"Fall down seven times, get up eight." "Tomorrow, tomorrow's wind will blow." "Continuance is strength." "He who chases two rabbits will catch neither." Some Japanese Proverbs which define the Japanese ethic of perseverence and practicality. Left - Kinkaku-ji - the Golden Temple It is a 500 km or two and a half hour train ride … Continue reading Japan – Food, Culture and Respect Part 2
Category: Travel Posts
Japan – Food, Culture and Respect
Nightlife on the Dontobori Canal, Namba, Osaka Early Japanese life and culture after the sixth century AD was heavily influenced by Chinese and Indian religion and philosophies, Buddhism, Confuscianism and Taoism although Buddhism has traditionally occupied the mainstream of Japanese thought. Japanese history has gone through the phases of feudalism, family wars, the rise of … Continue reading Japan – Food, Culture and Respect
Into the Heart of the Rockies
"There was a time in this fair land when the railroad did not run When the wild majestic mountains stood alone against the sun" From "Canadian Railroad Trilogy" a song by Gordon Lightfoot Mooseland, Borealia or the Great White North. Canada by any other name. That mighty country currently defying the US of A and … Continue reading Into the Heart of the Rockies
Exploring Hollywood: Mulholland Drive, Stars and the Boulevard
And those Hollywood nightsIn those Hollywood hillsShe was looking so rightIn her diamonds and frills from the song Hollywood Nights Written and performed by Bob Seger Bob Seger formed the Silver Bullet Band in the early 1970s and produced a number of high flyers including "Against the Wind" and "Night Moves" throughout that decade and … Continue reading Exploring Hollywood: Mulholland Drive, Stars and the Boulevard
Sun, Surf and Sand – a Visit to the USA
"They bob in line like seabirds waiting for the fishing smack.The sun or sometimes rain lays down acrosstheir salt encrusted backs. Wild hair,so often blond, tightening into knots.Do they lie and chat? “Have you got maths today?”and do they let their mothers comb the knots,wheedling to their sons and daughtersfor that is what they are … Continue reading Sun, Surf and Sand – a Visit to the USA
France and the UK – Chapter Three
"Far off in sunlit placesSad are the Scottish facesYearning to feel the kiss of sweet Scottish rainWhere tropic skies are beaming" from "Scotland the Brave" words by Clifford Hanley The words to the song " Scotland the Brave" were written in 1950 by colourful Scottish journalist and novelist Cliff Hanley. The song was recorded by … Continue reading France and the UK – Chapter Three
Nous Retournons a la ou nos Coeurs Appartiennent
"But I always knew I would live life through With a song in my heart for you,,,,,,," song from the musical "Spring is Here" by Richard Rogers and Lorenz Hart Only Family Could Take Us Away From This Quick tip for you would be travellers - do not travel to the south of France in … Continue reading Nous Retournons a la ou nos Coeurs Appartiennent
WONDERFUL MEMORIES – AND SOME NEW ONES
In 2002 Scout and I left our life in New Zealand behind to spend ten wonderful years living and working in England and France. We longed to return and in August 2024 we revisited old friends and places we had fallen in love with.
Back in the Land of OZ
Living in a land down underWhere women glow and men plunder (yeah)Can't you hear, can't you hear the thunder? (Thunder)You better-better run, you better take cover Written by Colin Hay and and Ron Strykert - Men at Work The song "Downunder" is an Aussie classic although interestingly owes some of its success to the … Continue reading Back in the Land of OZ
Costa Rica – Volcanoes, Rainforest and Beaches
Lake Arenal and Volcano Cheese making is all very good and what an experience but we were about to meet the Costa Rica renowned for its diverse flora and fauna. Costa Rica is home to around six percent of the world's species - a whopping 500,000 recorded species. Over 25% of the country is designated … Continue reading Costa Rica – Volcanoes, Rainforest and Beaches
Travels With Mr Gato Downunder 