Category: History

Architecture, Culture, History, Paris, Photography, Travel

In the Garden of Versailles

July 1, 2015 (Wednesday) – After exploring the Chateau, we ventured out into the gardens at Versailles. The fountain was unfortunately not running that day, but the gold-gilded statues surrounded by golden frogs was an impressive sight on its own.

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One of many fountains found in the Gardens

Being a scorcher of a day, we decided to not walk the gardens. We didn’t have time to walk the whole grounds. So we decided to splurge on renting a golf cart to get us around. On a day where temperatures reached 38C, we were more than willing to pay in order not to sweat buckets. And trust me, we were still sweating buckets without all the walking.

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Culture, History, Paris, Photography, Travel

Les Invalides – Napoleon’s tomb and more

 

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The dome of Les Invalides

We made our way across the wide Parisian boulevard and found our way to foot of the dome. This dome was originally the Royal Chapel. In 1840, it was designated to become Napoleon’s tomb. However, the required modifications to include a crypt took over 20 years to complete. The Dome in its current form was completed in 1861.

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History, Overseas Chinese, Vancouver, Video

Covered Roots: The History of Vancouver’s Chinese Farms – Video

Here’s a neat video I came across while reading about East Van Market Gardens tour done by the Vancouver Heritage Foundation. It’s a 22-minute video that talks about the history of how Chinese immigrants farmed much of the area. This agricultural history all used to take place right in the middle of the city. Continue reading Covered Roots: The History of Vancouver’s Chinese Farms – Video

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Architecture, Canada, History, Vancouver, Walking

Vancouver Heritage Week 2015 – Feb 16-22

I wish I could share more about the Vancouver Heritage Foundation and the great walking tours they put on. For a few years, I’ve participated in many of their tours. Unfortunately in 2014, it was the year I didn’t get around to any tours. Either I was too late in registering or I was out of town for a month living a different life.

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Coming up in a couple of weeks is Vancouver Heritage Week. The Vancouver Heritage Foundation is organizing a few walking tours and talks to celebrate Heritage Week.

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China, Culture, History, Hong Kong, Photography, Transit, Walking

Hong Kong’s Yuen Long

Chinese calligraphy in Ching Shu Hin house in Yuen Long

Yuen Long is a large district in the northwest section of the territory. It was one of the largest town centres in the New Territories outside of the urban core of Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. I had been meaning to visit this part of Hong Kong on many occasions. I actually got there this time with my sister, parents, and mother-in-law in tow.

First off, you should know about the special day pass for the Yuen Long and Tuen Mun areas of Hong Kong. This pass is not very well advertised on the MTR website. There are only two stations from which you can buy such passes – Nam Cheong and Mei Foo. The pass allows for unlimited travel on the West Rail, the Yuen Long/Tuen Mun LRT, and MTR-run buses in the area.

Tuen Mun – Nam Cheong Day Pass

This was also the first time I ever rode the West Rail. This line was the last of all the Hong Kong rail lines for me to travel upon. I could finally check it off my list.

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Canada, History, Transit, Transportation, Vancouver

Losing the Vancouver Historic Streetcar

It looks like another piece of Vancouver history is disappearing. It’s unfortunate that the city is no longer going to support this fine piece of Vancouver history. I was fortunate enough to have ridden the streetcar a couple of years ago. It was a nice, idyllic ride from Olympic Village station to Granville Island. It was really the best way to reach Granville Island without a car.

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Cities, History, Hong Kong, Photography, Transit, Transportation, Travel, Vancouver

Tai Po Railway Museum

As a transit traveller, I inevitably find myself drawn to all things transportation. The Tai Po Railway Museum is a small, but perfectly affordable destination. Nothing is more affordable than free!

The Tai Po Railway Museum is actually the renovated station area of the Old Tai Po Railway Station. The station was built in 1913 and was converted to a museum in 1985 after the new Tai Po Market railway station was open. Although built in the 20th Century, the old station was built with Chinese architecture and ornamentation. Even the Chinese is meant to be read in the old, traditional right-to-left style.

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Canada, Cities, History, Photography, Vancouver, Walking

VHF Yaletown Walking Tour

The Walking Tour season for Vancouver Heritage Foundation has just finished.  If you would like to go on these tours, contact the Foundation or check their website some time next year to see what tours they have in store for us in 2014. Here’s the last of the 3 walking tours for 2013 that I attended. We started off this Friday afternoon at the Roundhouse … Continue reading VHF Yaletown Walking Tour

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Canada, Cities, History, Photography, Vancouver, Walking

VHF Railtown Walking Tour

The Walking Tour season for Vancouver Heritage Foundation has just finished.  If you would like to go on these tours, contact the Foundation or check their website some time next year to see what tours they have in store for us in 2014. This time our Railtown walking tour actually started in or at the edge of Gastown.  I guess it depends who you talk … Continue reading VHF Railtown Walking Tour

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