Japan's Sapporo Yuki Matsuri

Godzilla captured on ice? How about an icy street? You will be fascinated by the glittering structures and dazzling ice carvings you can only find at Sapporo. As they celebrate the annual snow festival, several teams from around the world gather to exhibit their sculpting prowess by creating statues, edifices and landmarks. The streets of Sapporo turns into a white crystal dreamland that anyone of us would want to live in.



One of Japan's anticipated winter events, Sapporo's Yuki Matsuri (Snow Festival) was held in three venues: Odori Park, Susukino, and Sapporo Satoland. It's humble beginning started in 1950 when six local high school students crafted their own statues in Odori Park. Then followed by Japan Self-Defense Forces by creating a massive ice structures that made the simple ice carving to a huge festivity. The festival was held on the month of February and lasts for seven days.



Apart from feeding your eyes with these wonderful creations, you can indulge into various snow sport activities like skiing, snow gliding and snow boarding. After this freezing activities, savor the flavor of local hot ramen, a one of kind in Sapporo to ease the tingling sensation brought about by snow. You can also check out Susukino' s Ice Queen, a beauty contest held every year that showcase local beauties. Sights, fun and dine, that's what Sapporo has to offer. Who knows what will comes next?

Malaysia's Snake Temple

image from China Daily

If you will hear it the first time, you may think that it's a temple that is designed like a cobra, or snakes of different kinds lie in this temple , much worse, they adore and worship snakes. Snake Temple lived up to its name. In fact, pit vipers (without venoms) of different kinds are present in the temple along with burning incense and statues of Gods and Deities honored in the temple.

The temple was built to honor the deity Chor Soo Kong. He was a Buddhist monk who lives an ascetic life in the mountains and gives free medical services for the poor. When a drought struck the town of Qing-Xi in Fujian, his prayers did miracles saving the town. It was believed that after his temple was built, snakes swarmed in but they are tamed by Cheng-Swee_Zu_Shi and whoever visits the temple isn't attacked by snakes.

As of today, another hall was added in order to honor the Goddess of Mercy Kuan Yin. It is located at the back of the original facade. Visitors are still warned to handle snakes because even they are de-venomized, they still got their fangs. You can get there by riding public transportation like bus.