Travelog for: Vinícius

Hello everybody!
This is me in my new Brazilian home. I have been in Brazil for a few years now, but we only recently moved to this place.

My new mommy doesn't have a digital camera at the moment, so there are no photos of me. But I got a new room mate named Chico, recently. He's a really cte pup and always wants to play with me.

I was a bit bored just sitting at the window looking out. I asked my mom if I could stow away with the Christmas presents and go back to Germany so I could travel on my own. She agreed and here I am. I was promised Cherry blossom season in Japan. What a treat! I am on my way!

Hallo Mutti!
I've arrived in Japan!
Here are my new friends, umechan and Hypno-dog!
umechan will soon become a new TV, cute kitten!

I'm sleepy now, see you later!
Mata ne! (Japanese often says instead of "Bye")

Hi Mutti!
Yesterday, March 3rd was the Girls' Day in Japan. It is also known as Hina Matsuri. It means "Doll Festival".
hanachan displays graceful dolls representing Emperor and Empress in ancient court costumes. This is the tradition that parents pray for their girls' growth and happiness.
Mata ne!

Hello, there!
After the rain, I found a fagot worm hanging from a tree in the yard.
I think that he/she is a Japanese type of our species, called "Mino-mushi" here.
"Hey, are you there?" I said. But nobody answered. 
Maybe sleeping. OK, Good dreams! Mata ne!


P.S.
The weather report says it will be fine tomorrow. We will go out after some rainy days!

Hi, Mutti!
I'm in Bando, a small town in Naruto city, Tokushima prefecture.
There were a WWI POW camp in 1917-1920, and about 1000 German soldiers captured in Tsingtao (which Germany leased at that time) were sent here. Do you know that?
German POWs were able to live freely in the camp as much as possible. People in community called them "Doitsu-san" (Mr. German) and made a good friendship as neighbors.
Many of German soldiers were good performers of music. So they constructed orchestra and gave concerts.
The first complete performance of Beethoven's 9th Symphony in Japan was given here by POW orchestra.
That's the reason why the statue of Beethoven stands here.
The German House was built as the memorial for the friendship with German POW and people in Bando.

By the way, Mutti, it's very nice day. The sky is so bright.
I'm sure that spring has come!
Mata ne!

Hi, Mutti! How are you?
Today, I came here - Takamatsu Station.
We are going across the inland sea by train. I don't know actually where I go. I'm so excited!

Hello, Mutti!
And I came across the sea to Kurashiki-city, Okayama pref.
This area is kept the old city view of Tokugawa Shogunate period. (17th-19th century)
There are many historical houses beside the canal.
These were once used as warehouse of cotton.
"Kura" of the city's name means warehouse in Japanese.

Mutti, I'm in front of the Japanese "noodle" restaurant called "Soba-ya". Many restaurants display food samples on their show-case. These samples are waxwork and very very real.

Sakura - cherry blossom has just started to bloom.

Hi, Mutti!
Genki? (Wie geht's?)
How goes it?
This is "Ritsurin Garden", one of the most beautiful and famous Gardens in Japan.
Try to search word "ritsurin garden" on your PC. You can get just the same picture that I see now.

Hi Mutti!
I'm walking near hanachan's house. 
It's a beautiful day.
Cherry blossoms are full blooming now.
It's starting to fall. I saw lots of petals on the ground. It will be like a pink carpet.
Mutti, I wish I could send you these petals... If I could.

Sayonara, Nippon!
Good bye, Japan!
I had a great time, but I'm leaving.
The new adventure is waiting for me.
BineHH, Hypno-dog, I am really happy to meet you!

Mutti, I'll write you from South Africa soon.
Take care!
Vini

Dearest Mutti

I arrived in South Africa on Friday after travelling only 6 days. My new host Jocelyn thinks that this short journey of 12938 kilometers was due to Kyoko putting so many lovely stamps on the envelope. My new host loves stamps and she thinks these are very pretty.

On Friday I had to stay in Jocelyn's bag all day because she was working but we returned home on Friday evening and I was introduced to all the other residents of her room. The leader is a Koala named Lipton but we call him Dundee as a joke because he is quite a bossy boots. Then there is Milo who is also going to be a TV except he hasn't left for Moscow yet. He is sweet natured and rather shy. Charles Henry is a little bear from London and he is reserved but when you get to know him he has a great sense of humour. Rafiki is a monkey TV who just arrived from Australia and he is the greatest fun and loves doing tricks to amuse and entertain us.

Also Jocelyn has two dogs. The one thinks she owns the room - her name is Tasha and she is a Pekingese. The other is a mad Australian named Dexy.

Yesterday and today were very quiet days. Yesterday Jocelyn was out most of the day either at work or with her dogs at dog training. Today there was a bit of a clean up of the bedroom. She is busy planning future outings but we are waiting for a few other Voyagers to arrive so that we can all join in the fun.

So Mutti everything is alright with me and I hope it is with you also. I will send another update soon.

Love from Vinícius



see the big pictures at flickr