Travel for Life

Art or Photo?  Can You Tell the Difference? Liu Yunsheng 刘云生 In the video below, the YouTube creator  @Garden-of-Epicurus  brings us into the captivating world of artist  Liu Yunsheng , born in Laizhou City, China, in 1937.  Liu began his artistic journey in the oil painting department of Shandong University of Arts, but his true passion resided in watercolor. After graduating in 1963, he became a researcher at the China Academy of Engineering Physics. However, it was after his retirement that he truly dedicated himself to watercolor painting. Liu Yunsheng: Capturing the Soul of Tibet in Watercolor Paintings (YouTube link ) Master of Watercolor and the Art of Soulful Expression Watercolor painting demands a delicate touch, a keen eye for detail, and a great deal of patience, but Liu was up to the challenge. Chinese watercolor painting, which merges with the traditional style called "Danqing," possesses a unique elegance and sophistication. Liu did not confine hi...

Dino-mite playground fun! Matsumoto City Alps Park , nestled against the Japanese Alps, is a beautiful green space with family-friendly amenities. Known for its stunning mountain views and serene atmosphere, the park is especially loved for its expansive playground, a haven for children. The playground features colorful equipment that stimulates imagination and physical activity, including climbing structures, slides, swings, and sandbox areas, all surrounded by lush greenery. In addition to the playground, the park offers walking trails for nature walks and picnics, and hosts various events throughout the year, such as festivals and concerts, providing entertainment for families. Matsumoto City Alps Park (YouTube  link ) Piggy, piggy, so sweet!  (YouTube link ) Photo Gallery On April 5, 2024, I rode a public bus to visit the park. I spent around half a day there. For anyone who wants to visit the park without a car, they need to check the last bus leaving the summit before h...

The majestic Kanazawa Castle, framed by a row of blossoming cherry trees Kanazawa Castle , a historic landmark in Japan, is renowned for its stunning beauty, especially during the cherry blossom season . The castle, once a powerful fortress, is now surrounded by a picturesque park, transformed into a sea of pink and white blossoms. Key Points Here's why  Kanazawa Castle Park   ⭐ is definitely worth a visit : Stunning scenery: The park is filled with lush greenery, including cherry blossoms in the spring and autumn foliage. Historic significance: The castle itself is a reconstruction, but the surrounding park and its buildings offer a glimpse into Japan's feudal past. Relaxing atmosphere: The park is a great place to take a leisurely stroll, have a picnic, or simply enjoy the tranquility. Nearby attractions: Kanazawa Castle Park is located near other popular attractions in Kanazawa, such as Kenrokuen Garden and the Higashi Chaya District. If you're interested in Japane...

Frequency words in Japanese (YouTube  link ) Frequency adverbs in Japanese are used to indicate how often something happens. Here are some common ones: 毎日 (mainichi): Every day いつも (itsumo): Always たいてい (taitei): Usually よく (yoku): Often ときどき (tokidoki):  Once in a while あまり (amari): Not so often めったに (metta ni): Rarely ほとんど (hotondo): Hardly ever ぜんぜん (zenzen): Never Example Sentence 毎日ジムに行きます。 (Mainichi jimu ni ikimasu): I go to gym every day. 全然ジムに行き ま せん。 (Zenzen jimu ni ikimasen):  I never go to gym.

In 1974, Yasue Takaaki (1898-1997) established the Yasue Gold Leaf Museum in Kanazawa with a vision to preserve the intricate art of goldbeating and gold leaf craftsmanship for future generations. This unique museum, one of the few in the world dedicated solely to gold leaf, offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the goldbeating process, showcasing the tools used and displaying exquisite art and craft pieces adorned with gold and gold leaf. A Journey Through Gold Leaf Crafts The Art of Goldbeating Kanazawa gold leaf is a centuries-old Japanese art form. It starts with a gold ingot that's stretched very thin and then beaten thousands of times. Special paper called haku-uchigami  箔打紙 is used to help shape the gold. The finished gold leaf is incredibly thin and strong. The Art of Gold Leaf Unveiled (YouTube link ) The Making of Haku-uchigami Haku-uchigami  箔打紙 is made by immersing Ganpish ガンピッシュ, a type of handmade Japanese paper, in a lye mixture containing water, ri...

"Hi" in Japanese in 7 Different Situations! (YouTube link ) The above video outlines 7 different situations for saying "Hi" in Japanese: Morning:  Ohayou gozaimasu  おはよう ございます (formal) or ohayou  おはよう (informal) Daytime:  Konnichiwa  こんにちは (formal and informal) Use this greeting after 12pm to 5-7 pm only (not the whole day) Evening:  Konbanwa  こんばんは (formal and informal) Meeting a Friend:  あ、じゅん [Name] (informal) or あ、 美和子さん [Name-sanさん] (formal) For this occasion, you can also use yahhoo やっほー For men, you can use Ou おう 、Yo  よ 、 or Ussu  うっ す . Japanese likes to add あin front of every greetings.  For example, あ、おはよう ございます Meeting Someone for the First Time in a While:  Ohisashiburidesu  お久しぶり です  (formal) or hisashiburi  久しぶり (informal) Visiting Someone's House as a Guest:  Ojamashimasu  お邪魔します (formal) Any Time of the Day:  Otsukaresamadesu お疲れ様です  ( Informal )  or Otsukar...

Locals partaking in hanami beneath the trees lining the river As we strolled through the Higashi Chaya District , the Asano River gracefully flowed beside us. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom, their delicate petals creating a stunning canopy along the riverbanks. It was a picturesque scene, with locals gathered under the trees, partaking in the traditional hanami celebrations, enjoying the beauty of the blossoms and the serene atmosphere. Visiting Date: 04/14/2024 Location:  Higashi Chaya District , Kanazawa A serene stroll along the Asano River (YouTube  link )

Picture of geisha dancing Higashi Chaya District  ⭐is a historic district located in Kanazawa, Japan, known for its well-preserved traditional teahouses and geisha culture . It offers a glimpse into the city's Edo-period heritage and provides a charming atmosphere for visitors to explore. Key features of Higashi Chaya District: Traditional teahouses:  The district is home to numerous preserved teahouses, offering a glimpse into the world of geisha and traditional Japanese culture. Charming architecture:  The wooden buildings and narrow streets create a nostalgic and picturesque atmosphere. Cultural experiences:  Visitors can enjoy traditional tea ceremonies, geisha performances, and other cultural activities in the district. Shopping and dining:  The district also offers a variety of shops and restaurants, where visitors can purchase souvenirs or enjoy local cuisine. Higashi Chaya District  is a popular destination for tourists seeking a unique and authenti...