More Photos

Manami one of our Japanese students, lives in Tokoyo came to visit












At a Japanese restaurant - Oko nomiyaki cooked on hot plate on table










Bruce - Oko nomiyaki - pancake with cabbage and meat












Quaint Cooking school venue in French area in Kobe called Okomoto











Typical Japanese bonsai that you see around Japan

So you see we are finding new places and tasting new foods most weekends or on our day off which is Fridays. We are finding it fairly easy to find our way around - either by using our van or local trains - transport is extremely expensive in Japan - Our visit to Sannomiya Kitano area cost about $20NZ by train. When we can we bike off the island - lock up the bikes and then travel by train - that saves us about $10NZ each.

We do use the van when it is easy and not costly to park it. There are toll roads here and the toll collection is about every 10kms and cost about $3-$5NZ each time!!

However - this is life in Japan - and this.. we have accepted. Foreigners can get cheap rail passes -so those of you are INTENDING!!!! TO VISIT US!!!! - please don't be put off by this!!!

Now I do remember those of you who have said will visit! - so don't forget to keep saving! HAHA!!

Photos !!

A panoramic view of Kobe City

Jo is trying new fishy foods at the fish market

The other photos are of Kitano - an area in Kobe where there are historical houses that were built in the 1900's. Most are open to the public for viewing.

Click on the photos to enlarge

8 New Interesting Facts : )

1. Fitting room floors in shops are a slightly higher level than the shop floor and you have to take your shoes off before you step in.When you step back out of your fitting cubicle, your shoes are turned around ready for you to step back into them : )




2. Bathrooms are a higher level in Japanese houses - it is important to remove your slippers before entering




3. The entry ways of Japanese houses are a lower level to the rest of the house and it is also important to remove your shoes and put slippers on once on the higher level.




4. The Tatame room, a room which has woven matting on the floor, is a special room in the house for sitting on the floor, or sleeping on futons. Slippers must also be removed before entering.




5. Wild boar are often found in the controlled rivers that flow from the mountains, through the city and down to the sea.




6. Yellow dust blows in from China in the spring, it comes all the way from the Gobe desert. It only lasted about 24 hours but eerie!!




7. At this time of the year you will see the Japanese girls who are graduating, dressed in their Kimonos - think there is another name for their dress.




8. When reversing in your vehicle - people also turn on their hazard lights.

P.S : Remember to click on the photo to enlarge for a better look!

Waiting for my next Update?? Coming Soon!

My Favourite Chef on the Streets of Japan!

Finding freshly cooked Chinese dumplings on the streets of Kobe on a cold day.... simply satisfying

Japanese Menu ?

Here are a couple of dishes I learnt in my Japanese cooking class today.

The one on the right is a fried chicken dish topped with Da con ( a Japanese white radish - not hot) with 1 of the hundreds of yummy sauces they use.

The dish to the left above is a rice dish done in the rice cooker along with Japanese veges and a sauce. Easy and yum. Don't for get to click on the picture for a closer look!

A Toilet with and Aquarium around it??!

Well I am finding a variety of different toilets - but check this one out!!

My friend Casey found this one today!!

Yes there are fish swimming all around in the aquarium!!

Watch this space for the next variety!!

And if you click on the photo - it will enlarge so you can have a better look!