Discovering...

This is what is happening right now.  I am packing for a trip.  I can’t say exactly where I am going, but I can say that I have been wanting to go here my entire life and I am still in disbelief that it is happening. 

I can’t wait to share pictures and stories from the trip.  And now back to fitting all of this into a suitcase that can only weigh 50 lbs.

Someone wants to come with me...

Discovering Kyoto.

A couple of weeks ago Matt and I snuck off for the weekend to Kyoto, Japan.  We hopped on the Shinkansen (bullet train) and headed south.  Kyoto is a beautiful historic city that was Japan’s capital and the emperor’s residence from 794 until 1868.  It is home to the Nijo Castle, Nishiki Market, Kyoto Imperial Palace, and countless shrines and temples.

We rented bikes and discovered the city through its back roads, restaurants, hidden alleys, quiet cafes, and friendly people who couldn’t wait to share their city with us.

Here is what we found...

The Kamo River - where you can see the backs of restaurants from Pontocho.  Pontocho is a narrow alley with a wide range of restaurants.  The area is lit by traditional paper lanterns and is known for their tea houses and geisha.  And, apparently, a reservation is needed in most restaurants!  

 The Fushimi Inari Shrine - home to thousands of torii gates.

 The Kiyomizudera Temple - known for wooden terrace.

These students asked us for help in practicing their English.  Very, very cute!

Lunch time!

The Heian Shrine.

The Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion), a Zen temple.

The Nishiki Market, known as "Kyoto's Kitchen".  

The Nijo Castle.  This was one of the best places that we saw in Kyoto.  It was home to the first shogun of the Edo Period.  It is grounds to a castle and beautiful gardens.  The entire complex is surrounded by multiple defense systems - including gates, walls, and moats.  

This was such an amazing weekend and I would recommend it to anyone traveling in Japan.  It is a far cry from the craziness of Tokyo, but has its own charm and is worth the trip.

Until next time, love (and cheers) from Japan!

*All of my information was taken from Japan Guide (the ultimate way to get around in Japan!)

Deployed.

Matt left for deployment last week.   For one reason or another deployment had been delayed for a couple of weeks.  It started to feel like it would never come, but inevitably, it did.  We were blessed with a little extra time together and took full advantage – bike rides, pizza and beer nights, family walks, barbeques, Downton Abbey, and one more DIY project. 

Even though being apart isn’t ideal, it is part of our reality.  Eventually, everyone has to face it.  It is our turn now and we will get through it the best that we can – until we are back together.

My friend Aimee posted a quote that struck a chord with me and this deployment:

“Distance is not for the fearful, it is for the bold.  It’s for those who are willing to spend a lot of time alone in exchange for a little time with the one they love.  It’s for those knowing a good thing when they see it, even if they don’t see if nearly enough.”

Here are a few pictures from his send-off.  You may notice that there are two sets of pictures – one with stormy weather and one with sunny.  There were two good-byes (that sure was fun;))

PS. Happy 4^th of July from Japan :)