Our train chased the setting sun. By the time we reached our destination on the shores of Lake Biwa, we were met with a alarming explosion of a blazing sunset the likes of which none of us had ever experienced before. It was magnificent.
I assure you that this was not a fire and these photos have not been touched up.
That evening we faded into our private bath soaring over the distant city lights and the dark shadow of the lake. Rich in mineral content, the natural hot spring waters of the bath did much to alleviate our travellers aches and strains.
Sleep came easy that night.
>>> In other news >>>
I watched a film called Departures recently. It is a Japanese film that explores a less understood profession. It bears so much heart, quiet humanity and other such delicacies and the music is just beautiful. The actor actually learned to play the cello for this solo:
I watched Departures 4 or 5 times; one of my favorite Japanese movies. Very powerful story with excellent acting, and the main character inspired my son to start playing cello. :)
ReplyDeleteSandra
Sandra, you are wonderful! I love this film. It was powerful! THAT IS THE WORD I WANTED!! It was powerful enough to hit me in the heart and stay with me. How brilliant of your son! Will he learn to play this tune? Are you a Hisaishi Joe fan too?
DeleteYesssss, we LOVE Joe Hisaishi (my husband, my son, and me). We adore Miyazaki's movies, that is how we were introduced to Hisaishi's music. Oh, I am so glad there are other people who love this inspiring composer. You just reminded me that I should see this movie again. Well, maybe tomorrow. The music is so incredible; I cried every time I watched Departures. Unfortunately, my son has not learned to play this tune yet. Have a good weekend!
DeleteSandra
YAAAAAAAY!!! I just love the haunting music for Mononokehime, I very much like some of the music from Spirited Away and Howl's Moving castle too! Have you seen Kikujiro's Summer? That is a lovely, heart warmer with great music too.
DeleteWow,that sunset is mesmering,such beauty :D I have watched that movie,and I must agree with you,it is so touching.
ReplyDeleteThe sunset blew my mind! I was in awe and stood stock still until the colours bled into darkness.
DeleteGreat shots. Departures is such a beautiful film, I loved it.
ReplyDeleteHello Trona! So nice to hear from you. Glad you liked the film too. We seem to have much in common you and i!
Deleteindeed it seems we do :) have you seen the South Korean film "I'm a Cyborg, but that's ok"? I reckon you might like it if you haven't seen it, it's a lovely film http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KaOLDZe2GI
DeleteWow, the colors are absolutely breathtaking! Do you mind me using that first photo as a reference for a painting? :) Would love to mix up some colors to *try* to mimic that.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely Maggie! I hope to see your finished painting!!
DeleteI watched Departures on one of my flight to Asia a few years back, and I rented out the DVD when I got back to the States. Such beautiful movie and what a touching profession to honor the departed. Nice photographs of yours as well.
ReplyDeleteClaire
Thank you Claire! I am so happy that there are other fans of this film x
DeleteDepartures was a great film, very touching and some funny scenes too. The actor Motoki Masahiro was great in it.
ReplyDeleteYes I agree! The funny scenes were so well done!
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