Lost in Kyoto

Offering to the Gods

1 comment

Several years ago, my wife and daugther and I took a summer vacation to the Indonesian Island of Bali. It was one of the most wonderful times in our lives. The natural environment was beautiful, the cultural arts and crafts were fascinating, and the food was delicious. After that experience, I decided that Bali is a great place to go on vacation.

First of all, the natural environment in Bali is gorgeous. Because of the many volcanoes on the island, there are several black sand beaches, which are amazing to look at and very soft to walk on. Also, there are waterfalls and rivers running through the Balinesian jungle that you can visit. In addition, Bali is traditionally a rice farming society, so you can see many terraced rice fields on the sides of the mountains. Finally you can pick delicious tropical fruit growing on trees, and see exotic animals, like monkeys and dolphins. Being in Bali is like being surrounded by nature all the time.

Also, the culture of Bali is unique and interesting, especially the arts, music, dance, and crafts. Bali is the home of the famous gamelan gong music, which is often played during colorful dance performances. It is a trance-like music which takes the listener into another world. In addition, many Balinese people are artists and craftsman, so you can kind many beautiful paintings, masks, furniture, and instruments for sale on the island. You'll never be bored in Bali!

Finally, the food in Bali shouldn't be missed, especially if you like colorful, spicy, and tropical foods. One of the most well known and popular dishes in Bali is nasi goreng, which is a fried, spicy rice dish served with shrimp chips. Another wonderful dish is satay, which is a grilled meat served with a spicy peanut sauce. It reminds me a little of yakitori in the way it looks. And if you like eating fruit, Bali is a fruit heaven. All kinds of tropical fruit dishes and juices can be found all over the island - great for staying cool and healthy in the hot sun.

As you can see, with such a beautiful natural environment, a rich and interesting culture, and lots of great food to eat, Bali is a great place to take a vacation. One of these days, I would like to return to Bali with my family and spend more time exploring the island and swimming in the ocean. I would also like to buy more art from Bali, since the art is unique and the artists could use the money! I hope that one day you can make it to Bali, too. Don't miss it. 

I think that this video is very funny for several reasons.  First, it shows two little boys having fun together and doing things that adults would rarely do, like biting each others' finger.  Second, the older boy's English accent is very British, so it sounds like what a gentleman would say.  Third, it reminds me of the funny things I used to do when I was a little boy.  Finally, I recommend that you watch the responses to this video.  You can see what other people do with it.  Here is one:

. Kiyomizudera 2004 (redux) . 清水寺　2004年 II .
Originally uploaded by 3amfromkyoto

Although many people around the world know of both Tokyo and Kyoto, not many of them realize just how different these two cities are. Tokyo is known as the business and fashion capital of Japan. It is one of the largest and most expensive cities in the world. People in Tokyo live a very modern, fast paced lifestyle there. Kyoto, on the other hand, is much smaller than Tokyo, as is considered to be Japan's center of traditional culture and art. Kyoto is cheaper and more traditional than Tokyo, and has more temples and gardens. You are more likely to see a geisha in Kyoto than you are in Tokyo, while in Tokyo you are more likely to experience pop-culture, music and fashion than you are in Kyoto. So even though these two cities are both in Japan, they are actually quite different.

A Child's Life in Tokyo
Originally uploaded by /\ltus

Some people say that Tokyo is too crowded or too expensive. However, I believe that Tokyo is a very exciting place to be. For one, the shopping is incredible, especially in places like Harajuku and Shibuya, or even in Akihabara if you are into electronics. You can also experience a wild nightlife in areas around Shinjuku or Roppongi and there are a wealth of places to eat, especially if you like eating food from around the world. Finally, there is a wealth of gardens and parks around town, where you can relax and see different flowers in bloom. So, before you decide not to visit Tokyo because you think it is too crowded or too expensive, think again, because I feel that Tokyo is exciting.

Kumamoto Ramen @ Daihama, Tsuchiura
Originally uploaded by toyohara

Ramen is a great food and it is one of my favorite things to eat. First, ramen is really, really delicious. I especially like miso ramen. Second, ramen is very cheap. Usually you can get a bowl of ramen for 800 yen or less. Also, ramen is the perfect late night food. You can find ramen shops open very late. As you can see, ramen is a great food. Please try it sometime.

One of my most favorite movies is called, Cabeza de Vaca.  It was filmed in Mexico, where I spend many months as a university student, by a Mexican director.  It is a about a man, who was a Spanish explorer in the 1500s, who gets shipwrecked off the coast of Florida and is captured by native Americans.  He lives with them for almost 8 years before he gets captured back by the Spanish army, who were treating the native Americans badly. 

It is a very powerful movie, which I think you should see. 

Thailand is one of my favorite places in the world.  Thailand has friendly people, beautiful beaches, and wonderful temples.  The food in Thailand is delicious, but it is very spicy, so you have to be careful if you eat it.  In the north of Thailand, there are many hills, so sometimes it gets cold there in the winter.  Buddhism is practiced widely in Thailand, so there are many colorful temples and many robed monks all over the country.  Thailand is also a cheap country, but some of the tourist spots, like Phuket and Koh Samui, can be expensive.  Thailand is such a great place for a vacation, so I recommend that you go there soon.

On Sunday, my family and I participate in a ground breaking ceremony for our new land in Iwakura.  I have never participated in such a traditional Japanese ceremony before.  I was very interesting.  A Shinto priest chanted and poured sake on the land, while we sprinkled salt and rice.  It was a fascinating experience.

I had a very nice weekend with my family.  On Saturday, I went hiking with my daughter.  On Sunday morning, I made breakfast for my wife and children.  We ate pancakes and eggs.  Then, in the afternoon, I baked a banana cake and made some banana pudding.  It was my daughter's birthday - she turned 1.  We ate cake, sang Happy Birthday and open presents for her.  It was a happy weekend.