Columbus Ave., August 27, 2009

Hudson Hotel, New York -- stylish but. . . .

This stylish hotel in New York was designed by Philip Stark. You can see
beutiful lines everywhere. I saw many European travelers and none
Japanese except me!

Courtyard

This chair looks good but extremely uncomfortable to sit for a long time.
Your body becomes colder and colder . . . .
Stylish but uncomfortable furniture -- I recommend to the believers of
"art for art sake". Good place for young people who want to sleep
overnight after a party in Manhattan. Their lightning is so dim and not
kind for those who have weak eyesight. Unfortunately, I did not find
good quality and professionalism of hotel service in this hotel. I give
1 star for its style.

Jyoshinji Temple, Kuhonbutsu

Visitors from Cambridge, MA

George and Ann, Harvard grad students, visited me after the Nagoya
American Studies Summer Seminar. Photos: At my office (above), at
Meiji Shrine (below)

My new nest is so comfortable!

My office moved from the fifth to the tenth floor. I have a
wonderful view from my large window -- Hotel New Otani,
Akasaka Prince Hotel, Prudential, and a tip of Tokyo Tower.
It is so reluxing on this floor. I love this new
nest very much. I can concentrate on my work so much
better on this quiet floor. -- Well, it is now in our summer
vacation. Not many people are around.

They wiped my window completely clean without any stain.
This is why I can enjoy this beautiful view. Also, I can open
the window to take a picture.

Kaishoku Michiba, an Iron Chef restaurant, in Ginza

Teruko, chef Rokusaburo Michiba, Shitsuyo, and Werner
Dessert
River fish Ayu and somen noodle
Baked tomato with cheese

All plates served were unique and creative.

Lunch at Paul Bocuse, Ginza

Tsuta-chan made these beautiful pressed-flower notebooks
for everyone. Flowers were from her own garden. Thank you
for joining us with such wonderful gifts from Kyoto!
My main today was very tender duckling meat.

Sorry everyone, I was not able to take good photos.
These were taken with my cell phone. . . . Look forward
to getting together with you all in December!