Aquarium, glow-in the dark fish, jelly fish, and boats...

Look at the beautiful coral! Ms. N went to an aquarium. There is a big aquarium in Osaka and also in Kobe. Have you ever been there? I have never been to aquarium in Japan, but when I was a child I went to a big aquarium in Baltimore, in America. Also, I saw many beautiful fish and coral in the Great Barrier Reef when I went scuba diving!
I wonder what these fish are called? I wonder what the name of this fish is...
This is so cool! It is a jelly fish!!! Have you ever seen a jelly fish? How about, have you ever been to a jelly fish bar? Looking at jelly fish is supposively very healing, and healthy. The jelly fish move very slowly and smoothly, and look blur or purple in a tank with special lights...I have been to a jelly fish bar before. It was fun.
Boats! I like boats, but I get sea sick...I want to buy a boat in the future (like Mr. F=he has a boat). But if I buy a boat, and then get sea sick every time I ride the boat, it is a waste I think...

Geisha

This picture is on its side. Sorry!

Ms. Y went to a special tea ceremony the other day. Many Geisha attended the ceremony also. It was held in Kyoto. Geisha are a part of Japanese culture and history. I don`t know so much about Geisha, but I think the Geisha culture is interesting. Sometimes when I go to Kyoto, I can see some Geisha walking down the street. A special aura surrounds them...

Do you know the difference between a Geisha and a Maiko? I heard that their hairstyle is different. Also Maiko are younger than Geisha I think. But I don`t know the other differences. Do you know the differences between a Geisha and Maiko? If yes, please lemme know.
Another picture on its side. But, what a nice orange kimono!! I wore a kimono once. For a "Moon Viewing." I liked wearing a kimono, but it was very difficult to walk and move in it. Have you ever worn a kimono? If yes, for what kind of occassion?
This is a Japanese sweet, called a "manju." It is very colorful and artistic. I like Japanese sweets very very much! Inside the dough is a sweet red or white bean paste. Just looking at it is making me hungry...

It`s official: Summer is here!

Good morning! It`s really sunny and hot today! It`s going to be a hot and humid summer! What will you do to stay cool?

These photos are actaully replicas of a real sculptures from China. They are located in Mie or Wakayama in Japan. (I forget which place.) There is a park with many different replicas of famous places and structures all over the world. A few students have been there and they told me that it is really interesting. If there is good air conditioning there, maybe I will visit there this summer!

England

Good morning! Today is a little cold, but a very sunny and ncie day! May weather is very pleasant. In June, the rainy season begins in Japan. It will become hot and humid and muggy. So it`s nice to have the cool and comfortable weather now!

Ms. N is presently in England studying English and also studying in her company`s branch office. She will be in Englad for about 3 months. She sent me an email and told me she was having a great time. She is doing a homestay and she said that her host family`s mother was really sweet and introduced her to many people.

I have never been to England, or for that matter, Europe. I would like to go one day! The above picture really looks beautiful, full of nature, farms, green.

Have you been to Europe? If yes, where do you recommend to go in Europe?

Dr. F`s daughter

This is Dr. F`s daughter! She is a cuttie! I have never met her but maybe I will meet her in the end of June. Dr F said he would introduce me to his family then. I am looking forward to it! Dr. F said his daughter is very calm and quiet and a little shy. So when I meet her for the first time, I think I will give her some candy or cake! Then maybe she will like me!

This morning it rained...then by 10am, it was SUNNY! Strange weather today!
Last Sunday and Monday, I was feeling a little under the weather. But now, I am feeling better.

Recently, there are many public spaces which are becoming "No Smoking" areas. Smoking is now prohibited in all taxis in Nagoya. Also, from October, I HEARD that smoking outside on the street in Osaka will become banned also. A lot of Japanese people, especially men, smoke. But some people don`t like smoking. It may be inconvenient for some smokers, but for non-smokers, and everyone`s health, I think that it is a good thing.

Honolulu and Midosuji street

Today there is a big clean up on Midosuji street. When I was alwking along the street, there were many people all over cleaning the street! Today in the newspaper, there was also an article about Midosuji street. Today is an anniversary on the street, but I forget how many years it is...In the article, it said that the city is trying to build up the street with fancy sky rise buidlings and make it more attractive! There have been many new big and nice buidlings built near the classroom recently. This is part of the big plan I think. 　What do you think of Midosuji street?
The above 2 pictures are from Ms. T. She went to Honolulu with her co-worker! She had a great time and really refreshed herself! She said her guide, Roger, was also very good and funny! Have you ever seen that big tree? She said there were many Japanese tourists looking at that tree. And look at all the turtles!! Very cool! She said the best part of her trip was body boarding!! I have never done that but I want to try...ah~~~I want to go back to Hawaii for a vacation too! Who else wants to go?

Have a good weekend!

BALI

Today is hot!!! Summer has arrived! Look at this pool above! I want to jump right in! Mr. Y went to Bali with his family. Have you ever been to Bali? I have been to Bali once before. I went about 10 years ago. I liked it and I remember that the green color of the rice fields and the brown/gold color of the cows were very beautiful! The food was good but spicey! The hotel that Mr. Y stayed in looks really luxurious!
This looks like a great place to escape from the scorching sun and rest in the shade! I would love to take a nap here!!! zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz ;)
I think this is a famous temple which is located on the top of a hill next to the beach...

Do you want to go to Bali?

Golden Week Vacation in Italy!!

Hello! Welcome back from Golden Week vacation! I hope everyone had a great time and relaxed and now feel refreshed! I stayed in Osaka and took it easy! My friend went to Italy! This is a pic of the town he visited! I forget the name of the town, but it really looks beautiful! I have never been to such a city like this, on the coast with the wate rso close. It looks really amazing! I wonder if my friend got me a souvenir...I doubt it, but that`s Okay!

It is hot today! Over the weekend it was also nice every day except Sunday, when it rained all day... I got a little sun burnt while I was jogging on Friday and Saturday. Don`t forget to put on your sun screen and have a good week!

Kasuga Shrine in Nara

Miss. U went to Nara the other weekend. Actually, she lives in Nara, and she often visits Nara city. She likes the sightseeing in Nara and she also likes feeding the deer. I used to live in Nara so I enjoy hearing about her stories. Walking around Nara park and Nara city is really fun. There is a lot of history and not so many people as in Osaka or Kyoto. Also, there is a lot of green. Have you ever been to Nara? What do you think about it?

From tomorrow is Golden Week vacation. Many people go on trips overseas, or domestically...the traffic is really terrible on the highways too. And the airports and trains are packed. What are your plans for this Golden Week vacation? Hope everyone has a safe and fun time!