tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27003718471461073952024-03-08T06:33:54.393-05:00Kitsune-kunA whimsical documentation of sortsKitsune-kunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12774355207476776786noreply@blogger.comBlogger715125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2700371847146107395.post-72392283344060840222015-08-10T21:01:00.000-04:002015-08-10T21:02:50.844-04:00MOVING TO TUMBLR<br><br><br><br>
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I've decided to move my posts over to tumblr from blogger. It's a much more streamlined process and seems to reach a wider audience, so here goes nothin! Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this blog- I've always appreciated your support and encouragement. I'm still pretty active on instagram and <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/kitsunekun/living-in-japan/">pinterest</a> and hope to blog more frequently on tumblr.
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To continue to view my photography, photostories, and life in Japan, please move with me to <a href="http://kitsunekunblog.tumblr.com/">Kitsunekunblog@tumblr.com </a> !Kitsune-kunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12774355207476776786noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2700371847146107395.post-80696232777469908222015-08-04T21:09:00.000-04:002015-08-04T21:09:42.735-04:00Kyoto Snapshots<br><br>
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Kitsune-kunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12774355207476776786noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2700371847146107395.post-86912875165340046412015-08-03T02:57:00.005-04:002015-08-03T02:57:58.872-04:00Summertime moments<br><br><br>
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Goldfish are a popular theme throughout summer in Japan. I've had fun collecting adorable goldfish fans, fabrics, and even foods like this beautiful summertime wagashi. It's a traditional Japanese sweet made with boiled, sweetened beans and gelatin (usually seaweed to roots based). There are several wagashi shops near my neighborhood and I so excited to find both a goldfish and a hydrangea themed one in early July.
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Illuminated tanabata decorations at our local shrine, Akagi in Kagurazaka. It was beautiful to see the stars and paper crafts lit by lantern light.
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Also at Akagi Shrine, a live performance of traditional Chinese style transfer puppets. There were live instrumentalists playing music and a live narrator. It was a Japanese ghost story for summertime, when they traditionally liked to be scared to 'cool off'.....It was a really cool experience to see it done live, and the fact that it was a ghost story was the best icing on the cake for me.
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a cute train station out of Kyoto.
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Cute pink stairs near kappabashi
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we had a beautiful midsummer picnic in yoyogi park in June
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love,
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from Japan,
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Kathryn
Kitsune-kunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12774355207476776786noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2700371847146107395.post-71468877553195228322015-07-27T20:56:00.000-04:002015-07-27T20:56:26.247-04:00Kibune<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/18896921483/in/dateposted-public/" title="5D8A3301"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/522/18896921483_1f78a2ce71_b.jpg" width="580" height="880" alt="5D8A3301"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Oh my dreamy dreamy dreams! I have been dying to come to Kibune and do the nagashi somen right on the river experience<br>
for years now, and we went last month for our anniversary. They build wood platforms over the top of this beautiful mountain<br>
stream, and string up lanterns above the dining area, and in a certain area there's a bamboo pipe that shoots streams of <br>
noodles for the diners to catch and eat. The view of the waterfall in front of us was stunning and it all felt so unreal.
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The first time we lived in Japan in 2012, it was my first time spending summertime in Japan, and it was nothing short of magic. There was<br>
always something to do and somewhere to be and I did and saw as much as possible. It did most things on my own since Ryan was working for<br>
his internship, but for the last two weeks my sister came out to visit and we had some really great adventures. Some of my best memories<br>
were from our day out to Kamakura which ended with fireworks on the beach. I made plans to go this year but they were canceled because of<br>
stormy weather- which has kind of been the story for all my plans all summer. We keep getting big storms and typhoons this year:/ So here <br>
are some nice photos of fireworks at a fun summer beach festival. oldies but goodies.
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And here is a video I made at the end of the summer- of all our fireworks times in Japan. It still fills me with a nostalgic ache to watch it.<br>
Even though I'm in Japan, you really can't ever recreate the very first time you've been somewhere or done something, and that was a summer full<br>
of magical firsts.
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<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/53524174" width="800" height="450" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe> <p><a href="https://vimeo.com/53524174">hanabi</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user6293458">kitsune-kun</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>
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And to end, I leave you with silly, bad quality, unflattering photos of my sister and I waiting on the beach for fireworks to su-tah-toh.<br>
Miss her and these memories a ton.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/7802360900/in/album-72157630846921872/" title="IMG_4063"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7123/7802360900_3392942587_z.jpg" width="370" height="370" alt="IMG_4063"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/7802360464/in/album-72157630846921872/" title="IMG_4073"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8285/7802360464_6b370949e4_z.jpg" width="370" height="370" alt="IMG_4073"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>Kitsune-kunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12774355207476776786noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2700371847146107395.post-43573411145446438962015-07-10T10:30:00.000-04:002015-07-10T10:30:39.234-04:00*Happy Tanabata! *<br><br><br>
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On July 7th, Japan starts celebrating the Star Festival, and festivities last for around a month. The lunar <br>
calendar's August 7th is also considered a celebratory date because the Japanese holiday is based on a Chinese<br>
folk tale. The story goes that the Sky King had a daughter who wove beautiful fabric throughout the sky that made<br>
it beautiful to look at. She was always so busy weaving that she never met anyone or had anyone to love, and she <br>
was sad and lonely. So her father found her a husband, a cow herder, and they fell in love and married. But they <br>
were so in love and wrapped up in each other that they forgot to do their duties, she her sky weaving, and he his <br>
sky herding, and so the sky's balance was thrown off and the sky king was angry and separated the lovers on each <br>
side of the milky way.
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The princess was so heart broken and cried so much that her father took pity on her and allowed them to meet once <br>
a year on July 7th. He provides a bridge to cross the milky way river, but if it rains too much, the water rises<br>
and covers the bridge. The first time this happen, she cried and cried until a flock of magpies flew over and made<br>
a bridge with their wings for her to cross. I have a feeling all these details of crying and raining and wetness <br>
have something to do with the fact that tanabata falls right in the middle or end of rainy season in Japan, depending<br>
on the year, and when it's rainy and cloudy you can't see the stars at all, three of which represent the three characters<br>
in the story.
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People celebrate tanabata by making paper crafts and chains and decorations to hang on bamboo branches. They write a wish<br>
on colorful paper tags and hope for the sky king to grant it to them on this auspicious day of the star lovers' reunion. We<br>
went to a tanabata festival in Kappabashi to see all the paper decorations and to write out own wishes.
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Love,
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From Japan,
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Kathryn*
Kitsune-kunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12774355207476776786noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2700371847146107395.post-53663633428476201572015-07-01T11:14:00.001-04:002015-07-01T11:14:21.350-04:00Kyoto 1<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/19090266051" title="5D8A2969 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/446/19090266051_3f57326150_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A2969"></a>
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To celebrate our 5 years of love and marriage we decided to visit Kyoto a few weeks ago. We rode through the night on an expressbus filled<br>
with curtains like a cramped hospital ward. We woke up in Kyoto bleary eyed and sleep deprived but energised by the early rising sun, and set<br>
off straight for Fushimi-Inari-taisha. By 7am the sun was alright high and bright and shining
between tree branches and shrine roofs and torii gates.<br>
We traversed an endless tunnel of repetitive lines and shapes as sunlight flashed through the cracks. Delicate and varying shades of reds, roses, pinks, <br>
and oranges passed by on both sides.
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We found a small path off to the side and wandered away from the main spectacle to explore a new scene, and found ourselves on a mountain trail, <br>
first leading through a cedar forest, then slowly morphing into a bamboo world. The sunlight reflected off the bamboo in an eerie green glow, and each stalk<br>
in the forest was its own hue. We basked in the green monochrome world a little while and moved on down the path to find a small shrine next to a waterfall<br>
with countless tiny fox statues and torii gates.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/18899274678" title="5D8A3137 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/452/18899274678_9013293b75_b.jpg" width="885" height="600" alt="5D8A3137"></a>
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I'll remember the beautiful, colourful, peaceful, inspiring things I saw that morning forever. The kanji carved into the wood posts, the mini carpets of moss growing at the base of everything, the beautiful all-female ritual we witnessed at the tiny hidden shrine where they all wore white and sang and chanted together around the waterfall, the intricately woven spiderwebs catching sunbeams and dewdrops and perfectly framing mini shrines and historic archways, and the beautiful soft greens of the bamboo forest.
<3<3<3
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Love,
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From Kyoto,
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Kathryn <3
Kitsune-kunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12774355207476776786noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2700371847146107395.post-470746096800941652015-06-24T11:22:00.000-04:002015-06-24T20:23:08.882-04:002 Girls Flower Rompin'<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/18919164788" title="5D8A3927 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/531/18919164788_bb3fabdd34_b.jpg" width="600" height="900" alt="5D8A3927"></a>
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The end of May/ beginning of June marks the start of Rainy Season in Japan. Humidity levels rise, thunderstorms become quite frequent, downpours are expected several times a week and every store you pass is touting different kawaii/ fashionable rain gear- rainboots, rain shoes, light rain coats, ponchos, and umbrellas in every color and style you can imagine. But the best part is the sudden explosion of blooming hydrangeas (ajisai) that last all month and add so much vibrant color all over the city, surrounding suburbs, and the rest of the country for that matter. It kind of feels like a second-wave sakura season. There are destinations where hundreds to thousands of hydrangea are planted just for viewing pleasure and appreciation during June. There are festivals in many well known hydrangea-heavy areas, and even some snacks shaped (and maybe?) flavoured like the ajisai.
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I made a bosom-friend through instagram a bit ago, and we went exploring one day to a park in a little Tokyo neighborhood to take in the scenery. We also went to a festival together, but I didn't have my camera with me then, and all the booths were empty or being taken down by the time we arrive in the late afternoon anyway. It was still a lovely time though. These photos are from a park in Oji, where tons of hydrangea are planted along a little footpath at the base of a park and along some train tracks. It was the most beautiful sight. I love going places with Sarah because we're really similar in the way we like to explore and enjoy things. She also gets really into taking in details and scenery, and we have a lot of fun taking pictures to together and appreciating beautiful things. I never feel rushed or like I'm worried about wasting her time or making her bored, and it's nice that our paces seem so in tune. She's also an INFP so I'm sure that helps;) Anyway, she let me take some photos of her- isn't she lovely? And she was kind enough to take some of me too- thank you Sarah!<3
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/19080606356" title="5D8A3954 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/518/19080606356_ae167b674b_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A3954"></a>Kitsune-kunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12774355207476776786noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2700371847146107395.post-51209202612905270032015-06-17T18:03:00.000-04:002015-06-17T18:03:30.380-04:00Emerald City<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/18252378582" title="5D8A2146 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7762/18252378582_6293421928_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A2146"></a>
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How can there be any words to describe this scenery? My first sight of the forest actually did catch my breath in my chest. Like stepping into someone else's dreamscape. So many hues. So many textures. It was such a beautiful day with so many beautiful sights.
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Japan is a fairytale.
Kitsune-kunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12774355207476776786noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2700371847146107395.post-52176622364438093132015-06-11T12:02:00.000-04:002015-06-11T12:02:54.861-04:00My Own Backyard<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17790444953" title="5D8A2488 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8845/17790444953_18836b954f_b.jpg" width="600" height="900" alt="5D8A2488"></a>
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A little bit ago when the weather was cooler, and it was a particularly breezy spring evening, Ryan and I went walking around<br>
our neighborhood to see new sights and get a bite or two to eat. We live in an apartment building with a very small ( and very<br>
industrial and not quite useable) balcony- so having our own private outdoor space is only the stuff of dreams right now. However,<br>
we've noticed something that looks like a back garden to our building on the opposite side of the entrance, and decided to try<br>
and find a way in. The warm weather and rain in May made a veritable jungle out of what seems like it once was a small traditional<br>
Japanese style zen garden of sorts. It was beautiful to see nature taking over all the stone foundations and walls of old structures,<br>
and all the flowers blooming made it feel somewhat magical. I'm definitely going to want to visit again soon, although I do wonder<br>
if the residents on the ground floor, whose windows and balconies overlook the garden would be annoyed to find it not so vacant as usual.
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We took some new side streets we hadn't turned down before and there were several beautiful details to see. This eye-catching yellow and blue staircase was just too great, and how cute is that tiny playground dinosaur! I really love this hoody dress from Niko And. It's so so comfortable but somehow still feels elegant even though it's a glorified snuggy. It's definitely the thickest, sturdiest, and most well made hoody type item that I own, and I'm kind of sad I didn't get to wear it more before summer. I didn't wear it much in the winter because it was too cold and I didn't have a coat long enough to wear with it, and now the weather has jumped straight to 'too hot for sleeves.' Also, I had a really difficult time photographing my No-Face pin I got from the ghibli museum, so I hope you can all see it okay. It's tiny and reflects glare really badly, so it was tricky to capture, but it's the cutest and I love it so much. I didn't take our camera to the museum because photos aren't allowed inside anyway, but I might need to share some phone photos from the outside soon, because, SO CUTE.
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We took side streets all the way to the main part of town, stopping for fun vending machine drinks along the way, and decided on a tiny old wood sushi joint behind the main road for dinner. I had the best, biggest, softest raw scallops of my life, and we were the only people inside except for a little old man around the corner of the counter. The chef was excited about Japanese, but could also understand English quite well and told us he was a sushi chef in New York for a while. No prices were marked, so we happily ate away and almost fell off our seats a little at the bill total. oops. There went our eating out budget for May. ha.
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Love,
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From Japan,
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<3Kathryn
Kitsune-kunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12774355207476776786noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2700371847146107395.post-1382898724177002872015-06-07T20:31:00.000-04:002015-06-07T20:31:19.104-04:00The Great Wall<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17530434582" title="5D8A2021 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7659/17530434582_4aacde0542_b.jpg" width="600" height="900" alt="5D8A2021"></a>
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On our last day in China, we visited the Great Wall. We were on the trip as part of a group of Ryan's coworkers,<br>
and one girl who had lived in Beijing before, planned all the itinerary details and handled booking everything. I<br>
really appreciated this, because the great wall is obviously huge and I would have had no idea how to choose where <br>
to visit. Some parts are falling apart and abandoned, some are overly built up and very touristy, some include awkward<br>
spectacles aimed at tourists that detract from the actual place itself. the part we visited has been restored, but was<br>
otherwise simple, and we followed it to the end where the reconstruction stopped and saw the old original crumbling s<br>
ections in front of a stunning view of mountains all around.
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We unfortunately only had an hour to visit the area, which was not much time at all when you consider some people hike<br>
it all day, and most of it is made up of very steep stairs that are time consuming to scale. I'm really glad we booked<br>
it to the end to see the view though. But hurrying back to meet everyone else was grueling and we were totally panting<br>
and drenched in sweat by the end of the hour. Very effective workout and if anyone else's wants to try.....We descended <br>
from the wall to the bottom of the mountain by alpine slide, which was strangely out of place, but also really fun.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17346334339" title="5D8A2007 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8735/17346334339_3507a474a4_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A2007"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17530451632" title="5D8A1988 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5331/17530451632_a0717b9816_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A1988"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17532535641" title="5D8A1984 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7687/17532535641_c491acf106_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A1984"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16912350923" title="5D8A1992 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7687/16912350923_baedf296a1_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A1992"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17346327669" title="5D8A2023 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8708/17346327669_1a7416fe73_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A2023"></a>Kitsune-kunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12774355207476776786noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2700371847146107395.post-84364714431891611942015-06-03T10:00:00.000-04:002015-06-03T10:00:04.119-04:00Enoshima<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/18256723195" title="5D8A2349 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8858/18256723195_a606bbbf5e_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A2349"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17636140683" title="5D8A2258 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8817/17636140683_ca412ef64c_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A2258"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/18230279016" title="5D8A2314 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8781/18230279016_eeb5b3be20_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A2314"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17634127704" title="5D8A2263 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8870/17634127704_c2dbfbc030_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A2263"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17636125463" title="5D8A2330 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7772/17636125463_c7acdcf189_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A2330"></a>
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A few weekends ago, <a href="http://kittenhood.ro">Daria</a> and her boi were visiting from Romania and we took them on a day trip to Kamakura and Enoshima. I still can't believe we didn't end up getting any photos together! It was such a beautiful beautiful day though- overcast and barely drizzly, so all the moss and ferns and other greenery were extra deep and glossy- optimum Japan viewing conditions. Enoshima is one of my very favourite places I have ever been, and I don't think I can ever get sick of it. We were a little shocked at how touristy and developed it has gotten since our last visit a few years ago, but all of the old charm is still there. It's a tiny seaside town that carries on onto a little island sticking out of the sea, connected by a bridge. Lots of people nickname it Cat Island because there are tons of stray cats hanging out all over the place. We spent the afternoon exploring the nooks and crannies of the island, and even found a little shop selling around 30 flavors of ice cream. I got Hokkaido corn cream soup flavour and it was oh-ee-shee.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/18068898328" title="5D8A2357 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8779/18068898328_05514bf956_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A2357"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/18068973400" title="5D8A2340 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8855/18068973400_3b118bb99c_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A2340"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/18070501369" title="5D8A2363 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8766/18070501369_b62e32035c_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A2363"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/18230256356" title="5D8A2255 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8783/18230256356_af2526b444_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A2255"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17636136423" title="5D8A2285 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8798/17636136423_41e40d0e2d_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A2285"></a>
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The most famous snack to get at Enoshima is the giant octopus sembei. It's a paper thin rice cracker with a whole octopus in the middle, somehow perfectly flattened and cooked. It's pretty crazy to watch them being made- I believe I posted a video of the process from my <a href="http://ohpageboys.blogspot.jp/2012/06/enoshima-pt-3.html">last visit</a>. Pretty cool stuff. The octopus logo is all over Enoshima, and I couldn't resist wearing my cute lil red octopus pin to match. It reminds me so much of the water monsters in Zelda that spit nuts at you. Yet another reason to start my Japan is a Video Game Tumblr......which I am still too lazy to get up and running....
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17636148593" title="5D8A2235 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7773/17636148593_a02f459d8a_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A2235"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/18068937108" title="5D8A2234 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8847/18068937108_333f0cfd10_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A2234"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/18256752115" title="5D8A2247 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8828/18256752115_19eb0e6df6_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A2247"></a>
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One of my favourite places in Enoshima is the old timey shooting arcade. It feels like right out of zelda- it's so colourful inside and feels vaguely nostalgic. There are little figurines lining the shelves and you pay to shoot a cork gun at them. If you can knock one off the shelf, it's yours to keep! Ryan and I each won a little fox and I'm excited to put them in terrariums at home. I love playing and winning a little prize every time we visit.
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Another really cool part of Enoshima is the sea caves, where you can wander through a network of tunnels formed by the ocean by lantern light. It's magical.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/18230257716" title="5D8A2375 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7754/18230257716_67a51ef176_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A2375"></a>
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Love,
<br>
From Japan,
<br>
KathrynKitsune-kunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12774355207476776786noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2700371847146107395.post-57990098240346316902015-05-30T10:16:00.000-04:002015-05-30T10:16:36.789-04:00The Summer Palace, Beijing<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17345139010" title="5D8A1942 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7704/17345139010_91b0acb7fa_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A1942"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17346440119" title="5D8A1880 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5334/17346440119_d15a41c646_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A1880"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17345131270" title="5D8A1948 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5449/17345131270_5655d95fa9_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A1948"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17346368989" title="5D8A1956 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7703/17346368989_f9c555ea1d_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A1956"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17532766445" title="5D8A1895 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8881/17532766445_7fe9b10926_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A1895"></a>
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Still catching up on posts from China, but better late than never, and honestly my concern about my posts being 'timely' or 'current' has flown out the window, probably never to return. Just a loose visual diary and artful outlet now, and that's all I need it to be. No strings, no pressure. These photos are from a morning exploring the Summer Palace in Beijing, which was by far my favorite place we visited. It was absolutely magical. No photos can actually do the atmosphere justice. It really did feel like some kind of fairytale land. There was a whole network of canals and cute long boats taking people from here to there, as well as layers and layers of hills and temples and halls, and a small 'mountain', or hill I guess, with a beautiful pagoda on top. We weren't even able to see all the grounds since we were on a group trip and were at the mercy of the group schedule. I really could have happily spent all day here, and really wish we could have.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17532587811" title="5D8A1920 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7771/17532587811_36e9be163c_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A1920"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/18068624269" title="5D8A1943 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7768/18068624269_febea8e274_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A1943"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17346402289" title="5D8A1923 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7697/17346402289_6951b69402_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A1923"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17346431959" title="5D8A1884 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8823/17346431959_93c236db74_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A1884"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16910198344" title="5D8A1899 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8751/16910198344_a05a586a26_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A1899"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17532706695" title="5D8A1962 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8858/17532706695_2893233c64_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A1962"></a>
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Along the water were little individual shops, which were selling or showing different wares- some were were mini museums with historic articles behind glass, some were replicas of shops from eras past, and some were food or souvenir shops. It was really fun popping in and out of them, smelling grilling food on the air, and hearing beautiful traditional music being played. Apparently the Emperor back in the day had this area built as a little shopping theme park sort of thing, so when visiting for the summer he wouldn't have to leave the grounds for anything. The whole park used to be a summer retreat for the royal crew. If I could time travel....
Kitsune-kunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12774355207476776786noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2700371847146107395.post-74387097466246110342015-05-26T18:34:00.000-04:002015-05-26T18:34:04.429-04:00Nezu<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17346099959" title="5D8A1575 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8792/17346099959_13ec4c0821_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A1575"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17532515325" title="5D8A1466 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5456/17532515325_305def7ee0_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A1466"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17344700108" title="5D8A1480 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7663/17344700108_497cc56b18_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A1480"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17530276502" title="5D8A1451 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8775/17530276502_16a454a501_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A1451"></a>
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Sometimes (more often than not lately) I just want to let the images speak for themselves and not write anything.
We spent a golden afternoon<br>
basking in blooming azelia bushes, and exploring shrine grounds and torii tunnels. As
part of the Nezu Shrine Matsuri<br>
celebrations we enjoyed fragrant sake flavoured steamed buns with cold barley tea
while sitting on creaking tatami<br>
platforms and listening to the percussive rumble of taiko drumming performances.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17532379391" title="5D8A1411 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8866/17532379391_81bd36f633_h.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A1411"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16912188133" title="5D8A1441 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7767/16912188133_6c01b5990b_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A1441"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17530289352" title="5D8A1433 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5445/17530289352_f38ea747f6_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A1433"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17346160619" title="5D8A1479 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7673/17346160619_d870fdc73f_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A1479"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17532383171" title="5D8A1354 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8694/17532383171_0ce8ca23b0_h.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A1354"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16912122963" title="5D8A1549 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7783/16912122963_3b6c75d75a_h.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A1549"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17506098286" title="5D8A1517 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8822/17506098286_9540c3bf4f_h.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A1517"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17530208432" title="5D8A1558 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7681/17530208432_9f463774ee_h.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A1558"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16909995024" title="5D8A1345 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8761/16909995024_428393ecae_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A1345"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17344974660" title="5D8A1283 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7697/17344974660_caebbe072a_h.jpg" width="950" height="640" alt="5D8A1283"></a>
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I made friends with some koi in a nearby park pond and heard the giggle of young Japanese children catching crayfish
and frogs.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16912223873" title="5D8A1332 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7717/16912223873_fd945dda49_h.jpg" width="950" height="640" alt="5D8A1332"></a>
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Love,
<br>From Japan,
<br>
Kathryn <3
Kitsune-kunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12774355207476776786noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2700371847146107395.post-49959606782452146842015-05-23T11:36:00.000-04:002015-05-23T11:36:14.537-04:00Beijing pt 2: The Forbidden City<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17530578242" title="5D8A1846 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8770/17530578242_d42ddfdeba_b.jpg" width="600" height="865" alt="5D8A1846"></a>
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The Forbidden City was kind of just indescribable. Photos can't do it justice- the sheer scale of the place is insane
and impossible to capture,<br>
and there is a labyrinth of beautiful vibrant halls, alleyways, and courtyards that can only
be fully experienced in person.<br>
Also, it was, and probably always is, insanely crowded- so most photos lose their majesty in
the hoards of tourists. I <br>
could't get over the colors though.
<br>
It was a bright sunny day with deep blue skies, and the
contrast against the vivid <br>
mustard roof tiles and rust red walls was totally stunning in person. The whole place was
such eye candy, down to every<br>
last detail. I can't even imagine living here permanently. Definitely don't miss this place
if you visit Beijing- yes, <br>
it's touristy and crowded, but for a reason. I've never been anywhere this massive <i>and</i> historically
significant in my life, and <br>
that's including the Valley of the Kings.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17530647332" title="5D8A1723 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7771/17530647332_4781552b37_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A1723"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17345073828" title="5D8A1740 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8870/17345073828_f2c76930e1_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A1740"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17532691981" title="5D8A1764 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8828/17532691981_e2d0a560e6_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A1764"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17995294961" title="IMG_8156 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7688/17995294961_a9e7b9568f_k.jpg" width="900" height="640" alt="IMG_8156"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17345271730" title="5D8A1757 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7701/17345271730_3b5b7996c1_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A1757"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16912530633" title="5D8A1752 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7735/16912530633_44832fcb94_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A1752"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17346276649" title="5D8A1754 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5453/17346276649_d96c2e6fc0_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A1754"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17530602462" title="5D8A1792 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8707/17530602462_381be30408_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A1792"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17991353042" title="IMG_8151 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8899/17991353042_064ed0d3b8_k.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="IMG_8151"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17530628392" title="5D8A1747 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7661/17530628392_0978afb5e5_h.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A1747"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17345030288" title="5D8A1827 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8882/17345030288_15edda7636_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A1827"></a>Kitsune-kunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12774355207476776786noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2700371847146107395.post-5643326556783646892015-05-19T19:37:00.001-04:002015-05-19T19:37:50.055-04:00bubblegum<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17025015217" title="5D8A0259 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7717/17025015217_b31f012a83_h.jpg" width="600" height="900" alt="5D8A0259"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17231882561" title="5D8A0281 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8827/17231882561_04444bd875_h.jpg" width="600" height="900" alt="5D8A0281"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17044897950" title="5D8A0229 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7663/17044897950_30f875afb0_b.jpg" width="600" height="900" alt="5D8A0229"></a>
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<br>
Some final shots from the latest-blooming type of sakura in Tokyo. Aren't they amazing? So many balls of fluff- <br>
so many good, delicate colours. This is also my new favourite dress, which of course means I'll probably hardly <br>
ever wear it. But the weather and surroundings were too good to resist, a few saturdays ago on a bright sunny spring<br>
morning with blue skies when the branches of so many trees were bending with the last batch of eye candy. These <br>
bubble gum pink babies were in Shinjuku-gyoen, a great place for Sakura, and the park was filled with people picnicking<br>
and enjoying the scenery. The trees are so big here that even though the park draws so many dense crowds, there are<br>
always open spots to find for photos, and I love it. Couldn't ask for a better setting to debut this beautiful <br>
chambray shapeless number- perfect for a breezy spring.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17230705092" title="5D8A0381 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8812/17230705092_e1dd800ba5_b.jpg" width="600" height="900" alt="5D8A0381"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16610001554" title="5D8A0237 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8779/16610001554_22dc1efe46_h.jpg" width="600" height="900" alt="5D8A0237"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16609996314" title="5D8A0293 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8814/16609996314_6cab142cbe_h.jpg" width="600" height="900" alt="5D8A0293"></a>
<br><br>
embracing pink in all its girly glory<3
<br><br>
Love,
<br>
From Japan,
<br>
KathrynKitsune-kunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12774355207476776786noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2700371847146107395.post-24580497446226991112015-05-16T18:50:00.000-04:002015-05-17T11:30:04.589-04:00Beijing pt 1<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17506557326" title="5D8A1616 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7770/17506557326_9e4172cf83_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A1616"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17346588149" title="5D8A1626 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7688/17346588149_5be4bd38a8_h.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A1626"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17532772401" title="5D8A1617 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8881/17532772401_20ee759e05_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A1617"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17345334960" title="5D8A1650 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7790/17345334960_3fda17677d_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A1650"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17345338620" title="5D8A1633 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7658/17345338620_9ca1a110db_h.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A1633"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17532916345" title="5D8A1660 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8753/17532916345_04d0c22888_h.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A1660"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17345320220" title="5D8A1672 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8837/17345320220_8f8343cc66_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A1672"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17506523736" title="5D8A1701 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7761/17506523736_4baf93e8cd_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A1701"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17532717321" title="5D8A1731 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5333/17532717321_e26d3859b5_h.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A1731"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17530568832" title="5D8A1857 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5329/17530568832_18c887bef4_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A1857"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16910238044" title="5D8A1865 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8694/16910238044_c34658028f_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A1865"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16912459723" title="5D8A1866 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8793/16912459723_4472394ee4_h.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A1866"></a>
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We spent 4 days in Beijing a little bit ago- so here is the first installment of travel photos. It was such a beautiful city-
So many rich colors and steeped in history. And all the food! I have to admit, I went into the trip with all my walls up and
expectations low because of everything I had heard about Beijing from other people- I was kind of prepared for a filthy city
with filthy air,and really rude people with no sense of personal space. While I did get grabbed by the arm and dragged into a
photo a few times, which was jarring at first, it was nowhere near as bad as I was expecting, and I was really blown away by the
city's different dynamics and neighborhoods and vibes. I thoroughly enjoyed exploring through the gorgeous historic districts
in the city, and just taking in the different sights and sounds compared to Tokyo. Stay tuned for more images from the trip-
we saw some spectacular things!Kitsune-kunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12774355207476776786noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2700371847146107395.post-59193126933209951192015-05-12T18:24:00.000-04:002015-05-12T18:24:08.556-04:00Tulips in Chiba<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16930206714" title="5D8A0614 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8863/16930206714_97c970d1aa_h.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A0614"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17365185250" title="5D8A0605 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7685/17365185250_faaedf7f97_h.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A0605"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17365211950" title="5D8A0549 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7703/17365211950_6c8e6baac4_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A0549"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17552679851" title="5D8A0577 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7771/17552679851_57770c4d36_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A0577"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17364991168" title="5D8A0587 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7667/17364991168_03fa3b51d8_h.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A0587"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17550487362" title="IMG_0737 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8684/17550487362_c22996401a_h.jpg" width="900" height="640" alt="IMG_0737"></a>
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About an hour out of Tokyo, in Chiba, an area known for both farmland and industrial productivity, there are some well- known
tulip fields accompanied by a windmill. You learn quickly not to deem anything 'random' or 'out of place in Japan.' There are
just way too many instances. This area is called Sakura, and there is a 'Dutch Tulip Festival' every spring when the tulips bloom,
so we decided to check it out one weekend. Sadly, a lot of the tulips were past their peak and either in the middle of falling apart
or bare- but there were enough to feel like it was worth it. Going inside the windmill was also a fun experience. My favorite thing
I ate was this Funayassi pastry (he's a mascot for Funabashi- an asian pear- man- thing). It was filled with nashi (asian pear) paste<3
We ended the day by visiting Ikea on the way home, filling up on pastries, and buying all the candles. Day well spent.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17364967368" title="IMG_0797 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7724/17364967368_48a44289b8_c.jpg" width="800" height="800" alt="IMG_0797"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17366421559" title="IMG_0791 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5343/17366421559_c4445d7129_c.jpg" width="800" height="800" alt="IMG_0791"></a>
Kitsune-kunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12774355207476776786noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2700371847146107395.post-22968720731387499372015-04-27T10:39:00.000-04:002015-04-27T10:39:00.419-04:00hanaming in tokyo<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17024839407" title="5D8A0051 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7714/17024839407_f23c44c6f5_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A0051"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17206303756" title="5D8A0168 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8755/17206303756_b54579cb2d_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A0168"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16609816364" title="5D8A0161 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8721/16609816364_da24f8443e_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A0161"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16612054623" title="5D8A0069 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5346/16612054623_d63beb5034_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A0069"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17232268185" title="5D8A0017 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5468/17232268185_8bfd0323f1_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A0017"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17206311746" title="5D8A0046 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5346/17206311746_25b1127d31_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A0046"></a>
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<br><br>
I spent a whole day a little bit ago wandering around spots in Tokyo with lots of sakura trees while the first bloomers flew and fell like snow in the wind and later bloomers came into their prime. It was a lovely combination of peaceful secluded spots and bustling insanely crowded hubs and a feast for the eyes all around. My favorite spot was probably the shrine grounds I found in Chiyoda with the ground all covered in a layer of sakura petals and gorgeous traditional architecture all around. So many pretty things to see, and I spent such a long time there just gazing. I ended the day with a picnic with Hako Inu in Shinjuku National Garden under a blooming yaezakura tree with sakura snacks of course. It was a lovely lovely day <3
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17044913000" title="5D8A9910 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7691/17044913000_6cf354b5f3_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A9910"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17230738832" title="5D8A9890 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8744/17230738832_7ac0f92b56_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A9890"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17231910081" title="5D8A9849 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5349/17231910081_85030c0980_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A9849"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17206498756" title="5D8A9955 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8820/17206498756_0660d53ce3_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A9955"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17231910581" title="5D8A9843 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7684/17231910581_0e5b547ded_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A9843"></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17206501276" title="5D8A9904 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5465/17206501276_352767fd3c_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A9904"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16610015384" title="5D8A9949 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7650/16610015384_9200700597_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A9949"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16610016544" title="5D8A9914 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7613/16610016544_90fe024dce_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A9914"></a>Kitsune-kunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12774355207476776786noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2700371847146107395.post-8086529987646088422015-04-16T11:18:00.000-04:002015-04-16T11:18:11.819-04:00Pink Dreaming<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16902350789" title="5D8A9501 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8694/16902350789_bbbe5f95ff_b.jpg" width="600" height="910" alt="5D8A9501"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17087829651" title="5D8A9542 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8793/17087829651_7cca722722_b.jpg" width="600" height="900" alt="5D8A9542"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16900921980" title="5D8A9570 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7637/16900921980_199ccb5c1e_b.jpg" width="600" height="780" alt="5D8A9570"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16901014300" title="5D8A9497 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8722/16901014300_ff7551e9d9_b.jpg" width="600" height="900" alt="5D8A9497"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17061950336" title="burn6 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8696/17061950336_bbfcd5d9fa_b.jpg" width="600" height="900" alt="burn6"></a>
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Ah Sakura Season. What a dream! It may be crowded everywhere, but the sheer amount of trees blooming<br>
around the city, and the size of some of them has been spectacular. So much fluffy goodness. There's a <br>
vintage second hand shop in Harajuku where I found my <a href="http://ohpageboys.blogspot.jp/2014/09/tsukimi.html">first yukata</a> for just around $12, and I decided to<br>
drop by again to see if there were any good sakura season kimono for cheap. I cannot even believe my luck<br>
at finding this perfect pink gem. Vintage and only $20! And it has sakura printed all over it and gold thread<br>
detailing to match the gold obi (sash) I already own. I walked out of that store on cloud nine. I've always<br>
stayed away from pink my whole life, but I'm really feeling it at the moment.
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The sakura was peaking in the middle of the week, and I knew I really wanted photos in front of the huge<br>
blooming trees in Shinjuku Gyoen, so I convinced Ryan to rush over there with me at opening time before we<br>
both had work so we would be the first ones in, and could get out and to work quick. Three cheers for<br>
Ryan's flexibility and willingness or these would not have happened for sure. It was a really bright sunny<br>
day- the sun rises at like 5am here in Tokyo, and the park didn't open until 9, so we were kinda out of luck <br>
with good light and had to deal with really harsh shadows and backlighting. But I think for the most part <br>
they turned out close to how I was imagining, and i'm just really happy to have some photos in my new pink <br>
sakura kimono in front of sakura in Japan. I want to say 'It's the little things' but this was actually quite<br>
an involved and multi-layered 'thing'.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16900868040" title="5D8A9677 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7638/16900868040_9f7c5c832e_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A9677"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17087916495" title="burn5 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8798/17087916495_5811064c34_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="burn5"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17086983562" title="5D8A9582 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8696/17086983562_a08db84714_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A9582"></a>
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It has been so much fun to try all the different sakura flavoured foods, drinks, and snacks that have <br>
popped up all over shops and restaurants over the last two months. Japan wins at seasonal flavours and<br>
celebrations. So far I think sakura ice cream and the different kinds of sakura pastries I've tried have<br>
been my favourite. I even tried a sakura chai latte the other day. Maybe I'll do a post soon of some of<br>
the different foods for this season. I only wish there was more time with nice weather available to just<br>
lounge around, picnic, and soak it all in. The sakura peak was right in the middle of the week this year,<br>
so on the weekends it was either a little too early or a little too late. I think I still managed to <br>
squeeze in a decent amount of hanaming though<3 miss it already.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17087757771" title="5D8A9601 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7622/17087757771_e14cd15ee2_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A9601"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16881060977" title="5D8A9645 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8792/16881060977_032bf67f8f_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A9645"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16900825698" title="5D8A9495 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7701/16900825698_484cd422bd_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A9495"></a>
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I love you Spring. I really do.
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Love,
<br>
From Japan,
<br>
KathrynKitsune-kunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12774355207476776786noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2700371847146107395.post-3574435230388554832015-04-09T11:05:00.000-04:002015-04-09T11:05:28.929-04:00Mystery. Blossoms.<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17015164982" title="5D8A9446 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7632/17015164982_3aea0bfe4a_b.jpg" width="600" height="900" alt="5D8A9446"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16990622086" title="5D8A9408 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8734/16990622086_eff1060ddf_b.jpg" width="600" height="900" alt="5D8A9408"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17015165962" title="5D8A9420 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8717/17015165962_96f7d82718_b.jpg" width="600" height="900" alt="5D8A9420"></a>
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This was a totally unexpected shoot that wasn't planned or supposed to happen, but when you're out with your camera<br>
and the light is perfect and you see the most amazing tree of your life you don't pass that by. duh. I've been saving<br>
this sweater, like really, savoring it, for something special. I don't really have a good idea of what exactly- but <br>
it's been sitting in my closet, unworn, since November. I saw it first when i was shopping around October and freaked<br>
out a little bit.
<br>
For those of you who have been following a while, you might remember how much I love Nancy Drew. <br>
Like really a lot. I grew up reading the original series, my dad used to read them to me when I was too young to read,<br>
and when I was a teenager my sisters and I used to get a Nancy Drew computer game for Christmas, which we'd spent the <br>
next few days solving together.
<br>
She's been my lifelong idol and role model- someone who's always up for an adventure, but always impeccably dressed. goals.<br>
Many of my fashion tastes came directly from book covers and things I found in thrift and antique stores that I thought she'd<br>
wear. So when I saw this sweater with a mystery novel embroidered on the front in a girly color scheme I could hardly contain<br>
my excitement. There was just one thing- it costed like my whole budget. I waited the whole month to make sure I reeaalllyy <br>
wanted to commit to this sweater, and then I came back and triumphantly bought it and hoarded it in my closet.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16830394219" title="5D8A9427 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7585/16830394219_153ebfe328_b.jpg" width="800" height="530" alt="5D8A9427"></a>
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The pastels and springish palette really called my name the other day though (I hardly own ANY pink) and I wanted something <br>
to wear with my new cute pink flower barrettes, so the sweater came out on its maiden voyage. It was an overcast day, and <br>
I had plans to meet my friend Alanna at Shinjuku Gyoen to check out the blossoms, so I brought my camera along thinking I'd <br>
probably take some shots of my surroundings. Alanna was kind enough to take some photos for me once I realised this was an <br>
opportunity not to be missed upon walking up to the biggest fluffiest sakura tree I've ever seen in my life.
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Can you believe this eye candy? It was so crazy crowded but we managed to frame shots to block everyone out for the most part<br>
I'm pretty impressed you'd never guess how mobbed it was at all the trees. I think this last tree was honestly big enough for <br>
everyone around the base to get a photo looking 'alone'. Pretty impressive stuff. Thanks for your help and gr8 framing, Alanna!<3
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/17015723611" title="5D8A9448 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7604/17015723611_427fdf7851_b.jpg" width="600" height="900" alt="5D8A9448"></a>
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All the Yoshino blossoms have dropped already, and today it is actually snowing (!) But I'll be sharing more photos from last week<br>
so stay tuned<3<3
<br><br>
Love,
<br>
From Japam,
<br>
Kathryn
<3Kitsune-kunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12774355207476776786noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2700371847146107395.post-49253736451085697882015-04-06T18:08:00.000-04:002015-04-06T18:08:23.572-04:00The First Bloomers<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16963098736" title="5D8A7540 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8725/16963098736_125a8a4ebe_b.jpg" width="600" height="900" alt="5D8A7540"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16781674457" title="5D8A7393 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8755/16781674457_b7b2dfffdf_b.jpg" width="600" height="900" alt="5D8A7393"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16963104226" title="5D8A7449 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8747/16963104226_1e2cb9bcdf_b.jpg" width="600" height="900" alt="5D8A7449"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16988161601" title="5D8A7357 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8707/16988161601_6a02fc74cc_b.jpg" width="600" height="900" alt="5D8A7357"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16988153411" title="5D8A7460 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7653/16988153411_78a81c3fe7_b.jpg" width="600" height="900" alt="5D8A7460"></a>
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Last weekend it was rainy and gloomy and a bit windy, BUT the first wave of yoshino sakura peaked. Ryan and<br>
I spent the day at Yoyogi park, first at the farmer's market, then in the park in the grove with blooming cherry<br>
blossoms. Ryan was on the hunt for local honey at the market to take for allergies and we found a booth with two <br>
little old ladies selling honey made in their front yard. Too cute. We tried some other foods from some stalls and<br>
then it started to rain. We didn't have umbrellas with us, and Yoyogi park is the one place I've encountered so far <br>
in Tokyo that doesn't have convenience stores everywhere, ahem, conveniently close.
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There were still loads of people hanami picnicking under the big cluster of blooming trees- many whom somehow knew <br>
to pack umbrellas despite the optimistic forecast. It was so crowded near and under the trees that is was difficult<br>
to walk around easily, but thank you Ryan, for doing a smashing job shooting upwards and cropping out the hoards of<br>
revelers. We got too nervous about our camera getting too wet to stay long and headed to the nearest station. And <br>
wouldn't you know it, when we popped up at our home station the rain had stopped, and when we came out a different<br>
exit a magnificent blooming sakura hanging over the moat welcomed us home.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16801339928" title="5D8A7413 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7644/16801339928_8e43afaf4b_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A7413"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16801341568" title="5D8A7381 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7648/16801341568_9002490822_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A7381"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16987707332" title="5D8A7355 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8749/16987707332_463aff28bb_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A7355"></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16801338898" title="5D8A7428 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7607/16801338898_b289a4087d_b.jpg" width="900" height="615" alt="5D8A7428"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16368950023" title="5D8A7529 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7639/16368950023_7ae0e9ba0d_b.jpg" width="900" height="615" alt="5D8A7529"></a>
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Love,
<br>
From Blossomland,
<br>
Kathryn B.Kitsune-kunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12774355207476776786noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2700371847146107395.post-78191075560101376902015-04-03T16:25:00.000-04:002015-04-03T16:26:54.903-04:00Blossoms and Blooms on a Moody Spring Day<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16788443607" title="5D8A9388 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8728/16788443607_ce9490acbb_b.jpg" width="600" height="900" alt="5D8A9388"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16808102348" title="5D8A9303 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7631/16808102348_7d572cd37f_b.jpg" width="600" height="900" alt="5D8A9303"></a>
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This past week the sakura has been in full bloom all throughout Tokyo and it's been both glorious and exhausting. <br>
I've had several family portraits at the buttcrack of dawn, and before the shoots I was running all over like a <br>
chicken with my head cut off trying to make sure the spots I had in mind would in fact actually be in bloom for the <br>
appointments. I've seen a lot of beautiful blossoms blooming all around me- but it was mostly in the context of <br>
taking photos for other people or running from one place to the next to check on the status- and nary a relaxing moment.
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The photos here are from a morning a few days ago after I had just finished a 7am shoot and finally had a few hours<br>
to myself to take in the scenery around me. I headed over to an Edo-era garden that I'm lucky enough to live walking<br>
distance from and got there right as it opened and beat the crowds (oh people you would NOT believe the crowds in Tokyo<br>
during sakura season. holy crap). I had a good 10-15 minutes to myself in the garden before giant hoards of Chinese <br>
and Austrlian tourist groups starting pouring in. The garden even served sakura flavored soft serve, which I was pretty<br>
stoked to enjoy for my breakfast, amid blooming cherry blossoms all around me. That simple pleasure made my whole day.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16808355810" title="5D8A9375 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8747/16808355810_f8294cc79e_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A9375"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16995818445" title="5D8A9361 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8721/16995818445_48838b3e22_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A9361"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16995815785" title="5D8A9370 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7595/16995815785_f0c241d9ba_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A9370"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16788453187" title="5D8A9332 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7649/16788453187_81a26a4d1d_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A9332"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16995824085" title="5D8A9331 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8707/16995824085_e7f098e2d2_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A9331"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16995820415" title="5D8A9348 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7624/16995820415_76a2a7f24e_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A9348"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16808373580" title="5D8A9273 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8752/16808373580_847862d6c1_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A9273"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16808375400" title="5D8A9272 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7646/16808375400_d11b605e12_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A9272"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16994942061" title="5D8A9275 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7606/16994942061_049d0b787a_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A9275"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16969881926" title="5D8A9274 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7595/16969881926_c59fcbccef_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A9274"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16963135596" title="5D8A7267 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7584/16963135596_4eef5399a7_b.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="5D8A7267"></a>
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Love,
<br>
From Japan,
<br>
KathrynKitsune-kunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12774355207476776786noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2700371847146107395.post-56426256661975940812015-03-21T11:51:00.000-04:002015-03-21T11:51:47.383-04:00Cherry Blossom Girl<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/8696128696" title="IMG_1281 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8260/8696128696_6a0d462c18_b.jpg" width="560" height="860" alt="IMG_1281"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/8696129208" title="IMG_1266 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8395/8696129208_6248dd1129_b.jpg" width="560" height="860" alt="IMG_1266"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/8695006607" title="IMG_1379 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8390/8695006607_815f5bbac7_b.jpg" width="800" height="530" alt="IMG_1379"></a>
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I've been longing for spring lately, and am feeling especially nostalgic for spring in Central Park, which was glorious. I've compiled some<br>
of my favourite images from springs spent in New York, with the cherry blossoms in Central Park. I really miss the casual, exploratory vibe from<br>
this area. I was able to go wherever I wanted, explore every nook and cranny, and interact with spaces any way I wished. I loved being able to <br>
climb into branches or hide under a canopy of blossoms like a tent. I was able to take the kind of photos I wanted to with this freedom.
<br><br>
In Tokyo, the parks are beautifully and masterfully curated, but they also tend to be stiflingly regimented. All pathways are marked by ropes, all<br>
trees and plants and most water features are behind ropes, fences, or chains, and no one would ever dare dream of climbing a tree. They are also <br>
never ever not crowded. And so, with sakura season fast approaching, I find myself torn between feeling excited about being in the birthplace of my<br>
favourite traditions for sakura, able to experience 'the real deal' hanami season in Tokyo, but also a little disappointed I won't have the same <br>
freedom of creativity for photos, and certainly not the same seclusion and solitude.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/8717903661" title="IMG_4167 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7453/8717903661_4515a69146_b.jpg" width="560" height="860" alt="IMG_4167"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/8717902233" title="IMG_4286 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7441/8717902233_a2c3276fe9_b.jpg" width="560" height="860" alt="IMG_4286"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/8719021054" title="IMG_4214 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7342/8719021054_0ed54272c5_b.jpg" width="563" height="864" alt="IMG_4214"></a>
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It seems funny that I'm nostalgic for solitude in Central Park- any time I took photos there, there were plenty of other people around- some stopping<br>
to gawk, some taking photos of me without permission- and that was always awkward and frustrating. It's not like Ryan and I were ever completely alone,<br>
but after plenty of time exploring around the park each season, I got a good feel for places a little more off the beaten path that were wonderfully <br>
photogenic in Spring, and Ryan became a pro at avoiding getting other people in the background. If I ever thought Central Park or New York in general felt<br>
crowded, Tokyo has totally put things back into perspective for me. I've all but given up trying to take photos most places because of the crazy crowds<br>
everywhere.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/14054783126" title="IMG_0820 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7042/14054783126_3fd99918cd_b.jpg" width="560" height="860" alt="IMG_0820"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/14054783686" title="IMG_1035 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5589/14054783686_abcd8041a8_b.jpg" width="560" height="860" alt="IMG_1035"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/13891274919" title="IMG_0925 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5445/13891274919_3d50de359e_b.jpg" width="560" height="860" alt="IMG_0925"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/13891290998" title="IMG_0839 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2901/13891290998_df9ff5e253_b.jpg" width="800" height="530" alt="IMG_0839"></a>
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Our situation was also just so different back in New York. Ryan was going to school, and he was done around 5pm everyday. He was open to help out with photos on weekdays during the best times for light, and we lived close enough to the park and the 'good spots' that we could just walk over in the late afternoons or evenings. So we were usually able to take photos during the most off-peak times in the park. Now, Ryan works until 8 or 9 every weekday, and I've been sick every weekend since February- So even when Ryan is available, I'm too sick, and he's too tired. I'm starting to worry I'll be too sick to even try to take sakura photos this year:( I guess we'll see.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/14348499080" title="IMG_1773 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5476/14348499080_3f7501895c_b.jpg" width="560" height="860" alt="IMG_1773"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/14535136325" title="IMG_1740 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5498/14535136325_7ac0dedb41_b.jpg" width="560" height="860" alt="IMG_1740"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/14512012886" title="IMG_1705 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3890/14512012886_474a96489f_b.jpg" width="560" height="860" alt="IMG_1705"></a>
<br><br><br>
I sure am feeling homesick for Central Park after looking through these. It really was the best part of Manhattan for me, <br>
and I don't know how I could have survived there without it. I'm hoping to still enjoy sakura season in Tokyo- it just feels<br>
so much more intimidating because there's so much hype and so many expectations involved- and the same kind of feeling you <br>
get about a popular parade- if you're not willing to get there at 5am to snag the best spot before the crowds, you might as<br>
well not go at all. I'm going to have a lot of family portraits and shoots this sakura season, and not much time for myself <br>
this year- and since the blooming is so fleeting, I might have to resign myself to not really getting any personal photos with<br>
Sakura this year. It's hard to tell how it will all turn out. We'll see I guess!
<br><br><br><br><br>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/14393097702" title="IMG_2419 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5193/14393097702_7d6e7ea264_b.jpg" width="800" height="530" alt="IMG_2419"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/14207817489" title="IMG_2442 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2939/14207817489_0f85dc05a4_b.jpg" width="800" height="530" alt="IMG_2442"></a>
Kitsune-kunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12774355207476776786noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2700371847146107395.post-71809589375019455162015-03-17T21:37:00.001-04:002015-03-17T21:37:28.610-04:00Plum Blossoms<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16218096684" title="IMG_7071 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8602/16218096684_82a67a6ea6_b.jpg" width="830" height="550" alt="IMG_7071"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16218097794" title="IMG_7062 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8754/16218097794_f494bc6c3f_b.jpg" width="830" height="550" alt="IMG_7062"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16839318462" title="IMG_7040 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8729/16839318462_775d6df0d7_b.jpg" width="830" height="550" alt="IMG_7040"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16652867488" title="IMG_7043 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7598/16652867488_622215e25f_b.jpg" width="830" height="550" alt="IMG_7043"></a>
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There's a shrine near my neighborhood that is tucked away in some side streets and up some stairs, and it's famous for plum blossoms.<br>
Many plum blossom trees were planted around the grounds back in the day and it's become a well-known spot for blossom viewing in later<br>
winter/ early spring. There are lots of plum blossom themed details around, like some stone carvings, some painted lanterns, and details<br>
in the woodwork.
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It is also a shrine dedicated to cows, or perhaps a cow god- so there are several cow statues and cow themed features as well. The grounds<br>
are quite small, and exploring is short and sweet, but there are so many delightful details to take in, and the area is quiet and peaceful. <br>
I'm glad I live so nearby- and I was a bit sad to see the plum blossoms were on their way out when I visited- after a week or stormy, windy <br>
days. It was a beautiful visit, nonetheless, and i'm glad I got these images to remind me of that quiet sunny late winter day.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16652863858" title="IMG_7055 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7613/16652863858_3f4e743d1d_b.jpg" width="830" height="550" alt="IMG_7055"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16220512793" title="IMG_6991 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8626/16220512793_02cc78c9e3_b.jpg" width="830" height="550" alt="IMG_6991"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16633138887" title="IMG_7009 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8651/16633138887_dea6fe7e22_b.jpg" width="830" height="550" alt="IMG_7009"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16652877828" title="IMG_6986 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8693/16652877828_45268fffb4_b.jpg" width="830" height="550" alt="IMG_6986"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16839395001" title="IMG_6969 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8693/16839395001_09e507acba_b.jpg" width="830" height="550" alt="IMG_6969"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16840458835" title="IMG_7004 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7286/16840458835_13fbafc5fc_b.jpg" width="830" height="550" alt="IMG_7004"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16633136557" title="IMG_7038 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7609/16633136557_f98085e1b5_b.jpg" width="830" height="550" alt="IMG_7038"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39230407@N05/16218114114" title="IMG_6972 by Kathryn B., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8687/16218114114_bf6555fd83_b.jpg" width="830" height="550" alt="IMG_6972"></a>
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Plum blossoms are celebrated in Japan as a harbinger for spring- a beautiful, visual queue that warmer, brighter, and more colourful days are on <br>
their way soon. It feels a bit strange to be greeted with visuals of bright pink, red, and white blossoms while the weather is still pretty <br>
nippy out, but it really brightens up the dismal mood that late winter tends to be associated with. Excited for cherry blossoms soon!
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love,
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from japan,
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Kathryn
Kitsune-kunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12774355207476776786noreply@blogger.com1