くまちゃんのENGLISH ブログ -2ページ目

18Jun
- I went to York on 9th June 2019.N01
  Historic York was for centuries England's second city and containsan appealing mixture of medieval, Georgian and Voctorian architecture. George Ⅵ said that "The history of York is the history of Englang".York has experienced a lot of battle and exchange of Roman, Saxon, Dane and Norman. The city is protected around the 13th-century stone walls and we can take a walk. The Sambles street reminds us of medieval feeling and we can enjoy shopping and eating.We went to York on an motorway. In the UK the speed limit is usually 70 MPH(112km/h) It's free.Clifford's TowerWe arrived at York. It took about three hours from Cambridge to York.This is a proud symbol of the might of medieval kings. It was originally built by William the Conqueror to subdue the rebellious north, it was later rebuilt by Henry Ⅲ in the 13th century.The stair ia steepThe roof was destroyed in 17th century.Parent and child played a sword battle, so I asked to take pictures. They played again. I thank them.There are many shops everywhere in the UK.Former Castle picture.Picture shows the inner structure of the Castle.Fantastic panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside from the top of the tower show why it played such a key role in the control of northern England.A sightseeing coach.( in the UK not bus)The building over there is York Minster. I walked from Clifford's Tower to York Minster.On the way I stop off at many shops and streets. This is a cycle shop, but it was closed.This is Shambles street and there are many shops which have been for a long time.Old days a meat shop selled meat with meat hanging from the eaves of a shop.Nowadays there is a stylish clothes shop.I found a food court, so I decided to have lunch.My lunch was a hot dog.Do you know waht it is? It is a toilet bowl. I remembered the past. This toilet is 40pence( 60yen)The street is for pedestrians only Do you know what shop has this signboard?It has a nail shop. There are many nail shops.York Minster is the largest medieval Gothic cathedral north of the Alps.I was so overwhelmed by the treasure trove of 800 years of stained glass, that I couldn't say anything.This is theGreat West Window.When I watch European culture I feel strongly the necessity of knowledge of the Christian religion.Unfortunately the Choir Seat in the centerwas under restoration work, so we couldn't watch the pipe organ which was made of 5300 pipes.Each stained glass tells about the teachings of the Bible.This is the Five Sisters Window.This is the scale model of the Chapter House.There is no center post, so it was a revolutionary idea in those days.The Chapter House is an octagonal hall, and has seven pieces of stained glass windows. I think they built a cathedral to make stained glass windows.This is theGreatEastWindow and the biggest stained glass window. It is about the same size of a tennis court. The height is 24m, It was made of 311panels.I couldn't take pictures the whole window because of too big.I will write about National Railway Museum next time.Thank you for reading.See you next time.kazu.
08Jun
- I hired a bicycle from City Cycle Hire from 1st
  They have given friendly service with more than 20years of experience and local knowledge serving tourists, students, and business in Cambridge.I found a leaflet of a hire bicycle at the reception, and I askeded them about rental prices. If I hire a city trekking bike for 4 months , it costs totally 125 pounds. (about 19,000yen)I went to the Hire Bicycle office next day and I hired a city trekking bike. It is with a front basket and a rear carrier, so it's very usuful for me.I should usually go shopping for my foods, so I always use my bicycle for anywhere and load heavy food onto the bicycle.I'm looking forward to cycling many places in Cambridge every weekend from now.He is a staff of the City Cycle Hire, and very friendly.I'm happy!!Tour de France Stage 3 started here on 07-07-2014.I was surprised that Tour de France started in the UK.Do you know this sign board? This is a Cyclists counter, so it showstoday'snumber of cyclists, in total for this year , time, and temperature.Today's cyclists is 474 not include me, and from January in total about 450,000.People in Cambridge like a bicyle and Always many people ride a bicycle. I love Cambridge.There is a big cathedral near the city centre.This is the Cambridge University Department of Engineering.There are over 30 colleges in Cambridge. People call them the Cambridge University. For example, King's College, Queens' college, Trinity College, St John's college, Emmanuel College, Christ's College, Sidney Sussex College, St Catharines College, Downing College, Pembroke College, Darwin College, Corpus Christi College, Magdalene College, Westminster College, etc.I found a person who was rowing on a river.I guessed he was looking into something. He looked like a researcher.There is a pasture in the town.A cow was feeding on grass.It's just like Hokkaido.After that I went to Mill Road, because I heard there is a Chinese supermarket on the Mill Road, and it sells a cabbage. When I arrived at there I felt hungry, so I entered a Chinese restaurant.I met my classmates by chance at the restaurant.She is a student from China.She is a student from China too. Both like noodles.After that I bought a cabbage at a near Chinese supermarket.It costs 3.7pounds. It's about 550yen.I cooked fried vegetables with cabbage and beef that evening.Thank you for reading.See you again.Kazu.
03Jun
- I went to Salisbury & Stonehenge in 25th May
  Superbly situated in southern England's rural heartland, few destinations can match the amazing diversity of Salisbury and Stonehenge and with a history dating back over 5,000 years. The magnificent medieval city of Salisbury has it all: historic streets and alleyways, charming half-timbered buildings, characterful shopping streets, traditionall English eating houses and a superb range of attractions, including the UK's finest medieval cathedral. Away from Salisbury, the mysterious and imposing monument of Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain is a remarkable sight. I chose a trip to Salisbury & Stonehenge as my first trip in the UK. Please enjoy your stay in the UK with me.There is a big beautiful park in front of my eyes.This is called Parker's Piece, and there are many parks in Cambridge City.We were to gather in front of the police center at eight in the morning.Many people were coming.The bus left on time and stopped at a train crossing.This train is a London-bound train.Our bus went over the crossing.Around the bus fields and paddies glorious spread anywhere.On the way there issome small beautiful towns.In the UK almost no mountain, and fields stretched as far as the eye could see.We arrived at the first destination, Salisbury.I felt as if I had been transported through time to the medieval period.I entered a restaurant, Jenny's, and had lunch.Two eggs, two slices of bacon, two sausages, two pieces of tomato and cultivated mushrooms.Salisbury Cathedral was built in 1258 and it is considered the finest medieval cathedral in the UK. It is a wonderful example of Early English Gothic architecture and has the tallest church spire in the country. Visible from every direction and dominating the landscape for miles around, it rises a breathtaking 123m into the sky. The cathedral houses the best preserved of only four original copies of the Magna Carta. Do not fear for I have redeemed you.The stained glass is wonderful,but we can't get close to it.Magna Carta stressed that everyone,even the king, had to treat people fairly and that no one was above the law. The charter included causes on subjects varied as Church's rights, the standardisation of weights and measures and, most importantly, due process in law.No photography without permission.Only this picture.We were waiting in turn and after that we entered in the room.Magna Carta was written in small handwriting lettering on parchment.We arrived at the second destination, Stonehenge. The circumference is only level ground and no building except the Visitor centre.Rams were feeding on grass Specialists say that Stonehenge is an old mound or an altar.We tried to hearthe voice that 4,500-year-old people left to us.People's house in those days.We felt emotions at the people's superior technique.Thank you for reading.See you again.Kazu.
28May
- I started my life in Cambridge on 19th May.
  I arrived wellat Cambridge last Saturday after about twelve hours flight from Haneda.In Cambridge the weather is similar to Vancouver, so it's very refreshing and almost sunny every day. I'm very happy. I guess even in summer I will feel comfortable like Kushiro in Hokkaido.My school is EC Cambridge, and it has19schools in the UK, the U.S. Canada, Ireland, Malta and South Africa. I was worried that King's English would be difficult to understand, but our teacher's pronunciation is easier to understand than American English. Because King's English is less linking and clearer, so I feel the words separate and the intonation is stronger than American English.The students are many Europeans, the Latin people and Taiwanese. I have met only one Japanese student until today, and I heard there is only another Japanese. So I have never spoken Japanese forlast one week.I hope it would be useful for my English skills.Our school schedule is three courses a day. One course is 90 minutes.so my course starts at9a.m. and ends at 2:30p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. On the other hand, it starts at 1p.m. and ends at 6p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday.You guess I would have enough time to learn English, but I should cook my mealevery time. I make effort to manage to eat three meals aday.We had the new students meeting on last Sunday and Cambridge tour on Monday after class. My classmates are very friendly and helped me. I thank them.I reserved Salisbury and Stonehenge Tour on 25th May.It's school's activities and in every week many kind of activities are planned for students. I'm loooking forward to taking part in the activities as many as I can.This is my first breakfast in Cambridge. It's English breakfast I heard food would be more expensive than Japan, but the breakfast was a filling meal and I got full that day.The restaurant that I had breakfast was Cafe Oriental. It's a Chinese restaurant.This is a street in front of my school. There are many restaurants and cafes. We went to a burger restaurant near my school for new students meeting. It is a somewhat trendy shop inspite of a burger shop.A young guy on the left is a Spaniard. He is nineteen. The lady on the left side is a Brazilian and other is EC Cambridge leader.She is very kind and supported me.I failed to hear her hometown. She is an Italian. A hamburger and French fried potatoes.A chicken salad.A sandwich.We went to Cambridge Tour together after our lesson on 20th May.This is the reception desk of the school. This is a computer space.Here is a lounge and we have lunch here every day.We started Cambridge Tour from our school.We entered EC Cambridge at the same day. There are thirteen students. Diana Princess of Wales She has lived only for 36 years, but her memory will remain in people'shearts for all time. This is Christ's College.Charles Darwin studyed in this College.This is a Round Church. It was built at 1130. The round church is rare in the UK.Pedestrian zone and cycle park are prepared.Harry Potter !!St.John's College Admission charges. The population of Cambridge is only one hundred and twenty three thousand. It is about half of my home town, but their infrastructure is an overwhelming differencein in ability. I felt European power for the first time in Cambridge.Thank you for reading.See you again.Kazu.
21Apr
- The annual public performance of Terue Nakanishi
  This year's performance was hosted at the Biwako Hall Center for the Performing Arts, Shiga. The collaboration with guest artists from New York was more exciting and profound elegance than ever. I have never seen such wonderful ballet performance like this. I believe that Terry's try is an unstoppable string of progress and her ambition know no bounds. A capacity audience of the main theatre rejoiced with a clapping of hands, and the hall echoed with applause. I had respect for Terry's power of creation and management.The wonderful brochure was offered at 500 yen.The three foreigners on the middle are guest artists from New York and a Japanese on the bottom is Japan's top-ranking ballerina, Takako Nakanishi.Except Terry's ballet studio, thirteen other ballet schools supported this performance.There were many family group of customers. I guess a member of their family would take part in this performance.I hope that children would come to like ballet because of seeing this performance.The first stage was "La Sylphide". This is one of the three famous Ballet Blanc and romantic story.The second stage was "the Concert" containing eleven different stories, for example Carmen, a Napolitan girl, Gypsy, Rokujo, Beauty and the Beast, Dream, Don Quixote, A summer night etc. I personally think Beauty and the Beast is very nice.The last stage was "Bolero" composed by Fadi J. Khoury.I remembered the performance "Bolero" by Sylvie Guillem I watched on YouTube a few years ago. It was the first time for me to encounter with modern ballet.. I was greatly shocked to the performance, but this time I enjoyed the beauty of the Red and the Black with nice music and I engraved the image on my memory.This main Theatre has 1848 seats and on that day the parquet was a almost full house. I admired Terry attracted many customers like this. She is miraculous.Unfortunately it was raining outside. There is Lake Biwa in front of my nose.I appreciate this wonderful performance, and I'm looking forward to seeing next year's stage.Thank you for reading.See you next time.Kazu.
20Apr
- I went cycling to the Takidani Fudouson Temple w
  It is one of the three major Fudouson temples in Japan, and it was founded by Kobo Daishi in 821.I would like to go cycling on a cycling path in a riverside area of the Ishikawa River. It is a nice cycling road and a long distance in Osaka.It was the perfect weather for cherry blossom viewing cycling on that day. I was very happy and enjoyed fully cherry blossom.This cycling path is my favorite road in the Ishikawa riverside area. When I was running a marathon about ten Years ago, I used to run. Cherry trees were in full bloom and looked like an archway of flowering cherry trees. We felt refreshing getting sprayed by a blizzard of falling cherry blossom petals.The white Dog in a front basket was looking comfortable too.This winter has been severer than usual, but it was getting warmer and warmer day by day. It feels like spring is already here.I started from my house at 10:30 a.m. and arrived at Kintetsu Takidanifudou Station at about noon. There were many young people in this station because of near the Osaka Ohtani University.We had long expected lunch at a Japanese restaurant in front of the station.This restaurant gives a discount one person per ten people, but we have not enough.We had a deep-fried pork cutlet set meal. The dull brown in a small bowl at the upper right was sweet jelly of adzuki beans. I had a helping of rice. It was 800 yen. I think it would be reasonable.After lunch, we left for the Takidani Fudouson Temple. It was not so far , but it is a steep ascent.The history of the Takidani Fudouson Temple is written.Cherry trees were in full bloom on that day.On the way back, the range of mountains, Katsuragi and Kongo, was very beautiful. I remembered that Yamato is an excellent location of our country. I think so.We found that somebody was fling kites. Many kites were in a line and going up higher and higher in the wind.It would practically touch the sky.An aged couple was fling the kite, and they tried to fly another big kite. The husband was holding and his wife was running and hauling in the string of the kite.At last the kite was going up higher and higher in the wind. We clapped our hands.The distance covered was 41.57 kilometer.I'm looking forward to going cycling another place before departure for the UK.Thank you for reading.See you next time.Kazu.
17Apr
- I had third lunch meeting with class mates of co
  It was held at Occhiali Oga near Kintetsu Yamamoto Station this time.Occhiali means glasses in Italian and Oga is in short Master's name Ogawa.The restaurant is not big, and there are only three table in the restaurant, so on that day the restaurant booked solid. When we were having lunch, many groups came to there without reservation and returned. I was surprised at deep-rooted popularity.Starting from the left Yuka, Chiemi, Miki, Kazu and Yuuka.An appetizer is pumpkin boiled in seasoned liquid, bonito in which the outer surface is lightly grilled, leaving the inner flesh raw, a scallop and green vegetables.We can ask a second helping of bread.The main dish was spaghetti with shrimps and broccoli.We asked a second helping of bread, and this was more delicious. We were happy.Starting from the left Chiemi and Miki. Both looked so happy.Starting from the left Yuka, Yuuka and Kazu. All looked satisfied with dish. We agreed on a time and place of next lunch meeting in May.After the lunch, I walked a Tamakushi Riverside path. The cherry trees were in full bloom and It was the perfect weather for cherry blossom viewing.Many people were walking and taking pictures.Carps were swimming livelily.When the major typhoon hit Kinki Area last year, it felled many old cherry trees in the Tamakushi Riverside path. Two trees were broken and they looked desolate. The river bank was carried out embankment work soon, but cherry trees don't grow bigger soon. It takes many years.Thank you for reading.See you next time.Kazu.
- I went walking to Arashiyama in Kyoto on March 2
  I became a member of the Shoaikai group which retirees from the Panasonic Company join after retirement. The group will hold walking activities six times a year, so this time I took part in the walking tour around Arashiyama. I would like to walk in Kyoto, especially Sagano and Higashiyama. I have ever been to there. I expected to view cherry blossom, but the buds of the cherry trees were still young. I was disappointed.We were to gather at the Hankyu Arashiyama Station at ten. A few people already arrived.We crossed the Togetsukyo Bridge over the Oi River after a start.The first destination was the Seiryoji Temple. This is the Niomon Gate.The Seiryoji Temple was built in 987 and have been founded by Jyosan.They have a national treasure, the Statue of Syakanyorai.The Japanese building is the main temple.This is the tahoto temple.The main templeThe second destination is the Daikakuji Temple.The origin of the Daikakuji Temple was Emperor Saga's Imperial Villa(Saga Rikyu-in) established on this site in the early Heian period, about 1,200 years ago. Emperor Saga, whose father was Emperor Kanmu who transferred the capital to Heiankyo, virtually accomplished the Heiankyo capital and established the basis of the Heian culture because of his great interest in culture and the arts.This is Entrance Hall of Shikidai ( Ceremonial entrance)The ceremonial entrance, which was moved from the Kyoto Imperial Palace in the Edo period, is open only on special occasions. The entrance room is called Matsu-no-ma, which has a luxurious kinpekiga(painting on gold foil-pressed paper) of Matsu-ni-yamadori-no-zu with two large central pieces on the north front wall.Many Japanese flower arrangements were on display, especially red flowers of quince were very beautiful.There are many Character goods shops at Arashiyama area.A well-matched couple from Hiroshima wore Japanese attire. They enjoyed trip in kyoto.Many women wore Japanese attire. I hope it would be a good chance that women discover new merits in Japanese attire.This is the Tenryuji Temple. The Tenryuji Temple was established in 1339 by the shogun Ashikaga Takauji in memory of Emperor Go-Daigo, with the eminent Zen master Muso Soseki appointed as founding abbot.This is the Randen Arashiyama Station.Women in Japanese attire were walking again.Miffy put on Japanese attire too.This is a Miffy shop.Miffy's backpack m size is 7,800 yen. Could someone give me it?The cherry trees were still young, so I didn't view cherry blossom.Instead of that, I viewed many beautiful women in Japanese attire and enjoyed. Kyoto is very wonderful.Thank you for reading.See you next time.Kazu.
16Apr
- I went cycling to the Osaka English Village on M
  We have had a spell of cold weather ever since this year. So I couldn't go cycling anywhere. I heard that there is the Osaka English Village at the ExpoCity Near the Expo Park.I went cycling to the Osaka English Village to have English lesson on March 27th.First I went along a prefectual road 21. On the way to HIrakata I found a cycling lane in Kadoma City. It was very nice and I was able to enjoy at a comfortable riding, but there was only in Kadoma City and in next Neyagawa City there is no cycling lane. I hope there are many cycling lanes everywhere.A toll of the Torigainiwaji Bridge is 100 yen for a car and 10 yen for a bicycle. I put 10 yen into a toll box.The Torigainiwaji Bridge is a toll road, 688 meters long and over the Yodo River.I had lunch at a Chinese noodle shop near the Expo Park.This is a Kumamoto Ramen with egg, jew's-ear, laver, Welsh onion and slices of roast pork. It's pig bone soup was very good taste. It costs 650 yen. I think it is worth having once.There is a big shopping center, ExpoCity by LaLaport. The land mark is a Ferris wheel. Mitsui Fuddosan Co., Ltd operates it. The Expo land had changed completely.There is the Panasonic Stadium near the ExpoCity. It is the home stadium of Gamba Osaka.I donated some money to this stadium.The tower of the Sun is still alive, and the inside tour started since March 2018.Osaka monorail train was coming to the Expo Park station.A Ferris wheel is still alive too, When my son was a child, my family came to this Expo land and we went on the Ferris wheel.There is the Osaka English Village in the ExpoCity.I really wanted to have lesson at the Osaka English Village, but it was booked solid on that day, so I couldn't have lesson.When I return home, the distance covered was 63.16 kilometer.Thank you for reading.See you next time.Kazu.
15Apr
- How pleasant to have a friend come from distant
  I had a welcome lunch with my friends of cooking school on February 2nd, and we had the second lunch meeting on March 2nd.We went to an Italian restaurant "Sai " near Ario shopping mall. This shop's regular occupation is handloom-weaving. So many clothes and accessory apparel were on display in the shop.An appetizer was deep-fried tuna and vegetables and it was delicious.Broccoli soup was very good-tasting. I didn't realize broccoli was this good-eating.The main dish is pasta with tomato sauceDessert was very sweet..I met again teacher, Mihoko and classmates of Friday's English conversation course at a Japanese restaurant, Kagonoya on March 15th. .Starting from the left, Chieko, Mihoko, Kazu and HIrohide.We promised to meet again after my return from the UK next year. I am very happy to have good friends.I went to a Korean barbecue reataurant near Kintestu Uehonmachi station with my friends. I made friends with them at CIA in Cebu and we live in Osaka, so we promised to have lunch together in Osaka after return from Cebu. The lady on the left side is Kazu( She is the same name as me.) and the other is Kana. We had a good time. and they promised to come to my house next time.Thank you for reading.See you next time.Kazu.
12Mar
- A string school concert of Miki Music Salon was
  When I went to Vancouver to learn English, I had practiced the violin for about seven years. Until then I had practiced both the violin and speaking English, but I improved neither playing the violin nor speaking English well. So I decided to focus on speaking English.I still want to practice the violin again someday.An annual string school concert of the Miki Music Salon was held on February 24th. I went to the Josho Hall at Umeda and I enjoyed myself at the concert.After the concert all the members felt relaxed and they had a party to celebrate their successful performance. This time is the height of happiness for them.Cheers ! To you !, Good luck !.Your health!, To you!, Bottoms up!,Starting from the left, Kasumi, Hiromi and Kazuko.Hiromi enjoyed fully free refills.Starting from the left, Kazu, teacher Asami, and boss Katsumi.Starting from the left, Kenta, Makoto and Kazu.Starting from the left, Kazuko and Naoya.Please listen to their wonderful performance that is the result of their one year efforts.First, the title of music is "You Raise Me Up" by Kenta, Makoto and Naoya.This is my favorite song.Second, the title of music is "Canon composed by Pachelbel" by Kazuko and Naoko.I was impressed with their performance, because it was standout and they improved completely than one year ago. I'm sure that "Where there is a will, there is a way"Third, the title of music is " concerti grossi harmonic inspiration the eighth a first movement" composed by A.Vivaldi. The performance was by boss: Katsumi, Kasumi, Hiromi and Kumiko.Fourth, the title of music is " Country Road " by boss: Katsumi and others.Last, the title of music is " Divertimento D major K.136- a first movement" composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The performance was by teachers.Thank you for reading.See you next time.Kazu.
11Mar
- I met again many friends and teachers for the fi
  After I returned from Cebu, my friends of a cooking school gave a welcome lunch for me on February 2nd. The restaurant was Harenohi Cafe, Italian restaurant, near the Yao Prism Hall. My friends are very friendly to me, and our relationship has continued for more than five years. I always thank them from the bottom of my heart.A special price lunch.Starting from the left, Miki, Yuuka, Chiemi and Yuka.I'm sorry about this out of focus picture.When I went to Vancouver to learn English, I had practiced the violin for about seven years. So I always like to listen to the performance of the violin. I visited the Miki Music Salon in Osaka Shinsaibashi. I met again my teachers and staff. I looked back to the hard training past with profound nostalgia, but I decided to practice the violin again someday after learning English.The lady next to me is my violin's teacher, Asami. She always said to me that I should practice constantly, but I sometimes didn't do. She looks gentle mannered, and she really is. I like her like that.The lady next to me is piano's teacher, Shoko. When I played the violin at a school concert, she always accompanied me on the piano.The gentleman next to me is boss Matsumoto.He is a leader of other group of Asami class. He always practices enthusiastically. I really admire him in terms of constant efforts.The leftmost lady is Yuko. She is a staff of the Miki Music Salon Shinsaibashi. She likes a violin and a ocarina, so she now practices both of them.The rightmost lady is Naoko. She is a member of other group of Asami class.I met again my other teacher, Kae on February 10th. She reminded me of study abroad in Vancouver. She has been in New Zealand to study abroad for about one year. I heard it, and I planned to go to Canada.The lady next to me is teacher, Kae. She had a bouncing boy baby after five days. Congratulations ! !I went to the agent, Chikyunoarukikata, to meet again counselor Iwao on February 13th. She has made arrangements for my study abroad to Vancouver and Cebu, but this time she said that they permit my study abroad only within three months, because my age is over seventy. So I decided to look for other agent which prepares for my going abroad more than three months.The lady next to me is counselor, Iwao.Thank you for your arrangements for a long time.I went to the Francy Jeffers Cafe on February 15th. The Cafe is very large and their baumkuchen is very sweet. In addition to that, many road racers are exhibited in the store. I like to look at them and the background music is always very good. I really relaxed in the cafe.When I sat on a hammock, and took a nap. I was comfortable.I went to a new agent, Ryugaku Journal that is located at near the JR Osaka Station. The counselor, Miki Matsui is a kindly-looking person and she said that they have no age limit. I decided to go to Cambridge in the UK. Cambridge has a high standard of public safety. In Cambridge there are a small number of Japanese students and an airport is located at near it.The fifth welcome lunch was held at Japanese restaurant "Morita" on February 27th. I can't say the name of my friends. They don't want to be announced it, but when I had the lunch with my friends I became happy. It was good-tasting.This was an appetizer.This was Sashimi, raw fish meat. Especially conger was good.This was a one-pot meal. Especially milt of fish was very good.This was a Chawanmushi, a cup-steamed egg custard hotchpotch.These were tempura, vegetables and fish dipped in batter and deep-fried. I already had one piece.these were sushi shaped by hand.Thank you for reading.See you next time.Kazu.
08Mar
- I was invited to Hatsugama ceremony on January 2
  Hatsugama means the first tea ceremony of the New Year.My friend, Hiroko, is a teacher of the tea ceremony and she held the tea ceremony of the New Year on January 27th. After I returned to Japan from Cebu, I received her invitation to her tea ceremony. I visited her house with my friends. Other friends were coming after us. Hiroko has five students in her class and they took over a portion of the work on that day. Most of the women wore a kimono, Japanese attire and some of them kneeled with their buttocks on their heels.Hatsugama is a solemn ceremony. Before the ceremony we had a deluxe Japanese-style lunch. It was very good-tasting. We had a nice time after a long interval thanks to Hiroko's tea ceremony.Before the tea ceremony we had a deluxe Japanese-style lunch.Starting from the left, our member were Kazu, Yoko, Tamiyo, Yuri, and Toshiko.Also our member were Kazuo and his wife, Rumiko. They joined the ceremony in couples. They are a well-matched couple.The lunch was very delicious. I had a genuine Japanese cuisine for the first time in half year.After lunch we kneeled on the floor in a tea room.From left to right, Imanishi, Hiroko, Tamiyo and Yuri.They were sitting down on a chair.I was sitting down on a chair due to my knee pain.This is chacoal of a Japanese chestnut oak. It burn well, have high heat and looks like a chrysanthemum. This is a top-of-the-range model and very expensive.The first procedures in the tea ceremony began. A small red silk cloth which she had is "Fukusa", used in the tea ceremony to wipe the utensils and set them on.She was putting more charcoal on the fire to boost the heat.Two twig charcoal were put on the fire.She scattered more ashes.This is a "Hanabira Mochi", a Japanese rice cake looked like a flower leaf.We had it before drinking tea.These are "Senbeis and Ames" , Japanese cracker made from glutinous rice and egg, and Japanese candy with a starch base.Hiroko teaches ikebana, Japanese flower arrangement.She is a qualified teacher of the Misho-ryu School of ikebana.This is Japanese Musubi Yanagi , a tied willow, and it is only for New Year's ceremony.Do you recognize a wild boar on this wooden bowl. You see a nose on the bottom, and a pair of tusk around the bottom, eyes on the outside.This is the year of the Wild Boar.The second procedures started by other student. This time she prepared a light tea. The first was strong tea in the most formal style of tea ceremony.Thank you for your hearty entertainment. I had a nice time for the first time inhalf year.These were tarts that Kazuo baked for us the day before. After retirement he works as a househusband everyday in his home, so he is good at cooking.These were very sweet.Teacher Hiroko and Kazu.Hiroko's smile is very good.See you again.Thank you for reading.See you next time.kazu.
06Mar
- Sinulog Festaval was held on January 19-20th in
  University of San Carlos.He is San Carlos.I think "pit senor" means Santo Nino.This doll is very humorous and amusing.He is Magellan.These were Lipovitan group Unfortunately, It rained heavily.Dancers continued to dance in spite of rain.Filipina is cheerful and positive, so they don't worry about rain. This is Mestiza, a company of cosmetics.The procession continued until 7p.m. for about nine hours in spite of rain.I think the Sinulog Festival is the biggest amusement and recreation for the people of Cebu.I wonder how they have lunch and how they have a pee for a long time.I came back hotel at about 2p.m. I was very tired.The next morning I returned to Japan for the first time in five months. It was very cold at the Kansai airport.I longed for hot weather in Cebu.Thank you for reading.See you next time.Kazu.
- Sinulog Festaval was held on January 19-20th in
  Sinulog Festival is the festival when people deify Santo Nino who is Jesus Christ's childhood. When I told my teacher, April, that I would return to Japan on January 12th, she said to me, "You should extend your return because of Sinulog Festival on January 20th. It is the biggest festival in Cebu." So I decided to extend my departure for one week.The Sinulog Festival is an annual cultural and religious festival held on the third Sunday of January in Cebu city and is the centre of the Santo Nino Catholic celebrations in the Philippines. Around 1 to 2 million people are attracted from all over the Philippines every year. Aside from religious aspect of the festival, Sinulog is also famous for it's street parties.This is the Santo Neno Church. It is one of the oldest church in the Philippines, built in 1565 and rebuilt in 1790.There is an image of Santo Nino in this church which Magellan gave a queen of Cebu.There is the Magellan's Cross in the Hexagonal Building near the church.It was a wooden cross made by Magellan in 1521.I previously booked a room in the YMCA Hotel near the Santo Nino Church. This room is a five-person room. It costs Php3,500 for two days. My teacher said that you will not find a taxi, use Wi-Fi, and go back to your school on that day.Backpacker usually use this hotel because of low price.January 19th(Saturday) in the afternoon.The stands were still unoccupied and many people were on guard on the street.A police patrol car led the parade.The first parade was coming along.The small doll which many people had in their hand is an image of Santo Nino.The procession of the image of Santo Nino stretched for a long line.After dark, I went to the Fuente Osmena Circle that is main event's site, and there was a bright image of Santo Nino.They looked like Japanese students.As expected, they are Japanese students.I had my photograph taken by the Japanese.The tall building on the right side is the Crown Regency hotel that I went to play the zip line.I met a group of street dancers. They showed their nice street performance.She had an image of Santo Nino.An image of the Santo Nino was displayed on many places.January 20th, in the morning.We were waiting the procession coming after eight o'clock.Starting from the left, Nami, Mari, and Kazu.We were sitting down on the road.The front of the procession was coming at last at about ten o'clock.The longest day in Cebu has started.Two police motorcycles were going ahead of the procession.Two police patrol cars followed the motorcycles.The stands on the opposite side were filled with many peoples.The Philippine National PoliceI think Nami's fist is even better than a policeman's one. I was surprised at herpowerful fist. I think she looked like a native person. Do you think so? Especially an ornament for the hair is nice.Thank you for reading.See you next time.kazu.
03Mar
- Tropical Fruit Party was held on January 16th.
  This event is one of the events for the year in CIA. They usually have it on March, July and November, but this year it was held on January 16th. So I was very lucky because that day was two days before I graduated from CIA. I enjoyed many tropical fruit and game without payment.The tropical fruit party was held on the basket ball court, and the service counter was opened after-school hours. We got many tropical fruit without payment.Many students were waiting their turn in a line.The staff of the Cafeteria did the serving with a smile face.Both of headgear were very tropical taste.They are Arabian students. In CIA there are many students from Saudi Arabia.She is a Japanese student, and she was taken a souvenir photograph.Mari was having watermelon.Mari and YUki.She looked very happy with many tropical fruit.The lady on the right side is Sayaka and I don't know the other's name.Both of them exactly looked like tropical fruit.with my classmate.I had many tropical fruit, for example mango, pineapple, watermelon, banana, papaya and mangosteen.I didn't know why she got angry.A game started. Two people played catch a boiling egg and they competed how long they continued to play catch with other couples. Two people became more distant step by step. If you failed to catch a boiled egg, you got disqualified from the game.Sayaka( on the far left) was good at the game, and she won her way to the final game. At last she won the victory.I like the way she throws herself into everything she does.Thank you for reading.See you next time.Kazu.
02Mar
- I graduated from CIA on January 18th.
  I had many unforgettable memories in CIA for nine weeks, for example bowling at the Country Mall, studying at the Coffee Factory, Speech Contest, some lunch parties, Christmas Party, Oslob whale shark and Kawasan Falls tour, Manila tour, zumba dance, Tropical Fruits Festa and Sinulog Festival. However the most important treasure is many friends who I became in Cebu.Nowadays I feel a little regret of past five months' laziness in Cebu. When I entered CIA I got the top score in the entrance examination, but after that I had two test, progress and graduation test, I didn't get the top score. I think other students studied harder than me.I'm going to the UK to learn English again from May 18th. I chose not London but Cambridge to stay in the UK., because of not many Japanese staying city.I should focus in speaking and listening only English.I want to do my best.A farewell dinner for me was held on January 12th.The lady next to me is Kumiko who is an intern of the Howdy English Academy and she was working for about half a year.She is an attentive person, so she is the most popular person in the Howdy English Academy.The lady on the right side is Masumi who graduated from the Howdy English Academy about two months ago. After that she continued to learn English in Cebu.The man on the right side is Zumba dance's instructor.There is a zumba dance every Tuesday and Friday in CIA.Satomi who was the lady on the right side and wore white shoes was very good at zumba dance.An american native teacher, King's class , who wear a blue shirt on the center,Teacher King is an athlete and he always work hard at training.We exchange promises to live to be a hundred each other.She is my listening lesson's teacher, Jeanel. She likes junk food, so she can't stop to eat ii.My speaking lesson's teacher, Mars, gave me the miffy which I had.The lady on the left side is Satomi and the other is Yumi.She is Sayaka(from Tokyo). She was an excellent student and got a top score in the IELTS test. I respect her because of her studying hard everyday.She is Mari(from Saitama). She was the first person who made friends with me in CIA. She threw my depression and I made friends with many students because of her introduction.I think I'm very lucky to meet her by chance in CIA.After the graduation ceremony I went to Matunoya , Japanese tavern, with my friends and we had farewell dinner for me.Expressions in the store were almost Japanese.A rolled Japanese -style omelette.A kind of sushi with the ingredients chopped and scattered over vinegared rice.Mari gave me a garland T-shirt with many people's message.I was surprised at the sight, because I didn't hear such things. Nobody told it to me in advance. Mari forbade them from telling it to me.I thank God I met her in CIA.I thank seventeen people, Hikaru, Nami, Yuko, Yuuka, Zen, Mari, T.King David, T.Casey, T.Shiena, T.Anjie, T.Rica, T. Ging, T. Hannan, T.Chai, T.Fern, T.Ron and T. Mars who game me their messages on the T-shirt from the bottom of my heart.I'm very happy. Thank you very much.Akane, on the far right, graduated from CIA one week later.Thank you for reading.See you next time.Kazu.
28Feb
- My graduation day was gradually drawing near.
  　I entered the Cebu International Academy on November 19th and my period was 9 weeks, so I'm going to graduate from CIA on January 18th.My friend, Kana(from Japan) graduated on January 11th. After graduation she traveled in all over the USA for about three weeks.She is Kana(from Osaka). She has learned English for 16 weeks, and she has accomplished an increase in level. I believe she was great and her experience would be useful for her future.This picture is the Grand Canyon which Kana sent me by email.I was surprised at the sight of thesnow lay Grand Canyon.I was surprised again at this picture. This is well-known Route 66 and this lettering is written actually on the road.Kana said that the nice blue sky and the long straight road are symbols of the USA.My first farewell dinner was held with my friends on January 11th.We went to the restaurant, Buffet 101, for the first time which our teacher recommended. It is an eat-as-much-as-you-like restaurant and it costs Php 799 per person. They have many kind of cuisine, for example Philippine, Chinese, Korean, Taiwanese and Japanese. We went to get different cuisine several times and ate our fill.The Buffet 101 is a large and up-to-date restaurant, so many people came to have dinner with their family or friends.Let me introduce our members.The lady on the left side is Yumi(from Oita) and the other is Akane(from Fukuoka). They had a strong appetite, so I understood why they chose this restaurant.The lady on the right side is Satomi(from Tokyo) and her appetite was not inferior to them.Akane was having a cup of pumpkin soup.Satomi had a chat with Akane and Yumi.He is the only handsome boy.We went to get many different cuisine. These were Japanese sushi shaped by hand and a cup of pumpkin soup.A few pieces of pizza and some sandwiches.Some grilled chickens and fried balls.A ham and vegetable salad.Some fried shrimps. Shrimp was popular among us.Spring rolls and French fries.some pieces of toast and French fries.spaghetti and meat sauce? and mashed potato?A cup of pumpkin soupJapanese sushi shaped by hand and deep-fried shrimps in batter.I have had enough. I couldn't eat another thing. Thank you.I'm very happy.Thank you for farewell dinner for me.That dinner would be an unforgettable episode in my life.See you again.Thank you for reading.See you next time.Kazu.
25Feb
- I went to Manila on New Year's holiday. No３t
  December 31st.That time I stayed in Prince Plaza Ⅱ hotel for three days. It is located next to Ayala Center which is the biggest shopping town in the Philippines and It has five big shopping centers, Greenbelt, Landmark, Rustan's, Glorietta and SM Makati. At the same time there are many five-star hotels, for example Raffles Makati, Fairmont Makati, The Peninsula Manila, Manila Marriott Hotel and Makati Shangri-la, ManilaThis is Prince Plaza　hotel.The pinkish building in the center of the picture is Prince Plaza Ⅱ hotel.This area is Greenbelt of Ayala Center , and five buildings surround the Greenbelt Park. It has first-class restaurants and high-grade name-brand shops.I wondered this is really a shopping center.It looked like a Japanese-style garden.Just like the name, Greenbelt shopping center was flooded with the green of the trees.This is a small museum.This is Japanese taste furniture.The selling point of a first-class restaurant was Japanese beef.Gucci.SORAYAMAZARAMUJIFairmont Makati hotel.There are some super high-rise buildings in this area.Ayala group is one of the biggest distribution company in the Philippines.UCCGUESSAyala Center is too large to walk around.The population of Manila is 13 million and the 15th place in the world.I felt that it has both leading-edge technology and living environment which Japan had fifty years ago. People are always positive and cheerful. I like them.That time I had not enough time to go around more other place. If I have a chance, I would come back to Manila.When I returned from Manila to Cebu, I watched the sunrise on New Year's Day on the airplane. I had a feeling of tension and determination to learn English this year.Cebu city:Best Wishes for a Happy New Year.This is a picture of my New Year Card which I sent to my friend in Australia, and she informed it's arrived in safety by e-mail. I was very happy to see it.Thank you for reading .See you next time.Kazu.
23Feb
- I went to Manila on New Year's holiday. No2
  December 30th.The next morning I had breakfast at a bakery near the hotel. I had a reservation of a Japanese speaking guide for that all day.That day was Sunday, so people forgot about their work and relaxed.Unfortunately it was raining, but we first went to Rizal Park and Rizal Monument. Dr. Jose Rizal was a national hero in the Philippines and worked on the Philippine independence movement, but he was arrested by Spanish police and was sentenced to a firing squad in 1896. He now sleeps beneath this monument.A one-horse carriage went along down the street.This is the starting point for erecting mile posts in the Philippines.This is a mango tree. It is very tall, so I worried about how to get mangos.This is the Fort Santiago which is in the Intramuros. The Intramuros is a fortified city in Manila and only the Spanish lived inside the Intramuros under Spanish rule, so there were twelve churches, a university, hospital, and so on.This is an information board of the Fort Santiago.This is the Rizal Shrine where Rizal lived before being executed. His cloth, desk, pictures were exhibited in it.These foot prints were Rizal's tracks when he was walking before execution by a firing squad.This was an underground prison. Many Filipinos were killed at full tide of the Pasig River under Japanese Army rule.The Pasig River was flowing peacefully next to the Fort Santiago. I looked at a Chinatown on the opposite bank.Dr.Jose Rizal stood for a while in his room. When he was killed he was just thirty five.It was big and wide inside of the Intramuros.The San Agustin Church was one of the oldest stone-built church and was built from 1599 to 1606.It has withstood seven earthquakes since 1675 and bombings in the Second World War Ⅱ．It was very beautiful.The Casa Manila Museum was built by Imelda Marcos in 1981. It was a mansion of the Spanish privileged classes.There is a fountain in an inner court.There is a famous restaurant, Barbaras,at the end of the inner court.This is the Barbaras, You can enjoy traditional Filipino dishes and dancing.I wanted to do it, but I had no time.This was an office. The former owner was a merchant and he had dealings with many people.This was a bed-sitting room and there was some antique furniture.This was a wide living room.This was a second floor.This was a bathtub. I wonder they used not a shower bath, but a bathtub.I found a pair toilet seat, but I can't understand how to use it with other person. Do you know it?This is a bamboo bicycle. It is very light and I wanted to ride on it.This is The American Memorial Cemetery. More than 17,000 American military personnel who were killed in the Second World War Ⅱ　sleep under the ground.There is a big monument in the center of the cemetery.The Battle of Midway map.The China-Burma-India theater.The Battle of the Coral Sea mapThe Battle of Pacific Ocean mapThere is an imposing cemetery for dead 17,000 American military personnel, but there is no cemetery for dead 340,000 Japanese military personnel, because of being outfought in the War. I'm really bitterly disappointed that anyone couldn't terminate the war more earlier before many people died.Thank you for reading.See you next time.Kazu.

I went to York on 9th June 2019.N01

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The annual public performance of Terue Nakanishi

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I had third lunch meeting with class mates of co

I went walking to Arashiyama in Kyoto on March 2

I went cycling to the Osaka English Village on M

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A string school concert of Miki Music Salon was

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I was invited to Hatsugama ceremony on January 2

Sinulog Festaval was held on January 19-20th in

Sinulog Festaval was held on January 19-20th in

Tropical Fruit Party was held on January 16th.

I graduated from CIA on January 18th.

My graduation day was gradually drawing near.

I went to Manila on New Year's holiday. No３t

I went to Manila on New Year's holiday. No2