火曜日, 6月 13, 2006

Pictures Stolen from the Girls




Me walking in the Japanese garden!
"Dancing in the Rain"
The theme of our Nikko trip (besides trying NOT to get soaked from all the rain) was "PEACE" and "Very Japanese-y" so that's why we're really cheesing this photo (and many other ones from Nikko) up with those darn addictive but equally annoying peace-signs! :)

Us and the kids! O'yayy!
Our fun Hostel and place to escape the rain!



A wedding ceremony going on at the shrines. Beautiful, ne?



Arigato gozaimashita Ladies for the pics AND for the fabulous time in Nikko!!!

It's a bit sad knowing that out of the 6 of us, only 2 will continue on in Japan for another year. (We're gonna ROCK this place Ros!)

But seriously...wherever you're flying out of Narita too in the coming weeks, please take care and know you'll be dearly missed!


Thus - here's some fun but true words of wisdom to live by:

-If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you've never tried before.

-If you look like your passport picture (or in our case - our gaijin card picture), you probably need a trip.

-Opportunities always look bigger going than coming.

-Experience is a wonderful thing. It enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.

-Someone who thinks logically provides a nice contrast to the real world.

-Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves for they shall never cease to be amused.

-The cost of living hasn't affected its popularity.

-Forgive your enemies. It messes with their heads.

-Only one seventh of your life is spent on Monday.

-Always remember you're unique, just like everyone else.

My English Fortune



Bit bummed about this fortune! Travel - "Don't be in a hurry" WHAT? That's crazy talk. I liked my fortune I got in Nara much better, should have hung that one up instead of keeping it. O'well!

Random Beauty of Nikko







The water comes from the cave of Mt. Korei, which is located on the back side of Honden's main hall. People believe that the spring has two effects. First, that water might have a spiritual effect on eye disease and second, that water makes tasty sake.




Local sake brewers believe that spring water in the precinct of the shrines make tasty sake. They organized a group, and dedicated representative brands to the shrines. The group of sake brewers holds two festivals a year. One is to pray for the abundant product in October. Another festival is to reward the abundant product in May.






My obsession with DOORS and GATES

I’ve realized recently through my travels around Japan that I’ve developed an obsession with doors and gates. If you look through my collection of photos from places I’ve been you're bound to find a shot of one somewhere. I don’t know why!?! They just fascinate me!!!








Guardians of the Shrines

At most shrines in Japan, you'll see a pair of Shishi (lion-dogs; also called Koma-inu) traditionally standing guard outside the gates. In contrast, Buddhist temples are typically guarded by the Nio Protectors (Their fierce and threatening appearance wards off evil spirits and keeps the temple ground free of demons and thieves.), although it is not uncommon to find Shishi guarding temples as well. Furthermore, on the eaves of both shrine and temple roofs, one can frequently find carvings of this mythical beast.





Kamishinmichi

OFFERINGS OF LIGHT
in Japanese 灯明供養
(とうみょうくよう)The many stone lanterns are often used in lighting ceremonies associated with the deceased.

Kamishinmichi, where stone lanterns are located in a line.