17 July, 2007

A photo of me

I was sorting out some pics of Chickie's bowling party for my family and found a pic of me when I visited Japan. I was there 20 years ago now but it seems like only a few years back. Meggie's mention of creating a kimono outfit for a doll reminded me of the trip.

It was a fun 2 weeks, not to mention a great experience. My oldest nephew will be there this Christmas and I'm sure he'll have a great time too.

I got to experience quite a bit while there - Tokyo Disneyland, a Japanese wedding, karaoke in a karaoke bar, trying a kimono, visiting Mt Fuji, Tokyo trains and the Bullet Train, visiting a movie lot/theme park and visiting many many lovely shrines and gardens. I stayed with penfriends and their families and would love to go back again one day.

I've got heaps more photos of the trip and I really should get around to scanning them. When I do, I'll have to post some of the pics of the gardens. They really are stunning.

It really doesn't feel like it was 20 years ago...

15 comments:

Zazzy said...

Time passes so quickly. Each day may drag by at times but then poof, 20 years are gone. I'll find myself talking about some event in my life and suddenly realize that it was 20 or even 30 years ago. Makes me feel old.

Nice photo, though.

Is it sync'd yet? said...

First thing I thought when I saw that picture was,

"HEY LADY DON"T JUMP!"


Gnat.
.

Tracey Petersen said...

A very discrete photo. Amazing how a memory can transport you to another place and time.

she said: said...

Love - love - love the composition. For a 20 year old photo the colors have held up really well. You'd never know this wasn't taken last month.

Stomper Girl said...

That kimono is amazing, such pretty florals. Thanks for sharing the photo.

meggie said...

Beautiful photo! A wonderful Kimono, love the painting on the cloth.

The Phosgene Kid said...

You look hot!! So how do you tie the big bow behind your back??

I think I am turning Japanese, I really think so!!!

The Phosgene Kid said...

Did you receive any Ninja training???

caramaena said...

Thanks guys :) Lol gnat and phos!

Phos the whole thing took quite a while to get into. I stood there with my arms up while someone 'wrapped' me up. It's actually very intricate.

I went to a Japanese wedding where the Bride and Groom actually changed outfits about 3 times during the reception (plus a different outfit for the actual wedding ceremony but we don't see that part). Whilst one was a western style wedding dress, the bride had to be 'wrapped' up 3 times, I presume. That's a lot of effort!

(and no I didn't even see a single ninja the whole time I was there... or did I? and just didn't know it???)

Melinda said...

The Kimono is so beautiful! And you look very peaceful in it. I would love to visit Japan... see such a rich cultural history!

Bill Sticker said...

Almost bought one a couple of months ago when looking for a dressing gown to preserve modesty. Incidentally, thanks for the ad link to my book, I posted one of my own in the end.

Thanks

Bill

caramaena said...

Thanks melinda and no problems bill :)

Oh great One said...

Wow! It seems you really got to experience a lot while you were there. That's the way to do it.

To answer the question you asked on my blog. The nurse didn't give me any numbers. I'm completely in the dark. I may need to consult you after I get the results back!

LBA said...

You look so gorgeous !! I wish we could see you face ( was it painted ? )

My g/f did was a english teacher there for a year and got to do so many wild, interesting and wacky things. It was so lovely to live through her experiences, and I am so *jealous* you got all wrapped up in a kimono. How long did it take to prepare ?

Gorgeous.

caramaena said...

ogo - I had originally planned to go for a month but managed to land a new job that started 2 weeks before I was due to go. They were ok with me going but I cut it to 2 weeks rather than 4. Still I enjoyed it and 2 weeks was enough time to see and do a lot of stuff. I'm very glad I had penfriends to stay with and show me around - I don't think I would have experienced half as much if I'd gone on my own, as such.

h&b - heh, I'm shy...

No, my face wasn't painted and it took aaaages to get 'wrapped'! I can't recall how long exactly, but I do recall being told to breathe out a lot so it wouldn't be too tight at the end (of course, I didn't breathe out enough so it was a bit squeezy).