The Eagle of the Ninth - book review

SPOILER ALERT

In the second century AD, the Ninth Roman Legion disappeared in Britain, and the Eagle, the symbol of the Legion's honour was lost. Later, Marcus, whose father also disappeared with the Legion, travelled to Britain to bring the Eagle back & know whether his father already died or not, accompanying Esca who was the young slave. During the journey, he pretended an eye-doctor to get into the tribes. Getting information from Guern, Dergdian and Tradui, finally they found out the Eagle and could bring back home. The truth of the disappearance was that some men including his father were killed by tribes, the others became members of the tribes.

I like the story has reality. Nothing happened special for disappearance of the Legion.

There was no characters or events I didn't like.

After reading the story, I was sure that invasion has nonsense. I like such a historic novel, and this story reminded me of a film "Apocalypse Now" which is a 1979 American epic war film during the Vietnam War. In this story, US Army Captain became the king of his own country there. I guess that the similar things would happen whenever & wherever the war occurs. I recommend leading this book.

Posted for Atsuko

Postcard from Cote d'Azur, Nice - France

Hello!

I am in Nice.

I have eaten delicioussea food in Nice and Monaco. Monaco was different place to what I thought. It looks like underground, another world.

From Atsuko

Postcard from ...Sri Lanka

Happy New Year from Sri Lanka!

I arrived in Colombo on 24th Dec, then I attended mass with my friends & friend's family. The next day, I went to Galle and stayed one night there. Now I am in Kandy. Here I am going to tea plantations and Sigiriya.

Have a wonderful year 2013

Atsuko K

The Snow Grouse (Ptarmigan)

General Information:

One of the most appealing animals found in this country is the Snow Grouse. During the last ice age, the species was widespread, but now it is endangered. These attractice creatures only live in high mountains and are perfectly adapted for life in cold districts, having fur on their legs. They live on a diet of various seeds, leaves and alpine berries. Insects are often eaten by the developing young. Though they are birds, they are not good at flying. Their homes are in communities of creeping pines. The Snow Grouse are solitary vreatures and it is rare to see a male & female together. The males have red

English: Rock Ptarmigan(Lagopus mutus japonicus) Female with winter fether in Mount Kogouchi 日本語: 雷鳥（雌・冬毛） 小河内岳にて (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

combs above their eyes and their song is a loud croaking.

Observing Snow Grouse:

Catching sight of a Snow Grouse in the wild is quite a challenge, as they are rather secretive animals. Those that live in high mountains are mostly active in the cool shade of trees. Mountain climbers say they might be seen in misty weather, which makes it very difficult to see them. The best place to see a Snow Grouse in this country is in the Japan Alps. If you are fortunate, you will be rewarded with a sight of these fascinating birds.

Posted by Atsuko (CAE class)

Postcard from...Budapest, Hungary

Dear Jim & Yukari,

I arrived in Budapest safely. Here is very cooler than Shinshu, so I have to take care of my health condition. The language is Magyar, but many people can speak English. I feel that staying here became easier than before.

Have a nice holiday!

From Atsuko

A postcard from...New York

Dear Jim,

I've just arrived in Stony Brook, N.Y.

I've not seen the Statue of Liberty. I hope to have time to visit it.

From Atsuko K

Postcard from…Basel, Switzerland

Basler Munster St. Georgsturm

Hello, Jim!

I have been enjoying Basel. It is warmer than Shinshu. Here is very international city, but people speak German. I hope that you enjoy GW and my talk will be a success.

Atsuko K 4/5/11 in Basel