Where Globe-Trotting meets Beach-Combing
We’ve had a week of gorgeous, sunny fall weather, so when my talented photographer friend Tammy Ward asked if I had time to do a quick shoot for one of her class assignments, I jumped at the chance! We headed to Hikichidai Park in Yamato. The sun was already low in the sky at 4:30pm,…
Wow! Chris and I hit our SECOND JAPANNIVERSARY this weekend! We have an Associate’s Degree in JAPAN! Two years ago October 29th we landed at Narita Airport for the first time. As everyone else filtered off the plane we squeezed each others’ hands, looked at each other with sheer panic, and said, “What the heck…
At Texas A&M University, the seniors stroll around campus before the last home football game to remember all the grand things that happened there. When it was my turn, I took a lap around campus and thought, “This will be more meaningful given some more time. Right now, I am annoyed with upcoming finals.” Anyway,…
Flashback to Pattaya, Thailand! We arrived at Wat Phra Yai in the rain. The bells, the strays, the dragons, the Buddhas—all sodden with misty droplets. A woman sold tiny cages of birds to release at the top of Big Buddha Hill. If they all fly away, your wish comes true, or you get good luck…
…because we’re planning on being smacked by this nice typhoon. Sounds like a nice time for a typhoon party except its approach prevented the carrier from docking, thus standing up many families here at home. Bad timing, typhoon!
Sensu, or Japanese fans, are given on special occasions to symbolize friendship and respect. But more importantly, they are an integral part of maiko, geisha and general Japanese dances! This week began with a new style of chado (tea ceremony): table style. Until now, we’ve practiced tatami style, where everyone sits Japanese-style on woven grass…
It’s been four months since Chris has seen Japan! Welcome home, Chris! Surprise—we found out late last week to expect an early homecoming. Scramble! A cold front dipped temperatures to about 50 degrees, and these gusting breezes brought with them helicopter 707—piloted by Chris! Chris was one of the first people off the USS George…
