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I occasionally post desktop-background-sized versions of pictures that I think might be good for that use, and so my blog's desktop-background photostream and category of desktop-background posts are full of them. I don't actually use many of them myself, though... I think I'm too lazy to bother changing them.
For the last year and a half I've used “Destination Unknown” (a mountain stairway), and for the year prior to that I used “The Color of Kyoto” (funky pastel-effect fall foliage), and for the half year before that “Daigo Temple Cherry Blossoms”. But I switched recently (like I said, first time in a year and a half) to “Serenity”, which I posted a month ago as part of my series on the Sanzen-in Temple in the mountains of northern Kyoto.
Nikon D700 + Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 70 mm — 1/1600 sec, f/2.8, ISO 1000 — map & image data — nearby photos
Serenity
Sanzen-in Temple, Kyoto Japan
You really have to see this one big to appreciate it.... the somewhat sparse tree in the foreground is about the only thing in focus, leaving the garden itself to your imagination. But the relative crispness of the foreground leaves makes the whole image feel sharp. Maybe it's just me, but I really like this one. (What's funny is that I took this by squeezing the camera in a small gap between two walls offering just enough room to see the wonderful view inside, and to grab a photo.)
Anyway, today I added desktop-background-sized images to the original post, and since I wanted to mention with a new post, I went ahead and also just copied it here as well. You can visit the original post and its links if you want the backstory on the temple and our visit there.
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Nikon D700 + Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 @ 200 mm — 1/250 sec, f/2.8, ISO 1250 — map & image data — nearby photos
Taking The Dreaded Driver's License Test
This is #5 in a series on our visit to KidZania in Nishinomiya, Japan, where Anthony's day so far has consisted of working as a gas-station attendant, getting some banking done, and a short stint as construction worker.
Anthony stopped by the driving school again, and found that the wait was shorter this time, so he decided to get his license. This, in turn, would allow him to rent a car, which then would allow him his ultimate goal of actually driving one (as seen in the gas-station post). It wouldn't be the first time he's driven (he drove a go-cart once last year), but it's still a rare chance.
Nikon D700 + Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 24 mm — 1/100 sec, f/3.2, ISO 200 — map & image data — nearby photos
KidZania Driving School
Nikon D700 + Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 70 mm — 1/100 sec, f/2.8, ISO 360 — map & image data — nearby photos
Classroom Instruction
the side facing the kids has information on road signs
Nikon D700 + Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 70 mm — 1/100 sec, f/2.8, ISO 560 — map & image data — nearby photos
Paying Close Attention
I thought he looked bored, but when I asked later, he said it was difficult and was trying to concentrate
Nikon D700 + Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 @ 200 mm — 1/100 sec, f/2.8, ISO 900 — map & image data — nearby photos
Written Test
Nikon D700 + Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 @ 70 mm — 1/250 sec, f/2.8, ISO 360 — map & image data — nearby photos
Sitting for the License Photograph
Nikon D700 + Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 @ 200 mm — 1/250 sec, f/5, ISO 2200 — map & image data — nearby photos
License-Making Software
Nikon D700 + Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 70 mm — 1/250 sec, f/6.3, ISO 4000 — map & image data — nearby photos
Checking Out His Newly-Minted Driver's License
Just as he was inspecting his new license, some guy walked right in front of me and hovered there, and so I missed the shot when a look of glee overcame Anthony's face and he gave a big toothy grin and an emphatic thumbs-up sign. Sigh.
Nikon D700 + Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 70 mm — 1/250 sec, f/6.3, ISO 4500 — map & image data — nearby photos
Showing His New License
a bit subdued by now, but still happy
We have to renew Anthony's passport this week, and so yesterday I took a portrait shot for it, but I realize now that I could have just scanned and printed this photo! Coincidentally, he's even wearing the same shirt in the photo I took yesterday as the one here. Hmmm.....
Continued here...
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Nikon D700 + Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 70 mm — 1/250 sec, f/2.8, ISO 1100 — map & image data — nearby photos
Catching Raindrops
We had some fast-moving thunderstorms move through today, including one just as we were eating dinner, so when Anthony finished we headed outside for some play in the rain. It was letting up as we got out there, but there were puddles aplenty to be found...
Nikon D700 + Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 70 mm — 1/160 sec, f/2.8, ISO 280 — map & image data — nearby photos
Nikon D700 + Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 70 mm — 1/160 sec, f/2.8, ISO 320 — map & image data — nearby photos
Solid Landing
Nikon D700 + Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 70 mm — 1/160 sec, f/2.8, ISO 320 — map & image data — nearby photos
Follow Through
Nikon D700 + Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 70 mm — 1/160 sec, f/2.8, ISO 320 — map & image data — nearby photos
Satisfaction
Some things are universal and never change. Here's a post from 3+ years ago where he's doing the same thing. He really wanted to go out while it was pouring, though we didn't make it in time. He did get to go into a major downpour last summer and didn't really care for it, but now he seems quite eager. We'll have be on the lookout for a good storm.
Nikon D700 + Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 62 mm — 1/160 sec, f/2.8, ISO 280 — map & image data — nearby photos
Not Safe for Long
Nikon D700 + Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 70 mm — 1/160 sec, f/2.8, ISO 280 — map & image data — nearby photos
It Approaches
Nikon D700 + Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 70 mm — 1/160 sec, f/2.8, ISO 360 — map & image data — nearby photos
Solid Wall of Water
Nikon D700 + Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 70 mm — 1/160 sec, f/2.8, ISO 320 — map & image data — nearby photos
Because I Can
And now my favorite...
Nikon D700 + Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 70 mm — 1/160 sec, f/2.8, ISO 250 — map & image data — nearby photos
Contemplating His Next Move
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Nikon D700 + Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 50 mm — 1/100 sec, f/3.5, ISO 3200 — map & image data — nearby photos
Yeah, That'll Do
Continuing with the story about our visit to KidZania in Nishinomiya, Japan the other day, where Anthony started his play by working as a gas-station attendant and then got some banking done before searching for his next job.
It turns out that he got lucky, because as he was showing interest in a construction job, the foreman said that a job was about to start and that they had room for one more, so he didn't have to wait at all.
(Unfortunately, the uniform color is that blinding, pure orange that I have such trouble with, as I discussed in the middle of the first KidZania post. I don't doubt that a skilled photographer could handle this, but I ended up with all kinds of shades of yellow mixed in. Sigh.)
Nikon D700 + Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 70 mm — 1/100 sec, f/3.5, ISO 4000 — map & image data — nearby photos
Minor Uniform Adjustment
( I just love his face in this one )
Nikon D700 + Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 66 mm — 1/100 sec, f/3.5, ISO 1800 — map & image data — nearby photos
Heading Off to Work
giving Mommy a (slightly apprehensive, “well, here I go!”) smile
Nikon D700 + Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 56 mm — 1/100 sec, f/3.5, ISO 6400 — map & image data — nearby photos
Wide Range of Talent
Nikon D700 + Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 24 mm — 1/100 sec, f/2.8, ISO 2500 — map & image data — nearby photos
Crane (Left) And Partially-Built Tower (Right)
Nikon D700 + Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 24 mm — 1/100 sec, f/2.8, ISO 1000 — map & image data — nearby photos
Two “Caution: Construction” Signs
(one at white arrow is real; at left arrow is play)
The 10 kids went to the back of the construction zone for some instruction, and to be divided into four groups. After a while, Anthony and some other kids left the construction zone and entered the city, going where I had no idea. I followed....
Nikon D700 + Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 24 mm — 1/100 sec, f/2.8, ISO 1800 — map & image data — nearby photos
Business Trip?
Turns out that they were moving to the second-story level of the construction zone, via some stairs near the flight-attendant academy. Whatever Anthony's job was involved an extra safety harness and tether....
Nikon D700 + Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 70 mm — 1/80 sec, f/2.8, ISO 6400 — map & image data — nearby photos
Equipment Instruction
I was happy when we got home to show Anthony photos of workers on a crane wearing the same safety harness.
Anyway, while this was going on, a group down below was working on prepping the top of the tower for installation....
Nikon D700 + Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 70 mm — 1/100 sec, f/2.8, ISO 4500 — map & image data — nearby photos
Tip Top of the Tower
The crane had already moved the top half of the tower tip from its position in the square box to on top of the hexagonal part, and now the kids were securing it together. The crane was operated by a couple of kids from a console on the second level near Anthony, and the two sets of kids (those operating the crane and those at the business end) communicated with hastily-learned voice and hand commands identical to what you'd hear at a Japanese construction site.
Meanwhile, another group of kids was at work constructing a bridge that leads to the base of the tower....
Nikon D700 + Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 24 mm — 1/100 sec, f/3.5, ISO 4500 — map & image data — nearby photos
Moving the Keystone Pieces Into Place
of a segmented arch bridge
Nikon D700 + Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 70 mm — 1/80 sec, f/3.5, ISO 6400 — map & image data — nearby photos
Watching The Cranework
Nikon D700 + Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 24 mm — 1/100 sec, f/3.5, ISO 5600 — map & image data — nearby photos
Hoisting Up the Tower Tip
At this point Anthony's group had to call out instructions to the kids operating the crane, to position the top just above its mount, then let it down. The kids then rotated the tip to lock it into position on the base of the tower.
Nikon D700 + Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 60 mm — 1/100 sec, f/3.2, ISO 6400 — map & image data — nearby photos
Final Adjustments
Nikon D700 + Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 70 mm — 1/100 sec, f/3.2, ISO 5600 — map & image data — nearby photos
tongue sticking out,
Releasing the Hoist
Nikon D700 + Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 27 mm — 1/100 sec, f/3.2, ISO 6400 — map & image data — nearby photos
Final Inspection
Nikon D700 + Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 70 mm — 1/50 sec, f/3.2, ISO 6400 — map & image data — nearby photos
Putting Safety Equipment Away
Nikon D700 + Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 24 mm — 1/100 sec, f/3.2, ISO 4000 — map & image data — nearby photos
meanwhile, down below...
Bridge Load-Bearing Structural Test
Nikon D700 + Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 32 mm — 1/100 sec, f/3.2, ISO 3600 — map & image data — nearby photos
Getting Ready To Flip the Switch
on the lights running up the tower and into the just-installed tip
Nikon D700 + Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 70 mm — 1/100 sec, f/3.2, ISO 1800 — map & image data — nearby photos
Getting Set Up for a Group Photo
All the kids then got on the bridge, and they snapped a photo, after which the kids lined up to receive their pay. We were told to stop by after an hour, and they'd have free copies for the kids, and indeed they did.
Continued here...
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Nikon D700 + Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 70 mm — 1/100 sec, f/4, ISO 2000 — map & image data — nearby photos
Kid Banking, Grown-Up Style
Continuing with the story about our visit to KidZania in Nishinomiya, Japan the other day, where Anthony started his play by working as a gas-station attendant. After working at the gas station, he wanted to be on the opposite end of the experience, as a driver. To drive in KidZania involves renting a car, but to do that you have to have money (which he now did, thanks to his gas-station pay) and a driver license, which he did not have.
To get a driver license, you have to attend driving school (which itself has a cost), but he found the school booked up solid for a while, so he decided to take the time to get some banking done.
The KidZania banking experience is exceedingly realistic.
Nikon D700 + Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 29 mm — 1/250 sec, f/3.5, ISO 4500 — map & image data — nearby photos
Waiting For a Teller
Nikon D700 + Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 70 mm — 1/250 sec, f/3.5, ISO 2800 — map & image data — nearby photos
Finally His Turn
teller presents dish for the customer to place paperwork or whatnot
There's not a single thing in the picture above that gives it away as fake. Every detail of everything you see in the picture above (and the two below), including the teller mannerisms and even facial expressions, is 100% authentic. If I were to see these pictures out of context, I wouldn't believe they're fake (although unlike the kids, I wouldn't think the stack of cash behind the glass is real.... I'd think it's some sort of promotional display). Without question this was the most realistic experience of the day.
The bank, by the way – Sumitomo Mitsui – has its roots back to 1683. Fumie's had an account there since she was a kid (though not at the KidZania branch 🙂 ). According to Wikipedia, it's the 8th largest bank in the world.
Nikon D700 + Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 70 mm — 1/250 sec, f/3.5, ISO 2000 — map & image data — nearby photos
Filling Out a Form
or something
When we arrived at KidZania, Anthony received a traveler's check for 50 KidZo (“KidZo” being the monetary unit in KidZania). Here at the bank, he opened an account in his name and deposited it, receiving a wallet and an ATM card. When I was a kid you got a toaster or some steak knives when you opened a bank account; KidZania seems to be more practical.
Nikon D700 + Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 50 mm — 1/100 sec, f/6.3, ISO 2800 — map & image data — nearby photos
Waiting
Once he got out, he wanted his money as cash, not realizing that he could have gotten it from the teller. So, ATM card in hand, off to get some cash....
Nikon D700 + Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 32 mm — 1/100 sec, f/6.3, ISO 2800 — map & image data — nearby photos
Real ATM
with kid-friendly programming and a booster step
The ATM was quite real, but the software was highly customized for KidZania. All the writing was at the first-grade level (all kanji had furigana), and the transactions were limited to withdrawals and balance inquiries. Also, when entering the PIN, any four digits will do 🙂 .
Nikon D700 + Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 66 mm — 1/100 sec, f/4, ISO 1400 — map & image data — nearby photos
Anthony's Account Options
that's his name on the second line of text, in blue
Nikon D700 + Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 45 mm — 1/100 sec, f/4, ISO 2800 — map & image data — nearby photos
Cash, Baby!
Flush with cash, he was then off on his next adventure.
Continued here...