Shiga and Nagano Prefecture

Help me!!!! I am falling!!!

Have you ever been rock climbing? I haven`t, but I want to try some day. It looks really exciting. I like hiking very much, but I am afraid of heights, so I am a little worred about rock climbing...

Mr. O went to Shiga to have a picnic last Sunday. It was also his birthday on Monday, so I think he celebrated with his family by going to Shiga Prefecture. I have been to Shiga before, but I have never gone hiking there. The above picture is of a snake eating a frog! Can you see it? This is a really maginificent photograph! Ms. K and A went to Nagano Prefecture together. They went to some hot springs and spent a few days in the mountains. I can`t beleive that there is still snow on the mountains, it is almost July!! I have been to these mountains in Nagano before. I went hiking up the mountain. It was really fun and beautiful! I recommend going there for a relaxing time!
Today is strange weather again...sunny, then suddenly cloudy, rainy. Maybe it will ran a little every day this week. Don`t forget our umbrella, be careful on the slippery roads, and have a good rest of the week!

Cucumber Pepsi!!

Which do you prefer, Coke or Pepsi? I prefer Coke. But I don`t drink Coke so often...maybe 4 times a year or so. When I was a child, I drank a lot of soda. I liked it. Now, I mostly drink, water, tea, coffee, sometimes juice, milk, and beer ;). The image of Americans is that they drink a lot of soda...I think this image is generally correct. But some other images that Japanese people have of Americans is NOT true!! What are your images of Americans?

Pepsi just relased a new product! Cucumber Pepsi! Unbelievable!!! I can`t believe it!! Mr. K tried it and sent me this photo. He also wrote about it on his blog. He said it was interesting. If you have time Mr. K, please write a comment about this product on this blog!!! What do you think about cucumber Pepsi? Do you want to try it?

It`s officially the rainy season now...rain, rain, and more rain. Have a good one!

Cheese burgers...

Good morning! Yesterday was really strange weather! It reminded me of Thailand or Indonesia...The morning was very sunny and hot, then suddenly in the afternoon, like a squall, it poured...then sunny again. then a little grey and a little rain again. The weather forecast for today is a high of 29 I heard. That`s hot!

Do you like cheeseburgers? The above burger pic is from a famous burger shop in Osaka. I have never been there, but I heard it is pretty good. But I think it is a little expensive, about 1000 yen for a burger. There is also another burger shop which just opened around the corner from here. It seems pretty popular and people say good things about it. I want to check it out sometime soon for lunch.

What is your favorite burger shop? McDonalds? Mos Burger? I like McDees!!! I like the double cheeseburger. Did you know that there is "a quarter pounder" burger in America, but that is not on the menu in Japan!? I think that the menu of McDonald`s is a little different in different countries!

But the BEST burger is the burger that I make on the grill! I like to have a barbecue, and I like to make burgers, and hot dogs and chicken sandwiches on the grill! If you don`t believe that my burger is the best, then maybe I will make you one some day! Have a good week!

Watermelon!!

Do you like watermelon? I do! Do you eat the seeds of a watermelon? I do!! Really!! It`s annoying to spit out each seed, so I just swallow them. But what is the deal with the price of watermelon, and some other fruit, in Japan!? Somebody please explain it to me! The price of some watermelon, for example the kind sold in a department store or some fruit shops, is CRAZY EXPENSIVE!!! WHY??? I don`t understand! Also, melon, peaches, grapes...it is endless! I used to eat a lot of fruit when I was a child. I ate fruit every day. Now I don`t eat so much, sometimes an apple, or banana...I wish the price of fruit was cheaper in Japan! Then I could enjoy fresh fruit every day like when I was younger ;)

Loco moco

This food is famous in Hawaii! It`s called Loco Moco! The ingredients are the following: beef or pork or hamburger meat with fried egg over rice topped with some gravy or barbecue or teriyaki sauce. It not spicey! It is mild. Ms. T went to Hawaii last month with her co-worker! She said this dish was delicious! The reddish colored drink also looks refreshing and great for the summer!

I read in the newspaper that the rainy season will begin soon, but that it might not last that long. The article said that the rainy season will be shorter this year.

Many people like Hawaii for the beach, and surfing, and culture. I think I will have to go back to Hawaii again sometime soon! :) I can`t wait! The next time I go, I definitely want to try this dish!!

Amanohashidate

It`s already June! I can`t believe that alomist half of the year is almost gone...

M. O went to a famous sightseeing spot with his parents the other day. The spot is called "Amanohashidate"! I heard that it is really beautiful!! Mr. O`s parents are in the picture above!! What are they doing??? They are looking between their legs and the site. When you visit this site, you have to lookbewtten your legs at the ocean and land strip. Supposively, it looks very beautiful that way!!

I wonder...

But I want to go there and try one day!

In June it is the rainy season in japan. But today is really a beautiful day, maybe not a cloud in the sky.

Have a good week!

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!

Pretzels

Pretzels!!! Do you like pretzels? I love pretzels! I used to eat them when I was a child, in high school, university, even now! There are many types of pretzels, ard and soft, big and small...Sometimes I eat them with mustard too!! If you have never tried a pretzel, I recommend that you try one ASAP!! ;) Hope everyone has a good weekend!

p.s. Thank you Ms. N for this CUTE photo!

Midosuji Street Art

Last night I went to the Hanshin Tigers and Tokyo Giants game at Koshien Stadium. It was the first time I have been to koshien in a while. It was a rainy night, drizzling off and on for practically the whole game. But it wasn`t cold, so it was OK. The game was a blow out! The Giants won 10-3 I think. Many people began leaving in the 7th inning, so at that time I got a seat in the first row on the third base side. It was great and interesting to watch the game from so close, the same level as the field. As always, the koshien atmosphere and Tiger fans were awesome too!


What do you think about this art? It is on Midosuji street. Mr. YU took theses photos and made some comments about them too. Check out the "comments" for his thoughts on these sculptures!

Steak Dinner!

During my vacation in America, I had a couple of steak dinners, in my parent`s house and also in some restaurants. All of them were great, but of course the home-cooked one is my favorite! Ms. C made a steak dinner for her boyfriend`s birthday lst month. She sent me this picture of all the goodies! She made everything from scratch, by herself! It all looks really delicious!

To chnage the subject, yesterday there was a lot of depressing news in Japan and America, with the random shooting in Virginia and the Mayor in Nagasaki being shot and killed. This news is really terrible and shocking...I hope today is a safe day for everybody!

Naoshima Part 2

These are Mr. Y`s photos! He told me all about the island the other day. He said the diameter of the island is about 16km and there are 2 big museums and also about 14 artistic objects/structures scattered all over the island. Also, he said he saw many foreigners, especially French people. I like walking and I am interested in art so I think I want to go there some day.
Today it is raining...a rainy start to the week. yesterday while I was teaching, there was an earthquake. My student, a junior high school kid, Mr. J, and I were really surprised. In Osaka even the magnitude was about 2 or 3, we could feel it. It lasted about 15 seconds I think...Some of my friends in Osaka also said that they felt it, but some people said they didn`t feel it. I hope everyone has a safe week!

Art Island: Naoshima (Part 1)

Two of my friends, Ms. E and Mr. Y went to Naoshima the other day. They didn`t go together, but it was a coincidence that both of them send me some photos around the same day. These are Ms. E`s photos! I first heard about this island on t.v. a few months ago. Also, after that, I read about it in the newspaper! Many foreigners supposively go there. The island is designed to be like one big art museum. Ms. E and Mr. Y both said that they had a good time and enjoyed it. I hope to go there one day.

I Like the above photo a lot!

This one is really cool too! It looks like a lady-bug pumpkin! But it`s on the beach!?!

Today was round one of Ichiro-Matsuzaka!! Did you watch it on t.v. this morning? Matzuzaka won that battle, but lost the game! And the other (forgotten) Japanese player in the game, Jojima, hit two doubles off of Matzuzaka...he almost hit a home-run too, but it was just foul...I can`t wait til the next match-up!

Waterfalls...

I really like waterfalls! These photos are from a while ago. I went for a light-hike for about 2 hours. All long the hiking path, there were waterfalls and a little river. It was in the winter so there wasn`t so much water, but I am sure that in the summer there is a lot of water and also I bet the GREEN of the trees and grass is beautiful! Do you like waterfalls? Are there any waterfalls which you are your favorite?
Me taking a break on the rocks...
Tranquility...I like the sound of waterfalls. The sound from waterfalls is sometimes very loud, but sometimes I feel it is also silent.

In las Vegas, which I just visited 2 weeks ago, I went to a great restaurant at The Wynn Hotel. I forget the name of the restaurant, but there was a huge man-made waterfall with a light and music show. I think the show was every 15 minutes. It was fantastic! I recommend to go there for dinner if you ever go to Las Vegas!

Jet Lag and Cherry Blossoms!

I got back to Japan late on Tuesday night. I slept about 4 hours that night, which is pretty good considering the long trip. But yesterday jet lag hit me...i didn`t take a nap and made it through the day, but at around 10pm I was konked out...Last night I slept about 6 or 7 hours...I woke up about every hour but quickly fell asleep each time. Today I feel good and it is a chilly but sunny day so I plan to go outside to breath some fresh air and be bathed in the warm sunlight. With the help of nature, hopefully jet lag will not bother me today!

I want to thank Ms. S and Ms. E for the beautiful Cherry blossom pictures!

Have a good day!

I`m back...

I went to America and Mexico for about 2 weeks. The weather was perfect everywhere, so I was lucky I think! First I went to Las vegas, then Mexico, then back to Vegas, and then Philadelphia, my home town. It was my first time there in about 2 years. A few things changed there, but basically everything was the same. In Mexico and Vegas I just relaxed and took it easy! I also ate a lot of good food (but the portions are really big so I also got bigger maybe ;) I will put up many pics from my trip over the next few weeks! Please look forward to them.

What happened in Osaka while I was gone? Tell me what`s up and everything that happened!!

I want to thank Ms. Y and Ms. N for sending me the below cherry blossom photos! They are great and I heard the the cherry blossoms are in full bloom now so I hope to go cherry blossom viewing and have a cherry blossom party or two soon.

The above are from Ms. N. I think she took these photos near her house.
The below two photos are from Ms. Y. She took these in Nara! She loves Nara (so do I)!!

What a great b-day cake!!!

In Japan, "Hina-matsuri" is a festival for girls. It is in March I think, but I forget the exact date...do you know it? It is traditional in Japan to decorate the house with this doll stand as seen below. Traditionally, the decoration is set up about one month before the holiday. Then on the Holiday day, it is considered bad luck for the girl to NOT clean up the decorations, so on this day (maybe march 3rd...) the family members rush to clean up. I think the decorations are rally cool!