Really enjoying beautiful weather. I meet Shin for lunch and on the way back decided to walk from Hiyoshi home. This was the sight that greeted me when I came out of the station. Too bad the picture doesn't pick up the whole spectrum, it was a giant tunnel of yellow and particularly beautiful on this warm sunny day.
A fond memory I have from college is listening to The Messiah over and over in our dorm room. I guess Brian started this tradition and I think it really made an impact on me. I really have enjoyed singing in The Messiah and listening to it whenever I can especially at this time of the year. Below is one of my favorite pieces, actually from the Easter section, I love the Larnelle Harris, Steve Green, and Michael English rendition of this piece, but this version is actually pretty good too. I wish I had the range to be able to sing this trio.
Just happened to run across this video from the Today show. Now I don't really know how accurate Tyra Banks survey really is, but it seems rather appalling. Average age for kids losing their virginity 15, 14% of the kids that are having sex are having it in school. And 1 out of 5 want to be a teenage mom. Parents need to wake up. Tyra Banks ‘shocked’ by teen sex crisis
Stopped in Jiyugaoka on the way home from church to take a look at the New Adidas store. It was very disappointing, but this nice view caught my eye right next door.
After that I stopped of at Jabby's favorite coffee shop for a cookie and a cup of coffee. I sat down and sitting next to me was a couple who seemed to be in the middle of a break up conversation. Unfortunately they were sitting on my bad ear side so I couldn't get all the conversation, but from the long blanks in the conversation, and the expression on the guys face I figured that was what it had to be. From what I caught it seemed that he was the one that was desperately trying to stay together and she was not budging, in a smug sort of way. It was obvious that the conversation was not going anywhere but he seemed desperate and maybe I am reading into this but she really seemed to have him by the balls and that probably was what he was thinking with if you get my meaning.
Just recently these enormous flowers have come into bloom around my house. As I looked closer they look like they have pretty much grown into tree size proportions, and I have no idea as to what they are.
I wasn't thinking, but I realized that if they drove by my house on the way to Keio they probably would return the same way, so I heard the helicopters ran outside and got the second video. This time they were going slower and I did definitely see the emperor. Who fun twice in one day!
Walked to the doctor today and afterwards I walked to Hiyoshi station. As I approached the station there were police everywhere, then I saw it was the 150th anniversary of Keio university, and obviously someone famous was coming. Well I waited for awhile, but decided to head home. When I got home people were lining the streets, I they had some of the old people out on the street at the nearby day home. I ran and got my video and was able to get a short video as the Emperor and Empress drove by on the way to the ceremonies.
I knew it was big when I saw all the police there were at least 2 at each traffic light, along with several plain clothes police and security people. As they drove by you can here the men in the background saying yabaiin the background. Obviously they were pleased because they drove right by us and the empress I think had her window open waving at people. This is the second opportunity I have had. Pretty cool.
Went to meet an old friend that I hadn't seen in about 5 years, I was early and I knew that he would be late, So I roamed around Ginza for awhile. what did I find but this funky building. My cell phone doesnt do it justice, it just curved up into the dark night. I took a pic w/ my good camera hope it turns out better, if it does I will post it.
So it was nice to take a ride out of the city today, but I should have planned better. Or actually I should say I should have planned. Getting there is not as bad as getting back, the back starts to get tired and there were lots of cars all heading back to Tokyo. Found a nice little spot though, near the Shibukawa Ikaho interchange there is a michino eki, a glorified rest area, that sells local products. Behind it there is a small old village called Shirai, it isn't very big but an old stopping place along the road. A small stream is diverted through the middle of the area, and there were wells along the way. I am assuming the stream was used for washing clothes and vegetables. It was very interesting even though there wasn't much there. Next time on the way to Minakami I think it might be a good lunch stop.
