by S. Zachko
Limited Express could be so crowded that a special lady only car is designed to ensure lady's safety.

Center of the world


Center of the world
Originally uploaded by S. Zachko
This is very interesting view of the world.

Boat Shape Pine Sculpture


Kinkaku-Ji, Kyoto
Originally uploaded by S. Zachko
One of three most famous pine sculpture in Kyoto..(Kinkaku-Ji, Kyoto)

Mail Box


Mail Box
Originally uploaded by S. Zachko
It took 80 yens to mail a post card and I've received it, 14 days after the trip. Something must be wrong..

Red Decoration


Ryoan-Ji, Kyoto
Originally uploaded by S. Zachko
It is a typical decoration for any street side restaurants:
Red Umbrella and red fabric covered benches..
(Ryoan-Ji, Kyoto)

Photographers


Ryoan-Ji, Kyoto
Originally uploaded by S. Zachko
Daddies would like to try their new toys for this trip as well..(Ryoan-Ji, Kyoto)

Challenge


Ryoan-Ji, Kyoto
Originally uploaded by S. Zachko

Fire definitely is the biggest thread to maintain this priceless temples.

Ryoan-Ji, Kyoto

Static Diffuser


Static Diffuser
Originally uploaded by S. Zachko
This is a special equipment at the gas station i Japan to diffuse static in the self service gas pump..

Vending Machine


Vending Machine
Originally uploaded by S. Zachko
Vending Machine is one of best in Japan. You will be surprised what you can get from those vending machines..

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Public Phone


Public Phone
Originally uploaded by S. Zachko
Since mobile becomes so popular, we almost forget how the public phone work now.

Pizza Delivery


Pizzza Delivery
Originally uploaded by S. Zachko
To keep Pizza warm, scooter is equipped with a heating oven...

Toko Yaki


Kyoto, Gion
Originally uploaded by S. Zachko
Fry Octopus Ball..That is one tasty thing you got to try in Japan