Overnight tag-team long haul west. 

Slept in, then prepped for tomorrow.

PS: Introduced to this (amongst other tracks) which got us through the night:
StereoHeroes – Action Pack (The Mixtape) by stereoheroes

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A bit of time for a few photos in the main foyer. 

For tourists who happen to be near Yokohama station with time to kill, all the cars in the current Nissan range (including export only models) and some concept cars are on display for public viewing in the foyer of their global headquarters.  Apart from the concept and race cars, cars are unlocked, free for visitors to poke around in. 

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Also home to Suderia Ferrari when the F1 was held at Fuji. 

Not the cheapest in the area, but on race weekends there may be no other options. 

Auberge Blanche Fuji

http://www.auberge-jp.com/index.html

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are still around.  Saw them with my own eyes – last week.   

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Fish whisperer at work:

Beware of ninjas!

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With unexpected good weather over this weekend, a drive out into the “country” was decided on. Heading north, the destination soon became Sera (世羅), in particular, せら夢公園 (SeraYumeKouenn – Sera Dream Park). This particular park funded by Japanese taxpayer dollars, is in the middle of nowhere. The roads leading to the park are new and wide supporting crowds of people from all over the ken. Officially opened in early April 2006, after an initial visit last year whilst my parents were visiting, this second time out did not disappoint.

Apart from an abundance amusing play equipment, of particular interest is the fog “generator”. On every hour and half hour a fine spray of water is emitted from under the metal grating emulating fog. It was discovered that staying in there for too long will result in damp hair and clothes. Apart from blowing the fog away, the cool wind blowing today also resulted in ice forming on the skin. This made for a refreshing break from the midday sun.

In order to promote the town of Sera and its local produce, located on the site are restaraunts and small stores selling all types of food, including Sera beef. Our group paid particular interest in the locally produced wine that is on display and available for free tasting at the relatively large wine store.

Although not a “main” tourist attraction by any means, if you have the time and means (and the weather forecast is positive), a pleasant drive in the Japanese countryside to wide open spaces it a great way to spend a Sunday with family/friends.

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Himeji, located approx 1 and a half hours from Hiroshima by slow (Kodama) bullet train, is home to Himeji Central Park (姫路セントラルパーク) – one part amusement park, one part safari. Spent a whole day enjoying the unusual mix of Japanese Golden week holiday madness and African safari all in the one place.

Weather was perfect if not a little warm. The amusement park had ample number of rides ranging from a tame carousel, numerous roller coasters and a bungy jump platform (wasn’t that game). “Imo Rinse” was about as wild as it got for me.

After a short drive, leaving the fun and games behind aboard the Tiger Bus (トラバス), will see you arriving at the safari park side. Passing through the Jurassic Park style gates, the double layered glass serves as a window to the African countryside. Although praying for David Attenborough style cheetahs chasing down deer action shots, as expected the cats were all having their siestas. All the other beasts put on a good show, coming up to the cars (public entry is also available for private vehicles – that do not make too much noise), eating, frolicking, defacating (elephants did in full view) and just generally DOING SOMETHING other than sleeping.

(Will work out a better way to present these photos in the not too distant future).

Then onto the “Walking Safari” where all the smaller animals are exhibited. There is a section with kangaroos, wallabies and emus. This section also presented opportunities for feeding – including the elephants, bears and giraffe.

All in all a good day out.

It also happened to be the first outing of my my new camera. Gradually worked out some settings so shots got better throughout the day. Generally, 90% of the shots were over exposed. Thank God for photo editors for making these shots presentable. Those of you with a keen eye will see the ones that have been tweaked (a lot!). I’ll be better prepared for next time!

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