tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17094011017528356602024-03-04T21:49:36.254-08:00BEDFORD ADVENTURES IN JAPAN AND BACK AGAINBEDFORD ADVENTURES IN JAPAN AND BACK AGAINThe Bedfordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07314921096403166095noreply@blogger.comBlogger111125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709401101752835660.post-55403141741955026552014-03-19T16:45:00.002-07:002014-03-19T17:02:57.453-07:00There's No Place Like Home<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So happy this place is still going strong after 30 years.</td></tr>
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At the end of last month, I had the opportunity to go "home" to San Luis Obispo, California for a week. This is something I've been planning on doing since last fall. I hadn't been there since July 2007 for my 20 year High School Reunion. Needless to say, my visit was long overdue.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love San Luis Creek!</td></tr>
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My favorite thing about flying into SLO is the beautiful scenery. Flying over the Pacific Ocean, then heading inland towards town, never disappoints. Its usually sunny and clear. The two things I love and miss the most about the Central Coast.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remember those Midnight Movies?!</td></tr>
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Although the area has grown and changed so much since I left in 1992, I still feel very comfortable there. I know that I never appreciated it when I was younger, and as an adult have wished numerous times that I could move back. Maybe one day when the kids are grown, and we have some freedom, I will get my wish. I did enjoy visiting with my relatives, eating good food, catching up with old friends, relaxing, walking downtown, and running into familiar faces. I felt refreshed after this trip. I think I needed to regroup after our move. I'm certainly grateful that I have a wonderful husband that keeps the troops in line when I'm gone. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On our way back down Madonna Mountain</td></tr>
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Here are some highlights from the trip:<br />
<ul>
<li>Climbing Madonna Mountain with Jenny. This is something I've never done before. I guess I was privy to going up to the "P" instead.</li>
<li>Eating at the Custom House in Avila with Martha. I miss Avila, the pier, the scenery. It's not the same funky place it was years ago, but I still love it!!</li>
<li>Hanging out with Heidi, laughing like there was no tomorrow, catching up at the Luis Wine Bar, eating breakfast at Madonna Inn, being "Bar Moms" at Bull's, and of course holding and kissing Heidi's Emmy she won last fall.</li>
<li>Being in town the same weekend my other friend Heidi was in SLO. She had a great Oscars Party. Its such a great idea, I think I want to host one at my place next year. </li>
<li>The Central Coast rained most of the time I was visiting. The wind and rain even kept me up one night. This is so atypical of SLO, especially since they only had 4 inches of rain in 2013. </li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Avila Pier.</td></tr>
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<br />The Bedfordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07314921096403166095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709401101752835660.post-9117227220753037832014-03-11T14:00:00.000-07:002014-03-11T18:20:35.721-07:00Three Years Later, Three Months Later<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><u>Three Years Later</u></b><br />
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Its hard to believe that the large earthquake/tsunami that devastated Japan is celebrating its 3 year anniversary. I remember the details of 3/11/11 like it was yesterday. The uncertainty, panic and most of all, the feeling of helplessness for my host country. While I had a warm bed to sleep in, and my family around me, the victims up north had lost loved ones, their homes, their livelihoods. In all the sadness, I was fortunate to have been a part of relief efforts on base. This work provided purpose, bonding, and a door that opened to some wonderful friendships. After the relief efforts on base were shut down, another loving and giving soul named Masako, created a group called Helping Hands for Tohoku. This group is still active today and has hundreds of members in Japan, and around the world. I'm grateful to Masako for starting the group, for being a part of something huge, and for all the people who have spent countless hours translating, shipping, shopping, donating, and visiting the people who were given assistance in some shape or form. I know that Japan will take a long time to recover from the effects of Fukushima and the tsunami, but the one thing that I learned from the Japanese is that they are strong. They will never forget, but they will persevere. That's what they do. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little piece of Japan in my front yard!</td></tr>
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<b><u>Three Months Later</u></b><br />
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We left Japan almost three months ago!! Where has all the time gone? We are still getting things organized. Now, if we could just get some sunshine to stay for awhile, we would be able to tackle our outdoor projects. The kids are in school, the younger two in scouts, Justin's getting settled into work, and I've been job hunting. The pickings are pretty slim here on the peninsula, but I'm sure the right position will eventually turn up. I've also joined the YMCA. This is not CrossFit, but I had to make a decision on many levels, and its working for now. We are looking forward to spring and some outings that are already planned. I love that I have a cherry tree (Sakura) blossoming right now in my front yard. It reminds me of Japan and makes me smile.<br />
<br />The Bedfordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07314921096403166095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709401101752835660.post-83779660733819873762014-02-12T13:54:00.003-08:002014-02-12T14:09:31.415-08:00Exploring SeattleI've had the chance to explore various neighborhoods around Seattle since returning to The United States. This city is our birthplace, and I love the hustle and bustle of it. While it doesn't begin to compare with sprawling Tokyo, I'm still enjoying the sites, people-watching, the food, and the noise. I've learned that I love a lot of commotion and feel energized by a city. I've made a pact with myself that I was going to go to Seattle more often. We are only 10 minutes away from the ferry, so why not!<br />
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Some places worth checking out:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tea ceremony dates at Japanese Garden in Arboretum.</td></tr>
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<b>Washington State Arboretum</b> <br />
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We caught a bus (#43) downtown Seattle from Pine Street to Montlake and walked along some pathways in the Arboretum. A little glum this time of year, but it was a nice day to explore. They have a Japanese Garden that opens in March that has tea ceremonies and other happenings going on there. I want to go back in the spring for Cherry Blossom season. There are also some other great trails along Lake Washington where you can picnic, take in the scenery, or walk over to MOHI (Museum of History and Industry). <br />
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<b>Teatro Zinzanni Dinner Theatre</b><br />
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This was a wonderful evening of entertainment near Seattle Center. I bought General Admission seating which weren't cheap (over $100/pp), but I think well worth it. We had an awesome view of all the entertainment (singing, dancing, acting, acrobatics, gymnastics, music, etc) and a 5 course meal. The venue changes every few months and runs year round. <br />
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<b>Seattle Great Wheel</b><br />
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Seattle's newest attraction since we've been gone. Although it doesn't compare to the huge Cosmo Clock Ferris Wheel in Yokohama, it was still nice to do on a sunny day. For $13pp we saw some great views of downtown, and of the water.. Not to mention we went around about 4 times which is usually unheard of with such attractions!<br />
<br />The Bedfordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07314921096403166095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709401101752835660.post-88321708379865731582014-02-10T15:25:00.000-08:002014-02-11T12:06:27.757-08:00Celebrating The Seahawks<br />
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We came back to Washington at an exciting time. Not just to our home, or in time for Christmas, but also to a winning NFL team. Seahawks Fever was at an all-time high especially when "The Hawks" were going to the Superbowl. Many stores and fans in and around Washington were displaying 12th man banners and wearing Seahawks colors to show their support. It was fun to see everyone getting into the spirit! We've enjoyed being able to watch a couple games in real-time, or on the same day. This was always a little tricky in Japan with the 16-17 hour time difference. <br />
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<b>Superbowl Sunday</b>- On Feb 2, 2014 The Seahawks played against the Denver Broncos and won 43-8!!! This was the first ever Superbowl win for The Seahawks which was so awesome! To celebrate the win, The City of Seattle hosted a victory parade in downtown on Feb 5th for the 12th man from 11-1:30pm. </div>
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<b>Parade -</b> Since I was free on the day of the parade, I went with a small group of people over to watch the "little" parade. Not sure what I was thinking, because me, along with over 700,000 people were packing the streets of Seattle, ferries, etc to get to the parade. It was really COLD (mid-20's for Seattle in Feb is pretty chilly), but the crowds were mild, and most everyone was happy to be there to show their love and support for the team. I didn't get the best photos, but I could see the players, coaches, support staff, politicians, etc pretty good from my vantage point. I'm glad that I was able to participate in this monumental day even though my middle son keeps reminding me that I should have taken him along. Oh well, maybe next year!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tons of parade viewers!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivSAYYC0UxbRrvSEtTfPiy7MjR35WkC_FvVMl4WZLmybRWvcNQ_Vo6lWuNttvB3FHCupCXekXszTbriMruS6EFPQUm5EL07oUIHaJDCUgehopWx2hdGfAN9NCqimEoAngRvgE3nNRrqO8/s1600/richard+sherman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivSAYYC0UxbRrvSEtTfPiy7MjR35WkC_FvVMl4WZLmybRWvcNQ_Vo6lWuNttvB3FHCupCXekXszTbriMruS6EFPQUm5EL07oUIHaJDCUgehopWx2hdGfAN9NCqimEoAngRvgE3nNRrqO8/s1600/richard+sherman.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Richard Sherman</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">The </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">12th man</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"> or 12th player is a term for the </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fan_(person)" style="background-color: white; background-image: none; color: #0b0080; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-decoration: none;" title="Fan (person)">fans</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"> within a stadium during </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_football" style="background-color: white; background-image: none; color: #0b0080; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-decoration: none;" title="American football">American football</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"> and </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Association_football" style="background-color: white; background-image: none; color: #0b0080; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-decoration: none;" title="Association football">association football</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"> games. As most football leagues allow a maximum of eleven players per team on the playing field at a time, referring to a team's fans as the 12th man implies that they have a potentially helpful role in the game.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Definition courtesy of Wikipedia</span></div>
The Bedfordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07314921096403166095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709401101752835660.post-67694644745282508922014-01-19T22:06:00.000-08:002014-01-19T23:21:22.123-08:00Everything Is Delivered and Let The Purging BeginWe received both our temporary storage and our final shipment from Japan last week. Within two days we had about 16,000 pounds of belongings...........and junk in multiple places around the house and on our property. Its amazing how much I purged before we moved to Japan, once we arrived in Japan, and before I left Japan. Despite my efforts, we have already made four trips to donate our things to charity, plus one trip to the dump. It feels pretty liberating to start weeding through our things and purge the things we no longer need. Our living spaces are coming together, and we are slowly going through the boxes in the closet, basement, etc. I think the kids are enjoying their rooms, connecting with old friends, and getting into a routine. Work at PSNS is going fine for my husband. He's been in a routine pretty much since we've been back from Japan. I'm wishing for more consistency with the gym, and a schedule, but I haven't quite gotten into a good flow. Hopefully within the next month this will change. I'm really trying to place few expectations on myself after such a big move. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-PoFfF3VPGriBLONhIYrkz3GRyNVrw7UXgtdZuCcStyNiyjjxCaJ_d1MV5mAfDPI6vbJ5lFY4r9Vyb1g9aaj-00lCaXj1Q9PncBqCf4hJnZGeDQ_QLQJRDtOBj0qrRXFha0mx7RZPQas/s1600/IMG_5668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-PoFfF3VPGriBLONhIYrkz3GRyNVrw7UXgtdZuCcStyNiyjjxCaJ_d1MV5mAfDPI6vbJ5lFY4r9Vyb1g9aaj-00lCaXj1Q9PncBqCf4hJnZGeDQ_QLQJRDtOBj0qrRXFha0mx7RZPQas/s1600/IMG_5668.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stuff to be donated and taken to the dump.</td></tr>
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This week's experiences:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Its quite expensive having a male driver under age 25 on our car insurance. Luckily, even college students can get discounts for getting good grades. We will have to wait until after winter quarter grades are turned in to see a change in our monthly payment.</li>
<li>My middle son has become an expert at driving after his second week of drivers education. ;)</li>
<li>I've seen such an influx of people that look, or act transient. It seems worse since we were last here. </li>
<li>We finally have our first Android phone. I was able to figure out how to answer it and charge it...that's at least a start.</li>
<li>It costs $80 to get a license in Washington State.</li>
<li>The Seahawks spirit is awesome. They are going to the Superbowl!</li>
<li>If you don't like your job, then you need to quit. This past week has been jam-packed with horrible customer service. Maybe the full moon had something to do with it.</li>
<li>Having my younger kids take the bus to and from school is liberating. </li>
<li>Its been joyful not having to worry about the kids being loud in our home. I constantly worried about this when we were living in base housing.</li>
<li>Yams/sweet potatoes in the U.S. do not compare to the wonderful tasting ones in Japan. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Uwajimaya in Seattle may have Japanese sweet potatoes. </li>
<li>I'm remembering to lock my house and cars. I had to re-learn this behavior after living in Japan. </li>
</ol>
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<br />The Bedfordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07314921096403166095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709401101752835660.post-25980192079387758532014-01-10T15:39:00.002-08:002014-01-10T15:47:20.269-08:00Ready For The Next PhaseOver a month ago, I said how happy I was to be moving to the Lodge. It was going to be a mini-vacation from cooking and cleaning. While that part has been pretty nice, we're getting tired of living in temporary quarters and looking forward to being back into our house. Our move in date is coming soon and some of the rooms have fresh paint and new carpet! I love all of the updates, and it will be an interesting task to see how our belongings from Japan and temporary storage are going to fit into our little house. I foresee a lot of things being donated in the near future to St.Vinny's and The Goodwill!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWL8vaExWa-cIyYClbX0zbyGb05wH6wokwGdyRY-DYvSkxGo_KzHShTyyfnjsHs6e1saqFFfOdjEDm5mA_hQw-wTIg4WE4E4yGZ-AM2NzDvau_kT-jk6BiMiD0LBJfP7cnZkPNs2ZV1q8/s1600/DSCN5775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWL8vaExWa-cIyYClbX0zbyGb05wH6wokwGdyRY-DYvSkxGo_KzHShTyyfnjsHs6e1saqFFfOdjEDm5mA_hQw-wTIg4WE4E4yGZ-AM2NzDvau_kT-jk6BiMiD0LBJfP7cnZkPNs2ZV1q8/s1600/DSCN5775.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shipment 1 out of 2 from Japan!</td></tr>
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Here's a rundown of things that I continue to witness and experience as I re-enter my own culture:</div>
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<ol>
<li>Community College tuition has greatly increased since my $75/semester in California in the late 1980's. Its over $1,0000 for two classes in the state of Washington.</li>
<li>People wear pajama pants not only to the grocery store, but to pay for their college tuition and to get their drivers license.</li>
<li>Food portions still continue to amaze me. I keep thinking about how much the owners of businesses would save if they just cut back their portions even by 1/4. My kids are going to go hungry once I start cooking again.</li>
<li>Driving schools (I think) are making a ton of money. You go to them for drivers tests now (written and driving). The Dept of Licensing no longer does testing at their sites.</li>
<li>Cutter bought his first car this week. We paid half. He was happy to haggle with the owner about the price.</li>
<li>1 of 2 of our shipments from Japan arrived this week. Its so nice to see some of my clothes and shoes again! Our other belongings arrive next week.</li>
<li>I started at a CrossFit box last week. While I feel like a newbie, and like I've never worked out before, I'm hoping once I get a regular routine the soreness won't be so bad. I need about 3 days to recover after one workout. Ugh! </li>
<li>The touch-screen Coca Cola machine is pretty cool. We are wondering how they offer so many choices in one machine.</li>
<li>There have been so many changes in the roads in my city since we left. I can't keep up with the new roundabouts, one way streets, traffic lights, etc. I need to be grateful that I haven't once driving on the other side of the road.</li>
<li>We were able to find Bulldog sauce for Katsu at a local supermarket for a whopping $5+. I'm hoping to find some over in Seattle for cheaper. I should have stocked up on some at the dollar store before leaving Japan.</li>
<li>Reconnecting with friends when you aren't an adult isn't always easy. I'm sure the kids will continue to make friends, and have some of their old friends over when we get into our house. Its a beautiful thing being able to have conversations with friends as if you never left.</li>
<li>I am still not used to paying sales tax. It throws me off every time I go to buy something!</li>
</ol>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodTbDtatB-5UW7Wkh-r6jfdJAjZ_jyHKX84FDKuHfTmTcODYDZjP-O8lyy_rD4E634Bi0wF7SokcyawPZJJ4rornHgVNAByIBi0lDsWxTicNZJ1w698tSzoz5z5m1cuvKQt6B1FyyTgM/s1600/cocacola.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodTbDtatB-5UW7Wkh-r6jfdJAjZ_jyHKX84FDKuHfTmTcODYDZjP-O8lyy_rD4E634Bi0wF7SokcyawPZJJ4rornHgVNAByIBi0lDsWxTicNZJ1w698tSzoz5z5m1cuvKQt6B1FyyTgM/s1600/cocacola.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Coca Cola soda machine. You can mix your own drink.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ol>
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The Bedfordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07314921096403166095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709401101752835660.post-59359303302991553992013-12-31T16:22:00.000-08:002014-01-11T18:18:47.698-08:00Easing Back InI'm not going to lie, but leaving Japan and the people we love there was difficult. Between all five of us, we had over a dozen going-away lunches, dinners, coffees, outings, etc. There were a lot of lifelong friendships made in the host country that became our home for three years...so needless to say, Japan will always have a large piece of my/our heart. Although it was not always easy, our family will always be able to reflect back on all of the experiences we had. I'm most grateful for my husband whose job allowed us to complete this one, huge goal of living overseas.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2aeAM1oHRcokq8WHEN-kZZhdEjEKZk6QKkeRdxBZN050xehDZLmTf972KbSoC_qTcf_HmddSW80CrUNcAbvfs9sGP5KIiv_pZWIY4jzY3voz6QTT6ZTwDVDlUDok1HoD3NmFsR9dP2Z0/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2aeAM1oHRcokq8WHEN-kZZhdEjEKZk6QKkeRdxBZN050xehDZLmTf972KbSoC_qTcf_HmddSW80CrUNcAbvfs9sGP5KIiv_pZWIY4jzY3voz6QTT6ZTwDVDlUDok1HoD3NmFsR9dP2Z0/s320/photo+(1).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little shaky, but we flew over 4,700 miles home.</td></tr>
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Aside from a lot of turbulence on the plane from Japan to Seattle, and going on week 3 of hotel living, here are some situations and observations I've had since returning stateside:</div>
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<ul>
<li>We have been met with some great customer service in the U.S. I was worried about it after being in Japan for so long. I'm happy to be pleasantly surprised.</li>
<li>My first impression of taxi drivers in the U.S. was not good (funky teeth, mullet, scabs on arms, attitude, couldn't figure out how to get our luggage into the van, etc).</li>
<li>I've been overwhelmed (in a good way) by the food and drink choices in the grocery stores. I am unimpressed by the food in the Asian aisle though.</li>
<li>I realize how big the portions are here. Wow!! From a person who loves to eat, even I haven't been able to finish what's on my plate!</li>
<li>Gas prices are comparable here (Washington State) to the prices on base in Japan.</li>
<li>It has been reasonably easy to get back to driving on the "right" side of the road. </li>
<li>There are seat covers in most public restrooms.</li>
<li>Everyone stares here! I even do it! </li>
<li>Americans are SO loud. I factor myself into this equation because I am not quiet. </li>
<li>I cannot find a decent car here for under $3,000.</li>
<li>Its been wonderful to reconnect with friends here. I haven't gotten to seeing everybody, but plan to do so when we get back into our house.</li>
<li>I have enjoyed being able to read the street signs and menus. This is not meant to be a slam on Japan, but this was always tricky when eating out, and trying to get around.</li>
<li>I love taking the ferry and monorail, but really miss the trains in Japan. They were efficient and awesome!!</li>
<li>Cell phones (especially Smart phones) here are not cheap. We still haven't decided on a plan, but did set up Magic Jack. </li>
<li>Jet lag sucked. I'm happy we're all pretty much adjusted to our current time zone after a couple weeks. Hallelujah!! It was rough! </li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="color: yellow; font-size: large;">Happy 2014 to everyone whose been there to support our journey both abroad, and back to the U.S. We've had a huge amount of supporters and interest in our adventures. I plan on still blogging about our life as we deal with "reverse culture shock". I feel like we're all doing as well as expected. My motto for the past couple of months is to just take things day-by-day.</span></b></div>
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The Bedfordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07314921096403166095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709401101752835660.post-78098379100610698872013-12-14T04:58:00.002-08:002013-12-14T05:37:37.413-08:00Returning to The United States<br />
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<span style="background-color: red;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOdjnUxaLN_QS_WyH2YV3xRMv8d0sq4VSxq5-esG7Xg8PXPElFenRosi_zQb8Z2lR-CZ8WvcGoFLxnHceOv1qwapyFMn83df4foCCH5v0OxMAnG7mflBGYYg93Mco6hXar57_fUte6gEI/s1600/quote_cross_cultural.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOdjnUxaLN_QS_WyH2YV3xRMv8d0sq4VSxq5-esG7Xg8PXPElFenRosi_zQb8Z2lR-CZ8WvcGoFLxnHceOv1qwapyFMn83df4foCCH5v0OxMAnG7mflBGYYg93Mco6hXar57_fUte6gEI/s1600/quote_cross_cultural.gif" /></a></span></div>
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Well, tomorrow's the day we head back to The United States. We have
checked out of our house, work, and school, and are just about finished
saying our goodbyes to the people we love before heading to the
airport. Our multiple farewells have been fun and emotional, but I am
so happy that we have made lasting memories and friendships with people
around the world. I have heard more than once this week that we are
starting a new chapter in our lives. I'm trying to embrace this idea in a positive light. <br />
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A friend forwarded me an interesting article on repatriation this week. This article is a good read. Go triangles!<br />
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<br />
<a href="http://naomihattaway.com/2013/09/i-am-a-triangle-and-other-thoughts-on-repatriation/">http://naomihattaway.com/2013/09/i-am-a-triangle-and-other-thoughts-on-repatriation/</a><br />
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<span style="background-color: red;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHDcRDmbmylEZ-0Fo0npQzIXW0UZrT8Ubnl-vxfage47n3F619xNOF-gvVa_S1UFv5N0JyfpyV6rM6Zu2sIzs85xDRsb1YGHA2DS3Ze9eE9xQzI1Rtdi7IsQ3JmMdMXeZQCs9FBDUMHU/s1600/sayonara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;">Sayonara Japan!! We will miss you!</span></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: red;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">Happy Holidays!</span></span></span></div>
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The Bedfordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07314921096403166095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709401101752835660.post-10400580311629072172013-10-20T01:43:00.002-07:002013-10-20T17:24:29.690-07:00Leaving The Land of The Rising Sun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We are still awaiting our orders to return back to the United States. If all goes as planned, we should be home a little before Christmas.....just in time to celebrate with family and friends we haven't seen since we left on our adventure back in 2010. </div>
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I was warned before I moved to Japan that I wouldn't want to leave there when it was time to return home. At that time, I really didn't understand what that meant, but now I get it. While I'll be happy to be able to read signs easily, order off a menu, get certain food ingredients at the local market, re-connect with those I love, etc. I will certainly miss this country, the Japanese people, the friends and family I've met/gained here, the cuteness, amazing customer service even at the local 7-Eleven, and how I've been able to put my worries about safely on the back-burner here. I basically have been living in a Fantasy land on this great, but extended Asian vacation.</div>
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Last weekend I came across a very moving and fitting article (see below) in our favorite Ex-pat magazine. I felt as if the article had my name written all over it, so I decided to scan it. I'm trying to prepare myself, and those around me (sorry) for the reverse culture shock that will likely occur. I have a plan to combat and work through the culture shock, but I welcome any tips or strategies for dealing with the change. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1vcjBIks7W2hugSNgFQGV_R89s_xsL_XXefNnltMU8aOM1cO3oSISszRdbB-u78lusQlTMYA46z1LqO6JVqG-Wv6jjetJSeTcA3x0daAgXhxcVyRBXgRSFdejlzRlIRQtddv33CKTuU/s1600/living+in+japan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1vcjBIks7W2hugSNgFQGV_R89s_xsL_XXefNnltMU8aOM1cO3oSISszRdbB-u78lusQlTMYA46z1LqO6JVqG-Wv6jjetJSeTcA3x0daAgXhxcVyRBXgRSFdejlzRlIRQtddv33CKTuU/s1600/living+in+japan.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here are some of the reasons me, and others love Japan. Its been circulating around social media this week, so some of you may have already read it. </span><br />
<a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/ashleyperez/27-reasons-we-should-all-be-moving-to-japan"><span style="font-size: large;">http://www.buzzfeed.com/ashleyperez/27-reasons-we-should-all-be-moving-to-japan</span></a><br />
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I'm grateful that we had this opportunity and I look forward to telling everyone back at home about our time here. :)<br />
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<br />The Bedfordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07314921096403166095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709401101752835660.post-3846149654332060552013-10-06T07:39:00.000-07:002013-10-06T07:39:36.704-07:00CrossFit Throwdowns and More Tasty RecipesIn July, and just last weekend, I participated in CrossFit Throwdowns. Our group, along with many others CrossFit groups competed in two workouts (WODs). There were over 50+ people competing in the throwdown in either the prescribed weigh or scaled (me) divisions. This event was pretty scary the first time, but the experience was great. I realized that I needed to work on so many basic skills. These realizations are good because its given me a better focus and direction with my CrossFit goals. Last weekend, I wasn't as nervous as before because I knew what to expect, and that I would just try to do my best. I also was able to have a great cheering section and a couple PR's (personal record) on my weights. I love my group and CrossFit because the people you meet are like-minded, positive, and fun to be around. <br />
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Here is the scaled second WOD from last weekend:<br />
<br />
<b><u>5RFT (5 rounds for time) 8 min max</u></b><br />
5 Snatches<br />
10 butterfly sit ups<br />
15 air squats<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0WeyrXccR_7T8xHZKHoH0a2AEEDFHXspvc-WXXsKQkfP91RQPF_IW67D10PWk9WDSo_5mJ-dVF9ah-nkooC7p27aaRW_0fryvaslvE5bXBKeVh_5VGPuneZ72xQ9cLJ-13pstu_s1ASY/s1600/cf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0WeyrXccR_7T8xHZKHoH0a2AEEDFHXspvc-WXXsKQkfP91RQPF_IW67D10PWk9WDSo_5mJ-dVF9ah-nkooC7p27aaRW_0fryvaslvE5bXBKeVh_5VGPuneZ72xQ9cLJ-13pstu_s1ASY/s320/cf.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jerk Ladder was 1st WOD.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWuBorvyqAGEOjrTRZHXL13VzdcEvtPrI_UoQV4TNDdbo4mpL664Ycz0Z_c4tduT-yKhahOgDYq-djtfLZnB_-UH0OkSDGV7pu5KsdqB5yE-gkh5_7JtHtXDb36Y3GW81lGiOti2PlYlA/s1600/cfthrowdown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWuBorvyqAGEOjrTRZHXL13VzdcEvtPrI_UoQV4TNDdbo4mpL664Ycz0Z_c4tduT-yKhahOgDYq-djtfLZnB_-UH0OkSDGV7pu5KsdqB5yE-gkh5_7JtHtXDb36Y3GW81lGiOti2PlYlA/s320/cfthrowdown.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the wonderful participants!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><b>More Tasty Recipes</b></u></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Pumpkin Bars with Dark Chocolate Chips</b>. I'm in love with these! They are my new fall favorite.<a href="http://www.elanaspantry.com/paleo-pumpkin-bars/"> http://www.elanaspantry.com/paleo-pumpkin-bars/</a> </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Paleo Blueberry Muffins. </b>I love these. They freeze easily, and the almond butter is just divine! <a href="http://paleomg.com/simple-blueberry-muffins/">http://paleomg.com/simple-blueberry-muffins/</a> ***This link has some great Paleo recipes.***</li>
</ul>
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<br />The Bedfordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07314921096403166095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709401101752835660.post-65129054490876850052013-10-05T06:32:00.000-07:002013-10-05T06:50:25.600-07:00Races in JapanSince Japanese are active people, its no surprise that popular races found stateside are making their way across the Pacific. I've had the opportunity to participate in a couple of these races this year. They are more for fun, rather than for the competitive at heart. <br />
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<div>
<u><b>Warrior Dash</b></u></div>
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This year, there will be two locations for this 4 mile obstacle course race. The one I participated in in June was held a couple hours from Yokosuka in the Sagimahara Pleasure Forest. It was hot, humid, and a pretty decent hilly trail. Not too easy; not too hard. What I liked most (aside from the complimentary beer at the end) was that they had modified obstacles throughout most of the course. Also, if one chose to do go through the mud pit at the end, there were hoses nearby to rinse off and changing areas. Here's more information about the race held in November: contact@warriordash.jp <u>OR</u> <a href="http://warriordash.jp/">http://warriordash.jp/</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_bUsy2fzGzO3nSoptOOd_7KfikWD6OraRNOjq1xJ9WipK9qg32uaHjlBeCTTfMC54jGsxZKlSFzrb9yBdgkluK_6nkqjsSabhQ-OXVsY1DSaznH9RGieAkx-f6m9PfXHmjeYmBRwUURw/s1600/DSCN2667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_bUsy2fzGzO3nSoptOOd_7KfikWD6OraRNOjq1xJ9WipK9qg32uaHjlBeCTTfMC54jGsxZKlSFzrb9yBdgkluK_6nkqjsSabhQ-OXVsY1DSaznH9RGieAkx-f6m9PfXHmjeYmBRwUURw/s320/DSCN2667.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSfVfcepPB98IB_RiborG13EuZX1w_18RMQ2DAwcHEaMRZfDuSe_Tujofrm7DHuklGa-FejGwV7Bb6xN7KPEx656wuu54O0q_5oeSgmFVbYpGEV212q_lpTLc6V-FekXQ9KphP3LSchUY/s1600/DSCN2685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSfVfcepPB98IB_RiborG13EuZX1w_18RMQ2DAwcHEaMRZfDuSe_Tujofrm7DHuklGa-FejGwV7Bb6xN7KPEx656wuu54O0q_5oeSgmFVbYpGEV212q_lpTLc6V-FekXQ9KphP3LSchUY/s320/DSCN2685.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<u><b>The Color Run</b></u><br />
The Color Run came to Yokosuka Base on 4 July. Dressed in white shirts, competitors ran the 4 mile flat course welcomed by a multitude of powdered color every mile. The day was humid and there was a lot of moisture in the air. All-in-all, the run was fun one to do to ring in Independence Day!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0-Bj2erGjuRICwyGFBfm_Eg8Ao32KeMDrKTb1viTFRuDUdqYVicgOBAkcZyPf3lQfgiWexEK1QQeyBsDC5CdzbdHVK_J7bLJGkoXr278tyZ-qu6wc6T2jcXI86bhnurLzhyWXg-USjE/s1600/colorrun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0-Bj2erGjuRICwyGFBfm_Eg8Ao32KeMDrKTb1viTFRuDUdqYVicgOBAkcZyPf3lQfgiWexEK1QQeyBsDC5CdzbdHVK_J7bLJGkoXr278tyZ-qu6wc6T2jcXI86bhnurLzhyWXg-USjE/s320/colorrun.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_ZuVKdpJR83rNYFUtAG9Ezy8XtDUTMObkWAj2lKztGoJoIRaxBvLLcWI8erOyHjeYNaIuBXsSrjI4O7lXMQw-ApzmAijcct53KU40zT_vfrfbIMwXrBIrgezz2vB8-u2u7LUW-i0H4c/s1600/after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_ZuVKdpJR83rNYFUtAG9Ezy8XtDUTMObkWAj2lKztGoJoIRaxBvLLcWI8erOyHjeYNaIuBXsSrjI4O7lXMQw-ApzmAijcct53KU40zT_vfrfbIMwXrBIrgezz2vB8-u2u7LUW-i0H4c/s320/after.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u><b>Competitive Races in Japan</b></u><br />
<ul>
<li><b>Tokyo Marathon</b> - registration is usually around August, and there is a lottery to get in. Its becoming more and more difficult for people to make the cut. <a href="http://www.tokyo42195.org/2014en/"> http://www.tokyo42195.org/2014en/</a></li>
<li><b>Seaside Marathon in Yokosuka</b>- 1/2 or full marathon held in November. I heard the race was closed in a day. There's also a cut-off time for this race. <a href="http://www.yokosuka-seaside.jp/index.shtml">http://www.yokosuka-seaside.jp/index.shtml</a></li>
<li><b>Mount Fuji Marathon </b>also known as Lake Kawaguchi Marathon. Held in November, this is a very scenic and popular race for runners. Here's their website: <a href="http://fujisan-marathon.com/">http://fujisan-marathon.com/</a></li>
</ul>
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The Bedfordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07314921096403166095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709401101752835660.post-4266669105240017632013-08-02T22:24:00.001-07:002013-08-02T22:25:43.872-07:00Reasonably Priced Outings and A Dip Worth Trying<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzpMaTCAibzgrjK83WKOhbJtvMjHknfhHY4Ew-kzSy9wWtZbAnhPKylbyG5ljCJN3AvL3nIEXSijr94vG7NCnRmPkUnjc8Krl0A8jty2om_BQ67cZ2zIRmLPX1glGlekfV2CP0zt-tg2Y/s1600/DSCN1914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzpMaTCAibzgrjK83WKOhbJtvMjHknfhHY4Ew-kzSy9wWtZbAnhPKylbyG5ljCJN3AvL3nIEXSijr94vG7NCnRmPkUnjc8Krl0A8jty2om_BQ67cZ2zIRmLPX1glGlekfV2CP0zt-tg2Y/s320/DSCN1914.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooking classes at Cup Noodles Museum.</td></tr>
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<u><b>Cup Noodles Museum in Yokohama</b></u><br />
<br />
On Mother's Day we went to the Cup Noodles Museum in Yokohama. The museum is close to the Landmark Tower and Cosmoworld and is an easy 15 minute walk from the train or subway station. This museum not only had the history of the instant noodle, but you could make your own noodle concoction to take home with you, and if you planned ahead and made reservations, you could participate in a cooking class that teaches you how to make chicken ramen from scratch. I found out while at the museum that you can make reservations for the cooking classes up to 3 months in advance. This is something I'd like us to do before we leave Japan. Here's the link for additional information: <a href="http://www.cupnoodles-museum.jp/english/">http://www.cupnoodles-museum.jp/english/</a><br />
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<u><b>Kirin Beer Factory</b></u><br />
<br />
In May, I went with my Japanese friend and her ESL students on a tour of The Kirin Beer Factory in Yokohama. The tours are free and last an hour. At the end of the tour, you are able to enjoy 3 varieties of beer in their tasting room. There is also a small gift shop, a restaurant and lovely grounds outside of the factory. Although the tour was mostly in Japanese, I believe they lead tours in English. Here's their website: <a href="http://www.kirin.co.jp/about/brewery/factory/yokohama/tour.html">http://www.kirin.co.jp/about/brewery/factory/yokohama/tour.html</a><br />
You can always scroll down to their phone number and call for additional information. <br />
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<u><b>Keiba</b></u><br />
<br />
Last week we went to Keiba (Japanese Horse Racing). The track was located up in Kawasaki, near Tokyo. We went with some co-workers who emailed us (via phone) a ticket for free admission. Without the ticket, the cost is 100 yen to enter. There were food vendors, automated machines to place your bets, and other strategists looking at the paper to see who might be the winning horse(s). You can place bets on races located at other race tracks, pay as little as 100 yen (about $1USD) for a bet, and sit inside, or outside on bleachers. All in all it was a fun evening. It made it better that we had friends to translate for us. <br />
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<b><span style="color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u>TASTY PALEO DIP</u></span></b><b><br /></b>
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If you love dips, then you need to try the Baba Ghanoush recipe from<br />
The Food Lovers Make it Paleo cookbook. It's easy to make (I use my Magic Bullet), is delicious with cold veggies, and also tastes good on chicken or steak.<br />
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<div class="yield" style="border: 0px; margin: 10px 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></span><br />
<h2 class="newvalue" style="border: 0px; display: inline; margin: 7px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">
Serves: 3–6</span></span></h2>
</div>
<h2 style="border: 0px; margin: 7px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Ingredients</span></span></h2>
<ul class="ingredients" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li class="ingredient contains-nightshade" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="amount newvalue" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 </span><span class="name" itemprop="ingredients" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.primalpalate.com/ingredient/eggplant/" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Eggplant</a></span></span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="amount newvalue" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 tsp</span> <span class="name" itemprop="ingredients" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.primalpalate.com/ingredient/black-pepper/" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Black Pepper</a></span></span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="amount newvalue" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 tsp</span> <span class="name" itemprop="ingredients" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.primalpalate.com/ingredient/salt/" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Salt</a></span></span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="amount newvalue" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/4 cup</span> <span class="name" itemprop="ingredients" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.primalpalate.com/ingredient/tahini/" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Tahini</a></span></span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="amount newvalue" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 Tbsp</span> <span class="name" itemprop="ingredients" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.primalpalate.com/ingredient/extra-virgin-olive-oil/" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Extra Virgin Olive Oil</a></span></span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="amount newvalue" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 </span><span class="name" itemprop="ingredients" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.primalpalate.com/ingredient/lemon/" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Lemon</a></span>, <i class="notes" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">juice</i></span></li>
</ul>
<h2 style="border: 0px; margin: 7px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Process</span></span></h2>
<ol class="instructions" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li class="instruction" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Prick the eggplant on all sides with a fork, and place on a baking sheet.</li>
<li class="instruction" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Roast eggplant in 400°F oven for 30 minutes.</li>
<li class="instruction" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Place eggplant in large bowl of cold water for approximately 5 minutes.</li>
<li class="instruction" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Peel skin from eggplant and discard.</li>
<li class="instruction" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Chop eggplant into large chunks.</li>
<li class="instruction" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Place eggplant chunks in a high speed blender or food processor along with tahini, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and olive oil.</li>
<li class="instruction" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Blend until smooth.</li>
</span></ol>
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The Bedfordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07314921096403166095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709401101752835660.post-66648540394613322312013-07-31T21:04:00.000-07:002013-07-31T21:04:12.850-07:00Eateries in Zushi, Rope Climb and SmoothiesOver the past month, I've eaten at a number of good restaurants...all of which happen to be in Zushi. Just a quick commute by train, or car from Yokosuka's main base, these places are reasonably priced and worth checking out.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSMvTwmhaXW1yAFfb0GKmPezVbgwIpOiuF9fqxzzJWl4JpddqMwy9fI_1SoJDJQPd9dxqeF3JDu2nFf25xwqmEHI1I0ld3mCQcNc1nPGgMUkHVFcLNp91gXlv6Ya0dYKllbBy6zV0q7k/s1600/DSCN3170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSMvTwmhaXW1yAFfb0GKmPezVbgwIpOiuF9fqxzzJWl4JpddqMwy9fI_1SoJDJQPd9dxqeF3JDu2nFf25xwqmEHI1I0ld3mCQcNc1nPGgMUkHVFcLNp91gXlv6Ya0dYKllbBy6zV0q7k/s320/DSCN3170.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upstairs seating at Barefoot Cafe.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Barefoot Cafe</b> - If you want to escape the huts on Zushi Beach, try the food here. Just across the street from the beach and about a block from Red Lobster, you can get a lunch set for 1,000 yen (about $10 USD). I had an huge American-size BLT Sandwich, some yummy chips and salsa, and an iced coffee. There is a quaint/rustic upstairs that you can eat outside and watch beach goers. They also have a lighted toilet bowl....the first I have ever seen in Japan and in my life. Very clever!<br />
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<b>Matchpoint </b>- Just around the corner from one of the exits of The Shin-Zushi train exit is Matchpoint. Another rustic interior and their specialty is curry. They had both vegetarian and meat variations and their lunch sets also ran around 1,000 yen. I like hearty curries, and this definitely was good.<br />
<br />
<b>Steak Gusto</b> - Cruising along the beach this past weekend, we stumbled upon this place. I had recently been told to go here, and I'm glad we did. They had a great salad bar, that included curry, rice, fruit, and rolls. We got the salad bar, plus a steak and chicken meal. Everything was pretty tasty and for the two of us, the bill was only 2,300 yen. Not bad! They also have free parking if you get your ticket validated when you pay.<br />
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<b><span class="st">Kamakurakomachi - </span></b><span class="st">If you eat soy products, then this is the restaurant for you. It is extremely small, and located about 5 minutes from the JR Zushi station. I was taken here over 2 years ago, and have been back many times since. They make delicious tofu patties, tofu potato salad and other wonderful concoctions. You'd never know what you were eating was tofu. Lunch sets also are around 1,000 yen. </span><br />
<span class="st"> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><br />
<span class="st"><span style="font-size: large;"> <b>Latest CrossFit Challenge</b></span></span><br />
<span class="st"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> = The Rope Climb </span></b></span><br />
<br />
<span class="st"><span style="font-size: small;">In all of my 44 years, I've never attempted to climb a rope. Well, thanks to CF, this week I was able to have a go at it. I was able to get my foot to pinch the rope, but I could not figure out how to pull myself upwards. Thank goodness for U-Tube! Its very helpful to watch videos so that I can see the form I'm supposed to be using to conquer this skill. I hope this is easier than double-unders.</span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSi6pFBNj12DFN0jFsiAMBEYMIGDw_rLF0GhFOK9bq_AF8i8LMVtj7BWM8bThjJLMSPR4-l6DuEQWZS9DNBM72Chbc-OEUcfKJ6MsJTJVjXCpJrgKuj6rqjVjwriWhvmQRifzfOF5J4GA/s1600/DSCN3197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSi6pFBNj12DFN0jFsiAMBEYMIGDw_rLF0GhFOK9bq_AF8i8LMVtj7BWM8bThjJLMSPR4-l6DuEQWZS9DNBM72Chbc-OEUcfKJ6MsJTJVjXCpJrgKuj6rqjVjwriWhvmQRifzfOF5J4GA/s320/DSCN3197.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite smoothie recipe at the moment.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span class="st"><span style="font-size: small;">Lately I've been on a smoothie bandwagon. I've been making them at night, or for a snack during the day. Although I've been trying many variations, here's by far, my favorite recipe:</span></span><br />
<span class="st"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="st"><span style="font-size: small;">1 cup of Unsweetened Almond milk</span></span><br />
<span class="st"><span style="font-size: small;">1 handful of spinach</span></span><br />
<span class="st"><span style="font-size: small;">1 scoop of protein powder (yes, even chocolate tastes good)</span></span><br />
<span class="st"><span style="font-size: small;">1 handful of blueberries</span></span><br />
<span class="st"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="st"><span style="font-size: small;">Blend all ingredients together in a blender and enjoy. You could add some ice to give the smoothie some volume and a little crunch! </span></span><br />
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<span class="st"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="st"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
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<br />The Bedfordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07314921096403166095noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709401101752835660.post-42213611049370612642013-07-30T18:41:00.000-07:002013-07-30T18:52:06.363-07:00Karaoke and Healthier Sweet TreatsI still haven't figured out my new format, or where I want to take this blog. As of this moment, I've decided to talk about something Japanese, a new skill I've attempted in CrossFit/ or new recipes that I'm dabbling in. Since I enjoy all of these things, I might just incorporate them all into each blog, or pick a couple to talk about. I figure that at least 1 out of the 3 topics might be of interest to someone. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitWGLdxJme_eP5ZxAuyNNCn0AqVeuO_kY_2NN0_W0A6gYuMHQWvdtJ7iR3QgE_xv8Y5qTy3BYMtzYGMNTTHahVX6CZgk2G_MGUU7v_KTC0CGSS17V9ZtQ99iUbGzGX3U54papHe2kbli4/s1600/karaoke+box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitWGLdxJme_eP5ZxAuyNNCn0AqVeuO_kY_2NN0_W0A6gYuMHQWvdtJ7iR3QgE_xv8Y5qTy3BYMtzYGMNTTHahVX6CZgk2G_MGUU7v_KTC0CGSS17V9ZtQ99iUbGzGX3U54papHe2kbli4/s200/karaoke+box.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karaoke Box at Shidax.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><u>Karaoke</u></b><br />
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Although I love music and singing, I never tried Karaoke until I moved to Japan. You can find a good selection of English songs to Karaoke at bars, or at Karaoke boxes (businesses that have individual rooms set up for singing, eating and drinking). It is huge here, so its a must even if you don't have a quality singing voice such as myself. The price ranges from about 200 yen (~$2.00 USD) per song in bars upwards to 3,000 yen+ ($30.00 USD and up) at a Karaoke box. Many Karaoke boxes charge per room, plus have an all you can drink plan. If you want to order food, the cost is extra and is similar to food you'd find at an Izakaya (fried chicken, fries, noodles, salads, etc). <br />
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Here are a few Karaoke places I'd recommend in Yokosuka:<br />
<ul>
<li>U- Style on Blue Street in the same building as Gold's Gym. Nice rooms, has ice cream, a chocolate fountain and a soda drink bar. </li>
<li>Shidax located a couple blocks outside of Womble Gate and across from Saikaya Department Store. This place has a ton of rooms, a good drink menu, and reasonable food. Its a bit pricey.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>New Texas bar in The Honch. 200 yen per song, never too crowded. and a good ambiance.</li>
</ul>
<u><b>Healthier Sweet Treats</b></u><br />
<br />
Not only do I love food, but I have an and probably will always have an obsession with sweets. Since embarking on a better eating plan this year, I've been trying out a number of healthier treat recipes. I realize that many of the ingredients may be high in calories, but they satisfy my sweet tooth. The no-bakes taste amazing right out of the freezer!<br />
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Here's a gluten-free chocolate chip cookie recipe
that actually looks like a cookie when taken out of the oven!! <br />
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<div>
<b>Better For You Chocolate Chip Cookies (grain free, gluten free, dairy free, refined sugar free)</b></div>
<div>
<i>Makes about a dozen</i></div>
<div>
Adapted from <b><a href="http://detoxinista.com/2012/02/flourless-peanut-butter-chip-cookies/" target="_blank">Detoxinista</a></b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>1 cup raw almond butter</li>
<li>1/4 cup raw honey (you can use slightly more or less based on your preference)</li>
<li>1 egg</li>
<li>1/2 tsp baking soda</li>
<li>1/2 tsp salt</li>
<li>1/4 cup Enjoy Life chips (more/less if you like) <u>or</u> Dark Chocolate Chips</li>
</ul>
<div>
1. Pre-heat oven to 350 Degrees F. Line cookie sheet with non-stick foil.</div>
</div>
<div>
2. In a bowl, whisk all ingredients (except the chips) together. When combined, gently fold in chips to incorporate.</div>
<div>
3. Using a regular spoon, spoon about 2 TBSP worth of batter onto the
cookie sheet, about 1.5 inches about. The batter is loose, but it
actually doesn't spread a lot.</div>
<div>
4. Bake for 8-10 minutes (until just slightly firm). Remove from oven
and let cool for another 10 minutes on the cookie sheet. This is
important to make sure they "set up" right.</div>
<div>
5. Remove cookies from sheet and allow to finish cooling on a cookie rack. Store in an airtight container.</div>
<div>
</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOL_ycsM3ysAhm55UzZt0m6DcC_WSl20glxxIHNEKsj9sSpOiXs0nVruRUbqgSsbGj6FfKIsfKj2wcyDwJ8zaNs5HpStGkDM8SWX97dex0OoZTES4jz8A381cjMCcCM_nNILl_iKqfpL0/s1600/DSCN3196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOL_ycsM3ysAhm55UzZt0m6DcC_WSl20glxxIHNEKsj9sSpOiXs0nVruRUbqgSsbGj6FfKIsfKj2wcyDwJ8zaNs5HpStGkDM8SWX97dex0OoZTES4jz8A381cjMCcCM_nNILl_iKqfpL0/s200/DSCN3196.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They peel easily off of the foil. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<b>Healthier No Bake Cookies</b></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1cup shredded unsweetened coconut</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 cup Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips (soy free) <u>or</u> Dark Chocolate Chips </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/3 cup coconut oil</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/3 cup raw honey</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/2 cup almond butter</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 cup chopped pecans</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Melt the following ingredients on the stove top. I melted the chocolate chips in the microwave, then added the other ingredients.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 cup chocolate chips</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/3 cup coconut oil</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/3 cup raw honey</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/2 cup almond butter</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once melted add that, along with the following ingredients, to a bowl:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 cup chopped pecans</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Place in freezer for about 30 minutes until ready to eat. </div>
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<br />The Bedfordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07314921096403166095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709401101752835660.post-16362916908786304172013-07-05T21:06:00.000-07:002013-07-05T21:13:28.176-07:00Switching up the blog<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYx3LGJ8vA_2ROs5ANekeFbltlCNTL6EQfHSspUNLgn8ip3EwfGdWaA4hlwUB9JDinZWIVanjKxJHanbc1ikcefeUh1kQUF86hpnhPj_JG5vBW78PzvUkyLE9F8fi0RwRd_Hiir9daWw/s1600/lightbulb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYx3LGJ8vA_2ROs5ANekeFbltlCNTL6EQfHSspUNLgn8ip3EwfGdWaA4hlwUB9JDinZWIVanjKxJHanbc1ikcefeUh1kQUF86hpnhPj_JG5vBW78PzvUkyLE9F8fi0RwRd_Hiir9daWw/s320/lightbulb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Three months have passed since my last blog post. I have so much to write about, but am not finding the time or energy to sit down and do it much this year. I really have enjoyed sharing our journey with those interested in reading this blog. I am really wanting to switch up the content to incorporate our travels, healthier food ideas and fitness. I'm still brainstorming, so be on the lookout for some different topics, etc in the near future. I'm open to suggestions, so please message me with your comments. I NEED your input!! <br />
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<br />The Bedfordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07314921096403166095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709401101752835660.post-1699438566469197322013-04-01T06:36:00.003-07:002013-04-01T06:51:56.135-07:00Hay Fever in JapanFor the past month, I've been longing for spring, warmer weather, and viewing the various blossoming trees in Japan. Unfortunately, along with blooming season, comes Hay Fever. Hay Fever has been striking some of my immediate family for the last two years; something that none of us have back in The United States. This continues to baffle me. Last year, the boys' pediatrician was telling me that our bodies are immune to Hay Fever the first spring season in Japan, but that it can develop during the second year. There must be some truth to this because along with my family, many of my friends and co-workers have also been suffering. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiplJyQgLhrXdJumX-9UN26ly_BUgNp2NFIhcV00PYZY_w53opmDzbHVUO3YSfYy-nwwMDfECaiPuAttt0Qo_3wzYHEgne4QG2-CE2u6G030FxmkCDqJVmaBptLjxOUSeAejw60fOUtFGw/s1600/DSCN1146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiplJyQgLhrXdJumX-9UN26ly_BUgNp2NFIhcV00PYZY_w53opmDzbHVUO3YSfYy-nwwMDfECaiPuAttt0Qo_3wzYHEgne4QG2-CE2u6G030FxmkCDqJVmaBptLjxOUSeAejw60fOUtFGw/s320/DSCN1146.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cherry Blossoms can trigger Hay Fever.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A few weeks ago while we were up at Taura Plum Grove viewing the blossoms, I'd had my final straw. The wind was blowing, the sun was shining, and I was tired of my red-itchy eyes, sneezing, itchy nose, sore throat, etc. Luckily, my friend that was with us is a nurse and advised me to get some generic Loratadine (Claritin). It took a day or two to work, but it has helped me function. I also found some Bausch and Lomb antihistamine eye drops that have worked like a charm. My son has even used face masks outside....especially if the pollen count is high.<br />
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I'm happy that Hay Fever season won't last much longer. Once the blossoms are gone, I'm hoping to wean myself off the allergy medication and continue to enjoy the Japan I so love. <br />
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The Bedfordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07314921096403166095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709401101752835660.post-86253682642294262432013-02-25T00:38:00.002-08:002013-02-26T17:13:44.017-08:00Eating Paleo in JapanBefore last month, Paleo was pretty much a foreign word to me. I'd heard about it here and there, but never really had a clue what it was about. Most people that do CrossFit (see my last blog entry) live a Paleo lifestyle. The Paleo diet consists of eating the following: fish, shellfish, eggs, nuts/seeds, fruits/vegetables and lean meats. On Paleo, dairy, grains, legumes, alcohol, sugars and overly processed foods are not allowed. Wow! I wasn't sure if I could survive without cheese, bread and rice especially since I live in Japan where rice is such a staple food.<br />
<br />
After giving this a lot of thought, on January 14th I decided to participate in the 30 day Paleo Challenge. This was completely optional and nerve wracking because while I've dieted over the years, I'd never been on a program where I was eating clean. Luckily, one of the requirements on this challenge was having a partner. This was a complete lifesaver for me because I needed someone that would hold me accountable during these 30 days.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-fdhDNvLauFhqqpE-HET5XJOlxFHxkIE3WdVgEOQGBrFxctyQl-T-5l-dofD7gkHiGCSs3cI_q0vXvbgTywGNZ9w8MePypRHme98RJLBznepl50eI4DyN_IwXin2v1CYgV-CeuXrZOI/s1600/DSCN1814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-fdhDNvLauFhqqpE-HET5XJOlxFHxkIE3WdVgEOQGBrFxctyQl-T-5l-dofD7gkHiGCSs3cI_q0vXvbgTywGNZ9w8MePypRHme98RJLBznepl50eI4DyN_IwXin2v1CYgV-CeuXrZOI/s320/DSCN1814.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Extra Credit handstand outdoors!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Along with the nutritional aspect of the challenge, we were also supposed to keep a food journal, do a certain amount of workouts per week, take before/after pictures, get our measurements taken, perform a baseline run/pull ups, and do extra credit. Since most of these things were based on points, the team with the most points at the end of the challenge would win. Since I do have a competitive side, I was bound and determined to not mess up during the challenge...but this was no easy feat.<br />
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The first week of the challenge would prove to be the toughest. I seriously felt like I needed a sponsor. Thank goodness for my partner, coach and other classmates (even the ones not participating in the challenge) who were such a great support network by providing recipes, tips, cheers, etc. As the weeks went on, eating clean became easier. I was sleeping better, had almost no headaches, lost a little weight, rarely felt famished (well maybe on a few days), was very hydrated, and was still able to exercise like mad. Although I was feeling awesome on this diet, the one tricky part of the challenge was eating out. Again, I live in Japan where noodles and rice are consumed at almost every meal. Thankfully, Japanese eat a lot of meat and vegetables, so I was able to find something that was Paleo.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfBRE_AX6Xwma9tjJsumDI1QOM9FPG_z_P2CaV_gOYVP7b941OmiUga-Z6UzoPnecQ-L7xsKaaMT30LdbLyAnvRo1QiA2LAtNfxAQq8DCGLoIvxKNNmcut6z6GzXya0ibRe7Vdyc0OOg/s1600/DSCN1811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfBRE_AX6Xwma9tjJsumDI1QOM9FPG_z_P2CaV_gOYVP7b941OmiUga-Z6UzoPnecQ-L7xsKaaMT30LdbLyAnvRo1QiA2LAtNfxAQq8DCGLoIvxKNNmcut6z6GzXya0ibRe7Vdyc0OOg/s320/DSCN1811.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paleo chicken curry (thank goodness for coconut milk) for dinner.</td></tr>
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By week four, I was so used to doing the food journal, drinking 1/2 of my body weight of water, and really paying attention to what I was consuming, that this challenge became habit. I liked how I felt and decided that I would continue Paleo or at least a modified version of it when it was over. My team, along with two other teams came in <b><i>1st Place</i>.</b> I was so proud of myself, my amazing, strong, funny, friend and partner, and of everyone else. It is not easy to change or stick to a healthier lifestyle even if you know it is good for you.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1yvYbrZeFrshjVlK-71t0yiQsRqhEgEiu8k0GDx37f2dciodUc0lMeUfoJHEh_qJ3MzyET9Ii4ZwiRZfBdMFkQc0WAizR3ZDFYxwBHxhE9pbE49tEHiZSQyUiNBFWoqWg8TXuJZvIRo/s1600/DSCN1936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1yvYbrZeFrshjVlK-71t0yiQsRqhEgEiu8k0GDx37f2dciodUc0lMeUfoJHEh_qJ3MzyET9Ii4ZwiRZfBdMFkQc0WAizR3ZDFYxwBHxhE9pbE49tEHiZSQyUiNBFWoqWg8TXuJZvIRo/s320/DSCN1936.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Extra credit Fireman's Carry!</td></tr>
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I also want to thank everyone outside of my CF group for cheering me on before/during/after the challenge. Your positive comments, making me special Paleo food to eat, and your genuine inquiries as to how things were/are going for me were sincerely appreciated. <br />
<br />The Bedfordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07314921096403166095noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709401101752835660.post-49589218632236465732013-02-23T05:54:00.000-08:002013-02-23T19:31:37.072-08:00CrossFitLast summer I met a lady at a going away party who was a CrossFit instructor. She said that since it wasn't offered on base that she was interested in getting the program started here. I told her I would love to try it out and left it at that. Through the grapevine late last year, I'd heard that introductory classes were being offered. Excited, I contacted the instructor and signed up for a class called <i>Elements</i>.<br />
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I had no idea what you do in <i>Elements</i> or in CrossFit for that matter. I just knew I was up for another challenge since I'd been exercising regularly since last June. I found out that you have to take Elements if you are not familiar with Olympic lifts. Oh my....I had never really lifted anything more than a weighted bar, done a bench press once and tried a dead lift last spring. While I was nervous and unsure of what I was doing, I ended up learning so many new things in this class. I tried things like: back squats, front squats, cleans, the snatch, sumo dead lift high pull and many others. We were shown proper form and how to lift safely. One day after Elements we did something called a WOD. The WOD had a name, was timed, and we did some crazy exercises (box jumps, rowing, lifts, plank, wall walks and wall balls), some of which I'd never done before. When I was finished, I was beat, happy to have completed <i>Elements</i> and ready to try CrossFit classes.<br />
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CrossFit classes are held in a group setting and led by our amazing and strong coach. There are multiple classes per day and the popularity has literally grown overnight here (I feel very lucky to have taken <i>Elements</i> when I did). A typical class begins with a warmup (cardio, mobility exercises, lunges, push ups, sit ups, etc), strength exercise such as a certain type of lift or working on particular skill (hand stand push ups, ring dips, etc), and then the WOD or <b>workout of the day</b> which is timed. <br />
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Here is an example of the WOD named "Angie" that we did this past Wednesday:<br />
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100 pull ups<br />
100 push ups<br />
100 sit ups<br />
100 squats<br />
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This WOD was brutal and I finished last....but at least I finished. CrossFit has shown me that I am stronger than I think I am and that I can push through even the hardest of workouts. I love that no one can leave class until the last person is finished doing the WOD and that my coach and other classmates have done exercises alongside me to help me push through until the end. This has been the most supportive group I have ever been a part of and I look forward to the CF journey of added weights, doing my first strict pull up without a band, and seeing how much stronger I will become this year.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEoaVch1uzLHxJqDrItYrGhjFJ0m1dRCCvnXeIQH49mtqH3wYkfzKLuq5EDPibZIoC5pQQWnGZ_W8_DQz2jfUu_lqPUE-95te9BBDbUZo49Td6f9jZi2lFp7suBUlhyphenhyphen_Z534fsv7ZggXE/s1600/burpees-pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEoaVch1uzLHxJqDrItYrGhjFJ0m1dRCCvnXeIQH49mtqH3wYkfzKLuq5EDPibZIoC5pQQWnGZ_W8_DQz2jfUu_lqPUE-95te9BBDbUZo49Td6f9jZi2lFp7suBUlhyphenhyphen_Z534fsv7ZggXE/s320/burpees-pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We do a ton of Burpees in CrossFit. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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The Bedfordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07314921096403166095noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709401101752835660.post-66884407152986976282013-02-01T00:32:00.003-08:002013-02-02T04:42:32.081-08:00Busy Busy I must apologize for my intermittent blog posts this past year. I had every intention of blogging between 3-4 times per month while we are in Japan, but had more on my plate this past year (by choice) making it harder to come up with time to do weekly entries. This year, I'm hoping to do 1 or 2 per month. That being said, we are already at the end of January and here I am. Well, there's always next month.<br />
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The New Year has been wonderful so far. My brother rang in the New Year with us, we took a trip on The Shinkansen down south to Osaka and Nara, we went up skiing by Mt. Fuji, the kids are being normal pre-teens/teenagers, Justin's enjoying and progressing in his Aikido, my manager job at the base thrift store is rewarding beyond words (thanks to my co-workers and volunteers) and I've become more dedicated to my health and fitness. <br />
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We're off to a good start and I look forward to what this year brings. I'm going to stop wishing and make things happen. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6NLvpJ0_ljs4Th8Gklva3aP27thxAW40jWzuRzMO55aypIJ2Sbqwe-ghM8rzAeOllU3pOU5_cR0oSt_FNcakYEozgq15jyyx_txOtmTx7eTdapSfJ0AWqS0_WJrVDsnWSBlSIQ4yka0/s1600/wish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6NLvpJ0_ljs4Th8Gklva3aP27thxAW40jWzuRzMO55aypIJ2Sbqwe-ghM8rzAeOllU3pOU5_cR0oSt_FNcakYEozgq15jyyx_txOtmTx7eTdapSfJ0AWqS0_WJrVDsnWSBlSIQ4yka0/s320/wish.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is an awesome quote!</td></tr>
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<a name='more'></a>The Bedfordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07314921096403166095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709401101752835660.post-23131261081452671022012-12-24T23:50:00.000-08:002012-12-30T06:49:53.828-08:00Ebisu CircuitWhen we found out that we were moving to Japan, my oldest son was hoping to be able to "drift" like he'd seen in the movie "Tokyo Drift". Well, in August his wish was granted. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSkVpfAg-FlDIVy-Rr_67lxjCP-ApYETXBi8UBI3GWgv-8rvvIyPTvDZy9J9jmydr5hTTiKujA67F1AopnbV4cvXO-9T7Q2SM9vx-iZ9GBwOuBm1ixwjzdRGYHgoobU7TxIOGtyyE1Uw/s1600/IMG_1959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSkVpfAg-FlDIVy-Rr_67lxjCP-ApYETXBi8UBI3GWgv-8rvvIyPTvDZy9J9jmydr5hTTiKujA67F1AopnbV4cvXO-9T7Q2SM9vx-iZ9GBwOuBm1ixwjzdRGYHgoobU7TxIOGtyyE1Uw/s320/IMG_1959.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My son driving his 1997 Nissan Laurel</td></tr>
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My husband, son, and a handful of other car enthusiasts made the 5 hour trek up north to Ebisu Circuit for their Summer Drift Matsuri ( this is literally a drift festival). Ebisu Circuit is located in Fukushima Prefecture and is a world-renowned racetrack with numerous individual and skid-pan tracks. <br />
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Most people prepare for these events months in advance making sure their cars are in tip-top shape. They come equipped with extra tires, tons of gasoline, tools, and extra car parts. People use the racetrack 24/7, so its very loud. When you need to get some rest, many people camp, or just sleep in their cars. </div>
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This 3-day festival is quite expensive. First, to drive to Ebisu, the tolls are around $100 each way. Next are the entrance fees atb20,000 yen (over $200.00 USD) for the driver, and 3,000 yen (over $30.00 USD) for a spectator. This can be pretty spendy if you participate in the three drift matsuris held each year. <br />
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Also, if your car breaks down at the racetrack and is too expensive to get back to your home, you can sell it to one of the car companies that does business in the area. We ended up selling my son's car to Power Vehicles because his clutch went out and there weren't any lifts available to properly install the new clutch.<br />
Towing the car 4 hours back home would have been a huge expense. This was a big learning experience for my family, but this still hasn't deterred my son from buying another car. He's been eagerly saving his money and hopes to purchase another car in the new year.<br />
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Here is a link to the live web cam for Ebisu:<br />
<a href="http://www.ab.auone-net.jp/~ebisu24/live_camera/cam100.html">http://www.ab.auone-net.jp/~ebisu24/live_camera/cam100.html</a><br />
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<br />The Bedfordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07314921096403166095noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709401101752835660.post-26974755618304084012012-12-23T02:58:00.000-08:002012-12-23T03:01:03.041-08:00Bonenkai<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9MI6fhyphenhyphenNOeBBPIdqIKxy7W_fwrNB6ANSI3ltJ_-neiB0i-PZDqVfeJhWRLzec6yzLcK-xOxuLspVNJph2jdqX8YPwyTKIx6DfkEpQszn-XwNN8mSoCJEJWs_V3XXyZIPikN_SuZUnd9A/s1600/DSCN1027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9MI6fhyphenhyphenNOeBBPIdqIKxy7W_fwrNB6ANSI3ltJ_-neiB0i-PZDqVfeJhWRLzec6yzLcK-xOxuLspVNJph2jdqX8YPwyTKIx6DfkEpQszn-XwNN8mSoCJEJWs_V3XXyZIPikN_SuZUnd9A/s320/DSCN1027.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bonenkai held at Yakitori Hisago.</td></tr>
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On 6 December I joined my husband and his co-workers for a Bonenkai. A Bonenkai is typically held in December and is a party that means to forget about the troubles of the current year, and is a way to celebrate the year to come.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobt-ODTly5ekW7Trw3LQKyIeKjf7Sv6V2n48UaJng4ezCRiQI9DxhYDaH5cJw2rjy6AdZ-ou-Bvi-A6Gb_3svf0t7vEZObqVCsay8m6RAxm2gQQkiRSa_cft_YUrk07jfetaPp9kEjgo/s1600/DSCN1016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobt-ODTly5ekW7Trw3LQKyIeKjf7Sv6V2n48UaJng4ezCRiQI9DxhYDaH5cJw2rjy6AdZ-ou-Bvi-A6Gb_3svf0t7vEZObqVCsay8m6RAxm2gQQkiRSa_cft_YUrk07jfetaPp9kEjgo/s320/DSCN1016.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kanpai!!</td></tr>
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The Bonenkai we went to was at a small Izakaya close to base. For 4,000 (yen), we ate a variety of delicious food (steamed mussels, salads, yakitori, rice, etc) and had bottomless drinks for 2 hours. This was a time for employees and their bosses to mingle in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_aZIwh3dOtaUyOuk6jZDGukvCa4O9SlrC2ehinwlo6ZMsmlpAvydnV-IEKb8zrsEnmm5gX_NrOrxKIdPilubl1jR8I3iDDZbjrHlFrxw0QztFhq-SBKkGhfopXoI-7eAtL5cw3-a_-vc/s1600/DSCN1007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_aZIwh3dOtaUyOuk6jZDGukvCa4O9SlrC2ehinwlo6ZMsmlpAvydnV-IEKb8zrsEnmm5gX_NrOrxKIdPilubl1jR8I3iDDZbjrHlFrxw0QztFhq-SBKkGhfopXoI-7eAtL5cw3-a_-vc/s320/DSCN1007.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great laughs!</td></tr>
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I was the only spouse at this gathering because in Japan, its not typical to have a wife accompany a spouse to an evening work gathering. This is not meant to be disrespectful, its just part of their culture. I'm just grateful that my husband's co-workers are always so welcoming when I crash their parties. It was a night full of fun and many of us continued the celebration by dancing and playing pool at a local establishment.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhbSPeUko7wOhaSMHDxWc1SAJTBM4XQwiNK2Ikg4UGC-OaGzBwUeeOLDNo_WEF6sLcg7xXxXxrIwN1J1LYhqP0ZCf8iGq-e1n_HhV2gXp69Y_qOhtpeYHDcGPnnFzXp-gr-jNQVvK8rk/s1600/DSCN1024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhbSPeUko7wOhaSMHDxWc1SAJTBM4XQwiNK2Ikg4UGC-OaGzBwUeeOLDNo_WEF6sLcg7xXxXxrIwN1J1LYhqP0ZCf8iGq-e1n_HhV2gXp69Y_qOhtpeYHDcGPnnFzXp-gr-jNQVvK8rk/s320/DSCN1024.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bonenkai 2012!!</td></tr>
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<br />The Bedfordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07314921096403166095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709401101752835660.post-4223853942611308582012-11-22T06:23:00.003-08:002012-11-22T06:33:04.227-08:00Giving ThanksAs I'm writing this, it's already our second Thanksgiving in Japan. We are all relaxing today, and meeting our friend from Bremerton for dinner tonight at The O' Club. I am happy to lounge around in my purple robe, sip coffee, read and feel absolutely no guilt about not preparing a meal today at home.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7yt26KgNzvYTTl3g-8zsPFo_pk_vc0ThAUj7sfgwWbuI4YsAPJuh-1mV95Zo0cnjnTwHOkLyJ_jGtZBz9IZ2bQWLWNzTy_HHV1Is2Acd6WRqXC5qJB9eCXjWdfIIo16jppSF4CZ7H0-w/s1600/DSCN0793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7yt26KgNzvYTTl3g-8zsPFo_pk_vc0ThAUj7sfgwWbuI4YsAPJuh-1mV95Zo0cnjnTwHOkLyJ_jGtZBz9IZ2bQWLWNzTy_HHV1Is2Acd6WRqXC5qJB9eCXjWdfIIo16jppSF4CZ7H0-w/s320/DSCN0793.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating Thanksgiving with Larry.</td></tr>
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I am grateful for things big and small. Even when things seem bleak, or frustrating, I try to look at the bright side. Here are just some of the things I am grateful for:<br />
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<ul>
<li>I'm thankful for my family near and far. Being across the world away from family has been hard at times. I have been homesick for California and realize its been 15 years since I was home for the Holidays. Also, being a spouse and parent isn't always "a bowl of cherries", but I wouldn't change a thing!</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>I used to love going to see my grandparents in the desert for Thanksgiving. Good company, my gramps cringing as we all ate turkey (he didn't like it), my grandma's coleslaw, and our tradition of going to the movies in the afternoon. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Thankful for the people I met in AOB, The Navy Lodge and after the earthquake. Many have become my closest and dearest friends in Japan.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>I'm particularly grateful for my job, my co-workers and my awesome volunteers. I have a team that works well together, knows how to have fun, gets a lot accomplished, and are just plain dedicated. I never knew going into management could be such an enriching experience. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>I'm happy to have re-discovered exercise. I like how it makes me feel, the camaraderie I get at the gym, and being challenged has been so rewarding.... even with all the ice packs, Ibuprofen, massages, and crazy stretching I've found myself doing lately. </li>
</ul>
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The Bedfordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07314921096403166095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709401101752835660.post-89112859623037233132012-11-21T04:05:00.002-08:002012-12-03T05:32:03.191-08:00Hiking Trails Around YokosukaI feel like I need to apologize for my lack of blogging. I used to try to blog every week, but time is passing by very quickly this year!! We are still enjoying our adventure, but this fall has been crazy with work, school and other activities we are doing. <br />
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That being said, Yokosuka has some great hiking places. These hikes are relatively short, but offer some interesting scenery and also a chance to get some exercise.<br />
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<b><u>Mt. Takatori</u></b><br />
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You can take the Keikyu local line and get off at Keikyutaura (listed as such on Hyperdia) station to access the trail. Once out of the train station, you turn left, then head up to the first road you see. You'll turn left at the road, go under the Keikyu railway, and wind through a neighborhood. Once you walk for a bit you'll see a little intersection where you can turn left, or go straight. Stay straight until you see some steep stairs at the end of the street. Once you climb the massive stairs, you'll be on the trail. <br />
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There are a variety of things to see on the trail such as rock climbers, a stone Buddha, an observation area, and if you're lucky, a temple. There is such beautiful scenery and you can finish the climb that ends near Higashi-Zushi JR Station in about 2 hours. The trail is pretty well marked, and there are bathrooms and vending machines by the rock climbing area. The base does regular climbing tours to this area for a fee.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQ2Uk_mcyBT0pvgcjlTxV2H5WGmcotH6xc9WeYTC7sOubuQZnvnZ_KvpTuXg3bk1hynAgOhf_w3IjrmJgy7nxEaA5FaKf1errxaPTYXoYAvRHGtWPKDLIQ7i9vF0mHp30w6g8DiUIK9I/s1600/DSCN0641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQ2Uk_mcyBT0pvgcjlTxV2H5WGmcotH6xc9WeYTC7sOubuQZnvnZ_KvpTuXg3bk1hynAgOhf_w3IjrmJgy7nxEaA5FaKf1errxaPTYXoYAvRHGtWPKDLIQ7i9vF0mHp30w6g8DiUIK9I/s200/DSCN0641.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The steep stairs.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8BqgmwJNPNtCX8XiSheWOv5r73zNiMDxxbTDIbJCPiAZz5kP0JcJypfrN9ntTkgJ7sTKqfksjYpKmiOP8P7PzeXKnkczJP-NXCpgseTU7VCW1wwhwSK1dj7sohXHqFSFrNvKxHaHWqc/s1600/DSCN0663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8BqgmwJNPNtCX8XiSheWOv5r73zNiMDxxbTDIbJCPiAZz5kP0JcJypfrN9ntTkgJ7sTKqfksjYpKmiOP8P7PzeXKnkczJP-NXCpgseTU7VCW1wwhwSK1dj7sohXHqFSFrNvKxHaHWqc/s320/DSCN0663.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Impressive!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqAPzvujaKKuiIcsG1rSQsp8-it9yUPCvinIm8s5I3kAFs-2iEKAvfBM0oSO1SOa_YVa8tW4uCCbYcgnqBQPr8hf3nPcHk9dTiLq2tjJjmDDR6GlQdRnzovfOK43gdy_m87B0TF-DjOg/s1600/DSCN0535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqAPzvujaKKuiIcsG1rSQsp8-it9yUPCvinIm8s5I3kAFs-2iEKAvfBM0oSO1SOa_YVa8tW4uCCbYcgnqBQPr8hf3nPcHk9dTiLq2tjJjmDDR6GlQdRnzovfOK43gdy_m87B0TF-DjOg/s320/DSCN0535.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many areas to climb.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6VlJTnT6g6e7KbKzCYeBKCx-YOduXkVHNIGZuiTqZtQux1uX97I_1TkTLMMG1xnJBMrp9kmBmn2qCX4vFvEV17Yzy5Ys0mDHYoXxAinDdKx16IdbpmcNQ67qPv6M5vbjfOiFdr8_wgA/s1600/DSCN0684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6VlJTnT6g6e7KbKzCYeBKCx-YOduXkVHNIGZuiTqZtQux1uX97I_1TkTLMMG1xnJBMrp9kmBmn2qCX4vFvEV17Yzy5Ys0mDHYoXxAinDdKx16IdbpmcNQ67qPv6M5vbjfOiFdr8_wgA/s320/DSCN0684.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you take the correct trail, you will end up here.</td></tr>
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<b><u>Kannonzaki Park</u></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXKAvMl26wXdMQMp_3elrwHSs4qpUSzOmYfaaxskdsvA_32T1d3860enNWDjHEB_RqAYFtqPaWXOiy4ug3JhmcApDwUbQpKEze80hx6m5u1tuSO-oeCVqIuKd5UsJNJVCdQlTKSJdXJXA/s1600/DSCN0517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXKAvMl26wXdMQMp_3elrwHSs4qpUSzOmYfaaxskdsvA_32T1d3860enNWDjHEB_RqAYFtqPaWXOiy4ug3JhmcApDwUbQpKEze80hx6m5u1tuSO-oeCVqIuKd5UsJNJVCdQlTKSJdXJXA/s320/DSCN0517.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Another great place my friend took me to this past month was Kannonzaki Park. It only takes 15 minutes from main base to get there and I was sorry that I hadn't been here sooner. We went on a weekday where we were able to park in the parking lot for free. You have to pay for parking on the weekend.<br />
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There was a ton to explore in this park and it is a great place to take kids. They have a variety of play structures and roller slides. They also have some lookout areas, a suspension bridge, and some open spaces. We went on a beautifully sunny day. It would be a perfect place to picnic and relax. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibvDW3vz6gdHZ9ATSVCTrhIZ2Slj_WpDnDmey3AcSg-Y03al5cCw9GQLcfSq5f7FT-HF0nfTaEu2yLzZEOuIgIcZvp45zqO0Sb0JvPqPHYe5OP3feu2JIx9CFN7QCs-u-OzrcAk8ArJ90/s1600/DSCN0521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibvDW3vz6gdHZ9ATSVCTrhIZ2Slj_WpDnDmey3AcSg-Y03al5cCw9GQLcfSq5f7FT-HF0nfTaEu2yLzZEOuIgIcZvp45zqO0Sb0JvPqPHYe5OP3feu2JIx9CFN7QCs-u-OzrcAk8ArJ90/s320/DSCN0521.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutter on the huge roller slide.</td></tr>
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<b><u>Other Places worth checking out </u></b></div>
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<ul>
<li>The Plum Grove in Taura. So beautiful during the spring when all the plum trees are blossoming. Once to the top of the plum grove, you can continue your hike across the highway overpass and through a forest to my old neighborhood Minatogaoka. This is a great loop what we've done many times.</li>
<li>There is a wonderful park above Anjinzuka station. You can hike up there to view the cherry blossoms in season. So very pretty. Its also bike-friendly. </li>
<li>Kurihama's Hana no Kuni. I believe I've written about Flower World before but its still one of my favorite places to go. Good exercise, the Godzilla slide, a foot bath, and glorious scenery to see. They also plant seasonal flowers that you can pick.</li>
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The Bedfordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07314921096403166095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709401101752835660.post-83039851237194516522012-10-20T06:29:00.002-07:002012-10-20T06:37:26.512-07:00Fish Pedicure<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQtE9oxPWyZTOKvw_8PVjV3GmqmJJgRaht6hliafgHqHrHDz8vAysoOQQpxk6s5mDlRB2LATZdLzhFlT2_1gmOT9XkGeEbUp32F1IJQfPuFC8U104KRnx1TrK-4Mr5o7VYd2PRdyVlN0/s1600/DSCN0383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQtE9oxPWyZTOKvw_8PVjV3GmqmJJgRaht6hliafgHqHrHDz8vAysoOQQpxk6s5mDlRB2LATZdLzhFlT2_1gmOT9XkGeEbUp32F1IJQfPuFC8U104KRnx1TrK-4Mr5o7VYd2PRdyVlN0/s320/DSCN0383.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yokohama fish pedicure.</td></tr>
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One of the most unusual things to do in Japan is to have a fish pedicure. They are very popular in Asia, and in other parts of the world. The species of fish used in such pedicures is simply called "Doctor Fish" or <i><b>Garra Rufa.</b></i><br />
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Locally, you can go to Chinatown in Yokohama to Doctor Kiss Fish. The cost for the pedicure is 1,000 yen or $12 USD for 15 minutes. Before putting your feet into the water, you have to rinse them. The sensation is very ticklish, but the main purpose of these pedicures is to have the fish eat the dead skin off of your feet and legs. This process is supposed to have many benefits with renewed skin being one of them. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsjZl2ok6tTWlWKCc_3SxFx0gIN0_jaceWss4CN5hgQaheV8GrvLD7N9EGLYvq5iNrog-kMNk8sDKJR4Yts30PFDoQIWar8LkPUuGmMmRIplNFERs2CSnYmXXWW1UbRYcgP8I-VKFOsf0/s1600/DSCN0379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsjZl2ok6tTWlWKCc_3SxFx0gIN0_jaceWss4CN5hgQaheV8GrvLD7N9EGLYvq5iNrog-kMNk8sDKJR4Yts30PFDoQIWar8LkPUuGmMmRIplNFERs2CSnYmXXWW1UbRYcgP8I-VKFOsf0/s320/DSCN0379.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fish liked my friend in the middle!</td></tr>
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Fish pedicures are banned in many places in Canada and The United States. They have been thought to be unsanitary and that the water could pass harmful diseases. While this may be true, I've realized that each country has their own standards of cleanliness, or what they consider healthy. Its very common to have communal foot baths in Japan, so I didn't think twice about a foot bath with fish in it. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFj9fceOZyOIIsMQbJz73w-fdmVVZZTqXpcyhyUcMQKYd8gYxlsM5K1fbig8RGYAhQh-Faa5YBlJID9cj1KVaTqK1QF1hVsBOUER7WE2HSf9FB1qtufhVp-BgS-ygS_xM72Xr6Hkkf5Bo/s1600/IMG_0866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFj9fceOZyOIIsMQbJz73w-fdmVVZZTqXpcyhyUcMQKYd8gYxlsM5K1fbig8RGYAhQh-Faa5YBlJID9cj1KVaTqK1QF1hVsBOUER7WE2HSf9FB1qtufhVp-BgS-ygS_xM72Xr6Hkkf5Bo/s320/IMG_0866.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We also did this at Yunessun in Hakone.</td></tr>
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<br />The Bedfordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07314921096403166095noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709401101752835660.post-3865762505248209232012-09-17T00:06:00.003-07:002012-09-17T00:38:11.788-07:00CambodiaWith all the crazy drivers and seeing a tour bus on its side in a ditch, we were very grateful to have made it safely to the Thai/Cambodia border. The process at the border took us about 1+ hours of waiting in line to both exit Thailand, and enter Cambodia. I was relieved to see our driver who unfortunately had been waiting for us for hours. I felt bad, but they said they are used to waiting for their clients. We were then escorted onto a bus that was about a 10 minute ride to a bus station where people can meet up again with their hired drivers. I found out if you hire a driver, that they cannot take their own vehicle to the Cambodian border and park. Below is a small video I took on our bus ride. Its hilarious if you can view it. <br />
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The scenery in Cambodia was nice and rural. It took about 2 hours along the countryside to drive from the border to where we were staying in Siem Reap. We stayed in a nice hotel that had very nice rooms, a great pool, excellent customer service and a superb breakfast buffet each morning.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7i9Qj2pyXk2_BjAdSTSrt9FyTbT1najxbnUS3ARTLjB6llf_gJVOlejahrOTqM-aPhFAtFNmLiZDLKAqix7-GkMY0DxvsqufkWWvbfUFVHYM0uRVgqt58pWqh6tr9-qwO1wPBpl26uzg/s1600/angkor+wat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7i9Qj2pyXk2_BjAdSTSrt9FyTbT1najxbnUS3ARTLjB6llf_gJVOlejahrOTqM-aPhFAtFNmLiZDLKAqix7-GkMY0DxvsqufkWWvbfUFVHYM0uRVgqt58pWqh6tr9-qwO1wPBpl26uzg/s320/angkor+wat.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Angkor Wat.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIfx2Grx3uceR9lIsJFBkOixtg9TxeojMAuT9Jc-iCeq66N5uJrCg12b7aHSZrFevIlqc5RjVTGSmd2AWUl6SzqQBFDpJrjTCe0DJBwO_05WXI4jD0tLuO0EuywaItIaoZgjL1_KsYRRE/s1600/IMG_8046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIfx2Grx3uceR9lIsJFBkOixtg9TxeojMAuT9Jc-iCeq66N5uJrCg12b7aHSZrFevIlqc5RjVTGSmd2AWUl6SzqQBFDpJrjTCe0DJBwO_05WXI4jD0tLuO0EuywaItIaoZgjL1_KsYRRE/s320/IMG_8046.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We decided to hire a guide and driver for our 1 day to Angkor Wat. The one day pass to Angkor Wat is $20 for adults, and kids 11 and under were free. The temples were spectacular. We went to Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm and to Angkor Thom. There is so much history and the places are so old its hard to fathom, but having a guide to explain things to us was nice. The pictures we took don't even do these temples justice. Although it was scorching hot and humid, I think we all mostly enjoyed ourselves.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimO3cJ62ugGR3I3aMD9srTYq6UGR4E60tzyA7BADgETFXU_bGIRimDOV4Cm6DgdQS2yAgoxkOztJdRpAnnkGhIFoISpdSWKLgMke3C0xuhReZ7YT7sVlHf2iXreCtbJAybWm2C5MlgwF8/s1600/IMG_8260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimO3cJ62ugGR3I3aMD9srTYq6UGR4E60tzyA7BADgETFXU_bGIRimDOV4Cm6DgdQS2yAgoxkOztJdRpAnnkGhIFoISpdSWKLgMke3C0xuhReZ7YT7sVlHf2iXreCtbJAybWm2C5MlgwF8/s320/IMG_8260.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Tomb Raider''at Ta Prohm.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Faces" in Angkor Thom.</td></tr>
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The day after going to Angkor Wat, we hired our guide again and he took us on a Tuk Tuk tour around Siem Reap. He took us to an indoor market, to a Silk Farm, to one of the small 'Killing Fields', and to Cambodian Village. This day was busy and hot. Unfortunately, Danton started feeling sick at Cambodian Village, so we cut our tour short. We think it was the flu, because Justin also ended up with similar symptoms a couple days later. Overall, Cambodian was full of very sweet people, good food, and a good time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2fkb7SzNqE6_1_BzxLHy23EfKY8OFQ_69T9bFshWm9rWFIxzJwcrGVka5s_1HZEOl49RYTJiRbonOuSgzGxX4s5k8dk1yhcjjSFgIYb8P_MD_O4h2yEntOhNySm-GoM2czk5PUhyphenhyphenZ5Eg/s1600/IMG_8396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2fkb7SzNqE6_1_BzxLHy23EfKY8OFQ_69T9bFshWm9rWFIxzJwcrGVka5s_1HZEOl49RYTJiRbonOuSgzGxX4s5k8dk1yhcjjSFgIYb8P_MD_O4h2yEntOhNySm-GoM2czk5PUhyphenhyphenZ5Eg/s320/IMG_8396.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silk</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhNsD0p-VyS3A4pMZiELUn7FGpyUxhLhT1HcTyOSPXD1lsDKHfXQLgn2uk2tW6TMzVtMX8lwLzkbCRem5r5eJSeoA37ooTuc6zPe2-2uar2O-YmrFda81QBMM8z1Sk16iXO7wbCRI-txs/s1600/IMG_8469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhNsD0p-VyS3A4pMZiELUn7FGpyUxhLhT1HcTyOSPXD1lsDKHfXQLgn2uk2tW6TMzVtMX8lwLzkbCRem5r5eJSeoA37ooTuc6zPe2-2uar2O-YmrFda81QBMM8z1Sk16iXO7wbCRI-txs/s320/IMG_8469.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Performers at Cambodian Village</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVe81x_gRthqOSUYEHd0PxA5x1QVYE6BOwtKjgBf_2d1-toH6yzgNw9E0_3E6H4k9k6xNzE1p-t7orxHD_eDsQvxxSzTrQoLLIztAq0AGcaLVDX7MOeGwz0MUxyzfAQaktc6neTwJqdk/s1600/IMG_8343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVe81x_gRthqOSUYEHd0PxA5x1QVYE6BOwtKjgBf_2d1-toH6yzgNw9E0_3E6H4k9k6xNzE1p-t7orxHD_eDsQvxxSzTrQoLLIztAq0AGcaLVDX7MOeGwz0MUxyzfAQaktc6neTwJqdk/s320/IMG_8343.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can become a monk at age 10.</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikoGlqEXjxbkTzwHIi9HKmzeb9xr1g2mjC6KH8zkcl4hZOVvroalmATGxSuf8NdG84YGgA90T6hS_F9dqedvdTDB-SCPgizf_qM20CRqbyKXo8wafTdqM86_oaGyrqrGkqd1c9dBpNEPM/s1600/IMG_8333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikoGlqEXjxbkTzwHIi9HKmzeb9xr1g2mjC6KH8zkcl4hZOVvroalmATGxSuf8NdG84YGgA90T6hS_F9dqedvdTDB-SCPgizf_qM20CRqbyKXo8wafTdqM86_oaGyrqrGkqd1c9dBpNEPM/s200/IMG_8333.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Killing Fields Monument.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-VChE31MTas45GzixVc1gOYovM9LulgAJFDPU2ATT6BBcU2ORjqoMi783wKJUD8JhMcPG0Gg88t9mz_P_2Rl2QNvtFQbj-xQy2-Gt4-0viFS5GEVKq7KZboDbgF2JNfOQIwlHJ_pMDXA/s1600/IMG_8414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-VChE31MTas45GzixVc1gOYovM9LulgAJFDPU2ATT6BBcU2ORjqoMi783wKJUD8JhMcPG0Gg88t9mz_P_2Rl2QNvtFQbj-xQy2-Gt4-0viFS5GEVKq7KZboDbgF2JNfOQIwlHJ_pMDXA/s200/IMG_8414.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Petrol is being sold on the side of the road. It is very expensive.</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWS_7hJanb4XA-9EXnyQDQsKiwShe8xArRi0SEM_XYRyl-UQsP410S6KgXXXjGpQUiHAclnjq18bD_G61PLJcMiuJka4Xme7V1QeE8nw99X2oNq-tjdRtOm0t18yWVZnqFZ6mTgM8aTJM/s1600/IMG_8434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWS_7hJanb4XA-9EXnyQDQsKiwShe8xArRi0SEM_XYRyl-UQsP410S6KgXXXjGpQUiHAclnjq18bD_G61PLJcMiuJka4Xme7V1QeE8nw99X2oNq-tjdRtOm0t18yWVZnqFZ6mTgM8aTJM/s400/IMG_8434.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We even saw a family of 4 on the same bike.</td></tr>
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<br />The Bedfordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07314921096403166095noreply@blogger.com0