POOLESIDE

school's out for summer

2011-08-17T19:34:00.006+09:00

went down swimming in the river because it was hot and it sounded fun. it's been a while since the last time I went. used to go almost every day, every summer. even bought wet suit to stay longer in the water. realized what a luxury it is to have a forest and a river both in a walking distance from where you live. river, sun, nature…awesome

may not be a daily thing but I'll start posting again.above, no nukes. below, jump but without the style.

home

2011-03-02T02:15:00.001+09:00

April sixteenth 2010, I started my odyssey. I had a big smile on my face as the plane started descending above the city of San Francisco. I can imagine myself being in the exact state on Friday morning. Although, this time I'll be looking down on my home land, Japan. What I felt before going on this trip is what I'm feeling now, pure excitement. Excited about my life back in Japan. I don't want to go home. And at the same time, I do a lot. Just like I froze my studies, I'll freeze my traveling for awhile and resume it sometime later. what a year it was, what a year…
picture: shoes or no shoes, one's feet will always take you home wherever you are.

haste

2011-02-27T22:52:00.006+09:00

I'm now in Ljubljana, Slovenia. From Sofia, I went to Belgrade, which was an interesting train ride. Few police men came in at the border and started searching the compartment like they were trying to take apart the train. We had to step out of the compartment while they were working. Taking off the light cover, poking a stick in between of the walls, unscrewing stuff. And they didn't even touch our luggage. Since I was taking night trains and night buses for awhile, changing cities in a daytime felt different. Less tiring. Belgrade was interesting city as well. Bombed buildings still remaining with collapsed walls. I think it was snowing the whole time I was in Belgrade. Stayed in Belgrade for a few nights and moved to Zagreb. Only stayed for one night and took the early bus to Dubrovnik so didn't have enough time to do sightseeing. Almost twelve hours on the bus, exhausting.
Walked around the old town and took the night bus back to Zagreb. Spring was much more advanced in Dubrovnik compared to Belgrade. It was great just sitting on a bench absorbing the sun and breathing in the warm wind. I arrived at Zagreb early this morning and took a train to Ljubljana. I'm moving swiftly because… because I have to go home. I have some stuff to sort out to resume my studies. I was not sure when to go back but I was expecting a bit later. Although, I was thinking this could be a good thing because if I had a plan, I would be thinking about going home and remembering about the great journey all the time like two weeks before the departure. I only had less than a week before deciding when to go back and my brain is already in a mess. Remembering where I've been, thinking about Japan… Times on the bus or train, I can't stop thinking about my year. Slowly I'm waking up from my dream, or, I'm drifting into another one. Who knows.pictures: above, sunny Dubrovnik. below, poser in Sofia.

Sofia

2011-02-18T02:55:00.002+09:00

I came to Sofia yesterday taking a bus from Istanbul. It was like ten hours ride but we stopped at the border for one to two hours. It was funny watching people buying packets of cigarette and taking off the foil and chucking away the box into the bin. Sometimes there were three gathering and doing the unwrapping. It was like as if they were having a competition. I didn't know why they were doing this at that moment but soon I knew why. They wanted to pack their cigarettes as compact as possible so that they can hide it when the Bulgarian customs came to check on them. One lady said something to me in Bulgarian which of coarse I didn't understand. I think she wanted me to carry her cigarettes in my jacket. No, I said. Some hid it in their bags, in their pocket, bus conductor using the compartment where they keep the teas and cups and stuff. So it was like Turkish border, duty free, Bulgarian border. Amazing what those custom people can do to a luggage, I was peaking out the window. They picked a luggage and found a parcel in it. It was well packed but one of them used a cutter knife and opened it up. There was a fine jacket inside, maybe a present for somebody. Stuff it back into the box, they moved onto the next luggage. I know they have to do it since it's their job, but I could see some kind of joy or even malice when he was cutting open the parcel. After the jobs was done, they carefully replaced the luggage back to where it belonged like handling their own luggage (you know this is not true). The custom guy looked so happy. Almost whistling and juggling his key in his hand. Job done. Luckily, my backpack wasn't the target.
I'm going to do sightseeing tomorrow. Bulgaria, land of Yogurt.
picture: aya sofia, istanbul

Pamukkale, Efes

2011-02-13T02:33:00.000+09:00

Arrived at Pamukkale around six am. Rest for awhile and started our walk to Pamukkale around noon. It is winter so the famous pools are dried up. Or maybe it was because of the construction which was annoying with noise and cables. Had to walk bare foot on the hills of calcium carbonate. Sometimes the water was ice cold but the actual temperature was warm with the sun beaming right at us. It was amazing site but I was expecting to see the pools like in the photos so a bit disappointed I must say. We left Pamukkale for Efes around four, only four hours ride.
Stayed one night at a hotel and Efes tour the next day. Efes, the Turkish beer is names after the place so I heard. City of Efes was again, amazing. Old library, old toilet, old theater. Had cold lunch at a local restaurant. They serve cold dish in most of the place we went in Turkey, not my favorite style. Got back to hotel, got our luggage and last bus ride to Istanbul. Another ten hours.
I've never joined a tour before but it was good. I don't have to plan anything. No responsibility, just follow the schedule, which is easy sometimes. For Cappadocia, I think taking a tour was a good decision.
pictures: above, Pamukkale. below, Efes.

Cappadocia

2011-02-10T01:21:00.000+09:00

I stayed in Istanbul for two nights and joined a tour for Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Ephesus. I was going around with two Chileans but one left for Lebanon so me and Jaime joined the tour. The bus to Cappadocia departed from Istanbul around eight thirty pm. Ten hours bus ride to the main town in Cappadocia, Goreme. I wouldn't say the bus ride was fine.
First day, we checked in at a hotel and soon left for the tour to go around Cappadocia. The Green tour as they called it. Walking was the main part of the tour. We walked through a valley and had a panoramic view of Cappadocia. I wasn't that tired during the day but when got back to the hotel, I couldn't stay up no longer.
Day two, Red tour. Red tour was more about the culture. Pottery and museums. Since I have no knowledge about Christianity, I enjoyed the green tour more. We were going to do a balloon tour in the morning but we decided not to since it was cloudy and the tour guide didn't show up. He came into the room just after we went to bed. He said "we are here so if you don't come now, you are going to lose your money, your choice". Non sense. They were late for forty five minutes without telling us and now they act like it was our fort. We called the tourist office in Istanbul and changed our balloon day to the next day.
Day three. Got up at half five for the balloon tour. The bus came almost on time. They took us to a field where the balloons were getting ready. I think there were twenty people on each balloon. The ride was absolutely stunning! Lift off as the sun rise. Pretty cold up in the air but it was all worth it, money, the trouble the day before. Super. Another amazing thing was the landing. The basket of the balloon landed on a truck with all of us on. That was one fine steering. After the ride, had a nap and went for a walk. Walk around Goreme, maybe for like five hours. So quiet and spiritual place. Had a nap under the sun and I felt like I was unconscious more than being asleep. I was like "where am I", when I woke up. Strange. Decided to walk back to the hotel. Jaime said he had the same strange feeling. Now, the going back part was the most memorable part in my whole tour. We were taking a short cut going through old cave houses. Then, when I was looking for a next path, I saw five sheep sleeping a few meters ahead of me. So, I was about to say to Jaime, "ha, sheep". But the thing is, they weren't sheep. When I said "ha", all of these sheep like creatures woke up and started barking. They were massive dogs trained to attack wolves. One of them got up on four legs and started running toward me barking. I was about to run away but I didn't because I knew it is the last thing I should do. I was actually shouting "sugar!! (well, kind of)" to Jaime. He was panicking too but not like me. He was about to run away too but he stopped. My back was to the dog, was too afraid to look back. I remember asking Jaime "is he going to bite me?". I was ready to give my right arm and hit as hard as I could with my left. I hard that's how to fight a dog, keep your dominant hand for fight and give the opposite. I wasn't, but I was in a way ready to be attacked by five giant dogs. Man, that was scary. I love dogs but I'm not going to lie, my legs were trembling after the encounter. The dogs just run toward us a bit and stopped after all. We were laughing all rest of the walk. I'll never forget that. Got back to the hotel, waited till eight and caught the bus to Pamukkale, another ten hours.picture: above, balloon tour. below, camel on the right, goat like creature sitting in the middle, and there is a hand on the left. palm showing this way and it's like catching something.

Istanbul

2011-02-06T01:04:00.001+09:00

Train arrived at Istanbul around eight am. We had kebab for breakfast. I thought Turkey is the place to eat kebab but we all thought that it's the worst kebab so far. We know that we are't going to that place anymore. Got to a hostel, put our luggage down and we started sightseeing the city of Istanbul. Bit cold in the shade but it was a fine day. We went to blue mosque, Aya Sophia and Topkapi palace. All amazing and massive. So many tourist too. We walked all afternoon and we were quite tired with the uncomfortable sleep. Might visit the same places tomorrow just to see the exterior and more other famous places. So much to see in Istanbul.pictures: above, sun and cat. below, thessaloniki to istanbul

Night train

2011-02-05T00:28:00.001+09:00

We were so tired that we were sent off to the dream world as soon as we hit the hay. Next morning, we left the luggage at the reception and went out to explore the city of Thessaloniki. Visited a couple of world heritage sites. Felt like the city was busier than Athens, more people, more car, wider roads. So many people having a evening drink by the port as the sun set. We collected our luggage and went to the train station to catch the night train to Istanbul. I'm so glad that I met these Chileans at Kalambaka. They have a plan and that's what I needed to visit as many places in limited time.
Train departed at eight. Few minutes later than the schedule. I went to sleep not too long after the departure. Got up with the voice "passport" from the corridor. It was around two am and we were crossing the border to Turkey. The police took my passport and got off the train. I wasn't sure why but soon he came back with it. I was browsing through my passport but there was no stump. Despite my confused feeling, the train started the journey again. But soon, I'm not sure how long it was after the passport check, the train stopped again. Police knocking on my door just like before and asked me for my passport. He checked it, kept it with him just like before and said "okay, you can get your visa". Not sure what's going on but I got off the train and went into a room which it said Visa, still half asleep. Signed my name on a paper and payed fifteen euro. Then the man at the desk said "okay", and I got back to my bed. I had no idea what was going on. When I asked one of the police officer, he just said "I don't speak English". I knew nothing bad will happen but I wanted to know where my passport is going and when I'm getting it back. Police officer came back after a bit and gave me the passport back. Next time, I had a visa stamp on my passport. Now it was all done. I got back to sleep. I was surprised I slept quite a bit in that shaky, noisy train. Not a comfortable bed but at least I slept.pictures: sunset sea. zoomed in. Thessaloniki

Meteora

2011-02-04T00:01:00.000+09:00

I left Athens on the third. About six hours train ride to a town called Kalambaka, which is the town close to Meteora. I met a group of people who were staying at the same hostel in Athens at Kalambaka. Next day, we started our hike around nine. Meteora is an area where monasteries are built on top of rock towers. Our day started with sunshine but there was still snow left from the previous night. I wasn't expecting snow in Greece. Though some parts of the hike was a bit tricky with the snow and ice, we managed to do our good six hours round trip visiting the monasteries. The view was absolutely amazing and the tower rocks made the scenery so unique. The monastery on top of the rocks weren't as old as we expected. At least it didn't look old.
We got back to the town and caught the train at half five. There were six of us in the group but half went back to Athens and the rest, including me, headed toward Thessaloniki, four hours on the train.pictures: above, tower rocks sprinkled with snow. below, closer shot of the monastery which is in the middle of the picture above.

ruins, dogs, strikes, Athens

2011-02-02T02:30:00.000+09:00

I left Spain last Sunday, stayed one week longer than I planned. I flew to Athens from Barcelona.
In the village I was staying, the Almond trees were starting to bloom. I left just before the full blossom.
Athens is busier than I expected. Many cars and tourists. And what it surprised me the most was that there are so many dogs. Not skinny old stray dogs, but big fat ones. They sometimes walk close to people to beg but most of the time they are sleeping on the street. Very quiet and calm they are, but I felt a bit of uneasiness when five of them suddenly appeared at the hostel entrance. No harm, they came just to sleep there. Also many police in the city center maybe because of the strike. I heard the metros and buses aren't working. It's not hitting me that hard but it is a big issue for the people who wants to go to the airport. Can't walk to the airport so the only option for them is to take the taxi. So, I may not seeing the best time of Athens but I did go to the Acropolis, where it was also inhabited by dogs. It always amazes me when I see a big dog lying in the middle of a path. I like dogs but I thought Athens isn't a place for those who hate dogs or scared of them. It was strange and funny for me. I'll leave Athens tomorrow and go to a town called Kalambaka. I'm visiting Meteora from there. Buses and trains leaving Athens are running okay(so I heard).
Entered the month of February. Chop chop, get moving.
picture: Parthenon

mr. moonlight

2011-01-20T00:13:00.000+09:00

I'm staying at a lovely mountain house in Valencian community. From the village nearby, I can see the city of Benidorm in a distance.
My job here is to clear the forest garden and some other outdoor work. The weather for last few days has been a bit cloudy and misty but otherwise, it's warm and nice. The warmest January ever for me. The house is in a very quiet and peaceful place.
My stay is till next Monday. Not quite sure where to go next but maybe Greece. The time of my travel is approaching the end. Another month and a half. I'm a slow traveler but I guess I'll have to speed up a tiny bit to see as much as I can.
So many places I want to go, but bish bash bosh, and I'll do my best.
picture: full moon

Granada

2011-01-09T03:13:00.004+09:00

I moved to Madrid and stayed there for three days and moved to Granada, where I'm at now. I visited a couple of museums and saw many famous works in Madrid. It was raining most of the time but not too heavy. Very interesting city. They have a huge garden in the main station and so many turtles in it's pond. Some swimming and some sitting still like a stone.
Four hours and a bit train ride from Madrid to Granada. My departure was at five so I was looking outside of the train when the sun was setting. Beautiful sunset it was. I think I've heard a term "the sky is burning" before. I'm not sure I get the real meaning but it looked like it was. The sky around the sun was like the surface of oil. So many colours mixed, the colors I don't know the name of or maybe there is no name for those colours, the "colour of surface of oil" colour.
Granada is another unique place. I've never been to Morocco but it is said that Granada has it's culture. Many small shops pouring out onto a narrow streets selling souvenirs. So many kinds of smell too. On one street it is spicy and when I cross a street and then it changes to a smell of incense from the souvenir shops. Another turn into a narrower street where there's no shop and you'll encounter an odor of cat piss and dog droppings. Interesting isn't it. I enjoyed walking and smelling the streets but I also enjoyed visiting Alhambra. Tiny tiny decoration was everywhere in the palace. Neat.
I'm leaving Granada tomorrow and move to a town called Alicante. Then I'm going to work for two weeks in a mountain close to Alicante. HelpX is a very good thing, I would recommend to anyone who is interested to work for short term abroad, or in your own country, of course. Anyway, I'm going to stay in the quiet mountain area and wind up my spring for the last bit of my "odyssey".pictures: above, in Madrid. I don't know what it was but some kind of festival was going on on the sixth. below, inside the Alhambra. the father is pointing at a ceiling which looked like a night sky full of stars.

Happy New Year

2011-01-02T05:38:00.002+09:00

So… first of all, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
I went to Mont Saint Micheal after Rennes. And after Mont Saint Micheal, I moved south bit by bit by train. First, I went to Nantes, where I spent my Christmas. And then to Bordeaux, Toulouse. By then the temperature was much warmer than Paris. I wanted to enter Spain but there was no train to Barcelona from Toulouse that day so I went to Narbonne, changing station for Spain. It's very south of France. 2010 was almost closed by then and the hostel was very quiet. I was surprised that it was open this time of the year. And then the next day, December 29th, I entered Spain. The train ride was interesting. Short after departing Narbonne, the train started to slow down. I looked out to check whether something was wrong. But everything was okay. The train was slowing down because it was riding a very thin land. Sea on one hand and lake on the other. Many kinds of birds flying. I saw a big bird flying and the silhouette looked like it was flamingo. Soon I knew I was right. Groups of flamingos were searching for food and more came flying to join them. I was surprised to see wild flamingos like that, from a train. I was even more surprised when I saw the railway on the google map. The land where the line was was so thin and I couldn't understand why they built it there. But I had fun looking out the window. Maybe it was a good decision after all.
I got off the train at Girona. A bit north from Barcelona. Stayed there for one night and then moved to Barcelona, where I spent my last day of 2010 and the first day of the 2011. The warmest winter I've ever spent. I walked around the city today. Went to Park Guell and Sagrada Familia. I also went by the beach on the new year's eve, where there were many fireworks.
I'm leaving Barcelona tomorrow. Thinking to move to Madrid.
2010 went by like a blink of an eye. Or maybe even faster. I hope that I'll be able to blink more than once by the end of 2011, the year of rabbit, the fast one.
Happy New Year
picture: above, mont saint micheal. below, sagrada familia

Rennes

2010-12-21T03:55:00.000+09:00

Came to Rennes today. Paris in Christmas season was very busy. Many tourists from various countries. Paris was colder than I thought. Weather wasn't doing good either. Still, I had a good time visiting the famous sites and the museums.
I came to the west to visit Mont Saint Micheal. I have to take a bus from Rennes and it is tough to find a hostel which is open this time of the year. I hope I'll make it to Mont Saint Micheal and it's bay tomorrow.
picture: nighttime champs elysees.

Versailles

2010-12-17T05:30:00.000+09:00

Good day to visit Versailles, fine weather in Paris today.
Crossed Pont Neuf and caught a train near Notre Dame. About forty minutes train ride and I arrived at Versailles. The chateau and the vast garden was covered in thin layer of snow. Less tourist than I expected, didn't have to queue up for anything.
Painted ceilings, shining chandeliers, big empty rooms. How did it feel like living in such palace. I sure wouldn't feel comfortable. Very interesting though. The garden was like a book or something. If I could fold the garden in half in the middle, left page and the right page would match perfectly. Left is right and right is left, very symmetrical.
Got back to the city and pondered about. Food market was open near the hostel.pictures: above, inside of the chateau. below, exterior of it.

onother day in Paris

2010-12-16T04:33:00.000+09:00

Yesterday, my day started with a bit of snow. First place I walked to was Louvre. Huge. I only stayed there for like three hours (I guess that's not enough for such a big museum) but I saw many famous arts. Left the Louvre from the famous glass pyramid, I walked randomly and reached pompidou centre and then to Notre Dame. People were praying and lighting candles in Notre Dame. And then, after Nortre Dame, I walked to musee d'orsay. It was much smaller than Louvre. Many famous works were there too. Walked back to the hostel passing the night time Louvre and illuminated streets. very arty day it was.
Today, it was raining. I wanted to go to Versailles but thought it will be better without the rain so decided to walk around Paris. So, didn't enter any of the famous architectures but saw some old buildings and walked along avenue des champs elysees. The avenue was also lit up like the other streets but it kept raining all day.
I think I'll go to Versailles tomorrow if the weather isn't too bad.pictures: above, Eiffel tower. below, inside Notre Dame.

Paris

2010-12-14T03:42:00.004+09:00

I arrived at Paris last night. Left Bern after staying longer than I thought, and I visited Geneva before coming to Paris. Maybe because of the wind, Paris feels colder than Bern. Geneva was sunny and warmer, busier than it's country's capital city. River runs through the city. I didn't do much other than walking but it was interesting still. I saw the fountain, city's icon, and the awesome snow capped mountains which surrounded the city.
Today, I walked to the Arc de Triomphe and climbed to the top, and also walked through parc de Monceau on the way. I think the park was mentioned in one of the class in my University. There are so many other parks and architectures in Paris of which I only heard the name. picture: above, from top of the Arc de Triomphe. below, Geneva.

Bern

2010-12-08T01:52:00.001+09:00

Guess what, I'm still in Bern. Not only Sunday, I now know how Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday looks like.
I like Bern. It's a small city so it doesn't take long time to walk around the place but there are a lot in it. I enjoyed just to ponder around. I went to Einstein museum which is in historical museum of Bern. It was very interesting. It explained some of his inventions in a easy way and learned a few things about Einstein. Now I can spell his name. Other days, I went out walking and saw the markets and stuff.
I went to Interlaken today. It's an hour train trip from Bern and it's surrounded by lake. I tried to hike up a mountain to have a good view of the area but the forest rangers were using chainsaw so I couldn't enter. Instead, I walked along a river. It led me to one of the lake and it was amazing. Very quiet. The surface of the water was a bit wavy so the lake wasn't like a mirror, but it was awesome with the fog and tranquility. The water was as blue as the tarpaulin on the boats.
I think I'm leaving tomorrow but I found a place called "top of Europe". I heard the locals saying it's a must visit. So…we'll see…pictures: above, city of Bern. middle, train to Bern, I guess. below, at Interlaken

shake, rattle and role

2010-12-04T04:31:00.000+09:00

I came to Bern today. About an hour train trip from Zurich.
Arrived around midday and I found the streets busier than Zurich. Maybe it was Saturday thing, I don't know, but many shops and tourists flooded out onto the roads. One of the street entertainer was playing Elvis, singing "get out of that bed, wash your face and hands…" they had the hair like the king and they certainly made the place even more merrier.
I'll look around the city of Bern tomorrow. What would Sunday Bern be like.picture: above, chess, bigger. below, lamp shop. both in Zurich

Zurich

2010-12-03T03:43:00.001+09:00

I came to Zurich from Pontresina. I was thinking of visiting Liechtenstein before Zurich but all the hostels were closed for the season.
Much less snow in Zurich compared to Pontresina. Still quite cold though. I enjoyed walking in the town at nighttime, the place is full of illumination. Many tourist on the streets both nighttime and daytime.
picture: Zurich at night

preda

2010-11-30T00:23:00.000+09:00

Another fine day. I took a train to Preda today. I wasn't sure to visit the lake was a possibility but the answer to that came soon after getting off the train at Preda. Snow… I tried walking through it but I couldn't walk much. If I had a ski wear or something, I could have done it. But otherwise, walking through a meter high snow was a bit too tough for me.
Decided it isn't possible, I took the train back to Pontresina. Stopped at a station called Samedan for lunch on the way.
I think I'll explore the forest near Pontresina tomorrow.

minus

2010-11-29T01:45:00.001+09:00

Although the hostel I'm staying at is pretty big and clean, I'm the only one here. If there is such thing as a high season and low season, now is definitely the low season.

I had breakfast and left the hostel around nine. My plan for today was to hike to a town called Surlej. I arrived there around two. I was walking very slowly and stopping sometimes, my eyes and ears censored for any kind of animal encounter. Creatures I saw was only some squirrels and birds which I couldn't identify. Spotted some deer foot prints but that was it. The walk started off with snow but around mid day the sun appeared. Today was another day to prove my boots are the best! Five hours walk in the snow and dry feet, Super.

From Surlej, there is a cable car station which will take me up to Mt Corvatsch, 3303 meters high. Mt Fuji, Japan's highest mountain, is 3776 meters high. I cheated by taking the cable car but I was almost as high as the highest point in Japan.
The summit was freezing. I think it was somewhere between -15 and -20 centigrade. I went out to take some pictures but my nostril started to freeze (at least it felt like so) and my hands were numb. The view was so beautiful with the blue sky and wind blowing up the dust like snow but I couldn't stay out no longer than five minutes. Maybe less than that. My super boots couldn't endure such condition, my feet were freezing too.
Came down and took the bus to the town I'm staying, Pontresina. I might walk to a lake tomorrow but maybe it is frozen. Since the ones I saw today were frozen. picture: above, evening sun hitting a mountain summit. middle, me. below, from 3303m high.

winter

2010-11-27T06:42:00.001+09:00

From Lucarno, I stopped at Andermatt for one night and moved to Chur.
Andermatt was beyond my imagination. Everything was covered with snow. First thing I did was to find somewhere to stay for the night. There is a hostel in Andermatt but it is closed this time of the year. I found a cozy b&b instead. The town was busy with decorating the streets with Christmas illumination. I like snow, it feels like the town is quieter and smaller. And you can see a lot with only moonlight.
I came to Chur today. I didn't ride the Glacier express but the train I took rode the same route. Stunning view. Absolutely beautiful. I don't know how to describe it but I can say that it is amazing. White mountain with shadow and snow covered trees, small villages in a valley, frozen lakes. I'm going to do some more train ride tomorrow and it seems like it's going to be even better! yikes!!
picture: taken from the train

Switzerland

2010-11-25T06:18:00.000+09:00

I left the farm I stayed for three weeks on Monday. I had a great, great time there.
I stayed at a city called Chiasso and moved to Lucarno. Switzerland is colder than I imagined.
From Lucarno I visited Bellinzona, a city famous for it's three castles which is one of the world heritage. It was a very quiet and peaceful place. I had a walk in the castle like I owned the place.
Day by day, snow is working it's way down from top of the mountains and soon it will come to town. It feels like autumn and winter came together.picture: above, afternoon Lucarno. below, city of Bellinzona from incide of the castle.

Pisa, Lucca

2010-11-20T05:36:00.000+09:00

I went to Pisa and Lucca on my last weekend at the farm.
First, I visited Pisa. It was a rainy Saturday as usual. The first impression of the leaning tower was that it looked smaller than I imagined. oops… And it didn't look so old. Everything looked rebuilt. Although, I guess it was necessary to do the maintenance or otherwise it wouldn't be leaning no more. But it was very interesting place to visit.
Lucca was much more quite compared to Pisa. Less tourist. Lucca has a old town which is surrounded by wall. Fun to walk around inside the wall. It was also interesting to see the Saturday market at the piazza. Most of them were antic markets.picture: above, the leaning tower of Pisa. below, book store at the market

rainy tuscany

2010-11-18T01:12:00.000+09:00

I am in a town near Florence and doing HelpX. I've been here for two weeks and this is my last week.
The farm I'm staying at has about 600 olive trees and my job here is to prune them and to pick the olives. It's been a wonderful stay and I learned many things. Working with other helpXers was also great. I guess I came in the rainy season, most of the days were rainy and sometimes stormy. Still, it was nice to see the coloring leaves and misty mountains. There are many tiny towns in the mountains. Buildings are very close to each other and it feels strange to walk around it.
I went to Florence one weekend. Climbed up the stairs of the Duomo and crossed ponte vecchio. Panorama view from the Duomo was great with sun light leaking through the cloud.
Tomorrow will be the last working day. I'll spend the weekend here and move to Switzerland.picture: above, city of Firenze. below, goat at the farm.

roam around rome

2010-10-28T04:49:00.000+09:00

Another fine day in Rome. I headed for Vatican in the morning but it was already queuing. Instead, I walked around the area. I had lunch and headed back to the hostel. After siesta, I went out again to see an evening look of Rome. There were less people on the streets but many cars. It's quite dark around seven in Rome. I passed night version of Colosseo and walked to Pantheon. The exterior is under construction now but there is no difficulty for entering the temple. Every visitors are forced to gaze up as they enter. I, of course, did the same. The hole or the Oculus to be precise. I saw nothing but a darkening sky through the window. Though it wasn't just a sky, it didn't bore me staring at it. Oculus means a circular window and it also means eye in Latin. Eye would be more appropriate than a window is what I felt.
I had a light dinner and headed back towards the hostel again. One last peek at the Colosseo on the way back but the place was almost empty by then. Few people taking pictures of Colosseo in light-up or guys selling souvenirs on the street.
I had a good time in Rome. Many things to see but it is easy because the famous things are so famous that I don't have to do research for "what to see", just go.
I will leave Rome tomorrow.picture: above, Vatican and it's queue. below, entering the pantheon.

Rome

2010-10-27T00:45:00.000+09:00

I came to Rome yesterday. Bus to Napoli from Agerola and train from Napoli.
I walked all day today and saw a lot of famous things. Started with Colosseo and moved to Fontana de Trevi, Panthenon, Castel S. Angelo, and Vatican city. Also other famous piazzas. As you can see in the pictures, the weather was fine. Colosseo and Vatican was super busy with tourist and I couldn't be bothered to wait in the queue. The queue for Vatican was so long that I didn't even think about waiting for it.
It's not close to each other but the famous sites in Rome isn't a non-walking distance. Maybe it's easier to walk because it's like connecting the dots by walking.
I saw the major places today so I might go to a park tomorrow and maybe, if the queue is not too bad, I'll enter Vatican.picture: above, Colosseo. below, Arco di Costantino, next to Colosseo

Amalfi

2010-10-24T00:58:00.002+09:00

I moved to Naples from Ravenna and from Naples to Amalfi.
The bus drivers around Amalfi are amazing. To drive a bus on a narrow, steep, winding roads would be a nightmare for me. But the super drivers here aren't scared of it. They know the roads, they'll turn and backup and do everything to reach the destination.
I'm staying at a hostel in Agerola, few kilometers away from Amalfi. I walked to Amalfi today by taking a hiking shortcut route. It's called the path of gods and it has 2700steps(I didn't count it). Going down the steps weren't that much of a trouble. I reached Amalfi around mid day and had lunch. I did a short sightseeing and started the hike back because it started to rain. The rain soon cleared up and the sun shined on Amalfi again. It was hot. Going up the stairs in the afternoon isn't the best time.
Amalfi was very unique. Nothing like the places I've been. I will walk around Agerola tomorrow.picture: above, part of Amalfi. below, tornado. there is a tiny spot on the right half of the picture where the tornado is touching the surface of the sea. (I think)

Ravenna

2010-10-21T01:48:00.000+09:00

I am staying at a town called Ravenna. I came here to see the sea and to see some world heritage buildings.
I thought the ocean was just around the corner from the hostel but I found out that I was wrong since it took me almost two hours to reach it. It was kind of hot so it wasn't a bad walk but it was more exercise than I imagined. The coast was very quiet and nice. Calm waves and the atmosphere was saying that the summer is over. Folded parasols and empty cafes. I sat there and watched the waves.
I walked back to the city and did short sightseeing.
I'll catch a train tomorrow and move further south.picture: above, taken at the city center, forgot the name. below, gentle wave.

Venice

2010-10-19T01:26:00.000+09:00

One step out of the station and there were gondolas and the floating looking houses on Canal Grande.
I think Venice was one of the most touristy place I've visited so far. It felt like all the people on the street were tourist. People with cameras, shopping bags, and backpacks. It was strange to see doors with no road in front of it. People who are living there would simply hop on a boat from it.
It was fun just walking through a narrow street and walking over many bridges. One thing bothered me was that things were a bit pricey. Other than that, it was okay. Piazza San Marco was just like I saw it in movies or photograph.
I'm now off to grab a pizza.
picture: taken from Ponte di Rialto

Verona

2010-10-16T23:59:00.005+09:00

I walked to Austria and got on a bus just after the border. I changed to train and went to a city called Innsbruck. The city was surrounded by mountains and forest. I took the train yesterday to Verona, Italy. There were many grape fields so I could guess that I entered Italy.
Also in Verona I could feel the difference between Germany or Austria, many vespas on the street and pizza restaurant everywhere.
I didn't spend long time in Austria but I'll visit the east part later on my trip. I'll be moving to Venice tomorrow and might work a little bit near Florence.
picture: taken from the train.

Fussen

2010-10-12T05:03:00.000+09:00

Fussen is a small peaceful town located five kilometers from the Austrian border. The town is famous for the beautiful castle, Neuschwanstein castle.
To the castle from Fussen is about one hour walk. I had a bad feeling from the beginning of the walk, this area is so misty that it's like walking through a cloud. As I expected, the fog was so thick that I couldn't see the top of the castle. Shame. But walking back to the town was very nice with the coloring leaves and a calm lake. Autumn had come and gone and now the winter is on it's way.
I came to a town called Schwangau yesterday, only one hour walk from Fussen. I went up a mountain by a cable car, which was absolutely breathtaking. The weather was like the usual, thick cloud and very heavy air. Couple of minutes on the cable car, we were in the cloud. White was everything outside of the window. After a minute or less, we were out of the cloud. Sun. Sea of cloud and layers of mountain for miles and miles. It felt like the starting point of the cable car was another world. I had a walk at the top and enjoyed the sun. Coming back down again was strange. Welcome back to the real world.
I had a very good time here. My recent stops were big cities and I was starting to miss the peaceful countryside. Although the air was dumpy and a bit chilly, I enjoyed my stay. I like winter too.
Since the border is so close, I'm thinking of entering Austria on foot tomorrow.picture: all from top of the mountain (mt. Branderschr.)

Munchen

2010-10-08T02:03:00.000+09:00

I felt like some kind of fugitive or something coming from Dresden. Twice I got asked by the police to show my passport. When they came the second time (different police from the first ones), I said I just showed it to the other police ten minutes ago. They didn't speak English but a kind man talked to them for me. I could understand if they were checking all of us but it was only me. I guess it was one of those days when you look like a criminal.
Never mind about that, I arrived at Munich around four. Cloudy and dark, not a fine welcome. I walked around the town today. It wasn't a "walk through the park" weather but I went to English garden, one of the largest urban parks in the world. I also went up to the top of Frauenkirche.
Many churches and buildings in Munich. Also many cars on the street. I would say it's a busy city.
I'm moving on again tomorrow. Two hours train trip to a place called Fussen. I'm going to visit a castle there.
picture: taken from top of Frauenkirche.

Dresden

2010-10-06T01:18:00.003+09:00

Many historic buildings in Dresden. I read that the city of Dresden was bombed very hard during the second world war so that most of the buildings I saw today were rebuilt. I don't know the name of the music the street players were playing but walking through the old buildings with classical music on the back was nice. It was also good because there weren't many tourist.
I'm very close to Czech now but I'll visit there later on my trip. My next destination is Munich. About five hours trip on train from Dresden.
picture: forgot the name… in very center of the city

Berlin

2010-10-04T02:35:00.001+09:00

The first thing what surprised me entering Germany was that the train from Denmark boarded the ferry like a car would do so. The railway went through into the ferry. I was sitting in the train which was in the ferry, how odd is that. I wasn't expecting that.
When I hear the word "Berlin", the first thing which would come to mind is the wall. Parts are still kept and the visitors can see the remains of it. It has an atmosphere of it's own. I felt it was very quiet.
Berlin is a city where people live. Just ten minutes or so walk from the city center and there would be an apartment block, many of them. Another thing I noticed was that there are many ways to get around inside Berlin. Most unique one is segway I would say. I saw an advert maybe in San Francisco, but I haven't seen someone actually using it for sightseeing. Nice. Good weather, flat roads, I think those who rode them had a good time.
I'm leaving Berlin tomorrow, not yet sure where to go next but somewhere south. Where I can see some big castle.
picture: remains of the wall

Copenhagen

2010-10-01T03:09:00.004+09:00

Big city after the comfortable little farm felt a bit busy, but no need to be uncomfortable, Copenhagen was a very tourist welcome city. Many big parks and surrounded by water like other Scandinavian cities. I had a fine day today but I could feel the season changing, the temperature is lower and the wind is colder.

It was a short stay in Copenhagen but I had a good time. I was amazed by the number of the cyclist.
I'm taking a train to Germany tomorrow.
picture: above, colorful houses somewhere in city central. below, swan in a pond.

on a farm

2010-09-29T03:00:00.000+09:00

Ten days at the farm went by in a flash. Hard working days and good foods were so good. Each night the dream world came as soon as I hit the sack. Yes, I had a fine time.
The thing I did is called HelpX, helpers help a host and they'll help the helpers by giving food and accommodation. Lots of helping going around.
There are always things to do on a farm. Take care the cattle, cultivate the field, chopping some wood, grass cutting, and hunting for some berries or mushrooms into the forest… Good times. Most of the foods I ate there were produced at the farm. The food only traveled a few meters, only one or two human contact and it was already on my plate. Groovy!
I learned a lot and made me think a lot. And that's what I wanted. And also since I was missing my dog, I had a very good time with the dogs at the farm. There was a very handsome rottweiler who loved to play. Tackling and pulling ropes, he was a tough one.
My next destination is Copenhagen. Germany will be the next after that.picture: above, rottweiler. below, his only son. he has the energy just like his father

Goteborg

2010-09-16T02:08:00.000+09:00

From Gotland, I took bus and train to Goteborg, my last stop in Sweden.
The city is like Stockholm, surrounded by water and the buildings has some history. There are many parks, small one to big one, all near from the city central. Easy access to green, nice roads to walk, I like Goteborg. There were many tourists but it didn't feel so crowded. I enjoyed walking in the park or even in the busy streets where the tourists and the shoppers were. One thing it wasn't so great was the weather. I had some sunshine in the morning, but it rained everyday.
I took the ferry today from Goteborg to Frederikshavn, Denmark. I'll stay here for two days and then going to work for ten days at a farm. I'm very excited, I hope I'll learn a lot.
picture: ducks at Slottskogen park

Cycling day five

2010-09-11T21:47:00.003+09:00

I rented my bike for five days so today is the last day. I'm having a day off today and am now off to return the bike. I'll leave Gotland tomorrow and my next destination is Goteborg. From Goteborg, I will enter Denmark.
picture: waiting for the glue to dry. puncture on day one.

Cycling day four

2010-09-10T21:13:00.003+09:00

In the morning, the same atmosphere was still there. It was like being in an empty amusement park or living in a mansion alone. I don't know how to describe it but there was very unusual, kind of sad feeling in the air.
Today, I had to ride almost 65km. Well, I didn't have to but I wanted to.
It rained sometimes, but like at the Hoga Kusten, my rain gear saved me from being wet. I rode quite smoothly without no problem till I saw the sign seven kilometers to Visby. There, I rested for a bit to go the last distance. As I resumed my last ride, I felt the bad feeling again… rear tire was punctured. I thought about ignoring it for a bit, but there was the bump again. I stopped and investigated but I couldn't find the puncture. The rain was washing away my concentration too. So, after all, I continued to ride the punctured bumpy bike for another hour.
Although with some difficulties, I reached Visby earlier than I planned.
I was so pleased when I saw the ruins from the distance.
picture: stone path. visby

Cycling day three

2010-09-09T20:43:00.003+09:00

Around mid day, I reached the ferry port. Faro island is only a kilometer away from Gotland. Just few minutes ride and I was on Faro island. I followed the main road to find somewhere to stay for the night. I also wanted to ask a good place to visit. About ten kilometers from the port, there was an hostel. Luckily it was open and I got a bed. I also got an information for a good road to ride.
From the hostel, the popular coastline was only seven kilometers or so and was an easy ride. The major sight is a natural curved rocks. But I was more happy to see the golden eagle. It was a bit too far but I could see it's yellow beak and the big body. It was gliding smoothly in the clear blue sky.
I rode along the coastline and went to supermarket. Got back to the hostel around five. The hostel was even worth than the campsite! Nobody…I felt more alone than I did at the campsite. The lights were all gone and the buzzing sound of fridge and the rustling sound of the pine trees were the only noise I could hear. As it got dark, I noticed. I picked the wrong place to stay. To avoid the eerieness, I went to bed around nine.picture: above, stacked stone. below, golden eagle in the distance

Cycling day two

2010-09-08T20:13:00.002+09:00

I woke up around seven. I wouldn't say I slept good. At night, the campsite had an eerie atmosphere. I woke up sometimes hearing a weird animal scream or a galloping sound just outside my tent. It was a quite big campsite with many cottage and fields, but I think I was the only one there. I don't know but the humanness was gone. It was like a movie set or something, I never felt so alone.
So glad to see the sun, I got up, had breakfast, packed my tent and started to repair the puncture. Since it was making a mysterious bump, I decided to change the tube. Took the wheel off and taking off the tire, I found the cause of the bump. The tube was bundled up and making a ball. I took out the tube and realized that tube was far too big for the wheel. I don't ride a bike usually so I don't know too much about bicycle, but it was unmistakably big. There was a spare tube in the kit so I changed it. The spare one was 35 inch and a bit big, the one it was in before was 40 inch… I think that ain't right. I changed the tube, and the bike was set for another ride. Since the bike was now in a good condition, I tried to load my backpack on the back again. I used the rope for my tent and it worked. It wasn't super steady but at least it's on and no need for me to carry it on my back. Feeling mighty and confident, I started cycling. Fine weather again.
Riding along a beautiful coastline, I reached a town called Larbro. Stayed at a hostel for a night.
picture: ruin in Visby

Gotland

2010-09-07T19:34:00.000+09:00

The ferry arrived at Visby, the main city of Gotland. City with ruins and beautiful sea. Walking up a hill, I could look down the town with orange roofed houses and Baltic sea. Nice.
When I asked where is the most popular sight to visit in Gotland at the tourist office, the guide said Faro island. So I decided to go there, simple. There are bus going between Visby and ferry port to Faro, but I thought why not rent a bicycle. Since there are many cycle roads and it's quite common for visitors to do so. I rented a standard three geared bike. They also gave me a pump and other tools for tire repair. Around mid day, off I went. In my opinion, the weather in Gotland is the best in Sweden!
Although it was a rough one, I had a map of Gotland and it showed the recommended cycle roads. Mainly around the coastline. I tried loading my backpack on the back, but since it's heavy and big, I gave up. I carried it on my back instead. After riding along for a few hours, the bike suddenly felt heavy. Moving forward became difficult, the rear tire was punctured. I thought it would happen sometime, but it came earlier than I thought. Although I felt irritated, there was a repair seal in the kit so it didn't take long. Just find the puncture and glue, seal, done. But, ten minutes later, I felt the same dullness again. Even worth, it felt like there was something in the tire. Every time the wheel span, there was a bump. It was around four so I decided to camp at the next campsite I find and do the repair next morning. I wasn't in the mood to do the repair again. Ten minutes was a bit of shock for me.
picture: Visby

Stockholm

2010-09-05T18:52:00.000+09:00

As a capital city, I imagined a city with skyscrapers. But as the bus approached the city center, I noticed that there aren't any. Another thing about Stockholm is that the city is surrounded by water.
Major sights I visited in Stockholm were Gamla Stan(old town), Nobel museum, Skansen and Vasa museum. To the hostel, I had to walk through Gamla Stan so I walked around the area every day. Walking through an old town with colorful houses and walking by the water to Skansen was very nice. Skansen is a big park with everything such as zoo, farm, historical buildings and restaurants. I didn't look all the parts but the zoo was definitely worth a visit. So many creatures that I've never seen before. Vasa museum is a museum about a ship. The ship sank during the war and was salvaged in the sixties. The whole ship is in the museum! It's in a good condition and the details are still there.
I also walked around the city center which was filled with tourist. On Saturday, so many people shopping and sightseeing in the city center.
The shopping areas were like other cities but the old towns and other surrounding parts were very unique. Again with okay weather, I had a great time in Stockholm. I'm moving to Gotland next. Three hours ferry trip from main land.picture: above, the old town on the left and city center on the far side. below, ring-tailed lemur

Höga Kusten

2010-09-01T03:17:00.001+09:00

On the last day in Kiruna, I joined a tour to go down a mine. To be precise, the biggest undermine in the world. The tour departed from the city center at one o'clock. Only five minutes or so on the bus, we arrived at the gate of the mine. As the bus driver held his card to the machine, the gate swung open and the bus entered the mouth of the mine. Soon it got dark and I felt the slope. The road was sloping 10%, I drove a 9% road in Norway and it was quite steep. We got deeper and deeper by the second. There are no lights in the tunnel so that the truck drivers can tell the oncoming vehicles by it's headlight. After a few minutes, the bus stopped at a gate. Inside was unbelievably spacious room for the visitors. There were cinema to show how the mine was made, long corridor where the monstrous machines awaits the visitors, and cafe for a small break. The machines they use for mining were just like the ones I saw on the Discovery channel, big and vicious. It was very interesting tour. The tour group was small and the guide spoke English. I've gone up near the highest of the country and the deepest in the world. Kiruna, sure has it's ups and downs. In a good way of course.
After Kiruna, I took a train. I stopped at Lulea, Umea and took a bus to Docksta, where the world heritage site, High Coast is in a walking distance.
I didn't have enough information about High Coast, but I figured if I go there I would find something. So, after walking for three hours through a forest full of spider webs, I reached Skuleskogen National Park, one of the well known parts of High Coast. (Also known as Hoga Kusten) At the gate of Skuleskogen, there was an information board which read that the hike up to the top is quite demanding, trained man would walk up to the top in 1to1.5 hours and some might take 2to3 hours. Worrying and looking forward how tough it is at the same time, I started the hike. At the start the trail was very well paved with planks but soon it got rocky. It was unusually hot day. After walking for an hour or so, the trees were sparser and the ground were covered with red rocks. I thought I've come quite high and stopped to look around. There was a beautiful view behind me! The top of Skulesberget is 294m above sea level and the highest coastline is 286m above sea level. I wasn't at the highest point and I knew this wasn't the highest coastline, but still it was amazing. Sunlit small islands in the high coast was beautiful. BUT! On my right, I found a huge raincloud. As soon as I found it, I felt a drop on my face. I though it won't come just yet, but I decided to put on my rain gears on. Wise decision it was, soon the weather changed into a typhoon. Strong wind and heavy rain. I thought the summit wasn't too far, so I decided to continue my hike. Soon I came to a place where small rocks were stacked up into a pile. Often seen in the mountains. It wasn't the summit yet, but I put a stone on the pile and decided to descend. The wind was too strong and the wet rocks were slippery and dangerous. Rain didn't bother me since I had a fine gear with me and I waxed my boots the day before. When I got near to the entrance, I got a lift. Very kind old man who drove a Japanese car drove me back to Docksta. Too bad I couldn't take good pictures because of the heavy rain, but the beautiful views will stay in my mind.
I left Docksta and took a bus to Sundsvall today. I'm moving to Stockholm tomorrow. It'll be only a few hours trip from here.picture: above, three towed woodpecker(not sure). below, the beast in the mine

back to Kiruna

2010-08-26T07:04:00.003+09:00

Woke up around seven again. Had breakfast and started descending. The way back to Nikkaloukta was easier than the other way. Maybe because I knew the distance and the trail. Reached Nikkaloukata and caught a bus to go back to Kiruna. The hostel I stayed at before was full so I stayed in another hostel called Yellow house. Guess what, it's yellow.
I walked 70kilometers or so in three days. For me, it's quite amazing. Like I said before, there are people who does this for much longer term in a harsher condition.
It was definitely unforgettable three days in my trip.

picture: reindeer, snow. taken yesterday

Kebnekaise

2010-08-25T06:57:00.002+09:00

Woke up around seven. The night wasn't unbearably cold, but it was cold enough to wake me up a few times. Had breakfast at the hostel and started the hike to climb Kebnekaise. It was snowing since I got out of the tent…it's August… I checked the route on the map at the hostel. It showed some trails and what I had to do was to go west. There were a few hikers at the start but soon I was alone. Snow, reindeer and massive mountains. After walking for couple of hours, two guys were walking toward me. I said "hi" as usual, and he first said something in Swedish. I said "Sorry, I don't understand". Then he said something very very strange. A bit philosophical, he said "where, tomorrow". hmm… what did he mean. It was really tough for me to guess what he wanted to ask. I said I'm staying at the hostel, it doesn't make sense but I thought I have to say something. Anyway, I think it was the wrong answer, he started walking again. Maybe I should have said "be patient my friend, tomorrow will come, be patient". Communication breakdown.
After walking for three hours, I started to wonder whether I was going the right way or not. Still, I believed that there would be a sign which showed the way to the mountain. Four hours past, a sign! It said Kebnekaise 14kilometers… it meant the hostel. I knew it, I walked around the mountain I wanted to climb. BUT, I wasn't disappointed at all. The nature surrounded me was magnificent. Snowcapped mountains, reindeers staring at me as I walked around them, cold wind, lakes, snow. It was so WILD. And that was what I wanted to see. Superb.
I walked for 30to35 kilometers. I admire the people who does this everyday for a week or sometimes a month. Must be super fit.
Checked in at the hostel and slept in a warm and comfortable bed where there are no wind or sound of rain.

picture: taken near the sign said 14km to kebnekaise

Nikkaluokta

2010-08-24T05:14:00.006+09:00

I stayed in Kiruna for two days. Thought about leaving on the 23rd, but at the hostel, I heard that the highest mountain in Sweden is near Kiruna. So I did some research and decided to climb "Kebnekaise", the highest mountain in Sweden on the 24th.
Took the bus to Nikkaluokta from Kiruna. From there I had to walk about 20 kilometers to the hostel. With my backpack, which has many stuff I don't need for hiking or climbing mountain. Anyway, I started the hike around half eleven and reached the hostel at Kebnekaise almost five hours later. The track led me to the hostel wasn't too bad. Sometimes rocky but much better than what I imagined. I couldn't book a night at the hostel so I had to sleep outside in my tent. It is free to camp outside but I preferred sleeping inside in a warm bed. The weather forecast at the hostel said it's going to be somewhere around -4degrees. I wore everything I had.

picture: taken the next day during the hike. it's snowing!

weekend

2010-08-22T02:17:00.002+09:00

After changing buses for four times, we reached Nervik around nine on Friday. We took the last beds in the hostel for the night. I had to do some research for the whale watch, how to go to the point and when it's open and stuff. But the internet at the hostel was super slow. So I decided to go to the information center the following morning. So, after having breakfast, we went to the center but it was shut…not again. Everything is shut on Saturdays too. Got back to the hostel. Tried the super slow internet to check the bus timetable. I found out that it is possible to go by bus. But I realized the timetable I was looking at was for Sunday. So, final option, car hire. The car hire place was next door so I walked there to check but it was shut. I thought about hitchhiking to the whale place but I simply decided to change my destination. To Abisko. Hour and a half ride on the train from Narvik.
Took the 14:50 train which goes all the way to Stockholm. Crossed the border during the train ride. I couldn't spot an obvious difference. Few minutes past four, the train arrived at Abisko. There I departed with my friend. He's going to Stockholm, eighteen hours on train. Gone around Norway with him, more fun to have a company to travel with. Also good to have a friend around so that I can speak Japanese as a first option. Now I'm back in the Englishness.
Abisko was more civilized than I imagined. Hotel and a tourist canter just by the station. I was going to camp near the station but they said I can't, unless I got out of the national park. So I camped at the campsite they offered. I was worried whether my sleeping bag was warm enough in this area. The result was, it was the limit. I wasn't too cold but I didn't feel warm and comfortable.
I went for a short hike in the morning and came back to the station to catch the train. Which was canceled for the day. Why! But there was a bus coming to pick us up, and I didn't have to pay for the ride. So, it turned out to be a good news. The bus took me to Kiruna. I'm staying here for a night and head east on the train tomorrow.
picture: taken at Abisko

Nordkapp

2010-08-19T05:04:00.002+09:00

We visited Nordkapp a few days ago. Too late to see the midnight sun but the arctic sea, the freezing wind and the symbol of Nordkapp welcomed us to the most northern point of Europe (I'm not sure but they said so). Couldn't believe it's still summer, we were shivering from the cold. It was somewhere around one degree centigrade. Got back to the hostel after walking around the place. We planned to come back in the evening to see the late sunset but the weather wasn't doing good so we stayed in. Came back to Alta again to return our car. On the way back to Alta, there was a guy on the road with his thumb up… of course we gave him a lift.
We returned the car this morning and going to leave Alta tomorrow morning. Going to Narvik. We can catch a train to Sweden from there. Before entering Sweden, I'll go bit more west to the Norwegian sea to see some wild life. There is a point to see some whales and if I'm lucky enough, I might be able to see some Killer whales.picture: above, Nordkapp. below, Reindeer

Arctic Circle

2010-08-15T02:26:00.000+09:00

We left Stryn on Saturday afternoon and moved to Oslo airport by bus. It took almost nine hours. Reached the airport before midnight. Slept for a bit on the airport bench, which was surprisingly quite full. Woke up around five this morning and did the check in and luggage drop and other flying stuff. Flight from Oslo to Alta was two hours. Sleep for a bit and we were already there. Cold air. This ain't no summer, it's like winter in Japan. I forgot, we entered the Arctic. We missed it but up here in July, the sun stays up all night long. The midnight sun…nifty name.
Our aim up here is to go up to Nordkapp, or North cape in English. And to see some world heritages. Everything is far apart so we decided to rent a car. The nearest hostel is 15km from the airport. No thank you with my backpack on my back. Luckily, there was a car available, super small Toyota. Since we were starving, we decided to go shopping as soon as the check in was done. Again, it's Sunday!! Nothing is open. Only gas stand was open so we bought pasta and sauce for tonight. Still not use to the "Sunday, impossible to shop."
Now that we have a car, we have the freedom to go anywhere we want. For a kick off, we'll go up north to Nordkapp tomorrow. I bet it's going to be cold. The natives says it's warm today… if this is warm for them, I don't want to know what cold is like.

picture: Iris, taken back in Bristol.

The walk

2010-08-13T20:30:00.007+09:00

Two weeks has passed in Norway.
We are now staying at Stryn, six hours to the north from Bergen. We visited two famous fjords from here. Geirangerfjord and Nordfjord. We cruised through the Geirangerfjord and walked up to the glacier of Nordfjord. Both were amazing but looking up the glacier and waterfalls were Super! My top two fjords would be Lysefjord where we hiked up to preikestolen and Nordfjord where the glacier is.

But before we left the last hostel(Mjolfjell), something we'll never forget happened…
That day, we went to Sognefjord. From hostel, we took a train and rode to the ferry port which cruises through the fjord. Descending almost 800m on train and the view from ferry was absolutely stunning. After the ferry trip, we hopped on a bus and got back to Voss, located about one hour on train from hostel. But the last train had already departed. We knew this but came to Voss anyway. We thought that there should be some way to go back to hostel. Our next option was to hire a car for a day, so we went to a information center and asked for a car hire place. But the information he gave us was an address of a kayak hire company. So, with "?" in our head, we asked for a real address for the car hire company at the kayak place and walked there. Shut. Sunday, nothing is open on Sunday. phew… now what. no train, no car, we asked how about rent a cycle but no. Only option was to walk. If it was like ten km or so we would start walking with no hesitation but the distance we had to walk was more than 40km. yikes! After a short rest with coke in our hand, we started the walk. First three hours of the walk we wasted by walking the wrong direction. We were walking with our thumbs up but no one stopped. We got back to Voss again. Maybe it was nine or eight o'clock by then but I'm not sure. We made another short mistake but finally got on the correct road. By then, the sun was almost behind the mountains. After that, we walked and walked. Sometimes stop at the station to rest. A car stopped but his destination was very near so he drove off. Thanks anyway. We passed a "26km to hostel" sign. Oh, boy we walked. We reached a station called Urdland around midnight. We were short on water so we thought there might be a tap. But more than that, there was a house with light on. I think it was station manager's house. I saw a guy from the window but I think he went to bed soon. No luck. We were exhausted by then. No way we could continue. We thought maybe the next station is better so we started walking again. Pitch black. The night has come. We walked another hour and reached a station. There was a small hut with light and bench so we decided to rest and wait for the first train next morning. The time was somewhere around two or three. It was cold but we caught the train next morning and walked six km and got back to hostel around ten. Although we couldn't make it all the way, we walked 40 km or more all together. Never walked such distance and maybe there was other option but we had fun time and we'll never forget those road we walked.

We are going to Oslo next to fly up to Notdkapp. picture: above, glacier. below, at Urdland station

preikestolen

2010-08-07T19:58:00.004+09:00

Nature in Norway is amazing!
I met my friend from Japan in Bergen. We moved to Stavanger from Bergen and went to Lysefjord. The hike was about three to four hours round trip and it was super view all the time. Our destination was preikestolen, rock with flat top about 600m above the sea level. No fence or rope around it so some nutters would sit on the edge and look down… rumbling stomach just looking at this action. Quite a sight though. I felt dizzy but it was definitely worth the hike and the height. One of the greatest seen in my trip so far.
We moved to a place called Mjolfjell yesterday. Planning to visit two famous fjords from here. Love the nature in Norway! Hope we'll see more of the greatness.

picture: from preikestolen. difficult to tell the height from it but it was breathtaking.

Bergen

2010-08-01T04:11:00.002+09:00

I walked around the city of Bergen today. Visited Bryggen, the old wharf of Bergen and now a world heritage. Very nice town with colors and mountains around but it rained heavily.

a guy started talking to me when I was writing this. he suddenly sat beside me and started talking. he isn't a bad guy but I'm very bad at writing and listening at same time, hard to concentrate. so it's a short post. "so you like whale meat?" that's how he starts a sentence. my brain is about to pop, his accent is hard and he hums.

picture: Bryggen

carry that weight

2010-07-30T04:20:00.000+09:00

Last day in Shetland. I carried around my backpack in the car so I forgot how heavy it was. I'll start carrying it on my back again in Norway from tomorrow.
I don't have a plan as usual, but I hope I'll see many nature like I did in Shetland. I didn't know the country was so big that it goes really high up to the north. I might go up there and see the midnight sun. If I make it in time.
I spent two months in UK. Three and a half month since I started my "odyssey".
Still more to come!picture: above, gannet before the dive. below, arctic tern with fish

shetland

2010-07-24T03:37:00.000+09:00

It's been ten days since I came to Shetland. I've explored the mainland and some smaller islands. I sometimes sleep in my car and when I do so, I always park where there are no houses around and by the sea, which isn't too difficult here. Watching the sunset by the sea is pretty awesome. Shetland is a very friendly place and full of nature, and sheep. I found that "where are you from?" question is not a FAQ here.
I'm back in the hostel where I stayed at before. I'll drive up to edge of the mainland tomorrow and hopefully see some otters.picture: above, some building by the sea. below, puffins in conversation, up in Unst

invader

2010-07-18T02:17:00.000+09:00

Three days ago, I went to Bressay. I had to go to the car hire company in the morning because my car had a flat tire. Arrived at Bressay afternoon. I planned to visit Noss the next day so that I could spend the whole day. Next day, drove to the place where a small boat sails across the ocean between Bressay and Noss. I was amazed that I slept enough in that small car, it was too windy and rainy that I couldn't bother pitching the tent up. Anyway, as I reached the mini port, I found out that Noss isn't open. Due to the stormy weather. Decided to go back to the mainland and come back another day. Stayed at B&B that night.
17,July. The B&B I stayed at was super nice. They offered me a dinner and discount for another night! So, feeling good to have a place to come back for the night, I went out to explore the west part of Shetland. First five hours was not so unusual, walking through some fields, meeting very few people. The last ninety minutes or so was the most exciting part of the day, or the week.
I wasn't checking on time so not sure, but I started my walk around ten. And maybe around three I encountered this mysterious hill on my right side. For no real reason, I started climbing it. I thought it will be a short cut…wrong, but I didn't know at this point, I had no real map to follow, only a small one you can get at the information canter. I was hopping and climbing up the hillside trying not to step on too many sheep feces and avoiding to get wet from the small streams all over the place. Very near to the summit, there was another shallow stream, so I was crossing it like the others…it was not like the others, it was a swamp! I dropped into the swamp right up to my knees. It was like a quick sand but not so deadly. It didn't feel good but I was laughing for such an unusual event and the fact that my legs were covered in sheep poop and piss. So, not feeling too down, I started to finish my ascent. I reached the top and found out that it wasn't a short cut. The village was so far. But still thinking about the drop, I carried on. I knew a gull crying above my head but didn't pay any attention to it. But after a while I realized that they were gathering up. Maybe half a dozen of them above me. That point, I realized I was in their home. And then they started to glide really close me. Whoosh! There was one big black one kept gliding and gliding just a foot away from me. I could see he wasn't like other gulls, he really wanted me out. I learned that the bird's name was Skua and in the book it said they do the things they did to me, and very unusual but they sometimes attack people. After fighting with those birds, I got back to the B&B around five. I think it'll be one of the most memorable day in Shetland.
Today, I tried to go to Noss because of the fine weather, but it was too windy so it was closed again. Maybe someday…
I'm back to Lerwick hostel again. Maybe go to north part tomorrow. It's difficult to find a Wi-Fi area in Shetland.

picture: arctic tern

renault

2010-07-14T02:18:00.000+09:00

Today, I hired a car. Tried a few rent a car company but most of them had an age limit between 25-70. Lucky it wasn't all of them.
Since I have a car now, I can go around the islands wherever I want and I can camp easily. Tomorrow I think I'll go to Bressay, just seven minutes on ferry from Lerwick. Seems like it's going to be a bad weather. Still, I have a car so not a big issue. Although, I would like to camp tomorrow so maybe I will have to sleep in the car…

picture: ocean, five minutes walk from hostel

Lerwick

2010-07-13T05:31:00.002+09:00

After twelve hours of ferry travel, ferry arrived at Lerwick, Shetland. I didn't get sea sick, but I had the similar feeling of being in the sea all day and you feel the wave when you go to bed that night.
I saw around the town and did a short walk today. Tired from the long sailing so I didn't do much. Thankfully, the weather was super.
I'll walk around the cost if the weather isn't too bad tomorrow. The hostel I'm staying at now is very good! One of my best hostel so far.

picture:above, from a port in Lerwick. below, "almost missed it"

THE FINAL

2010-07-11T06:49:00.003+09:00

Second day in Scotland. I flew to Inverness from Bristol yesterday and came to Aberdeen today by train. Yesterday's flight was a bit delayed but it wasn't too bad. I was worried about the weather in Inverness but luckily only few rain drops on my head.
Arrived at Aberdeen hostel around four, had early dinner and ready for the final. I watched the final at a pub just in front of the hostel. The place's name was something Dutch hotel…obviously there were more people supporting Holland. Although there were quite a few Spain supporters too, including me. The place was full! We were like canned sardines. It was hot and we had to stay standing but I had a very good time. I'll never forget this world cup, “the wold cup which was held during my odyssey”. I'll miss the 19:30 let's watch the world cup routine.

My ferry leaves seven in the evening tomorrow, so I have a time to look around the city of Aberdeen. And then I'll be in Shetland island on Tuesday morning!

picture: taken at the same place as the previous post

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

2010-07-09T03:15:00.000+09:00

Today was my last day in Bristol. Stayed here longer than I thought, the house was too comfortable that leaving wasn't easy.
I had to do my bookings today such as airline ticket, ferry etc… To go to Shetland island from Bristol, I'll be riding airplane, bus, train and ferry. Yeah!
Seems like the weather in Scotland is not like those I had here in Bristol, heavy rain. Still, I had unusually hot days so that was good.
I might be a bit numb with my solo trip because of being with my uncle family for too long, but I hope I'll catch up soon and I'm very excited about the Shetland trip. The days will be even longer than here.

picture: taken at a field where my uncle took me

Like a rolling stone

2010-07-04T05:37:00.001+09:00

What happened after Wales…
First of all, Japan left the tournament of World Cup after fine performance and exciting games. I wanted for them to win, watching their games outside of Japan made me want to support them more than ever.
I came back to Bristol again after visiting Wales. There were big family reunion here and I met my cousins(new cousins too, actually. Yeah!!). And after having a great fun here again, I went to a music festival at Kent from Friday and came back today. Thanks to my Dad's friend, he put my name on the guest list and I was able to see many famous artists, including Van Morrison, Ray Davis and Bob Dylan. My favorite was Ray Davis but they were all good. They know how to entertain the audience. After the festival and the scorching heat in Kent, again I came back to Bristol today.
So, mainly what I did for last few weeks was having fun, or maybe for last few months.
My plan after here is Shetland island which is north from Scotland. I'm hoping to sail to Norway from there but there might be no ferry for that route so if not, I'll fly. But either way I'll be leaving Bristol sometime next week and will be leaving UK during July. Another ten days or so and it'll be three months since I started my trip. Good times. Borrowing the words Nadal said earlier today after winning the Wimbledon, "Es más que un sueño". In English, he said "it's beyond my dream" or something like that. Maybe I'm not using it right but anyway I'm having a good time and glad that I still have another eight months.

picture is a peregrine falcon leaping from a dead branch in bristol

on a misty mountain top

2010-06-18T04:03:00.000+09:00

It was very misty when I started hiking this morning around ten. It wasn't cold but I was expecting a sunny day like yesterday so I was a bit worried that it might rain. From below, the summit was hidden by a thick fog and I could see it gradually invading the surface as the wind blew. Cool and good temperature for walking. As I got closer and closer to the summit, misty air was clearing up. I was above it. Around noon I reached the summit of Snowdon. Very open view, like that of the Grand Canyon. Had a break at the top, saw mountain train and I started descending. Going down was easier as usual. No rain, just a few drops.
Bought food for tonight and headed toward hostel. I wanted to see today's match, England vs Algeria, but there is no TV in this hostel or pub nearby, so meanwhile I'm writing this. I might hop into a pub to see Japan vs Netherlands tomorrow.

Weight

2010-06-17T03:24:00.000+09:00

Very fine day again. I left Porthmadog around eleven and started walking toward hostel. I thought about taking a bus to the hostel but checking in wasn't available till five. I didn't want to arrive too early and wander around with my big backpack, so I decided to walk. At least to Beddgelert, where I can catch a bus goes to hostel directly. It wasn't an easy walk, super heavy backpack! Distance was about eight miles, which isn't too bad, but with the weight on my shoulder and the heat made it difficult. Car would take only ten minutes but I had to walk for four and a half hours with resting few times. Goodness of today's walk was that it wasn't raining, and the scenery was nice. I think it was worth it. And I have to train myself carrying my pack long distance, I don't have a car any more. So, it turned out as a very good day. Training in a beautiful day with a view.
After Beddgeler was easy. Wait for a bus and done. My plan tomorrow is to climb Snowdon.

picture: resting point at Prenteg bus station. four and a half miles to go.

frozen blog

2010-06-16T03:25:00.003+09:00

Already nearly two weeks since my last post. These are highlights of last couple of weeks.
After London, I went to Bristol. I met my dad and uncle family there. Celebrated my granddad's eightieth birthday. We left Bristol and went to north east of York(not sure of the location because I had no clue where I was)to see sea birds and camped at a farm by the coast. So many birds! I've never seen so many sea birds on one sight and such diversity of birds. My knowledge about birds was and still is not good, but now I know a little about those sea birds I saw there. Four days of rain and cloudy weather were a bit annoying, but the strong wind helped us to see interesting actions of the sea birds. Very dynamic and acrobatic movements. Spectacular! Although we enjoyed seeing such a view in a stormy weather, I was very excited to see the sun on the last day. So nice to feel it's warmth on me.
After the camp, we visited my dad's friend. They live in a very nice house and a garden. Then came back to Bristol again. And today, after saying good bye to my dad because I won't see him till when I go back to Japan, I resumed my solo trip. Next destination, Wales. About six hours on a train, I reached Porthmadog, north west of Wales. Decided to come here because I heard that Snowdonia national park is very beautiful. My plan after Porthmadog was to hop on a steam train and stay at a hostel, which didn't happen. Hostel was fully booked for tonight! So I'm stuck in B&B in Porthmadog. Much expensive than hostel but it's okay sometimes.
I didn't know the language they speak here was so different from English. They will talk to me in English, but when they are talking to each other, Welsh all over again. Absolutely no idea what they are talking about.
I'll move to hostel tomorrow. Very excited to hike around the area.

picture: puffins in a row and a gannet studying the wind

fine day

2010-06-02T02:37:00.002+09:00

Blue in the sky, today was the day to walk around the city. First of all, I started my walk by visiting the tower bridge. On the way, I passed the millennium bridge and Tate modern again, and Shakespeare's globe. Many tourists around, getting there and also on the bridge. I don't know why but there were few TV crews around the area filming something. After seeing that big bridge in blue, I headed for Reagent's park. Another park I learned back in college. Very big park and it was nice just hanging around because of the fine weather. Strolled along in the park and left from the opposite gate I entered. It was interesting going through Camden market. Many tourists again and so many shops selling all sorts of stuff. I found a graffiti of a fishing boy by Banksy in Camden.
Walked around St Paul's in the evening and that's about it for today. I'll leave London for Bristol tomorrow. Seems the weather will stay good.

picture: tower bridge and a duck in reagent's park

London

2010-06-01T02:04:00.001+09:00

Today was fifth day in London. Weather isn't as good as America. Typical Britain weather I guess, shower or gray sky. I did have moments with nice blue sky showing, but it's raining again today. Till now, I've visited Serpentine gallery, china town in soho, millennium bridge, Tate modern, St Paul's cathedral and British museum. I had a plan to walk around the central London today, but since it's raining I decided not to. Maybe tomorrow, when the weather is better.
I think I'll spend nearly two months in UK. It is possible to change anytime, but that'll mean my longest stay in one country during this trip. I want to travel around all over, including Ireland. I hear June and July is good season, so looking forward to have another great time in this island country. I have no idea yet, but as soon as I start moving, I think I'll remember how big America was.

picture: St Paul's from millennium bridge. seeing good pictures in black and white at the Tate, I felt like trying my self.

I missed New York in June

2010-05-27T05:26:00.000+09:00

I was lucky with the weather again. Fine weather and hot days.
Yesterday, I walked nearly 200 blocks. Went to Rockefeller center, Grand Central Station, Empire state building and Madison Square Garden. Most of the major sights in the area. Grand central station wasn't the plan but somehow I walked into it. It was big. There were guards with machine gun. Empire state building was too tall that I couldn't grasp the size of it. Standing on a street by it, you can't see the top. Yesterday was the hottest day in my New York days. It reminded me what summer was like.They did something to the air conditioner yesterday and the room was less stinky! yes!!
I went to the Wall street, a park where you can see the statue of liberty, and Ground Zero today. This time, I took the subway. Tall buildings with narrow road is what wall street is like. Many tourist. I thought why not hop on a ferry to see the statue of liberty closer, but since the queue was so long, I decided not to. Again, many tourist. From there to Ground zero was about ten minutes walk. The place where it happened. Very shocking sight. Maybe it was because of the cloudiness in the sky, or because of fewer tourist on sight, I don't know, but the atmosphere there was definitely less merrier than the others. To see it, you have to be there.

Today was my last day in the U.S. So soon. But also, I feel the day I flew in San Francisco was hundred years ago. Many things happened. Thankfully, they are all good memories. Next stop will be London. I haven't decided how long I will stay in the U.K. After America, there is absolutely no plan. I'll stay wherever whenever. If I like the place, it will be a long stay. If not, move on.
I think I'll come back to America someday. There are so many things I missed. It's impossible to see this insanely huge country in six weeks. I'm glad nothing bad happened, and I hope it to stay the same way rest of my trip. Touch wood.
I missed New York in June so I don't know if I like it or not. But May wasn't too bad.

another early rising tomorrow to catch the eight o'clock flight.
photo was taken at grand central station.

new york

2010-05-25T07:08:00.001+09:00

Yesterday's flight wasn't too bad. Five hours and a bit flight didn't feel so long. Maybe I got use to it since I've been driving for such hours on my car.
New York city was humid and warm than I imagined. I had to ride the subway to get to the hostel, and it was more humid and warm in there. Reached hostel around eight thirty. My room was even more humid and hot. And worse, it stinks. I don't know how to describe it, but it's like a stinky sock or a foot. Or an animal pee. The way air flows in the room is so bad that the smell doesn't escape. The aroma is aging. And as it does, the stink gets worse. Every time someone enters the room, they go "phew!". I hope it to go away soon.
I walked to central park today. Goodness of this hostel is it's location. To central park, it's only a few blocks walk. Another nice day. After walking in the park, I entered the metropolitan museum of art. Also known as the MET. Incredibly big. I've been walking in the building for nearly four hours, but still there are things to see. Many famous arts that even I knew.
Going to the MET, I found out one thing today. My experiment to become a Mexican is nearly over. When I entered the museum, I didn't understand what the lady by the desk said, so I asked pardon? Then she answered in Spanish!! I didn't understand what she said, of course, but it sounded like Spanish. I said "what?" after that and she answered "leave your luggage in the room please." okay…strange thing. It never happened before so I was a bit amazed. But a very funny experience. I couldn't help grinning after leaving the entrance.

I'll see around the city again tomorrow. I didn't think New York was this hot. But it's better than a rainy or a windy cold day.

picture was taken at the central park

hither and thither

2010-05-23T11:51:00.002+09:00

As usual, three days in San Francisco went away very quickly.
Yesterday I didn't go out much. Instead, stayed inside and watched the champions league final. I didn't notice that it was yesterday, but my roommate was talking about it excitedly so I decided to watch. At least that was what I thought I was going to do. There is a theatre room here and that was going to be our stadium, but despite the fact that there are thousands of channel, the program we wanted to see wasn't on! Come on!! Forget about the theatre, we decided to move to a sports bar nearby. And yes they were showing it. We missed like twenty minutes, but not a big deal, score was 0-0…well, that wasn't an issue, but we being there was kind of an issue. The bartender said "you two, you have your ID?" us, as we shook our heads side to side "……" bartender "well, you can't stay here then. It says on the front door." Since my roommate is 20 (he sure look older than me), we had to leave the place. We were this close to see one of the biggest match of the year. After that, our final option was to go back to our room and watch it on the internet. Which wasn't so great. Kept stopping because of the slow internet and stuff. Anyway, that was yesterdays high light. We went out a bit afternoon but that was it.
Today, I followed my roommate's advice again. Visit Alcatraz. I wasn't that in to it, but I thought why not, it's famous and it could be a great experience. So after having breakfast, we headed for the port to catch a ferry to go to Alcatraz. But we found out that ticket for today's tour were all sold out. Oops. We decided to see the "America's crookedest street" instead. Very crooked indeed. I can't imagine someone would want to drive that road. Not fun. After that, we came back to the hostel.
It may sound I was unlucky time to time, but I had a good time here. In San Francisco you can just go around the neighborhood to see the city, or do a real sightseeing, such as Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, Cable car, crooked street and so on. Anyways you can see many things in this city. Even now, just sitting on my bed with my mac, I can here a man playing saxophone, and many police cars, people laughing or shouting sometimes… there are many things going on around you wherever you are. Also I had fine weather here too.

Tomorrow I'll fly to New York. Don't know what it's going to be like but I hear many positive things about the city. Hope the weather will be nice again.

not a good picture, but it's a very crooked road.

San Francisco

2010-05-21T09:23:00.000+09:00

Morning, I've finished my task of the day, to return my vehicle. I didn't like driving on the freeway in the morning when there are many cars and there were many turns to make to get to the car return station. But after finding the right place, it was easy. What I had to do was just leave the key in the car and done. That was it, bye and thank you my black mazda. Despite the long drive and many rough roads, he did a very fine job. I have no single complaint about the car.
After that, I didn't have a plan. So I headed for the hostel located in downtown. Checking in went okay, and I'll be spending three nights here till Monday when I fly to N.Y.
Since I didn't know what to look, I strolled through downtown. I had lunch at Japanese restaurant! I've always avoided Japanese food, but I heard Japanese food in San Francisco isn't too bad. I had a Japanese curry. That was the main menu of the place, and I love curry. Who doesn't I wonder. It was great! It has been a long time since I had japonica. Which was also great.
After lunch, I resumed my walk. In one street some guy will come to me and ask "could ya give me some quarters man?" and as I walk around the bend, I see big hotel where you don't even have to open the car door yourself. Like Redwood in a way, poor and rich in one sight. Although I wouldn't say it's the goodness of the place in this case.

I guess I'll see around the city again tomorrow, maybe pop into one of the museums.

picture: hare near Point Reyes yesterday morning

it's a long one

2010-05-20T09:54:00.001+09:00

I had an awesome time in Redwood N.P. I left Portland around four in the morning. I was worried if I could have an available camping site, but there was no need to worry. When I asked at visitor center, she said it's highly unlikely to be full. It's not yet the season to be so. As I decided my camp site, I set my tent and started hiking in the woods where the redwoods are. Spectacular!! Those trees are really huge and old. Many moss were growing on them, some had moss all over so that the tree was colored in varieties of green. I like the place so much. It was like a jungle. Cool and wet air but it wasn't uncomfortably humid. I guess the wetness is the key for those redwoods to live so tall and long time. After walking through a forest of big trees, river surrounded by walls filled with ferns, I came out in front of the ocean again. That is the best thing about this park, beautiful jungle and pacific ocean together! And the camping site is by the beach. It's all good out there.
Cooked dinner and went to bed(sleeping bag/tent) as the darkness came. That day was very long.
Yesterday. After the lesson in Zion N.P., I slept okay. Strong winds woke me couple of times, but every time I could hear the sound of waves crushing into the beach. It was nice. Weather wasn't great yesterday. As I finished eating my breakfast, it started to rain. Left the place and headed for Point Reyes hostel. Maybe it was another six-seven hours drive, but it felt very long. Anyhow, Point Reyes was very peaceful place. Thick mist through the hills and forests made the place very mystical.
Today. I heard there was a monster in the room again. But I knew he was going to annoy me, so I had my ear plugs beforehand. But I bet the monster last night won't stand a chance against my monster. He'll breakthrough my ear plugs and shake my brain. Only HE is capable of such an evil deed. In a way, I miss his snore. Maybe I liked it…no, noway.
Gone for a morning hike in the morning and then drove to the next hostel, Fisherman's wharf. To reach there I drove over the Golden Gate Bridge. It was big and red. After checking in at hostel I walked to the bridge and had lunch. There were many dog running around joyfully in the water. I miss my brother Bob…
I'll have to return my mazda tomorrow. Sad, but happy in a way. Since I don't have to worry about a parking space, or a police, speed, traffic, it's sometimes easier without a car. Especially in a city like San Francisco or New York.
Last weekend in the U.S.

picture: the bridge and my bro'

In the City

2010-05-17T11:27:00.001+09:00

I looked around downtown Portland this morning as I planned. The weather was fine again!
It was very green. Trees planted on the streets and many parks in or near the city. The thing I was most amazed was that there were electric vehicle charging stations!(picture below) Didn't see any EVs, but the way they are acting is very advanced.
I checked out the Lovejoy fountain park after walking around downtown. One of the few things I remember from my school days. Somehow I remembered teacher talking about Portland and the Lovejoy…. I think because the name was announced more than once, and the teacher was always recommending Portland. I was very excited to see the park, but the water wasn't there and the fountain wasn't fountaining. Still, some were studying, eating lunch, smoking a tobacco, talking…it is very nice that there is a place like that for people to gather.

Got cloudy and it rained a bit in the afternoon. It didn't last more than an hour. Made the street cooler and the temperature low. Nice.

I'm planning to wake up early and head south to redwood national park. I want to camp a night there since there are no hostels around, but maybe there won't be an empty space for me. That's the reason for the early rising, to enhance the chance of winning a space.
picture above: the magical see through building

Portland

2010-05-16T12:03:00.001+09:00

I left Boise around ten. Shame I had to leave so soon, it was a very cozy hostel.
About seven hours drive and I reached Portland. It was another fine day, but it rained a bit. I only had storm or no rain at all, so it was very refreshing to have a shower rain. Smell and the greenness in Oregon is very spring like. Back in the west coast area.
I haven't seen the city yet, but the area where the hostel is looks okay. The hostel I'm staying at now is very "green". They think about environment a lot. Recycle, rain water reuse, green roof… it's nice to be green. I hear the city is also like that, so I hope I'll see how it's done tomorrow when I look around the city.

Stay here for two days, and hit the road again.
picture was taken yesterday at Yellowstone.

Boise

2010-05-15T12:34:00.001+09:00

I looked around in the Yellowstone in the morning and drove west to a place called Boise. It was about six-seven hours drive.
Another fine day at the park. Many bison(=buffalo. I think…) and mule deers on the rode again. It was in a distance so a bit difficult to see, but the bird like thing perched on a tree on the right is a bald eagle. And her nest on the left. I rode the same road yesterday but there was no sign. Today was the lucky day. No bear though.
Short post. tired from the sun attacking me while driving. I think I'll go to Portland tomorrow. I here people saying it's a nice place. But I won't be spending a long time there since I don't have much time before returning the car.

Yellowstone national park

2010-05-14T09:58:00.000+09:00

Yellowstone=incredible. It's so vast. And the park is well managed. They have a warning and stuff going on, but it's all up to us if we want to keep the nature as it is or not. No one would attempt to disturb the nature because it is so beautiful. All the animals are hanging around living their own lives. Buffalo was the most popular one. They were everywhere. Although, when they were walking on the drive way it was kinda scary. They were walking just outside the car, one window between us. They could easily smash a car or a man. So we wait quietly inside the car till they pass through us. So amazing!
Among many famous sites, I went to see the gazer. Cool! Boiling pond and super clear water. Time to time those gazers will burst with a huge steam cloud. Many people wait around it to see the unnatural sight. Groovy!
Also the weather was fine as shown in the picture.

in the picture above, those spots in the middle are buffaloes. beneath is the boiling gazer. there were active ones but I liked it's colorfulness.

Grand Teton

2010-05-13T10:26:00.000+09:00

It is winter here. Nothing like Grand Canyon area. I hiked and drove around the park yesterday, sometimes snow was two to three feet deep. I guess it wasn't the best season yet. And also there was no sign of a bear. Maybe I was unlucky, but there weren't much animals about. Though the landscape was beautiful! Mountains covered by snow, blue clear sky, big lake(which is all frozen by the way), nice… I sure would like to comeback someday during the summer. I bet it's even more beautiful.

I checked out this morning, and now here I am at west Yellowstone. I didn't do much today. Tomorrow I'll enter the park and hopefully have another great day. I would like not to have a snowy weather.

cats and dogs

2010-05-11T10:32:00.000+09:00

I was able to book two nights at the hostel I wrote about yesterday, so I left Salt Lake around ten. Weather forecast was right about the weather. Storm. When I started driving I wanted to stop because of the zero visibility. But after a while I got use to it and followed the others. Took the wrong road on the way to the hostel, but luckily the direction was right so it wasn't much of a problem.
It was another driving day so I didn't do much picture taking so the picture above was taken at Zion N.P. I think Teton and Yellow stone will be the place to encounter many animals. It's going to be good. I wish for a fine weather.

only ten days left till the day to return my car! fast!!!

Camp

2010-05-10T12:01:00.000+09:00

Yesterday, I camped at Zion National Park. Hiked around the camping area in the day time, cooked dinner around six, then tried to go to sleep as the moon rose. Not much to do when it's dark. I cooked soup and ate some strawberries. I didn't have any cooking gear so used the soup can as a pan and just stuck it on the fire. It worked out okay. It was very hot during the day, but the night was freezing. I thought it would be cold but I heard that pair of shorts and a jacket would be fine…No way! I kept waking up from the shivering cold and strong wind. So I moved into the car. Very quiet and warmer. Next time I'll wear more.
Very refreshing waking up in the nature. There were many campers around but the nature made their spaces as an individual world. So, although I could hear noises of car engines or cracking noises of a fire wood, I was in my own space. Just me, myself and I. Awesome! I could do without those woolly worms though. So many of them…

Arrived at Salt Lake hostel around four. I don't know I like it here or not. Smells a bit weird and people are bit strange. I'll leave tomorrow and head for a hostel near the Grand Teton national park(if I can make a reservation), which is located just below Yellow Stone national park. I hope I can see the famous Salt Lake as I drive by, but there is a storm coming so maybe not.

day by day, it seems my appearance is getting closer to mexican. another guy at the hostel said I look like one. very interesting. tans and unshaven beards could make one a different person.

Zion National Park

2010-05-08T11:00:00.000+09:00

I finally checked out from the hostel I was staying for six nights. It was a very good hostel. Also it was the cheapest one so far.
Today's plan was to drive to Zion National Park and camp a night there. With my new tent which I bought at Phoenix yesterday.
There were so many amazing sites again. Drive to the park was about five hours. Going thorough those wonderful nature made it very easy ride. BUT, as I reached Zion, I found out that the camping ground was all booked. Forgot that today was Saturday! So I'm staying at a motel near the park. I hope I'll be able to spend a night there tomorrow. If not, walk around the park and maybe stay here another night and head north to Salt Lake City. See how it goes. I really want to go to Yellow Stone while I have enough time in America.
Shame that I can't camp tonight, but just driving through the park was awesome! There is a tunnel goes through a great big wall of rock. Seems like I'm going to have another "great nature day" tomorrow.

picture was taken somewhere between zion and north rim of grand canyon.

Monster

2010-05-06T10:52:00.000+09:00

Yesterday
No, I did not wake up early. Apparently, there was a monster in our room. Snoring kind to be precise. No dreamworld for me. Constantly waking up because of the monster's attack. I think he inhales both from his nose and mouth at the same time. That makes it extra loud. Never heard such sound from a sleeping man. Wow! It was annoying, but I was impressed after a while. Anyway, that's the reason why I didn't wake up early enough. Also that made me to go to Sedona instead of Grand Canyon. Thanks to the monster, Sedona was great. I didn't have much information about the place, so after checking out where is good place to go at visitor centre, I decided to go to one of the famous spot "bell rock". It was very good. I sat on the shady bit of the bell rock and had lunch there. Watching the scenery from a high place and being on a cool rock was very relaxing. Without the shade, it was blazing hot.

Today
Yes, I got up fairly early. I got a couple of ear plugs from the front desk to defend myself. It wasn't perfect, but it worked okay. Got up around five, made lunch, drove to Grand canyon and started the hike about eight o'clock. It was still misty and the air was cool and wet. My aim was to go down to a place called Plateau point. (in the picture, trail is the line in the center and where the trail end is plateau point. about 20km round trip) Going down there wasn't too bad. Seeing the unimaginable sites didn't make the hike so hard. View from plateau point was awesome! Definitely well worth the exhausting hike. Going up was the hardest part, of course. But around one forty, I was at the place where I started the hike.
Gazing up those walls of rock was absolutely breath taking! I think it was a very good way to wrap up my trip to grand canyon. Don't know what to do next. Maybe stay another night if I couldn't be bothered to do something tomorrow.

bit difficult to see the details, but those boots are covered in red sand. done a fine job. well done guys!!

Hot! Hot! Hot!

2010-05-04T10:56:00.001+09:00

Another day at the Grand Canyon. I was going to wake up early and have a long day but somehow I slept till nine. So I couldn't do an all day hike. But I found a trail which goes down to the Colorado river. Might go down there tomorrow but if I don't wake up early enough, the direction will be changed to Sedona, famous for it's red rock.
It was a hot day again. Tomorrow will be the day to pull out my shorts from the backpack. Although, once the sun sets it's cool. They have a very changeable weather in desert.
Saw those ravens pecking on last night's left over again. Still lot to have. Maybe the carcass will last for a week or so.
Those squirrels in the photo looked like some kind of a bird or something. Maybe they were just showing off because there were so many tourist watching them.
New roommates today. Two Swedish and an Australian guys. Very friendly people. They have been driving all over the place. Starting from Miami and driven through Yellow stone and Grand canyon. After looking around here, they are heading for Las Vegas. Actually, I think many people goes to Las Vegas after here.

Hopefully, I'll have an early start tomorrow.

Damn

2010-05-03T13:28:00.000+09:00

Hot day again. Weather here is like super hot winter. Insanely hot sun, but wind is cool. And the air is dry, like winter in Japan.
I arrived at Grand Canyon around eleven. The view from car park was so ordinary that I couldn't imagine there lies the famous Grand Canyon in walking distance. But yes it did. Five minutes later, I was standing on the edge of the rim. Yikes!! Too high! One lady said to me "you made me nervous." Not only you, I myself was quite disturbed being so close to the edge.
The feeling when I faced the canyon was very similar to what I felt in front of the great pacific ocean. Ocean of rock. That's what it was like. So vast. In Grand Canyon you can "see" time from it's layer. Strange…
These are conversation between two old American guys.
"damn…"
"that's somethin' eh?"
Yes sir! Not much you can say about this place. Just stand there and say "damn…" That's the least you can do.
I didn't walk around much today. Maybe like three hours or so. Tomorrow I'll be walking the rim trail all day.
Saw a group of ravens feeding on a deer carcass by the highway. Not a view which you get everyday. It was my image of desert, black birds eating a dead animal in the open. Also known as Death.

I think it's gonna be a hot one again tomorrow.

Longest Drive

2010-05-02T14:25:00.000+09:00

I left San Diego around eleven. Thanks again guys, I had great time!
To get to Grand Canyon, I had to drive like nine hours. Super super long. In between, I drove by Joshua tree national park. And very wide area of desert. Hell, in another word. The sun was shining on me nearer than ever, and very windy. Never been in a desert before. It's very hot!
After all, I arrived at hostel around eight thirty. Long! Oh me ass…

Extremely tired. I hope I'm going to have a couple of great days. Short post again, but it was a long day for me.
picture was taken at Joshua tree. It was a very brief stop though.

San Diego

2010-05-01T15:53:00.000+09:00

I had a great time here. You might notice since I haven't been posting for last few days. Having fun too much, didn't have time to post.
I have my cousins here. I didn't use to have any cousin before, but now I do. That's so great! And since they are a married couple, I have two excellent cousins now. I'm so glad that we met. Thank you for being so nice.
They have shown me a lot of the city. I went to the San Diego university, huge zoo, ate great foods and had beer, went to see a movie, saw the big ocean again, had an american barbecue, rode a bus, comfortable taxi…ah so many good memories. I'm so happy. And the weather here is also great. It feels like it almost never rains. Fine day after a fine day. San Diego, place with a fine weather and many gay guys.

Sadly, I'm leaving here tomorrow morning. It was a very comfortable stay here. But, tomorrow I'll get to see the Grand Canyon! It's going to be a long drive, but to see the place, not a problem.

I heard an interesting comment today in a movie called Exit Though the Gift Shop. I don't remember the exact words, but he said "life is like chess, and I don't know chess". I thought it was interesting. Although he didn't seem to be very serious. Movie had good laughing parts.
It's a short one, but I had a long day again. pictures were both taken in the zoo.

Hollywood

2010-04-27T09:32:00.005+09:00

Went to Hollywood today. Getting there was a bit confusing. There was no time table for bus and that made me nervous, not knowing how long should I wait. And after I got the correct bus for the first one, I mistook the next one. Number on the bus was right but seems I got the one which goes south. Though to go north was correct. It wasn't very pleasant place where the wrong bus took me. Sad atmosphere. I guess there are same kind of place in Tokyo too, but to be in those place in whole new country was not fun. Anyway, took the bus with the same number (next time going NORTH) and I reached Hollywood fine.
Saw the famous Grauman's Chinese Theatre, Kodak theatre, and the "Hollywood" sign. Many entertainers were doing their job.
But as soon as I arrived at the place, somehow I wasn't jumping around from excitement. Maybe tired from the extra long bus trip, but I was sure of this. I ain't no city boy. Didn't enjoy the place as I expected. Maybe if it was holiday or if I joined the tour it was more fun, I don't know. But I just saw the major sights and hopped on the bus again. Although, I found the Steve McQeen's name in the star. I don't know what it's called but you know those stars on the pavement.

Thought I saw Japanese on the bus, but I realized they were Korean from them talking. But wait a minute…they aren't speaking Korean, they are speaking Japanese. My ears forgot Japanese. It's been more than ten days since I heard a conversation in Japanese. English is far from perfect, and now I'm loosing my semi-perfect Japanese. I was surprised how it was difficult to catch what they were saying. hmm…not good.

Anyways, I'm off to San Diego tomorrow. And stop after that will be Grand Canyon!

L.A.

2010-04-26T10:36:00.001+09:00

Arrived here, L.A., around two. Driving here from Cambria wasn't too bad. Mainly highway or freeway so could drive quite fast. Driving into the cloud was fan. I could see the clouds being stopped by the mountains and it was flowing into north side like the water overflowing from a cup. One moment it was sunny and then, as I drove into the clouds, it was dark and cloudy. Very interesting. And since I bought a plug to connect my ipod to the car, I also had fun time listening to all the rock music. Buffalo Springfield for instance. I think they started their career in one of the cities in California.

Santa Monica hostel is so big! From Cambria to this is like wow! no kidding it's the second largest city in America.
Haven't seen around yet but I've seen a lot of people already.
Don't know what to do tomorrow but they have many guides for what to do in L.A., so I might follow those suggestions.
They have free movies on every night, so might check that out before hitting the sack.

California sun

2010-04-25T11:41:00.000+09:00

Didn't do much today. I think the California sun got me. Still not use to the heat. Also a bit tired from going somewhere everyday. Was kind of sleepy all day.

Checking out tomorrow. Cambria was great!. Very peaceful town and the atmosphere at the hostel was also fine.
Next stop for me is Los Angeles! I haven't been in big city in America yet, so don't know what it's like.(Although I flew into San Francisco, I just drove out of it without seeing the city.) I'm not sure what to see yet. Maybe look around the city and watch movie in a big theatre.
I hope I'll have a great time there too.

Picture was taken at the Hearst castle observation sight, five miles away from the castle. I did go somewhere today but didn't explore. I could have joined the tour which goes around the castle, but I had to wait for two hours for it. I was too tired to wait that long so just took a photo and then left.

I'll have a long rest tonight.

Cambria

2010-04-24T13:03:00.000+09:00

Hiked around the Cambria area today. They have a nice trail which will lead you to the sea, going through the woods.
Had lunch sitting in front of the pacific. I made two, quite big, chicken burritos today. Kept on walking after eating and went back to the hostel. Had early dinner around six then headed for the coast to see, finally, the sunset.
It was so beautiful to see the sunset in such an open view. I didn't know that it is so difficult to take a photograph of a sunset. I couldn't tell whether it is better zoomed in or not. Posted the non zoomed one because I liked that one more. Still much much more to learn about my DSLR.
We had a fine hot day today but I could feel the temperature dropping rapidly as the sun sunk behind the pacific. That is one hot star we've got up there.

The hostel I'm staying now is so comfortable. It has a nice home like atmosphere going on and the location is great too. Good thing I booked for three nights.

Drive

2010-04-23T14:33:00.001+09:00

"What am I gonna do next" thing was going on again this morning. It was my check out day but there was no further plan.
I had a tough time thinking where to go, but I decided to go south. Quite further south, actually. I'm staying at a place called Cambria now. You can find it on the map going south from Monterey Bay on route1. But I didn't just drive there, I went through two national parks on the way. Kings canyon and Sequoia national parks. Both weren't at their best condition yet. Still many roads closed from the snow. Although, I could see a great view of Kings canyon and I saw the heaviest sequoia tree on this planet. Picture above is the over look of Kings canyon, which reminds me of those crystal geyser logos.
Altitude was so high that it was very tiring driving up and down the road. My empty plastic bottle has deformed itself from such a change in pressure.
After visiting those two parks, it was just driving to the hostel. But the views from the road was great too. I could see for miles and miles and miles in those wide open spaces. Felt the size of this incredibly big country.
Reached the hostel around seven. It is so good! Nature is all around it. I saw a huge pheasant driving here. Looking forward to walk around tomorrow.

I ought to make a plan while I'm here.

Chunk of rock

2010-04-22T12:22:00.000+09:00

Got up, had breakfast, made lunch, and off I went to the park. It was raining still in the morning but it didn't last all day.
As soon as I entered the park, there were huge mountains showing their broad surface of rock. Amazing how big they could be. Never seen such a big pile of rock before.
I hiked up and down on those rocks for almost all day. Winter wasn't yet over up there in the mountain, many part was still covered by snow.
Was so excited to see the great nature, which was established, but I was also hoping to see those wild animals too. I did caught a sight of a bear but it was only a glimpse. Didn't have enough time to take a photo. Still, I did had a chance to see a coyote. I'm hoping to see plenty of wild animals at the Yellow Stone National Park.

Extremely tired, but I had a great time. I think I saw as much as I could in a day.
Hope you'll get some kind of an idea how those rocky mountains look like.

Yosemite

2010-04-21T12:04:00.000+09:00

Bit of a worry. That was what I felt as the day broke.
Although I had to check out by 10:30, there was no plan after that. So before checking out, I searched if there were any nights that I could spend at the hostel by the Yosemite National Park. No, That was the result. Still, I knew there must be a bed available for one person, so I called up the place. After all it turns out that they do have an available bed for two nights. Great! Destination decided. Next stop, Yosemite.
Maybe I was driving for four to five hours. Since I got confused around the hostel and been driving in a circle. Also it was not a fun drive. It kept raining really hard. Driving fast in a bad weather makes me nervous.
All in all, everything went well though. Now I'm sitting on a sofa in the cafe next to the cottage. So excited to see the great nature tomorrow. I know two days are far from enough, but the guy in the same room ( Jasper is his name. He told me that he and his friend bought a car for $800. How about that!) said he had seen a lot in a day so I hope I'll do as good as him.

I was driving most of the day so the picture above was taken yesterday during the hike. Check that smiling face on the tree. Sweet! I think someone did it but isn't it great if the nature was the cause of it?
Hopefully I'll have a nice one to post tomorrow.
　

What a view

2010-04-20T13:08:00.003+09:00

Raining from the morning. But I decided to go out anyway to the Big sur, which is located along route1. South from Monterey.
Stu and Anna were looking for a ride and they found me. When Stu asked me if it was okay to join me, I said sure. Because there was no reason not to, and I could do with some company. Not good for your health to be always alone.
As we drove, weather was clearing up. The views from route1 were beautiful!
Stu and Anna were going on a camp till Saturday so I couldn't join that, but I joined them for a day hike on the mountains there. Again, the view from the trekking course was beautiful.
If you ever visit near Monterey, route1 and Big Sur are the must visit sights.
I got back to the car around three. Had a huge brrito for lunch and drove up north again. But since I always wanted to see the sunset, I stopped by the sea and walked down to the beach. The Pacific! Never seen such an open view of the ocean. Oh, this would be a great spot to see the sunset I thought, but No! Here comes a storm cloud always on time to shut off all the sunlight and the blue sky.
Although, I wasn't that devastated. I actually had a great time waiting for the sun to set. Taking pictures and enjoying the view. Picture above was taken then. Silly picture but at least I had fun.

Successful day it was. Exhausted though.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

2010-04-19T10:45:00.002+09:00

Did some laundry again in the morning and headed for Monterey bay aquarium as it opened.
Great stuff there. Sea creatures are nothing but fascinating! The shapes and the way they move is just stunning.
Those small air bubble like things in the photo are baby jelly fishes. Thought it was a bubble at first but as I got close to it realized it wasn't. They are so tiny.
Some are incredibly huge and some are unrecognizably small. Some are dull and some are super colorful. So many ways to live life under the sea.
Rode along the "17mile drive" in the afternoon. Great views from there. Shame you have to pay, but I think it's well worth it.

It was another nice day today but it looks like we are going to have a couple of rainy days. Still, California is one of those poor water places so it's best to rain every now and then.

I'm planning do drive to the parks down the south tomorrow, if the weather isn't too bad.

Hot day

2010-04-18T11:42:00.000+09:00

Got up before the sunset again. Feels good to have a long day.
Had to check out today so I did that, and then headed south to Monterey bay. On the way, I stopped at Moss landing state beach. I wanted to see the sea otters but there were only few of them. Instead, there were many seals begging for food.
Reached Monterey around eleven thirty. So many people! I didn't know Monterey was such a popular place. Maybe because it was Sunday. But even so, there were much more festival like things going on than I expected. There was no place for me to park so I parked the car at the Monterey bay hostel parking. Had a walk till the check in time. But the sun didn't allow me to do so. Locals may say what a nice day, but it was a bit much for me who isn't use to the California sun. Kept searching for the shelter from the sun.
Bought food after and then checked in.
Planning to visit the Monterey aquarium tomorrow.

not so interesting picture but that's my best today, under the heat.

Año Nuevo

2010-04-17T20:26:00.003+09:00

Today I got up around six. Saw the sunrise after having chicken soup and a croissant for breakfast.
I went to Santa Cruz to do some laundry and to buy some food. After storing the stuff I bought in the hostel fridge, I had lunch and headed for Año Nuevo State Park where the elephant seals are. To the coast where they were lying was about one and a half mile hike. As I got closer to the coast, I could hear them gulping, or maybe shouting. There were so many of them lying down comfortably under the warm California sun. They looked so peaceful when their eyes were shut.
Left the park after pottering around the park, then I bought a bit more stuff and got back to the hostel. I wanted to see the sunset but it got cloudy so I couldn't. Still, I'm staying at the Monterey hostel from tomorrow so I can see the beautiful sunset there.
My plan is to stay in these hostel for about a week and get use to the life in America. After I got the idea how to stay at the hostels, I will start going to the national parks. How exciting!

America

2010-04-16T23:45:00.001+09:00

Arrived at San Francisco air port after eight and a half an hour flight.
As I entered the country, I headed for the car rental service center. The car was mazda. I ate an apple and hit the road. I couldn't do no practice or see the road so I just had to drive. All the car was so fast compared to Japan, but because the road is so wide, it didn't seem so dangerous. Although I was driving alone, I couldn't stop smiling. Beach, sunny weather, high way, huge trees, me driving in America, it was all fantastic!
I had a big hamburger for lunch. I went to the hostel after but I couldn't stay awake any more. So had a shower and went to bed around seven.

What a tough day it was.
picture is the light house beside the hostel.

4.15.

2010-04-15T22:35:00.004+09:00

明日いよいよ世界へ出かけます。すごく楽しみです！
日記代わりにブログをすることにしました。たまに日本語で投稿しますが、英語力向上のためにできるだけ英語で投稿します。

Today was the last day I will spend in Japan this year. I am leaving tomorrow.
I did packing and some other preparation for my trip. Had gyoza for dinner, which was salty, and now writing my blog. Everyone seems so worried but I'll do my best to stay away from any kind of danger. I hope it'll be an incredible year and great experience.
May not be able to sleep from the excitement.