Couchsurfing Meeting Prague (czech republic)

When I returned to the Czech Republic the weather was pretty bad.  It was so strange to be in 37C heat with 85% humidity (Japan) and then suddenly be in 13C temperature.  It was raining a lot and the only day that I saw the weather might be ok, was Tuesday.  I made it a point to get into Prague for the day.  I did a couchsurfing hangout and ended up meeting with a Colombian and an Indian.  I forgot to take a photo of the Indian.  Then Wednesday I had to do a lot of stuff around the house.  On Thursday, I figured that I should go to the weekly couchsurfing meeting (the place where I really started my blog).  It was raining quite a bit so not that many people came, but it was still a good turn out.  I ended up hanging out at the Latino table and had a great time with them.  Thanks to those who were good sports with wearing my glasses. Until next time!

Colombia 8266

Finland

South Korea/Germany

Israel  (took the photo, later was asked to erase the photo.....wasn't a couchsurfer anyways)

England   8270

USA

Czech Republic

England

England

Italy

Mexico

France

Poland

Mexico

Ecuador  8280

Paraguay

Mexico

Mexico   8283

empty Charles Bridge

Kawasaki Furin (windchime) Festival

The day before I left Japan, I decided that I wanted to check out one last festival.  I had biked to Kawasaki City before, so I figured that I could make the trip by bike (21-22km one way).  On my way to the festival, the wind was blowing against me and it was so difficult to stay motivated.  When I had just 4km left, I almost turned back, but luckily I was able to just keep going.  Once I got to the temple I was really happy that I completed the trip.  There were gorgeous wind chimes everywhere. I debated about getting one and bringing it to the house in the Czech Republic, but I was wondering if the neighbors would appreciate it or not, so I decided not to get one.  I walked around the temple and it was really pretty.  When I walked back to the main area again, I was rewarded with an awesome display.  There were probably over a hundred people all dancing in their yukatas (summer kimono) with the beat of the taiko (drum).  It was such a great way to end my stay in Japan.  However, I'll be back at the end of September.  Until next time~!!  (On the way back home for some crazy reason I was able to bike the 21-22km on a one-speed bike with a basket in less than an hour!!!!  Thighs of steel!!)

temple in Kawasaki

not sure what this is

a pagoda alongside the vendors

drooping trees

cool bridge

nice little pond

another temple in the distance

another view

and another

reflections

cool architecture

close up

and my reward

so many people

nice spot to hold their fans

a different group

and another one coming by

and men were also dancing

nice yukatas

i liked the sakura flowers on the yukata

sun was starting to set

the giant lantern in front of the main temple

souvenir street

one last shot before i leave

so many darumas

waiting for someone to buy them and make a wish

Zazen Class in English (Tokyo, Japan)

I had seen the Zazen meditation class on couchsurfing a couple times, but I had never been able to attend because I was always at work.  My last day of work was Tuesday, so I was finally able to check out the class yesterday.  It was a nice and relaxing class.  It was good to forget about the everyday things we go through and just focus in the moment.  There were times when I wasn't sure if I could sit in the same position for so long, but I was able to just power through and do it.  Thanks so much Issho Fujita. If you want to see more information about the class you can check out their facebook page at here.

the group for the day

Canada   8260

Japan

Japan

Netherlands

Japan

Japan   8265