Category: Nature

Posted in Experience, Family, Feelings, Food, Friends, Hotel, Nature, Place, Restaurants, Shop, Shopping, Travel

Trip to Australia (Day 5)

Posted on by sonokotchi

It’s going to be the last day in Australia. Sob sob sob.

Going down for breakfast and I wish I could stay longer.

We started Melbourne City Sightseeing.

I was surrounded by great nature so this is a rehabilitation progress to return to hectic city Tokyo. hahaha

We walked and took tram to visit iconic places in Melbourne.

Administrative district area: Old Treasury Building.

Next to it is new Treasury Bldg.

Parliament House with Real Australian Flag – aborigine colour.

Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton Garden.

Royal Exhibition Building is Australia’s first UNESCO site.

The garden is opened to people and animals.

Trees are wrapped by metal sheets to protect trees from possum.

Melbourne is generous to people.

We took free area tram to go places.

Flinders Street Station

These clocks state train departure time.

It’s a large station.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

There is an interesting signal; symbols are wearing skirt – women!

Go Women!

We shopped at Queen Victoria Market.

Few buildings are connected and sold many fresh and interesting products.

There is one building for household and sundry goods.

The atmosphere is like a night market in Asia.

I had a Long Black and Flat White at Market Lane.

I need to tell my name and barista can write my name correctly without asking me for spelling.

I was impressed!

I bought chocolates at Koko Black, known as Australian Godiva; very nice.

I love coffee so I bought some coffee at Mc Ivers.

These are really good shopping!

There are many more tempting products but I cannot bring back all…

Honey

Spice

ETC.

We departed Queen Victoria Market for lunch.

We had a fish & chips at Holiday Inn.

We drove about one hour to reach to winery Domaine Chandon.

This winery is family of Moët Chandon.

We had a little tasting for 4 different sparkling wines.

Lastly, we can ask for one full glass of our choice.

I asked for unique red grape sparkling wine which is only available at this winery.

There is another unique sparkling wine available at this winery: iced wine sparkling wine.

I bought few bottles each for home.

After tasting nice, we had one last dinner in Australia.

I asked for a beer and I thought the size is not fair comparing to a wine.

Food was nice and so as conversation with your mates.

Then we went to our last sightseeing point: EUREKA SKYDECK.

We walked through a glass cubical that control people on the outside terrace, we can observe the city as if we were a bird overlooking from the sky.

Now we completed all sightseeing in Melbourne.

It’s time to go back to Tokyo.

After completing last minutes shopping at the airport duty free stores, I spent at the Marhaba Lounge till departure.

Posted in Exercise, Experience, Family, Feelings, Flower, Food, Friends, Gadget, Health, Hotel, Nature, Place, Restaurants, Shopping, Sunrise and Sunset, Travel, Waterfalls

Trip to Australia (Day 3)

Posted on by sonokotchi

We left hotel early with a breakfast bag to watch Ayers Rock in Sun Rise.

There was a dark cloud that worried me…

At the view point, there was as a drink and snack station for us; but I quickly made a hot chocolate to go to bring it to the view point.

Ahhhhh

Ayers Rock is covered by the thick cloud….

It’s time for Sun Rise; but…

Unfortunately, Ayers Rock was still covered with the thick cloud.

It’s not a good sign because according to the tour itinerary, we supposed to climb the Ayers Rock today.

The cloud was cleared by the time we reached to the gate, but the gate was closed due to low cloud and I am aware of IT.

Since we could not climb; we went to walk at Mala Walk.

The common trees that we can observe here is named Desert Bloodtree.

The tree sap looks like bleeding blood.

There are quite number of trees because the area is semi-deserted area, meaning less rain but rich with underwater.

There is a trace of waterfall on the rock face.

There will be a water fall when it’s rained.

There are many caves with purpose.

This is Kitchen Cave.

This is the spot that aborigines cooked bread like naan.

Aborigines didn’t have letters; therefore, they left messages in drawing.

We can find many painting at the various caves.

Are these bird’s foot steps?

This is Old People’s Cave where Elderlies assembled to conduct ceremonies including cooking in the cave.

You can walk through the great nature.

There is even an anthill.

we took many trick art photos with this trace of giant water fall.

This spiky bush, Soft Spinifex, is commonly found in this area.

we can find many trees hit by lightning because rich water inside of the tree can attract lightning.

Kantju Gorge is big waterhole.

We usually don’t see water at the bottom but there are much water from last night rain.

We could see water in waterhole because the rain was strong with thunder and lightning last night; however, ironically, the string rain last night closed the gate of Ayers Rock today.

We continued our walk.

This tree is ageless; when there is not enough rain; this tree can prune itself.

That is why the growth ring and its age doesn’t match.

The nature is great.

There are many more caves.

There are many drawings at the Teaching Cave.

This is called Desert Lantern-Flower; the flower looks like a lantern.

Of course, there are many wild birds as well.

There are few caves look like lip; I wonder how nature have created this?

The gate to Ayers Rock was still closed; therefore, we continued our walk at Kuniya Walk.

This is Bush Plum with some plum fruit.

One of our tour mate is good at finding wild birds and animals.

There is a Mutitjulu Waterhole.

Again, there is much water from the rain.

There is heart and peace shaped holes for Good Luck Fortune for Love.

I hope these will bless me.

There is a story about two snakes: Kuniya and Liru ( https://parksaustralia.gov.au/uluru/discover/culture/stories/kuniya-liru-story/ )

Kuniya attacked Liru: this photo represents Liru and crack caused by Kuniya’s attack.

Kuniya is watching Liru. (Kuniya’s head at left bottom corner is watching Liru in the mountain face).

We returned to hotel before noon.

After getting off the bus, I saw three lady tour mates talking in front of the receptionist counter.

I asked whether they plan to go to Ayers Rock during today’s free time and they replied YES.

At 12 noon, the gate was still closed.

We were informed we could check the status about 12:30 pm.

We returned to the counter at 12:30 pm and was informed the gate has opened!

We quickly checked and planned to Ayers Rock.

We could reach to the gate by Hop On Hop Off Bus (AUD 49) by making a reservation at the hotel.

We could pay the National Park Entry Fee (AUD 25 cash only) directly to the driver.

First, we need to use chain to climb up.

The slope can be sharp as 47 degree.

I thought we are almost at the summit when I finished the chain area.

I was wrong, I started walking following the line.

I soon regretted to wear a normal sneaker.

I should have worn a pair of mountain shoes so that I can get a grip.

Since my shoes was slippery, I had to use my hands like a Spider Woman to climb some area.

You also need to bring 1 litter of water.

It’s 348 m high and some travel information says it takes (ONLY) 2 hours for return trip, but this 2 hours is for athletic person.

On the way to the summit, I was just focusing moving forward.

Ayers Rock can close anytime and I was determined to reach to the summit.

These photos that I’m posting now, I took them on the way down with appreciation.

Yeah, I reached to the summit!

We took the last Hop On Hop Off bus back to hotel.

For the last Hop On Hop Off bus, the Sun Set View is inclusive.

We already watched the Sun Set on previous day, but watched it again.

We returned to hotel happily.

We took a shower before dinner.

The beer tasted good and we happily talked about our adventure over nice dinner at hotel restaurant: ILKARI RESTAURANT.

After dinner, I massage my body, especially my legs.

I’m glad that I brought Egyptian Sandalwood Oil.

Again, it’s worth it to wear a mountain shoes to avoid any pain. hahaha

Posted in Exercise, Experience, Family, Feelings, Food, Friends, Hotel, Music, Nature, Place, Restaurants, Shop, Shopping, Surprise, Travel

Trip to Australia (Day 2)

Posted on by sonokotchi

According to our tour guide, when this trip was planned there was a direct flight from Melbourne to Ayers Rock everyday.

However, today, the flight is scheduled on some days of week and we couldn’t use that direct flight for our tour schedule.

Therefore, we departed our hotel at 5 am to catch two flights (Melbourne to Sydney and Sydney to Ayers Rock) to reach Ayers Rock.

When we reached to the airport it was still dark.

Each of us received packed breakfast to eat at the airport.

Sun rose and became brighter when we departed Melbourne.

I was still full from a packed breakfast so I brought this banana cake back which was served on the flight.

Konnichiwa Sydney.

It looks a big city to me; perhaps, I should plan to visit one day.

I did some window shopping at the airport while waiting for the next flight.

It was fun to visit various shops to check the trend In the Australian market.

I can kill time just doing window shopping. hahaha

I had lunch on the flight; just nice for my stomach condition.

I also enjoyed smooth free inflight WiFi service. fufufu

I got excited when we were about to land.

I was lucky.; I could see Ayers Rock (Uluru) from the plane.

And Mount Olgas (Kata Tjuta: Many Heads).

Even we landed, we could have a good view of Ayers Rock.

It has proven that we safely landed at Ayers Rock Airport!

We headed for the Sails in the Desert, our hotel for two nights.

We were welcomed by mysterious local music.

After checking-in, we quickly went to our room to get ready (unpack) for the adventure.

We headed for Kara Tjuta.

There is an iconic street on the way to Kata Tjuta.

This road is called the shortest short cut to Perth.

Perhaps, one day I can try 2,000 km journey.

We had a nice walk to the Vally of the Wind in the Walpa Gorge Walk, Mount Olgas.

The Vally of Wind.

The mirror pond looked beautiful today.

Thanks Mount Olgas to welcome me today.

Sun started setting at the direction of Mount Olgas.

Now we are going to enjoy Ayers Rock’s way of sun setting with sparkling wine and finger foods.

First Ayers Rock is in dark colour.

I also tried to drink up Ayers Rock by placing it in my glass upside down.

Sun started setting, then…the colour of Ayers Rock changed to its Amazing red!

It was so romantic: cloud is in amazing gold and full Moon rose from left side of Ayers Rock.

Sun set and Ayers Rock returned to darker colour again.

The other side (the direction of Sun Set) is also beautiful.

We, Japanese, usually appreciate watching Sun Setting, but today otherwise.

We enjoyed Ayers Rock in colour of Sun Set.

Hummm I don’t like this… the dark cloud started spreading….

After enjoying beautiful Sun Setting View, we had a nice picnic dinner.

We supposed to have our romantic dinner at the table like this…

However, we started feeling rain dropping…Some of us took initiative to move to a table under the roof by taking a chair.

And others followed.

It became more romantic and created more cozy atmosphere to unite us closer.

We introduced ourselves and laughed throughout the dinner though rain became harder.

I also enjoyed dessert: a chocolate cake with a hot chocolate.

I made a cup of hot chocolate before announcement of dessert menu. hahaha

We were surely tired because we started today early.

We came back to hotel to rest, hoping to climb Ayers Rock tomorrow.

Please stop lightning, thundering and raining.

PLEASE!!!

Posted in Choco-chan, Exercise, Feelings, Flower, Food, Friends, Japanese Culture, Nature, Place, Restaurants, Tokyo

Sunny Day Sunday

Posted on by sonokotchi

Our guest loves breads so I started my day at my favorite brunch place: Le Pain Quotidien, Tokyo Midtown Roppongi.

After guest happily left for home, Choco and I had a walk at the park in the afternoon.

There are many people and dogs at the park enjoying a picnic/ohanami (Sakura Viewing), walking, taking photos of Sakura.

We enjoyed sunny Sunday and Japanese garden.

We continued to get lazy at home. hahaha

Posted in Family, Feelings, Flower, Food, Friends, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Nature, Place, Restaurants, Tokyo

Foodie Friday

Posted on by sonokotchi

Japan Metrological Agency officially announced Sakura blooming yesterday.

Officers determine when by witnessing more than 5 Sakura flowers on a Sakura Tree at Yasukuni Jinja (Yasukuni Shrine).

There are more Sakura blooming in town.

The weather is nice so we walked extra to go for lunch at Malaysian Cuisine Rasa Malaysia, Ginza.

I had a lunch set: soup, salad, Prawn Chili Noodle and Bubur Chacha.

On the way back to the office, we admired a nice Sakura Bonsai tree.

It’s so lovely.

For dinner, we had nice tempura at Tempura Yamanoue (Hilltop) Roppongi, Tokyo Midtown Roppongi.

These are fresh and delicious.

Deserts are also nice: melon and Sakura ice cream.

We enjoyed nice sizzling Tempura with smile.

The sent of smile enhanced food.

Posted in Family, Feelings, Food, Health, Japanese Culture, Nature, Shrine and Temple, Travel

17 November 2018

Posted on by sonokotchi

I participated in the 7th anniversary of Aunty’s Buddhist Ceremony at Onjuku, Chiba.

Many of my relatives gathered on Saturday morning.

We miss Aunty; simultaneously, we enjoyed talking among us before and after the ceremony at lunch.

After the ceremony at the temple, we stopped by one of our relative’s house to talk more.

They gave me souvenirs: fresh vegetable from their house farm

These are so fresh and healthy because they don’t use any agricultural chemical at this farm!

Posted in Choco-chan, Experience, Feelings, Mt. Fuji, Nature, Tokyo

Sleeping with Choco

Posted on by sonokotchi

Typhoon was passing Tokyo area last night and the strong wind was making loud noise hitting windows.

I could see Choco was uneasy so I decided to sleep with him.

My bed is yet to be delivered so I brought cushions of couch.

I thought I could calm him down if he could see me from his cage.

He looked happy seeing them lying on the floor.

When I asked him to go to “House”, he looked at me innocently as if he doesn’t understand me.

He might not understand my command, but he usually goes in understanding it’s his bed time.

I asked him to go to “house” for a while and I gave up.

I asked him to go to pee and poo at his toilet tray in the cage and he kept his promise.

I was woken up few times by noise of wind, but he was quietly playing with his toy at the edge of my comforter.

He wasn’t afraid of noise; he looked happy instead.

When I woke up this morning, it was nice and sunny.

Today, the temperature is expected to reach 32C.

Just 4 days ago, the temperature was low as 17C.

The weather has been crazy in Tokyo. Sigh

Posted in Beauty, Choco-chan, Feelings, Food, Nature, Shop, Shopping, Tokyo

Choco’s First Shampoo

Posted on by sonokotchi

A strong Typhoon 24 is approaching Tokyo.

I was hoping somebody will cancel grooming today so that I can get a slot.

I was so happy when I received a call at 11 am today for 3 pm slot.

I happily took it; but there was a catch.

The store, Green Dog, is located at Tokyo Midtown Roppongi, a shopping complex.

Usually shops are opened till 9 pm.

However, today Tokyo Midtown Roppongi decoded ti close at 5 pm.

Perhaps, because JR (Japan Railway: major train operator) decided to stop operation at 8 pm.

Customers and even staffs won’t have transportation to go back home after 8 pm.

This is very unlikely for Tokyo to shut down train because of typhoon.

As such, Choco won’t be able to finish his hair cut.

He got shampoo, nail care, ear care and some hair cut, just to cut unnecessary long hair around eye and mouth area.

Though this is his first time, he looked he was doing okay.

But if I look carefully; his body was shaking.

Unfortunately, it’s incomplete.

You will look more handsome on Thursday.

I bought you more toys (well, it’s more replacement because he ruined toys) and food.

You deserve these for being Good Boy.

Posted in Art, Experience, Family, Feelings, Food, Friends, Hotel, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Nature, Place, Restaurants, Shop, Shopping, Shrine and Temple, Tokyo, Travel

Trip to Northern Japan’s Three Greatest Summer Festivals (Day 3)

Posted on by sonokotchi

Unfortunately, it is raining today, but I already watched all three festivals so rain doesn’t affect my day or mood.

I went for the morning dip; the bath was switched with men’s over night.

I had a buffet breakfast and I enjoyed their croissant waffles very much.

It’s dangerously delicious!

I didn’t have much time to use their facilities, but hotel prepares many activities for guests to enjoy during their stay.

We departed for Hiraizumi, Iwate.

We reached to Hiraizumi, Iwate where the town is recognized as UNESCO World Heritage.

We visited Chusonji (Chuson Temple) and the temple is famous for Konjikido (Golden Hall).

Today, Konjikido stands inside of a building to be protected.

Everything including the hall structure is made by gold.

We cannot take any photos inside so you need to visit to see how golden it is!

At the premise, there are many places to visit and to pray.

I had limited time so I could not visit all; nonetheless, I visited here before and I explained in details in my previous blog.

Hopefully, you would enjoy reading other days of my blog.

Shakado

Benzaiten

Amidado

Sankozo (Museum)

Dainichido

Mine Yakushido Hall

Hondo (Main Hall)

Benkeido

Tsukimizaka (Tsukimi Slope)

The rain was hard so my pants and shoes are wet.

But again, I didn’t mind because I watched and enjoyed all festivals in okay conditions.

These festivals continues for few days and many people planned to visit today.

Due to the weather (heavy rain), some festivals might get cancelled and there is no replacement day.

So I consider myself very lucky.

I had lunch at Sake Brewer: Seki no Ichi, Ichinoseki, Iwate.

Today, factory moved to a new place; original Kura (Storage) became a restaurant and shop.

Under the paper, there are many flavors of mochi (glutenous rice cakes).

Mochi is served to Gods and local people eat Mochi on important days for goods (celebration) and bads (sad).

From top left, zunda (edamame: young soy bean), goma (sesame), daikon oroshi for refreshment (ground white radish), anko (red bean) and kawaebi (river shrimp).

The pot dish is called Oshu Hatto.

This is made by flour and water; same ingredients with Udon (flour noodle).

It’s in a piece before cut.

We break it in pieces by our hands to put them in the pot.

We put them in a boiling pot together with all vegetables.

The restaurant offered a lucky draw by mochi (oh, no! More mochi! These are basically rice so very filling) ; I lost.

The winner get a sake bottle, how lucky!

This Sake Brewer also brew beer: Kura Beer.

I like their beer which has unique bitterness similar to dark beer though it’s in gold.

I bought Sake bottles for the next home party to enjoy them with friends. hahaha

We arrived Sendai Station to catch our Shinkansen (bullet train) back to Tokyo.

Sendai Station is already decorated for Sendai Tanabata which will start tomorrow.

Sendai Tanabata is also known as one of greatest festivals in Northern Japan.

These represents various wishes: health, wisdom, wealth, etc.

We took Shinkansen Yamabiko 152 back to Tokyo.

This was a fun trip!

Posted in Art, Beauty, Experience, Family, Feelings, Food, Hotel, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Nature, Place, Travel

Trip to Northern Japan’s Three Greatest Summer Festival (Day 2)

Posted on by sonokotchi

It’s cloudy today.

I went for morning Onsen (hot spring).

There is a Rotenburo (open-air bath) to overlook ocean.

I had Japanese breakfast.

These look old fashioned but food is very delicious.

I enjoy their food very much; very local and very fresh.

Their Onsen is nice and food is delicious.

It sands in front of ocean to enjoy ocean view from a room.

I departed Aomori for Morioka, Iwate.

Yes, the station that I arrived by Shinkansen yesterday.

I look at Iwate-yama (Mt. Iwate) again, the same mountain that I was looking yesterday.

We returned to Aomori Station, Iwate to watch Sansa Odori (Sansa Dance).

Sansa Odori is a combination of odori (dance), taiko (Japanese drum) and flute (Japanese flute).

This dance is dancing for appreciation and celebration of Kamisama (Gods) defeating Oni (evils).

There is a rock with Oni no Te (Evil’s Hand Print).

Evils promised not to return again by making a hand print.

This myth is the origin of name of Iwate Prefecture: Stone Hand Prefecture.

There are many groups and style of Sansa Odori.

The actual performance will be at night, however, to increase the awareness of Sansa Odori, many groups performance during day time at few places such as in front of Morioka Station, Malios, etc.

We went up to the observation room of Malios to overlook Morioka City, Iwate.

We departed for Akita for the last Summer Festival of the tour: Akita Kanto Matsuri (direct translation is Akita Lantern Bamboo Festival).

We reached Akita City.

This road named Akita Kanto Odori will be the street for the performance.

Again, we took early dinner, this time at Akita Castle Hotel.

Hotel banquet rooms became huge buffet dinner place for tourists.

It was like a zoo. hahaha

After dinner, I took a photo with a famous guy in Akita: Namahage.

He looks fierce, but a nice guy.

He scares away evils to being good lucks!

We went to the street to watch the performance.

This is again originated from Lantern Festival; many of us are Buddhist.

It’s an amazing festival with sound of taiko, fue and Kanto (Lanterns on Bamboos).

A person to hold Kanto extends bamboo and it bents greatly with weight of lanterns, making difficult to hold it.

Furthermore, they balance it on their palm, forehead, shoulder and hip.

They start from small.

They are small, but already a great performer!

I enjoy it very much.

About at 9 pm, we left Akita for Oshuku Onsen (Oshuku Hot Spring).

We reached Hotel Mori no Kaze Oshuku at 11 pm.

I found our supper, onigiri (rice balls) in our room; however, I’m still full from dinner.

We quickly went to take a bath because a public bath, Onsen, will close at 25 o’clock.

It was nice.

There is a Rotenburo (open-air bath) and special lemon bath to remove our tiredness.

Oyasuminasai (Good Night)