Nagano Tour ... by Robert-sensei

October 8, 2008: 長野に来る理由 Reasons to Come to Nagano

English Teacher, Proud Papa, and Nagano Guide: Robert

One of my fellow Americans living here in Chikuma City has a very professional personal home page. Not only does it include cute pictures of his family, but it has a very thorough 'Nagano Guide' page. It highlights day trip destinations as well as local areas of interest, with very detailed descriptions and photos. (Not to be missed are the great graphics on the Mori Shogun Keyhole Tomb entry!) If you are looking for information on sights to see around Kamesei Ryokan, this is a fantastic place to start.

Website address: http://www.tomorobi.net/nagano.html

千曲市に住んでいるもう1人のアメリカ人、Robert先生、の個人のHPを紹介します。信州の見所のページがうんと進んでいます。(文書は英語のみとなります。)





金木犀が香りを The Giving Tree

October 8, 2008: 季節 Seasons

英語の「Give」は日本語で何になりますか?贈与とか寄付するとか。私の憧れている人とこの間、「Give」と言う意味を議論しました。例えば、寄付する時に条件が付くとか、何か戻ってくる期待するとか、顔が広くなるのが目的とか、とにかく、単純なGiveが世の中で少ないと。
この時期、戸倉上山田温泉は町中、いい香りしています。あちらこちらにある金木犀のお蔭だ。その匂いをかむ度に、そのGiveの話を思い出す。金木犀はその良い香りを出すのに変な目的がおそらくないでしょう。単純です。私達がまねすべきですね。
I once had a discussion with my mentor on "Giving". Many times, people "give" with strings attached, or expecting something in return, or for recognition. Giving simply and purely from the heart is probably a rarity in this world.
Lately, our town, Togura Kamiyamada Onsen, has been graced with a lovely scent. The 'Kin-Mokusei' (according to the dictionary, fragrant olive trees?!) are in bloom. They are casting their scent far and wide, giving pleasure to everyone in the town. The trees do so with seemingly no hidden motives. Hence every time I smell their scent, I remember the talk on giving. If only we could follow the good example of this tree!