Lethargic whispers

Travel to Hokkaido- Part I

Had been to Hokkaido, the northern island of Japan also known as the "Europe of Japan". Landed in Sapporo, had the  yummy "Sapporo ramen", visited the port town of Otaru, just half-an-hour train ride from Sapporo city. Otaru is a cute little town. I could see many foreigners (esp. Russians) in this place. Many of them do the used car business. Otaru has got some toursit spots, the most popular being the Otaru canal , banked with the old warehouses. Took a ropeway to the nearby Mt.Tengu and a panaromic view of Otaru along the Sea of Japan was a treat to the eyes.

Its Hanabi time

Yup..its fireworks(hanabi) season in Japan. Too many fireworks display at various degrees happen all around the country. Hanabis are directly proportional to the number of rivers and parks here. Tokyo has got some mega firework displays, the most notable being the Sumida river fireworks display, the oldest and the biggest which happened on July 30th this year.  A firework display takes place in the Arakawa river, close to the place where I live. This is the only day in the year when my neighbourhood gets so lively. I love this day, for more than the display, the wonderful time we spend with our friends and partying. Unfortunately, this year its happening on a weekeday and  am not sure whether i will be able to get back from office in time.

Lovely Sunday

Ranting from office:  I don't mind working on weekends if its from home;  but from office is bizarre atleast for me.  A good sunday gone with the wind  :(

Botchan

Read the English-translated version of the Japanese novel Botchan , by Natsume Soseki. Great narrative style and  definitely one of the best books I have put my hand on. The story occurs in the country-side of Southern Japan. Since some of the characters speak in their native dialect, I would have prefered reading the original version of it, but when thoughts ran about the amount of extra-time I need to spend with the Japanese dictionary, I retreated thereby.

Japan goes to Germany

CONGRATS TO ZICO JAPAN !!!
The whole country is wallowing since the world cup qualifer against North Korea. Not only they made it, but in an impeccable style. Though some of the main players couldn't make it to the pitch either becoz of the suspension or through injury, it was indeed great to watch them play as an unit. With no spectators(other than the media) in the stadium, we could clearly hear what the players shout at each other. It wan an unique experience. The most heartening feature in this match were the two goals scored by the forwards(which was not happening in the last few matches). Well, now the slot  to Germany assured, believe these guys will show up an impressive performance in the WC.

Sunset @ Negombo, SriLanka

Its Cool Biz in Japan

Since yesterday, staff at the central government ministries will not be wearing jackets and ties for the entire summer(June ~ September) under a campaign to save energy through limiting air conditioning. The idea behind the initiative - christened with the English words "Cool Biz" - is simple and serious. Hope this helps in the reduction of ozone-depleting gases, atleast in the central districts of Tokyo.

Tadaima....

Hi to everyone. After a long long hiatus, i am back for some blogging. Not that i was completely offline, infact I was reading all my favourite blogs including yours regularly. Anyways, thanks to all those(if any?) who have peeked into my site during these  days.

New Year trip

Had been to Ooarai, a coastal town around two hours drive towards the north of Tokyo. It was fun. Stayed in a minshuku(guest house), visited a waterfall, suspension bridge, jinja(shinto shrine) and an onsen(hot spring).

Snowing in Tokyo

Rightnow, it is snowing in tokyo. This was the only missing stuff for this year and here it is. We had both the good and bad sides of nature, but the scale of natural disasters were soo high resulting in loss of lives, shelter, property and what not.