1 == Bernie's brain dump as of April 2009 ==
3 === April 30th: Departure ===
5 ==== How to spend 8 hours in Paris ====
9 ==== GEEK UPDATE: A productive flight ====
11 On the flight back to Europe, I spent some time hacking on [[GeekiGeeki]] to add little goodies such as
13 * a grid view for photos;
14 * automatic generation of human-readable link tags from wiki URLs;
15 * a common parser for argument lists such as "foo|bar=1|baz=3";
16 * the ability to specify css style for links and inline objects, which I'm using to produce
17 floating thumbnails on the side of pages without resorting to HTML
19 These new features will make my wiki markup even lighter than before.
20 Moreover, these additions actually resulted in further //simplification//
21 of the codebase rather than code bloat. Way to go!
24 git diff --stat v3.0..HEAD geekigeeki.py
25 geekigeeki.py | 709 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++-----------------------------
26 1 files changed, 352 insertions(+), 357 deletions(-)
29 If you see any regressions in the output, please report them to me. I'm hoping to release
32 Tags: [[tags/stuff_that_matters]] [[tags/!bloat]] [[tags/as_simple_as_possible]] [[tags/but_no_simpler]]
34 === April 29th: Back to Tokyo ===
36 After one last tour of the [[Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Nikko/town]], we left from Nikko in
37 with a low-cost private line (2h40, but only 1100 Yen all the way to Asakusa).
39 We had just one evening and half of the next day to spend in Tokyo, so we quickly went to
40 the [[http://www.tokyo-ih.jp/en/index.html|Tokyo International Youth Hostel]], a sort of
41 nazi camp with a great view on the 18th floor of a high-rise building in Iidabashi.
47 {{Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Nikko/waterfalls_tour/00038.jpg|maxwidth=640|class=thumbright|The Yutaki Waterfalls}}
49 Pictures of our day-long [[Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Nikko/waterfalls_tour]] are now online.
50 Our friendly guide, the Buddhist monk whose name I forgot, answered many of our pending questions
51 about Japanese traditions and religion. Hiking through these sacred mountains and woods was an
54 TODO: assemble a good video from all the scenes I took along the way
56 ==== Nikko Temple Area ====
57 In the afternoon, we went to visit the [[Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Nikko/world_heritage_site]].
58 One would expect to grow bored of Shinto and Buddhist temples after seeing many of them
59 all over Japan, but visiting the Nikko temple area was once again an extraordinary experience.
60 And I could finally spot a few [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miko]]s too!
62 {{Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Nikko/world_heritage_site/00096.jpg|maxwidth=640}}
66 ==== Afternoon: travel to Nikko ====
68 Nikko is in an adjacent valley east of Nagano on the Japanese alps. Unfortunately, no train lines
69 and busses connect them directly, so we had to take an expensive -- yet very fast -- Shinkansen
70 detour all the way down to Saitama and then up again.
72 Once at the station, we immediately realized it was a good deal, after all.
73 This mountain town overflows with temples, world heritage sites and statues of Buddah
74 spread in an extremely beautiful natural environment with many great falls, ancient woods
75 and hot springs where even wild monkeys take an onsen.
77 Our [[http://www.nikkoparklodge.com/|hostel]] is ran by Zen monks and serves an unforgettable
78 vegan dinner with seit. In the evening, we exchanged excited stories with a family of Italian tourists from Milan who had
79 chosen to travel by car rather than by train to save money and gather access to places unreachable
80 by public transport. Quite a smart idea for groups of 3-4 people who aren't afraid of driving
83 Surprisingly, one of the monks speaks perfect English. He told us that he lived in California
84 for some time. An explanation worthy of the plot of a very bad 007 movie, where locals
85 always happen to speak English somehow, saving James from the embarrassing need of resorting
86 to silly gestures in order to get his stupid Vodka Martini the way he likes it.
88 Tomorrow, of course after our morning yoga and vegan breakfast, we're going on a day long
89 guided hiking tour with the monks, which sounds really cool.
93 {{Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Nikko/00026.jpg|Ouch!|maxwidth=640}}
95 ==== Morning: Zenko-ji ====
97 In the morning, we tried again to visit the [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zenk%C5%8D-ji|Zenko-ji]].
98 Even on a Monday, the queue was not much shorter. A nice volunteer guide advised us that
99 the pilgrims where queuing just to touch a wooden pole with an inscription on it that was
100 right in front of the temple, and we could skip aside if we weren't interested. So we did.
102 We still had to queue for half an hour inside the temple to reach the secret chamber where
103 we would get the rare opportunity to see the hidden Buddha, visible only once every seven
104 years. Quite a lucky combination! I was impressed by the devotion of the people around me.
105 The spiritual side of Japanese people does not seem to clash at all with their high-tech lifestyle.
107 Behind the temple, we were led down a narrow staircase to a dark and twisty corridor beneath
108 the temple. We had to walk in the pitch black obscurity, touching the walls in search of a
109 metal key of enlightenment. I could finally get hold of the key and turn it, but the most
110 enlightening part of this experience was hearing the crowd of tourists apologizing for bumping
111 into each other all the time ;-)
113 I only have outdoors [[Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Nagano/Zenko-ji|photos]] becuase taking
114 pictures inside was strictly forbidden. A monk yelled at me just for fiddling too much with
115 my camera, which was quite surprising, considering how tolerant Japanese people usually are
116 towards our ignorance of their culture.
118 {{Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Nagano/Zenko-ji/00186.jpg|The sacred inscription we can't read, let alone understand|maxwidth=800}}
120 === April 26th: Matsumoto again ===
122 ==== Back to Matsumoto ====
124 Our [[Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Nagano/Shimizuya_Ryokan|ryokan in Nagano]] was simply great.
125 Everything was traditional Japanese-style, including the room, the onsen and the breakfast.
127 We tried to visit the [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zenk%C5%8D-ji|Zenko-ji]] right next to our
128 ryokan, but we spotted a really long queue of pilgrims at the entrance, so we went back to the
129 station to visit the [[http://localhost/wiki/Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Matsumoto/Castle|Matsumoto Castle]],
130 one of Japan's top 3 castles ([[Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Matsumoto/Castle|photos]]). The adjacent
131 museum was also great ([[Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Matsumoto/Museum|photos]]). On our way back, we've found
132 a peculiar [[Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Nagano/dancing_kids|dancing show]] with cute little girls and their
135 Apparently, by leaving Nagano we missed some kind of prayer or event held by Tibetan monks at the
136 [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zenk%C5%8D-ji|Zenko-ji]]. Too bad, it might have been a good chance
137 to show some support for the Tibetan cause. Go, Tibet, Go!!
139 {{Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Matsumoto/Castle/00147.jpg|Soooo conventiinal!|maxwidth=640}}
140 {{Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Matsumoto/Castle/00108.jpg|Scary, uh?|maxwidth=640}}
142 === April 25th: Matsumoto ===
144 Yesterday, we arrived on a rainy night to the mountain town of Matsumoto, where a lady with a car
145 took us from the station to a cozy [[Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Matsumoto/family_hostel|family held hostell]].
146 The next day was rainy, so instead of going right to the famous [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matsumoto_Castle|Matsumoto Castle]],
147 we spent the best part of the day at the [[Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Matsumoto/Station|station]] and
148 with some dumb [[Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Matsumoto/Shopping|shopping]].
150 In the evening, we headed to [[http://wikitravel.org/en/Nagano|Nagano]], a city famous for the
151 1998 winter olimpics and for an ancient [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zenk%C5%8D-ji|buddhist temple]].
153 {{Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Nagano/Shimizuya_Ryokan/00053.jpg|All sorts of accommodations come with good wi-fi, including traditional ryokans|maxwidth=800}}
155 === April 24th -- over 1 [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megametre|megameter]] by train ====
157 **UPDATE**: the report for [[blog/2009/April#kyoto-higashiyama|April 21st]] is now available!
159 We left our comfortable hostel in Kyoto early in the morning for a second Shinkansen
160 ride of 360Km, this time on the faster [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nozomi_%28train%29|Nozomi]].
161 The one-way ticket was "just" 10,250円, equivalent to $105 or €80.
163 {{Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Hiroshima/00085.jpg|The A-Bomb peace memorial near the epicenter|maxwidth=480}}
165 Unlike Kyoto, there aren't many sites of historic interest in Hiroshima because, quite
166 unsurprisingly, every building in the city center is at most 64 years old.
167 With [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiroshima_Peace_Memorial|one notable exception]].
168 Coming such a long way only to see a broken dome and a the surrounding
169 [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiroshima_Peace_Memorial_Park|park]] might seem crazy,
170 but it was definitely worth it. One of the most dramatic moments of human history
171 happened right here not long ago, and survivors of about my father's age can give
172 their first-hand testimony with the help of black and white photographs and melted
173 items from the museum. After causing so much horror and observing its consequences,
174 what did we do about it? We quickly built **thousands** of bombs much more
175 destructive than [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Boy|Little Boy]]. Smart move.
177 As usual, I couldn't refrain from taking [[Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Hiroshima|a load of photos]] here too.
178 These probably can't deliver the pain in the chest one gets by visiting the museum,
179 but might still be a little disturbing.
181 In the afternoon, we returned to the Hiroshima station just in time to catch the 16:01
182 Shinkansen for another 690Km ride to another location which will be revealed
183 in due time. Don't miss the next amazing episode of Bernie's Adventures!
185 {{Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Hiroshima/00079.jpg|"Peace" written with origami cranes|maxwidth=640}}
187 Also check the story behind the [[http://www.city.hiroshima.jp/shimin/heiwa/crane.html|millions of paper cranes]]
188 sent from all over the world in memory of the little Sadako.
190 === April 23rd -- Last day in Kyoto ===
192 ==== Morning: Arashiyama by bike ====
194 In the morning of this sunny day, we biked to a few locations on the
197 * [[Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Kyoto/Dakakuji|Dakakuji]], an active Shingon Buddhist temple
198 * [[Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Kyoto/Tenryuji|Tenryuji]], another beautiful Buddhist temple with a beautiful Zen garden, next to a bamboo forest
199 * [[Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Kyoto/Monkey_Park|Monkey Park]], a place where you can closely observe and interact with [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macaque|Japanese macaques]].
201 {{Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Kyoto/Monkey_Park/00028.jpg|see no evil, hear no evil, speak no English|maxwidth=800}}
203 ==== Evening: a city I did not like ====
205 At last, I've found a place I actually didn't like much in Japan!
206 The first impression of Osaka's central station was that it was old and
207 dirty. Of course one could still eat on the floor, and coming from
208 [[Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Kyoto/Shin_Kyoto|Kyoto's station]] might
209 have compromised my judgement. There was big crowd of busy people
210 everywhere, and if //you// bump into someone, //they// don't apologize
213 Our copy of the Lonely Planet highly recommended [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C5%8Dtonbori|Dotonbori]]
214 at night for its "Blade Runner views", so we headed there. They must have watched
215 a version of the movie with bad special fx, because all I could observe in
216 Dotonbori was a narrow street sided by neon signs of restaurants and pachinkos.
217 Just above average, imho, and certainly not worth the time and the price of the
218 train ticket. Unless you're a moth, perhaps.
220 {{http://www.codewiz.org/wiki/Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Osaka/00003.jpg|The Osaka central station|maxwidth=800}}
222 We granted our guide a second chance and choosing their highest rated
223 restaurant in Dotombori, one specialized in [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Udon|udon]].
224 There was no English menu and the only food I could order was a chest of cold
225 spaghetti on a bamboo crate with no sauce but a cup of soy sauce, also cold of course,
226 in which one could dip them separately. Or so I understood: the waiters were extremely
227 kind but wouldn't speak English, which created even more confusion. //Dulcis in fundo//,
228 the bill was much higher than usual and they wouldn't take credit cards.
230 We rushed back to the metro to Shin-Osaka, JR train to Kyoto, local train to
231 Arashiyama, where our bikes were still waiting for us for the ride back home.
236 ==== Kyoto Higashiyama ====
238 Today we walked along the east side of Kyoto, north to south:
240 * [[Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Kyoto/Ginkakuji|Ginkakuji]] -- rock garden with a view point;
241 * [[Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Kyoto/Eikando|Eikando]] ([[http://www.eikando.or.jp/English/index_eng.htm|home page]]) -- an active Buddhist temple
242 * [[Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Kyoto/Chion-in|Chion-in]] -- huge temple with the largest bell in Japan
243 * [[Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Kyoto/Sennen-zaka|Sennen-zaka]] -- a trendy touristic way with maikos (aka geishas);
244 * [[Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Kyoto/Jishu-jinja|Jishu-jinja]] -- a temple hanging on a cliff with an impressive scaffolding;
245 * [[Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Kyoto/Fushimiinari-taisha|Fushimiinari-taisha]] -- The multi-torii tunnel. My #1 favorite shrine!!!
247 {{Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Kyoto/Chion-in/00056.jpg|The huge bell of Chion-in|maxwidth=800}}
251 Eating in japan can a challenge for a vegetarian who also happens to dislike fish and crustaceans.
252 The average menu has about 5% of veggie dishes, but many restaurants in tourist areas specialize
253 in traditional food such as [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sushi|sushi]] and
254 [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tempura|tempura]]. Imitations of Italian kitchen are close to
255 perfection, of course: in Tokyo, we had perfectly reasonable spaghetti with eggplants.
257 Even with my options severely limited, I could still find several exquisite dishes.
258 I quite like soups, including [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miso_soup|miso shiru]],
259 [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramen|ramen]] and others I ordered by pointing at the
260 fake dish in the restaurant window without ever knowing their name.
262 My favorite food so far is [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omurice|Omurice]]. Yeah, perhaps
263 it's not as sophisticated as the average Japanese recipe. Hmm... I guess learning to
264 appreciate complex and delicate flavors takes some more time.
266 {{Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Kyoto/Ryoanji/00016.jpg|Omurice = omelet + rice|maxwidth=640}}
268 As for beer, I still couldn't find one I like. The most popular ones, Asahi and Kirin,
269 are just tasteless dry lagers. All the drafts I could find taste like Asahi too. The
270 only good beers I had were at the [[http://www.deliriumcafe.jp/|Delirium Cafe]] in Tokyo,
271 where I had a delicious [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pauwel_Kwak|Kwak]] followed by a
272 cherry flavored [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kriek|Kriek]]. Too bad we had to stop at
273 just two to make sure we could find the way back to the hostel :-)
275 Now I'm looking for a place where I could taste vegetarian [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sukiyaki|sukiyaki]],
276 the favorite food of [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ataru_Moroboshi#Ataru_Moroboshi|Ataru Moroboshi]].
280 ==== Great temples everywhere ====
282 Yesterday was rainy, but it didn't stop us from biking around and visiting quite a lot of stuff:
284 * the [[Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Kyoto/Ninnaji|Ninnaji temple]];
285 * the [[Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Kyoto/Ryoanji|Ryoanji temple]], with its puzzling rock zen garden;
286 * the [[Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Kyoto/Kinkakuji|Kinkakuji temple]] (aka golden temple);
287 * the [[Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Kyoto/Nijojo_Castle|Nijojo castle]], which is actually two castles for the price of one;
288 * a quick tour of the [[Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Kyoto/Kyoto_downtown|Kyoto downtown]];
289 * the [[http://www.kyotomm.com/international/english/|International Manga Museum]] was closed already. Grrr....
291 {{Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Kyoto/Kinkakuji/00012.jpg|the golden temple of Kinkakuji|maxwidth=800}}
293 ==== x264 goodness ====
295 I re-encoded all videos from MJPEG, the crappy native format of my Canon camera, to x264 (aka MPEG4).
296 Firefox 3.1/3.5 still doesn't grok it with the ##video## tag, but I didn't have a
297 [[http://theora.org/|Theora]] encoder installed.
301 ==== Best hostel ever ====
303 The [[Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Kyoto/Utano_Hostel|Utano hostel]] in Kyoto would rival many
304 five star hotels I've seen. Sorry I couldn't take any photos in the [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onsen | Onsen]].
306 {{Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Kyoto/Utano_Hostel/00005.jpg|the hostel provides a traditional goan too|maxwidth=800}}
308 ==== Impressive station ====
310 The [[Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Kyoto/Shin_Kyoto|Kyoto station]] is an impressive modern building,
311 worth a visit by itself.
313 {{Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Kyoto/Shin_Kyoto/00015.jpg|Anime characters by Osamu Tezuka|maxwidth=640}}
315 ==== Shinkansen tour ====
317 In a jounery report, the details of transportation are usually left out as uninteresting.
318 Except if one takes the fastest train in the world! We took the
319 [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T%C5%8Dkaid%C5%8D_Shinkansen|Tokaido Shinkansen]] line from Odawara to Kyoto,
320 riding on a [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/700_Series_Shinkansen|700-series]] train for the
321 [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hikari_%28Shinkansen%29|Hikari]] service (not the faster
322 [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nozomi_%28train%29|Nozomi]], but still very impressive).
324 The ticket cost a whopping 11240 yen per person, and I'm not even getting a
325 [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galaxy_Express_999|machine body]] with it! ;-)
327 See [[Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Shinkansen|the the photos]] and don't miss the
328 [[Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Shinkansen/00009-x264.avi|pass-through]] and the
329 [[Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Shinkansen/00011-x264.avi|on-board]] videos.
331 {{Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Shinkansen/00006.jpg|Shinkansen|maxwidth=800}}
334 === April 19th - Hakone day 2 ===
336 {{Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Hakone/FujiSanBernieSan.jpg|The Fuji-san (left) with Bernie-san (right)|maxwidth=1024}}
338 We took the suggested touristic itinerary around the Hakone mountains which employs all sorts
339 of transportation means: bus, cable train, rope way, cruise boat and bus again.
341 Along the way, we could see the volcanic sulfuric vents and pools, the Ashi lake with its breathtaking
342 view of the Fuji-san, the ancient cedar avenue, the old post, the detached palace gardens and the
343 beautiful [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinto_shrine|shinto jinja shrine]] of with its
344 [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torii|torii]] diving in the lake.
346 Of course, I took plenty of [[Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Hakone/Trip|photos of the Hakone trip]].
348 === April 18th - Hakone ===
350 {{Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Hakone/Hostel/00008.jpg|Our japanese style room at the Senkyoro YH|maxwidth=1024}}
352 We arrived in a small town near [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hakone,_Kanagawa|Hakone]]. I'll publish photos later.
354 **Update**: [[Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Hakone|photos of the hostel]] are now available.
357 === April 17th - Ghibli museum in Mitaka, Ginza ===
359 {{Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/GhibliMuseum/00005.jpg|Robot from the ancient city of Laputa|maxwidth=800}}
361 The museum was actually a bit of a disappointment, but maybe just because I had my expectations so high.
362 Cameras weren't allowed inside, so I only took [[Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/GhibliMuseum|few photos]].
364 In the afternoon, we walked around the shiny neighborhood of [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginza|Ginza]].
365 See the [[Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Tokyo/Ginza|photos]].
367 === April 16th - Fish Market, Gardens, Tower of Tokyo, Temple ===
369 {{Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Tokyo/Tsukiji_Fish_Market/00013.jpg | Tsukiji Fish Market |maxwidth=800}}
371 We had a very intense day where we visited a lot of places all around central Tokyo:
373 * [[Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Tokyo/Tsukiji_Fish_Market | Tsukiji Fish Market]] ([[http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3021.html|Japan Guide]])
374 * [[Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Tokyo/Hama_Rikyu_Gardens | Hama Rikyu Gardens]] ([[http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3025.html||Japan Guide]])
375 * [[Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Tokyo/Zojoji | Zojo-ji Temple]] ([[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zojoji|Wikipedia]])
376 * [[Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Tokyo/Tokyo_Tower | Tokyo Tower]] ([[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo_Tower|Wikipedia]])
377 * [[Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Tokyo/Reiyukai_Temple | Reiyukai Temple]] ([[http://www.reiyukai.org/|official web site]])
378 * [[Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Tokyo/Imperial_Palace_Gardens | Imperial Palace Gardens]] ([[http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3017.html|Japan Guide]])
379 * [[Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Tokyo/Edo_Museum | Edo-Tokyo Museum]], which was already closed.
380 We'll try again when we come back to Tokyo ([[http://www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp/english | official web site]])
382 NOTE: photos still being uploaded, gomen nasai!
384 Seeing so many beautiful things at such a high frequency might make one's head spin.
385 In fact, this evening I've been dangerously close to faint in an [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onsen | Onsen]],
386 which was really scary because I had never lost consciousness before. I had walked all day with very little
387 food and drink, which might have been part of the problem, but diving in thermal water for a long time has
388 certainly triggered it. What a [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaijin | gaijin]] who can't even take some
391 {{Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Tokyo/Zojoji/1.00011.jpg | Zojo-ji temple (left), Tokyo Tower (center), Bernie (right) |maxwidth=800}}
393 === April 15th - Skyscrapers everywhere ===
395 Compared to Tokyo, every other city I had visited would seem dirty, old, boring and disorganized.
396 I can't find the words to describe my amazement walking around this amazing city full of wonders.
398 {{Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Tokyo/Roppongi/TokyoMidtown/00023.jpg|Tokyo Midtown Gardenside seen from the Galleria building|maxwidth=800}}
401 * [[Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Tokyo/Shinjuku|Shinju-ku]] -- The district of the [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo_Metropolitan_Government_Building|Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building]].
402 * [[Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Tokyo/Roppongi|Roppongi]] -- A rich district hosting modern art museums (Art Triangle) and night life ([[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roppongi|Wikipedia]])
403 * [[Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Tokyo/Pachinko|Pachinko]] -- Popular Japanese slot machines
405 **Update**: now finished uploading the photos
407 === April 14th - Arrival in Tokyo ===
409 {{Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Tokyo/Sensoji_Temple/00081.jpg|The way to the Sensoji temple in Asakusa|maxwidth=800}}
411 I couldn't resist grabbing a super-cheap round trip to japan, a place I've always wanted
412 to visit. By "always", I mean: since when I was in kindergarten, watching great series
413 like [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steel_Jeeg|SteelJeeg]] and [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazinger_Z|MazingerZ]] on TV.
414 My dad accepted to accompany me in this trip even though he wasn't particularly fond of Japan. Until now, that is!
416 The first day was simply amazing, but I'm way to tired to tell a lot about it.
417 The [[Pictures/vacation/japan_2009/Tokyo|many photos and videos]] that I'm still uploading will hopefully serve
418 documenting this long day appropriately.
420 NOTE: if you can't watch the videos embedded in the wiki, get yourself a recent browser featuring HTML5 or
421 send me a patch adding support for old-style HTML video embedding.
425 Yes, I've neglected to update this blog for a few months. This isn't because I had nothing
426 to talk about. In fact, these months were quite intense, with a lot of notable events, including:
428 * 2009 Jan: Visited the [[Pictures/vacation/EastCoast2008|East Coast]] with Silvia
429 * 2009 Jan: Attended the [[Pictures/conf/XOCamp2009|XO Camp 2]]
430 * 2009 Feb: Attended the [[Pictures/conf/Fosdem2009|Fosdem 2009]] with a few friends from Italy and SugarLabs colleagues
432 [[Pictures/vacation/brussels_riga_stokholm_2009/Brussels | Brussels]],
433 [[Pictures/vacation/brussels_riga_stokholm_2009/Riga | Riga]] and
434 [[Pictures/vacation/brussels_riga_stokholm_2009 | Stockholm]] with Tommaso
435 * 2009 Mar: Organized a small revival of [[SystemShockBBS]] with a few original users
436 * 2009 Apr: Attended a meeting/miniconf in [[Pictures/conf/Bolzano2009|Bolzano]] with WalterBender
438 I am currently back in Florence, trying to find a way back in the US.