Well... we know what you are thinking. We are total slackers worthy of bitter reprimands. As I write, I am suddenly overwhelmed with the need to pause for question: just who I am writing for this time? Is anyone still out there? Hello?! Hello?! HELLOOOO?! Has our absence been far too great to deserve any loyal readers? I suppose I will blog in wonderment, hopeful of joyful feedback indicative of the return of readers that have not given up on us quite yet...
We have been relatively busy. Tim has flown on several occasions (affording him views of the
moon-kissed countryside and ostentatious, brilliantly-lit skyscrapers that only aviators are privy to). When he is not flying, Tim is working at the squadron, learning its inner workings or standing watch. As for me, I have taken over 3 conversational English classes of older men and women eager to speak English. I am quickly finding lunch dates and wine companions in the wives and have enjoyed getting to know all of the kind, sympathetic members of Tim's squadron. But more on those aspects of life later. Since it has been so long since we have blogged, I thought I would bombard you with pictures of our recents adventures. We have begun to learn our way around multiple areas of Tokyo as well as Yokohama. There sure is a lot to see!
As a new member of NAF Atsugi, we were forced to take a week long
Area Orientation Brief /Intercultural Relations Class. On Thursday during the class, we were taught how to use the train system (which Tim and I had mastered long before our lesson) and set free with the minimal instruction: venture out and return in time for class Friday morning. Tim and I had a fulfilling day.
Our adventure is revealed below:
The first stop on our Trip was Asakusa where we wanted to see the 5 story pagoda and the historic temple Sensoji (founded in the 6th century). To get to Asakusa, we took the train closest to base to the Hamarikyu Garden. There, we boarded a boat for a relaxing river cruise up to Asakusa.
Views of Tokyo from the boat:
Note Tim and I both had to duck to walk through the boat
As we approached our stop, we had a great view of the Tokyo Sky Tree set to open in 2012.
The Sensoji temple was incredibly packed. As we walked to the entrance, we found a crowd of Japanese taking pictures. I nuzzled my way through and was pleased to find a newly married bride and groom. The bride politely indulged me, smiling while I took her picture.
Below are pictures of the Sensoji temple
Above, Tim stands in front of the Kaminari-Mon (Thunder Gate) with statues of the god of thunder, Raijin, and the god of the Storm, Fuujin. This is the most famous landmark in Asakusa.
This long street is called Nakamise Dori. Here street vendors entice eager tourists desperate to buy anything Japanese, be it meaningful or cheap.
Entering the temple, there is a massive cauldron of burning incense. This incense, said to be the breath of gods, is supposed to have curative powers. Above, Tim wafts the heady smoke, surrounding himself in incense.
Pictures inside the temple
As we left the temple, we ran into our friends Kyle and Patrick who were also on their AOB/ICR field trip. From the temple, we chose to get a closer view of the Tokyo Sky Tree.
We found these pink bunnies working hard to hold up the street railings on our walk to the Sky Tree. Why I found these so entertaining is beyond me.
Having completed an adventurous trip in Northern Tokyo, we had one more destination before our day was complete. From Asakusa, we took the train to Narita Airport to pick up our friend Tyler Donati who was arriving in Japan for the first time.
Patrick, Tim, Kyle, Tyler
Having just walked off a flight from LA to Tokyo, Tyler was in good spirits. We gave him no time to reflect on his trip or fully digest just what his arrival in Japan meant: a delightful year of travel, reuniting with friends, a potentially dreadful amount of time on the carrier, a year away from family, friends, and supportive, beautiful girlfriend... Instead, we herded our group onto the train and headed to Yokohama for dinner. By the end of the night, we were all exhausted. What a successful, ambitious field trip!
Heelllloo! You two are certainly not forgotten! I was hoping you would post a blog about your Japanese living quarters and let us know the compromises made. Are you baking pound cake at least? Are you still experimenting with local cuisine? Love reading about your travels and adventures. I was assisted in learning German with a kindly wine merchant. I would meet at least once a week for a tasting and could only speak German about the wine and cheese. It is much easier to learn when you are talking about a shared interest. Are you learning the Japanese language?
ReplyDeleteKeep up the blogging. You do have your followers to consider! Love you two the most! K
Well, look at you, two. I just thought maybe you had turned to paper journals, or simply tired of the burden of sharing your lives with us through a blog - never one to reprimand for personal choices, I was suffering silently, longingly visiting this site every few days in the quiet hope that a message had by-passed my email. I squealed with surprise and delight when this popped up yesterday in gmail on my phone and read it hungrily. I love touring Japan with you, your descriptions are so vivid and the photos so good that I feel I have been there. Wonderful to see Tyler again! Tell him hello for us - what a great treat to have good friends coming back into your lives.
ReplyDeleteOne suggestion - wear colorful coats - there are so many people in black in the photos that I have to hunt for Tim - his delightful smile and fun expressions help, but a vivid coat would make it easier
I am reassured by your blog that you continue to remember you do have loyal followers, hungry for news.
Love to you both!