Sunday, March 31, 2013

An Oasis of Tulips - Yokohama Stadium

Yokohama Stadium is situated in a small but beautiful park. The grounds are planted with tulips that are just starting to bloom. Check it out!

The Stadium with tulips in the foreground

The fountain in the park.

I love the colors



A Ninja photographer is sneaking up on the unsuspecting tulips.

Another photographer decides to take the high road.

There is also a small pond in the park.

Signs of spring are everywhere.


Everyone enjoys the tulips.

And now, one last look at the cherry blossoms along the Ooka River before they disappear.


The sidewalk is getting covered with cherry blossom petals.

Kayaks are fleeing...

As the tour boat chases them down!

A walk through Isezakicho shopping street shows that the leaves are coming out in a nice shade of green.

As I head toward the train station I pass through the back streets of Hinodecho.




Back on the platform waiting with my fellow passengers to catch the next train home.

Yep, another day in paradise.
Mike

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Ohanami part 2 - People!

This is what it's all about -- the people who enjoy viewing the cherry blossoms. After all, what is beauty without someone to look at it. Also, it's a darn good excuse for a party.

One if by land, two if by sea...

How much?


The conversation gets better and better.


Mothers make the world go round.

And,  a can of beer makes us happy!




Never underestamate the value of a roll of toilet paper. Those who live on the road, know of such things.


Pour some more!

Everyone has a camera today.

Every street corner spawns a party

Dating, on a sunday afternoon.


Twins?


Beer, the lubricant of every good philosopher.

Alas, it's time to go home.

The platform attendent anounces our departure.

And, now I'm home posting up what was another terrific day. Sipping a single malt, thinking of the right words to describe... happiness at it's happiest.

Thanks for stopping by,
Mike

Friday, March 22, 2013

Ohanami - Along the Ooka River

This is it! The Cherry blossoms are blooming! Emi and I went to Yokohama to walk along the Ooka river and enjoy ohanami (viewing the blossoms). We were not the only ones there. Check it out!









These kids were rowing their boat up the river.

Man, it looks like hard work to me.

Sweet Emi.

Yes, it's me.

At noon we went to a Chinese restaurant for lunch.

This was the first time we ate here. It won't be the last the food was great.

The food must be good, even the cooks eat it!

After lunch we returned to the river.

Street vendors set up stands along the river and sell all sorts of things.

Including chocolate covered bananas.

Even the Police were out enjoying the cherry blossoms.






It was a glorious day!

Thanks for stopping by.
Mike