Hachioji Things to Do

& what a pleasure to see young kids embarking on the trips of their lifetimes!

The most interesting encounters I've on most trips usually come from observing children. They are an intuitive & innocent bunch.
They have yet learned what being on the defensive means & I probably have a face that most kids trust somewhat.
It's fun to make a connection with kids... to look into those innocent eyes & to discover their enthusiasm.
Brings me great deal of joy just to capture those moments on films.
I had another wonderful encounter in Zakopane (Poland) recently.
That child is just soooo giving to a stranger that I'd never forget her smiles. Truly lovely! :-) Makes me happy just thinking about her, even now!

I didn't say that!
Atsuko told me that's what Dimitris say.
Frankly I don't know much about plants.
But this one it seems traps insects within its bud.

It's really wonderful to go out with people from different culture & background. One learns a great deal & that makes life so much more enriching & fulfiling!

Thanks to Atsuko & Dimitris!

A tree shaped like the octopus at its roots area.
Very unusual, very unexpected.

Or is it human nature to see what we wish to see?!

Have you ever take time to look at the sky & the clouds?
I love doing that especially in the confinement of the plane.
It's like a dream... anything is possible up there in the sky.
A very fun activity ... & sometimes it can be so magical I felt like the luckiest princess in the world!

Japan is quite a varied society; one can find lots of different types of sceneries & things in a small tiny country in terms of size.
Yet, nothing is ever quite "wild" here. Even flowers or mountains in their natural state seem like they have been shaped by human hands.

For most part, most regions are occupied by the Japanese & even the most remote place had been visited by the locals. Hence, there really aren't that may off-the-beaten paths if you consider the places where Japanese have left their footprints. But for most tourists, there are a great deal of areas in Japan that are off-beaten-path. This is one such area!

Ok, this is a travel site, not a dating site!
But romance sprouts everywhere... & when u least expected as well!

So, here's one of those VT romances which I've come to witness ;-)
Imagine a Greek moving to Tokyo!
U are brave, Dimitris! :-)))
& Atsuko is one lucky woman!
Envy, envy, envy ;-)))

It is great to have a friend who knows where she is going, is happy taking you there & enjoy your company at the same time!
Plus, she has lots of interesting & funny stories that'll make you laugh so much so you'll cry!

If you do get to meet her one day, ask her about Guam! ;-)

Thanks again, Atsuko!
For the most beautiful sunday! & a great time to remember by...

Here at Takao-san we also get to see the Momiji, the Japanese version of the maple leaves. It's spring now, so they are all in green but comes the autumn, this area will be ablaze with different shades of red, orange & green... another marvelous site.

So, if you didn't make it here in the Spring for the sakura, try instead in October for its momiji viewing!
I'm very sure it'll be something you'll never forget!

For those of you who have never ever seen Sakura, it is a must at least once in your life.

In Japan, it's "elevated" to the status of a festival... a time for joy & celebration.
Hanami means flower viewing & during this time of the year, hordes of people would gather under the cherry trees with friends, have a picnic & drink sake & just have lots of fun!
This will last for a few weeks before the next fair or festival takes over.

It is interesting how ardent the Japanese can be in celebrating the numerous fairs, festivals & matsuri in the different parts of the countries.
I'm most fascinated by how spirited, elaborative & fun these people can be!

It's as if the country is fully united, acting as one single soul, & immerse itself in the spirit of celebration! What a great feeling!