Jim O'Neil's photos with the keyword: 2009

I'm baaaack, from Japan, where I left about 18 pounds! I arrived in Narita Airport in Tokyo, then took the bus to the "smaller" Haneda Airport and caught my flight to Matsuyama.

Meanwhile back in beautiful downtown Matsuyama, Botchan's train puffs merrily along the streetcar tracks from Shieki Station to Dogo Onsen. Botchan is hero of one of Japan's first modern novels. He left the joys of Tokyo to go teach school in the dark hinterlands of Japan, Matsuyama!

On the small, single track, train line from Matsuyama tradition is still strong. This switch signal is electric, of course, but note the chimney atop it, a design remnant from when these lights were oil lamps.