Travelog for: Hryusha

Hi Mummy,
today Katja helped me to pack my things.



We found tiny "Lebkuchen", I have a packet in my luggage for my next host.



Hopefully you will hear from me soon

Hryusha

Hi Mummy,
I've arrived in Japan. It's a warm day. hanachan also loves my cute bag Katja made. I'm a little proud 
Bye now,
Hryusha

Hi!
This is Ritsurin Garden, a typical Japanese garden.
It is located in the center of the city, among the modern buildings.
For 228 years long since 1642, the Matsudaira family, the Lord of Takamatsu owned and maintained the garden. Today the garden is open to public.
Lots of Cherry Blossom trees have no leaves now, and they're waiting for the next spring.

Year of the Dragon
In Asian countries this year 2012 is called "year of the Dragon". It is one of 12 zodiac signs from old Chinese calendar.
Mom, Akemashite Omedetou! Happy New Year!

Hi, mummy!
Guess what I'm making 
It's a very famous castle in Germany. Get it?

When the new year starts, Japanese visit temples and shrines.
Mom, we visited Yashima temple at the top of Mt.Yashima.
Most of Japanese are Buddhist people and also Shintoists.
In Yashima temple Shinto shrine exists together.
Shinto is the native religion of Japan. Deities are everywhere. Nature deities (forest or mountain, even a stone), human deities (legendary persons) are worshiped at shrines.
Old foxes and raccoon dogs are also worshiped. They are clever animals and have a magical power in Japanese old tales. 

This is Castle Neuschwanstein made of toy blocks. It's gorgeous

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

Hello, Mom!
We came to Kurashiki-city, Okayama pref.
Our train ran across the Seto Ohashi Bridge over the Inland Sea. Unfortunately we saw nothing out of the window in the stormy weather when the train was running on the sea.

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.

Mom, what do you think about "JinRikisha(Rickshaw)"? Nice photos we took!

Hinomisaki is a cape in Izumo, Shimane prefecture, Japan.
Check View Map where I am We are far away from Takamatsu now.
Hinomisaki faces the Sea of Japan where blue sky and clear sea water are beautiful. The Hinomisaki Lighthouse is about 40m high, and is the highest of stone-build lighthouse in Asia. The guidebook says that the Lighthouse was selected as one of the World's One Hundred Most Historic Lighthouses
Near the lighthouse, there is Hinomisaki Shrine.

Matsue Castle
It's a pity the weather is bad

more about Matsue Castle

Sakura cherry blossoms in full bloom

Oink, oink! I finally can go out of this narrow envelop!



Hello, here I am!





Grüezi Switzerland!




Thanks for the japanese snack. I was really hungry during my travel!

It was a very sad day, because I had to say "GOODBYE" to Sofia

Me and my new friends Cessy accompanied Sofia to the postoffice.
...Sofia was the driver! We wish Sofia a good trip to Paris. Take care!