A ride. A read. And total relaxation.
Totally relaxed in Tokyo
Golf, Kawasaki style
A good few years ago, I played a good few rounds of golf here — some of them on absolutely beautiful courses too. And, it has to be said that waywardly whacking a ball round meticulously maintained holes, with mountains in the background and caddy-san careering about in a cart with everyone’s clubs, really was a treat.
However, the trouble is, actually getting to that hitting a ball stage can be a real hassle. For starters, there’s finding a course that’s affordable in the first place. Then harder still is trying to find a vacant time slot. Plus, even if one is eventually fortunate enough to get a date sometime in the not too distant future, it’ll still be an incredibly early and random tee-off time: 7:46 maybe, or a slightly luckier 8:11. A time that must, under all circumstances, be adhered to. The prospect of missing it, even by a minute, apparently jeopardising the whole fabric of time. Either that or a severe telling off from caddy-san. The latter of which, without a doubt, is the more worrying.
All of which, needless to say, takes some of the shine off going, making it nowhere near as relaxing as it should be.
Totally unlike the time this fella in Kawasaki is enjoying. Yes, there are no holes. Plus the backdrop is far from beautiful. But he has space. All the time he could ever wish for. And the biggest water hazard in the whole wide world.
A pet pig out for a wander in west Tokyo
Cute little canines in all kinds of clothing are now commonplace in Tokyo — so much so, in fact, that a dachshund wearing spectacles isn’t actually much of a spectacle anymore.
However, a pet pig out for a meander with its master, most definitely is.
A well-behaved, if rather wilful beast.
That, in its own way, was also rather cute.
Although a cuddle would probably be best tackled with extreme caution.
Calming koi
It’s always good, sometimes essential, to have a place to escape to; somewhere that whisks away one’s worries and makes the world, for a little while at least, seem much more like a friend, than foe. Arguably the kind of sanctuary that the home should offer, but of late, regular aftershocks have upset that somewhat.
So for me, a quiet little pond, that’s fortunately not far away, is just such a spot. A beautiful place where tremors aren’t noticeable, and this fella, obliviously going about his business, is incredibly calming.
Even more so with the added ambience of running water.
Plus, now and again, some pleasing signs of the passing seasons.
Late hanami loveliness
The simple pleasure of a leisurely lunch. Under some late blooming blossom. In the soothing spring sun.
Unadulterated loveliness that sadly doesn’t last anywhere near long enough.
