10 Beautiful Sakura Pictures Your Eyes Could Feast Upon

Oh Spring! My blogposts this month are dedicated to you. Here are some of the most beautiful Sakura (cherry blossom) shots I have pooled from the net, from my collection and that of my friends. Take a break from your busy day and as the saying goes..take time to smell (and revel at the sight) of flowers

P.S. To my loved ones, how I wish you could share these sights with me...^_^

Sakura 1 (Courtesy of my labmate from Thailand, Yo)

Sakura 2 Just outside my house

Sakura 3 Somewhere in Osaka University

Sakura 4 The famous Sakura Tree Near My Laboratory (courtesy of my friend Karlou)

Sakura 5 White Blossoms from Heaven (Courtesy of Yo)

Sakura 6 More of those heavenly things (From mellow_stuff of Flickr)

Sakura 7 Where biking is a pleasure (Courtesy of my friend Ate Susan)

Sakura 8 I love you Pink (Photo credit)

Sakura 9 Pink is Love (from Focx Photography in Flickr)

Sakura 10 Have a date with me here in Kyoto (Photo Credit)

When I look at these photos, I learn to love life more and to appreciate how beautiful the world is despite all odds. And silently I whisper, "your creation is good my Maker".

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Why Japanese Manhole Covers Are So Adorable

Japanese Manhole Collection (photo credit)

I have always equated manholes to a lot of negative words: filth, slime, grime and the "dark abyss". I remember walking down the streets of flooded Manila during board exam review days, and each step made me feel a little closer to God because I would constantly whisper to myself "Lord, sana 'wag po akong mahulog sa manhole" (Lord, I hope I will not fall into a manhole). Because, back in my country, manhole covers would sometimes mysteriously disappear.

More manhole cover (photo credit)

Here in Japan, manhole covers are not just dark, metallic, circular objects that you would expect of a typical manhole. Instead, such humble objects have become an outlet for creativity and artistry. Each piece is unique and specific to a particular location, sometimes adding a local symbol as the motif for the overall design. Its colors and intricate details makes me want to have one for myself! 

Detective Konan!! (photo credit)

Chiba Japan Manhole Cover (photo credit)

I think collecting manhole cover images would be a great hobby. Why not? There are a lot of holes to cover here so you will certainly never get bored. If you do a Google search of Japanese manhole covers, you will probably see a lot lot more. Enjoy!   

Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture (Photo credit)

Mr. Fireman!

Osaka Prefecture, my prefecture with the Osaka castle
Photocredit

Also check more pictures here in Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/groups/japanese_manhole_covers/pool/

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