Cigs

 Definitely don't see these in America anymore!

Kamakura

 Spent the evening with my love in our favorite town 💕 the sunset was incredible! The long path leading up to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu (a huge shrine) was constructed in 1182 by the first shogun of Kamakura. Originally the path lead from the shrine to the sea. 

World's Fair

 A few months ago,  I found out that the World's Fair still existed.  I had always thought they stopped having those 100 years ago.  I was amazed to learn that they occur every 5 years, with a different country hosting each time. This year it was in Osaka,  Japan,  so off we went! It was neat to see the ideas and cultural representations brought by each country, but it was dangerously hot. There was little shade and it was 95 degrees.  Several people were taken out on stretchers suffering from heat stroke.  We made sure to stay hydrated and reapplied sun screen several times.  We may go again someday,  when it's held in a much cooler climate!

We also explored Kobe and the food was amazing! Found a large shrine complex, and the grounds had a small cemetery with a well known shogun buried there. 

Never Say Sayonara

 After 7 long years, we are heading back to our favorite place on earth! Heading back to Japan was a sudden opportunity that fell in our laps this summer, and we couldn't say no. I'm excited to experience what we didn't get to previously,  and add more memories to this blog! 

We Shall Meet Again!

Sorry for the huge lapse in posts! Over the past 2 months we've been busy moving literally around the world! Our time in Japan was absolutely wonderful and we plan on visiting as often as we can throughout our lives. Due to certain life circumstances, we felt it was best to move closer to home. We lived it up a bit during our last few months in Japan, and one of the last things we did was dress in kimono and walk the streets of Kamakura! We enjoyed spending time with friends, eating all of our favorite foods (7-11, we miss you!!), and just taking everything in and treasuring every moment.
We will always miss Japan, but thankfully we can always visit, and we have addresses of people we care for so we can keep in touch and send special gifts back and forth. It's not sayonara, it's until next time!

Exotic Tea and Coffee

We found a great coffee and tea shop in Tokyo called Maruyama. Huge selection! I got a rare Chinese tea called mitsurankou; the tea leaves are only found in a small Chinese village named Shi Gu Ping. Only small amounts are made, and although it's popular locally, it's not really known outside of China. It has fruity undertones of mango and lychee. The dry leaves were in a small glass jar and came on a tray with a tiny pot, 2 thermoses of hot water, and a timer. You steep it yourself at your seat, which is a fun experience! It really gives you the opportunity to appreciate the rare tea leaves.

What System?

This shop is near our home. Global Pimp System. Despite what you may think, this place is nothing more than a bicycle shop.




Or is it?