Highlights from the "Between Time"

Good GRIEF! It's already been over a year since I posted to this blog?! I know I'm bad about keeping in touch, but this is terrible even for me. Sorry to my friends and family, who have probably been hoping for pictures and news all this time....

Anyway, I AM ALIVE! No worries, everyone!

But it HAS been a long, crazy year in Japan - earthquakes, tsunamis, nuclear plant explosions, Chinese sand, and various adventures across this incredible island nation. I don't even know how to start catching up!

Until I figure out a way to put this all together sensibly, here are some photos of the highlights from the "Between Time"~! Enjoy!

Last Fall, I visited a beautiful campsite in Susa, on the coast of the Sea of Japan. If you look far enough into the sunset, maybe you can see Korea! (Or so I've been told.........)

 

I spent last Christmas in Hokkaido, the northern-most island of Japan. It was really, really cold. 

 After Hokkaido, I headed back south to more the more tolerable climate of Tokyo! Here's the newly-built Skytree, the tallest TV broadcasting tower in Japan (possibly the world?). Maybe it's the tallest now, but I still think Tokyo Tower is way cooler.... 

 

New Year's Eve at an End-of-year concert in Shinjuku, Tokyo! I was able to meet my favorite singer, Tusk!!! He was so rockin' cool!

This Spring brought the most beautiful Cherry Blossoms I've ever seen! This festival was to celebrate the rare-ish "Weeping Cherry Blossoms," which grow in mountainous areas.

 March 3rd is "Girl's Day" in Japan. Families celebrate with traditional hina doll stands and mochi rice-cakes. I attended an international festival that day, where I was able to make origami crafts, watch a children's dance performance, and try a kimono! It was a little small...........

 Bored on a Sunday! Leia and I took a trip to Oshima (lit. "Big Island") to take pictures and pick seashells. The weather was gorgeous that day! Perfect day for an outdoor adventure.

 Even on busy work days, I occasionally get treated to an awesome sight like this! I should also point out that while I was indeed driving at this time, I'm pretty sure I was stopped behind traffic ^_~ 

In an attempt to bring some culture to our area, we decided to throw a Cinco de Mayo party! Complete with an amazing hand-made pinata. It took over a week to make, and 20 minutes to smash to bits. But it was totally worth it. 

More posts to come soon! If I take too long, please feel free to hassle me!

Until next time, 

Mich   v(^w^ )