Comments

Hi Simon and everyone… I have meant to comment about you living in Kyoto Simon. The city has always, for some reason, in my mind, been a very mysterious place. Although I have visited Tokyo, I haven´t been to Kyoto, sorry to say. Rightly on wrongly I associate Kyoto with a tea ceremony and Zen, which both used to intrigue me when I was much younger. I guess it would be fair to admit that “turning inwards”, for gaining strength, has always been one of the sources in my personal development. I do hope that I don´t sound too serious, there is no mystery in it. I am certain that we all need something or someone in order to live a serene life… or at least so that we can see the world a friendly not a hostile place. Wishing you well... and Simon thank you for lovely photos.

Hi Simon, thank you for the photos.They are very interesting, especially the shot from the stadium. I have a question about the No Smoking sign, is it printed on the ground? How do the people in Kyoto follow the rules like this? are they good followers of the rules or rather they are afraid to be fined? What are the fines? Best, H.

Hello Simon, I'm interested to know if Kyoto is traditional or not, especially in terms of the relations between the spouses in the families. many thanks for the pics and for your very interesting blogs.

Hi Simon I like the photos, especially the bycle with umbrella. It is very practical and functinal as well very funy. I think this a japan miracle!!! Actually, Needs force to human's mind to find simple things which are cheap, functional and make the life easier. These discoveries sometimes change from culture to culture. When you come to Turkey you can meet many small different discoveries which is funy but very functional. I will try to it to be fixed on my bycle.I find the discovery of safety pin very important. It has been used with different aims for ages. But nobody knows who discover it.The bycle with umbrella is like that. They are very important details in life. Thank you very much. you make me smiled like the sign sent by Rosi.By the way We fed up the hot weather. The temperature is up to fifty degrees to protect ourselves from the sun and humidty we close ourselves to our homes or officies. just waiting to finish these days. I am not sure It might finish. It is like a punishment!! Thank you again. have nice day.:))

hello Simon,while watching yourinteresting pics I had the sensation that this town, next to the most interesting traditions linked to religion with temples everywhere,to food with the typical sushi restaurants ,the beautiful"yukata" worn by the ladies,shows the attempt to become an international one by knocking down the typical wooden houses ,or by forbidding to smoke even along the road.Can these two views live peacefully together in your opinion?bye for now maione

Hello Simon,how have you been there? Thanks for your lovely photos.

Hello. Acording to the pictures that you attached Kyoto is a nice, beautiful place which is very traditional and original. Currently I can't afford for the trip to Japan but maybe in the future it will be possible ;). Could you tell us how many alcochol (in percent %) is included in Sake. I can only guess it is about 40-50 %. Lokk Forward to hearing from you.

Hi Simon! I looked at the photos and I have a question. It´s not about language where there my difficulties lie in not learning grammar. I want to ask if there was a kind of influence between your studies of the urban planning and the decidion to stay in Kyoto or say we Japan? I was thinking over wether you might had had drawing lessons at the University studium yet. Hope you are not tired of my question. In reality I should more work than speak. Have a nice day!

Hi Simon¡, thanks for your beautiful and interesting photos, is a reeal view of traditonal life in Japan, best wishes

Hi Simon, Fantastic pictures. Thank you for sharing them with us, I really enjoyed them. Say hello to Sophie please, how is she? See you, Cris

Dear Simon, The picture of the cycle with umbrella forced me to think how much strong umbrella is that which can sustain speed of cycle in rain and sun. This morning when I was talking with my priest, I asked why he had not taken umbrella in this rainy season. He answered me that he was not able to purchase umbrella strong enough to support his body in muddy road and wherever he needs support. All the umbrella available in the market are either folding or with weak metal frame which can’t be used to take support when needed. All the pictures are nice and a picture with pagoda type temple looks somewhat similar to temple in Kathmandu valley.

Hi Simon! Oh I´ve really enjoyed the tour to Kyoto :-). By the way Simon, why are the wooden houses being knocked down? Are they considered old fashioned? Best wishes, Ana Paula.

Hello Simon :) Looking at your pictures and pictures of other teacher bloggers I can't help but get the impression that every year, Japan, just as other Fat East countries, is becoming more and more European. The beautiful wooden houses being knocked down, the people being dressed for the European style make Japan more European than oriental. You said it's sad and I entirely agree with you. Have a nice weekend.

Hi Simon, is very curious how much organisated is its culture. They arrive to mark the path for pederastians or special streets for no smoking. For a latin culture as mine it sounds a bit exagerated. But it doesn't matter, surely they have their own reasons. I would like to go there.

Hi Simon, Thank you for answering my question on the previous entry. Those pics of Kyoto are nice, especially I like the photo of the bike with the umbrella. Actually I hardly see the bikes with umbrella in my region. I've heard it's more common among people(OBACHANS) in Kansai area than the other areas. Do you often see those people riding on that bike? Bicycle culture in Japan is one of the best things I like about Japan. Bicycles emit no carbon dioxide,they don't need as much space as cars to park,and riding a bicycle is good exercise to keep fit and is faster than walking of course! I particularly like Mama Charis(a bicycle with basket),it's good for shopping. When I was in NZ, I sometimes saw people riding bicycles with no basket(maybe called Mountain Bike) and they were wearing helmets. I know wearing a helmets is good for safety,but I don't like it. Sorry I'm too excited, but I wonder why Mama Charis are not so common in western countries though it's so convenient. Do you know why,Simon? or maybe It's common in the UK? and can I ask one more question for the last? Which word do you usually use,a bike, a bicycle or a cycle? Thank you for reading my long comment. Have a nice day.

Nice to meet you, Simon. This is the first time to come here and make a comment. I really enjoyed pictures of Kyoto although I live in Kyoto now.lol Besides,I was surprised when I heard the university you belong to mainly is Kyoto Gaidai! I graduated from Kobe city university of foreign studies this March. My English is not enough in spite of my career, so I decide to check this blog frequently in order to improve my English! See you, Yuu