from the rooftops II

from the rooftops

Inside the White Pagoda

I love the lace effect and the freshly renovated white against a blue sky. remember blue skies? that's what used to appear in summer or so I believe, it's been so long....Anyway another bright shot in the hope of creating some sympathetic magic and affecting the weather for the weekend :)

Wedding White

Newly restored summer house/pagaoda in Finnstown House; we had our wedding reception here (4th April 2008) and we pop out for dinner at regular intervals - the new owners have done a lot to upgrade and refurbish it and this to me sums up the restoration - not replacing the well loved old features but bringing them up to date, refreshing and renewing them.

Rooftops

Detail on the highest roof of the Pagoda of the Town God , Huang Zhou, China.

Pagoda of the Town God

Taken in China in OCtober 2006 - the Pagoda of the Town God, Hangzhou. One of the best places I have ever visited, Hangzhou is the favourite destination of chinese honeymooners. It boasts the wonderful West Lake, the Peak-flying-from-afar, and the Temple of the Seven Buddhas. But one of the lesser known gems is the Pagoda of the Town God. Walk down Ancient Street to the very end, right into the little huxter stall at the end, and down into the small square. You'll see signs pointing upwards, to what looks like a little scenic woalk up a genlte hill. Don't be fooled, you'll keep on going up and up until you reach the Pagoda of the Town God. The magistrate under one of the Emporers, who was reknowned for being completely honest but who was framed by his enemies to stop his reforms. Local peasantry and merchants rebelled when the magistrate was unfairly excuted and to make reparation the Emporer declared him Town God. He still looks over Hangzhou and its people, from this wonderful ornate temple shrine and pagoda.