Sakura Blossom

Cherry Blossom is one of Japan's symbol. People from over the world want to see this spectacular phenomenon once in their lives time. The blossom starts from the warmer climate in the south, moving to the north and will last for only a week. We were so lucky this trip to be able to witness the beauty of Sakura. No one can get bored of her.

There are many kinds of Sakura. The one with complex petals will last longer. Also, the colour will be in different shades of pink. Let's take a closed look to each picture.

"Hanami" is a Japanese word, meaning "to enjoy the cherry blossom". Japanese people will have a small entertainment under these cherry trees. They will picnic, drink Sake, sing the Karaoke day and night.

Tourists like us would take pictures of them until they run out of the memory space. Thanks to the modern technology, which provide us to be able to take much more pictures than using the negative film.

Moreover, there are many products which made of Sakura ex. Sakura soft-cream, Sakura mochi (dumpling) etc.

At last but not least there is a famous traditional Japanese song called...

"Sakura"

SAKURA SAKURA

YAYOINO SORAWA

MIWATASU KAGIRI

KASUMIKA KUMOKA

NIOIZO IZURU

IZAYA IZAYA

MINI YUKAN

...

Here comes the bride...

13 April 2007, was a big day for Aya-chan and Nori-san. The 2 families gathered in Kyoto City on the occasion of their wedding, which was held at Kamigamo Shrine. Kamigamo Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto and often mentioned in The Tale of Genji. It was the first time for me to attend a traditional Japanese wedding. I was very impressed and felt very special to be invited.

Let's get back to the first day I've met Aya-chan. It was about our fathers' work. Then the families... and we became very good friends since then. Aya-chan is one of the reason for me studying Japanese, as I wanted to communicate with her. Although we have no chance to see each other very often, our hearts are connected. By the way, that first day was actually almost 20 years ago. You can tell the time from the album below.

Deerly Nara

DURING Songkran Holiday, my friend and I had a chance to take a break from all works and the hot weather, and visited Japan for 6 days. Actually, my main purpose for this trip was to attend my Japanese friend's wedding. She hold her Japanese style ceremony at Kamigmo Shrine, Kyoto. As the wedding was in Kyoto, we decided to narrow the trip down to Kansai Area, which were Nara, Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe.

The first place we visited after getting off the plane at Kansai Internaitonal Airport was Nara Prefecture. We were so lucky to have Hashimoto-sensei, who shew us around the city. I would take this oppotunity to thank you again to both Ajarn Hashimoto.

Thinking of Nara we surely think of number of deers in Nara Park. We had a great time playing around with them or I should say feeding them. Those deers will gether around you;especially, when you have treats in your hand.

"Ukimido Pavillion"

Another Nara's main attraction is Todaiji Temple. The world largest wooden building with Japan's largest Buddha statue inside. You must have seen the picture of the Daibutsu for sure.

"Daibutsu" Japan's largest Buddha

Well, I will stop my first day here. Will continue my second day soon. Bye!