With all the traffic that builds up around our home. We’ve done a pretty good job in finding alternative routes, short and long cuts and series of detours that help us avoid the traffic nightmares that often accompany living so close to major bridges and tunnels. Depending on the time of day and of course, the season. You’re likely to witness some breathtaking sunsets and sunspaces. For me personally, it’s enough to pull over to the side of the road and reach for the camera in order to capture some of its natural beauty.Of course, my wife thinks I’m crazy. Luckily, I’ve been doing it long enough that she’s come to be expect it.
Tag: Travel
Things Are Looking Up
Just below are a couple of images featuring elevator shafts I photographed this past Sunday in Jersey City and Passaic. As you can probably tell. Both images were shot from below.
Breakfast at Philadelphia’s Reading Terminal
When we arrived at Philadelphia’s Reading Terminal that morning, I had a little more than feasting on the market’s overwhelming array of delicious food on my mind. In each of the times we’ve visited the food mecca. I’ve taken pictures of the food, the signs and just about everything else with the glaring exception of the people who crowd the area. Knowing full well, that photographing strangers, especially those stuffing their face can be risky. I did my best to be quick and unobtrusive. With the constant movement and foot traffic adding to the bustling energy of the market. I wasn’t given many opportunities to focus or shoot. However, that Amish breakfast was more than enough fuel fo what was a pretty long drive from Jersey City. Reading Terminal is one of my favorite pit stops during any visit to Philadelphia. I highly recommend stopping by, shopping and filling your belly. “Come Hungry. Leave Satisfied!”
http://www.readingterminalmarket.org/
Day 14; Sailing the Pacific
When we unexpectedly stopped at the Marina the other day to stock Kenichi’s boat for the upcoming trip. I wanted to kick myself for not bringing my camera. The sight of all the boats and yachts docked amongst the beautiful blue sky was breathtaking to say the very least. While I did regret not having my side arm on hand. I reminded myself that some moments are better left to memory. There was that and the fact that we would soon return to put that boat in the water and sail the Pacific with enough provisions to keep our bellies full for days. Well, that day came today and despite some initial concern on how I was going to get my unbalanced ass on to the boat. 
It was, for lack of a better term “smooth sailing.” Kayuri’s Dad Kenichi has many passions in life, sailing being his greatest. Not only is he an excellent sailor. He’s won more than his share of trophy’s and ribbons in sailing competitions over the years. As a man who always seems to be in high spirits. Laughing and toasting for days on end. Seeing him at wheel of his boat is by far, the happiest he’s been. Over our last two visits and this one. He disappeared in to the ocean for days on end. Lucky for us, we got to go out with him today and will have a second chance before the weekend is over. I’m happy to say. The New Year started on the right foot. Be well. Be awesome.
Day 10; (Asakusa) Tokyo
As we headed to Tokyo. I couldn’t help but feel a bit anxious. The combination of an empty stomach. My Sister-in-Laws taste in music and the fact that I had accidentally walked in on her as she was finishing up her shower were all in clear focus. Somehow those factors would stay with me for what seemed to be a long ride. Fortunately, for me and my wife. A really good meal washed any and all anxiety I may have carried in to the city that day. After an excellent meal at Tiger Gyoza Hall. We headed towards the Asakusa Shrines. A small, yet highly populated area I fell in love with during my first trip to Japan in 2001.
This was my third trip to Tokyo since we arrived and I promised myself to be a little more open minded about the city than I had been in my two prior posts on the big city. Aa we inched closer to our destination the crowds thickened and I went from dodging passing bicyclists to avoiding collisions with pedestrians. Overall, it was a great day. The shrines were packed and I was both visually and spiritually stimulated. Tomorrow we’ll be heading back to Tokyo to have lunch with one of Kayuri’s closest friends Junko. (June-Ko) She was the head of my wife’s bridal party at our wedding. So it only seems fit that she will be taking us out for lunch and to see Star Wars “The Force Awakens”. Things are getting interesting around here… and elsewhere.
Day 9; Enoshima
While we had no plans to speak of on this beautiful Sunday. The weather and the need for a little air forced us to make some. So after a busy morning we opted for public transportation to Enoshima. After a bus ride and two trains trains we arrived. I was quickly reminded of what I missed out on during our 2012/2013 trip when we got to spend a hour or two there the evening before we returned to the U.S.
As we neared the beach and the bridge to the nearby island. I began to see the surfers coming off the beach, many still in their body suits. Immediately, I felt that we had made the right choice as to where to spend our day. Once there I got so close to the water that I completely forgot I was still wearing my street clothes and winter jacket. And while the waves weren’t quite up to snuff. There was just enough wind to keep the surfers and para-sailers on their feet.
From there we made it to the bridge that brought us to Enoshima Island, it’s shops, food and ultimately, it’s breathtaking shrine. We covered a lot of ground today. A lot of walking, climbing and stretching. Our muscles are sending us messages from places we never knew existed. This trip has been a great workout.
Day 9; Enoshima (Part 2)
Below are a few extras I took as we headed back to the train.
Day 8; (Shibuya) Tokyo
To be perfectly honest. I am beginning to lose track of the days here. So I’m just going to pretend no ones looking and go with the flow of what my blog tells me. With Friday being our last day in Hakone. I took advantage of the rain and the fact that it was Christmas day to spend as much time going back and forth between the hot springs and the sauna before packing and heading back down the mountain on the way to our home base in Hayama.
With the threat of a do nothing weekend I bolted for another option in the Shibuya area of Tokyo. and the promise of a couple of extra record stores and the shrines. While I liked the Shibuya area. Everything there seems to be created to satisfy the tastes and influences of Americans. Shop after shop featured apparel with the name New York, Brooklyn and even Harlem. There were times when I felt as if I was strolling down St. Marks Place and others (many, many others) where I felt as if I was in the heart of Times Square. I really can’t complain, considering what an awesome day we had. Maybe I just need to give up on the idea that every big metropolis is unique to the other. On a side note. I can’t go without mentioning the incredible noodles we had at that little back alley hole in the wall. 
Days 6 & 7; Hakone
When friends and family got wind I was heading to Japan for the holidays. The overwhelmingly predominant response was “Take lots of pictures.” Understandingly so, considering most of the people I know see me as a photographer, or at least, someone who is constantly inspired by it. As I began to pack for the trip. I thought to myself, “Maybe just a few really good pictures would help me enjoy my trip a lot more.” The thought of reaching for my camera at every turn doesn’t resonate with me as much as it might have in the past. While documenting every family moment, meal and visit is perfectly fine. I thought about the moments and exchanges I might be missing while fumbling for my camera and the perfect setting.
So with my first week here I’ve had my share of opportunities to take hundreds, if not thousands of pictures I’d spend countless hours reviewing. I’ve decided to keep my shooting to a minimal. Something that is pretty easy when you constantly find yourself in good company.
And while I do find myself wandering off at times or wanting to jump from my chosen mode of transportation. I’ve kept it pretty low key. Arriving in Hakone, perhaps one of my favorite areas of Japan. I allowed myself some time to indulge myself by putting my camera to use. I honestly feel that going on without writing about what a very special place Hakone is, might be criminal. However, I feel that perhaps that’s best for another time and maybe, place. For now, a few pictures and a very Merry Christmas.
Day 4; Tokyo
Whether you’re in Japan for a day, week, month or year. You’re eventually going to find yourself in Tokyo. With this being my third visit to Japan. I think I’ve been to the city enough times to say, without pause, it is my least favorite part of the country.
Having travelled to many of my own countries bigger cities, as well as ones across Europe. I honestly feel they pretty much offer the same thing. Yes, Tokyo is beautiful and bright, but I can say the same thing about Times Square. Having lived a short few blocks from there for eight plus years. I avoided it like the plague. All comparisons aside, we enjoyed our day exploring the streets,the bus routes and trains. Kayuri insisted I do some crate digging. Even insisting I take a few records home. As for her, she took advantage of some of the discounts and tax free saving at one of the city’s electronics megastore. Not a bad day by any means. I just feel that my best days here will be spent exploring shrines and the rich history of the rural countryside. Below are a few images I took along the way. 楽しむ; 恵まれる
Photogeek Blog 