Colors of My Heart

This was my second visit to Prague Castle since my first trip in August 2024.  As it was during a break from work this time, I couldn’t spend much time taking photos. Even so, the castle adorned in autumn colors was truly magnificent. Nikon D40x / AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm F3.5-5.6G ED VR / 1/1250s / F4.2 / ISO 400 / 0.0 Nikon D40x / AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm F3.5-5.6G ED VR / 1/1600s / F5 / ISO 400 / 0.0 Nikon D40x / AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm F3.5-5.6G ED VR / 1/3200s / F5.6 / ISO 400 / 0.0 Nikon D40x / AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm F3.5-4.5G ED / 1/2500s / F3.5 / ISO 400 / 0.0 Nikon D40x / AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm F3.5-4.5G ED / 1/2000s / F3.5 / ISO 400 / 0.0 Nikon D40x / AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm F3.5-5.6G ED VR / 1/20s / F3.8 / ISO 400 / 0.0 Nikon D40x / AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm F3.5-5.6G ED VR / 1/40s / F4 / ISO 400 / 0.0 Nikon D40x / AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm F3.5-4.5G ED  / 1/40s / F4.2 / ISO 400 / 0.0 Nikon D40x / AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm F3.5-4.5G ED  / 1/20s / F4.2 / ISO 400 / 0.0 Nik...

Warsaw, the capital of Poland, is a city steeped in history and culture, renowned for its deep connection with Chopin. Frédéric Chopin was born in Poland in 1810 and spent his formative years in Warsaw, where he received his musical education and composed his early works. Today, the city honors his legacy through the Chopin Museum, commemorative monuments, and summer open-air concerts. In the heart of Warsaw, along Krakowskie Przedmieście Street, stands the Holy Cross Church, which holds Chopin’s heart—a poignant symbol of his love for his homeland. Visiting Warsaw feels like being embraced by the melodies of Chopin. Chopin died in Paris in 1849, leaving a wish that his heart be returned to Poland. His sister Ludwika preserved it in brandy (or cognac) and secretly brought it home. Initially placed in the church’s crypt in the 1860s, it was later moved to a pillar in 1879 or 1880, enclosed in a crystal urn inscribed with the Latin phrase: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will b...

Located near Alexanderplatz in the heart of Berlin, St. Mary’s Church (Marienkirche) is one of the city’s oldest churches, first mentioned in records in 1292. Built in Gothic style with red brick, it later incorporated Baroque and Neo-Gothic elements. Inside, the church is renowned for its 15th-century “Dance of Death” fresco, stretching about 22 meters, which serves as a poignant reminder of life’s transience. Although heavily damaged during World War II, it was restored in the 1950s by the East German government.  Today, it continues to function as a Protestant place of worship, and a statue of Martin Luther stands in front of the church. Right next to it rises the Berlin Television Tower (Fernsehturm), an iconic symbol of the former East Germany, soaring to a height of 368 meters. Constructed between 1965 and 1969, it was originally intended to showcase the power of the East, but now stands as a landmark of reunified Berlin. At 203 meters, visitors can enjoy an observation deck ...

The Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom), rising majestically in the Lustgarten on Museum Island, is one of Germany’s largest Protestant churches. It originated in the 15th century as a chapel within the city palace. Over time, its architectural style evolved from Baroque to Neo-Renaissance, and between 1894 and 1905, it was rebuilt under the order of Emperor Wilhelm II, with designs by Julius Raschdorff. The cathedral boasts a striking dome reaching 98 to 115 meters in height, a lavishly decorated interior, a grand pipe organ, and the royal crypt of the Hohenzollern dynasty. In contrast, the Altes Museum (Old Museum) was constructed between 1825 and 1830 by order of King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia and designed by Karl Friedrich Schinkel as a masterpiece of Neoclassical architecture. Facing the northern side of the Lustgarten, it is distinguished by its magnificent portico with 18 Ionic columns and a rotunda inspired by the Roman Pantheon. Originally built as a royal art museum, it no...

Visiting Berlin for the first time in my life and saw the Berlin Wall. Standing before this historic structure and witnessing how people now freely move between East and West made me realize once again how devastating war is. As you know, the Berlin Wall was a symbol of the Cold War, etched into world history. On August 13, 1961, the East German government built the wall to prevent mass emigration to the West, dividing the city of Berlin into East and West. Stretching about 155 kilometers, it was far more than a simple concrete barrier—it included watchtowers, barbed wire, armed guards, and a heavily fortified “death strip.” In East Germany, it was called the “Anti-Fascist Protection Wall,” but in reality, it robbed citizens of their freedom. The wall symbolized the tension of the Cold War, and many risked their lives trying to cross it. On November 9, 1989, the border between East and West Germany was opened, leading to the fall of the wall and, the following year, German reunificatio...

The view from the JAL flight from Oita to Haneda was nothing short of breathtaking.  Shortly after takeoff, the Seto Inland Sea shimmered in a deep blue, with scattered islands sparkling like jewels across the water. Sunlight danced on the surface, creating a silver glow that felt like a dreamscape where sea and sky merged into one.  As the aircraft climbed higher, Mount Fuji appeared in the distance, its graceful silhouette standing out vividly against the clear blue sky.  Later in the day, as we approached Tokyo Bay, the setting sunbathed Mount Fuji in a golden hue, its glowing outline suspended against the evening sky—a sight so beautiful it left me speechless.  It was a moment that stirred the heart, a perfect glimpse of Japan’s natural splendor from above. Above Cape Sada Nikon D40x / AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm F3.5-5.6G ED VR / 1/125s / F5.6 / ISO 400 / 0.0 Over the Seto Inland Sea     Nikon D40x / AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm F3.5-5.6G ED VR / 1/250s / F5.6 ...