Kobe Luminarie 2009

After taking the proficiency test, some friends and I stayed in Kobe to check out the Luminarie light display.

We bypassed the tunnel walk - it was packed - and walked the short cut to the finale. It was an impressive light structure with the lighting architecture (donated by the Italian government) taking on the feel of a cathedral and the look of stained glass. Take a look.

From a distance


A light palace

Woo! So good

The Luminarie is now an annual event, lighting up Kobe for about two weeks in December. It is displayed in commemoration of the victims and devastation of the Great Hanshin Earthquake in January 1995. And it's a reminder of just how much Kobe has florished since. Amazing.

Each light is individually hand painted


I couldn't stop taking photos! It's impressive.
Each year is a different design.


This was the light tunnel we bypassed

And I couldn't help taking video too! Maybe it captures some of the atmosphere of standing inside the lights. Check it out.

Inside the Kobe Luminarie (30 seconds)

And to top off a really great day, we found a Vietnamese restaurant in the San Plaza in Sannomiya's center gai to have dinner. Yum.

Steamed rolls with the best sauce ever!

A selection of good Vietnamese food

By the way, results of the proficiency test will be posted late February. I can't wait to find out my score. I studied a lot, so I found parts of the test quite easy, but the listening ... oow - it could be my undoing!

Until then,
Monica x

Mount Rokko

I spent a wonderful day with a fabulous group of people exploring Mount Rokko, Kobe, last Monday.

Us

We ascended by ropeway


Taking in the view


First stop was the Hall of Halls
Music Box Museum...


... where we saw many antique-esque music organs


This Decap Dance Organ lit up and played automatically -
together with accordians and percussion: Wow!


Group shot in front of the "Harvest" automatic organ


Then we moved onto the Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden


The leaves here are starting to turn early


The koi were big here, and obviously hungry


The climate here is similar to that of Southern Hokkaido


Something unusual


Ah-ha. I found a flower.

After this, we ventured to Mount Maya where we waited to see the lights of Kobe. Minasan, arigatou. Totemo tanoshikatta desu!

Until next mountain adventure,
Monica

Kobe's Night View

This time yesterday, I was atop Mount Maya in Kobe - 698.6 metres above ground and frozen, but taking in the most fabulous night view of the city.

Upon dusk


You can identify major Kobe and Osaka landmarks using the map


Beyond sunset


Nightfall

I think this view is more impressive than the Nagasaki night view from Mount Inasa. I'm glad I waited to see it, despite the major chill factor.

More about Kobe later,
Monica