Sunday, April 17, 2011

at Sawamura cafe


at Sawamura cafe
Originally uploaded by shoko.
It was a little too early to visit Karuizawa, but my friend and I spent very good time there. We enjoyed cycle boat at lake, did archery a while, painted Easter Egg, and of course, enjoyed girls talk over the night!

Friday, April 08, 2011

Sakura on the way to work


Sakura on the way to work
Originally uploaded by shoko.
Unfortunately it was cloudy, but cherry blossom is beautiful enough to sigh. I am happy to live here, where I can enjoy lines of trees.

Monday, December 06, 2010

impressive aquarium


impressive aquarium
Originally uploaded by shoko.
One of unforgettable scene at "Chura-umi (beautiful sea)" Aquarium in Okinawa.

To celabrate Mom's birthday, we visited Okinawa for the first time.

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Finding modernism in history


Main dining around fireplace
Originally uploaded by shoko.
Takayama, where is located in the middle of Japan, would be the best place to understand inherent spirit of Japanese culture.

After a big project, I took a few days off to travel alone. This was the second time for me to visit Takayama, but first time to do sightseeing. There remain old historic town with black walls.

Shirakawa-go, the world heritage.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Salzburg with dusk sunshine


Salzburg with dusk sunshine
Originally uploaded by shoko.
If you are somewhat related to "do music", Salzburg must be the place you'd like to go once in the life. As one day trip from Linz, I went to the Mozart birthplace.

One of the best part of travel in Europe, is train trip. You can enjoy real life outside city, sometimes you'll find interesting site, as people enjoying waterglider.

Well, arrived at Salzburg, transfer tram, finally I got to old city of Salzburg. Why not going castle at first!? Getting to mono-railway, I went to top of the hill where perpendicular wall were built around. When I climb up to the castle, there is wonderful view of Salzburg (1,2,3). Inside, outside, even the courtyard is worth seeing. On the way back to the city, I walked down steep path. Well I can tell you, it's hard. It is so steep that all people struggling to get down are getting to feel tied in some collective feelings. When I arrived at base, it is almost getting dark.

But, never forget Mozart. I slid into the last moment before closing of Mozart birthplace. Not only the history of him, you can see his works (original), concert posters, and even recreated small replica of opera set when first played. It was irresistible.

One of the place I want to come back again!

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Finally at Linz


Finally at Linz
Originally uploaded by shoko.
I came back to Linz, finally. For about 2 years, I've been longing, and finally I made it. This third biggest Austrian city, it is a mixture of traditional and futuristic culture of art. I enjoyed various kinds of culture. It was nice to go outside in the daytime, to see many people chatting at cafe. At night, I had a chance to see one of the most spectacle show I've ever seen.

The only problem was coldness. Although it was early September, temperature was around 15 degree in Celsius, the weather was almost like November!!

Is this famous food in Linz? My friend from Vienna was also puzzled why there are so many of these in every night. (actually we found Knödel literally dish after dish in every reception). Funny memory!

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Emerald green sea


Emerald green sea
Originally uploaded by shoko.
To seek someplace far away from daily life, but easy to get, I went to Kozu island, Tokyo. It took 3 hours by jet ferry, and you can enjoy atmosphere of beach resort.

BUT, my biggest regret was, I took a bad cold.... During the first day, I was in bed all day long. The mom of Minshuku (similar as B&B) kindly cooked me porridge for good digestion, and fortunately I overcame from the next day, so that I could enjoy scuba diving and night cruise.

On the back way to Tokyo, we took passenger ship due to reservation. It took 8 hours(!!). Against the odds, the 8 hour cruising was one of the best part of this trip. Can you imagine all you can see is just blue sky and the blue see? Sunshine and wind made a harmony, and I was staying the deck all day long forgetting everything which troubles my mind.

Instead it cost cheaper than jet ferry, it is more gorgeous experience.