Snow Monkeys in Hell's Valley

One of my favorite places is Jigokudani Yaenkoen in Nagano Prefecture. Jigokudani translates as "Hell's Valley," so named because of the harsh winters with heavy snow, steaming hot springs, and steep cliffs.  A troop of wild Japanese macaques has called this area home since the 1960s. More commonly known as snow monkeys, these adorable primates spend much of the harsh winter in the natural hot springs. On recent a trip to the States, I was thrilled to flip through the TV channels and come across a show about the snow monkeys. Who needs to watch a telenovela when you can watch the daily lives of the Japanese macaques?  I can't wait to visit next winter with a new appreciation of life in Hell's Valley.  In the meantime, here are some photos from my last visit. Watch the Nature Snow Monkey's Episode on the PBS Website. 

The Pumpkin and the Sea

There is a small industrial island in the Seto Inland Sea of Japan that has managed to establish itself as a destination for contemporary art.  Naoshima has been featured in several international newspapers and travel magazines.  By some coincidence, I seem to encounter articles about Naoshima frequently when I am traveling abroad.  From the time I first saw photos of Yayoi Kusama's pumpkin installations on Naoshima, I decided that I needed to go.  Although it isn't too far from where I have family in Okayama, it is still not the easiest place to visit.  Unfortunately I only had enough time to visit the pumpkins, but I plan to go back to stay and visit all the museums.

Scenes from the Steppe

In my youth, I always associated both Siberia and the Soviet Steppe with serious punishment. I imagined scenes from Dr. Zhivago and Fiddler on the Roof with harsh winters, scarce resources, and almost certain death for the exiled. In my adult life, I have been lucky enough to visit both Siberia and the Steppes of Kazakhstan. Although there is no escaping the terrible history and difficult winter conditions, both are among the most beautiful places that I have visited. I have been fortunate enough to accompany my husband on some recent work trips to Kazakhstan. During a recent trip to the Astana, I requested a tour of the surrounding Steppe. My tour guide could not imagine why I would want to take such a drive, and would not let me exit the car as the sun set on our return to the capital. "The wolves in the steppe will eat you alive" she warned. I proceeded to have Steppenwolf's "Born to Be Wild" in my head for the rest of the drive.

Window Seat

My dad taught me to appreciate a good window seat, and he always liked a view of the wing.  When I am traveling alone these days, I prefer the aisle seat on long flights, rather than getting stuck three seats in.  When I do get a window, I am the first person to grab my camera in search of a good view.  I usually get some curious looks from neighboring passengers who probably assume that I am new to air travel.

View from Narita

Sunset at Dulles

Blue Skies

Leaving Narita, United

Airbus 380 at Dulles

View from Frankfurt