BootsnAll Travel Network



Food in Japan

July 16th, 2007

I’m sure that food will prove to be one of the most exciting experiences throughout my world travels.  I’m imagine that Japan’s culinary tastes are much tamer than some of the exotic dishes that I will consume in later countries, but it did present a great many differences than the diet I was previously accustomed to.    Read the rest of this entry »

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Sayonara!

July 16th, 2007

As the date of my visa rapidly approached, I started the journey west towards the port city of Fukuoka.  I had the last ferry before my expiration date booked.  This left me a few days to hang out with Megumi, a friend I met in Tokyo.  She just moved back here a week ago and promised to show me around the city before I left Japan.    Read the rest of this entry »

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Last Night in Kansai

July 12th, 2007

Well that’s it.  Time to start making peace with Japan.  I have less than a week left on my visa.  My ferry to Korea leaves on Monday, and I still need to pay a visit to Megumi in Fukuoka before leaving.    Read the rest of this entry »

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Kyoto Part II: Geisha and Matsuri

July 10th, 2007

 

Already feeling very satisfied with the decision to visit Kyoto, I jumped on a subway heading towards Gion and Hanami-koji, the heart of Japan’s Geisha activity.  Although my hopes weren’t high, the neighborhood where you might spot them is also famous its elegant streets and classical architecture.  It definitely lived up to its reputation.    Read the rest of this entry »

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Kyoto Part I: Zen

July 10th, 2007

 

I did it!  I escaped the magnetic grip of Osaka once again.  Somehow evading its mysterious tractor beam, I found myself on a train bound for Kyoto.  I intended to spend more time there, but the last month in Kansai has sped by in a blur.  The biggest festival in Japan, the Gion Matsuri, takes place annually in Kyoto throughout the month of July.  Although the climactic parade and main festivities peak after my visa expiration, I found information on the web about a lantern parade happening today.  Perfect reason to visit the cultural heart of Japan that I have been neglecting the last month I’ve been in Kansai.    Read the rest of this entry »

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Still in Osaka…

July 7th, 2007

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This one photo deserves its own post…

July 4th, 2007

I also just noticed that this, my 76th post falls on the 4th of July!  I hope everyone back home is having some wild BBQ action!

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The rising sun after Ground Zero

July 2nd, 2007

Yesterday was the one year anniversary of Ground Zero, a live house (music bar) that I’ve been frequenting.  Played about four sets throughout the night, took a few great photos, drank excessively and generally had a good time.  I’m not going to verbally elaborate much more, so here are some photos.    Read the rest of this entry »

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Osaka Life Part II: Late June

June 30th, 2007

The past two weeks that I’ve settled in Osaka the days have been drenched from the rain season. Fortunately, the rain has slowed down. Alas, in its wake the area has been suffering a terribly humid heat wave. According to all of the locals I came during the worst month for climate conditions. Not ideal for days spent exploring, but since muggy is better than rainy I set out a couple times this week.    Read the rest of this entry »

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Nara

June 26th, 2007

I finally escaped the grasp of Osaka for a day and took a day trip to Nara, the first permanent capitol of Japan.  About a week ago I talked to a university student from the city who offered to show me around when I came down.  I met Yang at the train station and she began to show me around Nara-koen and the collection of temples and shrines.    Read the rest of this entry »

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