Drama on the Soccer Field

It's a quite dramatic day in the World Cup. The game between Brazil and Holland showed how a small mistake could change the whole game. Brazil is the most balanced team in this World Cup - the forwards are talented; and most importantly, they have the most reliable defending line…

Referee’s Mistakes are Part of the Game

If referees hadn't made mistakes, probably the results of both games would be the same. However, they left a lot of rooms of 'what if', especially because both goals are very crucial - one is an equalizer, the other is the first goal of the match. It's understandable that the…

United States 1:0 Algeria

Unlike most other fields inside and outside of sports, United States has never taken a commanding role in soccer. Although they are ranked 14th in the world, no one really consider them as a strong team. Maybe because America's role in other world affairs, maybe because they are new comers,…

Japan – Kyoto – The Heart of Japan

Famous for its refined cuisine, crafts and gardens, Kyoto is considered by many Japanese as where their spiritual hearts reside.

Germany 4:0 Australia

First big-score game in 2010 World Cup. It's not because Germany is superior, it's because Australia plays in the same style as Germany, but not as good in every aspect. German team's skill, their conciseness and their persistence do help them win most of games. Only teams like Brazil or…

Japan – Hakone

We spent one day at Hakone on our way from Tokyo to Kyoto. Hakone is famous for its hot springs. At Hakone-Yumoto (箱根湯本), hotels are built on the hill along the river, most of them have public bath houses using water from hot springs and provide exquisite Japanese cuisine, normally…

Japan – Tokyo – Lost in Translation

Japan is the first country we visit whose language we don't understand. Luckily, almost all names of the places, subway stations, streets, stores and restaurants, are written in Chinese characters - Kanji (漢字). It makes our lives a lot of easier in this foreign city. We can instantly recognize and…