Asian Architecture

Interesting website:

http://www.orientalarchitecture.com/

I've been to most of the temples in Nara and Kyoto. I'll try and scan some pictures in of my visits to interesting architecture.

I was mezmerized by kinkaku-ji the pictures don't do it justice. plus the effect of the entire area and the fact it sits on a dock-like structure surrounded by a more than usual reflective water as a mirror...just the whole scenery is one I'll never forget.

Todaiji is absolutely huge as temples go. The beams inside supporting it give an idea of scale:
http://www.orientalarchitecture.com/nara/Todaiji21.jpg
also in the picture shows the exact place (to the left) where they sometimes setup a table for visitors to 'sign a tile' and give a donation. The tiles are then used on the roof of the temple when need replacing. I couldn't write Japanese, not even hiragana at the time, so I wrote in English on 2 tiles "peace baby" and "Buddha lives!"

The huge statue of Buddha there is ominous, I joked around to my wife wispering to her "did you see him move!? I just saw his finger move!" she didn't think it was funny....well kinda.

I think I like Ginkakuji better than Kinkakuji. Less flashy.