Tales from a Gnomad

Portland Perks

2011-07-24T09:13:00.000-07:00

After spending a whole day at the Portland Antique Show, we drove into the city to stay two days at the Benson. The Benson is right in the heart of the city and is historic and an experience in itself. Free coffee and papers in the morning and happy hour and jazz at night. Service is with a smile! We were given a Perks book of coupons and enjoyed 2 for 1 entry into the Chinese Gardens, and the Mansion and could have gone into the Japanese Garden and the Art Museum if we had had more time. We highly recommend the Chinese Gardens for their design as well as for the serenity and peace you feel as you go through each outdoor room. The teahouse windows look out onto the green, green, and more green and the brightly coloured carp in the pools.
We also found coupons for 20-50% off meals, which made them all the more enjoyable. The Farmers' Market is blocks long and has everything from food to crafts and activities. Right at the waterfront, you can walk along the seawall as you shop. For take home gifts, we bought soap truffles, in all the flavors and beautifully decorated. Gift wrapped, in tiny cartons, our luggage smelled glorious.
For our next trip, we plan to revisit the Antique show again as it is one of the largest ones anywhere and if you take your own lunch, the entertainment is practically free. Antique books are great and well priced, too. We'll use Priceline again, to get a good deal on hotels. It's a bit daunting as you don't know which one you'll snag, but you often get upgraded and it beats paying full price. Just note that most places charge for parking but you can find better rates in the garages close to your hotel. We do want to get to the Japanese Gardens and Art Museum next time, for sure. Maybe we'll take more than 3 days next time, too!

Guest Writer for clotheslinefinds.blogspot.com

2010-01-31T16:40:00.000-08:00

When I travel, or see shows I especially love, I blog here. When I cover fashion in Vancouver, I usually blog as a guest for my daughter, Anthea at clotheslinefinds.blogspot.com Currently am trying to make a video about Canadian Women in Science, Technology and Engineering and have completed the interviews but need help with editing and formatting. Am working with students from the Independent Indigenous Film Program at CAPILANO University and others. A lot of time and technical skills I lack but never mind, it's the idea that counts. May blog about the experience once the video is done. If you'd like to help out, please reply to the blog or email me at ctsoukalas80@gmail.com

Eyes Wide Open - Israel - Haim Tabakman

2009-10-15T05:30:00.000-07:00

This was an eye opener into the world of love and relationships in an ultra-orthadox Jewish community. The love between husband and wife and family is sacred and the love of God and prayer is ritualized and ongoing. Anything else is forbidden; homosexuality results in the loss of everything - status, work, friendships, and in this film, ultimately the loss of life. As film viewers, we are privy to everything private about this community just as everything is public to its members. People know what is going on in everyone's lives and judge accordingly. Intense and dramatic, joyful and tragic.

Porgy and Me: In the World of Porgy and Bess

2009-10-14T06:43:00.000-07:00

This is a stunning film and I hope it comes back to theatres and goes to video! It is Susanna Boehm's second film and is about her interviews with the opera singers of the New York Harlem Theatre Company. Terry Lee Cook, her husband, has been singing Porgy for ten years but wants to sing Wagnerian roles. Told when he was a child that he was retarded, he has bigger dreams for himself and for his son. All of the singers have stories and for many, the debate is whether Porgy and Bess is the only vehicle open to them or whether it could be a springboard to other opportunities. The music is fabulous and inspiring, especially Summer Time and It Ain't Necessarily So. Loved that the Director was available for questions after the movie. She is also a set designer and will make more movies. She is a great talent and I look forward to her next production!

A Prophet - Jacques Audiard

2009-10-12T09:06:00.000-07:00

Winner of the Grand Jury Prize, Cannes 2009, this is an intense, very violent film with excellent acting. It is much like The Godfather, in that one knows the cycle of crime and death will continue. A young French-Arab reform school graduate is sentenced to six years in prison. Scarred and well used to being hyper alert, he manages to survive by joining the Corsicans and by proving his worth by murdering a fellow Muslim. The whole system is corrupt and there is no way to win except by becoming part of it. The education he gets only helps him learn to read and write, it does not bring him opportunities to escape. Even as he leaves the prison, he is followed by three cars. Is he the new master of the Paris underworld or is he being tracked down.

Tetro-Francis Ford Coppola

2009-10-12T08:49:00.000-07:00

Saturday, Oct. 18th - This film reminds me of The Godfather, The Long Hot Summer or of early Brando movies. It is about family and disfunction. It is also about rivalry, passion, genius and what drives one person to succeed and prevents others from going anywhere. It is a black and white film but is rich in location, (Buenos Aires) costume, music and the artistic process. The relationships are deep and complex: brother vrs. brother, fathers and sons, lovers, friends, as Zorba said, "the whole catastrophe.." Additional drama is provided through tragedy - opera, masks, broken dolls and car accidents. Will the play ever be finished? Who will write the ending? There is possibility through love and connection.

The Jazz Baroness - Hannah Rothschild-Director

2009-10-07T08:57:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, October 6, 2009 - Van City Theatre

Narrated by Helen Mirren, this is Hannah Rothschild's story of her great aunt's (Pannonica Rothschild) relationship with Jazz and Thelonious Monk. Meeting in Paris in 1954, their 'meeting of like minds' continued for 28 years until his death. From a very wealthy family, and married to a Diplomat, Pannonica left her life-style and family to support the musical genius, Monk. She provided a home and funding for other famous musicians, including Charlie Parker. She was truly an independent woman who pursued her passion. She was also a fighter for civil rights and for vulnerable artists whose talents were well worth nurturing. The story of Pannonica and Thelonious is further described by Thelonious Monk Jr., Quincy Jones and Clint Eastwood. Pannonica's letters detail the relationship, the times and her continuous connection with her children. This film packs a lot in 83 minutes! PS. The music is fabulous!

The Search - Xunzhoo Zhimei Gengdeng-Tibet

2009-10-05T19:18:00.000-07:00

This is the second movie to be made inside Tibet, by an all Tibetan crew and cast. It is extremely difficult to get past the Chinese censors and so this one took longer to make and to produce. It is a love story on many levels: the long distance romance, the unreturned love, the love of theatre, music and culture of Tibet and the love of film as a vehicle to express all of this. The children and young people, especially the singers and actors, all non-professionals, shine. I like the main story teller who keeps fellow passengers entertained as they accompany the director in his search across the country for actors for a classical Tibetan opera Drime Kunden. The story teller's tale of his first love and how she ended up marrying someone else, is the story of how things don't always turn out as expected. Although love is everyone's dream, it is full of obstacles, much like those encountered when trying to stage the perfect opera. This is well worth seeing but could have benefitted from some editing as it is very long.

Air Doll - Kuki Ningyo

2009-10-05T07:55:00.000-07:00

Air Doll is another fabulous film from Japan. The exquisite costuming of the star, an inflatable sex doll, and the new look at a puppet that comes to life, are terrific! Her discovery that having a heart hurts, resonates. As a sex doll, she is 'wooden', passive and flat as are the men in her life. As she becomes 'real', she asks questions and discovers beauty in the world around her. When she cuts herself, she deflates and then is 'rescued' by Junichi, who breathes life back into her. Flawed, she looks for connections: I've heard there are many others like me. Yet, she remains unconnected and while able to have 'mates', she is alone. Others seem to continue living very routine, mundane, ritualized lives, but she is not.

Two Films: Saturday Oct. 3. 2009

2009-10-05T07:25:00.000-07:00

"Tibet in Song" describes the loss of folk ways and folk music in Tibet. It is the ongoing tragedy of Chinese cultural destruction of Tibetan people. Ngawang Choephel's documentary is a compelling one; the musicologist and Fulbright scholar is drawn back to his home to research and record Tibetan Folk music. He is arrested by the Chinese and sentenced to eighteen years in prison. His mother and other musicians take up the challenge to get him released. The music has been subverted by the Chinese and is used for propaganda. But not all music can be stolen and people still know it and retain it as a means of resistance. How to preserve it, teach it and keep its traditions alive are major challenges for Tibetan people. Even parts of this film were confiscated but what exists is passionate and alive.

Director Jessica Oreck's "Beetle Queen Conquers Tokyo" is a visual and audio delight! The soundtrack is a compilation of many different kinds of Japanese music. A winner of the Special Jury Award for Artistic Vision, Cinevegas, 2009, this documentary details insects -how they look and sound - and the similarities between their world and ours. Japan's fascination with insects stems from its religious (Shinto) and cultural traditions. The children's delight at spotting insects in the woods, or fireflies at night, or in pet stores for $45. and their care of their 'pets' at home draws you closer and makes you laugh. While we often tend to avoid insects, their important role is undeniable.

Japan Film Night

2009-10-05T06:34:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, September 29th, the Consulate of Japan hosted two films: Women in the mirror and The Stars Converge. Women in the Mirror, by Kagami no Onna Tachi, tells the story of a woman who never gives up searching for her lost daughter and finds one who could be her but is suffering from Amnesia. The woman and her granddaughter are profoundly affected by the amnesiac, who enters their lives only to disappear again. Secrets from the past emerge: Who is the daughter's father and why was she so enraged when she first left home? How did Hiroshima shape their future? This film is powerful on many levels, especially in terms of relationships and history's effects on them.

The Stars Converge, by Chirusoku no Natsu, is about a first love relationship between a Japanese and a Korean. Young high-school athletes meet and fall in love. Will this love endure despite the obstacles of cultural and language differences, academic futures, familial opposition...? Energy, friendship and possibility make this film worth watching.

Journeys to the Vancouver Film Festival

2009-09-29T14:52:00.000-07:00

Sept 29, 2009 was the day I saw my first Vancouver International Film Festival film at the Pacific Cinematheque: Trimpin: The Sound of Invention, directed by Peter Esmonde, USA. Awarded the MacArthur "Genius" Award in 1997, Trimpin is an inventor, a composer, a visual and sound experimenter and a truly amazing science-artist-musician. Raised in Germany, his formative years were shaped by a collection of technical manuals belonging to his grandfather and his father's cabinet and instrument making, plus his family's support of his fascination with machines, sound and all things scientific. He took things apart to see how they worked and then put them back together again. He heard all sounds as music, a different music and one he wanted to create and develop further. He has never been represented by a gallery and no records of his have been produced. Although he has exhibited and performed widely, the grants have not come easily and in the film, he shows filing cabinets full of rejected applications. Yet he persists and his life work continues. A 'symphony' with the Kronos Quartet was a truly creative and original process with no-one being quite sure where the production was headed, since it had never been done before, and with musicians having to learn all of the newly created instruments and ways of producing sound. Many of the instruments were toys, tiny and colourful yet made to produce music, a total collaborative, symphonic performance. Roots and Branches, a complete visual and musical installation at the Experience Music Project, in Seattle, features all shapes and sizes of guitars, suspended high in the air, tuning themselves by computer. Trimpin studied at the University of Berlin and continues to explore sonic possibilities. He moved to the USA to find old instruments and machines unavailable in Europe and has been based in Seattle since the 1980's. This is a 77 minute film that inspires one to find out more and to listen more attentively to everything.

SUMO SUMO SUMO!

2009-05-12T02:20:00.000-07:00

We arrived at the Sumo Stadium at 8:00 to watch the preparation of the ring and the entrance of the Jr. Sumo Wrestlers. We had to wash our hands, a way of preventing the spread of Swine Flu. Our initial questions were patiently answered in English and we were told to make sure we were there at 2:00 for our special 'gift'. No-one stays all day - the final performance isn't until 6:00, so people get a stamp on their hand and are free to go in and out as they please.

The ring is covered in sand but it is carefully swept into patterns. Above it is a roof, a Shinto Shrine that has a tassel at each of its four corners, that represent the four seasons of the year. The wrestler (Rikishi) who touches his topknot or any part of his body to the ground, loses the match. There are no weight limits so a wrestler can be matched with a wrestler twice his size or weight. There are lots of rules: no hair pulling or eye poking, choking or kicking. Fair play is a must and Sumo Wrestling is almost a religious rite rather than the circus that WWF can be.

Sumos are introduced and bow to each other and to the referee and others at the beginning and end of the match. They throw salt onto the sand to purify it and they also stamp hard to ward off any evil demons. There are at least three to four levels of accomplishment and the highest ranked Sumo matches are the finale of the day. to Matches are very quick; there are over 98 ways to defeat or be defeated! Sumos are very polite and patient when faced with their fans and photographers and, they are very professional in the ring. There are no displays of temper although there are some false starts from those eager to get to the win.

A family or group of friends can have their own tatami seating or can choose individual seats. Everyone buys and brings snacks and drinks to the show. For lunch, people can buy boxed food or can have Sumo soup, like we did. Sumo soup has chicken, tofu and many vegies and is the hearty meal that everyone needs for the energy expended cheering the Sumos on.

Before lunch, we went for a walk along the sea wall and were impressed that the walls were painted and tiled with a variety of scenes: Olympic Sports, historical city stories, and pictures of children/students. The winning moves of Sumo Wrestlers were incorporated into the metal railing along the sea wall. The bridges, painted yellow, were the same color as those in the historical images of the city, long ago.

After lunch, we picked up our 'gift', an autographed souvenir from a Stable Master, Kokonoe Chiyono Fuji. Now when was the last time you went to a sports function and got a thank-you and a gift? We also entered Anthy's name for two free tickets to Sumo and we really hope she wins and gets to go!

Later on, we watched the process of the salaried, higher ranked Sumo. These men wear highly decorated 'aprons' which are beautifully made, expensive indicators of their success. They take command of the ring and are applauded by the audience as they are introduced by name.

We stay until after 6:00 to watch the closing ceremonies and to pick up the rest of the souvenirs. We are able to pick up English booklets that explain all about the Sumos and answer questions everyone has but were afraid to ask. We wish we could have the music that accompanied our Sumo Soup lunch and also would like a recording of the chanting that can be heard at the introduction of each match. We go home with a greater appreciation of an honorable profession Sumo Wrestling is.

Luxury in Fashion Reconsidered-A Fabulous Exhibition at Kyoto Museum of Modern Art

2009-04-30T17:35:00.000-07:00

I have been writing up some visits to Fashion Museums in Kyoto and Kobe. The first one, Luxury in Fashion Reconsidered, is posted at clotheslinefinds.blogspot.com (April 24th) and the one for Kobe is going to be posted some time after May 5th. In Japan, all museums are in newly designed buildings or renovated heritage buildings. All have gardens, gift shops, restaurants and places for children and for large events. Most feature both permanent and special collections. Most are closed only on Mondays and there are discounts available at the museums and at bigger tourist information sites. A lot of advertising is done for all arts and cultural events and often includes an English language website.

We are now back in Tokyo, catching up on what we missed the first time around. We have a baseball game next Tuesday and a trip to Mt Fuji, with our friends, the Watanabes, Thursday. Still many adventures and more blogs before we come back to Vancouver, May 14th.

Osaka

2009-04-13T03:52:00.000-07:00

Here we are back in the big city, in a small apartment and getting ready to do day trips again. We went to the tourist info centre and our agent has been in Vancouver many times, most recently this past winter, in Whistler. She hopes to come for the Winter Olympics. We ask for info about Noh Theatre, Baseball games, museums and trips to places nearby. We went on the highest Ferris Wheel ever and not only got a spectacular view of Osaka but also this message in translation at the very top: "We hope you enjoy your walk in space." (Hope not)We also went to a beautiful park with animal and flower sculptures. On a street walk, we ran into a Kentucky Samurai. We took a day trip to Kobe and visited the Fashion Museum. Have a look at that write up on: clotheslinefinds.blogspot.com

Sunrise-Itoyama-Imaburi City

2009-04-13T03:46:00.000-07:00

At this resort, you get to ride a bike across 3 bridges and visit small fishing communities. This is a family style, informal place which specializes in sea-food. The breakfasts and dinners are buffets and you eat forever while watching the cruise ships pass in the night. One of the small towns was celebrating Sakura and we had wonderful ice-cream - not fat reduced! It is hot enough to go swimming although we seem to be the only sun lovers. Families stay over and all ride bikes or scooters and then sit on the beaches and fish or picnic. Everyone seems to be having a wonderful time.

Miyajima Island

2009-04-13T03:41:00.000-07:00

A boat trip here was spectacular! Weather warm and sunny and the ferry on time and with seating outdoors and inside. This is the site of one of the largest Toris in Japan and it is right out in the ocean and when the tide comes in, it looks like the Tori is floating. Beautiful beaches and a sea wall surround this town and a cable car takes you up to the top of the mountain to see the monkeys and deer. Although you can walk down, the return cable car trip is easier and gives better views. Seafood is a specialty here, but watch out to order it for lunch as everything closes down at 4:00 or so.

Hiroshima

2009-04-13T03:34:00.000-07:00

Hiroshima is such a beautiful city considering that it was almost destroyed by the A-bomb and the war. It is totally rebuilt and reminds me of Paris. The Peace Park and remains of the A-bomb site are reminders of what was and what could be. The children's art work, the cranes and the Castle,the scuptures and gardens are monuments of hope. The museum of science and culture for kids, the art galleries and the river banks and celebrations of Sakura are memorable. Our hotel, The Flex, is a great place to stay - right on one of the many rivers and looking out over the city.

Kyoto

2009-04-13T03:27:00.000-07:00

A busy and crowded city. We went to the Golden Temple and the market. In the sun, we sat and ate fresh fish soup. Others soon joined us and we crowded the few little tables. There were oysters, crab, squid and all sorts of other seafood. Every vendor called out that her product was best and it was hard to say no. We met Ernesto and Alicia from Buenos Aires and went out for dinner. They have lived all over the world and have picked up the languages too. We walked the city and will go back for a day trip to visit Angelica, who is attending the university of Kyoto to study Robotics. Thanks for the robot research for Tokyo Fashion Week, Angelica!!

Kanazawa

2009-04-13T03:21:00.000-07:00

We visited Geisha Town, Samurai Town (had a tea ceremony in Nomura House) and met a wood carver who makes cards and uses cedar seedlings and also makes jewelry. He is a special craftsman, one of a dying breed. We met an Australian couple; he is an antiques dealer and she has just completed her degree in Museum Studies. We exchanged emails and hope to visit at some point. The Kenroku-en Garden is one of Japan's 3 biggest gardens and it has 6 desirable qualities: spaciousness, seclusion, antiquity, ingenuity, flowing water and views. The Nomura House (a preserved and restored Samurai House) has decorated gold dust painted walls and screens. Only the armory and gate of Kanazawa Castle remain, but its shadow is a reminder of feudal Japan. Once again, all of this in the middle of a modern city.

Temple and Youth Hostel

2009-04-13T03:04:00.000-07:00

We go by Shinkansen, (fast train) to a Buddhist Temple. This is a big place, with lots of photography and art. It is very quiet until a large family with lots of kids registers and they seem to be awake until late. We enjoy seeing the town, the next day, but really don't see much of anyone else. This was Takayama. There is a gorgeous library and I meet the librarian, who has spent time in Edmonton. I take pictures and get a great brochure. This place has a museum upstairs and story times for all ages. The folk museum here, is great but no English and very cold. We get an idea of what it must have been like, long ago, with no central heating.

Sakura and Shrines

2009-04-13T02:52:00.000-07:00

Went to Omotesando and Harajuku for Sakura pictures. We saw a wedding and at the park, a group of students asked us if they could practise their English by taking us to a shrine and teaching us about it. Their English was perfect, although subject specific. Once their main job was done, they were happy to talk about their lives. They plan to go into 'foreign affairs'; one is majoring in Spanish. They have been to other countries to perfect their English. They all have part-time jobs and one is working at McDonald's. They did an incredible job of teaching us how to pray, how to ring the bell and how to observe the correct behaviors. They gave us the background history and the why's and how's of what to do at shrines. We were sorry to see them go, but they had many more assignments to complete and many more people to meet. There were thousands of people at the park, having picnics with their families, under the Sakura. Food stalls were abundant, as always. There were story times throughout the day and young and old watched intently. In Nokashira Park there were boat rides and more Sakura festivities. Gnome is in love with swans and wants to go for a ride. We think the film, Cherry Blossoms may have been shot here.

Blog-oh Blog

2009-04-13T02:43:00.000-07:00

Now I am back with reliable internet, I will try to retrace the days from March 27th. The days fly by, especially the warm, sunny ones. After Tokyo Fashion Week, we threw ourselves into more excitement by going to Roppongi Art Night. There were the three main Tokyo museums open, live music, a fire breathing robot and art installations along a path between the museums. There was a balloon/lantern walk and art to look at along the way. It was impressive how the city and the museums staff came together to decorate and watch over the art work. It was a family event with food stalls galore. This event could have happened in the rain because there was lots of cover and it could easily have been moved inside.

We also spent time exploring the neighborhood around our apartment in the district of Sangenjiya, Tokyo. Right behind Denny's and Starbucks, there is an underground shopping mall and subway. Behind that, through a maze of winding, beautifully decorated streets, is red lanterned, brightly lit and crowded area of shops, restaurants and vintage clothing stores. This is a university area so prices are cheap and there is lots of action and loud music. Amazing place and you'd never know about it unless you walked and discovered it on your own.

Yokohama is another day trip we took from Tokyo. It is the second largest city in Japan and the largest seaport. We saw the Cosmo World, the city amusement park, which is lit up at night and seems to be floating on the water. The Chinatown area is the largest in Japan and maybe in the world. It has ten huge, golden gates and more than 500 shops and rstaurants. We met Chinese kids who were learning Japanese and Japanese kids working in Chinese restaurants and learning Chinese. They all speak good English and likely other languages. Many have been to Canada or the USA.

Tokyo Fashion Week - March 23-27, 2009

2009-03-27T21:09:00.000-07:00

I've been neglecting my blog because I've been guesting on Anthea's. For complete coverage and great pictures, (some by Luke the photographer) see Anthy's site: clotheslinefinds.blogspot.com
Tokyo Fashion Week was so well organized: staff very formal, usually in black, and fresh flowers at every venue. Although there were three lines for each show, entry was efficient and welcoming. Admittance was by invitation only and these were collected, along with your business card before you were led to your seat. On each seat was a press package and often, a small gift. Anthy is now the proud owner of a beautiful set of invitations, a press pass and many small packages of cosmetics, teas and even a purple acrylic bow tie, from a men's wear collection. Being press usually got you a speedy entrance but often there were many heads and bright lights and flashes to avoid. Still, you got to sit with other fashion writers and people from industry, most of whom speak several languages and it was great to be able to compare notes and chat about work life in Japan. The audience dressed for each event; I was dazzled by brilliant gowns, sparkling jewelry, fedoras and top hats, leathers and lace -all so tailored and unique. No socks or silk patterned ones are popular for men and for women, it's all about patterned stockings and the highest heels ever. Kimonos are everywhere and are especially beautiful at the Cherry Blossom festivals and celebrations in the parks. Fashion, Art and parades are all around us and we are off to a parade and giant robot burning event tonight. Will try to add some of my pictures that didn't make the professional cut but are a record of what I saw.

Hama-rikyu Gardens-Family Garden of the Tokugawa Shogun

2009-03-19T16:59:00.000-07:00

This property dates back to 1654 and was a residence for the Shogun family and later a detached Palace for the Imperial Family. Earthquakes and WW II bombings all but destroyed the buildings and gardens, but in 1945 the garden was given to the city by the Imperial Family and restored and re-opened in 1946. It was designated a heritage site in 1952 and is of high historical significance. There are 2 watercourses built into the garden that attract many different kinds of wild birds. Originally used for duck hunting, the sites have a grave to console the spirits of the dead ducks. Almost at the entrance is a 300 year old Pine tree that was planted to celebrate the renovation of the garden. This tree is shaped and supported by wooden stakes and is constantly tended as are all trees and plants in all of the gardens, we have seen. While we were visiting, the stone rock walls of the waterways were being repaired. Each stone had been removed and numbered for re-installation. The Peony Garden and flower field features 800 plants of which are 60 different types of peonies. Rape flowers, a yellow sea, were in bloom along with the plum blossoms and the beginnings of Sakora, cherry. The seabus lands here as part of its many stops along Tokyo Bay.

The large pond is drawn from the bay's salt water and is the only remaining seawater pond within Tokyo. There are many varieties of saltwater fish in the pond: sea bass, goby, eel and black mullet.

In 1707, a teahouse was built by the Shoguns and Imperial Court Nobles. It was renovated in 1983 and from it you can see not only the gardens, but also their reflection in the water. It has tatami mats and a huge deck so that you can drink your tea inside or out on the open deck. Either way, you take your shoes off and wear slippers for outside and socks on the mats. There are special instructions for how to drink your Ocha, dark green tea and more for how to hold and slice your sweet and when to eat it. You sip the tea first to savor its special flavor.

This was a quiet day to visit a small museum that featured woodblocks and contained an oasis of rocks, sand and seats from which to see all the exhibits at once, and at the end of a long walk through the park, in the sun, to enjoy the ceremony at the tea-room.

Nikko Shrines and Temples

2009-03-19T04:25:00.000-07:00

We left very early in the morning and took trains and buses to get to Nikko. It was a warm, sunny day, although there was some snow at the highest shrine. There are at least two museums on site and so many temples, shrines, lanterns, stone steps and pathways that there is too much to see in a day. When we first arrived, a monk was striking a huge bell that made us all stop and listen. Tall cedar forests surround the whole area and in the middle sit pagodas and moss covered lanterns.
Elephants, dragons, birds and green, blue and golden gods sit on top of buildings and at every gate.
Even hiking, women are fashion conscious and most wear the highest heels and fanciest dresses or shorts you can imagine. Those who do wear boots, carry designer purses and, of course, cell phones and digital cameras or movie cameras.
From the site to the town, you follow a tumbling, rushing river to the bridge and back to the noise and traffic.

Is Spring Finally Here?

2009-03-17T03:34:00.000-07:00

Two days of sun and warm winds and everyone is out taking pictures and having picnics with friends and family. On the way to Osakusa, the subway displays are of Spring and flowers and sandals.
At a small shrine, right in the middle of busy traffic and hustle-bustle, two raccoons protect the city from fire and theft. A dragon guards the water.
In front of a huge theatre is Hollywood hands; here the stars leave their signatures and handprints.
A beautiful park at Shinjuko Gyoen features gardens, ponds, sculptures and all varieties of roses, cherry and plum blossoms, fish, herons, crows, lanterns, shrines and teahouses.

The gnome sunned himself and found a friendly lion at the Tokyo Medtropolitan Teien Art Museum.

International Library of Children's Literature

2009-03-14T15:51:00.000-07:00

A branch of the National Diet Library is the International Library of Children's Literature. I like the idea of literature as diet, don't you? Founded in 2000, it opened with full services on May 5, 2002. But can you imagine a whole building, 4 floors and gardens, dedicated to children's collections? As one of its basic roles it: "works closely with local libraries of Japan and other countries whcih provide direct services for children and supports their activities, serving as a national center supporting research and study on children's literature." On the first floor is the children's area with one huge area housing the resources and the other area housing another collection, specifically for story times with moms and tots or schools. When Ilooked at the first collection, I saw several language collections shelved together and then the Japanese collection with English books within it. As you know, kids will pick up anything that interests them and are intrigued with books in other languages, too. Computers, cds, cloth books, you name it, they are all available. I did see a mom and tots story time group activity in the other room. From one of the librarians, who was shelf reading and talking to people, I received a welcome and a book bag and information in English to take back to Vancouver. Also on the first floor was a tea-room with children's books and activities, facing a stone tiled patio - all in sun and surrounded by gardens. What a great place to spend a day with kids. The second and third floors contain the research collections but are open to all if you have a card. You can easily get one if you are working or living in Japan for any length of time. The fourth floor was a huge, open concept space with an enclosed glass deck. This space is for presentations, workshops and a gathering place for teacher and public librarians. Every room had fresh flowers and ass the equipment and resources you could ever hope for. Oh, and by the way, the Japanese cloth books are exquisite and I am shopping for some to bring home with me. One of the searches I was encouraged to do while I was at the library was to look for picture books published in the year I was born. It was a trip back to the books I read and to those read to me not so very long ago. This library is at Ueno Park, Tokyo and is in the same area as: Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, National Museum of Nature and Science, National Museum of Western Arts, Tokyo Bunka Kaikan and Ueno Zoological Gardens. See its website at: www.kodomo.go.jp/english/On the way home from the library, back in the subway, I noticed children's artwork displayed along the walls.

Numazu - Anthy's home for now

2009-03-13T02:32:00.000-07:00

Numazu is a small sea-side city about 2 hours by local train from Tokyo. Anthy is teaching English here, mostly to younger kids but she also teaches older students and adults. We celebrated our birthdays at the Blue Water restaurant, a waterfront, open concept, jazzy place. The food was beautifully prepared and delicious, to boot! We visited Numazu's library, a large, glass and concrete building, topped by an owl and surrounded by sculptures of people reading. Anthy has a library card for cds, dvds, and English language books and magazines. She can order and reserve titles to be brought in for her. Her apartment is efficient and organized and the kind tennants before her left her a decorated Christmas tree and books and videos. A Curves is right around the corner and I noticed other fitness facilities nearby. We went to the huge fish market and walked the sea-wall and took the elevator up the observation tower, where we could see the city, the ocean and a bit of Mt. Fuji. There is a mall, many parks and bicycle paths and lots of restaurants in Numazu. A foreigners' bar with log stools and tables was a winner; it brews its own beer below the restaurant. A funky Indian store offered tie-dyed clothing and interesting jewelry and bags. Another elegant store displayed many items from Canada and the owner's sister lives in Toronto. We took the bus to the Clematis Park and museum center and only managed to see a small portion of it. The sculptures we saw filled one entire building and the outside, and we will definitely have to return to finish our tour. Anthy should have a second job: tour guide extraordinaire!! Thanks Anthy!

Bye to Noh Theatre and Hello Kamakura

2009-03-05T19:44:00.000-08:00

Took a picture of the outside of the Noh Theatre - see how it is so beautifully constructed and so picturesque? The next day, off we went to Kamakura. Along the way, we met 2 women who were attending a Philosophy Conference in Japan but had the day off to see some of the countryside and so chose Kamakura. One was from Hungary and the other from Germany and the one from Hungary spoke Hungarian, German, English and French and probably other languages, as well. We all sat in the first class section of the train but were discovered early on in the adventure and had to move to regular seating. First class was nice and you got treats and snacks but the regular train voyage was fine and people ate their own snacks. The Hungarian woman had been to a conference in Greece, recently, so is a confident, goal directed traveller. Kamakura is a smaller town on the sea and was once the capital city. It is famous for its elegant temples and shrines and is filled with shops, restaurants and a museum or two. One of the main streets is bordered on both sides by cherry trees and it is a promenade that leads up to one of the largest buddahs in Japan. Once again, we notice how many Japanese travel their own country and how many seniors are travelling in groups and drawing and painting the sights. I found a button store featuring handmade buttons of all shapes and sizes. There were toy train and motorcyle and doll buttons for children and fancy flower and pearl buttons for dresses and sweaters for adults. We found a handmade knife store and many antique stores - all with wonderful window displays. The giant buddah was completed in 1252. Cast in bronze, it weighs 850 tonnes and is 11.4 m. tall. Luke went inside it to see how it was made and also for good luke, I mean luck. The gnome found a friendly looking stone pet - too big to take for a walk. He also liked the smaller shrines for a great view -far from the crowds. We visited the National Treasure Museum - famous for its collection of Kamakura art, religious sculpures and dolls. We didn't get to the seaside because the weather got cold and windy. We'll save it for another day.

Rockin at the Hard Rock Cafe

2009-03-04T01:07:00.000-08:00

We had planned to have a birthday lunch at Spiros - one of the few Greek restaurants here, but it was closed. We ended up at the Hard Rock Cafe which the gnome likes because he loves cheeseburgers, cokes and fries. He also loves the women of rock while I enjoyed The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and Elvis on the big screen. It was freezing and rainy yesterday so we weren't surprised that there was snow on the roof across the lane, today. It is cold but thankfully didn't rain until after our Noh Theatre experience. At the National Noh Theatre, we saw two performances: The Snow Fight and Kuzu. Would you believe this theatre has white carpets and white plush covered seats - all in pristine condition? It is a small theatre - 500 seats, but full for each show. It has been open since 1983. It a simple stage under a large roof. There are white pebbles on the stage reminding the audience of days past when the performances were staged outside. Ther is a hanging screen at one end which the Noh players use to enter and exit. It has five colours: earth, water, fire, wind and sky. The main characters, usually the hero and heroine, wear masks. There is no improvisation; everything is carefully and efficiently choreographed. In the second play, there were 8 unison singers and a dancer. The first play had 2 main characters and a mother and a priest. We got a translated synopsis of both plays but the best thing was a small screen on the back of the seat in front of us. It had the English version of the script and helped us understand what was going on. The costumes and acting though, really told the story. This theatre had a reasonably priced restaurant/tea room and gift counters as well as seating areas/lounges where people ate a boxed lunch before the show. We were invited in early because it was so cold out. The exterior of the building was simple but was surrounded by carefully scultped trees and plantings. It was like a courtyard in front and contained several interior courtyards. There is always a place for relaxation and reflection. We want to see dance and puppet shows, next. On the way home, we stopped for gyudon, a beef and rice mixture. Luke had a set which contained soup, poached salmon, rice and salad. A box of red, salty ginger provided a new taste and texture and hot tea revived us. Next to us was a teacher from Paris who was in Japan to teach French. He was sharing an apartment with a South American, a Tiawanese and a Japanese. Common languages: Japanese, French, English. Amazine how many people travel and work here. Amazing the language fluency and willingness to say hello.

Another Fantastic Museum

2009-03-02T03:12:00.000-08:00

The National Museum of Modern Art in Tokyo is free on Sunday but it is very reasonably priced anyway, so go any time! We saw the four floors of everything from sculpture to collage. Included, was a special photography exhibit: Yutaka Takanashi: Field Notes of Light. This whole museum was surrounded by a garden and outdoor sculptures - untouched by graffeti and surrounded by flowers and blossoming trees. Each floor had a lounge or quiet area and each room had chairs or benches with books about the artists. A clear glass box of a gift shop had books, cards and small prints.

In the morning before we went to the museum, we walked through the Sunday Flea Market at the Tokyo Forum. These were real antiques, not garage sale or plastic at all. Kimonos were $10. and of the most beautiful materials and designs. Swords, knives, pottery, plates, jewellry, boxes - so much that we will be going back to see it all. There was a designer there too; she was displaying capes and dresses, every one completely unique. Tokyo is a shopping paradise and everyone seems to go as a family, especially on Saturday and Sunday.

Venus Fort - Palette Town Odaiba!

2009-03-02T02:58:00.000-08:00

This is a truly amazing complex with a man-made beach and boardwalk, a huge shopping complex and a Toyota building with an antique car collection and electric cars for you to try out. It has one of the world's largest Ferris Wheels, a bowling alley, a theatre complex and much, much more. Venus Fort is a French and Italian themed town where the ceiling changes from blue sky to sunset and night sky. There are 170 stores, including the Barbie Store with its collection of vintage Barbies, dressed in the fashions of the day. There are exquiste clothes for us, too. Every sweater is unique and beaded, ribboned or bowed. There are lots of shoes, purses and jewellry, too. There is one whole floor of restaurants with a variety of price-ranges. The first floor is dedicated to family with a fashion zone built around the concept of relaxation and resort. There is a dog bar for Fido or Fifi. We ate at a French restaurant on the boardwalk, where Luke and Kate had crepes three years ago when she was teaching in Japan.

Many Museums-Many Adventures

2009-02-26T02:02:00.000-08:00

We went to the Japan Folk Art Museum and the Camera Museum today. Both very interesting but no photography allowed and no English to explain the displays. The Folk Art Museum is in a gorgeous house - all dark wood and sliding screens. Bought great postcards and had to wear slippers in the house and separate ones for the bathroom. Saw some work of the Ainu - Japan's First Nations people. Wooden boxes and woven materials. The Camera Museum has every kind of camera, big and small. It even had detectives and their 'undercover' cameras hidden in pop cans, pens, cigarette boxes, hats, flowers and lapels. Wonderful, original posters from the 20's on and photographs of every country where the cameras orginated. Yesterday we booked a Noh Theatre experience for March as well as a two week train trip into rural Japan. We will stay in a temple, an inn, a hostel and more. Hope the weather is going to warm up. Cold and misty right now.

Andy Warhol, The Ronettes and Bob Dylan

2009-02-21T15:59:00.000-08:00

It is amazing the amount of music we hear in the malls, train stations, galleries and toilets. There is some classical, instrumental music but much of it seems to be canned. We like the ecclectic combinations such as Bob Dylan and The Ronettes but also have heard The Velvet Undergound and ABBA. The galleries and museums and even the malls all have places for rest and reflection. There are usually small gardens and waterfalls or pools. In bloom are oranges, camelias, geraniums and plum buds and many of the trees are wrestled into bonzai
shapes. There is beauty everywhere - always a place to rest your eyes from the multitude of screens, shows, crowds and clash of brilliant colours. Yesterday we went to Meguru and walked from there to Ebisu and then to Diakenyama. Daien-gi (temple), right in the middle of a busy centre, is quiet, even though dragons and gods surround you and the gong sounds as worshippers sound it and clap. The Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography brings in exhibits from around the world and we saw the Warhol exhibit that we had seen in Amsterdam. Most of the exhibits were films and we hope to go back in March to see what's next. Today we are off to Harijuku so more pictures for sure

Here In Japan

2009-02-19T17:17:00.000-08:00

After a gruelling 10 hour flight on food-horrible Air Canada, we arrived in Tokyo on Feb. 16, 2009.
I immediately wished I had studied my Japanese more but there are lots of English cues and people are great at signing. We got our apartment (Lots of paperwork in triplicate) and a cab to get us there. It is through Sakora House and is small but efficient and warm. I was immediately impressed with the fashion sense here; everyone is dressed to the nines. Love how well tailored and intricately designed the clothes are! High heels are a must and you can see everything from fur to buckles and silver and gold. The boots are fabulous - leather and style - not many ughs.

We plan to see as much as we can here, especially Tokyo Fashion Week in March. Already there are some flowers blooming and in every small space, there is greenery. On our neighbor's balcony,there is a container garden and oranges grow on the small bushes. The streets are clean and people seem to walk in files - there is a slow lane and a fast lane and bicycles in between. Lots of BMW's, convertables, sedans and small trucks but few accidents. When the lights change, millions of people cross in all directions but there is order to everything. It seems a safe place with small school kids unaccompanied, travelling on trains, early in the morning and late at night.

We start out looking for the familiar and see McDonald's, Burger King, Crispy Creme, and the Hard Rock Cafe. We see Zara, American Apparell, Banana Republic and more. Haven't seen any camping stores yet. (yeah) There is the 100 yen store and small grocery stores and we buy staples and some breakfast items. We say please and thank-you and hand over the money. Things cost the same here as at home. Oh and although we don't see big dogs or poo on the streets, there are dog stores and well dressed purse pups. But people wash the streets down every day, like in Greek villages and the garbage is orderly and swiftly taken away.

2009-02-14T21:02:00.000-08:00

I am headed for Japan as of 12:00 noon Sunday. Miss you all. Will blog and email. Talk soon, Colleen