Much too long

Hello! Gosh it's been much too long since my last post. I apologize deeply. It seems that each month just goes by quicker than the last and pretty soon it's two months later and like me you've done no updating:(

So a little update. I no longer live in Osaka. I recently moved to Kobe. Most of my friends life here and life in this city isn't as large but certain just as lively. Kobe residents are known to be a little fancier in their ways (attire is one example) but just as friendly since it is afterall still part of Kansai.

I love my new place! There was a fireworks show by the ocean the other night and I could see almost the whole show from my apartment. It was amazing. Definately beats joining thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of people, in an specific area on a humid summer night.

Now that I'm a Kobe resident, my work, or what exists of it-teaching English- must also move so I've been on the lookout for English conversation school that are hiring. Teaching is just one way to make some income while I pursue avenues more dear to my heart; fashion mainly.

I'm planning on making a visit up to Tokyo later this month to see friends and network a bit. I'm pretty excited as it's been several months since I was last there and not even for a whole 24 hours.

Summer brings about a lot more liveliness and fun in Kansai. There are a lot of events-both indoors and outdoors- and things are more light and casual. At least in my opinion.

My move to Kobe was bit hectic. It happened at about the hottest time and was definately a workout/sauna visit. More so it was extremely exhausting and near the end of it all I came down with a cold. I had no energy and needed serious rest to recuperate. It was accomplished with a couple nights of long sleep, the first night being like 12 hours:P

I'll make sure to post some pictures soon of events I've been to etc... Until then:)

Hokkaido

So, yes another couple weeks have gone by and I haven't written anything. When I think about how infrequently I write in this blog I realize how lazy I am. However, I'm thinking that in order to have things to update about, other than food and such, I may start posting pictures of street fashion as well as events that I attend.

The rainy season is upon us here which means warmer temperatures and more humidity. Not so great. Anyway, after my trip to the States I spent a couple days in Hokkaido (northern most island of Japan). Although it was the end of April it was still like late winter in some places and temperatures were far cooler than this area of Japan. Here are some pictures. Hokkaido is known, at least in terms of food, for ramen-specifically soy sauce, seafood and its dairy products. All are very delicious. It was my third time visiting Hokkaido. Couldn't partake in ramen eating because I do not eat meat and therefore can't have the broth, but the seafood is amazing-particularly sea urchin, crab, scallops,salmon and salmon roe- and cheese/milk/butter are also fantastic.












breakfast at the early morning seafood market

U.S.A.

I've been horrible about updating this. I guess it's because posting a lot of pictures seems sort of daunting and therefore I procrastinate and time flies by and I've yet to have done it.

So here it is. Pictures from my much needed and enjoyable vacation in the States. Two coasts (mostly the Bay area and NYC) about a week and half each and so much fun!

View of the Rockies






Park in the West Village


Little Italy


Chinatown




Flatiron building







Beautiful fruit carving








Central coast of California


delectable morsel from Easter brunch


Dinner at Chez Panisse

Cherry Blossoms

So said that I would post some pictures. Before I post pictures from my trip to the States I figured I'd go chronologically and post pictures of cherry blossoms that I took right before my vacation.

Spring here in Japan is an especially beautiful time of year. When temperatures aren't quite as cold and March comes around cherry trees start blooming everywhere. Of course this depends on weather so the cherry blossom viewing season, or hanami begins in Kyuushu and ends in Hokkaido. Because I wasn't in Japan during most of April I missed the peak hanami time for the Kansai region. At least in the sense of getting together with friends under the trees for a food/drink filled picnic. I did however get some great pictures taken over a couple random afternoons.

Now for the pictures.