London tours. > The worst street in London.

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 23:24:15 +0200

The worst street in LOndon it is Oxford Street. It is worst not because it is so ugly or dangerous. It is worst because it is crowded all day, packed with people who are coming and going without stop, like legions of crazy ants, walking and walking, without thinking, without logic, like bunch of silly ships rather than ants. Ants have goal, these people just walk to see another nasty stuff in shops. I hate this crowd, its thoughtless faces and aggression. Because it is agressive. Hard to walk because peple push one another, block each other and do not care about anybody, just themselves. Man can not move freely, completely blocked by others. All buses packed, no free space. The image of urban hell. Only nights bring salvation for Oxford street. It is only time when it is not the hell.

London tours. > London China town

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 23:14:57 +0200

The best thing about London China town are shops and restaurants. Except that, there is nothing much interesting to see. But I like to watch Chinese people how they run making their own secret businesses and living compleely separate lives rom the rest of London comunity. Many Chinese came from China not so lngago and they seem so much careless about fact they came to completely differentcountry. This is funy to observe. Shopping in chinese shops is fun, ecause there are many strange foods and sweets and stuff I hae never seen before. I like to buy them and check how thye taste. Sometimes it is bad experience... But ofteniteresting. All so called China Town is filled with tourists. I am sure that Chinese make good business. Strange people.

London tours. > London creepy places

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 00:03:46 +0200

There are many creepy places in London. I mentioned about Seven Sisters area, but it is also Elephant and Castle. The name of place is pretty funny, but place itself is as much not funny as possible. It is again unpleasant and poor area, dirty and definitely not dangerous. I do not like this. I went there tody because there is Tibetan centre. I did found centre, but I am not sure if I want to go there durinh evenings for meditations. After that I may loose my teeth because some nasty people will like to get my pocket money. I shall go to some posh parts of LOndon like Kensington, Sloan Square area or at least...New Bond street.

I am not snob but I do not like creepy places.

London tours. > London- Seven Sisters.

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 16:31:48 +0200

Gosh, there isn ot nice at all. I do not recommend to go to Seven Sisters. I went there this morning to meet my friend who is suppose to move there, no idea why. I think, my friend should find some other place to live and not stay in place so dangerous and dodgy looking.

Seven Sisters is located in north part of London, generaly. If you ever heard about Brixton, it is like another Brixton area. It is poor neighbourhood with old looking, not nice houses and people who seems to escape from prison recently. I may be not nice writing like that but I had such feeling. There are shops with some African food which smells bad from long distance and I am not sure if food sell there is still good to eat. Men are standing on streets, doing nthing just staring. I do not like this... Honestly...

London tours. > Be ready for rain.

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 11:53:20 +0200

It is spring time but it is London so it means lotsof rain. I a not type ofperson who can stay all days indoors, watchin TV shows or soap operas. I need action and I need to go out. Tha is why, living in this country and this city,I had to became a bit English like to. I bougt good quality rain coat with big hood and Hunter rubber boots, not mention special trousers, water resistant :). This is funny to see English people walking around London in outfits suitable mostly for English countryside than European capital city... But, the weather explains it all.

London tours. > British Museum.

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 22:27:30 +0100

It is best idea for rainy saturday to go to one of London great museums. I do like British Museum. It is packed with interesting and ancient objects of art and I also like its architecture and atmosphere. It is good to stya in great museum hall and obeserve people who are coming to the museum. A lot of them every day.

London tours. > Regents Channel area.

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 15:18:52 +0100

It is good idea to go for a walk near Regents Channel. LOts of people is going there for a walk, for jogging. It is safe during day and it is somehow nice to walk there. I like walk paths in Camden Town, near Regents Park and in Angel. I know these three and I am often going there whan I have free day and if weather is fine. But even if it is not fine, still I like to go for a walk.

Today when I was walking, I reeived phone call from my Japanese friend living in California. She proposed cool journey to plan. It is possible that in Autumn I will go to Mexico! yeah! It may be fun even if a bit dangerous...

You see, many time when I walk near Regents Channel I get some good news after. Perhaps this place has some magical powers? At least it is good places for new travellings'...

London tours. > Inner city travells.

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 13:27:49 +0100

Well, I am not Londoner really and and I am not English too. It si easy to notice as sometimes I may makes mistakes writing in English. My apologies! I am doing my best... So, London is such a big city that actually it is good place to travel around too. I just realised that even if I am living here, I have never been in Many places. Like I have never been in Greenwich! And it is still London. What I am talking... I have never been in Hotting Hill too! Can you imagine? I did not. I must go there asap. It is spring and days are warmer now, so it is best time to organize small city tours for myself. If temporarly I am unable to go outside of London, why not try to travel inside?

It sounds like I am desperatly looking for some travell experices and it is true. I do feel trapped in h...

Tokyo! > Photos from my stay in Tokyo.

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 22:32:27 +0100

Today I received letter from my Japanese friend who lives in Tokyo. We used to share apartment when I was living there too. She sent me photos which we took together during our crazy evenings in bars and restaurants of Tokyo.

It is no good to recall these moments. I had so good time and I can not wait when I will be able to enjoy Tokyo night life again.

Honestly, I have never had so good time like in Tokyo and best parties were there. Here in LOndon it is all about drinking, in Tokyo- it is much more. There is more fancy places to go and Japanese are cute when they get drunk. They stop to be official and distant and become like kids, funny and a bit noisy and not shy anymore. This is fun and I like this transformaton. Normally I never drink, but in Japan I do enjoy it a lo...

Poland > Eastern journey plan.

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 21:05:34 +0100

My sister invited me for Eastern holidays to Poland and seems like I am going to spend early April in POland. Again...big eating and drinking time.

My sister told me that Polish holidays are pretty nice and we are going to visist her friends living in some nice coutryside area. We will paint eggs and help in house works, cooking and baking traditional Polish cakes. Feeding cows and horses, chickens and pigs included. I am gonna transform into courty girl.

I like coutryside in general and I had best fun in Japanese coutryside ever. Now I will try P0lish one and it may be interesting. I hope there will be not too cold in Poland. I used to English spring and I do not wish to come back to winter weather...oh no!

Anyway, seems like I will have fun and enjoy another small...

Japan > Sake Brewery

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 11:56:15 +0100

These days I am checking my old travell photos often and it brings back lots of memories, so nice memories from Japan. I was once in sake brewery, in rural area near Hiroshima. Sake breweries are always located near sources of good water, because good water is base for good sake.

I like Japanese countryside, especially these regions which have mountains. There is so cool, so beautiful and it is an essence of Japan...all aromas and food and customs...like in old Japan. And this is best part.

So I went to sake brewery thanks to my Japanese friends who took me there. Brewery owner lived in old house, very old house. Actually his ancestors were samurai and he is proud from this heritage- I had no doubts! His house is old and beautiful, brewery in contrast, looks rather ugly, b...

Japan > Kyoto memoires

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 14:01:05 +0100

It is spring already in UK, but naturally weather is not too good today...

Unlike in Japan. My Japanese friends say that it is lovely time now, weather fine and it is warm. Gosh, how much I envy them! I wish I am there...

I was watching my old photos from Japan and I found few nice ones from my trip to Kyoto. It was funny day because I just drop to Kyoto for 5 hours only and had no time for much site seeing.

But I went to Kiyomizudera, my favourite Kyoto temple and I could see spectacular sunset from temple terrace. It was amazing beautiful view...

There is still something old fashion and melancholic in atmosphere of Kyoto. It is a bit strange, because man can almost feel phisically how old this town actually is.

It is old but it is also full of ...

Tomonoura > Ponyo Ponyo...

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 23:29:44 +0100

Have you seen Hayao MIyazaki animation "Ponyo"?

This is cute little story, magical and lovely. The place which inspired this movie is a real place and it is my lovely Tomonoura!

I was there and I liked this place much earlier than Hayao MIyazaki discover it. I am so proud that he liked this town too. This is really great place, even if small and quiet.

I was there twice, each time it was so great. Man can buy there super fresh fish and sea food and eat local dishes in small bars.

There is also nice temple with great view.

If you like story about Ponyo and her friend, you should see Tomonoura yourself. It is just 20 minutes by bus from Fukuyama...maybe even less? You should also see Onomichi. It is close too and there is castle on the hill, great lookin...

Scotland > Edinburgh.

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:53:06 +0100

I forgot to write about my weekend in Edinburgh and in Scotland. I went there in October, last year. I must say that I like Scotland a lot. It is wild, it is spacy, it is free spirited place. Weather was not too good but good enough for me to climb on mountain near Edinburgh and enjoy the view of town and in general, the overlook. After so long time in London, far from nature and open space, I felt like wild animal away from his cage. It was fantastic to feel wind in my hair, fresh air in my lunghs and to see the sea... I am nature person rather than city girl and except Tokyo jungle, I do not like towns too much. But I like Edinburgh. It is old, packed with great looking buildings. And it is not to big or too noisy place. It suits me very much. Eve...

Poland > Coming back to London.

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:13:04 +0100

Oh, it was long day. I came back from POland just few few hours ago. It is so warm in London. At least much warmer than in POland where is actually freezing... One good thing about UK is fact that spring is coming here rather early.

My flight was ok, but I could not sleep in plane because of some crying babies. There were two of them and they both started to dry in same time, without stop around half of flight...I definitely prefer long flights than short, because man have enough time to sleep and there are meals served, not mention that I can watch movies or sleep long enough. I can not wait for another flight to Japan...

I brought lots of nice foods from Poland and gifts for friends. It was so nice time. I should plan my next short trip soon. I would like to visit Paris ...

Poland > Hangover

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 10:26:16 +0100

It is dangerous thing to drink alcohol and drinking in POLand is even more dangerous! Gosh... Polish people like drinking and they can drink a lot, unlike me...

So last evening's party I was asked to try few polish drinks, quite interesting and old fashioned, but a bit strong for me. I tried something what Poles call "drinking honey" and it is liquer based on honey indeed. Recipe is very old and there are different types of this drink. I tried two, Trojniak and Dwojniak. It is delicious but strong.

Another thing was called "krupnik" and it was something based on vodka and mixed with other ingredients I forgot to ask about. It was good too, but as a consequence of my alcohol tasting, I have hangover today...

But the party was worthy to go, because food was truly amaz...

Poland > Polish food

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 15:26:28 +0100

My sister changed her location in POland and now she lives in Gdansk.

She is working at University and she got cute little room in Uni Campus. She has access to big kitchen where all residents of her "dormitory" cook their meals. Funny things, my sister started to cook in Polish way and now I am her "victim". It is my duty as the guest to try her experimental dishes. Some taste pretty good, some are so so.

Polish food is not bad, juts a bit heavy for me. But I can try some strange things I have never ate before. My sister knows lots of people from different areas of POland and they give her some regional recipes. I have tried sweet buns from Kaszuby called ruhanki and also something called adzymka what was nice but completely like from medieval era. Polish bread is good an...

Poland > First travel after long time.

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:51:35 +0100

I have a very long break in writing and in travelling too.

I stocked in UK for long time working , working and working only. My brain was kind of tired and I longed for some journey, even small one.

That is why I just took few days of holidays and now I am in POland again, visiting my sister.

Here is still cold, winter like weather. So different than in UK wher it is spring actually. I went to Warsaw and Gdansk and now I am in small town, Malbork.

Here is located amazing big and beautiful medieval castle, built by Teutonic Order knights. They used to be crusaders, so it is actually crusaders' castle. I like this place a lot and I want to some here in summer, when weather will be much better for siteseeing.

I have lots of fun anyway, as Gdansk and...

Poland > Poland tomorrow.

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 12:05:56 +0200

Weather in London was so unpleasant yesterday, go grey, depressive. I am happy I will leave UK for few days. It is not travell to Japan or Ibiza, but I am happy anyway. I love travelling and even small journey is such a fun...

I am packed already. I have not much to pack anyway, because I am going to stay in Poland only 5 days. My crazy sister invited me to spend some time with her in Gdansk. So...I booked ticket last week. Wizz air airlines...should be ok I hope. Problem with cheap air lines is that there are often some delayes, cancellations or other unpleasant situations connected with flight and for every extra service man must pay. Soon they will ask to pay for privilage of making pee aboard. NO joke!

But the most funny part is London airport. I am going to start my t...

Journey's plan for 2009 > Small changes in plans.

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 10:27:57 +0200

I haven't written anything from long time.

I stocked in London and all I can see is odd English summer and brick houses in front of my window. Not very interesting at all. I stocked at work and all my travel plans are ruined, so I must make new ones.

Soon I am going to visist my sister & POland again. It will be good oportunity to try "bigos" again. And in the middle of November I am going to Japan again.

Oh yes, I will come back to Tokyo, but this time just for three weeks. Too short, but better than nothing. I must escape from LOndon and its gloominess. Unlike rest of Londonrs, I am not going to consol myself by drinking huge amounts of spirits. This is not good both from financial and economical points of view...not mention about social and health problems.

Tokyo! > Japanese foooood!

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:09:51 +0200

Oh my gosh!

Why is this so difficult to find something really tasty is this bloody town?! I am writing about LOndon! All local patriots may protest now but poeple, lets face it, food in UK is........ you know... So stayig here I need some life aid like going to Japan Centre and buy some Japanese stuff to feed my body and stay happier during my exile. After all I am still here in London and who knows when I will change location. All these objective difficulties like economical crisis, swine flue and whatever you want.

So, to cheer up and stay slim i try to eat in Japanese way in London too. Not easy as Japanese food here is expensive and Japanese restaurants not that much good like in Japan. But, at least they are here... During my journeys I try to collect gastronomic expe...

Tokyo! > I want my Tokyo!

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:06:54 +0200

Is it posibl to fall in love with country? Yes t is possible, because i love Japan and now i suffer becaue I can not be there, but instead I am in UK. I do not want to be here, I want to be in Japan. But I have no idea how to arrange this to stay long.

It is too short for me if I stay even 3 months, as long as my visa let me. I must do few things to make it happen, to be able to stay in Japan at least for 6 months or year ...or longer if I am really lucky. I must speak Japanese well, this is first thing. Second, I need to pass some official exam to be able to teach English in Japan. This is not career I deam about, but I am an art historian from education and I have master degree too. BUt do they need art historians as skilful workers? I don't think so....

That is why I st...

Journey's plan for 2009 > Perhaps Paris?

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:04:11 +0200

It is nasty day all of a sudden. Not taht bad but it will be rainy today in "lovely" London. Oh no... I wish I can go somewhere again. Travel to Poland was inspiration, so now I long for more. Perhaps I will go to Paris after two weeks? I need some classy place and some fun again. Paris may be a good idea.

Or Languedoc...so lovely there. I definitely need to go away from London for a while. I envy people who have vacations now and can take sun tan and go to swim in ocean... I do long for real holidays.

Poland > I came back.

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:45:28 +0200

I came back from POland when I had good time, even if weather was not very fine sometimes. IN contrast here is LOndon is so hot that hard to believe.

I enjoyed my short stay in POland lot. I could see Gdansk and Sopot and Gdynia, three towns located one after another, separated but connected, each in different style. I liked Sopot the most. Small and cute tourists resort whcih long pier and cute buildings. There is one completely twisted building in center of town which I found most amusing. And I liked beach and pier. Baltic sea is rather dirty, not too salty and cold, but beach was really nice. My sister said that there are even prettier beaches if we go more west. I wish I can see them, place called Leba I heard has lovely beaches and also moving dunes. It looks like sma...

Poland > I went to Poland.

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:34:41 +0200

I am in Poland now.
I went for three days to visit my sister working in Warsaw, Polish capital city.
It was rather spontaneous action as I bought ticket in last moment.
Warsaw is definitely ugly town, but I must admit that Old Town looks nice.
Food is good and I enjoy strawberries which are much better here than these I ate in London.
My sister took me for dinner to very nice restaurant and later we were walking around Old Town in night. It looked so romantic.
I was told that all these “old” buildings were actually built after WW II because old town and all Warsaw was almost completely destroyed by Germans.
It looks old but it is actually quite new, funny.
I really needed to leave London for a while and change the air.
Poland mayb...

Tokyo! > Tokyo night watch.

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:06:51 +0200

I am sure I mentioned many time that Tokyo is a very safe place. Not perfectly safe what is obvious, because there are dangerous people everywhere in the world. But comparing with London, Tokyo is kind of safety island. I could easily walk around the town during night time, and I was not afraid at all. It is so comfortable feeling. Japanese nights from May are very warm and also I wanted to take photos of street lights and illuminated buildings. I used to walk from Minami Azabu to Shibuya on foot, going through Hiroo and Ebisu. The way is quite simple and hard to miss direction. From Shibuya I could continue my walk to Harajuku and farer, to Shinjuku. Lots of people walk during nights in Tokyo. I think it is because they feel safe same like me and also they just enjoy night life. Some r...

Tokyo! > Temple garden.

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:08:08 +0200

It is nice weather in London from few days. Amazing, as last year it was terrible. Perhaps it is kind of God's mercy and the way to help me not to miss Japan too much. Anyway. Today I recall my lovely morning in small templa garden near Shirokane Takanawa metro station. Actually it was not too close, but this is simply technicality. We are talking about Tokyo which is huge and places which are "close" are actualy quite far.

I do not remember the name of this temple. It was small and cute temple. Garden was small too, but lovely, with little pond and tiny koi fish. day was sunny and hot, I was tired so I sat down on small bench (there was all small in this garden, but it was good) and enjoyed the view. Tokyo is so big, busy and noisy town, but some parts are tranquile like a rural...

Tokyo! > The new hope.

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 17:47:43 +0200

I can not believe I left Tokyo just two weeks ago. I have feeling I am in London from ages and it is like come back to unpleasant dream. In this time I already had to change apartment because of dodgy land lords and myJapanese boyfriend came back to his previois bra... Right....

I wish I can stay in Tokyo, but I couldn't. i wish I can go away from London and maybe I will! And this is this good news. I may go to Singapore, to work. Then I have more time to study Japanese and come back to Japan as a student. It was my plan to stay in Tokyo and be with my treaterous boyfriend who is lovely besides the fact he lied to me. But this is so typical that actually common.

I miss Tokyo, its crowdy steets, rivers of salary men in mornings and cute lokoing kids going to pre school. All...

Tokyo! > Come back to London

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 22:00:10 +0200

Ok, I am here again. In London. But I am not happy at all. Just coming back from Japan but I have already experienced Tube workers strike, huge problems with commuting by two days, and closures of many Tube lines during weekend what means another problems with changing location in town. What kind of capital city is this if I can not fast and efficient way commute to work. And people In Tokyo people are disciplined and think rationally. They walk in efficient way to let other walk in same way- one after another on escalator and before it as well. In London, people walk like bunch of cows, without thinking, run one on another and acting rude way. This is such a contrast with Japanese ways I started use to. I do not want to complain too much. London may be not worse than any big E...

Tokyo! > Interview for Japanese TV.

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 06:07:46 +0200

Yesterday I went to Harajuku to buy some clothes in shops around there.Yesterday I went to Harajuku to buy some clothes in shops around there.Before I leave Japan I want to get some nice stuff to wear and show off in London.London style is definitely not for me.Anyway.Almost every day some new shop is opened in Tokyo.That is why Tokyo is such a great shopping place. Lots of options, styles and prices are not so bad in some places.Thankfully that yesterday I was in mood to dress well, because when I was walking around Harajuku, I wasasked by one of Japanese TV channels’ reporters to say few words about about Harajuku fashion.
They wanted to have foreigner’s point of view.
Gosh, I don’t use to interviews so I felt stressed, but finally I said few words.
Co...

Tokyo! > Ginza

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 13:02:23 +0200

I like to walk around Ginza. These are my window shopping sessions, during which I suffer a lot, because shops, restaurants and bars are packed with great stuff and I can not buy anything, or maybe just a very little.
Prices are very high, quality is high as well.
Lots of colours and people dressed in fancy way, wearing great designers’ clothes.
Japanese are crazy about fashion and food, so Ginza contains all what Japanese fashionable lady desire. All or almost all.
Personally I am big fan of Ginza coffee shops, where man can buy most fancy Japanese desserts which look so pretty.
One famous brand after another, interesting architecture and great decorations of shops’ windows.
I like to observe people walking on Ginza streets.
Some of ...

Tokyo! > Grandmother from Asakusa.

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:38:42 +0200

When I came to Tokyo first time and stayed in Asakusa hostel, I start to walk around and explore neighbourhood.
Then I saw very very old lady, who looked so small and fragile and like 100 years old.
But she was sitting on floor and polishing, repairing shoes.
I could not believe, but it was truth.
This grandma looked a bit like my own Grandma and because of this and because she looked so cute and delicate, but also she was amazing strong spiritually, I started to like her.
I could see her every time I was in Asakusa.
I was thinking about her before I came here this year. I wondered if grandma is still there, in shopping area near Kaminarimon and if she is still working.
I went to Asakusa today and grandma was in her traditional place, repairing some sh...

Tokyo! > Tokyo Tower

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:32:23 +0200

Finally I went to Tokyo Tower today, becaue weather was more less ok. It was a god idea because the view from main observatory is just fantastic. I could see all Tokyo,or almost all, and I took a lot of photos. There are small glasses in floor too, and I could see groud. This actually was not pleasant at all. I am afraid of hights. Gosh, what if I fall?

BUt I did not and instead I ate lunch in Tokyo Curry Lab. THis is so great place. Interior looks like part of space ship or space base like from Star Trek and curry was very tasty too. I like to combine site seeing with eating good things. Then I have full package.

There are many place to see in Tokyo Tower, but I could see just few, but I went to wax museum. I always woder why this figures are not at all like origina...

Tokyo! > eating out

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Sun, 31 May 2009 12:30:00 +0200

One of the best things in Tokyo are bars and restaurants. I could eat already manay fantastic dishes, desserts and drink very tasty coffee. Yesterday I went with freinds to eat and drink to Izakaya in Hiroo, close to Rorrongi. It was so tasty food and we drunk a lot. I was drinking plum liquer called umeshu. IT is very aromatic and tasty stuff, best mixed with soda and with ice. perfect treat. After drinking, in the middle of the night we went to convenience store to buy diffrent types of ice cream and fruits to prepare ice cream feast. I could not eat much but I prepared portions for everybody. Today I went to eat sushi and sashimi made of some strange types of fish, crabs and other sea creatures. I am so spoiled now, because almost everything I eat here is so tasty. I will miss it a l...

Tokyo! > When is rainy.

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Sat, 30 May 2009 02:24:47 +0200

Today it is rainy day in Tokyo. No good to go out but I do not want to stay home and watch movies. So I will go for big window shopping. Odaiba is a good place to go in such day like today. Odaiba was created for fun and leisure, shopping and eating. I want shoppin and eating today. I have just one week more in Tokyo, so I am going to be crazy and have as much fun as possible. I Odaiba shopping centre, there is restaurants area, packed with bars, restaurants and coffe shops. First I will eat lunch and later I will eat big ice cream with lots of strange things Japanese use to eat with ice cream, like small mochi balls or some tasteless jelly made from sea weed. It has no taste but is actually very good for health. Why not, I need to care for my health. In evening I will be invited for po...

Tokyo! > Shinjuku by night.

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Fri, 29 May 2009 14:34:32 +0200

I went to Shinjuku to enjoy night life, or rather observation os night life. It was fun. Japanese really can act crazy and not be so self controlled anymore. Shinjuku by night is kind of big enterteinment district. This is mostly enterteinment for men, but for women as well. It is posiible to eat there some nice dinner in posh or less posh bars and restaurants. Men go to stip bars or simply to places with girls, but in this second cse rather not only to watch them. Young people get drunk and vomit around. There are guys who try to pick up pretty girls and covinced them to participate in nude photo sesions and maybe even porn movie. I can understand some Japanese, so I could hear pieces of conversations. But I prefered to pretend I am not speaking Japanese at all. It is fun, because I ca...

Tokyo! > Tsukiji fish market.

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Wed, 20 May 2009 07:29:30 +0200

I went to Tsukiji market this morning.

It was fun, but I had to wake up very early morning. I wanted to see big auction of huge tunas. It started from 5:30 am. I was walking to Tsukiji from my place. In so early morning there are no trains and I did not want to take taxi.

Tsukiji market is easy to find. It looks like part of some port. Lots of small vehicles carrying fish running around so man must be careful not to be smashed by one. Lots of houswifes hunting for oportunity to buy cheaper fish and sea food and lots of fish and seaweed. Amazing variety of seafood, fish of all shapes and colours. Some things I have never seen in my life and I had no idea somebody can it this. But obviously can.

Giant tunas are amazing big. And fozen. I would like to know how people d...

Tokyo! > Before rainy season.

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Tue, 19 May 2009 08:27:06 +0200

Weather is getting less sunny. It is still hot but soom rainy season will start in Japan. I think I will leave Tokyo before this time. Okinawa already has every day showers. I heard it is not too pleasant time at all because all is wet and moist is constantly in the air, so laundry can not get dry, clothes in closets are also filled with moist. My Japanese friends say it is better to be outside of Japan from June to end of September. Well, I will be away for sure. No matter what friends say, I feel sorry I must leave Tokyo soon. From tomorrow here we may have few rainy days, so maybe I will go to see some museums.I am not in mood to stay in apartment and watch Japanese TV. I need to console myself and visit some nice retsuarant too.

Tokyo! > I like to be in Tokyo!

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Mon, 18 May 2009 03:03:46 +0200

I Iike to be in Tokyo! I can stay here only 3 more weeks and this is so sad... Here I feel good and enjoy every day. Tokyo fits to me much more than London.

Food here is much better, actually perfect for me. I eat a lot but I have lost my weight and I feel much better. Every day I can eat fresh fish and lots of vegetables, so it is good for me. I walk around the town and I have already found lots of great places, shops, museums, galleries and coffe shops. Japanese have amazing desserts and I like to try them. Japanese women are crazy about diets, so even desserts are low callory. Perfect for me.

Each day I am going to different restaurant to eat some Japanese dish. Not only sushi or sashimi but many many others. And here is so safe that I can walk without any fear even in ...

Tokyo! > Sushi maniac

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Fri, 15 May 2009 13:42:44 +0200

I am going to sushi restaurants almost every day or I buy sushi is convenience store.

Second option is much cheaper, but sushi made in restaurants are better. In general I love food here. I eat a lot and i already lost 6 kilos. This is so great. I like this type of diet. Tasty and refreshing food, light and easy to get. Japanese have so many types of sushi that it is impossible to get bored. Every day I can try some new things and still this is sushi.

My favourite is with lean tuna meat and squid, but also yellow tale and few other fish which i forgot...but I will recall tomorrow for sure. Today I made my own sushi lunch, making some kind of maki zushi. I must say it was tasty too.

Friends invited me outside of Tokyo, but I can not go, I am afraid. I have too ...

Tokyo! > I learn to cook in Japanese way.

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Mon, 11 May 2009 14:19:13 +0200

Golden week in Japan just finished. Japanese went for holidays and town seemed a bit deserted...as for Tokyo standards naturally. here is always lots of people.But many extra cute so at leat I have a nie view often.

I went to Harajuku to chek out this famous Harajuku style. It was funny, because this place has atmosphere like oversweeted version of Camden town in London...well, at least for me. Aldo lots of stuff for teenagers and people crazy for odd costumes. I must admit it was intersting to watch some. Japanese have more courage to dress in crazy way. Men looking and dressed like women- pretty women, girls looking like rococo maids and gothic loloitas...exotic, colourful mix. I bought few cute gadjets for kids of my friends and one funny t shirt for myself. And ate dessert lo...

Tokyo! > Harajuku

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Thu, 07 May 2009 19:05:22 +0200

Tokyo! > Hedosnism and discipline.

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 18:00:49 +0200

I have noticed that Japanese have big passion for food but from the other hand everybody
are crazy about diets as it's absolute must to stay slim.
There is so many programs about cooking in Japanese TV,comercials of food, and so many magazines about
food. Shops are packed with lots of goodies and restaurants, patiseries and bars offer
impressive selection of best food imaginable. All highest quality,all looking so mounth
watering that hard to resist not to try it.
And people can not resist and enjoy food.
Surprisingly, they are not obese like in many other countries, especially Western ones.
As I could observe, most of Japanese are slim, slender. Only some people are a bit more
round.And looks like it...

Tokyo! > Japanese perfect look.

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 09:57:59 +0200

Every time I am in Japan, I can not help to admire perfection of Japanese women's look.
Especially in Tokyo, women and girl look really stunning.
Almost every woman has make up, very precise and glamurous, sexy and sweet.
Japanese women care a lot about skin which must be bright, delicate and spotless.
It is hard for me to judge age, because even mature women have no wrinkles and porcelane
like visage. Amazing.
It may be like so because they avoid sun and have excelent cosmetics.
I have seen many whitening products in drugstores and best foundations.
With united powers of technology and good habits, no wonder that Japanese women keep young look so long.
Make up is basic thing.
Japanese girls occupied are...

Tokyo! > Sakura.

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 05:55:04 +0200

What is the symbol of Japanese spring?
Naturaly, blooming cherry trees.
Cherry tree is called Sakura in Japanese and it is custom here that during blooming of
sakura trees, people go to watch beautiful pink and white flowers and celebrate.
All around of Japan poeple organize picnics under sakura trees and sitting on blue mats,
they eat and drink, having fun in groups of freinds and family circle.
Tradition of hanami- admiring cherry flowers, is very old.And I think that really lovely.
I always wanted to enjoy hanami too.
But I have never been in Japan during spring time before.
Just this year I could make my dream true.
I have enjoyed hanami...
Sakura trees are growing in many many places in Tokyo.

Tokyo! > Ueno park.

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 06:28:38 +0200

Ueno Park is one of places in Tokyo where I really like to spend my free time.
First of all, it is very nicely located near Ueno Metro Station. So convenient,
because I just need to use Ueno Koen (park) exit from Ueno Station, cross the street and
turn a bit left to find stairs which lead directly to the park.
There are some other entrances,one also connected with Ueno station
and others with different parts of Ueno area.
Ueno Park is open for everybody and pretty during all seasons.
There are many things and places to enjoy. There are located the finest cultural sites
in Tokyo such as Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Western Art, National Science Museum
and puclic concert hall. I must also mention about many buddhist temples a...

Tokyo! > Tokyo posh!

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:36:51 +0200

I am living in Area of Tokyo called Minami Azabu. It is pretty posh area near Roppongi. Another posh area. My good friend who is living here said that this area is packed with foreigners and he was right. I feel very international here. I have found already many embassies:Lithuanian, Finnish, German, Korean etc. And lots of cute coffee shops, restaurants and shops. I like this neighbourhood. It is good mostly for rich people, but I could find cheapest places to eat and have fun as well.

I am walking around Tokyo on foot. It may looks strange, but this is actually fun. Weather is very good most of time and I can discover new places and things every day.

Tokyo! > Already 8 day in Tokyo

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 11:29:13 +0200

I am in Tokyo from 8 days. And I will stay till 8 of June. Pretty nice stay. Not that long I would wish, but better this than nothing, or just two or three weeks I spent in Japan before each time I could come here.

My flight was ok, but long. I bought ticket for Finnair plane, which was cheap. Problem is I had to wait 5 hours at Helsinki airport where is boring and later, after 9 hours of flight, I had to wait 4 hours at Kansai Airport (Osaka) to take a plane to Tokyo. Patience is not my virtue, so it was pretty anoying to wait so long. But I was tired, so most of time I was sleeping.

I have no idea why, but food served in airplanes is always so bad. I was h...

Japan 2 > To Tokyo again.

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 19:31:00 +0200

Soon I will come back to Tokyo again. I haven't been there for a while. So it will be fun to see old places I like again. This time I will not stay in Asakusa, but in my friend's places in posh area of town. It will be definitely new experience.

I like Tokyo. It is big, it is crowded, noisy, poluted and snobish, but I like this city. Perhaps because it is possible to find there so many different types of places. Ginza is snobish and so very expensive, but Asakusa is not at all. Ueno area is artistic and intelectual and I am so happy that I will see Ueno park in Spring time! And blooming cherrie trees. I have never been in Japan during Spring. But in Winter, Summer and Autumn. Now I will open new chapter in my collection of four seasons' photos from Japan.

It is e...

Japan 2 > My love to Kiyomizudera.

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 18:01:29 +0100

Everybody admire and enjoy Japanese temples.Thousands of foreigners are running through them every day, because it is so good to see famous places in Japan. It is...but I do not want to run through them with supersonic speed, take few pics and later go to find some bar with cheap beer.

When I enter to temple, I want to spend some time there and enjoy silence, aroma of wood, so different from this I know from Europe. Japanese are rather quiet and do not disturb much my contemplation. There is many temples in Japan which I do like a lot. Some of them very small and completely not famous, some very famous and big. And temple which I really love is Kiyomizudera in Kyoto.

Amazing construction from wood, built without any nails, located on mountain covered by forest. Kiyomizuder...

Japan 2 > Japanese rice.

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 10:16:47 +0100

Food is one of travellers joys. Mine for sure. When I am going to some new place, I want to check what kind of food is served there and if it is tasty.
In Japan the most important food is rice, so I should write my rice story for sure.

Rice in Japan is so important that the word for cooked rice (gohan) also menas meal.
First introduced in 2nd century BC has become the foundation of japanese cuisine, served at every meal.
Rice is rich source of vegetable protein, carbohydrate, vitamins and minerals.
Numerous by-products like sake, mirin, vinegar and miso have also been derived from rice.
Japanese rice short grain variety was developed over the centuries to suit climate and tast...

Japan 2 > Tonkotsu ramen in Fukuoka.

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 10:25:07 +0100

In Fukuoka my friends took me to big and impressive shopping centre called Canal City Hakata.

There is one floor only for ramen shops and it possible to try there all kinds of ramen from all regions of Japan! This is really great place for all ramen lovers.

We went there around lunch time but it was still not so crowdy, but in front of most famous ramen shops people made a queues waiting for place to eat.

Ramen shops ...

Japan 2 > How I discovered tonkotsu ramen.

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 12:55:21 +0100

Japanese food is my favourite and during my every journey to Japan I want to try some new dish.
One of my favourite and surely on of Japanese most favourite dishes is ramen.

It has Chinese origins but like all imported goods, Japanese people made it their own and changed according to their own taste.
I was very happy to see these big shrines. I knew it will be Hongu. Finally! I remembered how it looks like from photos I found in guide books. In mist and rain it looked so lovely and romantic, so very Japanese...

Hongu Taisha is located at the center of the Kumano Kodo. I read that existance of shrine was first documented in the 9th century. Due to floods in 1889, the shrine was moved from Oyu no Hara to its present site. In front of Oyu no Hara stands the biggest torii gate in the world, which, at 33 meters tall.Looks very impressive indeed.

Normally to get to the shrin...

Japan 2 > Kumano Kodo part.6

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 14:26:26 +0100

I do like to be in Japan... Even if weather is not good and rainy like this day I was walking directly to Hongu...

I wanted to follow this ancient pilgrimage road as thousands of people walked before me ages ago. When I walk along this quiet path surrounded by cedar trees, I imagined the lines of pilgrims, ancient people who walked from the old capital city Kyoto, went down the Yodo River through Osaka and arrived to deep south of Wakayama, to Kumano. Usually this entire trip took about a month. And I had just 3 days...

It is so strange.Noblemen, including the abdicated emperors and their vassals, priests and ordinary people made ages ago same difficult journey as me. To the entrance of Yomi, the otherworld in Japanese mythology. When a person died, their spirit go t...

Japan 2 > Kumano kodo part.5

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:26:24 +0100

My night in hammock was not too pleasant and in morning it was hard to go outside my warm shelter. So wet and unpleasant day, grey sky and it looked like rain, again.

But I slept enough and wanted to go to Hongu, to see temple which I started to like from the first moment when I've seen its photo. It was 8 am, good time to wake up. I put my shoes on, put hammock back to back pack, clean my face and hands in cold stream and ate some modest breakfast. I had just chocolate and water, but it was enough. I can not eat just after I wake up...

Following Jizo statues, my guides, I start last part of my walk. It was a bit dangerous to walk after all night of raining, because water was falling down and it was easy to loose balance. I had to climb a bit and my shoes wer...

Japan 2 > Kumano kodo part.4

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 00:40:55 +0100

After nice night in ryokan I felt very well. New day was great as well. Sunny and warm. It was nice to walk through forest, especially that I have already climbed enough and it was time for more comfortable walk.

I met muh more people walking in groups. Japanese have tendency to walk in groups. Perhaps because it is easier to walk like this and besides they like it. I simply enjoyed Kumano forest, nature, weather, streams and small shrines, jizo statues. Jizo was already my good friend. During my break for lunch (I had some canned food which I bought is small village) I made paper hats for few Jizo statues. They looked cute.

It was good day. I was walking and felt so peaceful. But I made mistake, because I walked too long. I missed sunset time and it started to be dark whe...

Japan 2 > Night in ryokan.

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 04:10:21 +0100

My guest house in small village was one of the best places I stayed in Japan.

It was a very simple place, but very cosy and owner lady was so kind and good person. We could not talk much because of my limited Japanese language skills, but she cared for my needs and tried to do all to make my stay pleasant. I could freely use my guest house, as it was separated from main house of my hosts. So I cooked my meal by myself, I wash plate and put all back to small kitchen cupboard.

Japanese keep things clean and I tidy. I found lots of thick futons in one corner of house, so I made my bed from two futons and I took one more to covers myself. Typical Japanese pillow is harder and smaller than European, but surprisingly comfortable. It was such a great feeling...like I had all hous...

Japan 2 > Kumano kodo- night in ryokan.

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:11:34 +0100

I should stay in Chikatsuyu for night.

It would be reasonable. But I was not reasonable at all and decided to continue my walk. It is because day was so pretty and warm and I start to enjoy walking after first few hours of struggling. So I was walking forward through villages and forest, crossing roads and watching lovely view

It is so quiet place. Long hors I could not see anybody. Not even people who started to walk with me. Because they stayed in Chikatsuyu for night or took buses to go somewhere else. After few hours of walk I have noticed that it is sunset and I had to find some place to sleep. I went by very pretty temple, near which there wer giant trees and bench. I took small rest and watched this temple. It was old looking but local people had to care for the pla...

Japan 2 > Kumano Kodo part 3

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 18:58:45 +0100

It is quite tough to climb on Japanese mountains. Man must go straight up and it is really exhausting. Sometimes I could not walk much and had to stop for small rest.
Japanese were running forward without any symptoms of tiredness, amazing.

Kumano forest is beautiful but severe. Ground is covered with rocks and thin layer of soil, some moss. This is special, holly place for Japanese because they believe that this forest is a house of kami, gods. I think it may be, because I felt this place is mysterious and special.

During my walk I could see many smaller and bigger statues of Jizoo. He protects travellers and children and is my favourite, because of his cute, good face, sometim...

Japan 2 > Kumano kodo part.2

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 03:30:37 +0100

I went to take a bus from Kii-Tanabe station to Takijiri bus stop.

Buses run approximately once every hour so I had to wait a bit.

There are two companies which buses I could use. One is JR Bus and second Ryujin bus. I waited for JR bus.

It takes around 45 minutes to get to Takijiri, which is the gate to Kumano forest and Wakayama mountains.

My plan of the day was simple. I wanted to walk from Takijiri-oji to Chikatsuyu-oji and stay there overnight. Next day I shall continue my walk to Hongu.

These mountains are difficult to climb on. Even if there are steps which make climbing easier. My light luggage started to be heavier and heavier and I could hardly breathe. Day was very sunny and warm and I got sweaty soon...

Japan 2 > Kumano kodo part.1

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 23:15:17 +0100

Tanabe is such a nice place to stay and I like to be there. But I had to leave my nice old guest house and go to explore Kumano forest and mountains.

I prepared myself very carefully. My luggage was very small and I took only most important things to small back pack. I was supposed to stay few days in forest by myself so I had special equipment, all extra light, efficient and small. Camping like style of travelling is rather not Japanese way, so all my Japanese friends were a bit shocked by my idea. It is dangerous, I will be alone in forest? No place to stay? Sleep in sleeping back and hammock? Both water proof and very light. Weight of luggage does matter if man must walk through mountains and keep all belongings on his back.

Comfortable, good shoes and trousers, t-shirt...

Japan 2 > Tanabe2.

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 18:01:47 +0100

Tanabe is really lovely located and has great small beach, covered by sand and small stones. There are also the most bizarre shaped rocks I have ever seen. They look like sculptures made by some crazy artists.

In October Ocean is already cold and it is definitely not good idea to swim. But it was such a hot day, even if it was Autumn. I was wearing t-shirt and light trousers and i could not resist to roll them up and enter to the water, so clean and transparent. Old man who was fishing sitting on near rock was looking at me astonished. It had to really look funny. White girl walking in the water and smiling like child. My legs wascompetely frozen, so I climbed on small rock too and watched a view. It is really peaceful place. No tourists, just few old people fishing. I found grea...

Journey's plan for 2009 > My new travell plans.

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 18:20:29 +0100

It is already middle of February and it is highest time to plan next holidays and next journey. I have few targets, and most of them in Japan. It is because year without being in Japan is a lost year.

Because of this unfortunate economical situation which we have now, I must reduce my plans and I will rather go to Japan only once this year. This is a bad news. Good news is I will meet my dear friends and back to my favourite hostel. And that mean I will come back to Tokyo.

According to my original plan, I wanted to go to Japan during Spring time. I have never experienced hanami yet and this is absolute must to see blooming cherry trees. I wanted to go to Kyoto, for Gion festival too. But I am afraid that this is too early, because very son, in March, I must go to my homela...

Japan 2 > Tanabe 1

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:59:41 +0100

Tanabe is a small town in Wakayama prefecture. It takes around two hours to get there by train from Osaka, as I remember.

According to legend, one of most famous and my favourite Japanese heroes was born in Tanabe. It is Benkei. Tanabe is also home town of my best friend, entrance to Wakayama mountains and famous Kumano kodo -ancient pilgrimage road.

From all these reasons I wanted to go there and I did. I plan all trip very carefully, because I w anted to walk trough Kumano forest, following ancient road, or rather one of her part.It was before Kumano forest and Kumano kodo became famous as world's heritage and my trip plan was perfectly original and inspired by my friend's stories. It was amazing adventure...

Tanabe is small and quiet, beautifully located fis...

Japan 2 > Asakusa 2

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 14:25:41 +0100

My hostel in Asakusa ic called Khaosan Tokyo hostel. It is small but a very pleasant place. At least it was when I was there. It is hidden in small street, very close to Asakusa metro station, so location is very convenient. Prices of bed and room are very decent and it is one of best things. Same as view, because hostel is located near river, and from windows I could see Asashi building and river and boats.

After breakfast in park and small walk around Sensoji temple, I like to go to explore neighbourhood... Asakusa is famous from restaurants and theaters. Food is really good there and prices are reasonable. I have found really great Japanese curry shop near big department store building. It is simple small bar, popular among office workers and students. I am a big fan of Japane...

Japan 2 > Asakusa 1.

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 03:58:12 +0100

Each time when I come to Tokyo, I stay in Asakusa. There is my favourite, small Tokyo hostel. I will write about this place separately, because this is really special hostel. Asakusa is more quiet and more old fashion than many places in Japanese capital city.I like Asakusa because of river bank, park near river, Sensoji temple and lots of small shops and bars and my secret places which I know already so well. I spent in this place together over one month, so I can call it my Tokyo neighbourhood. Every morning I used to run to Family Mart to buy some nice stuff for breakfast. Shopping in Japan is a real fun, because all things are lovely packed and so tasty- in case of food. In warm days i liked to eat breakfast sitting on benches in park and wa...

Japan 2 > Koko Plaza hostel.

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 17:02:10 +0100

When I came to Japan second time, Osaka was my first destination. I stayed in lovely hostel near Shin Osaka station. In building called Koko Plaza. This is a new sky scraper, very convenient location for all travellers who want to find cozy place to stay for night.

Hostel was brand new, very clean, very modern and very well organized.Rooms are decorated in modern half Japanese, half European style. Bathroom, toilets and rooms were spotless, so clean. Light colours, open spaces and very big windows made me feel free and comfortable. Rooms are separated. Some for men, women and families too.

I relly liked to watch a view from my room's window. All Osaka under my feet.It is amusing town, with good food and lots of places worthy to see. Osaka people are famous from sense of hu...

Japan > Airports.

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:49:59 +0100

I like flying and I like airports. Flight to Japan is part of my travel fun. Come back from Japan is always sad, because actually I do not want to come back... But before I back, I must go there.Each time I want to go to Japan, I try to use different airlines. I can compare which I like the best. Because I was already six times in Japan, I used Air France, KLM, JAL, SAS and Finn Air airlines. I can say that for me best catering has Air France. Lemon tarts I ate during my flight to Osaka were best ever. But airport was not so nice. Naturally packed with shops and cafeterias, but somehow chaotic and cold. Airport in Copenhagen is extra Scandinavian.Big open wooden spaces of waiting room, so big that suitable for cycling. But nothing else I thought frst. But later I found out that I must c...

Japan > Nagoya.

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 00:43:24 +0100

I spent in Nagoya seven days and it was really fun time. My friend lived in Nagoya University Campus, in nice dormitory runned by energetic old man whom I called General.It was time of holidays for students and campus was quite deserted. It was a very good moment because I stayed in my friend's room quite illegaly. It was very nasty from our side but I did not mean anything bad, just was too poor to pay for hostel in these days. So we had to enter to my friends room using fire stairs and going through bushes. Let;s say it was kind of adventure after all. Many spiders lived in bushes so my friend was rather destressed all the time we had to go there. Japanese spiders are big and may be scary for sensitive young ladies. \i was rather desperate to take a shower and have safe place to sleep...

Japan > Inuyama.

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 00:03:34 +0100

During my stay in Nagoya I had oportunity to visit Meijimura, theme park located in Inuyama. It takes around half an hour by bus from Nagoya. Meijimura is kind of skansen museum in which I could see buildings from Meiji era, collected from all Japan and gathered in Inuyama. Meijimura is surrounded by mountains, not too high but very pretty, covered by forests, so view is lovely.My friend was studying at Nagoya University in these days and I came to Japan invited by her. She had part time job in Meijimura, working as hostess. She had to welcome guests and give them basic informations about place and help them in need. Her uniform was really nice as she had to wear dress imitating 19 century dresses. She asked her manager if I can come to Meijimura and work one day with her. As payment I ...

Japan > Briefly about my first trip to Japan.

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 03:06:42 +0100

From unknown reason text of my essage did not appear when I tried to posted it yesterday.So I will try again now.

My first trip to Japan was in 1999. I spent two weeks in Nagoya and many places around this town's area. It was really great time. During first week of my stay I was living in house of buddhist monk and his family. From my room I could see rice fields. It was summer time so very hot and humid. I felt like cooked and sweaty all the time but happy anyway. I always wanted to visit Japan and finally I could be there. In August, directly in time of O-bon festival. i could watch hana-bi, fireworks, together with hundreds of Japanese people dressed in colourful yukata. I was taken to many temples and shrines, spent great day on the beach and get burnt by sun. My hosts took m...

Tomonoura > Tomonoura

info@isonthemove.com (Smilla Jaspersen) — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 00:29:15 +0100

A small fisherman village, Tomonoura is beautifully situated on the Insland Sea of Japan, facing Sensuijima Island. This is one of my favourite places in Japan. It's the only complete port ensamble from the Edo period.
It has over twenty temples and very well preserved merchant houses from Edo period as well as the ruins of local castle.
In a clear day it is possible to see a lot of islands dotted around just off the coast, making for great view.
The most striking view is the temple on Bentenjima Island, just oposite to the harbour.
The sight has been described as equal in beauty to the floating torii of the nearby Miyajima. And i must agree with this opinion.
The town itself is quiet and serene. This is a good enviroment to wander the streets freely...

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