Typhoon 12 is approaching to Tokyo, but I’ll be in Kyoto when a typhoon hits the area.
I had dinner on the Shinkansen (Bullet Train).
Arrived Kyoto on time.
Kyoto Tower
The hotel, Kyoto Century Hotel, is conveniently located next to Kyoto Station.
I’ll take a bath and rest…
I am posting back dated event because it crashed so I was demotivated to upload last week.
This page is next day of Disney Friday.
I spent over night at the Hotel Dream Gate Maihama to enjoy both Disney Sea and Disneyland.
This hotel is literally gate to the Dream Land: Disney Resort.
Rooms are efficiently functional.
Space is not big, but comfortable enough.
We didn’t feel tight though we are three of us in a room.
We had a breakfast at Becker’s Coffee shop.
I bought two days pass (it’s cheaper than buying two one day passes).
Two of my friends needed to buy a ticket; therefore, they skipped the breakfast to get a ticket at the gate.
They called to inform us that the gate will open 30 mins earlier than opening hour at 7:30 am because too many people are already waiting at the gate under strong sunshine (there is no shade to protect us from strong sunshine).
No wonder there are many people at JR Maihama Station at 7:00 am.
I think they knew Disneyland might open earlier.
We rushed to get there and …. wow so many people!
The gate opened at 7:30 am.
We started with It’s a Small World.
It opened recently after renovation.
Let’s Go!
Many Disney characters joined to receive us there!
Star Tours also reopened recently and it’s AMAZING!
I don’t get board riding it again and again because there are 6 gates, meaning 6 different episodes!
I enjoyed 3 episodes🎶
Next, Stitch Encounter.
We, audience, can interact with Stitch if we are lucky.
Now time to get wet at Sansui Summer Beat!
We’ve been enjoying Disneyland since early morning so we decided to take a break by taking an early lunch.
We ate at Alice’s Wonderland!
Indeed, we are at Dream Land…
After lunch, we continued with our Happiest Celebration, the classic Haunted Mansion.
we also went for a fun ride: Splash Mountain.
It’s so hot so we took a break again to enjoy Nashi Ice Kakigori (Pear Ice Shaved with Ice Cream).
We cooled down and rested at the Country Bear Theatre.
Jungle Cruise…
Every captain has different story; I never get board riding it.
After cruising, it was nicely time for Dreaming Up Parade.
After a party, we are pumped for fast ride: Big Thunder Mountain!
One of us are not good at fast ride so we decided to take it slow by catching Mark Twain Riverboat.
This is my first time trying this ship.
Lastly, we went to get a spot to watch Celebrate Tokyo Disneyland Show!
This show collaborates with Cinderella Castle, projection mapping, fire works, smoke and fire!
This is MUST to watch!
I would love to come back again!
Before exiting from JR Tokyo Station, there are small shop lots.
Each of them sell cute and attractive stuffs!
I enjoyed window shoppings there.
Specialized shop for JR Higashi Nihon (East Japan).
Train lovers should stop by to check it out their merchandises.
Across from this shop, there are other specialized shops for traveling, household, lifestyle, food and Japanese traditional products such as chopsticks, towels, etc.
I found portable tea and coffee brewer that I bought as souvenirs from Denmark. (Bottom Shelf)
Wow, these reached to Japan!
These are delicious and recommended to buy.
It’s a season and I had a free Saturday.
I caught an early Shinkansen (bullet train) to go down Mikomoto, Izu Shimoda, Shizuoka.
It’s such a nice day!
I overheard conversation of others and learned that we can view Izu Islands from train window.
At the window, there are shapes of islands that we expect to see from the window.
Could this be Ooshima?
Miyakejima?
8:50 am sharp, I arrived Izu Shimoda Station.
Today, I could see Hammerheads!!!
Big Yeah!!!
At the first dive of today, I saw one but very close by.
At second dive, I saw 6-7 Hammerheads in a group, picture is not clear to identify hammerheads.
For lunch, we went to a beach house.
It was nice and peaceful between two dives as if I were at vacation.
We celebrated at Izakata (Japanese pub) at Izu Shimoda Station to celebrate watching Hammerhead Sharks today.
This time, no stay over; going back to Tokyo.
Though I managed to see Hammerhead sharks not for singular for singular but plural, but now I become more greedy…I want more clear and more more more Hammerhead sharks!!!
I couldn’t upload on that day, but I think I should share what I experienced in that day.
Well, I was sentimental disabling this view from my window.
Before leaving Wakayama, we had an excursion to learn Japanese technology and culture.
First, we visited Shima Seiki Mfg Ltd.
This company is leading sewing machine in the world which occupies 60% of global market.
The company introduced a whole garment machine to reduce waste by producing a clothing by one single yarn.
The company also introduced 3D design machine to reduce time and cost.
The company has amazing technology, but I’m not allowed to take any photos at the premises.
I received a nice souvenir from them.
Then we visited Nakano BC: brewer of sake, Umeshu (plum wine), shochu (Japanese distilled liquor) and also producer of ume extract as health food.
The company name, BC means Biochemical Creation.
This is my first tour of Umeshu company.
Reserve Tanks
Processing Tanks
This is Sake production tank.
I remember this Sugidama (a ball) as a good luck charm.
However, it has more meaning to it.
It means when it turns green to brown, it means Sake is ready, time to enjoy it.
I tried their plum extract which is so sour!!!
It supposed to supplement improving blood flow, lowering blood pressure, anti-bacteria and many more.
There is a machine to check our blood flow.
I was worried that I might get a negative comments; on the contrary, my blood flow is good! Yeah!
I had a vegetarian lunch at the harbor.
Typhoon 7 wad approaching the area so tides are high.
There is a fish market a d fruit market to enjoy shopping Wakayama delicacies.
Fish market
Fruit Market
I enjoyed staying in Wakayama and would love to come back again!!!
This what I wanted to report the other day…
Today, there was a special campaign for Sixpac at Yodobashi Camera Akihabara.
I tried them and I think these are good.
My personal trainer recommend it so let’s give a try.
After lazily exercising, rushed to a movie.
A new theatric movie theater opened at Tokyo Midtown Hibiya.
I watched American Assassin.
I enjoyed it.
After the movie. I had early dinner; enjoying food and gathering.
I was frustrated because I could not post my blog: Trip to Bulgaria and Romania (Day 4).
I tried to post again and again but I still failed.
I thought I should post in order so I took a break since then.
I will try to post about my Trip to Bulgaria and Romania when I find time to redo.
Today, I decide to restart my blog.
It is nice to share a small happiness that I find in every day life.
Today, I came to Wakayama to participate in a workshop and forum.
It’s about 4 hours journey by train from Tokyo.
I took a Shinkansen from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka then changed to Tokkyu Kuroshio (Express Kuroshio).
This is my first time to try Tokkyu Kuroshio.
Seats are comfortable.
There is one seater seat.
It took one hour to reach Wakayama from Shin-Osaka.
We visited tourism office, market and historical display area.
Then checked in at Daiwa Roynet Hotels Wakayama.
Yeah, I’ve got a Castle view!
We even walked to the castle.
It was a nice walk.
After visiting the temple, I had nice Japanese dinner with my boss.
Today is the main day of this trip: Rose Festival.
We are scheduled to leave hotel for Kazanlak at 6:45 am; as such, I took a quick breakfast at 5:30 am then Sayonara Plovdiv.
Bulgaria has rich soil so the country’s self efficiency is high.
Bulgaria imports food only during winter.
I can see many farms at the road side.
Kazanlak is famous for production of poppy, lavender and rose.
This is lavender farm, looks nice in purple.
The type of Rose suited for extracting rose oil is Damask Rose.
Bulgarian believes Damask Rose was brought by Thracians.
On the other hand, some claim Damask Rose was brought by Turkish/Ottoman.
This theory is also supported because production of rose oil was industrialized during Ottoman Empire.
Rose requires rich soil, enough sunshine and balanced humidity.
Due to above requirements, roses are commonly planted at winery grape yards to alert soil condition.
To produce 1kg of rose oil, it requires 3,000 roses; 1 drop requires 120 roses.
Once rose oil was traded equally as gold.
No wonder it’s precious.
Rose is national flower of Bulgaria.
This morning, we departed early for rose picking.
It is better to pick roses early morning to keep better/stronger fragrance.
Rose oil is commonly used as one of ingredients for major brands’ perfume to keep lasting fragrance.
Rose oil is also used as an ingredient for cosmetics because of its performance: anti-aging, antibacterial effects, moisturizing and even good for applying insect bites.
It is also used for supplement: kidney stone, constipation, etc.
When we consume rose jam, we need to be easy with it; it might force you to go to toilet often! hahaha
I bought rose oil, hand cream, jam and lokum for myself.
I can enjoy rose picking, shopping and even watching Bulgarian Folk Dance at Ethnographic Complex Damascena, Kazanlak.
Bulgarian Folk Dance and songs.
We moved to the Rose Festival Parade.
This parade started in 1903.
The total population of Kazanlak is about 50,000, but over 100 buses of tourists visit the town for Rose Festival.
They are Queen of Rose.
This parade is heart warming because it is obviously hand-made by local community.
At last, all of us (local people and tourists) dance together.
We had BBQ for lunch,
Drinks are included. Yeah!
After lunch, we visited Shipka Memorial Church, also known as Memorial Temple of the Birth of Christ.
On the way to Veliko Turnovo, we stopped by at one of parking areas to try pure water buffalo yogurt with local honey.
Both yogurt and honey are so rich and delicious that I would recommend to try it.
We arrived Veliko Turnovo and checked in at Hotel Meridian Bolyarski.
It has a tremendous view.
We had dinner at hotel restaurant.
We also enjoyed live music while eating and chatting.
We had a good time at our table.
After dinner, we went for a short walk; this town is very peaceful.
It’s been a long day.
I soaked my body to rose bath to unwind my tired body.
Good night.
I started my day with a nice simple buffet breakfast.
Ingredients are indeed fresh to enhance a breakfast.
We departed hotel for Rila Monastery.
It is about two hours away from Sofia; therefore, we stopped few places before we reached there.
Rila Mountains
The area is famous for production of cherries.
We stopped at SMALL cherry shop to buy local delicacy.
We also stopped at small town to look for nests of storks.
In Japan, we believe a stork brings a baby to a family and I was told that in Bulgaria, a stork is also a symbol of good luck.
I could see a head of storks at chimneys; how cute!
Then we reached Rila Monastery; it is located over 1000 m from the sea level and opened by Saint Ivan about 960 years ago.
This monastery is the largest and most significant Monastery in Balkan Peninsular.
We are welcomed by Saint Gabriel, Jessica and Saint Michael at the gate.
There was a fire in 19th century to burn all down except the stone tower.
Those days, 500 people served at Rila Monastery, today there are only eight.
Rila Monastery is equipped with 300 bed rooms, a wine cellar, bakery, cheese factory, vegetable farms, kitchen and even library.
Rila Monastery survived during Turkish Yoke by paying taxes because they earned income by selling wine, reads and cheese.
There is a cute little post office.
Wow, this place has everything within the premises.
First, we visited the museum to learn more about the history of Rila Monastery and beautiful crafts of Eastern Orthodox.
This is the tower that survived from a fire in 19th century.
We went outside from another entrance to take a look of Rila River.
Rila means lilac in Bulgarian, but for Rila Monastery, it means the source of water.
Rila River
The Virgin Mary’s Church.
The church is nicely decorated by frescoes.
With no exception, these beautiful frescoes made the monastery famous.
There are significant frescoes.
For example, the judgement day: there is a door to the heaven and a path to the hell.
I found the Virgin Mary and her son (Jeasus).
I had trout for lunch at the river side restaurant.
I had my trout with Bulgarian local beer and cherry juice.
A bottle of Rila Water was provided to each of us so I happily took it back for my own consumption!
Again, food is simple, but I enjoy its simple ness.
After lunch, we visited another UNESCO World Heritage: Boyana Church (1979).
The first section was built in 11th century; the second extension was built in 13th century; the last (third) section was built in 19th century.
We can see the period clearly from the side of church.
The door to enter into church is made by wood (surface) and steel (inner) in 14th century though the building was built in 19th century.
The entrance is small to make us naturally humble to bow before entering.
Boyana Church became famous because of frescoes – so emotional.
It is very unfortunate that I won’t be able to share how beautiful these frescos are.
This was the last sightseeing spot of the day.
We returned hotel for dinner.
We enjoyed buffet dinner at the terrace.
After good laughs, time to hit bed!
I joined a 10 days tour package to visit Rose Festival (once in a year event) in Bulgaria and Romania.
I departed Narita Airport for Sofia, Bulgaria by Austria Air.
This is my first time traveling by Austria Air.
Austria Air started operation again after a year and 8 months absence.
Austria Air stopped the operation between Vienna and Japan because the number of Japanese tourist dropped due to active terrorist attracts in Europe then.
I quickly walked through immigration because I had shopping to do.
I usually get my supply of cosmetics at Narita Airport.
It could be cheaper to buy cosmetics in overseas duty free shops but the quality of cosmetics are better in Japan because the stores always get new supplies due to the large number of shoppers to visit the shop.
I learned this through my experiences.
I bought cream eye shadows at the overseas duty free shop but when I open it, one of them was cracked and others are firm though it’s Chanel cream eye shadows, these must be already dried.
The shop is too far to complain or ask for replacement…
This time, I get mascaras (Chanel one’s in gray. I look forward to wearing it) and nails.
I didn’t have much time to rest at the lounge, but it’s okay.
Austria Air shares the lounge with ANA so I’m already familiar with their food and facilities. hahaha
Then time to board!
The facilities are nice: thick blanket, nice headset, beverages, food, desserts, even COFFEE!
These are in a bag of amenities.
I had lamb as my main dish for dinner.
I also enjoyed Austria dessert wine (a blend of Chardonnay and Welschriesling) with cakes.!
I was amazed by the coffee; there are so many varieties.
I tried Maria Theresia: an exclusive Wiener Coffee which is black coffee with delicious orange liqueur!
I enjoyed watching movies with a nice headset and sleep on a comfortable seat.
Look what I found at the laboratory.
I found stain remover for clothing; how thoughtful they are!
I kept them in case I need them.
I had roasted chicken breast broccoli potato pepper gratin for breakfast.
I love having my breakfast with a glass of champagne. hahaha
I enjoyed my flight and safely arrived Vienna, Austria.
I still had to catch a connecting flight for Sofia, Bulgaria.
I haven’t visited Vienna yet so I will make sure to return here.
It is international flight, but it took few hours to reach Sofia, Bulgaria.
I had snacks on the flight; we can choose from either sweet and salty.
By the time we reach Sofia, it was already dark; of course, we landed at 11 pm.
We finally reach to our hotel: Hilton Sofia.
I soaked my body into a tub to relax.
It was a long day due to long journey and time zone. Zzzzzzz
sonokotchi 