Tokyoite Urban Anthropology lesson: What is an "Obatarian"? Answer: This combines "oba-san" (older woman or aunt) and the suffix "-genarian". They are known for shouldering their way into buses and trains, generally getting their way and even terrorizing shop assistants. The male equivalent is "ojitarian" (oji-san is uncle or older man). They are generally sour and uncommunicative, pick their teeth in public and wear unfashionable clothes.

Autumn Foliage Season (Koyo) 2010

Start:	Sep 14, '10
End:	Nov 30, '10
Location:	Japan

The Autumn Color report for 2010 from japan guide!!



Colorful leaves (koyo) are to the Japanese autumn what cherry blossoms are to spring.

Starting in mid September, the "koyo front" slowly moves southwards from the northern island of Hokkaido until it reaches the lower elevations of central and southern Japan towards the end of November.

Some trees around Tokyo and Kyoto remain colorful into early December.

Note to self:
Look especially for maple tree! This goes through a minor spectrum of oranges and yellows before culminating in a fiery red....

patatas topped with blueberry jam and paired with green tea - perfect food experiment before going to sleep....zzzzz...(btw patatas na sopas...not soup and not the vegetable!)

Valugan Beach Intruders 1

June 27, 2010

Batanes, Philippines

Our group woke up very early.
We then sped to Valugan Beach (without breakfast!) in the hopes of catching the sun rise.











Of course, when you are in a big group, you cluster or disperse to the "best spots" ....but...you really have to strive to get a shot without any person in your viewfinder...









in fact, some "old-timers" who were there before us grumbled a bit saying we would be spoiling the scene.



I don't mind if people crowd way up front of me...I will just take them as part of the scenery and the experience.




I enjoyed just watching the sun slowly rise and turn the skies pink then a light gold...



Scattered around here are some pictures of our group members using their equipment to shoot the sunrise or the beach.

Below is a picture I grabbed from another group member to show how at one point some of us were positioned.

Salvaro and scrambled eggs...ah well..there's always a first time for everything...for dinner pa gyod...

Feudal Lord's Procession (Hakone, Japan)

Start:	Nov 3, '10
Location:	Yumoto Hot Spring Town City:Hakone-machi, Ashigara-Shimo-gun, Kanagawa, Japan

Daimyo Gyoretsu

The old Tokaido Highway that used to link Tokyo and Kyoto comes alive again with a faithful reproduction of the olden days' feudal lord's procession.

Picture from the net:


"The Daimyo Gyoretsu (feudal lord’s procession) brings to life the experience of traveling the Tokaido road with a total of 170 people dressed up as samurai warriors and princesses. The suite of retainers, each assigned with his role, and armed with spear, bow and arrow, or gun, march on as they carry their lord in the palanquin. The festival is made all the more merry by the performances of the marching bands at the front and at the very end of the daimyo procession, and the dance performances of the Geigi (women who entertain guests at sake parties with song and dance). Once the festival is over enjoy a relaxing bathing session at an onsen hot spring."

*thinks of only the onsen, never mind the Daimyo ..hehehe*

I'm beginning to detest the number 10.25 followed by the percentage sign. Whoever thought of loans with high interest rates should be beheaded....quartered, hanged, tarred and feathered, buried under a pile of old bones or something..