South of my house and north - all spring there is water. Day after day I watch flocks of gulls return. Fallen petals on my path are never swept for guests, And only now is the thatched gate opened - for you. Food so far from market must be simple; The wine in this poor house is home brewed. If you are willing, we'll drink with my old neighbor. Let me call across the fence before we drain the last cup. - Du Fu Yo o komete Tori no sorane wa Hakaru tomo Yo ni Osaka no Seki wa yurusaji The rooster's crowing In the middle of the night Deceived the hearers; But at Osaka's gateway The guards are never fooled. (that's the poem displayed on my background) On the dawn-reddened sky they are spreading out, the singing cranes, a thousand of the cranes, and each voice a distinct voice. (Takaori Taeko) By withered reeds dimmed by clouds the water sleeps (Abe Midorijo)

Keep track of what Bao Bei the Panda, the Orient's official mascot is up to! hello rubber duckie lovers! *wonk* this one comes from Savarna but if you want more duckie mania stuff, visit Laurels' duck play area Ningyo and Shanti *wink* ^.^emailme^.^ My entrance background and lovely avatar was made specially for me *wink* by my friend Yukito Ashikaga Most of my graphic 'stuff' and backgrounds from the other rooms are a present from another great and gifted friend, Shanti Ashoka Don't miss her Oriental Bazar! And thank you Lalita for the panda graphics and the lovely elephants, and all the wonderful graphics you created for ~~The Orient!~~