Wild Birds in New Caledonia

We were waken up by wild birds' singing every morning in Numea.
A day started by taking pictures of them from a balcony of the hotel we stayed.

Just a ten-meter walk from the hotel we stayed brought us to the beach where seagulls were living.

Looking carefully at their beaks and eyes, I found colors were different each other..
Does it mean just male or female, or they are different species?

A Driver and a Tour Guide in Numea

Cedric is a driver of the choo choo train and Lida is a English speaking tour guide.

Both of them were very kind and friendly.

They became a precious memory of our trip to New Caledonia.

I Go to New Caledonia in the Southern Hemisphere

The vehicle called Choo Choo Train took tourists to several sightseeing spots in the main city of Numea spending a couple hours with two tour guides, one of  whom spoke English and the other spoke French.

Since New Caledonia is an overseas territory of France, almost all people in the country speak French and few speak other languages.

English speaking tour guide accompanied with us was just for tourists.

My wife and I enjoyed the tour very much.  The view of the ocean from the top of a hill was really awesome, wasn't it?

I Go to a Cafe, 'YOUR HOUSE' in Utsunomiya

My wife and I went to a nearby cafe, the name of which was YOUR HOUSE for lunch the other day.

More than food they served, light bulbs hanging from the ceiling were far impressive to me.

Since LED type illumination has become popular these days, it's hard to find light bulbs actually working.

I think those lights may be darker and more energy-wasting than LEDs, they can make us feel peaceful and relaxed, can't they?

I Come Back from My Hometown

The Steep Bridge Leads to the Airport

My brother took me from their home to the airport as usual.

On our way to the airport, we caught a sight of a bird spreading his wings.

We pulled over the car and watch it for a while.

It reminded me of a bird called Anhinga which lived in Florida Everglades National Park in 2009.

It seemed to say, 'See you again Ray.'

Then, I whispered, 'Sure will I.'

View From the Second Floor of My Mother' House on the Last Day of My Staying This Time

My Mother's 89th Birthday Party at Ohashikan

We celebrated my mother’s 89th birthday at Ohashikan which was a famous riverside hotel in Matsue city.

My elder brother planed the party rather small so as to be able to make parties easily and frequently for years to come.

Though my younger brother Koji lives in Kanagawa prefecture, just three hours from my home, it was the first time we met since five or six years before.

It was a fun to talk with him about trivial matters.

First class Japanese food were not only delicious but looked beautiful without exceptions.

I always feel guilty to eat them before taking their pictures

I Go to Lake Shinji in Shimane Prefecture

Lake Shinji is not only one of the famous tourist spots in Matsue city but also it has a beloved gathering lakefront for citizens.

Some were enjoying walking, some were dancing and the others were taking photos at the lakeside park when I went.

Some were water-skiing on the lake, even in the chilly autumn season.
Lake Shinji is highly recommended place, in other words, a must-viewing area in my hometown.

I Go to Yaegaki Shrine in Shimane

I went to Yaegaki Shrine in the suburb of Matsue city.

There is a sacred pod in the forest near the shrine which was called Mirror Pond.

Visitors, usually unwed women, place a fortune paper on the surface of water and a coin on it.

It is said that the amount of time the coin stays afloat on the paper is supposed to indicate the fate of their marriage.

The longer it stays afloat, the longer it takes before their marriage.

Matsue Castle and Its Moat Secenery

I never fail to visit Matsue Castle whenever I go back to my hometown.

Matsue Castle and its moat area are one of top sightseeing spots.

It is said that the castle was built spending five years and was completed in 1611.

In 1875, all of the buildings were destroyed except the castle tower because of the government policy at that time.

The castle underwent a complete reconstruction between 1950 and 1955.

Flowers in My Mother's Home

Vistors can enjoy seeing flowers and insects in my mam's garden all the year round. 

There are lots of different plants and vegetables. 

Every time I am back to my hometown, taking pictures becomes my main pleasure.

The last time when I was staying, that was not an exception.

Not only my family members but flowers and insects there, all welcomed me for seven days during my visit.  

We Celebrate My Mother's 89th Birthday

My younger brother and I went back to my hometown to celebrate my mam's 89th birthday.
My daughters and my wife had sent potted flowers for presents before I arrived at home.
I took the picture of my mam holding the presents.

I found a pair of toys made of rice stalks displayed at Japanese style living room. One of them was a crane and the other was a tortoise. Cranes and tortoises are respected to as having a long life in Japan. Those two characters were best fit for her birthday.