Bon Odori, Penang 2010

If you have been following my blog or tweet, you'll know how excited I've been for Bon Odori.

I've even bought a yukata just for this special occasion. This is my 1st year attending such an event and it's held in Padang Esplanade, Penang.

Finally I get to wear the yukata (summer kimono) out.

Parking was really challenging even though we arrived at 5.20pm. There were people charging RM5 per parking as the roads were already filled with cars.

Look at the early birds.

Cold tako balls.

Food fair was alright at best. Exorbitant prices and lack of variety made it felt like an over rated pasar malam (night market).

But people still queued up and bought some.

Teriyaki chicken and squid, they were cold.

Sushi of course but quiet predictable. Not much variety.

Sushi King even had a conveyor belt there, but I never liked their quality. Even Jusco has better quality at more affordable prices.

There were yakults stores as well along with laksa, CKT and a host of Malaysian fairs Which was disappointing for me as I was expecting a total Japanese culture immersion. Perhaps I was wishing too hard?

Tables and chairs for people to eat, drink and people watch.

Me, I decided to devour my over priced cold teriyaki chicken at a shadier spot. Luckily I took the a bottle of water from the hotel we were staying at as the drinks were very expensive as well.

The mighty stage in the middle of the field.

Then suddenly,

Yes, it rained...and I didn't have an umbrella.Sigh.

So I quickly ducked in to the tents.

Pretty Origami ornaments for sale.

Beautiful kimonos for rent.

The ones you see many girls wearing here are called yukata, a summer version of kimono. That is because a real kimono has many layers. Not so good in the summer heat.

Made of thicker materials, loving the embroidery.

Then it poured even more.

Rain ,rain please go away...

Still I managed to get some shots.

Wished I had brought my umbrella like them.

Young Japanese kids getting ready for their performance.

Local Malaysians did some performances as well.

Sakana (fish ) bags.

This boy was concentrating so well catching the fishies. Not easy as the net is actually paper.

But he has lightning fast skills.

Look at the line of eager fishermens.

Here is my favorite picture, the kam yue lou (gold fish uncles) In Chinese this has a negative connotation, meaning a pheadophile. But of course I meant here in a more literall sense.

And my least favorite picture...

Lalahs...I think some of the Japanese were offended. But perhaps those pervs would be happy with the easy up-skirt access? They even had the earily high pitch voice to match.

It has already been said to wear respectably. I guess so people have no respect of others let a lone them selves.

Sadly that is all from Bon Odori. I did not stay for the night events. Perhaps next year? When I'll be prepared with an umbrella.

Want to know what I did next?

Stay tuned for more pictures of me in my yukata.