Faces of Barcelona

These are some great shots from my parent's trip last year to Barcelona. My mother told me that "Cafe Zurich" was their favorite spot. Like my mother, I also enjoy just taking it easy and sipping on a cappucino and "people watching." Do you have a favorite hang out place in your town, or near your work-place? I do!

While on the topic of "hanging out," March is the last month of work for many people in Japan who will retire. (The new working, as well as school, year usually begins in April in Japan. In America, the school year begins in September.) I know a few people who are retiring soon, and I wonder what they will do next...
This is an article about where some people want to live when they retire:
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20090203vf.html

Osaka skyline and the Colonel

Isn't this a great shot of the Osaka skyline at sunset? My friend took it from her apartment in the city. It is pretty cool.

Now it is already the middle of March, and the WBC(World Baseball Classic) and spring training in the MLB(Major League Baseball) NBL(Nippon Baseball League) are all underway. It's a great time for baseball fans. While on the topic of baseball, I saw some news which is a little related to baseball the other day on the newspaper. So here it is:
http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/colonel-sanders-statue-and-his-curse-lifted-from-dotonbori-river-in-osaka

(I especially recommend to read the "blog comments" under the article)

Did you know about this story? They found "The Colonel" statue which was thrown into Dotombori river by some crazy fans over 20 years ago when the Tigers won the pennant. It was found buried in the mud of the river and 200 meters from the Dotombori bridge. A city diver found it while doing some clean-up work on the river. And, "the colonel"...that reminds me...I love Kentuck Fried Chicken! It's is Goo---Goo---Gooddd!!!!!! But I haven't eaten it for a long time...so maybe this weekend...maybe. But, I just remembered, I am on a diet and watching my weight, so on second thought, maybe not...

Crabs and movies

I love crab, and lobster, and all types of seafood. But I have a rule. I never eat crab or lobster or scallops or seafood in a restaurant unless I am near the sea. So that means, if I am in the middle of the desert in Arizona, I do not oder seafood even if it is the special of the day!! Below are some photos of delicious crab from near The Japan Sea, in my opinion one of the most beautiful places in Japan.

And, I have a question for you: What is the greatest Japanese movie of all time? Look here for to read some of the opinions of some foreigners living in Japan:
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/fl20090303vf.html

Hokkaido and Hot Springs

First, Hokkaido is on my list of "must go" places. I have never been there and recently I really have an urge to go because I have heard so many good things about it from so many different people. And I heard the the food is fresh and fabulous!

Next, these hot spring pics are some of the best I have ever seen. Ms. H said that the scenery at this hot springs was absolutely exquisite! She said "you have to go!!"

From today I kinda feel that spring is here. It is a good feeling and I am looking forward to all of the changes and sights of spring... (but I am lucky because I do not have hay fever. For people who have hay fever, with itchy eyes and noses and puffy-sollen faces, spring might not be such a great time...)

Nature-philly style and cash hand outs

Did you read the story about Prime Minister Aso changing his mind again? He is a funny guy. Before he absolutely refused to accept the 12,000~18,000yen cash out payment to all citizens from the government, saying "People like me(=rich old men) shouldn't accept that money." But the other day, he conveniently changed his mind and said "I will accept the cash handout. And I will use it immediately to stimulate consumption."

Will you accept the cash handout? If yes, what do you want to use it for? What do you want to spend it on?

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/nn20090303a1.html

Anyway, thats me (below) just chilling in one of my favorite places, Nature. I was walking by asmall creek in the place which I wrote about a few days ago, Valley Green. I sat down by the river for about 10 or 15 minutes are just cleared out my head. Sometimes the sound of the river enables me to do that.

Whiskers!!!

I would like to introduce you to Whiskers!! He, maybe "he"?, is a catfish. He is the pet of the proud parents, Mr. and Mrs. Koba. When Mr. Koba first laid eyes on Whiskers, it was love at first sight...destiny... Mr. Koba said "I have to and him!" And Mrs. Koba, being the good wife that she is, said "Okay." Actually, originally, they named him "Hige" which is Japanese for "beard." But when Mrs. Koba told me about her new adorable pet, I said "You should name him Whiskers..." And she listened to my advice (which is rare because most people don't...) and changed the name. I was happy! :) Now, Whiskers is a part of the Koba family. He might grow to be one meter or maybe even more, so Mr. and Mrs. Koba might have to buy a new house to hold the big tank they will need to take care of Whiskers. But they are lucky, because now it is a "buyer's market" if you are looking for a house...

Bento Box

What do you eat for lunch every day? Do you eat a bento box? If yes, is it hand-made? Do you make it or does someone make it for you? Or do you buy one at a convenience store, or some outside food stall or something?

Me, I really like bento boxes, but for lunch every day I usually have a home-made, delicious, sandwich. Tuna fish and hard-boiled egg and vegetable...It is part of my daily routine. I think it is healthy and good for me too, but maybe I use too much salt and pepper some times...

A few times a year, as a special treat, I think it is nice to eat a bento box though. Or, I I go on a trip and use the bullet train or some express train, I like to get a bento box then too.

Below is an interesting article about children in schools and bento boxes:
http://www.asahi.com/english/Herald-asahi/TKY200902270070.html

"Imperial Couple to visit Pearl Harbor"

I was surprised when I saw this headline. This is the title of this article: http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/nn20090302a1.html

Many people often ask me what Americans think about Pearl Harbor, what happened at Pearly Harbor. It is a difficult topic to blog about, but one thing is for sure. Peace, NO War is ideal.

The above and below are beautiful uplifting photos from Ms. A in Australia.

Philly continued...

Today is March 2nd...First, I can't believe spring is almost officially here. Don't get me wrong, I am very happy about it because I love the warm weather, and spring means the beginning of the BBQ season, which is a treasure for me...but ALREADY spring...time goes by really quickly...

When I went to Philly two weeks ago, I did two of the things which I enjoy the most. Relax inside, and relax in nature. Except for speding time in nature (hiking, going for long walks, soaking in the warm sun, listening to the sounds of a river/waterfall), I am basically a "home-body." As you can see in the photos below, I did both in Philly. There is a nice path about 20 minutes by car from my folk's house. It is called "Valley Green." Many people go walking, cycling, jogging, and eevn horse back riding there. It is a great "Nature spot" not so far from the city. And, the the seat next to the fireplace is my favorite seat in the house in the winter. If I have the remote control, and a beer, then it is as close to paradise as I am going to get in Philadelphia...Good memories and good times with the family in that room...

Wine

Welcome March! There is a free wine tasting event at Hankyu Internaional Hotel tomorrow (Monday March 2nd) if anyone is interested. I think it is being held from around 2pm in the afternoon til about 6pm...

You might wanna check it out if you like wine (and can escape from work for a few hours, or have a day off, or are not working...)!

(One of my goals for 2008 is to make a nice wine collection with a nice rack like the one below)

Philly Trip

Last week I visited my family in America. First I visited my brother and sister-in-law in the boondocks about and hour from Detroit, and then I spent time with them as well as my mother and father in Philadelphia. From start to finish(except the return flihgt which was delayed 3 hours) everything was great. Over the next few days/weeks, I will show you all some photos from the trip.

St my parent's house, there is a basketball net. When I was a child I used to play a lot of basketball on that court. So this time, I took a few shots (made all of them...swoosh) and reminisced. It was fun. Then, after shooting afew hoops, we went down to the museum in the city to say "Hi" to Rocky, the Italien Stallion. He looked fit, in shape, as usual.

This morning, it was like a monsoon outside when I walked to the classroom. I got drenched, from head to toe. My socks, jeans, long underwear...everything. But because I am smart, I brought a change of clothes today. Some new jeans which I bought in America. 2 pairs for 30$!! You can't beat that! What a great bargain/deal!! And, they fit great!

"Okuribito" wins the Oscar!

Finally my prediction was right!! It is practically a miracle. Right after I saw "Okuribito" last October maybe, I said, "This movie will win a Oscar for best foreign film." My predictions almost never come true, and most people who know me, know this. But this time, I hit it right on the nob. As I wrote in a blog about this movie before, the balance of the movie, the many stories intertwined in the movie, the music, the photography, the unique "japanese" scenes such as the bath house, all mesh well together. Plus the main character in the movie gets laid off, and has to look for another job. So, considering the recession around the world today, the timing is also perfect for this movie. If you haven't seen it yet, now you got to!

(The only bad thing about the movie is the english translation to the title. In English, it is called, "Departures." This is a mistranslation I believe. This translation doesn't depict the meaning of "Okuribito" accurately I think. If i translated it, I would translate it another way.)

Below are some more, better, more clear photos, from the special dinner the other which I wrote about before. In the photos, the food and people and condo all look much better than the blurry photos taken with my cell phone.

Philadephia

It aint the beach, but that's where I am headed from tomorrow to visit my family and eat some good Philadelphia food. Enjoy Valentine's Day, have a good weekend, and see you all when I get back! Adios~

Thanks for these photos from Hawaii Yo-chan. They are beautiful and remind me of my trip to Hawaii a few years ago...
Recently I think that I want to go to Hawaii again.
And thanks for that beer too! :)

Restaurant Review: Kawaramache-Blanche

The other day Miss e and I went out for a bite and some drinks. After a little deliberation(thinking about where to go) I chose a place in the neighborhood, Kawaramache-Blanche. It was a good choice. I had heard some things about this restaurant, both good and bad, so I wanted to try it out for myself. It was quite crowded...I think every table and all seats at the bar were full. About the size, it is not such a big place, but I didn't feel too cramped, and basically I felt comfortable. About ordering food, since I do not like to pick out things on the menu, I left that up to Miss e. And she did a good job! She picked 4 dishes. We both agreed that 3 were good, and one was just ok. And, we both liked the atmosphere of the restaurant, and the bill was quite reasonable. That night was a nice change of pace, different than the regular routine. If you are in the neighborhood and in the mood for some good food and some drinks, I recommend it.

On another topic, I heard that this friday will be 17 degrees Celcius! That's pretty warm for February...

Change and Cram school kids

Recently, I have heard a lot of news about "change" around me. Today I will tell you about one of the changes. My favorite lunch place closed at the end of January. The owner, the mother of my students, is a great woman, with a great smile, and also a long-time friend of mine. Her place was the only place where I could really relax, take a break, read the newspaper, and enjoy lunch. So, it was "special" for me. In the beginning of January, she told me that Jan. 30th was the last day. I was caught off guard, but I wasn't totally surprised. Sometimes, that is just the way business, life is...She took over the shop from her mother-in-law, and her family, her husband and 3 kids all lived above the shop. Even though she didn't have to, she explained the reasons why she decided to close her shop, and of course, I understood. On the 30th, I sent her and email and she replied by saying "Today, many many people came to the shop for lunch. It was crazy busy...I regret that I didn't have enough time to say a heartful THANK YOU to each and every customer...I will never forget today my whole life..." It was a "special" day for her, and a special" place for me. So to Ms. H, "Truly thank you, and great job!"

And, the other day, another different and "special" thing happend to me. Another friend Ms. I, who runs a cram school in South Osaka, invited me to her school to help out and teach the kids. It was a very rewarding and fresh experience. The kids are were so cute, and pure. it was great.
Enjoy the weekend everyone!!

"Setsubun"

Yesterday, February 3rd, was a special day in Japan. "Sestubun" is a ritual in Japan, and always held on February 3rd every year. In Japan, people do a few unique (and strange) things on this day.

First, you must eat soy beans on this day. And you must eat the same number of soy beans as your age. (Or maybe it is the same number of soy beans as your age PLUS one. To be honest, I forget which it is...but, who cares! :) And before you eat the beans, you have to throw many beans outside the house yelling "Get out of here bad luck!!!" . And at this time, someone=this is my role, must wear a demon mask and go otuside and all of the beans are thrown at and hit this masked guy. After that, you have to throw many beans inside the house saying "Come in good luck!!!" Then, when everything is all finished, someone has to clean up all the beans on the floor. Any volunteers?

The next activity is eating rolled sushi. There are many kinds of roll sushi to choose from, which one do you like the best? My friend prefers the "Thick roll"! How about you?
And here are the rules for when you eat the roll sushi.
First, this year you must face Northeast whe you eat it.
(while eating it you should say a wish, or pray for something, or if you want to many things...)
Second, you can not stop until you finish eating the whole thing!
(So if you are like my friend and choose the Thick Roll, you got a lot of work to do!)
Third, and my favorite rule, is you can NOT talk while eating it. That's right, Silence!

Truly a beautiful and fun ritual. I hope to do it again next year too!
How about you? Did you do it last night? Are you gonna try it next year? I wonder what the two little fellas below think of this ritual???..........

Snow, snow ball fights, snow man, and Volcano Eruptions

My friend the Doctor went to his wife's hometown last month for some old-fashioned snow fun! He went with his whole family. In the below photo you can see his father-in-law and daughter. I have never met his cute daughter but I really want to one day. On the other hand, I have met his father-in-law. He's a great guy and can really hold his liquor.

I have seen a little snow, some snow flurries, this year in Japan, but no big storm or anything. Around Osaka, there usually isn't so much snow. Just a few flurries a year.
In Philadelphia, my home town, some years there is a lot of snow...6 inches, sometimes one foot, even two feet. I miss havign snow fights and playing football in the snow. But I don not miss shoveling!!

Yesterday, in the Kanto region of Japan, there was a volcanic eruption. This is very rare, but there was a lot of news about it yesterday on tv (this was covered on the news before those stories about 8-time Gold medal winner Phelps and the other Sumo wrestler guy.)

Read here about the Volcano:
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/nn20090203a1.html

The Wild Boar Vandalizer

This is Mr. H's true story:

"The other day a wild boar broke through my metal fence, and dug up my pansies and tried to eat the roots of some of the trees as well as maybe some bugs. My wife found a pansu(below photo) about 20 or 30 meters from the house. Maybe the wild boar kicked it. Anyway, the story gets even worse. When I fixed the fence, I cut my hand in three different places. And I also re-injured my elbow. (Like Mr. F, he has a bad case of "golf-elbow"). I hate that wild boar!! And from April, I wil retire so I will have a lot of time then. If that boar comes back, I am gonna get him and smack him with my golf club!!!!"

If the police catch that vandalizer, the boar, and you were selected to be on the jury, what sentence would you give the boar? Life in prison with no probabtion, 5-10 years in prison with probation, or just a slap on the wrist and let the boar off lightly...You should think about it, because when the new jury system begins in Japan in a few months, you should prepare yourself.

Barcelona

My folks went to Barcelona last month. It was their first time to go to Europe together in a long long time. My mother send me some of the pics from the trip and she said this one was my father's favorite shot. They titled the photo "Everyday life Barcelona."
I like the pic too...because I think all of the clothes haning out, drying, is cool. For your information, in America, you can not do that because people think it is bad manners or impolite or inappropriate or an eye sore...but I don't have a problem with it, and as many of you know, everyone in Japan does it too.

Home-made dinner

Because of the "T sisters," I began this week on a very good note.
Ms. T and her sister went out of their way and invited Ms. S and I to dinner at their house. Ms. T and her sister(her nickname is "The Ape." I don't know why "The Ape" is her nickname, but I think it is related to the fact that her Chinese calendar sign is a Monkey). Anyway, the T sisters just bought a new condominium in the city. It was really gorgeous! And you could even see the Osaka(Kyocera) Dome from the bedroom window! The living room is all glass windows, so the view at night, all the neon and building lights, is really spectacular!!! Combined with some classical music, of Frank Sinatra music in the background, it is Perfect!
They live on about the 30th floor of a new hig-rise, so I was worried because I am afraid of heights...but it was no problem. Even though the room is really high, I didn't feel scared at all. It was my first time is such a high room in a high condo, so it was pretty cool. And to make the evening even more special, the T sisters prepared a beautiful and delicious dinner!!! Chicken, penne pasta with tomato sauce, and french bread, and broccoli, and coffee and home-made cheese-cake dessert, and wine, and beer...I was flabergasted!! Speechless! At a loss for words!! Everything, and most of all their hospitality and consideration, was Fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!
While we all ate, we talked a lot, and joked around a little, and had a really good time. It was a lot of laughs, and good times! Thanks a lot T sisters, it was great!!!

TGIF!!! (Thank god its Friday!!)

Hope ya'll have a good weekend!

Hudson River Plane photos...

My friend sent me these photos. He lives on the other side of the river(not the New York City part), in Jersey City. Many people gathered around to take photos when the plane was removed from the river...

Speaking of many people gathering...I read that about 2.4 million people went to watch Obama's Inauguration ceremony live. That's a lot of people. But I think that the 20th was a Tuesday, a regular day, not a Holiday. So, I wonder...did everyone take a day off, play hookie from work, or play hookie from school?

There is a new Top Dog in Town.

Yes, President Obama!
The 44th President Inauguration of the United States of America!!!
Read all about the hits and misses of the speech here!!!
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ynews/ynews_pl220

New York

Did you see the news about the miraculous landing of the airplane in the Hudson River in New York. The plane hit a flock of birds right after take off. And three minutes later, landed in the hudson river. The pilot made some quick and correct decisions, and thus could save many peoples lives. More than some of the "heros" we see in the news every day, I think that he is a true hero.

Read more about it here:
http://www.itv.com/News/Articles/Bird-strike-caused-Hudson-crash-536567099.html