Waikato River

The longest river
This beautiful flowing river is the Waikato and is New Zealand's longest. Rising from the slopes of Mount Ruapehu in Tongariro NP as the Tongariro River, it then flows north through Lake Taupo and issues from the lake's north eastern corner, tumbling over the Huka Falls and flowing northwest to enter the Tasman Sea south of Auckland. The Waikato is 425 km long with a gentle gradient and carries a heavy load of ash from the volcanic highlands. The Waikato has formed numerous lakes and lagoons along its lower reaches.

How the river got its name
The name Waikato originated during the voyage of the Tainui canoe, which had journeyed from Polynesia. Arriving just off the mouth of the river, the crew remarked upon the kato (the pull of the river current in the sea) and the name Waikato (wai meaning water) was given to the river.

I took this photo between Rotorua and Taupo in the North Island.

Today's Quote: No river can return to its source, yet all rivers must have a beginning - Native American proverb.

Kek Lok Si Temple

 

This lovely pagoda is part of the Kek Lok Si Temple in Penang. The base is inset in a lotus flower and there is a buddha in each window. I was fortunate to be there while the Chinese New Year decorations were still up - don't they add a festive colour?
The temple consists of prayer halls, temples, monasteries and lovely landscaped gardens.
Kek Lok Si means Temple of Supreme Bliss and is the largest temple in Penang and the most well known.
Overlooking the town of Ayer Itam, the temple is set in a hillside and you get maginficent views of surrounding areas and Georgetown.

London Court

Above: London Court
London Court in Perth, Western Australia was built in 1937 and is located between the Hay Street Mall and St Georges Terrace. The court was built in the Tudor style buildings of England.
The clock is a replica of France's Great Clock of Rouen. The inscription under the clock reads
"No minute gone comes ever back again
Take heed and see ye nothing do in vain."

Today's Quote: A good holiday is one spent among people whose notions of time are vaguer than yours ~ John B. Priestly