FROM TOKYO TO BRIGHTON

New Gallery

2007-10-07T11:26:00.001+01:00

Finally it's done. I put my favourite photos of Japan on a new gallery, Don't hesitate to have a look:

http://gallery.anthonychabin.com

Kyoto! (part 5)

2006-08-22T19:00:00.000+01:00

Back with more photos of Kyoto. I must finish my blog before I leave! And the departure is pretty soon. Only 2 weeks left before I go. I'll hold another blog during my trip to Japan > www.365japan.blogspot.com. That's it! Have a look on the following pics.

Certainly the most famous temple of Kyoto. The Kinkakuji (the temple of gold). Built in 1397 by the Shogun Askikaga Yoshimitsu, it became a temple of Zen after his death. Burnt in 1950 by a priest, it has been rebuilt.

Surrounded by a pond, the Kinkakuji seems to float with the reflection on the water. It's particularly gorgeous during the winter when the snow is covering the site.

Around the Kinkakuji.

Kiyomizu Dera. Built in 798, (and rebuilt in 1633) it's one of the most visited temple of Kyoto. Overhanging the city, the view on Kyoto is simply superb. Next pictures are showing it.

We can guess the Kyoto Tower.

Here again.

Otowa no taki. Drinkable, this water is supposed to have curatives proprieties. A local belief affirms that drinking the right water makes you intelligent, the middle water makes you beautiful and the left one give you long life...

A garden of foam near the Kinkakuji.

Near the Kiyomizu Dera temple, there are two stones on the ground. Those are distant of about 20 meters. If you can reach the second stone from the first one with you eyes closed, you will find the great love! But if not, it means you are gonna die the following day.

Kyoto! (part 4)

2006-05-29T19:29:00.000+01:00

Garden's pictures.

A Zen Garden. Very famous in Kyoto. Several years of learning are necessery to know how make correctly one of those.

Many years of experience in this cirlce shape.

The Ryôan-Ji. Length of 23 meters and large of 9, it was imagined by Sôami near 1455. Raked every day, it evokes the waves surrounding 15 islands represented by those stones. Wherever you stand, it's only possible to see 14 stones in the same time. For some people, this is a metaphor which means that we can never see the entire truth...

Another garden perfectly raked.

... I think I love Japanese garden...

A gardener who must be very happy to cut this bush in perfect round shape...

Kyoto! (part 3)

2006-05-29T19:06:00.000+01:00

Back again! With some more pictures of Kyoto...

A level crossing like many more in Japan

Kyoto station. Probably one of the most impressive building of this city of 1,500,000 people. Re-built in 1997 by Hiroshi Hara to celebrate the 1200th anniversary of the decision take in 794, by the empror Kanmu, to choose as capital of Japan, Heian-Kyo (nowadays known as Kyoto). Inside there are a big hotel of 539 rooms and a theatre of 900 seats. There are about 240,000 people using the station every day.

A typical view from a bedroom.

Anthony crossing the road on a bicyle, A very convenient way to move in Kyoto.

Kyoto! (part 2)

2006-03-22T14:56:00.000Z

Some more pictures of Kyoto. Most of them were take by Big Jul who is currently in Japan.

Heavy rain, again.

Antho, walking straight to the temples and others shrines near Kyoto.

An amazing gravel heap with a perfect shape.

The Ginkakuji, the "Silver Pavillon". Built in 1482 by the Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa, it was intented to compete with the "Gold Pavillon" which is, nowadays, more famous. The silver plate which gave his name, were never posed on the Ginkakuji.

Another gravel work, with an exceptionnal accuracy.

Both of them with the Ginkakuji. The quietude of the Japanese green nature...

A foam garden.

Kyoto! (part 1)

2006-03-11T19:27:00.000Z

Landed at Kansai Airport in Osaka we directly took the train for Kyoto where we stay about a week. This was our third trip to Japan and the first that we've been in Kansai plain. Kyoto is, of course, smaller than Tokyo (about 1.500.000 inhabitants). One of the old capital of Japan, Kyoto is historically very rich. Less oppressive than Tokyo, it's very pleasant to have a walk along the Kamo-gawa river and reach the hills around to visit many temples and shrines.

Probably our first common memory... As we couldn't find the Uno-House (I recommend this place for a short stay. It's not expensive and that's probably why it's not really comfortable but enough to sleep http://www.hostels.com/en/hosteldetails.php/HostelNumber.11504), Chris and I decided to have a walk around while both Julien were waiting at metro station with our luggages. All I can say, is that we walked a very long time (and most of the time in the wrong way...), asked women, men, policemen, cook working in their kitchen, taximen and eventually it's a guard who made a quick map to explain where it was... Finally, after more than a hour we found it!

Welcome to our bedroom! As I wrote below, the comfort is very rudimentary. No windows, futons quite tight... Anyway it was enough for us. I probably had my shortest night of my life in this room... For our last night in Kyoto we went in a club (of course!) and had a late party. I came back (alone, because the others came back earlier) at about 7 o'clock in the morning (completely drunk...). Find the room (and probably awoke the half house...) then sleep... 30 minutes later the alarm clock rung and we had to get up to catch the coach at 8 o'clock in Kyoto station... I don't know how we did it, but we managed (Chris, Julien and me) to be at the coach station 3 minutes before the departure of the bus. Chris totally wet after struggling with his suitcase of about 85 kilos in the metro stairs (which are quite short without anything to carry), Julien happy to be on time and me still a bit under the influence of my whisky coke... We reached Tokyo in the early night.

The Kamo-gawa river.

Some beautiful hills around Kyoto under the fog... Looks like a painting.

The heaviest rain I have ever seen in Japan. We were quietly strolling in Kyoto when suddenly the rain made us absolutely soak...

Kamo-gawa river, a quiet place to have a walk or some rest.

Crossing the river on the stones. Some of them are carved in a shape of tortoise.

Kamo-gawa river.

Probalby a tiring day for those two young women who definitely deserve some good rest along the river.

We can see one of this tortoise in the top of the picture.

The Fuji San day...

2006-03-08T18:44:00.000Z

Back again! As promised, here there are some more pictures of the mount Fuji. Thanks to Julien, I could get those photos just before he leaves (lucky him, leaving for Japan next Monday!!... the fashion shows are wainting for him!). I also wanted to say a big thanks to Hiro, Chizuru and Yoshie, we really had an unforgetable day!

The majestic Mount Fuji, standing prouldy in the heart of Japan. A symbol high of 3776 meters.

Hiro's van! A long way by night to get there. We were listen to The Beatles Album on the road and the thing which is amazing is that the music excatly stop when Hiro stoped the van with the feet of the Fuji San. On the pic, we can see Hiro, probably looking for some cigarettes.

Here we are! All waiting for the sun to come out of the clouds!

Julien (said Ronron...) and me. Don't worry Ronron doesn't really have this face.

Chris... who can't stop to make this joke.

Julien again... amazingly here!

We weren't alone on the good spot. When we arrived here, there were only one car... hope we didn't disturb them!

It will come... in few seconds!!

Still waiting.... Chris, Chizuru, Yoshie saying hello, me (calling for the sun to come... great joke) and Julien who can not be normal on a photo!

Chizuru with the hair in the wind...

Finally! The sun is lighting the top of the Mount Fuji, the show is begining!

The sun over a sea of clouds...

Yoshie is filled with wonder by the spectacle. It looks like she was gazing at an Angel. Behind, Hiro is probably worried because he couldn't find his cigaettes.

Gorgeous...

Now the whole moutain is under the sun light.

Hiro and Yoshie holding the sun.

Me, Chris and Julien... all very cold but delighted by what we saw.

It's time to get in the car to have a look around.

After being a bit worried by the weather, the clouds all gone and we could admire the Fuji San. The weather was exceptionnal.

Not excatly in winter yet, there wasn't so much snow on the top.

The whole Fuji is his famous typical shape... After a walk near the lake we went to an Onsen (previous post). Then we went back to Tokyo.

An evening in Roppongi Hills

2006-01-30T20:21:00.000Z

Back again! Here, there some pics of our second trip. It was when I went to the Mori Tower, a pretty new building in Roppongi Hills. 238 meters high. I don't remember where I took those pictures actually... it's a mix between views from the Mori Tower and Tokyo Tower... anyway it doesn't really matter...

One of the main area of Tokyo, Shinjuku.

Finally! I could admire the mystic Mount Fuji. Called Fuji-San in Japanese (that we could translate by "Mr. Fuji"), the mountain is 3776 meters high which the highest in Japan. Climbing the volcano was long prohibited because it was sacred and said to be the home of the Shinto Goddess. Athought dormant for three centuries, the Japanese fear and venerate the moutnain whose anger could totally change the face of the region.

...

I saw many adverts in the subway for these twin towers, standing proudly near the Mori Tower

Even from here, everything remains mysterious.

Highway going straight to Shibuya.

Another highway dividing strictly this jungle of concrete.

Here, we can see Odaiba, which is artificial island build on Tokyo Bay mainly for the enterainments, shopping or attractions. The famous illuminations around Roppongi Hills. During Christmas time it's very pleasant to have walk there while those thousands bulbs are lightning the streets.

Japan, sept - oct 2004 (part 1)

2006-01-20T23:50:00.000Z

Currently, there is only one part. What is quite paradoxal, because we stayed there about 5 weeks (our longer stay). But this time, I didn't bring any camera. I only took some pictures with my mobile I bought in Kyoto. We arrived in Osaka (Kansai Airport), went to Kyoto by train for a about a week, then go to Tokyo. There is a lot to say about this trip ( a lot of friends came this time. Us, Tim, J.P, Anthony, Serge, Maurice and his friend Dorothée). I'm waiting for further photos from my friends. So, more about Japan still to come!!!

The Fuji Crew! (me, Big Jul, Julien and Chris) Thanks to Yoshie, Chizuru and Hiro we could go to the Fuji-San for the sun rising... magnificent, unforgetable! We left Shibuya late in the night and arrived in the early morning to admire to sun coming out from the horizon. It was a kind of magic moment. During all the day we could enjoy this amazing mountain... there was no clouds it was really gorgeous. Our friends also brings us to an Onsen. We were just delighted when we were sitting on the bath gazing the mount Fuji by the huge windows. But everybody were also looking at us, maybe because we had a pink towel (intended for the women) while everybody's got a blue one... This day, we also met the greatest smoker, ever. Hiro. I don't know if he was taking part of an experience to know how many cigarettes can support a man in a day, but all I can say is that he was always smoking... Anyway, a big thanks to him! I can wait to go there again (I hope I can climb the Fuji next time!).

Julien during a fashion show. He looks great, indeed! I went to the casting with him (easy to find in the newspapers) but I've never been choose... Anyway, we had lots of fun and it was the opportunity to met new people and to discovered Tokyo from another view as well.

THE appartment in Tamachi. Both Julien, Chris, Serge and Anthony (on the sofa) stayed there but not all in the same time. It was really enjoyable and convenient. Come on! smile guys!

Our last night in Tokyo. Isn't it bar, Roppongi. With Tim drinking a tequila, he had no choice, he was forced by this girl... a real bully! what a difficult moment for him but now he's ok.

My futur car... Nissan Skyline. But for me there is only one colour for a car: black. Can't wait to drive it! (maybe I should take my driving liscence first...)

But... I was hesitating with this one even if it's a bit "too much". I think it's a Honda NSX, not sure about that.

Japan, winter 2003/04 (part 4)

2006-01-20T12:57:00.000Z

That's it! The fourth and last part of our second trip.

Pictures took from the Yamanote Line.

Write a wish and attached the small piece of paper on the string. It will come true! There are plenty of Shrines and Temples in Japan. One of them is the biggest wooden construction in the world (Kyoto), really impressive.

Chûken Hachiko! The faithful dog. A morning of may 1925, Hachi accompanied his master (like every morning actually) to the Shibuya station. Unfortunately, his master, the Professor Ueno, never came back, victim of a heart attack. Despite his death, his dog still waited for him faithfuly at the station. He came and sit there several years long and got feed by the population. Hachiko became famous and many tourists came from around to see and touch him. Hachiko died the 7 march 1935, excatly in the same place where he used to wait for his master. A bronze statue was made by Teru Ando in his honnor. Now it's another statue which stand near Shibuya station carved by Takeshi Ando (Teru's son). The original one had to be melt for the need of the first war. Every 7 march there is the Chûken Hachiko Matsuri in the honnor of his fidelity and loyality.

Futur model!

Some office buildings you can see from the top of the Governemental Tower in Shinjuku (entrance free).

The Mori Tower by night, Roppongi Hills. There is an Art Gallery on the top of this building with a gorgeous panoramic view on Tokyo. The Christmas illumination in this area were particularly beautiful.

Sometimes, when you are waiting for a train, you have nothing else to do than take pictures...

Rock band in the street next to the Landmark Tower in Yokohama.

I wish I had my flat on the top of this tower, near Roppongi Hills.

Japan, winter 2003/04 (part 3)

2006-01-19T20:13:00.000Z

One more part still to come.

The New Year 's night. Isn't bar in Roppongi. Amazingly it wasn't the best party I had in Tokyo. The place was really too crowded. Fortunately, Julien could enjoy this night with us. At the end of the party on the way back, we saw Antonio Nogueira (to who knows about K1). It doesn't look the biggest on a ring but in the street... he's actually.

The most amazing is that they always wake up at the good stop (that what we think at least... maybe they are sometimes totaly lost but let nothing betray their embarrassment).

The train you should take to reach Ueno from Narita (You can take the regional train as well, which is cheaper but slowier of course!). The Skyliner is the perfect instance of the japanese efficacity. Just have a look how they clean up each waggon while you're wainting on the quay. The turning seats are surprising as well. I told Chris! told you, the Skyliner does exist!

One of our greatest night in Shibuya! The Womb. What a club! Julien, Guy and me went there for the first time. After a tour around the rooms, we decided to sit at a table. What should we drink? Tequila! After 4 -5 glasses we started to feel completely at ease. The barman became our best friend and after finishing the first bottle, he offered us one more turn, nice. Before being completely drunk we talked to 3 japaneses next to our table... of course those two playboys (Julien and Guy) talked to the two women while I was talking to the only guy... (finally it was better to talk with him as I discovered he was graphic designer, like me. His site: www.tlgf.com great design!). Afterwards, we went on the dancefloor. While we were dancing, Julien and I asked each other where was Guy. We had a look to the toilets and we found him in the same position that you see in the picture... eheh! The "guards" were a bit embarrassed and wanted to take him out. What we did after some apologises to them, still very confused... Of course Guy threw up his dinner on the Wombs walls but nobody noticed it (but the day after, they surely did). As it was only 3-4 o'clock in the morning, we wait for the train in a "restaurant". Nice night where Guy showed to us (and the Womb crew) what he was able to do...

Sleepin' guy.

Before my first trip to Japan, a friend of mine told me that the sky was never blue in Tokyo. Pardon? The sky was blue, almost everyday during our winter trip. Particularly after a typhoon (but this is rather during the summer). This day in Shinjuku must have been a great day to watch the Fuji-San.

Why did Julien stay in bed almost all the time? He went to Japan three times and was ill two times... Fortunately Chizuru and Yoshie bought him this adhesive plaster to put on the front head! I don't know if he looked better but felt better, probably...

The regretted "Red Jack" in Shibuya. The first bar where we've gone, now closed. It really was a tiny pub with maybe 6 or 7 seats. I might have finish the "Get 27" bottle this night... (maybe the first and last time they saw a guy drinking this strange green liquid as they looked very surprised when I asked for some).

Waiting for the concert to start (I know I've already done it...)? No, just for my friend(s). Hachiko, saturday night. The meeting point of our each party night. It's funny how many people are talking to their friends on the phone whereas just five meters are separating them.

A very nice photography took by Big Jul.

New Year Party. We celebrated midnight in the pub (before going to a club) where was working Tomoko "the kangoo". Not much people were there but the atmosphere was great . Of course we did the famous joke which is to count 10... 9... 8... etc two minutes before midnight umh... Michael Jackson also did a short appearance (behind, on the left). Tomoko's boss said he was glad to have had us this night because we were funny (majide??)

Mr. Barman. I usually drink Whisky and coke.

The famous Bingo! I have to admit that we've cheated a little... As most of the time nodoby yelled "bingo!!", Guy (in the picture) decided to shout "bingo!!" even if it didn't get the good number picked by Tomoko... He won umh... I don't know in English (he's carrying it in the pic). Then Julien also get a gorgeous gas ligther! in the same way... sorry about that.

Japan, winter 2003/04 (part 2)

2006-01-15T13:06:00.000Z

Some new pics (eh! what a surprise!)

The quiet face the Buddha of Kamakura. We went there with Yoshie and Chizuru. Really an unforgetable day (Just a thought for Julien, who stayed in the guest house to look after our stuffs).

You can realise the size of the big bronze Buddha (I think its about 30 meters). It's possible to get inside.

Sunset in Kamakura. I'm sure there are some cleaner and more pleasant places in Japan (don't trust the picture...). Anyway, it always enjoyable to be near the sea even in Kamakura.

As you could see in the previous picture, the waves aren't huge... so I think this guy just came back home hoping for better days to come...

The NTT Tower, Shinjuku. You can notice a mosquito who tried to crashed himself in the building. Depressed?

The Bee Lounge in Shibuya. Very posh and smart. Nice place to have a drink. Similar the Insomnia Lounge. I went there with Chizuru and Yoshie (who is in the picture). I met her in a small bar next to Tama Ryokan (where we stayed for our first trip to Tokyo). The Billy's. It was small and she worked there with Go (they've been fired now). Julien and I sometimes had a drink there when we didn't want to take the train. Then we started to know her and get on well. Afterwards we had some good moment all together. She also introduce us to Chizuru. Hope to meet them again soon!

That's true... We collect what we have sowed! The use of French in Japan is sometimes quite funny! Have a look on this site (better if you understand french even if I don't always see what they mean): http://npu4.free.fr/dotclear/index.php

Landmark Tower, Yokohama. 253 meters. Quite impressive! and the lift is one the fastest in the world and you almost don't notice if it goes up or down. We went there by night and for 1000 yen you can admire Tokyo by night, not to be missed! Tokyo by day as well...

Had a late night?

It was simply the first time of my life that I saw a turning escalator. Amazing.

Watching TV while he's waiting for the train (no... this not a screen, even if we are in Japan!)

The Ten Ten guest house in Takadanobaba. Maybe one of the cheapest place where to sleep in Tokyo (about 1000 to 1500 yen per night). The comfort is rudimentary and you are quite tightened. My friends sleeped is this small room (Julien almost 2 weeks non-stop) with another guy who came from Thailand. He was working in a car factory and was here since several months. He still might be there (I hope not for him!). Anyway, if you don't want to waste money in a Ryokan or an Hotel, this place is for you! There is a kitchen too. http://www.tokyo-guesthouse.com/

Some more of Brighton

2006-01-14T18:08:00.000Z

Well, more pics of Brighton. That's it. Really don't want to write.

Bernard (our teacher - still sorry for the Albion... -), Thomas, me, Yuuuuuka!, Roger, Hyun-Jae and Yong. Our last dinner after our last lesson. We ate Chinese. I remember that I asked the waiter if they had sweet curry, he laughed on me replying me that it doesn't exist (??)... Yuka told me yes, that's why I wanna go back to Japan!

Satoshi and I after playing football. One of us is wearing the shirt of the greatest team ever. What happened with your right arm Satoshi?

Roger and Sylvain. When I watch your face Sylvain, I understand why you ordered a tee!

Thomas, me and Juliano the "Brazilian Lover"..!

In front of the famous King and Queen! I can't remember what we did after this... (why?)

Japan, winter 2003/04 (part 1)

2006-01-13T17:57:00.000Z

This is our second trip to Japan. This time Chris stayed in Geneva and I went there with Guy and the two Julien. We stayed there for 2 weeks and spent Christmas and the New Year Eve in Tokyo. I think I prefer the cool weather of the winter to the crushing and humid heat of the summer. The sky was blue almost everyday but it was very windy the first days (my ears don't want to live that again!). I was told that it snowed in a morning but I was sleeping deeeeeeply... and as I'm also very lazy I'll stop writing now.

Near the Imperial Palace. Nice picture took by Big Jul!

A night in the Vuenos, Shibuya (with Julien, Chizuru, Yoshie, Guy and Julien). Some real good hip-hop with breakdance show. Also a night where I lost a watch and 1500 yen... I was "cleaning" my pocket, put my stuffs on the bar, said "hello" to my friend dancing in the crowd (I don't know why) then nothing left on the bar... then I decided to order more tequila.

Squirrel came from the tree to eat this delicious popcorn left by a tourist.

A squirrel who had his minute of glory, acclaimed (kawai! kawai!) and photographied.

What a great feeling to be in the skin of a rein especially with the Father Christmas by your side.

Sunset from Ginza.

Well, I live in the sixth floor with view underneath the highway. Those monsters of concrete divided Tokyo in a huge puzzle where you better know where you go!

umh...

Everything is a pretext to creation!

We were a bit surprise when we saw this Countach in Shibuya with nobody in! Then we realised that the young japanese driver was just explaining his way to think to the taxi-driver in front of him.

Some people getting in and out of the train. It's impressive how Tokyo is served and the timetables are more accurate than a Rolex... (I thought nothing was more precise than a Rolex!)

The amazing architecture of the Fuji TV building in Odaiba. I didn't go there, I probably had a late night... (Nice blue picture Guy.)

am-pm, seven eleven, lawson... It save my life several times (my stomac, at least!). It's amazing all you can do there. Withdraw money, pay bills, send letters, packages and buy food and drink of course. Open 24/24.

Japan, summer 2003 (part 3)

2006-01-13T10:40:00.000Z

That's the last part of "Japan, summer 2003".

Naoto and Mieko walking in green japanese nature. Thanks to them, I came to Japan. I met them six years ago in Cheltenham (UK) in a English school. Before leaving Cheltenham, I made the promise to visit Japan, that's what I did almost 2 years ago now. I'm looking forward to meeting them again next time I go there.

Naoto in his van. Thanks to him, we had a great day in Hakone. Unfortunately the weather was terrible. Not rainy but soooo foggy. We couldn't see the Fuji-San but instead of that we discovered Onsen... but I advise anyone who go Onsen for the first time to go with someone "who know" how to behave there.

I went to this restaurant in Shibuya with Naoto and Mieko. We ate okonomiyaki... delicious. You have an hot tray in the middle of the table and you have to "cook" by yourself.

The street of our "Ryokan". The first day we arrived, we had no problems to get until here (Narita to Ueno then Yamanote line until Takadanobaba) but once in this small lane, we looked like four tourists totally lost. We couldn't find the entrance. Then an old man called us. Took our "map" and immediately found the entrance (we were almost in front of it...). I recommend this Ryokan. Quite cheap and very convenient (1 min from the station and Baba is very close to Shinjuku, Shibuya...). www.tamaryokan.com

Our room with Julien. Wide room, very quiet by night and even if the futon looks very thin I can assure that the sleep is deep..!

I knew that there was a lot of signs in the street, but not so much! It gives a lot of colours to the city.

Imperial Palace park. We had a long walk this day. Through the city and the park. I remember that we passed a huge queue. People were waiting wisely for the "Sex Machine Gun" concert.

The famous "Fugu". You need a special liscense to cook this fish because there are some part of it which can be lethal.

Nice picture took by Julien.

You can't miss the temple if you go to Asakusa.

Asakusa by night. After visiting the market and bought some souvenirs, we walked around. It's a very pleasant and quiet area with small buildings and many restaurants.

Japan, summer 2003 (part 2)

2006-01-13T00:14:00.000Z

I can't sleep right now... so I've decided to do the part 2. Here we are, some new pics...

Netherlands has Heineken, USA Budweiser (I'm not sure, anyway...), Ireland Guiness and Japan Asahi! and the Japanese like beer... I was the witness of some funny situations. A young guy throwing up his whole noddles in the train (classic...), or this salary man who was sleeping on Baba square near the station and left his laptop turned on next to him and this man trying to "reanimate" his friend who had his head on the road, his legs on the pavement and his arms lost in a bike wheel! I have to admit that I wasn't always sober...

A long walk in Ginza this day! We can see the Tokyo Tower which looks like the Eiffel Tower from this point of view. But the Tokyo tower is higher than the the French one (333 meters against 321). I went to the top. The panorama is beautiful even if it's a bit expensive! From Shinjuku (Governmental Tower) the view is the same and it's free.

Ryokogu Hall next to the Edo Museum near Asakusa. Where sumo, wrestling takes place. I'm remember this rainy day. We wanted to visit the Edo Museum but it was closed. On the way back to the train a japanese man were looking at us and then started to talk with me. He asked me where I was from and this sort of questions. It was short but this kind of meeting is always enjoyable!

As much as I can remember, he never took off... Wrestling isn't my cup of tee, but Chris is mad about it! We paid 7000 yen and get a good seat. For 10.000 yen you are sitting just next to the ring. It was an impressive show and I quite appreciate it even if it would have been better to see K1 or even better, sumo!

Quite funny...

View from Takadanobaba station.

Far away, on the right you can guess the Mori Tower of Roppongi. Picture took from Shinjuku.

The night of my 21st birthday. Me, Chris and Julien (unfortunately the other Julien was a bit sick). He missed a great night! It was great until I realised that I had lost the small piece of paper with a phone number... Sorry about this Chris m(_ _ )m , but I was sorry for me too...

Japan, summer 2003 (part 1)

2006-01-12T22:35:00.000Z

Well, as I went three times to Japan I want to share some pictures of those trips. Our first trip was almost 2 years ago. I went to Tokyo for 18 days with Julien, Julien (yes, 2 Julien) and Chris. Those following pictures are not in a chronological order and instead of long text I prefer to write some short legends in relation with the picture. I also called this site TOKYO2006 because my project is to go there for a year in 4 - 6 months. Still a lot to do and a long way is ahead, anyway I'll do it!

Tokyo! Concrete Jungle. It's grey until the horizon. But what a pleasure to lost his way in the biggest maze I've ever seen. Always somewhere to go, something to discover, someone to meet. I love Tokyo.

Shinjuku by night! I've never gone out in Shinjuku. But many japanese advised me this place much better than Shibuya which is for younger people.

On the way to Odaiba... I really like this picture.

The 109 in Shibuya.

Waiting for the concert to start? No, just crossing the road (Shibuya Station).

Near Harajuku. It's surprising to see in country like Japan these hundred cables running in every single street.

Everywhere! They are everywhere (except in Ginza which is too posh and smart) Thirsty? Hot? Cold? for every taste! It remind me a bad situation... (it was during my third trip, so I knew a bit of Tokyo). It was 3 a.m., I was in Harajuku and I had to go back to my home in Naka-Meguro. No money, no map just my instinct. I came across in front of this kind of distributor and manage to find 200 yen in my pocket!! Dr. Pepper please! (I don't really like this kind of weird japanese sodas...). Then I started to walk. I asked a taxi-driver for my direction (when he understood that I didn't want his taxi, he stopped talking to me), ask policeman as well... finally I found the railway and followed it until Naka-Meguro station. I really enjoyed walking 2 hours in Tokyo by night!

It's amazing how this fake food made of wax looks real!! Many restaurant propose this kind of menu, much more easy to understand!

I don't excatly remember what this building is. Design by Philip Starck it really look like a big shit of gold, hum...

Tokyo Dome. What a f**king hot day this day!!! Nothing special to do there except if you like attraction! I remember a base-ball store as well but I don't really mind about base-ball.

In some places in Tokyo, you are not allowed to smoke outside! As this pavement remind it. Anyway it's not really advise to smoke in the street. First your cigarette will put out because of the humidity then you will spit black at the end of the day...

More pictures from Brighton

2006-01-12T11:21:00.000Z

Here, there are some new pictures took by Roger who has a very efficient tackle...

Eurocentre FC. Football every Wednesday afternoon Preston Park. I really enjoyed those moments.

My classmates with Bernard our teacher (I'm sorry for the Albion...)

Hyun-Jae, Roger and Hide in Walkabout. We had some parties there!

Andrea, me, Roger and Masumi in Standart... had good parties there as well!

Ki! That's the game! In Hyun-Jae Flat. I'll explain the rules of this game later... but all you have to know is "throw'n'drink!"

Some people a bit drunk after a "Ki"...

Back from Brighton

2006-01-12T00:40:00.000Z

To start my blog, I wanted to put some pictures from Brighton where I've stayed 3 months (from October to December 05). I keep great memories from this trip. I also met some special people (special dedication to Thomas, Roger, Sylvain, Lorenzo, Hyun-Jae, Yong, Chang, Choi, Oktay, Yuka, Juliano, Andrea, Erkan, Hoe-Jae, Ik Seong, Jang, Jun, Satoshi, Yosuke, Hiro, Tetsuma, Hide and at least but not last Masumi). Probably more text and picture will come.

Playing pro evolution soccer... Completely absorbed by the game. I love this picture, fun. It remind that I got pretty good results (remember Chang?)

Let me introduce you the best student in the world... mister Hoe Jae! Hope you're still enjoying football!

Seven Sisters. A gorgeous place near Brighton. It was the first time that I got up so early on a Sunday morning since many years (about 9 o'clock, yes 9, this is early for me!).

Lots of cows are eating grass on the top of the cliffs because the this grass is salted then the meat is good! By the way, cows have seven stomacs.

But what a good idea to go there, simply one of my best memory, and the weather was... you can see it!

Can you recognise him (with the cap)? the best student in the world! In the back, Ik Seong, who introduce me to a beautiful girl... Hey! I hope you've done something with her!! and THE North Korean girl.

Simply beautiful. I wish I took this photo. It was take by Sylvain my house-mate (are you okay with Nathalie!?). The West Pier which burnt few years ago. I was told that the bird's shits (you can't imagine how many birds live there!) help to propagate the fire very quickly because its was very flammable...

During our first days, walking down the see front with Thomas and Lorenzo (guys on the right with me)

Roger, the guy who loves moles..! At the King and Queen a huge pub in Brighton. How many pool games, Premiership matches watched, Jack D and coke drunk? I can't count... One of my favourite place there!

Old Trafford, "The Theatre of Dreams". This evening was rather the theatre of boredom than dream. Anyway what a great moment and feeling to have been there. Manchester United - Lille 0 - 0. United I love u!!!

Our lounge. A place where I ate a lot of pizza, played chess and ,of course, met many people.