Professor M, one of Mei-Shun’s most respected friends while a co-student of Master Mei-Shu, visited Republic of South Africa. It is his first experience to reach the southernmost country of the African Continent. They say water whirls anticlockwise there — is it true?
travel
Travel Recommendation
StandardWe visited Namari onsen (=hot spring) in Hanamaki, Iwate Prefecture this weekend. It takes 2 hours and a half from Ueno by Tohoku shinkansen (=bullet train). Our first trip to there found several ryokan (Japanese-style hotel) spread along a winding mountain path. Nicely alkalescent water and quiet environment give you a genuine relaxation.
Japanese Culture@wkday
StandardThey made it. Former Yama-Hoko parade of Gi-On Festival was safely held today despite raging Typhoon Nangka. 23 portable shrines were led by a number of white ban-kasa, Japanese traditional umbrellas on which town names each shrine belongs to are written. Weekdays prevented us from enjoying even serial Yoi-Yama nights this year. Dear Fune-Hoko, see you next year.
Recommend to See
StandardFor a “trip” to Tokyo, Mei-Shun always reserves a window seat of Joban line train to enjoy nice views. Ushiku Pond soon appears on the right. Nisshin Co. factory follows with steam from Cup Noodle-shaped chimney. Many river banks serve as sport fields. And the Sky Tree of course, as colors turn from green to gray.
Spring Drive
StandardMei-Shun visited Mt. Tsukuba Shrine with her mom-in-law. Sunshine, soft wind, pink and white ume plum blossoms welcomed us. And many frog stones as well, symbolic figures for this mountain.
Light Lesson
StandardToday’s lesson was given at night. Mei-Shun has to be careful not to make Master Mei-Shu feel too tired. She often complains about her physical burden to go to Tokushima once a month. Since Master Mei-Shu is our chairwoman of the board of directors while the best dancer, it is her duty to instruct our directors.
The Long and Straight Road
StandardDuring every new-year vacation, Mei-Shun bring her mother-in-law to a Yasaka Shrine in Tsuchiura, the headquarters of which is in Kyoto, closely related to Gi-On Festival. Since Tsuchiura branch is not registered in the navigation system of her car, Mei-Shun has to rely on mom’s memory. Well. She wishes it were good enough …
Mother of Art
StandardExcellent. Just excellent. Mei-Shun and Shin met Kaori-san, an illustrator Ms. KOGASHIWA, Kaori in Kyoto. Gallery “Merry-go-round” accommodates a bookstore and an exhibition space where you can see her fantastic works by December 3. And this chic flower as well, presented by her mother.
Japanese Culture@wkend
StandardNabe-mono, a Japanese cuisine quite similar to stew, is much preferred from late autumn to early spring. We serve ourselves boiled vegetables, meat and fish from a wide-open pot set on a cooking burner in the center of a table.
Botan Nabe by Hata-Kaku, Kyoto must be one of the best experience. Wild boar meat is served like a peony flower, simmered in white miso soup.
To Our Convenience
StandardMei-Shun drove on the highway toward Ibaraki Airport to pick up Shin. We found it the most convenient for trip to Kansai area, either for business or pleasure – no traffic jam, taking just an hour, wide and free parking space. Thanks, Mr. Governor.
meishunkikunoe 