Seeing History

Matsumoto, Japan |

Matsumoto Castle is one of the few most complete and beautifully kept castle. As we approached this castle structure that remains standing in the midst of modern day Japan, it’s hard not to imagine being transported back to the Shogun time.

Seeing You, Seeing Me

Kumoba Pond, Karuizawa, Japan |

I see trees of green, red roses too
I see them bloom for me and you
And I think to myself what a wonderful world

— excerpt from What a Wonderful World by George David Weiss / Robert Thiele

Curry, Nan and Rice

Karuizawa, Japan |

Indian cuisine with a bit of Japanese flair is something you can experience from this cozy restaurant in the resort town of Karuizawa.

The Falls

Niagara Falls, Canada |

It was Suleiman and his family’s first time to go on a road trip to somewhere outside of the city since arrived from Lebanon twenty months ago. He was excited and filled with anticipation when we arrived at Niagara Falls. For Suleiman, on that day, seeing waterfalls of this size in such close distance was an extraordinary experience that he will remember for a long time.

Standing By

Nagano, Japan |

Umbrellas on standby mode …

Store Front

Karuizawa, Japan

A little shop in the old town area of Karuizawa.

Rain or Dry

Wan Chai, Hong Kong

Summer in Hong Kong is hot and rainy. And in most of the time, a heavy downpour can come at anytime with no advance warning. If you are out on the street unprepared, your chance of getting completely soaked or not would likely depends on what you have in your hands. Have nothing in your hands that you can use to cover yourself? Relax, hopping on a tram is a quick and safe way to turn what could be a soaking event into a ride to see the city in the rain.

Art and Nature

Utsukushi-ga-hara Open-Air Museum, Ueda, Japan |

There is something unique about seeing art in the outdoor. This particular piece really caught my attention. It is one of the many beautiful sculptures being exhibited in the Utsukushi-ga-hara Open-Air Museum, located on a plateau, 2,000 meter above sea level. It is the only outdoor art museum in Japan at such a high altitude.

Three Colours

City of Markham, Canada |

Their hijab are in different colours. They are mother and daughters. Like many Syrian families, they come to Canada — this land of colours, to seek for a new beginning for their lives. We met them in a community BBQ event to celebrate Canada 150. Though we did not get to talk a lot, but their laughter and enthusiasm for new friendship have touched many of us.

Ramen Confidential

Ueno, Tokyo |

This ramen shop near Ueno Station in Tokyo is busy and very different from any other ramen shops. There is no table for two, or four, or ten. Every customer, in theory, is sharing a long bench but in their own little compartment, separated by a panel divider. The ramen would serve right up to customer through a window. Nobody is able to peek on anyone’s ramen. Privacy is honoured here. The sight and sound of a delicious bowl of ramen is ONLY for you, the customer, to enjoy.

Rain and Umbrella

Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong |

To many people in Hong Kong, umbrella certainly holds a very different meaning other than a device used as protection against rain or sometimes sun. But today at Sai Ying Pun, umbrella is simply an umbrella — always the best companion in a rainy day.

Four Friends

Toronto, Canada |

Four young people from four different countries met each other after arrived in Canada, sharing a friendship that goes beyond language and culture.

Doing It Together

Toronto, Canada |

A Syrian mother doing craft work with her young son in a community event for Syrian families that have settled in Toronto area after arrived from different refugee camps in Jordon and Lebanon.