SUMO!

Sumo wrestling is Japan's national sport, dating back 1,500 years.  Sumo is also more than just a sport, it's an art form presenting pageantry, showmanship, and to put the cherry on the top, it's beyond entertaining to watch.

Before we booked our flight to Japan we had already purchased tickets to see "opening day" of the Grand Sumo Ryogoku Kokugkikan tournament, which is supposed to be one of the busiest tournament days of the two week event.  When we arrived, we scoped out our surroundings and then decided to sit down with our fellow spectators for a bowl of chanko stew made of vegetables, meat and potatoes.  Sumo wrestlers eat this meal to "beef up" and we thoroughly enjoyed these fortifying bowls of hearty deliciousness.

Once we had our fill, we strolled to our seats to catch the Jyuryo bouts.  These wresters are considered sumo professionals, but have not obtained the status of Makuuchi or the top division yet.  Sumo wrestlers come in various shapes and sizes, so the matches are entertaining and we tried to guess who would win each bout.  Jenn based her selection on the flexibility demonstrated by each wrestler during their pre-match stretching.  Often the smaller wrestlers won, literally demonstrating the concept that the bigger they are, the harder they fall. 

After the Jyuryo bouts, there is a brief break where the Makuuchi Entrance occurs during which the top division sumo wrestlers enter the ring.  These matches offer increased ritual and showmanship including the salt purification tradition in which salt is thrown in the ring to remove all bad energy.  There is also sizing the opponent up, slapping of the belly, arms, face, and foot stomping. 

As a foreign spectator, it is not necessary to understand what was being said, simply sit back with a local brew, watch the bouts, and cheer with the crowd while enjoy the amazing sport of sumo.

Thailand After Dark

The daytime temperatures in Chiang Mai reach a balmy 100 degrees as the midday sun blurs the colorful landscape.  But as the daylight fades and cooler evening breezes approach, the town comes to life.

The night bazaar provides something for everyone.  While the offerings of printed tee-shirts, sunglasses, and bric-à-brac are similar to many open-air markets, unique items are also encountered.  You spot a sign advertising custom tailored Thai suits in your choice of fabrics and color.  Can't decide between classy blue and neon green?  Mull it over during an enticingly affordable massage from the spa located next door. If you've worked up an appetite, visit the long row of food stalls and pair your soup or noodle bowl with the refreshing water from a fine young coconut.

After-hours exploration in Chiang Mai presents a unique opportunity to stroll to, and through, the many centuries-old Buddhist temples known locally as “Wats”.  The uncrowded courtyards host well lit, ornate structures adorned with gold-leaf alongside impressive statues.  You enjoy a leisurely walk between sites while developing an extensive collection of Wat-related puns:  Wat a beautiful archway!  Wat should we do next?

You wrap up the night with a round or two of cold Chang or Singha beer before heading back to your hotel.  It will be a hot one tomorrow...May as well sleep late!

I Don't Want To Work, I Just Want To Bang On the Drums All Day!

While visiting Chiang Mai Thailand, we decided to see a show and were under the impression that we had stumbled upon hard-to-find tickets to see Todd Rundgren in concert.  We greatly anticipated a fine reprisal of his classic lyrics, "I don't want to work, I just want to bang on the drum all day".  To our surprise, we had actually scored tickets to the Nong Pa Khrang traditional Thai cultural show, where coincidentally, they did indeed bang on the drums. 

PS:  We think that the drummers at Nong Pa Khrang may have been part of a Todd Rundgren cover band - Try singing his lyrics while listening to the Thai drumbeats!

A Day of Culture in Manila

National Museum of the Philippines - Saint Anne Sculpture (She Looks Happy, Doesn't She?)Today we explored the many local art treasures housed at the National Museum of the Philippines where we visited the National Art Gallery and the Museum of the Filipino People.  Many wonderful paintings, carvings, and historical artifacts were on display and we particularly enjoyed walking through the relics recovered from the wreck of Spanish battleship San Diego which sank off Manila Bay in the year 1600.

After a calming day of climate controlled art enjoyment we’ll be ready to face tomorrow’s adventure, a hiking trek and boat ride to reach Taal Volcano, the smallest active volcano in the world.  How could we pass up the chance to visit the “largest island in a lake on an island in a lake on an island - Vulcan point in Crater Lake on Vulcano Island in Lake Taal on Luzon” ("Some interesting islands and lakes". Elbruz)?