. Jalbum 8.3 Trip to Bali June 2009 slides/IMG_1947.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 Leaving Tokyo for Bali via Singapore on Signapore Airlines. We got to fly on the A380. Leaving Tokyo for Bali via Singapore on Signapore Airlines. We got to fly on the A380. slides/IMG_1947.jpg slides/IMG_2043.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 We arrived in Bali at 9:30 to our private villa. In the morning we got a good look at where we would stay for a week. Our own private pool!! We arrived in Bali at 9:30 to our private villa. In the morning we got a good look at where we would stay for a week. Our own private pool!! slides/IMG_2043.JPG slides/IMG_2044.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 Our own private pool!! Our own private pool!! slides/IMG_2044.JPG slides/IMG_2154.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 Wheeeeeee! Wheeeeeee! slides/IMG_2154.JPG slides/Villa1.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 The living room and kitchen of our villa. It wasn't very expensive either. The living room and kitchen of our villa. It wasn't very expensive either. slides/Villa1.jpg slides/IMG_1951.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 We aren't in Tokyo anymore. Look plants and trees. We aren't in Tokyo anymore. Look plants and trees. slides/IMG_1951.JPG slides/IMG_1950.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 A shrine on top of a store. A shrine on top of a store. slides/IMG_1950.JPG slides/IMG_1952.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 A giant statue of Catur Muka, Hindu gaurdian of cardinal points at the exact centre of Denpassar; biggest city on Bali. Also the centre of a turning circle. A giant statue of Catur Muka, Hindu gaurdian of cardinal points at the exact centre of Denpassar; biggest city on Bali. Also the centre of a turning circle. slides/IMG_1952.JPG slides/IMG_1954.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 Mika next to a statue at the Bali Museum. Mika next to a statue at the Bali Museum. slides/IMG_1954.JPG slides/IMG_1955.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 A dragon carving at the museum of bali. A dragon carving at the museum of bali. slides/IMG_1955.JPG slides/IMG_1956.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 Everything in Bali is decorated ornately. This is a shuttered window. Everything in Bali is decorated ornately. This is a shuttered window. slides/IMG_1956.JPG slides/IMG_1957.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 The streets are crazy. Not as crazy as some other countries for sure but a lot more motorbikes than cars. The lines on the road seem to be only a guideline. The streets are crazy. Not as crazy as some other countries for sure but a lot more motorbikes than cars. The lines on the road seem to be only a guideline. slides/IMG_1957.JPG slides/IMG_1961.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 Bird market. For all your daily needs and religious sacrifices. Bird market. For all your daily needs and religious sacrifices. slides/IMG_1961.JPG slides/IMG_1973.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 All Balinese Hindu temples havea gate which looks like a wall sliced in half. One half represents male and the other female. If bad spirits/gods/demons try to enter the temple, the gates is supposed slide back together and squish the bad entity. All Balinese Hindu temples havea gate which looks like a wall sliced in half. One half represents male and the other female. If bad spirits/gods/demons try to enter the temple, the gates is supposed slide back together and squish the bad entity. slides/IMG_1973.jpg slides/IMG_2051.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 Ah the beach at Petitenget in Seminyak where our villa was. Ah the beach at Petitenget in Seminyak where our villa was. slides/IMG_2051.JPG slides/IMG_2052.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 I'm on holiday. Yeah! I'm on holiday. Yeah! slides/IMG_2052.JPG slides/IMG_1965.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 Balinese Hinduism is a very demanding religion in terms of time you have to dedicate to making offerings etc. Here a group are preparing to put offerings in the ocean to neutralise the not so nice spirits that live in the ocean. Balinese Hinduism is a very demanding religion in terms of time you have to dedicate to making offerings etc. Here a group are preparing to put offerings in the ocean to neutralise the not so nice spirits that live in the ocean. slides/IMG_1965.JPG slides/IMG_1966.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 Here we go. Here we go. slides/IMG_1966.JPG slides/IMG_1967.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 Putting the offerings in the ocean. Just about every day we went to the beach there was something going on. They offerings make a mess of the beach though. They are all made of natural materials so I guess they'll decompose eventually but what a mess. Putting the offerings in the ocean. Just about every day we went to the beach there was something going on. They offerings make a mess of the beach though. They are all made of natural materials so I guess they'll decompose eventually but what a mess. slides/IMG_1967.JPG slides/IMG_2053.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 Luke on the beach. Luke on the beach. slides/IMG_2053.JPG slides/IMG_1969.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 Mika taking a dip. Mika taking a dip. slides/IMG_1969.JPG slides/IMG_1976.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 This sign amused me. It turns out they sell rather mundane things like shirts, bags etc. with hard edge designs (e.g. designs similar to hard rock, skaters etc.). This sign amused me. It turns out they sell rather mundane things like shirts, bags etc. with hard edge designs (e.g. designs similar to hard rock, skaters etc.). slides/IMG_1976.jpg slides/IMG_1978.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 We visited a store that makes batik everything and they showed us how it was done. First you draw a pattern on the fabric and then outline trace the pattern with wax. We visited a store that makes batik everything and they showed us how it was done. First you draw a pattern on the fabric and then outline trace the pattern with wax. slides/IMG_1978.JPG slides/IMG_1977.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 This woman is tracing the pattern with a hot wax dispenser. Then it is dyed and the wax is removed to leave patterned cloth. This woman is tracing the pattern with a hot wax dispenser. Then it is dyed and the wax is removed to leave patterned cloth. slides/IMG_1977.JPG slides/IMG_2134.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 Among the fabrics we bought were sarongs. Both men and women wear sarongs regularly. Among the fabrics we bought were sarongs. Both men and women wear sarongs regularly. slides/IMG_2134.JPG slides/IMG_1983.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 They also dye thread before it is weaved. Here are threads strung up so that a pattern can be put on the thread with wax before dyeing. They also dye thread before it is weaved. Here are threads strung up so that a pattern can be put on the thread with wax before dyeing. slides/IMG_1983.JPG slides/IMG_1984.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 This is thread after it has been dyed and it is now ready to be weaved. This is thread after it has been dyed and it is now ready to be weaved. slides/IMG_1984.JPG slides/IMG_1980.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 Those threads are then weaved in order to produce a solid sheet of cloth. Those threads are then weaved in order to produce a solid sheet of cloth. slides/IMG_1980.JPG slides/IMG_1985.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 This is an art store. Everything in Bali is ornately decorated. This is an art store. Everything in Bali is ornately decorated. slides/IMG_1985.jpg slides/IMG_1986.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 This artist is doing a traditional balinese design with pen and ink/ This artist is doing a traditional balinese design with pen and ink/ slides/IMG_1986.JPG slides/IMG_1989.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 Mika and Luke visiting a temple near Ubud. Everyone must wear a sarong and sash before entering a temple. Mika and Luke visiting a temple near Ubud. Everyone must wear a sarong and sash before entering a temple. slides/IMG_1989.JPG slides/IMG_1990.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 Statue at the temple Statue at the temple slides/IMG_1990.JPG slides/IMG_1991.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 Decorations on the entrace gate to the temple. Decorations on the entrace gate to the temple. slides/IMG_1991.JPG slides/IMG_1992.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 Inside the temple are many buildings for various purposes. This is a place for the musicians to place during ceremonies. Note the carved stone wall. Inside the temple are many buildings for various purposes. This is a place for the musicians to place during ceremonies. Note the carved stone wall. slides/IMG_1992.jpg slides/IMG_1993.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 This is an image of Garuda. Half man and half bird, Garuda is the transport for the god Vissnu. This is an image of Garuda. Half man and half bird, Garuda is the transport for the god Vissnu. slides/IMG_1993.JPG slides/IMG_1996.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 Wooden statue of Garuda Wooden statue of Garuda slides/IMG_1996.JPG slides/IMG_1998.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 slides/IMG_1998.JPG slides/IMG_1999.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 This is the back wall of the main temple building. This is the back wall of the main temple building. slides/IMG_1999.JPG slides/IMG_2000.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 This is the back wall of the main temple building. It's all carved in stone. This is the back wall of the main temple building. It's all carved in stone. slides/IMG_2000.jpg slides/IMG_2001.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 Fittingly I think were lotus blossoms on the temple grounds. Fittingly I think were lotus blossoms on the temple grounds. slides/IMG_2001.JPG slides/IMG_2003.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 Fittingly I think were lotus blossoms on the temple grounds. Fittingly I think were lotus blossoms on the temple grounds. slides/IMG_2003.JPG slides/IMG_2004.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 A carved turtle area. Turtles represent long life. A carved turtle area. Turtles represent long life. slides/IMG_2004.JPG slides/IMG_2006.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 The door is carved Jack Fruit wood door. The door is carved Jack Fruit wood door. slides/IMG_2006.jpg slides/IMG_2009.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 Rice patties near Ubud. Rice patties near Ubud. slides/IMG_2009.jpg slides/IMG_2007.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 This is the tallest mountain on Bali called Gunung Agung. It is 3142m high and is the residence of the good gods. All villages and their temples are aligned in a particular fashion on a line connecting this mountain and the ocean. This is the tallest mountain on Bali called Gunung Agung. It is 3142m high and is the residence of the good gods. All villages and their temples are aligned in a particular fashion on a line connecting this mountain and the ocean. slides/IMG_2007.JPG slides/IMG_2011.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 Having lunch with a view of rice paddies and Gunung Agung. Having lunch with a view of rice paddies and Gunung Agung. slides/IMG_2011.jpg slides/IMG_2013.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 What's under this banana leaf? What's under this banana leaf? slides/IMG_2013.JPG slides/IMG_2014.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 Tada! It's rice. Tada! It's rice. slides/IMG_2014.JPG slides/IMG_2018.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 We visited the required tourist destination of Monkey Forest. These are sacred monkeys and they are well fed by tourists. We visited the required tourist destination of Monkey Forest. These are sacred monkeys and they are well fed by tourists. slides/IMG_2018.JPG slides/IMG_2021.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 We visited the required tourist destination of Monkey Forest. These are sacred monkeys and they are well fed by tourists. We visited the required tourist destination of Monkey Forest. These are sacred monkeys and they are well fed by tourists. slides/IMG_2021.JPG slides/IMG_2023.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 We visited the required tourist destination of Monkey Forest. These are sacred monkeys and they are well fed by tourists. We visited the required tourist destination of Monkey Forest. These are sacred monkeys and they are well fed by tourists. slides/IMG_2023.JPG slides/IMG_2022.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 This mess is actually a single Banyan tree. What looks like vines coming down are actually more roots for the tree. Eventually they will reach the ground and dig in to help support the growing tree. This mess is actually a single Banyan tree. What looks like vines coming down are actually more roots for the tree. Eventually they will reach the ground and dig in to help support the growing tree. slides/IMG_2022.JPG slides/IMG_2034.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 Luke and Mika in Monkey Forest. Luke and Mika in Monkey Forest. slides/IMG_2034.jpg slides/IMG_2039.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 There is a monkey cemetary here. They bury the dead monkeys for a year or more and then periodically they cremate all the monkeys in the cemetary. It's the same process for people. There is a monkey cemetary here. They bury the dead monkeys for a year or more and then periodically they cremate all the monkeys in the cemetary. It's the same process for people. slides/IMG_2039.JPG slides/IMG_2046.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 Back at the beach, a different ceremony is going on with Gamalan players and drums. Back at the beach, a different ceremony is going on with Gamalan players and drums. slides/IMG_2046.JPG slides/IMG_2047.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 The pedanda or high priest is chanting away in some arcaic language that most balinese don't know. Kind of like the western church in the dark ages using latin that the general public doesn't understand. The pedanda or high priest is chanting away in some arcaic language that most balinese don't know. Kind of like the western church in the dark ages using latin that the general public doesn't understand. slides/IMG_2047.JPG slides/IMG_2056.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 Offerings are a daily requirement in Bali. Your supposed to do it three times a day apparently. The offerings go everywhere to appease all the various gods and bring good luck etc. This is on the road into our villa. Offerings are a daily requirement in Bali. Your supposed to do it three times a day apparently. The offerings go everywhere to appease all the various gods and bring good luck etc. This is on the road into our villa. slides/IMG_2056.JPG slides/IMG_2057.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 These are offerings at Bemo corner. Yes they do get run over but that doesn't seem to matter that much. A very busy corner in Kuta, the main tourist area of Bali. These are offerings at Bemo corner. Yes they do get run over but that doesn't seem to matter that much. A very busy corner in Kuta, the main tourist area of Bali. slides/IMG_2057.JPG slides/IMG_2060.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 The beach at Kuta. The beach at Kuta. slides/IMG_2060.jpg slides/IMG_2062.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 This is on the southern end of bali at Uluwatu. Sandstones cliffs. This is on the southern end of bali at Uluwatu. Sandstones cliffs. slides/IMG_2062.JPG slides/IMG_2065.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 We are at Uluwatu temple to see the Kecak dance at sunset. Here is Mika. We are at Uluwatu temple to see the Kecak dance at sunset. Here is Mika. slides/IMG_2065.JPG slides/IMG_2064.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 Luke and Mika at Uluwatu temple. Luke and Mika at Uluwatu temple. slides/IMG_2064.JPG slides/IMG_2073.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 The other side of the cliffs at Uluwatu. The other side of the cliffs at Uluwatu. slides/IMG_2073.JPG slides/IMG_2072.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 Luke at the cliffs at Uluwatu. Luke at the cliffs at Uluwatu. slides/IMG_2072.JPG slides/IMG_2074.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 Beautiful ocean at Uluwatu. Beautiful ocean at Uluwatu. slides/IMG_2074.JPG slides/IMG_2077.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 Sunset with the temple of Uluwatu on the the cliff. Sunset with the temple of Uluwatu on the the cliff. slides/IMG_2077.JPG slides/IMG_2079.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 Spectators watching the sunset and waiting to see the Kecak dance. Spectators watching the sunset and waiting to see the Kecak dance. slides/IMG_2079.JPG slides/IMG_2082.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 All perforamances require blessing. This fella is the village priest making offerings. All perforamances require blessing. This fella is the village priest making offerings. slides/IMG_2082.JPG slides/IMG_2088.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 Sunset from the amphitheatre. Sunset from the amphitheatre. slides/IMG_2088.JPG slides/IMG_2090.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 The music for the Kecak dance is provided only by a 70 person male choir. Here they are starting the performance. The music for the Kecak dance is provided only by a 70 person male choir. Here they are starting the performance. slides/IMG_2090.JPG slides/IMG_2092.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 The choir during the "overture". The choir during the "overture". slides/IMG_2092.JPG slides/IMG_2094.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 The village priest blessing all the choir members. The village priest blessing all the choir members. slides/IMG_2094.JPG slides/IMG_2099.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 The dance is the story of the kidnap of Sita by the demon king Rawana. I think this dance is the god Laksmana. The dance is the story of the kidnap of Sita by the demon king Rawana. I think this dance is the god Laksmana. slides/IMG_2099.JPG slides/IMG_2100.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 This dancer is Sita. I think. This dancer is Sita. I think. slides/IMG_2100.JPG slides/IMG_2101.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 The dance in yellow is the golden deer. The dance in yellow is the golden deer. slides/IMG_2101.JPG slides/IMG_2104.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 This is the demon king Rawana. The face is a mask. This is the demon king Rawana. The face is a mask. slides/IMG_2104.jpg slides/IMG_2107.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 The king uses an old man disguise to kidnap Sita. The king uses an old man disguise to kidnap Sita. slides/IMG_2107.JPG slides/IMG_2110.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 I forget how but the Monkey god Hanamon gets involved in freeing Sita but gets trapped by evil spirits who want to burn him. Here he is trussed up. The village priest is blessing the dancer. I forget how but the Monkey god Hanamon gets involved in freeing Sita but gets trapped by evil spirits who want to burn him. Here he is trussed up. The village priest is blessing the dancer. slides/IMG_2110.JPG slides/IMG_2111.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 The evil spirits try to burn Hanamon, but Hanamon somehow overcomes this. The evil spirits try to burn Hanamon, but Hanamon somehow overcomes this. slides/IMG_2111.JPG slides/IMG_2113.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 Later we went to Sharky's for fresh (caught that day) seafood. It is in Jimbaran but not where all the other tourist restaurants are. This one has better food and cheaper prices according to friends who have been to Bali many times. Later we went to Sharky's for fresh (caught that day) seafood. It is in Jimbaran but not where all the other tourist restaurants are. This one has better food and cheaper prices according to friends who have been to Bali many times. slides/IMG_2113.JPG slides/IMG_2117.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 Mika relaxing on the beach. Mika relaxing on the beach. slides/IMG_2117.JPG slides/IMG_2127.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 Restaurants are plenty with good food and cheap prices. We had the most amazing moroccan cuisine. Mika, who has been to Morocco, said it was very similar in quality to what she had in Morocco. You could even smoke a houkah if you wanted. Restaurants are plenty with good food and cheap prices. We had the most amazing moroccan cuisine. Mika, who has been to Morocco, said it was very similar in quality to what she had in Morocco. You could even smoke a houkah if you wanted. slides/IMG_2127.jpg slides/IMG_2123.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 Moroccon Kebabs and couscous. Moroccon Kebabs and couscous. slides/IMG_2123.JPG slides/IMG_2142.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 The ocean is a bit more rough here than in other countries but still nice. The ocean is a bit more rough here than in other countries but still nice. slides/IMG_2142.JPG slides/IMG_2137.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 Mika Stayin' Alive! Mika Stayin' Alive! slides/IMG_2137.JPG slides/IMG_2143.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 slides/IMG_2143.JPG slides/IMG_2139.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 Mika having fun on the beach. Mika having fun on the beach. slides/IMG_2139.JPG slides/IMG_2144.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 There are a lot of buildings where it looks like construction has been abandoned. It is hard to tell though, because in Bali, almost everything is built by human power. There are few construction machines. Consequently, construction takes a lot longer. There are a lot of buildings where it looks like construction has been abandoned. It is hard to tell though, because in Bali, almost everything is built by human power. There are few construction machines. Consequently, construction takes a lot longer. slides/IMG_2144.JPG slides/IMG_2158.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 Sunset at Ku De Ta restaurant on our last night. Sunset at Ku De Ta restaurant on our last night. slides/IMG_2158.JPG slides/IMG_2160.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 Sunset at Ku De Ta restaurant on our last night. Sunset at Ku De Ta restaurant on our last night. slides/IMG_2160.JPG slides/IMG_2162.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 Enjoying a cocktail while watching the sunset. Enjoying a cocktail while watching the sunset. slides/IMG_2162.JPG slides/IMG_2165.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 Sunset on Petitenget beach from the Ku de Ta restaurant. Sunset on Petitenget beach from the Ku de Ta restaurant. slides/IMG_2165.JPG slides/IMG_2174.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 Indonesian Rupia. This is 1,000,000 rupia. Indonesian Rupia. This is 1,000,000 rupia. slides/IMG_2174.JPG slides/IMG_2175.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 I'm rich [evil laugh]. Unfortunately, 1 million rupia is only about $100. It takes some getting used to. A 15,000 rupia taxi ride looks like a lot but its only about $1.50. I'm rich [evil laugh]. Unfortunately, 1 million rupia is only about $100. It takes some getting used to. A 15,000 rupia taxi ride looks like a lot but its only about $1.50. slides/IMG_2175.jpg slides/IMG_2180.html# Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:38:38 +0900 The Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 that returned us to cloudy, rainy Japan. The Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 that returned us to cloudy, rainy Japan. slides/IMG_2180.JPG