Paradise - my idyllic place

I traveled to Fiji three year ago. I stayed Fijian village and resort.

As per this reading book, Fijian people was really friendly. They said to me "Bula!" in the town. In country side in Fiji, there was no enough electricity. Also, I could not take a shower. There was some difference in Fiji compared with Japan. But I liked the place because people was really friendly and there was beautiful sea. I could swim in the beautiful sea and watched real "Nemo"! Also, I could see beautiful coral reefs.

Fijian beach near Nadi, Viti Levu

For resort area, the commodity price was expensive than local area. The water was twice price! But the hotel was luxury and relaxed. The staff's hospitality was great! They gave me smile a lot.
The food was delicious. Fijian food also was tasty. There were Indian people in Fiji, so I could eat spicy curry with naan.

I liked Fiji so I would like to live there because the time is spent slowly. I can enjoy swimming in the beautiful sea. Fijian people is kind. But I prefer to live urban side (Nadi is better). I want to take a shower everyday and need electricity!

Posted for Miyuki

The most idyllic place I have ever visited is....

The most idyllic place I have ever visited is Ohshika-mura in Nagano Prefecture.

I lived in Nagano Prefecture for a long time, but I didn't know Ohshika-mura until one of my friend worked for elementary school there. I visited her together with my friends. It is located in the southern part of Nagano.

We drove to south by express highway and exit from Matsukawa IC. It was a long winding road to the village. It took over 30 minutes into deep valley to east. There were neither houses nor shops along road. Sometimes deer and/or monkeys jumped out from valley.

After coming out of a tunnel, there is a small village. There are dotted with houses. There is only one grocery store, but no convenience store. I love the hot spring spa there. It was located in the middle of mountain. It is a small facility and has only open-air spa. In the spring, I could enjoy the beautiful green landscape down to the village.

 Ohshika-mura is famous for Kabuki which is the traditional Japanese performance art. The people living in Ohshika-mura play some famous story every spring and fall.

Well, I love to visit there but I don't want to live there. I am living within walking distance from the convenience store as well as bus stop. Also our parents live near to our house. It is very convenient environment for me.

Posted for Tomoko, after reading "Double Trouble"

My idyllic place - after reading "Double Trouble"

There is a place, which is called, "Takabocchi" tableland in Shiojiri.

You can take Road 20 from the center of Shiojiri by car, and make turn to the East. After making turn, the road is going to be narrow and winding. The road to get Takabocchi tableland is not so far, but as the road is wild, you may feel nervous, and may think the road is finishing.

After 10 to 15 minutes, the view will be clear, and it's the Takabocchi tableland.

In summer time, you can see pastured cattle. When you walk to the South, you can see Suwako lake in your below view and Fuji mountain if you are lucky. When you walk to the North, you can see North Alps mountains. The bank of clouds is near you and move fast. The contrast of white clouds and blue sky is brilliant. The temperature is cooler than city area, and wind is fresh. In August, there is horse race. It's not so big festival, but you can hear foot sound of horses, and can see the exciting race so close.

I like the place because the color is beautiful, and clear air refreshes me. However, I don't think I want to live there because winter is too hard to live. The road is closed during winter, so I don't really know how hard it is, but it must be cold and heavy snow. Although it's hard in winter, I definitly recommend there to refresh your mind in summer.

Posted for Yumi