Today has been kind of a lazy day. Noriko, Kazu and I went to a water park this morning to cool off. It was a really big place and really crowded because of this hot weather. My observation there was that you rarely see over weight Japanese people. Tokyo supposedly has the highest life expectancy rate in the world and I can see why...they eat healthy and get a lot of exercise...bike riding, walking etc. Women do not wear the skimpy bathing … [Read more...]
Sunday
Today we woke up early and had breakfast with Noriko's Dad...I had not seen him since 2007 on my second visit here so it was nice to catch up :) We got ready to go meet her brother Ken and his family at her mom's cemetery. It is tradition for the family to all go there together twice per year to add fresh flowers, clean the grave with water and pray. I was honored to be a part of this. I met her mother on my first trip here in Dec … [Read more...]
I made it :)
Today was a VERY long day but I made it safely to my friends house in Japan. It started with a 3 hour drive Thursday to Indianapolis in the pouring rain. I slept in the car for 4-5 hours before going to the airport (yes, I was safe :) ) After departing Indy at 7am I arrived in Toronto, Canada for a 5 hour delay. The highlight there was finding a Tim Hortons! My flight from Toronto to Tokyo was 12 hours and I somehow lucked out and had 3 seats … [Read more...]
Love
I will be on an airplane beginning my very long journey in about 24 hours from now. I am excited to be able to take such a trip but it is bittersweet because I hoped to be taking my significant other with me this time but instead I will be traveling alone. Sometimes some things that we really want are just not meant to be. I witnessed an amazing thing last night. A dog who had puppies the day before was able to nurse puppies from a … [Read more...]
Doing Something
I was sitting at a stop light today and saw a lady in need with a sign "homeless please help." I realized I didn't have any money except a handful of change in my cup holder. I rolled down the window and gave her the change and told her I was sorry that was all I had. She thanked me with such sincerity that one would have thought the pennies, nickels, dimes and a few quarters was a millions dollars. I felt bad that I couldn't give her … [Read more...]
Countdown to Japan
I leave in 4 days to take a long journey to visit my best friend, Noriko. I am in need of her company right now and time spent with her and her family will be good for my soul. She has been there for me through all of my ups and downs in my life since college...I am so thankful to have her! I told her I hoped to just relax and spend time hanging out at her house but I am sure she has a fun filled itinerary for us anyway! And that is ok :) I … [Read more...]