Small Marine Life

They are the smaller living things in the marine world, but that doesn't mean that they are any less interesting or beautiful to see. Don't forget to check out the many little tanks set up in the Aquarium.

This little guy was struggling to move his home uphill. 

He was on the move! He must have found something good to eat or he just had a lot of excess energy to use.

 Doing a loop in the tank.

Sharks, Sunfish and others

Dolphin Show

Welcome to the Dolphin Show!
Where the dolphins show their natural speed and power.

Everybody at the ready for the show to start.

A view from the second floor of the dolphin show. The weather wasn't the best on this day. It was a little cold and sprinkled at times, but otherwise not too bad for spring!

Training at Nagoya Port Aquarium

Above this area is where you can watch the Dolphin show. But, down here you can see all the twists and turns the dolphins maneuver at very high speeds.

I don't know why, but most of the time the dolphins were swimming upside down. Maybe it makes it easier for them to jump out of the water?

See, all upside down....

The lone ranger

 I know these are Beluga Whales, but the baby was cute. You know it's spring when babies have been born recently at the aquarium or zoo.

Hey, mom! Wait for me!

Baby Orca and Child

This is my friend's daughter and the baby Orca was very interested in her. The baby kept coming up to her and it seemed like he/she wanted to play with her.

I swear they are making eye contact in this photo.

I wonder what the baby Orca thinks when he/she sees all of us people staring at them with our mouths open.

Look A-chan!

Say hello!

 Swimming with mom and dad.

Baby Orca at the Aquarium

I went to the Nagoya Port Aquarium with a friend of mine who has a 2 year old daughter. We thought it would be fun for her, but it turned out to be more fun for us. I guess having a child gives adults an excuse to go the aquarium!

A baby Orca had been born to the Pod at this aquarium.

So cute! Although, I do feel a little bad that he or she will be living at this aquarium for the rest of his/her life. Hmmm, I wonder if there is a better way to teach kids about marine life without taking them away from their home or destroying their environment.....Unfortunately, I have no answers. All I can do is share the joy this Orca pod brought to the families visiting.

This baby Orca liked to spin in the water. Such a playful Orca!

Feeding time!

Unexpected Cherry Blossom Locations

I didn't know there were so many Cherry Blossom trees around Moriyama and Seto ward. These photos were taken near Kinjyou University. There is a whole street lined with Cherry Blossom Trees. Unfortunately, I hadn't noticed until after they crested their peak blooming point, but I will try next year!

Even after their peak blooming point this view made my day.

Good-bye Cherry Blossoms

Cherry Blossoms
We enjoyed having you
It was a pleasant surprise
You arrived earlier than usual
Your visit was so short
But we know you will be back
Before we even know it

I was pleasantly surprised when I was walking to the grocery store to find the petals of the Cherry Blossoms being blown away by the spring wind. It was like showers of petals at a time. The street was just covered in petals.

I'm sad to see the Cherry Blossoms go, but even when they are leaving they are graceful.

Under the Cover of Cherry Blossoms

So many people make plans to meet up with their friends to eat and drink under the Cherry Blossoms, day and night.

In some locations like at Tsuruma Park the trees are beautifully lit up.

It can be very difficult to get a good seat, so make sure you come early! Some people come in the morning and stay here until after dark to keep their good spots. Don't worry plastic tarps are set out so everyone has a place to sit other than the ground.

The only down side I can't imagine stepping on the roots of the trees is a good thing, so if possible please step over the exposed roots. It will help to prolong the life of these beautiful trees for generations to come.

In places that light up the Cherry Blossoms you can be sure there will be food stalls selling all the usual good stuff!

If you want to see Cherry Blossoms it's still possible! You just have to go North. Maybe the Cherry Blossoms in Hokkaido will blossom this month (April) some time. Good luck!