No longer in Japan

We love San Diego!!  I do miss Japan, but so glad for the experience.  We had such a great time visiting our family in MN & IL. 

I'll need to re-name this blog!  :)

We are 100% healthy and happy!!

Sakura Yabasume Festival in Towada

We went to the Sakura Yabasume in Towada City on Sunday.  It's female mounted archery showcasing the just in bloom cherry blossoms.  It was soo cool to see, one of my favorite days in Japan!  

 The drive there was a beautiful view of the snow capped mountains in the distance.

Most of the riders would shoot on three spots.  It is those boxes they are aiming for.  There is an announcer explaining and oh man, he would get excited when they would make all three!  He would be sreaming in excitement.  

Stretching and practicing 

Matsuri food!  (Festival food)

These girls are near where they shoot.  That has to be kinda scary.

Fried chicken and hot dog

 The guy in the glasses asked us to join their company picnic.  We could tell he had enjoyed quite a few beers.  They shared their grilled fish, venison and beers with us.  There was some language barrier, but we were still able to communicate. It was an open area amphitheater.  So there was people singing and dancing. It was pretty fun!!

 We'll probably make it back to Towada next weekend to go to this Art museum.

 This was an area away from the festival.  Tons of kids dancing and performing.

Day 4 in China

Day 4--Thursday, April 12--Free day

After the tour guided days of lots of walking, we took it pretty easy on our free day.  We had arranged to meet with the two other couples from our group that we had been spending the most time with.  One of the couples is from Misawa, the others were stationed at Osaka.  We walked about 15-20 minutes to get to the train station. First plan of the day was to go to lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe.  We rarely have the chance to eat real "American" food, and we were all looking forward to it.

 The train stations are really crowded.

 These earlier stops were less crowded.  Later on, the train was completely full.  Gilberto and I were so close, we could kiss.  I asked him if he wanted to make out, but he said no.  HA-HA!

 At one point we got lost and a helpful lady got us back on our way.

 We also went to Silk Alley.  It's many floors of bargain shopping.  Very similar to the "fake" pearl market, but the vendors were far less pushy.  For some reason I don't have any pictures of this.  We spent about 3 hours shopping.  We were able to get some tea, magnets and other tchotchkes.  We then made our way back to the hotel to get ready to go out to 500 Bar Street, Lotus Lake.

 We took an extremely cheap 30 minute cab ride there.

 One of the girls got a cotton candy.

 Nuts Hookah Bar

 Covered bike taxi

 KFC's everywhere.

 On the way to the airport

 Cool sculpture in the airport.

 Caution!  Person shitting a brick!

 Silk hand painted scroll

Black pearls

The last piece is real jade, Berto also wears a pendant.

 As close to a gong as we have

Chinese name seal, I am the year of the snake.  It's a piece of jade.

Fake MAC brushes, but good quality

 Silk duvet, and pillows.  We used it for the first time last night.  Really comfy.

 Souvenir book and photo of our group

My magnet collection

Sunset view from the plane.  We had a GREAT vacation.  Wonderful memories that I'm grateful to have for the rest of my life!