Travelog for: Krotechek

Hello world!
My name is Krotechek and I`m very popular in Czech Republic:

Quote:

The Mole (in the Czech original called Krtek, or Krteček little mole) is an animated character in a series of cartoons, created by Czech animator Zdeněk Miler. It was first to be seen in 1956 in Prague, when Miler wanted to create a children's cartoon about how flax is processed. He wanted a strong Disney-influence to the cartoon by choosing an animal for the leading role, and decided to pick a mole after stumbling over a molehill during a walk. The first film called "Jak krtek ke kalhotkám přišel" ("How the mole got his pants") was released in 1956, and the cute main character won itself an enormous popularity in many Eastern European countries as well as Germany, Austria, India and China. Production for further episodes started in 1963 and since then, around 50 episodes have been created.

I met my new mentor in the shop you ca see at the photo. I`ve been there long enough and now I`m ready for adventures!

After leaving the shop I decided to show my city to my new friends!
I love Prague and think it is the best place in the world! It will be a pity to leave it.

We was having fun all day long and tried our Czech beer!

Haha, I`m in Russia, man!

First place where I had an excursion was countryside. It is very nice here, so nothing special which we don`t have in Czech

Hello guys!
I have touched piece of Russian history. These machines were used to stop fascistic army during the II World War.
The car you can see is Katyusha rocket launcher:

Quote:

Katyusha multiple rocket launchers are a type of rocket artillery first built and fielded by the Soviet Union in World War II. Compared to other artillery, these multiple rocket launchers deliver a devastating amount of explosives to an area target quickly, but with lower accuracy and requiring a longer time to reload. They are fragile compared to artillery guns, but inexpensive and easy to produce. Katyushas of World War II, the first self-propelled artillery mass-produced by the Soviet Union,[1] were usually mounted on trucks. This mobility gave Katyushas (and other self-propelled artillery) another advantage: being able to deliver a large blow all at once, and then move before being located and attacked with counter-battery fire.

I liked the museum, but next I`d prefer to see something more peaceful

Hello guys!
My new friend kikuchan told me about beautiful Japan and I decided to visit her mummy
So...See my updates very soon from Japan! 

The exhibition of Japanese Flower Arrangement

Hi Maria!
I'm lucky to see the traditional Kimono girls.
Each girl is wearing the beautiful kimono-sash tied in a different style.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Atomic Bomb Dome)

Miyajima is an island located off the coast of Hiroshima.
After rain, we visited Itsukushima Shrine, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This shrine is built over the sea. At high tide it looks like floating.
When we visited the shrine, the tide was low.
I would be into the water and walk to the Great Gate of shrine, if it was summer time.
Hey, I saw a baby deer (Japanese Sika). Many deers are wandering around. They are not afraid of us though they are still wild.

Itsukushima Shinto Shrine

Hello, Maria!
I'm now in a small park called Kikaku Koen, about 15km South-East from Takamatsu.
It's a warm day, though it is December.
Colored leaves are still there.

Takamatsu Symbol Tower, Sunport
In Japan Christmas is not a holiday. So they go to work as usual.
Look, this is a landmark building in Takamatsu city.
At night I found a lighting Christmas tree on the wall.

Christmas deco "Tiramisu" cake!!

Omisoka - New Year's Eve is the last day of the year (December 31).
We decorated Rabbit dolls.
2011 is the year of Rabbit, one of the 12 zodiac signs which were composed in China more than 1000 years ago.
Originally it's a traditional Chinese calendar system. Today Japanese uses the name of animals for the new year.
Buddhist temples start ringing their bells late on New Year's Eve and continue into the early hours of New Year's Day, 108 times in all.
People watch this on TV everywhere in Japan.
We were also watching it like Japanese.
And it's the opening New Year!
"Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu!" Happy New Year!

New Year's Day
The first nice thing on the New Year Day is receiving Nengajo - New Year's card.
Japanese custom of sending New Year's cards is somewhat similar to the Western practice of exchanging Christmas cards.
However, Japanese New Year's cards should not arrive before New Year's Day. Commonly, New Year's cards are mailed in the middle of December, and they are delivered early on the morning of New Year's Day.

2011 is the year of Rabbit in Asian countries.
Here is hanachan's nengajo this year. hanachan has Rabbit's ears 
It's the 12-year animal cycle based on ancient Chinese calender system.
In Japan 12 animals' order is :
Rat - Ox - Tiger - Rabbit - Dragon - Snake - Horse - Sheep - Monkey - Rooster - Dog - Wild Boar 
(Each Asian country has some differences)

Specially prepared New Year's food, Osechi ryori is arranged in lacquer boxes.
And a special New Year's soup with Mochi (rice cakes), vegetables, etc. It called Zouni.
In Takamatsu, they use Anko-mochi (sweet red bean paste in rice cakes). It's very special one which is not in the other areas.

Traditional Crafts

Hatsumoude - Visiting shrines and temples to pray for health and happiness for the New Year

Okayama Jo - Okayama Castle
more about : Okayama Castle