[ frangipani ] [ a life in tokyo ] [ photoblog ]

frequently and rarely asked questions.....

so, what's your name?: martine

what's your email?: martineatfrangipanidotinfo

where were you born?: brisbane, australia

where do you live now?: tokyo, japan

why japan?:
... a rare moment of synchronicity ...
... the epiphany that one can work your way teaching english and photographing around the world with simple ease ...
... japan is close to australia and yet unique enough to be in another galaxy ...
... actually, i was never a japanophile - i just like a bit of adventure ...
... australia can get very.very.very boring after a while...

occupation?: photographer and english teacher (high school, elementary and private lessons with adults)

loves?: photography, music, film, reading, writing, animals, sunny days, kids, old people, riding my bicycle around tokyo, spring afternoons, walking on grass, beer, coffee, holidays, travelling, asia, four sisters semillon sauvignon blanc wine (but cheap cask wine will do), file sharing & bit torrent stuff, beautiful things...

when did you arrive in japan?: christmas eve 2002

have you always lived in tokyo?: no, i lived in the beautiful fuji-go-ko national park district at the foot of mt fuji for 15 months.

what did you do before japan?: many things music-business oriented. band/venue/event/tour management. but i burned out and became a jaded old fuck. as you do. fortunately japan changed all that.

where else have you lived?: bouganville, new guinea and many places in brisbane, and north of brisbane - mooloolaba, hamilton island, green island, kuranda, cairns, port douglas... and melbourne once for 3 months while the band I was managing were doing an intense touring/recording stay there. if i ever return to australia, i think it'll be to melbourne, my fave australian city.

where else have you travelled?: all of australia (and i really do mean ALL), lots of regional japan, north india, bangkok & sth thailand, fiji, on the to do in the near future list: the rest of thailand, cambodia, laos, vietnam, india - this time rajasthan and west india, china, korea, russia, spain, morocco, ireland.

so whats the story with this website?: it's primarily a means of showing my life to my loved ones back in australia. it's also a great way to develop my webtinkery and photography skills, and an interesting means of archiving my life as it happens...

what are your astrological signs? i'm a sagittarius (fire)goat. mystic medusa says the thing about saggos is our ability to stay one step ahead of adult issues by always just being somewhere else. she's pretty right on.

Places I've been... (only 4% of the world. That's soooo gotta be fixed)

create your own visited country map

OK, still want more info?

Posted by frangipani at January 23, 2005 9:41 PM

On May 22, 2004 5:10 PM, joshua wigdahl said:

So I was searching google for info about ALT positions in Japan with Interac and found your site. Can you tell me anything about the company (that's maybe not on their website)? I am supposed to interview with them in a couple of weeks, but first I need to decide if I want to spend a few hundred dollars on airfare to fly to one of the cities where they are interviewing. Basically, is the company reliable? well run? How much money should I bring to get set up? Is there anything you wished you would have known going in? My other possibility is waiting another year and applying for the JET program, but I don't know if I want to do that...
Anyway, thanks -- I enjoyed your site.
josh

On May 23, 2004 10:34 PM, frangipani said:

hi josh,

interac are probably one of the biggest of the alt suppliers, they are really just like any other company here, with both good and bad points. if you want to come here, just do it, they (interac) have heaps of jobs across the country and can set you up. if you don't like it just give a months notice and find something else. they won't like it but you are within your rights to do it.

try to bring at least 3000 australian (don't know where you are) as, like most companies here interac pay monthly BUT if you start halfway through the monthly pay cycle you have to wait till the next FULL pay month cycle pay day, when you will receive 6 weeks worth of pay. ie - start 12th of april, you won't get paid until the middle of june. that's a long time to wait. interac tend to pay in fortnightly amounts as they are often short the complete monthly pay for all employees..... some people have a problem with that but others don't mind.

having lived in the country and the city now, i am so glad i began in the country, and got a taste of real japan, even though it was really hard. now that i'm in the city things don't seem quite so special - so yeah, i would suggest a country start. cheaper living expenses too. but a very quiet life and you may develop too great a fondness for sake or asahi.... or maybe shochu and oolong..... ;)

On July 6, 2004 10:18 AM, Deepti Kaparti said:

Hi Martine, wonderful site. Bumped into it while doing research on peony gardens. Your Ueno Park Peony Garden Gallery came up in the Yahoo! search listings. I was pleased to note that the Ueno peony garden seemed to be shady. At least it appears that way in the photographs. Seeing the use of umbrellas to provide further protection to the blooms was also a revealation. It was useful to see these images because when I see peonies in the typical garden photographs I keep feeling they need a tree around somewhere - although maybe not directly overhead - or someother sort of protection especially when the plant is in bloom. It was also good to see the companion plantings because I really think peonies should have other plants around for company.

I did a quick review of your other albums as well - too much to take in one sitting so I'll have to come back. As with the Ueno Park Peony Garden, the images serve to open a window onto a world that would otherwise remain hidden except to a world traveller. Nothing like the web to serve as a window out into the world. Thanks!

On July 26, 2004 12:16 PM, Betty Chen said:

Hello Martine,

My name is Betty Chen, I got your e-mail from your FRANGIPANI website. I came across your website while surfing the net for information regarding Unitas school in the Yamanashi region.

As I will be departing from Brisbane for Kofu, Japan, to teach at Unitas for a year, I was wondering if you could share your teaching and living experience while working with Unitas. As far as I know, my apartment is located near the main office at Kofu, and I will be teaching at the main school and nearby branches.

Please tell me things relating to your apartment setup, teaching schedule (e.g. how many classes per day), work environment (e.g. is there alot of travelling involved), and anything else you feel a first timer would need or want to know. And how much would say a new comer would need to start up her life in kofu before the first pay check?

Thanks for your help!

Kind Regards,
Betty

On August 4, 2004 5:48 AM, Maiko Covington said:

Like Melanie I grew up in Japan too and now I work in a windowless office, so occasionally I am searching the web to find pictures to print (just on regular paper) and stick to my cube wall. Google found this site, and I had to bookmark it!

The pictures of Sakuragityo are quite nostalgic. Also if anyone is thinking of travelling to there, there is a youth hostel right up the hill (Kanagawa Youth Hostel) which is never full.

My website is http://www . 秋晴 .org/

(「秋晴」はローマ字でね）but I cannot spell that as part of it apparently contains a naughty word in English.

On August 4, 2004 8:03 AM, Thien said:

Hey there Martine,

I was looking for pictures of Kyoto on Google and I'm glad it led me to your website. I want to tell you that I really enjoy the whimsical yet touching perspective of your camera in your collection of images from the countryside, in small-town Japan. I particularly enjoyed your choice of colors, the lamp and the cracked wall and the maple leaves against the autumn sky, for example, are something very special. Another reason I'm saying that is because I tend to frame my own photos with similar thoughts in mind, so I guess it struck a familiar chord.

I visited Japan for a week a couple of years ago and it made a memorable impression on me - especially Nikko National Park, Kamakura and Ginza in Tokyo. Now I just started to learn the language and hope to live for a little while over there as well, maybe taking more language classes or teaching English, who knows.

In any event, I just wanted to join the other people and thank you for your great, careful eye and hope you will keep us updated with more impressions in the near future. Going forward, I hope you'll be open for further q's as you have been so far on this site.

Best regards,
Thien

On September 13, 2004 8:33 AM, Chris said:

Dear Martine

I love your comments about FAQ. Through contact with you over time and our frangipani connection I really appreciate your kindness, attention to detail and your love of life. You deserve a healthy, happy and contented life.

Your hometown is too cold for this time of the year, you would freeze. 8C in September!!!!this morning and I live in a frost free coastal part on the border of NSW & Gold Coast.

Thankyou for all you have done for me

Happiness always
Chris

On October 28, 2004 10:26 PM, Bec said:

Hi Martine,
I actually stumbled across your site looking for info on Tokyo toy stores :)
I too am from Brisvegas!
Your photo's are beautiful!!!!
So amazing!
My fiance and I are going to Japan next year for our honeymoon & your photo's have really given us something to look foward to! We are going to Tokyo then Kyoto then Osaka.
Could you answer one question for me though, the store you refer to as the best toy store in japan, Yamashiroya where is it? I can't read the website ..cause I can't read japanese, yet :P
I presume it's in tokyo?
I have a mighty need to get my Blythe & Monchichi fix during the trip :P

Keep up the great work!!
Thumbs up from Brisbane :)
Bec

On February 20, 2005 10:42 AM, Riddhi said:

Martine,

Was having a conversation with my brother over japanese clothing on ebay, and how there are no hysteric glamour stores in the States (or I'm just really bad at searching). We had a strange discussion about the way teenagers dress, and I tried recalling what the kids of Harajuku were like in my precious few days in Tokyo. So I searched for some pictures of yamanbas and moriyos to show him, and stumbled onto your site.

And how fascinating it is. I'm 18, and I stayed as an exchange student in Japan for one year, but I stayed in a very rural area, living in the city of Yamaguchi, about an hour or so by Shinkansen south of Hiroshima. Well, I moved around some, so sometimes I was even the more rural suburb of Oogori, but minor details, yes?

Like many other people, your pictures brought back a lot of memories (I've only been back for 6 months) and I long to go back now. I have a few questions for you, if you wouldn't mind.

a) Are you fluent in Japanese? How long did it take you to reach the degree of fluency that you are now?

b) Do you feel much discrimination in Tokyo? I would assume not, seeing as you're Caucasian in a huge metropolitan city. I'm Indian, and I was the only Indian in Yamaguchi, the only exchange student in the last 15 years, and the first to my high school. So, I suppose you could only imagine.

c) Do you find yourself having to conduct the class in Japanese sometimes or in English? And how do you deal with the guys? (Assuming you know what I'm referring to -_-;)

d) I would love to talk with you through e-mail. If you have the time, would you mind my e-mailing you?

Thanks muchly,
-Riddhi

On July 5, 2005 8:31 PM, Helen O'Loan said:

Hi Martine,
Your pictures are wonderful, quite inspiring – maybe you should do a book(?)
I am living in London at the mo' (I went to high school & uni in Bris) but would love to live in Japan next year - if you have time could you briefly tell me how you went about it. I gather that you studied Japanese in Japan before teaching english (?) did you do a TEFL course - did you go through a programme like JET/ NOVA or something? – I’d really like to teach primary school age kinds.
I have a little website with pics of LA (from when I went about a year ago)
http://www.angelfire.com/ultra/hedy - I’m going to set up a proper one soon though

Thanks Heaps - Helen (Hedy)

On August 16, 2005 11:48 PM, Joao Martins said:

hello againe Ms. Martine!! :D

I'm trying to send you a email, but it allways says that ( rong mail direction..)any way i'll just post the email i am trying to send you :)
""
Ms. Martine:

I'm sending a mail to tell you how much i loved all your photos and work.
I read all your answers, and i..kind admire your courage, that was leaving australia and go to japan. All the things you get used to it kinda disappear right?
Well, i think that really gets a lot of courage and passion to!
I'm going to tell you how i find your site. I googled photos of traffic lights at night, hoping to get a photo with passing cars leaving all that blurry light effect. And guess what, you have one or 2 just like i imagined!!
That was fantastic! And in a matter of seconds, I'm traveling all your site. Photo by photo!!!
I didn't resisted and told all my friends how "www.frangipani" was amazing!
By the way i like a lot the name of your site, because it is the name of a book of writer a like a lot. It is Mia Couto, and the book name is " A janela de Frangipani" (meaning :" frangipani window) :)
well I'm going to far right now, writing a lot of stuff unnecessary but, believe me your work it is so great a kinda feel that i need to tell you that Ms. Martine.
In Portuguese we say "trabalho fantastico e apaixonante!" Meaning in English : " fantastic and lovelly work!"

The best of all to you!

Sincerely
João Martins!

On November 6, 2005 8:22 AM, Luc said:

Martine,

Since years I'm interested in the Japanese culture and from a compatriot's website I followed a link with the a name that drew my attention : Frangipani.
Not because of the flower, but (I don't know if it also known outside Belgium) over here a "frangipane" is a cake filled with a paste mixture of ground almonds, sugar, flour…
I confess, a sweet tooth's mind goes first to sweets and then to flowers. ;-)

Nevertheless, I'm happy my little "handicap" showed me the way to your website.
Not only you are a keen photographer but also an artist with words.
Many thanks for sharing your art with us.

Wishing you well,
Luc

On November 21, 2005 6:29 PM, frangipani

said:

Olly, Hi and thanks for commenting.

here are some cool links that should help you out:
Japan PhotoGuide which includes an enormous database of cool old camera shops (the best one is Fujiya in Nakano), and also the best places for processing (I usually just go to Bic Camera in Shibuya for any developing) - it's a great site, you will spend hours there.

Also take a look at the yahoo japan photo group (for english speakers) - join up and plug into a real time database of experienced photographers.

// update: I almost forgot about this great site - the absCreative guide to new and used camera shops in Tokyo - it's excellent.//

I also live in Kichijoji and would be happy to meet up some time to talk photos and cameras....

Cheers

On December 5, 2005 1:43 PM, Some Random Dude said:

Hi Martine,

Wow! Time flies! It's been almost 2.5 years since I met you and spoke to you in person. I dunno if you remember me, but it was at the Kofu Unitas kids' BBQ party - you came with some other Fujiyoshida folks. I used to work with those Kofu jokers, alongside your friend F. and my friend J... Interesting times.

Anyway, it's interesting to see you've moved onto other things since the last time we spoke -- as did I, quite some time ago (or so it seems)... I found your visa self-sponsorship info through a friend. Congrats on getting that all sorted out.

Maybe someday we can grab a coffee in the Big Mikan and have a chat!

Best Regards!

On March 15, 2006 6:31 PM, Fiona Larnach said:

Hi Martine,

Long time.

I hope you are ok? I'm sorry I didn't get to see either of your parents again before they departed. Both, wonderful people. Such fun growing up.

I saw an interview on Denton the other night with Bono (who was holidaying in Australia, just before they had to sadly cancel their concert)., And thought of you - you introduced me to U2 when I was in year 9 I think (so, when I was 13 and you were i guess about 16?). The song was "In The Name Of Love". Next came "Sunday Bloody Sunday".... and i was hooked. I think they are still the super coolest band - good on them.

Anyway, I would love to catch up with you, so do let me know if you get to Sydney sometime.

Good luck with your adventures.

All my love, Fi

On April 10, 2006 9:35 AM, Big Johnny D said:

Hi Marty- Moo,
Fantastic site and the photos are beautiful. How are you? Sorry l missed you when you were here, just couldnt get up to Brisbane. I'm well, still in Melbourne and Virgining it. I just finished 2 months work on the Commonwealth Games which was rather drab. Ellie and Dylan are great, you should see what little adults they have become (grown so very fast). We (Rachael and I) just found out we have a child on the way, around Oct/ Nov which is very exciting. I think of you often and hope you are happy. I will send you another email to you @ your address rather than leaving notes here - hope you get this.
Lots of love
John Desmarchelier.

On April 12, 2006 6:57 AM, Pineapple sensei said:

Kia Ora Martine,
My Dad found and sent me the link to your site, in particular for the japanese manhole covers. I lived in Gifu-ken for three years, and this was a major collection of mine (man-hole photos from everywhere I travelled).
Of course, I explored the rest of you site and loved it... I enjoy my photography too, though am a mere amateur... BUT, we have similar 'styles'... many of the photos you have are exactly what I would have taken! It has been a pleasure viewing these many more images of Japan... images that I will now never get sick of seeing (I arrived in Japan knowing NOTHING about the place... but now it has a special spot in my heart).

I'm back home in NZ currently, but look forward to returning to Japan again and again in the future...

Thank you again for the lovely photos.

On June 5, 2006 4:05 AM, Christopher said:

Hi,
I was looking for frangi-pangi - loved that scent from my days growing up in Brisbane's western suburbs ... many years ago. So it was a buzz to see you were also from that old town. I'm in Copenhagen these days - its summer and I've been out cycling in the forest together with my family .. lovely.

Really liked your site - I've always wanted to go to Japan and to visit your pages was like a little excursion into a very foreign culture - all from the comfort of my living room watching my kids hopping on their trampoline ...

Interesting to read your comments about touring/managing a band in Oz - I used to hang out with a Aussies guy in LA who was a guitar tuner - worked with Paul Simin, Springsteen + a long list of Australian bands ... he had a lot of stories to tell :-)

Have a nice life!

Too much SPAM! If you would like to leave a comment for this post, please email me directly at martine {at} frangipani {dot} info and I'll add it manually. Thank you and sorry for any inconvience caused.

On April 11, 2004 3:35 PM, Russell Collins said:

Hey Martine, great site. Found it by accident when i was checking to see if google had found my site, and the reference to yak trak came up in your site first. Thanks for the recommendation!

Sounds like you are having a ball! I love the photos. I'll link your site from mine, if you're ok with that.

Take care,
love Russell

On April 11, 2004 11:14 PM, frangipani said:

hey russell,

no problems, my friend. glad you like the site. glad it googled first, too - does that mean I get a discount when I come trekking with you and
tenzin some time? ;) I'm really happy to see that yaktrak has come together so well. nice site. made me really keen to go trekking.

hey, i just checked out yr links page - resourses = resources.

hope all is well with you and yours.

On April 19, 2004 4:14 AM, Boone Quinten said:

Hello !!
I have 2 questions !!
-Have you a banner of your website ??
If you do pleas send it to me !! (why by cause I want a link to a Japenese website on my site !!)
-The people in Japan do they understand english ??

Your website is beautiful and your pets are very cool (I have also turtels (you can see them on my site by the way !!!!))

Thanks !! :)
Quinten Boone (Belgium)

On April 20, 2004 6:23 PM, frangipani said:

Hi Quinten,

I don't have a button but you are welcome to download any of the main banners. Glad you're a turtle lover. Must post more pictures of them.....

Not many Japanese can speak English though many can read and write it fairly well.

On July 14, 2004 12:29 PM, Melanie said:

Unbelievable Gallery! I lived in Japan for most of my childhood (although I am from Melbourne), worked there a little also, totally 9 years. Japan has my heart. Your photographs of Japan are so wonderful they make it look better than it actually is! I now live in the USA and miss my home terribly. I have to bookmark your site.
Thanks for the memories.
Melanie

On August 6, 2004 1:07 AM, frangipani said:

hey maiko and thien,

thanks both of you for your kind words. maiko, i can't find your website - is it fall clear?- maybe email me privately at martine (at) frangipani (dot) info...

On September 26, 2004 7:21 PM, phanie said:

hello :)
I just wanted to say that your pictures are absolutely fantastic! great website... I'm dreaming about Japan for a long time now, and nobody could understand why... i showed your pictures to my grandma, and she also would like to visit this country now !
I'm also an art student, i'd like to do some paintings of your pictures (they won't look alike... as it's just for the colours and ideas), if that's ok with you...? if the result is good, i could send it to you by mail :D
sorry for my english, i'm a french living in england ... but not quite fluent yet :)
wish you all the best!

On September 27, 2004 11:55 PM, frangipani said:

phanie,

thanks for dropping a line. of course it's ok with me for you to try painting some of my pictures! I would love to see the results, please stay in touch and let me know how you go!

Your English is fine! keep up the good work.

On November 2, 2004 10:52 PM, frangipani said:

the store is in ueno, just across from the train station. there are many great toy stores, i was kinda being tongue in cheek.... enjoy! thanks for the kind words.

On February 21, 2005 12:11 AM, frangipani

Riddhi,

Yes, you can email me but I am pretty busy at the moment moving house. I'll answer all your questions in email. martine [at] frangipani [dot] info

Thanks for stopping by,

Martine

On February 24, 2005 4:47 AM, ehsan said:

hello darling,

i saw GOD in your pictures, field with lots of love, i really proud of you and i hope you have a nice and infinitely life.

i cant say how do i feel

On March 14, 2005 9:11 AM, Jamie Peterson said:

Hello, it's me again. I'm making a website for a local Nihon Matsuri and I was wondering if I could feature some of your images. I've kind of already posted them due to my deadline, but I'll take them down if you say no. (sorry) I'll be more that happy to post credit and links to your site if you let me.

Thank you!
- Jamie Peterson

On June 2, 2005 1:12 AM, Hiro said:

Hi Martine. My name is Hiro. I'm businessman of Japan.

Your site is beautiful! It really got to me.

It introduced your site on my site.

ps. I'm sorry in strange English.

On June 14, 2005 3:26 PM, MJ said:

Hey Martine

MJ here. Your manhole cover gallery was just brought to my attention. I have a stack of them from Hiratsuka in my flickr Japan set (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gomi/) if you like any of them feel free to borrow.

Hope you are well!

On July 14, 2005 2:21 PM, nate said:

Hi everyone,
I am interested in Ogasawara Island. I would like to teach English there. I have been teaching in Central Tokyo for almost 3 years.

Can anyone tell me how to apply for that ALT position or give me some information about life on that little island?
natedogg101@hotmail.com
Thanks a lot!!
Nate

On July 14, 2005 2:31 PM, frangipani

Hi Nate, the position is contracted through Interac and I know the position was just given to a new teacher in April. Also, it's more than one island - there is hahajima, shichijima and a few others.... Anyways, talk to those guys they may be able to help you.

On July 26, 2005 8:24 PM, jonathan spitzer said:

hi nate, I found your blog today and find it highly interesting as I am fond of japanse cultures
It also takes a great part in my work (japanese stuffs) ... Right now i don't really know anybody in japan, I would like to ask you a few questions about japan, tokyo and the street art scene....but privately (via e mail) if possible, it kinda has to do with my work...
hope to hear from you soon
hope you're enjoying japan ;)
cheers
jonathan

On September 23, 2005 12:51 AM, Helene said:

Ciao Martine
Your website is really beautiful! It makes me feel more and more eager to
visit Japan, that I already love!
I'm an Italian painter, who dreams of visiting Japan some day. How are
foreign artists considered in Tokyo?
I imagine how difficult it is....
thanks and ciao
Hele

On September 23, 2005 1:21 AM, frangipani

Helene, thanks for the kind words.

There is actually a strong foreign artist community here in Tokyo, you should visit this great website - Tokyo Art Beat to see how exciting the art scene is here. It is in English and Japanese. Enjoy!

On November 1, 2005 8:21 AM, Julie Dean said:

I love your website. I LOVE your pictures. Are you going to put these in a book? I would love to have a "coffee table book" with these photos, they are so lovely, inspiring, touching, etc. I don't remember how I found you, but I assume I was looking for something regarding photos/art. I am working on a photo book of Austin Texas, where I live. Maybe some day we can exchange books!! :)

I wish you well,

Julie

On November 1, 2005 10:23 AM, frangipani

Hi Julie,

Thanks for your lovely words. Maybe one day a coffee book... who knows. Would certainly be up for a swap. Gee I get a lot of readers from Austin Texas. Crazy!

On November 20, 2005 8:39 AM, Lisa said:

Just found your website by chance. Your photos are so inspiring. Next year I'll be visiting Tokyo for the first time! Only for 3 nights...there is already lots on my to-do-list! Do you have any suggestions for a firsttimer to Tokyo? As I am a pretty avid photographer myself I am sure I will find lots of interesting things to capture with my camera!
Lisa

On November 20, 2005 9:11 AM, Lisa said:

I posted a comment but it somehow didn't work out the way I wanted. Your photos are really inspiring and giving me a whole new perspective on Tokyo. I will be visiting next February and am lookin forward to it, even if it's only for 3 nights. Any recommendations for a firsttimer? I am sure there is so much to see and do!
Lisa

On November 21, 2005 7:38 AM, frangipani

Meiji Jingu in Harajuku then wander around the city streets there
Sensoji in Akasaka
Shinjuku & Kabukicho (the government buildings have a free viewing area with great views of Tokyo)
Ueno Park/Ueno lanes
Inokashira Koen/Kichijoji
Shibuya

Have fun and thanks for your kind words.

On November 21, 2005 1:13 PM, Olly said:

I've only just discovered your website despite having been in Tokyo for 3 years! Lovely pictures! I have just started taking photos a little bit more seriously (?) and was wondering if you could help out! I live in Kichijoji and was wanting to find a developers that would do cross processing and/or would develop 120 film. Also do you know of any old camera shops in Tokyo? I'm looking for a Canonet. Thanks again for the info and the website!

Olly

On November 22, 2005 3:55 AM, Lisa said:

thank you very much. I was also thinking of visiting the fish market (if I can get up that early!). I am also looking forward to trying some Japanese food! Just have to find some restaurants...

Lisa

On December 5, 2005 4:34 PM, frangipani

hey there random dude, I met lots of people that day so not sure which one you were - did I also run into you at Jakes Organic cafe at Narusawa one day? Anyways, always up for coffee and a chat. you can contact me at mc.outside at gmail dot com

On February 14, 2006 6:46 AM, Einbahn Studio said:

Wanted to let you know that we featured your manhole cover photographs on our Art & Design blog. They're really beautiful and have sparked some interesting thoughts in my devious mind. Thanks for putting them up for the world to see.

Zack Bryant for Einbahn Studio

On March 19, 2006 12:04 PM, frangipani

Hi Fi,

Great to hear from you. I'll keep your email address in my book and email you if I ever get to Sydney again. Would be great to catch up. Hi to your sisters and Mum. Good to hear you still love U2. Me too.

Bye for now

On April 8, 2006 4:36 AM, Sonia said:

Hi Martine,
I just found you through "Fiber Tribe" and I am glad I did. This place looks fabulous! I really enjoy what I have read so far and will bookmark you and check in on you from time to time.
What an interesting life you have! And your Blog is a great opportunity and a way to know more about you and about Japan. I have enjoyed looking through your images and you have a fantastic and perceptive eye. Your text is also so well written! Congratulations! I am from São Paulo, Brazil and I will like your visiting on my place! My best wishes to you! Sonia.

On April 8, 2006 3:26 PM, frangipani

Hi Sonia,

thanks for your lovely words. Please do drop by whenever you can. I looked at your website too - I'll bookmark it and check in on you too. :)

Warm Regards

On April 16, 2006 4:17 PM, Bella said:

Hi martine,
I am a college student of china.You can call me Bella.
When I saw your blog in a Chinese newspaper name the bund,I liked it.The I arrived here.
I like the photoes of Japan you have taken.
They make me learn more about Japan.
Though my english is poor, later I will come here in my free time .
Wishes you good luck in Japan.

Bella

On April 23, 2006 11:02 PM, frangipani

Johnny D - great news, congrats to you both!

Pineapple Sensei, thanks for dropping by!

Bella, good luck to you too! Your English seems pretty good to me.

On April 25, 2006 11:00 AM, Rosalina Yukari Yoshida said:

Hi! I was reading Weekender and came across an article about women blogging in Japan. I checked all the blogs and I like yours very much. You're such a good photographer! When I have more time (Golden Week is coming!) I want to check all your pictures.

Rosalina

On May 5, 2006 1:33 PM, Aleksey said:

Hi, Martine.
very interesting site! Thank you for yours Tokyo's gallery, it's greate!
this is one of my dreams - take a photograph in Japan.
Good luck!
Aleksey
p.s. can I link your site on my?

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