Linda and Lawrence » Linda

Ōwakudani in Hakone, Japan

Linda — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 23:54:20 +0000

Ōwakudani (literally meaning the "Great Boiling Valley"), is a volcanic valley with active sulphur vents and hot springs in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.

To reach here, we took the Hakone Ropeway. Ōwakudani is a popular tourist site for its scenic views, volcanic activity, and especially, Kuro-tamago – a local specialty of eggs hard-boiled in the hot springs. The boiled eggs turn black and smell slightly sulphuric; consuming the eggs is said to increase longevity. Eating one is said to add seven years to your life.

You can purchase these eggs in the orange/yellow structure to the left (where many people are gathered in the photo). And the steaming area right next to the building is where the eggs are being boiled in sulfur. (Shown above)

This is a self portrait of both of us (Linda and Lawrence). It was taken near the top of Ōwakudani. Apparently, this spot is very popular among tourists and Japanese people, so we had to do a quick snapshot before the line got too long behind us. The people must have been wondering what I was pointing at…and the answer is: Nothing. Lawrence told me to point in that direction so he can ‘look over there!’ (Shown above)

It was all for the effect of the photo. Shh…

Tōdai-ji Temple in Nara, Japan

Linda — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 05:47:46 +0000

We are completely in love with Japan, and are even considering living there for a while! However, we have to come back to our jobs and responsibilities. The trip was definitely a lot of fun and Japan is beautiful!

So, for our first photo upload – Tōdai-ji Temple.

“Tōdai-ji is a Buddhist temple complex located in the city of Nara, Japan. Its Great Buddha Hall (大仏殿 Daibutsuden), the largest wooden building in the world, houses the world’s largest statue of the Buddha Vairocana, known in Japanese simply as Daibutsu (大仏). The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the Kegon school of Buddhism. The temple is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site as “Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara”, together with seven other sites including temples, shrines and places in the city of Nara. Sika deer, regarded as messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion, roam the grounds freely.” (Tōdai-ji Temple, Wikipedia)

The deers are a truly wonderful sight to behold as they are allowed to roam freely. Anyone can pet and feed these deers. Some of them even learned to bow for food. If you look real hard, there are actually two deers in this photo!

(Above: Photo of Todai-ji Temple, Nara, Japan. November 28, 2009)

(Above: Photo of the messenger of God, Nara Deer, Nara, Japan. November 28, 2009)

365 Toy Project – Day 003: Happy Halloween from Kit and Dax

Linda — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 19:29:02 +0000

Although Kit and Dax are no longer among the living, Halloween is the perfect time for them to share their spirit with us. They are all dressed up and about to enjoy some yummy chocolates they’ve tricked from their human adopters.

Have a wonderful and safe Halloween!

365 Toy Project – Day 002: L Needs a Dose of Hello Kitty Sweets

Linda — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:49:55 +0000

Background – L is a genius from the Japanese manga and anime, Death Note. Besides being obsessed with solving crimes, he is also obsessed with sweets.

L rarely smiles, but he cannot resist doing so for his sweet obsession.

365 Toy Project – Day 001: Barbie’s Road to Marriage

Linda — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:46:46 +0000

I got this barbie almost 17 years ago (wow I feel so old!). It was given to me as present from my parents’ friend. Since this is my first day of working on 365 Toy Project over at Flickr, I figured I’d start with my favorite Target 35th Anniversary Bridal Barbie Collector doll.

The theme is ‘wedding’ because several of my friends are getting hitched, and I’m going to be a bridesmaid for the second time. I thought it would be appropriate to start with this bridal barbie.

Enjoy!