tales of the golden state

bai minority tie dye.
for over a thousand years, the bai minority have used tie-dying as a technique to dye their traditional costumes. the centuries old techniquea are still alive and very popular in dali. we spend a whole afternoon at this magical workshop and shop, marveling at these old hands crafting beautiful traditional nature-inspired patterns into the fabric, inspecting the huge pot of indigo dye and admiring all the pretty tie dyed clothes and fabrics in display in the shade of this tranquil backyard. of course we left with full hands. several gorgeous indigo blue blankets and wall hangings made their way back home with us 🤗

the bondi to bronte coastal walk is one of sydney’s most famous trails - for good reason. 

the 4 km/2,5 miles long walk (one way) leads you along the south pacific ocean, over sandstone cliffs, boardwalks and steps made of wood and stone.  

the trail takes about 1,5 hours walking time, but you can easily spend half a day here: at every turn, panoramic views of sydney’s beautiful beaches, coves and coastal cliffs await. along the way you`ll get plenty of opportunities to swim off glistening beaches or take a refreshing dip in rockpools of all shapes and sizes. beautiful resting spots invite you to enjoy a picnic or simply rest and soak in the fresh, salty ocean breeze and the amazing views over the turquoise blue ocean with a backdrop of cliffs and trendy beachside neighbourhoods. 

adjacent beachside parks offer picnic shelters, coin-operated outdoor barbecues, kiosks, playgrounds, toilets, showers and changing rooms.

the trail is kid-friendly, but includes plenty of steps, bringing a stroller is not recommended.

how to get here: express buses run from the city centre to bondi beach (take roughly 30 min). buses depart from bronte beach to central station (take about 40 min.)

naha tug of war festival 那覇大綱挽 
on okinawa we`ve been to the largest tug-of-war event in the world with a history of almost 600 years.
hundred thousands of people tug on a 200 meter long and 40 tons heavy rope 
with actors in traditional ryukyuan and okinawan gowns standing on it.
thousands of okinawans from kids to seniors sing, dance, drum, trumpet and cheer enthusiastically for their side. the ozuna (male rope) is traditionally on the east side and the mezuna (female rope) on the west. the two 100 m long ropes represent the opposing powers who were tugging on the ryukyuan kingdom in ancient times. both sides get connected with rings short before the fight in a festive opening ceremony. what a party! // auf okinawa haben wir das groesste tauziehen-event der welt besucht, das mit einer fast sechshunderjährigen geschichte auch eines der aeltesten ist. hunderttausende von menschen ziehen an einem 200 meter langen und 40 tonnen schweren seil, auf dem schauspieler in originalen ryukyuischen und okinawaischen trachten stehen. hunderte okinawaner von jung bis alt singen, tanzen, trommeln und trompeten, um ihre seite anzufeuern. das oestliche, maennliche seil wird traditionell ozuna genannt, das westliche, weibliche mezuna. die beiden 100m langen seile repraesentieren die rivalisierenden kraefte, die in der vergangenheit am ryukyuschen koenigreich zerrten. beide seiten werden kurz vor dem tauziehen in einer feierlichen eroeffnungszeremonie mit ringen verbunden. was fuer ein fest! https://www.oki-islandguide.com/culture-lifestyle/tug-of-war

color me in pastels nanjo-shi, okinawa honto, japan

ao nang, thailand

golden hour

blue - turquoise - green abel tasman coast track

fiordland rainforest

on the road again.

coming back from hana on the other side of the island... on the unpaved road which shall not be used (according to the insurance company).

dis ma ride yo (ma rental ride ;D)

wai' anapanapa state park - black sand beach

phone cam rainbow panorama