Snow monkeys

Even monkeys like going for a hot bath in a Japanese ofuro when it is freezing outside!

 

This photo was taken yesterday in Nagano-ken.

My current map of visited countries

After my honeymoon, my Xmas in Spain (and Tunisia and Andorra), and my trip to Peru and Bolivia, I have reached the figure of 46 visited countries! About to get to 50!! Although that may take some time, since I will soon start working and my holidays will shrink noticeably... This map shows those countries in the map:

Snow in Tokyo

Yesterday it snowed in Tokyo, and today, the city has waken up to white streets and a nicely shining sun. I woke up, saw the snow and quickly went to the shrine where I got married (Nezu Jinja) to take some photos. These are some of the many I just took. Just warm from the oven... Enjoy!

Brief trip in South America: Bolivia

Last January, I spent one week and a half in South America, in Peru and Bolivia. I flew into Cusco (Peru), the heart of the Inca Empire, visited the city and around, went to Machu Picchu, and then moved to Lake Titicaca, to Puno, where I went to the Huros' islands. From there, I moved crossed the border with Bolivia and visited Copacabana, Isla del Sol in Lake Titicaca, La Paz (an amazingly unique city and a real sight itself) and finished in Tiwanaku, the most important archeological site of a pre-Inca civilization. In one hour, the trip was amazing. South America is made for traveling. It is very cheap, interesting and nature is outstanding. It is still a wild continent in every aspect. When you travel South America is time to fasten your seatbelt and enjoy a real ride.

Some photos from Bolivia:

The Labyrinth in Isla del Sol:



Indigenous people in La Paz:



La Paz, built in a creek, feels like a city falling into a deep trench...



A high mountain overlooking the city:



Some archeological rests in Tiwanaku.



I felt really sorry about leaving such an amazing place without visiting all it has to offer. Before leaving, I was already planning my next visit!!

First photos from Machu Picchu

Today I visited Machu Picchu, the most important archeological ruins in South America.

A postcard from there!! ;)

Finally left Spain after Xmas

After more than 3 weeks in Spain, relaxing and doing some paperwork, I had to leave and continue doing more paperwork in CA. Now I finished all of it and I am on my way to Peru and Bolivia for my last trip before starting working in Tokyo!

This Xmas was really cold in Spain and my home town was covered in snow for many days.



It was also a good opportunity to catch up with friends after a whole year out of my country!



Just before departing for the USA, I had time to visit Ciudad de las Artes y de las Ciencias in Valencia, with my family. It keeps on improving!! Amazing!

Back from Tunisia and Andorra

Yep, I am back in Europe and as soon as I got here, I went to Tunisia and Andorra. It has been one week in total, not too long... but enough to satisfy my craving for an arab country and snow! ;) It was quite a contrast to go from the moderately warm Tunisia to ice cold Andorra, to change medinas for stone houses, the sea and the desert for snow and mountains.

The top of the World

I have recently got married and Nepal has been our honey moon destination!

It has been a quite impressive destination: great nature, the best mountains and an amazing amount of temples! The nicest experience: to be face to face with the highest mountain in the World, Mt Everest!

 

Running log

I have recently found a nice tool in the Internet to measure the distance I run. In addition, I get a nice map and if I input the time, I get my average pace (mpk) and elevation profile of my run. It is quite nice. This is my run today: 14km in 1h14min (around 5.10 mpk), going up the strongest slope in Pasadena (Shenandoah St) and going up and down all the time.

LA Fly Away Technology

I was impressed by the solution the airport bus driver found to get a compartment for her stuff. What better and easier than to write it with a pen??



She could've tried to keep some balance for the letters/words... XD