高円寺阿波踊り

阿波舞通常以數十人連成一組在街上跳舞，通常在前方的會踏著2拍子的節奏跳舞，伴奏的人在後方跟隨，樂器基本上有鉦鼓、太鼓、三味線及橫笛等。其中大型的阿波舞節「東京高圓寺阿波舞節」在每年8月最後一個六日舉行。今年我也跟朋友一起去湊熱鬧 。朋友說阿波舞有一古調是這樣唱的：「跳的是笨蛋、不跳的是笨蛋，反正都是笨蛋，不跳就不划算啦！」(えらいやっちゃ、えらいやっちゃ、ヨイヨイヨイヨイ、踊る阿呆に見る阿呆、同じ阿呆なら踊らな損々) 很奇怪吧!

二子玉川花火大会

神宮外苑花火大会

Homemade Seaweed Salad

New Look

The word "yukata" (浴衣) literally means bath clothes. It comes from the word "yu" (bath) and "katabira" (under clothing).

Yukata is widely worn in ryokan (Japanese traditional inns). First time I wore yukata is also at a Japanese traditional inn. Though the yukata was not that eye catching as what I can see at the summer events, such as firework displays and bon-odori festivals.

Yukata is mainly made of light weight cotton with different pattern designs and colors. The left side of the yukata should be wrapped over the right side. A wider belt called obi (ribbon) should put around the waist. There are many different ways to tie the ribbon. To be lazy, you can even go for a already-tied ribbon. For the whole look, a pair of wooden sandals (geta) is important.

Bright color such as pink and yellow is always popular for yukata. However, this year, dark colors seem more popular. No doubt that this is a new trend, and even black yutaka is widely worn. It gives a new of classic and modern fusion.

Grapes

Surprised

I've just notice an email which was in my inbox almost half month! I noticed it way too late! That supposed to be my birthday gift! Wow!

ホルモン焼き/horumonyaki

私は友達とホルモン焼きのレストランで夕食をした。 ホルモン焼きとは牛肉や豚肉の内臓から作られる日本料理です。実際には広東料理のような味がする。私は友達と非常に楽しいお食事をしました。一緒に食事に行ける素晴らしい友人を持ってくれてうれしい。また、私たちは夕食後、コーヒーを飲みに行った。それは笑いの多いリラックスした夜です。

I had dinner with my friend at a restaurant for horumonyaki. Horumonyaki is a kind of Japanese cuisine made from beef or pork offal. Actually it tastes like Cantonese food. I've a very enjoyable dining with my friend. I'm glad to have a nice friend for dining here in Japan. Also we go to have a coffee after the dinner. That is a relaxing night with lots of laughters.

阿佐谷七夕祭 / Asagaya Tanabata Festival

東京杉並区の阿佐谷パールセンターで開催されている「阿佐谷七夕まつり」の様子。

"Asagaya Tanabata Festival" is being held at Asagaya
Pearl Center Street at Suginami in Tokyo.

江戸川花火大会 / Edogawa Fireworks Display

私は花火大会に行きました。私は友人何人かと会うことになっていました。しかし、私は遅れてしまい、約束の時間通りに着けなくて、駅で友達に会えませんでした。その後、私は友達に電話をしたが、友達が説明してくれた待ち合わせ場所への行き方がほとんど理解できなかった。だから、私は花火に向かって歩きました。おそらく、私は私の友人の居場所の反対側に歩いていたんです。とうとう、私は友達を探すのをあきらめました。

これは、日本の花火を見る初めての経験で、花火大会を楽しむことができました。雰囲気は最高でした。私は日本人のお祭りの楽しみ方が好きです。香港では、すべてが早くも終わっています。それは日本では正反対だよ。

もし私達がペースを遅くしたら、私達は周りの物事をもっと楽しんでじっくり味わえるでしょう。

I went to see fireworks display today. I supposed to meet some of my friends. However, I was late to catch them up at the station. Later I gave them a call, but I hardly understood my friend's instruction to the gathering place. Therefore I walked toward to the fireworks. Perhaps I was walking to the opposite side of my friends. In the end, I gave up looking for them.

This was the first time for me to see the Japanese fireworks display and I enjoyed seeing it. The atmosphere was great. I like the way Japanese enjoying the festival. In Hong Kong, everything comes and goes fast, I could tell it's totally opposite to those in Japan.

If you slow down our pace, we will be able to get more enjoyment and appreciation of the surroundings.

江戸川花火大会 / Edogawabashi Fireworks Display

阿佐谷七夕祭/ Asagaua Tanabata Festival

お疲れさま/ Cheers for good work

お疲れさま

Cheers for good work

準備中/In preparation

私は祭りに期待している。

I'm expecting the coming festival.

遅いバースデーケーキ/Belated Birthday cake

遅いバースデーケーキをもらう

I receive a belated birthday cake.