Tokyo Sky Tree

One km east of Asakusa, in “my” (and Rurousha’s too) beloved shitamachi; towers the Tokyo Sky Tree.

Its height of 634 meters tall doubles the height of the “merely” 333-meter tall Tokyo Tower. Tokyo Sky Tree is scheduled to open this month and is the world's tallest free-standing broadcast tower. Note the free standing broadcast tower mentioned. Tower. The tallest building is not this tower. Get over it.

The tower has two observatories: The First Observatory is at 350 meters level and the Second Observatory at 450 meters level, both of which command splendid wraparound views of Tokyo.

The SkyTree can be seen from many places and angles. Among them is a reflection of the tower on the water of the river seen from Jukken Bridge, which is located east side of the tower, as is the tower itself.

OK… so I have no idea whether this shots were taken on the bridge mentioned above, but there were sure plenty of photographers getting their perfect reflection shot when we were there!

To the west, you can see the real tower and a reflection of it in the gold wall of the Asahi Beer building.

This, taken from across the Sumida River. Zaini sure has an artsy eye because we found this same angle shot in a Japanese magazine recently! (If you must know the location: it’s between Shirahige Bridge and Azuma Bridge).

This and other spots around the tower have already been attracting many people who want to see and take photos of the Sky Tree. Travel agencies are conducting various tours to see the tower and, I guess for the very adventurous, you can take a tour by helicopter and see what it looks like from the sky at 600 meters. I suppose the shitamachi will be inundated with visitors from now on, if not before! Good for the neighbourhood’s economy but not good for selfish me who’d rather have the shitamachi all to myself! Heh!

I’m thinking of putting up a weekly Sky Tree post this month; on 1^st, 8^th, 15^th and 22^nd (if I can dig enough photos and ramble enough stories to accompany the photos, that is). What say you?

By the way, it IS opening on May 22^nd right?

Becoming American, without Losing Roots OLA: Maryland

Carol, contemplating her move, at the American Visionary Art Museum, Baltimore, Md.

Greenbelt Park, Greenbelt, Maryland
just 12 miles from Washington DC

We passed through Maryland, visiting the Annapolis Naval Academy in 2008. But we discovered a lot more last week, exploring Baltimore and camping in Greenbelt Park in Greenbelt, Maryland. The Park, part of the National Park Service, is truly a hidden gem, just 12 miles from Washington and only a mile from the Greenbelt Station of the DC Metro. Nice serene, green space from which we toured DC!

Fort McHenry National Historic Monument

But Baltimore is truly the highlight of our Maryland experience. Fort McHenry is a star-shaped fort best known for its role in the War of 1812. Nearby towns having fallen, a 25-hour continuous bombardment of Baltimore was launched by the British navy in Chesapeake Bay. Seeing the American flag still flying from his ship in the early morning, Francis Scott Key was inspired to write a poem that began:

Francis Scott Key's statue looking at
the flying American flag at Fort McHenry 

O say can you see, 
by the dawn’s early light?

What so proudly we hailed 
at the twilight’s last gleaming.

The Star=Spangled Banner House

                                                      Yes, his poem became America’s National Anthem, the Star-Spangled Banner. So we proceeded to visit The Star-Spangled Banner Flag House. Built in 1793, it was the home of Mary Pickersgill and where she sewed the 15-star garrison flag that flew over Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore. The museum features a 30 by 42-foot window in the same color, size, and design as the original flag.

USS Constellation, the Pride of Baltimore at her Inner Harbor

Going to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor (previously the largest sea port in the US), we also had quite a time trying to get the best shot of the Pride of Baltimore, the USS Constellation. Commissioned in 1855, it was strategically used in the Civil War and served many purposes until 1933. She came to Baltimore in 1954 and is now a floating museum near the National Aquarium and the Baltimore Maritime Museum.

the WAshington Monument in Baltimore, Md

At the center of Baltimore, one cannot miss a towering monument, completed in 1829 to honor Washington. The 178 foot Doric column holds a ground-floor museum. Climbing the 228 steps to the top provides an excellent view of the city. The Washington Monument in Washington DC is much taller at 555 ft but was completed much later in 1884. Both monuments were designed by Robert Mills.

Edgar Allan Poe Memorial at the Westmister Burying Grounds

Edgar Allan Poe lived in Richmond, Virginia for about 14 years, hence the Museum that we found there. But he died in Baltimore and we went to the Westminster Church burying grounds and there we found the tomb of Edgar Allan Poe, beside his grandfather’s and alongside many more of their era. The Memorial to Poe, however, is located at the corner of the church grounds, visible to the streets.

the first line of the Star-Spangled Banner on the wall
of the American Visionary art Museum

The American Visionary Art Museum was also a nice find, its exterior proudly bearing the first line of the national anthem. We found a set of artsy chess pieces, each as big as I am! The car art caught my attention...it is like colorful artsy jeepneys that ply Philippine roads. This made me realize that I am still a Filipino, despite the intense American education I am getting cruising North America in an RV.

the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption

car art, much like the colorful jeepneys that ply Philippine roads

Finally, we could not miss visiting the 
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption. Completed in 1821, it was the first Roman Catholic cathedral ever built in the United States, and was the first major religious building constructed in the nation after the adoption of the U.S. Constitution. It is considered the masterpiece of Benjamin Henry Latrobe, the "Father of American Architecture". 

Such is the short trip we made to Maryland. But one is left with a definite sense of the significant role the state had, like Virginia, in the making of the great nation that America is! As a newly naturalized citizen, I am indeed very fortunate to be able to visit such places that bring to life the American story!  More and more I am becoming American...without losing my Filipino roots!

Okayama To Matsuyama

Another train post! Woohoo! 

This time, it's the limited express Shiokaze train (the JR Shikoku 2000 series) that we got on from Okayama to Matsuyama.

Cute, ne? Donburi-man trio(?)

We just jumped into the train without getting a seat reservation (the train was deaprting in a few minutes so we didn't want to waste time getting & reserving tickets or wait for the next train) and when we walked in the unreserved car of the train, almost every seat has a passenger. Not wanting to split up (for Raimie's benefit) and also seeing that the reserved cars were actually pretty empty; we just strolled into the reserved car and select our seats ourselves. When the ticket conductor came and checked our ticket, we knew that he wanted to mention to us that we were seating in reserved cars but he didn't (I suppose he thought that we wouldn't understand anyway). He allowed us to continue to be seated there because I think that most likely it will remain empty anyway. Plus, we aren't going to be charged extra sitting there are we are using our JR Pass. Love, love, love JR Pass. ^^

Plus, didn't hurt to look apologetic sitting where we weren't suppose to; to mollify the train conductor. That and look absolutely clueless. Can't fault or reason with clueless foreigners, right?

The scenery we enjoyed we left the main island of Honshu and into Shikoku.

The train we were on has Anpanman all over the exterior and interior. Pre-school Anpanman fans would love riding this train.

The train stopped at one of the stations as to connect with another train (can't remember which), before continuing its journey to Matsuyama and Uwajima. We got off to check out the process and we weren't the only ones!

Absolutely adorable train to ride on, don't you agree?

I Love eBay

 

eBay is so many things to so many people.  For us it is a way for us to keep busy, now that we are retired. There is so much to sell.  

Our eBay listings 

For many years we did craft shows and state fairs and found merchandise that folks really liked that we have continued selling on eBay.  

Over the years, like everyone else,  we have accumulated 'stuff' and for the most part, none of our children want any of it. So besides the new items, we are selling the other 'stuff' for 2 reasons 1 - so they won't have to and 2 - so we can enjoy the $$  LOL.   It also helps to  keep our bodies active and minds agile..

 

As an experienced seller, I am also an Education Specialist Trained by eBay. I love to talk about eBay all the time, enjoy meeting like-minded folks. Now I can really talk about the wonders of eBay all the time, help buyers and train folks face to face or on the phone, too. 

I am also helping to revive this Meetup group, here in Colorado Springs.

As this group grows our mission is to help sellers increase sales by learning and understanding all the ways to make the job easier, more fruitful and the roll social media plays in promoting our eBay listings.  It is also good to help buyers understand the process.  

I also have a group on Facebook - eBay Sellers Only.  Lots of conversation about the workings of eBay, we all help each other brainstorm situations and how to create a better listings and so much more.   

eBay on Location 2012 - Denver and Philly

Every year eBay holds these events in different cities. This May 2012 it will be in Denver CO and in Sept. in Philadelphia, PA.  

If you have free time and stuff to sell, consider eBay as an additional source of income  People from all walks of life are also making a living selling here too from 16 year olds to 80+ and everyone in-between working for just a few hours a week to full time +.  

Our business is a partnership.  I do all the computer work and Gene keeps and stores the inventory and does all the shipping.  Somedays we feel like the find of a lifetime is just waiting for us at the next yard sale or church sale, so we both go sourcing together, too.   

If I can answer any questions or help in any way I am always available through the comments section on this page and if you liked this blog, please like or leave a comment.  Thanks 

HerbsCraftsGifts

Cover Story - Matsuyama

Had a blast looking for the awesome and interesting manhole covers in the cities we visited in Japan again this year. Seen my earlier post on Yokohama's manhole covers or Takamatsu's? I had a few more posts on manhole covers at other places we visited in 2007-2010 stashed away somewhere too. Do look it up, if you are interested. ^^

 This one looks boring compared to the colour versions!

Can't seem to find the story behind the flowers despite searching. Anyone knows?

All three version were found during our walk from Matsuyama Station to Dogo Onsen last year. How far was it? About 4km if I'm not mistaken. If you are going to Dogo Onsen, I totally recommend taking the tram once and one trip made with walking. There are lots of interesting stuff you can see when you are meandering around instead of going direct to your destination!

With this post, a Shikoku series is now officially starting! Wait for it! Though most of it will have like a gazillion worth of autumn photos in them. Not really season appropriate, I have to admit.

But I have to warn you. In between the Shikoku posts, there will be interruptions as I will slot in some Tokyo Sky Tree posts to herald its opening this May!

Shitamachi Randomness

I promised a Shikoku post (or a series of posts) but if you have been reading this blog long enough, you'd know that I "suffered" from short-term memory loss occassionally and forgot to keep my promise. That Shikoku post(s) will be here. Soon. Sometime soon. I promise. I think. Just come and visit anyway. heh

I figured I'd post up a bit on my beloved "shitamachi" before embarking on a trip to the fourth largest island in Japan. I miss the shitamachi. Wouldn't you?

Amidst concrete and pre-fab buildings, we stumbled upon this shop. I wish I'd taken a proper photo of it but the obachan whom I assumed is the owner was standing in front of it and I was scared I got shooed away with a broom! Obachan can be scary, you know. LOL

One of the shop's neighbours wares. Cheap toys for sale. In bulk. Reminds me of Petaling Street. Who needs big department stores?

Found in the street of Kappabashi, selling what else? Kitchen items. Ceramics shop and a stainless steel pots & pans (among other things) shop. No Cap Buaya/Zebra pots here, ah? kikiki

We wanted to buy a takoyaki mould but decided against it. We flew by AirAsia, remember? Need to pay for all that luggage too! Ain't worth it... yet.

I just like the bus hence the shot of it here.

Errr... an arch?

Ready for dinner, anyone?

Drink & be merry! The stall wasn't that deserted... we were there a tad too early to have the place brimming with after office hours patrons.

Let me loose at a trendy street in Japan and I'll be ill at ease.

Put me in a crowded street and I'll have a massive headache.

But let me wander around the shitamachi that Rurousha loves so much too (psst.... I'm so jealous that she gets to enjoy the shitamachi every day) and I'll be a happy camper.

Washington DC...Making Me Tired and Sick! OLA

a different view of the US Capitol...in bloom with azaleas!

the reflecting pool in front of the Washington Monument
is undergoing repairs...

Not politically, that is, and only half-sick in fact! Bill and I spent 2 days at the nation’s capital but I apparently got so tired the first day that the next  day I had to stay at the RV, down with the proverbial hives again (lupus has been eliminated, further tests will be conducted to unravel this chronic condition!)  Thus, half of the story and photos here are Bill’s.  We both agree: a trip to the nation’s capital is an intellectual, political, and spiritual journey.

Day 1, Carol’s Day

the Smithsonian Castle

the Museum of Natural History

The intellectual part is always satisfied by a visit to the Smithsonian Institutes. This trip, however, we focused on the Smithsonian Castle, the headquarters of all the 19 museums, and the premier museum, the Museum of Natural History. The two face each other and, eerily, when you look to the right facing the Cathedral, you will see the Washington Monument and to the left is the Capitol Building.

the Coelacanth, ancient fish back from the dead in African waters

tentacles of the 36-ft preserved giant squid

Some of the new things we saw at the Museum are a replica of the titanoboa, the world's largest ever snake whose fossils were found in Colombia between 2007-2010, the Ocean’s View with a 36-ft. giant squid, the bones of giant whales, and the rare ancient fish, the Coelacanth, and the Egyptian mummies exhibit. But I also could not resist another visit to the Hope Diamond and all the other giant gems, secretly hoping that Bill would notice that my jewelry collection needs upgrading! The largest polished topaz in the world (my birthstone), the American Golden Topaz, is also one of the largest gems period. Hint! Hint!

the only thing Bill needs to get for me
the American Golden Topaz, almost 23,000 carats!

the White House on the right; its veggie garden on the left

Then we went right on to the political aspect of the trip with a visit to the Capitol Building, the Supreme Court and the White House. For the first time I am visiting the grand buildings where the seat of American governance resides…as a US citizen. Did I feel patriotic? Undoubtedly…this and a lot of other  changes that I am starting to feel and whisper to Bill…why and how I think I am becoming an American!

where Lincoln was assassinated...the Ford Theatre

our fave...the Lincoln Memorial!

The spiritual aspect comes from the inspiration that wells when one visits the few great men who led the birth and growth of this great United States of America.  First we went to the Ford Theatre where Lincoln was assassinated and the house across the street where he was taken and died.  I was speechless at the Lincoln Memorial but I was also so tired and so disappointed.The cab driver said it rained the very first day of the Annual Cherry Blossoms Spring Festival and they were slowly went away the following days. Sigh.

and then she got tired...and the following day, sick...

the Basilica of the National Shrine of Immaculate Conception

Day 2, Bill’s Day                                                                                  
The following day, I woke up to another flare-up of hives (the days have turned too cold even for a spring day). So I asked Bill to go on with the visits scheduled for the day so that this post may be complete! And the nice guy that he is, he did!  The next two paragraphs then are courtesy of my co-photographer, traveling companion, now co-writer, and co-conspirator in all things big and small!

the Washington National Cathedral

‘The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is one of the top ten Basilicas in the world.  Tour groups arrive throughout the day, admiring the sacred art as well as the magnificent architecture.  I visited the many side chapels, and the holy rooms below, many places to spend time in meditation and prayer.  The Washington National Cathedral, the sixth largest in the world, also has a number of chapels and rooms for prayer. An observation tower on the 7th floor allows visitors a view of the area for miles around. The gothic style cathedral is also where Woodrow Wilson is buried.

the Jefferson Memorial

After these wonderful places of worship, I went on to the memorials we missed the day before. I am a big fan of Thomas Jefferson, and was glad for the opportunity to visit it again. This time I found the area downstairs where more information about the man and his times are on display.  But I still found Jefferson’s masterpiece of a home in Monticello, Virginia to be more interesting. Finding a place to park to visit Grant’s memorial was challenging.  But the view was worth it, looking across the reflecting pool to the Memorial and then to the Capitol Building beyond.’

the Grant Memorial

I surely missed the pilgrimages of the second day…and Bill…whom I thank for writing half this post. I got instantly cured upon reaching the Hershey Campground in Pennsylvania, noticing the fine aroma all around!  But I also enjoyed the Greenbelt Park, a NPS campground in Maryland, which is just 12 miles from Washington DC. What a hidden gem. We will feature more of it in the next post on Baltimore!

the Titanoboa, world's largest ever snake