Big Christmas Tree in Osaka

They say in this place, Universal Studios, may be the largest in the world

Possibly, although we enjoyed the atmosphere around, the first opened outside the United States in 2001 with 9 play area, crowds of people, and the end of the year is getting closer.


Ornaments around the tree is quite interesting, it can give the impression of a vibrant, but a variety of rides worth a try, although the need to queue in order to fulfill your hopes, such as the Hollywood Dream, even up to 3 hours.


Who is the one of the visitors who are patient enough to enjoy all the rides?
Despite all that, don't forget the shopping trips, or stopping at a place to drink, something that certainly 2016 is getting closer along with a cup of coffee in front of me.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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Images Asti Soekirno

Christmas has arrived

The atmosphere has been felt since the last two-three weeks

So that can be seen in various places in the city, a shopping mall with Christmas trinkets, the excited faces of children with parents, even in residential areas.


The lights are a kind of spirit of excitement, shine in all directions carrying the scent of happiness. Indeed, this is the time of Christmas across the country, a warm Christmas.


Many ways to express excitement, and the lights, the lights can represent perfectly, not always with snow.

Merry Christmas Everybody!

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Images Sastra Wijaya
Southeast Asia Editor at Australia Plus
Past - ABC and "Kompas" Correspondent in Australia

Big Bear in the mountains

Snow in California can be found in the area of high mountains

Click for the larger images

We rode on getting up through the interstate highway, we walk the winding road on the slopes of the mountains, and eliminate boredom, perhaps once enjoyed the coolness, the snow in the mountains resort, Big Bear Village.


Along the way dotted with restaurants and stores various kinds of equipment. Flowers, shrubs, small trees, colorful, and the statue of the bear.


Nature mountains, Big Bear Lake, a lake in the mountains, it was enough for us, and really enjoyed the surroundings.

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Images Helly Pontoh

Culinary of Ho Chi Minh City

Typical foods that are easy to find in some corners of the city

Known as the city that is in the motorcycle traffic, you will immediately feel the difference, motorbikes everywhere, and it looks crowded.


But avoid all that, when it began to enjoy something more typical, in this town, their culinary, enjoy the unique Vietnamese noodles, Pho noodles, its taste and marinade shake your tongue. Certainly.


Walk around the Ben Tanh Market, and they appear to be present in some corner shops selling.

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Images Asti Soekirno

Cake, wine and it's good

Not far from the city's airport, the Swan Valley Wine Region

That is, we were in the city next to the western side of the Australian continent, and I liked it, here there is a decent first place I visited with friends.


Feels cool when entering this place, even if the surrounding air is quite hot, outside, and the pastries greet us.


The next moment, bee bee bumblebee..... you really want to join, a hangout that is memorable, and delicious.

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Images Stevi Lee

Drunken shopping in Ho Chi Minh

Pampering town for shopping enthusiasts

That presence was with my friends, this city, they said are known as the shopping town, that makes you crazy. Various kinds of handicraft products, souvenirs, bags, clothes, shoes, accessories, coffee drinks, or whatever.


All feels cheap, set foot in the Ben Tanh Market, then you want to buy, buy and continue to buy. Until you're drunk.


But, I must not forget, try their culinary, there are indeed some Malaysian food, but try the local food, Pho noodles and Banh will make you happy.

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Images Asti Soekirno

The streets of Ho Chi Minh City

Public space is scattered in various corners of the city

I can feel comfortable about the aroma of this city, the green open spaces of the park are quite broad in the middle of town.


Spoiling the townspeople, and you can be present with me, although temperatures typical of tropical countries, warm. But, at every major intersection, made like a roundabout way that is also filled with plants.


Feel the unique thing, the city is always crowded with passing motorcycles, very much at certain times. And, that's the time to find locations that are preferred, shopping places like Ben Tanh Market.

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Text and images Asti Soekirno