GOODBYE DAVID, WELCOME MILA

Oscar Wilde

Today, The Holmes have returned to their English classes after their Japanese travel. 

The first surprise has been the appearance of a new member of the family: Mila Holmes, a mime from San Marino. She's Karen’s secret daughter. 

Although their minds and souls were in Japan, they have reviewed Present Simple and Adverbs of Frequency.

More information: Adverbs of Frequency

They also have started a new book, The Ghost of Canterville, a great work of Oscar Wilde, the Irish writer who had an interesting life and who is a source of inspiration for The Grandma, who adores him.

They have been talking about Japan practising with a Password Game.

Meanwhile, The Grandma was sad because another genius has decided to go far away in a journey without return. Thanks David, for all these years of art, imagination, creation, innovation and passion. We will miss you. 

Download The Canterbury Ghost by Oscar Wilde

I, I will be king And you, you will be queen
Though nothing will drive them away
We can be Heroes, just for one day
We can be us, just for one day.

David Bowie

JAPAN: ARIGATO & SAYONARA

Arigato

This Friday, The Holmes have visited Himeji Castle in Hyōgo. It has been another unforgettable day plenty of smiles. They’ve taken lots of photos of this castle which is considered one of the most beautiful of Japan.

Himeji is known as White Heron Castle because of the distinctive shape formed by its white wooden tiers. It dates back to 1346, it’s perched on a hill and its maze with a defensive design is a powerful symbol of Japanese feudalism. In 1993, the UNESCO included it in the list of World Heritage Sites.

Vote for Lydia

During the visit, the family has received some fantastic news: Lydia Holmes, the politician of the family, has won the elections in her town and she will be the next mayor. There has been an explosion of happiness and joyful but also a sad sensation because this means that they must return to Barcelona immediately.

Now, they’re flying back to the Mediterranean city but before leaving Japan they've wanted to offer gratitude to their Japanese friends: the group of Japanese girls who have been their guides all these days. With a little reverence, like Japanese-style, they’ve said thanks (りがとう Arigatō) and goodbye (さようなら Sayōnara).

継続は力なり

Keizoku wa chikara nari

Persevere and never fear

 Japanese Proverb  

LAST DAYS IN JAPAN

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial

Last Tuesday, The Holmes visited The Hiroshima Peace Memorial, the only structure left standing at the site of impact of Hiroshima when the atomic bomb was dropped in 1945. This place is a reminder of the destructiveness of war and a symbol of peace.

After this visit, the family went to Itsukushima Shrine in the island of the same name. The shrine dates back to the 6^th century, although the current complex of building was built in the mid-16^th century. The famous red gates to the shrine are said to cleanse all who pass through them. 

On Wednesday, they visited The Todaiji Temple at Nara. It was built in the 8^th century by Emperor Shomu, and was once the biggest and most important Buddhist temple in Japan.

This Thursday, The Holmes have visited Kinkaku-ji, Golden Pavilion, a Zen Buddhist Temple originally built as a retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in the late 14^th century.

為せば成る
為さねば成らぬ何事も
成らぬは人の為さぬなりけり

Naseba naru
nasaneba naranu nanigoto mo
naranu wa hito no nasanu nari keri

If you try, you may succeed.
If you don’t try, you will not succeed.This is true for of all things. Not succeeding is the result of not trying.

 Japanese Proverb

HIROSHIMA: NEVER MORE!

On August 6 the U.S. dropped a uranium gun-type atomic bomb (Little Boy) on Hiroshima. American President Harry S. Truman called for Japan's surrender 16 hours later, warning them to "expect a rain of ruin from the air, the like of which has never been seen on this earth." Three days later, on August 9, the U.S. dropped a plutonium implosion-type bomb (Fat Man) on the city of Nagasaki. Within the first two to four months of the bombings, the acute effects of the atomic bombings killed 90,000–146,000 people in Hiroshima and 39,000–80,000 in Nagasaki; roughly half of the deaths in each city occurred on the first day. During the following months, large numbers died from the effect of burns, radiation sickness, and other injuries, compounded by illness and malnutrition.

Peace comes from within.
Do not seek it without.

 Buddha

THE TOUR CONTINUES: PLACES & PARTIES!

Amida Buddha

Last Sunday, The Holmes had an intensive day. They visited the Rainbow Bridge in Tokyo. This bridge crosses Tokyo Bay and connects Shibaura to Odaiba. It has 798 metres and at night, the bridge’s white pillars are illuminated with rainbow colours.

After visiting this site, they went to a private party. Yutaka Takenouchi invited them to his birthday party and there, The Holmes tasted some delicious Japanese food and sake, the typical drink.

One day later, they went to visit the monumental sculpture of Amida Buddha, sitting in lotus position, in the coastal town of Kamakura.

They continue their travel and the next stop is Itsukushima Shrine.

No one saves us but ourselves.
No one can and no one may. 

We ourselves must walk the path.

Amida Buddha

A DAY OF MEDITATION IN MEIJI SHRINE, TOKYO

The Holmes visit Meiji Shrine, Tokyo

The Holmes Family continues the Japanese tour and they’ve visited a very especial place in Tokyo, Meiji Shrine. This sacred place is a beautiful site plenty of Peace, nature and perfect to relax.

This place is dedicated to the Emperor Meiji and his Empress Shoken. The buildings are made out of Japanese cypress and cooper and were completed in 1922, although they were rebuilt after the Second World War. In this forest, you can find many different varieties of tree from all over Japan, donated when the shrine was being built.

During the tour, The Holmes have taken lots of photos and have recorded the place inch by inch to keep it in their memories when they return to Barcelona.

It has been an interesting trip and they’re resting now because, tomorrow they’re invited to Yutaka Takenouchi’s party. They have a special present for him: a small reproduction of Park Güell’s Salamander made by Antoni Gaudí, an object very popular between Japanese people.

花鳥風月 Kachou Fuugetsu
 Flower, Bird, Wind, Moon

Experience the beauties of nature,

and in doing so learn about yourself.

Japanese Proverb

MOUNT FUJI: UNFORGETTABLE SMILES

Natalie Cole

The Holmes Family has climbed the Mount Fuji. The trip has been very hard and plenty of difficulties but this family is very brave and courageous and they’ve arrived to the final: the top of the mountain.

Now, they’re resting in the refuge and tomorrow they’re going down and returning to the hotel where a hot bath and some incredible Japanese food are waiting for them.

When they were climbing in the last part of the ascension, they’ve received some news about an old Grandma’s friend, Natalie, who has decided to take another path in her life. Grandma’s sad but she knows that Natalie is going to shine wherever she goes, although it was away.

Grandma wants to share with the rest of the family her memories about Motortown Music and black female music in the 60’s, 70’s, 80's and 90's. Something really unforgettable.

Anita, Aretha, Cece, Cissy, Diana, Donna, Eartha, Gladys, Mahalia, Natalie, Tina, Whitney… an endless list.

Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though it's breaking

When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by

If you smile through your fear and sorrow

Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through for you

Nat King Cole