February 22, 2012
Photo of the Week: Matsumoto Castle
Our Photo of the Week hails from a destination very near to Tokyo. Built in 1504, the Matsumoto Castle is listed as a National Treasure of Japan. Located in the Nagano Prefecture, it is only a short trip from Tokyo. Sometimes referred to as “Crow Castle” for its dark coloring and because its roofs look similar to spreading wings, the Matsumoto Castle was built as a fort during the Sengoku period. Read more »
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February 9, 2012
Photo of the Week: Sunset in Bruges, Belgium
Our photo of the week highlights an incredible city, only an hour’s train ride from Amsterdam. Like Amsterdam, Bruges, Belgium is a city set in a network of canals. It is often referred to as the “Venice of the North”. Bruges offers beautiful bridges, architecture and culture and is regarded as one of the most romantic towns in Europe. The entire city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Pay a visit to this quaint town and find wonderful photo opportunities like this one everywhere you look. Read more »
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January 24, 2012
Photo of the Week: Setsubun Bean Festival
The Japanese don’t traditionally celebrate the Lunar New Year like many other Asian nations. Instead, the Setsubun Festival, or Bean Throwing Festival, falls in sync with the New Year celebrations across the world. Read more »
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July 25, 2011
Travel Photography Made Easy
We’ve all experienced relatives returning from trips, excited to invite the family over for a long and excruciating three hours of photo sharing. You stare at images of grandpa and grandma standing in front of endless monuments, statues, signs, etc. with the same expressions and same composition making up each photograph. While most travelers own a digital camera, few know how to compose photos that will create memorable and interesting photographs to commemorate their travels. Here are a few travel photography tips for even the most amateur of photographers. Learn how to take photos on your travels that won’t bore your relatives.
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February 4, 2011
Photo Diary: Welcome Spring
Yes, it is February, so why are we talking about spring’s arrival? It may be hard to imagine, but blossoming tulips and cherry blossoms are just around the corner in our favorite nonstop destinations, and Amsterdam and Tokyo are preparing for the colorful delights that spring brings. Tokyo’s cherry blossom festivals occur in April, but in Okinawa, the celebrations have already started. Unlike Tokyo, the cherry blossoms in Okinawa are a vibrant pink and blossom in late January to early February. Read more »
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January 7, 2011
Photo Diary: Rivers
While Amsterdam, Portland and Tokyo have various cultural differences, a common geographical feature is their access to water. Amsterdam was named after the Amstel River, which runs through the heart of the city. Tokyo has multiple rivers, but the Meguro River is particularly famous as a destination to view the blossoming cherry trees during Hanami. The Willamette River divides Portland from east to west and has a double role as a commercial center and recreational outlet for water sport enthusiasts. Read more »
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December 3, 2010
Photo Diary: Winter
Snow falls, the wind blows and lights twinkle when winter comes to Amsterdam, Portland and Tokyo. While all three cities have fairly mild winters, they each receive a makeover when snow makes an appearance. In Amsterdam, bikes find parking wherever they can (even if it means on top of each other); Portlanders leave the car at home and dust off their cross country skies, and in Tokyo, locals leave prayers for family and loved ones at shrines, like the Yushima Tenmangu. Read more »
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October 29, 2010
Photo Diary: Happy Halloween!
The ghouls are out for another year of spooks, frights and sugar rushes. How do Portland, Amsterdam and Tokyo decorate for Halloween?
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October 8, 2010
Photo Diary: Marathons
The upcoming Portland Marathon and Amsterdam Marathon inspired our photo diary today. Whether you are a runner or observer, these incredible athletes may inspire you to get out and try out your own running routes. We have already done some leg work for you (pun somewhat intended) and have recommendations in each of the cities. Read more »
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September 10, 2010
Photo Diary: Hotels
The ultimate vacation would not be complete without the perfectly matched hotel. Amsterdam’s design culture is well capture at the Lloyd Hotel Amsterdam. The rooms vary from 1-5 star rating and feature works of art from local and international artists. Read more »