Yet another Samcon project

Samcon sure has been building up a storm in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve. I'm all for revitalizing the block with quality housing, but do we really need more of the same? I'm kind of sad to see some of the industrial buildings we have here dissapear so easily. They add character to our streets. It would be cool if someone bought one of the old metal workshop plot to turn it into artists studios or cafés. It will take more than condos to turn HoMa into a nicer neighborhood.

Apple coasters

If you are heading for Tokyo, don't miss the fantastic 100Y stores (the Japanese equivalent of our dollar store). You'll find items for the house, chips in crazy flavors (curried cod, anyone?), cute erasers, Hello Kitty stickers, bento box stuff and many other finds on the cheap. I love those lovely apple felt coasters I brought back. They make for a peppy punch of red on my coffee table.

I'm back, baby!

I'm back from Japan and I'm finally over the stupid jetlag that pummeled me as soon as I hit Montreal. I blogged my trip in French, but you can also check out the 2000+ pictures I took on my Flickr. I'll be making some individual albums for easy consultation.

This is my favorite temple, beautiful Todaiji in Nara. It was the architectural highlight of the trip, to say the least!



I also saw a tons of more modern architecture. The Mikimoto building in Ginza was one of the most interesting I saw.



I can only recommend you visit Japan soon! It's not as expensive as people say, if you plan ahead. Just go!