Charming streets

Toledo

Toledo was a capital of the West Goth Kingdom around from 5century to 8century. In Middle Ages, Muslim, Jew and Christian lived together in this city.The city is called "the whole of city is museum".This city is surrounded by river Tajo and the scene from the across the river is very impressive. The Parador(the national hotel chain that reuse old castle, monastery or mansion of aristocrat,etc as a hotel ) de Toledo is located at good position to see the city. We could enjoy its nice view.

The festival  was held in Toledo. Almost of kids were carrying a bouquet. They showed the banner proudly.

Sevilla
After the discovery of the New Continent by Christpher Columbus, this city flourished with the fortune of trade from 15 century to 16 century and became the strongest city in Europe in those days.
The grave of Columbus is in The Cathedral and the coffin is carried by four Spainish kings' statues.
The Cathedral is very big. Incidentally, talking of magnitude of cathedral in the world, Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano, Saint Paul's in London and The cathedral in Sevilla round out top three.
When we drove in front of  the building that was used to the tobacco factory, I remembered about opera"Carmen". It's tragedy of romance and conflict among a gypsy Carmen, a soldier Don Jose, a toreador Escamillo  as you know. From the Tower of La Giralda I could see the big bullring that Escamillo might have played in. It was very hot day I visited there. Beating sunshine was perfect fit for Carmen, I wonder?

  

 

 

Pl.de Espana

Estadio Sntiago Bernabeu(the home stadium of the Real Madrid)
I was scared when I looked down from the highest seat. But I wanted to taste the atmosphere that eighty thousand fans are excited.

Boys and girls were very lovely. They came voluntarily, amicably with smile.



Mijas
White village spreads out the fold of hills in Andalucia. On the fine day, we can see the African Continent far from here, I heard. Donkey taxi matches with this white quiet village.

They are flamenco dancers. Young and veteran.

 

 

 

Thank you for visiting. Have a nice Day!

    

 

 

Fascinations of Tokyo

I've been to Tokyo after an interval of 8 years.
I was astonished at a plenty of crowd of people coming and going at many station. So it means after all everything concentrates in the capital, I wonder?
Anyway, it's exciting city.

Tokyo Station
The restoration of the original  was completed last year.

Tokyo Skytree
This is the highest  radio wave tower in the world. It's as high as 634meters.      
This has a deck at around 350meters in height and a galleria at around 450meters in height. Viewing from there, I could see  how many houses or buildings closely filled on the ground and was surprised. But green of parks made me relief.
I could see Sumida- river flows to Tokyo- bay or shadows of high buildings in the distance.
I also saw a part of the silhouette of Mt.Fuji in the cloud of orange color but it was disappeared  by cloud soon.
According to a leaflet, this skytree was constructed by applying Japan's old skill  like  used in five-storied pagoda or the high technology.  2523 stairs for flee is built in the center of it .

Tokyo Skytree

Indeed, Skytree is so high(634m) that I can't take its gallant figure without being the separate from it.

From the Skytree, high buildings around 六本木(ropongi), Tokyo Tower is in the upper left-hand.

Silhouette of high buildings of around  新宿（Sinjyuku) is seen from Skytree.

Shadow of Skytree. It stretches to Arakawa-river.

The lodging for players of the Olympic in 2020 will be fixed at around the island at the center in this pic.

 

National Stadium
In 1964, Tokyo Olympic was held in this National Stadium.
It was fine weather, so blue sky. Though I was a girl on the day, I remember the moment of the lightning  at this Olympic flame holder on the TV.
This National Stadium is rebuilt for the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.  The design of the New National Stadium was raised in public and already Zaha Hadid Architects was chosen. It's a form like a spaceship.

The soccer game was being held  and that flame holder(upper right-hand) was being lighted.

Around Ueno

Oasis in the metropolis, big leaves of lotus were glowing thick at 不忍池（sinobazuno-ike pond)