Things I Don't Understand About Winter in Japan

1. Why the windows and doors are always wide open at school, no matter the weather.
2. Why it's November 9th and the heat isn't turned on.
3. Why in such a cold country, there is no such thing as central heating.
4. Why you can heat a table.
5. Why the girls can't wear tights in winter, or any kind of leg covering.

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To Live in the Moment Without Fear

To Live in the Moment Without Fear is a work by Yuko Shinoda from Gifu, Japan. Danced by six women, the dance investigates what it means to be a part of a community threatened by a disaster that takes a life. Premiered June 5th 2011 in Nagoya, Japan, the dance features a strong movement aesthetic that draws from traditional Japanese dance as well as contemporary styles and contact improvisation. Shinoda's use of space and timing, as her dancers flow in-and-out of solos, duets, trios, and unison, creates a sense that the dancers are unified and alone at the same time. In the end, Shinoda's view of life is clear: we must tend to the fallen, but we must never surrender ourselves to fear while we are still alive.

Iceland, Part Five: Thingvellir

Our last big hurrah in Iceland was visiting Thingvellir National Park. This proved to be probably our favorite attraction, due to the immense amount of history associated with the place. First of all, it's gorgeous. It's also historical, important in social, cultural, and geographic ways. It was the seat of Viking parliament, Althing, from 930 AD to 1798. Which is a long time . The park itself was founded on the 1,000 anniversary of Althing, or 1930, and it became a World Heritage Site in 2004. This is a vista across the land, showing part of the rifts that line the valley. The views go on for as long as one can see, even on such a small island. Here is Logberg, or Law Rock. It is where Viking lawmakers announced their decisions on cases, using the natural amphitheater created by the rocks to thunder their voices down on the people. Do you need to drown a woman? Then come to Drekkingarhylur, the drowning pool for all your drowning needs. Apparently, up until the ...

Today's Picture: A Colorful Shrine

The back entrance to Ikuta shrine at the base of a mountain in Kobe.

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