Sometimes when we travel, my husband takes me on a "just trust me" expedition. Of course he tells me enough that I've got the right clothes and such but the destination is a secret. He enjoys the surprise and I do too! And he rarely gets it wrong. (Mind you, he might get lost along the way!)

And so, this was how, in late February, I was introduced to Senkoji Temple, one of the highest points on Awaji Shima. I had no idea where we were going as we drove up a steep, narrow windy road to a tiny, empty parking lot. We then proceed to walk up multiple sets of steep stairs - up and up and up... The large temple complex was deserted except for a friendly cat and someone sweeping away debris from a statue up at the very top. We spent our time exploring and enjoying the views. Thanks so much, Husband! Another winner!

I highly recommend a visit. However, apparently the parking lot is packed on weekends. Best to take a taxi from the station.

More in English: https://japanwonder.com/2019/01/05/senzans-senkoji-temple-temple-on-the-first-mountain-of-the-first-island/
More in Japanese: http://www.awaji-13butsu.com/

On Awaji Shima, there is a famous weeping plum tree called 八木のしだれ梅 (Yagi No Shidare Ume / Yagi's Weeping Plum). It's a single tree and is spectacular when it is in full bloom! It's located in the countryside at the Murakami residence and is a popular place to visit in the early spring.

This was our second visit to see this tree. The first time the tree was in full bloom. This time, it still had at least another week to go, even though we were visiting on the exact same day as the year before.

Ah, well. It had been unusually cold for most of February, resulting in everything being a bit behind. Not to worry, though! It was still stunning.

If you'd like to know more about the tree, visit the links below.
English: https://yousakana.jp/weeping-plum/
Japanese: https://kankouawaji.com/yagiplum18/

(Oh, by the way! The last time we visited, they were selling small weeping plum trees - the same kind as the one in their yard. We bought one, brought it home, and this spring, it bloomed! I posted a photo of it on February 28th.)

I love visiting Awaji Shima, and we go several times a year, usually in the early spring when we have a break from work. We always drive and, over time, we have discovered many enjoyable places to visit, shop, and eat. There's always more to explore, of course, but still, it's fun to revisit the familiar. (One of my favourite stops is a store for local farmers. I have found many treasures there that I can't get in the big city!)

The next few posts will be related to our last visit in late February. It was pretty windy and chilly with highs of +7°C, but the sun was out, and spring was in the air.

We had a wonderful time! We always do! (^.~)

So, what do you do with pictures from an old calendar? You So, what do you do with pictures from an old calendar? You make 3D paper stars, of course! Well, to be honest, I had never thought of such a thing until a dear friend sent me a photo of what she had done with my 2021 calendar. She made double-sided 3D paper stars to hang in her granddaughter's room. I was delighted! Such a great idea!

She was kind enough to share the instructions and send a few more photos, and I'm passing them on to you. If you do try this, please let me know! Or, if you have used my old calendars in other creative ways, I'd love to know about that as well.

I'm just so pleased that the images have found a second life.
Thanks so much, K and J! (And W, too!) (^.^)/

3D Paper Star instructions: https://www.firstpalette.com/craft/3d-paper-star.html