Bullet train to Tokyo - Day 4

Alright...this trip took the better part of the day. We are in pretty good shape, luggage-wise. We have 4 bags on wheels, 3 backpacks and 3 laptops (don't ask why). But we have to lug everything around up and down escalators and stairs, from time to time. If you have ever been in Times Square subway station, it has nothing on the stations in Japan. The big stations have multiple lines coming in all with their own section on different levels.

Once we got to the station where the bullet train was, we are in good shape. Let me pause to discuss the costs of things here. Everything is very, very expensive. I was already having a heart attack that the bullet train would cost me $200 per person. Then I found out that was one way. Terri knows me well enough to let me voice that out loud about 5-7 times. Then she tells me it is enough. So this is the last time - $1,600 to ride a train. Oy.

We are staying at the Hilton on the Tokyo Disney property. We made it here just fine. About 4 1/2 hours end to end. In four different stations. It is totally Disney here. Other than most things are in Japanese. We ate at the Rainforest Cafe (no pizza all day). Now combine the costs of Japan with the costs of Disney and you know how much pain my wallet is in.

Even with that said, we are having a really good time. We will hit the Magic Kingdom tomorrow and I know it will be great. Wonder if all the shows are in Japanese.

Kyoto - Day Three

We went to Kyoto today. Just a 40 minute train ride. Weather was good - sunny and 60s. I think we walked close to 5 miles today, uphill and down. And some of the hills were quite steep. Today was the day for history. We saw plenty of temples and shrines. In between each of them were hundreds of little shops and restaurants. Terri purchased a couple of small things for the house.

The highlight, for me, was a temple that houses over a thousand statues of Kannon. The temple is Sanjusangendo for those that want to google it. The statues are over 750 years old. The are lined up in this long hall. There are also other statues of Buddhist dieties. Unfortunately, no pictures can be taken.

So lots and lots of walking. It will get us prepared for Tokyo Disney in a couple of days. Bullet train to Tokyo tomorrow.

Oh, no pizza today for those keeping score. But we did hit the Hard Rock back in Osaka. At least it was good food.

I haven't mentioned this yet. In Europe, you can find plenty of people that have some level of proficiency in English. Not in Japan. They are as polite as they can be, but communicating is quite the challenge. As we walked up and down the side streets in Kyoto, everything is in Japanese. So finding a public bathroom became a problem. How do you gesture that you need one? Fortunately, we followed some ladies down a small street and find them.

Osaka - Day Two

Rainy and cold...all day. Oh yeah, and pizza for lunch.

We started off at the Osaka Castle. From outside it looks really interesting. Big moat around it and huge stone walls. On each corner of the island there is a turret. The 8 story castle is in the middle.

Unfortunately, the interior of the castle is a museum. Everything is modern. There are some cool artifacts and dioramas. But I was hoping for an old castle as it was.

We left and had lunch (pizza) nearby were they have a Sega Joypolis. Two floors of video games, virtual reality rides and pachinko machines as far as the eye could see. The boys had a great time.

Then we headed to Dotomburi. This is the shopping and eating zone. It is exactly what I expected here. Narrow lanes, tons of shops, and food vendors in the street. I ate grilled crab legs that were really good. Then we came across the Octopus Balls. Once I get home I will post the video. Amazing how these things are made. Basically, it is batter, some green onions, slice of octopus tentacle and, believe it or not, rice krispies. I am sure they don't call it rice krispies, but that is what they were. The cook keeps turning it into a ball. Once done they but some teriyaki sauce on it. Terri and I both tried it. Honestly, not bad.

We walked up and down the shops and had a really good time. This is what is was ready to see and it did not disappoint. Tomorrow, Kyoto.

Osaka - Day one

Yes, we had pizza last night. Oy...

Initial thoughts...Cold. It is in the 50's here. I know that might not sound cold to you, but Manila has been in 90s everyday for the last few months. Nobody speaks in English. In Europe, you can find people on the street that know a little. Here? No such luck. Bud they are real polite about it and try to help.

Cokes cost $3.70!!! Going to have to tighten up.

Heading out for some exploring. Nijo Castle, Sega Joypolis, and some temples and shopping. Should be alot of fun.

Pizza in Japan

We are leaving this Friday for a family vacation in Japan. I still can't get the boys interested in Asian food. We will have a total number of 17 lunches and dinners while there. I set the over/under on the number of times we have to eat pizza at 7. Terri and the boys all looked at me, scoffed and then said "over". I will figure out a way to get some Gyudon and Gyoza while I am there.

More interesting food...

I think I have discussed the hot dogs here. You know when you go to the grocery store in the US and you see the hot dogs that are 'red'? Basically, all of them are like that and we avoid them completely. This one has cheese balls in them. Cheese of course is different here. Mainly a type of white cheddar. Regardless, I am avoiding them.

More, more pics of Cebu

More pics of Cebu

On The Road Again. Just Can't Wait To Be On The Road Again.

Hey guys it's Landon, sorry u guys haven't heard much from me, haven't gone to check the blog in awhile. I'm here to tell everybody 'bout Cebu. The first thing that gave me the feeling of being away from home was when at the airport i saw a sign on an automatic door that said in big black letters typed on yellow tape " CLEAR GLASS" Now several thoughts flashed into my head most of them were just things like "Do people need to be told that this is clear glass?" The poor travelers walking by thinking "Oh boy, someone did a good job painting whatever it is that's behind this door." or "Wow! When I go in front of it I'm painted on it!"

But the flight was ridiculous i couldn't finish my forty page magazine before we got there! The cars must be jealous!

The hotel was crazy, it has its own private beach! And tv speakers in the bathroom! And those cool clothesline things in the showers that look like bells! Here's a funny story that brennan might get mad about. ;). Brennan was taking a shower on Sunday afternoon after we came back from the beach, when he got out i went in and noticed my bathing suit was wetter than before, Brennan took a shower while the bathing suit was drying. And now for Brennan's amusement i will embarrass myself with a story. Me and my Dad were out jet skiing, and we were going against the waves so we were gettin some air. On one jump i accidentaly let go and smacked my forehead on the handlebars, but since I'm that masculine, no fears man you all know me to be, i stayed the rest of the ride, and only cried for a few minutes. So there. But seriously folks, as every comedian on earth would say, there was a lot to do there. Kayaking which is where I got a painful blister on my right hand that i am staring at right now. There was snorkeling where i lost the plastic diaphragm where i inhaled all the saltwater and had to get rescued, and there was the jetskiing. We also went golfing, me an dad, they only had six holes and it was only putting and chipping but i beat dad in two holes. Well not much else to say so our next vacation is to Corregidor, and not in the words of General Macarthur " I Shall Write Back".

The older brother of Julius?