Follow Burke’s Backyard travelling throughout Europe, the Americas and Asia
Suzhou is renowned for having the most beautiful examples of classic Chinese gardens. Don looked at one of the largest, called Zhuo Zheng Yuan or Humble Administrator’s Garden. Designed in the 16th century, it makes great use of water with a maze of connected...
The Great Wall Don visited the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu, 90 kilometres north of Beijing. World Heritage listed by UNESCO in 1987, the Great Wall is probably the most widely recognised and enduring symbol of China. In fact, it is said, “The man who...
Breed: Dromedary Camel (Camelus dromedarius) Temperament: Headstrong but amenable with training Cost: $700-$1000 broken in Lifespan: Up to 40 years in captivity Maintenance: medium Recommended for: Outback safaris History Camels are not native to Australia. They were...
Don meets the Tokyo Shock Boys in their native land – Japan. These crazy performers are well known to Australian audiences for their irrepressible humour, feigned naivete, brilliant timing and wonderful showmanship. They also play on our stereotypes of the...
While in Japan, Don looked at some astonishing, hi-tech toilets. Top of the range was the INAX Satis 118A, costing Yen 280,000 plus installation (around A$4,000). The first thing you notice about this toilet is that the lid opens as you approach! There are many other...
Tenryuji is one of the major temples of the Rinzai school of Zen. It was built in the 1300s by shogun Ashikaga Takauji to appease the spirit of Emperor Godaigo. Through the centuries it was destroyed by fires and warfare and rebuilt on a number of occasions. Most of...
Don visited Mr Masao Kato, a koi breeder in the Niigata Prefecture who has bred some of the best koi carp in Japan. His breeding farm is a huge property, with large breeding ponds stretching over hundreds of metres of land. Mr Kato has been breeding koi for...
Don visited the Bonsai Village, Omiya, Saitama Prefecture, where many of the top Japanese bonsai artists live. He felt very privileged to meet Mr Saburo Kato, the most famous bonsai artist in the village, and speak to him about his extraordinary creations. The Village...
Black Japanese cattle or ‘Wagyu’ are the most valuable beef cattle in the world. They are black cattle similar to Angus, except that they are horned and are much lighter in the rump and legs than Angus. History Wagyu were originally draft animals used in...
Don visited Mr Kazuo Miyashita, who is a shop owner dealing in rice and Japanese sweets. He is also a fowl hobbyist, and for the last 15 years has bred around 50 different kinds of chickens, including the rare Japanese Long-tail fowl (Onagadori). Honourable fowl...