Practice Trumpet Everyday

All of my 4th graders do.

A super boring lesson of weekdays turned awesome thanks to We Might be Giants and this song. On any given day with grade 4, they can spend AT LEAST 10 minutes singing this song...

Temples made of Silver

This is called Ginkakuji - the Silver Pavilion. I think they really just felt sorry for it because the gold one was so pretty with an awesome title. This one AT LEAST deserved an awesome title...even if its not made of Silver...




I realized that it is highly possible I did this wrong and that the gods will kill me. You typically throw a coin somewhere ( though here I didn't see a place) you ring the bell, and bow twice (kind of deeply), clap your hands twice and pray. And then bow again. If you see an area to wash your hands ( with things that look like ladles) you are supposed to do so...even if the water is buttfreezingcold.

Waraku-an

My first ever hostel experience.

Osaka Castle

I wasn't allowed to take video's inside the castle, probably because it was more of a museum and not a castle. But it had 7 floors with the top almost like an observatory where you could see much of the grounds and the insides included dozens of holographic videos depicting the progression of the life of Tokugawa Ieyasu and the Shogun war. It was extremely interesting I am sure...if you could read and understand Japanese.

Japan is weird...

but you know that.

Here is a tour of my second hotel in Japan as well as my surprise with their...facilities...


I super loved the little crane on my pillow ( yes I totally kept it)
They were really nice accommodations and were extremely helpful with getting me to my next destination - Kinosaki Onsen.

No Party is ever complete without a little Song and Dance

Dear Santa...

I got to experience my first BIG NEW YEARS. I mean no, not as big as Times. But I still got to be in Seoul and counting down with everyone and joining in on all the fun festivities. Below are pretty much the order of events as the night proceeded. It was a great show and such a fun New Years. Though personally I think I am still a silly games with family and friends kind of girl.












all the balloons they are letting go have the names of the couple on them for good luck in the new year.


all the noises in the background are totally fireworks being shot off


ok we couldn't resist we bought a few and joined the hundreds!