L'Oceanogràfic

 L'Oceanogràfic (2003) — an open-air oceanographic park, designed by Félix Candela. It is the largest oceanographic aquarium in Europe with 110,000 square meters and 42 million liters of water. 

It was built in the shape of a water lily and is the work of architect Félix Candela. Each building represents different aquatic environments including the Mediterranean, Wetlands, Temperate and Tropical Seas, Oceans, the Antarctic, the Arctic, Islands and the Ted Sea. 

This aquarium is a home to over 500 different species including dolphins, belugas, sawfish, jellyfish, starfish, sea urchins, walruses, sea lions, seals, penguins, turtles, sharks,and rays. It also inhabits wetland bird species.

Starfish

Fishes Swimming in a pattern

Hairy Crab

Biwa no Taki Waterfall

A minute’s stroll along the trails behind Kazurabashi Bridge, lies the spectacularly active, yet tranquil, waterfall Biwa-no-Taki. 

By no means is this waterfall a raging torrent of angry stream, harpooning what falls in its direction like those found in South America or the Scandinavian countries. 

The gentleness of Biwa-no-Taki is a place where the Heike clan could reminisce of their old days and bathe in waters so crystal clear, the moon’s reflection was visible all days of the year. 

Standing at the edge, one can feel the presence of great warriors unwinding and letting go of a hardened day.

Enjoying the moment with nature.

Biwa-no-taki is an impressive, 50m-high waterfall.

Kazurabashi Bridge (1)

Pat & Gina

Stretching 45 meters across Iya River, this suspension bridge is made of vine roots. According to legend, the bridge was created by members of the Heike clan seeking refuge in the area after their defeat in the Genpei War (1180-1185).

 The bridge, which is rebuilt every three years, is anchored to tall cedar trees at both ends and has steel cables hidden within the vines for safety. 

The bridge can be crossed in one direction only.

The water down below is way down below. Through the bamboo and tree limbs, you see it. 

The view on the bridge

You also know you don’t want to lose your footing. There’s softness in the bamboo and the branches holding everything together. Indeed it can be a scary feeling, holding tightly to the ropes and taking one step at a time to cross the bridge. 

A sign of relief having cross the bridge

Still, crossing the bridge is not for the faint of heart - there is still a 45-foot drop to the river and each footstep is accompanied by a swaying sensation as you cross the bridge.

Kazurabashi Bridge

Kazurabashi Bridge is designated as a National and Prefectural significant folk cultural asset.

In the past, suspension bridges made of mountain vines (kazurabashi) were one of the only ways to easily move people and goods across the river of the of the Iya Valley.

13 bridges once spanned the valley, but only three survive today. Iya Kazurabashi (祖谷かずら橋), the largest and most popular of the remaining bridges, stretches 45 meters across the Iya River at the center of the valley.

Let's experience the thrill of walking across the bridge

Morning Breakfast Japan

The breakfast spread at Hotel Tsubakkikan. The small portions allows one to sample more varieties. 

Lady in pink all set for her breakfast

A mixture of noodles, fish cake, egg and rice

The western aspects with salmon and toufu

Swensen Birthday Month

One of the fun aspects of being Swensens Cool Rewards member is that during your birthday month, every time you visit Swensens for the month of your birthday, you are order a complementary ice-cream which was what I did for the month of January.

Top up $1 for mango drink

Scallops with fries - free appetizer 

Chicken Teriyaki pasta

Breaded chicken

Lunch time with mum

Ice-cream time

Complementary Birthday Cake - vouchers which I redeemed for.

Now we know why I am a great fan of Swensens. It is also a time I spend with my mum to bond and catch up with her.