tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76530181701550865382024-03-19T04:09:34.289-07:00Travel with MichieMichie Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03172034003621960417noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653018170155086538.post-91626769275945642112009-12-22T20:00:00.000-08:002010-01-15T07:32:30.902-08:00Meditating at a Zen temple<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj2q0epPOJa2Ws4ylYSeGuDSsyK3x_3v90xiw-LSpt9jtjA6IlQ3hi0OIHjr93htV1cxJ1KLommLnlYiqJaJbs5fDN1Pdinq4qTcxZL0WNhkf-hekbbPCRCtoXHz5NOWyyc5TOIpdzegvq/s1600-h/PICT0096.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; clear: both;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj2q0epPOJa2Ws4ylYSeGuDSsyK3x_3v90xiw-LSpt9jtjA6IlQ3hi0OIHjr93htV1cxJ1KLommLnlYiqJaJbs5fDN1Pdinq4qTcxZL0WNhkf-hekbbPCRCtoXHz5NOWyyc5TOIpdzegvq/s400/PICT0096.JPG" border="0" /></a><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Meditating at Komyozenji in Dazaifu, Fukuoka. Click <a href="http://yokanavi.com/eg/landmark/index/435">here</a> to read about this Zen Temple.<a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><br /></a></div>Michie Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03172034003621960417noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653018170155086538.post-12847468636281250992009-12-22T18:57:00.000-08:002010-01-21T07:24:42.916-08:00Riding an express train<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcY42B0qOiYqLTYrvd1S6ujc-nM4Z7bVpKoyx7qqUfmjGUbpgKqI7lH3LCJdllVioVhdVjIfHCjFeE9nOcxMv_4XdPiBZSOG-6Y3agTcAa_l7OhNwwajdf0DVDb-UQY1Aw0x0484V0qE/s1600-h/PICT0282.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; clear: both;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcY42B0qOiYqLTYrvd1S6ujc-nM4Z7bVpKoyx7qqUfmjGUbpgKqI7lH3LCJdllVioVhdVjIfHCjFeE9nOcxMv_4XdPiBZSOG-6Y3agTcAa_l7OhNwwajdf0DVDb-UQY1Aw0x0484V0qE/s400/PICT0282.JPG" border="0" /></a>We used public transportation except 2 days in a chartered micro bus. Food and beverages (including beer) are available on long distance express trains.</div> We also use the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinkansen">Shinkansen(Bullet Train)</a>.michiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14697596053656892672noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653018170155086538.post-44416556556932463822009-12-22T18:54:00.000-08:002010-01-10T13:08:38.155-08:00Miyajima<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif0kBqMXiMJ04ipxiGdmB_BzCEcGisTN3vtv5D9ikALIX5j36HJ6g29iMLnlPG17prmOfUnmvPBMBgWv-8OPOUlxedOwjkPfbYeHtigS_CpZ9neU5-BRwW-UwEpxBgBmT439fWME3NVB8/s1600-h/DSCN0656_195.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; clear: both;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif0kBqMXiMJ04ipxiGdmB_BzCEcGisTN3vtv5D9ikALIX5j36HJ6g29iMLnlPG17prmOfUnmvPBMBgWv-8OPOUlxedOwjkPfbYeHtigS_CpZ9neU5-BRwW-UwEpxBgBmT439fWME3NVB8/s320/DSCN0656_195.JPG" border="0" /></a><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" align="middle" border="0" /></a><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Itsukushima">Miyajima</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torii">Tori Gate</a> (53 feet high) in water, UNESCO World Heritage site. You can walk to the gate in low tide.<br /></div>michiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14697596053656892672noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653018170155086538.post-45663516525494907402009-12-22T18:50:00.000-08:002010-01-16T16:31:16.342-08:00Tea ceremony<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe68lYsBP34ZZfZiDmBhQ5EKjzFlRO4BojbhNc2X6ChLY6U-zfZnj50JHsIiyANnVtEx1o3bHCnnnXkdlwyMl9mKUvnd7xhy2FoEVU4APNkWkWXOgIGdGXdIqRKtw6HFit2eNYS2Z3LDo/s1600-h/DSCN1509.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: center; clear: both;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe68lYsBP34ZZfZiDmBhQ5EKjzFlRO4BojbhNc2X6ChLY6U-zfZnj50JHsIiyANnVtEx1o3bHCnnnXkdlwyMl9mKUvnd7xhy2FoEVU4APNkWkWXOgIGdGXdIqRKtw6HFit2eNYS2Z3LDo/s320/DSCN1509.jpg" border="0" /></a><br>Exclusive visit to a private residence for an informal <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_tea_ceremony">tea ceremony</a> mixing green powdered tea with hot water using a bamboo whisk.<a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><br /></a>michiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14697596053656892672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653018170155086538.post-33630664467571992862009-12-22T18:15:00.000-08:002010-01-13T10:28:31.710-08:00Nishiki market, Kyoto<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZW4qtaoKhyv3Fshcpy53Dy6cl6vVEFdivVrDVpchiip-iwX85KEoENsKA5OZhu9cz3g5u_3iBEhRpjJ9vaguzMeKqWw-_NOAXSMT8D_2g7WpEEj2btJ4xRJL_CyqtOzqvQoSKQZc9LUV/s1600-h/PICT0072.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; clear: both;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZW4qtaoKhyv3Fshcpy53Dy6cl6vVEFdivVrDVpchiip-iwX85KEoENsKA5OZhu9cz3g5u_3iBEhRpjJ9vaguzMeKqWw-_NOAXSMT8D_2g7WpEEj2btJ4xRJL_CyqtOzqvQoSKQZc9LUV/s400/PICT0072.JPG" border="0" /></a><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Nishiki Market is a Kitchen of Kyoto. A long street of various goods; food, tea, knives, flowers, small restaurants etc. Click <a href="http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3931.html">here</a>.<br /></div>Michie Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03172034003621960417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653018170155086538.post-13274432251173484532009-12-22T18:02:00.000-08:002010-01-16T16:46:49.756-08:00150 year old inn<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgW_RWq1ABS4jVXgQYbUO2JO_L0qMZbmlreTUAwsfEFMKo8delwwm_MZQv8iiohpU3mys-00keaTPBEQH6zOqbmlseKUppfABx4pMBS_QGP7qcf8aVPThwC1BWUK9rdEYAC18P2xUgZtI/s1600-h/image0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: center; clear: both;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgW_RWq1ABS4jVXgQYbUO2JO_L0qMZbmlreTUAwsfEFMKo8delwwm_MZQv8iiohpU3mys-00keaTPBEQH6zOqbmlseKUppfABx4pMBS_QGP7qcf8aVPThwC1BWUK9rdEYAC18P2xUgZtI/s320/image0.jpg" border="0" /></a>Just below Mt. Aso active volcano, this 150 year old inn sits high on a nearby mountain. There are 7 outdoor hotspring bathing areas and 4 indoor. Mineral rich hot spring water cures many ailments. Bathing in Japan is not just for cleansing but for relaxation as well. Click <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onsen">here</a> to learn more about hot spring bathing (Onsen).<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>michiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14697596053656892672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653018170155086538.post-34317321450041351662009-12-22T09:05:00.000-08:002010-01-10T10:27:08.779-08:00Organic farm lunch, Kuju<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8D3a7Fj1jpjEDjjslGshJGg4vtSk7OfDBssQ8sLkbK74Fyx99CdPoWfgkT729fPmYbQUylifO6MvSaYDSlwI1UP70IduJUyZz1BJGKhN7dmsw6BI92u6zcouObDuGyAhL3J2fmt3WuTzM/s1600-h/PICT0073-1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; clear: both;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8D3a7Fj1jpjEDjjslGshJGg4vtSk7OfDBssQ8sLkbK74Fyx99CdPoWfgkT729fPmYbQUylifO6MvSaYDSlwI1UP70IduJUyZz1BJGKhN7dmsw6BI92u6zcouObDuGyAhL3J2fmt3WuTzM/s400/PICT0073-1.JPG" border="0" /></a><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" align="middle" border="0" />About 20 different varieties of organic food are served. Menu varies according to season.<a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><br /></a></div>Michie Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03172034003621960417noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653018170155086538.post-44818725215771640662009-12-22T09:00:00.000-08:002010-01-13T10:43:45.586-08:00Organic farm visit<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKfMKR2-pzE6vRWz_-QA7vWwYz52amjZUbT3n5VBme-viXvsb6HmHDndvWY3vODp2uFR8h5IfdBTiHZrtfNkWkoGcUaPH4BjXqeCG8Um6JaMDZjs3Xbj2TDlReXdBMJpBbY_kiac0eNI02/s1600-h/PICT0089-1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; clear: both;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKfMKR2-pzE6vRWz_-QA7vWwYz52amjZUbT3n5VBme-viXvsb6HmHDndvWY3vODp2uFR8h5IfdBTiHZrtfNkWkoGcUaPH4BjXqeCG8Um6JaMDZjs3Xbj2TDlReXdBMJpBbY_kiac0eNI02/s400/PICT0089-1.JPG" border="0" /></a><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" align="middle" border="0" /></a>This road is so narrow that our micro bus couldn't turn around thus a short walk was the only way to get there. It felt good to walk after a huge wholesome organic lunch.<a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><br /></a></div>Michie Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03172034003621960417noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653018170155086538.post-87981715811977729292009-12-22T08:50:00.000-08:002010-01-08T14:03:56.173-08:00Giant wisteria<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG7Mlyqs7IWp-Kp-LuZ2sxUAFn0i7lwznFxkwnjGnmbrUhKA42TiFILahe9TIVbfsvWdsm9sEIgoVGSjeDZr6aQJyTsMXIZH6H7SsuWhStwX-lrcwm88cD3TGUatRq74TN69tavkl_HJCD/s1600-h/DSCN0350.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; clear: both;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG7Mlyqs7IWp-Kp-LuZ2sxUAFn0i7lwznFxkwnjGnmbrUhKA42TiFILahe9TIVbfsvWdsm9sEIgoVGSjeDZr6aQJyTsMXIZH6H7SsuWhStwX-lrcwm88cD3TGUatRq74TN69tavkl_HJCD/s400/DSCN0350.JPG" border="0" /></a> Giant old wisteria vine at Karatsu Castle.Michie Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03172034003621960417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653018170155086538.post-42490924380318298412009-12-22T08:37:00.000-08:002010-01-10T10:34:06.826-08:00Pottery studio visit, Imari<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG928LNQi58Kwl_uQgkBrlP5KrYcD_X-gTaifIpXpzDh_Z7gGw9ozLiXdE8mO8nwGKfQgW2kp8anWyxnQqcMv_cytDRFsdx9_-XtwUBCUcgoXSnsFr9k_9JjcrMCrgWXAcVzUpjOz8-vf7/s1600-h/CIMG6773.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; clear: both;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG928LNQi58Kwl_uQgkBrlP5KrYcD_X-gTaifIpXpzDh_Z7gGw9ozLiXdE8mO8nwGKfQgW2kp8anWyxnQqcMv_cytDRFsdx9_-XtwUBCUcgoXSnsFr9k_9JjcrMCrgWXAcVzUpjOz8-vf7/s400/CIMG6773.JPG" border="0" /></a><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" align="middle" border="0" /></a>This is a 14th generation pottery studio. Their pots are made with clay dug on their own property.<a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><br /></a></div>Michie Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03172034003621960417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653018170155086538.post-7196688214208151762009-12-22T08:35:00.000-08:002010-01-16T16:36:39.708-08:00Dinner at 150 year old inn<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFJUowUoF-yyieXc0f9QkQ8Bkww6irs30JFNrWlXR4Q5b7cdqBv22mAsnG_aHefe28TTWAcXFotAENRAphToLGPZQJ3Z1vT6R__iNfnFDTQEer0RG5VWyD57axisanBokTHtAgQpBbXCm/s1600-h/PICT0219.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: center; clear: both;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFJUowUoF-yyieXc0f9QkQ8Bkww6irs30JFNrWlXR4Q5b7cdqBv22mAsnG_aHefe28TTWAcXFotAENRAphToLGPZQJ3Z1vT6R__iNfnFDTQEer0RG5VWyD57axisanBokTHtAgQpBbXCm/s320/PICT0219.JPG" border="0" /></a>Unique experience grilling your own fish, meat and veggies.<a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><br /></a>Michie Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03172034003621960417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653018170155086538.post-37167751435328052082009-12-22T08:29:00.000-08:002009-12-23T13:31:33.899-08:00Visiting a reed artist<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQYfTv2YOYLY3NjOWafyJURkqHjLYinFTCXKJz60xBa2XOMND7h7SbkQPRK0rQTE8ZuyqgJ9PKDB7t1XhASQOdsw4MclacWczn70y1ZctbKabAJgovZ6b0H_NOv9i1TJAGPgWPtBpXQs/s1600-h/DSCN3222.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; clear: both;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQYfTv2YOYLY3NjOWafyJURkqHjLYinFTCXKJz60xBa2XOMND7h7SbkQPRK0rQTE8ZuyqgJ9PKDB7t1XhASQOdsw4MclacWczn70y1ZctbKabAJgovZ6b0H_NOv9i1TJAGPgWPtBpXQs/s400/DSCN3222.JPG" border="0" /></a><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.geocities.co.jp/Milano-Kotto/1226/index.html" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" align="middle" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.geocities.co.jp/Milano-Kotto/1226/index.html">Yoichi Nakamura</a>, reed artist, showing us how to use <a href="http://www.geocities.co.jp/Milano-Kotto/1226/asipen.html">a reed pen</a> for drawing. He's one of the very few reed artists in Japan. He harvests reeds, dries them about a year and shaves them to make a pen for his artwork. <a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><br /></a></div>michiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14697596053656892672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653018170155086538.post-61943144072928728012009-12-20T17:44:00.000-08:002010-01-13T10:31:47.700-08:00A rented micro bus<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJAIAjJF2mef2sCKbqqD65LfZ7F_k-8PUgTLf2fhOKgudZf3H6XXww9a1t7EbqwRKf5zn04swDafp_miEAgacxCBjMgCmcDSctZts6ghvQEnnIOFehuh0Grw7XHv0BFBxU0EcU2IBnjQ/s1600-h/P1010076-2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; clear: both;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJAIAjJF2mef2sCKbqqD65LfZ7F_k-8PUgTLf2fhOKgudZf3H6XXww9a1t7EbqwRKf5zn04swDafp_miEAgacxCBjMgCmcDSctZts6ghvQEnnIOFehuh0Grw7XHv0BFBxU0EcU2IBnjQ/s320/P1010076-2.JPG" border="0" /></a><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" align="middle" border="0" /></a>We traveled to remote areas using this chartered micro bus for 2 full days.<a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><br /></a></div>michiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14697596053656892672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653018170155086538.post-60278017542197069962009-12-20T13:13:00.000-08:002010-01-25T16:46:39.874-08:00Porcelain mosaic bridge, Imari<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVhV54xdGnNcYR0urnKwxRqZUxsydV_Q5W4sgIZDrJQe1x6SElJLaCCLswceuEUho2tsNLMEyr98F2jiSSbP6v6eJnzjy5uVFI93P2lGz3XRV5vgVwKtAmz7eMtbOxKsICtshXIMRr78/s1600-h/Japan+trip,+April+06+159.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; clear: both;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVhV54xdGnNcYR0urnKwxRqZUxsydV_Q5W4sgIZDrJQe1x6SElJLaCCLswceuEUho2tsNLMEyr98F2jiSSbP6v6eJnzjy5uVFI93P2lGz3XRV5vgVwKtAmz7eMtbOxKsICtshXIMRr78/s320/Japan+trip,+April+06+159.jpg" border="0" /></a><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" align="middle" border="0" /></a>Over 50 kiln chimneys can be seen in the small pottery village of <a href="http://www.imari.com/">Ookawachiyama - Imari</a>. When Shoguns changed power, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saga_Domain">Nabeshima</a>, a local war lord, kept his position and his life by siding with the new <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokugawa_shogunate">Tokugawa Shogun</a> after being defeated by him. He moved the best potters from <a href="http://www.pref.saga.lg.jp/at-contents/gaikoku/english/eibun/ekankou/info100/i001/index.htm">Arita to Imari</a> and kept them prisoner in the gated community (steep mountains on 3 sides and only one gate). They produced and dedicated the best quality 17th Century porcelain to the Shogun. </div>michiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14697596053656892672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653018170155086538.post-1387419096131891772009-12-20T10:55:00.000-08:002010-01-16T17:37:46.707-08:00Imari porcelain painting<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45oxnSznB9Ko4DBJ6q2Dp-AoDSJE-rB6DAlZ2dM02n88BPVQSTvH9fMRpfaHu6tT5I7l0SY2C-1_iZ74eQXQYAyUcfFmsZMEeg5ph_CL1hqFYyCBNzYfekcAdZOG3i1YbXO_pH1RTSDY/s1600-h/P1010109.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: center; clear: both;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45oxnSznB9Ko4DBJ6q2Dp-AoDSJE-rB6DAlZ2dM02n88BPVQSTvH9fMRpfaHu6tT5I7l0SY2C-1_iZ74eQXQYAyUcfFmsZMEeg5ph_CL1hqFYyCBNzYfekcAdZOG3i1YbXO_pH1RTSDY/s320/P1010109.JPG" border="0" /></a> Artists are painting porcelain at a studio in Imari.michiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14697596053656892672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653018170155086538.post-43061327485150670592009-12-20T10:54:00.000-08:002010-01-13T10:32:14.388-08:00A Lady selling dried fish<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUlyR6c_dGJn950qYloGEfrGlTs5bavWR2PxvqNxX7yX3gVrI0c05TDhyphenhyphen1Rhk8p22bvbuAwMnRvurS18Tm_W9TIrMa3bGeGrE4K8t24WzROfrzI1WXvzUfQg1KZcAXb87Iyc_Q3GjV-QA/s1600-h/P1010079-1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; clear: both;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUlyR6c_dGJn950qYloGEfrGlTs5bavWR2PxvqNxX7yX3gVrI0c05TDhyphenhyphen1Rhk8p22bvbuAwMnRvurS18Tm_W9TIrMa3bGeGrE4K8t24WzROfrzI1WXvzUfQg1KZcAXb87Iyc_Q3GjV-QA/s320/P1010079-1.JPG" border="0" /></a><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" align="middle" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.pref.saga.lg.jp/at-contents/gaikoku/english/eibun/ekankou/info100/i039/index.htm"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Morning Market</span></a> (Asaichi) in Yobuko, a fishing town. With the growth of supermarkets in Japan these morning markets are disappearing.<a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><br /></a></div>michiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14697596053656892672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653018170155086538.post-50434502081332852752009-12-20T10:45:00.000-08:002010-01-13T10:33:26.806-08:00Daikon radish garden<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3GyBCa1XjsyATY1yxvDFTmjphitekegygEDnNyuDOdoBRgOEdVUjFHyNwYTQ2_zYUqLCmi6Z47Cqqcx2SsKy1hL4MwuCSsXmfEeH_RGvtuaZUEwkEt7MklFd_c1ifHYZI17L6UI3jISzS/s1600-h/PICT0151.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; clear: both;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3GyBCa1XjsyATY1yxvDFTmjphitekegygEDnNyuDOdoBRgOEdVUjFHyNwYTQ2_zYUqLCmi6Z47Cqqcx2SsKy1hL4MwuCSsXmfEeH_RGvtuaZUEwkEt7MklFd_c1ifHYZI17L6UI3jISzS/s400/PICT0151.JPG" border="0" /></a><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" align="middle" border="0" /></a>This island fishing village specialty is to shred daikon radish then boil and dry to preserve. Shipped all over Japan.<a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><br /></a></div>Michie Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03172034003621960417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653018170155086538.post-6347882979133832682009-12-18T15:06:00.000-08:002010-01-16T15:18:29.978-08:00Yakitori dinner, Fukuoka<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0RpqjtGgCm4WzU4XW69pcKD8W1BGDAAudTd2TNGBPmeWMWmgPPPJ0JjY4EPc6W4vHWhSAb3uSsnsIqzmv5s2sYSsWjDQcJy7yr7raDf2LIgV0EHp-uwJxiAP_-na0X-VnXgnJCScPTY/s1600-h/DSCN1541.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; clear: both;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0RpqjtGgCm4WzU4XW69pcKD8W1BGDAAudTd2TNGBPmeWMWmgPPPJ0JjY4EPc6W4vHWhSAb3uSsnsIqzmv5s2sYSsWjDQcJy7yr7raDf2LIgV0EHp-uwJxiAP_-na0X-VnXgnJCScPTY/s320/DSCN1541.jpg" border="0" /></a><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" align="middle" border="0" /></a>Eating <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yakitori">yakitori</a> at Nobunaga, a local Japanese grill, just a few minutes from the hotel. You pick your own choice of meats and veggies for grilling. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sh%C5%8Dch%C5%AB">Shochu</a> is a great drink.</div>michiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14697596053656892672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653018170155086538.post-61683364489949494152009-12-16T12:01:00.000-08:002010-01-10T10:58:20.889-08:00Hot Spring outdoor bathing<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3GkxYtXz6YzfKM5gmc73JdznIJ7OZKI-Gi8UhQkpWnzi4OAOTGo3Fmo9EQ1PGwm2ImGpMk5eZ2DYSImvL4q5NXIre9yAB8nOOz5MPbV45PhyphenhypheniSRsywbHoTIRlah0CGfUe7_n_GbXULo4/s1600-h/P1010077-2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; clear: both;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3GkxYtXz6YzfKM5gmc73JdznIJ7OZKI-Gi8UhQkpWnzi4OAOTGo3Fmo9EQ1PGwm2ImGpMk5eZ2DYSImvL4q5NXIre9yAB8nOOz5MPbV45PhyphenhypheniSRsywbHoTIRlah0CGfUe7_n_GbXULo4/s320/P1010077-2.JPG" border="0" /></a><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" align="middle" border="0" /></a>One of seven outdoor <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onsen">onsen</a> (hot spring baths) at a 150 year old inn. Bathing in Japan is not only for cleansing but also for relaxation. Bathing is optional.<br /></div>michiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14697596053656892672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653018170155086538.post-16426920083608930082009-12-14T18:35:00.000-08:002009-12-22T13:05:50.485-08:00Kiyomizu Temple, Kyoto<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-XhbP0Tvlk8NyzM2LokmlIBYkHzA55Pyl5pz8sufghupR27nekgUE3krl7Z5tJgf0I-cHw4lAF4GU-YuyEPaUSLtdR-Sk76HFePg8cU4sIgitU2q_Uz-GO9dLPiKZlWV1EzytPt4SDykH/s1600-h/Japan+trip,+April+06+262.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; clear: both;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-XhbP0Tvlk8NyzM2LokmlIBYkHzA55Pyl5pz8sufghupR27nekgUE3krl7Z5tJgf0I-cHw4lAF4GU-YuyEPaUSLtdR-Sk76HFePg8cU4sIgitU2q_Uz-GO9dLPiKZlWV1EzytPt4SDykH/s400/Japan+trip,+April+06+262.jpg" border="0" /></a><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" align="middle" border="0" /></a>This temple was built without using a single nail. Click <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiyomizu-dera">here</a> to learn more about this UNESCO heritage site.<a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><br /></a></div>Michie Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03172034003621960417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653018170155086538.post-62717987602021238512009-12-14T18:26:00.000-08:002010-01-10T12:40:09.479-08:00Nijo Castle, Kyoto<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0H0H5J6jHQmVyFIXLqdDpbiNxZWM0CVcLKSyKqNQYejBuQ0fpmYpCnEmOHe1DsCLB_sUR8xFODXAcQ1M2clFIuaz6BMr4O5t2OV27E5y3lpHcNXjftf-FHuJHDPiRBeNkAOmQKNyYceg/s1600-h/DSCN0785_254.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0H0H5J6jHQmVyFIXLqdDpbiNxZWM0CVcLKSyKqNQYejBuQ0fpmYpCnEmOHe1DsCLB_sUR8xFODXAcQ1M2clFIuaz6BMr4O5t2OV27E5y3lpHcNXjftf-FHuJHDPiRBeNkAOmQKNyYceg/s1600-h/DSCN0785_254.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; clear: both;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0H0H5J6jHQmVyFIXLqdDpbiNxZWM0CVcLKSyKqNQYejBuQ0fpmYpCnEmOHe1DsCLB_sUR8xFODXAcQ1M2clFIuaz6BMr4O5t2OV27E5y3lpHcNXjftf-FHuJHDPiRBeNkAOmQKNyYceg/s320/DSCN0785_254.JPG" border="0" /></a><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nij%C5%8D_Castle">Nijo Castle</a>, Kyoto. Unesco World Heritage site. In 1603 this is where the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokugawa_shogunate">Tokugawa Shogun</a> declared his sovereignty over Japan. The Tokugawa family Shogunate held power until the Modern Meiji era began in 1868. Unique squeaking <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nightingale_floor">"nightingale" floor</a>.<a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><br /></a><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0H0H5J6jHQmVyFIXLqdDpbiNxZWM0CVcLKSyKqNQYejBuQ0fpmYpCnEmOHe1DsCLB_sUR8xFODXAcQ1M2clFIuaz6BMr4O5t2OV27E5y3lpHcNXjftf-FHuJHDPiRBeNkAOmQKNyYceg/s1600-h/DSCN0785_254.JPG"></a></div>michiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14697596053656892672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653018170155086538.post-90254755056750281322009-12-14T18:20:00.000-08:002010-01-13T10:29:20.103-08:00Silver Pavilion, Kyoto<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7szo4U-6pzcyxmBUbo76LUeV1qSTG5q2b58FwNDNfF-dCugPGZ9qZ6G30bq-WUWdpffmfDJbQ6AA0w1FjW9Ug0OWKvmS-OaKNYMwryanzQNSuOSMESy0N1lBXS689bDL5S4n_PopbWS9D/s1600-h/PICT0062.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; clear: both;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7szo4U-6pzcyxmBUbo76LUeV1qSTG5q2b58FwNDNfF-dCugPGZ9qZ6G30bq-WUWdpffmfDJbQ6AA0w1FjW9Ug0OWKvmS-OaKNYMwryanzQNSuOSMESy0N1lBXS689bDL5S4n_PopbWS9D/s400/PICT0062.JPG" border="0" /></a><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" align="middle" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.yamasa.org/japan/english/destinations/kyoto/ginkakuji.html">Ginkakuji</a> (Silver Pavilion) garden is my second favorite garden in Kyoto. Sand sculptures are impressive. It is said that at night with a full moon shining on the sand, it's like a beautiful silver sea. </div>Michie Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03172034003621960417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653018170155086538.post-3660395606333781352009-12-14T18:10:00.000-08:002010-01-16T16:52:22.665-08:00Saihoji Zen Temple, Kyoto<a href="http://www.yamasa.org/japan/english/destinations/kyoto/saihoji.html"></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUhHe_VSXyuAuy-TqvppneAfIzFQUyM6VKojWs2LnTEx_fI40OY4FS6x3BN2rCcI5VRC_SH-niIADvCPrckGadGGzeVXgBnl7B2NGmS0zVskOXFbZ00oR5sny1H1PZnAIvIn_h_e2hovk/s1600-h/DSCN1675.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: center; clear: both;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUhHe_VSXyuAuy-TqvppneAfIzFQUyM6VKojWs2LnTEx_fI40OY4FS6x3BN2rCcI5VRC_SH-niIADvCPrckGadGGzeVXgBnl7B2NGmS0zVskOXFbZ00oR5sny1H1PZnAIvIn_h_e2hovk/s320/DSCN1675.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saih%C5%8D-ji_%28Kyoto%29">Saihoji Zen Temple</a> (Moss temple) in Kyoto. UNESCO World Heritage site. Over 120 varieties of moss in this exquisite garden. This is my favorite garden in Japan. Reservations can only be made using snail mail.<br /><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>michiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14697596053656892672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653018170155086538.post-20754174246918174872009-12-14T18:06:00.000-08:002010-01-13T10:34:03.510-08:00Saihoji Zen Temple, Kyoto<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3CxeUzbq-igViEGmElvQHUP0WBk2qoft_U7acvRo6ZOiBDLv7oqn_XMBND_SuG8yslmGc5kfPbFQRPOh6bpBbUOSRdSReWV4-UdemaH1l21y4xYOHlTVkNdNNkG3K2-syIxZQjqpbzmI/s1600-h/P1010024.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; clear: both;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3CxeUzbq-igViEGmElvQHUP0WBk2qoft_U7acvRo6ZOiBDLv7oqn_XMBND_SuG8yslmGc5kfPbFQRPOh6bpBbUOSRdSReWV4-UdemaH1l21y4xYOHlTVkNdNNkG3K2-syIxZQjqpbzmI/s320/P1010024.JPG" border="0" /></a><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" align="middle" border="0" /></a>Beautiful carpet of moss.<a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><br /></a></div>michiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14697596053656892672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653018170155086538.post-11239846036132972212009-12-14T15:51:00.000-08:002010-01-08T14:13:40.935-08:00Maiko going to work, Kyoto<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYQi6ma11pS8l0lMQDTpMi0EmxAS_cgJiYSeKuiAfrLNFsUh8rDMNgtaZcxXZFbos12c9u5bwbfUpkm_NoP64rcZuaKQJVTcDD5u24IQxa84JfNCtO0NNQ68XCbc_N88JbtrNiOv5vX8/s1600-h/P1010020.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; clear: both;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYQi6ma11pS8l0lMQDTpMi0EmxAS_cgJiYSeKuiAfrLNFsUh8rDMNgtaZcxXZFbos12c9u5bwbfUpkm_NoP64rcZuaKQJVTcDD5u24IQxa84JfNCtO0NNQ68XCbc_N88JbtrNiOv5vX8/s320/P1010020.JPG" border="0" /></a><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" align="middle" border="0" /></a><b>Maiko</b> is a Japanese word for <i><span class="mw-redirect">dancing</span> girl</i>. A Maiko is an apprentice <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geisha">geisha</a>. Their work begins from dusk.<br /></div>michiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14697596053656892672noreply@blogger.com0