Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise

It was my second time visiting this place and I loved it more this time round. Shawna and I had much more time to wander around and for the price of the Aquarium, we were able to go to four areas of this huge park.

Dolphin Fantasy. Stand underneath while the dolphins swim all around you.

An Ocean Sunfish

Ride the paddle boats in amongst the dolphins.

Sankeien Garden

Sankeien is a spacious Japanese style garden in southern Yokohama which exhibits a number of historic buildings from across Japan. There is a pond, small rivers, flowers and wonderful scrolling trails that make you think you are in Kyoto rather than Yokohama.

The garden was built by Hara Sankei and opened to the public in 1904. Among the historic buildings exhibited in the park are an elegant daimyo (feudal lord) residence, several tea houses and the main hall and three storied pagoda of Kyoto's old Tomyoji Temple.

(Credit to http://www.japan-guide.com. All information and links above are from their site)

F is for Fireworks

Fireworks (hanabi) happen the last Saturday of July across the Abe river (kawa) in Shizuoka city and has become tradition during the Summer. There are apparently about 15,000 fireworks, however I didn't count them all, but considering it was approximately 3 hours of fireworks, it's probably not far off. It is nothing like the firework displays we have back home. Luckily also, it was a gorgeous night outside, despite having horrible heat during the day. 

My Umbrella Shame

My cutesy umbrella is no longer with us.

I first noticed this morning walking to work in the rain. My first clue that something wasn't right, was my sopping wet shoulder. Sure enough, half of my umbrella was flopping down, seemingly, directing the rain to get me as wet as possible. I decided that it was probably time to buy a new umbrella on the way home from work. On the way home, or in fact anywhere nearby, there are only two large shops. A supermarket and a pharmacy+ a few extra bits and pieces. It was here I found an umbrella. There were 4 to choose from, and 3 of them felt more like summer parasoles, to keep the sun off you, so I was left with one hot pink one with flowers., wrapped and rolled up. Not my ideal, but I could handle it. 

I pay for my purchase, thrilled to soon remember what dry felt like. I get outside, put it up and I don't want to be over dramatic, but a little part of me died. I don't know if I will ever be the same. Okay, so it was not that bad but I instantly had buyer's remorse. I had bought myself a hot pink Hello Kitty umbrella. Oh Joy!

Now, when I walk past people I try and hide my face. Living in a 'country' town, that is kind of a hard task. I am pretty recognisable. 

I used to love the rain...

I guess I could just not be a complete baby about it, or buy a new umbrella. 

Potato Digging

Just what the title implies. Kindergarten children waving their gardening tools around (while I looked on anxiously), running back and forth, digging for potatoes. It actually is a lot of fun and the kids really love it. There were a lot of potatoes this year. It was hot but thankfully not as humid as it has been this week. Of course I was only out there for a little while compared to the others who were helping all 3 classes. I did get a bag of potatoes from it, so yay. 

W is for Wine

I love the wine bar in Hamamatsu.  No those glasses are not dark. They are filled with red red wine.

Shizuoka Samba Festival

We stood on the street for what felt like years to see a small glimpse of the parade. If we had seen the whole procession I think it would have been excellent. What we did see of it was great. So many gorgeous costumes. It does make you want to take up dancing. 

Nagoya Science Museum

First day of our 4 day weekend, we 'trekked' to Nagoya. Okay, trekked may be an exaggeration...It was a bus and a bullet train. It felt like a trek at the end of the day. Nagoya was really busy but I enjoyed it. The Science Museum was amazing and quite large. It was only 400 yen ($3.90 AUD) to enter and there was 4 levels of all the 'science stuff'. 

Water Play Area

Water Play Area from the 2nd Level

A game that took awhile to get the hang of because it was talking to us in Japanese.

Little Nagoya. Holograms explained how the little city worked. I still don't know how the little city works. I need to learn more Japanese. (The musuem does try to be English friendly for many things. It was good)

The tornado simulation machine.

 You can visit the website here (In English).

I is for Ice

On the flight from Singapore to Tokyo.