Tire Park or Nishi Rokugo Koen

On a cold early weekend December morning, the family joined some friends at Nishi Rokugo Koen in Ota-ku. This park is also know by many as the Tire Park because it is mainly constructed of about 3,000 recycled tires of every variety. The play structures vary from the typical tire swings, to giant concrete slides, a robot, a pair of dinosaurs (or perhaps they are dragons?), a rocket, and other fun constructions.

Nikon D700 with Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens@ f5.6, ISO 200, 1/125 sec.

Nikon D700 with Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF @ 80 mm, f4, ISO 200, 1/250 sec.

Nikon D700 with Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens@ f5.6, ISO 200, 1/1600 sec.

Nikon D700 with Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF @ 200 mm, f4, ISO 200, 1/125 sec.

Nikon D700 with Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF @ 200 mm, f4, ISO 200, 1/640 sec.

LOVE in Shinjuku or I like my LOVE at an angle

On the same walk through Shinjuku and visit to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, we walked by this famous sculpture that is recognizable worldwide.  I think the first time that I must have seen it was on a stamp, but it has been featured in many television programs and movies.

Love is located near the Shinjuku I-LAND Tower in Nishi-Shinjuku.  It was created by American artist Robert Indiana and is one of many located around the world.  Perhaps there is one located near your home?

Nikon D700with Nikon 16-35mm f/4G ED VR II AF-S IF SWM @ 16 mm, f5, ISO 200, 1/100 sec.

Nikon D700with Nikon 16-35mm f/4G ED VR II AF-S IF SWM @ 16 mm, f8, ISO 200, 1/50 sec.

Star Wars Souvenirs at the TMGB

I had a want around Tokyo several weeks ago on a US holiday.  My friend and I visited several camera shops in the Shinjuku and while we were there decided to head to the top of the second tallest building in Tokyo, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

The souvenir shop at the top of the TMGB had some cool Star Wars t-shirts.  Too bad they were horribly overpriced at ¥2,700.  Ack!  It's not nice to gouge geeks.  Even if a giant Darth Vader is strutting with his AT-AT around the Tokyo Tower.

Nikon D700 with Nikon 16-35mm f/4G ED VR II AF-S IF SWM @ 27 mm, f8, ISO 200, 1/40 sec.

Nikon D700 with Nikon 16-35mm f/4G ED VR II AF-S IF SWM @ 19 mm, f5.6, ISO 200, 1/20 sec.

Been busy... So sorry there haven't been any updates

The last several months have been very busy for the family and me. We took a big family vacation in December and early January. We visited friends in Honolulu and family in Las Vegas. The children had a blast, seeing friends in Hawaii and spending time with my Dad, his wife, my brother and sister. We took a big road trip while in Vegas and stayed overnight at the Grand Canyon.

The drive took about 5-hours. We drove over the new Mike O'Callaghan – Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge which passes Hoover Dam. Too bad you can't see the Dam or much of the bridge. The scenery was amazing, but I don't think the children paid much attention to the desert and dry plains.

Just as we were arriving at the park entrance, it started snowing. Lucky for us, we had a reprieve from the weather when we reached the Visitor Center and Mather Point at the south rim. The view from the rim was truly fabulous and sublime. I just wish that we could have spend more time hiking and exploring. Anyway, enough with the whining.... It was a great time!!!

Nikon 16-35mm f/4G ED VR II AF-S IF SWM @ 16 mm, f8, ISO 200, 1/640 sec.