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Naha’s annual Otsunahiki (giant tug-of-war) has its roots in a centuries’ old local custom, when ceremonial tug-of-war events were held to pray for rain or prosperity. The custom faded out in the 1930s, but in 1971, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Naha Municipal Government, the tug-of-war made a comeback. Now an annual event, the Naha Giant Tug-of-War is held to pray for the prosperity of Okinawa and the good health of participants, and attracts more than 250,000 spectators each year.
The enormous rope, which was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s biggest straw rope, is 200 meters in length and weighs 43 tons. With side ropes attached for pulling, the tug-of-war can accommodate up to 15,000 participants for this lively competition, which usually lasts for 20 or 30 minutes.
www.ar.jal.com/world/en/guidetojapan/detail/index.html?sp...
The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it.
"Exploring The Myth of Shangri-La"
West China : Day 7
Back to the town, Langmusi
Langmusi (Tatsang Lhamo in Tibetan) is a lovely little Tibetan town of the Amdo prefecture, on the border of Sichuan and Gansu provinces. Population only about 3500 to 4000, Langmusi proudly boasts two major monasteries, a mosque and a functioning sky burial ground, all situated in a breathtaking canvas. It has one major street and a rushing creek running through the town center. To the north of the creek is the Sertri Monastery in Gansu, to the south the Kirti Monastery in Sichuan.
© Sayid Budhi ~ All rights reserved 2011
The 5 day Hakodate Port Festival takes place every year from August 1 to 5, and is the largest summer festival in Hakodate city!
In particular, 20,000 citizens dancing the Squid Dance during Wasshoi Hakodate is an amazing sight to behold! The Squid Dance consists of a simple choreography that anyone can learn, so you can quickly get the hang of it by mimicking those around you. Participation is open to all, so by all means join in on the jumble of men and women of all ages dancing the Squid Dance together.
hokkaido-labo.com/en/tour_hakodate_summer-travel
iPhone Video :
Clark Restaurant クラーク食堂
Clark Kaikan (Clark Hall), which was built in 1959 as the student center, is next to the central lawn at the south end of the main street. Food at the cafeteria has a reputation for being tasty and inexpensive, and employees of nearby companies also eat there. As you enjoy the food, you will probably relish the feeling of returning to your student days.
www.sapporo.travel/special/feature_article/hokkaido-unive...
During World War II, the prison was occupied by the Japanese and most of its buildings were damaged by bombing. The prison was re-opened for use in 1946 after restoration. When Hong Kong was later declared a port of first asylum for Vietnamese refugees, Victoria Prison became a transit and repatriation centre. It was subsequently developed into an institution with modern management facilities for accommodating discharged inmates of both sexes prior to repatriation or deportation. The prison buildings were declared monuments on 8 September 1995, together with the adjacent former Central Police Station and the former Central Magistracy. It was officially decommissioned on 12 March 2006. It is currently under renovation and will be reopened as the Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage and art.
Cuba's Casas Particulars (3)
Lodging in a casa particular can be one of the most interesting experiences you can enjoy during your trip to Cuba. Aside from having the chance to meet travelers from around the world you will know the Cuban reality from within, living with a Cuban familiy. Another important argument is the price. Casas particulares are the most economical option for your stay in Cuba.
These two women were just super nice! Great sense of humor. I had to think, how open they were to being approached by a rather husky senior, sweating like a warthog, with a dazed look in his eyes from the heat, noise, and vehicle fumes.
They had a real self-confident presence about them. We talked about motorcycles, told some war stories, and just carried on like we all knew each other. They were super bright, and as quick witted as could be. In the process I asked if I could take their photo, and handed them my card. They were "down with" that.
I told them to just go on what they were doing and pretend like I wasn't there. And just be with each other in any way they felt comfortable. I keep the viewfinder to my eye rather than in live-view. This way I'm more unobtrusive concealed behind the camera.
I waited and watched . . . and this was the shot. I have another one they wanted on the bike, that was a posed shot. But I'm going to post it anyway because they are so neat.
Rollei 400S
Leica M2
Summicron 35 Asph
Rated at ISO 320 and developed in Rodinal 1:50 for 22 minutes at 20°C.
Shuri Theatre 首里劇場(www.shurigekijou.com) is Okinawa's oldest cinema, nestled quietly away in Shuri, Naha City. Opened in 1950, the cinema was a central presence in Okinawa's entertainment culture, allowing visitors to enjoy both theater and films. The slightly dilapidated building currently gives off a nostalgic vibe as one of Okinawa's historical monuments, and continues to this day to be in operation as an adult movie cinema. A retro Showa-esque atmosphere drifts through after setting foot into the theater. The rows of unusual long benches and leather covered chairs with an antiquated feeling paint a unique landscape, and are coupled with a screen that has been in use since the theater began business. Also used as an event site, Shuri Theatre became a hot topic in 2014 with the performance of the Shibusashirazu Orchestra, a big band known for its one-of-a-kind performances.