Mark Baker - Year 39
A relaxing Sunday, reading books about Sumo and practising Origami, with two quick visits to very impressive temples: The first Sanjusangendo which has over a thousand ‘Kannon’ statues that stand around the buddha. The second is a really nice 3 tiered temple that has relaxing ponds with Japanese Koi Carp to look at. Randomly in […]
This morning I woke early and decided to go for a stroll upto the area where the temple are, however on the was I spotted a riverside walk which I did instead. It was relaxing and there many bird swooping and paddling as I walked along. The last few days I have been relaxing in […]
Yesterdays trip to Hiroshima from Kyoto was all quite simple on the bullet train. When I arrived at the hostel at 4pm I decided to chill and explore the city in the morning. Today I got up and caught the street car, a tram like vehicle, to the Genbaku Dome-Mae stop. From here it is […]
This little island just of Hiroshima is a 35 min street car ride to the Hiroden-miyajima-guchi stop and a simple 10 min ferry ride away from the hostel. Once arriving on the island the thing that moves you first is the dears and how people friendly they are. In the UK dears are notoriously shy, […]
I am conscious that I have not blogged for the last few days. In that time I have not really done much except have another look around Hiroshima peace park at night and then once more on my way to Hiroshima Train Station. The final time I visited the A-Bomb Dome I noticed Cranes, the […]
This morning I woke at 5am and realised that I had not seen a sunrise since I was staying with the Taoist Master in South Korea. So up I got and went for a walk. As you can see above the Dōtonbori canal looks great as the light begins to appear. I really enjoyed the […]
I have now rented an apartment for 2 weeks on AirBnB in preparation for my friend to fly from the UK with his 1 year old child. So you will be seeing more photos of me and possibly with a little baby boy, just thought I would warn you. AirBnB is great way to book […]
For the first day and after Devon has adjusted to the time zone with his first overnight sleep. We decided to explore the area a little bit and started at Shinsekai before visiting the zoo. The zoo on some levels was great and Devon enjoyed a few of the animals before his morning nap. We […]
Today we all went to an amazing fish market and then a stroll to see the Lamborghini and Mclaren salesrooms. We then arrived in Umeda where Devon had a paddle in the fountain before we went up to the top of the Umeda Sky Garden to see the Osaka night skyline. On the way back […]
Todays visit to Osaka Castle was relaxing one where we sat on the grass and Devon introduced himself to some school children. From the Castle we headed to the amazing aquarium where the animals were a lot happier than at the Zoo. As you can see from the photos Devon, Ben and I really enjoyed […]
We had a great day looking around Namba parks which is shopping mall with a difference in that is is covered in trees and has nice places to sit down. At Tennoji Park Devon continued to get lots of attention because of his cuteness, blonde hair and blue eyes. His happy and chuckly disposition helps […]
Today Ben and Devon had their first experience of the Japanese Bullet Train. We got up early and caught the train to Hiroshima to hopefully watch a regional Sumo tournament. Before we got to the Sports Centre where the Sumo was being held we had a look at the A Bomb Dome and the Peace […]
Sunday morning we got up and left the apartment to see the 5th Osaka Marathon in progress. After watching this for a while we headed to Tenojei park once again for Devon to work his charm and have fun playing ball in the park. We then strolled the area and found a shopping mall to […]
We caught the JR train from Tennoji to Iga-Ueno and then on to Uenoshi which in the end took 2 hours, which was about double the time we were expecting. It was worth it to visit the Ninja Museum because it was very cool, informative and had we gone on a different day we would […]
A visit to Universal Studios in Osaka was high on Ben’s list so today we visited it and it was really easy to get to and get in. Because we left around rush hour the trains to the Universal City station were busy and we had a pram we could not get on many of […]
Ben and I spotted this face at Tennoji Park near the Zoo in Osaka. I am still considering this little persons characteristics.
The last couple of days we have been to Kyoto on the train where we experienced an amazing fish market and few temples. Yesterday we spent in Osaka exploring Tennoji again, before finding a park along the river near Yodoyabashi station. We then found an amazing Dragon Temple near our apartment which is possibly the […]
Today is Halloween and every where we look everybody is dressed up, so when had lunch Devon got in the act too. This afternoon we went on a big red ferries wheel which is situated on top of building next to Osaka JR station. The views were really nice and very reasonable at (about £3) […]
The apartment in Osaka was really great for Ben, Devon and I to stay in. Everything felt new and the washing machine came in very useful with a 1 year old too. Its location was walking distance to most attractions including Shin-Sai Bashi and Shinsekai. This apartment is great for 2 adults and a child […]
With Ben and Devon flying out from Osaka at 11:35pm on the 1st November and me catching a flight at 9:55am the next morning it made sense for me to stay in hotel near the Kansai airport. When we arrived at the Rinku Town stop next to the hotel and one 5min stop from the […]
Today I caught my 4 hour flight from a rainy Osaka to a sunny and very warm Manila in the Philippines. This is because I crossed the equator in to summertime in the southern hemispere. Upon arriving in Manila I caught a taxi to my DG Budget Hotel which was a complete contrast to the […]
A couple of days ago I caught a very early 7am flight, I had to be at the airport for 4am, from Manila to Boracay to meet me friend Dennis. The plane was a propellor type that did not hold many people, which was pretty cool. Once it landed at Caticlan airport I had to […]
Yesterday I went Scuba diving. What struck me about this sport is that the gear is such a simple concept that opens a whole new world under the Sea. I was considering getting my Open Water PADI license but decided against it because I am not sure how often I will do it again. It […]
Yesterday evening I went to ‘watch’ folk dancing and go for some food with a few of Dennis’ old students who are now working in Boracay. Dennis is in Manila at a meeting. Once we got to the dancing and ate some food I ended up getting pulled up on the stage to have ago. […]
I spotted this face as I took my clothes of the washing line outside the room I was staying in Boracay. Peggy will be someone with a real dry sense of humour and is quite content to just hang out and contemplate life and has lots of ideas from watching the world go by.
This face was discovered on the door to my room in Boracay. These two characters are twins (not identical) and each have their own strengths but when they combine/lock together they have super-strengths.
As I walked back to my room I nearly bumped in to this mop face. It made me jump and did not look overly friendly. Moppy always tries to bring the other characters down and is not helping others to be all they can, but in the end the other characters have taught Moppy how […]
The reason I am here in Boracay is to celebrate my friends 40th Birthday with him. So the night before last, when Dennis returned from Manila, we went to Club Wave on the sea front for couple of drinks, a dance and a Pizza. Yesterday, Dennis’ actual birthday, we went Island Hopping which involved getting […]
A couple of early morning walks along to station 1 and Dimiwidi beach and a sunset swim at station 3 have resulted in some amazing sights. I have been hoping on trikes and having a look around the island. This afternoon I am going to go to the ‘back’ beach for a swim and then […]
Over the last few days I have been hopping on to the trike once again to explore more of the island. The day before yesterday I had my 2nd intense Yoga session, which had an amazing view over the main beach. In the afternoon I went with Dennis’ friends to the back beach where alot […]
I spotted this face in the toilet at McDonalds in Boracay. When I showed this face to Dennis he said that it reminded him of a combination on Disney’s Dumbo and Pinocchio. With this in mind I like the idea of this character have different personalities when he is feeling sad to when he is […]
Yesterday morning I went to the back beach and saw more kite boarding and promised myself I would be there this morning in time for the sunrise at 5:30am. I am pleased I made it because the sight was amazing and I got to see lots of dogs playing which is a sight I love […]
My room in Boracay was not the best, however it served the purpose and the aircon was really much appreciated. The shower was cold, and I am looking forward to a warm one, but because it was so hot outside the water was never really freezing. The toilet did not flush, but I sorted that […]
Yesterday was my last day in Boracay and as I wandered around I noticed how many trikes were buzzing about me, so I filmed them. In the evening Dennis, our friends, and I went out for a goodbye meal before I headed back to pack. This morning I woke at 4:30am to catch a trike […]
This face stared back at me in the bathroom at my hotel in Manila. I like the way its mouth moves and its hair grows at the same time. I think this could be incorporated into it personality someway. If anybody has any more ideas for its personality please let me know.
This bed at the Red Planet was really comfortable and it was really nice room and good hotel in the center of Manila and close to the Mall of Area and Bay Area.
I have spent the last few days in Manila and an interesting stay it has been too. With the APEC conference and world leaders with in a few miles of my hotel the main roads were closed off, making for an unusually very quiet city. I have explored the Bay area, The National Shrine of […]
These faces were found on the lift panel at the Red Planet Hotel in Manila. I am still undecided about their personalities, but am thinking that they could be identical twins with different perspectives on life.
I arrived in Vancouver at 20:50 on the 21st November 2015 which I find amazing because my flight left Manila at 00:50 on the 22nd November 2015! The flight was 12 hours long and Vancouver is 16 hours behind Manila. I think this is pretty darn cool! The weirdest thing happened at the airport, customs […]
Whilst checking my emails in the eating area of Hostelling International Downtown I spotted this face. I am thinking that ‘CODY’ is great at helping others and clearing up their mess at the expense of his own emotional well being until he is left emotional drained and empty.
This cool thumb lock face found in Urban Fare, Vancouver reminds me of a pirate with an eye patch covering an eye. Depending which eye he uses he can see an issue from different perspectives and when he uses both eyes he can see the whole picture. His name is Shift after the Dan Brown […]
Last night I watched an exciting game of NHL Ice Hockey, unfortunately the Vancouver Canucks lost 3-2 to New Jersey Devils. The atmosphere of my first Ice Hockey game was memorable and something I am pleased to have experienced. I now hope to catch a NBA when in Toronto. Today when I woke up at […]
Today I managed to get up for breakfast, which was a bonus. After which I decided I would go and have a look out over the city. I have found on my travels that I really like getting up high to see the overview. Today when I got my ticket the ticket seller informed me […]
This light face was discovered in the TV room of my hostel and was looking back at me as I was watching the NBA on the TV. Beam has the ability to show others what is on his mind by flicking the switch on his nose which beams his thoughts out of his head.
Today my aim was to go to the North Island of Vancouver to walk along the suspension bridge however, when I went to the cashpoint my card was blocked. this meant I had to head back to the Hostel to check my back up card and try to call the bank. I couldn’t contact the […]
Today I managed to get to the Capilino Suspension Bridge on the north side of the city. As you can see from the photos the bridge and views were pretty cool. Tomorrow I am going to Granville island and the Kitsilano area of Vancouver before catching my sleeper train to Jasper in the Rockies.
In Vancouver I stayed in a great place called Hostelling International Downtown. To stay I had to pay for a 3 month membership, which still meant the Hostel was cheap. This hostel is very sociable and most definitely one of the best I have stayed in. It has a games room, a TV room, a […]
My final day in Vancouver has been spent exploring the south side of the city, in particular Granville Island. It was quite a walk from my hostel, an hour in total, to the island but worth it to see the views and walk over Granville St Bridge. I liked the views I could see on […]
I spotted this face whilst having a shower on my final day at Hostelling International Vancouver Downtown hostel. I am still considering this little persons characteristics.
Yesterday I arrived in a very cold Jasper. Apparently it is -17 degrees outside at the moment. The journey from Vancouver to Jasper took 20 hours and as you can see from the photos the views were pretty amazing. The trains in Canada have a Sky Carriage which lets you look out over the top […]
I walk for an hour from my hostel to the Old Forte Summit and I have to say it was worth it. The views were spectacular and worth the stop over in Jasper alone. From the summit I walked for a further 30 minutes to Jasper town centre where I got a cup of tea […]
I was hoping to go Ice Walk around frozen water falls today but this trip would not start until the 1st of December, if the ice is thick enough to walk on. Instead I booked my self on a wildlife and Scenic tour of Jasper. When I got picked up by Sundog tours we headed […]
For my last full day in Jasper I tried walking up the trail from the hostel which required me to wear snow shoes. It was difficult and only walked for an hour and fell over a few times. After I had some lunch I strolled the 8km into town and saw some Elk on the […]
My second Hostelling International hostel, Hi Jasper, was equally as good as the first but a little different. It did not include breakfast, but the facilities were very good, except they did not have a games room. However they did have the most amazing views. The hostel was 8km from the main town centre so […]
This train journey was amazing! It is definitely one of the best experiences I have had on my travels. There was lots of interesting people to talk to and the train and views were great. The food was really nice too, I had a three course meal each night. One passenger was telling me how […]
Having arrived in Toronto and dropping my bags at the hostel, which was only a 10 minute walk from the train station, I headed out to explore the area to get me bearings. I found some good sights including the lake and the main streets. This was all on my way to see if I […]
This face linked the top and bottom bunks of the beds on the Canadian train from Jasper to Toronto. I am still unsure of its personality yet, but will let you know when I have one.
Having a shower on the train I looked up and there was this great little face. I am still unsure of its personality yet, but will let you know when I have one.
I don’t know what it is with bathrooms and face but this face was also on the toilet door. May be it is to do with bathroom design or may be it is my frame of mind when I am this room. Who knows! I am still unsure of its personality yet, but will let […]
Over the last few days I have walked around Toronto and explored the area. I have not been up the CN tower yet because it has been too cloudy, as you can see from the pictures. The next few days I am going to be exploring more of the East coast, but when I return […]
This is the third Hostelling International Hostel I have stayed at in Canada and it is OK but by no means the best. The atmosphere is not quite right and the bedroom smells a bit. I did get breakfast and the facilities are OK, although they do charge nearly twice as much for the laundry […]
Yesterday morning I caught the AMTRAK train bound for New York from Toronto to the Niagra falls. The journey took just under 2 hours but was worth every minute of the trip because the views I saw were breathtaking. The interesting part for me was just how close the falls are to the USA. The […]
This drain was in the hostel shower room and when I spotted it I could just imagine this character being able to rotate his head and have a different personality with each rotation or something like that.
I had a stop over in Hamilton on my way back to Toronto from Niagra Falls. Hamilton is lovely little city with quirky art galleries and shop and I am really please my friend James suggested I pay it a visit. My first night as I explored the city I decided to get a falafel […]
This morning I caught the train from Toronto to the Captial City of Canada, Ottawa. The journey took 5 hours on the train, plus a 30 minute walk to the hostel because I could not wait for the bus. I am pleased I did walk because it helped me get my bearings. After settling into […]
My bed was really comfortable at the Hostelling International Ottawa Jail. The breakfast was a help yourself variety and very nice too. At 11am each morning there is tour of the the old jail which is very interesting and shares some mystical, spooky and gory stories.
I arrived at Montreal train station yesterday evening from Ottawa and walked 20 minutes to the hostel. This morning after breakfast I went for a long walk and got lost before regaining my bearings. Then I noticed the old port area, followed by the Old Town and then I spotted the Notre-Dame Basilica, having looked […]
This morning I hopped on the Montreal Subway for a few stops to the Berri-Uqam station where I went to the bus stop to catch a bus to Quebec. The most striking element of the 3 hour journey was hour the environment changed in to a very blizzardy snowy climate and by the time we […]
This morning I arose and went for a walk after I stopped for a quick breakfast in McDonalds. I had a Crepe McMuffin with Maple Syrup, Egg and Cheese. On the walk I saw some very festive looking themes, I could imagine a similar image appearing on a Christmas card. Last night I got chatting […]
I have been using the USB cable for the last 6 months on my travels and only now have I spotted the face. The little guy called ‘CHIP’ can look on the inside and the outside of himself to find the best solution for him by responding rather than reacting to situations.
My final day in Montreal, before heading back to Toronto, was spent climbing up Mount Royal to get a really nice view over the city, something I really love to do. I am looking forward to doing this up CN tower back in Toronto. It rained all day in Montreal, had it not I most […]
Yesterday I caught the main sites around Toronto including the City Offices, The CN tower, Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery Ontario. In the evening I went to the Royal Alexandra theatre and watched Kinky Boots which was a really heartwarming story based on the true story of Shoe Factory in Northampton, who found […]
This morning I hopped on the bus back to Hamilton to see the other Flying Lancaster in the World. This is situated in the Canadian War Plane Heritage (CWH) Museum near Hamilton airport, the other is in Lincolnshire in the UK. Getting to Hamilton was simple, I just needed to catch the GO bus from […]
I am now back in the UK ready for Christmas and the New Year. I will visit the other countries on my bucket list soon and blog about them on this site then. See you all soon.
The Characteristic of this little person would be a very cheerful, optimistic and positive person who is the happiest person in all Vietnam, if not the World!
Spotted in the shower one morning before going to work this cute little face really caught my attention. This character will be called ‘GEE’ which one of his favourite words. He is very alert and has darting eyes and is easily distracted but he is very good at removing the mind mist and fog to […]
These bug eyes where looking at me to ensure the washing is done correctly. Her characteristic is super vision and an expert at finding objects, like missing socks. She can also see everything from different angles and is a great diplomat. 8th November update: I have illustrated this character and called him Lens. I hope […]
As I was delivering training for the Samaritans I noticed these speakers and their cute little faces. I am still considering this little persons characteristics.
For more examples of The Golden Ratio and learn more about The Golden Ratio Camera App visit www.the-golden-ratio.com
Leaving from a Samaritans shift one evening I spotted this face on the side of the Wheelie Bin. This character is called ‘Ina’ and will have the personality of a bull in a china shop which is described by the Merriam Webster Dictionary as ‘a person who breaks things or who often makes mistakes or […]