A Journey to the Levant
Not the Dam, the Gorge.
Although it rained on us, it was an interesting experience.
From Unazuki station to Keyakidaira takes about one hour and 18 minutes. It is a lovely ride, but you have to remember that going back is the exact same route. When it rains, it is a bit less attractive.
The train:
Open car:
The view:
Buddha Rock:
And the rain, which stopped us from hiking around Keyakidaira station.
For more photos you can change the Flickr Album
Traveled last week in Ishikawa-ken and Toyama-ken and also traveled to Shirakawago (in Gifu).
Rain rushed us, but was lucky enough to take some good photos.
Another year that I did not go to Fuji Rock.
Thinking about it every year, but the logistics around it discourage me.
Had dinner on Friday and the sommelier told me he is planning to go on the following day on a one day trip. Actually a good idea, though a bit difficult driving back after a full day at a music festival.
This year, I watched over youtube.
CHVRCHES:
Saw yesterday the play Hedda Gabler at Bunkamura Cocoon theater.
It has been a while since I went to see a play, especially in Japanese.
Obviously missed a few words here and there, but luckily (?!) actors speak clearly, so it was not that difficult for me to understand.
Terajima Shinobu was great, but also enjoyed the stage design, the See-Through Mirror which is used twice in the play. First Scene and last Suicide Scene. The colors and light coming from the windows.
It is good to remember how a good play is much better than a movie.
Less important to mention, I was the only foreigner in the theater, many people watched me, none approached.
ヒヨドリ (Hiyodori) or a “Browned Ear Bulbul” is not that pretty, but I enjoy it, especially during the spring when it visits our garden to drink from the plum flowers.
The photo was taken in Nakameguro area, the Meguro river:
By the way, the Israeli Bulbul is called White Spectacled Bulbul and is much prettier.
Roasted Coffee Laboratory is yet another 3rd wave coffee shop in Tokyo.
Great location and space in the Jinnan area of Shibuya. Great space where one can see how they roast the coffee.
Ordered a Jinnan Blend Pour over which was a bit disappointing hence the tone of “yet another”.
Should try it again to form a stronger opinion.
“Realise the potential” is American Express’ slogan in Japan.
Sounds good, but really bothers me they use “Realise” instead of “Realize”.
As far as I know (and also checked the web), “Realize” is the more common form in the US, so I found it odd that a company called “American Express” uses different spelling
Last week I took a day off to Cycle in Kamakura.
Started a bit late, so arrived there around 11:30AM.
Tourist information center did not have much recommendation as mentioned most cycling will be done in the main (“bus”) roads, and if the weather was warmer they could recommend cycling to Enoshima.
Never the less, received several recommendation and searched for more on the web.
Indeed, Kamakura is rather small and not challenging, but the atmosphere on a weekday and the good weather were wonderful.
A recommended cycling course next to a cycling rental shop:
most rides are 5-10 minutes
When in Kamakura, have to visit the Great Buddha, take photos and watch the visitors take photos:
But obviously, most important is food.
Garden House was a wonderful choice, with good food, atmosphere and welcoming staff:
Brompton in front of the restaurant. I think some visitors took a photo of it as well.
Cycled some more and ended my short trip in Verve Coffee.
Interesting article from Pitchfork.
https://pitchfork.com/thepitch/1446-10-albums-that-prove-1997-was-one-of-uk-rocks-best-years/
As it happens, I was 26, and one of the years I invested a lot of my time and money to listening to music.
For me, the Chemical brothers and Radiohead are the top two and still shine after 20 years.
Also interesting is that I just noticed that Mogwai’s cover has “Fuji Bank” (Fuji Ginko) on it. The bank does not longer exist and this blog post tracks the location of the photo.
