(cont.)

After the rain forest, we decided to head for the very temperate hill-country; famous for it’s mountain gaps, tea plantains and amazing train routes.  The bus to get to Hatputale was a grueling 7 hours, probably only traveling 100 km, but just beautiful-hair pin turn, after dizzying hair pin turn.  Haputale is perched on the top of a ridge, with perfect views of the surrounding country side, we used it as a base to visit Horton’s plain and World’s end.  We also took a pretty amazing hike around the tea plantations, scaring kids and visiting a very well placed Dutch church.

Sri Lanka, a tear-drop shaped island located off the south east coast of India is a country of extremes and contrasts.  From the perfect beaches and rain forests of the south, to the tea plantations and high mountains of the center, to the ancient cities and ruins of the north; Sri Lanka is blessed with both natural beauty and man-made treasures.  Of course, even though we sort of knew what Sri Lanka had to offer, we were completely blown-away by the variety and depth of the landscapes; not to mention the genuine friendliness of the people and deliciousness of the food.

Japanese beer, probably being one of the most underrated of the world’s brews, is highly varied and is of very high quality.  Unfortunately when people (not too familiar with Japan) think of Japanese beer, they think of Asahi super dry.  Not that I have anything against Asahi, it’s just where Japanese beer begins, not where it ends.

The Dogo area of Matsuyama is known for many things: it’s 3000 year old history thermal water (onsen), famous glass, literary and art museums,  Dogo Onsen honkan, Yuzuki castle ruins (Dogo Park) along with it’s oh-so-expensive onsen hotels.  What Dogo has not been famous for are it’s bars, up until now.  With the opening of Wani to sai, Dogo can now correctly boast that it has one of the most interesting and unique bars in Matsuyama.

The Shimanami Kaido is one of the most memorable things you can do in the greater Matsuyama area. Quite a few of our guests have done it, and most of them have done it in one frantic day, 80kms of spectacular scenery.

I got the idea to make a introduction video for Sen Guesthouse several weeks ago after trying to think of a good/simple way to explain to people about the guesthouse.

Last Sunday, we had the honor of hosting a blow-out party for the super talented Tobe-yaki artist Asato Ikeda.  Tobe (a small, picturesque town about 30 mins south of Matsuyama) is famous as being one of Japan’s premier historic pottery locations. Tobe-yaki pottery, with its white clay and blue patterns, is a nationally designated traditional craft in addition to being a prefectural intangible cultural asset. Thick, simple pieces with good durability are the staple of Tobe-yaki.  Asato Ikeda (3rd generation potter) works in his family7s pottery company, Ryusen-gama.

We are very pleased to announce we will be exhibiting our good friend’s  陶芸い or ceramic art this coming month.