Resolute Determination

Self-reliant, almost living off the land.
Always making money, anyway she can.
Money, she says, makes the world go round.

She walks to market by herself.
For soups, she picks the freshest fish.
Her companion: a walking cane.
Pickpockets get out of her way.

She continues to defy nature at 83.
Never to be stopped by frailty.
Idleness, indolence, her enemies,
So she’s sure to get on her feet
Until she’s a hundred and thirty.
MLJ31072026

Merch! Merch! Merch!

Merch, merch everywhere!
Merch, merch all over!
Up and down, left and right,
In every space there is
For your wallet’s might.

Indeed it takes Herculean strength!
To fight the urge, impulse, push,
To refuse accumulation of weight,
Especially one against
Your luggage and muscles!

Instead, leave with the experience,
With unforgettable memories.
Never mind the wind, cold or heat,
But treasure time with family, friends,
Before this borrowed time retreats.
MLJ31072026UniversalStudiosJapan

Universal Studios Japan

 Battery-operated fans, hats, parasols and umbrellas not for rain but for shade and protection from the scorching sun! Enjoy summer everyone!

  

Cooling down indoor.

 

"WaterWorld" stunt show: Prepare to get wet!

Evening concert: Sweaty audience needed the shower!

 

Closing time.

This way to Hogwarts...

 Jaws

 Jurassic Park

Filipino Ingenuity

 What can you do with old tires?

Fukuoka Marine World Uminonakamichi

 

Megamouth Shark

Fukuoka Zoo and Botanical Garden

 

Osaka Castle

 Cruising the moat.

 View from the top.

 

With the scorching heat, even our feathered friends had to get under a shade. 

 

Delightful reads this summer break

  Who wouldn't want to have a Bruno around?

Mystery, Food and the Perigord

A traveller's hilarious companion: 

Remembering Maeve Binchy in 2022