Episode 85 - Crossing the moon

This photo was taken at Arashiyama, Kyoto.

Arashiyama is at the outskirt of Kyoto and is accessible by trains or by buses. The photo shows the landmarks of this area: Mount Arashi, Katsura River and the Togetsu Bridge.

Apart from the river side as shown in the photo, other points of interests around the area include Tenryuji, a famous Zen temple, and the Bamboo Groves. To enjoy the beauty of the Hozu River at the upper stream and the surrounding valleys, you can take the Sagano Romantic Train from Arasiyama to Kameoka and return by a boat trip down the Hozu River and back to the Katsura River.

The Togetsu Bridge is a long semi-wooden bridge crosses the Katsura River. The beautiful Mount Arashi forms a dramatic backdrop to the bridge. It is an excellent place to view cherry blossoms.

Literally, Togetsu means "crossing the moon" - it is where you can appreciate the beauty of "Mirror Flower, Water Moon".

Episode 84 - Ginger Milk Pudding (III)

I took this photo just before the pudding is consumed.

I used fresh milk and old ginger to make this pudding - a combination that guarantees success.

Old ginger is still available in the market in this season. Its juice is hot but a small amount of it is sufficient to make a nice bowl of pudding.

I have tested different types of milk. Fresh milk (high calcium low fat) appears to be the best choice. Preserved milk is not recommended.

Episode 83 - White Cattleya: Blossoms

I took this photo of the White Cattleya this morning.

The petals of the flowers are still extending and the flowers will become larger in the next few days. The flowers have started emitting fragrance. The smell is similar to that of the narcissus. However, the cattleya fragrance is not so strong and appears to be fresher.

Episode 82 - Somewhere in time

This is the Bikan Area at Kurashiki.

The Japanese word "Bikan" means "beautiful". Walking into this area, visitors soon find themselves surrounded by a large number of traditional Japanese houses. These are 17th century merchant quarters and warehouses built for the storage of rice harvested in the surrounding localities.

Running through the area is a canal lined with willows. One feels like travelling back to the Edo period whilst walking across the stone bridge over the canal.

I first visited Kurashiki in 1986 on the recommendation of my Japanese friend and have revisited it twice thereafter.

Apart from the traditional houses, the Ivy Square and the Ohara Western Art Museum nearby are also spectacular.

Kurashiki is on the west of Okayama City and is easily accessible by train. The Bikan Area is 15 minutes' walk from the Kurashiki Station. Walking maps are available at The Tourists Information Centre.

Episode 81 - White Cattleya: Flowering

The White Cattleya started flowering earlier today.

Here are some of the photos. The petals of the first flower have not yet extended. The diameter of this flower may probably be over 16 cm. It will take more than one week's time for the flower to reach its full size. It's breath taking to watch the blooming process of the orchid.

I just note that a flower shoot is growing out from my Clivia. I shall post some photos of it shortly.