Christmas is coming!

Today was the first overcast day I've seen since I arrived in Palm Springs 2 months ago! I can't tell you how much it helped my Christmas mood! The wind was blowing and big dark clouds in the sky threatening rain, but not a drop ... maybe tomorrow!

I managed to get most of my holiday errands done today ... most of the shopping is done, cards are mailed and then I rounded out the day with the ward Christmas party ... lots of great ham and funeral potatoes and adorable Primary children acting out the Nativity. The best part of the day, however, was that it meant I was one day closer to going to St. George for Christmas.

Even though it will be a quick trip and some of my friends are going to be home with their families, I can't wait to see my friends and spend time with my parents. My poor sister, though, will be spending the holiday by herself!!

Last weekend Lisa and I went to the movies and saw "The Holiday" with Jude Law, Kate Winslet, Jack Black and Cameron Diaz. It was such an adorable movie!! So cute and romantic. And I really must say that Jude Law is the Cary Grant of the 21st Century! He is simply dreamy!!

So my Christmas gift to myself came Thursday. After a failed attempt to get DishNetwork (couldn't get a signal) and the desired DVR ... I ordered Tivo!! However, after a frustrating night of trying to hook it up to my broadband without using a phone line, I learned that I do, in fact, need a phone line! ARGH!!! So by Monday I might actually be able to experience the life-changing wonders of Tivo! I can't wait!! I might be able to catch up on Young and the Restless!! Yep, I'm a TV junkie!

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

OK, so here is my most recent work of art ... My Christmas Tree!! (applause, applause)
This is how I spent the day after Thanksgiving ... no shopping, just decorating! I think it turned out pretty great!

When in Sushi-land...

During my two-month stay in Japan I was very cautious in my food selection. It's awfully hard when you can't read the menu and sometimes the pictures and plastic food don't quite illustrate EXACTLY what is in the dish. For example, Domino's pizza is often laced with fish flakes ... No thanks!!

So I enjoyed many meals of scrambled eggs, French toast or PB&J sandwiches. When going out to eat, I would stick with what I knew which usually meant McDonald's, KFC, Outback and TGI Friday's.

Wanting to FULLY experience Japan, I told my friends how I wanted to at least try sushi and sashimi. So Naoko, Yuko, Vivian and Arlette and I met up at a sushi bar in Roppongi Hills. The restaurant was so much fun! We sat at the bar where a conveyor belt paraded a variety of highly garnished, beautiful fresh seafood in front of us. Spot a dish that looked tempting, simply pull it off the conveyor belt and enjoy. Plate after plate, just stack them up in front you as you enjoy piece after piece of tuna, shrimp, mackerel, yellow tail and more.

The price of each dish is based on the color of the plate. When you've finished your meal, the waiter simply comes by with a hand-held scanner and scans your plates, creating a total. He then electronically transfers that information onto a piece of tile. Take that pice of tile to the cashier and pay your bill. The Japanese will never cease to amaze me when it comes to electronics.

OK, so back to my sushi dining experience ... I was pretty timid about grabbing dishes. I began with a few Nori rolls (rice and cucumber wrapped in seaweed) and then tried some baby shrimp. Then it was on to some actual raw fish ... Tuna.

So Japanese etiquette is that you put the entire piece of sushi into your mouth at once. Well ... that's a lot of foreign food in my mouth at one time! Sadly my gag reflex kicked in and it was not easy to get all that piece swallowed. But I did get it all down. As for that second piece ... well, Naoko helped me finish that one off. I am pretty certain it was more the amount of food in my mouth and the idea of it being raw fish that made it so difficult to swallow.

Deciding to go for something safe to settle the stomach, I grabbed a piece of cantaloupe. Then I discovered the grilled tuna and onion kebabs ... yummy. Amazing what a little flame will do.


Just before my first bite!


Second piece ... recreating first bit for the camera (thought we'd missed the first shot). I didn't end up eating this piece.

Christmastime in the desert

I've been driving around town trying really hard to get into the Christmas spirit! It's awfully hard, however, when you're listening to Kurt Bestor's Christmas with the A/C on and the windows rolled down!!

Ahh, I guess that is what Christmas in the desert of Palm Springs is going to be like this year!

So it's the Saturday after Thanksgiving, and my apartment is all Christmasy ... beautiful new pre-lit tree with stunning blue, silver and white decorations. The collection of Santas and Frosty's are scattered throughout my bookcases and I am now downloading all my Christmas CDs onto my iPod. I really do love this time of year. But right now I am sure missing the frosty windows, crisp air and even snowy streets! Hopefully I will get a chance to experience some of that this holiday season.

This year was also one of the first when I didn't actually pry myself out of bed in the pre-dawn hours to wait in line for coveted Christmas gifts at Wal-Mart or Target. Instead I decided to sleep in a bit and hit the stores and the mall around 8:30 a.m. Really there wasn't much that I just HAD to have. But I did manage to find a few things here and there in my shopping excursions ... I never seem to have any problems finding things to buy!

Making friends in Japan

So I pride myself on my ability to easily make friends. A trait that came in quite handy while I was 5,000 miles away from home ... so far away from all my wonderful friends!

Before I left the states for Japan, I contacted a missionary couple serving in the Tokyo area and got the name of some singles attending the ward I would become a temporary member of. My first week at church was pretty overwhelming ... completely new environment and I was feeling pretty homesick. But luckily it didn't take long for the ward singles group to adopt me into their circle!

My second week at church I was invited, first, a convert baptism ... really a great experience no matter what country you are in, but even more exciting being in Japan. After the baptism all the singles headed over to the one of the bishopric members' homes for a Family Home Evening BBQ.

First off, I was so impressed at the beautiful, spacious home. I felt so comfortable there and thought I could actually make a life in Japan if I could live in such a nice home ... such a stark contrast to my temporary, compact and cozy home. I think I was most impressed with the kitchen ... a kitchen I would kill for here in the states! And, of course, very state-of-the-art, too.

So my second impression was how diverse the group of men and women were. Not only were there a couple Americans and quite a few English-speaking Japanese, but there a few people from New Zealand, an Aussie, a Canadian, and even a gal from the Dominican Republic. What an impressive bunch of people!

Over the next few weeks I had a great time hanging out with some of those singles. Yuko and Naoko were great about planning things for us to do. One night a bunch of people came over to my house and we munched on snacks and played games. Then Yuko, Naoko and another gal named Shannon and I all went to Fujiku Highlands ... an incredible, albeit seriously crowded, amusement park (more on that to come). Lunch dates, dinners at Outback, an evening of sushi and shopping along the way were just some of the fun things I was able to enjoy with my new friends.




Just some of my friends... Arlette (New Zealander), Naoko, Yuko, me and Vivian (Canadian). This was in Roppongi Hills on one of my last nights in Japan. We went to a great Sushi Bar, wandered around the posh shopping/dining area and then headed to ColdStone Ice Cream where we waited in line for more than an hour for ice cream! The ColdStone had just opened and everyone had realized just how amazing ColdStone is! Yummy ice cream!!

I'm a slacker!

OK, I admit it! I am such a blogging slacker. It was so great when I had oodles of time while I was in Japan to post on a regular basis. But now that I actually have a job ... well, I'm back in slacker mode. And, well, there really isn't anything all that exciting going on in my life.

I have been in Palm Springs for just more than a month now and I am really enjoying my job. The people I work with are great. I have two stellar reporters who make my job incredibly easy and a third reporter starts this week!

I'm learning all I can about my new community -- La Quinta -- and I actually have a column chronicling my adventures that runs each week in La Quinta Sun. It's called JK in LQ. So now the people of La Quinta will see just how amazingly witty I am! haha.

Last weekend I took a quick road trip to meet up with my mom and a bus full of crazy women on their Shop 'til you Drop trip. Each fall these women (usually myself included) board a bus in St. George at midnight and drive all night to the Los Angeles Fashion District where there are purse, sunglasses and clothing knock-offs aplenty. It's a full day of shopping fun ... Gucci, Prada, Coach, Rolex and more can all be found in The Ally. Just watch how they spell Gucci!!

After a day of shopping we then head to the hotel and crash. Some people go to Disneyland while others enjoy dinner and try and catch up on sleep they lost on the noisy bus the night before.

The next morning the bus is off to the Orange County Swap Meet -- a wonderful shopping experience with a little bit of everything. Fresh fruit, flowers, purses, the latest in kitchen gadgets, perfumes, home decor, artwork, even luxury cars, are all found in hundreds of booths. This is where I met up with my mom last Saturday. She also managed to transport some boxes of my kitchen stuff that didn't make it into the moving van last month.

We had a good time winding our way through the vendors and found a few small treasures. Since it was a simple 2-hour drive and right off the freeway, I'll have to head back there on those slow weekends when I really don't want to do laundry.

I'm officially a member of the Bermuda Dunes Ward now. Records are in and now I just await a calling ... haha! Actually I really would like to be back in Primary again. I really miss those adorable kids from the Snow Canyon 8th Ward in St. George. And ... I LOVE singing all those great Primary songs! I'm pretty sure I was the loudest "kid" belting out the songs during singing time ... especially when we sang "Scripture Power" or "Follow the Prophets."

Great! Now those songs are stuck my head!!!

Trick or Treat!

Happy Halloween everyone!
So no costume for me this year. I'm kind of bummed!! I love dressing up for Halloween!!
In fact, it really wasn't a very Halloweeny day for me ... not one trick or treater!! Good thing I didn't buy the big bag of Snickers ... no temptation to eat them all. The Tootsie Roll collection will be going to work tomorrow for everyone else to enjoy!

So, since I didn't get to dress up, I thought I would at least share my costume from last year.

It might have been a bit irreverent, but it sure was fun!!

I loved introducing myself that day ... "Hi, I'm Katrina. I just blew into town." I would then twirl around and spritz my spraybottle of water. Good times!! I especially loved my hair that day!!

So Busy!

Ok, so I am a slacker! I haven't posted in more than a month ... as I have been reminded ... so I guess this is long overdue.
I have been so busy and so much is going on right now!!
First off ... I have returned from my 2 months in Japan. I flew home Sept. 11 and had a great couple of weeks visiting with friends and family bringing with me tons of photos and souvenirs for everyone! Just a few days after landing, I took a road trip to Palm Springs to visit my sister, Lisa, and interview for an editor position at The Desert Sun.
Well, things were great at the interview and I have now been working at the paper for a whole 3 days now! I am the editor of the new La Quinta Sun ... a weekly community newspaper for the area of La Quinta. It has been a busy few days and my head is kind of swimming in information, but I am excited about all the opportunities!
I have moved into an apartment in the same complex as Lisa, which has already proven to be very convenient. Not only can we let each other's dogs out on lunch breaks and fix dinner together, but the office I will be working out of is actual walking distance away!! Wahoo!!
Getting the job here in Palm Springs has been kind of a bittersweet experience. I am so excited about the great opportunity -- and really look forward to a steady paycheck again -- but I am so sad to leave all my friends behind, one new relationship in particular!! Thank heavens for email, texting and being on the same cell phone network!
So, back to my apartment. I haven't lived in an apartment in, well ... have I ever really lived in an apartment? Not really ... I usually have rented condos or duplexes with the only exception being the dorm at Rick's College. So apartment living is going to be a huge adjustment. Right now, my one-bedroom pad is pretty vacant. The furniture comes, courtesy of Mom, Saturday afternoon. I am longing for my bed!! The air mattress is quite reminiscent of the futon in Japan! Actually, that futon sounds pretty great right now! I also miss my TV! It will be so nice to finally, after 6 months, be able to set up a household and settle in!
Well, that is the quick update. I will hopefully get some more time to upload more Japan pictures and share a few more observations.
In the meantime, check out my latest project at www.laquintasun.com.

Picture time

This is my final post from Japan. I will continue to update ... but from the less-exciting surrounds of Utah. So I thought I should add some more photos: Fireworks (most stunning and longest display I've ever seen!), CRAZY Shopping in Shinjiku on Sunday, Asakusa Temple, Buildings in the High-End Ginza Shopping District and the Lotus Blossoms in Ueno Park. More photos and musings are coming!

Quiet Relaxation

The beauties of Japan are found everywhere! The stunning skyscrapers, all lit up at night, the adorable children donning their school uniforms heading for the train station, the centuries-old cemeteries, to name a few. Then, on the outskirts of town there are the quiet towns like Hakone, Miyanoshita and Gora. These quaint towns were the next stop on our travels while Brent was in Tokyo. These are all towns surrounding the majestic Mt. Fuji! Although the mountain was a bit illusive and managed to stay hidden behind the deep cloud cover, we had an glorious time her shadow.

We arrived at our hotel, the very posh Fujiya -- a room gifted to us by Linda through some very valuable certificates -- and dropped off our luggage before beginning our exploration of the surrounding areas. We boarded a cablecar bound for Gora at Miyanoshita, but not before photographing the stunning hydrangea plants. So vibrant and lush!



Once in Gora we discovered a western-style garden/park which was Plan B, since the moss-covered Japanese Garden and Museum was closed that day. We barely missed the Japanese garden, however, once we explored the trails and hidden tea houses of the western garden, The water fountain, flower displays and the overgrown trails were beautiful.





Tired from our exploring and ready for some food, we stupidly thought we could find lunch back at the Fujiya. Everything on the menu was outrageously priced!! Since we were already seated ... even though severely underdressed ... we decided to order something anyway. We went with a garden tomato salad and bread ... for more than 2000 yen for both meals we got the smallest salad I think I've ever seen and a small selection of breads. Probably not the best choice, especially considering the fact that we were starving! Later that afternoon we stumbled across a bakery that also served a delicious beef stew in a bread bowl that really hit the spot! And only 600 yen!

Checking into our room was a treat. A dutiful Bell Hop escorted us to our room, indicating all the amenities -- outdoor pool, gardens, restaurants (haha), onsen/spa, museum, etc... Then we entered the room to find our luggage waiting for us. He offered a quick tour of the room and was off. The room was quite large, with a huge picture window looking out onto the green hills where the occasional cablecar would sputter by.



The twin beds looked so inviting, but one quick bounce proved that the Japanese prefer very, very firm mattresses! Not so comforting to aching muscles ... but I guess that was what the massages and onsen (natural hot springs bath house) were for! It didn't take us long to sign up for a foot reflexology therapy session and time in the onsen!

The bath houses, onsens being those with water from a natural spring and sentos being a city version where the water is heated by fuel, were a true cultural treat! Although some foreigners often wouldn't dream of exposing themselves (literally, ha!) to an onsen, they are truly missing out on a relaxing, completely Japanese experience.

(This sign is actually advertising an onsen on the Chuo Expressway on the way to Kyoto ... earlier in the trip ... but thought it appropriate for this post.)



Hoping to catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji, we took the cablecar up to the ropeway where we boarded a gondola and floated through the clouds on the mountain opposite Fuji. But the clouds were so thick we could barely see the vegetation surrounding us, let alone get a peek at Fuji. We also passed over an area called Hell's Valley ... a sulphur mine that also has an onsen further up the mountain. At the top we shopped our way through the souvenir stores and found some lunch ... Ebi Tendon -- breaded shrimp on rice -- with Miso Soup. Quite tasty. Then back down the mountain and to the hotel to collect our luggage for the journey home.



Enjoying the onsen so much, before leaving Hakone, we found another Onsen/Begonia Garden. After wandering through the vibrant collection of colorful flowers -- more than just begonias -- we entered the onsen. Unlike the Fujiya, this onsen had both indoor and outdoor pools! Even though it was so hot and humid outside, I particularly enjoyed the outdoor pools! The heat of the water, however, makes it awfully difficult to soak longer than 15 minutes or so. The pools were surrounded by lava rocks and the brilliant green of the gardens. I couldn't help but wonder how amazing it would be to soak outside during the frosty winter months! The onsen was a wonderful, relaxing way to end our Hakone/Mt. Fuji experience.

Asahi English Classes

While in Japan, I've had the amazing opportunity of filling in for Linda, teaching two of her weekly English classes at the Asahi Cultural Center in Tachikawa. What an amazing experience! These men and women are so amazing ... all coming from different professional backgrounds ... some are former businessmen while some of the women are retired dentists, pharmacists, and housewives. All so amazingly generous and sweet ... sharing a weekly topic with me and the entire class as they practice their conversational English.

While Brent was in town, he came along to class and enjoyed meeting these amazing people. He did a fabulous job of trying to understand their broken English that is so heavy-laden with the Japanese accent. He asked them questions and shared background on Southern Utah.

The classes were so generous, too. The morning class treated me and Brent to lunch at a Japanese restaurant where we carefully tried to select familiar items. It was a buffet, so quite difficult. What a nice gesture for the entire class to pitch in and treat us!

The afternoon class then introduced us to karaoke! After class we headed to Big Echo. Karaoke in Japan is different from the Americanized version. No singing in crowded bars to drunk people in Japan. At Big Echo we rented a sound-proof room where we ordered drinks and selected favorite songs, singing only to the small group. So much less pressure ... and so fun! Taking a few minutes to warm up -- joining in on a Carpenters song and some Madonna, I struggled through my favorite Pat Benetar song "Love is a Battlefield" and then joined in on a few other favorites.

Brent, who swore up and down that he would only be an observer and wouldn't sing, completely shocked me when he began singing along to the first Carpenters song. I was floored!! I don't think I've ever even heard him sing along to the radio!! I was completely impressed! But then ... he sang Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror." Fabulous!! Talk about hidden talents! We had a great time! I could have sung a dozen more songs, but we were running out of time. Again, what an amazingly generous gesture for the afternoon class!

Accessories!

So I have a fascination with purses! I love buying a fashionable tote ... small, big, leather, canvas ... in all sorts of colors and styles. Well, I am in good company here in Japan! In fact, you might say I am in Handbag Heaven!

Because very few Japanese people have cars or only drive them occasionally, they are often having to tote a day's worth of essentials. So if you are going to the gym before work and then going to head out with friends for dinner afterward, you had better bring all your stuff with you when you walk out the door. Often I have seen teens carrying large athletic bags, along with their backpacks, ready for their afterschool tennis or soccer practices. Or mothers are often toting large diaper bags along with their slightly smaller purses. And, as Joey on "Friends" attempted to make the Man Bag fashionable for New Yorkers, the Japanese men are commonly found sporting a messenger bag or pouch dangling from their belt loop or yukata, often on top of their briefcase.

The women's purses range from big to bigger. There are very few women only carrying a small wallet on a string. These purses are HUGE! You could hide a small child in some of these bags! So needless to say, the department stores have a vast array of handbags! Did I mention "Heaven"?

So what would be in these large bags ... Here is what I would predict, based on what I have seen:
* Wallet, full of yen, credit cards, ID, and either their SUICA Train Pass or Subway Pass
* Kei-tai (cell phone) adorned with multiple dangling charms ... a topic worth it's own blog post!
* Fan, definitely a necessity, especially this time of year!!
* Handkerchief ... used for drying hands after using the restroom and for mopping off the sweat from your face. ESSENTIAL!
* A bottle of some sort of refreshment ... 99% of the time being Green Tea.
* Book ... usually a paperback wrapped in a bookcover like we used to do with our high school textbooks. My theory is that people do this (usually a service provided by the bookstore), so curious eyes on the train don't all know what each other is reading. They are very private people, and I think this is a good example ... at least that's my theory.
* Makeup ... usually applied after mopping off the first round that has been smeared from sweat.
* Umbrella ... now, there are exceptions to this ... see below!
* Hat ... again, see below.
* Set of keys to your house/apartment and your bike lock.
* And anything else that might be necessary for that particular day.

If there's no room in one purse, the women likely have many more to choose from and they can also be doubled up. A smaller purse for essentials and a larger bag for work-related things. I've been amazed at how so many match their purses to their outfits.

Now carrying these purses can often be tedious, but add to that all the shopping bags these women are often hoisting as well. A stop at Kichijoji can net 4 or 5 shopping bags, at least. Add a purse and another bag of workout gear and try and fight your way onto the train. Oh ... and all this while wearing 3-inch heels, too!

Speaking of shoes ... Japanese women must be trained in acrobatics or tight-rope walking because they manage to wear these tiny, high-heeled shoes day in and day out ... clicking up and down the stairs of the train stations, running to meet their train, and wandering for hours through countless shops in Shinjuku or Harajuku! These feet must be Fred Flintstone tough! I don't know how they do it! And the shelves of shoes in the department stores are even more abundant than the purses.

OK, back to umbrellas. So it rains a lot over here, so umbrellas are everywhere! Even when it's not raining, women commonly open their umbrella for a break from the sun. And the majority of these umbrellas are not the light-weight, compact, fit in your back pocket kind. They are Mary Poppins umbrellas, but with a very, very useful crooked handle rather than the ornamental duck's head. That crook is perfect for dangling from your arm, purse, or even pants pocket, while you balance other purses, totes and shopping bags.

Hats ... Oh how I love hats! I wish I could wear hats, but they just look goofy on me! But the Japanese wear hats on a regular basis! It all begins as they enter Kindergarten ... hats are part of the school uniform. But even before then, as I think about it, mothers are commonly protecting their baby's head with a cute bonnet. So hats are a very common accessory ... shielding from the sun, wind and rain or snow ... all while being very fashionable. The styles and varieties are endless. So, wanting to look as fashionable as the Japanese I bought a hat ... but I'm pretty sure I look just as goofy as ever!

So, with the purses, hats, umbrellas, fans and shoes, Japan is a dream for one who loves to accessorize! I've already bought 2 purses, several fans and one hat ... good thing my trip is nearing the end ... otherwise I could go broke just buying accessories!

Tourist becomes the tour guide

After 2 weeks in Japan, learning how to navigate the train system and becoming familiar with the area, Linda left for the states. The next day my friend Brent came over for a week-long stay. On his first day here, we were off and running ... only 9 days to see everything Japan had to offer!

Brent's first day was a great way to start his adventure. We headed out on the train that Tuesday morning to Odiaba -- a popular shopping area. To get there, we took a boat across the bay and could kind of make out Rainbow Bridge through the cloudy sky. We then went to the sphere of the Fuji TV building where we got a sneak peek at a new Japanese movie coming to theaters and then we enjoyed the scenery from the sphere's windows.







In Odiaba they have a replica of the Statue of Liberty. Not exactly sure why, but apparently France gave them the smaller version as a gift 10 years ago.




We followed the visit with Ms. Liberty up with a quick lunch at McDonald's and then headed to Pallette town for some shopping. They have a very large Ferris Wheel at the shopping center, but because of the heat, we decided to pass on the ride. Instead we enjoyed browsing the shops that were extremely similar in design to the Caesar's Palace Forum shops -- cobblestone walkways, blue sky muraled ceilings, even Romanesque statues. Very familiar ... kept hoping for a Cheescake Factory, but no such luck.

We found a pet store that had some adorable puppies for sale. The prices on these pooches, however, was astronomical! They had an adorable little Yorkie, that I think was worth close to $2000! An adjoining store had an entire collection of designer clothing and accessories for puppies ... some sporting some serious bling. Very cute stuff, but so extravagant.

After shopping, we decided on a whim to check out Tokyo Disney. We found a bus that took us to the park and we enjoyed a discounted fare after 6 p.m. So Brent and I enjoyed the park which is just like Anaheim's Disneyland, but on a smaller scale.
Our trip through Pirates of the Caribbean, however, was marred when the ride malfunctioned. After waiting more than 20 minutes we had to exit the ride before the end. It was funny knowing that something was wrong, but not understanding the information that was announced.



The Light Parade was great with it's mix of English and Japanese being spoken and sung by the cast of familiar characters. And the fireworks display was just beautiful. It was a lot of fun, but we were completely worn out by the time we made it home late that night.

Gion Festival in Kyoto

In Kyoto the first night, we saw the floats on display for the Gion Festival which was Monday. The floats were all lit up and on display for everyone to see. Good thing, too, because on the day of the festival, it was raining like crazy. It was more a sea of umbrellas as people struggled to see the plastic-covered floats being pulled down the streets.

Hikone Castle

After our night's stay in Kyoto, Linda and I spent three nights in Hikone ... as Linda described it ... a quiet little castle town. It certainly was quiet ... and rainy! It rained most of the time we were there. We did manage a good day do visit the castle. It was quite a hike to the main building, but the trek was worth it. Beautiful. And the views from top floor of the castle were pretty amazing too.

The hotel we stayed at was pretty fun. One of the smallest rooms I've even been in. Just a twin bed in a tiny room with a super small bathroom. Pretty fun and cozy, though. Too bad the TV was all in Japanese. I did catch some good Sumo matches, though. Too bad I couldn't understand what exactly was going on.

The restaurant at the hotel was quite nice. Our first night we ate dinner there which was so tasty. I particularly loved the pumpkin soup!

Shakin' in Tokyo

I experienced my first earthquake in Japan today! I was sitting in my room going through all my bags of souvenirs when things started to shake. I thought at first the wind was just really strong, but quickly realized it was an actual earthquake! I jumped up and headed for the doorframe and debated whether to run downstairs, but after a few seconds it was all over. It happened at about 5:17 p.m. and turned out to be about 4.8 magnitude. Pretty awesome! I was just thinking a couple days ago that an earthquake is one thing I had yet to experience here in Japan. So that is now checked off the list! I have no idea what magnitude it was, but it didn't seem like it was too big, though. Apparently one-quarter of all the world's earthquakes happen in Japan.

Kiyoumizu Temple

Kiyoumizu Temple is a Buddhist temple that overlooks the city of Kyoto. The views are breath-taking and the architecture of the temple buildings was amazing.

Kyoto

After reading "Memoirs of a Geisha,* I was so excited to visit Kyoto. Linda and I took a trip there my first weekend in Japan for the Gion Festival. I shot this photo of a Meiko (young Geisha in training) our first night. She was so beautiful with people surrounding her taking photos. I was lucky to get such a great shot! That night there were thousands of people walking the streets of Kyoto in yukata (summer kimono) as they viewed the
Gion Festival floats that would be on parade Monday morning. There were so many people, it was often a bit overwhelming, but so much fun to see all the beautiful kimono. Men, women and children all dressed in the traditional garment.

Biking Anxiety

So is it really just like riding a bicycle ... will it really come back to me that easily? Well, yes and no. Since Japan is such a bike-oriented country, I did my duty and practiced my skills on a lovely bike purchased for a whopping $15 at DI. I rode around the neighborhood with relative ease (I say "relative" because that bike seat was horribly uncomfortable!). I was a bit shaky at first, but was feeling comfortable enough ... or so I thought.

Hopping onto a bike in Japan and wending my way through the streets was a whole new sort of fear for me! My "practice" was clearly not enough to prepare me for the narrow, crowded roads. I stumbled through that first trip on the bike, but I was so shaky that I was certain I would hit someone or something! Then, to make matters worse, I was walking home one afternoon that first week and witnessed a man on his bike collide with a car ... don't know who hit who and the man was fine, but that, coupled with emotional jet-lag, made me decide I was not going to be a bicyclist on this trip. Maybe a bit inconvenient, but actually hoofing it has turned out to be far better exercise!! I guess Grandpa May (who owned a bike shop for many, many years) is probably shaking his head at me. Oh well...

So these bikes are not mountain or street racing bikes. These are very utilitarian urban bikes used in nearly every way a car is used back in the states. Baskets on both the front and back of the bikes are often loaded down with all sorts of bags -- groceries, backpacks, musical instruments and of course children. Baby on Board has all new meaning when you see young mothers riding bikes that are loaded with children ... and I mean loaded! A woman could actually carry up to four children on her bike ... maybe even more ... with one in the front basket/seat, one strapped to her chest or sitting just behind the handlebars, one on her back and then one in the basket/seat on back. She is her own mini-van! I am completely impressed! And they make it look so easy, too, weaving in and out of traffic.

First Impressions

I guess I never really knew quite what to expect when I arrived in Japan. I guess the first thing was that there would be more things written in English ... well, not necessarily English, but Roman letters anyway. But the majority the lettering is in Kanji -- the Chinese characters. So there was challenge No. 1. Luckily, however, most of the train stations have signage in Romanji, but I quickly had to train my eyes to find the familiar letters. Now, six weeks later, I'm actually recognizing some Kanji! Only a few characters ... very few, actually ... but enough to recognize Tokyo and Exit and Entrance.

Getting off the plane, I managed to make my way through customs and immigration and then waited for Linda to meet me. I ended up beating her to the airport, but only by about 10 minutes. Once she got there we sent my luggage to the house and then boarded a train that would take us into the city. Arriving at about 4 p.m., there was still plenty of daylight to take in all the beautiful, green rice fields. So green! Then into the city ... such small houses, so closely crammed together! Apartments were obvious among all the tall buildings with their balconies decorated with hanging laundry. Then came the skyscrapers ... all becoming more brilliant at dusk when they were illuminated. There was no doubt I was in one of the largest cities in the world!

Changing trains in Shinjuku, we left our comfortable seats and squeezed in on the commuter train that would take us to Musashi-sakai -- the home station. So many people packed into the train! But I would later learn that the trains would only get more compact! Just when you think they can't possibly fit anyone else in the car, five more people climb in ... everyone pressing tighter and tighter. So much for personal space. Those not lucky enough to have grabbed a handhold often get tossed amongst the strangers as the train lurches through the many stops. Bobbing heads are common, too, as weary businessmen and women cope with their long commute, some even sleeping standing up!

Arriving at Musashi-sakai I was introduced to my mom's favorite little bakery -- Beard Papa ... the home of the world's most perfect cream puff! Now that was a tasty welcome to Japan. Delicious! But before I could enjoy, Linda found her bike and we made our way through the narrow -- and I mean NARROW -- streets of Musashino to her home. While walking down the streets I noticed all the many, many bikes! I knew that Japan was a biking society, but I was amazed at just how many there were ... all vying for space on the sidewalks or streets alongside pedestrians and motorists.

Speaking of motorists ... the cars were unlike anything I've ever seen in the States. The Hondas, Toyotas, Mazdas and Nissans were all familiar names, but the shapes and sizes of these cars was altogether different. First off, the drive on the left side of the road. But then they also have multiple mirrors on their cars. Not just the inside rearview and two outside mirrors, but often a fourth and maybe fifth mirror. I've noticed that the number usually relates to the size of the car ... SUVs and vans tend to have more mirrors. The cars are so compact! I don't know how else to describe them. They seem like Mini-Coopers in size but some even seem smaller. The only cars that seem to familiar in size and proportion are the Taxis.

After an easy 10 minute walk, we entered Linda's house ... a 2-story, 2-bedroom house that is apparently quite spacious by Japanese standards. I was shocked! It was so small compared to my 1,000 square foot condo. And Linda, who is quite the antique shopper, has filled it will all sorts of treasures. The walls of her house are covered with framed pictures ... family, friends and colorful drawings created by Amanda. The most unusual thing was that the only toilet was actually on the main level, while the bath and shower were upstairs. That took a bit of getting used to. This would become home for the next 2 months!

Japan or Bust!

So it's been six weeks since I first stepped off the plane at Tokyo's Narita Airport and entered a whole new world. This blog will hopefully re-create some of those feelings and adventures I've had since my arrival on this 2-month extended vacation. The question is where do I begin?
Well, the reason I decided to come to Japan was the result of a minor tragedy in my life. After working for 10 years at a job I loved in St. George, I was recruited to start a new entertainment magazine in Salt Lake City. Well, after 2 months and only 2 issues, I was told I wasn't "edgy" enough and was let go.
Before the devastation completely took hold, I was offered the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to come to Tokyo and house-sit for my cousin Linda.
Linda has lived in Japan for the past 27 years and I have always enjoyed the stories and trinkets she would send our way each Christmas. After my mother's trio of trips recently, she encouraged me to take Linda up on the offer, and soon I was booking a flight. This wouldn't be any quick 2-week vacation. I was committing to 2 months!!
So passport paperwork and packing quickly ensued! What to take? What to leave home? How hot is it really going to be? How much humidity?
I landed in Tokyo, after a LONG 12-hour flight, on Tuesday, July 11, completely clueless, but ready for adventure!
Stay tuned as I add more adventures and photos!