April 30, 2006
" 花見 " hanami
 Normally, I would not come alone to a place where everybody is expected to be with their special ones, families and friends. I'd rather be sad and stay home but because of this special blog, I packed my bag, wore comfy clothes and shoes and went to Senshu Park. Yesterday was the best day to take pictures of " hanami" or flower viewing. It was also the start of a week long holiday so everybody was there. Took a lot of photos so I divided them into groups. Please click here for the first set of hanami photos and enjoy virtual hanami. To grant of Edinburgh.., なつかしいでしょう？！
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April 29, 2006
" matthew "
 One of the many small restaurants scattered around town. Cute, huh! Most restaurants have a lunch set that is really affordable and tasty. I shall eat lunch here in the near future. I hope its with somebody!!
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April 28, 2006
~ goosebumps ~
 Saw a narrow path one day and thinking I might find an interesting subject I followed it... and this is where it led me. An old shrine!! I think you could guess why that's the title of this blog. Although quitely shakin' and armpits perspiring I took as many photos as I can. The dark, gloomy day added to the mysteriousness and eerie quality of the place. As I nosed around, I found out ( to my dismay ) that there is another , not frightening route leading here!
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April 27, 2006
our mascot
 I wonder if cities in other countries have mascots ,too. This is ours! I dont know its name though., sorry for not researching well! Akita City produces cedar wood or " sugi ", and so our mascot is a tree. Akita City is going to host a sports festival a few months from now! Hope I can post something about that event. Anyway, thats our city hall at the back. Not pretty ,huh,! The prefectural office looks much better.
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April 26, 2006
sakura in full bloom
How can I explain the loveliness of this blossoms?? After raining last couple of days, sun came out and so was everyone. Even if the wind brings chills to my bones , I went out too, just to take pictures of this wonderful phenomena which lasts only for a short time. Please see the other photos I took. You wont regret it!! ( smile )
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April 25, 2006
blue
 One of the business hotels around the city. I like the way the color blends with the sky. If you happen to visit our small, quiet city for a business affair, this might be a nice place to stay. If your visit is for leisure and relaxation I suggest the hot spa's. That will be for my future post. For more info on this hotel please click here.
I hope they would do something with those big boards on the roof.
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April 24, 2006
reaching out
 One of the newest residential buildings here in my city. I think its the tallest too. Their sales point is that they have an " onsen " (spa) on the top floor exclusively for residents. There are many apartments like this being constructed because the young generation prefers to live here. Costs cheaper than building a house and also because of their security system .
Trivia : Residential buildings like this are called " mansions " while the smaller and cheaper ones are called " apa-to ". Which is japanese-english for apartment. Apa-to are for rent where as mansion units are for sale. There are some mansion units for rent but only...some.
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April 23, 2006
~ left behind ~
 Attention everyone! Do you know someone who lost a child? Saw this boy on this busy side of town. He's blue all over from the cold. A nice person wrapped him with a scarf but I think what he really needs is someone to take him home!! Anybody ???
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April 22, 2006
~ bicycle lane ~
 For us who get around by bicycle, Akita City is heaven. Although sidewalks are primary for people, bikers can use it too. That is why sidewalks in the main roads are really wide. And there are also special crossing lanes for us. Its really safe to get around by bike here and thats one thing I love about this small city !
I'd like to say sorry to all who left comments on my sakura post. I've been trying to open and read them but I can't. I am puzzled that you left comments where as I can't even open my snippet. Thanks for your comments anyway.
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April 21, 2006
~ yuki sakura ~ 雪桜
 Been checking the sakura news on tv. Neighboring cities have started lighting up their parks so that people can enjoy sakura trees during the night. Maybe this weekend, our local Senshu Park will be all lit ,too. ( not sure ) Well, some flowers have blossomed already on some nearby trees. Sorry if the picture is not good coz I had bad natural lighting. This one is called " prunus x parvifolia koehne ". Simply called " yuki zakura ". Oh, dont think Im an expert , the name was written on a board hanging from its bark. Anyway more photos here .
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April 20, 2006
books anyone?!
 I was on my way to the immigration office yesterday when I came upon this unbelievable sight.For book lovers who under some circumstances cannot leave the home to go to the bookstore or library..,this is a blessing. Wow, never seen a library on wheels before. There were more books inside. Too bad.., they didnt have english books!! They can return the books on the next visit which is written near the door. Does your city have a moving library like this one??
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April 19, 2006
~ pansy ~
 People who lives just beside this road or walk are lucky because they are allowed to make a garden on the allocated lots. Some put their pots on the sides too. It is a delight for us who usually uses this road to see such lovely colorful flowers. The most common plant you would see during spring is the pansy. Called " panji " in nihonggo.
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April 18, 2006
~ saboten ~
Planting season so I went to the nearest home center to look for nice plants that will add color and beauty to my somewhat dull apartment. Wanted an indoor plant in particular.
There were many varieties to choose from. Last year I was very unsuccessful so finally I decided a small " saboten ", cactus will do for me this year. Easy to tend to. Choosed the kind that produces cute flowers. Happy gardening to all !
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April 17, 2006
randoseru
Public elementary schools dont have uniforms but they all carry the same bags. Called randoseru. Comes in various colors but blue, black and red are the most popular ones. They are sturdy and durable so usually they use it for 3 to 4 years, sometimes more. The strap is adjustable. See those small pouches hanging from their randoseru?? Every pupil has them. Can you guess what is inside it?? Oh, Grant from Edinburgh, if you know..dont tell!!
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April 16, 2006
~ typical ~
 This time I'd like to show you the whole gate and fence. Most houses here dont lock their gates so people who have business with the people in the house enters the gate and knocks or ring the bell which is at the main door. Back home, Manila.., most bells are at the gate. The homeowners have to come out of the house themselves to talk to you. Of course some very few homes have bells at the gate too. Anyway if you noticed that white and blue box, its where the milkman puts the milk every morning. Gate is called " mon " in japanese.
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April 15, 2006
~ the waiting ~
Went out to check the sakura trees on my neighborhood. A few more days., a week perhaps? Im so impatient.So excited to take photos so that I can show you how beautiful they are! Anyway I also saw some
kids enjoying the warm day .You can see the pictures at ........ My Other Blog!
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April 14, 2006
~ walking the dog ~
 It's really getting warmer everyday that more kid's and granny's are enjoying walking their dog. Took a walk myself on hummingroad and saw them . Unfortunately the dog is not an akita inu. This is the same street where the shinto shrine is. You can see a part of the extremely blue house on the upper far right of the photo.
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April 13, 2006
~ odd ~
 Hmm, are'nt places of worship supposed to be on special locations? Where there's peace and quiet, seclusion and tranquility. Well this is only my opinion perhaps but, I find this rather unbalance somehow. Might be that very blue house? What do you think?? Oh, its a ”Ginga " by the way. 神社 。
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April 12, 2006
~ lovin' d sun
 The sun shined brightly today that I just have to show you. This may be common in most lands but in Akita this is a blessing. . It gives me much joy to see the sun up there. Strong winds this morning but its gone now. Temperature actually rose to 19 d.celcius. First time in almost 6 months that my room heater is turned off. My window has been left open for quite a while too. Im not wearing socks too, wow. And most especially I gotta hang my laundry outside ! Hope it does'nt bother you , thought that the picture of the sun alone would be quite boring.
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April 11, 2006
" hok-kun "
 I would like to post a picture of an " akita inu ". A local breed., a big type of dog but has a cute and friendly face. Unfortunately I know nobody who has one and dogs here are indoors so I dont have a chance to photograph one. I dont want to borrow photos from the net too so hope this will do for the meantime. This giant photo graces the wall of Hokuto Bank. Its their mascot and we call him.." hok-kun ".
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April 10, 2006
~ patience~
 When I put patience as my title for today, didnt mean that it is this plant's name. I am referring to myself..yes I am not so patiently waiting for this flowers to bloom. Forgot to ask the name , does anybody have any idea.? They look like roses when in bloom. One of my favorite here in Akita.
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April 09, 2006
~stop , look and listen ~
 Just an ordinary street on a a quiet neighborhood . An ordinary white line to remind cars to stop first and look and listen before continuing to drive. What I really wanted to show you is the stop sign for pedestrians., sometimes I actually put my feet on that sign. Is this an international thing ? I can't seem to recall seeing that back home ( Manila ).
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April 08, 2006
Watching the game or.....
 Ahh...., young love ! I think I was also about their age when I started noticing cute boys in my school. Even remember my first crush. I cant remember his face now but I remember his name...Radek. Yes, I remember because his name was very unique, strange really. Anyway, that is Izumi Elem. School on the background and these are my pupils! Spring break is over and Im back to work!!
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April 07, 2006
~ free papers ~
A common sight around here. Free papers are nice, some are community papers, job ads and the like. But here in Akita ( maybe all over japan), you arrive at your apartment and check your mailbox and this is what you see. Lots and lots of paper. They call it chirashi here. Most are ads for a beauty parlor, nearby grocery, pizza ads and the list can go on. They usually go stright to the garbage , mostly all. What a waste!
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April 06, 2006
the bestseller
 I'm not a voyeur, I observe people in a healthy and decent way. I find the human species very interesting. Look at this girl, she was so engrossed in her book that she didnt notice me taking her picture for 5 or so times. Maybe she did, she just didnt mind at all.
If you happen to see this blog, I thank you so much.
Domo Arigatou ! ありがとう。
By the way, can anybody guess where I was?
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April 05, 2006
rain
 For us who do not have cars, going out on a rainy day is not fun at all. Saw this biker driving fast from across the street so I hurriedly took out my cam from my purse.., sorry its a little blurred. I am jealous of this person because he can ride his bike while holding an umbrella. I tried this once and its so difficult. Sometimes I even see young folks reading their text messages while cycling. Dangerous!!
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April 04, 2006
merry maids
 What? Friends are coming over and your house is a mess because you've been busy and havent been cleaning up. Oh dear, we wouldnt want our friends to know we are such a slob.
Dont despair., merry maids will come to the rescue. About 60 U.S dollars and in 2 hours and your home will be ready even for the most prestigious guest. Just call on the no. you see on the photo. Oh, if you happen to be living in Japan. Me? Nahh, no extra money for that. Back home (Manila) , house helpers are not so expensive so I grew up having 1 or 2 around. Here in Japan, live-in helpers costs outrageously. Although I can afford the 2 hr. rate, Id rather not call them. That van is parked in my rich neighbor's. They come once a month. ( didnt intend to spy)
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April 03, 2006
tonkatsu
 How was your weekend? Spent mine ironing clothes and shopping for neccessities. Last night ,decided to treat myself a hearty dinner again. Didnt have the courage to take a photo inside since the place was packed so I shot from outside instead. This is their show window. I had tonkatsu ( fried pork cutlet) with rice and soup. Those who eat a lot, you can ask for more rice and cabbage salad for free. For a more closer look at the food....click the title pls.
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April 02, 2006
at last ?!
 Yesterday I took a walk when the sun came out after hours of raining., with the intention of looking for signs of spring. Not far from my apartment I saw this beautiful small flower amidst dead leaves. It really is spring then. Hurrah..!
Last night, the weather report said that next week it will be raining consecutively and on Wednesday and Thursday it will snow again. ( sigh )
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April 01, 2006
~ electricians ~
 We live in a very convenient world now. We see people and places on tv. Hear beautiful music on the stereo. Communicate with other bloggers scattered all around the globe. Imagine what life would be if the electricity power is gone. I would go nuts for sure. Dont we just like to say thank you to this people who works up there, endangering themselves so that our power lines works well and safe for us. This is a tribute for electricians around the world.
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