Where the modern and ancient coexist
A destination for good food
We journeyed south from Tokyo to the southern island Kyushu, stopping at the largest city there, Fukuoka. The downtown is a pulsating metropolis of modern buildings, steel and glass. Along with this we found small, traditional style restaurants serving regional variations of dishes such as okonomiyaki (see the okonomiyaki chef in the photo).
As we embarked on a bus trip to shrines on the outskirts of Fukuoka, our senses were enraptured by a kaleidoscope of colors, scents, and sounds. This area has the typical main avenue bustling with shops offering everything from ice cream to high end jewelry, leading gently up toward the shrine complex. Within a canopy of tall trees, we explored the numerous walkways, taking us over traditional foot bridges, streams, a lake, and up to hillside dwellings. The allure of the city’s ancient traditions and mystical heritage were both vibrant as well as hypnotic.
Sketch time!
Along with taking photos, making the time to create a sketch is a rewarding experience. I have been adding watercolors later to some of my sketches. It seems to add life in a new way. I’ve tried to paint on location, but have found it quite challenging, in part because of the many people around who are always active and distracting, and often unknowingly block the view I am trying to capture. Using watercolors for me requires patience and concentration.
SketchTravel
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