Random picture thread for Friday

SHARE A VISIT TO NAGASAKI JAPAN'S HISTORIC DEJIMA ISLAND

In this Playlist see the reconstructed merchant buildings that line Dejima Island's Main Street and then come inside the building where a huge scale weighed the goods that were being imported and exported by the Dutch merchants who occupied the Island after the Portuguese and their Christian influences were expelled as Japan chose to remain isolated for the final 200 years of Tokugawa Samurai Rule before the 1863 Meiji Restoration that brought the Emperor to power.

This small fan-shaped island consisting of just a few blocks was the place in Japan foreigners were allowed to reside and trade during that period of isolation.

Link to Playlist Videos of Reconstructed Trading Houses and Weighing scales on Nagasaki Japan's Denim Island:"

https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLtb5zi734BfbPT4Y12eHCCRGV2dOh3YD6

CONCURRENTLY TAKEN PHOTOS:

Period Drawing of the fan-shaped Denim Island as it appeared in the late 1600's:

Dejima Island's Trading Houses as Reconstructed Today:

Widow's Keep Observation Platform Atop the Central and Main Trading House:as Reconstructed:

Period Drawing of the Observation Platform:

Inside a Reconstructe Trading House with its huge scale for weighing goods being imported and exported:

Period Drawings of the Giant Scales as they were used by the Dutch Traders on Dejima Island:

Views from along the two mile walk from the Nagasaki Cruise Ship Port just below Glover Garden and Dejima Island:

A DAY SPENT ON SOUTH KOREA'S JEJU ISLAND, HOME TO THE COUNTRY'S TALLEST MOUNTAIN AND ASIA'S LARGEST BUDDHIST TEMPLE

Jeju Island, known as South Korea's Hawaii, is home to Asia's largest Buddhist Temple (Yakcheonsa) with its elaborate interior is seen in the below linked Video Playlist as well as the also seen tallest mountain in South Korea.

Additional pictured sites include the Seonimgyo Bridge, Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, its Oranges filled market, its Turtle Fountain, and even the Jeju Jet Boat navigating the rocky waters off its scenic coastline. In addition the Diamond Princess Cruise Ship's Sail Away with assisting tugboats and pictured Korea Coast Guard and Naval Ships.

Link to Video Playlist of a Day in Jeju Island South Korea:

https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLtb5zi734BfZcRhEmB5Gx3oa8jXzu346R

Concurrently Taken Photos:

Oranges Growing on the Temple Grounds and inside Yakcheonsa Temple:

Oranges Everywhere:

The arched "Fairy" or "Cloud" Bridge:

The tower in the botanical gardens from which the views of South Korea's tallest mountain in the above linked video playlist were taken:

CHANCING UPON SAKURA IN FULL BLOOM IN LATE APRIL

A late April visit to Hakodate, Hokkaido's second largest city, is rewarded with catching the cherry blossoms in full bloom. In this playlist ride with us as we drive under a canopy of Sakura in full bloom overhead on Sakura Dori (Cherry Blossom Lane.). Then continue the ride with us past Sakura filled Goryokaku Park,

The BELOW LINKED playlist continues with the discovery of tasty Hairy Crab found at the Morning Market as well as watching the making of Giant Frisbee-sized senbei with smashed squid.at the train station.

Link to video Playlist of Sakura in Full Bloom, Hairy Crab and Frisbee-sized senbei:

https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLtb5zi734BfZQ7QbdtEIiHmRVCa8YKBbU

Concurrently taken photos:

Big Boy 4014 coming to Northeast Ohio: Where to see world’s largest steam locomotive
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CLEVELAND, Ohio — The world’s largest operating steam locomotive is heading to Northeast Ohio.
Union Pacific Railroad’s famed Big Boy No. 4014 will pass through the region in June and again in July as part of a rare coast-to-coast tour marking America’s 250th anniversary, giving the public multiple chances to see the historic locomotive in motion