"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
Tag: Australia
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
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 – A Country on the Move
Hola, mi llamo Mike PURA VIDA Hermano Boulder to SanJose - Five hours and twenty five minutes in travel time but a world apart in lifestyle. For starters I am fairly sure Boulder taxi drivers' modus operandi is to get you to your destination safely. In Costa Rica it seems that getting you there is … Continue reading COSTA RICA – A Country on the Move
This is a Very Odd Country
Boulder, Colorado is by no means representative of the U.S. of A. It is a university city and Colorado University pervades most walks of life here. Google has a centre in the middle of town. Nearly 80% of its population is White (6.5% Asian, 1.8% Black) and the city is in the top 25 wealthiest … Continue reading This is a Very Odd Country
To A New Destination and Some Time in an Old One
Well, I've had dreams enough for oneAnd I've got love enough for threeI have my hopes to comfort meI've got my new horizons out to sea The Moody Blues song written by Justin Hayward Bloody hell its cold. Descending to -2C overnight and reaching the lofty heights of 9C at midday the cold gets into … Continue reading To A New Destination and Some Time in an Old One
Travels With Mr Gato Downunder 