Okinawa

We just returned from Okinawa a couple of days ago. We had a great trip. It's hard to describe it all in one blog post so instead I'll just pick out some highlights.

Travis and I were very excited about the budget vacation we planned. We contacted and made a reservation through a Japanese travel agency, which was no easy feat. We had to fill out all of the forms, etc. in Japanese. Anyway, we got a great deal! But, we also learned that you usually do get what you pay for. 

Here is the luxurious bath tub/shower room. It was, well, red and rusty. Nevertheless, it served it's purpose. And, so far there are no signs of any foot fungus.

I took this picture from Peace Memorial Park, which was the highlight of our visit. The Park includes a large memorial area recognizing all Japanese and American lives that were lost during the Battle of Okinawa. We toured an extensive museum, which was quite interesting. I had never been to a war memorial based on another country's perspective. So, it was fascinating to read stories of accounts from the Japanese point-of-view. Regardless, it was a somber and meaningful experience. Mostly because my maternal grandfather, whom is still alive and going strong, fought on Okinawa in the famous battle of Sugar Loaf Hill. He was the only survivor from his troop. I'm so grateful to be able to better understand what his service to my country really meant and to have seen firsthand where he risked his life.

After we finished up at Peace Memorial Park, we headed to the Japanese Naval Underground Headquarters. We were able to tour the tunnels used during WWII. While at the site, Travis found a book outlining the Battle of Okinawa, and we realized we would be able to easily track down the exact hill where my grandfather fought. So, we headed there.

And, here it is, well pretty close anyway. This picture was taken near Shuri Castle, which is very close to Sugar Loaf Hill. This view is of Naha, Okinawa's capital. It's easy to see why this location would be essential during battle.

Switching gears...we also went to Nago Pineapple Park, which was a pretty goofy tourist attraction. Anyway, I love pineapple more than any human should so we had to check it out. They had pineapple everything-lots of different cakes, chocolate, wine and more. While there, we decided to indulge in a little dessert.

Okay, maybe it wasn't so little. It was delicious, though.

Another highlight was going to the local market in Naha. The spread of meats and fish was astounding. 

You could purchase any of these fish and take them upstairs to a restaurant where they would cook it for you.

We also visitied the Okinawa Churuami Aquarium. We went with the family who invited Travis to join the marathon this year so it was especially fun to watch their two-year-old and four-year-old become mesmerized by the fish.

This window actually set a Guiness Book of World Record for being the largest acrylic window. Additionally, the pool is home to a 7.9 meter whale shark. 

Lastly, we enjoyed a variety of Okinawa's traditional cuisine. Most of it was delicious. The picture above, however, is of pig's face on the left and pig's ear on the right. It was not so great, but I can now add pig's face to the list. Yikes.

If you would like to see some more pictures from our trip, go here and here.

It's hard to believe, but Travis and I fly home tomorrow for Christmas! So, I most likely won't be updating the blog for a few weeks. Off to finish packing...

Finisher

So, here's a little video of Travis. The first part is before he ran the marathon and the second is afterwards. Pardon the background noise. I'll post some pics and an update soon.

Okinawa, here we come!

This weekend we're headed to Okinawa where my super-human husband will run his first marathon in Naha. We'll spend a few days sightseeing and stuffing our faces. Can't wait to share the adventure with you when we return.

In the meantime, enjoy the below picture of a shisa, which are found all over Okinawa. They are believed to ward off evil spirits and are a cross between a lion and a dog. Scary, huh?

Crowded train ride

Most of you have probably heard about the packed trains in Japan. Well, last Friday, I experienced the most packed train ride I had ever endured. We have ridden on several crowded trains from festivals and such, but nothing compared to last Friday night's train ride home. We caught the second-to-last train home from a friend's house and expected it to be crowded, but not to the extent that it was.

The pictures below don't capture how crowded it really was. Mostly because I can't make you feel the body heat of several hundred people through this blog. Anyway, I think you get the idea-it was crowded. And, for the first time, it was almost painful. I'm pretty sure I could have lifted both feet off the ground and still remained upright. Good times.

Two point five

Two and a half years ago today, I got me a husband.

Thanksgiving in Japan

Last Sunday we celebrated Thanksgiving with the little "family" we've formed here. And, it was absolutely delicious! It wasn't just a little bit yummy, it was totally fabulous. 

We were all a little nervous because none of us had ever really been in charge of Thanksgiving dinner before. In fact, I had never even contributed to Thanksgiving dinner at all. I always used the whole "I traveled from out of town" excuse. Unless, of course, my contribution of filling the glasses with ice counts. By the way, I wonder who will do that in my family this year. I hope they aren't stuck drinking room-temperature tea. Anyway, we managed to create all of the traditional fixin's. Well, except for turkey. We purchased little rotisserie chickens to replace the turkey. Who really likes dry turkey anyway? We even had cranberry sauce, which wiggled out in its usual ribbed-can shape. We also watched some good 'ole DVRed American football.

The women were banned to the kitchen. Can you believe the guys made us wait to eat until they were finished?

The whole famn damily.

Heaping plate of Thanksgiving goodness.

After dinner, we all unbuttoned our pants and watched Groundhog Day. (Well, at least I know I had to unbutton the top button.)

Japan's Largest Stitch

Allow me to begin this blog entry with a warning: Some of the following images are disturbing and may not be suitable for younger readers, especially those that are fans of Disney characters.

Now that you've all been warned, I would like to share some Halloween photos with you. As you may recall, I was in the U.S. for Halloween and thus was unable to celebrate with Travis. As you will see, I was also unable to help him in his search for the ultimate Halloween costume. Below is evidence of what happens when I leave him on his own.

Please notice the impeccable fit of his costume. Or, maybe you shouldn't notice. :)

Even better from the back.

Stitch missing me.

The most important bit worth noting is how similarly-made costumes fit our friends. 

As Travis confidently walked to the train station and proceeded to ride to the Halloween party solo, he said he heard many comments from on-lookers. They mostly consisted of comments such as, "Whoa, look how big that Stitch is," and "That's the biggest Stitch I've ever seen."

Again, I apologize for any trauma this blog may have caused.

Gone but not forgotten

Before moving to Japan, Travis and I discussed the many difficulties we could experience while living several thousand miles from home. We didn't, however, know how challenging they would truly be. Last Saturday, we received a phone call we'd been dreading. Although it was somewhat expected, it was far from desired. We were told that Travis' grandfather had passed away. We immediately began making travel arrangements to head home to be with his family.

Although our trip was clouded with sadness, it was wonderful and refreshing to be with family and friends while saying goodbye to his grandpa. Rather than reflect on the impending sadness and the sorrow that always accompanies the death of a loved one, we focused on the good times and celebrated the life of one who taught so many so much. 

Travis' grandpa was a wonderful man and always remained positive despite circumstances. He encouraged his family and always put others before himself. I am so blessed to have been able to know him and learned so much from him. Although his body failed him physically, his love remained strong. His kind heart and good-spirited nature remained steadfast, even until the end.

Leland Frederick Hartman

1927-2008

We already miss him, but we will see him again in paradise.

Osaka and Bunraku

After my being gone for a few weeks, Travis was itching to get out of town for a little bit. So, we spontaneously decided to head to Osaka last Saturday morning. We had discussed it during the week, but we didn't book a hotel or really plan until that morning, which I consider quite spontaneous. I typically like to have everything all planned out.

Anyway, there weren't a whole lot of touristy sites to see, but we were just interested in absorbing the city and eating the food. Osaka is the third largest city in Japan (about nine million) and much less conservative than Nagoya. We enjoyed the hustle and bustle and craziness of the city. We started our trip by having some okonomiyaki and yaki soba for lunch. Osaka is famous for okonomiyaki and takoyaki. We spent the rest of the day roaming around the city.

I have no clue, but it's slightly amusing.

Travis buying some takoyaki.

BFFLs.

I had been wanting to try one of these fish cakey things for a while. It tasted like a waffle on the outside and was filled with warm sweet red beans. Quite tasty.

Osaka never sleeps. It was really busy at night and all lit up.

We also purchased tickets to watch bunraku, which is Japanese puppetry. Bunraku requires many years of training for the puppeteers as well as the musician and narrator that accompany the puppets. The dolls used are about half life-size, and their eyes, eyebrows and mouths all move very realistically. Each puppet is manipulated by three individuals all working in perfect unison. The story is told my a narrator and is accompanied by a shamisen. It was really interesting to watch, but it got a little lengthy for my taste. We were there for four hours, and I honestly could have ducked out at intermission, which by the way was a thirty-minute break for lunch. Nonetheless, it was a great cultural experience, and I would recommend it.

Inside the bunraku theater.

Well, that's all I got for now. We're heading to the woods with some friends this weekend. Hopefully we'll get to enjoy some fall colors, and maybe we'll even catch a fish!

Oh, and I don't want to be one of those, if-you-read-my-blog-please-leave-a-comment people, but I must admit I am getting a little bummed that no one comments. So, feel free to leave me a comment every now and then so I don't jump in front of a train or something. Kidding, of course.

Home Sweet Home

Just thought I would share a few pictures from my trip home.

I went with my adorable nieces and nephew to a pumpkin patch.

My friend, Andrea, got married in a beautiful ceremony at Stephen's Park in Columbia.

Watched Mizzou get slaughtered by Texas at Buffalo Wild Wings with Charity and Christy.

Here I am with Courtney and Heather at Courtney's wedding reception. I was privileged enough to be Matron of Honor. The wedding was beautiful and oh-so-fun.

Had dinner with my favorite O'Fallon girls at McGurk's.

Ate some Thai food with former co-workers in Clayton (It was Halloween, which is why Sarah is sporting camo).

My Halloween costume. The rest of the kids were with the nanny.

Two of my favorite gals, Andrea and Maya, at Andrea's birthday bash on Halloween.

Travis turns 28 and Nagoya has a festival

Travis had a birthday last month, and it was well worth noting. But, since I went on a do-absolutely-nothing hiatus, I have decided to hit rewind and share the details of it with you. When I say do nothing, I really mean that. I abandoned all responsibilities (although I now have very few) for three whole weeks. It was glorious.

Anyhoo...Travis had a really fun birthday. I organized a little dinner party at a local sports bar here and invited some of our friends. It was a lot of fun, and Travis was so touched by how many of them came to the party and by all of the thoughtful gifts he received. 

Here is a shot of the group.  After we finished eating, we all headed up to a friend's apartment for some cake. We don't have an oven here, but our friend, Megan, was generous enough to loan me hers so I could bake Travis a cake. Another friend, Beth, gave me some cake mix and icing. After two rounds of cooking (the ovens here are really small) and only one minor burn, a delicious German chocolate cake was created. I guess sometimes it does take a village.

The following day, which was Travis' actual birthday, Nagoya hosted her annual fall festival. It was pretty cool, too. We actually began the day by meeting some friends at the train station with big plans of traveling to a neighboring city. Once we realized the train tickets were going to be twice as much as we had anticipated, we opted to stay in Nagoya. Below are some pictures of the festival.

Isn't he cute?

Isn't she cute? The geisha, not me, Silly.

It was really neat to see all of the traditional dress.

Can you believe these shoes?

And this bike?

And these dancers? 

Then we went to the parade, which was also quite interesting. It was fun to watch, but I have never been to a parade with such long pauses between the sections. It went on forever. The cleanup afterwards was quite impressive, though. Directly after the parade, an army of street sweepers and trash trucks drove through and disposed of everything in sight. It was incredible. Within five minutes, the whole downtown area was spotless.

These peeps posed for us during the parade. Cool, huh?

After that, Travis and I went to a yaki niku restaurant (Korean BBQ) to wrap up the birthday celebration. Then, I abandoned him the following morning for three weeks. How's that for a birthday present?!

I'm back!

Four cities

Two weddings

Eight different beds

One trip to the ER

Six airplanes and

Four trips to Target

...I have returned to Japan, and it feels good to finally be settled again. I loathe living out of suitcases, especially 65 lb. ones, so I am happy to be back. I quite possibly just had the best three weeks I've had in a long time. I got to spend some much-needed time with some of my very favorite people. It was a time of lots of laughing, a little crying and most importantly, EATING!

So long for now...

Tomorrow I leave for the U.S. for three weeks so I most likely won't be updating the blog for a bit. Check back later!

Unwelcomed Dinner Guest

I don't suppose we'll be having broccoli for dinner afterall...

House Tour

It's a bit late, but below are some pictures of our place in Japan. I've gotten several requests for pictures so here they are...

The entryway with lots of storage for shoes.

Our bedroom.

One wall is lined with closets.

We're using this room as a little office. We have one more room almost exactly like this one, but it's a disaster right now. We're using it for storage.

Kitchen.

Here's the living room area. You can see the yukata I'm hand sewing on the floor.

Here you can see our dining area. Lots of delicious meals made by me have been consumed there.

More living area. Unfortunately we don't have a great view. 

Bathroom, which includes a little washing machine.

Tub/shower.

Sink in the water closet.

Our automatic toilet. Lid opens as you approach it, and it automatically flushes when you walk away.