Wyoming Breezes

Train Station sign April 2012 Today's photos are provided by my friend, Sheila N. She snapped these photos at a train station when she and her husband, Doug visited Japan in 2012. Train Station sign April 2012 Other trip photos that Sheila shared can be seen here .

Canadian Pay Phones photo by Sheila N. July 2013 Sheila snapped this photo while on a recent trip to Canada with her husband and another couple. These two Canadian phones are in much better shape than this phone in Douglas, WY . Have you spotted any pay phones in your community recently?

Wind River Valley by Sheila N. June 2013 Sheila snapped this photo of the Yucca blooming near the labyrinth a couple of weeks ago. This has been a good year for wildflowers in the Wind River Valley.

Indian Paintbrush by Sheila N. June 2013 Isn't that photo beautiful - I love the perspective. Sheila tried something different with her camera - shooting from the viewpoint of the flowers. The result is stunning. On a recent day trip, Sheila and her husband found an abundance of Indian Paintbrush on South Pass, and shared her photos with me. (Thanks, Sheila) Indian Paintbrush is Wyoming's state flower, but I didn't know that the blooms are edible until I prepared this post.

Sign at Todaiji Temple Nara, Japan April 2012 Sheila's photo illustrates that the Japanese allow pets on the grounds of the Tadaiji Temple , but dogs must be carried and not on a leash. Sheila mentioned a wooden column with a hole through its base and that it is a popular belief that those who can squeeze through the hole will gain enlightenment. Sheila was adventurous and made it through the tunnel.  Sheila's other photos can be seen here .

April 2012 April 2012 Sheila photographed signs in Japan that encourage responsible dog owner behavior.

Vending Machine April 2012 Today, Sheila shares some vending machine photos. Vending machine outside a plumbing shop April 2012 In the late 70s vending machines ( seen in this previous post ) were commonly seen on the side of the road. The machines sold cigarettes, beer, soft drinks, snacks, nectars, and magazines. Note: the magazines were the "adult" variety. More on Japanese vending machines on this post by Michael Weening.

Today's post features more photos that Sheila (no blog) took on her trip to Japan (April 2012) with her husband, Doug. Images show the unique restroom features available in Japan. Sign outside a "family restroom" I'm not sure if this is a seat for crying babies or a changing table. Anyone care to guess? Don't we all wish this would happen! Train restroom Note the "Seat Cleanser" sign Another restroom with wipes to clean toilet seats Even a button that automatically lowers the toilet seat.  This restroom offered a bidet and instructions  on how to use it. It's clear that Japan has nicer public restrooms than most countries.

Hmmm, pretty scary to have containers that can choose! Today's post features photos my friend Sheila took in April 2012 while she and her husband Doug visited Japan. You may giggle and/or shake your head in disbelief at the humorous translations. Well, it's almost phonetic. Right? A cute note pad that states, "Fruit gives health sufficient on the body." An interesting name for a tissue

Tokyo Sumo Stadium mural Tokyo, Japan April 2012 Sheila sent this week's photos after she saw this post.   She wrote, "In Tokyo, we walked by the Sumo stadium, and just as we were there, a bus load of Sumo wrestlers arrived to participate in a tournament. I wish we could have watched them perform!"       These photos clearly show the traditional hair style for sumo wrestlers. These "top knots" are called chomage . Researching this, it was interesting to learn that the sumo wrestlers rank is reflected in their hair style and that the Sumo Association hires a hair dresser, called a tokoyama, to prepare the wrestlers' hair in this style for tournaments. Some interesting information on sumo hair dressing can be found here . I also learned that lower-ranked sumo wrestlers are required to wear kimono and geta when then are out in public from this site . The author gives detailed information on sumo wrestling in a previous post . ...

Today, Sheila shares photos of some interesting signs she saw while she was in Japan. Obviously, some meanings get lost in the translation. Airport Water Fountain I can't remember the last time I saw anyone gargling at a water fountain, but evidently, that is frowned upon in Japan. (click photo to enlarge) Airport Luggage Carts

Japanese washing machine April 2012 Dear Wyoming Breezes Foreign Friday Fan Club: It is time to get out of our kimonos and wear comfortable clothes again. Some of Nancy's future Foreign Fridays will feature signs and labels from my recent trip to Japan. Since my husband and I don't know the Japanese language, we depended 100% on our hosts and the signs to explain directions. Today's photo shows why I didn't do my own laundry while in Japan. Would you know how to use this washing machine? Your friend, Sheila • More of Sheila's photos will be featured in future Foreign Fridays. 

Last week, Sheila N. shared her kimono dressing experience. This week features her husband, Doug. For more information about their recent trip to Japan, check last week's post . * * * * * Dear Readers, Thank you for your nice comments about last Friday's kimono wear! I am glad you enjoyed participating in this experience. Today we have photos of our friend Tamami who lives in Tokyo. Doug and I met her when she was a student here at Central Wyoming College. One of Sheila's hosts, Tamami arranged the kimono dressing adventure. She chose to wear  a green kimono which belongs to her mother. Note the pink clip at the nape which the teacher used to measure and to temporarily secure items. This bin contains the under kimono garments for Tamami.  See last week's post for more detail. Tamami's kimono and obi Tamami's obi has an intricate carriage design. Tamami fully dressed in her kimono and obi. Now, it's Doug's turn to g...