Japanese Surgeon's Daily Life

To Bath

　　We utilized the train called DLR and changed trains at Canary Wharf. This train was driverless. I found a very unique amusement in Canary Wharf as shown in the following pictures. The water of the Thames is said to be considerably contaminated, but the canal in the Wharf seems to be clean and several rafts were floating. People were enjoying a barbecue with swimming suits on the raft and some were also enjoying a hot tub on the raft. The temperature was not so high. I wondered whether they didn't feel cold or not. Anyway, they looked so happy.
　　We got on the tube on the Elizabeth Line to London Paddington. While my wife and I were taking a rest, my daughter and her boyfriend took our luggage from the hotel for us.
　　My wife, my daughter, and I got on the train bound for Bristol and headed for Bath. The train was made in Japan. I felt pride for Japan's train to run on the birthplace of railroads.

　さて、帰りはDLRと呼ばれる自動運転の地下鉄でカナリーワーフ乗り換えでパディントン駅へ移動した。途中、カナリーワーフで面白いものをみた。運河に浮かぶゴムボートの上でバーベキューやジャグジーを楽しんでいる。この寒いのに水着で、，，。
　パディントン駅で少し休んでいる間に娘達がホテルから預けていた荷物を持ってきてくれた。そしていよいよ、目的地バースへ。
　列車は日立製。鉄道発祥の地で日本の列車が走っている。なんか誇らしい。

Royal Observatory & The Greenwich Meridian

　　I had one more place which I wanted to visit in Greenwich. The recognizable Royal Observatory was it. The Greenwich Meridian runs here, zero degree of east and west longitude. As for the latitude, I can understand that the equatorial line is set for zero degree of north and south latitude. It's the line to separate the earth into northern and southern hemispheres. However, why was the site of the observatory set to zero degree of longitude? I can imagine how strong a power the U.K. had kept in the late 19th century. The U.K. used to have been the center of the world and the eastern side was the East and the western alike. "The Middle East" would be the word viewing from the U.K.
　　The Royal Observatory stood on a hill. After walking in the town of Greenwich, we moved to the observatory by taxi. We had to skip the national maritime museum due to shortness of time. Firstly I did what I wanted to do. I straddled the Meridian Line with my right leg in the West and the left in the East.
　　There were several historic mechanical clocks inside the Observatory. They were implying that lots of researchers made strenuous efforts to measure the time. There was an octagon room under the distinctive dome-like roof and Queen Elizabeth had visited the room. As the queen did - you can see her in the following picture - , I peeped into the telescope. I found that the picture of Saturn was attached. (grin)

(Vocabulary)
recognizable すぐにそれとわかる, 見覚えがある，誰もが知る
__ degrees of east longitude 東経＿度
equatorial line 赤道
hemisphere (地球の) 半球
the Northern/Southern Hemisphere 北［南］半球

　

　グリニッジではもう一つ、訪れたかった場所があった。恐らく誰もが知るグリニッジ天文台だ。東経、西経ゼロの子午線が通る場所。緯度については地球の真ん中の赤道がゼロになることは理解できる。この場所が経度ゼロになったのはどういう経緯があったのだろう。当時のイギリスの国力が想像できる。イギリスが中心で、東と西、中東というのはイギリスから見た言い方だろう。
　天文台は小高い丘の上にあり、グリニッジの街を散策した後、時間の関係で王立海事博物館はパスしてタクシーで天文台の入口まで移動した。まずは子午線を跨いで記念撮影。大勢の観光客がいて順番待ち！
　天文台の内部へ入ると、歴史的な時計がいくつも並んでいた。１７世紀から、この場所で大勢の研究者達がいかに時間を操るか苦心をしていたことがわかる。天文台の特徴とも言えるドーム状の最上部は８角形をしており、エリザベス女王の来訪もあったようだ。

The Cutty Sark

　　An all too famous English clipper which was built for the tea transport is the Cutty Sark. When she was built, the time was changing from the days of sail to the days of steamship and her time was short. She had called at Japan. She didn't need coal as the fuel and had more space for cargo. I knew her name only through the history class in my high school days.
　　As the Suez Canal was built and steamships were developed, the role of sailboats diminished. I learned like this. I thought then, however, that it could be the trade-off for sailboats to carry more cargo than steamships even if the speed of sailboats was a little slower than steamships. I knew there was no wind in the Suez Canal and sailboats couldn't run through it from the description in the museum. Comparing the steamships which run through the Suez Canal and sailboats running all the way around South Africa, the game would be over before starting.
　　I learned through the BBC or something that the Cutty Sark was burnt down after the turn of this century. To be born in the 19th century and disappeared in the 21st century, she had passed two turns of the century. I thought of this hearing the regrettable news, but later I heard of its restoration and the newly built museum. I have been eager to visit the museum and touch herself. The steel part was not burnt and original. I enjoyed its inside tour. At the last part of the tour, I saw the collection of figure heads, some of them were funny and made me smile.
　　There were several stalls around the museum and the dishes they offered looked nice. We decided to take lunch there viewing the Cutty Sark. She was really beautiful. The legend ship which I've wanted to see was just before me. It was a really profound experience.
　　Then we dropped in at a pub, Gipsy Moth, which I had found from the deck of Cutty Sark. The taste of beer was great.

(Vocabulary)
all too famous あまりにも有名な
days of sail 帆船の時代
steamship 蒸気船

　余りにも有名なイギリスの快速を誇った紅茶運搬船。船が完成したときには帆船の時代が終わろうとしていたため、快速を生かした活躍期間は短い。日本に寄港したこともある。燃料の石炭を積まなくて良いためその分荷物室が広く、荷物を沢山積めたらしい。世界史の授業で名前だけは知っていた。

　スエズ運河が開通し、蒸気船が発達したためその役割は終えたとあったが、大量の荷物を快速で運べるなら蒸気船にも勝てるのでは？と疑問を持っていた。その後、スエズ運河では風が吹かず、帆船は通過できないのだと知った。スエズ運河経由の蒸気船相手では喜望峰周りの帆船がいかに快速であっても勝負にはならない。

　その船が２１世紀になって、一部焼失したが新たに復元され、ミュージアムとして公開されていると聞いていた。一度見たいと思っていたのだ。第一印象は美しい、ということ。船内をゆっくりと歩いて回った。フィギュアヘッドの大集合には笑った。

　周辺に露店が出ていて美味しそうだったので、カティーサークを眺めながらランチ。高校時代に教科書で出てきた船が目の前にある。復元とは言え、焼け残った鋼鉄部分は当時のもの。ここにいること、それ自体が感慨深い。さらに、カティーサークの甲板から見えたパブGipsy Mothでちょっとビール。うまかった。

River Cruise to Greenwich

　　After checking out of the hotel we deposited our luggage at the cloakroom. The hotel room was kept clean and the price was reasonable. It was located near Paddington station. If I had to stay near Paddington again, I'd like to book this hotel. Then, we headed for Westminster Pier by bus. This visit was the third time for us and we finally became able to use the bus in London. The seats on the second floor were full but we enjoyed the streets' view from the first floor. Getting off at Westminster Abbey and viewing the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben we walked to Westminster Pier. 

　　We were going to Royal Greenwich Observatory running down the Thames. Getting on the boat, a middle aged couple asked me in Japanese, "Are you Japanese?" They were at a loss. They didn't know where they should get off the boat. My daughter and her boyfriend helped them communicate with the cruise staff and they were so thankful. They would travel around the southern part of U.K. for three weeks. 

　　I'll show you some pictures taken from the boat. London Eye, the Tower of London, and Tower Bridge reminded me of my first uneasy visit to the U.K. with my second daughter. Four years have passed since then. This visit is full of fun. Our boat took a short stop at Canary Wharf then arrived at Greenwich Pier. 

 

 

 

　ホテルをチェックアウトして荷物を預け、バスでウェストミンスター桟橋へ向かった。３回目のロンドン、バスに乗ることができるようになった。我ながら進歩したものだ。ウエストミンスター寺院前で降りて桟橋へ向かった。ビッグベンを横に見て桟橋に到着。テムズ川を下ってグリニッジ天文台を目指す。到着した船に乗り込んだところ、中高年カップルから日本人かと日本語で問われた。そうだと答えると、降りる場所がわからなくなったので通訳をしてもらえないかと。息子と彼氏君が手伝ってあげた。３週間くらいかけてイギリス南部を旅行しているのだとか。羨ましい。

　船から撮った写真の一部をＵＰします。ロンドン塔やタワーブリッジなど、初めてのロンドンで不安な思いをしながら次女と歩いたことを思い出しました。あれから４年。彼氏君の職場のあるカナリーワーフ桟橋、そしてグリニッジ桟橋に到着！

Hyde Park

　　I got up bright and early on June 9th. My wife couldn't walk long distances so I left her at the hotel and went out for a walk alone. I headed for Tyburn Tree which I wrote about in the previous entry on Bayswater Rd. A bright sky and a comfortable breeze made me feel uplifted. Every scene along the road attracted me and I took pictures and I'll show you some of them. The 5th and subsequent pictures were taken in the park.
　　I walked all the way around Marble Arch from Tyburn Tree and entered Hyde Park. I had been afraid to come across the homeless, but I didn't see any homeless person and was able to walk around as I wanted. I saw several joggers jogging on the way. I wondered, "Do they enjoy jogging here everyday?" There is a big park near my house. As it's located on a small hill, I feel reluctant to climb up to the park.
　　There was a signboard to warn of something. I found some words on the signboard that I know like "moth", "caterpillar", etc. I understood the warning vaguely, but I took a picture of the board to learn each word. The English words that I come across off guard can be easily absorbed in my mind.
　　There were some facilities for maintenance, all of which were historic and had the British taste. According to the description on the information board for visitors, those buildings were formerly a fire station or a police office. To my surprise, however, there was a private residence in the park. The mailing address would be "Hyde Park, London, U.K." wouldn't it? In the 3rd picture from the last, you can see the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain. If you take a close look at the last picture, you can see Kensington Palace in the distance. I got back to my hotel and after grabbing a quick shower, breakfast, then got out for today's main event!

(Vocabulary)
uplifting (人を) 幸せな気分にする, 気持ち［精神］が高揚する（ような）

　少し薄暗い時間に起床し、余り長い距離を歩けないカミさんをホテルに残して早朝の散歩に出発。ホテルからBayswater Rdを歩いて先の記事に書いたタイバーンの木へ向かった。快晴でとても気持ちの良い散歩となった。周辺の景色をカメラに収めながら歩く。５枚目の写真からは公園内部を撮っている。タイバーンの木から工事中のMarble Archを一周してハイドパークに入った。ホームレスが多くいるのではないかと恐れたが、そんなことはなく、気の向くままに歩くことが出来た。途中、数名のジョガーに出会った。毎日ここを走るのだろうか。さぞかし気持ちよいだろうなと思う。うちの近くにも公園はあるが、小高い丘の上なのでジョギングで登るのは気後れする。
　何かに対する警告の看板があった。Moth とかCaterpillarとあったのでおそらくは毛虫に注意だろうと思ったが、後で確認するために撮影。こういうときに出てくる英単語はすぐに覚えることが出来る。
ハイドパークの中には公園管理のための建物があり、古くて趣きがあった。かつては警察署、消防署だった建物はイギリスの長い歴史を静かに物語っていた。そして、個人の家らしきものもあり驚く。郵便物はおそらく、『イギリス　ロンドン　ハイドパーク』で届くのだろう。終わりから３枚目の写真はダイアナ妃記念噴水、最後の写真では一番奥にケンジントン宮殿が見えている。ホテルに戻りシャワー、朝食、そして今日のメインイベントに向かう。

Tyburn Tree

　　A new bill concerning LGBT was voted for the other day in Japan. It is said to have followed the policy of the U.S. and the prime minister had ignored the public opinion of Japan. I was so angry at his act. Japan has originally been generous to LGBT people and this law is unnecessary or harmful in Japan. So, I investigated its background to know why the U.S. was so positive for this legislation.
　　In the U.K. a law was enacted in 1533 which was directed at homosexuals. The law dictated that homosexuals were subject to capital punishment. The execution of three homosexuals in 1726 is recorded. Public execution seems to have been an entertainment for commoners in those days. You can see what was going on at venues for public executions in some pictures.
　　In fact, homosexuals in the U.K. had been suppressed and ill-treated and they have been killed in front of audiences for amusement. There is such a long-term horror story and the Anglo-Saxon would have feelings of redemption for their negative history. I imagine on my own that those feelings would be streaming under radical advocacy for LGBT.
　　I therefore visited the site of a venue for the execution of three homosexuals. An epitaph, which at least seemed to me so, or a panel which read "The Site of Tyburn Tree" was embedded on the ground as shown below. Additionally three trees stood in the busy street. Three trees apparently represent the shape of the execution stage. It was located on the north-east corner of Hyde Park and near Marble Arch. The site was desolate despite being adjacent to one of the tourist attractions. I supposed that even the Briton might not know this site. Marble Arch was under renovation and regrettably I wasn't able to view it.

(Vocabulary)
venue for public executions 公開処刑場
redemption 罪のあがない

　日本で先般、ＬＧＢＴに関する法案が成立した。米国の方針に従うもので国民を無視したものだったので随分腹が立った。日本は法律など無くてもＬＧＢＴの人たちに対して寛容な国だ。少し背景を調べてみた。すると、イギリスでは同性愛者を死刑とする法律が１５３３年に発布されていて、１７２６年に３人のオカマが見せしめのため公開で処刑された記録が残っていた。当時は処刑がエンタテインメントでもあったらしい。当時の絵が残っており処刑台が描かれている。
　要するに見せしめで殺されるほど、イギリスの同性愛者は抑圧され虐待されていたわけで、こうした長年にわたる惨劇があり、自国の負の歴史に対する贖罪の気持ちが、英米の過激なLGBT擁護運動の根底にあるのだろう。と、勝手に思っている。
　で、この処刑場の跡へ行ってみた。『タイバーンの木の場所』と書かれた墓碑銘（と僕には思えた）が設置されていた。３本の木は処刑台を模したものだそうだ。ハイドパークの北東角にこのような場所があるなんて、ロンドン在住でも知らない人の方が多いのではないかと思う。近くの観光名所マーブルアーチは写真の通り工事中。残念。

Kensington Palace and Gardens

　　I had an appointment with the Prince of Wales and visited Kensington Palace where he and his family live. When I entered the premise of the Palace, a statue came into my sight. It was the statue of William III. I didn't know much about him. I just learned that he came from the Netherlands and fought Louis XIV. He apparently built Kensington Palace and died here.
　　I entered the Palace. The great flamboyance was within the scope of my assumption, but the additional exhibition was amazing to me. The names, photos and documented records of people who had supported the royal family since 19th century were displayed. They were what you call commoners. The Royal Family openly expressed their gratitude to them; lots of supporters, housekeepers, gardeners, cooks, clerks, cleaners, and so on.
　　Arriving at Heathrow in the morning, my wife got tired. I asked my daughter to take her to our hotel, and I took a walk alone in the pleasant breeze and weather. I was likely to forget that I was in a big city of London.
　　By ill chance, I found the statue of Queen Victoria near the exit of the Palace. The U.K. was evil in her reign of the latter half of 19th century. Recalling what the U.K. did in Asian and African countries in her reign, I felt nausea coming on. Japan was one of the victims.
　　While walking around, I found a tiny statue of a child. It was Peter Pan. That was it! I recalled that Peter Pan had fallen out of the baby buggy or pram in Kensington Gardens. He can fly in the sky and is an eternal boy. There were several kids cheerfully running around the statue.
　　Then, we were taken to a Greek restaurant near Hyde Park for dinner. I felt a touching effort of my daughter's boyfriend to welcome us. The dishes were new to me and I really enjoyed them over beers from Cyprus.
　　One more thing, Queen Victoria was born and spent her early childhood in Kensington Palace. That's why her statue stood in front of the Palace.

(Vocabulary)
flamboyance (人の) 華やかさ, 華麗さ; (服装などの) きらびやかさ
by ill chance　 運悪く

https://kumo.typepad.jp/weblog/2023/07/merton-college.html

　イギリスのウィリアム皇太子とアポがあったのでケンジントン宮殿を訪問した。（笑）
敷地に入るとある銅像が眼に入った。ウィリアム３世オレンジ公とのこと。オランダから来たことくらいしか知らなかったが、この宮殿を建て、この宮殿で没したらしい。宮殿の中の豪華絢爛さはいうまでもないが、スタッフ達の笑顔の写真、名前、彼らが付けていた各種台帳など、王室を支えてきた人たちの記録が展示されていた。王室が謝意を示している。大切なことだと感じた。
　朝、ヒースロー国際空港に到着し、ずっと歩き回って疲れたというカミさんをホテルに送ってもらい、僕は一人でケンジントン公園内を散策。快晴で、気持ちの良い風が吹き、ロンドンという都会にいることを忘れそうである。ケンジントン宮殿を出てすぐのところでヴィクトリア女王の銅像があった。１９世紀後半、彼女の時代、イギリスのやってきたことを思うと吐き気がして来る。日本も散々やられた。そんな嫌なことも思い出したが、一回りして小さな子供の銅像を見つけた。ピーターパンの銅像だった。そうだった、ピーター・パンはロンドンのケンジントン公園で乳母車から落ちて迷子となったんだった。空を飛ぶことのできる永遠の少年である。周辺では子ども達の笑い声が響いていた。
　さて、夕食は近くのギリシャ料理レストラン。彼氏君の我々を歓迎しようという努力は涙ぐましい。料理は初めて聞く名前ばかり。キプロス産ビールと共に明るい夜が更けていく。
　なお、ケンジントン宮殿にヴィクトリア女王の銅像があった理由だが、彼女はここで生まれ、幼少期を過ごしたらしい。

Notting Hill

　　We deposited our luggage at the hotel and headed for Notting Hill. I knew this name from the movie "Notting Hill" which was made in 1999. Since then, I wanted to walk around the streets where Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant were cheerfully walking in the movie. Two lead characters come across at a small bookshop and the shop exists even now in a corner of Portobello road in Notting Hill. I had my daughter take pictures of me in front of the bookshop. There was a crowd of people, but few entered the bookshop. I wanted to take pictures inside the bookshop in the same angles as the movie, but refrained from entering the shop so as not to interfere with their business. It so happened that the crowd disappeared for a short time and I was able to take the 2nd picture.
　　One more thing, the movie was actually shot at a different point, which is shown in the 3rd picture. The layout of the bookstore in the 2nd picture was replicated to this shop and the movie was made. This place isn't a bookshop, but bears the signboard, "Travel Book Shop". The owner would leave it as it was very consciously. There was a crowd of visitors in front of the shop. The movie was made no less than 20 years ago, but its popularity continued.
　　The next picture(4th picture) shows "The Distillery". I wanted to try some gin, but two ladies didn't want to, though two men wanted to.
　　We strolled along Portobello Road for about an hour and I had a great time. I wished I had 3 stomachs for eating many kinds of exotic food. More than 10 antique shops entertained us. Lots of silverwork and items from the Mideast were displayed in storefronts and stalls. If I had the ability to appreciate things of beauty, I might have made a real find.
　　We dropped in at a restaurant, Poppies, which seemed to be very famous for its "Fish & Chips", and I ate cod and haddock sharing with my wife over a glass of white wine. It was very nice.

https://www.arukikata.co.jp/web/article/item/3001828/

ホテルへ荷物を預けた後、タクシーでノッティングヒルへ向かう。その昔、ノッティング・ヒル（邦題：ノッティングヒルの恋人）という映画があった。Julia RobertsとHugh Grant主演のロマンティック・コメディで一度現地を歩いてみたかった。二人の出会う書店が現存し、その前で記念撮影。書店の前には人だかりがあるのに中へ入る人は少ない。たまたま人の流れが切れたときに撮影できた。店内で映画と同じアングルで撮影したかったが、邪魔になると思い諦めた。ただ、実は、実際の撮影はこの書店のレイアウトをそのまま移して別の場所で撮られた。その場所が３枚目の写真。因みにここは現在は本屋ではないが、Travel Book Shopと映画撮影の痕が残っている、というより残しているのだろう。ここも人だかり。２０年も前の映画なのに、人気は衰えず。

その次の写真はこれも有名な醸造所The Distillery ジン発祥の地。一口飲みたかったが、女性二人がアルコールが苦手なためパス。ボーイフレンド氏と僕は飲もうとしたのだが。

１時間ほどブラブラする。実に楽しい。胃袋が３つくらいほしかった。中東系の骨董品屋が多くあり、目の肥えた人なら掘り出し物を見つけるのかもしれないが、僕には無理。歩き疲れて立ち寄ったのがFish & Chips で有名な Poppies　https://poppiesfishandchips.co.uk/
codとhaddockという２種類の魚を食べる。美味！

Fly in the U.K.

　　The plane flew in over the English Channel. The terrain of the coastline of Holland was distinctive and it attracted my curiosity. I wondered how the terrain was formed. I'll read some books about the earth science later. The starboard side seats were free and I enjoyed the scenery moving back and forth between port side to starboard.
　　On the approach to the U.K., I noticed numerous wind turbines on the sea. They were a spectacular view. The U.K. declares to end dependence on fossil fuels, but is it possible? The plane was heading for London lowering its altitude in preparation for landing. I spent a gorgeous amusing time comparing the map and the actual scenery.
　　We landed at Heathrow Airport at 7:15 a.m. A boarding ramp was approaching and I assumed that we'd get off through this ramp, but it was for maintenance work for the plane itself. We were led to the usual front left door. When you are seated in the aftermost seat, you'll sometimes experience unusual things. I flew British Airways on the last trip to the U.K.. The crews' mutual chatting in the kitchen after turning off the light was too much for me. There seemed not to be any space, but a meal was placed directly on the floor. All items on the tray were covered and would be kept clean, but that's not acceptable for me.
　　By the way, I was going to use the Elizabeth Line of the tube, which was built a few years ago, but we got on the Heathrow Express. Both trains are designed to come in on the same platform and we got on the train which first came in. The fare seemed to be lower on the tube, according to my daughter.
　　We met my daughter and her boyfriend at Paddington station. They were supposed to guide us in London. We felt reassured. We checked in the Corus Hotel Hyde Park and deposited our luggage. The last picture shows the hotel. The Malaysian flag was raised along with the British one. It was because the owner of the hotel was Malaysian.

(Vocabulary)
fly in over ～の上空にさしかかる
boarding ramp　タラップ（オランダ語のtrapが語源）
accommodation ladder （船のタラップ）
aftermost 一番後ろの
reassuring 安心させる, 心強い

　飛行機は海上へ出た。オランダの海岸の特徴的な地形が印象的。席が空いているので右側へ行ったり左側へ行ったりと忙しい。イギリス本土へさしかかると海上の風力発電の風車が目立っていた。イギリスも脱化石燃料を謳っているが可能なのだろうか？高度を下げてロンドン上空へ向かっている。実際の景色と地図を見比べて楽しむ。
　７時１５分ヒースロー国際空港に到着。窓の外にタラップが近づいてきた。地面へ降りるのかと思ったが、業務用のようだった。一番後ろの席にいると日頃経験しないことがある。前回乗ったBritish Airwaysでは嫌なこともあった。夜、消灯後のクルーのおしゃべりが聞こえてきて耳障りだったし、置くところが無かったからだろうが、食事を一時的に床に置いていた。完全に覆われている食事だから不潔では無いのだろうが、日本人ならまずしない。
　さて、ヒースロー国際空港から、パディントン駅まで数年前に開業した地下鉄エリザベスラインを使うつもりだったが、地下鉄と従来の鉄道が同じホームに着く構造で、先に来たヒースローエクスプレスでパディントン駅へ到着。早く出発する方に乗ったのだが、地下鉄の方が安かったらしい。
　パディントンで娘とその彼氏に会う。今日と明日、ロンドンを案内してくれることになっている。心強い。まずは宿泊予定のコーラスホテルハイドバークへチェックインし、荷物を預けた。最後の写真がホテル。イギリス国旗は当然として、更にマレーシアの国旗が掲げられており、尋ねるとホテルのオーナーがマレーシア人だからとのこと。

To the U.K. Again

　　Our seats were 60A & 60B on the Boeing 777-300 from BKK to Heathrow. They were the last row on the plane. We didn't bother about the passengers on the back. The toilet was located next to our seats and this condition was helpful to a beer drinker.
　　When drifting in and out of dreamland, a walking cabin attendant met the eye. She looked like a Buddhist priest walking and surprised me. My mother, who is now suffering from serious dementia, was interested in Asian art and was collecting Buddha images. I felt those images walking, and my blood ran cold. The uniform of the cabin attendants was beautiful in the bright light, but ,,,.
　　Waking up completely, it was bright outside. Breakfast was soon delivered. When eating it looking down at the earth, I found a huge airport. Then I spotted a distinctive bend of a big river and a big city. I was instantly sure that the river was the Rhine and the city was Mainz. I detected the influx of the Main into the Rhine. That must have meant that the huge airport I'd found was Frankfurt Airport, which I utilized 4~5 times.
　　I relatively understand the geography of these areas of the EU and there's a rock around that I've long been interested in. I tried to search the Rhine for the rock. Our plane passed the distinctive bend of the Rhine at Filsen and Koblenz came into my sight. That meant we had already passed the rock.
　　Do you know the story of "Lorelei"? I looked for the rock of Lorelei, but in vain. From this height, it might be impossible to spot it. To record where we were, I took a picture of the map on the screen, but it was meaningless with this resolution. (grin)
　　I've examined a few cruise tours of the Rhine while my second daughter was living in Germany. That's why I knew the geography of the middle river basin of the Rhine. After my daughter came back, the chance of visiting Germany decreased, but I'd like to look up the rock of Lorelei from the surface of the Rhine.

(Vocabulary)
have/pay regard to ～を顧慮する
drift in and out of dreamland 浅い眠りでうつらうつらしている
meet the eye 目に映る
one's blood runs cold　ぞっとする（非常な驚きや恐怖を感じて）〔体温が急に下がって血(blood)が冷たくなる(run cold)ような感覚から。〕
bend (道・川などの) 曲がった部分, カーブ
river basin 河川の流域

　バンコクからヒースロー国際空港へはタイ航空B７７７ー３００の６０A/B席だった。これは、一番後ろの２列並びの席で後ろの客に気を遣うこともなく、トイレは横にあるのでビールをいくらでも飲める。出発は午前０時３０分でビールを飲むのにうってつけの時間帯。一杯呑んでから寝ましょう。
　寝ている途中、うっすらと開けたうとうとした目に映ったのはタイ航空機内でＣＡの歩く姿、まるで坊さんが歩いているようで、，，ドッキリ。今や認知症で訳がわからなくなっている母親が東洋美術に興味があり、東南アジアの仏像を集めていた。それらが歩いているようでゾッとした。
　完全に目を覚ますと外は明るくなっていた。朝食が運ばれてきた。下を眺めながら食事をしていると、大きな空港が見える。続いて大河の湾曲が見えてきた。紛れもない、マインツの街だ。ということは空港はフランクフルトだったか。過去に４～５回利用したことがある。
　この辺りはＥＵのなかでも比較的地理を理解している。気になっている場所がある。目を皿のようにして探したが、飛行機はFilsenの特徴的な地形（ラインの湾曲）を過ぎ、コブレンツのが見えてきた。ということは捜していた地点は通り過ぎてしまったことになる。
　実は、ローレライ伝説の岩を探していた。この高度では特定は無理かもしれない。飛行中の場所を記録しておこうとディスプレイを撮影しておいたが、この拡大率では無理がある。（笑）
　数年前にライン川クルーズを検討したので地形をよく覚えている。ドイツに留学していた次女が帰国したためドイツに行く機会が減ったがいつか川面からローレライの岩を見上げてみたい、，，

Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK)

　　Our plane took off on schedule out of Kansai International Airport and arrived at BKK at 2125 hours. When we got off the plane, the Japanese announcement was weird. I hoped there was at least one CA who can speak Japanese on the flight in and out of Japan. Can the crews securely do an evacuation guidance in a crisis?
　　Getting off the plane, the gate and surroundings were dark. I wondered if a partial power cut might be happening. We had 3 hours until the connecting flight, and went lounge-hopping.
　　Firstly, we swung by the Turkish Airlines lounge. The lounge wasn't a pleasant clean environment. Tables and plates weren't clean and I didn't see anyone wipe tables clean. I expected to eat kebab, but it was not prepared. Though our table wasn't clean, I thought it normal there and stayed for some time over some meal and Thai beer, but it was a bad judgement in retrospect . The next Silverkris lounge (Singapore Airlines)was gorgeous and clean. Then we moved to the Miracle Lounge, which seemed to be built recently and was open and clean. We should have spent spare time here instead of the Turkish lounge. There were several kinds of dishes, but we were able to eat some ice cream and refreshments only. I found the shower facility there and I decided to try to use it at the stopover on the return flight.

(Vocabulary)
flight in and out of Japan　日本発着のフライト
evacuation guidance 避難誘導
gate and surroundings　ゲートとその周辺
in retrospect 後から振り返ると

まずはトルコ航空　清潔感に問題あり　スタッフがテーブルを拭くシーンは見なかった。そしてかなり汚れていた。皿の汚れも目立っていた。これがここでは普通なのかと思い、しばらく居たが、後から考えると失敗だった。
トルコ航空からシンガポール航空のラウンジSilverkrisへ移動、そしてD６ゲート正面のミラクルラウンジへ。ここは、比較的最近に出来たラウンジらしく、とても清潔、開放的で気に入った。
美味しそうな料理がいろいろあったのだが、トルコ航空のラウンジで食べ過ぎて食べられず。残念なことをした。ミラクルラウンジのアイスクリームは美味しかった。トルコ航空のラウンジは次回からはスルーが吉
更にタイ航空のラウンジを目指すつもりでいたが、２００メートルくらい先ということでカミさんが行かないというのでミラクルラウンジで出発まで過ごした。

Thai Airways International

　　We flew Thai Airways(TG) firstly to Bangkok. Some might wonder why TG to fly from Japan to the U.K? I utilized the award tickets of a Star Alliance member of ANA. We preferred the direct flight, but there seemed to be no vacancy on direct flights. I wanted to reach the U.K. as soon as possible, but that's why I had to stop by Bangkok. However, I was thankful for the award flights under the conditions of the weak yen as it was independent of the exchange movement. Additionally, we received preferential treatment from TG at the check-in counter as we're Star Alliance Gold members, though we chose the cheapest way, I mean, I booked economy seats with award tickets, so I felt a little embarrassed to line up on the fast track.
　　The ANA lounge in Kansai International airport(KIX) was crowded and I had a small quantity of pan-fried noodles. I was not so hungry and I wanted to keep some space in my stomach for the in-flight meal. I love spicy Thai cuisine. The plane was almost empty and we could use another seat for a temporary place for my gadgets. The flight was so relaxing.
　　The first in-flight meal was a straight choice between chicken and pork. The pork version was Thai flavored and I chose that and it was great! The red wine of the TG choice was also good.

(Vocabulary)
exchange movement 為替の変動
receive preferential treatment from ～から特別待遇を受ける
pan-fried noodles 焼きそば
a straight choice between A and B ＡとＢの二者択一

At Kansai International Airport

　　Our plane landed at Osaka International Airport(ITM) after about 40 minutes' flight. We were flying from Kansai International Airport(KIX), but there was no direct flight from my city to KIX, so we had to stop by at ITM. The connection from ITM to KIX was not so good. We usually choose Haneda and Narita, but we utilized mileage points to get air tickets and were designated to start from KIX. However, it was fuel surcharge only that we had to pay, and some inconvenience was acceptable.
　　KIX was under refurbishment here and there. This work obstructed walkways. Anyway, we exchanged yen for euros. My daughter advised me we wouldn't need cash, but we experienced a cash-only taxi in Oxford last year, so I prepared euros worth about 10,000 yen (U.S. $ 70). The exchange rate was 210 yen/￡1, but it was 200 /￡1 through Revolut. I decided to mainly use the Revolut card in the U.K.. I was going to wander around Notting Hill outdoor market and I thought cash would be required to buy something there. I'm writing this article after coming back. The euro cash was unused in the long run. I'll bring it again on next year's trip.
　　We had lunch at a famous Chinese restaurant chain of 551. This chain sounds famous, but I didn't know it. Anyway, the Tianjin rice we ate was so-so.

(Vocabulary)
refurbishment (建物・部屋などの) （全面的な）改装, 新装
refurbish 〈ホテル，レストランなど〉 を（全面的に）改装する, 新装する
Tianjin rice 天津飯

At Matsuyama Airport

　　I got an email from ANA to ask the passengers to reduce their carry-on baggage and check as much luggage as possible, because the plane was small and the flight was fully booked. The check-in counter might be crowded and we started with an hour to spare. We left our house about 8 o'clock. There's no custom of tipping in Japan, but we gave a tip to the taxi driver for four suitcases, and it might be from an elated mood. My wife was squeezing one after the other into her suitcase even at the souvenir shops in the airport. The mother-daughter relationship would be true worldwide, though it's me who has to drag her heavy suitcase.

(Vocabulary)
elated 大喜びした
be true worldwide 世界共通である

Departure for the U.K.

　　My wife and I will leave for the U.K. tomorrow to see how our daughter is doing. She seems to be looking forward to seeing us preparing several welcoming plans for us. We packed our suitcases mainly with Japan's traditional and popular food of her taste.
　　The number of the checked baggage became four. When we visited the U.K. last time, we were supposed to attend the Degree Day Ceremony of Oxford University and we had to carry our formal wears along with casual wears. The formal ones were bulky, but this time we had casual wears only, and we can wash them in my daughter's room, so the amount of clothes was minimal, but the number of checked-on suitcases became the limit for two people.

 

The Comfort Women HOAX

　　Japan had annexed Korea for 35 years from 1910 to 1945 by request from international society. Japan spent lots of capital to modernize Korea in those days. It was not what you call a colonial rule. However, Japan has been accused of its policy over Korea to this day.
　　One of their side of stories is that; Japan abducted lots of Korean women to let them work as sex slaves. Some Koreans insist that the Japanese army abducted Korean women and sent them to the war front for Japanese soldiers. It was backed by the Japanese government.
　　Several old ladies came forward as victims recently, but there is no documented evidence for them, and they request Japan compensation. Some poor parents reluctantly sold their daughters into prostitution to survive hardships in those days not only in Korea but Japan. The above ladies would be victims of the era. It was a sad fact of history.
　　On these conditions, a book which tears their arguments completely to shreds was published in the U.S. last year and I got the Japanese translation of "The Comfort Women HOAX" by J. Mark Ramseyer today.
　　The professor doesn't stand on either side of Korea and Japan. Simply from the standpoint as the bystander, his book was compiled. I hoped that Japan would be able to get rid of the pointless conflict, but a monument to accuse Japan of this issue was built on a public space of Stintino city on the island of Sardinia in Italy. There's no remedy for idiots.

(Vocabulary)
annexation (領土などの) 併合
tear one's argument completely to shreds ～の議論をズタズタに論破する
Sardinia イタリア西部サルデーニャ島
Stintino スティンティーノ市

Overtourism

　　Overtourism is a big issue now. Due to the weak yen, the number of tourists is soaring. You might think that it's good for Japan's tourism industry. This trend was good for a while for sure. The tourism sectors would be profitable, but now some well-known tourists destinations like Kyoto, Nara, and even small cities are in difficulties.
　　Some tourists from specific countries don't follow Japan's public policy and make streets or toilets dirty. Souvenir shops usually prepare the samples for tasting at the front of their shops. They are for customers' decision whether to buy or not, but some people claw hold of them, not pinching a bit. Some people are so noisy and behave badly on mass transit.
　　Japanese tourists have a tendency to avoid those famous sightseeing spots due to the lack of taxis, parking lots, and accommodations.
　　A picture of Mt.Fuji on the roof of a convenience store became a hot topic. Lots of tourists swarm around the store to take pictures and their acts cause traffic jams and disturb public peace. Recently the local government set a black screen to prevent them from taking pictures, but several holes were made through the screen in a few days. If you are interested in the picture, google it with the keyword of "lawson" and "fuji".
　　I don't want people without common sense to come to Japan. They should know the proverb; When in Rome, do as Romans do!

 

Stylish EV Chargers

　　Japan is geographically a small country and has good road connections to every local place. Even rural roads and forest roads are almost all paved. On account of some business in a small village, I utilized the San-yo Highway, which I seldom use, and stopped by a roadside service area. I heard that an EV charger by a venture outfit was set in the area and I'd like to use it. You can see it in the following picture. As you see, 6 EVs can be charged at the same time.
　　I tried a little charge. It was easy to use, but the charging speed was not acceptable to me, I mean it was slow. The users of domestically produced EVs might feel satisfied with these chargers, but my Tesla Model 3 has enough ability to accept higher electrical current, which leads to shorter charging time. Some people dislike EVs due to its long charging time as opposed to cars with conventional engines, but if you go to the toilet or some shops or restaurants, the charging time will end soon. For also humans, the charging time is absolutely essential. I often feel I'm happy to have met this car.

(Vocabulary)
on account of some business ちょっとした所用のため
high-current 高電流の

Weakened Yen and Next Trip

　　I'll write about the recent weak yen today. When I visited Oahu last December, I felt overwhelmed with the prices of commodities coming from the weak yen and the inflation of the U.S.. I had to cut down the use of restaurants and cooked most meals with food that I got in a supermarket for locals.
　　The weak yen developed more intensely this spring. The exporting companies like carmakers sound like they made unprecedented profits, but travel persons like me have difficulties to plan overseas travels. The prices in Hawaii are unbelievably high now, and I have to bring some meals from Japan next time.
　　In the meantime, I have a plan to visit the U.K. in June. I'm going to stay in Bath and I'm thinking of visiting one of its constituent countries of Wales. I'm learning its culture and history now. I paid the flight fee by mileage. The mileage payment is free of influence from exchange instability. It's very helpful in this weak-yen trend.
　　Bath has the ruin of a Roman public bath. Its name, "Bath", might be derived from the ruin. My hometown has the oldest hot spa of Japan. It's written even in Japan's mythology. The travel from the oldest hot spa town of Japan to that of the U.K. would be fantastic.

(Vocabulary)
currency gain 為替差益
exchange 為替

Wine Tasting

　　The biannual event of wine tasting in my home was held on Apr. 12th after a while. Under the strict regulations of the pandemic, it wasn't able to be held regularly for a few years. In addition to the regular participants, three of my friends newly joined.
　　Wine is usually bottled tightly and it's difficult to taste a wine before buying it and you have to choose them from the shelves of liquor shops only by their labels. You sometimes fail to choose what you'd like to drink because their tastes are unknown before opening the bottles. This is the reason why I began to hold a wine tasting gathering in my home. I invite professionals from a wine importer of Osaka to know the background of each wine along with tasting of it.
　　The participants enjoyed tasting and choosing their kind of wine and ordered it from the company. The marketer brought 10 kinds of wine and in total we ordered four dozen bottles of wine. After the tasting, we had a merrymaking over several kinds of wine.
　　The following picture shows me organizing the bottles which were delivered at a later date.

(Vocabulary)
at a later date 後日