Kinugasa Cherry Blossom Festival (April 2, 2005).  

LeMon on the grounds of the Venetian Glass House Museum in Hakone (March 20, 2005). 

My friend LeMon and I went to the Venetian Glass House Museum in Hakone. Definitely more of a "girl" thing! We thought we'd spend an hour or so but wandered around the grounds and museum for almost 2 hours...Wonderful displays of glass making from the 18th century to the present, including the beautiful chandelier featured in this pic. 

Kinugasa Cherry Blossom Festival (April 2, 2005). The trees are not yet in full blossom (perhaps only 1/3) but are still lovely to see. As at most festivals, appreciating nature seems to go hand in hand with consuming food and alcohol...Needless to say a good time was had by all -- thoughThor had to be content with drinking iced green tea because he was driving.... 

At the Kinugasa Cherry Blossom Festival (April 2, 2005) 

Hakone Sight Seeing Cruise boat (Lake Ashi, Hakone). 

View from the Hakone Ropeway (March 19, 05) 

Kawasaki Fertility Festival (April 3, 05) 

LeMon was too shy to mount...but not I! 

The gentleman in blue is trying to beckon Thor to "come closer." What is not obvious from this pic is the mortal danger we all faced as a result of the flagging strength of the bearers of the majestic black phallus in the background... 

A dream come true 

Procession of the Pink Phallus. Yes, it is big and yes, it is heavy! Tried to get close for a picture but death by phallus is really not the way I wanted to go! 

Thor catching a brief respite from the mad throngs at the fertility festival in Kawasaki. 

Kawasaki Kanamara Fertility Festival (April 3, 2005).  

The doll I painted... 

Kokeshi dolls, Gunma Prefecture