Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Happy New Year, and Kobe Visit

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While planning my trip to Japan I was kind of disappointed that I would be here in dead of winter, and not for Hanami or any other awesome festivals that I've heard so much about. Call me stupid but I didn't know that New Years was so big here. I began to read up on things to do- most activities are traditional and meant to bring luck for the New Year. At midnight we lined up and the local shrine, made a contribution, and rang the bells. Sake was also served to everyone. Shops hang decorations over the doors and Year of the Tiger posters can be seen everywhere... oh and big inflatable tigers too! We went to 2 "End of Year" parties as well.

Such hospitality!

Inside of a cab... all lacey. The drivers wear suits.

fancy

We ran into a New Years event, making Mochi!

Its rice and water, pounded into a paste. One person adjusts the rice and the other pounds.


This is gonna be some good mochi!

At the New Years Party, we made plans to meet up with some friends the next day. Being that we were all pretty drunk, I have half expected it not to happen. But we all made it to the rendesvous point the next day, despite hangovers. We went to Kobe, the capital of Hyogo Prefecture. It was a rainy day but we managed to get out to see a few things.

The Kobe Tetsujin-28, AKA Gigantor! WOO!

Mega Blasters!

Chinatown

Really pretty, especially at night- even in the rain.

Year of the dog, thats me! I just found that out this year. I was born in 1983, which is year of the boar. But according to the Chinese calendar, the New Year for 1983 didn't happen til what we call February. So, I was actually born in 1982, which is year of the dog! Anyone with January or early February birthdays, you might want to check on yours!! The menus at Chinese restaurants don't tell you everything!

Kamiyama trying the Chinese Dancing Water Bowl. You put some water on your hands and rub the side handles. If you are good, the water will dance in the most amazing way! I didn't get any photos of it dancing though... :(

Atsuko got it going too! We all got it to go a little bit- but the hard part is KEEPING it going.

The famous Kobe Port.

The Pier.

Port-side fun

Playland!

PIKAAAA! *dorks* ^_^ it was a ride where you sit in the back and play a slot-type game. In the end, candy comes out! We couldn't fit in it, but we still put in money and pushed buttons.

The scariest part of the Ghost Mansion... the butter knives!!!!

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Around Town - Osaka 2

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I have a lot of photos from the last few months so... here's a onslaught.

Giant wasp attack!
Beautiful...
Lanterns upon lanterns...
Temple courtyard
RAAAWR! Anything performed on this stage must be awesome. Apparently the eyes light up only twice a year on certain holidays.
Fuujin and Raijin I think...
Graveyards
Imagine living there...
woop!
Coooool!
I want to live there...
Mystical cats in full effect!
Like ya do...
ooo!
The inside of a cab. Sooo fancy! The drivers wear suits and the back seats are all lacy too.
Our Christmas spread. Thats a movie of a fireplace... but with the heater built in under the table, it was pretty convincing.
Merry Christmas!
Sweets Paradise. All you can eat cakes- you'll regret saying that to me!!!! nom nom nom
Woah- this almost convinced me to do Karaoke.
The tiny jar of peanut butter I bought.
Everything MUST have a face!
The oncoming masses
They need lanes.
Mmmm coffee time
"Kuro neko Yamato" is just a courier service but it has the cutest logo. Also- beer vending machine.
View from the roof
View from the roof
View from the roof
View from the roof
Every street has this many or more bikes.
The streets are never empty!
YUUMMM Takoyaki! The hardest part is waiting so you don't scald your mouth
Hehe
Elvis squid snacks? They were... squiddy.
Obama- and the white version of him on the left?? I have no idea.

uh oh!