Something To Look At : Worth Of A Tree

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Something To Look At (Post#2) : Worth Of A Tree

When I visited Eden Nature Park in Toril Davao City last March 2009, while walking around in a nature park, I saw this message which at first I did not care what it says until something buried in my memory which is the word ‘worth’ and numbers which I thought like an amount of money. With that in mind, I approach the message board and look at it in detail. As I read it, I felt surprise and stunned because I never realised the actual worth of a tree in terms of money. Yes, I knew a tree is important in terms of ecological balance and it’s other significant uses, but to understand or measure it by amount of money, I never really thought about it. For me the message is really a profounding wisdom.

Changdeokgung “Ideal Place of Capital City – King Sejong” – Back to the Past Adventure (Part 5)

It was Friday and we were set to visit two palaces in Seoul. The two palaces are: Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung. The original plan was to visit first the Jongmyo Shrine, but unfortunately, we missed the English tour at the time we arrived at the gate and it is not allowed to go around the area on our own, tour guide is a must while inside the shrine. Because we wanted to maximize the time and not just waiting outside, we decided to go back after the two palaces.

From Jongmyo Shrine, we walked at the road at the right side of the shrine named as Seosulla-gil and then we turned left after we saw the rooftop of Changdeokgung Palace gate called Donhwamun. Same what we did in Gyeongbokgung Palace, before we entered, we bought the map guide. We have the tickets already for the said palace as we bought combine tickets (integrated tickets) when we were in Gyeongbokggung.

IMG_7027 IMG_7028–Donhwamun

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–Open space after Donhwamun

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–Geumcheongyo and Jinseonmun

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We entered the Palace via Donhwamun, as per the handbook guide, this gate is a two-story, pavillion-type wooden structure and the largest of all palace gates. After passing the said gate, what we saw was a huge space. And then we turned right where we saw the small bridge called Geumcheongyo. This bridge is known as the oldest stone bridge remaining in Seoul. After passing the bridge, the way leads to another gate called Jinseonmun.  Based from handy guide, on this gate has once installed a drum called  Sinmungo where anyone can strike the drum to file a petition to address grievances but striking the drum requires approval to a lot of government official and this system did not serve its purpose and been useless to many. It’s sole purpose is by the name only.

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–Sukjangmun (Front) and Injeongmun (Left)

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–Injeongmun

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–Injeongjeon

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–Inside Injeongjeon

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–Injeongjeon

After passing Jinseonmun gate, another open space welcome us. From where we stand and looking at the map, another gate in front of us called Sukjangmun and the gate in our left side is called Injeongmun. As we reached Injeongmun, we saw Injeongjeon area. Injeongjeon is the throne hall of Changdeokgung Palace. Based from the guide, major state affairs took place here such as coronation of new king and reception of foreign envoys. Next area we visited is Seonjeongjeon, this building where king worked at his convenience to discuss routine state affairs with high-ranking officials. And this is the only building in the palace with blue-tiled roof.

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–Seonjeongjeon and Huijeongdang

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–Seonjeongjeon

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–Huijeongdang

Beside Seonjeongjeon is Huijeongdang. Huijeongdang is the king’s bed chamber. This bed chamber became king’s workplace and become the actual main hall of the palace instead of Injeongjeon.

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–Entrance to Secret Garden

As we are awaiting for the English Tour schedule to Secret Garden, we went out the area of Huijeongdang and we waited at the entrance of the garden. Time had come and the tourist guide arrived. The guide made introductions and reminders while touring the secret garden.

Secret Garden or rear garden (Huwon) was a forbidden place for the purpose of the sole use of royal family. Since the palace was built at the base of the mountain, in the rear end of the palace, the garden was placed. And after seeing the garden at the tour, I can say that the design of the secret garden is still in harmony of the nature. This kind of place, I can think that any king can reclaim peace of mind because it is surrounded of nature. Our guide led the group at first stop which is Buyongji and Juhanmu.

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–Buyongji (Pond), Eosumun (Gate) and Juhamnu (Main hall at the top), Seohyanggak (library) left hall in the top

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–Buyongjeong IMG_7129 IMG_7152

–Buyongjeong (left) and Sajeonggibigak (right)

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–Sajeonggibigak

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–Seohyanggak (only roof) as I can’t go beyond where I was standing IMG_7132

–Seohyanggak (left most hall) , Eosumun (gate) and, Juhamnu (right most hall)

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–Eosumun

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–Seohyanggak(left),  Eosumun (gate), and Juhamnu (top)

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–Juhamnu (second level), Gyujanggak (first level) and Eosumun (gate)IMG_7160 IMG_7161

–Juhamnu (second level), Gyujanggak (first level)

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–Yeonghwadang

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–Stairs to Cheonseokjeong (not visible – not sure of the building still stand at the top)

I like the setting of the area. There is rectangular pond called Buyongji and most of the building built here surrounds the pond. The main building we saw is called Juhanmu Pavilion. Two libraries are nearby as well called as Gyujanggak and Seohyanggak, another pavilions exist are Yeonghwadang and Buyeongjeon. The said area is in the heart of the Secret Garden.

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–Buyongji (Pond) and SajeonggibigakIMG_7149

–Buyongji (Pond), Eosumun (Gate) and Juhamnu (Main hall at the top), Seohyanggak (library) left hall in the top

Our next stop was Aeryeonji and Uiduhap. Here we found another pond, this time, the pond shape is square. It was mentioned that it has islet in the pond with pavilion but now it was disappeared but the pavilion still there. The pond named by King Sukjong (I know he is the King in love with Dongyi)  “Aeryeon” that is why the pond is called Aeryeonji. The grandson of King Jeongjo which is Crown Prince Hyonmyeong built Uiduhap Pavilion near the pond. I remember that the guide told us something about one passage way in the area, it was called Bullomun (or Bulromun) gate wishes whoever passes it will have long and healthy life which originally meant for king.

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–Uiduhap vicinity

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–Aeryeonji (pond) and Aeryeonjeong (pavillion)

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–Uiduhap

Then, moved to Jondeokjeong area, here the landscape seems to be more natural, because the ponds looks great together with different pavilions surrounding it. There is pavilion which stands on the brim of the pond which is called Gwallamjeong, there is one near on the hill – Pyomusa, Sungjaejeong which stands on the highest ground in the area and the oldest pavilion which is Jondeokjeong.

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–Sungjaejeong

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–Pyomusa

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–Gwallamjeong (Gwanramjeong)

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–Jondeokjeong

We continued our walk in the next area called Ongnyucheon. Ongnyucheon is a brook flowing through the deep valley north  to the Secret Garden of the palace. And he we found a large flat rock called Soyoam Rock. As per our guide, the story of the rock is related to poetry composition, where cup of wines are afloat while making poems, I checked the handbook guide and I learned that it was from Chinese when having parties, they composed poem by a floating wine cups in the waters and if they are not able to create poems, they drink 3 cups of wine as punishment (for me it’s not really punishment, they are still having a good time). There are five pavilions surrounded the brook, namely : Soyojeong, Taegeukjeong, Cheongguijeong, Nongsanjeong and Chwihanjeong. In that five pavilion, the one caught my attention is Cheongguijeong, because it has unique roof which is thatch-roof.

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–Soyoam Rock

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–Soyojeong

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–Taegeukjeong

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–Cheongguijeong

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–Nongsanjeong

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–Chwihanjeong

We moved to the last stop which is YeonGyeongDang. When we went inside the area, there is part where it seems one of the building is being used for shows during night-time.  Then, the guide walk us around the area. Based from handbook guide, the area become an audience hall, the guide shows us separated quarters of  for men and women. It was mentioned that during King Gojong, the area become a venue to received foreign envoys.

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–YeonGyeongDang Vicinity

The tour ended well and for me I had a great time. I enjoyed the tour in the garden because it is like a nature trek which I really enjoyed doing. Historical sites in a natural settings is amazing for me. Before we ended the tour, while we were on our way to exit the Secret Garden we found a tree called Chinese Juniper. The tree believed to be 750 years old and aromatic which provide incense for ancestral rituals at Seonwonjeon Shrine.

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We parted ways with our tour guide in the Secret Garden. Then we continued our walk in other parts of the palace. We moved to Gwolnaegaksa area. Based from handy guide, the area are mostly used as government offices.

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–Gyujanggak

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–Geomseocheong

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–Gwolnaegaksa and vicinity area

Next was Old Seonwonjeon Site, it was called Old because there is a New Seonwonjeon Site, but we were not able to visit the area, it seems the area are still restricted from the public.  Old Seonwonjeon was the place for royal ancestral rites performance. Former king’s portraits were enshrined here.

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–Jinseolcheong

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–Seonwonjeon

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–Seonwonjeon and Naechaldang

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–Seonwonjeon and Vicinity

Then we moved to Daejojoen Area. As per guide book, the area are the scene of tragic history. Here was the place where the last meeting of the cabinet was held to discuss the Japan’s annexation of Joseon and the bed chambers of the last king and queen are still remaining in the area.

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–Daejojoen Vicinity

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–Inside Daejojoen

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–Daejojoen

And the last area we visited inside Chandeokgung palace was Seongjeonggak. The area was the crown prince residence and has been home of many buildings. Seongjeonggak was also used as royal hospital during Japanese occupation.

During the time of our walking tour between Daejojeon and Seongjeonggak area, it rained so heavy and we waited for sometime until rain was over. While waiting at the stair in the doorway of entrance to Huijeongdang, we met a Filipino which touring around the palace as well. And we talked to him for a while, until we discussed the next palace which is ChangGyeongGung which can be found beside Changdoekgung. He mentioned that the palace is small and can be finished in 1 hour. Because of that conversation, we hurriedly decided to visit ChangGyeongGung as well. We have at least 1.5 hours left before closing time.

Brackendale Forest and Shannon Falls

We went back in the bus after spending sometime viewing Tantalus mountain ranges at Tantalus Lookout along Sea to Sky Highway road. We hit the road again and after few minutes we stopped at Brackendale, which still part of Squamish.

We went out for a nature walk which is actually a forest walk. The forest we went in are actually part of a unique school in British Columbia, it is North Vancouver Outdoor School. Based from our tourist guide, the school introduces and teaches all about nature to young kids where the child experience outdoor fun activities. After hearing that from the guide, I wished that I was able to do the same thing when I was young since I love activities with nature.

treeSequoia Tree

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North Vancouver Outdoor School

Inside the forest, we saw mostly of sequoia trees, some were at the ground, some are standing tall. We also found some flora and fauna along our trail while walking under tall trees. We also saw a narrow stream of water which looks canal and swamp like.

I enjoyed the walk in the forest, walking in the forest is one of the things that I really love to do. The forest is one of the place that you can get yourself technically inside or between natures. Every time I am inside the forest I feel relax, calm and serene which rejuvenate my mind. The ambiance of the nature felt so refreshing and the green surrounding made me felt so alive.

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Views near Stawamus Chief on our way back to Vancouver along Sea To Sky Highway

After walking tour in Brackendale, the next stop was at Shannon Falls. I consider this stop as similar to Tantalus Lookout, wherein a great scenery was really amazing. I can’t believe what my eyes saw. The falls was really beautiful and the water flows were quite extraordinary and I can imagine the great force on it that looks like the streams of water tried to race to each other to go down to the ground.

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Shannon Falls

White Rock In British Columbia ?

I arrived in Vancouver the next day, Friday June 13, 2008. From the airport, I went straight to the hotel (Ramada Hotel in Kingsway Burnaby) then rested for a while. After sometime passed, I went to the company branch office in Burnaby Vancouver where I had a chance to meet the whole team there. Here I also met my colleague from who was assigned in Vancouver while I was assigned in Edmonton. After meeting people, my colleague and I undergone some hours of knowledge and training sessions with few people in the team. The day finished so fast and I never realised that it was almost evening.

Because there was Filipino team member in Vancouver and we somewhat closed to him since he was the one came to Manila and interviewed us, he offered us some time to see places nearby. We went to Surrey City and  drove down to Vancouver-Blaine Highway. At first, I never realized that we were going to the border between US and Canada until we arrived at Peach Arch Provincial Park, the area wherein anyone can be in two countries in one time. There is a part of the park called Peach Arch that once you stand on it, it means you are standing in two countries at the same time. When I learned that fact, I was really excited, I never been to US and that was my chance to be in US for a short period of time. Once we cross the arch, we were already in US and once we cross back again, we were in Canada immediately. We spent some time for photos around the area until we decided to leave the place.

Peach Arch Provincial Park

Peach Arch Provincial Park

Peach Arch Provincial Park

Peace Arch Provincial Park

Road to USA

Road to USA

Road to USA

Canada Flag Garden at Canada (Surrey, BC) and USA (Washington, DC) BorderCanada Flag Garden

USA Flag Garden at Canada (Surrey, BC) and USA (Washington, DC) BorderUSA Flag Garden

Peach Arch GardenPeace Arch Garden

Crow in Canada and USA borderCrow found in Peace Arch Garden

Peach Arch

Peach ArchPeace Arch

Next, we drove down along Marine Drive in White Rock, where we saw scenic bay views in the area. Here we saw Semiahmoo Bay, Pier, the city itself and even the legendary historic White Rock while walking around the area. The place is a western coastal area where there is a main road near the coast and along the road are restaurant lane that people can enjoy seafood with beautiful bay views. I like the place because the city that located near in any body of water such as sea, lakes or rivers has different atmosphere compared to urban cities.

Marine Drive

Marine Drive

Marine DriveMarine Drive at White Rock

Semiahmoo Bay

Semiahmoo Bay

Semiahmoo Bay

Semiahmoo Bay

the sea

the sea

Semiahmoo Bay

Semiahmoo Bay

Semiahmoo Bay Snapshots

The Pier from Semiahmoo Bay

The Pier from Semiahmoo Bay
Semiahmoo Pier from Marine Drive

Semiahmoo Bay

Semiahmoo Bay

Side Views Snapshot from Semiahmoo Pier

The PierAt Semiahmoo Pier looking towards the bay

Some boat at the Pier

Some boat at the Pier

Some boat at the Pier

Some small boats and yachts at Semiahmoo Pier

Semiahmoo Bay from The Pier

Semiahmoo Bay

Semiahmoo Bay

White Rock City View from Semiahmoo Pier

Semiahmoo Bay with the train passing by and the white rock

White Rock City View from Semiahmoo Pier with train passing by

Historical White RockLegendary and historical White Rock

The Pier

Semiahmoo Bay from the PierAt Semiahmoo Pier looking towards White Rock

Maple TreeMaple Tree (Famous Trees in Canada and why Canada has Maple Leaf on its flag)

It was a quick tour since we sneak out some time after work and the last stop we had that night was at restaurant (I can’t recall the name because the surrounding area are full of seafood restaurants) located at Fisherman’s Wharf in Steveston Richmond, where we enjoyed seafood as our dinner and bay wharf views.