dshimizu

I thought I’d hate Long Island where I moved there to go to school at SUNY stony brook. But I came to love it. It is beautiful by the water in winter and I miss the state parks. I loved Caumsett and Orient Point. I’ll go back to visit friends but probably will never get to enjoy the nature again…

I live about 20 minutes away and I go to Celebration when my visitors from out of town request to see it specifically or if I know they like wierd things. It is like Pleasantville. But in a modern way… lots of preppy pre-teens with expensive designer handbags and J Crew outfits driving around in electric cars in a town with picturesque stores that sell nothing useful. Adults seem to come out only at night except on the golfcourse which is busy at any time of day. The houses are all somewhat the same as are the streets, cars, dining options and the people. It’s creepy but in a non-threatening way. It’t ok for dinner and a quick stroll around but not a destination. I’d classify it as upscale idiotic. I can’t understand a town that wealthy and built up without a bookstore…

I love the skiing here and the winter is the best time to go. It is quieter and the snow is the best anywhere if you love deep and steep. I would go every winter with my ex and it was so much fun to walk in town at night or eating sourdough pancakes for breakfast at Jeddediah’s- there is nothing like sitting in a hot tub in the snow after pounding downhill all day. Well maybe hitting the gondola for first tracks after serious overnight snow is better, but maybe just different. I gave away both pairs of skis and my favorite Lange boots when I got divorced – to make a break with those shared memories. I regret almost nothing in my life but giving up those skiis… I’ll get over it I’m sure… now that I live in hot and sunny Florida, Jackson Hole is becoming just a memory.

I’m going in January of 2007 for a stop for one day during a cruise. What should I do? I’m not a SCUBA diver- but will have my snorkle gear. Or are there any other wildlife/bird/spectacular scenery ops that I should do instead?

It’s touristy and bustling but a whole lot of fun. There are lots of tasty, quick places to eat while enjoying the little shops and stands. It a fun place to meet up with someone and browse around and talk. I had a lot of fun. I’d go back and blaze through if I had some extra time to burn or just was in the area. A world away from the gardens and museum and shrines but still worth a look if you like shopping, souvenirs or that busy scene.

I grew up going to Ueno. I would go almost daily – my other childhood favorite was the Mitsukoshi Department Store pet store. But the zoo was really a highlight. I loved watching the small water turtles in the pond and of course the pandas. I loved seeing the zoo in the distance and walking through the gates. I felt like every animal was my favorite and could watch them daily and not get tired of them. I still go back when I am in Japan and though some improvements have been made, I do wish the animals had more room. I am just as interested in the zoo visitors as the animals. Japanese are interesting to watch at the zoo, a bit more reserved and seem to watch more closely what the animals are doing. I lived in Japan during childhood, and the Ueno Zoo was one of the few places I remember seeing so many Japanese adults laughing out loud.

I loved this museum. I learned alot and enjoyed the tiny models of historic city layouts. It was beautifully done, in that oh-so-japanese intricate while simple style. It was historic and artistic at the same time. As much a museum to learn about history as about Japanese style. I would go back next time I go to Japan. I highly recommend it.

The birds there are great. It is really fantastic in the winter, when it is quiet and the seals are out on the rocks. You can walk on the beach and see hundreds of waterfowl. I miss the Brants geese and the Eider. We don’t have them in Flordia. The drive out is totally worth it.

I’m going to be going for the first time to do some volunteer work to help protect the sea turtles nesting on the beach. I’m very excited.

This is great wide open space. The big horned sheep and the elk and no one for miles are stunning. Worth a trip but be ready for things to be really far apart and really quiet at night.