Rediscovering History and Nature at "Great Falls"

Olmsted Island Overlook

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historic Park, Great Falls Maryland

Great Falls Park ⭐is located within the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park (C&O Canal NHP), which stretches 184.5 miles along the Potomac River from Georgetown, D.C., to Cumberland, Maryland. Great Falls itself lies about 14 miles upstream from Washington, D.C. within this larger C&O Canal NHP park.

The construction of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal in the 19th century significantly impacted the Great Falls area. The canal’s route needed to circumvent the falls, leading to the building of impressive engineering feats like the C&O Canal Towpath and aqueduct across the river. This infrastructure became inextricably linked to the history of the falls.

So, while "Great Falls" is the official name of the park focusing on the waterfalls, the close proximity and historical connection to the C&O Canal NHP makes it understandable why their names might be mentioned together or even used interchangeably in informal contexts.

C&O Canal in Georgetown (Sdkb, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

Rediscovering History and Nature at Great Falls

Rediscovering History

On December 28th, 2023, our hike at Great Falls became a journey through time and nature. Imagining ourselves on the towpath alongside mules pulling coal-laden barges, we conjured the scene of this once-bustling trade route. The Great Falls Tavern was a captivating window into the canal's past. The intricate architecture of the canal locks, marvels of hydraulic engineering still in operation, left us awestruck. We learned about the lives of the lock tenders, the invisible hands that kept the canal flowing.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park (YouTube link)

Immersing in Nature

On the journey, we found peace and quiet along the scenic towpath, a ribbon of green winding through winter-cloaked forests and meadows.  Also witnessed the raw power and beauty of the Great Falls, where the Potomac River plunges 76 feet into a dramatic gorge. Hike to hidden overlooks for breathtaking panoramas.

Great Falls Park (YouTube link)

Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center

Beyond the Neon Lights: Finding Zen in the Heart of Tokyo's Asakusa and Sensō-ji

Five-Storied Pagoda and Hōzōmon Gate

Senso-ji and Asakusa ⭐⭐are intimately linked. The two names are written using the same Chinese characters (浅草) but pronounced differently, "senso" being the Chinese pronunciation and "asakusa" the native Japanese. By delving deeper into the shared characters and their different pronunciations, we gain a richer understanding of the historical, cultural, and linguistic connections between Senso-ji and Asakusa:

• Historical context: The Chinese pronunciation "senso" reflects the temple's early history and its connection to Buddhism, which was transmitted from China to Japan. "Asakusa," on the other hand, represents the local Japanese name for the area where the temple was built.
• Symbolic significance: The dual names can be seen as symbolic of the merging of Chinese and Japanese influences in Japanese culture. Senso-ji represents the imported religion and tradition, while Asakusa represents the local context and adaptation.

Photo Gallery

This marks our second time embracing the magic of Asakusa and Sensō-ji. On our first journey, we rode the Tokyo Water Bus from Odaiba, a scenic prelude to the sensory explosion awaiting. This time, the adventure began at Tsukiji Market, its vibrant energy preceding our arrival in Asakusa by train. Though familiar, the charm of Asakusa didn't fade; instead, it ignited with new excitement. Each visit unveils fresh layers of wonder, proving that its captivating spirit remains ever-present.

Asakusa

Cacophony of life: Asakusa hums with a unique melody. Hear the rhythmic clatter of chopsticks on bowls, the energetic chants of vendors hawking their wares, and the tinkling of bells from the temple grounds.

Sensō-ji & Surrounding Gardens

Tranquility amidst chaos: Within Sensō-ji and its surrounding gardens, peace reigns. Imagine the soft murmur of prayers echoing through the halls, the gentle trickle of water from the cleansing fountain, and the calming rustle of prayer beads.

Japanese omikuji

Are you ready to navigate your destiny and glimpse your future? Immerse yourself in the timeless tradition of Japanese omikuji, unlocking a whisper of direction from the divine.

At Senso-ji, or any shrine, embrace the ancient ritual. Shake a box filled with numbered sticks, a simple action sparking the oracle's response. Draw one stick, its number guiding you to a corresponding drawer overflowing with paper fortunes. Unfold yours, a personal message waiting to be read.

Japanese omikuji (YouTube link)

Unfavorable fortunes? Tie them to the designated rack, letting their hold be released. Favorable ones? Bring them home, their blessings woven into your days.

Unfavorable fortunes? Tie them to the designated rack, letting their hold be released

The paper reveals your fortune's level: a radiant smile signifying the highest grace, followed by good fortune, gentle blessings, and the whispers of potential challenges. Don't fear the shadows, for even hardship holds valuable lessons.

Remember, omikuji are not edicts, but gentle nudges. Embrace their guidance, but remember, your path is yours to forge. Take heart in good fortune, learn from the less favorable, and let each whisper, big or small, illuminate your unique journey.

References

1. Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
• You can see Asakusa from the observation room.
2. Tokyo Water Bus: A Scenic Way to Visit Asakusa and Odaiba
3. Tokyo Travel—Visiting Asakusa to Experience Tokyo's Past

Yokohama from Above: Soaring to New Heights at the Sky Garden

InterContinental Yokohama Grand (left) and Yokohama Cosmo World (right)

The Sky Garden ⭐in Yokohama, Japan, is an observation deck located on the 69th floor of the Yokohama Landmark Tower, at a height of 273 meters. It offers stunning 360-degree panoramic views of the city, including Minatomirai, the Yokohama Bay Bridge, and even Mount Fuji on a clear day.

Here are some details about the Sky Garden:

• Opening hours: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM (10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Saturdays)
• Admission fee: 1,000 yen for adults, 500 yen for children
• Cafe and shops on the observation deck

Photo Gallery

The Sky Garden is a popular tourist destination in Yokohama, offering stunning views of the city. It's also a favorite spot for photography and videography, thanks to its panoramic vistas. These photos capture the beauty of the Sky Garden when we visited on May 17, 2023:

A Playground by the Bay: Exploring Yokohama Cosmo World in Shinko

Yokohama Bay Bridge in the distance

Soaring through Yokohama: A Glimpse of the Sakuragicho-Shinko Ropeway

Translucent Ballet with City Symphony: A Jellyfish Encounter at the Sky Garden

Yokohama Intl Passenger Terminal stretches like a bridge, its horizontal expanse dividing the cityscape into distinct halves

Seating area near Sky Garden Cafe

InterContinental Yokohama Grand (left) and Yokohama Cosmo World (right)

References

1. Sky Garden (Official Site)

A Hidden Gem in Tokyo: Discovering the Serenity of Ninomaru Garden

Ninomaru Garden (二の丸庭園⭐⭐) is more than just a beautiful space; it's a portal to Japan's rich heritage, a testament to the enduring power of nature, and a reminder of the peace that awaits in unexpected corners of the world. If you find yourself in Tokyo, don't miss the opportunity to step into this oasis of history and serenity. Let Ninomaru Garden weave its magic around you, transport you to a simpler time, and offer a glimpse into the soul of Japan.

Ninomaru Garden (二の丸庭園; YouTube link)

A Day Lost in Time: Unwinding at Ninomaru Garden

Stepping through its gates on May 18, 2023, was like stepping back in time. The air, thick with the whispers of Japan's rich history, settled around us like a warm embrace.

As we meandered along the winding pathways, sunlight dappled through the leaves, casting dancing patterns on the perfectly raked gravel. We marveled at the meticulous landscaping from the cascading waterfalls to the carefully sculpted stones, speaking volumes about the dedication and skill of the garden's creators.

Ninomaru Garden

The Ōte-mon Gate of the Imperial Palace marks the entrance to the serene Ninomaru Garden

Tokyo Street View

From the bustling Tokyo Street View, car horns blare and neon signs flicker, while just beyond the wall, Ninomaru Garden's koi glide silently through emerald water.

The imperial palace is surrounded by a wide wall

Tokyo Station