Alhambra Palace

Although the entire Calat Alhambra fortress and palace complex is open for visitors, the palace section requires a separate ticket to visit which would be best bought far in advance. Entries are timed so that you can only enter at a certain time window so get them early!

The Nasrid Palace & the Gardens of the Alhambra

Granada has a gorgeous landscape as you look over the city from the Alhamba. Cypress trees dot the landscape in between the numerous buildings that cover the city. And with the cool, fresh breeze under beautiful blue skies, it was the perfect day to explore one of the most beautiful historic sites in the world!

Deoksugung

Enroute to Deoksugung, there appeared to be a Sunday market of sorts on the grounds of City Hall so I stopped to check things out when I heard some clanging and fanfare accompanied by the sight of these marchers wearing traditional Korean garments. Apparently, they troop around between the palaces probably as a tourist attraction/curiosity to give a 'live demonstration' of their culture and history.

Tales from the Alhambra

Spain is an amazing country with a colorful and vibrant history. It was too bad I had so little time to explore but even so, there was no way I was going to miss the Alhambra in Granada.  It is worth noting for first-time visitors that you will most likely not be able to get a same-day ticket to the Palace in Alhambra.  Be sure to book your tickets early online here in advance otherwise your trip there may be a dud. If you are informed that you can pick up the tickets when you arrive onsite, don't worry as you will be able to pick them up at the machines near the entrance of the complex.

Wawel Royal Castle

Wawel Castle was originally started in around the 11th century with parts of the castle, such as the Cathedral, dating back furthest. As a long-time royal residence, the castle retains huge historic value as parts of the fortress were constructed throughout the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque eras.

Gyeongbokgung Pavilions

In spite of the grand front gate of Gwanghwamun and the majestic throne room, the most splendid parts of the palace remained yet to be seen. Here, a cauldron stands on the platform near the throne room looking back at the throne room gate.

Gyeongbokgung Courtyard & Throne Room

Gyeongbokgung, the largest of the Five Palaces in Seoul built in the Joseon Dynasty, followed my ventures into Changdeokgung, Changyeonggung and Jongmyo. Having already seen two palaces, I was expecting something more along the same lines but was rather surprised by the augustness and grandeur given off by Gyeongbokgung in comparison to the former palaces. The outer courtyard of the palace was really quite huge and the majestic Gwanghwamun Gate was enough to give a good foretaste of the wonder to be seen inside.

Gwanghwamun Gate

Sitting at the start of Gwanghwamun Square is Gwanghwamun Gate, the main gates opening up to the splendour of Gyeongbokgung Palace.  To the gate's east is a watchtower that still stands next to the arterial road that's been built beside it.

As you approach from the east towards the gate, there stands a large statue of a haechi, the legendary creature that was used to project law and order and offer protection to the city.

Schloss Benrath

Schloss Benrath (Benrath Palace) lies on the southern outskirts of Düsseldorf and is easily reachable by either tram, metro or local train. As I had stayed at the Ibis Düsseldorf Zentrum which was rather close to the train station, I took the train straight there. On the left is one of the vending machines at the station.

Changgyeonggung

Sitting adjacent to the Changdeokgung compound is Changgyeonggung palace, where most of the supposed historical Korean palace intrigue upon which historical dramas are often based supposedly took place.

Some buildings in the palace compound.

Animals of the Chinese Zodiac

It's a little bit late but Happy Year of the Dragon!  Do you recognize these statues?

Seeing as how its still within the Lunar New Year Festivities, I figured it might be somewhat relevant to post the twelve animals of the chinese zodiac as depicted in statue form in the Gyeongbokgung Palace compound in Seoul, South Korea.

Hwaseong Haenggung

Much like the splendid Château Chambord in France's Loire Valley was constructed as a hunting lodge for the king, Hwaseong Haenggung was similarly a resting shelter palace for the king. As you can see here, there are cut-outs of characters from Dae Jang Geum (which I, strangely enough, have not watched despite it being one of the most popular kdramas out there); parts of that historical drama were indeed filmed here.

Changdeokgung

One of the Five Grand Palaces built by the Joseon Dynasty kings, Changdeokgung alternated with Gyeongbokgung as the main palace compound for the royal court throughout korean history.  As seen in the picture below, it is now a UNESCO world heritage site, added in 1997, as an example of far eastern palace architecture.