Trip to Kyūshū, Part IV

Before returning to Fukuoka we stopped by a little town called Mameda in Oita prefecture. Many of the structures in Mameda date back to the Edo period, leaving many traces of old Japan. We had the afternoon to stroll around the town and happened to spot a cute bakery five minutes after arriving. I couldn't resist buying a pudding to snack on, I love sweets. Then off we went to wander around the old town. It's places like these that I really love to explore, there are so many charming things to see (and eat), like that raccoon statue with the sunglasses. Mameda is such a beautiful town, I was very lucky that the weather was perfect for taking pictures. The first photo is currently my desktop wallpaper.

On another note, classes have started and the rainy season has arrived. I don't think I'll be able to take as many pictures.. Luckily I think I've got one last photo diary to share plus some film pictures that have yet to be developed. Two months after my trip ended, I'm finally about to conclude by Trip to Kyūshū posts, thank you for being patient with me and my sloth-paced posting! By the way, today is Independence Day in the Philippines (yay!) which means no school (double yay!).

Take care everyone!

Trip to Kyūshū, Part III

Looking at these pictures reminds me of how wonderful it was to feel a cold breeze graze your skin. Oh, how I miss spring in Japan, even if some days were gray and rainy. We passed by acres and acres of farm land, reaching deep into the countryside. Houses were sparse but the charming sights were abundant. Cozy eateries, rivers, an occasional garden patch, and a quietness that you just can't get any place else. It was like a glimpse of the perfect farm life, my dream. Anyone familiar with Harvest Moon? Ha ha. I visited some hot springs, had my share of inhaling sulfur-filled air (gas that emits hell) and even got to try out some hot spring boiled eggs! Sadly, I eventually had to part with the bucolic landscape. Although making our way back to the city was pretty nice since I got to fill myself up with yummy parfaits almost every time we entered a restaurant. I also got to meet two of the cutest kids ever. There was a boy (who could very well be a girl..) cosplaying as a ninja at Kumamoto Castle. He gave my nephew a paper shuriken, it was so sweet. Then there was Yutsuha/Yudzuha, a little girl who was celebrating her 5th birthday, thus the elaborate kimono. We saw her by a pond feeding some ducks, it was so picturesque. She was like a living doll, we couldn't resist asking her for a photo.

Trip to Kyūshū, Part I

This summer, my family and I traveled around the Kyushu region of Japan. Our first day was spent in Hakata, Fukuoka. Luckily, that was a free day and I wasn't bombarded with tours just yet. We spent the afternoon walking around the city, shopping, eating, enjoying the cold weather, and soaking in the beautiful sights. Nothing beats wandering around the tiny streets of Japan -- blistering feet suddenly becomes so much easier to endure.We stayed at Hakata Excel Hotel Tokyu which was right across a beautiful park and a canal (not the sewage kind). Our hotel was also just a ten minute walk from Canal City, a large shopping complex. My excitement levels were off the charts when I saw a Moomin Cafe, I only ever dreamed of seeing one in magazines.. I also managed to do some shopping, can you spot the bunny ears beanie? The next day, we set off to Huis Ten Bosch (haus•ten•bos), a Dutch-themed theme park that was overflowing with flowers, tulips galore! Schoon Boob, anyone?

More to come!