FLIGHT OVER MT. ASO

During the Chinese New Year, we spent few days for a North Kyushu trip in Japan. We took a train to Aso from Beppu to visit the famous volcano, the Mount Aso (阿蘇山). Usually visitors will take cable car up to Mt. Aso to experience this live volcano, but on the day we visited, the cable car did not operate due to heavy smoke. Jane also coughed badly....

We were quite disappointed and walked toward Volcano Museum. When we were enjoying the nice view and sunshine, we found a helicopter landing not far away from us. We realized it was for Mt. Aso scenic flight. So we decided to have a different experience about Mt. Aso.

Though it was not the first helicopter flight for us, we still felt exciting about it. When we were flying around Mt. Aso, we really enjoyed the whole picture of Mt. Aso which we could only see from post cards. The image was super stunning.

Before the flight, we though JPY5,000 per person for a 5 min flight was kind expensive. But after seeing the beautiful Mt. Aso, we could say it was worthy to do it.

TAIPEI INTERNATIONAL FLORA EXPOSITION

On the last day of year 2010, I visited 2011 Taipei International Flora Exposition. I am not an expert or enthusiast of flowers, so I did not get in the long line for those fancy exhibition halls. I just enjoyed walking under the beautiful winter sunshine to visit those outdoor exhibition areas one by one.

Some people blame it too costly, and some criticize it not well organized. For me, it is an international event in Taipei and a precious big beautiful green area which I should not miss it. I wish all these beautiful garden will still be well maintained after the expo.

Photos of Flora Expo.

THE NEW GATE OF TOKYO TO THW WORLD

Haneda Airport once a domestic airport with very limited international flight services. Small terminals and ineffective infrastructure could not support Haneda becoming a new gate of Tokyo.

By end of Oct., 2010, the new terminals' construction completed, created a new era of Tokyo. Haneda provides more international flight than ever, and brings great convenience of traveling people; people save time and cost than flying through Narita Airport.

Due to the ambition of Haneda Airport's management, the Haneda Airport now is not only the new gate of Tokyo to the world, also an attraction site to tourists. Inside the international terminal, there are a lot of gift shops, restaurants and great fun for whole families.

Haneda Airport is reborn!

YOKOHAMA, A CITY OF MIXED CULTURES

Yokohama City, about 40 minutes away from Tokyo by train. It is the second largest city of Japan in terms of population, also a popular tourist site.

Because of Port of Yokohama opened in 1859, and quickly became the major trading location with foreign countries. So Yokohama has a very unique mixed culture than other cities in Japan. You can see some western style buildings and also the largest China Town in Asia.

After visiting popular tourist sites, don't forget the night view of Minato Mirai 21.

More photos of Yokohama

THE VENETIAN, MIXTURE OF FUN AND GREEDINESS

"The Venetian" may be the most famous recreation spot in Macau. The Venetian provides the service of hotel, shopping, nice dining, performance, and casino (may be the most attractive part). Most people can enjoy stay or visit at The Venetian.

I think it is fun to stay at The Venetian one time, but I will not go there again. Since I am not crazy about casino. There should be more fun in Hong Kong than Macau to me.

Photos of Macau