2010年03月19日
Praha, before the spring
With a fear of tourist crowd in spring, visited Praha at this very late winter.

This restaurant was recommended by the hostel we staied in.

(To be continued...)
This restaurant was recommended by the hostel we staied in.
(To be continued...)
2010年02月27日
Riga in snow storming
Last week we finished a course. The whole class went a ferry trip to Riga.

The Dome Catherdal


I really wish I could remember anything about Riga but the snow storming was so strong that we spent the most of the time hiding in a café.
It’s a cozy café, has well designed menus.


Saturday, quite city.



The wide northern lands are still covered by thick snow, but we all know that spring is coming.
After spring it comes the farewell season. It's the first trip I went with the class. And probably the only one.
The Dome Catherdal
I really wish I could remember anything about Riga but the snow storming was so strong that we spent the most of the time hiding in a café.
It’s a cozy café, has well designed menus.
Saturday, quite city.
The wide northern lands are still covered by thick snow, but we all know that spring is coming.
After spring it comes the farewell season. It's the first trip I went with the class. And probably the only one.
2010年01月31日
Wintering
This winter I almost stay at home all the time. Read books or play the harpa.
Europe had unusual snow storming. White snow covers everywhere. Some time I go for a walk. My boots make funny sounds when I’m walking on the snow.
View from my room

Domkyrkan in snow

Bridge Dombron

Birds on the frozen river

Most of the restaurants are closed during the winter


Visited Stockholm once. Wind was really strong in Gamla Stan, but less people. Nicer than summer.
Had lunch at a restaurant in southern Stockholm, called Blå Dörren. Serve nice Swedish food


Jitka brought Christmas cookies from home.


At the 20th night after Christmas, there was another fiddler gathering at Viksta.
Leif invited me to there.

Botaniska garden

2nd time visiting Sigtuna. The sea was totally frozen there. I saw dogs running above the ice surface. My knees were really hurts by the strong wind. But it’s worth to see the ancient town under snow.
And sweet Tant Bruns as usual. I went in when there was still a sunny weather, just hold a coffee cup for a while, watched the fireplace on the wall. Then I went out for bathroom, it’s already big snow storming out side. That moment, I felt like this old café has some kind of magic, one spends ten minutes in it, and it’s a life time for the world outside.


That day I visited Sigtuna, they were exhibiting Swedish wedding accessories in the old time.



Europe had unusual snow storming. White snow covers everywhere. Some time I go for a walk. My boots make funny sounds when I’m walking on the snow.
View from my room
Domkyrkan in snow
Bridge Dombron
Birds on the frozen river
Most of the restaurants are closed during the winter
Visited Stockholm once. Wind was really strong in Gamla Stan, but less people. Nicer than summer.
Had lunch at a restaurant in southern Stockholm, called Blå Dörren. Serve nice Swedish food
Jitka brought Christmas cookies from home.
At the 20th night after Christmas, there was another fiddler gathering at Viksta.
Leif invited me to there.
Botaniska garden
2nd time visiting Sigtuna. The sea was totally frozen there. I saw dogs running above the ice surface. My knees were really hurts by the strong wind. But it’s worth to see the ancient town under snow.
And sweet Tant Bruns as usual. I went in when there was still a sunny weather, just hold a coffee cup for a while, watched the fireplace on the wall. Then I went out for bathroom, it’s already big snow storming out side. That moment, I felt like this old café has some kind of magic, one spends ten minutes in it, and it’s a life time for the world outside.
That day I visited Sigtuna, they were exhibiting Swedish wedding accessories in the old time.
2009年12月28日
13 5 5 43 2
My Nyckelharpa teacher Leif is a kind old gentleman, lives in north-east countryside of Uppsala.
The harpa I use to play

This Sunday Leif invited all his students to a fiddle party at his house. Some of them are very young. Some of them are very old.
Violin, Nyckelharpa, cake, coffee. A bunch of happy Swedes play their ancient music.
Party started around 13.00

The future generation

Futher future......

Leif and his students

A brand new Nyrkelharpa. It still needs some adjustment before delivering to the owner -- a spanish player.


Violins

We had a break around 15.00 for fika

The performanc started again after sun set, untill 17.00


I’m not familiar with those short, vivid folk music. I always play Bach.
But I like them very much. Just like the first time I heard Nyckelharpa –
懐かしいほど、優しかった
C-nese children play solo, born alone, die alone.
Swedish children make orchestra, live a happy long life.
The harpa I use to play
This Sunday Leif invited all his students to a fiddle party at his house. Some of them are very young. Some of them are very old.
Violin, Nyckelharpa, cake, coffee. A bunch of happy Swedes play their ancient music.
Party started around 13.00
The future generation
Futher future......
Leif and his students
A brand new Nyrkelharpa. It still needs some adjustment before delivering to the owner -- a spanish player.
Violins
We had a break around 15.00 for fika
The performanc started again after sun set, untill 17.00
I’m not familiar with those short, vivid folk music. I always play Bach.
But I like them very much. Just like the first time I heard Nyckelharpa –
懐かしいほど、優しかった
C-nese children play solo, born alone, die alone.
Swedish children make orchestra, live a happy long life.
2009年12月14日
Viking Line
We had a break before the next course. A friend suggested that we go for a Viking Line cruise.

Swedes have a traditional Christmas drink with a strong cinnamon smell -- GLÖGG. It’s usually alcohol free or very weak. This special bottle we bought from the tax free shop in the ship has 15%vol

Helsinki -- A little bit Russian, a little bit Swedish.


The red-brick Orthodox Uspensky Cathedral.

Lutheran Cathedral in front of the Russian-inspired Senaatintori.


Santa’s display in the big department Stocmann.

Main Street.


Costs in Finland are much cheaper than Sweden. I haven’t been back for a while but I doubt it’s even cheaper than China.
Shopping accomplishment.
Swedes have a traditional Christmas drink with a strong cinnamon smell -- GLÖGG. It’s usually alcohol free or very weak. This special bottle we bought from the tax free shop in the ship has 15%vol
Helsinki -- A little bit Russian, a little bit Swedish.
The red-brick Orthodox Uspensky Cathedral.
Lutheran Cathedral in front of the Russian-inspired Senaatintori.
Santa’s display in the big department Stocmann.
Main Street.
Costs in Finland are much cheaper than Sweden. I haven’t been back for a while but I doubt it’s even cheaper than China.
Shopping accomplishment.
2009年12月14日
Christmas season
The window in my room is just facing the main street downtown. I saw them decorated it with illuminations. And from then I’m always watching the shining lights during nights.
I feel quiet, but not cold.
These pictures were taken two weeks ago, when this city started the countdown of Christmas.
Having Christmas fika in Värmland.

Nation's Choir

Christmas market

I feel quiet, but not cold.
These pictures were taken two weeks ago, when this city started the countdown of Christmas.
Having Christmas fika in Värmland.
Nation's Choir
Christmas market
2009年11月26日
Thanks Giving
Had a Thanks Giving dinner on last Sunday.
Few years ago, Thanks Giving to me was only a great chance of shopping. I was so ignorant that never learned any Christian meaning of Thanks Giving. All I know is that it’s the timing for Charismas trees start decorating the city, and the Friday after Thanks Giving, will be a crazy sale.
Even without its original America meaning, I still had plenty of happy memories about Thanks Giving. It brings beautiful illuminations, and a great chance to go shopping with amigos. At that moment, I thought such an amazing holiday should be globalized.
Thanks Giving 2007, my first month in Japan. No Charismas tree or sale, and people around never heard of such a holiday.
And I had no amigo to go that shopping not even exists.

Write the thanks on a Turkey paper!

Food...Who said Swedes are not good at food?!


Swedes have a very funny tradition to sing druing the dinner...

Pumpkin Pie! I love Thanks Giving!
Few years ago, Thanks Giving to me was only a great chance of shopping. I was so ignorant that never learned any Christian meaning of Thanks Giving. All I know is that it’s the timing for Charismas trees start decorating the city, and the Friday after Thanks Giving, will be a crazy sale.
Even without its original America meaning, I still had plenty of happy memories about Thanks Giving. It brings beautiful illuminations, and a great chance to go shopping with amigos. At that moment, I thought such an amazing holiday should be globalized.
Thanks Giving 2007, my first month in Japan. No Charismas tree or sale, and people around never heard of such a holiday.
And I had no amigo to go that shopping not even exists.
Write the thanks on a Turkey paper!
Food...Who said Swedes are not good at food?!
Swedes have a very funny tradition to sing druing the dinner...
Pumpkin Pie! I love Thanks Giving!
2009年11月11日
Öregrund
Had a whole cloudy week. This country is on her way to the gloomy winter.
About a week ago, Jitka said, let’s go to the seaside.
Our plan was going to Östhammar. At the center station, we asked a Swedish girl for the way.
“You can go to Öregrund”, after showing us the bus stop, she said, “I lived there for 7 years, it’s better than Östhammar.”
Öregrund is the end of regional bus 811. It’s so small that we couldn’t find it in the Google map afterward. According to that Swedish girl, that’s almost a dead city during the winter.
After 2 hours way by bus, we arrived that quiet beach city.


It does like a dead city. A long levee extended deep into the sea. We stood in the end of the levee, on top of some big stones. In front of us there was nothing but the boundless sea, over those cold water, there will be another country.


Took a ferry we got to the other side of Öregrund. No café or any shop here, just some decent summer houses.
Under the cloudy winter sky, the red summer house looks so cold without resident. I wasn’t really sure what was the feeling in that island, it has something that didn’t feel like belong to the real world.
About a week ago, Jitka said, let’s go to the seaside.
Our plan was going to Östhammar. At the center station, we asked a Swedish girl for the way.
“You can go to Öregrund”, after showing us the bus stop, she said, “I lived there for 7 years, it’s better than Östhammar.”
Öregrund is the end of regional bus 811. It’s so small that we couldn’t find it in the Google map afterward. According to that Swedish girl, that’s almost a dead city during the winter.
After 2 hours way by bus, we arrived that quiet beach city.
It does like a dead city. A long levee extended deep into the sea. We stood in the end of the levee, on top of some big stones. In front of us there was nothing but the boundless sea, over those cold water, there will be another country.
Took a ferry we got to the other side of Öregrund. No café or any shop here, just some decent summer houses.
Under the cloudy winter sky, the red summer house looks so cold without resident. I wasn’t really sure what was the feeling in that island, it has something that didn’t feel like belong to the real world.
2009年11月02日
Sigtuna
No class on Friday. Went to Sigtuna, one of the cutest, most historically relevant villages in the area.
Sun rise on the lake.

An adorable 17th century building, turns out to be a cosy café.


Viking Stone

Church of Maria

There is a graveyard around Mariakyrkan. Most of the graves belong to local families. Some old some new. I was wondering between all the tombs, reading their epitaphs. There was an old marker, carved with two names. Male name came first, 1924-1962, passed away at a young age. And then there is a female name, 1926-2002.
After 40 years, they reunioned underground.
Travelling through countries, at this thousand years old village, I was so touched by a foreign marker.
When the time comes, who will accompany me to another world, or if there will be anyone at all.
Once a church (St Larskyrakan)


Fika at Tant Brunn Kaffestuga



Along the alley of summer houses

(This blog is a memorial to the 2nd Anniversary, 11.1.2007-11.1.2009)
Sun rise on the lake.
An adorable 17th century building, turns out to be a cosy café.
Viking Stone
Church of Maria
There is a graveyard around Mariakyrkan. Most of the graves belong to local families. Some old some new. I was wondering between all the tombs, reading their epitaphs. There was an old marker, carved with two names. Male name came first, 1924-1962, passed away at a young age. And then there is a female name, 1926-2002.
After 40 years, they reunioned underground.
Travelling through countries, at this thousand years old village, I was so touched by a foreign marker.
When the time comes, who will accompany me to another world, or if there will be anyone at all.
Once a church (St Larskyrakan)
Fika at Tant Brunn Kaffestuga
Along the alley of summer houses
(This blog is a memorial to the 2nd Anniversary, 11.1.2007-11.1.2009)
2009年10月25日
Stockholm
Finished the last thing I had to do with Japan on Tuesday.
It’s time to travel.
My first time to Stockholm, followed the classic tour that recommended by LONELY PLANET. Visited the top historical sights in 2 hours.
The weather wasn’t so nice and I didn’t bring my single-lens. All the pictures were just for fun and records.
The world starts from here.

Kungliga Slottet (The new Royal Palace)



Riddarholmen (Knights Island)

From here nothing wrote on the book. Stockholm in my view.





To end it up, sometimes things won't last long might be an aphorism.
It’s time to travel.
My first time to Stockholm, followed the classic tour that recommended by LONELY PLANET. Visited the top historical sights in 2 hours.
The weather wasn’t so nice and I didn’t bring my single-lens. All the pictures were just for fun and records.
The world starts from here.
Kungliga Slottet (The new Royal Palace)
Riddarholmen (Knights Island)
From here nothing wrote on the book. Stockholm in my view.
To end it up, sometimes things won't last long might be an aphorism.
2009年10月18日
A tree on the riverside
There is a colorful tree, on the riverside of Fyrisån.
One day I was walking along the Fyrisån river. It’s quite a stilly river. Only see those floated foliages I feel its flowing. Seeking the source of those colorful foliages I saw that tree, just beyond the bridge, humble and solemn.
I saw a vivid life in the middle of autumn.

I used to describe my life as a flowing river, yet I am too old to use such an analogy.
A river couldn’t flow if it carried too much.
The very happy time should be those days that the only trouble was forgot to do the homework and noticed it just before going to bed. Lots of toys in the bag but no money in the pocket.
Simple is always the best. Too bad I realized it too late.
I started to salute the tree, everyday in the morning or after sunset.
Once there was a moment I watched trees. Nothing to think about, just daytream.
The innocent age passed long time ago.
One day I was walking along the Fyrisån river. It’s quite a stilly river. Only see those floated foliages I feel its flowing. Seeking the source of those colorful foliages I saw that tree, just beyond the bridge, humble and solemn.
I saw a vivid life in the middle of autumn.
I used to describe my life as a flowing river, yet I am too old to use such an analogy.
A river couldn’t flow if it carried too much.
The very happy time should be those days that the only trouble was forgot to do the homework and noticed it just before going to bed. Lots of toys in the bag but no money in the pocket.
Simple is always the best. Too bad I realized it too late.
I started to salute the tree, everyday in the morning or after sunset.
Once there was a moment I watched trees. Nothing to think about, just daytream.
The innocent age passed long time ago.
2009年10月09日
Liten promenad på lördag
曇りの天気な土曜日で、ちょっと街中で散歩してきた。あまり陽光がなかったので、いい写真が撮れないと思っていたが、カメラに写った景色は清潔で美しい色でした。





街角の小さな花屋さん。スウェーデンではごく普通な景色だが、そのさりげなくの愛しさに感動した。



通学途中のもり。いつも朝8時頃に通るので、両側の巨大な樹が朝日を遮断してもっと神秘な感じがした。


今思えば、日本の街並みに感動し、写真でとっていたのも1回だけでした。
それは2007年の11月3日、日本についた後の三日目であった。そのあと、研究や授業が重ねていて、ゆっくり周りを味わう時間もなかった。
皮肉なことに、日本語が全然わからない国際コースの学生は逆にもっと余裕な生活を過ごし、休みな日も旅行とかに行くことができた。
出発の日、成田エスプレスの中で、窓の外どんどん消えてゆく景色を見て、悔しいかった。
私のあの国への憧れは、その憧れ自身を抹殺した。
おまけの一枚。古い教会付近の落ち葉。

日吉のイチョウ、今年もキイロに染めていたのか。
街角の小さな花屋さん。スウェーデンではごく普通な景色だが、そのさりげなくの愛しさに感動した。
通学途中のもり。いつも朝8時頃に通るので、両側の巨大な樹が朝日を遮断してもっと神秘な感じがした。
今思えば、日本の街並みに感動し、写真でとっていたのも1回だけでした。
それは2007年の11月3日、日本についた後の三日目であった。そのあと、研究や授業が重ねていて、ゆっくり周りを味わう時間もなかった。
皮肉なことに、日本語が全然わからない国際コースの学生は逆にもっと余裕な生活を過ごし、休みな日も旅行とかに行くことができた。
出発の日、成田エスプレスの中で、窓の外どんどん消えてゆく景色を見て、悔しいかった。
私のあの国への憧れは、その憧れ自身を抹殺した。
おまけの一枚。古い教会付近の落ち葉。
日吉のイチョウ、今年もキイロに染めていたのか。
2009年09月27日
さよならヤマト
I always thought there were plenty of time to say goodbye, yet the end came too soon.
Back from Kumamoto, attended the commencement, this country started to have the consecutive holidays. And in the end of the holidays, is my departure.
I shall miss them all my life.
My desk

Departure

Arrival@Arlanda airport

Weather here is like 2 months later in Japan, and 2 months later, here will be the one of coldest place in the world.
The city I live, Uppsala.






Back from Kumamoto, attended the commencement, this country started to have the consecutive holidays. And in the end of the holidays, is my departure.
I shall miss them all my life.
My desk

Departure
Arrival@Arlanda airport
Weather here is like 2 months later in Japan, and 2 months later, here will be the one of coldest place in the world.
The city I live, Uppsala.
2009年09月12日
また会えるように Ⅱ
せっかくの土曜日なのに査読論文を書くしかやることがない。。。
北海道の幻の旅が終わってからもう1が月。
最後の日の写真をみて、あの自由の国から立ち去ったのがまるで昨日のようだ。
7日間泊っていたユースホステル。


お茶を飲みながら日本の二年間を振りむけた。


ペグ、まだね。バイバイ~

最後にバインでランチ

サヨナラ北海道。
北海道の幻の旅が終わってからもう1が月。
最後の日の写真をみて、あの自由の国から立ち去ったのがまるで昨日のようだ。
7日間泊っていたユースホステル。
お茶を飲みながら日本の二年間を振りむけた。
ペグ、まだね。バイバイ~
最後にバインでランチ
サヨナラ北海道。
2009年09月12日
また会えるように
北海道の旅から戻ってきたあと、論文やら学会やら、バタバタしててあっという間にサヨナラの寸前になった。
ブログ書く時間はないが、とりあえず建築大会とフロアー合宿の写真を載せる。
仙台の名物牛タン

正宗のお城、石壁が有名らしい



仙台市内にある広瀬川。とくに観光スポットではないが、その穏やかな雰囲気が好き。

そして、日本三景の松島


最後の自由活動の半日が愛子の天文台にいった。


愛子近辺の団地。その夕まぐれをみてなぜか恋しくなった。
ブログ書く時間はないが、とりあえず建築大会とフロアー合宿の写真を載せる。
仙台の名物牛タン
正宗のお城、石壁が有名らしい
仙台市内にある広瀬川。とくに観光スポットではないが、その穏やかな雰囲気が好き。
そして、日本三景の松島
最後の自由活動の半日が愛子の天文台にいった。
愛子近辺の団地。その夕まぐれをみてなぜか恋しくなった。
2009年08月20日
Day 8, Shopping
小樽で泊った最後の日、お土産買えに出かけた。
宿の近くの神社、水天宮。

若鳥の半身あげ。小樽の名物らしいが、本当にでかい。。。

スイーツからオルゴールまで、素敵なものいっぱいある港町。








宿の近くの神社、水天宮。
若鳥の半身あげ。小樽の名物らしいが、本当にでかい。。。
スイーツからオルゴールまで、素敵なものいっぱいある港町。
2009年08月20日
Day 7, Sapporo
Hokkaido's Tanabata is one month later than the mainland.
The first stop is Hokkaido Univ.



狭い慶應大学と違って、北大はキャンパス広く、緑がいっぱいて、中国の大学と似ている。
そして、生協で売っているオリジナルのサンドがでかい。。。

たしかに本州と比べれば、北海道のものは何でも大きい気がする。
そのあと時計台にいったり、お土産を買ったりしていた。

12時の時計大臣(!)

昔のビール工場。今はお土産屋さんや洋服屋さんなど、大きいなショッピングセンターとして使われている。


ここが気持一番いいところ。





They've also got a little white church in there

旧北海道庁舎


晩ごはんは北海道定番のスープカレー。店員さんはネパールからの留学生。
The first stop is Hokkaido Univ.
狭い慶應大学と違って、北大はキャンパス広く、緑がいっぱいて、中国の大学と似ている。
そして、生協で売っているオリジナルのサンドがでかい。。。
たしかに本州と比べれば、北海道のものは何でも大きい気がする。
そのあと時計台にいったり、お土産を買ったりしていた。
12時の時計大臣(!)
昔のビール工場。今はお土産屋さんや洋服屋さんなど、大きいなショッピングセンターとして使われている。
ここが気持一番いいところ。
They've also got a little white church in there
旧北海道庁舎
晩ごはんは北海道定番のスープカレー。店員さんはネパールからの留学生。
2009年08月20日
Day 6, Cruising
Back to Yokohama almost one week, a lot of things came one by one, barely got time to writing anything.
Today I finally submitted the paper. Blog reopened!
It’s only memories but on the 6th day I had a really relaxed morning. Went out almost near the noon, and took the Otamoi Cruising.
The boat went really fast so I couldn’t take any clear shot, at most time it was video. And many seagulls were chasing around the boat.
The view of the canal is amazing all the time.



After that I went to a shopping mall. Unlike the cancal customs here most are the local people.
Had dinner in this restaurant.

夕暮れの商店街
Today I finally submitted the paper. Blog reopened!
It’s only memories but on the 6th day I had a really relaxed morning. Went out almost near the noon, and took the Otamoi Cruising.
The boat went really fast so I couldn’t take any clear shot, at most time it was video. And many seagulls were chasing around the boat.
The view of the canal is amazing all the time.
After that I went to a shopping mall. Unlike the cancal customs here most are the local people.
Had dinner in this restaurant.
夕暮れの商店街
2009年08月09日
Day 5, Cape Kamui
Today I met a real amazing place.
There is only one narrow winding path head to the cape, surrounded by sea with mystery colors.
Took me 20 minutes to get to the edge of the cape. That place is all about sea, breeze and God.
During the past, women were forbidden to visit here.





チャレンカ、まだ義経を待っているのか。


小樽バインのかにクリームパスタ。

Otaru Bine used to be the ancient Hokkaido Bank. Now here is a wine cafe.
These days I always have a glass of wine here during the night.
おやつの花園だんご。
There is only one narrow winding path head to the cape, surrounded by sea with mystery colors.
Took me 20 minutes to get to the edge of the cape. That place is all about sea, breeze and God.
During the past, women were forbidden to visit here.
チャレンカ、まだ義経を待っているのか。
小樽バインのかにクリームパスタ。
Otaru Bine used to be the ancient Hokkaido Bank. Now here is a wine cafe.
These days I always have a glass of wine here during the night.
おやつの花園だんご。
2009年08月08日
Day 4, bicycle cycling
Had a leisurely morning, read papers, MAGs.
There is an ancient railway which has been used as a main line of Otaru 100 years ago.

Althought that place has been abandoned for such a long time, it's still representing the glories of the past.
The owner told about a great susi restaurant "MIDORI". Not so expensive, and not only for tourists.
生のものはやっぱり慣れていないので、茶碗蒸しとキュウリとたまこの細巻を頼んだ。

その後自転車で港まで回ってきた。



There is an ancient railway which has been used as a main line of Otaru 100 years ago.
Althought that place has been abandoned for such a long time, it's still representing the glories of the past.
The owner told about a great susi restaurant "MIDORI". Not so expensive, and not only for tourists.
生のものはやっぱり慣れていないので、茶碗蒸しとキュウリとたまこの細巻を頼んだ。
その後自転車で港まで回ってきた。

