31/10/2009
The colour change season has begun
It has got to be one of the best things about living in Japan. The six week period from the beginning of November to the second week of December (as it occurs here in Kyoto), that is. It's otherwise known as the colour change season, when the various trees' leaves change colours. Most notable early in the season are the Sakura (Cherry) which turn into a deep orange to red. Then the Ichou (Ginkgo) with their magnificent yellow. Finally in the last two weeks of the season the Momiji (Japanese Maples) which turn a glorious red. Here in Nagaokakyo this particular tree in the entrance to Osaka Seikei University (Nagaokakyo Campus) is one of the first trees in the season to change. So ladies and gentlemen, it's time to get your cameras and start shooting for six weeks of spectacular autumn colour!
24/10/2009
Where Am I?
Well, I've given you one clue it's in Japan, but it looks like Europe. It's on the side of the mountains, but it's not far from the sea. It has lots of spacious properties, but it's in a city with not much space (even by Japanese standards!). The buildings here are old, but the rest of the city is very modern. It was once a very classy part of the city to live or visit, but it's looking a bit worse for wear these days. Give up? Highlight over the location line to find the answer.
Also you can see a photo from the last time I went there in 1998 here.
“Where am I?” also had a couple of other meanings for the day, firstly I got lost about three times during the day! Secondly it was a day I took off and got away from my home in Kyoto, went up a mountain, and had a bit of think about where things are heading. After returning home I made a couple of changes to the way we do things in the church.