Discovering Bali (Part 1).

For our last vacation while living in Japan we decided to make the trek to Bali, Indonesia.  We wanted one last irresponsible getaway where we would spend our money on fruity cocktails and cabanas, rather than saving it for the two cars, cell phones, and the house we would inevitably have to purchase upon our return to the states.  That was future Casey and Matt problems, for now we just wanted our fun.  (I am writing this now dealing with future Casey and Matt problems and I would much rather be on a beach chair in Bali!)

Unfortunately our carefree vacation took a slight turn when we both fell ill (me right before we left and Matt while we were in Bali).  However, if you are going to be sick anywhere, Bali might just be the best place around.  We didn’t have the energy for too many adventures, but were able to fit in a few.  Here is the first part of our trip to the beautiful island.

Uluwatu

This dude really wanted a crucial selfie.

Odds and Ends.

I’m just going to pretend that it hasn’t been four months since I last updated this blog.  I’m also going to pretend like I didn’t just leave out that fact that we left Japan two months ago (tear, tear) and moved to Florida (yay!)  Instead I’m just going to show you what our last couple of weeks in Japan looked like and then I’m going to continue updating this blog like I never stopped.  Sound like a plan?!

Most of the time was just spent loving this puppy - I mean what is not to love ;)

Getting ready for Christmas (can't believe it is almost May and I'm just posting this...)

Pounding mochi.  This is a Japanese holiday tradition where you pound rice and make mochi.
The Japanese military hosted us and showed us how it was done.
Something tells me they won't be calling us for next year's pounding and it has nothing to do with the fact that one of us hit the bucket rather than the rice.

Enjoying a Kentucky Christmas.
I don't really know the history behind this, but lucky for you the Smithsonian has already done the research for me.

Lots of game nights and festive drinks with friends.
This is also how we rang in the new year.

We also celebrated a traditional New Year with some of our closest Japanese friends.
There was lots of sushi, tempura, and karaoke.

We even had a snow day before we left.
Matt took this of the fields behind our house.

Something tells me that this is the last snow we will see for awhile...

Vacationing in Bali.
More on that to follow.

Enjoying our last meals in Japan.
Mmmmm gyoza from Mankin!

I'll be back soon to share updates about leaving Japan and moving back to America!

Discovering Hiroshima.

Back in August, Matt and I traveled to Hiroshima.  We both felt that it was important to visit the city before we left Japan.  We wanted to learn more about that day, the time leading up to it, and the aftermath of the atomic bomb.  We visited the Peace Memorial Park and the Peace Memorial Museum.  We read first-hand accounts, saw pictures and models of the destruction, and learned about steps that the city of Hiroshima has taken to ensure that peace prevails throughout the world.  It was an eye-opening experience for us and one that we will not forget.  

Hiroshima is known for okonomiyaki.  It is kind of a pancake-like meal with cabbage and noodles.
You can also include squid, oysters, etc.  It is topped with a delicious sauce.  I have no idea what it is, but it is so good.   

A-Bomb Dome, also known as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial.
This is what remains of the former Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall.
It is one of the only buildings that was still standing after the bomb.
It remains almost exactly as it stood that day.
Only minor work to make sure it is stable has been done on the building.  

 

Peace Bell.
The hope is that the sound will resonate throughout the world as a sound of peace. 

Paper cranes sent from people around the world to symbolize peace.

Flame of Peace in front of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.
The flame has burned continuously since August 1, 1964 and will burn until all nuclear weapons have disappeared from the world.

Memorial Monument.
According to the Hiroshima Virtual Museum, the stone chest in the center holds the registry of the names of persons who died from the bombing (that day or after), regardless of nationality.  As of August 6, 2014 there were 292,325 names and a volume with many unidentified.

As seen at Hiroshima Castle.
I have no idea what it says, but I just love Japanese characters.

Hiroshima Castle.
The Castle was destroyed by the atomic bomb, but has been reconstructed.

Mazda "Zoom Zoom" Stadium

Kind of a seventh inning stretch type of tradition where interesting-shaped balloons are released into the air.
I have seen this done at multiple stadiums in Japan and may have released a few myself.

We took a ferry to Miyajima Island and luckily got off right before my seasickness set in.

Wild deer roam all around Miyajima.

Clearly people terrify them.

Itsukushima Shrine, also known as the floating torii gate (at least at high tide).

Who doesn't love a snow cone where you can pour the syrup freely?!
I was tempted to try tomato.