I just got back from my trip to Shimoda and the five of the seven Izu Islands (click for previous post, with map). Here are a few photos from the trip.
Shimoda bay, where Perry and his black ships arrived in 1854. I love the names of the vessels: “Macedonian” and “Vandalia” to name the two most threatening. The US wasn’t joking around.
Kozu Island.
Ahh, the local cuisine. Delicious stuff.
A natural hot spring right by the sea.
Beaches, beautiful sub-temperate beaches…
A shinto shrine buried in the forest.
Click the photograph below for a panorama shot from Shikineshima Island (Niijima Island can be seen in the distance on the far left.)
I’m now off to a small city further south where I attended high school — yes, the Lord George Nathaniel Curzon recieved part of his secondary education at a Japanese public school. Once I return to the US on the 24th, posting will resume with a vengeance. See you then.
About Curzon
Lord George Nathaniel Curzon (1859 - 1925) entered the British House of Commons as a Conservative MP in 1886, where he served as undersecretary of India and Foreign Affairs. He was appointed Viceroy of India at the turn of the 20th century where he delineated the North West Frontier Province,
ordered a military expedition to Tibet, and unsuccessfully tried to partition the province of Bengal during his six-year tenure. Curzon served as Leader of the House of Lords in Prime Minister Lloyd George's War Cabinet and became Foreign Secretary in January 1919, where his most famous act was
the drawing of the Curzon Line between a new Polish state and Russia. His publications include
Russia in Central Asia (1889) and
Persia and the Persian Question (1892).
In real life, "Curzon" is a US citizen from the East Coast who has been a financial analyst, freelance translator, and university professor; he is currently on assignment in Tokyo.
Take the time for a little sake Curz and enjoy !
http://www.jsgoal.jp/photo/00009604.html
Yesterday,Japan vs Iran.
I think that his action is very very dangerous…
“IRAN needs Democracy”??
Maybe he is brave, but …
Great photos. Every post of yours from Japan I read with much gnashing of teeth since you’re there and I’m not and this one was no exception. Hope to see you when your back Stateside next month.
The photo of the food is my favourite.
Beautiful pictures – and you went to school there? Admirable experiences indeed.
Heya.. great photos. I am in Tokyo at the mo and would like to check out the islands.. how do i get there? please let me know.. thanks!!