Monochrome

Sometimes B/W just looks better.

Otsu-Shrine - 大津神社

 Otsu-Shrine -  大津神社

After the entrance and before the shrine building itself there are always two guardian lion-dogs; one with its mouth open and a ball; the other with the mouth closed.

Detail of the eaves.

Phoenix

Sky - IV

 Sparrows

 Cormorant

Sunset and Rising Sun

A Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force ship docking in Osaka Bay.

Fish Portraits

Nara Park - 奈良公園

Nara Park is a wonderful destination for a day trip.  While famous for having the largest wooden building in the world which houses a truly huge statue of Buddha it is important not to overlook the little things and other details that make it a great place to visit.

Kanky

A line of taxis by the JR Tenoji station.

Raugh out Roud

Raugh out Roud (ROR) featured great stand-up comedy by Osaka based comedians:

Bill Reilly, Jade Lake, Rob 'Bucky' Buckman, Dan Dorman,

Kwame Alexander, Zach Strickland, and Edd Daggers.

It was quite impressive as for most of the comics, who as members of the Pirates of the Dotombori specialize in improv, it was their first time doing stand-up; and they all did great!

Bill Reilly

Jade Lake

Rob 'Bucky' Buckman

Awkward segue: 

Dan Dorman

Zach Strickland: relaxing before his act

 Kwame Alexander

Pocky <3

Zach Strickland

Rap Battle!

Edd Daggers

Appreciative audience