Colors of My Heart

San Miguel de Allende, located in the highlands of central Mexico, is a beautiful town renowned for its colonial architecture and vibrant artistic culture. At the heart of this charming town stands the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, a church that serves as its most iconic landmark. With its pink stone façade designed in a Gothic style, the church evokes the grandeur of European cathedrals. However, its design is uniquely Mexican—created by local artisans who drew inspiration from postcards of European churches, resulting in a structure that showcases remarkable creativity and individuality. Reconstructed in the 19th century, the church was originally built in the 18th century and underwent significant renovations. Its towering spires and ornate decorations are particularly striking. During the day, the pink exterior glows under the bright blue sky, while at night, the church is beautifully illuminated, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Inside, golden embellishments, stained glass wi...

It is a breathtaking seasonal attraction that opens only in spring. Each year, vibrant ranunculus flowers blanket approximately 50 acres—about the size of four Tokyo Domes—creating a spectacular display. The peak bloom typically occurs from late March through early May, when the colorful carpet of blossoms set against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean is truly awe-inspiring. The history of this floral wonder dates back to the 1920s, when British horticulturist Luther Gage introduced ranunculus to North America. Since then, it has become a cherished spring tradition in the region. Today, The Flower Fields welcomes over 100,000 visitors annually. The grounds are divided into multiple sections, with staggered planting schedules to ensure that visitors can enjoy stunning blooms throughout the season. Because there is little shade, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential, along with comfortable walking shoes and plenty of water. From the hilltop vantage points, the contrast between th...

There’s a Starbucks in Rancho Palos Verdes (Los Angeles, CA) that I will never forget. Nestled right in front of the vast Pacific Ocean, it offers a breathtaking view that makes every sip of coffee feel like a moment of peace.  What made it truly special were the evenings—watching the sun slowly sink into the horizon, painting the ocean in shades of crimson and gold. I remember sitting there, completely immersed in the beauty, feeling time gently slow down. It’s been nearly twenty years since that visit, but the memory remains vivid in my heart. Among all the Starbucks I’ve ever been to, this one stands above the rest. It wasn’t just about the coffee—it was about the serenity, the view, and the quiet joy of being present in such a beautiful moment. Even now, I consider it the best Starbucks I’ve ever experienced. rencho palos verdes starbucks - Bing 地図 iPhone 6s Plus / F2.2 / 1/277s / ISO25 / 0.0 iPhone 6s Plus / F2.5 / 1/280s / ISO25 / 0.0 Participating in the ranking If you thi...

Two months after arriving in Mexico, once my life had settled into a comfortable rhythm, I visited the UNESCO World Heritage city of San Miguel de Allende. Located in the heart of central Mexico, this vibrant destination is renowned for its colorful streets and rich artistic culture. San Miguel de Allende is a small city in the state of Guanajuato, where cobblestone slopes and colonial-style buildings evoke the charm of medieval Europe. In 2008, it was designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, drawing travelers from around the globe. At the heart of the city stands the magnificent neo-Gothic Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, a towering church that dominates the skyline. In front of it lies the Jardín Allende, a lively plaza where locals and tourists gather to relax. Surrounding the square are cozy cafés, restaurants, and souvenir shops that add to the city’s welcoming atmosphere. The entire city has also been recognized as a “Pueblo Mágico” (Magical Town), a title given to plac...

Shinjuku Gyoen was made in 1906 as an imperial garden, it was re-designated as a national garden after the WW2 and opened to the public. With 58.3 ha in size and a circumference of 3.5 km, Shinjuku Gyoen, the representative modern western-style garden in Meiji era, blends three distinct styles, Formal Garden, Landscape Garden and Japanese Traditional Garden, and is considered to be one of the most important gardens from the Meiji era. Among about the 10,000 trees which grow in Shinjuku Gyoen, there are the first examples planted in Japan such plants as tulip trees, planes, Himalayan cedars and bald cypresses. From the cherry blossoms in spring to the soft greens of summer, the chrysanthemums and colorful leaves of autumn and the snowscapes of winter, Shinjuku Gyoen is an ideal place to get close to nature and enjoy the changing seasons, the perfect oasis for metropolitan. - Japanese white-eye (called Mejiro in Japanese) in Shinjuku Gyoen - The Japanese white-eye is a bird about 12 cm l...