ADAWAK

Tokyo Gate Bridge Run

2012-02-06T08:39:00.000+09:00

Tokyo Gate Bridge is the newest addition to the collection of great bridges in Tokyo Harbor. The total length of it is 2,618 m with the distance between towers being 440 m is actually longer than that of the celebrated Tokyo's Rainbow Bridge or Yokohama Bay Bridge. It will be open to public next weekend.

To celebrate it, there was an 8K run on Saturday morning.

It was a beautiful day - Mt. Fuji was very clear seen.

Here's the bridge - magnificent!

At the start - some 5,000 runners participated!

About 1 km into the run - almost to the first of the two great trusses.

On the truss - it is beautiful. Notice - almost no bolts!

After the turn around point heading back to the bridge.

Back on the bridge again. Runners were very happy to be running on it on such a beautiful day.

Coast Guard ships saluted us as seagulls flew by.

Helicopter ride over Tokyo

2012-02-02T21:14:00.000+09:00

I had a chance to take a helicopter ride over Tokyo.

Here are some helicopters at Tokyo Heliport.

Just after taking off from the heliport.

We first went to Akasaka-Roppongi area. This is the center of Tokyo. The red/white structure is Tokyo Tower.

Shibuya. The tall building is Hikarie, the new high-rise due to open in April.

Shinjuku - this where we have the most concentration of skyscrapers in Tokyo.

Tokyo Dome - the home of Tokyo Yomiuri Giants Baseball Team.

Senso-ji Temple of Asakusa district. Water is Sumida River.

Tokyo Skytree - now the tallest building in Japan. It's grand opening is in May.

I had a very nice sightseeing flight over the city of Tokyo.

Nagoya - Sapporo

2012-01-22T10:38:00.002+09:00

I had a busy week traveling around Japan last week, I visited Nagoya and Sapporo before coming back to Tokyo.

I could take a nice run in Nagoya - the city where I visited the castle last summer.

Below is the photo of a former TV Tower. It is currently under renovation to have the transmission systems be converted for digital broadcasting.

A Ferris Wheel at Sunshine Sakae.

A big Karaoke building.

In Sapporo, I did not run for because of the snow on the ground. It was -8 deg. C. when I woke up in the morning.

This is Sapporo TV Tower - slightly shorter than the one in Nagoya seen from Sapporo City Hall.

Sapporo is famous for Ramen noodles. This is the entrance for "Sapporo Ramen Kyowakoku (Republic)" where many Ramen restaurants are housed together.

I hope to gather more info on Sapporo on my next trip so I can write more about it.

Iwappara

2012-01-05T21:24:00.000+09:00

I went skiing with my family for the holidays to Iwappara, Niigata Prefecture.

This is from the bottom of the slopes.

Two photos from the top of the ski slopes.

A panorama photo of the area close from our hotel.

We had a wonderful time there.

Takaoka walk

2011-12-31T22:12:00.001+09:00

I took a nice walk in Takaoka on the 28th of Dec. The weather was great after a snow the night before.

This is Zuiryuji Temple, a national treasure.

Nio, one of the protectors at the gate of Zyiryuji.

A statue of Maeda Toshinaga, the lord of Takaoka that was enshrined at Zuiryuji.

JR Takaoka Station. The temple was about 10 min. walk away.

A train is painted with a famous cartoon Ninja Hattori kun.

Taipei morning walk, etc.

2011-12-25T18:25:00.001+09:00

I visited Taipei last week. Unfortunately, I could not run for I had a bit of a pain in my leg, but I could take a walk in Monday morning.

Boats at Dadaocheng Wharf.

There were recreational facilities at Dadaocheng Wharf.

A small Buddhist temple close from my hotel.

Presidential Election will be held next month. There were many campaign posters throughout the city.

These are robot figures by Taipei Railway Station.

This is the Christmas tree at the hotel I stayed.

Tokyo recent

2011-12-20T21:30:00.003+09:00

December in Tokyo is usually cold. The coldest we've experienced so far was 2 deg. Celsius and warmest was 16 in the city areas of Tokyo this year. We expect it to get even colder from now.

This is Asukayama seen from my office earlier this month.

A picture from Chinzanso Garden.

Tokyo Station renovation is coming along well.

Tokyo Skytree structure is complete since earlier this year and it now stands at 634 m. The planned grand open is next May.

Dongguan Run

2011-12-09T08:37:00.000+09:00

Dongguan is a city where I visited earlier this week. Unlike cold Tokyo, the weather was beautiful - around 20 degrees Celsius. The hotel I stayed was about 1.5 hours drive away from Hong Kong Airport.

This is the gate to Mission Hills.

The view of the club house of Mission Hills Golf Club.

This is a different lake outside of the gate. It was Sunday afternoon and many people were enjoying the sun and fishing.

By the lake, there were beautiful pink flower. I don't know what kind of trees these are, but they were just gorgeous.

A big billboard was advertising the resort condominiums.

Run to Shibuya

2011-11-22T23:47:00.001+09:00

On Sunday, I ran from my home to Shibuya. It was sunny and very beautiful autumn day.

At the train depot by Inokashira Line Fujimigaoka Station, an event for retiring of a 3000-series Keio trains was going on. It must have been a big deal for there were many people. I am not a train fan, but I found this.

About 2 more km to our final destination, we stopped to walk in Komazawano Park - close from Komaba-Todaimae Station. It was peaceful there.

Old buildings - I think they are waiting to be torn down on Dogenzaka - looking towards Shibuya station.

This is the start of Dogenzaka Street. The building with a cylindrical shape is Shibuya 109.

We're finally made it to the big intersection by the station. It was crowded as usual.

Here are the main members of Japan Women's National Football Team advertising deli products at a convenience store in Shibuya. They are very popular since winning 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup Final this summer.

Naha Run and Walk

2011-11-12T17:52:00.002+09:00

This week, I was in Naha, Okinawa for two days. I could go for a couple of nice morning runs and an afternoon walk. It was much warmer than Tokyo (but of course, not as warm as Indonesia).

Shintoshin (New City Center) Park was popular with joggers.

A huge Banyan tree at a park an old temple (Sogenji) used to stand until 1945.

Birds were standing around in a tide flat.

Fishing boats at a harbor.

Tomari Ohashi Bridge seen from the ferry terminal.

One of the two dragon figure ornaments of Tomari Harbor Bridge.

Bali Run

2011-11-02T23:33:00.000+09:00

Last weekend, I was in Bali, Indonesia. It was beautiful there.

I ran on the beach on Friday afternoon - the reflection of the skies on the beach was amazing.

Constructions were going on close from the resort area.

Coconuts and Bougainvillea were abundant in the area close from the hotel on Sunday.

A little outdoor shrine by the beach.

Amazing wood carving was displayed in front of a house close from our hotel.

Jakarta Run

2011-10-28T15:20:00.002+09:00

I had a nice visit to Jakarta, Indonesia this week.

From Tokyo, it is about 7 hours flight to get there.

Thursday morning, I could go for a jog from my hotel - at 6:00 am it was already getting very warm!

Because it was the commuting time, there were many cars, motor bikes, and of course, commuters.

Some people take free rides on commuter trains - on the roof!

Here's a photo of an amazing traffic congestion due to so many commuters came out of a train causing auto traffic to stop. The motor bikes were the first to get out of the mess.

The city is getting ready for SEA Games 2011. Banners were all over the place.

Here's a view of Senayan Sports Complex where the games will be played - as seen from the hotel I stayed.

Another view of the city from my hotel room - the golf course is under repair.

Jakarta is a very vibrant city and there will be a bright future for it, I am sure.

Autumn walk

2011-10-23T21:27:00.004+09:00

On Friday, I had a nice walk in a park in Funabashi, Chiba. It is now getting very cool in Japan.

There was a field of pink flowers of buckwheat.

There was a cherry tree with flowers - that is very rare for they usually bloom in spring.

There also were pretty cosmos flowers along a pond.

A bush of Firethorn.

At the cafeteria of a golf course close by was a chigiri-e tile picture of fireworks by Kiyoshi Yamashita.

Osaka walk and jog

2011-10-16T22:22:00.002+09:00

Last week, I was in Osaka. I took a walk in the evening of Thursday around Osaka Station.

Red whales at the entrance of HEP FIVE. The stores were open late.

The tall building on the left is Hankyu Department Store and across the street, Hanshin Department Store. The white little round light over Hanshin building is actually the moon.

Nest morning, I could go for a semi-long jog. Three tall buildings are being built at the same time on the north side of the station.

Here's Shin-Osaka Station - approx. 4 km away from Osaka Station. This is the terminal for Tokaido Shinkansen. A new tall building addition was being built there.

A commuter train crosses a truss bridge over Yodo River.

There were many commuters back at Osaka Station.

San Francisco Run

2011-10-07T07:04:00.000+09:00

Last week, I spent three days in the Bay Area and could go for two nice morning runs in San Francisco.

The San Francisco - Oakland Bay Bridge was beautiful at sunrise on Thursday.

I could not figure out what this monument was - it said "Local Earth".

A statue atop Dewey Monument at Union Square.

Running up to Coit Tower was a very good hill workout.

Pretty parrots at a bush by Coit Tower.

An interesting painting at the Chinatown.

Beijing Run

2011-10-01T16:14:00.001+09:00

On Tuesday afternoon, I had a good run in Beijing, China.

Took a run north from my hotel and ran into Chaoyag Park. Unfortunately, I could not run in this big park - I only saw things around it.

At its south west end, I saw an interesting construction going on. It looked a bit like the famous Bird's Nest Stadium.

This is a river on the west side of it. It curves through the park all the way to the east side.

On the east side of the park, there was a nice woody trail. It was nice to run through the trees.

Also on the East side, there was an amusement park with this enormous statue of a basketball player.

This lake was out of the park on the east side - very peaceful.

But, the traffic in Beijing is actually very bad all over. I was told later that the air quality is not good at all.

We got a direct hit by a typhoon

2011-09-24T21:17:00.003+09:00

Japan has been hit by many natural disasters - but usually, away from Tokyo.
But this week, we were finally hit by a big typhoon - No. 15 by Japanese designation.

Below is a TV capture of a late night news in Nagoya of Tuesday. It shows crumbling river bank from the rain and the square at the bottom right shows a big area of Japan is covered by the storm.

This one is a capture of a TV in Tokyo around 5 PM of Wednesday. At that time, the storm center was with us in Tokyo. The picture shows a damage in Kinki area (around Osaka).

Many trees fell in Inokashira Park. Here, workers are trying to cut up and remove a big tree from a trail yesterday.

But many people were picnicking in the park, too. It really was a nice cool day, after all. It was also a holiday in Japan - Autumn Equinox.

In our yard, we had a big damage, too. Our wisteria tree that gave us joy every spring got destroyed because the frame completely collapsed.

Below is a picture of our wisteria tree in spring of 2007. I miss that tree!

Montreal

2011-09-16T00:09:00.003+09:00

This time, I had several days in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

The first day I got there, I took a walk in the Chinatown.

Here, a clown tries to entertain bored people at Parc Su-Yat-Sen.

On Tuesday morning, went for a morning jog from my hotel to Pont Jacque Cartier.

While I was running back, encountered a beautiful sunrise. I took a photo of it between the Biosphere and the clock tower.

A statue a Mary surrounded by angels - a top of Notre Dame de Bon Secours Chapel. This picture actually reminds me of Queen's" Radio Ga-Ga" music video.

Then, yesterday, I had a bit of time to jog in the late afternoon, so I ran through the historical part of the city to the harbor.

The one on the right is Notre Dame Bascilica.

I encountered beautiful sailboats that just came in to dock at the harbor.

Although time I had was very limited, I truly enjoyed walking and jogging around this beautiful city.

Foggy Run in Nanto

2011-08-27T22:20:00.003+09:00

Early this morning, I went for a jog in Fukuno district of Nanto City - early in the morning. It was very foggy.

Approaching an old bridge over Oyabe River.

Beautiful flowers on a side of the road.

An entrance way to a local temple.

A spider web on a bridge.

A crow on a bridge.

It was a very peaceful run.

My First Trail Run

2011-08-19T07:08:00.003+09:00

On Wednesday, I participated in my first trail run - this one was in Orange County, California.

The event was called Into the Wild OC Trail Run. This is the tent where we registered.

Within a mile, there was a steep and dusty uphill.

Here's a downhill through the bushes - rocky trails.

In the middle of the run, there was a flat part.

The area generally looked like this.

The raffle and award ceremony after the race was nice and friendly.

Although the heat was a bit overwhelming, I enjoyed my first trail run.

Run around San Jose Airport

2011-08-15T10:07:00.006+09:00

Last Thursday, I had a trip to Silicon Valley, CA. I ran around the entire peripheral of San Jose International Airport.

Looking at the whole length of the runway from the southeastern tip of the airport.

The entrance to Airport Traffic Control Tower.

The monument of Mission Santa Clara de Asis.

A sign of the first honey bees in California is right by the international terminal.

Flags - looking up from the first bee sign.

The sign of the airport.

The terminal.

Silicon Valley Starts Here.

Morning Run in Kowloon

2011-08-04T22:35:00.005+09:00

This week, I made a very short visit to Hong Kong. I stayed in Kowloon side. Below are photos I took when I went for a short run in the morning.

A couple walks by statues (two figures to the right) on Avenue of Stars as the sun comes out.

The statue of Bruce Lee.

Avenue of Stars a bit later on.

Nice flower planters on Canton Road.

Nagoya Castle

2011-07-25T19:00:00.005+09:00

I was in Nagoya over the weekend. On Sunday, I had time to visit the castle there.

The view of Nagoya Castle from my hotel room.

A close up of the castle. The original building was burned in 1945 by the air raid and this one was built in 1959.

Golden Dolphin (Shachihoko) on top the main building roof.

The stairs I took to climb to the observation deck.

The view of downtown Nagoya from the observation deck.

Architectural structure model was displayed in the castle.

Tohoku Rokkon Festival

2011-07-20T23:34:00.007+09:00

Last weekend, I was back in Sendai to see Tohoku Rokkon Festival. This was a two-day event to support the disaster affected areas. "Rokkon" means "Six Spirits" - symbolizing the six major festivals of Tohoku, the region that was hard hit by the March 11 disaster. This was the biggest event that took place in Tohoku area after the earthquake.

The logo of the festival - calligraphed by a very talented 12-year old boy - Takuya Takahashi.

Many more people than expected showed up for this event - caused a traffic jam.

On Sunday, my group had a very good seats - air-conditioned restaurant above the crowd. We felt sorry for the people in the sun-baked roadside.

Dancers leading the parade.

Kantou Festival of Akita City.

Waraji Festival of Fukushima City.

Hanagasa Festival of Yamagata City.

Sansa Odori Festival of Iwate City.

Nebuta Festival of Aomori City.

Sendai Tanabata Festival ornaments displayed by the hotel I stayed. A dixieland jazz band was playing.

It was reported that over 360,000 people gathered for this two-day event. Great success!

Boston Freedom Trail

2011-07-10T09:15:00.004+09:00

I was in Boston last weekend. On that Friday, I took a walk on the Freedom Trail.

The memorial for Robert G. Shaw at Boston Common.

Paul Revere House.

Old South Meeting House.

The site of the Boston Massacre.

Beautiful USS Constitution.

Boston Harbour seen from a ferry.

Nozaki + Utsunomiya

2011-06-25T12:19:00.006+09:00

On Thursday, I visited Tochigi Prefecture.

Nozaki Station

A newly installed Nasuno Yoichi statue.

Utsunomiya Station

There are many Jiaozi (Gyoza in Japanese) restaurants around Utsunimoya station.

"Kenta-kun" a mascot of a Jiaozi restaurant.

There are many snacks in the station souvenir store - from left to right: Jiaozi Senbei, Jiaozi potato chips, and Jiaozi Okaki (crackers).

A Local Run

2011-06-19T20:28:00.008+09:00

I had a nice run yesterday. A typical of my local workout is around 10 km jog. I ran down Kanda River southwest to JR Takaido Station, then down to Tamagawa Josui Canal and back through Inokashira Park.

This is a woody area close from Inokashira Park right by Hosei Highs School.

Hydrangea flowers are in full blossom now.

Loquat fruits.

An Acala nātha Temple in Takaido.

A figurine of a Tanuki couple.

Harmondsworth Moor Runs

2011-06-08T08:37:00.005+09:00

I had a trip to England last week. Close from my hotel by Heathrow Airport was a nice area called Harmondsworth Moor where I could enjoy nice runs.

There was a pond by British Airways building with a family of swans.

There were beautiful field of daisies.

Some rabbits were running around in fields.

A creek with lotus.

A wheat field close from the airport.

Achasan (Mt. Acha) Trail Run

2011-05-22T21:13:00.007+09:00

This morning, I had a very good workout climbing up Mt. Acha in Seoul, Korea. It is a small mountain and there are nice hiking trails.

An ancient fortress wall from over 1700 years ago on the way to the top.

Some parts are very well kept. Here is a part with many steps.

Finally at the top of the mountain (287 m)! A rock monument stands.

Looking down to the city of Seoul - close from the top of the mountain. There were many hikers - even at around 7:30 AM of Sunday.

Grand Olympic Bridge over Han River seen from the top of the mountain.

Statues in Germany and France

2011-05-08T15:29:00.007+09:00

There are many statues in Europe. These are some that I saw.

Juliet in Munich.

Confucius in Munich.

Frederic Chopin in Munich.

Franz Liszt in Stuttgart.

Julius Caesar in Paris.

Lafeyette in Paris.

Winston Churchill in Paris.

Guess I ones I saw in Germany were more of literature, music, and philosophical, where as the ones in Paris were of political.

Interesting Things I saw in Europe

2011-05-06T19:39:00.007+09:00

I spent several days in Germany and France this week.

Here are some interesting things I saw there.

Cute patterns with a frog at the New Town Hall in Munich.

Historic Frauenkirche of Munich was under repair.

A gold statue of Mercury - a top of a building in Stuttgart.

An ICE train arrives at Stuttgart Station for Munich.

A graffiti cleaner working hard at his profession on the wall of River Seine in Paris.

A parade of some sort was about to start marching by the Arc de Triomphe.

Activities in the Park

2011-04-29T21:54:00.004+09:00

Today was the first day of Golden Week in Japan. I had a very nice stroll in Inokashira Park.

There were many people and many activities for a nice warm day.

A music concert at the stadium.

This man reads comic books for customers with his dramatical voice.

A traditional Japanese performer entertains youngsters.

The park's regular rock and roller. He is there every weekend.

And a bumble bee was busy gathering nectar from flowers.

Yamato Museum

2011-04-24T21:17:00.003+09:00

The City of Kure has a long history with ship building. It is situated across a bay from the The Japan Self Defence Force Maritime Officer Candidate School I visited just about a year ago.

There is a museum dedicated to the most celebrated, but ill-fated battleship of the Imperial Navy during the WWII - Yamato, which was built at a factory in this city. Here's the link to the museum.

1/10 scale model of Yamato exhibited at the museum.

Some of the original design drawings are displayed at the museum.

The battleship did not travel far from the base on its last voyage on a mission to travel to Okinawa in April of 1945. The map indicates where it left (Kure) and where it was sunk (marked by X).

The model of how the battleship rests at the bottom of the sea - recreated by the findings from the 1999 search mission.

At the museum also exhibits other WWII materials, a Zero Fighter plane and submarines.

Zenpukuji Park

2011-04-17T11:19:00.005+09:00

I had a pleasant jog and a stroll in Zenpukuji Park yesterday. Weather was warm and beautiful.

This is a view from the Lower Pond (east side) where the water becomes Zenpukuji River.

Sakura flowers are now 80 percent blown off the trees.

Sakura petals fell and made pink patterns on the surface of the Upper (west) pond.

A close-up view of the petals on the pond.

A nice picnic area.

A playground is situated on the side of Upper pond.

Asukayama Park

2011-04-09T09:52:00.005+09:00

In 1720, cherry trees were planted by then shogun, Tokugawa Yoshimune, at a hill of Asukayama for enjoyment of the public. This area has become one of the most famous parks for cherry blossom enjoyment in Tokyo.

Yesterday, I had a nice stroll in the park at lunch time.

This is the entrance to the park from Hongo-Dori street.

A nice playground.

Shinkansen and other train tracks are close from the park.

There are nice trails through the park.

A nice little clock tower.

A family enjoys a picnic under cherry blossoms.

It has been windy, so I don't think the flowers will last much longer this year.

Earthquake and Tsunami Affected Areas

2011-04-02T15:24:00.015+09:00

This week, I had an opportunity to go up to where the earthquake and tsunami hit. I was there 18 and 19 days after the earthquake of March 11.

Sendai was the closest large city from the epicenter. My hotel still did not have hot water or air-conditioning. Also for breakfast, they served only an onigiri and a cup of tea.

Since the train system including Shinkansen is damaged, people have to take buses.

Here's a long line at a bus stop.

Still, gasoline was difficult to come by - cars were lined up for a gas station.

Right by Sendai Airport - cars were washed up by tsunami.

It is currently restricted to use by the Japan Self Defense Force and the US Military. I heard that it will take over 6 months for commercial use will be possible.

Inside Sendai Airport - saw many damaged aircraft.

The town of Minamisanriku suffered a severe damage by tsunami.

Thousands of people used to live here at a fishing port town until just three weeks ago.

There was a memorial for the victims for the tsunami caused by a big earthquake in Chile of 1960. Here at a park, the broken sign on the right shows how high tsunami came then (2.6 m). This time, height of tsunami was over 10 m - over a three-story building. A steam locomotive (the black rubble on the left side) used to be where the rails are in the middle of the photo.

The Self Defense Force was camped out to help.

Here's another convoy of Self Defense Force trucks bringing supplies to another destroyed city of Ishinomaki.

Shinjuku Today

2011-03-27T21:01:00.006+09:00

I went to Shinjuku to meet with a friend today. The station is of course the busiest train station in the whole Japan. Before the earthquake, it was very well lighted, but now, with Tokyo Electric Power Company's loss of nuclear power plants, everyone is helping with saving energy.

This is the South Entrance of JR Shinjuku Station - this is around 5:00 pm.

There also were several groups that were calling for donations for the victims of the disaster.

This is the advertisement of the newest Shinkansen service towards Tohoku region that commenced on March 5, but it is of course not operational since the earthquake (March 11).

Inside JR Shinjuku station - lights were dimmed.

Keio Line station.

Even lights of show windows were turned off.

Here is the high rises during during the day - could tell most of the lights were turned off.

Looking towards the same building at around 7:30 pm (different angle) - very dark.

Correction about Cherry Blossoms.

2011-03-20T17:03:00.005+09:00

Today, when I took a walk in my neighborhood, found cherry blossoms. So, I am posting this to correct yesterday's post.

This is the first little tree I found today with flowers - right by the rail track of Inokashira Line by Sankaku Koen, by Inokashira Koen Station.

Nishi-En (West Garden) of Inokashira Park had many trees with flowers.

Nishi-En again. Some people were doing Hanami already.

This is in Inokashira Park. These are not cherry, but plum blossoms. These usually come before cherry. The big tree by the painter is a cherry tree - notice this is nowhere close from having flowers.

Today's Kichojoji

2011-03-19T22:19:00.005+09:00

It is now eight days since the first earthquake that struck north east Japan. The situation in Kichijoji is becoming more normal - we have not yet have scheduled black out.

There were several groups that were asking for contributions for the victims of the disaster - this is right outside of JR Kichijoji Station.

Stores on SunRoad Shopping Street are almost back to normal - it was busy today.

Tsurukame Land Grocery store now has enough food and vegitables.

We still have gasoline shortage - these cars are lined up for it. Regular gasoline price today was 151 yen per liter (Approx. 7.09 USD per gallon). Many gas stations are letting each customer to have only 2,000 to 3,000 yen worth. This is on Inokashira-dori Street.

Nakamichi - another busy shopping street in Kichijoji.

A little park by Nakamichi - behind Kinokuniya grocery store.

Musashino Daisan Elementary School - empty on Saturday afternoon.

Dogwood flowers are pretty in Inokashira Koen - we are yet to have cherry blossom.

Earthquake, Tsunami, and a Possible Nuclear Disaster -

2011-03-14T21:28:00.005+09:00

are some of the things we have been dealing with here in Japan since last Friday.

Stuff from my closet fell out right after the first quake.

The situation is very serious, especially up in Sendai area. As of today, almost 1,900 people are confirmed dead, 15,000 still missing and 450,000 people have been evacuated.

I am in Tokyo, some 400 km away from the original epicenter of 3/11 earthquake. Still, we've been having seismic intensities of up to 5. Public transportation was completely shut down on that day.

Many people had to walk home from work - this photo was taken around 10 pm of last Friday.

Even close from my home in Tokyo, some brick walls fell.

This is a shot of my TV on 13 March.

I have received so many messages from my friends around the globe - South Africa, Thailand, France, USA, China, Singapore, Philippines, UK, Ireland, Sweden, Canada, and Taiwan.

Luckily, my family and I are all safe. Your thoughts are sincerely appreciated.

Denver, CO

2011-03-03T20:58:00.002+09:00

I spent the whole week in Denver, Colorado. It was not as cold as expected - almost no snow.

Here's a big blue bear at Colorado Convention Center.

Animal heads at Buckhorn Exchange restaurant.

Martin Luther King, Jr. display at Cherry Creek Mall.

Domo - Japanese restaurant.

Someone stuck shoes on a bridge by Commons Park.

Union Station.

Mountains seen somewhere between Denver and Seattle.

Old Imperial Palace Site of Nara

2011-02-04T22:05:00.004+09:00

On Thursday, I had a bit of time in the afternoon to visit an old capital site in Nara. Thirteen thousand and one (1,301) years ago, Nara became the capital of Japan but remained as the center of the imperial governance for only 74 years.

I visited the old site of the imperial palace (Heijo Palace). Below is the re-constructed entrance gate - Suzakumon Gate.

Re-constructed Daigokuden, the main building of the palace.

Re-constructed Imperial Throne in Daigokuden. The guide told us that since no record or picture exists of the throne, the current one was built based on the one that was used for Emperor Taisho's enthronement of 1912.

A picture shows how an assembly of the nobles that took place in the palace.

Photos of Fliying Out of Tokyo

2011-01-29T19:49:00.003+09:00

I had a couple of trips away from Tokyo this week. The weather was clear, so I could enjoy the views out of the windows of the airplanes.

On Wednesday, our airplane took off towards the west. Here's the view of Haneda Airport. The long rectangular extension on the right is the new runway that was completed last year. The river is Tama River right next to the airport and on the other side to the left is the city of Kawasaki.

A few minutes later, we flew over the city of Yokohama. The bridge at the bottom right is Yokohama Bay Bridge.

Thursday morning, the airplane- after taking off from Haneda the airplane flew on the east side of Tokyo. This one is looking westward. The big river is Arakawa River. The mountain with the white cap is of course Mt. Fuji.

On the same flight we flew by Mt. Fuji. This is a view from the north side.

Otaru, Hokkaido

2011-01-23T16:17:00.005+09:00

One morning last week, I had a visit to Otaru, Hokkaido.

There was much snow - the cab driver told me that this much snow was quite unusual even for Otaru.

This is right in front of the famous cheese cake store - Le Tao.

I learned that Otaru is famous for ice cream. Girls love it - they eat it out in the cold.

Otaru is also famous for glass art.

Otaru train station as I was leaving for the airport.

Here's a sign for a support to extending Shinkansen High Speed Rail to Hokkaido (currently, only to Aomori). The sign says the 360 km/h speed train will make the time from Sapporo/Otaru to Tokyo 3 hours and 57 min.

I need to return there with more time to enjoy the beautiful city.

Interesting Things

2011-01-17T19:54:00.004+09:00

New Year's ornaments at Robataya, Tokyo. This is the Year of the Rabbit.

An amazing bamboo craft in Tochigi-ken.

Parked bikes at Inokashira Park. The yellow sign says "No bicycle parking allowed".

Price of sushi was recently reduced to 120 yen from 130 yen at Tenka Sushi.

Washed clothes were hanging at the veranda of an apartment building.

Hibiya Park Walk

2011-01-06T19:11:00.004+09:00

This afternoon, I had half an hour idle time in central Tokyo - took a stroll in Hibiya Park.

It was sunny, but air was cold and crisp.

A replica of the Liberty Bell of Philadelphia.

The explanation plate says that this was a gift from an anonymous group in America to the people of Japan to spread the joy of freedom. It is dated October, 1952.

Tsuru no Funsui (Crane Fountain) Pond - the object in the middle of the pond is in shape of a Japanese crane (bird).

A horse watering tank (or station) that was actually used in olden days.

A fountain of Kamome (Seagull) Square - at the corner of Nishi Saiwai Mon intersection.

Leonard Da Vince Museum, a temporary exhibition in the park will be open until February 20.

Bali

2010-12-31T20:48:00.004+09:00

I had a nice vacation in Bali, Indonesia - stayed at Club Med.

Beautiful beach - seen from my lounging chair.

Kayak and wind surfing are some of many activities that were available at the resort.

Agung volcano seen from the bar by the swimming pool.

Resident Salvator Monitors and a heron at a pond.

Bali dance show.

A temple in the resort.

Singapore visit

2010-12-10T07:56:00.004+09:00

I was in Singapore last week - 30+ degrees Celsius weather. It was very different from Tokyo where everyone wears jackets at this time of the year.

I could take a walk to the famous statue of Marlion.

The view of the new Sands casino towers seen from the top of the tallest building in Singapore.

Here's the Skypark deck of the Sands.

The new supreme court building with a circular top - seen from the Skypark.

Singapore's business district - it is now one of the largest financial centers in the world.

The riverfront has many restaurants - Chinese, Indian, Malay, etc.

Singapore has definitely become a great island nation - clean, safe, and vibrant!

Autumn Colors 2010

2010-11-23T14:46:00.006+09:00

Last weekend, I took a bike ride in western Tokyo. Autumn colors were beautiful.

Right by Inokashira Koen, Mitaka-shi.

Gingko trees in Seibi Koen, Suginami-ku.

A stream at the mouth of Kandagawa, Mitaka-shi.

A pond in Wadabori Koen Park, Suginami-ku.

A nice little park by Zempukuji River, Suginami-ku.

My shadow on fallen cherry leaves.

Beautifully colored leaves were found at Musashino Park, Koganei-shi.

Another picture of different trees in Musashino Park.

Susuki grass in Nogawa Park, Chofu-shi.

Boat ride to Lamma Island

2010-11-18T21:09:00.005+09:00

When I visited Hong Kong last weekend, I had an opportunity to take a boat ride to Lamma Island.

Leaving Hong Kong from the Kowloon side.

Many boats were at a harbor on the way there.

Lamma Island port.

This is not an aquarium, but the fish to choose to be cooked at the Rainbow Restaurant.

People enjoying the nice food at the Rainbow Restaurant.

Tokyo Station construction update

2010-11-07T23:04:00.003+09:00

I was at Tokyo Station on Thursday and again on Friday.

The b/w picture is what the original station looked like when it was finished in 1914. The below, the picture shows the station after the construction is finished by March 2012.

The current status of the station - all covered up.

The new Japan Post building is being built right next to Tokyo Station.

Commuters were coming out of the station.

Sugamo to Oji

2010-10-30T18:11:00.003+09:00

I've been taking walks around my work these days.

Shin-Koshinzuka Station of Toden Arakawa Line.

Solar panels are installed at the shopping area close from JR Sugamo Station.

Elementary school students walking in line to their school in Takinogawa district of Kita Ward.

Tanizu Daikannon, a statue of Bodhisattva of Jutokuji Temple.　　

Commuters walk under Otonashi Bridge by Oji Station.

Kichijoji Evening Walk

2010-10-23T23:08:00.006+09:00

Last night, I had a very pleasant walk around Kichijoji.

Suehiro Dori - looking towards the station.

An antique store was closing up. This old man is always there on Suehiro Dori.

One of my wife's favorite restaurants.

Walking towards the station westward toward JR Kichijoji Station.

Kichijoji Station building is going through a major facelift. This is the north side.

Inokashira Dori Street - on the south side of the station.

Tokyo Skytree Light-up test

2010-10-13T22:12:00.004+09:00

This evening, Tokyo Skytree (still under construction at 488 meters) had testing of its LED lights.

I could watch it from a hotel in Kinshicho, Tokyo. Unfortunately, the lighted side was not facing us, but we could see some of it. The little whitish line below the observation deck is it.The event happened between about 6:30 to 9:00 pm. The lights will not be lit again until it is all done with construction (later next year).

There were many people that came to see the event. This is very close from the steel tower, Narihira Bridge.

Morning walks

2010-10-10T09:15:00.004+09:00

I had trips to Niigata, Fukushima, and Iwate last week. Everywhere I went, I could take a nice morning walks.

Hokuriku Shinkansen, a new high speed rail elevated railway is in construction close from Naoetsu.

Miscanthus sirensis, or "Susuki" grow by freshly harvested ricefields.

A windmill shaped scarecrow/mole scarer.

Ducks roam in Kaiseiyama Park, Koriyama.

Callicarpa japonica, or "Murasasakishikibu" in a pot.

Eboshi (Noble's hat) Rock by Sakurayama Shrine in Morioka.

Mountains seen from Morioka Castle.

The Forbidden City

2010-10-02T13:11:00.008+09:00

I had a very nice visit to the Forbidden City when I made a trip to Beijing, China this week.
The weather was perfect - cool, blue skies - just fantastic.

The Hall of Supreme Harmony

Mythical creatures - decorations on the roof of the Hall of Supreme Harmony guard against the evil.

The dragon is the symbol of the emperor.

The longest stone carving behind The Hall of Preserving Harmony.

The Female Lion in front of the Palace of Tranquil Longevity. She plays with the baby.

Series of roofs seen towards north to Jingshan Park.

Osaka Station Area

2010-09-25T14:34:00.003+09:00

I took a nice walk this morning around Osaka Station.

The station is getting a facelift, including this big roof.

The north side of the station - they call it Kita Yard and its re-development is at full force. There are many cranes.

Here are workers reporting to the construction site.

Helmets of the workers seen through an enclosure wall.

Freight cars were leaving the station.

Sparrows don't care about the construction or trains.

Kobe Port Island visit

2010-09-18T10:54:00.002+09:00

I stayed over night in at a hotel in Kobe Port Island.

Here are views from Kobe Portopia Hotel.

Looking south towards Kobe Airport. The elevated railroad is the Port Island Line, or "Portliner".

Container cranes of the port.

The city skylights seen from Kobe Island Kita-koen Park.

Kobe Bridge - 319 m long double-deck arch bridge that was built in 1970.

Hottest Summertime Blues

2010-09-05T18:49:00.006+09:00

This year, Japan's experiencing the hottest summer since the Weather Bureau started taking records 113 years ago (that's 1897!).

In August, 28,269 people were taken to hospitals in ambulances for heatstrokes. Since the end of May, the number is approaching 50,000!

In the land where people cherish taking care of plants, many of them didn't make it.

Roadside bushes by my office.

This planter bush is a goner.

Planters in Inokashira Park.

My neighbor's planter.

Our cosmos flowers.

So. Cal visit

2010-08-25T21:36:00.008+09:00

I spent last week in Southern California.

Here are some photos I took there.

A bird rests on a fountain at Fashion Island, Newport Beach.

A roof ornament at Lucille's Smokehouse Bar-B-Que, Tustin.

Anime cosplay people get ready for a parade in downtown Los Angeles.

Little Tokyo Village in Los Angeles.

The Union Station, Los Angeles.

IN-N-OUT Burger on Sepulveda Boulevard, close from LAX.

Changing Kichijoji

2010-08-15T14:27:00.004+09:00

A lot is happening in Kichijoji.

Osaka-based Kintetsu Department Store that opened in 1974 closed in 2001 and for a while became Otsuka Furniture and Mitsukoshi. But it is Yodobashi Camera since 2007.
This year in March, Isetan and LonLon closed - they will re-open this fall as H&M and Atre Kichijoji.

The entrance of former LonLon Shopping Center by the central exit of Kichijoji Station.

Atre is partially open, but the grand renewal open is scheduled on 21 Sept. 2010.
Yuzawaya is also closed - and relocated in Marui for the renovation of the station building.
One of the entrance to the construction site for Atre Kichijoji. This one is below Inokashira Line overpass.
For Sun Road Shopping Area, it is business as usual.

Lake Toya

2010-08-08T09:59:00.010+09:00

I had a trip to Lake Toya, Hokkaido last Mon-Tues.

This summer, the weather has been very hot in many places of Japan. I was very happy to find that it was nice and cool there.

Lake Toya, seen from Windsor Hotel Toya.

Here's the hotel. This was the site for the G8 Summit meeting in 2008.

Mount Yotei is sometimes called "Ezo Fuji" for its shape ("Ezo" is an old name for Hokkaido).

Cows lazed around a pasture close from the hotel.

Inland Sea Ferry Rides

2010-07-31T00:03:00.009+09:00

I took ferry rides in Inland Sea (Seto Naikai).

The first leg was 100 min. ride from Himeji to Shodoshima Island.

Here is an ferry that is similar to the one I was on.

These guitarists fell asleep aboard the ferry.

The Port of Fukuda on Shodoshima as seen from a hill.

A statue of Kobodaishi (Kukai) on Shodoshima.

"Dobuchi Strait," supposed to be the narrowest strait in the world.

Island of Shikoku, as seen from the second ferry ride (60 min.) from Shodoshima to Takamatsu. The trapezoidal shaped mountain on the right is Yashima, famous for an ancient battle.

Green stuff in Taipei

2010-07-04T20:45:00.004+09:00

I took a nice stroll in the morning of Saturday in Taipei. During my walk, I saw some efforts made to make the city green.

There will be Taipei International Flora Expo in November this year. The below is a promotional exhibition at the Taipei Airport.

Samurai Blue

2010-06-20T17:43:00.010+09:00

The Japan National Football Team is participating in 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. The team's nickname is "Samura Blue" for the color of the uniform.

This is the fourth time in a row since the tournament in France, 1998 for Japan to qualify for the Wold Cup.

Because of the time zone difference (South Africa is 7 hours behind Japan), games start at our 8:30 pm, 11:00 pm, or 3:30 am. For this reason, since the start of the World Cup, I have not been getting enough sleep!

Japan is ranked 45th in the world and it is in Group E of the Finals qualifying matches. In this group, we've played against Cameroon (ranked 19th) on June 19. Many people here were pessimistic about the result, but we beat them 1-0!

Last night, the team played FIFA 4th ranked Netherlands. The Netherlands beat Denmark (ranked 36th) 2-0 on June 14th match.

Many people expected Japan to be crushed. But to our nice surprise, it really was a good match, although at the end, the result was 0-1 loss. The team defended well against the very strong team and took chances to attack. Our goalie - Eiji Kawashima - saved several very scary moments, but could not fend-off the amazing shot Wesley Sneijder took at the 53rd min. Japan had some close shots by Yuto Nagatomo, Daisuke Matsui, Yoshito Okubo, and Shinji Okazaki, but they were not good enough.

I am proud of them and I look forward to the next game against Denmark on the 25th. If Japan wins or ties against them, then the team will advance to the final "Round of 16."

The pictures of the Japan Team displayed at Japan Football Museum.

"Samura Blue Park" was set up for the supporters to cheer for the team in Yoyogi.

Samura Blue banner at a sports bar.

Yatagarasu (Three-Legged-Raven) is the symbol of Japan Football Association.

Go Blue!

Signs-1

2010-06-13T19:53:00.011+09:00

This time, I am posting some signs I find in Tokyo.

The first one was found at Shimizudani Park in Akasaka, just across the street from New Otani Hotel and Akasaka Prince Hotel.

Top right to left:

Take your own trash home. This facility is for everyone. No bonfires or fireworks.

Bottom right to left:

Be kind to trees and flowers. Do not feed animals. Do not do things that are troublesome to others.

Next one was found at a parking area close from Mitakadai Station.

Illegal dumping is a crime.

Two photos below were found in Inokashira Park.

Please be careful for the path may be slippery due to rain.

Keep the leash on your dog.

Yokojikkei River walk

2010-06-06T22:35:00.002+09:00

In the morning of last Wednesday, I had a chance to take a nice walk in Koto Ward. There was a very nice park along Yokojikkei River. It is called "river" but it is actually a canal that was made in 1659.

Beautiful iris.

Turtles were enjoying the sun.

Pedal boats.

A statue of kappa.

Tokyo Skytree Update

2010-05-30T15:09:00.002+09:00

I drove by the Tokyo Skytree construction site on Friday. Actually, it is now visible from quite a distance away.

The celebrated structure is now 389 m tall. Since my last blog reporting in February, the Skytree grew 89 meters.

A view from Kototoi Bridge (approx. 800m - 1/2 mile) away.

The upside-down conoid shape is the first observatory (340 meters high) .

There were many people that were looking up and taking pictures of the construction.

Only 245 more meters to go before its official opening in the spring of 2012.

Shanghai World Expo

2010-05-22T20:58:00.007+09:00

I had a chance to visit Shanghai Expo this week. It just opened 0n May 1st, so it was very crowded. China, in a short time period has become a very modern country, at least in Shanghai.

India and Saudi Arabia Pavilions.

The view from India Pavilion. The long line is to get into India Pavilion. the upside-down pyramid building is China Pavilion. It is gigantic.

A Velociraptor fossil at Mongolia Pavilion.

A poster at Bangladesh Pavilion.

A beautiful harp displayed at Myanmar Pavilion.

The most expensive Persian rug displayed at Iran Pavilion. It is also the smallest - only 22 cm x 17 cm, made of silk. It's price - 3.8 million RMB (over 555K USD)!

UAE Pavilion

Japan Pavilion was very popular - average of 4-hours wait to go inside!

It was too bad that I only had time to visit some of the Asian Pavilions.

Ginza Willow Festival

2010-05-09T17:41:00.003+09:00

On the Children's Day, an event called "Ginza Willow Festival" was held. This year was the 5th of such an event.

The usually busy street was blocked off from the traffic and there were marching bands, dances, art exhibits. I found this nice site that captured the parade.

Dancers danced to the rhythm of drums.

The performers getting ready to show off their songs and dances.

Street performers.

An elementary school band. They were very good.

Etajima

2010-04-29T21:34:00.005+09:00

On Monday, I had a chance to get a tour of the Japan Self Defence Force Maritime Officer Candidate School.

It is located in Etajima, an island close from Hiroshima.

The Academy was founded in 1876, as The Imperial Japanese Naval Academy. The school was originally located in Tokyo, but in 1888 it was moved to this island.

At this academy, many Imperial Navy leaders were educated, including the famous General Isoroku Yamamoto.

It was occupied by the United Nations after the end of WWII in 1945 until 1956.

This is the main student building - classrooms. All the building materials were imported from England and was constructed in 1893.

The assembly hall - built in 1917. This grand building is made of stones.

Nice grassy field of the Academy - the gray building on the right used to be a part of a battle ship that was re-located here for training purposes.

This is one of the five special purpose 2-men crew submarine that was used at the Pearl Harbor Attack. The explanation said none of the five came back from the mission. This one was found by the US Navy in 1961 off the coast of Hawaii and was brought back here in the following year.

The peak is Furutaka-yama (Old Hawk Mountain - 392-meter high) as seen from the side of the Assembly Hall. The guide told us that the students run up to the top in 15 min!

Neighborhood Scenes

2010-04-25T14:21:00.003+09:00

The springtime is wonderful in Tokyo with beautiful flowers and green leaves sprouting out. Here are some scenes from my neighborhood.

These tulips were planted by my daughter and me in January.

Pretty magnolias

Beautiful kerria flowers.

These have nothing to do with the season, but are homes of people that have common names in Japan.

Shiko Munakata Exhibition

2010-04-18T14:05:00.004+09:00

At Kichijoji Art Museum, artworks of Shiko Munakata are exhibited.

The poster.

Many of the themes of Munakata's art come from the nature and Buddhism.

Songoku (or Sun Wukong in Chinese pronounciation)

This one is a very famous piece of his - the beauty of a flower depicted as a lady.

The prints and paintings that were exhibited come from Fukumitsu Art Museum. Munakata lived in the town of Fukumitsu (now a part of the city of Nanto) between 1945 to 1954 to escape the WWII bombing of Tokyo.

Fukumitsu is the town Munakata lived to escape the WWII bombing of Tokyo. It was his home from 1945 to 1954. It is a part of the City of Nanto since 2003.

Sakura in Toyama

2010-04-10T21:00:00.005+09:00

On Thursday, sakura were in full blossom in Toyama City.

I was very lucky to have been there.

There were many sakura trees along Jinzu River bank,
at Toyama Castle,
at Matsukawa River.

Cherry Blossom Time!

2010-04-04T23:24:00.006+09:00

This weekend, the event everyone in Tokyo was waiting happened. It is of course, the cherry blossom.
We did not have such warm weather, but many people enjoyed beautiful flowers.

Full blossom at Asukayama Park in the evening of Friday.

Many, many people came to see the full blossom at Inokashira Park.

A street in Mitaka, close from the train station.

Koganei Park around lunch time.

Shishimai or "Lion Dance" performed at Koganei Park.

Chidorigafuchi by the Imperial Palace.

Street in front of the British Embassy, across from the Imperial Palace moat.

Hong Kong Rugby Sevens

2010-03-30T21:50:00.006+09:00

In Hong Kong, the last weekend of March is the biggest party of the year - Rugby Sevens. Unlike the regular rugby games, only seven players per team play in the pitch and the duration of a half a match is only seven minutes. Of course, I did not know about the existence of this sport until several days ago. I was lucky to have been invited to be a spectator for it.

When I arrived at the Hong Kong Airport, this poster greeted me at the Express Train station platform.

On Friday, I watched the Women's games. Twelve countries participated, including Japan. I was very happy to report that the Japanese team won both games I watched - against Papua New Guinnea and Singapore.

Japanese women's team (black uniform) playing against Papua New Guinnea.

Japan women's team kicking off against Singapore.

All the women's games were played at the Hong Kong Football Club, but the final game was played as a part of the official games of the program at the Hong Kong Stadium - China vs. Australia. It was a very good match, but at the end, Australia was the Champion.

The moment right before the award ceremony - China in red, Australia in white.

A fun thing about HK7s is that many people come to the stadium dressed up in funny costumes. I was not sure whether rugby or "cosplay" was the main event!

These people were entering the stadium.

This is a snapshot of my hotel room TV on Sunday morning.

The men's games had 24 countries participating - Argentina, Italy, Scotland, Chinese Taipei, USA, Thailand, Canada, China, Wales, South Africa, Korea, Samoa, Russia, New Zealand, France, Fiji, Portugal, Australia, Tonga, England, Japan, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Hong Kong.

I watched all three games of Japan. The first game was on Friday evening against Wales. Japan played very well, but at the end, lost the game 10-12. Then on Saturday, the first game was against England. It really was no competition against them. But the game against the host, Hong Kong - which in the earlier game beat Wales, Japan was like a different team and was victorious with many more tries made compared to HK.

The game against Wales. Red team is Japan.

Japan team (black uniform) playing against England.

Here's the score when the time ran out - actually, England made another try after this, before the whistle blew.

On Sunday, I had to leave for home, so did not go to the stadium. I watched Japan play against Scotland. It really was a close game, but not good enough.

Picture of the moment right before the end of the game - from the screen of the TV in my hotel room. (Japan in red uniform)

The Fiji players - they were very big!

Rugby seven games are very fast moving and fun because each game is short and players are so few in the regular field. Although I could not stay to watch the final games, I thoroughly enjoyed it. (I learned after I came back to Tokyo that the final game was between Samoa and New Zealand. Samoa beat NZ with the score of 24-21.)

Hirakata

2010-03-20T23:34:00.005+09:00

Hirakata is the city I lived in late 1960s until I was a second grader. By chance, my business trip took me there today.

Luckily, after my appointment, I had a couple of hours before I had to take the train back home.
So, I took a stroll to see if I could find where I lived 40 years ago! I somehow recalled my address from my childhood memory, and from a help from my iPhone GPS, I found the area I lived when I was a little boy.

This is the hill I walked up to go to my elementary school. The distance felt shorter than I remember. I guess I had much shorter legs then.

And here is the entrance of the school I attended for 1 year and a semester.

The area was much more built up than I remembered - the farm that had a tree I could catch stag beetles was no longer a farm, but had apartments. The little playground at which I learned how to ride a bicycle had houses built on it, etc.

The bamboo trees, I recognized seeing them in my childhood.

At the shrine that was a bit scary to me when I was little was not so at all. Here's the picture of the animal of this year.

I don't remember this Jizo temple, but it must have been there.

There sure are many hills there. It was such a warm day, I got very hot walking around my old neighborhood.

Here are some nice plum blossoms on my way back to the station.

I remembered much more than I thought I would. A lot was stored in my brain, I recognized.

Shanghai visit

2010-03-13T08:31:00.003+09:00

This week, I visited Shanghai, China. Shanghai is situated at the 31 degrees north, so it is as south as Morocco, Egypt, Mexico, and India,. You'd think it is a warm place. But the days I was there, it was freezing and even snowed a bit - in March!

Of course, Chinese food is always great. But this time, I was very surprised that a sashimi dish was served that for the Chinese did not used to eat raw fish.

When they serve tea, leaves are in the hot water. To drink it, you're supposed to wait until leaves fall to the bottom. Otherwise, you'll have a mouthful of leaves.

The setting sun in the foggy city seen from my hotel room.

Acrobatic artist at the famous Shanghai Circus. They were fabulous.

One of many shopping areas of Shanghai. This one is in Daning - one of the newer developments.

Barcelona part 2 - Other than Gaudi

2010-02-28T19:50:00.004+09:00

Barcelona is such a lovely city. It is too bad I had a very limited time to explore. But here are some of the things I got to see.

There are many souvenir shops on La Rambla Street.

At the end of the street is Port Vell.

There stands Columbus Monument.

TRAMMET Light Rail System - this photo was taken right by the zoo.

Bicycle sharing system - bicing. That's a very eco-friendly way to move around the city.

Hard Rock Cafe is located at Plaça de Catalunya - The Who came to Tokyo in Nov. 2008.

Barcelona Part 1 - Gaudi

2010-02-27T21:36:00.003+09:00

I spend three days in Barcelona, Spain this week. It is such a beautiful city - weather was perfect and the whole city is like art.

I was very lucky to have gotten a wonderful tour of Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família.

Of course, it is far from being finished. I was told that they are trying to at least be done with the construction of the exterior in 2026, the 100th anniversary of the death of its architect, Antoni Gaudi.

This is the model of the hyperboloid that is used as holes to have the sunlight come into the temple.

Here's the model of the structure of the sunlight hole. It is a composite of bricks and concrete, making it light, yet strong.

Our tour visited Parc Güell, also a work of Mr. Gaudi. The tour guide told us that it was supposed to be a planned residential development, but the plan came to a halt when the developer faced a financial difficulties. It must have been such a disappointment, for it would have been very interesting.

This is the view of Barcelona from the park. It is such a lovely city!

Finally, we visited Casa Batlló. It was so interesting to visit this building. Every floor and every room was so unique!

This is the view of the window of the 2nd floor looking outside to the Passeig de Gràcia.

In Barcelona, there are many Gaudi works thorough out the city.