Jingu (Shrine) Photos

Hi, friends!  I am going to write about my trip to Ise Jingu (Ise Grand Shrine).
I came to the shrine with Geater's upon my arrival to Ise, but it was too stormy to take any photographs then.

It was really nice and sunny today and Hanna's friend was visiting from Sydney, Australia, so we decided to go to the shrine after having sushi feast!

Majority of Japanese people visit shrines and temples in Oshogatsu (New Year Celebration) to pray for coming year to be prosperous.  It seemed already busy even though there are 2 more days until the new year's day.

I wonder what Mao and Kiyoka were praying for...Sweets and toys maybe?

How are you spending your winter holiday in UK?

Work Experience

Hi, there!
I have come to Hanna's work today.  She works as a translator/ an international product certification representative.  She has two monitors in front of her and is kept busy from 9-6.
Because new year holiday is valued more than Christmas in Japan, I learned that most of Japanese companies are open until the 29th of December and closed until the 5th of January.
Winter break for kids starts from the 22nd of Dec. and they have approximately 2 weeks holiday.
That's it for today.  Keep warm and have a wonderful winter holiday!!!

Drawing of me

Are you having wonderful winter break?
I would like to share a drawing of me, a present from Mao.
Mao has drawn this to send it to Mei and Lily.
Do you all like it?

Cow Festival in Matsusaka

Hi, I went to Ushimatsuri in Matsusaka last weekend!  Ushi means cow and matsuri means festival in Japanese, I learned.  Matsusaka-ushi (cow) is a famous brand beef in Japan.
Kiyoka has showed me around the venue and we have tried some tasty festival food.  Festival food in Japan is awesome.  There were a variety of sweets and savory food - I tried BBQ Beef and Banana Crepe.
Later, I went to see the exhibition where Matsusaka cows are being auctioned and learned a lot about cows.
Average size of a cow of 2 years old; weighs approximately 633kg, approx.226cm in body length, approx.131cm in height and chest measurement is approx. 221cm, can you imagine how big they are compared to me?!  Since I was not allowed to go close to the real cow, I took a photograph near the poster.
It's time for bed now, I will be visiting Mao&Kiyoka's mother, Hanna's work tomorrow!

Cam Bear's Arrival

Hi!  It has been a while!
It's me, Cam Bear!  After 12 hours of flying, a few hours of driving, I arrived Ise-city, Mie-Prefecture, Japan with the Geater's.  On the day I arrived, the first place I visited was Ise Grand Shrine, but it was too stormy to take photographs.  I will indeed be visiting the shrine again whilst my stay in Ise and share photos with you.

I am now with Hanna's family.  I will be hanging around with two girls, Mao is 9 years old, Kiyoka is 7 years old.  I will soon be posting more stories from Japan!