Around Old Beechworth

As gold rush era towns in Victoria, Australia go, Beechworth is one of the better preserved ones. Main street is quaint, historic municipal buildings have been saved, even the cemetery has a nice patina. Let's stroll the town.

One of the central, commercial streets, ripe for a Western movie.

Old architecture details. Elaborate iron work, a clock tower and fancy brickwork.

Houses just off the commercial core of Beechworth have been preserved, looking a little like a tiny New Orleans style Garden District.

On the town's edge is an old powder magazine. It was used for storing volatile gunpowder, needed in the nearby goldfields for blasting rock. Chinese burning towers in the cemetery. They were built in 1857 and are still used for the burning of paper offerings.

Back in town, the perfect set dressing of an antique auto in front of an old house.

Quickly Looking At The Monument To Dr Yang Kuang Sheng

Right in the center of the old Chinese cemetery in Manila is an impressive monument.

It's dedicated to the Consul General of China to the Philippines, Dr Clarence Kuangson Young.

The interesting detail is a plaque at the memorial, to another officer, Consul Dr. Yang Kuang Sheng. A moving story, no matter how one stretches the definition of "brief."

Details Of The Old Chinese Cemetery In Manila

You've seen the big mausoleums, now let's take a look at some of the details of the cemetery.

Paying homage. People come for birthdays, anniversaries. The big day to visit is All Saints' Day, Day of the Dead (November 1).

More than a mausoleum. Many plots feature sinks, toilets, kitchens. The concept is: come hang out. Awhile. All that real estate needs upkeep, so you hire a staff to come in and keep it spiffy.

Beyond mausoleums, plenty of large graves, crammed in like a big metropolis.

Mausoleum turnover. While in progress, a dog to guard the renovation. The saddest sight, the crypt of a child, complete with weekly offerings of juice, snacks.

Typical mausoleum patina, foundation for a nice still life.

Checking Out (At) The Old Chinese Cemetery In Manila

Cemetery or a whole civilization for the afterlife? At this Chinese cemetery, it's difficult to tell. The place is laid out like city blocks with huge mausoleums. An exaggeration? Nope.

The view from the cemetery back toward Manila, looking a bit like a hilltop, exclusive neighborhood.

Families have built small buildings in honor of their dead, no restrictions on style and facilities.

It feels like you're in some sort of alternative universe neighborhood.

Inside the mausoleums, paying great honor to the dead.

Someone's fancy house in the hills? Nope, a family mausoleum. Wild.