Solar Eclipse

So, if you hadn't heard, there was a solar eclipse on Monday, and I have the good fortune of living in its direct path.  Hence, pictures.

About a month the event, the special "solar eclipse glasses" were being advertised in my local big-box store's advertisements, but I had no desire to shell out five dollars for a pair, especially since I was not convinced of their effectiveness.  They even had some available at the convenience stores a few weeks before.  According to one of my adult students, though, every store was pretty much sold out of them a week or so before the event.  As it was, I didn't look at it or take pictures until the sun was pretty much totally covered, and it wasn't a big deal--the only thing I can think to compare it to is looking at the moon or stars, where you can see the brightness, but it in no way hurts or strains your eyes.

However, if I start going blind(er than I already am), I'll let you know.

Cherry Blossom Season (Is Over)

Most all of my friends living in Japan have already posted their sakura (cherry blossom) pictures weeks ago; after all, the blossoms have long since fallen off the trees and been replaced by bright green leaves.  However, for a girl who had never knowingly seen a cherry blossoms before, the pictures are still exciting enough to post here, weeks after the fact.

The street that runs from my work to the "big" supermarket

Cherry blossoms at Maizuru Castle

Pathway to a temple near my apartment

Nighttime cherry blossoms at Nirasaki Station

Why, no, I don't know what that lantern says, but it's still cool!