Chromatic Outlook (Post#36) : Insular Guard Monument
They also called it as Guam Insular Force Guard Monument (Memorial) which honors the gallant stands of Chamorro men against the invading Japanese imperial army troops in 1941. These men were recruited 8 months ago before the World War II outbreak in the pacific. US Navy Captain McMillin decided to surrender to prevent more killings of the Guam Defenders. These photos are part of Guam Adventure Photo Collection April 2017.
The building is former Mechanic’s Institute and also called as The Athenaeum. This is a combination of Library, Museum and Art Gallery, Meeting Places and even a Live Theatre. This structure is almost as old as Melbourne since it’s the home of oldest public institution. This photo captured last July 2013 and part of The Melbourne Athenaeum Photo Collection.
Something To Look At (Post#4) : The Athenaeum – A Bit of History Through A Stone
The snapshot below depicts important years in the history of The Melbourne Athenaeum building. The Athenaeum which is another name of the building is significantly been part of Melbourne History as it serves specific first things in the city itself. I was totally amazed when I realized how really old the building is and just thinking that it will soon celebrate its second centennial on 2039. This photo captured last July 2013 and part of The Melbourne Athenaeum Photo Collection.
Arts and Craft (Post#4) : Art Nouveau Bronze Lamp Holder
I was trying to find more information about the artist of this brass lamp-holders shaped like angels but I wasn’t lucky. This lamp holder complimented the interior of the building which categorized as Renaissance Revival Style. This photo captured last July 2013 and part of The Melbourne Athenaeum Photo Collection.
Interior (Post#4) : The Athenaeum – Renaissance Revival Style
The Melbourne Athenaeum considered to have a Renaissance Revival Style which depicts on some snapshots that I got during the visit in the building at Open House Melbourne event. These photos captured last July 2013 and part of The Melbourne Athenaeum Photo Collection.
Discovery (Post#7) : The Athenaeum – Historic Lift
The famous lift in the library inside The Melbourne Athenaeum Library was established in 1930 which still in operation as of the moment and one of only two of its vintage in Melbourne. These photos captured last July 2013 and part of The Melbourne Athenaeum Photo Collection.
Interior (Post#2) : The Block Arcade – Elizabeth St Interior Walkway
One of the things that I really enjoyed in Australia while strolling around in its different cities are its century old arcades and one of them is “The Block Arcade” or simply “The Block”. The said arcade is located almost at the center of Melbourne CBD. When I got a chance to enter in this European touched arcade I was really amazed. Looking at its interior design, you will really feel the building’s history and culture. Photo captured last July 2013 while walking around the city.
After coming from Mount Lofty Summit, we drove straight to Hahndorf, the oldest surviving German settlement in Australia. The town is located at Adelaide Hills which part of Mount Lofty Ranges. After I heard that Handorf is a German Town, I was really curious, as myself coming from an asian country such as mine, wondering what it looks like and what it feels like to be in a German Town. In less than half an hour after we left “The Summit”, we arrived in Hanhdorf.
First thing to noticed before we parked our tour bus were the trees along the Main St. The atmosphere that struck me was like a classic town with the touch of being a farm village. We got off the bus and I joined other tourists which I guessed the age gap was probably not that big compare to mine. They were three whom traveling solo, but in Hahndorf, we looked like friends that traveled together. As of this writing I can’t remember their names anymore. But I had a great time being with them. One of them was German, that was why she’s quite familiar in the ambiance of the place. She’s the one who mentioned to us that German Sausage is typical in a German town.
— Hahndorf Inn
We walked along the Main Street, from the parking area, we started our experience in one of the restaurants where we tasted their cakes. When we entered in the restaurant named Hahndorf Inn, I had this impression that its like a cowboy cafe because of the interior design of the restaurant, some parts seems made from wood and the other parts were concrete. Hahndorf Inn has a long history in the place and I guessed that the inn had been witnessed to a lot of people’s live in the area and even the lives of the visitors that happened there.
— Hahndorf Inn
After we finished our cakes we left Hahndorf Inn. We tried to explore most of the shops and stores along the Main Street. We stopped a little bit in Hahndorf Candle Barn where we found different kinds of candles, scented and crafted candles with additional artistic accessories. Then, it followed by German Village Shop where we saw traditional clocks which famous in old days such as cuckoo clocks and complimented by other hand-made crafts.
Hahndorf – Australia’s Oldest Surviving German Settlement Town
— Hahndorf Candle Barn
— German Village Shop
After reading stuff (from the official site of Hahhdorf) about this German town, I came to learn that the place is one of the historical place not only in Australia but also in Germany. Hahndorf name was came from the name of the ship’s captain that brought the German people in South Australia named Dirk Hahn, a Danes. These German immigrants were Lutherans who experienced great persecution in their faith from the King of Prussia whom got a chance to migrate in this part of Adelaide Hills.
Other places or establishments we passed were Leathersmith and Bush Gallery which we saw displaying leather made good products, Cafe 1839 (which closed that time), Hahndorf Academy which is one of historical building in the town as it used in different purposes from the time it was built last 1857, The German Arms Hotel which marked as historical, significant hotel in the town and serves local German beers, The Hahndorf Old Mill Hotel, The Stables Inn and Pioneer Memorial Gardens.
Jack’s Ridge is located at Shrine Hill in Matina, Davao City. The place was the last stand of Japanese in Davao during their invasion time in Philippines. American soldier successfully won over Japanese and retreat on this place after they lost the fight. I like the area because there are lots of restaurants around it and the place is great for Davao Gulf lookout view. Photo captured last March 2009.
During summer of 2009 (March 2009), the mountaineering group where I belong used to schedule summer adventure every year and that year was quite a lot. One of the itinerary we had that time was Capones Island where historical lighthouse built. It was historical because it is one of the oldest light station exist in my country. It was first lit last August 1, 1890. The light station still active until today and its lenses has been replaced, but the sad things about it is its surrounding area was left ruined and as far as I know it still the same as of this writing. We took a boat to reach Capones Island to visit this historical site from Anawangin in San Antonio Zambales.
Enriching Viewpoint (Post#1) : General Douglas MacArthur Room
When I did the two days visit in Brisbane during Open House season in the city last October 2013, there was a museum that I never expected that it will be familiar to me. Yes I went to MacArthur Museum but I never thought that the name of MacArthur will be the same person that I was familiar back to my country’s history. During rudimentary and intermediate school, I learned about the notable quote that American General made during Japanese invasion and I am referring to General MacArthur whom announced to the Filipino and Allied forces “I came through and I shall return” during his great escape from Philippines as Japanese forces able to control the country during that time. Since I learned the history quite a long time ago, I was reminded or probably learned that MacArthur went to Australia after leaving Philippines to think again how to retaliate the enemy which made him able to come back to my country and able conquer Japanese forces.
I took the photo above during my 4th visit in Sydney as one of my holiday vacation while I was engaged in my 3rd project in Australia. The structure is amazingly great and located in one of the prime harbour in Sydney. This building becomes a symbolic figure of Sydney and Australia. And I learned that the investment to build this structure already surpassed by its earning because of its popularity not only to the tourist but also to the artist and performers where they usually choose it for concerts, conferences and even for theatrical shows. As I recall, when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (Prince William and Princess Kate) visited this place during their recent trip in Australia last April 2014 where this photo captured after a week of their visit.
Name Of The Place (Post#16): Royal British Columbia Museum
This was the second royal museum that I visited in Canada. Without checking the net it seems that Canada has one royal museum on its provinces. The first royal museum I saw was in Alberta province. Photo captured last June 2008. I like museum since I like knowing and discovering something, the only challenge is time because for me, standard time to spend to a museum is from half a day to one full day, but even myself saddened if the museum is part of a tour because it means I had limited time to see and learn more, because tour is always time bounded.
Chromatic Outlook (Post#16) : Shrine of Remembrance
I used to see this building on my back and forth travel from work and to the place where I live while I was in Melbourne. Coming from the city, this structure looks in the middle of St Kilda Road as it turned out that the road turns curve which is a good visual effect and become a charm in the area. Even this building is near and walkable from my place, I haven’t got a chance to see it immediately until I put some time to walk around Melbourne. Shrine of Remembrance was built to remember Victorian people who fought World War I and now it is shrine to all Australians who fought wars. After I visited Canberra, I just thought that it was like a branch of Australian Memorial as it showcase the bravery of people who for the peace we enjoy right now. Photo capture last July 2013.
View At My Window (Post#15) : MotorClassica At Royal Exhibition Building
Car Motor Show was one of the unique event that I attended while in Melbourne. When I heard about MotorClassica I was curious as I am not really a car enthusiast since I don’t know how to drive and I don’t have my own car. But a showcase of classical cars was the main reason of my curiosity to attend. I went to Royal Exhibition Building to see different historical and branded cars which considered a treasure to people who own it. I honestly enjoyed the said exhibit. Photo captured last October 2013.
Name Of The Place (Post#12) : Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney
Photo above was captured last May 2013 when I went to Haigh’s Chocolate Factory in Adelaide near from City Centre. I got a chance to visit these three cities when I was in Australia.
Based on History, the very first store of Haigh’s Chocolate was opened in Adelaide City last May 1915 which will reach its centennial year this year 2015. That’s good to know.
Home (Post#11) : Crashed Japanese Plane At Jack’s Ridge
During my three days holiday in Davao after climbing Mount Apo, one of the itinerary was to visit Jack’s Ridge in Davao City. Jack’s Ridge was historical place during World War II, the time when Japanese retreated at the said place until they lost their fight against Americans. Photo captured last March 2009.
The last palace that we visited was Changyeonggung, though we still have ticket for our fifth palace, I knew for myself, that we will not able to visit it because the next day was our last day and we were booked for another tour. Anyway, though there were still few raindrops when we were at Changdeokgung, we were unstoppable to continue our walk. We entered in the gate of the palace from Changdeokgung which is called Hamyangmun.
–Hamyangmun (near the stair)
–bridge
–Tongmyeongjeon
–Yanghwadang
Since our tour did not start at the main gate of the palace, we saw the buildings in not particularly order. We started to walk in the area of Tongmyeongjeon and Yanghwadang. Based from handbook guide, Tongmyeongjeon was the queen’s bed chamber. Beside the building, there is a pond, with a bridge in the middle of it. While reading the information, I felt ecstatic because it was mentioned in the footnote in the guide that it was near the area of Tongmyeongjeon where Jang Ok-jeong (maid-in waiting become queen, deposed as consort and killed herself by poison, queen of King Sukjong in Dongyi historical drama) buried a puppet of the Queen together with dead animals which was the curse she laid for Queen Inhyeon (the current queen of King Sukjong in Dongyi). That piece of information is interesting. While the other building beside Tongmyeongjeon which is Yanghwadang where King Injo stayed.
–Gyeongchunjeon
Another area nearby Tomyeongjeon is called Gyeongchunjeon and Hwangyeongjeon. Gyeongchunjeon was sleeping quarters of King Seongjong (son of Queen Insu who become a regent for some years when his son was still young). It was the place of queens and princesses because future kings such as King Jeongjo and King Heonjong, King Jeongjo himself wrote a plaque which means “Birth Hall” and hung above the entrance. Hwangyeongjeon was the residence of kings and princes.
–Hwangyeongjeon
–Haminjeong
We moved to another area and look again what’s the building mean and the guide-book mentioned that it is called as Haminjeong which used by king to receive officials and hold banquets. Then we found as well the Sungmundang, its name written by King Yeongjo (son of King Sukjong and Dongyi in the drama) still hang. Here the king threw banquets for state affair discussions and classical literature.
–Sungmundang
–Binyangmun (near Sungmundang)
Next building we checked is called Munjeongjeon which is a council hall where king usually dealt with routine state affairs. One interesting information found in the footnote of the guide, that the courtyard in front of this building, the most tragic incident of the century happened. Prince Sado (father of King Jeongjo) was reported to be mentally ill and King Yeongjo were so furious that he ordered to put the prince in rice chest and sealed alive (where the prince died after 8 days).
–Between Munjeongjeon and Muyeongeonjeon
Then we move to another area called Myeongjeongjeon and vicinity. Here we found the main hall of the palace which is Myeongjeongjeon. Here most of the state affairs such as royal coronations, royal weddings, royal banquets were held.
–Myeongjeongjeon (back)
–Myeongjeongjeon
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–Inside Myeongjeongjeon
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–Myeongjeongjeon Vicinity
–Myeongjeonmun
–Okcheongyo(bridge) and Myeongjeonmun(gate)
Next area we passed by is Honghwamun and vicinity. Here we found the gate to Myeongjeonmun to Myeongjeongjeon. Then the famous Honghwamun, this gate where King Yeongjo went out to gather the opinions of peasants and scholars alike for Equalized Tax Law where most of his ministers opposed. Another interesting fact that I learned from the handbook guide was the footnote telling us that it was the same gate where people crowded to rally for the crown prince, he is Prince Sohyeon (oldest son of King Injo who become hostage for years during Qing dynasty but died through poison few days after returning in from Qing). I remember he is the same prince that I am currently watching historical drama right now entitled The Three Musketeers. Let’s wait and see what I am going to learn in that historical drama once it’s finished airing.
–Honghwamun
After coming from Honghwamun, we went out at the right side door and moved to Yeongchuncheon and Jipbokheon area. I learned that the area was residences of concubines. Jipbojheon building was where Crown Prince Sado and King Sunjo were born. Yeongchuncheon was unknown building before but become King Jeongjo’s study room and sometimes for handling routine state affairs.
–Yeongchuncheon
–Chundangji
We passed the Inner Palace site where court ladies live here. Some of the royal princesses also lived here. But currently we saw the place as wooded area full of trees and gardens. Probably the site was not yet restored. We continue our walk until we found a beautiful and large pond, and based from map, the pond named Chundangji. The large pond was not the original pond, it was the site where the king did engaged in farming while the queen engaged in raising silkworm. The original pond is the small pond which is not visible in the photo that I tool while I was at the front of the pond.
Because its getting dark and we are aware that the palace is open until 6PM, we hurriedly went back in Honghwamun area so we can exit easily. In this walking tour we missed three areas namely: Gwandeokjeon and Jipchunmun, Eastern Palace Site and Gwolnaegaksa. Those three are more on sites as of that time, probably South Korea has still plan to restore the site in due time. I enjoyed another walking tour in the palace. While inside the palace and seeing historical buildings makes me feel that I was returning in the past time of Joseon. I enjoyed the tour because I am somewhat familiar with their history, maybe to other people, these are just mere buildings but for me, they are truly treasures that South Korean must keep it for more many years to come so next generation will appreciate their history again.
After the show of martial arts at Sinpungnu, we looked at the map in our hand again to check what else we can visit in Hwaseong Fortress heritage site. We decided to go around the fortress without being aware how long it will take for us to finish the tour. From Hwaseong Haenggung, we turned left until we reached Paldalmun one of the four main gates in the fortress. Paldalmun is the south gate and based from Wikipedia, it houses a bell called Paldalmun Dongjong but we were not able to see the bell since we were not able to come inside the gate. This gate was not damaged during Korean war.
Paldalmun (South Gate)
From Paldalmun, we did some trek in Paldal Mountain using the road halfway and stair on the other half. On the way, we stopped in different fort, post and secret gates in the fortress namely: NamChi (Southern Turret), NamPoru (Southern Cannon Fort), SeonamiChi (Yongdodongchi – Turret East of Yongdo), SeonamGangnu (Southwestern Pavilion), SeonamilChi (Southwestern Turret), SeonamAmmun (Southwestern Secret Gate) and SeosamChi (Western Turret III). Along the way, we stopped as well in Memorial of Korean Independence to check the area and to have rest a bit. We continued our walk until we reached SeoJangdae Tourist Information Center. Then, we found the Bell of Hyowon for Filial Piety. Based from the guide that we have, the bell represents Suwon as a city of filial piety. I found out as well that King Jeongjo has a desire to move the capital from Seoul to Suwon.
Namporu
On the way to SeonamGangnu
SeonamGangnu (Southwestern Pavilion)
SeonamAmmun (Southwestern Secret Gate) From SeonamGangnu
SeonamAmmun (Southwestern Secret Gate)
Memorial of Korean Independence
March 1st Independence Movement Memorial
Entrance to SeoJangdae Tourist Information Center
Bell of Hyowon for Filial Piety
The walk and trek continue until we saw other post, fort and secret gates at the top of Paldal Mountain such as Seoporu (Western Sentry Post), SeoAmmun (Western Secret Gate), SeoJangdae (Western Command Post) where we have a great view of Haenggung from the top, SeoNodae (Western Crossbow Platform), SeoiChi (Western Turret II), Seoporu (Western Cannon Port), SeoilChi (Western Turret I), SeobukGangnu (Northwestern Pavilion). Another main gate we passed which is called Suwon Hwaseomun (West Gate).
Seoporu (Western Sentry Post)
Surounding Views From SeoJangdae (Western Command Post) Area
Hwaseong Haenggung Views From SeoJangdae (Western Command Post) Area
SeoJangdae (Western Command Post)
Seoporu (Western Cannon Port)
Some snapshots of Fortress Trail
SeoilChi (Western Turret I)
SeobukGangnu (Northwestern Pavilion)
Snapshot From SeobukGangnu (Northwestern Pavilion) area
Trail View From Suwon Hwaseomun (West Gate)
Suwon Hwaseomun (West Gate) Snaphots along Fortress trail
SeobukGangnu (Northwestern Pavilion) From Ground
View From Suwon Hwaseomun (West Gate)
SeobukGingsimdon (Northwestern Watchtower) and Suwon Hwaseomun (West Gate)
Then, we passed as well the following: SeobukGingsimdon (Northwestern Watchtower), BukPoru (Northern Sentry Post), BukseoPoru (Northwestern Sentry Post) and BukseoJeokdae (Northwestern Gate Guard Platform). Next main gate we saw was the north gate which is called Janganmun (Bungmun – North Gate) which is the largest such gate in South Korea. Janganmun gate is part of the fortress that has been destroyed and reconstructed.
SeobukGingsimdon (Northwestern Watchtower)
BukPoru (Northern Sentry Post)
BukseoJeokdae (Northwestern Gate Guard Platform)
Janganmun (Bungmun – North Gate)
From Janganmun, we passed the following: BukdongJeokdae (Northeastern Gate Guard Platform), BukdongChi (Northeaster Turret), BukdongPoru (Northeastern Cannon Fort), Hwahongmun (Buksumon – Northern Floodgate) where we had a great view of Suwoncheon (stream), DongbukGaknu (Suwon Banghwasuryujeong – Northeastern Pavilion), BukAmmun (Northern Secret Gate), DongbukPoru (Northeastern Sentry Post), DongAmmun (Eastern Secret Gate), DongJangdae (Eastern Command Post), Yeonmudae Tourist Information Center and the last of the four main gate which is Changnyongmun (East Gate). This gate was destroyed during Korean war as well and has been completely restored. We also found from a far the DongbukGongsimdon (Northeastern Observation Tower).
The western side of the fortress is a mountain side, therefore, we weren’t able to imagine that we completed at least or more than 75% of the fortress. The part that we weren’t able to see is the eastern side. We never able to finish it since it’s getting dark. I was surprised that my mother was able to survive in this walking tour with half of it were trekking, maybe because we enjoyed all the things we saw along the way. When we arrived at Janganmun gate, heavy rain fell and we rested a while in the said gate until someone from tourist office trying to lock the gate. We were surprised at first until the personnel told us that he is going to lock the gate, if we were not aware what is happening and if he did not saw us, we will be ended locked-up in Janganmun, the good thing, it did not happen.
We ended the tour at the front of Changnyongmun which is the East Gate. From there, we took bus going back to Suwon station and followed the same route we did when we come to Suwon.
We had a very tiring day that day but for us it was another great walking adventure tour in South Korea.
Touring outside Melbourne were one of my goals while staying in Australia. Sovereign Hill was just one of the classic and historical places to visit in Ballarat in Victoria state. Sovereign Hill is a throwback days of Gold Rush period in Ballarat which occurred half of 18th century. I loved the places because you will really felt what was it like during those times. Captured this photo last March 2013, one of the earliest tour that I availed while living in Melbourne.
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