Japan Adventure

Sorry!

2012-02-07T18:39:00.002+09:00

This may be the longest time between postings - so I apologize to my readers, but don't give up on me! Blogspot has changed something that I haven't figured out (yet!), which is jumbling up the order of my photos as I attempt to post them in groups. The only workaround I've found is to upload photos one at a time, which is VERY frustrating and VERY time-consuming. Please check back often - I'm still here!

~Margie

Hiroshima and Miyajima 1/29/12

2012-02-07T14:59:00.037+09:00

It's a beautiful (but cold!) day as we ride our bikes over the pedestrian bridge toward downtown Iwakuni.

The door to the free bicycle parking at Iwakuni Station - it's always open.

Stan on the platform at Iwakuni Station buying a hot coffee while we wait for our train.

A glass enclosed area has been added recently so you can get out of the cold (or heat in summer). And a sink area was added - not sure why though.

We're on the train now crossing over one of the many rivers or canals. It's getting cloudier as we head north & east toward Hiroshima.

Cute ad poster on the train: bear wearing a fish hat?

And a cute billboard ad at a station. For a photographer, perhaps?

And about an hour later, were waiting for the streetcar at Hiroshima Station.

A 20-minute streetcar ride & short walk into Hondori Shopping Street, we're at Andersen's Bakery downtown. This is the small kitchen of the first floor restaurant where we'll have lunch. There is also a huge group of restaurants on the 2nd floor.

A basket of (thoughtful!) lap blankets for customer's use. Most of the tables are in the window & it's chilly!

Our lunch - After a small cup of soup each, Stan had a small casserole & I had a club sandwich. And we both had cappuccino.

So many fabulous choices of pastries, rolls & breads here in Andersen's bakery! While we're here, we'll buy a couple of small loaves & pastries for the next week or so.

Healthy wheat germ and whole wheat breads for sale.

Look at this pretty snowflake cake.

There's always something interesting happening here! Look what we found . . .a pastry chef is making apple strudel. After spreading the apple mixture, he carefully tears off the edge of the very large, thin pastry crust.

The blue cloth underneath is now used to carefully roll the pastry over the apple mixture.

He makes this look so easy!

Viola!

The large strudel is now washed with butter.

And placed in the oven behind the chef. How fun to watch this entire process - and you can't even imagine how good it smells in here!

Looking down Hondori Street. I love shopping (or just window-shopping!) here. I bought some more cute warm socks today. It's been a long, cold winter here in Japan this winter.

Now we're sitting at the counter in Starbucks - a good place to "people watch." The 2 young women who are sitting beside us, have gone outside (left their bags!) because there's a man giving away free snack samples outside. File this under "Only in Japan . . ."

A lady in fur coat & kimono walks by.

Inside a computer store in the Mac department, we found a large display of books about Steve Jobs . . .

Looking back toward the covered Hondori shopping street. We're walking toward Peace Park, where we haven't been for several years.

As we approached the bridge, I saw a sign about a speedboat ride, so Stan's walked down the ramp to investigate. His timing is perfect - a boat is leaving in about 5 minutes for Miyajima Island! If we hurry, we can just make it. And then we'll be half-way home . . .

And here it comes now!

Margie (me!) on the speedboat. And yes, I AM wearing my knee brace again - this time on my left knee, which needs to be replaced SOON! =o(

From the front of the speedboat, looking back up at the street bridge where we walked down.

Inside the cockpit of our speedboat.

That screen shows the rivers of Hiroshima that all lead out (down on the map) into the Seto Inland Sea - we're about in the middle one.

Margie (me!) looking into the cockpit area. See how long & wavy my hair has become in my old age?

Looking out the window & up at the ramp we walked down to board this speed boat that tours from Peace Park in Hiroshima to Miyajima Island.

Flags on the walkway to the speedboat.

Our boat is now pulling away from the pier. I can't believe they're going to make the trip when we're the only 2 passengers - yay!

Oh look - the Atomic Peace Dome is under construction - covered with scaffolding. Read more about this structure RIGHT HERE

City buildings along the river as we head out toward the sea.

Crossing under one of the many a bridges along this ride.

Stan can't quite stand up inside here - it's a little low for his 6'2" frame!

Looking through the front exit door. This is a really cool trip & we're seeing areas of Hiroshima we've never seen before.

Looking through the windows from inside. Since no one else was on board, I moved around a lot taking pictures.

That's our wake - we're moving right along now!

Looks like a new bridge is being built here.

The river is very wide here in Hiroshima as we travel toward the Seto Inland Sea.

CocaCola West

In the front of our boat, was a TV screen that explained our tour in English. Thank you!

To the left of the TV is the front emergency exit. The rear exit is where we entered the boat.

Out the left side - that looks just like the "floating island" I can see from my BR window at home!

Our boat captain seemed to be texting part of the time - really? Yikes!

Passing a large cargo vessel in the Seto Inland Sea. He's riding high . . .

Sun lowering over Miyajima Island.

Looking out toward famous oyster beds.

Looking out the right side toward mainland shore - there's the high-rise apartments at Ajina.

Beautiful old stone lighthouse as we approach Miyajima Island.

Looking out the window as the boat lands.

Stan in front of the speed boat - see how low it sits in the water?

Me at the back of the speed boat on the dock. The sea is rough, but no seasickness today - yay! Oh you can see I'm also wearing warm red leg warmers. They really helped keep my legs from getting so cold today.

We decided to walk around Miyajima to see if we could get oysters, but most everyone else is leaving. Pretty much everything on Miyajima Island closes around 5 PM. These two girls were enjoying the deer, while other girls and their dad enjoy the view of the torii nearing sunset.

One shot of the famous floating Miyajima Torii against the island as the sun drops. It's been a long time since we walked around Miyajima. We're usually biking, and I realized how much longer it takes to tour on foot!

As we walk back toward the ferry, the deer are beginning to settle down for the night. It gets colder quickly once the sun sets.

There's the ferry, so it's time to go.

Passing another ferry as we return to the mainland. Pretty!

After a 15-minute ride, we arrive at beautiful Miyajima landing.

We've walked the couple of blocks from the ferry to the local train station, where we found this family with little boy in a cute yellow tiger winter coat. . .

And his sister's coat is pink - complete with hood (including nose, eyes & ears) and tail. Cute!

Stan on the train from Hiroshima to Iwakuni. The heat comes out from under the seat, so it's cozy.

The closer we get to Iwakuni, the emptier the train becomes . . .

We're hungry and we've decided to try a new restaurant that opened up just a couple of months ago right across the street from Iwakuni Station bicycle parking. Each item costs 290 yen (about $3.75 USD). I think it's name is Butajiro which translates as "pork soup" - perhaps that's why there is a pig on the menu? We thought it was Italian because there's an Italian flag outside.

Kampai! It's nice & new and VERY cozy in this restaurant. . . it's VERY cold outside tonight!

At the next table, the patrons are having couscous (I think), which was placed into the large hollowed out shell of parmesan cheese, mixed around, and then served hot. That looks good!

This is my salmon cream sauce pasta with little mushrooms - delicious! Stan had meat sauce pasta (both our "usuals" in any Italian restaurant), and we both had garlic toast, but we both got so overheated in here, we ended up rushing our dinner so we could get outside where it was cooler. Can you believe we left without coffee & dessert??? The food was very good though & I would return - but maybe not during winter . . . So our bike ride home from the station cooled us down & we worked off our dinner - win-win!

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Hiroshima 1/7/12

2012-01-10T12:51:00.008+09:00

We're on the train to spend the day in Hiroshima. I love the cute outfit this little girl is wearing! And wouldn't my granddaughters love that sequin cat purse . . .

Looking through the street car doors as we cross a river.

We're lunching at Andersen's on Hondori Street & the balloon man is just outside our window.

Hot cappuccino on a cold day - yum!

And our lunch sets. Stan already finished his cup of soup. My soup is pumpkin & it's DELICIOUS!

Don't remember what building was across the street, but it's gone now & by the next time we come, there will be something new . . .

Meanwhile, the balloon man is making lots of children smile!

In the flower shop of Andersen's - amaryllis always remind me of Stan's mom. She had many around her yard.

Upstairs on the 3rd floor, I found all sizes of cookie/biscuit cutters nested together. I'm looking for a new 8x8 pan to replace my scratched up one.

Downstairs in the bakery (first floor) I found some misbehaving turtle sweet buns. But they are smiling . . .

We were looking for dragon cookies to send to our grandchildren, but only found these buns with a dragon imprinted - cute, but can't send those to the US . . .

Dragon face . . . 2012 is the Year of the Dragon.

Ume (plum) bonsai - beautiful!

This area was very popular and smelled delicious! The chef was making lots of these donuts and they were selling very fast!

Heart-shaped pans!

Yes, that's Stan buying us a bag of hot ones!

Sign on an automatic door. Can't read Japanese, but the message is VERY clear!

In Starbucks looking for their newest coffee travel mugs.

At Tokyu Hands, I found cute mouses (mice?) with colorful tails.

And in the paper clip department . . .

How Japanese is this!?!?! Rock, scissors, paper!

Back at Iwakuni Station downtown, the tree-shaped lights are still up above the bus station.

Oh - the flower shop outside the station is still open - we have to buy flowers! Theirs are always so fresh & last well.

And at home the next day - here are my flowers from last night - beautiful!

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Enjoying the Holidays Around Iwakuni

2012-01-09T12:50:00.007+09:00

Construction frogs are still near the Hwy 188 bridge going into downtown Iwakuni.

Cute kids in the L-Style Cafe downtown. Whip out a camera & out comes the peace sign! I like that way of thinking . . .

Happy me!

Cute silverware & dishes used by the kids who sat near us.

Our coffee & cake set . . .

Yum - oops - someone already took a bite of the chocolate . . .

I love the dishes here! Look at the cool shape of the cup's saucer . . .

Inside the Nishiki River Gift Shop and Restaurant - beautiful New Year's arrangement.

Presents wrapped with camellia decoration - the winter flower of Japan.

Stan & friend . . .

Back outside - Stan found some gigantic "apples" hanging from a tree. While we were inside, we kept seeing excited families gathering and posing for photos here.

Driving on Rt 2.

Passing Sanzoku - the famous "Chicken Shack" near Iwakuni. All decorated for the New Year.

And the outside of Panda Recycle Shop, where we always stop - never know what treasures you will find here . . .

We're looking for a low wood table, but found lots of mirrors inside . . .

This car is "Freed" - we really liked the individual yellow lights that make up the turn signal. Haven't seen new US cars recently, so don't know if they look like this . . .

I like these very colorful mirrors at Nafco - our friend Julie is looking for some.

I like these colorful "Happy Buckets" as well.

Available for many uses!

Anyone need a portable dishwasher?

And LED lights can be used all over the house. Just think how much one could save on energy costs!?!?!

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Christmas Eve 12/24/11

2012-01-03T15:05:00.007+09:00

That looks like rain! It's Christmas Eve & we're on the Monzen Bridge leaving the base as we drive to Oshima Island for our overnight trip. We always try to stay somewhere overnight on Christmas Eve because it's too depressing to be alone or with someone else's family, although several people have graciously invited us.

Driving along Hwy 188 south (toward Yanai) - still raining out in the Seto Inland Sea.

Clearer skies now as we pass a small deserted beach.

The sea on our left and the train tracks on our right.

And there's the green Oshima Island Bridge. Usually we drive under & keep going on Hwy 188, but this time we'll circle around & drive on it to Oshima Island.

On the bridge now & it's VERY windy . . .

Looking back at the bridge from the island. Once we crossed the bridge, we turned left to head for our hotel, which is about another 15-20-minute drive. The sky is gray now & it's still VERY windy.

Oh - that would be a cool place to live!

Passing through a quiet little village. Although Oshima is a very beautiful, tropical island, it is NOT overbuilt.

Heading into a tunnel.

And it's a short one with a pretty round sign on it.

Rough seas today.

Beautiful & famous Oshima oranges / tangerines.

Small marina. Lots of fishing here also.

Stone lanterns & a bright orange torii gate.

Ah - there's our turnoff. We're crossing over to the opposite side of the island.

Our hotel, Sunshine Sazanseto, is near Katazoegahama Beach.

Just a few more kilometers . . .

And we're here!

Beautiful!

Large Christmas tree in the lobby near the glass wall facing the sea.

View from inside. This a spa hotel as well as a wedding hotel. Our friend Mieko-san had her daughter's reception here & told us about it. Beautiful!

From behind the tree looking up to the 2nd floor balcony.

And below the 2nd floor balcony is a huge gift shop.

Front desk area. This is a relatively small hotel with LOTS of amenities.

Looking down from the 2nd floor balcony.

Our room is HUGE with 2 large western beds - yay!

Stan at the end of the room. We have a corner room, so windows are on 2 sides - nice.

Seating area that opens to the side of the building. All glass walls have sheer curtains as well as heavy, darkening drapes.

The desk area will be perfect for me . . .

Fresh live flowers & ivy & other niceties. The bathroom was also packed with fabulous lotions, body wash, shampoos - and all products are also available at the gift shop to take some home.

And look at our PERSONAL BATH out side on our private balcony!

Walking around the hotel after we unpacked. This beautiful area is in the outside courtyard.

One of the hotel employees took this picture of us in front of a Christmas tree in the lobby.

The Birds . . . swarming over the dock in front of our hotel. We brought our bikes so we could ride, but it's just way too cold & windy for us today.

We're in the coffee shop area now having our afternoon tea. The man in the suit nearby is meeting with a couple discussing their wedding plans. I LOVE this ceiling! Reminds me of some of the 1920's homes in Birmingham . . .

This family nearby is dressed in the hotel-furnished yukata, over jacket and slippers. Stan's never fit and I just wanted to stay dressed for Christmas.

Our cake & coffee sets. Yum! This should hold us until dinner . . .

Here's the wedding planning area. You can rent EVERYTHING here - including your clothes.

Photo books and wedding souvenirs you can order.

Souvenir wedding hashi imprinted with Bride & Groom's name.

Nearby beer dispensers.

And bottles of teas and juices in the children's play area.

The indoor heated pool faces the beach.

Map of Oshima Island.

Photos of hula dancers - this must happen often, during summer, maybe?

DAM!

We found the casino & karaoke area . . . but no one is in here.

Looks like a combination of Roman & Egyptian decor . . .

Looking up . . .

And down . . .

And we found another Christmas tree.

This is the entrance to the public Ladies' onsen - but no cameras are allowed here. There are inside and outside baths, but I may not make it here since we have a bath outside our room.

A machine that dispenses all kinds of milk fresh from Hokkaido. I was curious to see how it worked since the small bottles were glass. It was all automated and a robotic hand carefully pulled out the bottle and set it down gently at the access door. Cool.

We're back in the room now & those are my toes in the tub. It's FREEZING & windy out here, but I'm toasty warm!

Stan has decided to take my picture. Peace!

And I'm taking his.

Kampai! Beer in our room fridge.

View toward the left . . .

And toward the right as the sun starts to set behind us.

It's getting dark & stormy now - can you see the steam coming off our tub? This tub is just a very large cobalt blue pot - perfectly matches my dishes - wish I could take it home!!!

We're dressed & walking toward the elevator. Looking outside a window into the courtyard, we see a lighted tree.

At our table before dinner. Kampai!

I ordered a Japanese dinner set & Stan ordered the French dinner set. Dinner sets are always the best way to get small servings of many different dishes - just the way I enjoy eating. This was my first appetizer. Cold sweet salmon with orange ikura (eggs) floating around - my favorite!

Stan starts with caviar on ice - wow!

Looking around the restaurant. Most other diners are wearing their yukata & slippers furnished by the hotel, but we wanted to dress for Christmas . . . We met a really friendly couple, Iwai & Miki who took our picture, but we didn't take one of all of us together. Oops. Maybe they'll send me one soon . . .

Sashimi is my next course. . .

And Stan's second appetizers. He gave me the salmon ikura in the small white bowl. We shared back & forth, since he had the French option and I had the Japanese option.

What's next?

A gorgeous fish with lotus & tofu in a delicious sauce - yum!

Stan gets soup & hot bread.

*Burp* - but I had help . . .

More sashimi - almost disappears in this beautiful seashell dish!

Fresh winter veggies for my hot pot!

On the left is where my veggies will cook and on the right is my rice already cooking.

Wow - Stan's seafood course - large shrimp or small lobster? with potato & broccoli.

So of course he plays with his food. See why our children don't mind that we're not ALWAYS around for our grandchildren???

And his small beef fillets with more veggies.

My veggies & tofu are now ready to eat and I need LOTS of help - I'm already full!

Except - there's always room for dessert. We ordered one of each to share.

Stan posing at the front desk after dinner.

Water & vitamin drinks machine in the lobby.

Our room is at the end of the hall on the corner, so this sign was on the window to the side of our door.

And I'm headed back into the outdoor bath . . .
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Christmas Day 2011

2012-01-03T13:50:00.012+09:00

It's breakfast time & we're headed into a different restaurant this morning. It faces the seaside & it's bright & sunny inside. This seaside view of this hotel faces East.

Christmas decorations just outside the door.

And one of the many small decorations hanging on the lattice.

Inside, our server takes our picture - Merry Christmas!

It's nearly 10, so we pretty much have the place to ourselves. The buffet had just about everything imaginable and probably some unimaginable! But ALL was yummy . . . and we ate our fill.

Cereals, granola, fresh fruit, homemade yogurt and coffee & tea area. The coffee machine offered several options for each fresh-brewed cup.

I love the tinted mirrors of different shapes!

Aquarium on one end - lunch, perhaps?

These are the same type of fish that are in the Fish Tank restaurant near our base in Iwakuni.

Looking from the other direction. Those are the coffee machines at the extreme left, center.

And of course, the bar.

Back up in our room on our deck - it's a MUCH brighter day today, but still cold & windy, so no outside walk or bike ride for us today. Hmm . . . the water in our spa is much lower today. Stan said something about water displacement from both of us being in at the same time . . .

One last picture of me in our room. I really don't want to leave! If you want to see more photos of this fabulous hotel (including inside the fabulous onsen baths!) CLICK HERE! Be sure to wait for the photos AFTER the panorama finishes . . . I can't wait to return here for another visit!

In the lobby, there's a Christmas tree Advent calendar . . .

Driving away from the entrance - we could see "Aloha" spelled out in leis on the fence ahead.

Sleepy little villages on a Sunday morning.

And everywhere oranges & tangerines - Oshima is famous for them!

Colorful leaves on a hillside.

The blue sky makes the sea a much prettier color today as we drive back toward the Oshima Bridge.

Much of this drive is right along the sea - beautiful!

Tunnel & red building.

What a fabulous view that house up high on a hill must have!

Big waves crashing against the seawall. Whenever we drive in areas like this, I always think of the disaster area up north and those many quiet little seaside villages that were wiped completely away . . .

Coming out of a short tunnel.

Cemetery alongside the highway.

Look at the beautiful colors of the water here!

Beautiful old temple with stone stairs and walls.

Driving back to the mainland on the Oshima Bridge.

The currents here are said to be some of the most dangerous in all of Japan. I'm looking down at what looks like a small tsunami wave.

We're following a truck loaded with fresh Oshima oranges - oh, we forgot to buy any!

But at the end of the bridge is a shop where he's turning in, so we'll stop here.

Inside are lots of fresh seafood. Here are some of the very large shrimp/small lobster? that Stan had for his dinner last night.

And of course octopus.

These fresh fried goodies smell wonderful & contain a little of everything, but we're not hungry right now - and we're trying NOT to eat fried . . .

But we couldn't resist a hot cup of coffee! It's SO cold outside. We were served in beautiful English teacups with tiny whisks for stirring. What a GREAT idea!

Back on Hwy 188 now bound for Iwakuni. We can open our presents when we get home!

The sea is on our right & the train & a hillside of colorful trees on our left. See the train tunnel?

Outside the Monzen Gate, a small tractor waits in a dormant lotus field.

It's still early afternoon & too early to call the US, so we can open our presents. Stan is ready!

And Sachi is helping!

Well that didn't take long. We're waiting for some boxes from the US to arrive, but we still had plenty to open!

Sachi's favorite place is under the tree!

Sachi poses under one of my hand-embroidered ornaments that I made YEARS ago . . .

And in the kitchen the juicer awaits - Stan actually bought 2 big bags of oranges . . . no more bottled "fresh" OJ for us - only fresh squeezed!

Love this photo! Larry sent it of Andy enjoying the "Boys' Story Book" we sent.

And Heather sent this of some of our children & grandchildren riding the Polar Express together near Williams AZ. In the back are David & Sherri (expecting our Grandchild #6!!!), Holly & Kelly, and in front are Heather & son Cody. This was 12/26 - Happy Birthday Heather!

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Christmas Eve Eve 12/23/11

2012-01-02T14:02:00.011+09:00

We're driving to Miyajima today with our bicycles, but the weather doesn't look very promising . . . but since we're heading to Oshima tomorrow for our overnight trip, this is the last day we can visit Miyajima before Christmas.

Cute "Baby on Board" sign on the car in front of us. Makes us think of Sherri & David - yay! A new grandbaby is coming in 2012 ! ! ! ! And we can't wait to meet #6 . . .

Bummer! It's raining as we continue along Rt 2 toward Miyajima, but I see a little blue sky. Guess this is what "Party Cloudy" means.

Interesting roof decoration on a beautiful tile roof as we're stopped for a light.

See the little happy face?

Coming out of a tunnel into sunlight! Many of the trees are still showing bright Autumn colors.

And here we are at the ferry landing, but we're going straight ahead toward the large parking lot to park & unload our bicycles first. Not much traffic today, although it's a National Holiday - the Emperor's Birthday - so it only took us 35-40 minutes to drive here. The train is much faster, but we can't take our bicycles on the train . . .

Santa-san on the Miyajima Ferry . . . you can just see the bright orange torii gate to his right behind him.

Misty clouds as I look back toward the mainland. Maybe it will be nicer weather on the island.

Santa-san coming down the stairs on the ferry. He posed with LOTS of families during the short ferry ride.

Sign on door that goes inside the heated cabin on the ferry.

Her smile is why Stan enjoys being Santa-san during Christmas time. Santas are not very common here - so it's a really BIG deal . . .

He drew a crowd wherever we went & he gave out over 200 candy canes that day. But even after he ran out, the children (and parents!) still loved him, and were happy to shake his hand!

Me inside the restaurant where we took a short lunch break. It's VERY cold today, so I'm wearing my warm fur scarf.

Stan had curry & rice and fried rice for me - hot comfort food on a cold day.

Oops - blurry (sorry) but Stan HAD to try "Lemon Squash" when he saw it on the menu because they talk about it on "Around the World in 80 Days" - one of his favorite movies.

Hot cafe au lait for me.

Back out on the street.

I love this shot with the bright pagoda behind him!

Buddha baby . . .

Santa-san at our favorite oyster stand. Yum!

And posing inside the Miyajima cookie factory where we stopped to warm up & potty.

I'm holding a warm cookie - which is really two pressed cakes, shaped like a maple leaf, with a gob of yummy chocolate inside. There are many flavors, but chocolate (of course!) is our favorite. Hot green tea is always provided free here as well. VERY nice way to warm up.

Beautiful orchids in the rest area near the toire' (potties).

The resting area had a beautiful view of an outdoor garden, but the pond is partially covered to protect the koi from the cold weather.

Souvenirs of Miyajima for sale inside the shop.

Back on the street with the huge stone torii behind.

And Santa-san under the colorful pagoda on the hill - outside our favorite coffee shop. After posing for hundreds of more photos, it's time to warm up again!

Yum! Cake & hot coffee . . .

A pile of oyster shells outside a restaurant as we head out again.

The sun is setting and we're working our way back toward the ferry, but we stopped at the famous orange torii for a "few" more photos . . . The tide is coming in, so it's "floating" again.

It's getting dark and the stone lanterns have turned on.

Rickshas nearby.

Even the deer want to get involved . . .

Lights have come on to light the Torii, and someone generously offers to take our picture. Yay!

Back on the ferry, these 2 little boys could just not get enough of Santa-san! They were SO excited . . .

My bike at the parking lot. It's time to load up & head for home.

Now the traffic is heavy, so it took us much longer to get home. Guess everyone is heading for home after a day off. Another big day for Santa-san . . .

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Around Iwakuni 12/22

2011-12-27T13:15:00.007+09:00

Home-baked Christmas presents.

Driving off-base to eat lunch at L-Style Cafe. See the red "lantern" hanging off the back of the truck in front of us? It's hanging from some materials that are too long for the truck bed. Guess it's the Japanese version of a red cloth used in US?

Much more effective though since it's wired for electricity!

I wish I could show you the front of this cute school van! It had big ears and snout on the front.

On Hwy 188 downtown Iwakuni.

New Year's floral arrangements at the flower shop near the train station.

Oops - L-Style was already closed for the holidays, so we're back in the car following a large truck hauling local tomatoes. I bet they're all perfect and ripe! Every tomato in Japan tastes like it was home-grown . . .

We've settled on the "Pork Place" on Rt 2 (turn left when 188 intersects Rt 2, and it's a very short distance on right side). I don't think we've been here since Pam & Jake & Owen left last summer . . . We're starting with yummy pickles. The carrots (I think) are sweet, green cucumbers are sour, and the last one was kimchi - too hot for me, but Stan loves it!

Stan ordered a set with pork & noodle dish, miso soup, sour-plum flavored rice and shredded cabbage.

I opted for kaki furai (fried oysters) with cabbage salad, pork soup & white rice. Yum! You can see 2 bottles of dressing above to the right. I LOVE the roasted sesame one. There are also two small bowls of dipping sauce on my tray.

Looking around the restaurant into the Japanese-style seating area. We're sitting in one of the Western-style booths.

Looking through the open shelves to a camellia bush outside.

Beautiful Japanese paper lamp.

Condiments on our table include a toothpick holder, cute cat salt cellar and large pot of pork sauce. Always present soy sauce container is on the table elsewhere.

Interesting dessert option. Looks like a slice of a baked sweet potato!?!?! We HAVE to try this!

We got one to share - it's ICE CREAM! But of course flavored with actual sweet potato - very yummy!

Outside - this is the camellia we could see through the window.

The winter flower of Japan . . . and pink are my favorite!

Santa-san holding a petit Coke in the 100 Yen store.

Oh - look at this! SOOOO glad Stan & I have separate bathrooms . . .

Back on base, the Monzen "white privacy fence project" is progressing nicely . . .

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Second Trip to Hiroshima's "Dreamination"

2011-12-22T16:29:00.008+09:00

Santa-san is buying our train tickets at Iwakuni Station for our 50-minute ride to Hiroshima for our second "Santa-san" trip.

On the local train. My seatmate was a young man from Germany who's working in an elderly care home for a year. (Sorry I didn't get his photo.) When I said "nursing home" he was very confused, and we discussed the confounding differences of English words . . . Imagine -he speaks German, English and Japanese!

The sun is setting as we ride past Miyajima Island.

This daddy was MUCH more excited about Santa-san than his son was!

Walking through Hiroshima Station to the Streetcar Station out front.

Stan on the streetcar headed to Hondori Street. First a quick dinner at Andersen's, then down to Peace Blvd to pose for photos!

Crowd outside the window has noticed us eating our soup & sandwich . . . The tables are against the windows here.

The crowds continued to stop & take photos. The cute red designs are on the inside of the window . . .

Stan has moved outside Andersen's to one of the benches. This lady is holding a pink balloon rabbit that the Balloon Man just made for her. I think Stan helped his business!

Another short streetcar ride & we're back at Peace Blvd where Stan immediately has already drawn a large crowd!

There's the Horse & Buggy ride - we should do that . . .

Santa-san encourages a shy child. Tonight he brought a blanket to sit on & gloves. It's VERY cold.

"I'll sit next to you, but don't touch me!"

Santa-san with some of the lights beyond.

I've decided to walk a little & take photos. Decorative lights at Christmas are referred to as "Illuminations" in Japan. Hiroshima has named their fabulous display "Dreamination." It is absolutely amazing - consisting of 1.4 million bulbs, most of which are LED and fueled by solar panels. Read more about this annual display HERE! I can read "Sendai" on the info plaque so I'm assuming this year's program is dedicated to those who suffered and lost so much from the tragedy of the Great Earthquake & Tsunami of 3/11/11.

Colorful lights. Atop the center platform is an origami crane - a symbol of good luck.

Part of the giant Christmas tree nearby.

I've walked "inside" the tree and am looking up.

A giant snowflake - or star?

A heart at the base of the tree. Last year there was a bench here, so I was hoping we could sit here, but it's missing this year.

I LOVE these hopeful symbols. They have something to do with this year's theme.

This VERY colorful truck stopped near us on the street for a few minutes.

And people just kept coming - and patiently waiting their turn.

See the man in back near the right center? His name is Michael and we talked for a long time. He's from Israel and spoke beautiful British English. He's visiting Japan on business and trying to see as much as he can while he's here. He's already falling in love with Japan and wants to return for longer next time.

Two cute little boys who were really in love with Santa-san - they just kept giggling & throwing kisses. The little boy on the right just hugged me over and over. Worth the whole trip!

As we're walking back up toward the streetcar stop, Stan poses in front of an ancient shrine in the midst of huge modern buildings. It's about 10 PM & we're ready to rest & get warm!

Interesting sign on the train about not taking up too much space. Click to enlarge.

Exhausted Santa-san. We're almost home now, but when we first got on the train in Hiroshima, I was lucky enough to find a vacant seat, and sat down across from a young American couple. They were in Japan filming for a travel show (don't know which one!) and then I saw the cameraman across the aisle. When the very nice elderly Japanese man sitting next to me got up to leave, Stan took his seat. We found out the couple was headed to Miyajima Island so when they found out how long we've been here, they were excited and began asking us for information, which of course we were more than happy to provide! We had a very nice chat, and just before they departed at Miyajima, Stan was asked to sign a waiver . . . cool! Maybe he'll be on TV?

Sign on a window of the train.

Closer detail shows tears under the eyes and you can see it's advertising lip balm. Looks very old-style, doesn't it? Another fun adventure . . .

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Shopping at Vesta 12/20/11

2011-12-22T15:41:00.007+09:00

In the prepared foods area of Vesta Supermarket - fried foods ready to take home.

Just help yourself with the tongs and place in plastic containers. These all look so good, but we try not to eat fried foods any more . . . there's also a sushi department.

But my favorite part of shopping is sitting at the bakery, enjoying a fresh-baked treat & coffee. Yum!

This cute little girl's mom took her out of the stroller cart and put her in the chair opposite me, while she paid for her bakery goods on the other side of the partition. She never moved, and slowly her head sank down to her chest. Reminded me of a little bird!

Small individual Christmas cakes with handy carrying strap.

Cute!

Christmas gifts!

Don't want to forget your Christmas beer . . .

Happy Christmas!

Back on base - look Barbara! The old black fence is being replaced by nice white privacy fences in the Monzen area.

Beautiful blue Monzen River.

Later after sushi, I couldn't resist a shot of pretty pink camellias blooming in our parking lot.

We've parked next to neighbor Paul's TINY truck - remember, our car is pretty small!

Gives you an idea . . .

Did you notice the shape of the tailpipe? Yep - it's a heart!!!

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Santa-san Debuts New Santa Suit 12/17

2011-12-21T21:29:00.007+09:00

It's Saturday night & we're leaving the house to go to Hiroshima. Stan's carrying his new Santa suit in a shopping bag.

Arriving at Hiroshima Station - Santa suit or no Santa suit - people still think he's Santa!

Walking around Hondori Street shopping area we found a VERY embarrassed Santa dog.

Friend Megan standing with Lego Man at Andersen's after dinner.

Outside Andersen's Stan is posing for photos after changing into his Santa suit. He was getting a LOT of attention - and he loves it! Megan looks like she's beginning to wonder if he really IS the real Santa . . . ?

Waiting for the streetcar in the middle of the road & looking at the entrance to Hondori shopping street entrance.

Oh - there's the decorated Santa Streetcar - beautiful!

We're at Hiroshima's "Dreamination" - fabulous lights display. This is one of our favorite things to do this time of year. Read more about this light show RIGHT HERE.

Stan sat down on a low retaining wall and it didn't take long for a crowd to gather. Stan said each person asked permission to take a photo. Yes -of course! This is why we came. Then they quietly and patiently lined themselves up to wait their turn with Santa.

We arrived about 8 PM & the crowds were constant until about 10. It was VERY cold, but we were dressed warmly.

Girls posing with Santa.

And a fur-covered baby.

Stan said this baby on his mother's back, just stared and stared, but was not afraid.

And after walking around to see all the lights, Megan and her parents have returned, so she can also pose with Santa!

People even brought their pets to pose - YIKES!

Yep - it's a raccoon on a leash!

Cecelia & Tommy (Megan's parents) on the train bound for Iwakuni. Megan was sitting with me - she's my buddy and I appreciate them sharing her with me!

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Christmas 2011 is Coming . . .

2011-12-21T20:27:00.004+09:00

Our Christmas tree went up on December 4 - the day after the last of 12 packages was mailed! Hooray!

After a couple of weeks, you can see we've got a few more presents underneath, and Sachi is very interested, but we're still waiting for all those packages from the US to arrive . . .

So once our packages were shipped and the tree was decorated - let the baking begin!

A forest of tiny Christmas trees . . .

CHIGERIE CLASS 12/16
I'm looking out the 2nd floor window from my chigerie class. This is the last class of the year. They're tearing up the street outside & today's the day I was hauling lots of stuff from my car. . . that's it down the street behind all the equipment. Oh, well - good exercise. When I return to class in mid-January, this work will be complete and you will never be able to tell where anything ever happened!

Our class has grown smaller since all the other Americans left & several of the older Japanese ladies have had health issues, which keep them from attending. Each week after climbing the stairs to the second floor, we set up the tables & chairs we need, open the drapes to control the sun, and when finished, the process is reversed. Then the floors are swept & vacuumed - all ready for whoever uses this room next. This is a nearby neighborhood community building.

At teatime today, I brought coffee & homemade cookies and treats, as well as a small present for each of my Japanese friends. They are so generous all year long to share their fruits and vegetables. They appreciated my small gesture of thanks. From left: Mrs Yamamoto, Mrs Okazaki, Mrs Jo, Sensei, Mrs Murakami.

In this photo, Mrs Murakami took my place so I could be in the photo. These are such sweet ladies!

Sensei Fujii-san is hard at work. She's helping me with a cute dragon I'm making for 2012 - Year of the Dragon. Other members are making a much more difficult one, but mine is easier - yay!

Another Hiroshima Shopping Trip 11/26/11

2011-12-10T22:27:00.011+09:00

It's Saturday of Thanksgiving Weekend, so we decide to make another trip to Hiroshima to finish our shopping. This is looking at our building from the front. Our apartment is on the opposite side. Our building's name is Ayame, which means iris flower.

We're riding bikes to the station - it's a beautiful day & the colors of these flowers in someone's yard remind me of Christmas!

Beautiful early winter garden.

And oranges still on a tree.

The river is high as we ride over the pedestrian bridge toward the downtown Iwakuni station .

Riding behind a lady with a leopard coat & blue back-basket cover. Most Japanese bikes come with baskets because bicycles are used for transportation.

Inside the bicycle parking area at the station.

Wow! Look at those RED tires!

Cap on the back basket of someone's bike says "Please Help Me" in English and Japanese. So we put in some yen.

Flower shop near the station has beautiful poinsettias!

And tiny pansies with bunnies on top. Made me think of Barbara again.

Looking out the train window toward Miyajima Island.

In less than an hour, we're crossing one of the rivers in Hiroshima.

Cute Christmas poster at Hiroshima Station.

Streetcar driver. We're heading for Hondori Street today.

Just a short walk inside the covered shopping, and we've reached Andersen's. The upper section is the original building - the only in this area - that was left standing after the atomic bomb hit Hiroshima in August of 1945.

Third floor in Andersen's has some interesting and beautiful items for sale.

We ran into our friend Akemi and her friend who were going to attend a concert later in Hiroshima, but I didn't take their picture. How fun that we have lived here long enough to frequently run into people we know when we're out & about!

Many colors of poinsettia in the flower department.

And of course Christmas cookies and pastries!

A very large and elaborate calendar for counting off days until Christmas. Our kids used to LOVE the one we had. Wonder where it is now . . .?

Stan's buying our purchases - this is all on the first floor of Andersen's.

Oh look at these cute stuffed fabric mice sleeping in matchboxes!

Back out in the shopping street it's pretty crowded today.

We made a new friend at Starbucks. This little boy was very friendly and just smiled and smiled at us!

We're outside Tokyu Hands department store now, where children are having fun posing with this, uh, stuffed chef's hat character?

Inside I found more cute bunnies!

Oh - and (I think?) they're also umbrellas!!!!!

Teapot department. Really, really cute ones.

In the toy department, I found this REALLY fabulous electronic jazz band playing - wow! Cool, but VERY expensive! Click below to watch & listen . . .

We've finished shopping (finally!) so decided to go to Molly Malone's for a drink & dinner. Kampai! Nancy & Eldon - we always think of you two here!

Looking around MM from our table . . .

Stan's enjoying his delicious hamburger. I think I had my usual quiche and salad - always delicious.

Later, we're back at Hiroshima Station and headed for home. Oh look! Christmas decorations in the windows. It reminded us both of fabulous department store windows in downtown Birmingham when we were children. Wonder if any stores in US still do that?

For the first time EVER - we had to go over to Track 2 for the train to return to Iwakuni. We've always just gone straight out to Track 1. Huh . . .

So when we arrived at Iwakuni Station and found our bikes, we saw that the money was still in the cap on the back of the bike that said "Please Help Me" - I LOVE Japan!
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Happy Thanksgiving Day 11/24/11

2011-12-10T20:38:00.013+09:00

Right on time, my uh, "Thanksgiving" cactus is in full bloom . . .

Outside it's very windy today, but sunny & mild, so kids are outside playing soccer.

Trees are dressed for Autumn on base.

Driving over the bridge toward downtown Iwakuni. What a beautiful day!

I love the sign that the phone number is on!

Driving down Hwy 188 in downtown Iwakuni.

We've parked at the train station and are going to L Style Cafe for Thanksgiving lunch. It's a regular workday in Japan . . .

Stan is looking more like Santa-san every day!

We're both enjoying our salads from the salad bar here. This is the only place we've been in Japan where we've found a salad bar . . . and it's yummy!

Stan's soup and rice.

And look at the cool shape of his rice bowl!

And now our lunch special sets have arrived.

Yum! Closer view shows all the perfect little entrees Top left to right is kimchi (well Stan got that - too spicy for me!), next is a tender stewed quarter-turnip in a bowl, then sweet pickled fish, across the bottom: rare sliced beef with carrot (I think), salmon fillet with tomato sauce, and pork cutlet with sauce. Everything was SO delicious . . . and we've never the same combination twice!

Painting on the wall behind Stan always makes me think of Lisa . . . my artist daughter-in-law.

Stan's coffee today is a cute bunny which makes me think of Barbara! We're almost at the end of the Year of the Rabbit. Can't wait to see how they do a dragon for next year . . .

Look at this fabulous dessert plate - and guess what?!?!?

All the beautiful decoration was delicious sauces! How cool is that?

Kintai Bridge replica near the downtown Iwakuni train station.

Now it's time to finish our Christmas shopping, so we're at the large toy store downtown. I have to have all presents going to the US bought, wrapped, boxed and shipped by December 10th, and I'm hoping for earlier. Look at this cute pink Hello Kitty bike we found in the Bicycle Department.

And this one is a "People" bike.

In the Christmas Department - I found very pretty trees & raindeer with LED lights that change colors - cool!

I love these bare trees - if they weren't so expensive, I'd buy one!

In the little kid toy area now - this Anpanman toy reminds me of Owen . . .

Amazingly beautiful Emperor and Empress dolls in the Hina Doll Department.

Look at the gorgeous & elegant detail & layers of silk embroidered fabric!

Found this in the Costume Department.

Love the spelling, but you get the idea!

Stan called this area the War Department!

And of course the Lego Department had giant legos above it.

Finished shopping & driving around downtown. I love this tiny doorway with arched window above, small balcony with flowers, and bright-colored metal door below.

And pink flamingos on other doorways. When these metal doors are down, the business is closed. That makes it easy . . .

Time for dinner & we decided to stop at Mike's Mex-Tex. We haven't been here for a long time and were surprised to see they're all dressed up for Christmas already.

Oh wait - I forgot about their fabulous fruit margaritas . . . Hmmm - peach, maybe? Tough decision.

Wow! I also forgot how BIG they are . . .

But in true Japanese style - I will do my best!

Stan's enchiladas with rice & beans.

All I wanted was a taco & a quesadilla with just a bite of rice & beans - YIKES! It was delicious though . . . but I couldn't eat it all.

I love the colorful serapes on this plant table!

And of course the wall decor . . .

Well, would you look at that . . .

We ordered flan for dessert & it reminded us of eating at Manuel's when we lived in Phoenix . . .

What a great day! Not your traditional American Thanksgiving (which would make us too homesick for family), but fun & delicious just the same - and WAAAY more relaxing!
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Narutaki Brewery, Yamaguchi 11/20/11

2011-12-09T15:22:00.018+09:00

Sun rising over our "floating island" - beyond the MCAS Iwakuni's F-18 flightline - from BR balcony. It's about 7:15 AM & we're leaving soon on a bus trip to Yamaguchi that promises to be FUN!

We found a cute bunny cake while getting our coffee at the Crossroads on-base coffeeshop. This is for you, Barbara!

I love this beautiful Kintai Bridge bus! We always get lots of attention on the expressways when we travel in this one.

Driving through the tollbooth getting onto the Sanyo Expressway. What a NICE way to travel!

Just an hour later, we've stopped at the Kudamatsu rest area. Good thing because we all have coffee to "download". . . My more faithful readers will recognize the name "Kudamatsu"city because of Stan's "3rd Best Mustache in Japan" award a few years ago . . .

Stan and Friend - horses seem to be the theme here.

Oh - look at the goodies in the bakery. Always my favorite place in these fabulous rest areas!

These buns say "Kudamatsu"

And pandas . . .

Oh - there's Izac and Jessica!

And Jessica kindly took a picture of both of us - I appreciate this Jessica - thanks!

A cute booth outside at the rest area, where roasting chestnuts smell wonderful!

Beautiful Autumn leaves . . .

And after only another hour - we're here!

Wow - what a beautiful and rustic building! I LOVE it!

Inside the large dining room.

Looking from the large dining room into our "private" sunroom - with closing glass doors. Guess they know we'll be typically noisy Americans?!?!?!?!?

Our tablemates. What a FUN group!

Appetizers have now arrived - yummy variety! And look at the perfect little red rose in the center! There were beautiful roses all around the entrance where we walked in . . .

Jessica and LaRoyce.

Salad & sausage course . . . and more drinks . . .

Our very attentive and VERY patient waiter brings yet MORE drinks. This will happen for 2 hours while we also eat our fabulous meal!

Fabulous fresh (and light!) Japanese pizza - thin crispy crust & fresh veggies!

And fresh-baked breads . . .

Cecelia & Stan - uh-oh - I know that face & it looks like Stan's having fun.

Margie and Tommy. We're all friends here today!

This is our nameplate. I first thought that the Japanese characters were our name (how cool!), but soon saw that everyone's was exactly the same, except for their English name - so then I found out it just means "Mr" or maybe "Mr & Mrs"?

And the final entree is steak & veggies! Yum - but I'm already pretty full! I have to say this was one of the MOST delicious & tender steaks I've ever eaten . . .

Yep - Stan's happy .

Jessica shows me the cool way she does her hair with a beautiful clip. Hmmm - maybe I can learn it easier another day???

What a pretty drink! We had all sorts of drink options in addition to beer, sake, wine . . .

Wow - what's that on the cart near the kitchen?

Oh, it's a HUGE shaved out block of parmesan - WOW!

Looking into the kitchen where the fabulous chefs are VERY busy.

And above the kitchen the vaulted ceiling of this beautiful main dining room. See that table with the brown thing on it?

OMG - IT'S A CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN ! ! ! ! !

Dream come true! Click below to watch this brief video . . . FUN!

And here's what I brought back covered in hard chocolate . . . yum!

I should have been suspicious when Stan declined the chocolate and instead opted for another whiskey to accompany his dark beer.

Our table after we all walked (or staggered) away. Needless to say, everyone ate and drank their fill!

As did those at all the tables around us!

Walking past the spotless brewery behind a glass wall on our way out.

Back outside, Stan's gone into the bus for a short nap . . .

But I want to hike around this beautiful area & walk off some of my huge meal, and Jessica and Izac have invited me to join them. This smaller building is where outdoor weddings are held. There was one taking place when our bus arrived, and then they moved inside to enjoy their wedding reception.

Cosmos are still in bloom here.

And pink are my very favorite! I know this is my photo - but I LOVE IT!

Now we've walked the building where we ate - the skylights are at the top of the vaulted ceiling. We're walking toward a waterfall that comes out of the mountain behind the building.

Wow! After a few minutes' walk, we found a spring falling over some BIG rocks. Guess "It's the Water!" here that (also) makes such good beer???

Stone statue in the forest near the waterfall.

We've walked back from the waterfall area and all the way around the other side of the building. Look at these cute roof windows!

And stained glass windows with blue shutters on the side. Oh, I could SO live here!

We're back at the parking lot now, looking up at the main building of the brewery. It's a really gorgeous late Autumn day. Look how blue the sky is now & it's time to go - 2:30 PM . . .

An hour later, we're at another rest area for our "half-way home" break . . .

Cute food vendor vehicle . . .

Look at the flower planters built around the posts at the rest area - how cute!

Another hour's drive and we arrived home, and Stan went straight to bed! Guess there are some advantages to being older AND more experienced. ;oD
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Fun-Filled Saturday in Iwakuni! 11/19/11

2011-12-05T18:59:00.008+09:00

Clouds are hanging low as we drive over a bridge toward downtown. It's a rainy Saturday in mid-November.

After a delicious set lunch at L-Style Cafe near the train station, Stan has "cute" coffee - two bears hugging!

Wow- the design stays even after he's finished . . .

Shopping at Fuji Grand - I'm looking out a window from one of the upper floors to the street below . . .

We're pretty high . . .

Inside the VERY noisy children's game area.

And the New Year's gift area is already set up. Guess what these packages are?!?!?

Beer! Sorry - can't mail to US . . .

Christmas department . . .

And children playing in the toy department.

LOVE this bag!

And an old VW bug displays clothing . . .

Love the training bike with long handle . . . Wait - it's a HUMMER?!?!?!?!?

Bike Department . . .

Later in the day, we're watching Grand Sumo at Monte Beer. That's shin-ozeki (new champion) Kotoshogiku. He was recently promoted to Champion rank - next highest to top rank of Yokosuna (Grand Champion). He's Japanese, so everyone is very excited that perhaps some day in the future there will be a Japanese Grand Champion again. It's been a very long time since that has occurred here in Japan.

I love these cool black crystal chandeliers hanging above us.

We've been joined by friends Akemi and Mayumi, who were Stan's temporary students over the summer. Yum! Look at this beautiful shrimp cocktail . . .

Stan and Akemi

And Mayumi and Margie

Stan, Akemi and Mayumi outside Monte Beer. After drinks & a few more snacks, we're headed to karaoke!

As we're walking to a nearby karaoke bar, we pass this amazing wall art . . .

How beautiful!

Inside, there are many costumes and props - hmmm . . .

Oh Stan - that's definitely you!

And a schoolgirl costume is just what I may need . . .

Akemi singing.

And Mayumi singing.

And after 2 quick hours, it's time to go. Thanks so much Mayumi and Akemi for such a fun night!
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Iwakuni Festa 2011 11/13/11

2011-11-28T19:07:00.014+09:00

We've heard about a festival down at the Kintai today - maybe a new one this year? - so we're riding our bikes. Crossing the river and looking at the beautiful bright tree in someone's yard.

Passing the hotel and shrine up on the hill facing the river.

Watching ducks/seagulls? playing in the water while we wait for the traffic light.

Other birds are balanced at the top of a small waterfall waiting for food to swim over, perhaps?

Oh look! Across the street is a small market - we decide to check it out . . .

Lots of interesting things here.

And we felt very welcome!

But we're back riding alongside the river. Looking from the road down into the beautiful gardens below.

And further along there's a pretty house with lots of covered parking (a HUGE premium here!) and an interesting driveway.

I LOVE the stone designs . . .

Many colors of cosmos still in bloom. It's mid-November, but the weather is still quite mild.

Look who we found on Hwy 2 - it's one of Stan's students, Hinun and his mom. He's leaving a kendo class.

We've stopped at 7-11 for water and potty, and out front there's a pizza delivery bike!

Older man in suit riding his bike away from 7-11 on the "Dr Seuss trees" street.

We've arrived at the Kintai - about an hour after we started - but with several stops along the way. It's always so beautiful here!

Looking down at the riverbed from the car/pedestrian bridge as we ride over.

A little girl is having a good time playing in the sand.

And there's the festival - down below the bridge! Looks like a good crowd . . .

We've parked our bikes & set up our camp chairs. Live music and interesting dancers on stage. 2011 is coming to an end soon, an 2012 is the Year of the Dragon . . .

Click below to watch this VERY cool video of the part of the fire-breathing dragons' dance!

Cool - he's cut off the dragon's head & I caught it in mid-air! It took a while, but the Samurai was able to slay all of them . . .

It also took me a while to realize that the lady in red & white was also a real person & not a statue! Look at this gorgeous kimono!

We're hungry and we decided to walk around and see what else is here at this festival. Found children learning woodworking . . .

And boys climbing trees.

There were cute bunnies in small cages for children to pet.

And little piggies. This little girl was a little afraid, but finally stuck out her hand.

And afterward, she was VERY excited that she touched it!

Children were allowed to climb up on large police motorcycles on display.

And Japanese military vehicles.

But construction vehicles were most popular. Look at this cute little tractor!

I like this lady's Mickey Mouse umbrella with EARS!

"Naughty Boys keep going"

He was REALLY excited to drive this . . .

And the steamroller driver actually let the kids drive! This vehicle was so heavy that standing here I could feel the ground shake!

A local HS had real working robots!

Oh - here are the food booths. What's for lunch?

I think there were dumplings (or maybe mochi?) steaming in the pot above this fire. Smells SO good!

Friendly girls who ran the caramel corn booth. Japanese caramel corn is SOOOO yummy! So we had to have some . . .

Well, there's the bar . . . with hot dogs. Perfect.

Look at this beautiful B&W painting of the sea and large fish. I have to wonder if it represents the tsunami? Wow - it costs over $1200 USD! I was admiring his work, when the artist said he wanted to paint me a picture.

He was amazing! He painted with both hands to music . . .

LOVE this dragon!

Another cute food wagon . . .

Children area really interested in this character - anime, perhaps?

Stan's hot dog . . .

And my hamburger wasn't beef - not sure what it was, but it was delicious! We sat in our camp chairs to watch more of the entertainment while we ate.

To our left are steps built into the retaining wall that leads to the road above & way up above that . . .

. . . is Iwakuni Castle - on the top of the mountain. It's been a long time since we've been up there, but the view is really FANTASTIC!!!

This lady in kimono beautifully playing her flute made me think me of Nancy . . . I wonder if she's still playing her Japanese flute in Italy??? Her music was really wonderful, but I did not get a good video . . .

Near our bikes, this WAS the most quiet generator I've ever heard!

We've left the crowds at the festival, and ridden over to the Kintai Bridge.

Guess there can never be any "Occupying" here . . .

We've set up our camp chairs to sit & view the Kintai Bridge over the Monzen River - very peaceful here today, but we can still hear the music from the festival in the distance.

This cute little girl toddled over while we were sitting by the river. She held up her arms and wanted to climb into my lap and I was MORE than happy to oblige! (This has never happened to me in Japan - most little children are friendly but reserved & shy around us - I assume because we look SO very different.) She enjoyed checking out my earrings, necklace and especially my nails! She would look at my sparkly nails, and then over at hers . . . After about 10 minutes or so, her mom said they had to leave, so grudgingly we bid each other farewell . . . of course this made me VERY homesick for my own grandchildren! What a cutie . . .

Looking over Stan's bike at the huge, old cherry trees that line the river. They look very different this time of year . . .

My beautiful new bike loaded down with all our "necessary" stuff . . .

Pink camellia - winter's flower is blooming all over this area.

Riding around the park in Kintaikyo area.

Friendly riders with customized motorscooters!

That's the Ropeway Station - you can ride to the top of the mountain - but we're just stopping to potty.

Bright flowers in pots out front.

Oh - there's a Chrysanthemum display going on here today! How fortunate that we came over to this part of the park. Look how tall these flowers are!

Many colors & many varieties.

Bonsai! Chrysanthemum Bonsai!

Sugoi! (amazing!)

Look at these interesting shapes. . .

And of course, the Kintai Bridge.

Map showing the park areas around the Kintai.

The water is still on in Kikko Park!

And lots of colorful autumn leaves.

Looking through the water from the top of the "castle wall fountain."

One perfect ginko leaf.

Sign in front of the autumn-blooming cherry trees with very tiny flowers . . . what a surprise to see cherry trees this time of year!

How beautiful!

Sunset behind the mountain over the Kintai Bridge as we ride over the car bridge. The sun goes down early here up against the mountain.

Bamboo lanterns hanging on buildings near Kintai.

Following Stan - there's the 7-11 & beautiful lampost.

Looking back under the very low pedestrian/bike tunnel under the tracks. Stan can't ride under here - he's too tall - so he has to walk his bike through.

Lush gardens alongside the river.

Sun has set as we cross the last bridge on our way home.

Riding into the Main Gate of MCAS Iwakuni.

And later - not a harvest moon - but VERY big almost full moon . . .

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Miyajima Island Autumn Leaf Viewing 11/12/11

2011-11-23T12:34:00.012+09:00

It's a late Saturday morning and we're driving to Miyajima today to go to Miyajima Island. We usually go a little earlier in the autumn to view the leaves, but it's rained for the past TWO weekends . . . and today is the first sunny Saturday. We used to take the train (MUCH easier!) but I really loving having my bike so I can get around more easily with my bad left knee.

In front of us is a cute tour bus and a car that's a Cube - oh this is the first time I've noticed the "3" above the name - too cute!

Wow - look at this amazing sky today as we drive along the Seto Inland Sea. Wow!

This little old man (on a rascal-type scooter) is cleaning up trash alongside the road near the RR track.

There's the hotel where we stayed for Christmas a few years ago! Great location and very nice.

A tree loaded down with kaki (persimmons) which are abundant right now. I LOVE them - so sweet and delicious!

And pink & white cosmos are still blooming in front of this beautiful garden. They've been blooming since late summer.

Wow - heavy vehicle traffic as we approach Miyajima. Guess we're not the only ones going to Miyajima today . . . ? And we soon found out the large parking lot was FULL! We had to park VERY far away, but parking attendants guided us every step of the way and we soon found a place - a very small place, but our car is easy to park. Then all we had to do was follow the walking crowd down the street, into a tunnel under the tracks, and viola! we arrived out front of Miyajimaguchi Station! Cool . . .

As we ride our bikes toward the ferry, we see there are boat races going on today. Good place to wait for the next ferry.

And there's our ferry - we never have to wait very long for the "next" one . . .

Margie enjoying the warm sun on the ferry - on my new bike! Stan wanted to be SURE that you notice the wood block that the ferry worker placed under my front wheel! But I've also locked the wheels to be sure . . .

We decided to walk up to the deck level, but Stan is a bit too tall for the stairway. He just about lost his hat right here . . .

Upstairs, looking down at our bikes. There were only a few cars & trucks riding with us.

Passing the other ferry. I'm really glad we're on this one - much less crowded since it's mostly cars & business trucks. Most pedestrians take the other one because it's a straight walk down from the JR station . . . but this one is closer to where we parked our car.

A few of the oyster rafts out in the sea . . .

On the island now & Stan heads for the "stuff on a stick" booth for corn. Oops, didn't notice the squid growing out of his head . . . hmmm.

He's trying to eat it, but these deer really want it more and are nibbling at him. Yeah, like they're hungry . . . but they are "National Treasures" and are protected here, so they win.

Meanwhile, the majestic floating torii sits patiently in the harbor - and the tide is in! It's usually out when we're here. It's really prettier when it's "floating" . . .

One of these days we'll have to take that boat ride . . . I think that's relatively new.

And the gigantic stone torii where we first met Hiroshi-san when son Larry & family were visiting almost exactly 7 years ago! Wow - how time flies . . .

Near our roasted in the shell favorite oyster stand. It's very crowded today! See the cute cocker spaniel in a stroller?

YIKES! Stan shows me where one of the deer "nibbled" his belly!

More dogs & their strollers . . .

OK - so we're going to try again for more corn . . . but we still had to give it to the hungry deer!

Little girl happily playing in the sand near my bike. That pinwheel was Grandson Andy's favorite toy when about that same age & visited here in 2004!

Beautiful children dressed in kimono for Seven Five Three ceremony - "Shichi-go-san 七五三 On November 15 each year, children aged seven, five, and three don their finest traditional garb and visit their local shrines to be blessed. Special Shintō rites are performed to formally welcome girls (age 3) and boys (age 5) into the community. Girls (age 7) are welcomed into womanhood and allowed to wear the obi (decorative sash worn with kimono)."

Stan next to the "8 min walk, but 6 if you run a little to Ropeway Stn" sign that's near the orange bridge. This just cracks me up! We decided to walk up & maybe ride to the top of the mountain today in the ropeway car . . . We've never been to the top of Mt Misen and the view is said to be spectacular!

About half-way up is a rest area & tea house with koi pond & waterfall. Beautiful and not too difficult a walk . . . so far.

Love the koi! They always remind me of our pond we left at our former house in AL. I often wonder if they survived after we moved away . . .

Walking through the rest area and continuing up the hill. This is a popular place!

Children playing around the large rocks.

Another waterfall. Japan's mountains are filled with fresh spring water.

Entrance to the ropeway area. Yikes! It's VERY crowded because of autumn viewing, so although we've walked all the way up, we decided to wait until another day when it's less crowded. . . This is the place you can take a fork to the right, and just hike the rest of the way to the top of the mountain! But that's not in my future. We also found out that we "could have" taken a free shuttle bus from down below to this location. Oh, well, maybe we'll do that NEXT time!

Beautiful autumn leaves.

Man-made canal for spring water coming down the mountain. The sound of the water is so serene and relaxing.

Entrance to a little Shinto Shrine up the stairs. Now you see me . . .

Now you don't! Beautiful trees & a bright orange torii at the top . . .

Wow . . . many leaves are already gone, but some really bright ones still remain.

We've walked back down to the bright orange bridge. After we crossed, we decided to take the walkway alongside the left side (near where we parked our bikes) to see where it goes. As many times as we've been here, we've never gone this direction before.

Our bikes are patiently waiting near a stone lantern.

There are beautiful homes/cabins for rent, maybe? up above the river here. Oh - I could live here . . .

Beautiful maple leaves that Miyajima is famous for.

Lady in flowing pants walking on stepping stones in the river.

Another stone lantern along the walkway.

One perfect autumn leaf.

And another waterfall. It's very peaceful here.

All kinds of interesting sculptures and areas here.

This sign talks about a "Gourd Terrace" - never knew this was here! Thanks, Stan for being adventurous and finding this!

Wow - click & read these "rules" for working on the grounds at Miyajima! Our friend Hiroshi-san volunteers here & he's told us about their VERY strict rules for what they can and can't do . . .

Here's the gourd monument.

And stone staircases lead up to every building alongside this river walk.

Japanese characters carved on a large stone.

Two cedars that have one shared trunk.

Stan in the middle of the riverbed. Of course.

I love the design of the footbridge he was standing on!

More autumn colors.

Pond near the entrance to the bridge.

Back on the shopping street, we're greeted by a vendor selling roasted chestnuts - yum - smells like autumn!

Oh - look how the late afternoon sun is shining on the pagoda looming over the shopping area!

Time for a break, so we're in our favorite coffee house now. Stan's favorite - apple-caramel cake. Because it's Autumn, it's decorated with tiny Japanese maple leaves - cute!

And for me, you can't beat the tiramisu & iced coffee!

Two drip coffees awaiting hot water . . .

Back out on the street, we can either go down the hill through the tunnel or up the stairs for the view.

We decided on up & I'm looking down on the coffee shop - right on the left corner where a tourist group is headed our way.

Margie behind a large stone lantern at the top.

And Stan is enjoying the view of the Seto Inland Sea beyond the rooftops.

The sun is lighting up the apartment buildings at Ajina (I think) and a ferry . . . beautiful!

Sun behind the bright orange pagoda, still higher up the hill above us.

And another deer. Notice that his/her? horns are cut to prevent injury to visitors.

Back in the shopping area, this lady is showing off a pretty parasol outside the 1050 Yen Shop. We should have gone in, but it was VERY crowded on the shopping streets & we were on our bikes.

A lady sorting famous Miyajima oysters outside a shop.

Back near the ferry landing, there's a relief display of the island - cool! Stan's checking to see when the last ferry returns to the mainland - so we won't miss it!

The sun is setting quickly behind the mountain.

Look at this cute electric car!

We have more time, so we decide to have dinner at a restaurant that Hiroshi-san has taken us to a couple of times before. It's right near the ferry landing and it's VERY nice.

Lots of yummy-looking plastic food in the window . . .

I decided on au gratin oysters - unbelievably delicious! I chose wisely . . .

And Stan always loves stuff in a hot pot: oysters, mushrooms & other winter veggies. He also chose wisely . . .

He's very excited & we're both hungry!

One of the mushrooms has a maple leaf design cut into the top!

This lovely lady is the proprietor of the restaurant, and although we had not been here for several years, she remembered us! And of course she remembers Hiroshi-san!

One last view of the famous Miyajima torii as we get on our ferry to return.

And approaching the mainland after our quick ferry ride. Another perfect day . . .

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Margie's New Bike! 11/11/11

2011-11-21T19:55:00.008+09:00

It's Veteran's Day and Stan has the day off. Happy Veteran's Day Stan!!! We decided to take my bike for new tires. This is Stan's regular bike shop on Hwy 188. He does a lot of work on Stan's Giant bike.

It's small inside but LOTS of bikes here!

Even stacked up the walls for better use of space. Obviously these are kids' bikes.

Closer view of one of the clips holding a sign on a bike basket - cute!

Oh I like this interesting skater/bike!

Look at the gorgeous wood ceiling and beams in this shop!

In the open "service area" my bike is getting a new tire. That's our car outside.

I was surprised and pleased that the bike guy could fix my bike immediately - yay!

His assistant (perhaps his wife?) helps him. Guess she's the "jack."

Oh well now - look what we found for sale inside the shop . . . a very gently used 3-wheel bike - and it's PINK!

I'm driving it around the nearby neighborhood. Rides a little different, but it's MUCH newer and prettier than my old one.

We've decided to buy it, so the owner - with help from a postman who happened by - is very carefully removing the old registration sticker and topping off the tires with air.

It's in our car with my old one. Fortunately, we were only transporting my bike and not Stan's, so we had room. Everything just worked out . . .

We've decided to drive through the neighborhood behind the bike shop instead of waiting to turn out onto Hwy 188 - very nice quiet area. This is of course - a two-lane road.

Someone's recycling waiting for pick up - someone drinks a lot . . .

Saw this cute little panda van out on Hwy 188. The cute dolphin was a gift from Barbara and hangs from the rear-view mirror.

Wow! This vacant lot is where the large flower & garden shop across from Yellow Hat used to be . . . wonder what's going in next?

Cute little children in bright yellow hats walking home from school along Hwy 188. It's a school day here in Japan . . .

Crossing a river, I look up and see a chevron of birds - heading south, perhaps?

Little closer view . . . that's a LOT of birds!

Behind another car with cute name: Fun Cargo.

Now we're driving on Rt 2 toward Otake. I love that fish sign!

The ever-changing balloon sculpture is now a Christmas tree! - wow - this seems early . . .

Here we are at Nishimura Joy. It's one of our favorite stores and is located directly behind the You Me Town in Otake on Rt 2. This is where we usually have to go to buy Sachi's cat grass.

I always love looking at the interesting plants as we walk in through the garden center.

In the parking lot, we found this cute VW bus - I remember having one in 1973 . . . but mine was red & white. See the red car right next to it?

It has Mickey & Minnie seat covers and even lock covers!

And from the driver's side you can see the steering wheel cover. Just when I think I've seen just the cutest thing in Japan, I find something else on our Japan Adventure!

Rainy Shopping in Hiroshima 11/5/11

2011-11-21T16:46:00.006+09:00

We're on the platform at Iwakuni Station waiting for a train to Hiroshima. Watch & listen to this VERY brief video. The music is announcing that a train is approaching. It will sound VERY familiar to those who have ever lived in Japan!

Looking out onto Rt 2 as we zip along toward Hiroshima. It's about a 50-minute ride from Iwakuni Station.

This fabric pattern indicates these seats are reserved for the injured/handicapped, elderly, pregnant women and moms with babies.

At Hiroshima Station - these two little girls reminded me of Holly & Heather when they were about these same ages - I used to dress them alike even though they were 4-1/2 years apart.

We've walked out of Hiroshima Station and into the covered streetcar station just in front. We have to be sure to get on the #1 train because we're going to Hondori Street for lunch and shopping.

Cute streetcar!

And looking from inside, that bus has bodies painted in the seats below the windows - how cute!

After a short ride we're at the Hondori shopping street. We're headed to Andersen's for lunch so when we leave the train, we will walk forward on the platform to the light and then cross to the left to enter the covered street. See all the umbrellas? Rain doesn't stop anyone here . . .

There's an entire floor of restaurants on the second floor, but we like this little cafe on the first floor, and we enjoy sitting by the window watching the passersby.

Yum! Special lunch set today was hearty soup, salad & bread with choice of drink & small desert.

And afterward, we're walking around the bakery. You cannot even IMAGINE how good it smells in here! See the loaf that says "Hiroshima" . . . in English?

Heart-shaped English muffins.

And fabulous flaky pastries with fresh fruit . . .

More hearts. Always a popular shape at Christmas.

And look at the cute little piggies!

One of the bakery chefs is pulling bread out of the oven - wow!

And (of course!) when she saw me with a camera, she ducked out of range so I could photograph . . .

These plastic food boxes show what you can order for New Year's presents. Beautiful and yummy - and pricy - but they will feed a very large family for quite a while . . .

Click photos to see closer views - a little of everything inside, and beautifully displayed. They're like a GIANT bento . . .

Historic marker outside Andersen's Bakery on Hondori Street. This building used to be a bank.

Closer look shows photo of building soon after Hiroshima atom bomb in August 1945. It's one of the very few buildings in this location that survived . . .

Inside Hondori shopping street. It's so nice to shop out of the rain.

Oh! The old 100 Yen Shop is now Daiso - bright & new - just like the big one in downtown Iwakuni near the train station. It was also closed for a while & reopened all new.

Inside Tokyu Hands store (one of our favorite large stores!) we found a LOT of Christmas stuff.

I love the detailed hands on this mannikin in the travel department.

And a poster on the wall shows simulated flights to more exotic places . . . nice touch! Everything you need for travel is found here.

Look at these suitcases - you can place little circles to personalize your design! But I have to wonder how they would hold up with the airlines' rough treatment . . . Cute though.

Every store has what I call "umbrella condoms" available in the doorways on rainy days to keep umbrellas from dripping on the floor. This one is automatic - poke your umbrella in the top & it comes out covered . . .

Shopping's finished for today & we're waiting in the center of this wide street for a streetcar back to Hiroshima Station. Another hour & a half & we'll be back in our cozy home.

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Halloween! 10/31/11

2011-11-16T20:48:00.011+09:00

BEFORE - Here is our group of pumpkins - so the planning and designing begins . . .

And Stan makes the first cut - yikes! But don't worry - not blood, but apple peels. Haha, Stan!

Cleaning out the inside. We saved all the seeds & I roasted them - yum!

And AFTER - pumpkins decorate the hallway outside our apartment.

Wait - "one of these things is NOT like the others" . . . (remember that song, Sesame Street fans?)

Coincidentally and VERY mysteriously, most of the hallway lights "went out" just before it was time for the T or T'ers . . . and next thing we knew, it began to happen all the way around our floor! So weird! But it seems to happen every year just about this same time . . .

Looking down our hallway to the right . . .

And outside, we can hear "them" approaching . . .

And heeeeeeer they come . . .

Beautiful Snow White.

Some of our visitors were quite large . . .

And some were quite small.

But ALL were so cute!

This is our friend Julie standing with Bob. No one recognized her . . .

Spooky hallway lights. Our neighbors are really getting into the mood!

And some of our neighbors down the left side are already planning for next year!

Lots of activity near our door. A few of the Japanese children even brought us treats: origami and Japanese snacks!

Hmmm - I have to wonder what "tall tales" Stan is telling these unsuspecting boys . . .

Closeup of our carved pumpkins with their blinking led lights that change color - cool!

After T or T ended, we all (Stan, Julie and I) went out for sushi, and when we returned home, our neighbors had awarded us First Place! Wow!!!!!

What neighbors we have - they said we motivated them . . . So, now we start planning for next year!

Rainy Sunday Drive 10/29/11

2011-11-14T19:48:00.006+09:00

A lazy Sunday with all-day rain, so in the afternoon, we decided to drive out to Panda Recycle Shop. If you're going toward Sanzoku (Chicken Shack) on Hwy 15, it's IMMEDIATELY after the 2nd tunnel on the left side of the highway. . .

Inside - there are lots of goodies here. And outside the window, you can see our car.

Looking toward the furniture area. As you can see, the floor isn't very level - this is an old building.

And look at this beautiful Emperor/Empress court set - and only 2500 yen! It's HUGE and located in a large glass case for display.

Just about everything you could ever want or need. Oh - looks like there's a leak in the roof.

Wow! Look at the mist over the mountains . . .

And more mist over this river valley.

We've turned off Hwy 2 (on another adventure?) and found this store that looks interesting.

Beautiful vegetables for sale outside the store.

Inside, we've found plastic drawers that may work for Stan's "new" armoire that we bought second-hand a while back. He's brought his measurements along.

Hmmm . . . wonder what this means - exactly?

And I LOVE this "Cat Smack"

Interesting insulated lunch boxes.

Closeup of the label . . . "to MYSELF: You never know what you can do till you try." Good advice.

Look at these beautiful flowers inside the store. I had to buy a small pink rose bush - VERY fragrant!

As we drive out into the countryside, we found an interesting collection of items under a shelter on the side of the road. Stan really wanted to stop and check it out - so here we are. There's a bull, and a horse trampling someone . . .

Perhaps parade or festival items?

A fierce rider on horseback - very detailed and elaborate, but suffering a bit out in the weather . . .

There were also a rabbit, monkey - wait - maybe there are all 12 zodiac animals here?

Then there was this "Mickey & Hello Kitty rocket" that Stan really liked!

One perfect goldenrod by the side of the road.

Sign in the parking lot of the 7-11 indicates "No Sleeping Here" & "Turn Off Your Car" - OK. We're just here to potty & buy some water - not to Occupy . . .

Inside, we see some of the fabulous hot foods that 7-11 is famous for in Japan. It smells SO good in here . . .

Dinner at Campagne Italian

2011-11-14T19:26:00.005+09:00

Later, as we drove back into Iwakuni on Hwy 15, we decided NOT to pass by Cafe Campagne, but to stop in for dinner. Good decision! I never really used to care much for Italian, but in Japan, it's just better . . . And we were happy to get seated quickly.

I love these eclectic chandeliers!

We shared this salad - yum!

And garlic bread is extra, but ALWAYS worth it - hot & fresh baked!

Stan's meat & tomato sauce pasta was topped with sausages. And below is the cheese grater which was left at our table with a chunk of parmesan during our entire meal. It's sitting on a sheet of an Italian newspaper - nice touch!

I had the carbonara (bacon/creamed egg sauce) - delicious, light & creamy!

And of course iced coffee - served in a very tall glass. I don't know how they did this without it mixing together. . .

But here's the best part - dessert sampler! Just a bite of everything . . . decorated with flavorful fruit sauces. Look at the outline of a dessert spoon made out of cocoa! If you click & look closer, you can see the large purple grape that has been partially peeled.

Stan didn't really want to share when he saw the apple/caramel pastry on the menu . . .

. . . full of sweet sliced apples.

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Sunday Drive to Hikari - but NO Market! 10/23/11

2011-11-03T18:13:00.005+09:00

It's the 4th Sunday in October & our new friend Julie is joining us today for our drive to Hikari - but first a stop at the little farmer's market on Hwy 188. We have to stop now because it will be all be sold out & closed up when we return this way.

And just ahead is the green Oshima Island Bridge.

Stan & Julie inside the McDonald's in Yanai. NICE place to stop . . . Julie took Jake's place in the MCPerry HS library and arrived in September.

All finished with our coffee, breakfast & potty stop at McDonald's. Now we're driving along the beautiful Seto Inland Sea.

What a beautiful morning!

Oops - we're at the Hikari Market temple grounds, but NO market today . . .

Pretty little yellow flowers near the canal.

2011-11-03T18:00:00.002+09:00

Julie in front of one of the beautiful wooden buildings.

Hi Julie!

Hey Julie - Look above your head!

And a closer view of the roof tile decorations.

Julie in front of a nearby red painted building.

Walking over the curved stone bridge toward the pagoda & the sea beyond.

We've walked over to the pier on the Inland Sea now.

There goes Julie . . .

2011-11-03T17:35:00.008+09:00

Julie at the end of the pier on the Seto Inland Sea near Hikari.

Old boats near the pier.

Lots of ropes with prayer chains around buildings this time of year - always around the same time as our Halloween.

Looking straight through the pagoda from the street side. Looks different without all the booths today. While we were walking around, a nice Japanese man came and handed us a printed brochure and with our very limited Japanese, and his limited English, we found out there would be a parade later this afternoon - yay! We may come back for that . . .

So we decided to take Julie to the nearby beach where we always find seaglass and sea china. She loved it, but we couldn't stay too long in the noonday sun . . .

So then we decided to drive on to beautiful KANMURIYAMA PARK on Hwy 188. There's always something blooming all year around and we haven't been here for a while.

This map shows the design of the park. The further you walk, the more beautiful it becomes!

Of course, my first stop is always the toire' (potty) . . . These buildings look Spanish-style to me.

There I am in a mirror inside the women's bathroom.

I LOVE the tile in here - what a great idea!

2011-11-03T16:59:00.009+09:00

2 different kind of palm trees near Hwy 188 are a good landmark to find Kanmuriyama Park in Hikari City.

Gorgeous! There are more roses this year - they are the featured flower this month.

Variegated pink rose - very fragrant.

Inside the gift shop, I found these bright-colored puffer fish - their spines are created with toothpicks - how clever!

Julie wanted to try Japanese ice cream & found an ice cream totally encased inside the cone, so no mess - no drip!

And she says it's delicious!

Back outside, I found a fabulous spider & its intricate web . . .

Little boy pushing his sister up a pole. They were taking turns.

Pink waterlily in a pond.

Look close . . . can you see Julie at the top of the stone waterfall?

2011-11-03T16:42:00.003+09:00

Large red dragonfly on a cedar branch.

Some of the beautiful landscaping here.

Even though the weather is still pretty warm (70s & 60s) the camellias have started blooming here.

I love pink ones!

Look closely (you can click to enlarge) - can you see a green grasshopper?

Looking over at the play area & pavilion as we walk back down the hill. I LOVE this place! It's so beautiful and peaceful.

There are several families playing in the park today.

More roses . . .

We've walked all the way to the bottom now where the restaurant is & we've decided to see if we can get seated for lunch. It's called Chidori Dining. This is the part of the building that faces Hwy 188.

Inside the restaurant. It's much larger than I thought it might be.