Son Gokū 孫悟空
@secretchimp.bsky.social
On a journey to the west.
Terrific day trip to Hiroshima taking in Miyajima, the peace park and a variety of things to eat: namely okonomiyaki and ramen. Loved the quiet, reflective nature of the memorial hall and was surprised at how many school groups were visiting the Genbaku Dome (on a Sunday!). Will visit again.
November 16, 2025 at 9:53 AM
Terrific day trip to Hiroshima taking in Miyajima, the peace park and a variety of things to eat: namely okonomiyaki and ramen. Loved the quiet, reflective nature of the memorial hall and was surprised at how many school groups were visiting the Genbaku Dome (on a Sunday!). Will visit again.
Returned from Miyajima - and now queuing for Hiroshima style okonomiyaki. Before exploring the Peace Park. The great Torii gate is spectacular and the island deer seem quite accustomed to hoards of tourists.
November 16, 2025 at 3:44 AM
Returned from Miyajima - and now queuing for Hiroshima style okonomiyaki. Before exploring the Peace Park. The great Torii gate is spectacular and the island deer seem quite accustomed to hoards of tourists.
Big day walking around Okayama, including an afternoon at Korakuen garden (one of the big three perfect gardens in Japan). Absolutely exquisite scenery and autumn colours. No yukitsuri yet, but many trees with winter protections in place. Wrapped up with a terrific golden ale at Kawazu brewing. 😕
November 15, 2025 at 11:58 AM
Big day walking around Okayama, including an afternoon at Korakuen garden (one of the big three perfect gardens in Japan). Absolutely exquisite scenery and autumn colours. No yukitsuri yet, but many trees with winter protections in place. Wrapped up with a terrific golden ale at Kawazu brewing. 😕
I appear to have stumbled upon the sex toy section at the Hands store, in the nearby Aeon mall. 🤔
November 15, 2025 at 4:34 AM
I appear to have stumbled upon the sex toy section at the Hands store, in the nearby Aeon mall. 🤔
Still work to AEST so up early to get out #running and explore on foot. Took in Okayama Castle and along the Asahi river (morning light!). I like how the stones in retaining walls are commonly oriented in Japan.
November 14, 2025 at 10:21 PM
Still work to AEST so up early to get out #running and explore on foot. Took in Okayama Castle and along the Asahi river (morning light!). I like how the stones in retaining walls are commonly oriented in Japan.
Enjoying the illumination along the Nishigawa canal. A mix of lumimaires and projections.
November 14, 2025 at 12:12 PM
Enjoying the illumination along the Nishigawa canal. A mix of lumimaires and projections.
Melbourne has an extensive tram network, but Okayama has the neko tram! 🐱 可愛い です ね!
Enjoying a pleasant evening stroll and a couple of quiet beers before dinner. And snacks (edamame is the best beer snack ever).
Enjoying a pleasant evening stroll and a couple of quiet beers before dinner. And snacks (edamame is the best beer snack ever).
November 14, 2025 at 10:14 AM
Melbourne has an extensive tram network, but Okayama has the neko tram! 🐱 可愛い です ね!
Enjoying a pleasant evening stroll and a couple of quiet beers before dinner. And snacks (edamame is the best beer snack ever).
Enjoying a pleasant evening stroll and a couple of quiet beers before dinner. And snacks (edamame is the best beer snack ever).
Planned our seats to give us views of Fuji San as it's a clear day. Unlike when we were here last year during Hanami.
Now to settle down to a little "light" reading from the Kyoto School. 😂
Now to settle down to a little "light" reading from the Kyoto School. 😂
November 14, 2025 at 3:38 AM
Planned our seats to give us views of Fuji San as it's a clear day. Unlike when we were here last year during Hanami.
Now to settle down to a little "light" reading from the Kyoto School. 😂
Now to settle down to a little "light" reading from the Kyoto School. 😂
To board your aircraft, you must first pass through the corridor of bears. Given what's happening in Japan right now, that's probably good preparation.
November 12, 2025 at 9:57 PM
To board your aircraft, you must first pass through the corridor of bears. Given what's happening in Japan right now, that's probably good preparation.
Roast beetroot, with miso mushroom gravy and almonds, brined chicken maryland. Slow cooked on the #bbq. Salad leaves all taken fresh from the garden. And a four year old chardy that had 6 months on lees in oak barrels.
November 9, 2025 at 10:10 AM
Roast beetroot, with miso mushroom gravy and almonds, brined chicken maryland. Slow cooked on the #bbq. Salad leaves all taken fresh from the garden. And a four year old chardy that had 6 months on lees in oak barrels.
Attended to a few tasks out in the garden, including netting the nectarine tree and blueberry vines. Need to make sure we get all the fruit, rather than the local birds. The #bbq is prepared so time to make a salad, wash beetroot and chop mushrooms.
November 9, 2025 at 4:10 AM
Attended to a few tasks out in the garden, including netting the nectarine tree and blueberry vines. Need to make sure we get all the fruit, rather than the local birds. The #bbq is prepared so time to make a salad, wash beetroot and chop mushrooms.
Packaging the #PrawnSandwhicBrigade snacks for #MelbDerby this evening. Bacon and egg hand pies, chopped carrot and celery, mango segments, and christmas mince pies (also, bottles of water). With the rain and cold, we're going to be well rugged up in the stands. #MVCvMCY
November 8, 2025 at 4:36 AM
Packaging the #PrawnSandwhicBrigade snacks for #MelbDerby this evening. Bacon and egg hand pies, chopped carrot and celery, mango segments, and christmas mince pies (also, bottles of water). With the rain and cold, we're going to be well rugged up in the stands. #MVCvMCY
Drink Speights, lose your mates!
The sun is over the yard arm (locally) and I'm not driving anywhere. Time for a little lounging before boarding - then 4 hours of quiet reading time. #TravelDay
The sun is over the yard arm (locally) and I'm not driving anywhere. Time for a little lounging before boarding - then 4 hours of quiet reading time. #TravelDay
November 4, 2025 at 11:28 PM
Drink Speights, lose your mates!
The sun is over the yard arm (locally) and I'm not driving anywhere. Time for a little lounging before boarding - then 4 hours of quiet reading time. #TravelDay
The sun is over the yard arm (locally) and I'm not driving anywhere. Time for a little lounging before boarding - then 4 hours of quiet reading time. #TravelDay
Towering above the airport bus departure stop (among other things), the Sky Tower rather resembles a Soviet era Vostok rocket. A lovely day though. #TravelDay
November 4, 2025 at 9:12 PM
Towering above the airport bus departure stop (among other things), the Sky Tower rather resembles a Soviet era Vostok rocket. A lovely day though. #TravelDay
Return trip today so another #TravelDay. Running *late* on local time but working to my home time zone standard. First post check-out stop is Rumours for a proper #coffee fix, ahead of the airport bus.
November 4, 2025 at 8:35 PM
Return trip today so another #TravelDay. Running *late* on local time but working to my home time zone standard. First post check-out stop is Rumours for a proper #coffee fix, ahead of the airport bus.
Behind this unassuming door, is a complex of tunnels that extend all the way across to Constitution Hill. Would make a nifty shortcut to Parnell, from Victoria St East.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_...
November 3, 2025 at 2:38 AM
Behind this unassuming door, is a complex of tunnels that extend all the way across to Constitution Hill. Would make a nifty shortcut to Parnell, from Victoria St East.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_...
... and onward... a short stroll through a small native bush reserve. The type of shortcut only those familiar with the area tend to know about. #RunTheCity
November 2, 2025 at 12:13 AM
... and onward... a short stroll through a small native bush reserve. The type of shortcut only those familiar with the area tend to know about. #RunTheCity
Well overdue for #coffee so stopping in Parnell en-route on a family mission. Going straight for the underestimated caffeine kick from a Chemex. Washed Costa Rica: low acidity and a subtle nutty flavour (almost candlenut).
Rehydration continues... #RunTheCity
Rehydration continues... #RunTheCity
November 1, 2025 at 11:26 PM
Well overdue for #coffee so stopping in Parnell en-route on a family mission. Going straight for the underestimated caffeine kick from a Chemex. Washed Costa Rica: low acidity and a subtle nutty flavour (almost candlenut).
Rehydration continues... #RunTheCity
Rehydration continues... #RunTheCity
Not normally a Steinlager drinker, but it's against my religion not to drink free beer. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Lions Nathan (ie. Kirin) I get to smash a post #RunTheCity breakfast beer!
November 1, 2025 at 8:37 PM
Not normally a Steinlager drinker, but it's against my religion not to drink free beer. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Lions Nathan (ie. Kirin) I get to smash a post #RunTheCity breakfast beer!
And done - 1:50:44, so 44 seconds outside my target time but faster than Melbourne. Hills and humidity probably got the better of me as the climb up Shelley Beach Rd (17km) was really starting to hurt. Still, made it to the end to finish strong. #RunTheCity
November 1, 2025 at 7:59 PM
And done - 1:50:44, so 44 seconds outside my target time but faster than Melbourne. Hills and humidity probably got the better of me as the climb up Shelley Beach Rd (17km) was really starting to hurt. Still, made it to the end to finish strong. #RunTheCity
Seems all the Auckland ferries have been commandeered for the D-Day like operation getting people to the start of #RunTheCity. Not a bad way to travel TBH.
November 1, 2025 at 4:41 PM
Seems all the Auckland ferries have been commandeered for the D-Day like operation getting people to the start of #RunTheCity. Not a bad way to travel TBH.
Right-o, off to bed to be properly rested for #RunTheCity tomorrow. Early wake up for the ferry across to Devonport for the start.
November 1, 2025 at 8:04 AM
Right-o, off to bed to be properly rested for #RunTheCity tomorrow. Early wake up for the ferry across to Devonport for the start.
Auckland has mostly done a terrible job of preserving older CBD buildings, but a few gems like Eden Hall still remain. And the former Brooklyn Hotel is looking nice as apartments. I can recall a time when it was cheap, but dubious, apartments that various friends lived in over the years.
October 31, 2025 at 7:50 PM
Auckland has mostly done a terrible job of preserving older CBD buildings, but a few gems like Eden Hall still remain. And the former Brooklyn Hotel is looking nice as apartments. I can recall a time when it was cheap, but dubious, apartments that various friends lived in over the years.