Link About It: This Week’s Picks

Creating a healthier coffee, "kissing garlic," a tattoo-inspired restaurant interior and more

1. 360-Degree Photos of Chernobyl 30 Years Later 30 years ago, the worst nuclear accident in history occurred. Reactor number four at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power plant in Russia (then the Soviet Union) exploded, killing workers and many in the surrounding area. Though the area is still contaminated by radiation, this hasn’t prevented vines, trees, shrubs and animals from taking over the facilities through its …

“Old Kyoto”‘s Historical Machiya Rental Properties in the Gion Neighborhood

Live like a local in renovated traditional accommodations in the old geisha district

Developed for travelers visiting Kyoto’s Yasaka Shrine (which began construction in the year 656), the alluring Gion neighborhood later transformed into an exclusive geisha district with plenty of tea houses, bars and restaurants. Gion today has plenty to offer locals and tourists alike, and is home to countless traditional machiya (wooden townhouses). Kyoto, more than many other cities, calls you to live like a local …

The Japanese Art of Shaping Shiny Spheres of Mud

The Japanese art of hikaru dorodango involves hand-shaping mud and soil into smooth, shining earthen spheres. P2 Photography caught up with dorodango practitioner Bruce Gardner in the second installation of their “Buck the Cubicle” video series for an inside look at the odd yet hypnotizing hobby. After forming an initially wet ball of mud from soil found just outside his studio, Gardner slowly works layer …