The World or Bust

CR: Parte 四: Around Town

2010-07-25T00:38:00.006+09:00

A stitch of the plaza (or "parque" as they call in CR) in Palmares on a Thursday afternoon.

On Wednesday, the pain and swelling in my ear was increasing, but I was still attributing it to TMJ issues. When I woke up on Thursday, I knew it was an infection, and now it was in both ears. So Mamá Isa, my mami tica, got it all figured out to take me to her ENT guy in San Ramón.

Torii leading across the parque to the church in San Ramón

Go figure.

Long story short, we didn't have much luck there, so we came back to Palmares to see Dr. Solórzano, a regular doctor. He was great, personable, chatting me up about his trip to Niagara Falls, Toronto and Quebec. And he prescribed me antibiotics and 400mg of ibuprofen which got to work right away.

View of el centro from Dr. Solórzano's street.

I'm pretty sure I have the same shot from 1993.

Wheel of a traditional Costa Rican carreta.

At the mountainside cabina of Isa's sister's husband's family.

On Friday, my goal was to get into el centro to take lots of pictures. I got a bit thwarted, but had a lovely afternoon with Mamá Isa and the tías. The following is a hodgepodge of pictures from the trip to the doctor's on Thursday, el centro on Friday and footing it around with Yobana on Saturday.

View from the cabina, which was gorgeous, by the way.

Pool and all.

Carreta at the cabina

El centro

From in front of where Cuco's used to be.

Pollitos y Perritos

Looking towards the former Cuco's, el colegio y Espíritu Santo

El colegio

It looked like they were taking advantage of the two-week vacaciones to do some renovating.

Yoba starts up the driveway.

The Hood

Little Pink House
That used to be behind a church.

Yoba stops to talk to a relative.
They're everywhere.

Cuidado.

Panadería and Parque

El Quiosco

In the center of el parque

La Iglesia

The two cupolas (?) are being reconstructed as they were beginning to fall apart. No services, and the street in front of the church is now a calle peatonal, but you can be sure that there are still kids hanging out there at night!

Walking down to town.

A view of Espíritu Santo on the way into town.

Circle of Strength

The Ringsted Boys, a group of Danish gymnasts, were in town for a taller (workshop) and performance later on Saturday night as part of a larger Latin American tour. Yoba and I broke up our walk with a stop in at the gym to see what was going on. Here, Vero and her fellow gymnasts try to avoid being pulled out of the ring.

The little kids had their own ring.

Campos y el Mercado

Next to el parque.

Soda

I took a lot of pictures of restaurants and signs for future use in the classroom.

A soda is a little restaurant that sells pretty much what you see there.

Misspellings and all.

Oh, how I love to be surrounded by mountains.

Mini pineapples at home.

Vueltas danesas

The daneses wow the crowd with their strength and control.

Vamos, España!

On Sunday, the day before I left, we went to a soda to watch the World Cup final.

And that was Costa Rica 2010.

CR: Part Trois: La Playa!

2010-07-23T21:32:00.001+09:00

Joseph tries out the hammock.

I wouldn't if I were you, Jo.

After stopping to have lunch and watch the Paraguay-Spain game at a restaurant in Liberia, our first destination in Guanacaste was Nacazcol, near Playas del Coco. We rented a private villa from a family acquaintance and spent two nights there.

Mis hermanitos making quesadillas for dinner.

After a stop at the grocery store, making dinner and settling in, we hit the pool for a nighttime swim. When we got back to our place, Yoha was the first to go in for a shower. Soon we heard her calling frantically for Glen, and we went to the bathroom to find the shower hissing and spitting steam. After some futile attempts to clear the shower head of buildup, what I'm guessing was the heating unit in the shower head suddenly sparked and blew out. So for the rest of the stay, we had to shower in our bathing suits under the outdoor showers in front of the house. At least we had those!

The next day, our plan was to go to Playa Hermosa for the day, but as luck would have it, we ended up talking to the guy from across the street who had brought his horse over to graze in the lot next to us. He told us about a little beach with difficult access that not many people knew about. So after much up and down and rocky roads and trial and error, we finally found Playa Penca, a beautiful little beach which we shared with only one other group of folks. Truly a treasure. We also came upon Playas del Coco in a roundabout way during our meanderings, and decided that we were much better off NOT going there. Words from the wise.

Playa Penca from above.

Vero after her "Pre-Presentación"
Fotógrafa: Yohana

On Monday, we left Nacazcol and headed to Playa Flamingo. We had a free night's stay at Flamingo Marina Resort, a definite upgrade from our little villa - hot water, clean kitchen, and, Glory Be, screens between our eating area and the mosquitoes. If the link looks a little like a party place, it kind of was. Turned out there was a group of Study Abroad kids staying there, and the flirting and Happy Hour imbibing turned into banging on the next door over and being really loud outside our door at 3am. But I'm not old or anything.

Glen in our new kitchen.

But the place wasn't all parties. It was a really nice place, with some rooms, some villas, etc.

Natural shelter at Playa Flamingo

We made a quick lunch of sandwiches and brought them all down to the beach this time. I realized that this was my second time at Flamingo, and I'd surely go again as it's a lovely beach, lined along the road with droopy trees that act as natural beach umbrellas and clothes lines.

We spent a few hours there, long enough for me to get properly thrashed about by the waves (rather unpleasant, actually) and possibly be the inspiration for my subsequent ear infections. But we (or at least I) thoroughly enjoyed our time there.

View from our room of some of the pools at the hotel

After the beach, we checked out the hotel pools.

Our room is hidden behind the palms on the left

View from the pool deck.

Bote

Looking out from the hotel beach.

The next morning, our last, we checked out the hotel's private beach. Cute and pretty, but not for swimming.

Joseph gets to climbing again.

A tricky situation when he was ready to get down.

Joseph finally gets into the beach spirit.

Lagartija

Finally it was time to head back to Ol' Palmares. In the rain. With a repeat stop in Liberia for soccer and lunch at the same restaurant, and McFlurries which are not, in fact, stirred up like in the US. It took us probably 5 hours to get there, when it theoretically takes 3. But between the bad weather, unpredictable road conditions (with killer potholes) and slow semis on the two, sometimes 4-lane highways, and a stop to get souvenirs, things just got stretched out. Thanks for driving, Glen!

Heading home in the rain

Next: Around Town in Palmares

CR: Part Dos: Vamos a Guanacaste

2010-07-19T07:49:00.003+09:00

This next series of photos is even worse than the first, as, with the exception of one, they were all taken out the window of the car as we sometimes sped, sometimes crawled along toward the beaches of Guanacaste.

A view you don't get in Palmares.

Voseo

I've been trying to figure out the extent of the usage of el voseo in Costa Rica. I was first told that vos was used in San José, while usted is used in las provincias. However, it doesn't seem to be that cut and dry. In any case, vos appears to be the dominant form in signs and advertising. To be sure, tú is not widely used in Costa Rica.

Typical roadside bar/restaurant.

Guanacaste Trees

Inspiration for the name of the region, and the national tree of Costa Rica. They also provide excellent shade for cattle.

Brahma

Bienvenido a Filadelfia

Caballitos

As Guanacaste is relatively flat and expansive, cattle ranching has historically been the main source of income in the province. Of course, where there is cattle, there are horses with which to herd them.

Next Up: La Playa!

Costa Riiiiicaaaaa!

2010-07-19T02:29:00.000+09:00

After 3 years in the Orient, and another with no money, I was finally able to get back to Costa Rica to visit my "family" (read: host family) in Palmares. Oh, what Good Times did ensue. I've got a few posts on the subject, but be forewarned, there will be no pictures of ziplines, eco-treks, etc. The most exciting images I can offer are a few pictures from the beach, as Costa Rica for me is a time to relax, be with my friends/family and enjoy the environment.

And speaking of the environment...

Looking out the front door.

How lovely to look out any window/door and see GREEN.

The first day I was there I didn't have much to do after my morning run, so I took advantage of a brief sunny interlude and took some pictures in the garden.

It kind of makes for a boring first post, but who are you to complain.

Mariposita

Café

My host mom tackles some windows.

This picture makes the house look much more rustic than it actually is. For example, the white roofing is actually clear, to allow natural light in.

Bananos

Butterly and Bird of Paradise

After being in my closed-up, sealed-off house for so long, it was so luscious to go to bed to the sounds of the creek below the house, the insects all about and even the gallos de la madrugada (3am, like clockwork). How delicious to have fresh air all day and all night.

Gaspar

El gato más chineado (consentido) del mundo.

*heart heart*

Vamos Viajando!

2010-06-30T20:31:00.000+09:00

I had to drag him out of his hiding spot in the closet, but I think Joseph's finally on board (no pun intended) with this traveling thing. He's a little nervous since it's his first time in a Spanish-speaking country, but I think he'll be fine.

I got your back, Jo!

I'm off to Costa Rica this afternoon, for [almost] two lovely weeks with my familia. A nice weekend at the beach followed by a week of chilling at the casa, hiking, pictures, pinto and just being. Ahhhh!

Updates and pictures to come!

Capital Hanami

2010-03-29T09:52:00.003+09:00

This weekend the National Cherry Blossom Festival kicked off with some events yesterday, and a Tidal Basin ringed by Yoshino Sakura mainly in full bloom. And just enough buds to keep it interesting.

The Washington Monument

I knew it was going to be crowded, but I decided early on that I wasn't going to worry about that. In fact, people often lend a nice touch to sakura pictures.

Right, Jo?

Washington Monument

Joseph was a little wary of American Hanami, but he got over it.

Jefferson Memorial

Strolling 'Round

What would Japanese cherry trees be without a random lantern?

The lovely shidarezakura are in short supply,

but these Yoshino sakura were delightful in their own way.

Sakura Fingers

A freshly budding tree provides a bit of contrast.

Pagoda

Lest the lantern feel sabishii.

Sakura Hanabi

Don't Pick the Blossoms
Having hanami-ed in Kyoto, Joseph fancies himself a true champion of the sakura.

Just the one shidarezakura.

And some yellow forsythia behind.

I looked and looked for pink and yellow, as Yasuko once explained that they are the spring colors. But alas, pink sakura were in short supply, as were yellow flowers.

Shidekobushi

Star Magnolia

Conce Querido

2010-03-01T01:42:00.000+09:00

Pensando en mi gente en Chile y mi Conce querido.

Barros Arana, 1996

Cómo se verá hoy?

Concepción, 2002

Con el campo de la U. de Conce a la izquierda extrema

Entrada a la Universidad de Concepción, 1996

Recordando a los Desaparecidos

Foro Estudiantil, U. de Concepción, 1996

Happy Chinese (Terra Cotta Warriors) New Year!

2010-02-16T02:21:00.000+09:00

Joseph and His Ticket

In spite of the weather, my mom and other folks' canceled trips, a few of us made it to the Chinese Terra Cotta Warriors exhibit at National Geographic in DC. Strapped with the cambra, I was disappointed to find that photography was prohibited, but it was a great experience. In lieu of pictures, I've scanned a few postcards I bought at the gift shop.

Kneeling Archer

I was pleasantly surprised to see that the exhibit was much more extensive than I'd anticipated. Remembering the layout from the last time I was at Nat Geo, I imagined a few warriors displayed here and there in one room. Instead, they created several smaller, connected rooms with warriors and other artifacts from the site and tons of information about the time period, the dig and the artifacts themselves.

The warriors themselves were so excellent. Having seen them, I'm itching to get to the real site of the Terra Cotta Army in China.

After exiting the exhibit, many were pleased to find a replica warrior for pictures. Of course, Joseph was a hit, drawing an audience. Even when we had some technical difficulties with the camera, no one jumped in to take our place. Oh, Jo, you're such a star.

Perhaps they thought he was an official member of the dig team what with his snazzy Adventure Vest!

So yesterday was Chinese New Year, American Time... and next week is the parade in Chinatown, DC. Here's hoping nothing stands in the way of me getting there, taking pictures and having a new experience!

Official Terra Cotta Warriors Site (Chinese and English)

National Geographic Site

(Check out the section for teachers - even if you aren't one, it has great info, pictures and even a printable mask! )

Chinese New Year for Kids

Kaboose.com

Blizzard of 2010: Round 2, Day 3 "Everything's Angular"

2010-02-12T05:00:00.000+09:00

Snow Dunes

Lunar Ln.

Fortunately, this time the wind whipped the snow all around and despite the 12+ inches that fell, there were only 6 or so in the street, which will hopefully make for easier and earlier exiting.

Time to check those gutters.

The wind blew all the icicles in the back against the house.

Neighbors Across the Dunes

Spray vs. The Wind

My roommate takes on the sidewalk with her new electric snowblower.

Blizzard of 2010: Round 2, Day 2 "Blizzardly"

2010-02-12T04:32:00.001+09:00

Round 2 of the blizzard started late Tuesday afternoon, and left us with a few inches by early Wednesday morning. I woke up around 2am and peeked outside. When I saw that it had stopped snowing, I thought perhaps they had overestimated how much it would hit our area.

Blizzardly

But when I got up later yesterday morning, it was all blizzard, all the time.

At least they got the Internet back up on Tuesday night, after it had been out since late Friday night/early Saturday morning. Daytime TV stinks.

Blizzard of 2010: Round 1, Day 4 "Deliverance"

2010-02-12T04:24:00.001+09:00

Around 1 on Monday, we finally got "plowed."

A single front loader came down and did the best he could.

His handiwork.

It's not perfect, but we'll take it.

I wuz here.

Blizzard 2010: Round 1, Day 3 "Snowed In"

2010-02-12T03:37:00.001+09:00

Our shared driveway

View from the porch.

All of yesterday's hard work undone.

Our sidewalk

Shoveled for the third (or fourth?) time.

Up the street.

Looking down to the near corner.

As our next-door neighbors had lost power, we (well, I wasn't involved) shoveled a path across the street so they could get to warmth.

The view from across the street. Just one continuous line.

My roommates and I as we begin the none-too-small task of cleaning off the cars.

Blizzard 2010: Round 1, Day 2 "And So It Begins"

2010-02-11T10:30:00.004+09:00

The Blizzard of 2010 came in two rounds, as the news stations dubbed them, starting on Friday, January 5th in the afternoon and kicking off my Snowcation with an early dismissal. On Saturday morning, the chipping-away began to keep the task from getting too great.

My roommate gets started on the front walk.

Already at least a foot and a half.

When I came out to take pictures, she noticed that one of the brackets on the awning had broken, so she took to cleaning it off as best she could.

Our next-door neighbor pokes her head out, and informs us that they'd lost power around 2am.

As the piles were getting too high and our arms too weary to lob the heavy snow, my roommate decided to make a path around the street side to ease the dumping over lower parts.

By the afternoon, the snow was high, giving the sheds neat little caps, and had even piled nicely on the window sills.

The trees were magnificent.

Big Cat Christmas Eve

2010-01-10T01:19:00.000+09:00

Wow, it's been so long since I posted, the whole look of this thing is different. Not only that, but the apparent "upgrades" to the site have made managing photos darn near impossible. With that in mind, please excuse the random layout you see here. Grrr!

Anyhoo, I finally decided that I might be in the mood to post something, and since I finally have pictures that are somewhat interesting (read: pictures), I figured I might as well strike while the iron's hot.

For Winter Break I jetted down to Florida's Nature Coast to spend the holidays with my family. I got there on Christmas Eve, and our second stop on the way home from the airport (after Atlanta Bread Company) was the Big Cat Rescue (Formerly known as Wildlife on Easy Street) in Tampa. I'd been there once, several years before, but my brother hadn't, so we took advantage of being in the area to take a tour.

A bobcat cutes it up for the tourists.

In spite of the Fun Police making sure we didn't stick our arms in the enclosures, the tour was grand, our guide was both informative and funny, and we had a lovely afternoon in t-shirts in December.

I'm so frustrated with this formatting, I'm just going to let you peruse the pictures.

Back at home, I stuck the last ornament on the Advent Calendar and enjoyed the Christmas ambience in spite of the 70-degree weather. Good Times.

And Coopie provided many the photo-op.

Good Kitty.

Sticks and Stones... and Heavy Burlap Sacks of Stuff

2009-09-08T07:37:00.009+09:00

Parade of Clans

No, there were no name callings, or anyone getting hurt (that I could see). For 'twas the 2009 Virginia Scottish Games and Festival, in The Plains, Va. Wanting to take advantage of the beautiful weather and this nice long weekend, I made myself get out of the house and by my lonesome off I went to this festival.

AmeriKilt
For the colonial Scot.
Kind of hot, if you ask me.

Foes Beware
Boy Scouts get ready to give their best Scout War Cry during the sword fight demonstration.

For $5 parking and $18 to get in, here's what I got to see.

Sporran

Handy little Scottish inro.

There were many vendors present selling all sorts of Scottish wares, from jewelry to sporran to kilts to pirate bumper stickers.

Sword Hilts

Also featured was the "Living Encampment Display", where several otakus dressed up in period clothing and provided information about various topics, mostly of a military nature. It was actually pretty interesting, and must be fun for these folks who have studied the history for fun, and had historically accurate clothing made just for these types of events.

Joseph Goes Commando

The gentleman in the beret, for example, talked to me for quite a while about this reconnaissance vehicle, a Daimler Dingo, ca. 1942. Why do I remember the name, you ask? Because he also provided me with some literature, complete with the organization's website. Should you be interested.

Collie

Apparently there was also some sort of dog show, but I must have missed that. There were, however, tons of Scottish breeds wandering about with their people, as well as on display at various Dogs of Scotland tents.

Sporran and Fox Heads

Walking past a clan tent, I saw a man with what I thought was a small dog on his lap. Turned out it was just an animal head around his waist.

Pipers

In the festival spirit, I bought myself some bad-for-you food (no haggis, thank you), and plopped down to eat, enjoy the view of the fields and listen to the assorted Scottish music playing all around. Soon, the bagpipes became not so distant, as they assembled right before me. As they decided where to go to perform, they chose a route that involved parting the waters... around me!

Tickled as could be, I dropped the chicken and fries in exchange for my camera, and took advantage of my fortunate angle.

When I spotted this bloke, I was enjoying the tunes of a great, lively Scottish band that was playing under the ... band... tent. They were awesome! During one song, the fiddler suddenly jumped off the stage with his wild blond hair and bounced up and down the aisle, fiddling away. The music was infectious, and but for a great amount of self-conscious restraint, I almost counted myself among the few folks who couldn't help but jump up and down to the music. Just grand. If I weren't so poor, I might have bought a CD.

Throwing Rocks

What would the Virginia Scottish Games and Festival be without the games?

Dudes in Skirts
Me likes.

The games I watched included throwing big heavy rocks shot put style, hurling long logs and tossing heavy burlap bags through an upright. With a pitchfork.

It's Good!

Girl Power

Some women also competed in the events - albeit against each other - and this girl was the only person I saw get the pole to get vertical. And she did it twice.

Kilts for Girls and Boys

The games were held at Great Meadow, host of the Virginia Gold Cup steeplechase, an event I would love to check out in the future. Assuming plebes such as I are allowed. Looking at the web page, I think I might be out of my league. And the tickets are $55. Maybe when I find my Sugar Daddy.

Tre
The last event I watched was the sheep herding demonstration, featuring border collies. Amazing creatures, them.

And that was Sunday. I came home with a spot of sunburn, exhausted - I'd spent nearly as much time driving as I did at the event - but happy that I'd been outside all afternoon.

Would I go back again? Probably not. While it was interesting, and a nice family outing, for $23 and an hour drive each way, it's probably a better deal if you're involved somehow in the events or the clans. But it was an experience, and fun.

Old(e) Town(e) Alexandria(e)

2009-07-04T23:44:00.008+09:00

(Unfortunately, as authenticke as "Old Town Alexandria" is, they don't use Olde E's.)

Joseph making friends on the street.

Last month I rolled back into DC for an interview, and Melissa and I did a little interstate exploring: Old Town Alexandria, Va.

Jobama

You never know when you might run into someone cool in OTA.

Photo Op on the Pier

Within a few seconds, the handler was putting another bird on the mom's head. She took it like a champ.

On the Waterfront, one can watch and listen to performers, visit gift shops and restaurants, catch a boat or visit the Torpedo Factory Art Center, an art museum, studio and school housed in - you guessed it - an old torpedo factory.

Joseph Gets Himself Straightened Out

On our wanderings, we came across the Carlyle House (pronounced CarLYLE, apparently), a restored home once belonging to John Carlyle, a prominent figure in colonial Virginia.

Sitting Room

We allowed ourselves to be convinced to take the tour, for which we were immensely grateful - it ended up being the highlight of our day. Unlike many historic homes, at the Carlyle House visitors enter rooms and can even touch period and original items.

After watching a 15-minute video, you are first taken upstairs via the old back stairs - a narrow and harrowing ascent even without hoop skirts, buckets of water or full bedpans - to the Carlyles' bedroom. For such a wealthy man, the room is modest by modern standards, but the restorers have been as meticulous as possible in bringing it back to its original state.

The bedroom has several items original to the house, including a four-poster bed where Carlyle's children and grandchildren were born, where his daughter died and where, until recently, an elderly descendant was spending her nights.

The rest of the house has some original pieces, some period pieces and even some new pieces, such as the windows and a painted-canvas rug that were created using techniques and materials of the time. Our guide was SUPER knowledgeable, and since it was just the two of us on our tour, we had plenty of opportunity to ask questions and spend time in each of the rooms.

Main Stairway Landing

After the museum, we strolled about and had a yummy lunch at The Pita House, on Cameron Street.

Along Cameron Street

After lunch, we strolled about some more, visited shops, lost Melissa's keys, found Melissa's keys, didn't get Ben and Jerry's, and had a lovely afternoon.

The Elusive Melissa

Real Gas Lights

712 Prince St.
Care to purchase it?

The Welcome Pineapple

In the Oldenne Dayes, sailors would often buy pineapples in the Caribbean and bring them home. Upon returning to their towns, they would place the pineapples in front of the house to show that they were back and receiving visitors. A luxury item, pineapples often graced the most decorative tables when entertaining guests. It has come to be a symbol of welcoming and hospitality.

Getcher Founding Fathers Here

Taken just shortly before the fateful moment when Melissa traded her keys for a sample of lotion over at the Christmas store.

Kyoto for Hanami, Vol. 2, Day 4: Miyako Odori

2009-06-14T23:28:00.003+09:00

Miyako Odori deeeesu!

I have put off this post out of laziness and because it is the last one I have of Kyoto and the last interesting one on Japan. And I don't want it all to really come to an end.

But I've put it off long enough, so here it is. Mou kaeritain desu kedo...

Kyo Odori
Miyagawa-cho

Beautiful posters announce the spring dances put on by the maiko and geiko of Kyoto's hanamachi during the month of April.

Kyo Odori
Yasuko gets her tickets.

On the way to see Miyako Odori we made a very long detour, at the end of which I came out with a pair of "My Hashi," collapsible chopsticks in a soft wrap for carrying to restaurants and thus avoiding disposable ones. Good thing I finally got a pair two days before leaving the country.

Scary Shrine Tunnel

Just before going to the theater, we stopped at a small shrine called Yasui Konpira-gu, as Yasuko wanted to show me something "scary." As she explained it to me, this tunnel consists of the bad vibes people wish to throw off themselves. They write them on the strips of paper, tie them to the mound and crawl through the tunnel. However, there seems to be another meaning to the mound (search words: "kyoto shrine paper tunnel". Amazing that I got a hit on the first page! Thanks, Inside Kyoto!) .

After further investigation at the shrine's website, it seems that both are correct:

This monument such as a white flower "a monument of relationship limit matchmaking ."

There is a hole for a person to pass midmost. It cuts a border if I pass than the list of the rock. On the contrary,

Who pass from the back and tie up a rim. Finally Who put a scapegoat on the rock and pray.

It seems to cut not only the man and woman but also the bad borders such as diseases。

Lanterns, Omikuji and Sakura
Yasui Konpira-gu

After much touring about I was getting a bit antsy, as I thought the dance started earlier than it did. But we made it in plenty of time and all was right with the world.

2009 Miyako Odori Kimono

Miyako Odori is held at Gion Kaburenjo. Those with the special Chaseki tickets enter to the right. Just inside the theater entrance is a small display area with the current year's kimono. There is also a small gallery of artwork by the maiko themselves.

Koi wa?

As you wait to enter the tea ceremony room, you are invited to sit or go outside to enjoy the garden.

Temae: Terukoma
Hikae: Kyouka

This year, the geiko preparing the tea (for the special guests in front of her) was Terukoma. The maiko serving them was Kyouka. By some stroke of luck, we were first in line again this year, and were able to get the same seats.

Terukoma Enters

In retrospect, I might have chosen a different seat in order to get a different perspective on the process, and I might have taken fewer pictures and just enjoyed more. But it's so amazing to watch her work, and if I've got that camera in my hand... I guess now I can just enjoy it for a long time.

Kyouka's Silent Aisatsu

Kyouka's Obi
Kyouka is such a pretty maiko, she looks like a doll. And the combination of her pink kimono and purple arrow obi were breathtaking.

One more for the road.
Terukoma and Kyouka begin a new ceremony as we move on to the theater lobby.

Showa 53
1978
While most Miyako Odori kimono are blue, a few are green.

After leaving the tea ceremony, guests may enter another part of the garden which has access to a tiny room lined with kimono of Miyako Odori past.

Baby Momiji

So dazzlingly beautiful in their autumn reds and oranges, the spring momiji sprout tiny purple and white flowers that create a lovely fringe under the canopy of leaves.

Katsura

Just a sampling from the displays in the Maiko Gallery at Gion Kobu (Gion Corner)

Kanzashi for January to May

Uchiwa fans for July

Fuji for May

Miyako Odori everywhere.

After our show, like last year, two maiko were giving a special photo session for all the otaku. So once we left the theater, we jetted over to Tatsumibashi to take advantage.

Takasuzu

Jama!
Mamehana's Adornments

I realized, after I'd gotten home and started going through my pictures, that while taking these shots of Mamehana from the back as she moved to a new spot, I was a jama! I was one of those inconsiderate people who get behind the maiko and end up in everybody else's pictures. Sorry everybody...

Mamehana

Just beautiful. And her butterfly kanzashi were so lovely.

Maneki Neko

Soon enough the maiko were spirited away, leaving the rest of us glowing from the brief encounter. Even the birds didn't know what to do with themselves.

After the Odori, it was time for me to move along. I had a shinkansen to catch back to Nagoya where I would hop on another train to Gifu to spend the night and next day with Aya-sensei's family.

Losing his Shorts
I love this crazy shop.

Obamagori
Yes,We can enjoy GAMAGORI!
Nothing is sacred.

And thus my last day in Kyoto came to an end. And what a Good Time it was.

Kyoto for Hanami, Vol. 2, Day 3: Uji and Daigo

2009-05-28T22:54:00.003+09:00

In Japan, thank goodness for Kyoto.
or
Thank goodness Kyoto is in Japan.
Sort of changes the meaning, doesn't it.

On the third day, our first stop was a "quick" errand to run down to Uji, to find some of the delicious kuromame hojicha that I'd gotten in the fall.

Life is Living You

Ok, just kidding, the first stop was at Isetan, at Kyoto Station, to see if they had the tea, thus sparing us a trip to Uji.

Yummy, yummy takenoko.
Bamboo shoots.

But, of course, they didn't have it, as it isn't a very common tea, so off to Uji it was.

Momoyama
The JR is spelled out in hiragana, instead of katakana.

RAAK
A delightful store full of all sorts of printed cloth items - handkerchiefs, bags, scarves, hats, wall hangings, hand towels, etc.
Situated on the corner of Byodoin Omotesando (the street leading up to Byodoin), near the bridge. That's the best explanation I can give you.

寺島屋
Terashimaya
Established by Terashimaya-san in 1827, this store retains a "retro" funiki from its entrance to its displays to its packaging. And smells edibly delicious.

As luck would have it, of course, it was Tuesday, and of all the days of the week, the one store that sells the kuromame hojicha is closed on Tuesdays. They have all sorts of ways to order tea, but none would help me, as I was leaving Kyoto the next day, and the country two days after that.

However, all was not in vain. On the way back to the station, I picked up a belated birthday present for my mom, one for me and one for... we'll see... back at RAAK.

Uji Manhole Cover
Can't you just see kimono-clad folks of old crossing this bridge, on their daily business?
Oh, Japan.

So, from there it was on to Daigo-ji, again.
Since the first time we didn't have a chance to go into the museum or anything else, back we went with the other halves of our tickets.

Arriving at Daigo-ji

Daigo-ji's origins date back to 874 when a Buddhist monk named Shobo built a hermitage at the top of the Kamidaigo mountain and discovered a well of spiritual water, called Daigo. But it wasn't until Emperor Daigo (so named posthumously) took an interest that the temple complex began to take shape. Yakushi Hall was built in 907, and after Daigo's death, subsequent emperors continued to provide support for the temple's development.

Shutters on Reihokan

The other half of the ticket got us into the Reihokan museum at Daigo-ji, where we were able to see thousands of the treasures of Daigo-ji. Also highlighted at the time were a collection of beautiful promotional photographs used by Japan Railways. Unfortunately, photography was prohibited inside the museum.

An interesting fellow.

Outside the Reihokan stand several glorious shidarezakura and other cherry trees.

Lush

After a tour through the museum and gaping at the glorious sakura trees, we decided it was time for some refeshments to keep up the energy and spirits. Just across the way from Reihokan was an area for omiyage, ocha and okashi. So we okashi-ed.

Mitarashi dango with kinako.
Mmmm, kinako....

Niomon
Built in 1605, the gate houses two statues that were sculpted in 1134.

After refreshing, we moved on to the rest of the Shimo-Daigo (lower Daigo) section of the temple.

Sakura Matsuri
The hanami festival at Daigo-ji has been around since the times of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and his extravagant parties.

Red and White

Inside the Reihokan was a display of painted screens, including one of this red and white curtain accompanied by cherry blossoms and other natural stuffs. I had hoped to find a print or postcard of it somewhere, but I had to settle for a photo of the real thing.

Yasuko and Sachiko Strolling 'Round
Festive red and white curtains line the main path through the temple grounds.

Goju-no-to
A national treasure, this five-story pagoda was begun in 936 and completed in 951 under the reigns of Emperor Daigo's two sons, Suzaku and Murakami.

Wall of a small gate at the upper section of Shimo-Daigo

Bentendo

Sponsors

As explained to me by Yasuko, after the emperors and nobility were no longer sponsoring the temples, other sources of financial support had to be found. This board is comprised of plaques bearing the names of donors.

Leaving Through Niomon

From Niomon
Evening lends a magical light to the trees and walls lining the approach to Niomon.

Sou da. Kyoto ikou.
The theme for my next Kyoto book. Should I make one. After the one I'm making now.

Leaving Daigo-ji

Outer Wall
Tall pines line the street in front of Daigo-ji. In the afternoons they lend their shape to the white outer wall of the temple complex.

Joseph and a Torii

Feeling small, Joseph finds comfort in a mini torii - placed to remind dog owners not to let their pets use the fence as a toilet.

And thus ended the sightseeing and hanami for my second-last day in Kyoto. Next Kyoto for Hanami Post: Miyako Odori!!

Gallery Pl.-Chinatown

2009-05-20T05:23:00.016+09:00

Next Station: Art with a side of rain.

Chinatown!

I've never been to Chinatown in Yokohama or Koreatown in Osaka. I've never even been to the now defunct Italiamura in Nagoya. But I have been to Chinatown in NYC, so when I headed to Chinatown, D.C., I was expecting something a little grittier than I got.

Actually, I didn't really have plans to go to Chinatown at all, but after I subwayed it over to the Gallery Pl. - Chinatown station and got to the door of the National Portrait Gallery... and found that it did not open for another hour and a half... I thought, what the heck, I'll take a stroll around. In the rain. Without an umbrella.

Beauty Hair Shop
Hair Salon

No, I don't speak Chinese, but I can read some kanji, so it was a fun little challenge to look at the signs in Chinese and get the gist without actually being able to "read" them.
(That and it says "Hair Salon" on the sign inside the door.)

Goethe Institution
In D.C., China shares a border with Germany

Yes, Chinatown was not the narrow, people-on-the-street, shops and vendors at every turn, straight-up Chinese neighborhood that I was expecting. More like some organizations, some Chinese establishments mixed in... and the big gate that I subsequently saw in State of Play and was so pleased with myself for recognizing. But it was cool enough, and certainly an experience.

Three Meiji's Please
I just learned, in my internet investigation, that in Chinese, the above kanji apparently means "sandwich," and is romanized "sānmíngzhì".
Go figure.

Quilts for Obama

A little gem I did find in my meanderings was the DC Historical Society, which is currently displaying an exhibit of quilts made by people around the world in celebration of the inauguration of President Obama. In my fragile state, I was easily verklempt, once again, and in spite of the kid trying to make off with my camera - or a hug - it was a wonderful time spent looking at the quilts and reading about the folks who'd put them together. I even had to take a minute at the end to get the verklemptness out of my system before moving on.

Awe-sooooome!
If only we really could bottle exchange students...

Let the elephant be your guide.
In front of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Public Library, looking toward the National Portrait Gallery.

So I strolled about a bit more, biding my time until it was of an appropriate hour to go back and meet Melissa for lunch. From her office, she, Matthew and I footed it over to Chipotle for my virgin sampling of the delectable burrito delights they had to offer. De. Lish. Us.

And on the way back, I did plunk my foot into a rain-filled hole in the sidewalk. But Matthew lent me his umbrella for the rest of the afternoon, so there was a bright side.

Back to Gallery Pl. - Chinatown Station
I love the D.C. subway!

Now that my belly was excessively full, I tried my luck again at the National Portrait Gallery.

Now That's Abolition
John Brown

Let the verklemptness continue. Maybe it's the times, the winds of change and hope, but while at the portrait gallery, seeing the actual photographs with which we're so familiar from our textbooks, reading about the brave men and women who were not content with things as they were, enough to stand up and do something about it, making sacrifices and taking risks, all so that they and we could have a better life... verklempt, verklempt, verklempt.
Our world is as it is because of them.
And our children's world will be as it is because of us.

Andrew Jackson

Sharing the building with the portrait gallery is the Smithsonian American Art Museum. More Good Times. Add free on to all the artsy goodness, and it's a satisfying way to spend an afternoon.

Through the Blinds
The Kogod Courtyard. Really cool. But warm.

Taking a Break
Luce Foundation Center
(third floor of the museum)

Running in the Great Hall
The site of Abraham Lincoln's 1865 Inaugural Ball
Imagine, little boy?

TV Land

There it is.

SmartBikeDC

I spent many the hour at the galleries, but I was still left with a couple to kill. So I started walking, and happened upon a most welcome sight: Ye Olde Starbuckes. For soy chai latte and a chair, out of the rain.

And that was a lovely ending to my rainy day.

Kyoto for Hanami, Vol. 2, Day 2, Part 2: Koryuji, Arashiyama and Nijojo

2009-05-15T22:52:00.006+09:00

Yamazakura (?)

Next Stop: Koryuji
広隆寺

View Larger Map

Just down the street from Eigamura is Koryu-ji, the oldest temple in Kyoto (establishment-wise, not structure-wise). We didn't do too much exploring, as it was a little late for going into the buildings, but we took lots of kimono pictures around the grounds and under the cherry blossoms.

Stinky
I can't remember the name of this plant, but I finally realized that it is the source of the Spring Stinkiness I've stumbled through from time to time.
Pieris japonica?

Checking In
Yasuko checks out times and fees. We didn't go in.

Eaves and Faces
Onigawara

Most of my pictures from Koryuji were of Yasuko and Sachiko posing in their kimono, so I don't have much to offer you here... but there's more!

Reflections at the Train Station
Waiting at what must be the Uzumasa-koryuji Sta. When we get moving about, I just follow Yasuko, really.
The gentleman in the middle was leaving Koryuji behind us, and had been snapping pictures of Yasuko and Sachiko in their kimono. So I got him at the station.

Yasuko and the Train
Taking a picture of Sachiko

Yuko-chan

嵐山
Arashiyama

Butterflies and Pine

From Koryu-ji we took a train out to Arashiyama to enjoy some less urban hanami.

Tickets to Tenryu-ji.

This was perhaps my third trip to Arashiyama, but only my first time inside the Tenryu-ji grounds. And I have to say, it was a fantastic experience.

Short on time, we didn't go into the building, but walked about the grounds, finding all the blossoming shrubs and trees of early spring. How exciting the spring blossoms of Japan. Since I have lived in Japan and have done this blog, I have become more and more interested in the plants, finding out names and paying attention to when they bloom. That has been my Japanese experience: the closeness to the changing of the seasons, marked by the ebb and flow of blossoms, blooms, plantings, sprouts, harvests, and bareness.

Oh, how I miss it now. The rice fields must be spectacular in their newly-planted, reflective state.

Sakura?
I really should have gotten in the habit of carrying a small notebook with me. Yasuko and Sachiko know the names of everything, or at least ask if they don't. If I had, I might remember and be able to tell you the name of this variety.

Shidekobushi

The sun was starting to go down, and we would soon have to leave the grounds. I was tired from a looooong day of walking, picturing, carrying my bag and camera, and it was starting to get colder.

So when we came to a point where there was the choice of going up or just going back, I was leaning towards just going back. But Yasuko and Sachiko thought I might like to go up - to where I could see a view of the city. I still wasn't thoroughly convinced, but I went anyway. Their suggestions usually tend to bear excellent fruits.

So up I went. And my reaction upon reaching the top was a whole-hearted "Uwaaaaaaa!"

Okashi
I can't remember what he was making...

Final Stop: Nijo-jo
二条城

I love Nijo-jo. Ever since my first experience, the first time I went to Kyoto and was spending time by myself, totally kando-shita from the uguisu floors and grand yet delicate corridors, I have loved Nijo-jo.

This time, once again we were not able to go into the castle, but had a special Light Up ticket for the grounds. Yasuko and Sachiko got in free because they were wearing kimono. I really have to hand it to them for going the whole day in kimono and zori.

The light up was wonderful, and at the end of a long day I was easily moved, missing my home in Ena, my kids, this magical Japan that I would no longer have everyday access to.

Matcha and Manju

In January, Yasuko, Sachiko and I had our first matcha of the New Year at Nijo-jo. In April we had a lovely Light Up Hanami matcha. Yummy.

Just past the tent-lined omiyage and okashi section, was this building, housing the biggest ikebana arrangement I had ever seen. Bamboo, sakura, pine and forsythia made up the most part of the display. In front were three koto. Just as we were about the leave, three women entered with their songbooks and sat down for a short koto concert. Oh, Timing and your glorious surprises.

Light Up!
Joseph and I peace it up in front of Nijo-jo.

And that was the end of my second day in Kyoto.

More to come!

Kyoto for Hanami, Vol. 2, Day 2, Part 1: Toei Eigamura

2009-05-10T09:35:00.003+09:00

Me, Glorious Me
In a Heian Juni-Hitoe getup. More to follow.

(Disclaimer: This post is going to start with the goods, simply because I ended up uploading them last. Which means they're at the front. And there are too many other pictures to shuffle them all to the end. Note to Blogger: Is there any way to do that in a more efficient manner?)

続けまして...

My second day in Kyoto, the girls and I went to Toei Studio Park (AKA Eigamura) for some Goode Olde Fashionede Edoe Periode Tymes. Oh, that and so much more. Which is why today's post is only Part 1 of Day 2's adventures.

Jinrikisha Kitty
Yes, I already have two Jinrikisha Kitty's, but they're all different.
But they all have see-through wheels. (^_<)

Yasuko had previously been to Eigamura with her friends, and they'd all dressed up in various period outfits - ninjas, samurai, ladies, whatever. So of course she felt that I should do the same, to get - the word of the day - funiki. Funiki means atmosphere, ambience, and since we were going to an Edo-themed park, it seemed fitting to bring along our own funiki. However, even the cheapest package was well out of my budget.

Eigamura Kitty

Soooo, in lieu of me dressing up, Yasuko and Sachiko "threw on" some kimono, did up their hair, and off we went. I wore layers myself, but the top one was a turtleneck. And a fleece on top of that. Not funiki.

Shinsengumi Kitty
Yes, I have a couple of those too, but again, they're different.

Once the girls had gotten themselves all dolled up for the excursion (an idea which turned out to be fabulous, by the dub), we headed to the bus stop at the corner. Sort of.

New Bus
Complete with New Bus Smell.

New Bus Seats
Note the momiji and sakura, and other Views of Kyoto.

Padios!
Yasuko and Sachiko get tickets.

Joseph and his ticket.

The tickets were 2200 yen, I think, which is steep, but worth every yen. So fun. Especially if you have kimono-ed pals to photograph.

Entering the Land.
Note that the writing on the sign goes right to left.

So much to see, so much to buy, so much to eat!

Our first stop was to see a presentation in the Nakamura Hall, after which we moved on to the 3-Minute Studio.

Choosing a Get-up

At 2900 yen for one picture, I wasn't planning on really doing it. But at Yasuko's "insistence" I decided to get the Heian Period Juni-Hitoe look and go for it.

Getting Posed

It really does only take about 3 mintutes - a small team of wardrobe folks have you tacked up (right over your clothes) and in position before you know what you've got on. Then the picture is snapped and the crew comes back to undress you again. While the next customer is being prepped in the wings.

Heian Peace

Yasuko snapped a billion pictures during the process, but as they're unflattering, I'll only present a few to you here.
Note to self: Full sideburns and a giant wig should be avoided in the future.

Untacking

Sanbun de OK!
So hard to choose...

Shinsengumi!
This little guy was lucky enough to have his parents shell out for the dress-up package.

Hoping for a ride in a palanquin.
Imagine if my long American legs had to fold up in there for any length of time...

My and a Tayuu. Being good.
As I'm in the market for a new job, I figured the tamer of this series of pictures was best. Not that the others were SO bad...

Down on the corner, out in the street.

Cutest Ninja EVAR.
It wasn't my idea for him to pose, but pose he did.

Jinrikisha-in'.

Olde Toilette.
Poopin' in a hole. Before they had tiles to make cleaning easier.

What it all comes down to.
I wasn't quick enough to snap the dangling legs of the kids who were dropping down through the hole.

Edo Cosplay
Yasuko and Sachiko weren't the only ones bringing the funiki.

Kickin' ketsu and taking names.

Me and My New Friend

When we came across the "Pink Lady", we asked to take a picture with her. Of course, Yasuko had "many pictures" in mind, so the Pink Lady suggested we walk a bit. She commented on the weather, so I turned it into a whole conversation among friends.
Goode Tymes.

Crossed Sword Head Shake

Back at the same theater where we'd seen a previous presentation, there were fight scene demonstrations going on. And a cute little cutie pop (TM Suzanne) trying his hand. So cute.

Abbey-sensei, Defender of Homes Against Fire

I love a good hands-on experience, and Eigamura is full of them. You can touch everything, and even play with many things and go into the rooms. It's all about being part of the scene.

Firemen's standard and lantern perhaps for identifying the brigade.

Kidz Sake

These two were so into their playing, I got away with a few pictures before the girl turned around and caught me. With some displeasure on her face. But that little boy was too much.

Shinsengumi

How you doin'?

Eigamura Has Sakura Too

Wanted
Have you seen these guys?

Samurai
These two were paying cosplayers, but that didn't stop Yasuko for asking them to walk in front of her to add funiki to a picture.

Maiko

Whatchu got?

Outside Looking In

Little Maiko

High-Wire Ninja

Just Joshin' with the Boys

The boys of Mito Komon fame.

Joseph, Sasaki Sukesaburo, Mito Mitsukuni, Atsumi Kakunoshin
as
Joseph, Harada Ryuji, Satomi Kotaro, Goda Masashi

We met these boys on the way out - and on our way to Koryu-ji just down the street.
.
.
.

Kyoto for Hanami, Vol. 2 Day 1: Daigo-ji

2009-05-04T21:06:00.010+09:00

I *Heart* Ena-san!
Aya, Jo, Paul and me in front of my Guardian Mountain

After moving out of my beloved little house and my beloved little town, I spent the night at my friend Aya's house and then shuffled on to Kyoto for another season of hanami and maiko.

Nags
A panorama of the view from Nagoya Station.
Of course the Shinkansen platforms get the better view...

Opening Ceremony

We made a quick stop at Yasuko and Sachiko's apartment to drop off my stuff and chill for a minute. On the way, we happened upon the opening ceremonies for a new park parallel to Nijo-jo. What had been, until then, nothing really, is now a place to walk, run, hang out, what have you, complete with a man-made stream. Nice.

Nishiyama Toku-kun

The bus that took us back from the station was decorated not with advertisements, but with the drawings of city elementary school children. Kawaii!!

Bicycle Parking
At a subway station

Daigo Community Bus
Turns out, it takes longer by bus than it does on foot. And feets is free.

The first day's outing was a trip to Daigo-ji. We got a two-part ticket, but only had time for the first half that day.

Surprise Attack
Oh, the many ways that this jacket is inappropriate.

Koreans in Kimono
And speaking of wartime ills, most of our ride to Daigo-ji was filled with Yasuko's commentary on how surprised she was to see these three in kimono, seeing as many older Koreans, at least, due to Japan's unsavory activities of the early 20th century, would not be caught dead in one.

Joseph and his Ticket

The Bou-san and the Jii-san

On a tight schedule, we didn't get to see most of Sanboin - inside the buildings, the gardens, etc. We just had time for the hanami.

Kanhizakura
An early blooming sakura, the "kan" in "kanhizakura" means "cold."

Enjoying tea and treats under the sakura.

Chiiiizu!

Kushiage

After Daigoji we jetted to meet Yasuko and Sachiko's dad for some delectable delights on a stick: kushiage. We got the Keep 'Em Comin' set, so every few minutes a new kushi appeared on a plate on the counter above.

Cutie-pie cook on the right.
Too bad I couldn't get him to go.

Iwamura no Hinamatsuri

2009-05-02T09:14:00.000+09:00

Hinamatsuri!
A flag announcing Hinamatsuri and the displays in historic Iwamura shitamachi.

Ok, a mite after the fact and irrelevant now...

Hinamatsuri! A day for girls... and dolls! While the boys have Children's Day during Golden Week (oh, the Koinobori!), girls have Hinamatsuri, where expensive setups of dolls are displayed, often for a whole month.

A backyard garden.

Fortunately, this coincided with me still being in town and having time to go and see the displays in Iwamura, an incorporated part of my city. As our last class, My Ladies (the ladies of my English Circle at a community center - my circle of Japanese Moms) and I chose to go and see the dolls on display and have a little something to eat (of course!).

Edo Jidai
From the Edo Period, these dolls are over 100 years old.

Hinamatsuri displays - with the Hina-sama - focus around and Emperor and Empress and may include an extensive court and array of other lower folks, like this archer.

Emperor, Empress, Jiji, Baba.
From the same display.

Nozoki Gallery
Come in and take a peek!

More Edo Jidai Hinasama

Perhaps 100-200 years old.

While this wasn't my first time strolling the historic streets of Iwamura, it was my first time to go into any of the shops, and certainly into the Katsukawa-ke house, the preserved home of a wealthy landowner who was also a merchant of rice and other goods, owning a large warehouse.

Double display of mid-20th century dolls

About 200 years old

Goheimochiiii!
What a blessing to have lived in the Land of Goheimochi and Karasumi.

That day for lunch we had the Goheimochi Teishoku, which came with one stick of negimiso goheimochi (miso with leeks) and one regular kurumimiso, your standard miso, walnut, sesame, etc. goheimochi. Plus some tea, cukes, soup that made one think of really old, traditional houses (I don't know why I got that sensation. I must have had it somewhere like that...), yummy horenso goma-ae (spinach cooked with sesame) and daikon salad (meh).

Maybe from the 40's or 50'?
My Ladies said they looked like the hinasama they had as little girls.

Back Down
After checking out the cool "tower" room, some of My Ladies make the perilous trip back down the steep, narrow stairway.

Shoji with a Window
Multiple rooms open onto the indoor roukan that borders the inner garden.

Upstairs
This treacherous set of stairs takes you to an upper front room where the servants slept.

From the second-floor servants' quarters.
The room looked out over the street, and had a low, poorly insulated roof that would not have kept out the winter winds so bitter in Iwamura. Perhaps the original was better suited for keeping folks warm.

Kutsu no Hina
Everybody's got Hinasama

Edo Jidai

Tsukushi
Growing just about everywhere, Horsetail is gathered even from the side of the road and enjoyed as a spring treat.

Ushi no Hinasama
It's Ushidoshi, y'all!

From inside a store.

Hinoki Hinasama
Made from Japanese (false) cypress

Oide!

Clay Hinasama

Store where we bought delicious karasumi, a sweet treat made from rice powder and specific to the Ena area.

I forgot what version of Hinasama my ladies said these were...

Hina Castle
See a closeup here.

200-year-old Hinasama
For a closeup look here.

Hinasama dating from 1760.
For a double portrait, see here.

A pair that, if I'm not mistaken, were gifts from the powers that be residing in Iwamura Castle at the time. They are over 200 years old.
Her Majesty. His Majesty.

Just a few of the musicians and other dolls lining an overhead shelf at the small restaurant where we popped in for lunch.

Jiji-Baba
On a bamboo swing.

Tezukuri
Buying Karasumi

猫柳　Pussy Willow!
We used to have a pussy willow tree in the backyard at my first house (until I was 5), so it is near and dear to my heart.

Iwamura Castle Manhole Cover

Old Iwams

At the end of the day, Ono-san gave me the tape she'd been filming all day, to my surprise and delight. But now I just have to figure out how to watch it...

It was a great day, and a great way to spend our last class. I miss My Ladies!

Our Nation's Capital: Day 1

2009-04-29T15:59:00.001+09:00

I live!

It's been 2 of the moon plus since I last posted, and I'll blame laziness and lack of internet connection on all that. And while I have a ton of Japan pictures to post and blog about, I'm going to interject with a bit of my DC series.

On Sunday, April 12th, I arrived in the DC Metro Area at Reagan International Airport. My JBFF, Melissa, did me the great service of picking me up at the airport and then shuttling me to various establishments of nourishment, to the great bliss of my starved American appetite: bacon cheeseburgers, grocery stores and a Barnes and Noble (hoorah!) Starbucks.

Once the Post Office, now home to the Environmental Protection Agency

The next morning I rode into work with her and made my way to the Farragut West station, off to my first day of museuming in D.C.

The Old Post Office Pavilion

At Federal Triangle Station

My first robin of the spring.

First stop was the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Of course, I arrived at around 9 only to find that it doesn't open until 10, leaving me with an hour to fill about the Mall.

Outside the Castle

Once inside, the Natural History Museum was an architectural dream. The mammal exhibit was awesome, a 360-degree experience up, down and all around. I shared stations with kids from the International School and the International Mums (and Dads), each draped in a red I.S. vest and armed with a clipboard and pencil. How sweet and moving (America!) to see so many kinds of kids, all curious and eager as kids of all kinds can be, moving about from animal to animal, choosing the focus of their questionnaire. Ah, the first of my Ferklempt Times.

An Elephantine Greeting

In the Mammal Hall

An Ocean of Sights and Things-to-Learn

Nerd's Paradise

From the Second Floor

Aside from the visual feast that are the displays, the the museum itself is amazing. One could spend all day with the angles and arches, repetitive lines, lights and shadows.

Early April Hanami: Chinese Rosebud

13 1/2 St.

After the Natural History Museum, and suddenly finding myself without a lunch date, I grabbed a sandwich and caramelly coffee drink, and headed back to the National Museum of American History.

Joseph and his Idol

Bob, of Chuck and Bob

Right next to Seinfeld's Pirate Shirt

The American History Museum is where you go to find "artifacts" collected from all along the path that this country has taken - from the political, the entertaining, the scientific, the household.

Joseph poses for his Presidential Portrait

Greensboro Lunch Counter

Where four Black students sat down in Greensboro, NC, in 1960, were refused lunch and refused to leave.

This Woolworth's lunch counter is set outside a fascinating exhibit of the Scurlock Studio, a photo studio owned and operated by an African American father and sons throughout most of the 20th century. The exhibit is a collaboration between the NMAH and the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which will be housed at the NMAH until its own building opens in 2015.

Star-Spangled Banner

Two girls pose in front of the glass installment outside the new exhibit of the flag that inspired the National Anthem. I didn't go in to see it - too pooped.

Outside the NMAH

Joseph at the White House

Instead of taking the subway home, I thought I might save myself $1.65 and walk back. Also, I had some time to kill. So Joseph and I found our way 'round the back of the White House and took a moment for a photo op. Joseph's so glad Barack's in there. Me too, Jo. Me too.

Lieutenant General Comte de Rochambeau, pointing (unwittingly?) towards the Eisenhower Executive Office Building

At Lafayette Park, behind the White House

All the Same Size

Connecticut Ave. and K St.

(Thank goodness for all the numbers and letters. It makes navigating an unfamiliar city that much easier.)

A Big Ol' Flag and a Crosswalk Timer

Rather Handy

At the end of the day, I was pooped from walking, but delighted with Our Nation's Capital, or at least what I'd experienced of it that day. It was truly a lovely homecoming to wander the streets, surrounded by so many people of different accents and languages, colors, shapes and nations. And knowing that within a mile from where I stood, Barack Obama was governing my country! (I think, unless he was in Mexico at the time...)

And how exciting to see the homes of all the bodies that run our country, Embassy Row, historical sites you've only read about. It was a good first day.

Day to Day

2009-02-21T20:53:00.006+09:00

About Valentine's Day
That about sums it up.
Notice how she worked so hard to write this paragraph and all she got (from another teacher) was a red circle. The same red circle that the kid who just copied a few vocabulary words a few times also got.
Sensei, you got to reckanize!
I wrote back... and gave her a sticker!

Nothing really exciting has happened the last week or so, but I do have some random pictures to th'ow at you. The biggest fun time of the week was last Tuesday when I was having a super Big Time poopy morning/day. At the end of the day, as the kids were heading home, I heard a small ruckus outside, so I poked my head out the window to harass some kids. It turned out to be three of my favorite 2nensei who called "Abbey! Let's take pictures! Bring the camera!" (in Japanese, of course). Containing my joy, I called back "Ok.... hold on..." and willed myself to walk slowly to my desk, take my camera from its bag and go out front. The next 20 or 30 minutes found me and the three kids taking silly pictures all over, and having a grand time doing so. From there it snowballed into a bunch of other kids. Of course they wanted copies, and of course I obliged. Along with the fun Picnik-ed pictures I'd already prepared from the Gyoza Day. And as soon as they saw me on Friday, their first words were: "Abbey - Pikchas!" Coming back from class after 2nd period, I had an entourage of boys hoping to get their prints. They were so happy to get the pictures of themselves and I was so happy to have provided them with such happiness. If only I didn't have to leave them...

Hoshiume in the Teachers' Room
Dried plums with what is probably shiso. I love living in the country

Anyway, the morals of the story were:
1. I was so happy to have so much fun with my babies, especially on a day when I was not good.
2. I was so happy to make them happy with pictures of themselves because...
3. I love to take pictures. I love to take pictures of people I care about. I love to give people nice pictures of themselves because how often do people get free pictures of themselves and en masse? And I was so happy that they appreciated the pictures because lately I've had moments where people have not appreciated such pictures and I have subsequently, although perhaps unintentionally, been made to feel bad for taking them and thus not wanted to do so in the future. At least of certain individuals.
I say Good Day.

Ganbatteiru Ume
Sprigs from a juuuuust blooming plum tree.
In the genkan of one of my schools.

Aaaaanyhoo...

In other news, here are the pictures. Not the pictures of the kids, because that's dame, but other ones from around and around.

Mail, Newspapers, Bikes, Trucks and Rakes and Such
Just outside the genkan of the same school.

Nice Slippers... (snicker, snicker)... Ja Nai!!
I love making fun of my sannensei for the bathroom-type slippers they wear to do genkan souji.

Kasagi-san watches over his end of the valley.

From the Coco parking lot near my house.
I will surely miss the little brother to Ena-san, who is behind me.

Ena-san over the Oasis.
Foregrounded by Oasis, a hair salon that apparently wasn't content with being a nice off-white building on the side of the hill. Instead, in the oasis spirit, they went for cluttery paintings of dead-brown palm trees and grass. Because nothing says "Oasis" like dead-brown plants.
On the other side, however, it does have a huge picture window view of Ena-san to the right, the Alps straight ahead and probably even Ontake-san to the left.

Ume ga Saitorun da yo!
In addition to the little yellow flowers starting to bloom behind my carport and the sprouting tulips, ume (plum) blossoms are the sure sign of the impending Spring.
Bring it on!

I Love Ena-san
Last night it snowed for about the third time this winter. This morning, Ena-san and her children (read, foothills and lower mountains), Ontake-san and the Alps looked deliciously fresh in their new white frostings. We haven't seen too much of that this year.

New House
It seems like everywhere I turn new houses, stores and other buildings are going up. It makes me quite sad to see views obstructed, rice fields erased and plain old clutter piling up. But at least this one's semi-traditional. And it borders a parking lot, not a tambo.

Gyoza!

2009-02-15T08:46:00.003+09:00

Chopping the chives. (?)

Rescued from my boredom Friday morning, I was invited by the P.E./Home Ec. teacher to go see the kids make gyoza. When I got there, I was very pleased to find that it was one of the two 2nensei classes, whom I adore. My babies looked SO cute in their colorful aprons (each has their own) and bandannas that I could hardly contain myself when I walked in. So glad I'd chosen to bring the little camera with the video function, I got to work snapping and recording away.

Of course, you only get the faceless shots here.

Whisking the water.

Adding the filling and crimping the edges just so.

Left: sliced dough waiting to be made into balls, then rolled into flat circles.

Teacher Assignments
My sample gyoza were being made by Group 5

Nice and neatly crimped.

Gyoza Dango

Awaiting the Pan

I just realized that I don't have any pictures of the finished products. They were waiting for me when I got back from 4th period - right before lunch - and I scarfed them down, post haste.
A little thick in the crust, but de-licious! So garlicky and gingery!

My Inaka Day

2009-02-13T06:15:00.003+09:00

Inaka House
With a ladder out for trimming the hedges. The house can go to pot, but the hedges will always look smashing.

The first pictures are for those of you who've only been in Tokyo or any other big city in Japan. They're fascinating and exciting, so much to see and do, and I love Tokyo. But there's a whole other side to Japan...

Dormant Rice Fields
And if you look closely, you can see my beloved Ena-san on the right, although she's pretty whited out.

I think this was the day it was soooo foggy. And then I crossed the gorge, made my turn, and suddenly everything was blue and sunny.

Keep 'Em Comin', Mom!
The part of my job where I check homework notebooks is always an adventure.

Leftovers from a very dichotomous lunch.
Heavenly Goheimochi (well, it was kyushoku goheimochi...) and Squid.
Complete with inner stringy things. I gave mine away first chance I got.

The Day After Oshogatsu: Nijo-jo and Gifu

2009-02-05T09:35:00.010+09:00

Tree Cozies
All wrapped up for winter.

The day I was to leave, we decided to make it Raku-Raku, nice and relaxed after two days of running around in the cold all day. After a leisurely morning and breakfast, we walked over to Nijo Castle, which is just a block from Yasuko's apartment.

As it was still New Year's Time, the castle itself was closed, but the grounds were open for New Year strolling and admiring. While I'd been to Nijo-jo before, I'd only been inside the castle, so this was the first time I'd had a chance to walk around the grounds.

Steps Down
What struck me about the perimeters was that Nijo-jo is actually lower than other parts. Usually castles are on a hill overlooking the town. The grounds in this corner of the garden reminded me an angular amphitheater or a reverse Aztec pyramid.

All Kinds
Japan is all kinds of folks, and all kinds of Japanese folks can appreciate its heritage for the New Year.

Yuzu?

But the main event was the First Matcha of the Year. We bought our tickets for 700 yen and went in to the special tea room set up for that day.

Joseph is excited to go drink the first matcha of the year!

Welcoming us to the matcha room.

My matcha ticket.
Set out before me, so the servers would know I hadn't been served yet.

Matcha Sippers...
and a Ghost of Sippers Past

Outside the gates to Nijojo, with a giant waving flag and a giant kadomatsu, lit up at night.

On the way home from Kyoto, I stopped (or rerouted) to Gifu, to spend the night with my dear friend, Aya-sensei. I was beat, but we braved the frigid temperatures to enjoy an Illumination display at Nagara Koen.

Me and JoJo are two happy-go-lucky dawgs.
Notice that the foreign breed lives inside, while the Japanese dog is outside. At least he got a scarf.

Lovely Queen
It's like this sign was made just for him.

I had a lovely time with Aya-sensei and her family, eating temaki sushi, more ozoni (happiness) and gingerbread houses, holding kitties, chatting and catching up.

But I was also glad to finally get home to my own bed and my own 4+ walls.

Oni wa Soto!

2009-02-03T18:39:00.004+09:00

Setsubun Lunch
Nothing really Setsubun-y about it except the beans.

In Olden Tymes (read: Before the White Man Got Here), Setsubun marked the end of the Lunar New Year, and so was something of a New Year's Eve, cleaning out the evil of the old year and bringing in the Spring Season. Nowadays it's something of a fun holiday and another chance for stores to make money selling specially-bagged roasted soy beans and novelty masks.

"Roasted soy beans and masks?!" you say? Yes, dear readers. The masks are worn by one member of the household while one or more of the others throw soy beans at them, chanting "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!" "Out with the devil, in with good luck!"

This year, as soon as he saw the masks come out, Joseph wanted to be the Oni. I warned him it might not be as fun as he thought, but he was not to be swayed. Some people just have to try things for themselves.

Once he got inside and calmed down, Joseph thought he might like to have a nice picture of himself with his mask on.

The Calm Before the Storm
Me and Jo, posing in our masks.

According to the back of my mask, 2009's Oni is "Love Oni".

"Oshogatsu!" or "Welcome to Ushi-Doshi!" or "Now Begins The Year of Abbey!"

2009-01-09T20:09:00.008+09:00

Kurozato Mochi

When we got home from Heian Jingu, we enjoyed some super duper delicious kurozato mochi - mochi made with brown sugar. Heavenly.

Osechi-Ryori

The next morning it was Osechi-Ryori for breakfast, all the lucky ingredients for a good start to a New Year: sweetened black soy beans, sweetened chestnuts, konbo (made from seaweed), tazukuri (small fish with a sweet soy sauce), shrimp and of course ozoni - mochi in soup.

Minamiza

Once we got fed and showered and up and out, we went to Kawaramachi Sta. to meet up with my cousin, Andy, who was visiting his in-laws in Osaka. I hadn't seen him or his family in 5 or 6 years, so it was a small-world treat to be able to spend New Year's Day with all of them in Kyoto.

Kadomatsu

Yasaka Jinja by Day

On the 1st, the streets around Yasaka were just as crowded, although inside it was a little better than late the night before.

Throwing Coins

To make their first prayer of the New Year, people threw coin offerings from several yards back. I can only imagine what percentage of the shrine's revenue comes from the 4 days around the New Year.

All the New Ema

Kimono

Many women - and men - dress up in kimono to do hatsumode (first shrine visit of the New Year). We didn't see too many, although there were some.

Joseph suddenly feels so tall.

JoJo and Yasaka no Tou

Those ain't no ladies...

Finding Yasaka no Tou (a 5-story pagoda between Yasaka Jinja and Kiyomizudera), we also stumbled upon a lively scene at a small shrine nearby. Tourists, Japanese and foreign alike, were drawn by what appeared to be a maiko and geiko photo shoot. Upon closer inspection, however, it was discovered that two of them were... dudes.

Admiring the "maiko-san"

Creepy Head...

Yatsuhashi!
Three folks in kimono purchase Kyoto's most scrumptious omiyage offering.
Oh, the flavors!

After "strolling round" a bit, we dropped my cousin and his family off at the subway station and headed home...

Ichinichiken
Joseph shows off his one-day pass for the bus. Complete with 09.1.1

And then the front.

Joseph's new favorite store.

... making a quick stop at Joseph.

And that was New Year's Day. Good Family Times.

Heian Jingu at Midnight

2009-01-07T09:21:00.003+09:00

In a midnight frenzy, visitors to Kyoto's Heian Jingu scramble to get the first omikuji (fortune) of the year.

First, you shake a metal can until a slender wooden stick falls out of the small hole in the top. The stick will have a number and perhaps a hiragana character on it. Take that to the stand and pay 200 yen to receive the corresponding fortune - good or bad. If it's good, take it home with you. If not, tie it neatly onto a pole, wire, string or tree on the shrine grounds in the hopes of leaving the bad fortune behind.

Kyoto for Omisoka, Vol. 2: Chionin and Heian Jingu

2009-01-05T10:03:00.003+09:00

After leaving Yasaka Jinja, we wandered around Gion a bit in search of maiko-chan.

To our dismay, the streets of Gion at that time were dark and quiet, with only a few establishments open for business. Needless to say, no maiko were to be found.

Shimekazari

Winter Sakura
Made from mochi (sticky rice "cake"), these "sakura" or hana mochi are hung as decorations for the New Year and reminders of the spring to come.

Kagami mochi
Perhaps the most representative image of the New Year.
At a small shrine in Gion.

Fukudama
Geiko and maiko are given these balls to carry to Yasaka Jinja, where they do Okera-mairi.
The only fukudama we got to see that night were ones hanging in shops like this.
No maiko-chan.
(ToT)

Toshi-koshi Soba
Enjoying hot soba on a cold winter's night.

Chimaki
Very expensive chimaki (sweet mochi in a cone shape, wrapped in bamboo leaves. Also eaten for Kodomo no Hi. De lish us.)

Okera at Chionin
A woman keeps her okerabi going while waiting to be allowed in to Chionin Temple.

Matsu Matsu
Waiting under the pine trees at Chionin.

It was a very long, very crowded line.

Our visit to Chionin was very cool, seeing the monks ring the bell, hearing its deep donging sound. It was also a little scary, being pushed mainly by older folks interested in moving along. And a little annoying listening to the American tourists complaining.
But the whole package was a thrill.

Joya no Kane
The monks ring the bonsho, sacred bell, one of 108 times. See my video for live action and more explanation.

Yasaka Jinja Mae
When we came back from Chionin, this crowd awaited us in front of Yasaka Jinja, prompting a swift flight to Heian Jingu.

Midnight
According to my camera, this picture was taken exactly at 12:00.

Reading Mikuji
As we entered Heian Jingu, there was a crunchy, tinny din sounding all around. At first I thought it was from all the footsteps on the gravelly ground, but I soon realized that it was the many revelers shaking out the first fortunes of the New Year.

Waiting in Line
Not so much a line as a crowd gradually being funneled onto a stairway up to the shrine stage where visitors tossed donations and made their first prayers of the year: bow twice, clap twice, pray, bow once. It took us about half an hour to 45 minutes to make our way up. There are no photos from the stage, as they were prohibited.

And thus our New Year's Eve came to an end. We very gratefully took a taxi ride home, had some hot tea and brown sugar mochi and fell into bed.

Next: Oshogatsu and Hatsumode.

Kyoto for Omisoka, Vol. 1: Yasaka Jinja

2009-01-04T09:47:00.009+09:00

Miyako no Fuyu no Tabi
From Ena to Kyoto

My good friend, Yasuko, invited me once again to Kyoto, this time to celebrate the New Year, Oshogatsu, with her and her sister, Sachiko. Of course I accepted.

From the Shinkansen

I arranged it so that I had some extra time at Nagoya Station to get some Starbucks (in my new 2009 tumbler... for free) and poke around for a couple other things. Like my new Ushi-doshi Kitty-chan!

Ushi-doshi Kitty
Atop a stack of mochi for ozoni.

Toshi-koshi Soba and Then Some
Sachiko lays out our delicious New Year's Eve (Omisoka) dinner

As Yasuko and Sachiko were coming back from visiting their parents in Kanazawa, I met them at the station - after being accosted by a man claiming to be a professor, and to having written a dictionary. He had me proofread a couple pages before that saving call from Yasuko (we're here!).

After our yummy dinner, we hopped a bus to Gion.

Our first stop was Yasaka Jinja. Fortunately we got there early, ahead of all the crowds, and were able to do some Omisoka stuff without waiting in ridiculous lines.

Yasaka Jinja's main entrance, lit up for the New Year

Bowing in the New Year
Many folks, women and men alike, wear kimono to do hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the year. This lady was either bowing out of respect to the shrine or to greet someone she knew.

What's your pleasure?
All the staples were there: takoyaki, candy apples, yakisoba, festival games, etc., etc., etc..

Daruma
And of course stands specifically for New Year's traditions.

The daruma is for granting a wish. When you make the wish, you paint in the left eye. Once it has come true, you paint in the right one.

Okera
Okera is made from the root of a plant originally used for medicinal purposes. At Okera-mairi, a tradition specific to Yasaka Jinja, one end is fed into the flame at the shrine, and kept alit by swinging it until getting home. There it was traditionally used to light the first hearth fire of the new year.

Ushi-doshi
2009 is the year of the cow, so ushi-doshi decorations were in full supply.

Calendar Girls
The New Year wouldn't be complete without a new calendar. Here, all kinds of girls grace 2009's calendars.

Hamaya and Ema
And everything else you need for Hatsumode.

Especially Big Ema
At any time of year wishes are written on the back of ema and hung up at the shrine for the gods to read. Some are specific to the shrine, like these, or have other themes.

Making a Wish

Okera-mairi
People gather around the lanterns to light their ropes or burn gomagi.

Okerazake
Before Yasuko went to write a wish on a stick of gomagi, we jumped in line for some okerazake - very sweet and very delicious warm sake just for this occasion. It was served by men in white from big copper ladles onto small white dishes which the toasters could keep as a souvenir. (Mine's still in my bag. Sorry, no picture.) All for the low-low price of whatever you want to donate.

Lighting Gomagi
Before tossing this stick in the flame, a wish for the New Year is written on it.

Kumade
Literally meaning "bear paw", kumade are supposed to rake in good luck for the New Year. I believe these kumade are decorated with some of the seven lucky gods of the Takarabune - treasure ship.

Hamaya and Ema
An "evil-repelling arrow", hamaya are purchased or given to bring good luck for the coming year.

Kaerimichi
With all the crowds, the Yasaka grounds are a one-way street.
This is the way "home".

Next up: Chionin and Heian Jingu

Joya no Kane

2009-01-03T20:34:00.004+09:00

Priests ring the bell (kane) one of 108 times on New Year's Eve at Chionin Temple in Kyoto.

All across Japan, temple bells are rung 108 times to drive away earthly desires or , clearing a path for a clean soul throughout the year. While at some temples visitors may ring the bell, at Chionin Temple in Kyoto the priests handle all the ringing.

The bell (kane) is rung with a long wooden hammer (like a ram) swung on ropes. As they swing the hammer, the priests repeat a chant. According to the temple's website, they say "Ei hitotsu", referring to the way the bell is struck one hit at a time.

Just back from my New Year's trip to Kyoto, I'm still working on pictures, but I thought I'd throw up this very Japanese New Year video to tide you over. What a thrill to be there!

Sabishi... kunai!

2008-12-29T00:35:00.010+09:00

Paul gets the yaki-ing going.

Yesterday I was a 5th wheel, but it was all good. I met up with Lulu and Jorge for dinner at Paul and Aya's, and we had a lovely time "grilling" meat and veggies and picking at other delicious yet unhealthy treats.

Joseph, who hung out by himself in the other room all afternoon, suddenly gets inspired, but needs a little help from Aya.

On the way back from Paul and Aya's, I stopped in Nagoya for some Starbucks and remembered that the Illumination was up. So Joseph and I took pictures together and of each other (well, me of him) around the displays.

I was starting to feel a little silly taking pictures by myself with a puppet (no offense, Jo), when suddenly I felt a tug on my sleeve and when I turned around, there was my Aya-sensei whom I hadn't seen since the summer. It was a joyous reunion and we made plans for me to stop at her house on the way back from Kyoto this week.

Ever since Kyoto, Joseph's been into climbing trees.

Then Joseph and I took a lot more pictures.

Joseph gets silly.

Joseph is a jama.

Joseph Loves Bread

Joseph Joins a Drum Circle
Because nothing says "Christmas" like bongos.

Nagoya Station's Second Floor Illumination Display

Towers Lights
I'll be that took them all of no seconds to come up with.

The Meeting Place at Nagoya Station

And then I went home.

Deep Cleansing Oil on the Chuo

So Much Christmas... Etc.

2008-12-27T12:54:00.006+09:00

An early Christmas present: Ontake-san in the morning.
Dec. 24

As it had rained the night before, Christmas Eve morning was frosty, blue and all kinds of wonderful.

Beautiful Christmas Eve Morning
Tambo, houses and the Minami Alps

Christmas Day was my last day of classes, but it turned out to be a totally excellent day.

My schedule:

Period 1: Have my schedule rearranged and cover for the teacher who came in late. Refresh the kids' Christmas memory and play some active games.
Period 2: More of the same.
Period 3: Play a great game of soccer with my 2nensei boys. Love!!!
Period 4: Check notebooks and find out that Ryosei copied his letter word for word from Sunao.
Lunch: Enjoy a super delicious Select Lunch to some fine Christmas beats, with fine Christmas cheer all around.
Hiruyasumi: Stay warm in the teachers' room and continue notebooks. Write "Merry Christmas!" on all of them.
Souji: Plant pansies with my 2nensei souji crew in the very cold garden.
Period 5 until the end of the day: Putz around on the computer, try to figure out how to get certified to teach in Maryland.

"Select Lunch"
Roast chicken, "salad", egg/corn soup (sans mushrooms), kuro roll pan, chocolate cake.

Thursday night was Christmas dinner at Nikko's place. Nikko, Shona, Cream, Chris D., Nigel and I hooked up the eats and beats (as in, egg and music) and had a grand ol' time. We had roast chicken (can never get enough), mashed potatoes, garlic green beans, breads, crunk juice of various sorts, homemade EGG NOG, salad and Chocoyaki.

Nikko's Brainchild: Takoyaki for Dessert
Sans tako + SWEET

Nikko and Chris dig in.

Once again, can you understand why I wouldn't want to leave?
My beloved Ena-san in the afternoon.

For the 26th, I was invited by my old school, LMS, to join them in Hirugami (Nagano Prefecture) for their Bonenkai (End of the Year Party). Joined I did. Onsen-ed I did. Ate I did. Good Times I had.

Carpet at the hotel

We checked in early and took a spin in the onsen (hot spring bath) before dinner. The outdoor rotenburo was so luscious in the cold air and there was even a grotto.

Saki and I, post-onsen.

The Initial Spread

Dinner was delicious, and what wasn't was given away to the gents on either side of me. As we ate, we drank, socialized and played a LMS-based quiz of big events of the year. I even got one right, and won a prize! After some swapping with Kocho-sensei, I ended up with a big can of Ritz crackers.

Ebi, etc.

After dinner some folks headed home, and 6 of us stayed: Saki, 4 "boys" and I. While I was knackered, the boys weren't through, and coaxed us into joining them for some karaoke. However, the karaoke turned out to be a hostess bar downstairs, so there was a little finagling to be done so that Saki and I could join.

In the album of my mind: Middle-aged men in yukata, haori and cream-colored pleather slippers singing old Japanese songs on a stage, under colored lights and in front of a sparkly silver curtain. And oh, so pleased with themselves. The only other females in the room were a bunch of not-so-cute hostesses all in white outfits, so seem pure, one could assume.

Typical Onsen Hotel

The next morning we were on our way back to the onsen, when we were told it was time for breakfast, so we had to eat in our yukata - with only undralls underneath - on the floor, in the same room we'd had our party the night before. Talk about awkward.

Saki and I in front of the hotel.

Kitty Goes Skiing

On the way home, we stopped briefly at a little skiing place which happened to have Kitty-chan as its mascot. Saki grabbed a random kid to pose with me.

Me, Kitty and a New Friend

And now I'm recuperating before heading into Nagoya/Okazaki tomorrow for more holiday cheer with Lulu, Jorge, Aya and Paul. Kyoto he no shinkansen no kippu o kaou!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T06:19:00.005+09:00

Joseph's Christmas Card

It's officially Christmas here Nippon-side, and Chris D., Sakiko and I brought in the holiday proper last night with Chicago Pizza, McDonald's fries (it'd been 3 years since I'd eaten them), a little cake from my mom and a whole mess of other stuff. Strangely enough, I'm starving this morning...

Tonight I have a Christmas dinner with some other gringos, then tomorrow is a Bonenkai (end of the year party) with one of my old schools. At the onsen. Niiiiiicccccce!

Now I have to go to school for my last day of 2008.

Merry Christmas, everyone!