Community Spirit

In Japan the whole neighbourhood gets together for the local Shrine's festival of taking the Kami-sama out and around. This is one of the side events, children put their heads in the Dragon's mouth for good luck.

Volcano Crater

60 metres deep, with some impressive colouring!

Zao Okama Crater Lake

Isn't this gorgeous!  Actually had a little dip in it, probably not a good idea as it is a dormant volcano, verging on active apparently. As we trod in gas bubbles were bobbing up to the surface.  After a deep breathing exercise the next day I could still taste the sulfur.  Won't do it again, but had wanted to for so long, I can finally cross it off my list.

Traditional Japanese Food

Green beans dressed in a black sesame dressing, a touch of vinegar, sugar and soy.  So so so delicious!

Surf Spot Re-Built

仙人橋 - Ascetic's Bridge

Fudo Taki 不動滝

Another exploratory walk rewarded with a fine fall.  Noticed a strange looking rock in an alcove, went over, turned it up and found it was a Fudo-San statue, righted him, and put him back in his proper place watching over the fall.  You can see him centre, left. Felt I'd done a good deed for the day.

Fudo is a Buddhist deity, original Sanskrit name is Acala.  He is said to convert anger into compassion and to cut the ties of negative feelings and demons to liberate us from suffering through self-control.  There are many waterfalls named after him, as sitting under the icy water is said to purify your soul of desire and attachment, not to mention a modicum of self-control!

Sea of Japan Palette

Misty Forest

A great walk down to the fall.

Kannon Fall 観音滝

OK, so I've been on a bit of a water fall discovery mission.  This one we had to skip under a rope, and proceed rather cautiously to get to it.  But I could hear it and had to get a look.  It was worth it, 25 metres high and the pool at the bottom was the most beautiful turquoise colour.  Must get back here for a dip one hot summers day.

Tamasudare - Bead Curtain Fall

In contrast to the day before, this fall was huge!  63 metres high and 5 metres across.  Very impressive amount of water falling.  It is quite a tourist attraction, and said to change people's fortunes.  I also heard that it was another Buddhist training fall, and that there is an image of Buddha behind the water.  Apparently you are not allowed to go in the fall, but I saw no sign, so is on my list of things to do.  It's close to Sakata, on the Sea of Japan side, a beautiful drive there from Yamagata City too, passing many smaller falls on the way.

Hidden Fall

Was really really happy to find this beautiful little, secluded waterfall, after a steady 2 hour walk.  The rock formations were stunning, felt like quite a discovery, as it isn't on the map.  The path not very worn, seems to be a training ground for the local Yamabushi (Mountain Ascetics).

Spectacular Mountain View

On the flight back to Tokyo.

Baking the days Bread

Hope to come back to Doha again.  Loved walking around the market.

Flight Delayed in Qatar

This is how it was, the most amazing emerald green sea in Doha.  My delayed flight, was a pleasant excursion. Actually, I'm glad I got a to spend some time there.

Southampton Art Uni Graduate's Illustration

She is a bit of a heroine for me, so seeing her picture in a window display as I cycled past was just great.  Very cool Victorian Adventuress!

Green Feast for Eyes

Georgian Beauty in the Functional

Down the Docks

Shades of Sea

Was really getting into the colours of sea, made me understand a lot more about the sensibilities of a country's colour palette.

Witching Hour

Sea

Seriously, England in the sunshine is just divine!

Walking on Cliff Tops

The British Coastal Palette in Pastel Tones

Enveloped in beauty!

Room with a Garden

Tea Time!

English Garden Park

With a lady sitting so peacefully enjoying the sun on the flowers.

Sidmouth Beach

This beautiful Wiemaraner was at the same time absolutely terrified of the sea, totally frozen with fear, yet also the desire to obey and follow her master was equally strong.  Watching this dog battle it out was fascinating.  She would crawl along the stones, low and cowering, reluctantly following her beloved human into the depths she so clearly hated.  He would coax her further and further into the sea, let go and then watch her dart back to shore.  I hope she gets over this fear soon.  It really is something we all have to do from time to time - face our demons.

Stopover in Qatar

Thoroughly enjoyed this 7 hour stop, the airport itself was a stunning piece of architecture, enjoyed a cardamom coffee and some middle-eastern syrupy pastries, yum!  Found a lot of beauty in the details in the airport, this was from the toilet.  Islam inspired and opulent.

Break from City Heat

Went for a little breather in a park, sat by a lake and had a coffee, just love summer!

Tohoku University of Art and Design

Just love this building and the surrounding area, hope to take more photos soon, as am lucky enough to work there once a week this year.

Nice Spot for Yoga

Charity Class to raise a bit of money for the Tohoku Earthqauke fund.  Nothing like a long rest after practice.  Lovely morning.

Handsome Mushroom

Green Curtain

Interlopers in my Morning Glory.  It had been raining a lot, but these were a surprise!

Bamboo Photo Shoot

Needed pictures of me for a self-introduction, the director had given me a deadline!  I'm not so comfortable in front of the camera and didn't have any recent pictures.  This lead to a very pleasant sunny evening outing with cameras to a nearby park. Lots of fun.