This meant a trip up north to the aquarium, pineapple park and glass blowing factory.
The pottery village and gift shops.
The Okinawa cultural park.
And of course the pedicure salon.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Favorite things
My aunt said she wanted to do all my favorite things in Okinawa.
This meant a trip up north to the aquarium, pineapple park and glass blowing factory.
The pottery village and gift shops.
The Okinawa cultural park.
And of course the pedicure salon.
This meant a trip up north to the aquarium, pineapple park and glass blowing factory.
The pottery village and gift shops.
The Okinawa cultural park.
And of course the pedicure salon.
All aboard
Next stop: Osaka.
After a few days of walking and sightseeing in Tokyo, we said sayonara to Japan's capital city and bought a ticket on the bullet train heading south to Osaka.
Osaka is the second largest city in Japan. It's more challenging because it's more traditional and there isn't nearly as many signs in English to help language challenged travelers like us. It's great because it has a lot of international flavor, including German, since it is sister cities with Hamburg.
We had a great ride on the train. But when we arrived at Shin Osaka station we ran into a bit of a snag. We couldn't figure out how to get to our hotel. Our map of the area did NOT look the same as the maps that were posted at the train station exits. So we walked in circles for a while before a very nice gentleman who had lived in Europe for a time, helped us by saying that we needed to take a train to Osaka train station. Common mistake, he said.
When we got to the Osaka main train station, I still couldn't figure out which direction was the correct direction for our hotel. My map said it was only a 15 minute walk. But nothing was looking similar to my map.
Thinking that this exercise in patience is preparing me for my great win on the Amazing Race someday, I called the hotel to get directions. The hotel had one employee who could speak English and this woman from Korea tried to talk me through it by first asking me to describe where I was standing. I described my surroundings and luckily she knew exactly where I was standing. First we needed to cross the street and head to the underground market.
I personally find that I am more likely to get lost in a tunnel underground than being outside looking at Japanese signs. But she said there was no other way. So we walked into the underground market.
Once there we needed to follow signs heading in the direction of a certain place that she spelled out for me. I swear it was the longest word ever ... some 15 letters. After my cell phone cut out a few times and I tried to spell this crossword puzzle word back to her and didn't think it was right. This worried me greatly. I asked if there was a different sign we could look for. Something a bit shorter, perhaps? Nope, she said. "I'll wait for your arrival," she said.
Armed with these directions, my map printed off the Internet and this long word, we continued to walk forward.
Then we got to a crossroads in the market and I didn't have any instruction about if I needed to turn. So I asked a clothing store clerk for help. She looked at my map and shrugged. I remembered one of the keys to survival in Japan: bilingual maps.
English maps are great for me. English maps mean as much to a Japanese woman on the street as a Kanji map means to me. My map was worthless.
I was beginning to wonder if we were going to sleep in the train station that night.
Then my guardian angel showed up in the form of a tiny middle-aged Japanese woman carrying a small bouquet of pink flowers. I noticed that she was watching me ask for help. I asked her for assistance. She could speak a little English and read my map. She motioned for me to follow her and we did. Through twists and turns in that underground market, this woman lead us through the crowds all the time attempting to talk to me in Japanese. I would answer best I could and nod as she pointed to landmarks on our path.
We walked and walked and suddenly I saw that word the English-speaking hotel woman spelled for me on the phone. We were heading in the right direction. My brain was fried, but my heart was singing this good Samaritan's praises.
She continued to lead us to a water fountain and then pointed to stairs. She looked at our luggage and then helped us carry our luggage up those stairs. Once above ground, she again pointed to the street signs and landmarks. We could see the sign for our hotel.
She could have left us there. I mean, didn't she have places to be? Wasn't she heading in the opposite directions when she stopped to help us?
Instead she walked us to our hotel and delivered us to the front lobby.
That's where we thanked her over and over again. I tried to give her money for her trouble. She refused to take it.
I asked if I could take her photo or get her business card, so I could write her a thank you card later. Again, she refused.
She simply smiled and bowed and walked out the door.
After a few days of walking and sightseeing in Tokyo, we said sayonara to Japan's capital city and bought a ticket on the bullet train heading south to Osaka.
Osaka is the second largest city in Japan. It's more challenging because it's more traditional and there isn't nearly as many signs in English to help language challenged travelers like us. It's great because it has a lot of international flavor, including German, since it is sister cities with Hamburg.
We had a great ride on the train. But when we arrived at Shin Osaka station we ran into a bit of a snag. We couldn't figure out how to get to our hotel. Our map of the area did NOT look the same as the maps that were posted at the train station exits. So we walked in circles for a while before a very nice gentleman who had lived in Europe for a time, helped us by saying that we needed to take a train to Osaka train station. Common mistake, he said.
When we got to the Osaka main train station, I still couldn't figure out which direction was the correct direction for our hotel. My map said it was only a 15 minute walk. But nothing was looking similar to my map.
Thinking that this exercise in patience is preparing me for my great win on the Amazing Race someday, I called the hotel to get directions. The hotel had one employee who could speak English and this woman from Korea tried to talk me through it by first asking me to describe where I was standing. I described my surroundings and luckily she knew exactly where I was standing. First we needed to cross the street and head to the underground market.
I personally find that I am more likely to get lost in a tunnel underground than being outside looking at Japanese signs. But she said there was no other way. So we walked into the underground market.
Once there we needed to follow signs heading in the direction of a certain place that she spelled out for me. I swear it was the longest word ever ... some 15 letters. After my cell phone cut out a few times and I tried to spell this crossword puzzle word back to her and didn't think it was right. This worried me greatly. I asked if there was a different sign we could look for. Something a bit shorter, perhaps? Nope, she said. "I'll wait for your arrival," she said.
Armed with these directions, my map printed off the Internet and this long word, we continued to walk forward.
Then we got to a crossroads in the market and I didn't have any instruction about if I needed to turn. So I asked a clothing store clerk for help. She looked at my map and shrugged. I remembered one of the keys to survival in Japan: bilingual maps.
English maps are great for me. English maps mean as much to a Japanese woman on the street as a Kanji map means to me. My map was worthless.
I was beginning to wonder if we were going to sleep in the train station that night.
Then my guardian angel showed up in the form of a tiny middle-aged Japanese woman carrying a small bouquet of pink flowers. I noticed that she was watching me ask for help. I asked her for assistance. She could speak a little English and read my map. She motioned for me to follow her and we did. Through twists and turns in that underground market, this woman lead us through the crowds all the time attempting to talk to me in Japanese. I would answer best I could and nod as she pointed to landmarks on our path.
We walked and walked and suddenly I saw that word the English-speaking hotel woman spelled for me on the phone. We were heading in the right direction. My brain was fried, but my heart was singing this good Samaritan's praises.
She continued to lead us to a water fountain and then pointed to stairs. She looked at our luggage and then helped us carry our luggage up those stairs. Once above ground, she again pointed to the street signs and landmarks. We could see the sign for our hotel.
She could have left us there. I mean, didn't she have places to be? Wasn't she heading in the opposite directions when she stopped to help us?
Instead she walked us to our hotel and delivered us to the front lobby.
That's where we thanked her over and over again. I tried to give her money for her trouble. She refused to take it.
I asked if I could take her photo or get her business card, so I could write her a thank you card later. Again, she refused.
She simply smiled and bowed and walked out the door.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
I've always been a little bit of a tree-hugger...
I miss the good tap water in Ames, Iowa. It's interested how few of the plastic water bottles are not recycled. And its ironic that some people (not including those who use do not have access to a municpal water supply) think that bottled water is safer than their tap, but some bottled water is tap water anyways.
Thanks for sharing Tammy, I'll get off my soapbox now.
Thanks for sharing Tammy, I'll get off my soapbox now.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Found!
Olivia's 7 month old photo.
I wonder if Benny has time to take and publish a photo of her at 8 month olds before she turns 9 months old. Hint, hint.
I wonder if Benny has time to take and publish a photo of her at 8 month olds before she turns 9 months old. Hint, hint.
Tokyo makes my butt hurt
Repeat after me: The stairs in Tokyo are good for my body. The stairs are good for my health. The stairs are good for my legs. The stairs are good for my butt.
This mantra doesn't make the pain stop. But I'm definitely feeling the effects of my laziness on this vacation trying to keep up with my aunt and sister. They want to see and do everything. And so we are attempting to do everything in Tokyo.
Today illustrated Japan and its ying and yang.
We went to a shrine where families take their children when the little ones celebrate their 3rd, 5th or 7th birthdays. The adorable girls in kimonos were constantly in the shrine's main courtyard. I couldn't resist taking my pictures with one.
After observing the traditions of this country, we walked to the shopping and entertainment district for teenagers and explored stores that sell socks, crazy clothes and short, short skirts. Hip, trendy and completely Japanese.
Then we hit the busiest intersection in the world
Before finishing the night with a view from Tokyo Tower.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Dad and Little O Day 3: Dueling Laughs (to the tune of dueling banjos)
We're surviving. The laundry is piling up, the trash overflowing, we're running out of bottles... but we're having fun.
Only kidding Mom, except for the part about having fun.
Rain, rain go away
The forecast said 40 percent chance of showers. It should have said 99 percent of showers since it started raining the moment we step out of the hotel.
But rainy days are good days to explore the fish market, eat sushi for breakfast (just the Japanese do!) and visit the Tokyo National Museum.
There we read and learned. And more importantly had a lunch of soba noodles and shrimp tempura.
After museum, we took the subway back to the hotel before eating a huge teppanyaki dinner. So full.
Tomorrow's forecast: Party sunny with a 20 percent chance of showers.
Activities: Check the final things off of our Tokyo to-do list.
Monday, November 16, 2009
In a city former known as Edo
Two Iowans braved the Tokyo subway.
Three woman drank green tea with a view of the oldest garden in the city and not far from a 300 year old pine tree.
Sisters "bathed" in incense at a Buddhist temple.
A former journalist jumped at the chance to touch a giant good luck sandal.
A pharmacy student examined food models for Japanese restaurant windows.
They filled their bellies with shabu shabu.
And in the end, they had walked all day, sat very little, took many photos and had an head full of memories. Good night Tokyo, a city former known as Edo.
Three woman drank green tea with a view of the oldest garden in the city and not far from a 300 year old pine tree.
Sisters "bathed" in incense at a Buddhist temple.
A former journalist jumped at the chance to touch a giant good luck sandal.
A pharmacy student examined food models for Japanese restaurant windows.
They filled their bellies with shabu shabu.
And in the end, they had walked all day, sat very little, took many photos and had an head full of memories. Good night Tokyo, a city former known as Edo.
It's just me and you Little O (Day One)
We dropped Michelle off at the airport at 10:50am.
The first call to Mom was at 2:15pm, but there was no answer. "Sweetie, you forgot one thing on your list - forks" if left on her voicemail.
After Little O took an afternoon nap in the stroller while on the way back from the local store, we walked around the park. And walked, and walked. Olivia normally doesn't nap more than 30 minutes, and here she had been sleeping for an hour. So I kept walking and she kept sleeping.
We got home, I gave her a bath, fed her, and was going to put her down for the night when I noticed A LOT of light coming through her windows. I looked at my watch - 17:15. Two hours earlier than she normally goes to bed - no wonder she didn't want to go to bed. I was so excited things were going so well that I mistook the 17 for 7pm. Wow.
Next call to Mom was at 9pm. To wake or not to wake? (this part dedicated to parents, others can pass if you choose). "So you know how Little O hasn't filled her britches since Friday? Well, she finally did, I can smell it, should I wake her up and change her?"
Michelle laughs "NO! Don't you remember what they said at the parenting class? Never wake a sleeping baby if you can help it." I add "Wouldn't it be better if I change her now instead of waking up to her crying at 3am?" Michelle quickly responds, "I wouldn't, but it's your call." I walk back into Olivia's room, she's sleeping peacefully. I take a whiff, talk myself out of changing her now, and go one being a gambling man.
And it paid off, she didn't wake until I went in at 6:ooam today. And I feel like I won the lottery.
The first call to Mom was at 2:15pm, but there was no answer. "Sweetie, you forgot one thing on your list - forks" if left on her voicemail.
After Little O took an afternoon nap in the stroller while on the way back from the local store, we walked around the park. And walked, and walked. Olivia normally doesn't nap more than 30 minutes, and here she had been sleeping for an hour. So I kept walking and she kept sleeping.
We got home, I gave her a bath, fed her, and was going to put her down for the night when I noticed A LOT of light coming through her windows. I looked at my watch - 17:15. Two hours earlier than she normally goes to bed - no wonder she didn't want to go to bed. I was so excited things were going so well that I mistook the 17 for 7pm. Wow.
Next call to Mom was at 9pm. To wake or not to wake? (this part dedicated to parents, others can pass if you choose). "So you know how Little O hasn't filled her britches since Friday? Well, she finally did, I can smell it, should I wake her up and change her?"
Michelle laughs "NO! Don't you remember what they said at the parenting class? Never wake a sleeping baby if you can help it." I add "Wouldn't it be better if I change her now instead of waking up to her crying at 3am?" Michelle quickly responds, "I wouldn't, but it's your call." I walk back into Olivia's room, she's sleeping peacefully. I take a whiff, talk myself out of changing her now, and go one being a gambling man.
And it paid off, she didn't wake until I went in at 6:ooam today. And I feel like I won the lottery.
Half Empty or Half Full
Is this glass:
A. Half empty
B. Half full
C. Not nearly enough to wash down Hawaiian French toast on Saturday
D. All the above
E. Enough for Michelle
Imagine my delight when I opened the refrigerator to pour some juice early Saturday morning after slaving over the gridle. I picked it up thinking it was too light for enough juice for two of us, but not enough for one of us? Arhhhhh! This was all that was left in carton, apparently too much to finish off on Friday morning, but not enough for breakfast on Saturday (Olivia isn't drinking juice yet).
It should be on the pre-marriage test next to the other crazy questions: How do you feel about drawers left open? Do you have a preference for which way the toilet paper rolls (over the top or from underneath)? Not that the answer would change my mind in any way about my lovely wife, but at least I would know that there is a 50/50 chance that there may not be enough milk or juice in the carton to fill a small glass.
Turns out like daughter, like father. No matter what you think, I'm not the only one who feels this way. After interrogating my bride of 5 years, I find out she learned it from her dad, "who does it all the time... and it drives my mom crazy."
The answer is E. Enough for Michelle.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Nihon (Japan) or Bust
My sister Colleen normally has a happier face when she travels. But I just gave her the news that the Iowa Hawkeyes lost. She was bummed to miss an entire day of college football games while flying 12 hours to come visit me.
Colleen and my aunt Kathy (I forget to get a picture of her today, promise I'll be better) flew from Chicago to Tokyo today or yesterday depending on how you look at it.
I flew from Okinawa and was sad that I didn't get to take the Pokeman flight.
Then we met at the airport. Checked into the hotel and are now relaxing.
Meanwhile Benny is in Okinawa with Olivia. Yes, I had mommy guilt about leaving. It's been terrible. I've been crying for days about it. But I know she is in good hands. And I'll be back in Okinawa next week with a present for her: Aunt Colleen.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Operation Olivia Pumpkin
It started with an email from Tammy on Oct. 13. The message said Please tell me that you can buy a pumpkin on base ... because I'm attaching a picture of a picture of my friend Erin as a baby and I'm pretty sure Olivia is just the right size to re-create this picture.
After confirming with Tammy that yes, this child was put inside a carved pumpkin, I explained the idea to Benny. He, of course, was game and soon we were at the commissary comparing Olivia to every large pumpkin we saw. She raised her eyebrows at the comparison, but said nothing. We assumed she wanted to go along with the idea.
Finally we found a pumpkin that was large enough for her body, but not long enough. Engineer Benny suggested cutting holes for her legs to poke out. I agreed and we made the purchase on Oct. 15.
On Nov. 1, we decided to was time for Operation Olivia Pumpkin.
Benny cut open the top while I dressed Olivia in any already stained onesie. As Olivia played with her ABC blocks, Benny pulled out the seeds. We placed a plastic tablecloth inside to prevent a lot of pumpkin goo from getting on her.
Before cutting the leg holes, we did a trial run.
It was confirmed, we need the leg holes.
I wasn't sure how Olivia was going to react to her pumpkin chair, so I had everything in place in case she started screaming. Camera was ready. Witch hat was only a step away. And this was her immediate reaction.
Next the witch hat
Then she tried to take a bite out of her pumpkin
She was loving her pumpkin chair, so we left her in there until dinner.
Now I can't decide if I should enter her photo in a cutest costume contest on the Des Moines Register's Web site.
She has competition. Check out 7-month-old Addison and her first Halloween.
Last night we saw a similar baby in a pumpkin photo on the Wait, Wait ... Don't Tell Me NPR Web site.
And we thought we were so special.
After confirming with Tammy that yes, this child was put inside a carved pumpkin, I explained the idea to Benny. He, of course, was game and soon we were at the commissary comparing Olivia to every large pumpkin we saw. She raised her eyebrows at the comparison, but said nothing. We assumed she wanted to go along with the idea.
Finally we found a pumpkin that was large enough for her body, but not long enough. Engineer Benny suggested cutting holes for her legs to poke out. I agreed and we made the purchase on Oct. 15.
On Nov. 1, we decided to was time for Operation Olivia Pumpkin.
Benny cut open the top while I dressed Olivia in any already stained onesie. As Olivia played with her ABC blocks, Benny pulled out the seeds. We placed a plastic tablecloth inside to prevent a lot of pumpkin goo from getting on her.
Before cutting the leg holes, we did a trial run.
It was confirmed, we need the leg holes.
I wasn't sure how Olivia was going to react to her pumpkin chair, so I had everything in place in case she started screaming. Camera was ready. Witch hat was only a step away. And this was her immediate reaction.
Next the witch hat
Then she tried to take a bite out of her pumpkin
She was loving her pumpkin chair, so we left her in there until dinner.
Now I can't decide if I should enter her photo in a cutest costume contest on the Des Moines Register's Web site.
She has competition. Check out 7-month-old Addison and her first Halloween.
Last night we saw a similar baby in a pumpkin photo on the Wait, Wait ... Don't Tell Me NPR Web site.
And we thought we were so special.
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