Japan

a bike, a buddha, and sakura The past month and a half had been very busy for me.  Busy in a good way.  Busy in the kind of way that I like.  Busy because I've had the fortune of doing the things that I want to do and spending time with the people I want to spend time with.  I can't believe how much time has passed by.  I look at these pictures and see sakura.  Sakura suggests that it's decently cold outside.  But at this moment of writing, it's anything but cold outside.  In fact, my inaccurate weather app claims that it's currently 31 (about 90) degrees outside.  It's hot and summer has already come.  Before summer comes and wipes away my memory due to 夏バテ, or summer weariness (a legitimate excuse in Japan), I'd like to spend some time recalling a spring and early summer full of memories. The sakura didn't last long due to untimely rain.  As beautiful as sakura is, it's quite awful when it covers the ground and mixes w...

earlier sunrises. more riding. It's still a bit too cold here.  In the mornings when I wake up, the temperature is hovers around the low 40s.  It's not freezing cold by all means, but it's still cold enough to make the early morning rides a bit unbearable.  Especially considering that in the afternoon, the temperature is in the low to mid 60s.  On the bright side, the sun now rises just after 6, so I can look forward to longer rides and perhaps even starting my day even earlier.  I should enjoy the chilly weather while it lasts because before long, summer will have arrived. Great times and even better food was had in Chikugo City.  Here are some pictures of the wonderful meal prepared by a wonderful chef.  On the menu for this night: Kalua Pig, Salmon Poke, Lomi Salmon, Chicken Luau (using spinach), and chicken adobo.  For dessert: Guava Cake (my absolute favorite), chocolate haupia pie, pineapples (no apples or pens here), and cornb...