Monthly Archives: May 2004
The Hunger
Right now I’m searching the net for pictures to make a complete phonics lesson, and while looking for “cheeseburger”, I stumbled upon this. Seeing this image has awakened the hunger. It is right before lunch so I will be eating shortly, but this will not satisfy my craving for some fresh grilled meat patties and … Continue reading
Finding Big Buddhas
In my neck of the woods of Japan, finding a statue of buddha is an everyday occourance. They are everywhere, and not all buddhas capture my eye. This one, in Taketa-shi, was remarkable. It blows my mind that I have been living here for almost two years, and I still haven’t found every spectacle within … Continue reading
Oita’s Niagara Falls
After visiting the Oka Castle Ruins (in Taketa) I stumbled upon a sign that lead me to “Oita’s Niagara Falls”. I guess it is kind of reminiscent of Niagara, but I was disappointed that they built a bridge across the top that acts as a dam, preventing water from cascading down the full width of … Continue reading
Blue Hentai Anime Tentacle Hermaphrodite
Hahaha, it will be interesting to see if anyone is disapppointed by this post due to the misleading title. I think that these blue worms are a likely source of inspiration for those, uh… creative cartoon monsters, but on to the monster annelids. It is inevitable that on a nature hike with kids at English … Continue reading
They Call Me DJ Bruce
I just rediscovered I Know Where Bruce Lee Lives (AKA The Ultrainteractive Kungfu-Remixer), after not having seen it for six years. The music reminds me of some of the music in Kill Bill (especially “Victory” mode), and the German sound bytes are priceless! Now I know how to say “I’m gonna send you to Hell!” … Continue reading
Takana
On the second week of April I was recruited to help process Ubuyama’s freshly harvested takana while on my way to the laundromat. I pulled into the parking lot and was surprised to find it being used as a loading dock. I swerved to avoid the scattered pyres of takana and a forklift with a … Continue reading
Touring Central Kyushu
My favorite thing to do in Kyushu is to drive. I love driving in rural Kyushu for the following reasons: *having the roads all to myself *cutting around curve after curve after curve *the rush of adrenaline I get from a well executed pass *the smell of mountain air rushing in from my fully open … Continue reading
Signs With No Meaning
Back at home, the majority of people are pretty good at giving directions by using street names. You need to be aware of street names, landmarks, and where things are because its an important part of the culture of California. Although driving is also the main way that everyone gets around in these parts, it’s … Continue reading
View Full of Aso on the 45
Click the image to see a larger version. This is my most recent attempt at a panoramic collage. I live ten minutes from this beautiful vantage point, perched along the Yamanami Highway in Northern Aso. People say that these mountains look like a sleeping Buddha. The Eastern (in the left of the picture) peaks of … Continue reading
Kyushu Hitching Pics
Hitching at night time was difficult. I would not want to pick up someone who looked like this, but surprisingly people almost always stopped for us regardless of the time or the place. If you get stuck out in the country at night, though, you may have to set up camp. This is my hitching … Continue reading