Butterflies

There's a lovely insect museum in Ishikawa, so naturally the gal who once wanted to be an entomologist just had to go. Not only did I go, but I experienced firsthand killer butterflies in the botanical gardens. You've probably heard about killer bees (yup, we've got 'em in Japan), but have you heard of killer butterflies? (Yup, they're in Japan, too). They're quite rare and most people have never heard of them. Their Latin name is Danaus Plexippus and their wing span is about 2 inches for males and 1.5 inches for females.

Ha! Just kidding.

The latin name mentioned above is that of a monarch butterfly. I refer to the butterflies we saw as "killer butterflies" because they scared the bejeezums out of many children. Children who had very little experience with these winged lovelies shrieked in terror and had to be carried out wailing... aw.

But, I had a wonderful time hanging out with these beautiful creatures and when I sat still, many would alight atop of my shoulders/ arms/ head... I loved it. Maybe I should have become an entomologist afterall.

Above: Ah, delightful!

Above: Oh my, my, my! Too many at once, or perhaps, one too many proboscis.

There and Back Again

It's been a while and I'm not ashamed to admit that I have never been terribly constant! So, true to form, I let days, weeks and months slip by without realizing it. (Or sometimes I realize it and just don;t get around to any updates). Anyhow, a lot has happened since three months have lapsed; in particular, I went home to VT... and now I'm back again.

Vermont in the summer... ah, it's lovely. There is so much greenery that at times it can hurt to look around! I'm excited to say that there was plenty of hiking to be had, sailing to be done, rivers to explore, berries to pick and of course, family dinners and visits with friends.

I spent three glorious weeks back in my old stomping grounds. The more places I explore, the more appreciation I have for this lovely, magical place.

Above: Just one of many family dinners.

Above: A shot of the local swimming hole known as "the Bristol Falls" to folks who don't live here and "Bartlett's Falls" to those who do!

Above: Abbey Pond in East Middlebury.

Above: What fun to be sailing again. Here's the sunset on Lake Champlain.

Above: The view from "Sunset" in Lincoln.

Gettin' a little hiking in before the humidity strikes!

Birthday Bash!

I was told that I could celebrate in style... that is, my Birthday could be celebrated all week. "Alright," I thought. "I can handle this." So, on the big day, my co-worker and friend, Amanda, made a huge lunch, complete with chocolate covered strawberries. Both of us ladies flanking Amanda have our Birthdays on the same day... even more reason to celebrate!
A co-worker, standing in the pictue below, brought in some lovely flowers for the Birthday girls.

Then at the end of the week, a group of us went out for paella. Oishkata desu!

No worries mama-kins, although I was missing you guys, I was in good hands with my friends here!

Sakura

Sakura season was lovely. We were lucky to have a week's worth of lovely weather. Then we got rained on, which consequently brought the already short cherry blossom season to an even quicker end. These shots are from Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa.

Nagoya (ok, a few months ago)

Masa and I took a trip to Nagoya to visit my friend, Duck. Ducky-Doo came through Japan as a set member for A theatre company. Nagoya is quite modern as you'll see by the photos.

This city is famous for its red miso. There's red miso paste, red miso soup, red miso broth for udon and my favorite, red miso beer.

This city is also famous for its spicy chicken wings; I couldn't get enough of them! Pictured below is Mr. Ducky-Doo.

This shot is taken from the top of Nagoya castle, which was the tallest castle in the country, during its time.

Historical Kyoto vs. Contemporary Kyoto

Kyoto has had a very long and important historical and cultural impact on the country. Many arts originating in China were studied, practiced, acculturated and perfected in this city. Today, these arts are still flourishing. Some of these arts include architectural design and tea ceremonies (including ceramics).

The city had been reduced to rubble and rebuilt various times, it had been the capital of Japan various times, it had seen prosperous times of peace and despair through war, and through all of the changes, the arts flourished and survived. Which, is perhaps one of the reasons this city is so popular among tourists.
Pictured Above: Nanzenji Temple. This particular picture is from the impressive Sonmon Gate.
Pictured Above: Nanzenji Temple. The gate to this property was locked, so naturally, I had to poke my nose in!
Link: http://nanzenji.com/english/index.html
Pictured Above: Heian-Jingu. Shinto Shrine for the founder during the Heian Period.
Link: http://www.heianjingu.or.jp/index_e.html
Pictured Above: Ginkakuji Temple (The Silver Pavilion).
Link: http://www.sacred-destinations.com/japan/kyoto-ginkakuji.htm

Pictured Above: Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavillion).

I heard one tourist say "Pish-posh, it just looks like spray paint." Ok, it may look like spray paint, but it's actually GOLD-LEAF lacquered on!

Link: http://www.orientalarchitecture.com/japan/kyoto/kinkakuji.php

Pictured Above: A building adjacent to the train station.
Pictured Above: Is is a Bird? Is it a plane? No, it's Astro Boy!
Pictured Above: Kyoto Tower.
Pictured Above: Contemporary Architecture in Kyoto.