Tamakikat

Movin' 'n' groovin'

2010-01-30T10:53:00.003+09:00

I've gone over my photo limit so from now on will be posting from my Ko Tamakikat ahau blog. Look forward to seeing you there. Till then be well.

Around and about the base of Rangitoto

2010-01-21T18:37:00.006+09:00

Looking towards some of the baches

Taking a dip

Looking towards Motukorea

Another bach

Looking towards Auckland's CBD, Takapuna and Takurunga

Steps built by convicts(?)

A boat ramp and the wharf

Some more baches

Looking towards the wharf with Takapuna in the background

The mangrove boardwalk

More of the mangroves

The pool

Looking towards the summit and some of the baches

Looking back towards Rangitoto from the Tamaki Estuary

What's got to come after a visit to the bush and beach?

2010-01-19T21:48:00.007+09:00

Fish and chips are a given. Those above come from the The Chip Shop-voted to have the best chips last year but I liked the fish way better.

Followed by one of V's homemade special nikuman-soo good.

Bush and Beach

2010-01-19T18:26:00.007+09:00

Went up to the Waitak's again. This time for the introductory hike leaving from the Arataki Visitor Center. On return we enjoyed lunch in the shade there. Afterwards we drove down to Piha Surf Beach then onto Karekare where I went for a swim while the others enjoyed the scenery and the warmth of the sun. After the beach in Karekare I enjoyed a book and a drink under a tree then we all went to see the beautiful falls.

In the Waitak's it's a must to scrub and spray before and after your hike.

Cabbage trees.

The tops of some Kauris.

Looking down onto Piha Surf Beach and Lion's Rock.

Beach babes and their dads.

A dog after a stick and its human.

If you click on the above you can see the people climbing Lion's Rock.

Best to swim between the flags on the other side of Lion's Rock.

Playing beach cricket.

The other side of Lion's Rock.

My aprez-beach essentials-shade, a book, some sunscreen and a drink.

The falls at Karekare from a distance.

Mini falls on the way to the larger ones.

The falls at Karekare close-up.

Huge rock in Karekare.

Interesting house in Karekare.

Mussels + Hoegaarden White = Happy Campers

2010-01-19T17:40:00.004+09:00

Had a great catch-up with L and C over a pot of delicious coriander and lemon flavored mussels which we washed down with equally delicious beer-hoegaarden white. All enjoyed at The Occidental on Vulcan Lane in the central city.

Wintergardens, Auckland Domain

2010-01-18T23:05:00.005+09:00

Freddo

2010-01-18T22:57:00.003+09:00

Chocolate that makes you smile...

Auckland City Walk

2010-01-18T22:31:00.006+09:00

Went hiking with my Mum up in the Waitak's. It was good.

Brekkie on the boat

2010-01-17T22:24:00.002+09:00

Pie and coffee because 'coffee helps'

Not bad for being the only thing available

Tirau Popsicle Stop

2010-01-17T22:18:00.003+09:00

Made a stop in Tirau to take a break with a popsicle and capture the sheep that goes with the sheepdog.

Around and about Rotorua

2010-01-17T21:49:00.003+09:00

Lukewarm ashiyu outside the tourist office

Coffee and jelly beans at the Fat Dog

Pumpkin and cheese panini with beet salad at the Fat Dog

In the Redwood Forest

The butcher's pool-nothing to do with Sweeney Todd

2010-01-17T21:22:00.003+09:00

Pool info

Pretty for what is essentially just a pool in a field...

Feels good...

A look around...

Walk about Taupo

2010-01-17T21:05:00.003+09:00

Seafood mobile comes from Napier every day

Mmm koura...

The lake-good for dogs, boats and humans

Cool personalized plate spotted in a driveway

Nice walking/cycling path and fish

Taupo is known for its trout fishing

At the local playground

At the local Mickey D's

Another trout

Had a good time in Taupo. Thanks to T for the invite.

Baches and houses(?) and decks

2010-01-17T20:36:00.008+09:00

It's a bit hard to tell the difference between the houses and the baches nowadays hence the title...

L&P, NZ's own fizzy drink

2010-01-17T20:26:00.004+09:00

The big bottle

Southern Comfort and L&P was my drink of choice for a while there back in the day...

Signs

2010-01-17T20:01:00.005+09:00

Really like this arcade...

One of my fav new stores for coffee...

Thai restaurant

Believe it or not, this is a real estate agency sign...

Used to visit this cafe back in the day...

And I thought this said tattoo...

Don't remember the burgers here but they had nice hot chocolate back in the day...

In Cornwall Park Playground

2010-01-17T19:48:00.005+09:00

May pole and climbing net

Monkey tires(?)

The flying fox.

A mechanical swing for wheelchair users.

Other swings.

More swings.

The equipment is pretty much the same as that I used when I was a child it's just been updated. Not pictured are the train and skateboard slope.

Practising furoshiki skills

2010-01-17T19:43:00.002+09:00

Morena no Tairua

2010-01-16T19:44:00.002+09:00

Tairua Sunrise

2010-01-16T19:39:00.004+09:00

Around and about Tairua

2010-01-16T18:09:00.004+09:00

Wonder how long this bench has been around?

The estuary where we went cockling

Large palm in front of Kiwi bach/house

Public beach access

Agapanthus

Looking towards the bakery part of Tairua township

Looking towards the mouth of the estuary

Oystercatchers

Looking back towards Paku from the rugby field where I did my morning exercise

Oystercatchers and piedstilts

Rugby Clubrooms

Some of our beach munchies

2010-01-16T16:48:00.005+09:00

Cadbury's Fav's from Christmas

Cockle Chowder from cockle gathering with N, H, and S

Some of Lisa's spreads

Lunch salad and dessert blueberries from Piopio

Gingerbread Cookies from Christmas-import

Beach babes

2010-01-16T15:38:00.003+09:00

Too cute!

Around and about Paku/Hello Auntie

2010-01-15T21:13:00.004+09:00

The old mill in its hey day.

The Old Mill Cafe.

I've been coming to this area since I was in elementary school. Some things have changed, some things have stayed the same. Lovely to back to visit with Auntie and everyone. Thanks for the invite, N.

I like...

2010-01-15T19:15:00.005+09:00

The best way to eat kiwifruit...

2010-01-15T17:59:00.003+09:00

Make a whole in the top with a spoon then go for gold.

On the road

2010-01-14T20:41:00.005+09:00

In the big city looking towards Owairaka, one of the many maunga

The open road looking good

The open road looking not so good

The open road looking much better

A bit of the countryside-Hauraki Plains

Letter boxes

On Kopu Bridge

Reward for making it thus far

Updated: Walk about the top of town

2010-01-13T23:10:00.016+09:00

Sign outside a service station-anybody know what it means?

Like this building but have yet to go inside

Loving the look of the houses

This building has been done up a treat

Dog park outside a store

A rental bicycle

On the door to a shop

Kumon is here, too.

Somebody's fence

A house

By another house

A bakery

Cute building

Lovely bougainvillea

Teatime-after all the walking I was in need of a break and some sustenance

Reading material

Inside the cafe which is also the home to a gallery and a dj booth for a radio station

Walking back

Interesting building-it reminds me of the Ratana Church near Raetihi

Building close-up

My favorite house

Memories

2010-01-13T18:29:00.003+09:00

It's a bit cold here in Kyoto today-saw my first snow for the year this afternoon-so let's go back to sunny Auckland and check out some carpet.

Looking for something when back in my mother's house I opened the cupboard under the stairs and found a piece of the carpet I grew up with under my feet which reminded me of the old lino upstairs that was in the bathroom which reminded me of making santa faces with bubble bath bubbles...funnily enough though, I can't remember what I was looking for under the stairs which started the whole journey down memory lane...

On my way home

2010-01-13T07:22:00.007+09:00

On the way home I spotted these monks praying for the prosperity of a store in the mall. Having seen and enjoyed this custom before I took a quick photo and then moved on to my reward for the day: a visit to the Mr Donut store.

I tend to strike out more often than not at Mr Donut so don't go that often but this time I hit a home run with the black sesame soya donut-crunchy on the outside, light on the inside with a sweetness that hit the spot. (The accompanying caramel funwaringu was o-kay but compared to the other was a waste of space on my plate.)

Monks working it in the mall

New donuts and pies at Mr Donut

Inside of Mr Donut

Another shot inside of Mr Donut

My reward

Caramel funwaringu

Black sesame soya donut

Super Sunday

2010-01-11T23:14:00.009+09:00

After a busy morning T and I went out for the afternoon. We started off at Cafe Bastille then moved onto Daimaru Department Store via Nishiki Market. Back home to akafuku and some tea.

Cafe Bastille's turnip potage with really good bread (-the latter tasted like Maori bread)

Cafe Bastille's quiche set lunch

Pork(?) mince dressed with a delicious tomato sauce resting on a bed of mashed potato and salad on the side

Sweets spotted in Nishiki Market

North Plain Farm milk and matcha soft serve in Daimaru

Soft serve from the back

Soft serve about 40 seconds later

Baumkuchen with caramel topping in Daimaru

Akafuku all wrapped up

Akafuku in its box

All the bits and bobs. Apparently they change the card every day.

An image of the original store(?)

Akafuku unwrapped.

Close-up. Apparently the anko paste is supposed to represent the ripples in a stream near Ise Jingu and the white mochi represent the stones in that stream.

Akafuku about to be devoured. Mm mmm.

Tadaima/Yeh yeh yeh!

2010-01-11T08:43:00.013+09:00

I had an enjoyable flight back to Japan after a painless check-in (-yeh!)

Having not bothered to buy a bottle of water (-I find the H2Go bottles commonly sold in NZ don't work well as refilled water bottles as once you've removed the caps once they don't seal properly) I asked a flight attendant for some and they gave me a huge bottle of mineral water (-yeh!)

I had ordered special meals which were really tasty compared to those I had on my flight to NZ (-yeh!)

I watched one movie-Sandra Bullock's funny 'All about Steve'-and listened to a lot of really good music-mostly from a couple of CDs full of NZ artists (-yeh!)

After being the first through the foreign section of immigration (-yeh!) I went down to the the baggage claims area and divided my hand luggage into that I would carry with me and that that I would send on to Kyoto. My suitcase was one of the first through (-yeh!) so I grabbed it and went to customs where I was waved through (-yeh!)

I then proceeded to the baggage courier counter where for around 1900 yen I said goodbye to the hassle of lugging a suitcase through Osaka on my way home to Kyoto (-yeh!)

There was a Rapit train leaving pretty much straight away (-yeh!) so I got a ticket and hopped aboard.

Once onboard the train, I called J, of Blooming in Japan fame, and asked whether it was alright to arrive an hour early for our visit. Sweet thing she is she said that wouldn't be a problem (-yeh!)

The sun was shining and it felt much warmer than the 4 degrees it was reported to be. Being in Japan I didn't have to stress about not wearing suntan lotion for the short time I waited for J (-yeh!)

At J's place I enjoyed special J-made coffees, korero, kids, fly-trap bikkies, jaffas, a shower, more korero, and felt like I was in a Japanese NZ home which I was. It was very comfortable and relaxed (-yeh!)

Popped into the Body Shop at Rinku Town Outlet Mall and bought some things I'd refrained buying in NZ because of weight (-yeh!)

Went into Namba then to the Apple Store in Shinsaibashi to get a new battery for my laptop (-yeh!)

Then cruised to Umeda where I had a delish sushi lunch (-yeh!)

Into Kyoto where I was surprised with the Ebisusan parade coming down Shijyo (-yeh!)

Home to see my suitcase waiting for me in the genkan (-yeh!)

Sorted through suitcase a bit. Felt like Christmas (-yeh!)

Good friend T came to visit (-yeh!)

Dinner at Ajie-one of my favorite restaurants-for their famous kaisen nabe which is filled with veges, fish, crab and shellfish-just think Korean-style bouillabaisse. Drank shochu mizuwari. Spicey food with great atmosphere (-yeh!) Restaurant address: 〒604-0000 京都府京都市中京区堺町姉小路上

Home via konbini for dessert.

Once home had the super-creamy purin then it was to bed for a much-needed sleep (-yeh!)

Sushi restaurant from the outside

One of the display windows of the sushi restaurant

Much anticipated to ikashisomaki

Sushi set with red miso soup and noodles (-the latter already enjoyed)

Ebisusan Parade on Shijyo

Dinner and drink at Ajie

Kaisen nabe-all that red you see on the leaves etc is chilli powder:)

Mm mmm!

Desserts inside the konbini-we both chose purin

Te Tai Rawhiti

2010-01-07T05:16:00.004+09:00

Te Tai Rawhiti is one of my favorite places in Aotearoa. The land, sea, and the people of the coast are all beautiful. If you have a chance please go.

Jumping from Tolaga Bay Wharf

Sunset

Scenic view

Laying the hangi

Wainui Beach

Gisborne City Beach

Gisborne City Beach-not too bad for where it is

On another beach

Be Happy

2010-01-06T17:25:00.003+09:00

Isn't his name lovely? Just like him.

A quick preview of things I've seen and places I've been the last few days

2010-01-02T18:05:00.009+09:00

View from Kiwi Bach

Gate with Pasifika design

From the boat

Sunset on the Coromandel

Kiwi Fruit Bowl

Kiwi Backpacker

Kiwi Farm Dog, Tirau

Only S1.25 for each bell pepper at supermarket in Taupo (-see cell for idea of size)

In the Redwood Forest, Rotorua

Bliss!

2009-12-26T19:22:00.003+09:00

The joys of a bubble bath (-won the stuff in a game last night) and a book in the afternoon. (And yes, there is another foot in there somewhere.)

Chilled Christmas Cat

2009-12-26T15:16:00.005+09:00

O and J's cat, Smokey, has to be one of the coolest around. He even sits still while you take photos-what a star! (Take note, Ginger.)

O giving S a love heart treat.

Are you feeling it?

Christmas Dinner

2009-12-26T15:04:00.004+09:00

We ate really well on Christmas Day.

This is what we had for dinner at our neighbors across the road-thanks OJ for sharing.

I made a smoking-hot salsa salad with bell peppers, avocado, celery, mesclun, cucumber, tomatoes, some red onion, herby coriander from a tube as there was none fresh, chilli powder, and lemon juice from lemons in the garden (-bumper crop this year.)

We also had roast ham, smoked salmon (-smoked at home), 4 other salads, yummy breads, and wine.

Dessert was a little bit of each of the following: a coconut cheesecake, a passion fruit cheesecake, a trifle, a fresh fruit salad; and a Christmas chocolate rum ball.

All delish!

But all I took a photo of was the Christmas chocolate rum ball. (Sorry Kat!)

'Ginger'

2009-12-26T14:52:00.003+09:00

Ginger is a frequent visitor to the house. And like all visitors is fed and watered well and given a lot of love.
Strike a pose.

Cat or kangaroo?

Ginger and K being friendly.

My tootsies and G.

We like to walk that way.

Hmmm...maybe it's time to share the love?

Can you do this after Christmas dinner?

Holiday Reading

2009-12-26T14:50:00.001+09:00

Achilles Point

2009-12-26T14:31:00.000+09:00

They've done this up a treat since I was here last. Least we forget.

Flowers and things from Walk Christmas Day

2009-12-26T14:17:00.002+09:00

Gingerbread Tiki

2009-12-26T12:12:00.003+09:00

Feeling cannibalistic? Get a gingerbread tiki from Conch on Ponsonby Road.

Liking this

2009-12-26T12:07:00.001+09:00

Triumph spotted on K' Rd.

Where ice cream comes from...

2009-12-25T08:10:00.003+09:00

Spotted on the side of Maungakiekie.

Christmas Eve Dessert

2009-12-25T08:05:00.004+09:00

Soo good!

Inside a Kiwi House

2009-12-25T07:57:00.003+09:00

Kitchen

Kitchen lights close-up

Wardrobe

Bathroom

Inside another bathroom

Shower

Christmas Eve Dinner

2009-12-25T07:35:00.004+09:00

I'm very lucky to be staying with talented chefs this Christmas.

This night we had fish done 2 ways, a chicken stew, savory egg custard, rice and veges.

Thanks guys. As always it was awesome!

A large kitchen bench is essential.

Wine also essential. This French one tasted nice to me.

A $7 trevally inspired this dish with tofu, broccoli and of course the fish.

Pictured (clockwise) braised bok choi, V's rice, savory egg custard, K's rice, the trevally dish, some spicy fish, and a delish chicken stew.

My view of the table after we were done.

Posters on K' Rd by Ponsonby Rd

2009-12-25T07:24:00.002+09:00

Meri Kirihimete ki a koe me te whānau nō Tāmaki Makaurau.

2009-12-24T21:01:00.002+09:00

Crazy looking Santa on Ponsonby Road.

Reindeer on Ponsonby Road

Prezzies on Ponsonby Road

Blow-up tree on Karangahape Rd.

Reindeer outside Whitcoulls on Victoria Street-Santa around the corner.

Walk around One Tree Hill

2009-12-24T20:37:00.005+09:00

Looking towards Maungawhau

Early bird.

Volcanic rock(?)

Visitor Center

Spot the parsley?

Fountain

Dinner/Brunch it's bl**dy good

2009-12-24T20:22:00.003+09:00

Sliced lamb steak with fresh salad including tomato, cucumber, tomato, mesclun, celery, carrots, fresh spinach and bell peppers.

Christmas (Fruit) Mince Pies

2009-12-24T20:08:00.004+09:00

Made a few of these the other day with my Mum. A tradition in our house with Mum making them by herself in recent years. These ones may look like a elementary school student's first try at baking but taste perfect. Enough to make you go for seconds or thirds-right Kelvin?

Home away from Home from Home

2009-12-24T19:59:00.004+09:00

Japanese obi (=belt) on banister.

Japanese obi (=belt) close-up.

Dinner Saturday @ The Bond in Newmarket

2009-12-23T14:41:00.003+09:00

Outside the restaurant.

We went. We ordered. We ate. We got satisfied then we ate some more till we were really satisfied.

Go, try it for yourselves.

My number one favorite dish, by the way, was the fish dish on the bottom right in the 1st picture.

First of many...

2009-12-23T14:28:00.004+09:00

...sandwiches. So nice to be able to get decent bread, shaved ham, and salad makings at the supermarket and not have to take out a loan to do so.

Around and up Maungakiekie

2009-12-23T05:06:00.011+09:00

Photos taken on a walk in one of my favorite parks here. Click on the photos to enlarge them.

Ho, ho, ho!

2009-12-23T04:58:00.004+09:00

Some Kiwi Christmas gift tags...

Yumbo No. 5

2009-12-23T02:47:00.004+09:00

Leaving Japan last week was not so hard especially after a massage and a special order of ikashisomaki (=squid with perilla leaves roll/Yumbo No. 5 in 'Tamakikat speak') at Kansai Airport.

(The last piece of) Yumbo No. 5

Both the massage clinic and the sushi restaurant can be found on the 3rd floor of the airport.

Shosei-en Gardens

2009-12-18T01:36:00.002+09:00

Located near Shichijyo Kawarmachi the Shosei-en Gardens are a great place to visit any time of year. I like to go in early Summer.

On the road, East Coast, near Te Kaha

2009-12-18T01:16:00.002+09:00

Usually it's sheep but when it's milking time you get the cows....

Kiwi Kat in Hostel

2009-12-18T01:09:00.003+09:00

This cat was hanging out in the kitchen with us while H. made dinner. It was really at home there sitting along the bread etc.

An idea of posts to come(?)

2009-12-18T01:05:00.001+09:00

From the Rokko Mountain Gondola

2009-12-18T00:58:00.003+09:00

Glad I didn't join in the hike to to Arima Onsen this day...

Looking from Heian Jingu to the Torii

2009-12-18T00:41:00.001+09:00

Papua New Guinea's Bugs

2009-12-17T22:25:00.001+09:00

Seen at Aichi World Expo.

Around and About Tofino, Vancouver Island

2009-12-17T20:31:00.003+09:00

Loved Tofino-especially the whale tours.

Sunset

Island where eagles were nesting.

Hot Springs

Sea Plane

Sunset

Grey whale

Imperial Palace Tour

2009-12-17T20:19:00.003+09:00

The last time I went on the Imperial Palace Tour was when my little (but big-well taller than me) brother came to visit a few years back. Joining the tour is the only way you can see the buidings within the palace walls. I haven't been since then as I've been busy going to different places but I'd like to go again. If you're in a Kyoto you too should book in and go.

Akame Falls

2009-12-17T20:09:00.005+09:00

Akame Falls is a great place. If you have a chance to go. Thanks to T. for taking me there.

My Favorite Uji Walking Course

2009-12-17T19:51:00.002+09:00

I haven't been to Uji for a while but these are some photos from my last visit.

On Sanjyo Bridge in Kyoto before jumping on a Keihan train.

Once in Uji I always walk up the river on the right.

Then I cross over and walk down the river on the left checking out the temples and shrines as I go.

Then I go and have soba at my favorite restaurant.

Rolling, rolling rolling UP the river...

2009-12-17T17:06:00.004+09:00

More photos from yesterday's ride...

(By the way, BL and K&S, I took these with my new phone. Still have a ways to go to make the photos how I really want them but they're not bad.)

'I swear, Sir, it's de truf.'

2009-12-17T17:01:00.004+09:00

'Truffe chocolat' in ice cream form. What more could you want?
.
.
.
.
.
.

(Actually I wanted mint flavored ice cream but the only green ice cream was matcha-good but not what I wanted. Moving on...)

Out and About, Kyoto

2009-12-17T00:23:00.005+09:00

Feeling energetic on seeing some sun I decided to get out on my bike and visit with a friend up in Iwakura.

Once outside I was surprised at how cold it was. Riding a bike warms you up so I just pedaled harder.

Then up by Kawabata Kitaoji it started to spit and I started to think sunglasses maybe weren't necessary and that it might be best to rearrange my things so they wouldn't get soaked if it started to pour.

Then 10 minutes later the sun came out again and all was well. I took this photo and then went around the corner to my friend's house where a sleepy boy, a relaxed Mama, a hot cup of tea and good conversation awaited me.

It's good to get out.

Guadalajara

2009-12-16T20:08:00.006+09:00

Ola! During a 'spring-clean' I found these photos from a trip to Guadalajara I took way back in 2004. I had a great time thanks to the friends I met there. I didn't realize Mexico's geography was so varied till I got there and talked to fellow travelers (-I knew about the deserts and the beaches but not about the jungle). I'd like to go back and see more of the country especially the south.

There were historical statues and monuments all over the city.

I really enjoyed spending time in the squares with the flowering Jacarandas.

In the art gallery(?) I came across a bonsai.

I ate a lot of chicken. Funnily enough, I didn't get into the mole at all. This dish is from the only restaurant that made coffee as I know it. The guys in the restaurant made my lunch just as I like it with lots of salad.

Watched a great game between a local teams at a huge stadium built for the 1986 Soccer World Cup. The mascots at half-time really put on a show.

Fun in the sun continued...

2009-12-12T20:16:00.009+09:00

vs.

Why do I look forward to going back to Aotearoa each year?
It's because I can get a taste of home-grown-food, people, sights and sounds etc.

It's also a chance for me to bring 'my life' to the people there-cross-pollination? Cross-contamination? Education? Gifts?

To do this properly needs preparation. "'shin shin' people" as I tell my kids.

I try to think of what is not readily available in either country.

One of the first things I do is tally what I have in my personal hygiene/medicine cabinet ie. deodorant, lozenges and the like. And then make an account of what I'll need for the coming year in Japan.

Then I look at what I have read and liked this year and what I feel I need to know for the coming year. Then I go to my local NZ library online and make a barrage of requests so when I arrive they'll be ready and waiting for my eager eyes and mind to devour.

People back home? For those who always head out-of-town for the hols I make contact in advance but otherwise a call on the old telephone once back home always brings about meetings for 'kai' (=food) and 'korero' (=talks).

People here? Well, 'bonenkai' and 'nengajyo' take care of that quite nicely.

Weeks in advance I have planned places to go and things to see. I look at what's on in the locales I want to visit but more often as not I have an idea of where I want to go and what I want to do. These trips are personal but if friends want to join in all good but not necessary.

I start buying 'gifts' I think people will like there but am wary of chocolate and candy as more than often I tend to eat it before it gets into my suitcase...

Did I tell you about all the other things I'll try to put in my suitcase to bring back to Japan apart from those I need in my personal hygiene/medical cabinet?

Oh, the joys of going home...and coming back home again.

Interestingly enough I find my diet here starts to change at this time almost as if I'm preparing myself for what's to come. I start eating cheese along with Ritz crackers and drinking wine which brings the need for chocolate -which reminds me a run to the store for some 'glico macadamia puremio' is in order.

'E noho ra'! (=See you!)

Fun in the Sun

2009-12-08T23:56:00.006+09:00

At this time of year the sun often shines here in Kyoto. It's lovely. But my mind is elsewhere thinking of things to do in the sun in the land known as Aotearoa. The place where the sun makes you head to the beach for an afternoon swim or outside to the patio with the makings for a barbecue. Turn up the volume 'This girl's going home!'.

New Zealand Christmas Tree-the Pohutukawa.

Saturday in Arashiyama, Part 4

2009-12-02T15:46:00.006+09:00

'M' is for...

...yes, that's right, 'monkeys'.

On our way back from the Kokedera/Saihoji area the sun came out and we continued with our plan to go to the Monkey Park/Iwatayama right by Togetsukyo. The views from the top of the park were great and we could see all the way to Hotel Okura and beyond. Of course, the main event, the monkeys, were out and about doing their thing and were as fun as ever to watch amongst the beautiful fall foliage.

Enjoying the views:

After coming back into the central city P spotted with her little eye a kimono/yukata shop in Zest, the underground shopping mall that runs a couple of blocks west of Kawaramachi Street underneath Oike Street. And there at the front of the store was the kimono that we'd be looking for. A perfect way to end our day out.

Saturday in Arashiyama, Part 3

2009-12-02T15:27:00.003+09:00

Taking a break at Takenodera.

Saturday in Arashiyama, Part 2

2009-12-02T14:26:00.003+09:00

While P was doing shakyo etc inside Kokedera/Saihoji I visited the Japanese tea shop across the road and a little bit back towards the bus stop. This shop has a glorious garden which is best enjoyed at this time of year. I enjoyed talking to the owner and petting her friendly cat. After that I headed back up the road to check out the start of the hike towards Arashiyama.

Japanese Garden

Friendly cat

Matcha and wagashi

Wagashi close-up

Bamboo

Mushrooms on a log

Saturday in Arashiyama, Part 1

2009-12-01T22:23:00.005+09:00

P had never been to Arashiyama before so we went (with the all the other tourists) to the bamboo forest. On the way we made a quick visit to a shrine with a fabulous moss 'carpet' as pictured below. Back by the main shopping street in Arahiyama we enjoyed a black sesame kintsuba then made our way to Togetsukyo via the stores in our search for a yukata/kimono with a momiji pattern for P. Unfortunately we had no luck with the yukata/kimono (-the ones we found with the momiji pattern were too 'busy') but we did finally find the bus stop for Kokedera/Saihoji and manage to have a spot of lunch before setting off to make P's appointment at the temple.

Moss Carpet

Fall colors at the end of the Bamboo Tunnel

We tried the black sesame kintsuba (-on the left). It was really good.

View from Togetsukyo

Lunch of yattai yakisoba and okonomiyaki in the making-it was good especially the okonomiyaki.

Hozukyo in Fall

2009-12-01T21:32:00.003+09:00

Last weekend P and I had both wanted to do the Takao to Kiyotaki hike but with an appointment made for early in the afternoon we found we didn't have time so instead we went to Hozukyo and took photos from the platform before we went on to Arashiyama.

Looking up the river.

The Hozukyo Station platform is on a bridge.

Looking towards Kameoka.

Looking down the river to the Romace Train.

Some of the tourist boats from Kameoka heading towards to Arashiyama.

Relay Race by the River

2009-12-01T21:08:00.004+09:00

This last year T has been training at least 3/4 times a week. Last month he was selected for his school's relay race team and the training doubled. The team's hard work all paid off when they came in 2nd in a long distance relay race last week. Well done T and team. We're really proud of you!

As you can see it was perfect weather.

Go T go!

Lunch Favorite

2009-11-29T23:27:00.002+09:00

This is one of my favorites. It's Hokkaidon from a restaurant near Shokokuji. Can't remember the name but if you go out of the temple grounds on the road that heads towards the river you'll find it beyond the kindergarten on the left. The restaurant is closed on Sundays and public holidays.

Kodaiji Lit Up

2009-11-29T22:30:00.007+09:00

Last Friday I went with P and K to Kodaiji Temple to see it lit up.

The weather was perfect-not too cold and no wind whatsoever.

The pond was especially amazing. The trees reflected in it looked as if they were growing under water.

The whole night was special ending with us bumping into Y, a good friend of mine from university days (-P asked her boyfriend to take our photo.)

Kodaiji Temple is lit up till 10pm each night until December the 6th. The entry fee is 600 yen.

(Thanks to P for the photos.)

Night Walk

2009-11-29T20:42:00.006+09:00

Last Friday P visited with her friend, K.

They both wanted to see Kodaiji lit up so after dinner at Kaneyo we headed off. The route we took took us past Pontocho, the Minamiza on Shijyo Street, Yasaka Shrine, and the Chorakukan.

(Please note the photos are P's except for the last one.)

Pontocho

Close-up of Pontocho lantern

Pontocho again

The Minamiza on Shijyo Street-looking forward to watching the 'kaomise' kabuki here next week

A little part of Yasaka Shrine

Chorakukan Entrance

Chiffon Goodness

2009-11-29T17:48:00.004+09:00

Like Chiffon Cake? This place has the best. Banana, Tea, Chocolate, Caramel Milk Tea, Cream Cheese are just a few of the flavors they do. Buy a slice or buy a whole cake. Mm mmm mmmm! (Thanks to N for showing me 'the way of chiffon'.)

Shokokuji

2009-11-29T17:13:00.005+09:00

Nearly Extinct

2009-11-29T16:52:00.001+09:00

Jouvencelle

2009-11-29T11:02:00.007+09:00

After our visit to the Komyoin and Tofukuji area S, J, and I headed to the Gion Jouvencelle near Yasaka Shrine. We ordered the sweets below (-the matcha chocolate was a freebie) as well as the matcha fondue. As always the latter was the best but we enjoyed the presentation of the others.

Matcha (=green tea) chocolate.

Saganoji/Cheesecake wrapped in a thin layer of mochi (=rice cake)

Saganoji from the side

Saganoji

Cream with beans wrapped in a thin layer of mochi (=rice cake) with caramel sauce

Mm mmm

Tofukuji for free

2009-11-29T10:47:00.006+09:00

After visiting Komyoin S, J, and I headed back to Tofukuji to see if the ticket lines had got any shorter but they hadn't so we settled for the next best thing wandering through the free-for-all areas and taking photos. It was really enjoyable and I didn't feel as if I had missed out on anything at all.

(Please note the first photo is S's.)

Komyoin Temple

2009-11-29T10:05:00.007+09:00

After seeing the lines to enter Tofukuji S, J, and I decided to try again later in the day and moved on to Komyoin which has a lovely garden.

At the entrance to Komyoin there is a sign in Japanese warning people that the temple staff would like only the people who will quietly enjoy the garden to enter. Also they'd prefer large groups to go elsewhere. Totally agreeing with the first and being a group of 3 we headed in.

The garden was quiet, spacious, and full of sunshine-a relief after being in the crush of people around Tofukuji and all the cold rain of the previous day.

Yakimochi, Tofukukijimae, Kyoto

2009-11-26T15:47:00.003+09:00

A view of Tofukuji from the road in front of it.

Mugwort and anko yakimochi on the teppan

Yakimochi

Super Saturday, Part 5

2009-11-25T19:47:00.002+09:00

After leaving the Philosopher's Path/Shirakawa area I headed back to Yoshidayama and then the center of town. The following photos are from Yoshidayama.

Super Saturday, Part 4

2009-11-24T19:23:00.007+09:00

Having visited the temples I was hungry so I made my way to Cafe Touzainanboku. As usual I enjoyed the 'rice plate lunch'.

(Today I was lucky to receive some dokudami tea to take home. Thanks Cafe Touzainanboku staff!)

After lunch I made my way up past to the road just east of the Philosopher's Path. There in a kyomachiya between Honenin and Reikanji Temples my friend has her exhibition.

It was great to see her latest works and catch up on her new life on Iriomote Island.

(Fuuyaan and family, thanks for the onigiri. It was delicious. As expected I'm enjoying using my furoshiki.)

The exhibition is on till December 23rd so if you're passing by do drop in and check it out.

As my time for my appointment in town was drawing closer I headed back to the Philosopher's Path and walked north along to the yatsuhashi (=cinnammon cookie) store to buy a couple of bags.

On the way back to Yoshidayama I saw some trams that used to run on Sanjyo Street-natsukashii (=talk about take me back.)

Lunch at Cafe Touzainanboku

Dokudami Tea from Cafe Touzainanboku

Postcard of Painting at Fuuyaan Exhibition

Sign for Yatsuhashi Store, Philosopher's Path

Yatsuhashi Store, Philosopher's Path

Yatsuhashi at Home

Tram that used to run on Sanjyo Street

Close-up of tram that used to run on Sanjyo Street

Super Saturday, Part 3

2009-11-23T22:03:00.005+09:00

Don't get to this place often enough. Will try harder from now on:)

Super Saturday, Part 2

2009-11-23T21:02:00.004+09:00

Continuing on with my walk I headed to Kurodani Temple passing some interesting places on the way.

Super Saturday, Part 1

2009-11-23T19:34:00.007+09:00

Last Saturday I went out to enjoy the fall colors. The only criteria set were that I visit a friend's art exhibition near the Philosopher's Path and finish in time to make an appointment back in the middle of town. I started on the west side of Yoshidayama, climbed to the top, then followed the road around to Shinnyodo where I stopped to take the following photos.

The main gate.

Sign on the front of the impressive main hall.

Lantern in the main hall.

Side of the main hall with fellow visitor conveniently passing by to give an idea of the size.

'Miaow?'

2009-11-23T09:23:00.003+09:00

'.....'