Hanami 2011 Continued...

Ueno park was packed with people just like last year, actually, I would say a few less because there were very few foreigners. Another sign of the earthquake. Christina and I grabbed a few feet of curb between some of the tarps and had our lunch beneath the cherry blossoms. After we finished, we strolled under the trees and tried not to run in to people that suddenly stopped to take pictures skyward. It took a minute to get around this huge group amassed under a tree though. Do you see the kitties?

 

After enjoying the trees for awhile, we headed to Ueno zoo to see their new main attraction- the Giant Pandas: Shin-shin and Ri-Ri (pronounced Li-Li).

At first, we decided the line was doable. It looked like about 300 people in line and a couple switchbacks in the queue. Not bad. After attempting to get in the line though, we realized that that was not the end, just a break in the line to let traffic pass through. The line zig-zagged and winded around several exhibits and was closer to 3000 people long. We decided to pass and instead got our picture taken with these guys:

We explored the rest of the zoo and saw some other fun animals including a 1 1/2 year old gorilla. Kawaii!

Later, we ran in to the guy who's job it is to mark the end of the Panda line. We asked him how long it was to see the pandas and he said, "Maybe, one hour."

"Well, we did come to see the panda. What the hell."

So we got in line and only 35 minutes later, we were panda viewing!!

Since we had no children with us and are not handicapped, we had to be in the back row of the three lines, which means other people heads in the photos. We had about 1 minute to see the two panda while constantly being shuffled and encouraged along as to keep the line moving.

After our panda-riffic time, we continue to the other side of the zoo and out to the Ueno park area. There were beautiful cherry blossoms everywhere and the crowds to go along with them.

Some people were lucky to find great spots along the water.

Or made their own space in the paddleboats and rowboats:

By the end of the afternoon, we were tired and ready to head home, much like these guys:

Thanks for joining me on a fun day, Christina!

Hanami 2011

Christina and I headed to Ueno Park today to check out the cherry blossoms, have lunch and see the new panda-sans! It was a beautiful spring day. I am going to miss the cherry blossoms when we leave Japan. It's such a beautiful time of year. More pictures later!

Slumber Party!

Kawasaki Fertility Festival!

I finally got around to uploading the pictures from last Sunday! It was a wonderful day of day drinking (Glenn you were missed!) and good friends. The festival provided lots of laughs, but because of the earthquake, there was no parade which is always the best part. We started the morning around 10:00 am with screw drivers. Good thinking, Nikki!

The festival had the usual (now that I've been to 3 of these, I suppose I can say "usual") anatomical-shaped suckers and food. It will never seem ok to see an elementary school-aged child eating one of these. Also, what parents bring their kids to these places?

This festival is also famous for its cross-dressers unlike the one in Tagata. Of course we had to take pictures with them! This guy was a cat for some reason.

This man was working at one of the booths selling key chains or candies. I asked him if I could take his picture and he said, "Yes. Of course! You are most beautiful woman. You take my breath away." Thanks, buddy!

 Some of our new friends eating more anatomy-shaped candy.

After we wandered around the temple (yes, these festivals are held in religious places) we headed back to the train station to go to El Torino in Yokohama. Let the day drinking continue!

 Mexican food, moscow mules and a giant dessert with Ann-chan.

After a full day of day drinking, I was in bed and asleep by 8:45 pm. 11 hours of sleep? Yes, please!

Jewelry organizer

I've been wanting to do this for awhile after seeing similar ideas on many blogs. Actually, I wanted to do something that was framed and would be easier to move, but large corkboards are not something that is easy to find around here. So I used cork board tiles instead.

They are hidden behind my bedroom door so 90% of the time it is out of sight, but when I'm looking for something, it is easy to find! Like my two new headbands that I bought with a Christmas giftcard (Thanks Adam & Laura!).

I wore the one with the yellow flower today with my blue scarf and go lots of compliments! Thanks Sunshine and Carousels!

Sorry for the slow posting this week. I'm still licking my wounds from a nasty comment I got over the weekend (don't bother looking, it's been deleted). I'm contemplating taking my blog private because of it. We'll see. I guess that is what happens when you put yourself out there with a blog, but people have to remember, that it is just my thoughts. I'm not writing a book, I'm not publishing things on paper. I'm just documenting my life and thoughts as they come to me. Just me.

I'm pretty sure I used to play dress up in this...

I think my mom had a dress like this in our dress up box when we were kids. Sadly though, this is a brand new dress for sale at H&M!

Japan's Killer Quake

I just watched this PBS video and it was a great look at the geology behind the earthquake and tsunami. If you have 53 minutes to spare, I suggest you take a look.

Watch the full episode. See more NOVA.

You can find more information at the original website.

Kanamara Matsuri

I'm headed to Kawasaki's annual festival today with some great friends! It should be an interesting time. It's also known as the Kawasaki Fertility Festival. Pictures later this week!

Thank you Delta Airlines

For finally updating your policy: Events in Japan

Now my parents can get a full refund and reschedule their trip! Now if the Navy would figure out what they have planned for my husband... all would be good!

Bitter

So I'm finding myself getting a little bitter (or a lot). It's lonely here and there is no end to Glenn being gone, in sight. When I get frustrated and bitter, I get mean. I hate to admit it, but I've been a little mean lately. I've said things that are less than polite about decisions that other people have made. It's none of my business of course, I'm just getting frustrated. Gomen nasai.

Now, time to occupy myself with non-evacuation/Navy/earthquake related matters!

The pantry game continues! Today I made macaroons with the half full bag of almonds we've had for over a year. Apparently the recipe said "blanched" almonds which I overlooked. Hence the brown rather than pretty white color. Oh well. They taste good!

Also on the menu for the JMSDF Food Drive: pumpkin bars. I had a random can of pumpkin leftover from the fall. I also seem still have an excess of eggs in my fridge. This recipe called for 4! Success!

Also need this evening to combat my bitterness, a lovely margarita. I knew I was saving that bottle of strawberry margarita mix for a special day.

When there was a sale for a 2-year BH&G subscription for $12 back in January, I jumped on it! It finally arrived this week. I remember growing up reading my mom's subscription and now I have a copy of my own. Now if only I had a real house to better... or garden...

Stella bear! She is healing nicely. And looking as cute as ever. What more can I ask for.