tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30309451748995877262024-02-07T11:08:54.681-06:00Turning JapaneseThis page is an attempt to keep friends and family updated and force ya'll to remember me in my absence, as well as a reminder to me to journal and document all I'm doing, seeing, and thinking while living in Japan.Sarah Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538062137134649947noreply@blogger.comBlogger145125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030945174899587726.post-4768323821713625282010-03-09T15:34:00.008-06:002010-04-05T08:07:26.293-05:00I Heart Hiking in Japan: The EPIC Mt. MyogiJune 13th, 2009<br /><br />The day had FINALLY come! After approximately 382 failed attempts at hiking the infamous 'most lethal' mountain in Gunma, Mt. Myogi, the weather was finally JUST good enough to risk the climb.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXbwVXVzfiVUaiVn-Ro5mKqkEC2Gmg77ftISLp-aRWKhwD7QGHfUFgYAWPNjjfFDnGbksTddq4QxWri_3mxOdBskmAtwVph3GniwGCkP1_L-6ewgLzsWMKtdNI541Xx8fqdHGXYgCxd8u/s1600-h/P6130504.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXbwVXVzfiVUaiVn-Ro5mKqkEC2Gmg77ftISLp-aRWKhwD7QGHfUFgYAWPNjjfFDnGbksTddq4QxWri_3mxOdBskmAtwVph3GniwGCkP1_L-6ewgLzsWMKtdNI541Xx8fqdHGXYgCxd8u/s400/P6130504.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446755380808436066" border="0" /></a><br />Awesome off center, slanted group pic on timer off the roof of the car. Representing Maebashi die hards from left to right are: Takahashi #1, Alekh, me, Erin, Alex, Julie, Jen, and Laurel!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG878KJQSmJc_j5W0GB9qZD9hd0qqONr7dZaDIXjrnzZHqeeqncSYYxSHA0fBQ-lGumUThJbBe_GpYLe_r_13h8nwUKYW745rObiU3ABB1duYK3fEts7FMPSZK7dQk2z6-RedQY5sSRAlO/s1600-h/P6130505.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG878KJQSmJc_j5W0GB9qZD9hd0qqONr7dZaDIXjrnzZHqeeqncSYYxSHA0fBQ-lGumUThJbBe_GpYLe_r_13h8nwUKYW745rObiU3ABB1duYK3fEts7FMPSZK7dQk2z6-RedQY5sSRAlO/s400/P6130505.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446755374983189282" border="0" /></a><br />It starts off all Japanesey, shrine entrances and whatnot...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_wgFGAZRqt-Fiytdb076575WVyVfHHovmBiHAZ9qgpUM7vx90vT93HmcpQnhgZyjcH_Sjs5mPXO5OmcH-EoYJRxNLb8CqqxTvF9gri3O9EjZ76VwfwAKTBJNFVJ9lq2pIVNhmfd02qGTF/s1600-h/P6130507.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_wgFGAZRqt-Fiytdb076575WVyVfHHovmBiHAZ9qgpUM7vx90vT93HmcpQnhgZyjcH_Sjs5mPXO5OmcH-EoYJRxNLb8CqqxTvF9gri3O9EjZ76VwfwAKTBJNFVJ9lq2pIVNhmfd02qGTF/s400/P6130507.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446755362629280514" border="0" /></a><br />and there were even stairs, and a torii gate.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibBi-BYe7hUW3z0JY0Gif0a-v7v4anzTK4bgrHjnkQS-LpxoRLDc8vR7ZeWcMYqkIMxZmNKvBfjb8dERf_ZiNUf_pBrRKMNAJs6ovWOmspJH-sVwNyTJI6DTqi825lbMXUk9wErh-AxCMr/s1600-h/P6130508.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibBi-BYe7hUW3z0JY0Gif0a-v7v4anzTK4bgrHjnkQS-LpxoRLDc8vR7ZeWcMYqkIMxZmNKvBfjb8dERf_ZiNUf_pBrRKMNAJs6ovWOmspJH-sVwNyTJI6DTqi825lbMXUk9wErh-AxCMr/s400/P6130508.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446755352816061666" border="0" /></a><br />And then, the REAL hike began.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKU0DC4hId5QX7JHX83Zz7Tw9_OB643ICTJvPFedHkhOpD5HiAL6rK42hqJt5YZlQ_kkeyUShoSht6KUCXabw_b460kc5_v2HvWZBXiFisBeP0-xgyXP0XMh9E8xIXIB1jVUDsuVIt-BW_/s1600-h/P6130510.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKU0DC4hId5QX7JHX83Zz7Tw9_OB643ICTJvPFedHkhOpD5HiAL6rK42hqJt5YZlQ_kkeyUShoSht6KUCXabw_b460kc5_v2HvWZBXiFisBeP0-xgyXP0XMh9E8xIXIB1jVUDsuVIt-BW_/s400/P6130510.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446754847143400434" border="0" /></a><br />First and only real landmark of the trail: giant kanji.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87EqQBRXKrOzgpZzcfCwSmXpNd5w06mxOhUIV2hK5w_VrB8YzSrJlaDlNnswXUoTjcLDhp09LXW-4AHvg2qL-34_5TFLyuKwi75t8AvlHw3DS6jM8Lx3HraQt347Xarf1rrwNPSvK0sMA/s1600-h/P6130513b.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87EqQBRXKrOzgpZzcfCwSmXpNd5w06mxOhUIV2hK5w_VrB8YzSrJlaDlNnswXUoTjcLDhp09LXW-4AHvg2qL-34_5TFLyuKwi75t8AvlHw3DS6jM8Lx3HraQt347Xarf1rrwNPSvK0sMA/s400/P6130513b.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446754837534873730" border="0" /></a><br />Kanji kanji kanji.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj6ygaS4mPy0EHMDV_7qFGihge4BNnGrFCAOd4f-re78usZ1C0F9JdhNaaT3TgMZ6Ycad2oLmEW3mmxqLioPGgVd-OM3YcUgx8DBk3rjb-322ErZUm9ObrpecpYcCmfP4BjEYldlDQIk1w/s1600-h/P6130521.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj6ygaS4mPy0EHMDV_7qFGihge4BNnGrFCAOd4f-re78usZ1C0F9JdhNaaT3TgMZ6Ycad2oLmEW3mmxqLioPGgVd-OM3YcUgx8DBk3rjb-322ErZUm9ObrpecpYcCmfP4BjEYldlDQIk1w/s400/P6130521.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446754827710336178" border="0" /></a><br />Repelling.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_xEI4ZJFnBhNfrsJhT-fL7bAe6U1FLH66wDWmvUEltKU6Xrvq7gXVY4VBJE6LVlb3-Be15k_ZSWkxiYSknG_mkRyRHP_iTw42JwBhBl4cykWtCGoTdAohpK_vJ_sb8_ZiYBa8CbyA_84/s1600-h/P6130525b.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_xEI4ZJFnBhNfrsJhT-fL7bAe6U1FLH66wDWmvUEltKU6Xrvq7gXVY4VBJE6LVlb3-Be15k_ZSWkxiYSknG_mkRyRHP_iTw42JwBhBl4cykWtCGoTdAohpK_vJ_sb8_ZiYBa8CbyA_84/s400/P6130525b.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446754822283387442" border="0" /></a><br />Half way point where those exhausted... have a cigarette and whiskey. I heart Hiro.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQqUwgI8Ev6ha25zTR_6SjPFvWYICbK7FDBPXqIIx1hdpEpWvB5uj4mZbKXxbEmk3MJGC8DSc6oUtmqAVC6UpWOhgaazpdLHwVK_0rUpAJdfL3SZ1Tkbi_7B1yqvmNvXBtyBMc7DE_VARF/s1600-h/P6130529.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQqUwgI8Ev6ha25zTR_6SjPFvWYICbK7FDBPXqIIx1hdpEpWvB5uj4mZbKXxbEmk3MJGC8DSc6oUtmqAVC6UpWOhgaazpdLHwVK_0rUpAJdfL3SZ1Tkbi_7B1yqvmNvXBtyBMc7DE_VARF/s400/P6130529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446754817044797362" border="0" /></a><br />Or, if you're sane, food.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcsiVtw_Tk07AiKgNaWHskFAUiBWM70FcfNLaUra36Nl3Aj9iofNfGhAiK1T2QBBTFTgo4aw1-HHC00guWRLKmzqA5TUK0lMQYGEPhl0jQNw464Uac42nZR-sjrh10FU0a4g_thsCs5qLg/s1600-h/P6130530.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcsiVtw_Tk07AiKgNaWHskFAUiBWM70FcfNLaUra36Nl3Aj9iofNfGhAiK1T2QBBTFTgo4aw1-HHC00guWRLKmzqA5TUK0lMQYGEPhl0jQNw464Uac42nZR-sjrh10FU0a4g_thsCs5qLg/s400/P6130530.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446753782357402402" border="0" /></a><br />And we've reached a summit!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwe8JiHw_JskFjorzvcLfQLR5z1RX6Yk0v-fQLdt4Wesh2NYxdVaGh9NxHq5LjejeNG81uS_l1Jcn6oxfHjx6py1Bp1XuVIE-tN4JTMLGK3PpgN1pv5oKt5wxcKZF_2cf-IljSsR4PO3v/s1600-h/P6130532.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwe8JiHw_JskFjorzvcLfQLR5z1RX6Yk0v-fQLdt4Wesh2NYxdVaGh9NxHq5LjejeNG81uS_l1Jcn6oxfHjx6py1Bp1XuVIE-tN4JTMLGK3PpgN1pv5oKt5wxcKZF_2cf-IljSsR4PO3v/s400/P6130532.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446753774058146962" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7r_7oFVr0Gk4KI0PGD2Y3qNrjsQhd_9BeOemC-wZD8zybEteGO_XzEbRWJG7uBZ58cD30CuPiOka1R6fMTGhE8Qnr2b8xp-KCnyA7dO7AtgGTDVsblzgyBF6xlLZW2Bge9Zu8HgYneajH/s1600-h/P6130533a.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7r_7oFVr0Gk4KI0PGD2Y3qNrjsQhd_9BeOemC-wZD8zybEteGO_XzEbRWJG7uBZ58cD30CuPiOka1R6fMTGhE8Qnr2b8xp-KCnyA7dO7AtgGTDVsblzgyBF6xlLZW2Bge9Zu8HgYneajH/s400/P6130533a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446753768640304690" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwnonZpYDE8EUijbFCquYgndGVqZ47eLNKD5tPI_3EI7Zv-3Z7lqiVwteBvs49fTnw9jXxbTeDz5J5H9LmCygFyXE6DCU6brty0nTn-_gnHnfwuOU1hj2ov1t1CJcvP9AdjesV1ZpTMShk/s1600-h/P6130535.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwnonZpYDE8EUijbFCquYgndGVqZ47eLNKD5tPI_3EI7Zv-3Z7lqiVwteBvs49fTnw9jXxbTeDz5J5H9LmCygFyXE6DCU6brty0nTn-_gnHnfwuOU1hj2ov1t1CJcvP9AdjesV1ZpTMShk/s400/P6130535.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446753756820873218" border="0" /></a><br />Alex'll be comin' round the mountain when he comes (yee-haw!).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhECo7MJv9IVUc7MJRDLZscviG949eNEc8UD9Y6ZOR9hV3wF79onJHrB8quhRy39Myh32NQ2KFlaiQypdXd09BZpkXDvplhXG_NKbRsXISmXTKlVBmMcbfShvS4kptA5d-_nKnIIfMAB90G/s1600-h/P6130538.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhECo7MJv9IVUc7MJRDLZscviG949eNEc8UD9Y6ZOR9hV3wF79onJHrB8quhRy39Myh32NQ2KFlaiQypdXd09BZpkXDvplhXG_NKbRsXISmXTKlVBmMcbfShvS4kptA5d-_nKnIIfMAB90G/s400/P6130538.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446753750304943602" border="0" /></a><br />Julie standing in dismay as she sees yet another chain to abseil. You can do it!!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPTQf-Ch-ghkpxjbXpSCdCTMHpDwKmmWB_AMmfl436h1f9OKD-raTSwzs5jDB9hd-ZBavX8P3Y9ooLMT2fNFaBdcnkaI7GsV0fJD7HKK3t9zwbGJdUYkNuXdUTq9oQXybLfErfkYq5zlR/s1600-h/P6130541.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPTQf-Ch-ghkpxjbXpSCdCTMHpDwKmmWB_AMmfl436h1f9OKD-raTSwzs5jDB9hd-ZBavX8P3Y9ooLMT2fNFaBdcnkaI7GsV0fJD7HKK3t9zwbGJdUYkNuXdUTq9oQXybLfErfkYq5zlR/s400/P6130541.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446752823332524274" border="0" /></a><br />It didn't rain... but it wasn't clear skies. Still a pretty sweet view.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizMrABtVoIGNcdIHFJTyyxXOQx2zwfoiFjfLYPmZ3EogXhTa0QEJ36wMQFehhPFL0nEiiRK48EK5nExd4sPbMcVWFElaV-rH_0SfCYSfqt8tjJGcA9Ne57ZYiHbg-FKrrfqUcMnDP5OG0a/s1600-h/P6130550.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizMrABtVoIGNcdIHFJTyyxXOQx2zwfoiFjfLYPmZ3EogXhTa0QEJ36wMQFehhPFL0nEiiRK48EK5nExd4sPbMcVWFElaV-rH_0SfCYSfqt8tjJGcA9Ne57ZYiHbg-FKrrfqUcMnDP5OG0a/s400/P6130550.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446752818713352258" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Qak6K0hjROGWFdE2sj18mvVA9hQAMNWcc-DRU2vGnJuqEWVO1S8EoDsIikD-xZdQZJwaxQwqAHPgxoBWBfq4b7qgdeRmstFrV1wITa_nq7PtQaHKrXgIKUkoSTGol-gbG56iV8Do9eSR/s1600-h/P6130545.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Qak6K0hjROGWFdE2sj18mvVA9hQAMNWcc-DRU2vGnJuqEWVO1S8EoDsIikD-xZdQZJwaxQwqAHPgxoBWBfq4b7qgdeRmstFrV1wITa_nq7PtQaHKrXgIKUkoSTGol-gbG56iV8Do9eSR/s400/P6130545.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446752807888629074" border="0" /></a><br />Back at the arch near the base.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9zzCa4tGL64SSQXnjwvrsj6mqLZR5qpQ42Pkz0P5tJ10I-FA1dQtRVhzPBbsMNuErFJjSiQRwpGUBekvV0dwXnLV7QRuejpV42g5ndX_MAvDEmNDnBWUS_cWOHeib3M9N4F3lRn-H4G6o/s1600-h/P6130553.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9zzCa4tGL64SSQXnjwvrsj6mqLZR5qpQ42Pkz0P5tJ10I-FA1dQtRVhzPBbsMNuErFJjSiQRwpGUBekvV0dwXnLV7QRuejpV42g5ndX_MAvDEmNDnBWUS_cWOHeib3M9N4F3lRn-H4G6o/s400/P6130553.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446752794923236786" border="0" /></a><br />Don't feed monkeys onigiri bigger than themselves... they will explode.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQbzp-tIx-XSJKZlTlBHoCBYYWKMtCetVF7UA2WCz33_7kf8HjWDeDReseX_8-ohW_jPOS3L0a7OKbKDjYLUxf3y3R3A_p-3PT_nlB6TFYARlVbvvjbeLeOo77bSPebAp1gjis2Fnpf0X/s1600-h/P6130554.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQbzp-tIx-XSJKZlTlBHoCBYYWKMtCetVF7UA2WCz33_7kf8HjWDeDReseX_8-ohW_jPOS3L0a7OKbKDjYLUxf3y3R3A_p-3PT_nlB6TFYARlVbvvjbeLeOo77bSPebAp1gjis2Fnpf0X/s400/P6130554.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446752789867656482" border="0" /></a><br />Boooo - made it back to the lot just in time to miss out on softserve strawberry ice cream:(<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_CqJLQhn0gbmnGoJ0dd1xf_mSteBPMfkcalZSFQ31om3brnyMEBrzmXZNTnBOfFYVj488hgj6k71WeV1DKXI5EQ9yUJ2juYmyIVBfGDjkmsHbKxmvUav957gBcPkG8iL4HInzqdrXHhP/s1600-h/P6130559.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_CqJLQhn0gbmnGoJ0dd1xf_mSteBPMfkcalZSFQ31om3brnyMEBrzmXZNTnBOfFYVj488hgj6k71WeV1DKXI5EQ9yUJ2juYmyIVBfGDjkmsHbKxmvUav957gBcPkG8iL4HInzqdrXHhP/s400/P6130559.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446751846204442722" border="0" /></a><br />Dominated it!<br />Most lethal, my butt! We kicked YOUR butt, Myogi!<br />One and a half years after the anticipation regarding the challenge that is Mt. Myogi left me, quite frankly, disappointed. Was I more sore than I had ever been before in my life? Yes. Did some people reroute half way through? Yes. But not one person died. There wasn't even a major, or minor, injury! Bring Kilimanjaro on!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6-0XAjKZQ3c3p1WE7ZHNQq7HySa_mdw-rNafTJlqGeNXWJgomig6zE3XHvrApXmAvx1WPCLpwip52QFWxSRGrBuEUuF04b8qmxkNQGpm6jWCgl7h3SyHzQcqVxK30Nv2y7QOD2OzCcIc/s1600-h/P6130560.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 196px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6-0XAjKZQ3c3p1WE7ZHNQq7HySa_mdw-rNafTJlqGeNXWJgomig6zE3XHvrApXmAvx1WPCLpwip52QFWxSRGrBuEUuF04b8qmxkNQGpm6jWCgl7h3SyHzQcqVxK30Nv2y7QOD2OzCcIc/s400/P6130560.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446751844037159970" border="0" /></a><br />Post hike onsen and ice cream.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBTfNTBRl3M5_mpMWzYWZPFWt1P3tUz3rl1SClloh6jEnJKD-dRhsEzY12TNPVi3yKKSwfbsy0x8LB0uyZ-IirlTn0Cn2oah_EuSSyWs_MnfmklcLZ69C7wPZ93xDfjtqN80lotoiCSNzD/s1600-h/P6130561.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBTfNTBRl3M5_mpMWzYWZPFWt1P3tUz3rl1SClloh6jEnJKD-dRhsEzY12TNPVi3yKKSwfbsy0x8LB0uyZ-IirlTn0Cn2oah_EuSSyWs_MnfmklcLZ69C7wPZ93xDfjtqN80lotoiCSNzD/s400/P6130561.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446751830189005234" border="0" /></a><br />And a return to the post best hike cuisine: Sushi-Ro 100 yen sushi!!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVv-j-9CaCcIP2eZXn17ytzrIMdmPZQnd4Z0fCcg3AdEp0P2IY51oI0jii4KGQVAM-ZWOdZ7NlC9ViUXQ1KV5w_6cP1pay6rDUvepDkjbl3UZ5yrHFwJ8U6HmPUpxzIDw6sb263VVOb8lo/s1600-h/P6130562.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVv-j-9CaCcIP2eZXn17ytzrIMdmPZQnd4Z0fCcg3AdEp0P2IY51oI0jii4KGQVAM-ZWOdZ7NlC9ViUXQ1KV5w_6cP1pay6rDUvepDkjbl3UZ5yrHFwJ8U6HmPUpxzIDw6sb263VVOb8lo/s400/P6130562.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446751822615102754" border="0" /></a><br />Yum yum, eat 'em up!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc46loZ5Hu8fohP97FJHaIEKkoSEGfS_NGXC23I2rGWJnF6IcN_nOKiMq3fVkGT790xulZ4hkiRpaU7PwpePyT7bvZBoQOUM4BWQrwpZOUyga1feP7mFXZK1n0IAsB4huHxcQbimtR11df/s1600-h/P6130565.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc46loZ5Hu8fohP97FJHaIEKkoSEGfS_NGXC23I2rGWJnF6IcN_nOKiMq3fVkGT790xulZ4hkiRpaU7PwpePyT7bvZBoQOUM4BWQrwpZOUyga1feP7mFXZK1n0IAsB4huHxcQbimtR11df/s400/P6130565.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446751818242705730" border="0" /></a>Sarah Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538062137134649947noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030945174899587726.post-10513667855561449942010-03-09T15:27:00.005-06:002010-04-05T08:07:45.248-05:00I Heart Hiking in Japan: Kiryuu EditionJune 7th, 2009<br /><br />Andy: "Wanna hike a mountain in Kiryuu?"<br />Me: "OKAY!"<br /><br />No bus in sight, we get a cab. Cab takes us to a corner. We must walk another hour up roads to get to the trail head. It is gorgeous, so I don't mind one bit. Yay for sun, FINALLY!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBQEvoSSjPwuhMNCDY8ryOLU55TXb0w5cRI5XitHocZgqEx28FyFVs3KU6MJHO9Gr7T2Bct6qffzY02huO2ETndnYvdETZeJbchb3rCSkNXKc9ZEmVAAPQw8n4yAeHfQhd5bwKVvJLGDc/s1600-h/P6070691.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBQEvoSSjPwuhMNCDY8ryOLU55TXb0w5cRI5XitHocZgqEx28FyFVs3KU6MJHO9Gr7T2Bct6qffzY02huO2ETndnYvdETZeJbchb3rCSkNXKc9ZEmVAAPQw8n4yAeHfQhd5bwKVvJLGDc/s400/P6070691.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446750339898747314" border="0" /></a><br />The heat and 60 degree incline ain't got nothin' on Uri, clearly the most prepared with a man-purse, short shorts, and sandals.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKn_24pf6lUTlvAnpoTO1SS2CJgrGBmLWP0nisuK46_eap6IfoWP_Hd82mUXnjvFJ82kJ7j0cTFz0XhgSOR_3iZzOHoAAD82IPJdUUgss4KmoErfVaRh54Jn1__ImIgtT_EqAc9Q4R24pN/s1600-h/P6070693.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKn_24pf6lUTlvAnpoTO1SS2CJgrGBmLWP0nisuK46_eap6IfoWP_Hd82mUXnjvFJ82kJ7j0cTFz0XhgSOR_3iZzOHoAAD82IPJdUUgss4KmoErfVaRh54Jn1__ImIgtT_EqAc9Q4R24pN/s400/P6070693.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446750325485417586" border="0" /></a><br />Alex and Andy on the other hand... well, they perspired a lot more than Uri.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbWC8HVShYeNGTDgBcNpU5jScimerYGMFDR7dKzek5fUpDW3uZkhABHvBvAv0i-1KmiSbTi0ldGJyk4AnuOwBlA_xSh-ObuVWD3kTJaxIHScyeXZChBRoN8nlL1XNc6DmYIx5p_2xN_1Re/s1600-h/P6070694.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbWC8HVShYeNGTDgBcNpU5jScimerYGMFDR7dKzek5fUpDW3uZkhABHvBvAv0i-1KmiSbTi0ldGJyk4AnuOwBlA_xSh-ObuVWD3kTJaxIHScyeXZChBRoN8nlL1XNc6DmYIx5p_2xN_1Re/s400/P6070694.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446750319304290738" border="0" /></a><br />We never actually reached a summit, per say. But since we weren't positive where we were were and figured time wasn't on on our side, we turned around here. Great view!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjQk2fXZKr57L6IWNeQsZIAX0Isvtf9pQkXehpSj6JoZycSHpHqdX2xxc0_UnxJ-YgYnhI9aU1gSupNMB5jsCecv0WlHVxxeaJzQw6xtNaKXybke6mGcXOv-QMiPlnDNmK0iU-ixjB0-o/s1600-h/P6070695.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjQk2fXZKr57L6IWNeQsZIAX0Isvtf9pQkXehpSj6JoZycSHpHqdX2xxc0_UnxJ-YgYnhI9aU1gSupNMB5jsCecv0WlHVxxeaJzQw6xtNaKXybke6mGcXOv-QMiPlnDNmK0iU-ixjB0-o/s400/P6070695.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446750309626226850" border="0" /></a><br />Mmmm - Soyjoys!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgt4jv4G8V0PoETE2Vt2MR0FDemlrdpksnEf-ZrrVc11JKgpPQn6kNjchTF0CoJcymH1oVZp1RtjsYIhK6XemrtNw_MMD9j1eBudtoHBf7GewECQ-HGEr1ZZjp_XATM7K91AMkZUIRfPo/s1600-h/P6070697.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgt4jv4G8V0PoETE2Vt2MR0FDemlrdpksnEf-ZrrVc11JKgpPQn6kNjchTF0CoJcymH1oVZp1RtjsYIhK6XemrtNw_MMD9j1eBudtoHBf7GewECQ-HGEr1ZZjp_XATM7K91AMkZUIRfPo/s400/P6070697.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446749903860840850" border="0" /></a><br />Random kids' drawings lined the start of the trail. This was for sure my favorite.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0N4fWnAyBz8N8nN4makHgnqEoExuIdaBzPY6ixIoFE3AHeqnqNhjbPBvc2S7ktAB6BaVZckbWpNXzyc5VjqiAL2c0W8bu3p_3NU_16rl9YsEqcccxj6vtQMiXZdBmIE1gckuHxm5dMycK/s1600-h/P6070700.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0N4fWnAyBz8N8nN4makHgnqEoExuIdaBzPY6ixIoFE3AHeqnqNhjbPBvc2S7ktAB6BaVZckbWpNXzyc5VjqiAL2c0W8bu3p_3NU_16rl9YsEqcccxj6vtQMiXZdBmIE1gckuHxm5dMycK/s400/P6070700.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446749898228000946" border="0" /></a><br />Two-leaved flowers?!?!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsVdL_Uowbp_mptXq8ww9zA_SWWa4mOQotrx3bo7plEeHTMRhXZ_r1m4BXgnU93eJ99RWcqq7_VmOioDhNAkjwd6Hax1yHwcJTsmqMgl78hE2v1wTbhowNhxmslT0ZrKFOL1AkJ-69WRHY/s1600-h/P6070703.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsVdL_Uowbp_mptXq8ww9zA_SWWa4mOQotrx3bo7plEeHTMRhXZ_r1m4BXgnU93eJ99RWcqq7_VmOioDhNAkjwd6Hax1yHwcJTsmqMgl78hE2v1wTbhowNhxmslT0ZrKFOL1AkJ-69WRHY/s400/P6070703.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446749889556626754" border="0" /></a><br />We made it! To the start, so we can walk another hour back to a bus stop.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtBiIAbcTFzX7BcgAnrGyuCFW-Zqw9mCsCe8uiRgwZdd8gtqbASao4cdQ8trx2v3LhD2eju_v0gdImwd3ex3fZMCbpsROtQT-48VBFgIwwoUkrysjhkeAMxk0LPAognalQqMFlp-HQCwWo/s1600-h/P6070705.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtBiIAbcTFzX7BcgAnrGyuCFW-Zqw9mCsCe8uiRgwZdd8gtqbASao4cdQ8trx2v3LhD2eju_v0gdImwd3ex3fZMCbpsROtQT-48VBFgIwwoUkrysjhkeAMxk0LPAognalQqMFlp-HQCwWo/s400/P6070705.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446749880678567842" border="0" /></a><br />Best post hike (or post school festival in Byron's case) dinner: Sushi!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3g9bCtIJ6-SkmeGy1ieRzeP-XgQ9-k21U454CWsnqjZ2T6QS4T9ywSsrXMiGYobtW8GHz3PjOD-iX9bQBMMDRJyAWYK-tJX9H9o1NqOdTiY2eqIPmVizleZqPTY8Im9Ogs2VXJ7VuD75w/s1600-h/P6070706.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3g9bCtIJ6-SkmeGy1ieRzeP-XgQ9-k21U454CWsnqjZ2T6QS4T9ywSsrXMiGYobtW8GHz3PjOD-iX9bQBMMDRJyAWYK-tJX9H9o1NqOdTiY2eqIPmVizleZqPTY8Im9Ogs2VXJ7VuD75w/s400/P6070706.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446749870851052978" border="0" /></a>Sarah Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538062137134649947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030945174899587726.post-71283466179389232502010-02-26T13:31:00.007-06:002010-02-26T14:53:12.242-06:00Six Months, 18 days, and some odd hours after I've left Japan, I WRITE AGAIN!Six months, 18 days, and some odd hours after I have left Japan, and I am FINALLY dedicating some time to writing in my beloved blog. I could think of a million and one reasons why it's taken me this long to write.<br />It's not that I forgot about ya, 'ol blog, or anyone that still somehow, somewhere still occasionally checks my page for updates. No, no. Quite the opposite, in fact. I've thought about you frequently. I've visited you, and revisited you in hopes of brewing nostalgia, which you successfully deliver every time. I feel I've let down reader(s?) with my far from timely reports. My failure to really give you the love, attention, and refining additions you deserve lie in my fear of your demise. I fear that by writing those final entries from my last adventures in Japan and South Korea, I will be officially closing my book on epic world wide adventures. I fear that people will no longer be interested in hearing from me. Life in Wisconsin is great, but thrillingly exciting it is not. I know that travel bug itch of mine shall never be fully scratched, however and the adventures will continue for years and years to come. SO, I owe it to myself, and my reader(s?) to reach back to archives (over 8 months ago now - shame on me!) and blog away about the best of times in Japan, South Korea, and even update my friends abroad about adventures in the midwest America.<br /><br />My last blog was all about Malaysia. A pretty perfect adventure in my opinion and one that will be hard to surpass in awesomeness for future expeditions. It definitely prepared me for May in Japan, which brought about some pretty stellar hikes. Here are some pictures from my first overnight hike with the man, the myth, the legend leader: Tomo. We headed to Mt. Ryogami in Saitama for the adventure.<br /><br />About to start up the two day hike after trains and buses galore. And yes, I'm wearing spandex under my shorts. It's all the rage in hiking fashion these days.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkF2BGvtLqSgNHmvwnN4BbyRT8uwlyCPyqWjcp86IBXOEypzLdcfQ8HoLA9cQOVPn7DbsQnCFGwHpXHH7Zqrw2uoWWN-P3dqoY8_WqXb7vyNaBNX0FBFDWDKMqtnmiQmOUXBbM4zKfeVda/s1600-h/P5160490.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkF2BGvtLqSgNHmvwnN4BbyRT8uwlyCPyqWjcp86IBXOEypzLdcfQ8HoLA9cQOVPn7DbsQnCFGwHpXHH7Zqrw2uoWWN-P3dqoY8_WqXb7vyNaBNX0FBFDWDKMqtnmiQmOUXBbM4zKfeVda/s400/P5160490.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442643823889651986" border="0" /></a><br />Tomo: such a poser.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOl_gCqgBInkKkhl1pJkNqYs4opogwnRhdEqv-IhJ4EWJtiZm3rF2-wp6z5nRdVNXXCG7WZek_laTroNa4L5N5DWKTb8IpgJwqlQlRXY3dtbklkhlxTF1YzFQ3HPygNDVE8BxWump2wT8/s1600-h/P5160491.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOl_gCqgBInkKkhl1pJkNqYs4opogwnRhdEqv-IhJ4EWJtiZm3rF2-wp6z5nRdVNXXCG7WZek_laTroNa4L5N5DWKTb8IpgJwqlQlRXY3dtbklkhlxTF1YzFQ3HPygNDVE8BxWump2wT8/s400/P5160491.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442643827811885506" border="0" /></a><br />All good Japanese hikers come in bright, solid, multicolored apparel.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpWuT_27D1-RM0h0F8WzfdgbzpyO98wfymFxjVP4gUd6xoeYSGxgWGDqwydoKGln4xhUlwVFKWXU377NECMTXynBeUPPQLCMgb9rvSTkmgebVzghj5jyUuMuMoNJqIhlzpePaS81NbglB/s1600-h/P5160496.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpWuT_27D1-RM0h0F8WzfdgbzpyO98wfymFxjVP4gUd6xoeYSGxgWGDqwydoKGln4xhUlwVFKWXU377NECMTXynBeUPPQLCMgb9rvSTkmgebVzghj5jyUuMuMoNJqIhlzpePaS81NbglB/s400/P5160496.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442643830547116114" border="0" /></a><br />Setting up/watching Tomo set up the tents for the night.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqzQrdTHkOiBIGAAGVlrq-Vvz0NIKk7GUGB8kzW20FMQxL9GNSv-o1-dQiOrg1UJG7bu567lxpJTW4LHqV6u0r0dlE07e1HPyabnMCUC201O1e0BbKOdt36LTn4AmEkbaOtvNFYF-y7Soa/s1600-h/P5160497.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqzQrdTHkOiBIGAAGVlrq-Vvz0NIKk7GUGB8kzW20FMQxL9GNSv-o1-dQiOrg1UJG7bu567lxpJTW4LHqV6u0r0dlE07e1HPyabnMCUC201O1e0BbKOdt36LTn4AmEkbaOtvNFYF-y7Soa/s400/P5160497.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442643839502425650" border="0" /></a><br />And then continuing on to a peak - there's still sunlight to use! Eri miiiiight be the cutest hiker, ever.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK3l7nIuEGd0pmIrmMB7Z6sJQtyk2qihFT8YoFcT7mg3j9se5TZNzFCHacme8yDJpJ_UsPLpd7o2BSosnLmr2CXrmYv-ersTXZB4_k2ptPNT6YlqXpSKDzxIEs0aJC-quWwQU7HHKTD6qa/s1600-h/P5160499.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK3l7nIuEGd0pmIrmMB7Z6sJQtyk2qihFT8YoFcT7mg3j9se5TZNzFCHacme8yDJpJ_UsPLpd7o2BSosnLmr2CXrmYv-ersTXZB4_k2ptPNT6YlqXpSKDzxIEs0aJC-quWwQU7HHKTD6qa/s400/P5160499.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442643844778935314" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitPLxjFAV_IoFP-A2uEw6iEJffc2XaZk-SJ7kpSdBQkagFCtMWPVctFQ3f9r7c1ITOBVAU3tULyZtgK_mwBR12rr2MsK2HUuUIEeXOWPi2_prah66YWEeK7IXs63w211wP0OfEtnq9mXCa/s1600-h/P5160500.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitPLxjFAV_IoFP-A2uEw6iEJffc2XaZk-SJ7kpSdBQkagFCtMWPVctFQ3f9r7c1ITOBVAU3tULyZtgK_mwBR12rr2MsK2HUuUIEeXOWPi2_prah66YWEeK7IXs63w211wP0OfEtnq9mXCa/s400/P5160500.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442648858112404370" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The mist burned off a bit at the top so we got to see these perty flowers. Masuda-san was all about video things with his phone that weekend.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9lyDtXzPctvTyFfYEaqLUK8o82KmDQ7CgIrYCtnT6ISYYH6y80VGzfFyERSZLbmTAgfrBL_FbleJ0gXGuZMbT-m11FETni35GAg7c_V8xp2B6IfjltbxTIT-lmb61e8tzh0ATyby2oOHM/s1600-h/P5160504.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9lyDtXzPctvTyFfYEaqLUK8o82KmDQ7CgIrYCtnT6ISYYH6y80VGzfFyERSZLbmTAgfrBL_FbleJ0gXGuZMbT-m11FETni35GAg7c_V8xp2B6IfjltbxTIT-lmb61e8tzh0ATyby2oOHM/s400/P5160504.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442648865176647554" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfb9kFJC-r79e7kLlEv0kla7j8CH4DT9CD4_iuJOwRe-Y2Ocmoqu19rBWxNC2B2K43aPTzkzpMGVG46xve97OnPPJOoOqaH0uhFQCc-hCN4qUle_UMEZGJpuEd6LByEiw3Rw2hMUSOXNA/s1600-h/P5160505.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfb9kFJC-r79e7kLlEv0kla7j8CH4DT9CD4_iuJOwRe-Y2Ocmoqu19rBWxNC2B2K43aPTzkzpMGVG46xve97OnPPJOoOqaH0uhFQCc-hCN4qUle_UMEZGJpuEd6LByEiw3Rw2hMUSOXNA/s400/P5160505.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442648871240748338" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBVpWubHtQwOKv8Aj7k5Ul0DNhASTO2CxlcRtouacGw_NELz8ndcvhbb3OKNY_yWLcMHBZJsiWJBBO5hizw_tnDdiI2ECwUfAF_lg8ynVfYV13naz1fdpJ92wNHX_OLhhPxm1RzHfgsMoe/s1600-h/P5160506.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBVpWubHtQwOKv8Aj7k5Ul0DNhASTO2CxlcRtouacGw_NELz8ndcvhbb3OKNY_yWLcMHBZJsiWJBBO5hizw_tnDdiI2ECwUfAF_lg8ynVfYV13naz1fdpJ92wNHX_OLhhPxm1RzHfgsMoe/s400/P5160506.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442648873943043746" border="0" /></a><br />Eri had 'lil cake thingys to celebrate our arrival at a peak. Woo-hoo!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4WDOdOt4ZI4_EIGxuwDY_ZVeJPgM3vxCr4iQRgxkeiuyu9y6aduTr0gjJNW8Hlfsz73kcWNHssi8gLwr0lByua020B8a2NXpaFeLFPDqlWCaa4Es9GG3oKOpe7DVIHSk7lGcwKe2BrTde/s1600-h/P5160515.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4WDOdOt4ZI4_EIGxuwDY_ZVeJPgM3vxCr4iQRgxkeiuyu9y6aduTr0gjJNW8Hlfsz73kcWNHssi8gLwr0lByua020B8a2NXpaFeLFPDqlWCaa4Es9GG3oKOpe7DVIHSk7lGcwKe2BrTde/s400/P5160515.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442648881131036578" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVkjLPW5GYiJd5VQsOcn93rv6BvOUYch6IS8QfmK1_C0tlxC7DsXxXs7rAte1JAsX8NrHZ4lxmtueu6k_y6JMm8LazLriA4OVimHycdzbghiEWpWaUwRy2YI7HaaplYrHH62WMLdpwqvDg/s1600-h/P5160522.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVkjLPW5GYiJd5VQsOcn93rv6BvOUYch6IS8QfmK1_C0tlxC7DsXxXs7rAte1JAsX8NrHZ4lxmtueu6k_y6JMm8LazLriA4OVimHycdzbghiEWpWaUwRy2YI7HaaplYrHH62WMLdpwqvDg/s400/P5160522.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442650976989374290" border="0" /></a><br />Camping dinners for Japanese are so unbelievably impressive. While Julie and I would be perfectly content with our Clif or Luna bars, everyone around us was whipping out pots, pans, whole fish, noodles, pickled vegetables, mochi, tea,... enough for a 3 course meal - for real. It was insane (ly awesome!).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmtmf6EBtxGB44piI484fiukbqhP0HDNEHwXhgb17EepdhjGrDLWlfLGVyJ3NQummfVYm-89oQ96V1HVXivC2wJHiQPliEYct_U5aOFh2nGrzVaNBldnZkmLJmI4mk7Xub-HwBh3Ja3sX9/s1600-h/P5160529.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmtmf6EBtxGB44piI484fiukbqhP0HDNEHwXhgb17EepdhjGrDLWlfLGVyJ3NQummfVYm-89oQ96V1HVXivC2wJHiQPliEYct_U5aOFh2nGrzVaNBldnZkmLJmI4mk7Xub-HwBh3Ja3sX9/s400/P5160529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442650986699763858" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGS33-l3bj9BwUJbrDRg03bpxiuDbQlpy0iCBZ2H80m3epvn-F1tTvtflWRlSMvlhE5eq6MTf1GelmBeTLI2lvWAUbMDNZCp5AhB6rssb1HatmueUKi7hVrNqfdE8lfh3CUTCS1US3EV4T/s1600-h/P5160531.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGS33-l3bj9BwUJbrDRg03bpxiuDbQlpy0iCBZ2H80m3epvn-F1tTvtflWRlSMvlhE5eq6MTf1GelmBeTLI2lvWAUbMDNZCp5AhB6rssb1HatmueUKi7hVrNqfdE8lfh3CUTCS1US3EV4T/s400/P5160531.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442650999061852914" border="0" /></a><br />Of course any good hiker makes enough room in his pack for beer, as it gets dark by 6pm... and then it's a looong time til sunrise. Masuda-san demonstrates how to enjoy a camping night.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQg2dZB1pNznamDY_yGDk4SfErQSD_NunzUA_8REminFc4uLA8CXT9eVSINJ6OJUBvuhOrCj120h4vO0VFLoX_fvTlVHmDegb7pWHfCIH00mTnJk37wTTLUvY1PAM5MzyFDmtB52VAeZG/s1600-h/P5160534.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQg2dZB1pNznamDY_yGDk4SfErQSD_NunzUA_8REminFc4uLA8CXT9eVSINJ6OJUBvuhOrCj120h4vO0VFLoX_fvTlVHmDegb7pWHfCIH00mTnJk37wTTLUvY1PAM5MzyFDmtB52VAeZG/s400/P5160534.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442651013581863986" border="0" /></a>3:30am rise to decide whether the weather was good enough to continue or whether the mountain wins again and we have to go back down the same route we came up... guess what happened?<br />At least there was sunrise and breakfast!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQ0ErZgU4wgXBO660lfa1_pqRVbHt6oJgv91TA_n7GESVwG1kKqsdc3awVU7IkOUGDckPt86hc4aOK-bXw53MW8jrVE-3JXwZtS2P3FV4Z9gZsplaVnzXv2vRfefiHCNZVGhamt7R1p9y/s1600-h/P5170545.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQ0ErZgU4wgXBO660lfa1_pqRVbHt6oJgv91TA_n7GESVwG1kKqsdc3awVU7IkOUGDckPt86hc4aOK-bXw53MW8jrVE-3JXwZtS2P3FV4Z9gZsplaVnzXv2vRfefiHCNZVGhamt7R1p9y/s400/P5170545.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442651021582134818" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj8u14VnuwcPTzYDx-hpFVfYVct9bSt_i65X0KF03oZOc3NX8PVvBT8FyxXosuky56cvKmqaGxgckGHl851grIb8U58YsApy1kN1kjlfs7MG3QQtd-TrhJc2uQCd-w78nsltzoRXcn9Wh0/s1600-h/P5170548.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj8u14VnuwcPTzYDx-hpFVfYVct9bSt_i65X0KF03oZOc3NX8PVvBT8FyxXosuky56cvKmqaGxgckGHl851grIb8U58YsApy1kN1kjlfs7MG3QQtd-TrhJc2uQCd-w78nsltzoRXcn9Wh0/s400/P5170548.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442652547396718210" border="0" /></a>Perty mountain flowers.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhozOWSg3Fx4HU4wVp72tnUDWJUeO6LoL10zIc4T9ESQEEAmzdhyphenhyphen7ZjPTEmbJVb5eASfFGwrxzizF56MwVd3yEB0r9YIQxGreBhbQN5plexwsaMuDaRYtQbbOEPXUjmri323XncrdE8Za2V/s1600-h/P5170550.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhozOWSg3Fx4HU4wVp72tnUDWJUeO6LoL10zIc4T9ESQEEAmzdhyphenhyphen7ZjPTEmbJVb5eASfFGwrxzizF56MwVd3yEB0r9YIQxGreBhbQN5plexwsaMuDaRYtQbbOEPXUjmri323XncrdE8Za2V/s400/P5170550.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442652550709308610" border="0" /></a>Traversing over rivers.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKwG5c0rp7pyULZaFHEZSs3Wxd6TBMrodKUzYdB2wTLkeFpZBjAhd6b1ynFueV9vPjfqVvarJ6cZnYxnf4eS_ophyphenhyphenDfp3RO3UXYM8o-eSM5ya465vEi3qy7KefvECr_pY00vf49vOhqWsB/s1600-h/P5170560.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKwG5c0rp7pyULZaFHEZSs3Wxd6TBMrodKUzYdB2wTLkeFpZBjAhd6b1ynFueV9vPjfqVvarJ6cZnYxnf4eS_ophyphenhyphenDfp3RO3UXYM8o-eSM5ya465vEi3qy7KefvECr_pY00vf49vOhqWsB/s400/P5170560.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442652559127530994" border="0" /></a>When we finally made it down, we trusted Tomo to get us on the right buses back. We made it, eventually.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7Ya2pQHmWS57OCrWXfpdPRCfCRich6yXIQG2alC_z3eNtLdqRMa0trizDJ2tDBunmCpnVWvyY49k6f4jntFisMkVVsU_L_XJ4vll9sqNBcDCOYNQLt7BlYOpb8hvhgubELfYi9VJRj_j/s1600-h/P5170575.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7Ya2pQHmWS57OCrWXfpdPRCfCRich6yXIQG2alC_z3eNtLdqRMa0trizDJ2tDBunmCpnVWvyY49k6f4jntFisMkVVsU_L_XJ4vll9sqNBcDCOYNQLt7BlYOpb8hvhgubELfYi9VJRj_j/s400/P5170575.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442652565466422194" border="0" /></a>Not without stopping for ice cream though, of course.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBSGzCjOZ-7nVhByoYVLemuJbHzS9QpJbs8NTta6IktV9xAFhDZNPz51kepYHsZb6t-Soyrf3JAVhpp1VA7AX5p5wHErdXDYsE3la33Jfn4-IXnoUyOFqvlC9V3qvHqNu7uYNCVS_rM2u/s1600-h/P5170578.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBSGzCjOZ-7nVhByoYVLemuJbHzS9QpJbs8NTta6IktV9xAFhDZNPz51kepYHsZb6t-Soyrf3JAVhpp1VA7AX5p5wHErdXDYsE3la33Jfn4-IXnoUyOFqvlC9V3qvHqNu7uYNCVS_rM2u/s400/P5170578.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442652571260845426" border="0" /></a>More May madness hike posts to come. And I promise it won't take me six months to do it this time!Sarah Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538062137134649947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030945174899587726.post-86010691717693072592009-07-21T20:22:00.014-05:002010-02-15T22:30:58.353-06:00Malaysia Take Ten: Tioman Island Marks the EndSingapore hawker stalls? Check! Malaysian jungle? Check! Caves? Check! Rivers? Check! Culture? Check! Hiking to the top of mountains? Check! Capital city and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Petronas</span> Towers? Check!<br /><br /><em>Requirements for final destination:</em> beach, ocean, cheap booze. Ice Cream and fish (seeing and eating) are a plus. <em>Final destination pick:</em> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pulau</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tioman</span> island.<br /><br />To get there from KL required an overnight bus (which turned out to be the high school party bus with teens noshing on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">KFC</span> and talking <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">allllll</span> night long) followed by a ferry ride.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDVG1-eJxoYeiqOYivNXUGmm-n5qLThwuyDaKgh5omys6mEC2mNkxeFFgnR-4EdJOYDaO9hDYTb6sWvHw9oPhrQgv05JzxZY24w6xobl447PZT2IWCBBM5f9cg43_8zavo0-nfL9cg9tMM/s1600-h/KL+to+Mersing+Map.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 348px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361106027564462514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDVG1-eJxoYeiqOYivNXUGmm-n5qLThwuyDaKgh5omys6mEC2mNkxeFFgnR-4EdJOYDaO9hDYTb6sWvHw9oPhrQgv05JzxZY24w6xobl447PZT2IWCBBM5f9cg43_8zavo0-nfL9cg9tMM/s400/KL+to+Mersing+Map.jpg" /></a> The ferry left from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mersing</span>, a tiny coast town known only for it's <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">ferry access</span> to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tioman</span>. We arrived at 4:30am: dark enough to make for a somewhat intimidating walk to the ferry but early enough to see the gorgeous sunrise before boarding at 7:30am.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWKmhOtStbf_2HdgutZysMe44KYZNSuXKyk8nhDCvI7ps9dhC4PTXbmFuAXaKSEjBE7mPc8AxcOD1Rfw63LHTtQiUrxC46PSTV3Hw8dJwOacDghnHTjwsOL3JYS1ZhO1RC14EJbNuAmgiS/s1600-h/P5060251.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361097316535544930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWKmhOtStbf_2HdgutZysMe44KYZNSuXKyk8nhDCvI7ps9dhC4PTXbmFuAXaKSEjBE7mPc8AxcOD1Rfw63LHTtQiUrxC46PSTV3Hw8dJwOacDghnHTjwsOL3JYS1ZhO1RC14EJbNuAmgiS/s400/P5060251.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhs_eWJq3s0ukzY6CEV2S6Sp0pSWJhMGJ4E-T3WlFT6vsCPdkcL3bDH-l37zW2GO86zXpsZfXG_1UMOIMh_N0Xk3JukVbaGYugjI5wGVQ6bGJ2u9v3E0ng6hg7IQW66ikvoRsZTtXwq3d/s1600-h/P5060253.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361097232134780450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhs_eWJq3s0ukzY6CEV2S6Sp0pSWJhMGJ4E-T3WlFT6vsCPdkcL3bDH-l37zW2GO86zXpsZfXG_1UMOIMh_N0Xk3JukVbaGYugjI5wGVQ6bGJ2u9v3E0ng6hg7IQW66ikvoRsZTtXwq3d/s400/P5060253.JPG" /></a> On the ferry, I made a new Canadian born, now nomadic, 76 year old friend. He was awesome. We rocked out to jazz the whole way there, because of course a 76 year old would have his mp3 player on him.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpi4hiLUmirEj9bpRWaFaLGGnqHOnx8VUlSzEGI9Hk-qBiA41yfz3rtAluOrvof0oc4kuLBLtOV-rxfTNZgZ5GUvJHvSfwdeh8ZlNWjcgktFf9KipnRXp-eFpO3gGpdKXCQlRcSjqXhF_H/s1600-h/P5060258.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 296px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361097080642985458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpi4hiLUmirEj9bpRWaFaLGGnqHOnx8VUlSzEGI9Hk-qBiA41yfz3rtAluOrvof0oc4kuLBLtOV-rxfTNZgZ5GUvJHvSfwdeh8ZlNWjcgktFf9KipnRXp-eFpO3gGpdKXCQlRcSjqXhF_H/s400/P5060258.JPG" /></a> Meanwhile, Julie was dying. It was a pretty choppy ride.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPOJDtrBwvhPtWHZ7lgpX8sjyZbpsF2miA9lmT3LmsSP4IHnvc0HUych_uiqZNVeN88AhGPF3ghiKF4RjiqKjevdNZTAifwE4xzT_y4_V4-oT5GYWtVRqxVfPSXkLJNx8M2K4ocDj5QhAC/s1600-h/P5060259.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361097071471989250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPOJDtrBwvhPtWHZ7lgpX8sjyZbpsF2miA9lmT3LmsSP4IHnvc0HUych_uiqZNVeN88AhGPF3ghiKF4RjiqKjevdNZTAifwE4xzT_y4_V4-oT5GYWtVRqxVfPSXkLJNx8M2K4ocDj5QhAC/s400/P5060259.JPG" /></a> On solid ground! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tioman</span>, island baby! The destination for where we'd finish off our trip in true 'spring break' style:) DUTY FREE!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxAY6TVv_mJ2_AC4mpWWLJCUN4SuwKjZg9kDjpv8X62o86weAMEzhEcA9bNspenqC6JAfv-sBEHUjQ_Ax2-jm-EJZIxK8LZ9RKF683HFwFV53Ye_bywnqQg1WvqA0prEJMhHrXm-EprtfT/s1600-h/P5060264.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361097061903389666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxAY6TVv_mJ2_AC4mpWWLJCUN4SuwKjZg9kDjpv8X62o86weAMEzhEcA9bNspenqC6JAfv-sBEHUjQ_Ax2-jm-EJZIxK8LZ9RKF683HFwFV53Ye_bywnqQg1WvqA0prEJMhHrXm-EprtfT/s400/P5060264.JPG" /></a> We found a place to settle for the next few days that was cheap and cozy. I don't think you really <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">could've</span> gone wrong here, though.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH6XONXYRiFQjACKB-i0tEkQNMiU0HIVRsEH5zLMM54fTDB1nQMwSwKo4xjDy3-Mr75nzm98Aqfx39hed4TjUG9gsdKn30hHIjM7dpSBbELcMvOfCDMeYx50kHIGJzYMS0XV5Sfq0QOakp/s1600-h/P5060266.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361097052611685474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH6XONXYRiFQjACKB-i0tEkQNMiU0HIVRsEH5zLMM54fTDB1nQMwSwKo4xjDy3-Mr75nzm98Aqfx39hed4TjUG9gsdKn30hHIjM7dpSBbELcMvOfCDMeYx50kHIGJzYMS0XV5Sfq0QOakp/s400/P5060266.JPG" /></a> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Awww</span>, we missed you guys!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMXIzXqhPaOaIQKxcFr5jvo57gs-oWjd77OuLqAxyZKU7yv0AkCRTktxyhZ_jSV7K9QJLZj2mjSo27FcjD8MaWzKIzhbnaFsA-6va-oBglew_BpRlhO4xaLjtzM73i1-NbPiDvI3Njaf6/s1600-h/P5060268.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361097050037219634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMXIzXqhPaOaIQKxcFr5jvo57gs-oWjd77OuLqAxyZKU7yv0AkCRTktxyhZ_jSV7K9QJLZj2mjSo27FcjD8MaWzKIzhbnaFsA-6va-oBglew_BpRlhO4xaLjtzM73i1-NbPiDvI3Njaf6/s400/P5060268.JPG" /></a> After setting down our bags, getting our giant 80's style spray painted key for the room, having a delicious breakfast and changing into swimsuits we decided it was a perfect day for snorkeling. We wanted to go to the best the island had to offer, which was Coral Island. Most people take a boat here, but we decided to embark on a two hour hike and then just swim out to the island. We hiked the Pinnacles - how bad could this be? Not bad, not bad at all. If you had like, 12 leisurely hours. It took time and we ended up feeling more rushed than was desirable. Still, we got a great view of the ocean and extremely colorful reef and fish.</div><div></div><div>Check it out! Sea turtle!</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit3RK6VV2wgxgoMuF1LaB7wNsDSf5S7qdlBdnxBxibAuTcOjcMvg8A0mrbczuvvn11q7ziIOus2L_Lr1TSiKyhaD5E_VzUeCo5PXe-Ws8ova5ZM4aGhkZK1gXEg1cvoS8KqxvCuFj4gx-_/s1600-h/P5060272.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361096168386356466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit3RK6VV2wgxgoMuF1LaB7wNsDSf5S7qdlBdnxBxibAuTcOjcMvg8A0mrbczuvvn11q7ziIOus2L_Lr1TSiKyhaD5E_VzUeCo5PXe-Ws8ova5ZM4aGhkZK1gXEg1cvoS8KqxvCuFj4gx-_/s400/P5060272.JPG" /></a><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwjHRC9gGsHcJ7PVkS7L6nSNTfmz5g15LjcmqSgQ5LnT_KDqq5MBbHfzNTazww0RWL8zWu1nWGXLPGSihYuVy-pUXPi1cWF9PcBvrFnhLz5OlaDTVDfe7rXDm4YgwJCjlHYXIIh5g_5cNI/s1600-h/P5060276.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361096158714433730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwjHRC9gGsHcJ7PVkS7L6nSNTfmz5g15LjcmqSgQ5LnT_KDqq5MBbHfzNTazww0RWL8zWu1nWGXLPGSihYuVy-pUXPi1cWF9PcBvrFnhLz5OlaDTVDfe7rXDm4YgwJCjlHYXIIh5g_5cNI/s400/P5060276.JPG" /></a> Purple sea clam - awesome.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSqdK3mUGcHeqUa7TT1i1HqxrLmfWSdFe-1SObYSr2JNWo-22MgdULvz98XFOuzaOTc8v0Y8rhq_VL92DPzNBPG-JO7glhTVEz4ReLOoeYS3kaj-XevM8BXjxFGJGjr6NxTUzazQTcp10O/s1600-h/P5060281.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361096151732704434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSqdK3mUGcHeqUa7TT1i1HqxrLmfWSdFe-1SObYSr2JNWo-22MgdULvz98XFOuzaOTc8v0Y8rhq_VL92DPzNBPG-JO7glhTVEz4ReLOoeYS3kaj-XevM8BXjxFGJGjr6NxTUzazQTcp10O/s400/P5060281.JPG" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3uZQRZuhiUL-1hvU8PXWQaO8vcHIQBQTxcZwdEuREwnELoNIHaidLQv9Ci-ub_Jsmj4ubRrqPnW4y3vFKuYYJBiRNFTjv4mSdJfzzxnpSw9nAmRoxBwVf_I1tEaPgr6lhMtE8ta0qTof/s1600-h/P5060286.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361096146223331570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3uZQRZuhiUL-1hvU8PXWQaO8vcHIQBQTxcZwdEuREwnELoNIHaidLQv9Ci-ub_Jsmj4ubRrqPnW4y3vFKuYYJBiRNFTjv4mSdJfzzxnpSw9nAmRoxBwVf_I1tEaPgr6lhMtE8ta0qTof/s400/P5060286.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHb9vVanW-uhA2cWdzLMw1eaDVxvKn7-4QtG7sp7Vpa32k77JBtN95IoV4N5iNaADn_0CdazhEKyvMDbPeeN-S6k-YRvqEixeQX-OpUl05esI14I-Q53dTTqHD6ywvNG2wYGLHli2q7Uj/s1600-h/P5060287.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361096141718679394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHb9vVanW-uhA2cWdzLMw1eaDVxvKn7-4QtG7sp7Vpa32k77JBtN95IoV4N5iNaADn_0CdazhEKyvMDbPeeN-S6k-YRvqEixeQX-OpUl05esI14I-Q53dTTqHD6ywvNG2wYGLHli2q7Uj/s400/P5060287.JPG" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0v85RobOWW9YMCVEMKwHtbVN2sHJO3jiB7fRTYABIntHt_2qPhYQWx7FRpvVFEySWPtA7jph5eZ0bSgTo9c1WKk2Lra2GngDLSQ53K4W_OQqB_9yMW3CrY6eoOcuC70IQnpVd4PCxtJ_y/s1600-h/P5060296.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361095899398884626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0v85RobOWW9YMCVEMKwHtbVN2sHJO3jiB7fRTYABIntHt_2qPhYQWx7FRpvVFEySWPtA7jph5eZ0bSgTo9c1WKk2Lra2GngDLSQ53K4W_OQqB_9yMW3CrY6eoOcuC70IQnpVd4PCxtJ_y/s400/P5060296.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Mqyekmj1xIZ7d3YrwuTYDiix7FZT4Y-vywawTJ9_gMmVYMNIuxRmagraUpMnkAZ0idGtXSBpYSNP6RFNAdBNMF0lM-8islgxdYzyHvKyJGcIU3axN9V_YzoEPo6MFe_fyw-wNCymdMkh/s1600-h/P5060298.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 299px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361095888628362450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Mqyekmj1xIZ7d3YrwuTYDiix7FZT4Y-vywawTJ9_gMmVYMNIuxRmagraUpMnkAZ0idGtXSBpYSNP6RFNAdBNMF0lM-8islgxdYzyHvKyJGcIU3axN9V_YzoEPo6MFe_fyw-wNCymdMkh/s400/P5060298.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNdYCV6HDWthRM4wzzstRZy3EQDPn26p2HrUadmsO-15JQ2CIy-qa6RjbLpdt2V_bmB5fiAACqCxLzbBHJ1JnPt-UxABzeXFgBiIAkfQYWNgTSUFGW0C6aOp3ebZhyphenhyphenpwgQ9vydHIqhY_Pn/s1600-h/P5060302.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361095882372720274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNdYCV6HDWthRM4wzzstRZy3EQDPn26p2HrUadmsO-15JQ2CIy-qa6RjbLpdt2V_bmB5fiAACqCxLzbBHJ1JnPt-UxABzeXFgBiIAkfQYWNgTSUFGW0C6aOp3ebZhyphenhyphenpwgQ9vydHIqhY_Pn/s400/P5060302.JPG" /></a>We made it back in time for sunset and happy hour with my intense "encouragement". The combination of these two things make me a very happy girl, especially when the happy hour special is 3 beers for 10 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">ringit</span> ($3). We end up meeting a super cool Aussie couple in their 40's who invite us to come visit them on their dairy farm. You know, I never did make it to Tasmania...</div><div></div><div>This was the cute '<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">lil</span> love shack we settled on after looking at maybe five other options. Felt luxury to us, even though the shower water's still cold, you pull a string to flush the toilet, and we slept in one bed under a net together. Lots of space though, right price, only footsteps to a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">perty</span> beach and good restaurant, and right next to a hiking trail.</div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSjuKfdN_GgQzplKk7dduSNsAutvcQ93iA6eTGUYP0BuaV-_X1yVFDs3SN1yxwtQikw9fr7Ie9bYOnnPOWBcbAcOGc-vo6MOjzkuMzbgEQ4r0WLpK7FLtNNIaCsnm7mGUQrFxnGqSmIKqi/s1600-h/P5070311.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361095871863179362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSjuKfdN_GgQzplKk7dduSNsAutvcQ93iA6eTGUYP0BuaV-_X1yVFDs3SN1yxwtQikw9fr7Ie9bYOnnPOWBcbAcOGc-vo6MOjzkuMzbgEQ4r0WLpK7FLtNNIaCsnm7mGUQrFxnGqSmIKqi/s400/P5070311.JPG" /></a> In case we forgot where the beach was, there was a very helpful sign posted.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZHbNu0xFed4B66qsX48Qdt75qQb93daEU27hLQOWDs77vMSBDHew7xJcQ2kQ_1jjEFTjdKUTgi6wFSJfrLJkX4_3-MrpCYucsmSB7GeSNxiANFcBrNuYuA0NgN1JjxyNl14GJlwYCSue/s1600-h/P5070314.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361095863565129906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZHbNu0xFed4B66qsX48Qdt75qQb93daEU27hLQOWDs77vMSBDHew7xJcQ2kQ_1jjEFTjdKUTgi6wFSJfrLJkX4_3-MrpCYucsmSB7GeSNxiANFcBrNuYuA0NgN1JjxyNl14GJlwYCSue/s400/P5070314.JPG" /></a><br />Biologists dig <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tioman</span> because its relative isolation has generated flora and fauna that distinctly deviate from mainland species. There were tons of creatures hidden throughout inland <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tioman</span>, but these huge monitor lizards weren't modest in the least.<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FGqCJuq0gEUFfn60Zggvn9WP-roS3D9u_QjmwzYVlX6hVKbVAnz8PsXEk_82WhQRAyQf9f2xGYxQWmW6-cg12TWYD-XT9LvR-11M_4Pjan1SbaEV0asEx-wm0k-Xs-FqBRe9DDyFzDAb/s1600-h/P5070315.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 284px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361095369845546530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FGqCJuq0gEUFfn60Zggvn9WP-roS3D9u_QjmwzYVlX6hVKbVAnz8PsXEk_82WhQRAyQf9f2xGYxQWmW6-cg12TWYD-XT9LvR-11M_4Pjan1SbaEV0asEx-wm0k-Xs-FqBRe9DDyFzDAb/s400/P5070315.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghUu6_pt90Yeo1zgZkJvHGrGv0Ep9Gt_pjECSXZdckBGo3cdQNvLjRqB_c2Lm5T8N7w1JshHCF_AgsuJv_ueI9olmxGQHky-Fg2yvqbbRS5Z2aixSAHWpqtjQToCRcZBkVdaOTQtyAbJ50/s1600-h/P5070316.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361095346120258898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghUu6_pt90Yeo1zgZkJvHGrGv0Ep9Gt_pjECSXZdckBGo3cdQNvLjRqB_c2Lm5T8N7w1JshHCF_AgsuJv_ueI9olmxGQHky-Fg2yvqbbRS5Z2aixSAHWpqtjQToCRcZBkVdaOTQtyAbJ50/s400/P5070316.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy9lN9Pdv-HBpZmSiS-VTMc47A87K2geQ8p2hVx6cO7Ttufcps8MHkeoDbpbTX_2VK62izzdHlaekbqmPPL1CuZo0lBmHh8vvlbmrb9O4fhb1RRuz1zlDNvijIiswiPHDVF5W0cGRUiGiR/s1600-h/P5070317.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361095340668934562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy9lN9Pdv-HBpZmSiS-VTMc47A87K2geQ8p2hVx6cO7Ttufcps8MHkeoDbpbTX_2VK62izzdHlaekbqmPPL1CuZo0lBmHh8vvlbmrb9O4fhb1RRuz1zlDNvijIiswiPHDVF5W0cGRUiGiR/s400/P5070317.JPG" /></a> The next day we embarked on a 2 1/2 hour hike across the island (you'd think we be sick of it by now, right?) A)because we could and B)because it led to a more "secluded" beach. Not that the island was swarming with tourists where we were. Really, I think I'm just addicted to hiking and wasn't ready to just do the 'lay out all day and do nothing' think quite yet. So, off we went.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbGRaLAkeT9RvJFLozC7mVkZvAhLkvaerIYHKF7fwRWT_i7xBokiScePR1ERXTwTMufbQe_TGvAk0ajfVVQ1XhLMi1FvUee7aIrZrPY5TSuTFE2dJQgNMtjSmlbsX64JxCLn9L-YfvOYR1/s1600-h/P5070318.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361095327776062082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbGRaLAkeT9RvJFLozC7mVkZvAhLkvaerIYHKF7fwRWT_i7xBokiScePR1ERXTwTMufbQe_TGvAk0ajfVVQ1XhLMi1FvUee7aIrZrPY5TSuTFE2dJQgNMtjSmlbsX64JxCLn9L-YfvOYR1/s400/P5070318.JPG" /></a> We made it! Long white beach to ourselves, crystal clear water to dip our now disgustingly sweaty bodies in, and blue skies with sun shining to relax under. Paradise defined.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn81RVbU4pnO8fG-U7ZHj6a0SjJmRdntIpWHk1SvJ4bC6mABciljoZl9W6_kslD8s23n_YoeBBzVBxZg1bKqgVAFSFt5A_1S15Pw-ygi-Lhqp3kt2iR0S9pT5Zu06HssUypyDRGqhRGeFA/s1600-h/P5070322.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 308px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361095323244754434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn81RVbU4pnO8fG-U7ZHj6a0SjJmRdntIpWHk1SvJ4bC6mABciljoZl9W6_kslD8s23n_YoeBBzVBxZg1bKqgVAFSFt5A_1S15Pw-ygi-Lhqp3kt2iR0S9pT5Zu06HssUypyDRGqhRGeFA/s400/P5070322.JPG" /></a> There was even a nice little cafe we could have lunch at to beat the heat for awhile. While we both beat the heat, I beat Julie in a game of checkers. I beat her good. As you can see, she is very humbled. I got cocky, too cocky, and she proceeded to rock me in the next round. <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0-Da_pWqznHxYfZ_Ng85LIoCLqA6oWRULQAqTwf3BP3vyrlf1F3fCcKwFy7B0ZlS7uVqJvQ-4a5QtuSDcdqKp_ZYfQwnPpMz1bGL0-GqLKbJMFl1XH5rrdGPgjB4kOPPDjAmCCYyMyxc/s1600-h/P5070326.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361094505513312674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0-Da_pWqznHxYfZ_Ng85LIoCLqA6oWRULQAqTwf3BP3vyrlf1F3fCcKwFy7B0ZlS7uVqJvQ-4a5QtuSDcdqKp_ZYfQwnPpMz1bGL0-GqLKbJMFl1XH5rrdGPgjB4kOPPDjAmCCYyMyxc/s400/P5070326.JPG" /></a> <div>"Paradise is in your mind." -India.Arie<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpRDop4TakQsiZkqeo-ZWI_K8AxtnSOHYiZKMC9ArJf59ngZaWB1uSjcwl0BmJO4X41_2jqIEMhR2N4peh_j_TEHfpXIfxHr8-sTij5iG6PnEU-B_6zjk_cVidXxSZMK7rCrRSsEiIYkR/s1600-h/P5070328.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361094499670359442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpRDop4TakQsiZkqeo-ZWI_K8AxtnSOHYiZKMC9ArJf59ngZaWB1uSjcwl0BmJO4X41_2jqIEMhR2N4peh_j_TEHfpXIfxHr8-sTij5iG6PnEU-B_6zjk_cVidXxSZMK7rCrRSsEiIYkR/s400/P5070328.JPG" /></a> "Paradise is in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tioman.</span>" - Sarah <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">Moersfelder</span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhr_tD7MnAFEAvyrB0Ax1sn5DjZ-BbnA39T-5q2XvV3QkMbHez5IrgmhzgrVjkF5L7K-jnPGpSFc5E4j6AArfnbQxPkasCrmmYIo4WxyxLrylLMUNdRRhs2YAsWa3iiBY37W6pz5bQt6Bb/s1600-h/P5070330.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361094493986170370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhr_tD7MnAFEAvyrB0Ax1sn5DjZ-BbnA39T-5q2XvV3QkMbHez5IrgmhzgrVjkF5L7K-jnPGpSFc5E4j6AArfnbQxPkasCrmmYIo4WxyxLrylLMUNdRRhs2YAsWa3iiBY37W6pz5bQt6Bb/s400/P5070330.JPG" /></a> </div><div>Fact: There is one road that was just recently built that leads from the east to the west coast.</div><div>Fact: It is possible to call/persuade a driver to come over to this side to do a pick up.</div><div>Fact: It is expensive, even above and beyond Julie and Sarah standards.</div><div></div><div>We debated back and forth , back and forth about whether to stay and beach for a few more hours or make the trek back on foot. I doubt it's any surprise that we ended up doing the hike back. Which again, cut our time too short for the 'max and relax' ambitions of the day. But, when there's a happy hour and sunset calling you on the west coast, you gotta do what you gotta do.</div><div><br />Saw this plant on the way back. It was green. Or was it blue? Or was it green?</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVroMFrXYUhyphenhyphen7GLZe-Ot5c2pjFLVzF3_EQeynD-RTzXrdHj4crGt1YBvujlq39qFQkD_siffkVvnfmsxga9etGYqDRNebFy73AmY8bSOLjklBzPyImk0hinqPHRZIhJpt2X06OXowVun-P/s1600-h/P5070348.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361094488242192258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVroMFrXYUhyphenhyphen7GLZe-Ot5c2pjFLVzF3_EQeynD-RTzXrdHj4crGt1YBvujlq39qFQkD_siffkVvnfmsxga9etGYqDRNebFy73AmY8bSOLjklBzPyImk0hinqPHRZIhJpt2X06OXowVun-P/s400/P5070348.JPG" /></a> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">Yay</span>! Back in time for sunset!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpVub3i948eNrQi2TRGZo1iONS9YiQ1NCzg0ycGtP8Y-wlHZuoQkRcEc2EwdKYB1S3N7Hd2YRYqAioB4kFmZrcH5KctSay1SFpGd4iKqgOV2QEw9MLIXrmBnBhpty32y7YOnrJHnvetBGh/s1600-h/P5070351.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361094485558387314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpVub3i948eNrQi2TRGZo1iONS9YiQ1NCzg0ycGtP8Y-wlHZuoQkRcEc2EwdKYB1S3N7Hd2YRYqAioB4kFmZrcH5KctSay1SFpGd4iKqgOV2QEw9MLIXrmBnBhpty32y7YOnrJHnvetBGh/s400/P5070351.JPG" /></a> And happy hour! <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiA3IT94sxZw7xtluxsgyiu3LaO0JjxnD-j7X3xdJxZ4pl-w6FDcyO-BhKzuS_KetfauXZ5Yo6jGKNP0bKxuJFvTJlpWJaV9wLvK8tzNcMssV9tPXGHkHxCDNS11QAISDR0VpKyydgMeZ-/s1600-h/P5070358.JPG"></a> <div>Dinner the first night was super disappointing. The fish I ordered was clearly a cut <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">straight</span> from the freezer and my "salad" was really coleslaw drenched in mayo. Lame. </div><div>Anyway, the second night we find another place which was far superior. It was the best meal I had the entire trip, and possibly the cheapest. The day just kept getting better and better.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLtADJFDu03GWGN7e1HwiWRfoJrC9sNluRuvbkU-gRTKu1vV9G2srvSMZcgxt3CCnyx3FcslRlNytDeBBIvoD1Bl-HCV0pjkGMnU0NnDyvbwsJGBBkPKZDPDS5R-StSYNRqmQthlauvSNW/s1600-h/P5070364.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361090178494295538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLtADJFDu03GWGN7e1HwiWRfoJrC9sNluRuvbkU-gRTKu1vV9G2srvSMZcgxt3CCnyx3FcslRlNytDeBBIvoD1Bl-HCV0pjkGMnU0NnDyvbwsJGBBkPKZDPDS5R-StSYNRqmQthlauvSNW/s400/P5070364.JPG" /></a> And just when I thought it couldn't get any better, I saw the dessert menu! Fruit and ice cream? Yes, please!!!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6T6WoV06NfzowYng91fcwVcuSkQRMC0-0OFluaHGhVIZiWtKDdwD2yeK4ZRUpSP-qVcPAcVJFLy6WpUIa-6LQegvGiCVaEMpKDG-zf9pD5QfiHMtDGdsjXA6sEE7zWKrdmsO7msrn2a0E/s1600-h/P5070368.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361090170027716114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6T6WoV06NfzowYng91fcwVcuSkQRMC0-0OFluaHGhVIZiWtKDdwD2yeK4ZRUpSP-qVcPAcVJFLy6WpUIa-6LQegvGiCVaEMpKDG-zf9pD5QfiHMtDGdsjXA6sEE7zWKrdmsO7msrn2a0E/s400/P5070368.JPG" /></a> Last full day on the island, we decided to get some more snorkeling in. A much shorter hike to Monkey Beach, which again we had to ourselves, and some shallow but nice waters to snorkel in.</div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3g2q0BoGSNdgEQ5Hi7hRxP2Rz5gwtelFhrxQXAXVvPCsc0glrdAte5_8HgUiO6n6FJQqRtidz5XasXVczzv5oZ74nP42J5CXJ7Ck28dNw5SeNamSchuXpsQTHtERtDO-Q_ukQygaC3M0N/s1600-h/P5080386.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 290px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361090159306052338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3g2q0BoGSNdgEQ5Hi7hRxP2Rz5gwtelFhrxQXAXVvPCsc0glrdAte5_8HgUiO6n6FJQqRtidz5XasXVczzv5oZ74nP42J5CXJ7Ck28dNw5SeNamSchuXpsQTHtERtDO-Q_ukQygaC3M0N/s400/P5080386.JPG" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjC95DpHz1BFNozTJYMIP0yHumjCnTZQcAuE8P9L8NmbHBWs1JAAAAkFzMwVn_Cb7eRKiiDCgXWHs4gpU4lFs66gdljE9c3JZj67qnOnHmu0QeipUomzi9jIAcs-BOOGp15ACW4mPe_BvD/s1600-h/P5080387.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361090141313925794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjC95DpHz1BFNozTJYMIP0yHumjCnTZQcAuE8P9L8NmbHBWs1JAAAAkFzMwVn_Cb7eRKiiDCgXWHs4gpU4lFs66gdljE9c3JZj67qnOnHmu0QeipUomzi9jIAcs-BOOGp15ACW4mPe_BvD/s400/P5080387.JPG" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHTE3NDboa6XLi0r-YvVAvKBf8j8LV_tYe0l3dXSOZs9mer8QfgffPfoQqZsWtZrZwgHwb_UjB_9wmKVSRfN7wdSUkunxTGwqCbkoGd6TNKOnIu7pj5lCwEObhOb1K1URdWlIu4_JI2dN/s1600-h/P5080389.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361089231292216514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHTE3NDboa6XLi0r-YvVAvKBf8j8LV_tYe0l3dXSOZs9mer8QfgffPfoQqZsWtZrZwgHwb_UjB_9wmKVSRfN7wdSUkunxTGwqCbkoGd6TNKOnIu7pj5lCwEObhOb1K1URdWlIu4_JI2dN/s400/P5080389.JPG" /></a> </div><div>Last night = one last happy hour. The majority of the time, cheap trumps taste for me, hence the 3 for $3 beers the previous two nights. But, since it was our last night we decided to "spoil" ourselves with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error">girly</span> drinks. I did a thorough check of all the prices on the 'strip' and decided we'd go here for the night.</div><div><br />Total success!!! This was my bartender/boyfriend for the night, Jackie Chan. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Hilarious</span> and interesting guy who hooked us up with delicious cocktails for a price of beer. Double score!</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqwdeshXHs2QTYyEcfpCDGhE12qpfdL9L5Sb0gwnB_bhfRNU2LU5ur-cSGg_D1r_jTw-oz33pSQrK9cYxj_ranQ3sGxFyDYJ9JK8hOcq9NmFM88fPrftpMwclZLIDVZnLBSeeY0WDbaUFG/s1600-h/P5080392.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361089226301930962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqwdeshXHs2QTYyEcfpCDGhE12qpfdL9L5Sb0gwnB_bhfRNU2LU5ur-cSGg_D1r_jTw-oz33pSQrK9cYxj_ranQ3sGxFyDYJ9JK8hOcq9NmFM88fPrftpMwclZLIDVZnLBSeeY0WDbaUFG/s400/P5080392.JPG" /></a> <div>Enjoying our last sunset in Malaysia.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLRXtH1PBZJvLzHgMa_LO308fQBPaBDLEo1y8MMFt4OOpApfUh-GdNxh6t4ev3DBHAg6WE6e-3Pa3ftubrZhymwZdqQnkfCNdvI8yZVcsG7p7UCTQZeEvTg-_O6f0Arg3ydv_Q4d3mAij/s1600-h/P5080393b.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361089217610243346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLRXtH1PBZJvLzHgMa_LO308fQBPaBDLEo1y8MMFt4OOpApfUh-GdNxh6t4ev3DBHAg6WE6e-3Pa3ftubrZhymwZdqQnkfCNdvI8yZVcsG7p7UCTQZeEvTg-_O6f0Arg3ydv_Q4d3mAij/s400/P5080393b.JPG" /></a> <div>Good-bye, Tioman!</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtlleaQPitHsYxCLwlqO_Z9E4g_Iz7MMiM-QHwgVgcLtT2n0UoyvINSnUO-YBQ1ywaCLo503yIZ2WVoM7A4yCiNqnzrT0MNhf-dR4VGHMrNdiTHtujngW6u438qfP3K__DW4wLgXla50i/s1600-h/P5090405.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361089216110896178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtlleaQPitHsYxCLwlqO_Z9E4g_Iz7MMiM-QHwgVgcLtT2n0UoyvINSnUO-YBQ1ywaCLo503yIZ2WVoM7A4yCiNqnzrT0MNhf-dR4VGHMrNdiTHtujngW6u438qfP3K__DW4wLgXla50i/s400/P5090405.JPG" /></a> <div>We make it back to Mersing in time to do some final 'omiyage' (small gifts you're essentially obligated to bring back for Japanese coworkers when going on a trip that requires you to use vacation days) shopping as well as make some ridiculous buys for ourselves. At the top of the list were these matching Barbie watches for ourselves, complete with an identical Barbie replica on the face of what looked like us, in Barbie form. It was especially special since the boys in Kuching kept calling Julie Barbie. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh17uwmt0g8Kiuu3tmq8WNVfrA6QW5-5qPS32FoluQaa4GQQJQ7xZNVN-dPot3NxHPmHlVW62LaIqgXoU7eB0Ww6_JsSoKJUg9qwoizzIdm1JNv4bMdaMQ8CR_kDeyMQclCmAIIVHnivwnd/s1600-h/P5090405c.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361089209529042418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh17uwmt0g8Kiuu3tmq8WNVfrA6QW5-5qPS32FoluQaa4GQQJQ7xZNVN-dPot3NxHPmHlVW62LaIqgXoU7eB0Ww6_JsSoKJUg9qwoizzIdm1JNv4bMdaMQ8CR_kDeyMQclCmAIIVHnivwnd/s400/P5090405c.JPG" /></a> On the commute back to Japan (via buses, planes, trains), I had a lot of time for thinking. We did some reflecting of the trip and how awesome it was to have such a like minded travel buddy. I also felt extremely fortunate to have even had the opportunity for two weeks of travel in any country my heart desired, given time and money constraints. We both thought we were pretty smooth, arranging travel days and times to get two full weeks out of it, but then got a little pinge of jealously talking to all the other travelers we met who had anywhere from 1 month to years to travel Malaysia/southeast Asia/ the world. The jealously was shortlived and I was grouded again quickly as I reminded myself not to play the comparison game, but I did begin to think if it was possible for me to really live that lifestyle. In the end, I don't think I would enjoy being 'on the road' for that long. I really like having the security of a job and income and having a place not only to call, but to feel, is my home.</div><div></div><div>That being said, I did feel much sadder leaving Malaysia than I ever have leaving any other foreign country before. I think on top of the fact that it really did feel like a paradise and all the experiences and situations were exactly to my liking, it was the realization that this was really the last 'big trip' I'd be doing for a LONG time. I was going back to Japan, a country I love, but I knew would still be cold, grey, rainy and having to hop back into work responsibilities and plans for coming home. After returning stateside, I know I won't have time or money to being doing any international travels. </div><div></div><div>I wasn't ready yet, and the idea of staying in Malaysia and prolonging the paradise thang was incredibly appealing to me. I wonder when/if that travel bug itch will ever be scratched out in me? I will probably never know, but for now I am extremely satisfied with my experiences thus far and eternally grateful to God for providing and bringing me closer to Him through each experience. I do know that as long as I still have the financial means, the physical capabilities, and the time to travel I'll be jetsetting whenever. Who's with me?</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Sarah Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538062137134649947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030945174899587726.post-60302213718294514412009-07-21T00:49:00.009-05:002009-07-21T20:22:20.212-05:00Malaysia Take Nine: Kuala LumpurLike I said in the last post, after 5 long and glorious days in the wilderness, we were ready for a change by hitting up the big smoke of Malaysia's capital, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kuala</span></span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lumpur</span></span>. It's the most populated city at over 1.8 million people and the fastest growing in Malaysia. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjIyoWitNfrczZ_V6YD-cNaVXyk8eW4mMbZpfJHEJrbTDtw_1KymJnfSP_C-VKKeBWDBIAdNIkgr1fIzNWPv-b8-Cy71ZBlxJlX2unt6IEsWTMlQOG7qRy4dpZr-7BAHWBrDHUDiEOIp06/s1600-h/Kuala+Lumpur+Map.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 350px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 350px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360800967374250882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjIyoWitNfrczZ_V6YD-cNaVXyk8eW4mMbZpfJHEJrbTDtw_1KymJnfSP_C-VKKeBWDBIAdNIkgr1fIzNWPv-b8-Cy71ZBlxJlX2unt6IEsWTMlQOG7qRy4dpZr-7BAHWBrDHUDiEOIp06/s400/Kuala+Lumpur+Map.jpg" /></a> "It's curious that a city where you still have to watch your step for pavement cracks and pot-holes can also feel cutting edge, but cast your eyes to the skyline and around the streets and you'll see what we mean. In just 150 years, KL has gone from a tin prospector's hovel in the jungle to a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">thoroughly</span> modern metropolis..." (82 Lonely Planet).<br /><br />KL definitely kept us entertained for a few days with the gorgeous parks, impressive colonial-era <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">building</span></span> remains, the food and cheap rip off markets, and the restaurants representing cuisine from China to India to the middle east.<br /><br />The hostel we really wanted to stay at was completely booked, so we <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">wandered</span></span> around and ended up staying at a place with a giant padlock on the outside and plastic sheets on the bed. The price was right and owners were new and eager to please (ie: coming back to folded clothes one day). Awesome!<br /><br />Here are some city scenes from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kuala</span></span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lumpur</span></span>:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTbVlEclFTJ1SzjdVdU9FrhyphenhyphenZn7zZ3rxE9bajzhgNOZY15yfDnVbdzwmaGx7Nw-vapvNLg6uaYdSbNe-uXksnYzMXwwKjuCq_6EdznbGDXG2v7Ldkw62o_Nh-NeiC_2eC4LmrDf78JGqju/s1600-h/P5040157.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360788499092067186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTbVlEclFTJ1SzjdVdU9FrhyphenhyphenZn7zZ3rxE9bajzhgNOZY15yfDnVbdzwmaGx7Nw-vapvNLg6uaYdSbNe-uXksnYzMXwwKjuCq_6EdznbGDXG2v7Ldkw62o_Nh-NeiC_2eC4LmrDf78JGqju/s400/P5040157.JPG" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4bMljbAt0xGUM4Cw8bENuSoCezGCisbGEqXMhxIGk-9tvKnopW8GW-En8zTXQgqeKUb9qssdRqpql70Yz2J92RtvXWxaZtAcud14bgYgClybQe28g4c1EEwS8kBVjuNxaW6hvlb6oXxj1/s1600-h/P5040157a.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360788489179594274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4bMljbAt0xGUM4Cw8bENuSoCezGCisbGEqXMhxIGk-9tvKnopW8GW-En8zTXQgqeKUb9qssdRqpql70Yz2J92RtvXWxaZtAcud14bgYgClybQe28g4c1EEwS8kBVjuNxaW6hvlb6oXxj1/s400/P5040157a.JPG" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGtIjFZkMzMlVVr8cw-aHTzs7WaboCcD6ByMPakz-peCIx1oDeJBJ5wl8TBFXeIphl4stC6etVxMkcCsjPn-6Jq0R3R7BIqNIaxOQzJhg0eUXWdCXrnGltxr1yXAnIGYubwcy9dlXHmTBg/s1600-h/P5040160.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 301px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360788484737776706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGtIjFZkMzMlVVr8cw-aHTzs7WaboCcD6ByMPakz-peCIx1oDeJBJ5wl8TBFXeIphl4stC6etVxMkcCsjPn-6Jq0R3R7BIqNIaxOQzJhg0eUXWdCXrnGltxr1yXAnIGYubwcy9dlXHmTBg/s400/P5040160.JPG" /></a>Lake Gardens.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIFr32aUSpjmaAodhTX30QEummSoDhvQFwzdjwxSbb9SYWIrClGC-SKBMqXqUVg6nPuKb51-xw2mlGX8p4yYBOJYzK1fmIsNbLKuuQubRru2qsXemiCBwJhz0dAc7d3c0I_Pkme1zRqRWQ/s1600-h/P5040163.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360788478031754434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIFr32aUSpjmaAodhTX30QEummSoDhvQFwzdjwxSbb9SYWIrClGC-SKBMqXqUVg6nPuKb51-xw2mlGX8p4yYBOJYzK1fmIsNbLKuuQubRru2qsXemiCBwJhz0dAc7d3c0I_Pkme1zRqRWQ/s400/P5040163.JPG" /></a>Pitcher plant fountain.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2R2HapIzwrDLXXycNGA_we2VnXRLPuTG6tFWpZLf7t2_VIuy6W2GOBEMZpg3Bo2suSwWlYp_9fyn8xW2PEMWufqGyth-bCSnFkr8wrS5ic1Dw6LkHslHnAevXSYKGiQgEnaxV3EXT4JfN/s1600-h/P5040167.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360788472386899538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2R2HapIzwrDLXXycNGA_we2VnXRLPuTG6tFWpZLf7t2_VIuy6W2GOBEMZpg3Bo2suSwWlYp_9fyn8xW2PEMWufqGyth-bCSnFkr8wrS5ic1Dw6LkHslHnAevXSYKGiQgEnaxV3EXT4JfN/s400/P5040167.JPG" /></a>School's out!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Ut4ugb6KwwW9J57S1X1zPuwstHEbgd19AyiqDb9k88NeqZq0uPWn3np_q6MxGVKhrla3lhhLxo4LrhRzBQl45wM0KdQWFZxytzB-1ZW2jgKUH33UiqZLAdGUXAICwYvjWE3zx3-HnLXY/s1600-h/P5040168.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360788289113322450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Ut4ugb6KwwW9J57S1X1zPuwstHEbgd19AyiqDb9k88NeqZq0uPWn3np_q6MxGVKhrla3lhhLxo4LrhRzBQl45wM0KdQWFZxytzB-1ZW2jgKUH33UiqZLAdGUXAICwYvjWE3zx3-HnLXY/s400/P5040168.JPG" /></a>Tandoori chicken on the skewer.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdLHdiTtLK9dKWpP5DGCTqkrB4VisJdgh0QhaqYRhowEIzANaIyPfSYY6r8x8iTXhan-VBviIfJSbzT4YgHTx2L6cu7OID3dThFF1djYHbOGxiJ_v3qE9il5p5bLfrHkYWoW-cyL5b1Pc/s1600-h/P5040172.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 312px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360788283626698450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdLHdiTtLK9dKWpP5DGCTqkrB4VisJdgh0QhaqYRhowEIzANaIyPfSYY6r8x8iTXhan-VBviIfJSbzT4YgHTx2L6cu7OID3dThFF1djYHbOGxiJ_v3qE9il5p5bLfrHkYWoW-cyL5b1Pc/s400/P5040172.JPG" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0GhgesaEPNUEAtOhOVZfArJN9SNFy1l3qbiiySsJoe4pDuQ3ZIKNwPz_UcAVnneJkzciz0NHEB-bO1zVUtkSkwMXleuDvyfUN_cZuxJKNKtZaXMyQXuSybL7za1yGxh6Y73iGN5R_dAq/s1600-h/P5040174+%282%29.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360788273550337890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0GhgesaEPNUEAtOhOVZfArJN9SNFy1l3qbiiySsJoe4pDuQ3ZIKNwPz_UcAVnneJkzciz0NHEB-bO1zVUtkSkwMXleuDvyfUN_cZuxJKNKtZaXMyQXuSybL7za1yGxh6Y73iGN5R_dAq/s400/P5040174+%282%29.JPG" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PePzbLLmYc3Vu6HzoIMMHg0HYsZ4GALI1pNWPhkp5JsKbLCEjITsF2R6LlhHvsIfPjdP39j8WwWerfRucEf4HO6kGUzXM3P_3stogL7NamDgRLg_vLR6_6KWt7h5oG8kpQBAbYcxZUk4/s1600-h/P5040176a.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360788267538188978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PePzbLLmYc3Vu6HzoIMMHg0HYsZ4GALI1pNWPhkp5JsKbLCEjITsF2R6LlhHvsIfPjdP39j8WwWerfRucEf4HO6kGUzXM3P_3stogL7NamDgRLg_vLR6_6KWt7h5oG8kpQBAbYcxZUk4/s400/P5040176a.JPG" /></a>Cruising through <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Merdaka</span></span> Square, we got a great view of the city and the Sultan Abdul <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Samad</span></span> Building.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWL0KxUNN7mEtuO52cjyXD35_cVCvKVdW1DKzBKAghebIZZMMz3IxMu6g6K51yu8u2fig1LW5YMToUDPk-hFGIvqcsYd0PkGDNJNIj-sx7GnAjZ96zEHa5B1aJwcr8F3v-Xz20Zla3WC3/s1600-h/P5040177a.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 108px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360788262471697746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWL0KxUNN7mEtuO52cjyXD35_cVCvKVdW1DKzBKAghebIZZMMz3IxMu6g6K51yu8u2fig1LW5YMToUDPk-hFGIvqcsYd0PkGDNJNIj-sx7GnAjZ96zEHa5B1aJwcr8F3v-Xz20Zla3WC3/s400/P5040177a.JPG" /></a>The Little India <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">bazar</span></span>, where we proceeded to get ripped off with our fake makeup purchases.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_eJhlag5-PXDTOiAtsFY5OXRHiVXANWKBXf8N5T1NaIZcZ-ssIAJkEcdZLohtxsQrRXBQMKlOeoCuAIGJaGb_K7SmtAb96OdYIGfq733ssbmgUmFcoMtlesSjPLVGCQx9Pj1bimjJ2bcx/s1600-h/P5040182.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360787691033088418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_eJhlag5-PXDTOiAtsFY5OXRHiVXANWKBXf8N5T1NaIZcZ-ssIAJkEcdZLohtxsQrRXBQMKlOeoCuAIGJaGb_K7SmtAb96OdYIGfq733ssbmgUmFcoMtlesSjPLVGCQx9Pj1bimjJ2bcx/s400/P5040182.JPG" /></a><br />Dinner at a Lebanese restaurant. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sooooo</span></span> good.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2g2MPveh4cRxKQGVioPA8beBLX0qP9v1z92cuWKjY31uyknLxoK3IoJW0UzbLsBnY6soHjhiiqxmoOa0j0yeVAr7jpak8xnKiHWenENzTUfKJRfc7pinhSL9k7O3Q6A4TC7p9flWZoS2/s1600-h/P5040188a.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360787682707833410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2g2MPveh4cRxKQGVioPA8beBLX0qP9v1z92cuWKjY31uyknLxoK3IoJW0UzbLsBnY6soHjhiiqxmoOa0j0yeVAr7jpak8xnKiHWenENzTUfKJRfc7pinhSL9k7O3Q6A4TC7p9flWZoS2/s400/P5040188a.JPG" /></a>The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Petronas</span></span> Towers: the biggest attraction in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kuala</span></span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lumpur</span></span> because of its 88-stories of steel-clad twin towers rising 451.9 meters above the ground and also offering (of course) a huge mall and a world-class concert hall which Brooke's friend actually had the honor of playing in less than a week before we arrived.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwP1AvwCQ0tPaPWrBIxXiTxSuqlrYXSm0bxv9B_b8Ehava2uhltFgqBz7D8eAq8zMOCWlR5BUmAji3ai1Ht3VO-creIQB7GVa-6JLJ6WB_pCYLTmGYpT_F3wlRQ5OKthPtdHJ4atSioITv/s1600-h/P5050203.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360787673972671746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwP1AvwCQ0tPaPWrBIxXiTxSuqlrYXSm0bxv9B_b8Ehava2uhltFgqBz7D8eAq8zMOCWlR5BUmAji3ai1Ht3VO-creIQB7GVa-6JLJ6WB_pCYLTmGYpT_F3wlRQ5OKthPtdHJ4atSioITv/s400/P5050203.JPG" /></a>Not many people know this, but I am actually the main support for the two buildings. It's a pretty important job, so I don't mean to brag or be boastful about it. But, it's kind of a big deal.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQpQB1ImUxDbjCi2_Gym285c2Hz_mBoLd-b2wzSsBlSo9iKu6uzvxkldgTOS1JcLM9B8rR72X4R6RULxGO0fsMTdicQcucfLoq8a0KOqg0RdOHGx1VV2Tno7_UudM8lEpE7eOsnhAPjUE/s1600-h/P5050207.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360787670439637826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQpQB1ImUxDbjCi2_Gym285c2Hz_mBoLd-b2wzSsBlSo9iKu6uzvxkldgTOS1JcLM9B8rR72X4R6RULxGO0fsMTdicQcucfLoq8a0KOqg0RdOHGx1VV2Tno7_UudM8lEpE7eOsnhAPjUE/s400/P5050207.JPG" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ajhLS6R5riWnv63Lrj3n1ALEskTyqIbZnlkrFxt3pzLMNxgk7ak8BTUr7z-ksMxf2yxeRV7CgNVNDfSfV_5mFtLHnYm6C4H9OQkH4WiW8GUQ6A9QH1iwre24B6wkWau9SXm66349NZrU/s1600-h/P5050212.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360787300300747218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ajhLS6R5riWnv63Lrj3n1ALEskTyqIbZnlkrFxt3pzLMNxgk7ak8BTUr7z-ksMxf2yxeRV7CgNVNDfSfV_5mFtLHnYm6C4H9OQkH4WiW8GUQ6A9QH1iwre24B6wkWau9SXm66349NZrU/s400/P5050212.JPG" /></a>Loved the aesthetic of this.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCfSAOGO1DGnTUKa6x89enN0SJ3XfleR_5SUpX7wcyChyxJGVT0R1I7AvW9ld-k1tq5HXfYu9G0jP_d_A__iFrYL9_BlKtJUgBk9pFlL14_6BKo8tPxEbYuMtX22om0rBybVAZmOeUoG7N/s1600-h/P5050218.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 205px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360787296956847698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCfSAOGO1DGnTUKa6x89enN0SJ3XfleR_5SUpX7wcyChyxJGVT0R1I7AvW9ld-k1tq5HXfYu9G0jP_d_A__iFrYL9_BlKtJUgBk9pFlL14_6BKo8tPxEbYuMtX22om0rBybVAZmOeUoG7N/s400/P5050218.JPG" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQ28V8UrduUCDcOOMWSAhwWCr-FbuveL6gXYASc2LdQ6VNTSZvUWjAYgEf_6wLJ80rulV0tarNpp-7LipYepOyVU0-GdQpWu2GFVjRGRuyOepjK16t93wC-uisS2hDldGjPj2zQtmMLcs/s1600-h/P5050219.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360787285976822434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQ28V8UrduUCDcOOMWSAhwWCr-FbuveL6gXYASc2LdQ6VNTSZvUWjAYgEf_6wLJ80rulV0tarNpp-7LipYepOyVU0-GdQpWu2GFVjRGRuyOepjK16t93wC-uisS2hDldGjPj2zQtmMLcs/s400/P5050219.JPG" /></a>Back to Lake Gardens for some cheesy senior pictures to kill time before our ticket allows us to get up into the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Petronas</span></span> Towers.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMEYYAMRJcwsJ115tptrAZBXT4MEy5gi1nrlwkjUZuzeoBVgTlBB7VtH0177pDatigXgS-cf46JNKPeHZbBkdNjqJjr7x2pUJJfRS8jvuxcc34X9Z3JEEY0_iMLG8rmzVgJ62dgIW7KCat/s1600-h/P5050224.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360787283809584130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMEYYAMRJcwsJ115tptrAZBXT4MEy5gi1nrlwkjUZuzeoBVgTlBB7VtH0177pDatigXgS-cf46JNKPeHZbBkdNjqJjr7x2pUJJfRS8jvuxcc34X9Z3JEEY0_iMLG8rmzVgJ62dgIW7KCat/s400/P5050224.JPG" /></a>Back at the towers to be a true tourist. I got my pass to prove it!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUVZHCb71sFTtCuultespJoFVDHIzuSdLE3H4GebDwYLN1G_uytMKGnMXhwMbjJAy4lNAHy7FyPse1kLN_GL3v2TY_ePGXDT51rYEBGOCZOCMeVKG5l5m89FHpdkUvZ4ykV126d15mwXz/s1600-h/P5050228.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360787278207705234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUVZHCb71sFTtCuultespJoFVDHIzuSdLE3H4GebDwYLN1G_uytMKGnMXhwMbjJAy4lNAHy7FyPse1kLN_GL3v2TY_ePGXDT51rYEBGOCZOCMeVKG5l5m89FHpdkUvZ4ykV126d15mwXz/s400/P5050228.JPG" /></a>The Sky Tour visit included a free video in 3-D!!! More exciting than it sounds. It talked a lot about oil and looked more "blurry" than "3-D". But, we looked awesome in the glasses and it was free, so it was totally worth it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyzWAaUU9nb6fc_QEjoFoB6eGuQDeyq_l3qcQxfNCK1motF3mDjYdQ2KJ77-NG-PDKuNtv6SoLgPuw2aRQROMU-aICpbIYNuNs42p3hhrVkV3botz5_Bg8CtO4wKDlU_CMpGg3pM6KulJL/s1600-h/P5050229.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360787084373340418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyzWAaUU9nb6fc_QEjoFoB6eGuQDeyq_l3qcQxfNCK1motF3mDjYdQ2KJ77-NG-PDKuNtv6SoLgPuw2aRQROMU-aICpbIYNuNs42p3hhrVkV3botz5_Bg8CtO4wKDlU_CMpGg3pM6KulJL/s400/P5050229.JPG" /></a>View of KL from the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">Petronas</span></span> Towers <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">Skybridge</span></span> on the 44<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span></span> floor.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdPxGerv9VkvcYmsW2_SPpb-eihjabMHdAZfckj6JiRe0plghwLdTViBc-hSnryO6ZN_yJ06Vht8665Z2Fc5wzIoALDsTHzEaGqgQTEpwMMraNv1fVb174nf-qZ0EcQtHTIOp8EjyQLKU/s1600-h/P5050230.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360787081670720114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdPxGerv9VkvcYmsW2_SPpb-eihjabMHdAZfckj6JiRe0plghwLdTViBc-hSnryO6ZN_yJ06Vht8665Z2Fc5wzIoALDsTHzEaGqgQTEpwMMraNv1fVb174nf-qZ0EcQtHTIOp8EjyQLKU/s400/P5050230.JPG" /></a>Looking down over the park.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6EMfTeHaegO-BRtDcSdMDHJFS_AE0UkeKdoRkJEqteGPnIyawj5MjgMQ9x7p5yKLx5QbBcspzeV90iyBHIzAgQWPKU82Bd1N5-GG1pxcIyRWPpa_jl0tzIls0V6j7JSlCd3WoXdztPSZX/s1600-h/P5050232a.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360787076045739698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6EMfTeHaegO-BRtDcSdMDHJFS_AE0UkeKdoRkJEqteGPnIyawj5MjgMQ9x7p5yKLx5QbBcspzeV90iyBHIzAgQWPKU82Bd1N5-GG1pxcIyRWPpa_jl0tzIls0V6j7JSlCd3WoXdztPSZX/s400/P5050232a.JPG" /></a>Chinatown.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7m4RFW8bYNFwsEOV8sdxu_W8fGbO0tnDiwvGz-I3e2PPWzTFL902Z9BGMoDy-iHqOzeKxgEgbjURtlUJfRFd_mf53MwGvt6U4M2r5MGfC2zYODVhfDdbdFene2RhDLZvk2QEovkc-Po79/s1600-h/P5050238.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 295px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360787072522661666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7m4RFW8bYNFwsEOV8sdxu_W8fGbO0tnDiwvGz-I3e2PPWzTFL902Z9BGMoDy-iHqOzeKxgEgbjURtlUJfRFd_mf53MwGvt6U4M2r5MGfC2zYODVhfDdbdFene2RhDLZvk2QEovkc-Po79/s400/P5050238.JPG" /></a>Persuaded by a gay guy from Florida to eat at this Indian restaurant while we learned about his dramatic life history. Great food, great price, 'interesting' guy.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTIOK0eq67qlyWONg4w5T6UjF5wGQDDzbPQUr7zeQe4os1gl7nwrz5YtlELQ2OY_Twt3-W-K3gfHMon6PjWsj5JmIX9FKTw8YcF8r5yT1wjzTrj8QzTsojDt5m3jokMSQc-ksKYx6hdv25/s1600-h/P5050245.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 328px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360787063836935874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTIOK0eq67qlyWONg4w5T6UjF5wGQDDzbPQUr7zeQe4os1gl7nwrz5YtlELQ2OY_Twt3-W-K3gfHMon6PjWsj5JmIX9FKTw8YcF8r5yT1wjzTrj8QzTsojDt5m3jokMSQc-ksKYx6hdv25/s400/P5050245.JPG" /></a><br />I wouldn't say KL is a "not to be missed" destination in Malaysia, but it is a major hub for flights and relatively entertaining if you've got the time and energy. We got our tummy's fed, our tourism ticks checked, and our clothes cleaned. I'd say it was a success!Sarah Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538062137134649947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030945174899587726.post-61514729196876071432009-07-20T23:32:00.005-05:002009-07-21T00:48:08.505-05:00Malaysia Take Eight: Limbang to Miri via BruneiOur plan after five long and incredible days in the wilderness of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Gunung</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Mulu</span> National Park was to hit up the biggest city in Malaysia, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Kuala</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Lumpur</span>. To get there, we had to take a flight. The closest airport was in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Miri</span>. We were now in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Limbang</span>. The "fastest", most cost effective way to get to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Miri</span> was by car, driving through Brunei (tiny oil rich country smack dab in the middle of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Malaysia)</span>. Friend of Larry (he knows everyone) has said car.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtWko1Ot-BZbPFw9BpPwC7rj0NotAz1vEhB0YhE1k7Tj6_tunL7NnK4-OIb6SG-tK6O0OSIXM-iBPw5A_YwuG9MEb3GvUTo7qr-ZGbtY2mWcLb4WhWyYlhdouEE5ce9f912IkVW5VImJu-/s1600-h/Limbang.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtWko1Ot-BZbPFw9BpPwC7rj0NotAz1vEhB0YhE1k7Tj6_tunL7NnK4-OIb6SG-tK6O0OSIXM-iBPw5A_YwuG9MEb3GvUTo7qr-ZGbtY2mWcLb4WhWyYlhdouEE5ce9f912IkVW5VImJu-/s400/Limbang.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360771302002155394" border="0" /></a>We had a few hours to kill before our mystery ride would arrive, so we checked out the tiny town of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Limbang</span>.<br /><br />Nice market in town.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3_snK0blc3DcGc_8OEiycxrpvu6sWd5s_tIw0P3QM0vbwQG6gKsDYVJKMc8FA9zD5QMFNpurJb3zzMQOWXpg7zbqncTWuLrXtwUrOtX_HOPqX7jC6wMBd4uxudA__VaKm_NUSShvaIZT/s1600-h/P5030139b.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3_snK0blc3DcGc_8OEiycxrpvu6sWd5s_tIw0P3QM0vbwQG6gKsDYVJKMc8FA9zD5QMFNpurJb3zzMQOWXpg7zbqncTWuLrXtwUrOtX_HOPqX7jC6wMBd4uxudA__VaKm_NUSShvaIZT/s400/P5030139b.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360771296750217426" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDLi2qUXMpTFbS868P2kUtV74UJ2tBEzSLXTvU4NUxmzi63czxupPMuffXAUZy6xFI6MNiVvVm28ho5m7AsABz8VrXbzThWjLVikv6HH0g_FpBKs4VmBjNfj59wwWKnPFQ1InO05MNuDLQ/s1600-h/P5030139c.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDLi2qUXMpTFbS868P2kUtV74UJ2tBEzSLXTvU4NUxmzi63czxupPMuffXAUZy6xFI6MNiVvVm28ho5m7AsABz8VrXbzThWjLVikv6HH0g_FpBKs4VmBjNfj59wwWKnPFQ1InO05MNuDLQ/s400/P5030139c.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360771087705867826" border="0" /></a>How bout '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">dem</span> apples?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8Qn9jqMwuF-g_urTjH7TOJc7k1Db5mRGmtUSbphpE3fXa97OU-N6bHvFuN5WLo8DT-2JBSOs8eXEDE85zLeAW_LE00SAE5WYI5VJ2TW1Dz7vT-_Kli30hMgVNrM4nC_LLE1ah0Xq1SEq/s1600-h/P5030139d.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8Qn9jqMwuF-g_urTjH7TOJc7k1Db5mRGmtUSbphpE3fXa97OU-N6bHvFuN5WLo8DT-2JBSOs8eXEDE85zLeAW_LE00SAE5WYI5VJ2TW1Dz7vT-_Kli30hMgVNrM4nC_LLE1ah0Xq1SEq/s400/P5030139d.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360771079558508290" border="0" /></a>Most delicious bananas, ever.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-bu7xWj9TmpI3wTu41uhEyYdmPJvOa7dIv1aCuAPkcn1Yzv4UubHfdqh8i4j0bZM4UMqH9b96R2BsDIZGcQiE7ga253fAG5-5pxtYaIjuYzn0HndYw0g3qXR8uf0x9Q_dd_6HFHJexYqr/s1600-h/P5030139e.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-bu7xWj9TmpI3wTu41uhEyYdmPJvOa7dIv1aCuAPkcn1Yzv4UubHfdqh8i4j0bZM4UMqH9b96R2BsDIZGcQiE7ga253fAG5-5pxtYaIjuYzn0HndYw0g3qXR8uf0x9Q_dd_6HFHJexYqr/s400/P5030139e.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360771068837027394" border="0" /></a>Fresh fish.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXdCIHWGDAinXd3ujw0qu99zPlA51rmoTGJfhLOyAnprrXVLFoMolKMZgUUIZ9omCrng1Pc1Wo9P5YQZSkwbyZqIB6Bo_BzUcA0fgG5enX7AGPW1T3_9Z4y32XT7YYOktshSslA-ZFOJa/s1600-h/P5030139f.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXdCIHWGDAinXd3ujw0qu99zPlA51rmoTGJfhLOyAnprrXVLFoMolKMZgUUIZ9omCrng1Pc1Wo9P5YQZSkwbyZqIB6Bo_BzUcA0fgG5enX7AGPW1T3_9Z4y32XT7YYOktshSslA-ZFOJa/s400/P5030139f.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360771063684346754" border="0" /></a>Dried sea creatures.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVAuQe8woTQ9LjDnXdMd1NuiLvSKcJTx7f2AT8AZPLswTwBQJdubPFIFqOvDLekKno5MSk7BdyAmU4LJMVg7_Zhd8RBQxAidrPoThUmD3ZEBdueZYfNHY968aaFHRtlV9eI-ut5L63ekTj/s1600-h/P5030139g.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVAuQe8woTQ9LjDnXdMd1NuiLvSKcJTx7f2AT8AZPLswTwBQJdubPFIFqOvDLekKno5MSk7BdyAmU4LJMVg7_Zhd8RBQxAidrPoThUmD3ZEBdueZYfNHY968aaFHRtlV9eI-ut5L63ekTj/s400/P5030139g.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360771058145043250" border="0" /></a>Assorted breads/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">carby</span> things.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5UotB6X6IBZNukcHxIQjIlJFdWYdVowr84w6WAJxHhNL8XddoKbFT93qWvuJzT0ex6aylDlFmYTEMxM9ibpOPDNjrRznecp2fxc5KoZU2PdwL-lE-ZKERgLSq-zNk9vZWEuxouWM7koN/s1600-h/P5030139h.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5UotB6X6IBZNukcHxIQjIlJFdWYdVowr84w6WAJxHhNL8XddoKbFT93qWvuJzT0ex6aylDlFmYTEMxM9ibpOPDNjrRznecp2fxc5KoZU2PdwL-lE-ZKERgLSq-zNk9vZWEuxouWM7koN/s400/P5030139h.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360769695848151634" border="0" /></a>We tried some new stuff in the markets, but ultimately I was unsatisfied. We ended up in a mall, observing the Malaysian youth in blissful A/C, when the first glimpse of an ice cream stand appeared. I couldn't choose between yam and pumpkin, so I got both. Thus began the ice cream Olympics: USA vs. New Zealand. Never <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">challenge</span> me to an ice cream competition - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">cuz</span> I'm gonna kill you every time, son! This was mid-challenge at number four, vanilla and sweet corn soft serve - the best of the trip in my opinion.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWUPgyVMNKk6DzkpvYozuVQpzS_Yu4MWINjKj8IDrAk_ITe6GW-ATju9VraV-8ToFt7SMj1fOkTEMfAh3dDEHILEEwJO9TCcEcqbbzOR_AZVlVsThSPcFZvFIdKhT-gVqGH4TE0Ogh4Qna/s1600-h/P5030139j.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWUPgyVMNKk6DzkpvYozuVQpzS_Yu4MWINjKj8IDrAk_ITe6GW-ATju9VraV-8ToFt7SMj1fOkTEMfAh3dDEHILEEwJO9TCcEcqbbzOR_AZVlVsThSPcFZvFIdKhT-gVqGH4TE0Ogh4Qna/s400/P5030139j.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360769689381338242" border="0" /></a>Eventually we get picked up, not by a taxi, but by an SUV crammed with the driver, what we think was another tour guide, a young (but rather large) Malaysian woman, and two Malaysian college students. A plastic cross hung from the rear view mirror, musty dry air blew through the vents, and none of the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">seat belts</span> worked. A trip that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">should've</span> taken two, maybe two and a half hours took over five thanks to a public holiday. Border crossing was the main time stealing culprit, since our driver adhering to the 'no speed limit' law surely wasn't.<br /><br />We did get to add another stamp to our passports though, and get a quick glimpse of Brunei as we passed through. Brunei is the remnant of a super powerful sultanate and gained its independence in 1984. It's small but powerful thanks to it's oil money. There were <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">perty</span> houses with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">perty</span> doors and windows.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY_XcyjSywH5MHrVXarp69H1GNf_qZ5wMF6-0QKNuykp20SALNm3sOLimMbsJUHznvlUOs9bbaSqoSz7Z78aIc9-DgOL3v16C2x9b1gNbGHX9iXANrwbHXfc2AHs4WWGuOf4mYaiSGkf5E/s1600-h/P5030144.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY_XcyjSywH5MHrVXarp69H1GNf_qZ5wMF6-0QKNuykp20SALNm3sOLimMbsJUHznvlUOs9bbaSqoSz7Z78aIc9-DgOL3v16C2x9b1gNbGHX9iXANrwbHXfc2AHs4WWGuOf4mYaiSGkf5E/s400/P5030144.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360769687807770818" border="0" /></a>We made it to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Miri</span> very late that night and had just enough energy to take our first warm shower in almost a week, book a flight for the next day, and chat with our lovely hostel owner. If you're ever in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Miri</span>, Malaysia, please spend a night at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Dillenia</span> Guest House.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgslK2N6A3s4ZrLI1seuV51-TgC03zZ7zjiL5kBF5FsUd-1m7ZWcRBYj5XBA9ImjvKzRl6Pvy3D9_O-7WutZE0VSnU7Mj_AVuCIVKImRWmmi9mN1MYNC1uGcd4MGyFliYdc6_UX3zRcv7Wl/s1600-h/P5040148.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgslK2N6A3s4ZrLI1seuV51-TgC03zZ7zjiL5kBF5FsUd-1m7ZWcRBYj5XBA9ImjvKzRl6Pvy3D9_O-7WutZE0VSnU7Mj_AVuCIVKImRWmmi9mN1MYNC1uGcd4MGyFliYdc6_UX3zRcv7Wl/s400/P5040148.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360769677677720722" border="0" /></a>Goodbye, Borneo. Back to mainland Malaysia.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5WMyveWJ3tWAolJY2hk6PrJgtROnt2eZn9XWv9oieNLABDDU9CfNs_csF_BGpR4ggGpA6PxYcY544FTtb-qyD1-Y0et4SV3vu2WjQnY81AOO5cqygMtRUynxdXkaibnF1awfE3w1zFP3/s1600-h/P5040150.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5WMyveWJ3tWAolJY2hk6PrJgtROnt2eZn9XWv9oieNLABDDU9CfNs_csF_BGpR4ggGpA6PxYcY544FTtb-qyD1-Y0et4SV3vu2WjQnY81AOO5cqygMtRUynxdXkaibnF1awfE3w1zFP3/s400/P5040150.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360769674162178866" border="0" /></a>Sarah Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538062137134649947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030945174899587726.post-73849379598278390062009-07-20T22:20:00.009-05:002009-07-20T23:31:58.913-05:00Malaysia Take Seven: Sleepover at the Longhouse and an Exit from MuluArrival at the longhouse village. I had no idea what to really expect of this, but the description was desperately screaming "tourist trap!" The experience however, was anything but. As we drifted down the river for hours, we saw maybe two other villages. I really felt like this was a unique society not just anybody can hop on a plane to see. It turns out that it was actually our tour guide Larry's family's village! We were chatting with a guy who lives there, who turned out to be Larry's brother, a paraplegic Olympic swimmer. Crazy.<br />Anyway, I felt really fortunate to not only be allowed to spend the night there and have a delicious feast prepared, but also to be welcomed with open hearts and dirty fingers.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtoO0lRm25E7Wro54rvhExJ4TJyPAoUsBFdoueJlOIHQSAe9Aluu4t5okhTfxdKnFWDQA85U1S3PhLh_asVeyp0h-pmQrzpzKXEjVWLTakwsb-8MiaFXopTSI1FbmgzL8KM67baBj8LetT/s1600-h/P5020099.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtoO0lRm25E7Wro54rvhExJ4TJyPAoUsBFdoueJlOIHQSAe9Aluu4t5okhTfxdKnFWDQA85U1S3PhLh_asVeyp0h-pmQrzpzKXEjVWLTakwsb-8MiaFXopTSI1FbmgzL8KM67baBj8LetT/s400/P5020099.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360749708771059026" border="0" /></a>The longhouse from the outside. It's like a whole village living in one big long house, divided into a public area along one side and private living quarters along the other.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqqEK1l1mdRifDB8z_pPnNrntCZgshQi9LCWUpQvKdreEzH39cUS2PZrcGrnePp7TKCY9mGLDMLwcR8QGoVnbyvbqgCHkU-XwXbGUvrfylU2KY95BiOhgAb-1_Z2eY4WsEZj6LLnBk0omb/s1600-h/P5020101.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqqEK1l1mdRifDB8z_pPnNrntCZgshQi9LCWUpQvKdreEzH39cUS2PZrcGrnePp7TKCY9mGLDMLwcR8QGoVnbyvbqgCHkU-XwXbGUvrfylU2KY95BiOhgAb-1_Z2eY4WsEZj6LLnBk0omb/s400/P5020101.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360749534546843714" border="0" /></a>Our digs for the night before we claimed a spot to lay our futon.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tyrw8UTqSui7-mPHRcs62AaQZkOdz_w8GQ-asUEaOyTPGAAqcMeBNmMqc5YKNCh3REUghIr-aaQmzaYxQpnhbWhM8cXQbxdRvcM4-iKg14Ma-JfrKxhDno9ern2H6tt3fQgyhlFbyhdc/s1600-h/P5020104b.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tyrw8UTqSui7-mPHRcs62AaQZkOdz_w8GQ-asUEaOyTPGAAqcMeBNmMqc5YKNCh3REUghIr-aaQmzaYxQpnhbWhM8cXQbxdRvcM4-iKg14Ma-JfrKxhDno9ern2H6tt3fQgyhlFbyhdc/s400/P5020104b.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360749526885695202" border="0" /></a>Our host family's living room.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7a8SCO_OaA6sY0Cm45MDeGZ-4IfS3Obg-PyroyPdNDCK6a2xVU2mY7n6S9dqHjfw5vsbOwuMocqqe5UtbLf2EItzpidf134hWsXKwMBDxD3LzEjXq5adox2KMYOCJY6Akgr9-9tzj1oAN/s1600-h/P5020104c.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7a8SCO_OaA6sY0Cm45MDeGZ-4IfS3Obg-PyroyPdNDCK6a2xVU2mY7n6S9dqHjfw5vsbOwuMocqqe5UtbLf2EItzpidf134hWsXKwMBDxD3LzEjXq5adox2KMYOCJY6Akgr9-9tzj1oAN/s400/P5020104c.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360749516256617378" border="0" /></a>Some kiddos were playing out in the communal area, which I immediately gravitated toward. They taught me some game with a rock and I taught them "Paper, Scissors, Rock".<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEWYwGN1PgSpqN1jiIowwBcJNajNQnR6UiEk1q1HhrsphaK6BAJsxnMfT3BNta0m0vt-6QFpkTcq1eHI_HoaGopHsQTvRNQo_GtjalrzQMAFcZKgHHWl1d5FwrmSgSoEP2T6ymyKuh1s29/s1600-h/P5020107a.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEWYwGN1PgSpqN1jiIowwBcJNajNQnR6UiEk1q1HhrsphaK6BAJsxnMfT3BNta0m0vt-6QFpkTcq1eHI_HoaGopHsQTvRNQo_GtjalrzQMAFcZKgHHWl1d5FwrmSgSoEP2T6ymyKuh1s29/s400/P5020107a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360749500905143698" border="0" /></a>Then I busted out some music for sing-a-longs... I think I was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">feelin</span>' it more than they were.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLhmgcGuGmiybAb3OuyHzhjx2cKD769MhzvN2VLLsoXCm9y_cyr0yN_yWG0ILi8detGpvCPC7BTAYzT2Hawu-uJzUdvnobxA4_szhyiO6UafKQT-GoX2ftzIYRP-ZVthA2ipyYp9Oa9O7/s1600-h/P5020106.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLhmgcGuGmiybAb3OuyHzhjx2cKD769MhzvN2VLLsoXCm9y_cyr0yN_yWG0ILi8detGpvCPC7BTAYzT2Hawu-uJzUdvnobxA4_szhyiO6UafKQT-GoX2ftzIYRP-ZVthA2ipyYp9Oa9O7/s400/P5020106.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360749507968749074" border="0" /></a>Julie is trying desperately to understand this cutie's attempts at English, which in all honesty was much easier to deconstruct than any Japanese kiddo.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhapLV327hkOutLD1lStN0J29a3CmhT6XYExZuNR9Eh8ra7Qz_CysXFg-CBHb5zPy84YFgP9GIsNJWvv05l7G8YcH63OLCer-MbRfJmQugwADu3hgm93kRgX7bdQCYpB0pe46iECyoJk-22/s1600-h/P5020107f.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhapLV327hkOutLD1lStN0J29a3CmhT6XYExZuNR9Eh8ra7Qz_CysXFg-CBHb5zPy84YFgP9GIsNJWvv05l7G8YcH63OLCer-MbRfJmQugwADu3hgm93kRgX7bdQCYpB0pe46iECyoJk-22/s400/P5020107f.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360749310711960258" border="0" /></a>That is one long house.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzF7qZf-00lx8T24JlyDSo0_YGOY2OV2ymnTMWx9b1Z1qPMXVMf6vJIA9tdY8aNnzmhb4FxUAP8yKploN-wtF8hDiEvfGcPv0zmdT9pspPwfFEErrAu_6U1j0riViaBoy2vsg1heqpTWu/s1600-h/P5020107g.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzF7qZf-00lx8T24JlyDSo0_YGOY2OV2ymnTMWx9b1Z1qPMXVMf6vJIA9tdY8aNnzmhb4FxUAP8yKploN-wtF8hDiEvfGcPv0zmdT9pspPwfFEErrAu_6U1j0riViaBoy2vsg1heqpTWu/s400/P5020107g.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360749301426746738" border="0" /></a>Cheese-y!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB2_oZieQmmnoXFs1jqGe2GS4NPKDIs7etjZp6y4_iXPx0jV9ur5pZo0iooa-pQNvgyjK34zQFrHO7iSmdAAi608wItf5H6ajvDTX95YWyXccM8loo2Cg-du4FVmQ-lOogpfeISEamEOeW/s1600-h/P5020107h.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB2_oZieQmmnoXFs1jqGe2GS4NPKDIs7etjZp6y4_iXPx0jV9ur5pZo0iooa-pQNvgyjK34zQFrHO7iSmdAAi608wItf5H6ajvDTX95YWyXccM8loo2Cg-du4FVmQ-lOogpfeISEamEOeW/s400/P5020107h.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360749296205156258" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Lim</span> came out to spread the love (and cavity inducing candy) as well.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2tnzaHvzj5lzj72Ux6gmwdZANi4G7JEIpnXJ8-r9WSl6iFJjrFMsmSBGGB8cVRgiNg481cQrxY6-8-u17vInULBr9cp5Dvd1TSI8XTj3hhgOtpOKzSvI60fgy5OvqwX16iSjXPza0ngJy/s1600-h/P5020107i.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2tnzaHvzj5lzj72Ux6gmwdZANi4G7JEIpnXJ8-r9WSl6iFJjrFMsmSBGGB8cVRgiNg481cQrxY6-8-u17vInULBr9cp5Dvd1TSI8XTj3hhgOtpOKzSvI60fgy5OvqwX16iSjXPza0ngJy/s400/P5020107i.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360749292563264594" border="0" /></a>We asked the kids to give us a tour of the grounds. They led us to the chicken pens.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEissDhq7KN886qSJO3pyxRgigpbJ1vwruMOAABPughE5YLNrnYi0QV9DAL2uWPJOLMSqg2W_-L9c4cJPSkGPSiWNFml1cakvWtVPXyOCw7EQCBElgb9mcZv08obPTBNvqkVh2yJIKgQdlSF/s1600-h/P5020108.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEissDhq7KN886qSJO3pyxRgigpbJ1vwruMOAABPughE5YLNrnYi0QV9DAL2uWPJOLMSqg2W_-L9c4cJPSkGPSiWNFml1cakvWtVPXyOCw7EQCBElgb9mcZv08obPTBNvqkVh2yJIKgQdlSF/s400/P5020108.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360749286669162930" border="0" /></a>I was trying to save one of the many chicks the kids were suffocating, Lenny style.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxEGqewE_YlXcjIugUqjk3MEoiPGVsuDbEskeegrhUXUSzJalfA3iJf5qBruxW0Fe53Iu34c6q9ncNjc8eE9QYpAna8nqUYBryGXY8ZrtOtdhErrZl7IUUWBZZjn69ercmvlW9yuVHOk-1/s1600-h/P5020108a.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxEGqewE_YlXcjIugUqjk3MEoiPGVsuDbEskeegrhUXUSzJalfA3iJf5qBruxW0Fe53Iu34c6q9ncNjc8eE9QYpAna8nqUYBryGXY8ZrtOtdhErrZl7IUUWBZZjn69ercmvlW9yuVHOk-1/s400/P5020108a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360749068228179298" border="0" /></a>The longhouse from the front. Pretty wonderful and basic digs, but not completely void of 21st century influences. Check out the satellite dishes on the roof. The kids (20 plus) were all packed into one living room that night watching some Nickelodeon show. Classic.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDar-d3ZHOXytSqGoUCdXzDxZ7JnnKQqcyahkeX0nPUbz_lpXRIz68umVyX226n7QIaEklz02lQ6OrIl9_G9LXVCyrRY5kTOju94XbEcqCBg8nxeat8oqxK1ooLM5A4Rhvq9QzENlKqZU/s1600-h/P5020110.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDar-d3ZHOXytSqGoUCdXzDxZ7JnnKQqcyahkeX0nPUbz_lpXRIz68umVyX226n7QIaEklz02lQ6OrIl9_G9LXVCyrRY5kTOju94XbEcqCBg8nxeat8oqxK1ooLM5A4Rhvq9QzENlKqZU/s400/P5020110.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360749066351375346" border="0" /></a>Continuing the tour.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQWO3cKjisEvzptnYO52BAghCUzkbGnSUng1VwF5pEsXnDVolTIuCD8xMWQETrW1KGJI0i472jkVXoqKN4FSoeehzH3faUDuIw8HN6L-9Hzo76GeAjioyUddhgqKuALLmRw3Mz_etDxs2i/s1600-h/P5020111.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQWO3cKjisEvzptnYO52BAghCUzkbGnSUng1VwF5pEsXnDVolTIuCD8xMWQETrW1KGJI0i472jkVXoqKN4FSoeehzH3faUDuIw8HN6L-9Hzo76GeAjioyUddhgqKuALLmRw3Mz_etDxs2i/s400/P5020111.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360749056518092546" border="0" /></a>Naked boys playing in the river - adorable!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ZHJ7Q90o0RM2pXloQ0TYJ4ATJf_zfQw6Q8YRdJ2jyOcdsHK5_VU7VmUCkRjD7yqMWF3KM_Pu6bxaydGLuU58az5zX4HnYkZZiv5rNw3Bon1M4aCvSiKfoFAlUF84ytMLqPDFt0kbvcIx/s1600-h/P5020112.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ZHJ7Q90o0RM2pXloQ0TYJ4ATJf_zfQw6Q8YRdJ2jyOcdsHK5_VU7VmUCkRjD7yqMWF3KM_Pu6bxaydGLuU58az5zX4HnYkZZiv5rNw3Bon1M4aCvSiKfoFAlUF84ytMLqPDFt0kbvcIx/s400/P5020112.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360749053956663826" border="0" /></a>Doesn't get much fresher than this. Our hosts were graciously preparing dinner from the time we arrived.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFIY1q9vzFLoyx53R8Ox9O6mnQDl2RwV1tkZJMK38LN8E4SKZhquSBzAZeYutOOJrX3rGdpAbTfF2RqpnMDz0PF2bUn9EUAZ8JQCZyDDgr7l0VFHlfz9jNLQ6HyjMAXncfAv7OSOOD02Y/s1600-h/P5020112b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFIY1q9vzFLoyx53R8Ox9O6mnQDl2RwV1tkZJMK38LN8E4SKZhquSBzAZeYutOOJrX3rGdpAbTfF2RqpnMDz0PF2bUn9EUAZ8JQCZyDDgr7l0VFHlfz9jNLQ6HyjMAXncfAv7OSOOD02Y/s400/P5020112b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360749046852206562" border="0" /></a>Hard at work.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwA8nLknkv68kstfpk-9t1X7Za89A-hdZFDWmHGjVqrAv82ACee77Cg6LCIcHovCii8k1E_QGMcAYtwpjZXECdE1HTByYDVLSLYdU4dagMY1hfJtwTk7N_0hzuvlEz3Dn662RfgD_tKIzx/s1600-h/P5020113.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwA8nLknkv68kstfpk-9t1X7Za89A-hdZFDWmHGjVqrAv82ACee77Cg6LCIcHovCii8k1E_QGMcAYtwpjZXECdE1HTByYDVLSLYdU4dagMY1hfJtwTk7N_0hzuvlEz3Dn662RfgD_tKIzx/s400/P5020113.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360748822576469042" border="0" /></a>Looked and tasted delicious!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1jE4XdtpCN2ifOI4NLwcssdq4VAF0csmkS1fm7IlHC3TpOvdrCMol0U4Weoi0t-GNNrClVbsw4eFnxHs8iCPnYyHmouH0y6MmBrosyo3z99mEAJgJ_ukw_QPkOeVvTpjuBTD26DV38RB/s1600-h/P5020116.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1jE4XdtpCN2ifOI4NLwcssdq4VAF0csmkS1fm7IlHC3TpOvdrCMol0U4Weoi0t-GNNrClVbsw4eFnxHs8iCPnYyHmouH0y6MmBrosyo3z99mEAJgJ_ukw_QPkOeVvTpjuBTD26DV38RB/s400/P5020116.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360748817143634562" border="0" /></a>After dinner I taught the KL crew Spoons. Maybe not the best idea for a group as rambunctious as they were after 'lights out', but it was a blast.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_iamSlTqX_sVMPunnAa4lUA8vO-RarvrIg-bB5HvIMp18cnBIf98jZZAC4wvtJjJ2MLqIKP6PmY6YzOUPjC_6lIxMg7GE-Bin2THO3iVl_Qu_i-zXcslLSD3s9g39KPnENUb9GwYz2W3d/s1600-h/P5020118a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_iamSlTqX_sVMPunnAa4lUA8vO-RarvrIg-bB5HvIMp18cnBIf98jZZAC4wvtJjJ2MLqIKP6PmY6YzOUPjC_6lIxMg7GE-Bin2THO3iVl_Qu_i-zXcslLSD3s9g39KPnENUb9GwYz2W3d/s400/P5020118a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360748814590915138" border="0" /></a>Some of the residents were out selling crafts and things they'd made at night. This just gave us another chance to talk with Larry's super sweet and interesting brother.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTITiiCWaZ-VWb4rQz5xPkpAxQ5Jmb2nWEA645svxCe_nUmZgCGc-4VPzZsZfnXIfKS87mJrhvv1ym6XxmjbmFx5_2BgJWi4la0r-Y-aueyxJY5aV8vxNwNjIUH4DjnKwDIkcqbQlybfvz/s1600-h/P5020121a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTITiiCWaZ-VWb4rQz5xPkpAxQ5Jmb2nWEA645svxCe_nUmZgCGc-4VPzZsZfnXIfKS87mJrhvv1ym6XxmjbmFx5_2BgJWi4la0r-Y-aueyxJY5aV8vxNwNjIUH4DjnKwDIkcqbQlybfvz/s400/P5020121a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360748809859083426" border="0" /></a>Catching up on our novels at night.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9amX-KWRGVpCLFJLRWC4FnaWvgUfxwMi9HO2lSs1tRdhRGVclnLeLZvhAPMmZuR7LTIcZ20z-_QH9dR3b7cryCokHajDGgX5LIeywLJFLGJObvsFNH23xjElk2MBQD7zUpMyfAmoMrdf/s1600-h/P5020122.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9amX-KWRGVpCLFJLRWC4FnaWvgUfxwMi9HO2lSs1tRdhRGVclnLeLZvhAPMmZuR7LTIcZ20z-_QH9dR3b7cryCokHajDGgX5LIeywLJFLGJObvsFNH23xjElk2MBQD7zUpMyfAmoMrdf/s400/P5020122.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360748799257521154" border="0" /></a>Time for bed.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEYR4xS6iO31QSU-RIpWzVGo2mdX9eYdDwidwVfWA-jvC0ZMFIMvKp08J_nuYPCaOrg-GCQ3VLEPmtjMra04kcEZeD9n5sx26_nOO4fo6apNNU_BWJoDUD6e6u9EsPKnR9L6CIbluT5ky7/s1600-h/P5020122a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEYR4xS6iO31QSU-RIpWzVGo2mdX9eYdDwidwVfWA-jvC0ZMFIMvKp08J_nuYPCaOrg-GCQ3VLEPmtjMra04kcEZeD9n5sx26_nOO4fo6apNNU_BWJoDUD6e6u9EsPKnR9L6CIbluT5ky7/s400/P5020122a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360748611673918610" border="0" /></a>The roosters reminded us the sun was up, they were up, and so should we at about 5am the next morning. I promptly ignored them and waited until the delicious breakfast was ready to prep so I could help out. The next day was gorgeous and a nice one to hit the river again on to bid adieu to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Gunung</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Mulu</span> National Park.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7AFxcATcTsmMkbQj-5vI0s0HKZYe97a_2HHLT9Nnboo0R0L1GeScvwPC4wXyC99T8zvjLBmNNEMuOQhmDD_nszr0-5IWprxllMgDlovCe09NDUCKKguXdey7OS6tm-HcAswFLAVW1S4O/s1600-h/P5030127a.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7AFxcATcTsmMkbQj-5vI0s0HKZYe97a_2HHLT9Nnboo0R0L1GeScvwPC4wXyC99T8zvjLBmNNEMuOQhmDD_nszr0-5IWprxllMgDlovCe09NDUCKKguXdey7OS6tm-HcAswFLAVW1S4O/s400/P5030127a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360748603834187218" border="0" /></a>Julie was clearly happy to leave, too.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT4gsLiniNJlbmGksWZF_IoSqMxJWzaLNgmPZgDhhotIb8eFWAu38-e9xWYlt1gkAe-a5Ex0zk-z83U1vpM5-nrNPv9bm3sGXFKl8sT5t_-2jU-_fVck7f2KuRJnMkpDuSdAMuS2hkLBuw/s1600-h/P5030129.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT4gsLiniNJlbmGksWZF_IoSqMxJWzaLNgmPZgDhhotIb8eFWAu38-e9xWYlt1gkAe-a5Ex0zk-z83U1vpM5-nrNPv9bm3sGXFKl8sT5t_-2jU-_fVck7f2KuRJnMkpDuSdAMuS2hkLBuw/s400/P5030129.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360748587798658450" border="0" /></a>We made it to the last stop of the trip to wait for transportation back to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Limbang</span> and bought some delicious local snacks and treats.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivyLxI0zEseWUaKCUblGtFKka90BOH_74YDSuBllmeCGt3Kjb7yUA0hB43mrRK9I0ArPR3kMC-ClaFntgPE0uT3FBhuca4IErSgKQSyBypBi3uQX45Y7p_DPopg3Hl5c524NyLIyrCAD-g/s1600-h/P5030134.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivyLxI0zEseWUaKCUblGtFKka90BOH_74YDSuBllmeCGt3Kjb7yUA0hB43mrRK9I0ArPR3kMC-ClaFntgPE0uT3FBhuca4IErSgKQSyBypBi3uQX45Y7p_DPopg3Hl5c524NyLIyrCAD-g/s400/P5030134.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360748583559389826" border="0" /></a>Smile, just ONE more time for me Uncle <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Lim</span>! Great end to a great trip in Gunung Mulu. Highly recommend it!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-ur4KCHU4XLlR7ILyc2FTctedwQdfuNR7gAFtzX8nm3xg73aEYa3FpfFwqTaXnAPTm6vHZ6RkcE-JShwsGyrNIpXHTdnts0jk5wv4bqBrF0y-UcI_rokiDEGHfEKuE6Z_9Qbi5D_fAz1/s1600-h/P5030136.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-ur4KCHU4XLlR7ILyc2FTctedwQdfuNR7gAFtzX8nm3xg73aEYa3FpfFwqTaXnAPTm6vHZ6RkcE-JShwsGyrNIpXHTdnts0jk5wv4bqBrF0y-UcI_rokiDEGHfEKuE6Z_9Qbi5D_fAz1/s400/P5030136.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360748581167562418" border="0" /></a>Sarah Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538062137134649947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030945174899587726.post-82306385194495845892009-07-20T21:55:00.003-05:002009-07-20T22:20:13.235-05:00Malaysia Take Six: Headhunter's TrailTo get from Camp 5 to the longhouse we'd be staying at the next night, we had another day of hiking and "rowing" ahead of us. This time, we'd be taking the Headhunters' Trail. The trail got it's name because about a hundred years ago, head hunting in this area was at it's peak. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kayan</span> war parties from the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Baram</span> River came <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">through</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">the</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Mulu</span> area to attack <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Murut</span> longhouses and Chinese farmers along the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Limbang</span> River, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">paddling</span> their war canoes up rivers and carrying them through the forests.<br />Julie was much more concerned about the leeches than any head hunter's though. 11.3km later, we were both leech free.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_dPzeyb-1yjqBLLH5J6mFG6BZdRLSBlMPVnXD9YwPXtcBnqH0ik5A96-1t43QdUUpAXFxPFeQ-IH0YhKvuSXkeRU2gNmACV-K1z_2AFAuiVwWjvZ55GtCaHK6mux0C7HfE4eoki2bsHe/s1600-h/P5020085.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_dPzeyb-1yjqBLLH5J6mFG6BZdRLSBlMPVnXD9YwPXtcBnqH0ik5A96-1t43QdUUpAXFxPFeQ-IH0YhKvuSXkeRU2gNmACV-K1z_2AFAuiVwWjvZ55GtCaHK6mux0C7HfE4eoki2bsHe/s400/P5020085.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360742190228280850" border="0" /></a> I love my fungus!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCnIsZIZSrXW-1pCN6VaY4WwYVtKFd7pPlyJ6zgnFFM0CTAgWNCN5b5OnYhyphenhyphenfbUfWZYvEfDXJtxcLmhnDvdHpJt4lOQWJAg64yUgn3ggJz09gz70Sb5DakSOHn1aiGYrxKD6LWvnEvyLX9/s1600-h/P5020088.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCnIsZIZSrXW-1pCN6VaY4WwYVtKFd7pPlyJ6zgnFFM0CTAgWNCN5b5OnYhyphenhyphenfbUfWZYvEfDXJtxcLmhnDvdHpJt4lOQWJAg64yUgn3ggJz09gz70Sb5DakSOHn1aiGYrxKD6LWvnEvyLX9/s400/P5020088.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360742187146380498" border="0" /></a>More suspension bridges.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUG7Y5lN-37xZApXggj29iRrA_AWVTJLdAfwfSPDz1LeuJek7h2IV7Ba4AFYz47lxHUSlIKtItYI6nXE8lChVThJhkL8n8JsdW-pO_czWpbim-0FtSNUZ_Bv2wDt_pAQTUKPWOU7voch_P/s1600-h/P5020089a.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUG7Y5lN-37xZApXggj29iRrA_AWVTJLdAfwfSPDz1LeuJek7h2IV7Ba4AFYz47lxHUSlIKtItYI6nXE8lChVThJhkL8n8JsdW-pO_czWpbim-0FtSNUZ_Bv2wDt_pAQTUKPWOU7voch_P/s400/P5020089a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360742049197196146" border="0" /></a>Whether it's big or '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">lil</span>, I love all fungus.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbe1beFZtpIotex_Uk1VhyKh1t5uoB-CN1FUq-F8VAYvccm8vixp0FcG-GyKKyCBjhVdG8x3GcAY812uGaqtKvkqrrMI1ZRLCQv7XUtCvZdBZ0IBZ8gCxqFTmqIJXXju4cM_EK7JD9tof2/s1600-h/P5020090a.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbe1beFZtpIotex_Uk1VhyKh1t5uoB-CN1FUq-F8VAYvccm8vixp0FcG-GyKKyCBjhVdG8x3GcAY812uGaqtKvkqrrMI1ZRLCQv7XUtCvZdBZ0IBZ8gCxqFTmqIJXXju4cM_EK7JD9tof2/s400/P5020090a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360742038471050386" border="0" /></a>READY!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7hGR-vcrhBgeWw8ppTUFo5xFA50YavrPmgDSQ-m91wmyL_KZRlxPmYzrMOxQP74acMHf5bsyS355adypVfdqwqN3nsogxlItzhhO_ygCvvsvHtrTU6nZ4RkNexhrmZ8zj-ihuuZMsIr3r/s1600-h/P5020092.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7hGR-vcrhBgeWw8ppTUFo5xFA50YavrPmgDSQ-m91wmyL_KZRlxPmYzrMOxQP74acMHf5bsyS355adypVfdqwqN3nsogxlItzhhO_ygCvvsvHtrTU6nZ4RkNexhrmZ8zj-ihuuZMsIr3r/s400/P5020092.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360742034090115314" border="0" /></a>This <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">riverin</span>' experience was much more enjoyable than the last. After the monstrous downpour the night before, water levels were high which meant no need to jump in and out to push on the canoe on my now bum ankle (I of course twisted it during the hike the day before).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0k5ohViElwr2Joskl-GkfFMCw6odqIGiq4WEUqBjecOVZKbbDnMZldCRmh5VlvR0P-ToEfhtj6LgUR0NYt0dOl2oOfKy3EiBbdiHV5mEPN0BGrXriEvqrvcpqGKbcd9zQ_xIRrYY3YOl/s1600-h/P5020093.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0k5ohViElwr2Joskl-GkfFMCw6odqIGiq4WEUqBjecOVZKbbDnMZldCRmh5VlvR0P-ToEfhtj6LgUR0NYt0dOl2oOfKy3EiBbdiHV5mEPN0BGrXriEvqrvcpqGKbcd9zQ_xIRrYY3YOl/s400/P5020093.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360742029656619458" border="0" /></a>Getting cloooooserrrr....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7RRI1hjpnPdOP3lrenJ7-IZorEaEcxU-7jsictXRM63ytIt9kYe8n7u7fL8ZtVKAz9mygkTh2P0aUBea8dgkKowpCSSKedog6E-A4iI-5Hxq-uNpDLrHQbqZpGpIArh-NAaHwhlDLZRf/s1600-h/P5020098.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7RRI1hjpnPdOP3lrenJ7-IZorEaEcxU-7jsictXRM63ytIt9kYe8n7u7fL8ZtVKAz9mygkTh2P0aUBea8dgkKowpCSSKedog6E-A4iI-5Hxq-uNpDLrHQbqZpGpIArh-NAaHwhlDLZRf/s400/P5020098.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360742021588057890" border="0" /></a>Sarah Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538062137134649947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030945174899587726.post-1007024921863431792009-07-20T21:24:00.005-05:002009-07-20T21:55:01.321-05:00Malaysia Take Five: The PinnaclesThe big day had finally arrived. Hiking the Pinnacles was the main reason we booked this trip. Off the super touristy beaten track, a real challenge for "experienced hikers ONLY!!!", and a unique geographic sight to be seen at the top.<br /><br />So, 4 am on May 1st we rose, got dressed in the very stylish spandex under shorts, thick socks, dri-fit look I rock so hard, and ate me some fried noodles Malay style. Tasty, but probably THE worst thing to have at 4am before an epic hike... me tummy no <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">likey</span>:(<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDHQOWbTwXuV5OqwGgqp8YG658-v_RjkZxY2Xr2lEYuStw0WgHDNqpT2Qqd3Pq6LewrcS0GANfEEdcYuHFAG-xXMXqFMyH0utFpAgaU-4nmwDR1ykn7zrnQzRwAqL78KCS20gXl4I5niMW/s1600-h/P5010025.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 316px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDHQOWbTwXuV5OqwGgqp8YG658-v_RjkZxY2Xr2lEYuStw0WgHDNqpT2Qqd3Pq6LewrcS0GANfEEdcYuHFAG-xXMXqFMyH0utFpAgaU-4nmwDR1ykn7zrnQzRwAqL78KCS20gXl4I5niMW/s400/P5010025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360734920946228898" border="0" /></a><br />Told you Richard's all brawn - check out those legs!!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWp0v8RJRCZGzzjuEZoJztvWa_pzu2dc1HyJQq_W12tFH58unDkwWMuTDS0t3grrD5d4HFpqZdtqcuC09PMDIOnH-OE653g8ENGNLulpsD-nwvmG3gqI9Ho0VwfQh6FzTQGlRBYjI_hh36/s1600-h/P5010026.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWp0v8RJRCZGzzjuEZoJztvWa_pzu2dc1HyJQq_W12tFH58unDkwWMuTDS0t3grrD5d4HFpqZdtqcuC09PMDIOnH-OE653g8ENGNLulpsD-nwvmG3gqI9Ho0VwfQh6FzTQGlRBYjI_hh36/s400/P5010026.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360734918026889938" border="0" /></a>Let the Pinnacles hike begin! About a 60 degree incline for the first 3/4 of the hike. Awesome!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh210ne2ucApEc7c760z8b1XW4x8uh4GpUDP4Oz6qTKAXTCFe0G86ToKcirRlosfwOhQ5uVCuaYG6DL5ItSuxRH0BYWxDO9hUyVnPIulIsDujoH8e58Y2lWyGeto_09Hczf84uKwKGM72z/s1600-h/P5010030a.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh210ne2ucApEc7c760z8b1XW4x8uh4GpUDP4Oz6qTKAXTCFe0G86ToKcirRlosfwOhQ5uVCuaYG6DL5ItSuxRH0BYWxDO9hUyVnPIulIsDujoH8e58Y2lWyGeto_09Hczf84uKwKGM72z/s400/P5010030a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360734910445070898" border="0" /></a>The sun's coming out to play and so am I.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibvSOinpfwCnRbiJEx19QNWyLsJXW6Gazb0GnuLeMRhw57L8S5pf5VjFmjHKqulHen-GmXMhiwbAjLMBtRDlY-rUNvJODI8cQZQH_8GlYMiUKOImxcXTPOnMkCD-cHq9nIdo9Opqhs2DHd/s1600-h/P5010033d.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibvSOinpfwCnRbiJEx19QNWyLsJXW6Gazb0GnuLeMRhw57L8S5pf5VjFmjHKqulHen-GmXMhiwbAjLMBtRDlY-rUNvJODI8cQZQH_8GlYMiUKOImxcXTPOnMkCD-cHq9nIdo9Opqhs2DHd/s400/P5010033d.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360734907074694834" border="0" /></a>Ladders marked the beginning of the end. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Psschhh</span> - who needs ladders?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQbQ0SaFOHys3H4IvSHaanyXznrNiOz2T6nWHXEf31kDFNvvnUW6Ec1ei_yAnN97oPOxx9mpHmMtZ7fTUqHRkV3Iybv4Ieg0ewwgIK3pazOrwx6b9m2LB0nemq245I57Iui_kRQt1STCp/s1600-h/P5010037.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQbQ0SaFOHys3H4IvSHaanyXznrNiOz2T6nWHXEf31kDFNvvnUW6Ec1ei_yAnN97oPOxx9mpHmMtZ7fTUqHRkV3Iybv4Ieg0ewwgIK3pazOrwx6b9m2LB0nemq245I57Iui_kRQt1STCp/s400/P5010037.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360734896545777682" border="0" /></a>We made it! Posing with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Dr. Ramly</span> at the peak of Mt <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Api</span>, who then proceeded to think he was photographer extraordinaire and insist on doing a photo shoot of Julie and I separately. The results were hi-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">larious</span>. Talk about extreme close-ups.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmi4ZUZOuCRREBbP_iFwqg5Bz8iSOi8dylFB5HJvVLWU_Em_UOHyWe48QidwWXz7GM2J6g5TLm515Cvb8pJPmcWRk8Jo7vt0FFb6651AAFBJrRQRXNUSeqe8XaWeKiymvkAYQTyCYqsR6X/s1600-h/P5010038a.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmi4ZUZOuCRREBbP_iFwqg5Bz8iSOi8dylFB5HJvVLWU_Em_UOHyWe48QidwWXz7GM2J6g5TLm515Cvb8pJPmcWRk8Jo7vt0FFb6651AAFBJrRQRXNUSeqe8XaWeKiymvkAYQTyCYqsR6X/s400/P5010038a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360734736786204370" border="0" /></a>We lost the rest of our Malaysian crew on the way up because as Richard said, "they like to sing and hug trees too much". Julie and I reached the peak first, followed shortly thereafter by the other mainland Malaysian crew. They had these sweet t-shirts made in advance and came correct with an ipod and speakers to bust out 80's power ballads with. Nice.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-4tq2XjbcvMWt5l7FJ3g_YmCmeXuNDJ-oiEgUio3wFwTmQ2jw6_5EKYBv5EcTDANNAfdgw3MYPVjROtJ57xLVKZU0cYBefUj2ttjj37CD6gQ58lok8JPeWx2SxLjreClsVwrVPDNkx4VJ/s1600-h/P5010038b.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-4tq2XjbcvMWt5l7FJ3g_YmCmeXuNDJ-oiEgUio3wFwTmQ2jw6_5EKYBv5EcTDANNAfdgw3MYPVjROtJ57xLVKZU0cYBefUj2ttjj37CD6gQ58lok8JPeWx2SxLjreClsVwrVPDNkx4VJ/s400/P5010038b.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360734728842746338" border="0" /></a>And<span style="font-style: italic;"> this</span> is the view we worked for the whole morning, The Pinnacles: crazy limestone formations in the middle of a forest.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zXQxwfFrTWj5irx1-wLZ2EPdCqJWiT0pDq05pb_Wlec3AEFgjqS9OWTPfa9diiihhg1XSp6nF1vUgqs3O02Jesgl8375R0QmEPihxoFgSmErZ98vZdnzeXaZmBMIt4wcxXKQ-A4E52ol/s1600-h/P5010042.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zXQxwfFrTWj5irx1-wLZ2EPdCqJWiT0pDq05pb_Wlec3AEFgjqS9OWTPfa9diiihhg1XSp6nF1vUgqs3O02Jesgl8375R0QmEPihxoFgSmErZ98vZdnzeXaZmBMIt4wcxXKQ-A4E52ol/s400/P5010042.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360734723038414082" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3BmWI__2gnGEzZxTy8Vix9yxqWYbq0eWrvhj9Z7HHgtPiNw4uF544EWxY6wWGmGF-ostjypRvc1vSt5zk8WMf44Z5pN3JiZ2RcJpVIRx3DYjs-NLhls6IN7nAfzayAO_D7-Uppnv2W6y/s1600-h/P5010051.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3BmWI__2gnGEzZxTy8Vix9yxqWYbq0eWrvhj9Z7HHgtPiNw4uF544EWxY6wWGmGF-ostjypRvc1vSt5zk8WMf44Z5pN3JiZ2RcJpVIRx3DYjs-NLhls6IN7nAfzayAO_D7-Uppnv2W6y/s400/P5010051.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360734716966533634" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LCCshGQyY-21XHrj5CTvm-SEP0R1dfR9Ak0f477y93C3-yoKz3eBWWwNBn5wCZ7b9vWdvo_8TrisfavjWpxWYcBbrDoEAGIDxTJ6_aw8vyKvdyfyshYIojZk5QBYC1oXYLLuu6Z39Y-g/s1600-h/P5010051a.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 97px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LCCshGQyY-21XHrj5CTvm-SEP0R1dfR9Ak0f477y93C3-yoKz3eBWWwNBn5wCZ7b9vWdvo_8TrisfavjWpxWYcBbrDoEAGIDxTJ6_aw8vyKvdyfyshYIojZk5QBYC1oXYLLuu6Z39Y-g/s400/P5010051a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360734712148138738" border="0" /></a>Us and the whole OTHER crew of Malaysians; our group still hadn't made it up yet:(<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglKYb3aqIP-b3tcyT9LZvH-O0K3XIGkGQm6ivsOerdcPLK08TnUtPPnKlQSgJ7murxbTZr4lHtdyWk61q_JCMaJSxmulmDBCYA6WqV8cuqD2_vE0JAYt2PCS7cOLGhUXStsE3cD_l-jRQ7/s1600-h/P5010059.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglKYb3aqIP-b3tcyT9LZvH-O0K3XIGkGQm6ivsOerdcPLK08TnUtPPnKlQSgJ7murxbTZr4lHtdyWk61q_JCMaJSxmulmDBCYA6WqV8cuqD2_vE0JAYt2PCS7cOLGhUXStsE3cD_l-jRQ7/s400/P5010059.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360734420684183074" border="0" /></a>We waited over an hour, then decided to head back down. We were a little worried, but knew they were in good hands with Richard.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgabFNz8DVYBiXovf_-eRhXEWqAxHS9fa7g9qvXIx3qKHe68cGqpmuqmW4svxLu4FGuV0lDI-HmCpCF2oR2JJ5pMn1Dn1yu4mfYA02Fub1VCwJlOqMPN6CHjXx_SkWOYlUOHAx9aPv14NEo/s1600-h/P5010061a.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgabFNz8DVYBiXovf_-eRhXEWqAxHS9fa7g9qvXIx3qKHe68cGqpmuqmW4svxLu4FGuV0lDI-HmCpCF2oR2JJ5pMn1Dn1yu4mfYA02Fub1VCwJlOqMPN6CHjXx_SkWOYlUOHAx9aPv14NEo/s400/P5010061a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360734411368228002" border="0" /></a>Took it easy on the way down and noticed a lot more of the gorgeous flora and fauna.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_ihUO1ZriE-01OE4v18lIKIW1QJqvCIhYEUOeZG4XXDPtYqEPqDGxLdNsM2rVrWQuvfmfJRaJwC0AUpNKiNQd2dHU5VqYTbbOEzcSJH0xX8H9bbknOWn0FPXXUzIxGEo2-r2XM_g-7bI/s1600-h/P5010063a.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_ihUO1ZriE-01OE4v18lIKIW1QJqvCIhYEUOeZG4XXDPtYqEPqDGxLdNsM2rVrWQuvfmfJRaJwC0AUpNKiNQd2dHU5VqYTbbOEzcSJH0xX8H9bbknOWn0FPXXUzIxGEo2-r2XM_g-7bI/s400/P5010063a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360734408114381618" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-dExCrN1QpemiCKVdS1dKAH9MDs-0jW94rHWZvmvFb5_fnnz2A93xlD1J8e83T7bOBFsJ_1heL5uiv58TBPbVu-noaWGwgCpLioqnbINjy9zXbnWjlzdRbXW1pDMmoDi2Vpqmb4TBcaN/s1600-h/P5010063b.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-dExCrN1QpemiCKVdS1dKAH9MDs-0jW94rHWZvmvFb5_fnnz2A93xlD1J8e83T7bOBFsJ_1heL5uiv58TBPbVu-noaWGwgCpLioqnbINjy9zXbnWjlzdRbXW1pDMmoDi2Vpqmb4TBcaN/s400/P5010063b.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360734400565290626" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9GFbbxiO9DZyca6mhuiURnyuHOio9QHQ6zSvca1-u4eBGai1DCpRxTb5tw1CxmFnegCia3YKuFM_iONVHqQujCkYRhLWsFTOtO1qCB3AqztT7DQMpdwJYPDcs_9hXd_ZmgbWm1WrgfbNW/s1600-h/P5010063c.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9GFbbxiO9DZyca6mhuiURnyuHOio9QHQ6zSvca1-u4eBGai1DCpRxTb5tw1CxmFnegCia3YKuFM_iONVHqQujCkYRhLWsFTOtO1qCB3AqztT7DQMpdwJYPDcs_9hXd_ZmgbWm1WrgfbNW/s400/P5010063c.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360734388732408098" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1JNkSaS2_Ps_h7vmy2lmBO4Jo5qgKxNNGTe886PM4f5zpM1dDPH5vPam3LnTMy2FzYP4-Ch_n22_LDToQBOliNqSwqTiXwSv7Tp4o1UFO19BOna8dizAxNTHLJi4O_eBFPhNRd9hc1JO-/s1600-h/P5010063d.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1JNkSaS2_Ps_h7vmy2lmBO4Jo5qgKxNNGTe886PM4f5zpM1dDPH5vPam3LnTMy2FzYP4-Ch_n22_LDToQBOliNqSwqTiXwSv7Tp4o1UFO19BOna8dizAxNTHLJi4O_eBFPhNRd9hc1JO-/s400/P5010063d.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360734103373440370" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkYultFvXkl9IRsdEEeddUQqaFDUDFS4dCd2ZmcNvyUScuOVk3h-Nyrg1UBhGzgOdctz5xcdXtoUnJZaQOKtHqA49uybAI1PjhhLnwXmXvzEY5WWZBoZ1dXKA-UkwGHItzmhgHRtvgYwU/s1600-h/P5010063e.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkYultFvXkl9IRsdEEeddUQqaFDUDFS4dCd2ZmcNvyUScuOVk3h-Nyrg1UBhGzgOdctz5xcdXtoUnJZaQOKtHqA49uybAI1PjhhLnwXmXvzEY5WWZBoZ1dXKA-UkwGHItzmhgHRtvgYwU/s400/P5010063e.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360734093000777618" border="0" /></a>Great sign to notice AFTER completing the hike.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyeyLbzp6EtwALNDL6jz5erjtLUbSn73o9M1n1PgOOckM9VGd37WFHrwws-fC43yHLRUCXmNNTD0ZrEHOVMVl1x5XPkP6Mz7Rn_pOc1i7OK3NqaOtaJJXUvitRPxvdLDXCb1WQxgv7YwnP/s1600-h/P5010065.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyeyLbzp6EtwALNDL6jz5erjtLUbSn73o9M1n1PgOOckM9VGd37WFHrwws-fC43yHLRUCXmNNTD0ZrEHOVMVl1x5XPkP6Mz7Rn_pOc1i7OK3NqaOtaJJXUvitRPxvdLDXCb1WQxgv7YwnP/s400/P5010065.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360734089975387362" border="0" /></a>Made it back to Camp 5, safe and sound, took a dip in our river, cleaned up, got into a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Murakami</span> novel, and chatted with some sweet ladies from Switzerland. Status on our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Kuala</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Lumpur</span> representatives? MIA.<br />Then, it began to rain... no, pour. By 5pm, everybody was back, some more drenched than others, but all safe and sound. We all felt a great sense of accomplishment from having completed the vertical hike and seen the stunning view of the Pinnacles. Despite getting caught in the downpour, our KL peeps were still the loudest in the Camp at night. Gotta love 'em!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaaQ4VQTeOR2Tp-iGPU_PaW2kgizM-vCB5xm0aPUqKj4Wq59z04qaUy2f60O_I6y89ES_4FBMW_rFbfczkbs34tLMfjuS3-VFM6zW039nc5lEuJc1co6qv9cr0LBAldbnrQw4MuTuvY1Yx/s1600-h/P5010070a.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaaQ4VQTeOR2Tp-iGPU_PaW2kgizM-vCB5xm0aPUqKj4Wq59z04qaUy2f60O_I6y89ES_4FBMW_rFbfczkbs34tLMfjuS3-VFM6zW039nc5lEuJc1co6qv9cr0LBAldbnrQw4MuTuvY1Yx/s400/P5010070a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360734080923518578" border="0" /></a>See that peak behind us? Yeah, we were there. The Pinnacles '09, baby!!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhZv20TuZZDcYZThyphenhyphenauEFPUDWSx-76ezSSf5FwYElw_CFjOKz3uJn2uBOnHj3nb2HEUx4Wmjx2iOmBVcioZJMhAyxtTgGo_K0YkYUkx2nMvTdmIA1LQqyUyVcXY6hyphenhyphen_nx_sU12Yi5iXEGt/s1600-h/P5020078.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhZv20TuZZDcYZThyphenhyphenauEFPUDWSx-76ezSSf5FwYElw_CFjOKz3uJn2uBOnHj3nb2HEUx4Wmjx2iOmBVcioZJMhAyxtTgGo_K0YkYUkx2nMvTdmIA1LQqyUyVcXY6hyphenhyphen_nx_sU12Yi5iXEGt/s400/P5020078.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360734075877802898" border="0" /></a>Sarah Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538062137134649947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030945174899587726.post-10953110843367315112009-06-30T01:52:00.012-05:002009-07-20T21:24:02.646-05:00Malaysia Take Four: Camp 5Alright, so after a bit of rowing/drifting down the river and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">checkin</span>' out a village along the way, it was back in the canoes again. And, since the water levels were so low, we "got" to push them approximately every 2.3 seconds. All part of the experience.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimsj4piuES-uyKnMwXJTqDU7SmFdLNkKtAp4qaIVz50j3AO4QddqMfkJHXgy56fVdjUSPUs83O9hyJozetcVdslMkH_WvP2xY1hlLx4dHl4ZTDuUaSArDW7VNYoHe_FSpIr_A96-nftc1j/s1600-h/P4300460.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimsj4piuES-uyKnMwXJTqDU7SmFdLNkKtAp4qaIVz50j3AO4QddqMfkJHXgy56fVdjUSPUs83O9hyJozetcVdslMkH_WvP2xY1hlLx4dHl4ZTDuUaSArDW7VNYoHe_FSpIr_A96-nftc1j/s400/P4300460.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355360521085111650" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5o2G74EvxrQzs7IZV-nqP_XnFtVecBSygAJmtVabghsghSyI8OOBvIWTG2ARg1JCqUzTyGuNmyWc2JsNzE42NgnqT2FH_1v-aesUtRKP8-Ny_OdcymORnC91Za90NoHPI78KQPign_RPs/s1600-h/IMG_4415.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5o2G74EvxrQzs7IZV-nqP_XnFtVecBSygAJmtVabghsghSyI8OOBvIWTG2ARg1JCqUzTyGuNmyWc2JsNzE42NgnqT2FH_1v-aesUtRKP8-Ny_OdcymORnC91Za90NoHPI78KQPign_RPs/s400/IMG_4415.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355362023794553458" border="0" /></a>Eventually, we made it to the bank of where we'd stop for lunch and then start up the hike for the day. That's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Naoto</span> to my right; solo traveler coincidentally from Tokyo, Japan and winner of most unique Japanese I've ever met.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPB1WuefBLX_wyc_H_OKDO4PI11UZwAtuBFIczEYwsrApa9gT0ObzbVixQuaom9mHp3b636XR0tio0TFCfdydZAvi-UfBd_KCKdA1bOxO-XdGOVB6lTWXSHjVAN11rqY-GeP2sT0WQk9Q/s1600-h/P4300465.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPB1WuefBLX_wyc_H_OKDO4PI11UZwAtuBFIczEYwsrApa9gT0ObzbVixQuaom9mHp3b636XR0tio0TFCfdydZAvi-UfBd_KCKdA1bOxO-XdGOVB6lTWXSHjVAN11rqY-GeP2sT0WQk9Q/s400/P4300465.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360716890900354562" border="0" /></a>I think that's a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">liger</span> on his shirt.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOed_v7ahQUajcx4vm-r0mWU7xiW-Zcd5h2_bX7mF07GJOfW8h8GBe5Oc70JxFTeuYVhPHSmVaWFjqkUTmwYR4-imDNrF60W6baqXN8AYhopRvhXst07bIJHPD-0_mTmFithe4NUAVf2rw/s1600-h/P4300464.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOed_v7ahQUajcx4vm-r0mWU7xiW-Zcd5h2_bX7mF07GJOfW8h8GBe5Oc70JxFTeuYVhPHSmVaWFjqkUTmwYR4-imDNrF60W6baqXN8AYhopRvhXst07bIJHPD-0_mTmFithe4NUAVf2rw/s400/P4300464.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360716901852105010" border="0" /></a>Ready to start the jungle trek to Camp 5, carrying all our gear. Hiring carriers is such a cop out. Lame.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdBIZxJp7_ChS3-6a_egnsYSLhJ7rHtDFg7A5JTjuAKPIfL9OeL3B8R_m9lBSOAA5GrVh4enpNhiOi9XGIz1Gd7Fj4A9accvFQ_vTM-BAFkFjQ32bQnyn51yJ8d9ZeRFBl_6INAvcERrcL/s1600-h/P4300467.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdBIZxJp7_ChS3-6a_egnsYSLhJ7rHtDFg7A5JTjuAKPIfL9OeL3B8R_m9lBSOAA5GrVh4enpNhiOi9XGIz1Gd7Fj4A9accvFQ_vTM-BAFkFjQ32bQnyn51yJ8d9ZeRFBl_6INAvcERrcL/s400/P4300467.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355360511191278786" border="0" /></a>My favorite guide, Eugene. Half man, half myth, all muscle.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivsWUtelonBV19guPrIA8MWbVO_O9tUi4fdwRmC46ZpCyyFjqSGjntXSiFi4mAGfz52ySdb6gilO7S9HKDe_Ne0h9KbF5G71EKb7-XsDBbgtpn3egbSO7QxGyYWuPUXrh6vDVba0hiyOVA/s1600-h/P4300469.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivsWUtelonBV19guPrIA8MWbVO_O9tUi4fdwRmC46ZpCyyFjqSGjntXSiFi4mAGfz52ySdb6gilO7S9HKDe_Ne0h9KbF5G71EKb7-XsDBbgtpn3egbSO7QxGyYWuPUXrh6vDVba0hiyOVA/s400/P4300469.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360716885754309778" border="0" /></a>Suspension bridge - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">whaaaatttt</span>!?!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDZn9jz1cvjrDEJjxdetzSy75Kt7V3wBvMlT2hzRlh708pGdQsL9ttEYbkVK6Ao74HcUmCA9lnFnj1NOD957ItqGdipNJyfXyFtCRls2WnV1Em266XfvvgC2TX3ntuWoMR3x_LRXY7Q-m7/s1600-h/P4300470a.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDZn9jz1cvjrDEJjxdetzSy75Kt7V3wBvMlT2hzRlh708pGdQsL9ttEYbkVK6Ao74HcUmCA9lnFnj1NOD957ItqGdipNJyfXyFtCRls2WnV1Em266XfvvgC2TX3ntuWoMR3x_LRXY7Q-m7/s400/P4300470a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355349946575418706" border="0" /></a>Tour guide, Richard... the craziest combination and pure brawn and passion for the environment, ever!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFpcHAMO48XcyWsOmEFZdrosnJg3S-KCM43uO3M-T6XT9v3Gth3xuu6CZZK31gmBVBtdEIr9EokibJLJSXa9ImDE35LVy4ov8lwr6U8mb0WKEwzNJKutgQVDnOkttUvmajuInghSqSp3-P/s1600-h/P4300474.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFpcHAMO48XcyWsOmEFZdrosnJg3S-KCM43uO3M-T6XT9v3Gth3xuu6CZZK31gmBVBtdEIr9EokibJLJSXa9ImDE35LVy4ov8lwr6U8mb0WKEwzNJKutgQVDnOkttUvmajuInghSqSp3-P/s400/P4300474.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355349941957035090" border="0" /></a>... it's off to camp we go!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-PfjgO_bnwYsij6zNq8r_NdI4cUDGqszTEp7KXK-PkKFRmhrwC_3sahP1vS5SFxhy0wDkguZw5QTBJWLMEQfHYzvP0TY5QBZ-A4CagCF0OfMh-IPeC31pPOe4lpVvQJdRZ408io7nYYCF/s1600-h/P4300478.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-PfjgO_bnwYsij6zNq8r_NdI4cUDGqszTEp7KXK-PkKFRmhrwC_3sahP1vS5SFxhy0wDkguZw5QTBJWLMEQfHYzvP0TY5QBZ-A4CagCF0OfMh-IPeC31pPOe4lpVvQJdRZ408io7nYYCF/s400/P4300478.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355349934359317810" border="0" /></a>3 hours later, WE MADE IT!<br />I just realized I haven't properly introduced you to the wonderful people we spent 5 days of pain, glory, and memories with. They were a group of seven Malaysians that live on the mainland in the capital, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Kuala</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Lumpur</span>. They've done a few 'adventure' trips together and this was one they had booked for almost a year. Wong booked it, and the rest came along for the ride having next to no idea what they were really getting into. Although some of the hikes were beyond their ability/interest level, they were a TOTAL blast and we couldn't have asked for a better crew to join with for the adventures.<br />(From left to right): <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Liew</span> (late 20's into shopping and walking), <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Liu</span> (30's into light hiking and shopping), Wong (the organizer and most card core; into half marathons and fun runs), Low (late 20's into the outdoors, great personality and sense of humor), <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Mey</span> (30's fun 7-10km kind of girl, super sweet, married to an Indian man who she left in the dust for this trip;) ), Mendy (<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">hilariously</span> cute and the drive of an ox, married to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Lim</span>) and last but certainly not least is Uncle <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Lim</span> (the biggest personality of the group, great (albeit LOUD) laugh, always finding a way to make others laugh, possibly more deserving of the "paparazzi" title than myself). <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjrDvZk-_glbAj-t2dTMxXBQ7ALJm2CPAtlYvNhMlhXhRru6MXSJ1i2nOq9hNadWpnq7JogcAFSQ6FCKXYGlk8Ty_TkQfVWsWQ3InAzo1qnxRnyO-G6jBy6jDM2YEsXTx23BzHI92_vHVC/s1600-h/IMG_4571.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjrDvZk-_glbAj-t2dTMxXBQ7ALJm2CPAtlYvNhMlhXhRru6MXSJ1i2nOq9hNadWpnq7JogcAFSQ6FCKXYGlk8Ty_TkQfVWsWQ3InAzo1qnxRnyO-G6jBy6jDM2YEsXTx23BzHI92_vHVC/s400/IMG_4571.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355360532230616354" border="0" /></a>We immediately threw our bags into the communal sleeping area and ran to the river. No swimsuits? No problem!<br />My favorite picture of the entire trip.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijpxOrpZeLeV_LaIZrfyGe1x9l4ZUOknrKOe7Kn6S6MohIW9xRNe23ntguKllPc-rzHfMTsQqT4ZnRXqmS8G4FXz2917hsesXUSP4APGYQDY8050j9LQ9SWTl_biFnXAQecnhvYM2Pt_2U/s1600-h/P4300487.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijpxOrpZeLeV_LaIZrfyGe1x9l4ZUOknrKOe7Kn6S6MohIW9xRNe23ntguKllPc-rzHfMTsQqT4ZnRXqmS8G4FXz2917hsesXUSP4APGYQDY8050j9LQ9SWTl_biFnXAQecnhvYM2Pt_2U/s400/P4300487.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355349923602156402" border="0" /></a>Refreshing and clean water.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPxwrpZXHFWUfoHsKhe05V4uPi453nq3ocHEUyMNIa3ZeQs7DJ0MIo5x9fCJSOWLtBTwF5Fp3r_xHdi1FsZp5T2-Tj6JkuBvyaB2T1QodTQmx3J-c_Xc4UDlErEFZlk4iRoJdamP3IBlH/s1600-h/P4300488.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPxwrpZXHFWUfoHsKhe05V4uPi453nq3ocHEUyMNIa3ZeQs7DJ0MIo5x9fCJSOWLtBTwF5Fp3r_xHdi1FsZp5T2-Tj6JkuBvyaB2T1QodTQmx3J-c_Xc4UDlErEFZlk4iRoJdamP3IBlH/s400/P4300488.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355347054950148290" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Gunung</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Mulu</span> is my playground.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGyyemen8GPGBULlvuyPEfBtXu542w7OdJMmssf-ZiH8g4GzClf2SmmE0-zxjxBLOynbr6qz9PgWDozW1JrqhwVGJymvB3G4mupMAOVhsWsFf5HD6VFQaHLGp64gL0gpniuB7EZZWULI-e/s1600-h/P4300490.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGyyemen8GPGBULlvuyPEfBtXu542w7OdJMmssf-ZiH8g4GzClf2SmmE0-zxjxBLOynbr6qz9PgWDozW1JrqhwVGJymvB3G4mupMAOVhsWsFf5HD6VFQaHLGp64gL0gpniuB7EZZWULI-e/s400/P4300490.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355347050015753794" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJIhyphenhyphenMJsg__q18Z1OliOIpOPN2Kx2il0fGy-Rbqtz_EUonkVFdTMy_GCaKVtET1TXt3facKyUpi_QA-HNFzKaag19lyWCFeQ-SyWaeylzD9Ac1WlTPAkrp-RlP3uyxuIY9a8EmJZsNky9/s1600-h/P4300494.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJIhyphenhyphenMJsg__q18Z1OliOIpOPN2Kx2il0fGy-Rbqtz_EUonkVFdTMy_GCaKVtET1TXt3facKyUpi_QA-HNFzKaag19lyWCFeQ-SyWaeylzD9Ac1WlTPAkrp-RlP3uyxuIY9a8EmJZsNky9/s400/P4300494.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355347040650183618" border="0" /></a>Regression is the best medicine.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhq0B9BozfnRlkns6l5E2jn0m35jiujBADg9cQ8jby4nePiKMunO92RQyw79Fo366whXmwcRVl86noZWpDucIR2IRsibRFI1M1cwpqMdLJ-7KRzKDhlsO-JFXNToVLuIOuhp61UUp4-FM2/s1600-h/P4300497.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhq0B9BozfnRlkns6l5E2jn0m35jiujBADg9cQ8jby4nePiKMunO92RQyw79Fo366whXmwcRVl86noZWpDucIR2IRsibRFI1M1cwpqMdLJ-7KRzKDhlsO-JFXNToVLuIOuhp61UUp4-FM2/s400/P4300497.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355347037148473602" border="0" /></a>View from Camp 5, not too shabby!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzYcj26ZNGLCXg4sSSJsov1IMOiIJ7Hl1gvwn69BKs1-uAwwe75Mkt1Z6UGlHyV4WEaYOq3QRswazZKnv1k8ctgrIJvJLQZfQ3M_sOfjVdxfFsuc3w_BXaZEm5lTSEYE9MbQactkHrZYL/s1600-h/P4300500.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzYcj26ZNGLCXg4sSSJsov1IMOiIJ7Hl1gvwn69BKs1-uAwwe75Mkt1Z6UGlHyV4WEaYOq3QRswazZKnv1k8ctgrIJvJLQZfQ3M_sOfjVdxfFsuc3w_BXaZEm5lTSEYE9MbQactkHrZYL/s400/P4300500.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355347025840012914" border="0" /></a><br />While we were playing in the river, Larry and the other tour guides were hard at work making our dinner.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVuvqPit8MIzxClo2VwNQxL-HRlmyZ7t25ZBiGP0ic0iy-EArsBO1uOldbJBO_qMHEiqSxTEok2PUHd6-FMmXTZ5J-LTFLILPcGczBP3VBCuopX0buPIHaNVTuQpKFHYqVRQm-4NMGHrmY/s1600-h/P4300501.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVuvqPit8MIzxClo2VwNQxL-HRlmyZ7t25ZBiGP0ic0iy-EArsBO1uOldbJBO_qMHEiqSxTEok2PUHd6-FMmXTZ5J-LTFLILPcGczBP3VBCuopX0buPIHaNVTuQpKFHYqVRQm-4NMGHrmY/s400/P4300501.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355345668646179138" border="0" /></a><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Uhhhh</span> - I'm ready! Where IS everybody?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiXXrbnVbko8qhZBnwKXmDjNCgAtIZurnz8W5i8hvQiBSmOsAL2HgJNnRwpNmv5qhpOs2zHvg85h9WSf_6tRmKqnDoqDWCOUwmDvEqCCW0ZJXHp-3QF4eyihhzZTFJYHENH4AiMdsGuGzt/s1600-h/P4300502a.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiXXrbnVbko8qhZBnwKXmDjNCgAtIZurnz8W5i8hvQiBSmOsAL2HgJNnRwpNmv5qhpOs2zHvg85h9WSf_6tRmKqnDoqDWCOUwmDvEqCCW0ZJXHp-3QF4eyihhzZTFJYHENH4AiMdsGuGzt/s400/P4300502a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355345662079798098" border="0" /></a>Our digs for two nights. Big, open air, communal sleeping area: LOVED IT!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumhVDrvP0-0D-qHHxNI7-E2sPxKXITs-cASw22uKVlNsvN3QsDyyNow1ta4R5xnt8WjU8iXeQm7tIBHYS_LyHZN2Zk0iOnQL-zPM9-Pmno4idCRjVZSRuOqUp9ECQ3uOxvNzM5_Z8cGCw/s1600-h/P4300507.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumhVDrvP0-0D-qHHxNI7-E2sPxKXITs-cASw22uKVlNsvN3QsDyyNow1ta4R5xnt8WjU8iXeQm7tIBHYS_LyHZN2Zk0iOnQL-zPM9-Pmno4idCRjVZSRuOqUp9ECQ3uOxvNzM5_Z8cGCw/s400/P4300507.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355345656464411842" border="0" /></a>Incredible.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkx3ktVVCLjGFrx9GrbCH87lwncsZolkVz2kR8w_T9U-_EY_kZVnbpHzxlnHMqD0wQ9X6-EAfbLkRENtqekmT8UEsYSFlYVOxi-lT8lOQMIgcqON-sZ3c50vqAPXdzjUCe0GKYeWStVV9/s1600-h/P5010068.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkx3ktVVCLjGFrx9GrbCH87lwncsZolkVz2kR8w_T9U-_EY_kZVnbpHzxlnHMqD0wQ9X6-EAfbLkRENtqekmT8UEsYSFlYVOxi-lT8lOQMIgcqON-sZ3c50vqAPXdzjUCe0GKYeWStVV9/s400/P5010068.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355345651086482482" border="0" /></a>Beautiful butterflies... and Julie ain't too shabby either!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjroRyYbxGxz-XV2PV0EUpJySQGSHzyyg9RNWHSjq3vNd1mEg9XkH_SMbwXUcrDaZqkMjEwfMXFMkWH-3r93AN5gzd7HQ0thpLfHP94bzjHbAGK5b0vKHoPLGgQ39z9MaHStZ1sxT00532N/s1600-h/P5010069.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjroRyYbxGxz-XV2PV0EUpJySQGSHzyyg9RNWHSjq3vNd1mEg9XkH_SMbwXUcrDaZqkMjEwfMXFMkWH-3r93AN5gzd7HQ0thpLfHP94bzjHbAGK5b0vKHoPLGgQ39z9MaHStZ1sxT00532N/s400/P5010069.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355344059458308482" border="0" /></a>Another group of hikers from mainland Malaysia used this area for their five times a day prayers AND <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">macarena</span> practice. HI-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">larious</span>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9OQSfiv_9neYlPiem9mKZfGmWUbo0JWvM71S2VuY3xK6ah7mbrz9mklxAK8BWCpGd9jMsjud8SSksZX6OgkEe8HFky5JZd1DxK0iNMIYjdNgA7Dy0KMhLf9j7NuqJukyEYhY3caZP4bwI/s1600-h/P5010075.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9OQSfiv_9neYlPiem9mKZfGmWUbo0JWvM71S2VuY3xK6ah7mbrz9mklxAK8BWCpGd9jMsjud8SSksZX6OgkEe8HFky5JZd1DxK0iNMIYjdNgA7Dy0KMhLf9j7NuqJukyEYhY3caZP4bwI/s400/P5010075.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355344054410823730" border="0" /></a>Oh, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Naoto</span>. Watermelon and rice don't go to together... in any culture.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-p0mfEwM7NxorBREIKWHTqn9qEVazR0u3IVVnlJhGPPL3dQQUjhIXB273ZGU7pHa55sj7MS3C_iJCpXAY1F4wTHimzhBGYnrUDIQJzq0-ifAXr2DXRgRPq6TehxaO9fdvMuiCoBmKXG3x/s1600-h/P5010076a.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-p0mfEwM7NxorBREIKWHTqn9qEVazR0u3IVVnlJhGPPL3dQQUjhIXB273ZGU7pHa55sj7MS3C_iJCpXAY1F4wTHimzhBGYnrUDIQJzq0-ifAXr2DXRgRPq6TehxaO9fdvMuiCoBmKXG3x/s400/P5010076a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355344050036043458" border="0" /></a>But green pancakes and eggs most certainly do!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcrudjYkx86p4MZfn7XqKIqThQL4dLZZTWdvQ3y4dpCQYz1kleyqeOT6MN780__VKEhLnGAGDvT2Bpbzqhxrd0jfPi4EKhcuKV1qfiCw_buxa8ONFkDdZ7ImwU73hLbTpoacaOmtfahKpz/s1600-h/P5020083.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcrudjYkx86p4MZfn7XqKIqThQL4dLZZTWdvQ3y4dpCQYz1kleyqeOT6MN780__VKEhLnGAGDvT2Bpbzqhxrd0jfPi4EKhcuKV1qfiCw_buxa8ONFkDdZ7ImwU73hLbTpoacaOmtfahKpz/s400/P5020083.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355344041840429682" border="0" /></a>Me and tour guide Richard, "the man." He has been and will be doing the same hike through the jungle and the Pinnacles nearly every day for the next... eternity? Awesome job and an individual I will never forget. Thanks!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjaZ0FKNFXIb7ALH5X82BFlAAgwH4HFndfrLgy65ggv9Bm5fHprDnQ5O-oj-EdpvQVPhzm0K7UgTt0s3ygie0TbSwoWRAEwUr_eGmf2ybw24NkTbEhIdAOTkutrlJTHPBpfd2puF_BZGSD/s1600-h/P5020084.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjaZ0FKNFXIb7ALH5X82BFlAAgwH4HFndfrLgy65ggv9Bm5fHprDnQ5O-oj-EdpvQVPhzm0K7UgTt0s3ygie0TbSwoWRAEwUr_eGmf2ybw24NkTbEhIdAOTkutrlJTHPBpfd2puF_BZGSD/s400/P5020084.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355344036502750290" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Sarah Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538062137134649947noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030945174899587726.post-4161557158479135992009-06-30T01:20:00.015-05:002009-07-06T08:36:06.167-05:00Malaysia Take Three: Gunung Mulu Caves<div>You know how I love my maps! Orientation, alas. From Kuching, we headed to Gunung Mulu National Park, which means we had to fly into Miri first, then take a 'lil chopper into the national park (marked in red). Access to the park is via plane or boat only. Sweetest part of the flights? Free/included soy milk boxes!<div><div><div><div><br /><div>As you can see, it's a relatively mountainous area with lots of rivers and caves. The highest mountain in Malaysia is just east of the Sarawak border in Sabah. Trust me, we tried to work in a hike there as well, but logistics were not in our favor.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2epDyrnbZQp2ZSnC2Rvrpz5rB009HD1gfOZn3-1X8mnvaWOrlFZa2nTcYLj9n3WIZiUNrl6GPpYSHWq542RxePI7q8fh0A9hNhLe0Retm_IISFrlxqhLiKgiZHf_IBuL4kvnCj4lKZJXA/s1600-h/Sarawak+Map.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 269px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353005383088063602" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2epDyrnbZQp2ZSnC2Rvrpz5rB009HD1gfOZn3-1X8mnvaWOrlFZa2nTcYLj9n3WIZiUNrl6GPpYSHWq542RxePI7q8fh0A9hNhLe0Retm_IISFrlxqhLiKgiZHf_IBuL4kvnCj4lKZJXA/s400/Sarawak+Map.gif" border="0" /></a><br />Looking over the 'big smoke' of Kuching...<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmdCka38d1qNUiMeXOmUAHaAJKcgGNZR-It0vr5jdheauECp_fExpRziPt-29VlWcPHcPnowhzz4mVdsJDSQ5y3KGDHdo1La5oPyeOu51VspfRzqIzvnQVjGsdk3wiTqWtmaHU82jVM62/s1600-h/P4290271.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px; display: block; height: 400px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353003966296265698" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmdCka38d1qNUiMeXOmUAHaAJKcgGNZR-It0vr5jdheauECp_fExpRziPt-29VlWcPHcPnowhzz4mVdsJDSQ5y3KGDHdo1La5oPyeOu51VspfRzqIzvnQVjGsdk3wiTqWtmaHU82jVM62/s400/P4290271.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />into the the protected and heavily forested Gunung Mulu. We (and by we I mean Julie and I gave her money) booked a cheap tour on the internet in advance by tagging on with a group of mainland Malaysians. I kind of wanted the details for the trip to be a mystery and let Julie take the reigns on this one, allowing myself to take in the the whole experience without much for expectations.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKUXPMD0UNLZTR36dnK1apztVru3_Jp4XMc4pN8KqEDKCQnTGABokUW7WnZWekMk6duijjo4k5hIeIW7MxhzKC1np5n76UGXjMW1VMft5L0NztsMsJ2UJwZBR0bWCQdjWnMm_EUwTTuCGR/s1600-h/P4290277.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px; display: block; height: 400px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353003960399801378" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKUXPMD0UNLZTR36dnK1apztVru3_Jp4XMc4pN8KqEDKCQnTGABokUW7WnZWekMk6duijjo4k5hIeIW7MxhzKC1np5n76UGXjMW1VMft5L0NztsMsJ2UJwZBR0bWCQdjWnMm_EUwTTuCGR/s400/P4290277.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />"Hmmm, we don't really remember you, but just get in this car and we'll sort it out" - Larry the tour guide. Excellent start.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm9kSG3s2ggCOIkbWQrFX89wL65CnJjXIXUIX80Q8ywzzTllAN-uHNPQIcKEgFX7xO8WxOPWYnn2OVS3kPG1wN97uFIqO1ab-sRCojr9Iug_UYsXbPpeuUeaeOKd-WNaw2o5ivxmUw4VKo/s1600-h/P4290280.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353003953655670482" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm9kSG3s2ggCOIkbWQrFX89wL65CnJjXIXUIX80Q8ywzzTllAN-uHNPQIcKEgFX7xO8WxOPWYnn2OVS3kPG1wN97uFIqO1ab-sRCojr9Iug_UYsXbPpeuUeaeOKd-WNaw2o5ivxmUw4VKo/s400/P4290280.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />We made it! Let the five day caving, jungle trekking, hiking, and boating tour begin!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuUHwXj0ICbCI8TfeKj-68Mf1Lcj8ypcrVP36GzL67hIrJvrSZE5UZKNkwCdQJ9iBapAiVNc0qsL316-2pojf8iELmA9cBDmLBFF4A2UGtJYmX3ln8I-mfAswWPS2EpSZhVHEBAk_Kvfyc/s1600-h/P4290283.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353003468869781602" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuUHwXj0ICbCI8TfeKj-68Mf1Lcj8ypcrVP36GzL67hIrJvrSZE5UZKNkwCdQJ9iBapAiVNc0qsL316-2pojf8iELmA9cBDmLBFF4A2UGtJYmX3ln8I-mfAswWPS2EpSZhVHEBAk_Kvfyc/s400/P4290283.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br />Accomodation expectations: exceeded! After camping in Bako where we got to stuff our bags in musty bathroom and shower in freezing water in the pitch black, this was a VAST improvement!<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmA_WZnnqJPJd44tviRb1gQ1vKaIZUzK8KJgKZ-5BRNJt-wzZ5BuAYxm8JeH0iJKQCB0djcy9aM8PMki_LvvVFIgbeK579RyA8_-nvrGBc9hluqAKh10CflIO2MEDBqpJeVkRq8lEWfuT/s1600-h/P4290284.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353003467992778722" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmA_WZnnqJPJd44tviRb1gQ1vKaIZUzK8KJgKZ-5BRNJt-wzZ5BuAYxm8JeH0iJKQCB0djcy9aM8PMki_LvvVFIgbeK579RyA8_-nvrGBc9hluqAKh10CflIO2MEDBqpJeVkRq8lEWfuT/s400/P4290284.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />We had time to throw our bags in the room, then head off immediately to the Deer and Langs show caves.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbuGTSMbA4jcJI0iub1OMEv8etCyexYbzOeFrFCtp8im7entLwHO0eSdekHzjGfGZM1xPvP7MNeLZdDdPmDr_QJi_yf8JjsCy01Fz3auSRxfwzLECCR7oMcel664bm-lQnTxjPtcgglbVS/s1600-h/P4290287.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353003462326295378" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbuGTSMbA4jcJI0iub1OMEv8etCyexYbzOeFrFCtp8im7entLwHO0eSdekHzjGfGZM1xPvP7MNeLZdDdPmDr_QJi_yf8JjsCy01Fz3auSRxfwzLECCR7oMcel664bm-lQnTxjPtcgglbVS/s400/P4290287.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Sweet plants and creatures in every hidden corner. This picture is compliments of Lim (more on him, later).<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtpH4rZ5Fj51UtoKPwqHFGuJqg30Y1eCqAXE8c-8SKXSQ7_ZuubLSCI1rk6o7nv2vlluxc3Heec_isdBXl14nj0XuKLa6x1OQc5CZYu8AYh_Qb-KCH7ABkwRP7LRbEKlG1l0u748KglXB/s1600-h/IMG_4375.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 267px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355245007809631106" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtpH4rZ5Fj51UtoKPwqHFGuJqg30Y1eCqAXE8c-8SKXSQ7_ZuubLSCI1rk6o7nv2vlluxc3Heec_isdBXl14nj0XuKLa6x1OQc5CZYu8AYh_Qb-KCH7ABkwRP7LRbEKlG1l0u748KglXB/s400/IMG_4375.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Hey there, lil buuuuuuddy!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG77ejD-OX3rXDnio4ga7hlQ9s9LSGSq5CTOYFceyXkAWAubq11vPtIMLthwj_a2ycX2nNn10IDzHwtHWOngjDvVIWtxRWAZ_3waLWkFVRoEneyJRLC-3MYbsHDDPtDZB-mjf5cXEPkwnr/s1600-h/P4290290.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353003459152708658" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG77ejD-OX3rXDnio4ga7hlQ9s9LSGSq5CTOYFceyXkAWAubq11vPtIMLthwj_a2ycX2nNn10IDzHwtHWOngjDvVIWtxRWAZ_3waLWkFVRoEneyJRLC-3MYbsHDDPtDZB-mjf5cXEPkwnr/s400/P4290290.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Deer/Bat Poo cave.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_woIHJCk1KeqbRaoLybYgE6U9y2L7DWP4ZFNTwvq22r6AB3vx2KHEgTZXxZmCdlFj7exGlXTSJimrZZJd84lGkC21Ja9J6mWrn6iVeMg90VSuWwtEd7h-qLT87l_OC3jKS8x7Y1G3p19/s1600-h/P4290304.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353003450185215778" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_woIHJCk1KeqbRaoLybYgE6U9y2L7DWP4ZFNTwvq22r6AB3vx2KHEgTZXxZmCdlFj7exGlXTSJimrZZJd84lGkC21Ja9J6mWrn6iVeMg90VSuWwtEd7h-qLT87l_OC3jKS8x7Y1G3p19/s400/P4290304.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Check out the profile of famous historical man to the right... see him, see him?</div><br /><br /><div><em>Abe Lincoln! Hey 'Blinkin'? Nah, I said, Abe Lincoln!</em> (the first reader to Name That Movie gets a "special treat" from yours truly!)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOM0HJV1_pVUlKQGEZbKNA9xV9JolmcEx8rVKkO5cWsW4p7mjAllfUbb90pxwGAUrtbvuDfe2tO1D-9jOUns2ZMRZS8pNU1Jo-bQSIL0keknnBlsR0EDegFJggiypdpk-14PubDrYj5qv/s1600-h/P4290309.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 301px; display: block; height: 400px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353003125477533826" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOM0HJV1_pVUlKQGEZbKNA9xV9JolmcEx8rVKkO5cWsW4p7mjAllfUbb90pxwGAUrtbvuDfe2tO1D-9jOUns2ZMRZS8pNU1Jo-bQSIL0keknnBlsR0EDegFJggiypdpk-14PubDrYj5qv/s400/P4290309.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I realize it's hard to tell from this super low quality pic, but it's a glowworm. These bad boys make it possible for the cave to be a World Heritage site.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMYvA_j97esuu6rze7QwRB2lBWJ-lgcxXXEPIlNa5uJU5bgV4oWXZ0I5JjfNCm2TqdslYrQajccvDG8yVmdUO_L_92iqGQDWbhoJRk2MbpbwgZ_aP-lBoaDF5ioV37vsBVIwPYKjDHc3uL/s1600-h/P4290314.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353003116575770770" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMYvA_j97esuu6rze7QwRB2lBWJ-lgcxXXEPIlNa5uJU5bgV4oWXZ0I5JjfNCm2TqdslYrQajccvDG8yVmdUO_L_92iqGQDWbhoJRk2MbpbwgZ_aP-lBoaDF5ioV37vsBVIwPYKjDHc3uL/s400/P4290314.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1PJSvN4FNt911Ae6Rg-fBveoWkjlzuGr68Wq4WHHMBVh7_dIsCiah_SEMMQnWZQ-ccATxZGo0epEphMM27U_EFnyezcoLFa11H26ixI7Y_CJ6h_cjhhaz3dlsSDejk7zkXFGaC8Ka3DMU/s1600-h/P4290324.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353003112258824818" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1PJSvN4FNt911Ae6Rg-fBveoWkjlzuGr68Wq4WHHMBVh7_dIsCiah_SEMMQnWZQ-ccATxZGo0epEphMM27U_EFnyezcoLFa11H26ixI7Y_CJ6h_cjhhaz3dlsSDejk7zkXFGaC8Ka3DMU/s400/P4290324.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Langs Cave.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1EdcXlcIEsc5g5MjBBuvEP7v7vAkYIlLuQNSytGpsWGL9yxQTWQOEj7cu4pD_stFH3TZvSH4Xpdo3QjAqRTo4f_ElhyphenhyphenZ7UyZGct9NKq7h-z2KGxEjmDzhPhXzigMlBB841zkmzJ6HGSP/s1600-h/P4290326.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353003111643104338" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1EdcXlcIEsc5g5MjBBuvEP7v7vAkYIlLuQNSytGpsWGL9yxQTWQOEj7cu4pD_stFH3TZvSH4Xpdo3QjAqRTo4f_ElhyphenhyphenZ7UyZGct9NKq7h-z2KGxEjmDzhPhXzigMlBB841zkmzJ6HGSP/s400/P4290326.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMUmlfUg__tP39yBvOmfYW047l1PB4G8CekPnfPSU_TVSBlWnAOr-4jAjQnxKdmk3UBC-jKKlp1Bm6JFTsi54cE4XYa7-aGxvvAFp8boYvdk_yA5Zzlrxnq88Ah94HIXKv_CugsHtrWx_/s1600-h/P4290327.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353003106036931650" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMUmlfUg__tP39yBvOmfYW047l1PB4G8CekPnfPSU_TVSBlWnAOr-4jAjQnxKdmk3UBC-jKKlp1Bm6JFTsi54cE4XYa7-aGxvvAFp8boYvdk_yA5Zzlrxnq88Ah94HIXKv_CugsHtrWx_/s400/P4290327.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyIgcR-8Sn_TnkhmoJdCRX9ZvrNXHaajelTvS_quUlOZrCWy9wL8YbsB-i8F_R_Up9kS-STImmMK5R0342W5gVqs9Uz0WRlt8GH6pQrih2feUCf_V02A_zTfgnkt5Ise6Q13k8A5hFaReW/s1600-h/P4290329.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353002589747929202" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyIgcR-8Sn_TnkhmoJdCRX9ZvrNXHaajelTvS_quUlOZrCWy9wL8YbsB-i8F_R_Up9kS-STImmMK5R0342W5gVqs9Uz0WRlt8GH6pQrih2feUCf_V02A_zTfgnkt5Ise6Q13k8A5hFaReW/s400/P4290329.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The "bat exodus"; 3 MILLION bats, 12 different species, come out at dusk and make this crazy ribbon/dragon shape as the enter and exit the cave. Incredible.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjusx2rn9_5zC0xiOKSLIrvxpmDxKYRyWlj9vxPto283TWt2FEZTBxUPuQEv6-SO8Q_BsKnnFhBYa9IXc9pSUYq_6aZtqdKfBjrEBF4U4NzehgWW9xByW31PIFFvG1DAp2Sn08Cp0eaXDOs/s1600-h/P4290338.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353002587452675538" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjusx2rn9_5zC0xiOKSLIrvxpmDxKYRyWlj9vxPto283TWt2FEZTBxUPuQEv6-SO8Q_BsKnnFhBYa9IXc9pSUYq_6aZtqdKfBjrEBF4U4NzehgWW9xByW31PIFFvG1DAp2Sn08Cp0eaXDOs/s400/P4290338.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1E4A7-tpsLQKTkYAXmnmKYLQ5SPG2GYZQcixI9V_dapR72anTwFJ0f7-YFlJob6L8vfUn0RtZ7z03z6MIqSvIiMVjRzXOk2yiUvZ8jpac8GNuvuezC0p9X9Ac3e17DYj7FYbeU7_DflN4/s1600-h/P4290342.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353002581836138578" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1E4A7-tpsLQKTkYAXmnmKYLQ5SPG2GYZQcixI9V_dapR72anTwFJ0f7-YFlJob6L8vfUn0RtZ7z03z6MIqSvIiMVjRzXOk2yiUvZ8jpac8GNuvuezC0p9X9Ac3e17DYj7FYbeU7_DflN4/s400/P4290342.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKeDERmN5cSqI3Hk47J9RpaWdCrMNQ6s0xVvX4-EUFkN7GEjp8M3og6g6wRUwafkxx3rFR4M45gCAZrJ_qpcoXHJxrOVThEB-IzaY2-WkB1Dj7bL1GcM7Vq0IkdH_4_przCJpLAWPgRy6/s1600-h/P4290343.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353002574475252706" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKeDERmN5cSqI3Hk47J9RpaWdCrMNQ6s0xVvX4-EUFkN7GEjp8M3og6g6wRUwafkxx3rFR4M45gCAZrJ_qpcoXHJxrOVThEB-IzaY2-WkB1Dj7bL1GcM7Vq0IkdH_4_przCJpLAWPgRy6/s400/P4290343.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwVeegfIcpSs_8iAGx7ecQixEZ6tHQJUBE5q9jK-raS0eER63T_jIA4QxGmt6mvOYsFovtiixmzJHuThsaW-w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />The next morning, we embarked on our first boating experience. Expectations: exceeded!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGaVsIVgK0l6CKh31M8-UlNPULpp3ytDTmn_e7kV3hF4sePzBipjXpalnBthL_sDADkd2G9jtr4f29LDIUfPJ64TN8Tt-3SyLB5u5Fkbh5U3dzgjOPTr1y8io5eY6au4y8yQLfIvKLaOgx/s1600-h/P4300347d.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353002566359718914" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGaVsIVgK0l6CKh31M8-UlNPULpp3ytDTmn_e7kV3hF4sePzBipjXpalnBthL_sDADkd2G9jtr4f29LDIUfPJ64TN8Tt-3SyLB5u5Fkbh5U3dzgjOPTr1y8io5eY6au4y8yQLfIvKLaOgx/s400/P4300347d.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7rJIXjUxyPtkS2PeNvBYAf9VUL6FInIBYhXW95E1FH0d4dG6kvx4ydNMXT31IoC_hTif-SZBboO8-PtM4cEZ_DybkgbABBF4X6okNbfgXq1vIf7Um8QLeYuN1DqhnoxRbKadLjlvxU5bY/s1600-h/P4300353.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353002281590951778" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7rJIXjUxyPtkS2PeNvBYAf9VUL6FInIBYhXW95E1FH0d4dG6kvx4ydNMXT31IoC_hTif-SZBboO8-PtM4cEZ_DybkgbABBF4X6okNbfgXq1vIf7Um8QLeYuN1DqhnoxRbKadLjlvxU5bY/s400/P4300353.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVTtxJAXJbN7Uph26aCNP5boVGc599eDPdZEVRv-ZAZCDpAmsdLa5led80OVpou_b_RGH1P2judnxYwduQX00gKdfrXG0ui4f7b2yUQ0JncVlIFzQnCXmzxHTCZAG9JTXMZK7qjKBCjKOH/s1600-h/P4300355.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px; display: block; height: 400px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353002278255349698" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVTtxJAXJbN7Uph26aCNP5boVGc599eDPdZEVRv-ZAZCDpAmsdLa5led80OVpou_b_RGH1P2judnxYwduQX00gKdfrXG0ui4f7b2yUQ0JncVlIFzQnCXmzxHTCZAG9JTXMZK7qjKBCjKOH/s400/P4300355.JPG" border="0" /></a> Quick stop at a local village as we row/walk/push down the river.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZSqZWXi9nmftkuSU2knlhUhYytRXrZVFTJ2Ss7h2upx8sk05BGSouvSKABankkVFwtyR_fdcGWp1UbRdNmRKkZSffQqaGOEwnPORNqBpUaqmNeJD4R7GF7dm_7PG-WORK_Xp0PSwpIw6/s1600-h/P4300358.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 87px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353002270217760482" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZSqZWXi9nmftkuSU2knlhUhYytRXrZVFTJ2Ss7h2upx8sk05BGSouvSKABankkVFwtyR_fdcGWp1UbRdNmRKkZSffQqaGOEwnPORNqBpUaqmNeJD4R7GF7dm_7PG-WORK_Xp0PSwpIw6/s400/P4300358.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwY_krGjHf7eu1eGhxswLXK3KmtYEiYzybPf3X0GNHuiz-Ahz3IwLjieubcyQ4a9ubAr29f6yQq0r7bl1yE2Il-WuAQLr5sVooCwWJInbNm65bSLR7Ju2gB3kIrDR2sSx4yCg_2Nn8kYL0/s1600-h/IMG_4440.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 267px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355245000113135202" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwY_krGjHf7eu1eGhxswLXK3KmtYEiYzybPf3X0GNHuiz-Ahz3IwLjieubcyQ4a9ubAr29f6yQq0r7bl1yE2Il-WuAQLr5sVooCwWJInbNm65bSLR7Ju2gB3kIrDR2sSx4yCg_2Nn8kYL0/s400/IMG_4440.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Next stop: Cave of the Winds. It was windy.<br /><br />I kind of thought this formation was gonna slap me.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLRObfoiEq2BvUX9ANRqrbC4XVpPZAAxMdjWGApNF_WJ_Uy_IGqnwh00YrurEuaGeAF3I05SCvaBdUYCQBkQIO701FXkhjktNQld2nVvJ8E6c-3uuSe0k0ND68A-fGTd5QKaaw069SzAC1/s1600-h/P4300363a.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353002267853563426" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLRObfoiEq2BvUX9ANRqrbC4XVpPZAAxMdjWGApNF_WJ_Uy_IGqnwh00YrurEuaGeAF3I05SCvaBdUYCQBkQIO701FXkhjktNQld2nVvJ8E6c-3uuSe0k0ND68A-fGTd5QKaaw069SzAC1/s400/P4300363a.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPaFjzBiW-UlhwZVv1btgTxSNV6F7C_LNRZusxP921sz-sEMzQ7HoYFvUFmQrkbXGxIiugbifmdG6_zSahJmJy30zP8BDPKEIuklBbrz6W5WVB943Kb_B7mgNo8QWs6ew34RyG4KIexN0S/s1600-h/Picture+051.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px; display: block; height: 400px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355245183996892194" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPaFjzBiW-UlhwZVv1btgTxSNV6F7C_LNRZusxP921sz-sEMzQ7HoYFvUFmQrkbXGxIiugbifmdG6_zSahJmJy30zP8BDPKEIuklBbrz6W5WVB943Kb_B7mgNo8QWs6ew34RyG4KIexN0S/s400/Picture+051.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieua0I-mPp7Ys5G9F8KT6vwyXfdGkwYoP1j_AwWdLBs8lpdSzjB7-AxT40mC9zcorX-SIWxyEJsN-oyTWk2wWi5jAY9GFideAaYmVgAFrGmNC_5y0bS7_n1FZ6q7IYGRUV4YoizuFfPVEJ/s1600-h/P4300370.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353002260018578514" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieua0I-mPp7Ys5G9F8KT6vwyXfdGkwYoP1j_AwWdLBs8lpdSzjB7-AxT40mC9zcorX-SIWxyEJsN-oyTWk2wWi5jAY9GFideAaYmVgAFrGmNC_5y0bS7_n1FZ6q7IYGRUV4YoizuFfPVEJ/s400/P4300370.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I heart butterflies.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwvhKlNjFQGvkZ0jjCQ8x7dj79SRafkZFpNBtD8_EGDKpKmnP-XH1k66xea9wdm3q5r9LB9Aug1Sds15V9IjCtr_ZGj9pTe8EjlFZUrjitDJAuuNmBmy91cwE9cKAvC0Hj4SOaTKZAqBh/s1600-h/P4300378.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 299px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353001980718612306" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwvhKlNjFQGvkZ0jjCQ8x7dj79SRafkZFpNBtD8_EGDKpKmnP-XH1k66xea9wdm3q5r9LB9Aug1Sds15V9IjCtr_ZGj9pTe8EjlFZUrjitDJAuuNmBmy91cwE9cKAvC0Hj4SOaTKZAqBh/s400/P4300378.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Outside Clearwater Caves.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5u6Cxuboi0GhoYswnXLYqa0fu7nGsDkrmje-JNMl75Osup6nqSQ7S1LRP3Xgt8YCRL9mUBlfeo9vUmI3AmzG5cMV7Qn5LTFNou95RArIBnIZFdhZUqM-98ZrUDyeKy2EF0lKITDxILPUj/s1600-h/P4300384.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 102px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353001975673498162" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5u6Cxuboi0GhoYswnXLYqa0fu7nGsDkrmje-JNMl75Osup6nqSQ7S1LRP3Xgt8YCRL9mUBlfeo9vUmI3AmzG5cMV7Qn5LTFNou95RArIBnIZFdhZUqM-98ZrUDyeKy2EF0lKITDxILPUj/s400/P4300384.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>Cleansing in the sacred water. Apparently a good thing to do before the massive Pinnacles hike we had planned the following day.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixb0p7ynFSL-6KD7O_-kQXZhzkUfVCzFmjDHltmSnDhhhUDu46CUlxU_S_ff69X0h_qcSM8jW34p46qcJWhBYeBtMVWE6CiyIdZuQDtjC0wmBe8eURMFxY5fciBgo_GrdNDC1wZJfczHnQ/s1600-h/P4300392.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353001971363201410" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixb0p7ynFSL-6KD7O_-kQXZhzkUfVCzFmjDHltmSnDhhhUDu46CUlxU_S_ff69X0h_qcSM8jW34p46qcJWhBYeBtMVWE6CiyIdZuQDtjC0wmBe8eURMFxY5fciBgo_GrdNDC1wZJfczHnQ/s400/P4300392.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />And, 'unofficially' I got cleansed up outside the cave in this refreshing little river before boarding our canoes again.<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxRzWI9RoN2Li5ciWYCCInSteG7MvbwCQs1NKgEIOhj1IlpEfI3QT0QI_S2XbrBT2Y_TLr6x49nuxFM5Axh-zQPfTuPDCErZzbEJ0_uqAy2xl8JEAS8KnjBn8UIpsxyH0hDb9__YiN_Lpv/s1600-h/IMG_4526.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 267px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355244994412690402" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxRzWI9RoN2Li5ciWYCCInSteG7MvbwCQs1NKgEIOhj1IlpEfI3QT0QI_S2XbrBT2Y_TLr6x49nuxFM5Axh-zQPfTuPDCErZzbEJ0_uqAy2xl8JEAS8KnjBn8UIpsxyH0hDb9__YiN_Lpv/s400/IMG_4526.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Sarah Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538062137134649947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030945174899587726.post-70866706438682136952009-06-30T01:16:00.008-05:002009-07-06T02:19:48.422-05:00Malaysia Take Two: Kuching CatsKuching is the capital of Sarawak and means 'cat' in Malay. I saw lots of cats, most of which needed an immediate trip to the vet. Luckily it's not name is not attributed to the nasty stray cats that roam the streets. There's actually a highly debated naming history. If interested, click here: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuching#Origin_of_name">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuching#Origin_of_name</a> .<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353001265366663986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkSq3GMbg4M_qfPOUGbv08bysbay4BHb3Ux3uJrFjdB4NIzZY71ACguN4589sfBdqKfZDC2gP1acxeuL_L-UfAlYtRR-SCu3QRsg6n-mZ9qKYyv5blm1LkexvzSCgBBS8yMFuoB0IvJHum/s400/P4290245.JPG" /><br /><br />Admittedly, I wasn't there for the cats. Julie and I stopped for one night's sleep, shower, and laundry.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnEhcwp_enE0DxUQGpu2gNTwcLfkM4NlJglYabScCvPEBJSG1_29rIWV5TzY5s-YpL0OCFTxoz6jQEtvLwigMfIhahT4MGgXcchHn2N1_Js8j5zk5yjlNQvRq9vXcYovZAAXxerMlY9eO7/s1600-h/P4280224.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353001537084097474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnEhcwp_enE0DxUQGpu2gNTwcLfkM4NlJglYabScCvPEBJSG1_29rIWV5TzY5s-YpL0OCFTxoz6jQEtvLwigMfIhahT4MGgXcchHn2N1_Js8j5zk5yjlNQvRq9vXcYovZAAXxerMlY9eO7/s400/P4280224.JPG" /></a><br /><br />We 'splurged' on an awesome hostel, known for it's local art work and decor.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc3bUkBycPna0y8DGNZA8M5nFAtskSDyKwGnLpeFYfeyWdsO9L4dtbyx3h6yL_oZ-EqKLnzQhApDHzuqxNaY6vaGuHr9cdIn-WcK1RmWQZ38PjLgmgHr3DtcSOQlPnMJnVQEjLiEBKc-DZ/s1600-h/P4280227.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353001534306633010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc3bUkBycPna0y8DGNZA8M5nFAtskSDyKwGnLpeFYfeyWdsO9L4dtbyx3h6yL_oZ-EqKLnzQhApDHzuqxNaY6vaGuHr9cdIn-WcK1RmWQZ38PjLgmgHr3DtcSOQlPnMJnVQEjLiEBKc-DZ/s400/P4280227.JPG" /></a> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353001029871078722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2AqgyWf_BriB8rfNa0UOtx6xb2w-BTgk1TlMre7jwbE-QuJZXRUmLtQf3gmmqpD_-WaaoBD19WqgyLuJ_hn7qZHIxDVbU9xB98_OJ81HtxMzwM8aqABrS8Km1XxRMh2P9kIkJaWe44DQ2/s400/P4290260.JPG" /></div><br /><div>Awesome breakfast bar and lounge on the top floor, complete with hammock and pool tables.</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353001023754665970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBwpvFdXH_tDWn3wv8pjJSD8YKgVyBGcy-VdM8SRVzeEJ3aCsXb8Arf2gApw8yLZWL26vlKPXDhih3dvznUNf_0P2HWLPL9sXB9Pqn4eO5Ja9RxZAqpxv8QWVFJoMwOrlhiSvJW-OaiwtO/s400/P4290263.JPG" /></div><br /><div>I don't think I really realized how color deprived Japan's architecture was until traveling. Singapore had amazing color schemes and Kuching wasn't far behind. This building was awesome.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjeRSwf-gPfv_DXFf06rDqA7fjRuF7MXA3dAMRSsquTGIpVxzcK1wyAr_CPIH7h-XsB717ZWQuhnC3bVu9hEyhGun5qSUap-8qH-9lnAQyW5RDQyfpbXK2nZztkFngQNLM7l8PPdfkmCxw/s1600-h/P4280228.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353001530006929442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjeRSwf-gPfv_DXFf06rDqA7fjRuF7MXA3dAMRSsquTGIpVxzcK1wyAr_CPIH7h-XsB717ZWQuhnC3bVu9hEyhGun5qSUap-8qH-9lnAQyW5RDQyfpbXK2nZztkFngQNLM7l8PPdfkmCxw/s400/P4280228.JPG" /></a> </div><br /><div>We spent FAR too much time attempting to find a laundromat that was open and could handle all our stank. Of course we did, and even found a nice local restaurant open across the street. Julie and I looked at the 20 page menu in Malay and and proceeded to stare wide eyed at the staff. A young guy, Mirull, spoke decent English and we told him we'd like something fresh and local. After much discussion (and Julie clarifying just about every possible food and cost related matter possible up), we ordered three dishes. What came out was not what we ordered and two of the dishes were exactly the same, with the exception of broccoli in one and not the other. </div><br /><div>As we were waiting, four of Mirull's friends "happened" to show up. Despite our disappointment with the shadiness in the meals (which were actually still pretty tasty), we had a great chat with the boys over dinner. It was really interesting to talk to them about their futures, cultural expectations with family, religion (the vast majority of Malaysians are Muslim), musical interests and pop culture. Cheeky boys, but fun and interesting.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHux5OV2iTUL_QcvJB3R5rRDI_EvIvKjwRS8jQwhrTPV-cOnDdd3RjSwGJZNOi24If9X2ox61VDAlExalIeVOZmQ8oFOYmMieHBm52HbxV0ONmQ-TT5nDlKSvUYxU4oqRSCLmLWkVFFmBN/s1600-h/P4280233.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353001526167231330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHux5OV2iTUL_QcvJB3R5rRDI_EvIvKjwRS8jQwhrTPV-cOnDdd3RjSwGJZNOi24If9X2ox61VDAlExalIeVOZmQ8oFOYmMieHBm52HbxV0ONmQ-TT5nDlKSvUYxU4oqRSCLmLWkVFFmBN/s400/P4280233.JPG" /></a> </div><br /><div>To round off our laundry and dinner date, we got some ice cream and walked along the riverside esplanade.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0XVVZVGk8tLkroTWx-rLwZRNTzn9TyEypDQiZ1BR3gmv-RpzNFnQTgju095iilesfjcAl_ulfgKDN8JdBynHkAfzvffqWyc3WYFeZ1HukcpuaYxS2rrmI4ollZ0Ba8YQ9JkiJBxH3GKYH/s1600-h/P4290238.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353001277415892130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0XVVZVGk8tLkroTWx-rLwZRNTzn9TyEypDQiZ1BR3gmv-RpzNFnQTgju095iilesfjcAl_ulfgKDN8JdBynHkAfzvffqWyc3WYFeZ1HukcpuaYxS2rrmI4ollZ0Ba8YQ9JkiJBxH3GKYH/s400/P4290238.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHeHBBnAmMKmmkJcI2Tza-C5nCyGT-saSyMDPId7SKc6Qge0AWZgUvto_TVAFJQ18wu_BuZFV48H32rx0oUf0snIcLKJj2FhX5Sc006QsuE3CoEHOrh4e8C7qj0S4jqnqnlU4GKgDhNYjv/s1600-h/P4290243.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353001271532110322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHeHBBnAmMKmmkJcI2Tza-C5nCyGT-saSyMDPId7SKc6Qge0AWZgUvto_TVAFJQ18wu_BuZFV48H32rx0oUf0snIcLKJj2FhX5Sc006QsuE3CoEHOrh4e8C7qj0S4jqnqnlU4GKgDhNYjv/s400/P4290243.JPG" /></a> </div><br /><div>Kuching by day.<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8qukxx4HPANOMnUsR4JckMEohDVQaNW7rvsn5NiOFv12rEyXPK5T1XmUKMbO2T8qpamHe1S_0Cin_fO5RplgsRNDbF6c4bJRyZiucweKWgen7pave4nDeeYMTLkeehr9j0RA8HT_O0SY/s1600-h/P4290246.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353001260271737698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8qukxx4HPANOMnUsR4JckMEohDVQaNW7rvsn5NiOFv12rEyXPK5T1XmUKMbO2T8qpamHe1S_0Cin_fO5RplgsRNDbF6c4bJRyZiucweKWgen7pave4nDeeYMTLkeehr9j0RA8HT_O0SY/s400/P4290246.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMSHeJL3HsoK6OxAwA-3vVb5-nm3hTaNeexrV_6y6uO1rqfR5Xu9pfvA_56noq1wSap6LUEpCgxBlyKpvLdHCm_-L5vVLNFYyY53om0AXo3QPtZOoMLpi8cnqbOqTMR5Y9lf3ACH-cyHA2/s1600-h/P4290249.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353001254349394338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMSHeJL3HsoK6OxAwA-3vVb5-nm3hTaNeexrV_6y6uO1rqfR5Xu9pfvA_56noq1wSap6LUEpCgxBlyKpvLdHCm_-L5vVLNFYyY53om0AXo3QPtZOoMLpi8cnqbOqTMR5Y9lf3ACH-cyHA2/s400/P4290249.JPG" /></a><br />Astana, the Rajah's former palace.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5UniTEL-7h76ivef6b5UHEHzcz_dm_9nF4ouCpE0ZKyq25EfKJqIzv_-6HCAHALs4QK_XFLDfU4zqua6W_cFjwtj4jvlh0XbTurvAqoq2SsPtal9y6zQYSQYIZPvWU07gpDfTNbv9EzvT/s1600-h/P4290253.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353001046815701922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5UniTEL-7h76ivef6b5UHEHzcz_dm_9nF4ouCpE0ZKyq25EfKJqIzv_-6HCAHALs4QK_XFLDfU4zqua6W_cFjwtj4jvlh0XbTurvAqoq2SsPtal9y6zQYSQYIZPvWU07gpDfTNbv9EzvT/s400/P4290253.JPG" /></a><br />Graveyard.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7Q_umc6Ce8wkLB2V2ZexKyFJXiugyTEcDMNPl8P7iXtVtRZn_dT7BgSHZPAn4W41Qrfn58k_65cgTMBTyoRgSRz8Grp-ANrDliSmCUrjIKXI7Yas084Wd3-k8L4TPNCvJaj-Oh0eTca4/s1600-h/P4290254.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353001041138335714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7Q_umc6Ce8wkLB2V2ZexKyFJXiugyTEcDMNPl8P7iXtVtRZn_dT7BgSHZPAn4W41Qrfn58k_65cgTMBTyoRgSRz8Grp-ANrDliSmCUrjIKXI7Yas084Wd3-k8L4TPNCvJaj-Oh0eTca4/s400/P4290254.JPG" /></a> Tua Pek Kong temple.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJz_UHtDmFip_1IUdeadYAZfOgXkJdtJApmP4gbM3Ql9C41NLZ-MojMYl_TDD-POJsfpy5WnDv4oNvq_kZ-cwGsLBshPPSeiXCFcCDG2NkJ5HQY0O34-pbrxgPcCLdZlDygpzBADalb_kL/s1600-h/P4290259.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353001037304074978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJz_UHtDmFip_1IUdeadYAZfOgXkJdtJApmP4gbM3Ql9C41NLZ-MojMYl_TDD-POJsfpy5WnDv4oNvq_kZ-cwGsLBshPPSeiXCFcCDG2NkJ5HQY0O34-pbrxgPcCLdZlDygpzBADalb_kL/s400/P4290259.JPG" /></a><br /><div><div>As always, I left wanting more of this leisurely, sophisticated city. We didn't know if we'd make it back or not (we didn't), but I was definitely ready for the adventure that awaited us in Gunung Mulu National Park!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Sarah Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538062137134649947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030945174899587726.post-72011876879474629582009-06-21T23:21:00.010-05:002009-07-02T02:41:19.961-05:00Malaysia: Take One: Bako National ParkSo, in my last blog I mentioned we were in Singapore, bound for Malaysia. For the majority of people in Wisconsin/the world (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">ie</span> non <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">ALTs</span> living in Japan with lots of 'free time' and opportunities to travel), this means very little. I didn't know a thing about either country before coming here. So, here is a map for some perspective. Malaysia's the country shaded in green.<br /><br /><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSVIuJ-atNeiV7efXFtvozzNadiZZwGLh4uNVPNY4qBaatUu17HsUQlrKtzcpl2Fb5iS7hZRHUYs2vRtrBDETAcHMotM9En4nxEZscztQTw0-oCAnu3RxaCPHjm4M8kEWTxaRsIa8f2fl/s1600-h/Map+of+Malaysia.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350004639120515618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSVIuJ-atNeiV7efXFtvozzNadiZZwGLh4uNVPNY4qBaatUu17HsUQlrKtzcpl2Fb5iS7hZRHUYs2vRtrBDETAcHMotM9En4nxEZscztQTw0-oCAnu3RxaCPHjm4M8kEWTxaRsIa8f2fl/s400/Map+of+Malaysia.png" /></a>As you can see, there are two bits to Malaysia: peninsular (south of Thailand, north of Singapore) and island-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">ular</span>/East (north of Indonesia with the country Brunei stuck in the middle of it). The Eastern bit is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">refereed</span> to as "Borneo" and then broken down into the two states of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sabah</span> and Sarawak.We flew from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Johor</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Baharu</span> on the peninsula to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kuching</span> in Sarawak.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIYXIwZXiDMi2d_IDPNCkJaci2LNkykdio9fFoYQv5zQOf9UXua8gO3tngbSYssEffmhV37cpVeNmaRosQybkSadSmiYZcPhTSGB8_5wzUHC1oiNybtJficPkXCB-BRysY7lZfWsJRBiK_/s1600-h/Bako+Map.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 327px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350004634745949986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIYXIwZXiDMi2d_IDPNCkJaci2LNkykdio9fFoYQv5zQOf9UXua8gO3tngbSYssEffmhV37cpVeNmaRosQybkSadSmiYZcPhTSGB8_5wzUHC1oiNybtJficPkXCB-BRysY7lZfWsJRBiK_/s400/Bako+Map.jpg" /></a>Despite giving ourselves MORE than enough time in the morning to get a bus in Singapore to the airport in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Johor</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bahru</span>, one minor complication after another caused us to be in a cab going 100-some odd km fast, sprinting through the airport Amazing Race style with our huge bags, and throwing money at the (now closed) airline attendant to beg/plead/persuade us to get on. In the end, we did... <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">soooo</span> lucky!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivWSaY4g3xqJZO3g1zLMbP8vZgAHsAQzwsXApHtuZBU2xhKyvAS7SS9SduKr6iIq2xXqjOO0_iwJQiJ0kzWBqFup_tqudyqfrhFnvxiq7JPKs9YJ7I5Krx5bGkTM9xZea-pVJiFrf4_VdG/s1600-h/P4260044.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350004635967506994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivWSaY4g3xqJZO3g1zLMbP8vZgAHsAQzwsXApHtuZBU2xhKyvAS7SS9SduKr6iIq2xXqjOO0_iwJQiJ0kzWBqFup_tqudyqfrhFnvxiq7JPKs9YJ7I5Krx5bGkTM9xZea-pVJiFrf4_VdG/s400/P4260044.JPG" /></a>Borneo, baby!!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4CM3DAlJTzXwXP3FEi7AQ_GXCK00NrK3gvrNyYIer0_sJTP9_cof5JMtJgK0l955_kOoyrUDZj6TgqC-_M6hjKfuhb_dZgU1LXcPJKuVJlhVaJiJLLdofh3I77DRJFIv1_qtKE5quOvd/s1600-h/P4260046.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350004096538154754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4CM3DAlJTzXwXP3FEi7AQ_GXCK00NrK3gvrNyYIer0_sJTP9_cof5JMtJgK0l955_kOoyrUDZj6TgqC-_M6hjKfuhb_dZgU1LXcPJKuVJlhVaJiJLLdofh3I77DRJFIv1_qtKE5quOvd/s400/P4260046.JPG" /></a><br />After arriving in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kuching</span>, we took a much less <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">efficient</span> cab ride up to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bako</span> National Park and then a boat ride from "Uncle Sam" and his son.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4BUHNFEDqNmJZBXRSNPrvnqUK1ynWiQ43D35agaxSkWgdzw65js-g4Uj29K1_vsaIgMWfCj_l8YzgHuqtitrtWYSEXQqAKVVV4kQM3B2FrcdNzKMYjeFSpZAOTriytX151rjR_upxRAAa/s1600-h/P4260051.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350004091807187362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4BUHNFEDqNmJZBXRSNPrvnqUK1ynWiQ43D35agaxSkWgdzw65js-g4Uj29K1_vsaIgMWfCj_l8YzgHuqtitrtWYSEXQqAKVVV4kQM3B2FrcdNzKMYjeFSpZAOTriytX151rjR_upxRAAa/s400/P4260051.JPG" /></a><br />As we were getting off the boat, a few lounging locals pointed out this guy! A <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">proboscis</span> monkey! These things are totally insane. Check this out for a better picture: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proboscis_monkey. So lucky to see not only one, but two of these dudes chilling and jumping around. They looked like furry Adrien Brody's to me.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNugrOyOPre3uvCeYyVw3MDnNkXznWQakP9EzjJ7NeCsrzN3JIsM2PUNtAuGkBbz40_uG1jpKxyY7LTomSVqDzZ_LLqpihr4V5AzmVi5O95BVuoLT4vgNzi4xZC2JB5zPgo89weXpvEHcY/s1600-h/P4260062.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350004085981210338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNugrOyOPre3uvCeYyVw3MDnNkXznWQakP9EzjJ7NeCsrzN3JIsM2PUNtAuGkBbz40_uG1jpKxyY7LTomSVqDzZ_LLqpihr4V5AzmVi5O95BVuoLT4vgNzi4xZC2JB5zPgo89weXpvEHcY/s400/P4260062.JPG" /></a> Jump, jump!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEBEYqGuiWHtkyh807SVuWYvT16hWSqJATy0N7Skv0NLJPFbyv0Duw8gc_XG4cwr2YGqW1WeHewmYivzYwIexUTjt80rxf8NWCdOOnAAjTgS9bNbbJzGjjyaVRuN5rTSQXSMkRqp5jfFv9/s1600-h/P4260063.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 301px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350004081337240082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEBEYqGuiWHtkyh807SVuWYvT16hWSqJATy0N7Skv0NLJPFbyv0Duw8gc_XG4cwr2YGqW1WeHewmYivzYwIexUTjt80rxf8NWCdOOnAAjTgS9bNbbJzGjjyaVRuN5rTSQXSMkRqp5jfFv9/s400/P4260063.JPG" /></a><br />These monkeys, everyone 'gets' to see. They're usually stealing something from you. Because of them, we couldn't keep our tent out during the day. Not that taking down and putting up our tent every day isn't awesome or anything.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2QQhYjkcut7P8e-_UMgSBK41W9rUj0NLFAD_LEYcZ_ymNaO7P-9UWW5FAOMDx3Q19UILqirHIs31hf99PGGV_Si5J0p5G56oJjJmhSYPMZyVr1ncBEk8aqXtbU6872E5P7xM5ZKsyy-EZ/s1600-h/P4260067.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350004074028333842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2QQhYjkcut7P8e-_UMgSBK41W9rUj0NLFAD_LEYcZ_ymNaO7P-9UWW5FAOMDx3Q19UILqirHIs31hf99PGGV_Si5J0p5G56oJjJmhSYPMZyVr1ncBEk8aqXtbU6872E5P7xM5ZKsyy-EZ/s400/P4260067.JPG" /></a><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hittin</span>' one of the 16 superbly well maintained trails.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUBl9hEmufGNHM5vw_tXyN5RQ2Ua_RgmabViLb-ztWWgRbGCiI1qSmay8C0ySnyYQC13MXgO-LBydrRCjEK79MZed5Rec7ANHpvrjsSn9QzZLneftV3uIDkSKdSFRVWAf5TLN-vSfUUzK/s1600-h/P4260072.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350003876453537234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUBl9hEmufGNHM5vw_tXyN5RQ2Ua_RgmabViLb-ztWWgRbGCiI1qSmay8C0ySnyYQC13MXgO-LBydrRCjEK79MZed5Rec7ANHpvrjsSn9QzZLneftV3uIDkSKdSFRVWAf5TLN-vSfUUzK/s400/P4260072.JPG" /></a><br />Ending the day at the nearest beach and having an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">impromptu</span> Malaysian Top Model photo shoot. Clearly we were very inspired by mediocre reality TV shows this day.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03kb0IBKXfvIRRgIE5SLBR1Eaboik-Hc8uWkv0e0csyCduz_0YLBvJMou4LcL7iW-cdbEkVK2_T6K8QNevI1hcEqDxPS3pRVAQ5KBg8Z6Zft5jiUjVhvTya2KsweY0-O7J4hcJW3aSQP5/s1600-h/P4260078.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350003873234015138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03kb0IBKXfvIRRgIE5SLBR1Eaboik-Hc8uWkv0e0csyCduz_0YLBvJMou4LcL7iW-cdbEkVK2_T6K8QNevI1hcEqDxPS3pRVAQ5KBg8Z6Zft5jiUjVhvTya2KsweY0-O7J4hcJW3aSQP5/s400/P4260078.JPG" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57VWN7BJHB0l0LWnxW8Rr7mnX7kY9qVKRs7lD-gmcDe0OBIkfVgPwls9IBXUb9i6I-egqbqx3koVYquM7JrNXbI-FmBO1mAc5SpCvgkKswUaFXR24ovIFhyphenhyphenepvrcQ76cD2a-dfahmTV6J/s1600-h/P4260082.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350003870093209410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57VWN7BJHB0l0LWnxW8Rr7mnX7kY9qVKRs7lD-gmcDe0OBIkfVgPwls9IBXUb9i6I-egqbqx3koVYquM7JrNXbI-FmBO1mAc5SpCvgkKswUaFXR24ovIFhyphenhyphenepvrcQ76cD2a-dfahmTV6J/s400/P4260082.JPG" /></a><br />Sunset through the mangroves.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirWLOI7G6HOTW3Mz4aw9RGKmBJKDMtJQ__kFVTtdftn2sxnrLhxkoEQqHls1G4uU7TRQq5tfwNBr_w34rC0-yD9_V8sZQ22dTc0qoiVoTJDhM_roA38nvvdVixpmxxOWMgy6C1t6rKL23Y/s1600-h/P4260089.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350003859264078690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirWLOI7G6HOTW3Mz4aw9RGKmBJKDMtJQ__kFVTtdftn2sxnrLhxkoEQqHls1G4uU7TRQq5tfwNBr_w34rC0-yD9_V8sZQ22dTc0qoiVoTJDhM_roA38nvvdVixpmxxOWMgy6C1t6rKL23Y/s400/P4260089.JPG" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWdzb3FJH9RcAFSAfUeWXfYZAPHzrq1XiQcPVC6griXl8s0s9iWaP81Clk6yPBR35r6cPvlMHNuPUQhXKcwqZn1bWCEqkQ33usKHOz9Jbbpt-UB3Zi6MBODOpd1R93JugIO2842S21W4b0/s1600-h/P4260091.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350003858642030338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWdzb3FJH9RcAFSAfUeWXfYZAPHzrq1XiQcPVC6griXl8s0s9iWaP81Clk6yPBR35r6cPvlMHNuPUQhXKcwqZn1bWCEqkQ33usKHOz9Jbbpt-UB3Zi6MBODOpd1R93JugIO2842S21W4b0/s400/P4260091.JPG" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG0n5f_RKtoNrOOn6T8TESfCAGhPEW2kLwLAYgvMFl2uDXJRzU8lju1kCBbwQgxPNCy7L9FmywFLzXX5jFPBbScNML3qW37Yry9xNyCPrtNVlSEFIZkKzayjZ3F8pLIReOZ4s0k4B5c8sI/s1600-h/P4260095.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 301px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350003664161291618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG0n5f_RKtoNrOOn6T8TESfCAGhPEW2kLwLAYgvMFl2uDXJRzU8lju1kCBbwQgxPNCy7L9FmywFLzXX5jFPBbScNML3qW37Yry9xNyCPrtNVlSEFIZkKzayjZ3F8pLIReOZ4s0k4B5c8sI/s400/P4260095.JPG" /></a><br />Totally felt like I was on Lost here after spotting a wild boar. Yes, a wild boar!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ3fTcG833jVyBZRaRMxw39qAzJkr7R6THx6FsiO2ur1JRgII_aJNeZkEVCfiZKZoyDhzxQTOOVeEVwQ8vmCnwV58tFi-0Piul4bLPXMWXttaFd_RuQ-H_ctJtkb8sdsilQ58Eul0f5qVa/s1600-h/P4260097.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350003661610081138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ3fTcG833jVyBZRaRMxw39qAzJkr7R6THx6FsiO2ur1JRgII_aJNeZkEVCfiZKZoyDhzxQTOOVeEVwQ8vmCnwV58tFi-0Piul4bLPXMWXttaFd_RuQ-H_ctJtkb8sdsilQ58Eul0f5qVa/s400/P4260097.JPG" /></a><br />We awoke to the sound of a mess (a clan, a gagle???) of monkeys parading down the fence around the campsite.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVOIt_fgD-FA7zY8Do4PmGqf2XI2geVKNgDvIE-10lV3WVEqogBhT74douMbXVUDZEWCL8rS_a0SgMlj8pfPVfDYCD2URLOtwiDf6QaaLfjhRBG3KoSwXtyZXtCgaaHfDVnrEQ30jTR7op/s1600-h/P4270099.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 302px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350003659618110066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVOIt_fgD-FA7zY8Do4PmGqf2XI2geVKNgDvIE-10lV3WVEqogBhT74douMbXVUDZEWCL8rS_a0SgMlj8pfPVfDYCD2URLOtwiDf6QaaLfjhRBG3KoSwXtyZXtCgaaHfDVnrEQ30jTR7op/s400/P4270099.JPG" /></a><br />Packed up as quick as possible and headed out for a full day of hiking the awesomely diverse trails.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmGPVoSLI8o4m7v22_3UdVMdPZuR8qJnY-PsB3zwr2H9ZWZBAvGlic_jqwpoJ76W2drlRXCXwb-tMT9B6iserfTf7w4FayOJGNc_b3cec5jYtH3MG2Al-2kXlljcALMiqkkIq5NgtXBMt/s1600-h/P4270111.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350003655289030530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmGPVoSLI8o4m7v22_3UdVMdPZuR8qJnY-PsB3zwr2H9ZWZBAvGlic_jqwpoJ76W2drlRXCXwb-tMT9B6iserfTf7w4FayOJGNc_b3cec5jYtH3MG2Al-2kXlljcALMiqkkIq5NgtXBMt/s400/P4270111.JPG" /></a><br />This is a pitcher plant. It's carnivorous and eats small children... or more commonly, insects. That deep cavity you see is filled with a liquid to trap prey. The little buggers fly or crawl around because it looks oh so <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">perty</span>, and once inside they can't get out <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">because</span> the sides are slippery. Then they drown in liquid and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">eventually</span> dissolve via bacteria or enzymes. Ah, the beautiful circle of life.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoviQP7NBxh74Hg1_wYZ4PbU5X31rEt6FSqBnKru69bGCWZYUQtYbt2UyKDOEbjW1_SzKVyjDlSETBhGW4tlYJfETHoGXUd9gAqz-5BXFYh3UuEKopqJXx7iZuEZij5DT_skfVEHhpUe_G/s1600-h/P4270117.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 301px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350003650870220034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoviQP7NBxh74Hg1_wYZ4PbU5X31rEt6FSqBnKru69bGCWZYUQtYbt2UyKDOEbjW1_SzKVyjDlSETBhGW4tlYJfETHoGXUd9gAqz-5BXFYh3UuEKopqJXx7iZuEZij5DT_skfVEHhpUe_G/s400/P4270117.JPG" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQyM51lMry6A0I7kScazct7WTVbOdjibKp-YQGXRsJwsBeQ2esxQonlblAOYGZtQCwwdoQHVirU6viijZl6hLM3HqLVJuh43vIVDU1pbFM8zUA7xA23oGa7ZocnEhoImSo5o-UtvkEfEPH/s1600-h/P4270120a.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350003466797649186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQyM51lMry6A0I7kScazct7WTVbOdjibKp-YQGXRsJwsBeQ2esxQonlblAOYGZtQCwwdoQHVirU6viijZl6hLM3HqLVJuh43vIVDU1pbFM8zUA7xA23oGa7ZocnEhoImSo5o-UtvkEfEPH/s400/P4270120a.JPG" /></a><br />My obsession for mushrooms intensified in Malaysia: the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">mushrooms</span> from Super Mario Brothers actually exist!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNk3RH6NujToZTpOHbZ6eL7ax2n3yLQTdYRJeDyMiQkzLV0_JP3Tgeo2becXDsdiiaVxLtPVzZMdnQDsBxcx-e8rgP9RYNPdvFXpcfS4R4eK7ibymSJ7FM_91djOB9swBAaocNtUWMvwu/s1600-h/P4270121.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350003456729003474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNk3RH6NujToZTpOHbZ6eL7ax2n3yLQTdYRJeDyMiQkzLV0_JP3Tgeo2becXDsdiiaVxLtPVzZMdnQDsBxcx-e8rgP9RYNPdvFXpcfS4R4eK7ibymSJ7FM_91djOB9swBAaocNtUWMvwu/s400/P4270121.JPG" /></a><br />Beach number two, all to ourselves.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ygaPPglu4dxSyRW-e5TNAzkipXcQO7HrB1_WnrUCma4agNAfFAtyef1phPWGkeK0ttff43bbjQUAdrudA7fLkxOt2oPT2VtHh2zgehosP-ntb82J1DKMl-w2a-1RRHGwAZ69ybc1f26Y/s1600-h/P4270126.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350003451618917762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ygaPPglu4dxSyRW-e5TNAzkipXcQO7HrB1_WnrUCma4agNAfFAtyef1phPWGkeK0ttff43bbjQUAdrudA7fLkxOt2oPT2VtHh2zgehosP-ntb82J1DKMl-w2a-1RRHGwAZ69ybc1f26Y/s400/P4270126.JPG" /></a>Along the way we saw no tourists and one park ranger, Kaili. He was awesome. This is about the time I started becoming so thoroughly impressed by Malaysians ability to speak English. And it wasn't just the tourism employed Malaysians. The vast majority of Malaysians we interacted with understood everything we said and could speak almost as well. As teachers of English in Japan, we demanded Kellie explain to us how this was possible. I got my video camera ready, all set to show my students back in Japan his infinite words of wisdom. His response: "it's easy." Thanks, Kaili.<br /><br />He also pointed out an eagle's nest to us and lent us his <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error">binocs</span> so we could see the amazing white eagle in all it's glory.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3mjhL5AZl76wMMahgFvSCdqO9KG_ARsGQoCWzXOPcIAbk2yILBEK44fQVMNrwmlHLnIN_GAodpMivIfAb_AlqXVtVQL6KJPgyXoVk6Wzxrf-d_F6livH7V1caiNTuL_OkE2UXONAlofWb/s1600-h/P4270140a.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350003450624387586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3mjhL5AZl76wMMahgFvSCdqO9KG_ARsGQoCWzXOPcIAbk2yILBEK44fQVMNrwmlHLnIN_GAodpMivIfAb_AlqXVtVQL6KJPgyXoVk6Wzxrf-d_F6livH7V1caiNTuL_OkE2UXONAlofWb/s400/P4270140a.JPG" /></a><br />Beach number three: secluded.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkk8_8IZEQiRc5wh5qFlv3v0TNhH70BVdbp1s-KDjo0UHgUNXUujt9JwcTnu_Lh6gLMw0ZiYtImcNJkiz8Xa_gajM1KHu-WNM4sLeuUvijCEYowVtry6vdFAEDcZq_n_QMOMBdN45Rm9BW/s1600-h/P4270144.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 94px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350003446153485122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkk8_8IZEQiRc5wh5qFlv3v0TNhH70BVdbp1s-KDjo0UHgUNXUujt9JwcTnu_Lh6gLMw0ZiYtImcNJkiz8Xa_gajM1KHu-WNM4sLeuUvijCEYowVtry6vdFAEDcZq_n_QMOMBdN45Rm9BW/s400/P4270144.JPG" /></a>Or so we thought! I wasn't too upset to have to share it with sexy Lucas from Switzerland, though.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-YUg8AuZKesWEgK6YhALRCuz3atNP1pmLcpgVKVMyc3c-HLmNPft6kYTdOLaA3-AZ3PF8nWcDLzhBnwgiWSd3wDHPuHG4uhNw1yfUltaplxj5wLKvoOYf1wFU8akNw931c_S71dPymdUY/s1600-h/P4270154.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350002907058068450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-YUg8AuZKesWEgK6YhALRCuz3atNP1pmLcpgVKVMyc3c-HLmNPft6kYTdOLaA3-AZ3PF8nWcDLzhBnwgiWSd3wDHPuHG4uhNw1yfUltaplxj5wLKvoOYf1wFU8akNw931c_S71dPymdUY/s400/P4270154.JPG" /></a><br />Most incredible sunset I may have ever seen in my life... which is saying a lot, people. A LOT.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLJc0zk1TUItQ2khCe2I3WF7Ob6HlDofM3i5CCoVY6TYlxxZFg9X6ALO7RQCt2oFhkW880HQBYUuHLg2l3pwoM_0WKHx8L2gyewtjcxyWso-Bu_O9YMmMObytjOMHjix5yGKFyIccqm-x/s1600-h/P4270179.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350002897510463218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLJc0zk1TUItQ2khCe2I3WF7Ob6HlDofM3i5CCoVY6TYlxxZFg9X6ALO7RQCt2oFhkW880HQBYUuHLg2l3pwoM_0WKHx8L2gyewtjcxyWso-Bu_O9YMmMObytjOMHjix5yGKFyIccqm-x/s400/P4270179.JPG" /></a>And the kids have come out to play!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib1Vpslyknz3F5c3oK7ZT2W2kCVDXqGou_4K4hUCUSSmxXgc7kuRyS-O1x3KgB7Y_TreN7likjW-tt-S-8C7EUL3LfZHRzVEkjcyPpuvGXXuAIC5NS6wryWr2nfPYXk9GizuLLeFkv4GOF/s1600-h/P4270186.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350002894240191570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib1Vpslyknz3F5c3oK7ZT2W2kCVDXqGou_4K4hUCUSSmxXgc7kuRyS-O1x3KgB7Y_TreN7likjW-tt-S-8C7EUL3LfZHRzVEkjcyPpuvGXXuAIC5NS6wryWr2nfPYXk9GizuLLeFkv4GOF/s400/P4270186.JPG" /></a>I insisted to Julie that we camp at some point and time during this trip... nothing says "vacation" better than ice cold showers in the pitch black, setting up and taking down a tent every day because of monkeys tearing it to bits, and storing all your belongs in a musty bathroom during the days<br />... we were the only ones with this brilliant plan.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLp6dWa-m5ONf9fkOcii00Ff5UBL0NEUt1gm-IoqbCa29ZHxKB7yqoyV0CJuPUhLDlP25y38BMV7QUQKgHoO6r56wASexCzj7YgaoMDlR1lO-P2TSzz2FGxJ6_wcqmyJTD4UIelK2etntJ/s1600-h/P4280196.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350002889184464066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLp6dWa-m5ONf9fkOcii00Ff5UBL0NEUt1gm-IoqbCa29ZHxKB7yqoyV0CJuPUhLDlP25y38BMV7QUQKgHoO6r56wASexCzj7YgaoMDlR1lO-P2TSzz2FGxJ6_wcqmyJTD4UIelK2etntJ/s400/P4280196.JPG" /></a><br />More hiking and more fun friends.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTioz2sxLwUB-D-ks6Ce4wTQ7KMa4nMnfrpnkKDG1oAUknDNvUnTd7NGfeyjIJ4CG97ySIUwg67FiQ6dgi7bNwGmdFL20QpWyNxKAehILgySUIbTfTg2lHECxVjtmzY-QqvHTCOH_1n_nk/s1600-h/P4280200.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 299px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350002884004435602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTioz2sxLwUB-D-ks6Ce4wTQ7KMa4nMnfrpnkKDG1oAUknDNvUnTd7NGfeyjIJ4CG97ySIUwg67FiQ6dgi7bNwGmdFL20QpWyNxKAehILgySUIbTfTg2lHECxVjtmzY-QqvHTCOH_1n_nk/s400/P4280200.JPG" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEA8kcdkjyrft_mTxeozAjrwini9yTOEYJs0kTHw_1Qkg_OaS2M0XHNfFgr71T0OB6pM1wrLoh5AxnGyJU2Q-OyLvttwFNOrfvCjHyQ18sb8euBfsGDzESeOL9DdJkBZLlp-qYJEcE-nED/s1600-h/P4280204.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 301px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350002691858041858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEA8kcdkjyrft_mTxeozAjrwini9yTOEYJs0kTHw_1Qkg_OaS2M0XHNfFgr71T0OB6pM1wrLoh5AxnGyJU2Q-OyLvttwFNOrfvCjHyQ18sb8euBfsGDzESeOL9DdJkBZLlp-qYJEcE-nED/s400/P4280204.JPG" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcNYnfm3q5aT8cw3eqY9pE3GhrG0VLHfegoDNZOJRToGrG3_sbEVzeZIQMEtaVtS_M9sumz_-3vnwZQk1Ef4cvUF5-dXe-gEpHbdSYKhruYCNPGQf3SDKVi39pO9K-f-JzN7CCgu7zieG/s1600-h/P4280207.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350002684127196530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcNYnfm3q5aT8cw3eqY9pE3GhrG0VLHfegoDNZOJRToGrG3_sbEVzeZIQMEtaVtS_M9sumz_-3vnwZQk1Ef4cvUF5-dXe-gEpHbdSYKhruYCNPGQf3SDKVi39pO9K-f-JzN7CCgu7zieG/s400/P4280207.JPG" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3DYPhgPKkkRVR_aZlJGTp7V0B5R5fD0v-o4shVcNWDp2sY36LKHLx1PWn7uQ7tWpM9gUAKdICJiDRcs9_5yIfexeiWlZ1wS9S3gJC_iLuZYYsCAegdC_uby_c4F5H_-LpfPjNg8yE6jeR/s1600-h/P4280217.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350002672586253570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3DYPhgPKkkRVR_aZlJGTp7V0B5R5fD0v-o4shVcNWDp2sY36LKHLx1PWn7uQ7tWpM9gUAKdICJiDRcs9_5yIfexeiWlZ1wS9S3gJC_iLuZYYsCAegdC_uby_c4F5H_-LpfPjNg8yE6jeR/s400/P4280217.JPG" /></a>Following up a rousing swim in the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-error">luke</span> warm water with a rousing bout of karaoke on the beach!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZxLMFtIoiInoQou6D2ltnqGii4ias0i0ptEpw68yiy8A97weGdYFe6z9mLc7VgPOCEWEyZ3ftJfxbyArbA1jPuUnpjk02w6dw_n8FNjZ9D7Ve2gRNpOW_J5SeUvCYWwXHPgHOriI0qkN/s1600-h/P4280220.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350002667100138242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZxLMFtIoiInoQou6D2ltnqGii4ias0i0ptEpw68yiy8A97weGdYFe6z9mLc7VgPOCEWEyZ3ftJfxbyArbA1jPuUnpjk02w6dw_n8FNjZ9D7Ve2gRNpOW_J5SeUvCYWwXHPgHOriI0qkN/s400/P4280220.JPG" /></a>Time to head back to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kuching</span>. Bye bye <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bako</span>!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNM7EWFniAeCYrOohyphenhyphenHWbZk1Cdzx7ztcnAwa6wCCYpzLuylDe_gSu6cwF81cobYlQtc43nClHL-OZKzirnk6KeaL3E-uLc5PC-Y4vT2SQuqOSTc3nqKFqMQR_R7SvCWoYna3qxgCofGG9/s1600-h/P4280221a.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350002663934402482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNM7EWFniAeCYrOohyphenhyphenHWbZk1Cdzx7ztcnAwa6wCCYpzLuylDe_gSu6cwF81cobYlQtc43nClHL-OZKzirnk6KeaL3E-uLc5PC-Y4vT2SQuqOSTc3nqKFqMQR_R7SvCWoYna3qxgCofGG9/s400/P4280221a.JPG" /></a></p>Sarah Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538062137134649947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030945174899587726.post-56548584784825396642009-06-20T21:45:00.007-05:002009-06-20T23:39:06.859-05:00Singapore in less than 24 hoursApril 25<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span>. 5:30am. Wearily roll out of the futon toward my 70 Liter powder blue backpack filled with everything from a swimsuit to a sleeping bag to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Caloriemate</span> gel packs. Once conscious, I've got a 25 min bike ride to the train station followed by a 2 1/2 hour train ride to the airport followed by a 4 hour flight to Singapore followed by a 15 min train ride to Little India district followed by a 15 min walk to the hostel. It's days like these that I look forward to more than most others because it means yet another epic adventure has begun.<br /><br />Golden Week is the name for a string of random holidays (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ie</span> Greenery Day, Children's Day, Substitute Holiday) in Japan that occur in early May. I used those holidays and took another six days of paid leave off to get a full two weeks traveling in Singapore in Malaysia. My travel buddy was Julie, whom I randomly met on a train after we had each finished a hiking weekend in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Oze</span> last fall. Two tents, four hiking boots and enough white skin to blind all of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Gunma</span> between us. Instant connection! Turned out she too was a JET in my prefecture and we've been best buds since.<br />Anyway, we thought we were quite clever to have saved up all those days of leave and get TWO full weeks! Felt like we were spoiling ourselves and could see and do everything there was to do in Malaysia. We were so so wrong and understood after being there why everyone else we met was traveling/living there for a month or more.<br /><br />Although we didn't all have the same 'final' destinations, a bunch of us were going through Singapore (internationally cheapest airport arrival locale). So what better way to kick off a 6am day of commuting than on the party train! I even splurged for the 'green car' seats, a BIG deal for me. Note the lack of Japanese on the party train.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLaViSEUNUy4K-IlN05Nvy2bmyn-EueHgEisAamUrmlnjeUt8sMBwQ-7QoCGrEC0aqsa1sLXe_rqfSPN8zjU6GwF4aQESjPusNDdGyjXsZUUc_g1lZuM6k_RPGFjb3JLdo6bcROovBKFyP/s1600-h/P4250001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLaViSEUNUy4K-IlN05Nvy2bmyn-EueHgEisAamUrmlnjeUt8sMBwQ-7QoCGrEC0aqsa1sLXe_rqfSPN8zjU6GwF4aQESjPusNDdGyjXsZUUc_g1lZuM6k_RPGFjb3JLdo6bcROovBKFyP/s400/P4250001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349608327123274290" border="0" /></a><br />Spectacular clouds and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Slumdog</span> Millionaire. Best flight ever!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCbY_dNjeHiM5m72Snek6b40qVRZA6wFntqQ39Zadbj9DGYALSPRp7KeZ8jPkAHCFDAsVV-2QgVdTieH67WUFHxVKj8JKrlxJn54TXy1Htg7_kfRT4oVr_H7LuNDInJtTPgQ-EhyjIP7a/s1600-h/P4250011.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCbY_dNjeHiM5m72Snek6b40qVRZA6wFntqQ39Zadbj9DGYALSPRp7KeZ8jPkAHCFDAsVV-2QgVdTieH67WUFHxVKj8JKrlxJn54TXy1Htg7_kfRT4oVr_H7LuNDInJtTPgQ-EhyjIP7a/s400/P4250011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349608318808699682" border="0" /></a><br />The whole crew after an awesome ride on the party plane! Julie and I are the only ones with the great plan to camp in Malaysia and thus the only ones with what looks like small children on our backs.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfDJfg2N9ntDp566aynNHoKIn8M-ZTENHszAjP4WkYH6Pxbga3p2o_cl9kp1oeGrEXUu7HlwGASo0niM0Yt1MuyemUZwD8cqmMLXEDzdYM_-7zSKLYXEKkBOqMFgP9DAZmVmsaQkBlcemL/s1600-h/P4250013.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfDJfg2N9ntDp566aynNHoKIn8M-ZTENHszAjP4WkYH6Pxbga3p2o_cl9kp1oeGrEXUu7HlwGASo0niM0Yt1MuyemUZwD8cqmMLXEDzdYM_-7zSKLYXEKkBOqMFgP9DAZmVmsaQkBlcemL/s400/P4250013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349608316922522738" border="0" /></a><br />Singapore is a country, a city, and an island. It's the smallest southeast Asian country, but the 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">th</span> wealthiest in the world.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJDenOHeG8IggJQpbkAladail_HromuPRpkeorDf541cFhz8NZqj9vNtzjNP54w8PP6JiKMCMuB8CMIDDQKBLjE5LpP9UiN-Gx4nrg0g49GprZI2OB0Zqk3tTTe3vTLcrsMgKIBEkLCKzG/s1600-h/LocationSingapore2.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 280px; height: 148px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJDenOHeG8IggJQpbkAladail_HromuPRpkeorDf541cFhz8NZqj9vNtzjNP54w8PP6JiKMCMuB8CMIDDQKBLjE5LpP9UiN-Gx4nrg0g49GprZI2OB0Zqk3tTTe3vTLcrsMgKIBEkLCKzG/s400/LocationSingapore2.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349619664387609522" border="0" /></a><br />The hostel we stayed at was in the Little India district and was super cute.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTvgwxoAwqx4km0InNhJnQUOUriK1hj3dUpkT9ab9arRjkTSBKT1Sd14nZRBoBYEkc9woIiApaauj3WY8SPSlO1gJnArR71aj-Jm_QIL_Ws7ERtvf08CyJUvcLz-njF43kmCdW3yj5JrCn/s1600-h/P4250022.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTvgwxoAwqx4km0InNhJnQUOUriK1hj3dUpkT9ab9arRjkTSBKT1Sd14nZRBoBYEkc9woIiApaauj3WY8SPSlO1gJnArR71aj-Jm_QIL_Ws7ERtvf08CyJUvcLz-njF43kmCdW3yj5JrCn/s400/P4250022.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349608309704356962" border="0" /></a><br />I was so focused on Malaysia that I didn't really learn too much before hand about Singapore. Being there though, I was totally impressed. First impression? The entire city is immaculate. Japan is clean, but Singapore is IMMACULATE. I'm thinking it has a little something to do with the $1,000 fine for littering ($2000 and up for repeat offenders). I also realized how much I was lacking/missing cultural diversity in Japan. There were all kinds of people and restaurants and buildings and nuance in Singapore. It was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">awesome</span>. The last awesome aspect of Singapore was all the greenery. Even though it definitely had that city feel with the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">buildings</span> and mass transit and heaps of people, they managed to take enough care in the urban planning to integrate trees and shrubs and parks and greenery EVERYWHERE. Very impressive.<br /><br />A view of the central business district at night with the 'famous' Malay lion at night (pic stolen from Alexander Laws at http://www.photoblog.com/AlexanderLaws/2008/01/26/singapore.html ). <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtR6o0z2gII5Ikgy69mXfE89ZBNSoWSlHIJy_X0PMRAStRd-FQU6nyjYzuihyphenhyphengQvV1tCeAu21siEmOstVmVsBbjgtg-uHHfkTD54ZTGfecY9nx4Rm_hyFXClxur476iTz1TYEeirtLXl1W/s1600-h/Alex03.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtR6o0z2gII5Ikgy69mXfE89ZBNSoWSlHIJy_X0PMRAStRd-FQU6nyjYzuihyphenhyphengQvV1tCeAu21siEmOstVmVsBbjgtg-uHHfkTD54ZTGfecY9nx4Rm_hyFXClxur476iTz1TYEeirtLXl1W/s400/Alex03.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349608511495014178" border="0" /></a><br />The Esplanade, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">theaters</span> on the bay.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcU9VsIqa3I4PM4o-ouo5ikT-Q67jtqvhhR4GcUPU910Uy79k7w0O53M_mgFI5OmK9I0Sb_SCBU3JD-zCvnZ-6q_kUNifYgEJIm9g5xxUGOmuvR8Qs0DgDBlJmfiqr6jB6bDnVpY8HXh7n/s1600-h/Alex04.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcU9VsIqa3I4PM4o-ouo5ikT-Q67jtqvhhR4GcUPU910Uy79k7w0O53M_mgFI5OmK9I0Sb_SCBU3JD-zCvnZ-6q_kUNifYgEJIm9g5xxUGOmuvR8Qs0DgDBlJmfiqr6jB6bDnVpY8HXh7n/s400/Alex04.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349608507824225426" border="0" /></a><br />That night we decided to do dinner Singapore style: at a Hawker center with lots of seafood.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicoa_0_-3QaBXbwDQLGhc-xfpZkYE8c4Hlaa_5WFnHY0hEMozjFAySKuIvHMlZwSGFvq0iHlISZNdEdva1E93s17gG9bMczJm_fk81d8nmm0S2Z5zNtUh1P0KELMoHIE5x9ulnrfdqOXWc/s1600-h/P4250025.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicoa_0_-3QaBXbwDQLGhc-xfpZkYE8c4Hlaa_5WFnHY0hEMozjFAySKuIvHMlZwSGFvq0iHlISZNdEdva1E93s17gG9bMczJm_fk81d8nmm0S2Z5zNtUh1P0KELMoHIE5x9ulnrfdqOXWc/s400/P4250025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349607479783241026" border="0" /></a>Chili crab.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3fgEacXqbvMtDXKfrqJl3Xc0JzhM7ASIbC-oGau4MEHDFmGT6PE2EJTzewMbEuqDiZNtTgH0vFHGaypSSZQ666QnmVRrO2uc6B6eoIULHBwxD3iNodxHLL72LtLE0eTOudT4cFmsGVMD/s1600-h/P4250026.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3fgEacXqbvMtDXKfrqJl3Xc0JzhM7ASIbC-oGau4MEHDFmGT6PE2EJTzewMbEuqDiZNtTgH0vFHGaypSSZQ666QnmVRrO2uc6B6eoIULHBwxD3iNodxHLL72LtLE0eTOudT4cFmsGVMD/s400/P4250026.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349607473772585570" border="0" /></a>Tiger beer!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisgfHaJ8sbgP0xCRVVgtcNlCb9UDx_5ZVgR0lXlXEFGuM8VtLoq8tTGL1p-jl_HQbzGKAM5hsLdqefh8c9zobuLP5tbdxoF0Z5SYiZSpTnxjBIz94QNu-PLTb4VtOgQBckZmGs6CXKLnVY/s1600-h/P4250028.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisgfHaJ8sbgP0xCRVVgtcNlCb9UDx_5ZVgR0lXlXEFGuM8VtLoq8tTGL1p-jl_HQbzGKAM5hsLdqefh8c9zobuLP5tbdxoF0Z5SYiZSpTnxjBIz94QNu-PLTb4VtOgQBckZmGs6CXKLnVY/s400/P4250028.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349607468374154210" border="0" /></a><br />My favorite dish of the night: Stingray. My first and definitely not my last experience.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCA5-iTWov7XZkgS2JJhFNuFwcJB9Uced2Tg6Us72SexpGUTfYDdgDKjYVNNrHUdtK8zmah57mhg07IIOndR9aqvcNk9Q2yx8mr5PAZOthcrtVYOztTVu_18CcHBeKThW84cMaqM64SKPj/s1600-h/P4250032.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCA5-iTWov7XZkgS2JJhFNuFwcJB9Uced2Tg6Us72SexpGUTfYDdgDKjYVNNrHUdtK8zmah57mhg07IIOndR9aqvcNk9Q2yx8mr5PAZOthcrtVYOztTVu_18CcHBeKThW84cMaqM64SKPj/s400/P4250032.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349607464954024018" border="0" /></a><br />A sight you will never see in Wisconsin: late night vegetable market.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZcUN-ym7RX_rEZGRRDr_u1B2XOU4cdHe9O405Xwgl-X9OJvpLxcK1Ay7CoAllolB97tJo403vnGi7CvbdA-xtUmqhO5leW8mnnw5orvYjmYZLgnmpf1jLYwmPl1PiCrHViMWjTmtB5rtH/s1600-h/P4250042a.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZcUN-ym7RX_rEZGRRDr_u1B2XOU4cdHe9O405Xwgl-X9OJvpLxcK1Ay7CoAllolB97tJo403vnGi7CvbdA-xtUmqhO5leW8mnnw5orvYjmYZLgnmpf1jLYwmPl1PiCrHViMWjTmtB5rtH/s400/P4250042a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349607459524074162" border="0" /></a><br />In the am I took a run around the surrounding areas. Very cool vibe.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY8xgCj8gjp5e4Iz7HpFVXJVlupSoXplUzopqL-9xdNe23qmOnjfKifnm9J6Y7bmmh45BAcrbpJAm67lgy2YucDl16vXbNR64qehg8MdoRgMNgRh1h2NjAW4gJmI2ook8zjZNOzN-txZaW/s1600-h/Alex05.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY8xgCj8gjp5e4Iz7HpFVXJVlupSoXplUzopqL-9xdNe23qmOnjfKifnm9J6Y7bmmh45BAcrbpJAm67lgy2YucDl16vXbNR64qehg8MdoRgMNgRh1h2NjAW4gJmI2ook8zjZNOzN-txZaW/s400/Alex05.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349608331149615458" border="0" /></a>Unfortunately, we had to get a bus to head off on another aeroplane that day. The time I had in Singapore I really enjoyed though and planned on getting a few more days in there at the end of the trip... of course, that never happened as other adventurous opportunities arose:)Sarah Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538062137134649947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030945174899587726.post-3485994221752300102009-05-26T00:12:00.007-05:002009-05-26T01:00:52.023-05:00Spring is HERE! Time to Hanami!<div>You know it's Spring when you see <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">sakura</span> (cherry blossoms). It is probably the single most anticipated event in Japan, and I can definitely see why. Spring couldn't have come any sooner for me as I was D-U-N with winter approximately 2.5 days after it began.<br /><br /><div>I give a lot of detail about '<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">sakura'</span> and '<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">hanami'</span> in my previous post (<a href="http://sarahmoersfelder.blogspot.com/2008/04/sakura-real-deal.html">http://sarahmoersfelder.blogspot.com/2008/04/sakura-real-deal.html</a>), so if you missed it and want to know more, check that out. Otherwise, just browse the pics below and enjoy. </div><br /><div>Even though I was bummed to leave Okinawa (and be <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">sunburnt</span>), almost my entire train ride from Tokyo to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Maebashi</span> was lined with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">sakura</span> trees. It was incredibly beautiful. I love how Japan can so graceful blend city and nature together.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvu9A97JI5qYeipqKVYZwWH_u40_5UQJSkQYKi1LmxEm980U3ii9KUkNBCYgyxBt2dP-4YoDVdiOeRBlZZew2jhparpEh90giF6E7jdHH4acqR-6dTb0gbeFWh03qCIwOZl3tyRS5H4kX/s1600-h/P4050338.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340000439724026242" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvu9A97JI5qYeipqKVYZwWH_u40_5UQJSkQYKi1LmxEm980U3ii9KUkNBCYgyxBt2dP-4YoDVdiOeRBlZZew2jhparpEh90giF6E7jdHH4acqR-6dTb0gbeFWh03qCIwOZl3tyRS5H4kX/s400/P4050338.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div>This is the view of my 'backyard'.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xNk2nbTXdGOM3wVA6F2oZIzGu1PTPHxPTwe4JfJY_pi7DgxzDheC9LOoGb1_kDEii-Iv7R1rFvjfvv9c2xHDDbBtRxczQdBf1MPIS1iTA-86_f9F9WkZ_6BJ9yQ8DdWB-GQHtnMDNSeb/s1600-h/P4090011.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 108px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340000429776475394" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xNk2nbTXdGOM3wVA6F2oZIzGu1PTPHxPTwe4JfJY_pi7DgxzDheC9LOoGb1_kDEii-Iv7R1rFvjfvv9c2xHDDbBtRxczQdBf1MPIS1iTA-86_f9F9WkZ_6BJ9yQ8DdWB-GQHtnMDNSeb/s400/P4090011.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div>The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Momonoki</span> River I get to bike along every day.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3_HHTTtPTthcsiLQZ2fAc0Tqfe_CMYSwdlfSY-CiMFkMHW9F_TKYWUtWh-jsoTFfyhPBx31pWmLxb-UAG_SntKBzT2KM-4_XFg6eoy6PMoNAvFoNhGWUsv_gicL96GDE4TmM4Yl3gEpF/s1600-h/P4090012.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340000425498687186" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3_HHTTtPTthcsiLQZ2fAc0Tqfe_CMYSwdlfSY-CiMFkMHW9F_TKYWUtWh-jsoTFfyhPBx31pWmLxb-UAG_SntKBzT2KM-4_XFg6eoy6PMoNAvFoNhGWUsv_gicL96GDE4TmM4Yl3gEpF/s400/P4090012.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Cherry blossoms in bloom = time to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">hanami</span> (cherry blossom viewing/<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">picnicking</span>). And <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">hanami</span> we did. This is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Shikishima</span> Park, one of the best in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gunma for sures</span>.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDkfWj1JcpgUMXhw9spvtjmkYuiHASKk5MYxLq9N5z9Igst9i-4JCmc6aoB9kTlwlWUrSyc6U5cvUqjT35_vXNFMvrpPlRHJ1tahNo3O1Qi7e5567KRtNSOJFey0209v4vazb5in4Q9Y3u/s1600-h/P4110081.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340000421972425106" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDkfWj1JcpgUMXhw9spvtjmkYuiHASKk5MYxLq9N5z9Igst9i-4JCmc6aoB9kTlwlWUrSyc6U5cvUqjT35_vXNFMvrpPlRHJ1tahNo3O1Qi7e5567KRtNSOJFey0209v4vazb5in4Q9Y3u/s400/P4110081.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Spotted 'em! So there we sat, on our little tarp with food and drinks to last a week, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">never ending</span> conversations, my mini speakers providing some tunes, sporadic objects being thrown, and of course the view of cherry blossoms in full bloom <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">gracefully</span> falling from the trees surrounding us.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohj4JRMU6xAjUCgx40rWJAyUYv-Q7N-7AuBSo0Gmy819Z6zjqq5ivvN7zCPwbkJCLtS5Tc9g-GPm94Ugu9PLUCtXKJ52ncgnyj8YtKM4_HkYJmZVw534ElShoSc-f0hg06yiuVty7aPcu/s1600-h/P4110085.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340000209600315058" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohj4JRMU6xAjUCgx40rWJAyUYv-Q7N-7AuBSo0Gmy819Z6zjqq5ivvN7zCPwbkJCLtS5Tc9g-GPm94Ugu9PLUCtXKJ52ncgnyj8YtKM4_HkYJmZVw534ElShoSc-f0hg06yiuVty7aPcu/s400/P4110085.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Not only must you enjoy the flowers, you must take pictures of them. You must take MANY pictures of them. Or else, you are not Japanese. Below, a cute old man demonstrates how to be Japanese, and cute!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsXeXtFCXcYybFXV-COkKGP6WkwaeiDK_fi4kjBvmn8KODy-_rx6dEXDf8nQJXWlCMv5Ad_LhWaa26M6ugEEbfhrQg3oqTZQccANYzIOXC58SYT1pmANA1kXcVCSUbJi38EKZwZrjHlKJ0/s1600-h/P4110090.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340003175150336498" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsXeXtFCXcYybFXV-COkKGP6WkwaeiDK_fi4kjBvmn8KODy-_rx6dEXDf8nQJXWlCMv5Ad_LhWaa26M6ugEEbfhrQg3oqTZQccANYzIOXC58SYT1pmANA1kXcVCSUbJi38EKZwZrjHlKJ0/s400/P4110090.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Although most Japanese <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">hanami</span> only with their family and friends in a small and intimate group surrounded by many other small and intimate groups around them, we are foreigners so we like to wander and disrupt/join other <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">hanamis</span>. This is a group of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">Phillipinos</span> living in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gunma</span>.<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQNrm7s9H-jzWQF6Nj8wihLmqvKNBSBJtQ4PAgRsewV0Mot5wve-XxjR2Z_QHBv9Z2Xz8F3SnWqEtJGSffiZbvYFSToQzdhoZgIEui9dYFTk6HfRYC7moGSDZV2pIqr8kx0wrj4QDdsybf/s1600-h/P4110099.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340000196377900322" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQNrm7s9H-jzWQF6Nj8wihLmqvKNBSBJtQ4PAgRsewV0Mot5wve-XxjR2Z_QHBv9Z2Xz8F3SnWqEtJGSffiZbvYFSToQzdhoZgIEui9dYFTk6HfRYC7moGSDZV2pIqr8kx0wrj4QDdsybf/s400/P4110099.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />And this... THIS is the magic. When the light hits just right and wind blows just subtly enough and the cute kids are playing amidst it all... that's when the magic happens.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3RB__Gu3eZD8ZmffMe011GhMnmRYncWN177tbc1bVtXYvxdI4WgXXVan6crvQjbgVLMjFmAao-ASyV96QuT5ZSdKTHvjOMomENb3ufkv6nEuZQw2xjzNN_4gGAqCmDzgUlZIP44VN02XK/s1600-h/P4110100.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340000191887097426" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3RB__Gu3eZD8ZmffMe011GhMnmRYncWN177tbc1bVtXYvxdI4WgXXVan6crvQjbgVLMjFmAao-ASyV96QuT5ZSdKTHvjOMomENb3ufkv6nEuZQw2xjzNN_4gGAqCmDzgUlZIP44VN02XK/s400/P4110100.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />That night I headed to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tatabayashi</span> (another city in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gunma</span>) to talk Malaysia with Julie and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error">hanami</span> again the next day. And <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error">hanami</span> we did. Julie is rightfully displaying her awesome carrot cake. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mmmmm</span>.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBC6fIWQ-maHeTn1LOA2NfobK-M8d_hsvOpU8lreVq7jG_wgfqlTbDg3VhOK6e5TVUXGzV4bY7Hi_oWGXkh9AJexst_jHcbAyPtDgWrlaq-ki1nXIlu8WFE_X6bldPr3YZvbzZMmFVp1CC/s1600-h/P4120105.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340000182437789138" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBC6fIWQ-maHeTn1LOA2NfobK-M8d_hsvOpU8lreVq7jG_wgfqlTbDg3VhOK6e5TVUXGzV4bY7Hi_oWGXkh9AJexst_jHcbAyPtDgWrlaq-ki1nXIlu8WFE_X6bldPr3YZvbzZMmFVp1CC/s400/P4120105.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Making new friends in Tats, with Benny (a guy who loves American army lingo) and Travis (a guy who helped explain the army jokes Benny made to me).<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywgWvmq7uvBgHdXHVRK3B2qc-0Wj5kdkBVqdxfIzf_YqjOXXs5x8Gv603rFPVaVwsQVPdAU8Eav5fZL5s2USgBGAhEyue8pSfm5b97C3LYJxNnkLC_SuouwvBn8mYfLdilnPKuddZvHQP/s1600-h/P4120106.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339996811245662386" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywgWvmq7uvBgHdXHVRK3B2qc-0Wj5kdkBVqdxfIzf_YqjOXXs5x8Gv603rFPVaVwsQVPdAU8Eav5fZL5s2USgBGAhEyue8pSfm5b97C3LYJxNnkLC_SuouwvBn8mYfLdilnPKuddZvHQP/s400/P4120106.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div>Say "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-error">hanami</span>!"<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhySUGfn0egpwlOk2i72CHW7bMC7B_lbc4TbcqtCX62vT9q-hKqTp_PDjecBfH4uv7pX-OLmqP5RBKK-wxBtoFjQlEoV-4s752bzfyx_Tc1bMlRlg6td28YVFvAMBhAuGoMs2ImN96B6iBl/s1600-h/P4120109.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339996800013740914" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhySUGfn0egpwlOk2i72CHW7bMC7B_lbc4TbcqtCX62vT9q-hKqTp_PDjecBfH4uv7pX-OLmqP5RBKK-wxBtoFjQlEoV-4s752bzfyx_Tc1bMlRlg6td28YVFvAMBhAuGoMs2ImN96B6iBl/s400/P4120109.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Julie doesn't think much of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tatabayashi</span>, but I thought it was pretty gorgeous. AND they had like a million and one carp streamers up in anticipation of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kodomo</span>-no-hi (Children's Day).<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Ftmv_roMxxutGqDBNgBUMXfb8MuiTcIPDkgZK-0f-PwPbotSnVPHwVAidE9kay5jaRF2u-P8TKuej4CbB59byY5_whhCDTk0av3POLJw8GxpWs88IIXkN6ChgtplnUbfWzM1maw4Gnu1/s1600-h/P4120115.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339996797630629058" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Ftmv_roMxxutGqDBNgBUMXfb8MuiTcIPDkgZK-0f-PwPbotSnVPHwVAidE9kay5jaRF2u-P8TKuej4CbB59byY5_whhCDTk0av3POLJw8GxpWs88IIXkN6ChgtplnUbfWzM1maw4Gnu1/s400/P4120115.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div>Thanks for the Easter Peeps, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_26" class="blsp-spelling-error">parentals</span>! They were a big hit:)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaO0X2nqzcEiKTB4GAWyF9K2jnlgBG1RqtaB0Lv6SKMcFdbPkhMquHhKgu0uXu7nR8EDxcebPU05vuXYLZ6oVhWmfnVZSobBPYiVUIM_0LkgkgL7YgVDAa5hBo-4iJ-ux8A3wFa38gCxVo/s1600-h/P4120121.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339996794991830674" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaO0X2nqzcEiKTB4GAWyF9K2jnlgBG1RqtaB0Lv6SKMcFdbPkhMquHhKgu0uXu7nR8EDxcebPU05vuXYLZ6oVhWmfnVZSobBPYiVUIM_0LkgkgL7YgVDAa5hBo-4iJ-ux8A3wFa38gCxVo/s400/P4120121.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div>CARP STREAMERS!!!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHNTVICQqPQiSIdF4yAlqS2ub-CiL8a0I6HZjyYYHeoMs18LFqZXAtsJxUiyuS5XEhiJjm7b1ESSInnfRirmeueKsGsJKHRIFg0vA1i8-n5OdUOJ2NKTnF0aXarNKdVxz_6CG-Pawrw3BW/s1600-h/P4120131.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339996789782888674" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHNTVICQqPQiSIdF4yAlqS2ub-CiL8a0I6HZjyYYHeoMs18LFqZXAtsJxUiyuS5XEhiJjm7b1ESSInnfRirmeueKsGsJKHRIFg0vA1i8-n5OdUOJ2NKTnF0aXarNKdVxz_6CG-Pawrw3BW/s400/P4120131.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Sarah Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538062137134649947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030945174899587726.post-39020606549782227602009-05-23T10:28:00.005-05:002009-05-26T00:12:21.753-05:00Spring Break in Okinawa: Zamami IslandLast stop on the Okinawa agenda for me was <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Zamami</span> island. Since it was relatively close to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Naha</span>, again I thought it'd be packed. And again, I was pleasantly surprised. This time I had people to entertain me on the ferry and the camp site even bore a few others. Not nearly as lonely, but still just as safe. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSLWCDMKFLM4_zmuf3uIvMCbEyWWAPgQKti6TKTbsQO6QKuLBW4VlsP6HowauPLk6eTrOCNJhMGKnaKeB5ePuveWs2QAk3r7PIIado0fYfbIRqJoMXQNLOcNqo-AKw3cQ_CMe6BuDCpETN/s1600-h/e_zamami_map.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 193px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339361324539317666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSLWCDMKFLM4_zmuf3uIvMCbEyWWAPgQKti6TKTbsQO6QKuLBW4VlsP6HowauPLk6eTrOCNJhMGKnaKeB5ePuveWs2QAk3r7PIIado0fYfbIRqJoMXQNLOcNqo-AKw3cQ_CMe6BuDCpETN/s400/e_zamami_map.jpg" /></a><br />Almost there!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_BY2_Pe-sSzNttlvOhGiH4bTouryUJg-mbeEk87CO2D5fTZg7gNWOWImRGZBS1AxAs2jO5FcqQvtAMgPl_p9K6GE67cej-HMTQoed_API6IhA9OH_A2BkcmnlAYUhRrQmVeIKdR0hToS/s1600-h/P4030252.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339054522085128402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_BY2_Pe-sSzNttlvOhGiH4bTouryUJg-mbeEk87CO2D5fTZg7gNWOWImRGZBS1AxAs2jO5FcqQvtAMgPl_p9K6GE67cej-HMTQoed_API6IhA9OH_A2BkcmnlAYUhRrQmVeIKdR0hToS/s400/P4030252.JPG" /></a><br />The best part was that the weather finally cleared up, allowing sunshine and a lack of vomit inducing ferry rides. A definite plus!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpeB2YBqMoPxBo9MgX6-VJnouEBe7X8sDtVa-clWIEPq-rtEGRsF-jydFsYdrDkmLNSctuuQLFYU2jR3o0ypNP8sbGxg-x76kvACVtpdMCyv4yH5AYVz4MxVNw-m4wL5PIvkhCKFgVktJ/s1600-h/P4030261.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339054522371961618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpeB2YBqMoPxBo9MgX6-VJnouEBe7X8sDtVa-clWIEPq-rtEGRsF-jydFsYdrDkmLNSctuuQLFYU2jR3o0ypNP8sbGxg-x76kvACVtpdMCyv4yH5AYVz4MxVNw-m4wL5PIvkhCKFgVktJ/s400/P4030261.JPG" /></a><br />I made it!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTaKSKqs63RfDeoU3HtUuXfiOhXxMtoLJgiOA-0Mnmfs7qLe8TRAg8mjUqxfJPKzBKqweO4IRs-4mf257IvKj4KpsbKPNSj-JIPMwpvFJoDc2Ufi-qaWR6i6pQCtX1L4FTb4JXz4n9Sti/s1600-h/P4030265.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339054517788242594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTaKSKqs63RfDeoU3HtUuXfiOhXxMtoLJgiOA-0Mnmfs7qLe8TRAg8mjUqxfJPKzBKqweO4IRs-4mf257IvKj4KpsbKPNSj-JIPMwpvFJoDc2Ufi-qaWR6i6pQCtX1L4FTb4JXz4n9Sti/s400/P4030265.JPG" /></a><br />The first chance I had to put on that swimsuit I'd been lugging around and I couldn't have been happier! I was a little too happy, though. I blissfully delayed putting on sunscreen for all of 4 hours one morning, enjoying my book, the rays, and a swim. That was the last day of my trip. It didn't happen for 2 days after my return, but I ended up having THE WORST sunburn of my entire life. And I'm a whitey, I've been burnt many a time. We're talking blisters so big it looked like a million hands were grasping me around my torso. I literally could, not, move. I had to take off of work for the first time in my life. It sucked. A lot. And I hope it never ever ever happens again. SPF 50 at all times for me! I'm still peeling (it's been 2 months).<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwMNZViqQ2RXKatJXDpFcFxtLg4RUkY6GyCD-0uOUXW_y87AguXef1RAAy80keXrK_9b8tzN2UwoBttwzyen2h0a4fQzudaaBWvNKlR7PAjfpsO5XegXSYqxt8CF9zhVH254U0wx27dHB/s1600-h/P4030268.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339054510924051074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwMNZViqQ2RXKatJXDpFcFxtLg4RUkY6GyCD-0uOUXW_y87AguXef1RAAy80keXrK_9b8tzN2UwoBttwzyen2h0a4fQzudaaBWvNKlR7PAjfpsO5XegXSYqxt8CF9zhVH254U0wx27dHB/s400/P4030268.JPG" /></a><br />The camp site, which had that beach I'm on (above) immediately behind it. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Perrrrrfect</span>!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRW-VxbEXVLhpBSHFl0daoxGM0VXwbYscQBuCqgShWOrJ1LYpkGtp2W0YmfmOpEczeyokItlrpT48mhioLEfw7hGykaQcralFqTrvIOh1kJrOm0khr4IzRePvlI9txC-hwRBQmstwhJe0M/s1600-h/P4030271.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339054508632229218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRW-VxbEXVLhpBSHFl0daoxGM0VXwbYscQBuCqgShWOrJ1LYpkGtp2W0YmfmOpEczeyokItlrpT48mhioLEfw7hGykaQcralFqTrvIOh1kJrOm0khr4IzRePvlI9txC-hwRBQmstwhJe0M/s400/P4030271.JPG" /></a><br />One of Okinawa's 'famous foods', <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">goya</span> (with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">clam shells</span>) and the local brew, Orion. Both were pretty tasty!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtkHIieVLQ9KSBf5zXoxsv-fQ8bIBDKEQKbdkCGFN1sTonFlZSQNIf7NrbieO9HpzvFkemaJq252C27K4RRyNT3zliNztGufnTRTIB0BdS5wLgbiz0Y8wdS_t-wQRDFENLgj5JTxaYTrli/s1600-h/P4030279.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339050610393478946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtkHIieVLQ9KSBf5zXoxsv-fQ8bIBDKEQKbdkCGFN1sTonFlZSQNIf7NrbieO9HpzvFkemaJq252C27K4RRyNT3zliNztGufnTRTIB0BdS5wLgbiz0Y8wdS_t-wQRDFENLgj5JTxaYTrli/s400/P4030279.JPG" /></a><br />So there I am, maxing and relaxing by myself on the beautiful beach and this guy goes out for the catch of the day. I end up 'talking' to him (all in Japanese, a total feat for me) for a pretty long time.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7i10aNGIzhowHJemPu9kKaRDC71QVCLarDO8MMfkLbYlfiNt05hROrkhcGR6mYJezx6bmOgqXrxWbzIZ-YYkhkWNK9pKWNPV8AUVJx7N_1oz-TpoXDzSCVp1oKTMC9pgceNXpOC1bxT0G/s1600-h/P4040287.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339050613176873842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7i10aNGIzhowHJemPu9kKaRDC71QVCLarDO8MMfkLbYlfiNt05hROrkhcGR6mYJezx6bmOgqXrxWbzIZ-YYkhkWNK9pKWNPV8AUVJx7N_1oz-TpoXDzSCVp1oKTMC9pgceNXpOC1bxT0G/s400/P4040287.JPG" /></a><br />He proceeds to serve up the freshest sushi I have EVER had in my life.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_uRskrjEgXIs2ofXaWFijJkRlV-toc_3_uJKjRW6nYbs-cr6TEEjfn25WuizSKerodNb6iTh1PHb2O08hw5izNwZvl6xj7UOVxsRJnNsI_z4otw6_fBKiuds6mnkR6PsRDTUdNFT5gRsp/s1600-h/P4040290.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339050606798166114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_uRskrjEgXIs2ofXaWFijJkRlV-toc_3_uJKjRW6nYbs-cr6TEEjfn25WuizSKerodNb6iTh1PHb2O08hw5izNwZvl6xj7UOVxsRJnNsI_z4otw6_fBKiuds6mnkR6PsRDTUdNFT5gRsp/s400/P4040290.JPG" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_9Jmy0rgmxu8d959iU892fyyNGgCV6kEG2-zipeCijfS5jB-_MTPwUHtG87ZYrLcQYaqKKgoikdClBaX9tKlJafdHHf15FSCAUgZ3M89shmrKIuMIiTcy1FMdD3V7W6QiL9L9cBENKPZo/s1600-h/P4040294.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339050601451785330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_9Jmy0rgmxu8d959iU892fyyNGgCV6kEG2-zipeCijfS5jB-_MTPwUHtG87ZYrLcQYaqKKgoikdClBaX9tKlJafdHHf15FSCAUgZ3M89shmrKIuMIiTcy1FMdD3V7W6QiL9L9cBENKPZo/s400/P4040294.JPG" /></a><br />Lunch is served!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPpBAOokvzq8BqtAEafO1tu-oDRZFF-7jia25bpskVnuW2huZrsY99UXczc3DFcCkavNaZaN6mCRs4SgkoOckcvceA_fs3NmjdDLgyZPaFUW5BbFi_wB2IrqPsc9Mwcnq27bPWdAc-L7wR/s1600-h/P4040300.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339050597541557394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPpBAOokvzq8BqtAEafO1tu-oDRZFF-7jia25bpskVnuW2huZrsY99UXczc3DFcCkavNaZaN6mCRs4SgkoOckcvceA_fs3NmjdDLgyZPaFUW5BbFi_wB2IrqPsc9Mwcnq27bPWdAc-L7wR/s400/P4040300.JPG" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5jDnQUQl5LbvW1t1307QfwzB972f3CXlYWVjBnBVkY6WaqxQUKvRLdCyvKu2P2rDum_1agwgQrAt_61BtSljc8HpfyBYbjpXX8N_O-pTFLH8Ei8nBHgZroUsmHoH6sWHvmT2fcO3pKOBf/s1600-h/P4040301.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339045438245026178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5jDnQUQl5LbvW1t1307QfwzB972f3CXlYWVjBnBVkY6WaqxQUKvRLdCyvKu2P2rDum_1agwgQrAt_61BtSljc8HpfyBYbjpXX8N_O-pTFLH8Ei8nBHgZroUsmHoH6sWHvmT2fcO3pKOBf/s400/P4040301.JPG" /></a><br />He left for awhile, then came back with ice cream and his cute little dog. Cool guy.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfGoAt2uIrP3p4ug8R4KKIiFPfr2JHPne5TfDlCyHTlqYgwGV8fYzCTRWdtAUBaJLGWNfy1ek9x1LtPWb76EXlolb387m7wKU_vbzt5kyEN_Ek8rvLhxBYG4WdypYRDfH0WPIr64feSzmB/s1600-h/P4040303.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339045431374967298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfGoAt2uIrP3p4ug8R4KKIiFPfr2JHPne5TfDlCyHTlqYgwGV8fYzCTRWdtAUBaJLGWNfy1ek9x1LtPWb76EXlolb387m7wKU_vbzt5kyEN_Ek8rvLhxBYG4WdypYRDfH0WPIr64feSzmB/s400/P4040303.JPG" /></a><br />Awesome tree.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHbzgXqyFLgr21kR932jNWgO0hsBa0DjvFVjuok5qFd_RZKGav9PkTpyroYoRZvTd1Y1l3OWDrxmDwlqDELXMDpUi0ppL3S4Ls-jaE6y-l2lh2BqvNz7gLJ394dFXnWeHJlK77weqWy3D/s1600-h/P4040306.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339045428074746882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHbzgXqyFLgr21kR932jNWgO0hsBa0DjvFVjuok5qFd_RZKGav9PkTpyroYoRZvTd1Y1l3OWDrxmDwlqDELXMDpUi0ppL3S4Ls-jaE6y-l2lh2BqvNz7gLJ394dFXnWeHJlK77weqWy3D/s400/P4040306.JPG" /></a><br />Even more awesome sunset, as they always are!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchsJlx-myYPui_QoVpr32KHNTGJ8N64w_chjjLy_Sq4V-azvbInc0XjdT2xRHki4b_bj5pmEGiA6r9089Ia2xmF9Qeuud8S4YQKbvAAt10nmbYVVG9tPncNulDZwR-cL1229zXzPDHymZ/s1600-h/P4040310.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339045425844987714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchsJlx-myYPui_QoVpr32KHNTGJ8N64w_chjjLy_Sq4V-azvbInc0XjdT2xRHki4b_bj5pmEGiA6r9089Ia2xmF9Qeuud8S4YQKbvAAt10nmbYVVG9tPncNulDZwR-cL1229zXzPDHymZ/s400/P4040310.JPG" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPK2X2mmL1HfCESkI5rGXmet9UEl9-SfmBkzVvbWEIiTcE6su3czYJDUZv5w9Uh2xvCbrvhkHnAUke7vVUS09niaAOeYuVg-gS2dy2fp3A_i8F6RnqyArS0VVdNCuZM03KFMcC5oWj2Vq/s1600-h/P4040323.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339045417300873586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPK2X2mmL1HfCESkI5rGXmet9UEl9-SfmBkzVvbWEIiTcE6su3czYJDUZv5w9Uh2xvCbrvhkHnAUke7vVUS09niaAOeYuVg-gS2dy2fp3A_i8F6RnqyArS0VVdNCuZM03KFMcC5oWj2Vq/s400/P4040323.JPG" /></a><br />Okinawa: maybe not <strong>the</strong> most amazing or impressing location I've been in my life (I'm super spoiled, though), but definitely exactly what I needed at exactly the right time. I got to do a lot of thinking and reflecting, which I don't do enough about my life. I'm a do-er and and a go-er, and it was really a lot different not to be traveling with anyone else or have something planned every minute of the day. Sometimes it was boring or lonely, but mostly it was helpful and necessary (other than that sunburn!).Sarah Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538062137134649947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030945174899587726.post-55636050094316451042009-05-18T10:59:00.011-05:002009-05-23T10:27:59.514-05:00Spring Break in Okinawa: Iheya IslandGetting from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Naha</span> down in the south west area of Okinawa island <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">waaaaay</span> up to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Iheya</span> island (the one that's conveniently shaded in blue, which doesn't represent flooding or anything) was a trip in itself. I knew it'd take a while and was hoping to spend a whole day on the island, so I woke up <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">exxxxtra</span> early, even after going out 'on the town' (remember, there's really only one road with any activity) in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Naha</span>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhH8oSvljp_tcnnF5Atj9uS3BTGnx_6XI9jvFAPv6NNLruYTPD9S6g__UFygk_UpHPrfZbNWh-PNKdKSb-lYFQfOE2ekeeYP8k8cSjdrbRQSWzJyzhVvpeDz0g3-z6Tycssh55CcR3KUp/s1600-h/Iheya_in_Okinawa.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 279px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhH8oSvljp_tcnnF5Atj9uS3BTGnx_6XI9jvFAPv6NNLruYTPD9S6g__UFygk_UpHPrfZbNWh-PNKdKSb-lYFQfOE2ekeeYP8k8cSjdrbRQSWzJyzhVvpeDz0g3-z6Tycssh55CcR3KUp/s400/Iheya_in_Okinawa.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339015974719667810" border="0" /></a><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Ahhhh</span>, the beautiful Okinawan weather I was hoping for.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEO9cNWyLrM9wdJQ6hIng-CQ21Rv_UPbglQJIeOTJRwFPxJ40rNoA4XQ8lnlAJVrXbS2U_RB7fa-GlkE-Kvto2Z-YoL6rzv7PAmqnGuCw_NhXdcHwOOYG3tAMfRWVUhP3fS-JlFlN9L2xh/s1600-h/P3310059.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEO9cNWyLrM9wdJQ6hIng-CQ21Rv_UPbglQJIeOTJRwFPxJ40rNoA4XQ8lnlAJVrXbS2U_RB7fa-GlkE-Kvto2Z-YoL6rzv7PAmqnGuCw_NhXdcHwOOYG3tAMfRWVUhP3fS-JlFlN9L2xh/s400/P3310059.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337199405526905106" border="0" /></a><br />After an am walk, cab ride, and 2 bus rides, I was back to walking, this time to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Unten</span> Port to take a ferry to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Iheya</span> island. The sky was starting to clear up and I got to see some of those famous Okinawan rice fields.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUG9PbaohnpLe79K3Gre-f7WOAYg_RHg06cL1lWSIDI7H05vxfhvSo8sKlswklxsjr4rO0SlimA-FZGXmTvOaS2Xsv2BUmB42hcepdy9wC8kXUHcGz3WORRFLeJAyXegjkojhzhyphenhyphenKFVYcV/s1600-h/P3310064.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUG9PbaohnpLe79K3Gre-f7WOAYg_RHg06cL1lWSIDI7H05vxfhvSo8sKlswklxsjr4rO0SlimA-FZGXmTvOaS2Xsv2BUmB42hcepdy9wC8kXUHcGz3WORRFLeJAyXegjkojhzhyphenhyphenKFVYcV/s400/P3310064.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337199400146797554" border="0" /></a><br />And flowers.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sx6UWZ9fxeYXHs7cMHa70bRxV3-f4wIAo0ov7UJP38LZzQlzDeUWTV9hMiinO5qyOvnM-dkjvPbiklIvJi6A4EqfgTuMoaliIglmVkb6ImdHEXB_zEqdl6keOo4558PmPjGbQsAIzeOO/s1600-h/P3310066.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sx6UWZ9fxeYXHs7cMHa70bRxV3-f4wIAo0ov7UJP38LZzQlzDeUWTV9hMiinO5qyOvnM-dkjvPbiklIvJi6A4EqfgTuMoaliIglmVkb6ImdHEXB_zEqdl6keOo4558PmPjGbQsAIzeOO/s400/P3310066.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337199394098817810" border="0" /></a><br />And not so famous, but still cool, snails.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT7pv18ajdsdo3iBmiOUEoqQS4anPTkWbrhLUhH3HI2dXPA73lFqrGXOzBY2mdJdREdZAfkcEUog0S-zatqT83LnE0Lt9BA2oz4Y942r75lsVwzp_6lfCNcy1zOHqJKCU12U-dDpjw6eF_/s1600-h/P3310070.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT7pv18ajdsdo3iBmiOUEoqQS4anPTkWbrhLUhH3HI2dXPA73lFqrGXOzBY2mdJdREdZAfkcEUog0S-zatqT83LnE0Lt9BA2oz4Y942r75lsVwzp_6lfCNcy1zOHqJKCU12U-dDpjw6eF_/s400/P3310070.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337199392678592002" border="0" /></a><br />All that rushing and extra early rise got me to the ferry terminal just in time to wait for 4 hours.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjODDM-d9eBMi6TRorlsHDICguW5dRBs0Z_ao12lswsMRy6b_Fz8aS_0PkZMURCBtGrTl0YlTtaWqLqH8qRqh1JC4gnTPNHpcpj_ZgdN-n_KjSeCxe6EFo0hBBuxKHmpqMGy_kqVat_Gt2A/s1600-h/P3310074.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjODDM-d9eBMi6TRorlsHDICguW5dRBs0Z_ao12lswsMRy6b_Fz8aS_0PkZMURCBtGrTl0YlTtaWqLqH8qRqh1JC4gnTPNHpcpj_ZgdN-n_KjSeCxe6EFo0hBBuxKHmpqMGy_kqVat_Gt2A/s400/P3310074.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337198257456452146" border="0" /></a>I'm usually all about ferry rides. Love to sit out on the top deck, taking in the rays and scenery. This time around, I was more preoccupied with keeping down lunch... which I was unsuccessful at doing, thanks to this:<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyiqyS1aCkBsLj3uN0MFazNShdc6Zi6E0ksRokKaBDAdJFzsv_EyVp5bDAZLjtDEafk7zeYNeug6SvPIHG41g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />I didn't really know what to expect when I got to island. I just knew there was camping and it was far enough away from what I expected would be an overcrowded and touristy main island Okinawa. Get away from the crowds I did. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Iheya</span> population = me. One main road, no buses, no taxis, very few cars, one bike rental place.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxIW4YCNLA8OKHASFo3McEfGO0zW87Ks7agCTfBEHUw-hGDnHzGT6ctkriC3N3XSgbXJI4EUvsgY4YS39zmLw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCtCXuaI391tAmNiZ0LzNO-KuNuKh4ugDhsRBcTJPhnlM48Ws-8srKm2RYPFbk9jcU1S8_hCPqkJo_LInxL5f77Kf3jwGr1an5QI9-8pA1-23L01hptbgOkg1_aHuJBgAm1D2w1XRF6PPN/s1600-h/P3310082.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCtCXuaI391tAmNiZ0LzNO-KuNuKh4ugDhsRBcTJPhnlM48Ws-8srKm2RYPFbk9jcU1S8_hCPqkJo_LInxL5f77Kf3jwGr1an5QI9-8pA1-23L01hptbgOkg1_aHuJBgAm1D2w1XRF6PPN/s400/P3310082.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337198253920459138" border="0" /></a><br />This was my home for 2 nights. It was an incredible feeling to have such a vast and beautiful surrounding all to myself. I'm not gonna lie though, I was Blair Witch-ed out on several accounts. I kept getting paranoid that I was being followed or that somebody was gonna pop into my tent. I honestly only saw less than 20 other people on the island (and I went around the WHOLE thing) the whole time. On the bright side, I could go to the bathroom wherever and whenever I wanted!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgApR8tFz8_TTmZlSgri8Lw0nFYUni9ddWJjL2I4XJJygkEbjxiEXDcbQnbLY7DOi-78DkVqqaLwpOH5k2bSPxpDtqAvRfen6NxpBVXConvVsujWMXf4benShtJzSTCvGlX6AbpnCKznM5B/s1600-h/P4010090.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgApR8tFz8_TTmZlSgri8Lw0nFYUni9ddWJjL2I4XJJygkEbjxiEXDcbQnbLY7DOi-78DkVqqaLwpOH5k2bSPxpDtqAvRfen6NxpBVXConvVsujWMXf4benShtJzSTCvGlX6AbpnCKznM5B/s400/P4010090.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337198215780889170" border="0" /></a><br />My PIMP ride!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIOtNOpfUOSWN18uHCYWWBCTV6Pi9bF_O8pfOAiOxZs5krTjFIgNlb-KD1vkmDiIeOOvpXOEwQmSBj0fmIFGwt5JbdTHm_cCBcl65VuX3JxoOu0EspmtBvxCHtM6ggPOchiwd6Sj8vp_eC/s1600-h/P4010092.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIOtNOpfUOSWN18uHCYWWBCTV6Pi9bF_O8pfOAiOxZs5krTjFIgNlb-KD1vkmDiIeOOvpXOEwQmSBj0fmIFGwt5JbdTHm_cCBcl65VuX3JxoOu0EspmtBvxCHtM6ggPOchiwd6Sj8vp_eC/s400/P4010092.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337198209475701714" border="0" /></a><br />One of the 3 "attractions" of the island: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Kumaya</span> cave.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxtCK5DtefBo5yiTXSB0BHQumt-sj0jTzBM8KrUsTBHbg3RS3akgZs30BkM8i_Y4UtWmDaaJPkWsHQlGfSyE8ymmbST7Su_xRQOkonQj6PEiptO8RlROxVHMpra_g42sJUJ5rMicX8TgXv/s1600-h/P4010098.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxtCK5DtefBo5yiTXSB0BHQumt-sj0jTzBM8KrUsTBHbg3RS3akgZs30BkM8i_Y4UtWmDaaJPkWsHQlGfSyE8ymmbST7Su_xRQOkonQj6PEiptO8RlROxVHMpra_g42sJUJ5rMicX8TgXv/s400/P4010098.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337198205529791394" border="0" /></a><br />It was cold and windy, but the views were still stunning.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxj6IVm9rE6jCn_DbjdimwHfEol1J11uLRSsWEAA9vQHcUFLv3SSCUkOqoqEjHXj-zagidSIx4qp1fPA-sGGOFOakUrZLyxAJBUG0BybfQRBqRZziXuNmBdv5BZAJnNNtknYPhc5YAgCI/s1600-h/P4010102.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxj6IVm9rE6jCn_DbjdimwHfEol1J11uLRSsWEAA9vQHcUFLv3SSCUkOqoqEjHXj-zagidSIx4qp1fPA-sGGOFOakUrZLyxAJBUG0BybfQRBqRZziXuNmBdv5BZAJnNNtknYPhc5YAgCI/s400/P4010102.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337196009698588898" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyyad7usvoA-yULB8uPeM-l-6lQF8shjN3HPjKlTaE6LbBbneAi853tLbYyDRdUYRkmoxD69FTfXspZmijw5GkA1Zu6aTh9lQ9iiyysRZ_wO_5MIi2n4yq1u0mo0ytBpURh-7jOkOxRtS/s1600-h/P4010105.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 92px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyyad7usvoA-yULB8uPeM-l-6lQF8shjN3HPjKlTaE6LbBbneAi853tLbYyDRdUYRkmoxD69FTfXspZmijw5GkA1Zu6aTh9lQ9iiyysRZ_wO_5MIi2n4yq1u0mo0ytBpURh-7jOkOxRtS/s400/P4010105.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337196007109790066" border="0" /></a>This is what I mean by cold and windy. My tent capsized on several accounts.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxIpTWySxQL4fj-Fi9kCSHeS4De7n8eVgG8BA7pxKjGNxUyOnuCaIwO85ZwcNLNMvdkgrKo90b5Kr0uM3leBg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />Had me a lot of time to munch and read, munch and read. I was so proud of myself - got through two (count it!), TWO books this trip!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTgo0k_byTtFq74TD3ROwSG8nBkw2tNcHWmIz4jyRM82FwvDGNWhfccN0Pt2xx9OryTxd8M3tZSmeYHHfitM7KtsgFzAgYipmOuUQOi4m0PWGBU4IXAwYleLm4-E3GAriTxfi1eCMhS74T/s1600-h/P4010109.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTgo0k_byTtFq74TD3ROwSG8nBkw2tNcHWmIz4jyRM82FwvDGNWhfccN0Pt2xx9OryTxd8M3tZSmeYHHfitM7KtsgFzAgYipmOuUQOi4m0PWGBU4IXAwYleLm4-E3GAriTxfi1eCMhS74T/s400/P4010109.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337196000177818866" border="0" /></a><br />And of course still fit in some hikes. Up on one of the peaks looking down at the rice paddies.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpW_vK8Tf6JF1eZo9wEr72_dKYwD66E_QlZeRMYrn3VZWTd7asCkm3GT7c0hF3avvQ5CB-HRt1P3K_Smjcr8Z2ebF0JrR2beYfRBz10zrCKX7IWprBQnbUDS4UEneOVZf90a4nGHKW_AES/s1600-h/P4010115.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpW_vK8Tf6JF1eZo9wEr72_dKYwD66E_QlZeRMYrn3VZWTd7asCkm3GT7c0hF3avvQ5CB-HRt1P3K_Smjcr8Z2ebF0JrR2beYfRBz10zrCKX7IWprBQnbUDS4UEneOVZf90a4nGHKW_AES/s400/P4010115.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337195998421573778" border="0" /></a><br />Attraction #2 of the island: the big umbrella tree.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3VcOjE5GJ-wGkPeOF3KX6A1zyGiOc_ggelisu_FK0c_CKHPoMYlMORQi84sQhHXOIkNuUkkZ1ouDr5IiYMVqC1lMRW4HRLCXDKXp5q_9Z5jGM4FOVmhU6OSK2FkagxXZhQYOCwWzJxLO/s1600-h/P4020123.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3VcOjE5GJ-wGkPeOF3KX6A1zyGiOc_ggelisu_FK0c_CKHPoMYlMORQi84sQhHXOIkNuUkkZ1ouDr5IiYMVqC1lMRW4HRLCXDKXp5q_9Z5jGM4FOVmhU6OSK2FkagxXZhQYOCwWzJxLO/s400/P4020123.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337195996771654434" border="0" /></a><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Iheya</span> was a pretty island where more seclusion (than I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">could've</span> ever asked for) was accomplished. I really liked having absolutely no schedule or agenda and just taking everything in at my own speed... but, not being able to share it with anyone was kind of sad. There are definitely pros and cons to traveling solo, but I think the worst part is just not being able to share the joy of the experience with anyone. I enjoyed it, but I don't think I'd opt for solo trips given the choice.Sarah Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538062137134649947noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030945174899587726.post-12640983694215413222009-05-18T09:50:00.009-05:002009-05-23T10:27:19.767-05:00Okinawa's Ocean Expo Park<div>The one 'attraction' I did do on my Spring Break was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Churaumi</span> Aquarium in Okinawa's Ocean Expo Park. It's WAY up on the north of Okinawa-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">honto</span>, but I was heading to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Iheya</span> island anyway, so I figured I might as well. I knew I wouldn't have time or money to scuba dive in Okinawa, which is the main draw of the islands, so I figured this was a nice consolation. Plus, my Dad told me I should go like 384 times, so I figured I'd trust him. It was a pricey little day trip with transportation and admission (about 60 bucks for bus there and back and 20 to see the aquarium), but it was pretty amazing. </div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJcrmtIuy8TsB5HGALXGqIgPjGtocEgXdElZ6X4yLMcJn_R04OPcmTdSFB2qQGUuGINbTdkSO0p_jKRvwKPI7MUva51d-jA9qORKGfr2Y3Wamij0KqVthogQrHjF5Q4HIP9uLeWVvIH-X/s1600-h/P4020133.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337191344293312578" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJcrmtIuy8TsB5HGALXGqIgPjGtocEgXdElZ6X4yLMcJn_R04OPcmTdSFB2qQGUuGINbTdkSO0p_jKRvwKPI7MUva51d-jA9qORKGfr2Y3Wamij0KqVthogQrHjF5Q4HIP9uLeWVvIH-X/s400/P4020133.JPG" border="0" /><br /></a>The touch tank. And touch I did.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYTbb2fkrFTFSz2e6TCSWg1d8MY_IgWcx8KlNZLxcJAAmKrkhLjPIcYm2LLAsQGEF5An7eySdbMNXNQaxl9bjGK82JZOYlCJ9vX8ndTRRCd4y4CqbBQ14_L_iN6Mle2iT3kqOba6be-Cc_/s1600-h/P4020145.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337191340001667698" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYTbb2fkrFTFSz2e6TCSWg1d8MY_IgWcx8KlNZLxcJAAmKrkhLjPIcYm2LLAsQGEF5An7eySdbMNXNQaxl9bjGK82JZOYlCJ9vX8ndTRRCd4y4CqbBQ14_L_iN6Mle2iT3kqOba6be-Cc_/s400/P4020145.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Being the papparazzi I am, I took over a hundred pictures at the aquarium so what you're seeing is a seriously reduced version. Honestly. I hope it's not too overwhelming, but the marine life they had there was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">absolutely</span> incredible. I was completely awed. Scuba diving is a blast and being submerged in an underworld is an experience unlike any other. But man, when you have marine biologists going through and handpicking the best of the best to display for the public... well, they did good, they did good.<br /><br />Enjoy the beauty of the under water world!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzMuY9R29B8SDywrF6H7PgQBOnjumH96GfdZMmiZRQ47xSzcjTJuozJ0841omveKH9hgS10g09O9VyPajr8XOg-9qiz_zJDZlFWDmZFotO26hLL9js2rYzDORP_4yTcTf8CSRPaXm-fjD8/s1600-h/P4020149.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337188990650705122" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzMuY9R29B8SDywrF6H7PgQBOnjumH96GfdZMmiZRQ47xSzcjTJuozJ0841omveKH9hgS10g09O9VyPajr8XOg-9qiz_zJDZlFWDmZFotO26hLL9js2rYzDORP_4yTcTf8CSRPaXm-fjD8/s400/P4020149.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0DDUiOAfXh_F9QyG0eg88sd177IRUlsy1Cbr2ix4DcRhXTM4EeNYPm2oGRsBN8ZfcCc8dJAMsBdwTV-ZaN28-qY9cJUa96FWq15rrFRqyLT0gVvvxLRuGaUPz_yhH266rP_1CgnCrdTX/s1600-h/P4020156.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337188982266563474" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0DDUiOAfXh_F9QyG0eg88sd177IRUlsy1Cbr2ix4DcRhXTM4EeNYPm2oGRsBN8ZfcCc8dJAMsBdwTV-ZaN28-qY9cJUa96FWq15rrFRqyLT0gVvvxLRuGaUPz_yhH266rP_1CgnCrdTX/s400/P4020156.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Crazy huge eel popping in and out.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvCWloZjWPz5cjV_SIm7EN3IZyL8pWKUJfnJpHkpvDpL2ba5aH58Fi4pPhkH9NwybeMByNDAIDAuiSvJf9nA73zCYWT8MYvLtZDroOt_NN-QHI7j9OlrpIPpCWxK-aC42LhCE-0fXeS2f/s1600-h/P4020160.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px; display: block; height: 400px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337188978665652754" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvCWloZjWPz5cjV_SIm7EN3IZyL8pWKUJfnJpHkpvDpL2ba5aH58Fi4pPhkH9NwybeMByNDAIDAuiSvJf9nA73zCYWT8MYvLtZDroOt_NN-QHI7j9OlrpIPpCWxK-aC42LhCE-0fXeS2f/s400/P4020160.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6e0Iyk1HJIlojeCbpWWv3C0BENomKOTkxwYAwJ9XsXNbl-OQ_9h4ksUM2txNH4IaxnrosUlqoMPPDAdQ_UubGflD22QSfdpAZQTtNaRMhDYABEHHwTCjGC14jKIjLx9ofSo5m6juGXKNz/s1600-h/P4020172.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337188974345754690" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6e0Iyk1HJIlojeCbpWWv3C0BENomKOTkxwYAwJ9XsXNbl-OQ_9h4ksUM2txNH4IaxnrosUlqoMPPDAdQ_UubGflD22QSfdpAZQTtNaRMhDYABEHHwTCjGC14jKIjLx9ofSo5m6juGXKNz/s400/P4020172.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3ha6WhqYEizupbkt_IVFoXlhmcaCgFm4T1o-2n4cZQrtn-9Fci0PFY-oarehqVoEE_FFAKS1p2h8zHIQh44RMLKo6UzU-Z_zvlCY44KuuHuL0AGDsiykNgguphfbGoMR6lNGapNeKly8/s1600-h/P4020174.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337188971729303090" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3ha6WhqYEizupbkt_IVFoXlhmcaCgFm4T1o-2n4cZQrtn-9Fci0PFY-oarehqVoEE_FFAKS1p2h8zHIQh44RMLKo6UzU-Z_zvlCY44KuuHuL0AGDsiykNgguphfbGoMR6lNGapNeKly8/s400/P4020174.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpOJaOUoZu5lauQ2eYcfoXvvpTzsGtFEC_iwu5KoQv9Nl9niD2P7JEJcgDCxcT2UM1Q8sXQc7wJwmz3p9DMViCfibUkK9NifN5xmL_2-y_EeUPXuwssWGOmPB4BFm4jYVkafkqNuCtFP_t/s1600-h/P4020175.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px; display: block; height: 400px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337185250176897506" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpOJaOUoZu5lauQ2eYcfoXvvpTzsGtFEC_iwu5KoQv9Nl9niD2P7JEJcgDCxcT2UM1Q8sXQc7wJwmz3p9DMViCfibUkK9NifN5xmL_2-y_EeUPXuwssWGOmPB4BFm4jYVkafkqNuCtFP_t/s400/P4020175.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Two more crazy eels.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxejK7zK99wKwoAnhbsNkUACw2a9w5ksR2UuXP9ZjD39-Op2J08Ck3BlNuvEoNAsf-ZYsNwjF2rX7kYBZywfRf9eDrcgEtEtFz9wF_kIwdgzjgTSZBFzC7gX2GkRpDD2rtWX905OqARv60/s1600-h/P4020176.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337185251388998770" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxejK7zK99wKwoAnhbsNkUACw2a9w5ksR2UuXP9ZjD39-Op2J08Ck3BlNuvEoNAsf-ZYsNwjF2rX7kYBZywfRf9eDrcgEtEtFz9wF_kIwdgzjgTSZBFzC7gX2GkRpDD2rtWX905OqARv60/s400/P4020176.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR4d6_ft4SDKhWvi0IuDI1CGXKtfTLVX7RtrrkrXbAYnZysGQCztPdrRiVyM4XOlLXW_w7kaVmazhD9jvwo9bLYEzm7imt32ctULwzJAn6hcZ6TzWo39bicW32S0VJBXQJ4ND32TbNF-td/s1600-h/P4020180.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337185248077399650" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR4d6_ft4SDKhWvi0IuDI1CGXKtfTLVX7RtrrkrXbAYnZysGQCztPdrRiVyM4XOlLXW_w7kaVmazhD9jvwo9bLYEzm7imt32ctULwzJAn6hcZ6TzWo39bicW32S0VJBXQJ4ND32TbNF-td/s400/P4020180.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP4OOuHz7HGoCf49CSVpn2ZPHjGomd_IHpurm9htvj0cZNAlQF-AW1_RYi1KKI3TW198W0hbYeWlcqgslM4RaEGPH6I_7KuLSkjlvNmdKSByOmX5kEjQakzpD45HNt06AoYzLuFctTNrks/s1600-h/P4020184.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px; display: block; height: 400px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337185241208097730" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP4OOuHz7HGoCf49CSVpn2ZPHjGomd_IHpurm9htvj0cZNAlQF-AW1_RYi1KKI3TW198W0hbYeWlcqgslM4RaEGPH6I_7KuLSkjlvNmdKSByOmX5kEjQakzpD45HNt06AoYzLuFctTNrks/s400/P4020184.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Hands down my favorite sight of the day. This tank of garden eels was the most entertaining thing ever. Probably because I'm easily amused. But they were <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">hilarious</span>. Just buried themselves in the sand, then popped out, then wriggled back under, then popped out again. Rinse and repeat.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21WI_FaFLl5_c8YTdN3J58F6hHTQJz8m7AhOQO-YzTWYXSzISKob7BvJCXtyTHnrT2ohxNdh5gzs5yt_1-E1FSH12wzDCdJlvtXcu_5JhcEvToVrY5n6XgChvYFqZ-WMHfJnzch8KpUlu/s1600-h/P4020190.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337185240678656834" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21WI_FaFLl5_c8YTdN3J58F6hHTQJz8m7AhOQO-YzTWYXSzISKob7BvJCXtyTHnrT2ohxNdh5gzs5yt_1-E1FSH12wzDCdJlvtXcu_5JhcEvToVrY5n6XgChvYFqZ-WMHfJnzch8KpUlu/s400/P4020190.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I don't even know.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7agktmYIqJTtUSR0Jz6Txg_ggyu3GwQCO5loyAqyawyFgdoGfS9nVkZ7DcztFX3iSJbA6YQUlxpWYXDN05N4iMsa-iXvosynNZs0NlXpyr_8XSobOs-3euUILVfE3frCDq6zTIwgBtGJL/s1600-h/P4020193.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 308px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337182480229921346" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7agktmYIqJTtUSR0Jz6Txg_ggyu3GwQCO5loyAqyawyFgdoGfS9nVkZ7DcztFX3iSJbA6YQUlxpWYXDN05N4iMsa-iXvosynNZs0NlXpyr_8XSobOs-3euUILVfE3frCDq6zTIwgBtGJL/s400/P4020193.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Bio luminescence under water? Awesome!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-Yur57d6_e0XW24rUjxO3wyWIx3fmPw6J1flcqvAk2F3EMi_Nxc2NPvV3ZeNhoBVmP6tezCqcBQP3TO8w35rJh6qrEPvNOQtdjT8Mu4FyTW2Eah5yj3z8_1dlBTDJxi7JjboxwpcbySb/s1600-h/P4020197.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337182474153554434" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-Yur57d6_e0XW24rUjxO3wyWIx3fmPw6J1flcqvAk2F3EMi_Nxc2NPvV3ZeNhoBVmP6tezCqcBQP3TO8w35rJh6qrEPvNOQtdjT8Mu4FyTW2Eah5yj3z8_1dlBTDJxi7JjboxwpcbySb/s400/P4020197.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_N3SOeWECw14G6MrAWgNDnt7e20ycCjRjfRFpayLQtRLcvVqBW1i9F2Vt9CQbzvVUumeejf6diC82De5KOdRzpzwIR1svdEV78wXsbeeQwUoefWvV9E7qPwHmWwSiNuMopjLUyjTVPniw/s1600-h/P4020198.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337182467810271618" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_N3SOeWECw14G6MrAWgNDnt7e20ycCjRjfRFpayLQtRLcvVqBW1i9F2Vt9CQbzvVUumeejf6diC82De5KOdRzpzwIR1svdEV78wXsbeeQwUoefWvV9E7qPwHmWwSiNuMopjLUyjTVPniw/s400/P4020198.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5PDqK3HM7GKHbn4RAzWW-GJZh4Hw7Mul0gplXlRZnzveUBViBvL6rPQv97pOFs99P892QPBDSsSzfl_2R7048OtdWwpIuVTgNoW29BxGRjb7Mc1z-2XVW3G0BMJcLc6BysK08y105wp0t/s1600-h/P4020203.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337182463896019442" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5PDqK3HM7GKHbn4RAzWW-GJZh4Hw7Mul0gplXlRZnzveUBViBvL6rPQv97pOFs99P892QPBDSsSzfl_2R7048OtdWwpIuVTgNoW29BxGRjb7Mc1z-2XVW3G0BMJcLc6BysK08y105wp0t/s400/P4020203.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Churaumi</span> Aquarium's most famous attraction: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Kuroshio</span> Tank. It's HUGE, as you can see. Currently holds the world record for:<br />- longest time giant whale sharks and mantas have been kept in captivity<br />- first successful birth <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">ofa</span> manta pup in captivity<br />- first large-scale maintenance of living corals in an open system<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM0K9kbxnXpXifLpAj_UO7CwmCAPHv9F1SP88wcEBrrbhsV-fZcJ1ljCXOWVUP9m0AbZvWCO_DAj1jOs90GYnvrHDnf1Uv6UJibRLZDCt3GSUbWo7pbFIBZAP75jTxhLRAs-whqCOQTKzn/s1600-h/P4020208.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 97px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337182461279851746" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM0K9kbxnXpXifLpAj_UO7CwmCAPHv9F1SP88wcEBrrbhsV-fZcJ1ljCXOWVUP9m0AbZvWCO_DAj1jOs90GYnvrHDnf1Uv6UJibRLZDCt3GSUbWo7pbFIBZAP75jTxhLRAs-whqCOQTKzn/s400/P4020208.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUtG2tqtVV9FmTID9AdF-kWj4SVdd8mpEJ3E3JZXBk4yxtmss7D9YX2-tOsdixBbIBDpJKo8VOUihaKUai1KtkopwYNFwWGUIQUrZZJasWBfrxiVIVJqTms-nOr9smeMweH68_a9lF6yx/s1600-h/P4020210.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337180219375086994" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUtG2tqtVV9FmTID9AdF-kWj4SVdd8mpEJ3E3JZXBk4yxtmss7D9YX2-tOsdixBbIBDpJKo8VOUihaKUai1KtkopwYNFwWGUIQUrZZJasWBfrxiVIVJqTms-nOr9smeMweH68_a9lF6yx/s400/P4020210.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgandEES3RlVPxITJbkHL0lRrdX_RPgJmLPh35jO6kpi_pWcICKDUhX9iYt1Il77X4Zh8yCNIZP_OPtR1wS1xQI7XRP2q7EzHkeNci8Y6EuyC8ocwAlXdF4VUTgaR4b7nmIKzJpqO4ztw/s1600-h/P4020213.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337180213515713762" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgandEES3RlVPxITJbkHL0lRrdX_RPgJmLPh35jO6kpi_pWcICKDUhX9iYt1Il77X4Zh8yCNIZP_OPtR1wS1xQI7XRP2q7EzHkeNci8Y6EuyC8ocwAlXdF4VUTgaR4b7nmIKzJpqO4ztw/s400/P4020213.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Awwww</span>!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikY0hpOzvR1S3RvbgYRDIMDmt2J3TE2Dc9aZXvJIHeRskmFPsGg99W8shD3Y6yWdy0X8hEua0MHUCiKebITpPpXPs6xHhMJtNdb7f8aKQ-QV1Cd1Jm_6_afJqSsNFVdmlyyqHDhEoVMK4F/s1600-h/P4020231.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337180209079258706" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikY0hpOzvR1S3RvbgYRDIMDmt2J3TE2Dc9aZXvJIHeRskmFPsGg99W8shD3Y6yWdy0X8hEua0MHUCiKebITpPpXPs6xHhMJtNdb7f8aKQ-QV1Cd1Jm_6_afJqSsNFVdmlyyqHDhEoVMK4F/s400/P4020231.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Outdoor Dolphin Theater.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDp2dXyhX3pguK5N7VCT3O5wvGhHVqJMcpTuwep1XbwDZp_ktyFJX9zvWA5mO-2zKc97uqRBRaANiZGUinBX36-WQrs683ME5jM4Sxx4Y0ajOLQ0YuNFIoKNnIBbrMGlczsnrYzWPVgrS/s1600-h/P4020236.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 105px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337180206651493442" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDp2dXyhX3pguK5N7VCT3O5wvGhHVqJMcpTuwep1XbwDZp_ktyFJX9zvWA5mO-2zKc97uqRBRaANiZGUinBX36-WQrs683ME5jM4Sxx4Y0ajOLQ0YuNFIoKNnIBbrMGlczsnrYzWPVgrS/s400/P4020236.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbGHUvp5jup9VhMumZId-hv0DmvER6bnPz0LG7iTAxDPTAEU2GfkP7vN_09fyEBTju8iof_WboguQOgImelaaL-fyGV3bise_QZ7tXxzaRNI65Y2Yffx486eyOziSTuLwrbO7Oxdmvr2bQ/s1600-h/P4020239.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px; display: block; height: 400px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337180200612214562" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbGHUvp5jup9VhMumZId-hv0DmvER6bnPz0LG7iTAxDPTAEU2GfkP7vN_09fyEBTju8iof_WboguQOgImelaaL-fyGV3bise_QZ7tXxzaRNI65Y2Yffx486eyOziSTuLwrbO7Oxdmvr2bQ/s400/P4020239.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"></span></div>Sarah Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538062137134649947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030945174899587726.post-58841989496751881602009-05-18T08:39:00.006-05:002009-05-23T08:25:13.580-05:00Spring Break in Okinawa: NahaSo, Kristin left me and thus began my week of Spring Break '09! A woo-hoo! I had lots of idea for travel destinations. Two requirements: WARM and affordable. In the end it came down to Okinawa (the southern most islands of Japan) and the Philippines. Since none of my travel compadres had any days of nenkyu (paid leave) left to allow for the week of fun in the sun (since it was Spring Break but I was still wearing my winter coat and using a heater in good 'ol Gunma!), I was going solo. My heart was in the Philippines, but my sensible safety meter said Okinawa was the better bet. Always wanting to get 'off the beaten path', I was hoping to get down to the very very southern islands of Iriomote and Ishigaki, which are actually closer to Taiwan than Japan's main islands. But, that was far from economically sensible for the week, so Okinawa-honto (the main island) it was.<br /><br />Surprisingly, I got the seclusion and lack of tourism I was hoping for on a few islands off of Naha, but the sunshine and swimming I was hoping for was hard to find. Still, a climate where I could feel my fingers and toes was a vast improvement from Maebashi.<img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 373px; display: block; height: 400px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337705259928686418" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyfROF1iu4rGVHzbMvkzL7ONt9UwzR-GFLPBS-QcUhpZjUl2_Tx3SQ_BQOPlHpRc9JDnM0FPya7KYW0OJeiK-ZeJafGOfl1GjdgqgbaZB57NX-Oru5x4I1myEWZA_Eh_dJ-kf_31wHKwvg/s400/Okinawa+Map.jpg" border="0" />Flying into Naha.<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FsTuL41KIW-pxzGOEQ01djo_oIP0KAPpwySmCAbc38ucszQJMoROcHJCY3_WqpeaBizq8fplc0zuParRdtALhyYdGaR0Tt1i4ByN4dTojaIzMwRsH-u7LaY4WMafDqzxcU8VAyE45zNr/s1600-h/P3290012.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337175983899157106" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FsTuL41KIW-pxzGOEQ01djo_oIP0KAPpwySmCAbc38ucszQJMoROcHJCY3_WqpeaBizq8fplc0zuParRdtALhyYdGaR0Tt1i4ByN4dTojaIzMwRsH-u7LaY4WMafDqzxcU8VAyE45zNr/s400/P3290012.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div>In Okinawa, dolphins do the construction work... unlike the bears and monkeys of Gunma.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTHOx5EH53jMZGPMP2l2i-pU2WsW7qtx0XSeRvbHgWHN4dtJS5PX7BAVEAUH4SpCGA8D4ybK55z7-im2B8TCWOqyjP01bOIz93vOOY8nSDzw-ouHyCFjV-6ylS7OatybdDbRIhZ4e9xSh/s1600-h/P3290015.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px; display: block; height: 400px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337175980833981986" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTHOx5EH53jMZGPMP2l2i-pU2WsW7qtx0XSeRvbHgWHN4dtJS5PX7BAVEAUH4SpCGA8D4ybK55z7-im2B8TCWOqyjP01bOIz93vOOY8nSDzw-ouHyCFjV-6ylS7OatybdDbRIhZ4e9xSh/s400/P3290015.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />What do you do in Naha? Go shopping for all the souvenirs you're expected to bring back, of course! Kokusaidori is the main drag and is basically just store after identical store of omiyage shops. And they allll have free samples. Jackpot!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCksGB9wbSifIYk3KNiC9O0yG2lqsTkzTUqB-2-38h6o6_gLrhqhtRuwR5olUOdQHamLbY8DIGuBkacjKl7h6rdzVCtbs8wsCluVr4E4ovWC5Oa3SClXsQGdBIrsz05m3fAxK8XSjH0KuM/s1600-h/P3290018.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337175975809149730" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCksGB9wbSifIYk3KNiC9O0yG2lqsTkzTUqB-2-38h6o6_gLrhqhtRuwR5olUOdQHamLbY8DIGuBkacjKl7h6rdzVCtbs8wsCluVr4E4ovWC5Oa3SClXsQGdBIrsz05m3fAxK8XSjH0KuM/s400/P3290018.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg09qTXqJ9JknZU4O3ZLNcMk8WIcSh3b6wD_EkQn7uc8CD1PbjsSwTxs4J6wjKXgMqhufBjFNX5k3UrmDN4RUsvSfL0gzsqMVKKrf8TvDk1uP2PC5HHVZgvBvhx32cTRQvV3XmqOpSxen_/s1600-h/P3290019.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px; display: block; height: 400px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337175969180884098" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg09qTXqJ9JknZU4O3ZLNcMk8WIcSh3b6wD_EkQn7uc8CD1PbjsSwTxs4J6wjKXgMqhufBjFNX5k3UrmDN4RUsvSfL0gzsqMVKKrf8TvDk1uP2PC5HHVZgvBvhx32cTRQvV3XmqOpSxen_/s400/P3290019.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Naha's not big on major attractions and I wasn't really interested in paying the entrance fee to go to Shuri castle. So, I just rented a bike and rode around the city to get a feel for it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNqApNw-pVwz91cCveVAdNujRPONzjUwqpIXDTClUpfpmxLxvaJUhnkfjlkgnVEejxV4V0mvOSNLsDR48DMoZ660pJ6R2xFZop13Up7f7D9uIsLtpjsXNK3IjV8ceaThiCOxgJkk1V-iUQ/s1600-h/P3300021.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px; display: block; height: 400px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337175965313377138" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNqApNw-pVwz91cCveVAdNujRPONzjUwqpIXDTClUpfpmxLxvaJUhnkfjlkgnVEejxV4V0mvOSNLsDR48DMoZ660pJ6R2xFZop13Up7f7D9uIsLtpjsXNK3IjV8ceaThiCOxgJkk1V-iUQ/s400/P3300021.JPG" border="0" /></a> Shisa are what these little lion/dog decorations are called in Japanese. It's a traditional Ryukyuan decoration from Okinawan mythology, believed to ward off evils from homes and shops.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0P919tnjuZh7RYi1d_YyReA67ysOmWM3WPkkWGZvn5Nj_VtoUOGCTTXl0hPANUHin2uIRQxT6bEOG5DzdZTV1qZSP2RdUDho6zChvokO5SNaqD8JAOJ5JDnygImX9p_8xeN7L6AoYEXoO/s1600-h/P3300023.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337162580029446850" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0P919tnjuZh7RYi1d_YyReA67ysOmWM3WPkkWGZvn5Nj_VtoUOGCTTXl0hPANUHin2uIRQxT6bEOG5DzdZTV1qZSP2RdUDho6zChvokO5SNaqD8JAOJ5JDnygImX9p_8xeN7L6AoYEXoO/s400/P3300023.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8yxt6zfyiUXkEjcMUAkx7njkNab4T97A4i8vl6AJVkNYw-bnmOas77W9eMTOwY-FazU_IY-pVjQed5-jVgJr3i43IHZieX-Jj3gyHKQSoi9NCXtSVFWpnFRl95_wV5Eaes6FeAp9oJF8_/s1600-h/P3300025.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 102px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337162575526054914" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8yxt6zfyiUXkEjcMUAkx7njkNab4T97A4i8vl6AJVkNYw-bnmOas77W9eMTOwY-FazU_IY-pVjQed5-jVgJr3i43IHZieX-Jj3gyHKQSoi9NCXtSVFWpnFRl95_wV5Eaes6FeAp9oJF8_/s400/P3300025.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Naha's main "beach"... great view, right? I was just excited to see blue water and sand!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB47uRzK2Bm-my_00rb_1s8DQSOb_I7DRtSSlcR3WTnkT0WkrZK1Qsh1OT92JTc_xz0puXWZaWbuOUQPBsmr4nYAmxtcuIS0GIk6AFvGGuEe_7R3U1ylfoaOfvPrWygoCipGQBuHRhGWAI/s1600-h/P3300026.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337162569126681138" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB47uRzK2Bm-my_00rb_1s8DQSOb_I7DRtSSlcR3WTnkT0WkrZK1Qsh1OT92JTc_xz0puXWZaWbuOUQPBsmr4nYAmxtcuIS0GIk6AFvGGuEe_7R3U1ylfoaOfvPrWygoCipGQBuHRhGWAI/s400/P3300026.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipIUAEaDKXgQNO8PMS8xSmwCgjxEEbWyjQQrQKRPF96xuw0HTUV67vJH1uiaS_UvK44PLoyc-H_H84w9VnKpAsD7uDa0fC7p6J5EGtV4-mi8Pfj4CVaHu7XIufxMbS3_hfkAkXNTOT1rNX/s1600-h/P3300030.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337162567351120930" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipIUAEaDKXgQNO8PMS8xSmwCgjxEEbWyjQQrQKRPF96xuw0HTUV67vJH1uiaS_UvK44PLoyc-H_H84w9VnKpAsD7uDa0fC7p6J5EGtV4-mi8Pfj4CVaHu7XIufxMbS3_hfkAkXNTOT1rNX/s400/P3300030.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Lots of parks in Naha with lots of cute old men playing Shoji.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEholAi7EamJF55W8i9_bdgLzWSK__sCY9gFS1un7jrNh1RqI-QscmwiuO_zzicrZaAf_jOrjhT3g7d_w0-rZjJAeXqsEkknLs5WMNlxiYiZ5bi8hnrQUwg-OcgWE-3GRT3u4s05i6SAr8Mn/s1600-h/P3300035.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337162563168971858" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEholAi7EamJF55W8i9_bdgLzWSK__sCY9gFS1un7jrNh1RqI-QscmwiuO_zzicrZaAf_jOrjhT3g7d_w0-rZjJAeXqsEkknLs5WMNlxiYiZ5bi8hnrQUwg-OcgWE-3GRT3u4s05i6SAr8Mn/s400/P3300035.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The usual fare at the night market.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghIkqYkirp24Q4WviqgkFAWyog0nAiGH1gu6bxDCT9aBrO1fpdpzqmk1pXQ4Ci8JjdF2sQ6hN3cIaqfQiNzZAUVvUt3hQ2vG7r3GhSyMTwvvpbN056Qvf4XWfCwYH81GNdT8hg6hS81uhd/s1600-h/P3300040.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337159892892741922" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghIkqYkirp24Q4WviqgkFAWyog0nAiGH1gu6bxDCT9aBrO1fpdpzqmk1pXQ4Ci8JjdF2sQ6hN3cIaqfQiNzZAUVvUt3hQ2vG7r3GhSyMTwvvpbN056Qvf4XWfCwYH81GNdT8hg6hS81uhd/s400/P3300040.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />It's interesting to hear Japanese talk about the variances in Japanese culture. They often stress how different people, places, or objects are from prefecture to prefecture. When telling people I was going to Okinawa they all made 'oooohhhhh' noises and said how different Okinawa is from Gunma/Tokyo. When I got there, the differences weren't so apparent. It still felt very 'Japanese' to me. But, as time went on I did notice a definite difference in the people's dress and personalities. Much more chill. Below is another subtle, but significant difference in a Japanese instrument. Probably the most famous and culturally significant instrument on the mainland is the shamisen (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shamisen">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shamisen</a>). I found out here, though, that these sanshin preceded the shamisen in Japan. I liked it because the face is covered in snake skin instead of cat skin. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZBArgeAI4zcul2qT0R76PNFMhraIB8MUPiTthkkxreVna4L5mvZR-VGjwiAIK03BNGO1Sm5MfJIH5jddi89U-xpH9hplD28lpU-ajCbhyS2lTsqfbmU2yVrkxuOOynZ__ta0zesE4qs92/s1600-h/P3300042.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px; display: block; height: 400px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337159889879866210" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZBArgeAI4zcul2qT0R76PNFMhraIB8MUPiTthkkxreVna4L5mvZR-VGjwiAIK03BNGO1Sm5MfJIH5jddi89U-xpH9hplD28lpU-ajCbhyS2lTsqfbmU2yVrkxuOOynZ__ta0zesE4qs92/s400/P3300042.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Not too many places to 'go out' in Naha, but I did see a sign for a Harlem Bar. I had to go and even recruited a sweet Brit from the hostel to go too. We were the only two people there. It was awesome, though! Great atmosphere and we heard all the original songs that R 'n' B artists today have sampled from. Some, I didn't even know existed!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-uo6nzu4-AVVc9zZXCplaauibp8SrMWSSLRfNqDWwGkowU7IEbDLrNPxZqZx1E2tA-hRN-nmLvNsXDL0QYfrRI26FZAkOaX2SkDQyxk1xcwsMzO15xVKrgpMbTdZVFQmS6s2k6MA-wCnk/s1600-h/P3300045.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337159885865754434" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-uo6nzu4-AVVc9zZXCplaauibp8SrMWSSLRfNqDWwGkowU7IEbDLrNPxZqZx1E2tA-hRN-nmLvNsXDL0QYfrRI26FZAkOaX2SkDQyxk1xcwsMzO15xVKrgpMbTdZVFQmS6s2k6MA-wCnk/s400/P3300045.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Bar #2: great bartender who served us up local food and spirits. Awamori is the drink of the region: a rice wine unlike sake because it's not a direct product of brewing and instead is distilled, like shochu. It is far from delicious, but when mixed properly it's aight.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPPTNGp43r7BQ4fboC1qCBXMV-b8_OODKJlrQIgNVAWQr_pcY4OwG2rVfg8AgtQJ1Zk5eIVvTLPF_8Rw9hkkhOCg5DyhmiVt-Ek3UFW6v8Z-R45NihN8sTznVd9tCi05_TfC5p1uDw9-kk/s1600-h/P3310054.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337159887302131698" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPPTNGp43r7BQ4fboC1qCBXMV-b8_OODKJlrQIgNVAWQr_pcY4OwG2rVfg8AgtQJ1Zk5eIVvTLPF_8Rw9hkkhOCg5DyhmiVt-Ek3UFW6v8Z-R45NihN8sTznVd9tCi05_TfC5p1uDw9-kk/s400/P3310054.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The only 'permanent housing' I had was as I rolled through Naha and stayed at 'Guest House Kerama'. LOVED IT! Great dudes there and super friendly and comfortable vibe. I was an idiot that forgot my tent at home in the rush to get out and get Kristin and I to the airport, but these guys conveniently had their own they lent me. So lucky!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg-xOM1xZqYcKyhXCPYo_ZZuS7PZeo9Gwhvkf1xX93Pr_vieslphyphenhyphenHFsdxSxHTfFjn3A4hofd1XqntKeNLx36QDTwm-NKRxGJWvS2CMArlsyiPnroZA4bSHuzj8x0TcMG3sxy-zK_w7rkh/s1600-h/P4050335.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337159882873900690" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg-xOM1xZqYcKyhXCPYo_ZZuS7PZeo9Gwhvkf1xX93Pr_vieslphyphenhyphenHFsdxSxHTfFjn3A4hofd1XqntKeNLx36QDTwm-NKRxGJWvS2CMArlsyiPnroZA4bSHuzj8x0TcMG3sxy-zK_w7rkh/s400/P4050335.JPG" border="0" /></a> Overall, Naha is not nearly as big or crowded as I expected it to be, especially on a holiday week. Even though it's the capital, it still had a small town vibe and it wasn't too tough to get away from the tourism that is Okinawa. Great food, great people, great monorail (I am thoroughly impressed by public transport in Japan) and great starting point for Okinawan exploration.Sarah Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538062137134649947noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030945174899587726.post-46856693189470622502009-05-18T08:15:00.006-05:002009-05-19T02:30:25.322-05:00It's Miller Time in Japan: Part Six: KusatsuAfter getting some sweet volcano <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">lovin</span>' at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Onioshidashi</span> Park, we headed to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kusatsu</span>. It's Japan's #1 rated <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">onsen</span> town and one of my top 3 places in Japan. It's so unique! Here we are in front of the smelly '<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">yubatake</span>' (source of the hot spring).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwIp2hHIiGuI4l2IhfJ2WUjt7U6-v0a3AcuWnrLcpxusKazHV8QF8QfYpqtsJjmzaxjhOdG3O1oqqklVdz-T3lVFsRhOR6ebZZYDIbQ25F57HQgZBOIsBKOeUjozhCLDZUdBZUdAbKvsn/s1600-h/P3270294.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337157831076750338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwIp2hHIiGuI4l2IhfJ2WUjt7U6-v0a3AcuWnrLcpxusKazHV8QF8QfYpqtsJjmzaxjhOdG3O1oqqklVdz-T3lVFsRhOR6ebZZYDIbQ25F57HQgZBOIsBKOeUjozhCLDZUdBZUdAbKvsn/s400/P3270294.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Strolling around the town, we make new friends.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSUJJADWqjRAuCbPK6akN15oFadFC0rFH-rDH68dbcwxv4179vmol0BOWRAN4o1mKovYTTLo89zkASXakys_5eiOG42jR0jxyO9-pXOya_l3XxU2RqfCbYOau5RLrD9ndyNw-HlJrpvhqs/s1600-h/P3270298.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337157827632092946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSUJJADWqjRAuCbPK6akN15oFadFC0rFH-rDH68dbcwxv4179vmol0BOWRAN4o1mKovYTTLo89zkASXakys_5eiOG42jR0jxyO9-pXOya_l3XxU2RqfCbYOau5RLrD9ndyNw-HlJrpvhqs/s400/P3270298.JPG" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLmGW-dOCiIezA6ZkrAoTT4MDCTmlKtcYCDqoVCYNbvT_ME2j-B4IGvgSLR7HEvE7KwttsH1CJVnuptzgXJX4-N-JaOC57Nl-KC6C4kvdXtgypMNgURd2JaGHkno_4qRf6Cc-d-AarJ1h/s1600-h/P3270301.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337157823175144114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLmGW-dOCiIezA6ZkrAoTT4MDCTmlKtcYCDqoVCYNbvT_ME2j-B4IGvgSLR7HEvE7KwttsH1CJVnuptzgXJX4-N-JaOC57Nl-KC6C4kvdXtgypMNgURd2JaGHkno_4qRf6Cc-d-AarJ1h/s400/P3270301.JPG" /></a><br />That night we stayed at the oldest <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">ryokan</span> (Japanese inn) in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kusatsu</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Nisshinkan</span>. It was a recommendation from the Tourism board in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Maebashi</span> and it didn't disappoint. No frills, glitz, or glamor. Just a simple, cute, basic Japanese inn with kind staff, warm rooms, a very basic <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">onsen</span>, and (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">debateably</span>) great food. This was our dinner set meal.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlQ-lytn6c6wt5SuPAzo8LSw8nSGG3svt9Ydc7FbOukL6Eh1jWq2Pi9RO6SeMBtoc5BoXqMQB2EEi6-Z7fBr2kGNgaOXAzvkTbRRpUFTgUr4edut-jvfYm-gebnLWek03Y960zIr-xcuDR/s1600-h/P3270309.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337157821240267346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlQ-lytn6c6wt5SuPAzo8LSw8nSGG3svt9Ydc7FbOukL6Eh1jWq2Pi9RO6SeMBtoc5BoXqMQB2EEi6-Z7fBr2kGNgaOXAzvkTbRRpUFTgUr4edut-jvfYm-gebnLWek03Y960zIr-xcuDR/s400/P3270309.JPG" /></a> Contemplating whether or not she can get used to this kind of cuisine.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAy9jwiGURo6qNWpEIOImmS5l-zrCuIlujVhkqeWA6L0NTB-Is4SfF4ZTP39a-mnRdfitwg1NHSx7nxCh9ohvIzH8iPrgd0rn2KnZA3rbPwbKzQgrKYigcm54LQJtxXZZG9dcmB4H5U1wS/s1600-h/P3270311.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337157818521580674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAy9jwiGURo6qNWpEIOImmS5l-zrCuIlujVhkqeWA6L0NTB-Is4SfF4ZTP39a-mnRdfitwg1NHSx7nxCh9ohvIzH8iPrgd0rn2KnZA3rbPwbKzQgrKYigcm54LQJtxXZZG9dcmB4H5U1wS/s400/P3270311.JPG" /></a> After dinner we got ice cream (because as filling as the meal was, we are still Americans!), talked for ages, and then took an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">onsen</span>. This was Kristin's first experience with the whole public bathing thing, but since it was a pretty small inn and we didn't actually go until around 10pm, we had the whole place to ourselves. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Soooo</span> relaxing.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgresqTMLwukSXefNOHFw4m6R13yxvm2N0affCGeUhQFAkN3_HZlugl8xX_-vlEIM4cVqT0gd4pWioUhIGXGpm6NJJdS6m__KfxJxSgNUEqdUY_XazTkitqHKeVqc-EvNKgg1v11hGQQhsa/s1600-h/P3270326.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337155713909795250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgresqTMLwukSXefNOHFw4m6R13yxvm2N0affCGeUhQFAkN3_HZlugl8xX_-vlEIM4cVqT0gd4pWioUhIGXGpm6NJJdS6m__KfxJxSgNUEqdUY_XazTkitqHKeVqc-EvNKgg1v11hGQQhsa/s400/P3270326.JPG" /></a><br />Breakfast the next morning was... well, not as good as dinner. Kristin pretty much cleared her dinner plates, but I cleared our breakfast plates. Apparently, fish and vegetables are unusual breakfast dishes. Her smile is so deceiving!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYP62axYeLN4mO68_SifBI5qdSIW6-tOB97iu8ZLdPSGFQDBLqW_o2S_-Xqv6howT-RopHRYSr2wfd0VQBbLDvr8ZlaRAXlKxG0HT6hcbfrBMyAahQ4Ag6H9rcJwkDUMmu2nlaQHcPi4C/s1600-h/P3280329.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337155710887420002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYP62axYeLN4mO68_SifBI5qdSIW6-tOB97iu8ZLdPSGFQDBLqW_o2S_-Xqv6howT-RopHRYSr2wfd0VQBbLDvr8ZlaRAXlKxG0HT6hcbfrBMyAahQ4Ag6H9rcJwkDUMmu2nlaQHcPi4C/s400/P3280329.JPG" /></a><br />I love <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kusatsu</span> not only for the unique <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">onsen</span> town/German architecture vibe of it, but also because it's surrounded by mountains. The last few times I'd been up there it'd been warm enough to hike. There are some truly incredible hikes which I got to share with my family. This time around though, even though it was March, was still to cold and the roads to trekking paths were all closed. Kristin had never <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">skied</span> before in her life, but she figured she may as well add another "first" to the list. So, off we went to hit the slopes. My friend Brian (the guy in the neon yellow jacket) met us there for the fun and ended up being a way better teacher than I ever could be. He's got bigger love handles to hold onto. And an Irish accent.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicMqSy0TFjAFNcoXi1Qc0rm0Re7CfonwS9d7KKFkxAtVeVMQYgFcRWeCFrBbVCl6VhlbfIvdimPzUEQmZrarENVs0Y3WIKKonxzQMEabwQrDS_2gAkk-SAsyUxNbQgKDWpfXd6R4Y2XeeL/s1600-h/P3280335.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337155705520295714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicMqSy0TFjAFNcoXi1Qc0rm0Re7CfonwS9d7KKFkxAtVeVMQYgFcRWeCFrBbVCl6VhlbfIvdimPzUEQmZrarENVs0Y3WIKKonxzQMEabwQrDS_2gAkk-SAsyUxNbQgKDWpfXd6R4Y2XeeL/s400/P3280335.JPG" /></a><br />Like any newbie on the slopes, strapping planks as big as yourself onto your feet and hurling yourself down an icy, bumpy hill is not the most natural feeling in the world. One might even say the experience could be frustrating and want to give up. One might be Miss Kristin Miller. BUT, one might also put pride behind oneself and realize that they're actually a bit of a natural at the whole <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">skiing</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">thang</span> and maybe, just maybe, enjoy it for a few moments. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPmHOJQYXxEdm8rzuxV2FMZsS33Kz3tho9DAOLLVIlS30cV7JkOtTlpe9DoA1mG23z5WmwdnyM_kGumMuEyAi3rd8Q5K9QU1HrUI0hPDuqZLFl1U83cHruzONRV5YeoR3n3tzx1w1r1GH/s1600-h/P3280343.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 314px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337155701166485362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPmHOJQYXxEdm8rzuxV2FMZsS33Kz3tho9DAOLLVIlS30cV7JkOtTlpe9DoA1mG23z5WmwdnyM_kGumMuEyAi3rd8Q5K9QU1HrUI0hPDuqZLFl1U83cHruzONRV5YeoR3n3tzx1w1r1GH/s400/P3280343.JPG" /></a><br />There's that smile I know and love! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">Could've</span> been because we were graduating from the bunny hills and making it onto the 'big girl lifts', or it <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">could've</span> been the beer.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglpEHWSYSRFXuaZhs0SoTo5h2tXla6W0Gi0EYoskqZ6gDHrmQHnnstpDTpc2tPsmCPfqajt6nQmnK0KBVdij0o_CmkWIfLSXXCKXm_Yh6NcT0vICcRivj5hXYZ0Xg_9OoylBqmXimGoxKV/s1600-h/P3280350.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337155700702831378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglpEHWSYSRFXuaZhs0SoTo5h2tXla6W0Gi0EYoskqZ6gDHrmQHnnstpDTpc2tPsmCPfqajt6nQmnK0KBVdij0o_CmkWIfLSXXCKXm_Yh6NcT0vICcRivj5hXYZ0Xg_9OoylBqmXimGoxKV/s400/P3280350.JPG" /></a><br />Brian and I had to take of advantage of all the lifts while we were there so we headed up to the peaks. That is when we realized THIS kind of snow existed here... Hallelujah!!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgM6zyzQjCVHu9KKDy2Xny8cPKMqDr2MZuHVTXdzu2nAvDyFt7QCLkeoilazTX7AXgVzyew8PP6CHcKI0EWYT9sYVkswAryAJFUPeguyeCQoMouOe7KiNFIiIF5X5qNgiPxlyq_0MC3NyU/s1600-h/P3280354.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337153904618420962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgM6zyzQjCVHu9KKDy2Xny8cPKMqDr2MZuHVTXdzu2nAvDyFt7QCLkeoilazTX7AXgVzyew8PP6CHcKI0EWYT9sYVkswAryAJFUPeguyeCQoMouOe7KiNFIiIF5X5qNgiPxlyq_0MC3NyU/s400/P3280354.JPG" /></a><br />The gorgeous view from the top.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXU_qGkzarQzvU1Pf8aj84bML3dxM5CaZ5GGViJXmUDCYUdUBHDiADIGTOSinCmFRVA5v63RJ6v0hSn9tpAftWMTLw8SDc8-KUJRPR2nHHamufiYgAnOCTjtSheX_b00aMm1PxE9sPava1/s1600-h/P3280356.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337153900236278210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXU_qGkzarQzvU1Pf8aj84bML3dxM5CaZ5GGViJXmUDCYUdUBHDiADIGTOSinCmFRVA5v63RJ6v0hSn9tpAftWMTLw8SDc8-KUJRPR2nHHamufiYgAnOCTjtSheX_b00aMm1PxE9sPava1/s400/P3280356.JPG" /></a><br />After a long, hard, painful day of skiing the perfect remedy was a trip to the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error">onsen</span>. We went to a famous (but <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">pricey</span>) one near the center of town, known for it's variety in mineral composition, and water temperatures. It felt <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error">fannnntastic</span>! And after warming up those wearing muscles, the next logical thing is to get some cold tap beer and sushi!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYrcH_8ruKKHZ_7j38z8HqMFgv6kQt_7RGTBhJ9I7JqJVqY7m8-3yqdkrTZJUTG1P-iuAPo4XKMHIxte8vkfFZtEPB7n4YyceFY2sgFyTwuKGI9L0JZIAna2nXp0rX30vkA5UAet7sI5j6/s1600-h/P3280364.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337153899086418626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYrcH_8ruKKHZ_7j38z8HqMFgv6kQt_7RGTBhJ9I7JqJVqY7m8-3yqdkrTZJUTG1P-iuAPo4XKMHIxte8vkfFZtEPB7n4YyceFY2sgFyTwuKGI9L0JZIAna2nXp0rX30vkA5UAet7sI5j6/s400/P3280364.JPG" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lfM6oBvqNFBJj7Ltkz3aUcRmkPnV31ZLWxtwd0niEZEIDK4vdHOiWMiby1mA4YWNLulcsXBk-0mbsonFBejbMb9QMUz0NxIuxx864HOYpfWPBu1ifJfUORoRwwsJ-JuzT8fdwQVeiXYA/s1600-h/P3280366.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337153894845900066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lfM6oBvqNFBJj7Ltkz3aUcRmkPnV31ZLWxtwd0niEZEIDK4vdHOiWMiby1mA4YWNLulcsXBk-0mbsonFBejbMb9QMUz0NxIuxx864HOYpfWPBu1ifJfUORoRwwsJ-JuzT8fdwQVeiXYA/s400/P3280366.JPG" /></a><br />With our bellies content and our Japan adventures coming to an end, we made the trek back to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-error">Maebashi</span>. Kristin was headed home, back <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">to the</span> daily grind and hard work and dedication she does at TAB glass and I was heading to Okinawa to bask in blissful lack of responsibility a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-error">liiiitle</span> longer. We were both leaving on jet planes and heading to entirely different destinations, but our past and the week we had together will be memories we can share together forever. I can't even begin to express how great it was to have my best friend here to experience all that I love about life in Japan. It felt totally natural being with her and still as exciting and fun as expected! I will miss her physical presence a ton, but know we're only a phone call away. Plus, all of our friends except us are getting married so we will be each others dates for what will probably be a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_26" class="blsp-spelling-error">lonnng</span> time. Miss ya, Miller!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFdwgURV_DzNuiQ3sCHImYxH8Wt3f7kMhvpHeueYxZdB7bRL3_VbG8yseqh3Z8_ExyRo-pdZO82TI2zX5uAA9ZNB1erUwXIMbRG1wT4V_Gw2ImlgttvZRPm0yBaQ3CzuyttEEcjO7CRX2/s1600-h/P3290001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337153891643374850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFdwgURV_DzNuiQ3sCHImYxH8Wt3f7kMhvpHeueYxZdB7bRL3_VbG8yseqh3Z8_ExyRo-pdZO82TI2zX5uAA9ZNB1erUwXIMbRG1wT4V_Gw2ImlgttvZRPm0yBaQ3CzuyttEEcjO7CRX2/s400/P3290001.JPG" /></a>Sarah Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538062137134649947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030945174899587726.post-25142848262682777532009-04-24T10:16:00.006-05:002009-05-19T00:31:54.371-05:00It's Miller Time in Japan: Part 5: Volcano? Check!Kristin <strong>loves</strong> volcanoes. I don't know exactly when or how the obsession started , but it's pretty full blown and I knew how important it was to her to see a volcano during this trip. Japan is situated along the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">circum</span>-Pacific volcanic belt, so in addition to me living here (obviously the most important draw) the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">existence</span> of 1/10 of the world's 840 active volcanoes was a sweet bonus.<br /><br />Lucky for us, the active Mt. Asama is in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gunma</span>. It's one of the most active <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">volcanoes</span> in Japan and just erupted in February! It was a big enough eruption that the entire mountain and several km surrounding area was closed off. The first eruption though was on May 9, 1783. It was a huge eruption and lava and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">volcanic</span> ashes sprayed everywhere. The result was like an avalanche and the debris gathered surface water and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">transformed</span> into a hot mud flow. The lava that cooled down formed <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Onioshidashi</span>, the park that we went to check out.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidM_Et3T6gkhsRodvgVSUZQ2q2to45mUKR9gaP9wY184_ltKLf1JmLxe17fyyFw7b4vVUey1C-wJ6UMWz7Ttdk9XXhQmPP-XqXBWL1W9Dl6Cu3oaYfXkLz4m17p8Yxjqlds91r6vqrNOUL/s1600-h/P3270263.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337151621812694178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidM_Et3T6gkhsRodvgVSUZQ2q2to45mUKR9gaP9wY184_ltKLf1JmLxe17fyyFw7b4vVUey1C-wJ6UMWz7Ttdk9XXhQmPP-XqXBWL1W9Dl6Cu3oaYfXkLz4m17p8Yxjqlds91r6vqrNOUL/s400/P3270263.JPG" /></a><br />"<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Oni</span>" means devil. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Awww</span>, Kristin, you '<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">lil</span> devil, you!<br /><br /><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Dqw4V_MzqpVU_-4nrM7bXt04DdPRrlYl5GWBJzVDtrItUHkIz_lx6XDWsDOWLLmWg_MKso5MRGWMNqoPNd96uAFtyMx81yGB2yid4EDsHd5D6Eut1d1GRhqyxvkcI5bW3kv0dQeGEYQy/s1600-h/P3270265.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 301px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337151617489032098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Dqw4V_MzqpVU_-4nrM7bXt04DdPRrlYl5GWBJzVDtrItUHkIz_lx6XDWsDOWLLmWg_MKso5MRGWMNqoPNd96uAFtyMx81yGB2yid4EDsHd5D6Eut1d1GRhqyxvkcI5bW3kv0dQeGEYQy/s400/P3270265.JPG" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5qOM4Ds-PUMlAh90OU_o2EAlYjUIqV0JAqqmio8jJLFUbCxm5QlWS3-PULcqZi8hZdRzn8HghP4_UA36f5Mlz6MFRBv1xHhYkrJlJ64wL6dkto-EVz3-GyUICqSAf7GZ5HUWTHGriNXWD/s1600-h/P3270270.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 101px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337150981867552306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5qOM4Ds-PUMlAh90OU_o2EAlYjUIqV0JAqqmio8jJLFUbCxm5QlWS3-PULcqZi8hZdRzn8HghP4_UA36f5Mlz6MFRBv1xHhYkrJlJ64wL6dkto-EVz3-GyUICqSAf7GZ5HUWTHGriNXWD/s400/P3270270.JPG" /></a> </p><p>Ring my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">belllll</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">lllllllllll</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">lllllllllll</span>, ring my bell!<br /></p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifuz7J5QaTbWQ35BPvSdfOvTaPZJAOtnDbgObgTakcPaTXyE9qVT_SeJ2OtLdWGyrnRKbgrS9FQesvRk82L7pK-qJCUFAZqQIZWb23teU3NvOVETz8jYiG2EzK_p14IDeEvRB-caIEtn5w/s1600-h/P3270272.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337150979582101906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifuz7J5QaTbWQ35BPvSdfOvTaPZJAOtnDbgObgTakcPaTXyE9qVT_SeJ2OtLdWGyrnRKbgrS9FQesvRk82L7pK-qJCUFAZqQIZWb23teU3NvOVETz8jYiG2EzK_p14IDeEvRB-caIEtn5w/s400/P3270272.JPG" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGkxGjlkWhYd23rFBKTn6tx2d5gi9hkyHbZFrBSkuO1x4MCHzI2JGssK7lWQPqZKKKKfyDGqWV3t7mrU6Z0nGDxthJ9naCdNFr_MFdPw2JIvAcGnh1PXZFyokuLURxdS5k0cUyE34ELKN/s1600-h/P3270273.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337150975944519938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGkxGjlkWhYd23rFBKTn6tx2d5gi9hkyHbZFrBSkuO1x4MCHzI2JGssK7lWQPqZKKKKfyDGqWV3t7mrU6Z0nGDxthJ9naCdNFr_MFdPw2JIvAcGnh1PXZFyokuLURxdS5k0cUyE34ELKN/s400/P3270273.JPG" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpc-VjZnABafLVezr0C7HBlu-tPVzAPYEUoO8T-8X8RXLwekJsibT1ezy_4xqZWJUFVHz_5I1xoW7DpZxCQpcJYzkYfFipJMqEbTZ6GwDvy-VNCBHLdWJ1xFpjUFu7t5TAlnTFXyadHNpI/s1600-h/P3270277.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 93px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337150974578294754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpc-VjZnABafLVezr0C7HBlu-tPVzAPYEUoO8T-8X8RXLwekJsibT1ezy_4xqZWJUFVHz_5I1xoW7DpZxCQpcJYzkYfFipJMqEbTZ6GwDvy-VNCBHLdWJ1xFpjUFu7t5TAlnTFXyadHNpI/s400/P3270277.JPG" /></a></p><p>Mt. Asama in all her glory!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJRlIfpSA1jPbnFChAavn9uepfBANZhEmoQ4toklMCppWL-Xfig4aFUedhlAn1nzAnMglhF692JOy1XoNIBwnXNYpkhE4rODIXSe1wfGJjtZLFq71C1hS54Ss_eUuz1VbFEGLnP8Tpr0XA/s1600-h/P3270282.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337150968003580418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJRlIfpSA1jPbnFChAavn9uepfBANZhEmoQ4toklMCppWL-Xfig4aFUedhlAn1nzAnMglhF692JOy1XoNIBwnXNYpkhE4rODIXSe1wfGJjtZLFq71C1hS54Ss_eUuz1VbFEGLnP8Tpr0XA/s400/P3270282.JPG" /></a><br /></p>Sarah Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538062137134649947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030945174899587726.post-49357441164845776402009-04-21T23:29:00.009-05:002009-04-23T02:19:09.694-05:00It's Miller Time in Japan: Part 4: My MaebashiKristin's only requests for this trip were 1)seeing me (check!) 2) seeing big <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">buildings</span> in Tokyo (check!) 3) seeing my 'hometown' and schools (wait for it) 4) and seeing a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">volcano</span> (wait for it!).<br /><div><div><div><div><div> </div><div>Since I'm extremely proud of where I live in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Maebashi</span> and all the people in it I wasn't bashful about taking Kristin anywhere and everywhere for show and tell.</div><div> </div><div>One afternoon we took a nice bike ride along the Tone river, and I FINALLY got to play in this park that I've wanted to, but hadn't because I didn't want to be that creepy adult stranger talking to small sweaty children.</div></div></div></div></div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327695886958659586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuv6v0RTnABhxzXcHhtf1SCPRZWRwvHRqfIZHj0MczpbjH2Jnm3sxIYPiTS2eIhOwsu8SeKy92-bYX9tPZ304uI-Xn7OckEdWdAWfJTJ1WHjTudQmYxHy77HNX-Agl6ZnbLZXebC95Nlui/s400/P3240215.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327695881816762306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOnCnZXZHPo4dDo8NEYOj6Du0_qE8Vh_v1_Upo09WHU4Uai9VL4osC-ws0vAkHUc_IZOau8a7WP8JkhduMpFGPteq_o8IqlNX2KYVWLBSdWg-jh7TXQS95pNcWu65SqUSVCp2ZrHifzGtJ/s400/P3240221.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>For dinner, going along with the "Kristin's firsts" theme, we went to Mahatma's Indian restaurant, my favorite in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Maebashi</span>. Where the nan comes hot and as big as your head!</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327695883681784178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwlK7Lx00iti_jqd5uqfHJ1wl6_F6QHX3rQXXh0yp6-ugppKDDzpzIItjev2eBPPneVi6z3FxqIHrYaVYpyTonL5-bSOLOqhqphS6rBYXSpvGj56qhLRVrpTm12pjfY_CLKUrhAWKvpsT/s400/P3240222.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327695879237088002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZxFm6jH99MkqfCRGmK5lD_3r8V8_DAnb-Q29lCslk2xmlLSsiFDFoyG0f9RudNf3Gz868NEexPCAM0pyMlwoF59C5JjH2bebZCy0reW05MIcOvdj3j0n8f2-SJQn-VPWY56583S2y2By/s400/P3240223.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>The next day I took her to two of the schools I teach at for show and tell. The kids LOVED her and she was super entertaining. At least one student in each class asked, "How tall are you?" Sorry I don't have more pictures... I was too busy teaching. This is the teacher's room in my base school below.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327695871597455506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjsbeKlWFjDz5n1nuUUWxRa8q-Ji3Zd0LE6aWU208Ewxwv8nBfYEf31_wxICQGh7UbPsohWAW6vcWOB1Xu50KdD_iPnBzedIjO6BCDl-xZMpOtGPeUufzMQb2cUHEgyH6Mw10GLfvV1GFg/s400/P3250227.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>That night we went to the student's home I tutor (sorry, no pictures) and then karate class. It was really cool to be doing a sport again with my '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ol</span> tennis doubles partner and basketball mentor. A lot of karate is stretching and muscle memorization, which came really natural to her. I was amazed that she picked up on techniques that took me months to learn so quickly. </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327752301366749394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ZRNOlp98TBEUzQGJDJGRZbLFKBk30lQPuqpVhRKefqQVDDxfuPsCT1_IaIZQEawHdLfS3JZHwc4aYtxTExcnm-YPw3wBNoIVrpVzEuRrEHVNSQuwaoJOzMemHaif-jVgR7PAfvsiOc53/s400/P3260262.JPG" border="0" /> Kristin's first: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">okonomiyaki</span> experience. I think I've written about <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">okonomiyaki</span> a million and one times on here, but in case this is the first time you're reading: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">okonomiyaki</span> is a type of Japanese savory potato pancake. Sounds bizarre. Looks bizarre. Tastes delicious. I could tell she was scared... real scared. But, that didn't stop her from trying and liking? a Japanese comfort food so close to my heart.</p><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTG7wnmLdW_SOFGwurU-ejigga7zhcdsdwpiej0tDS5pkYErauVB53J3EnvOav2KCxU2DqTn3uUldkS5LZi3y8aKJhid1vjESo-_T7RjzyhdEbOfuwiQaX8DhY7lMH5DBrx_7SK_S6MaS/s1600-h/P3250229.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327752296173482706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTG7wnmLdW_SOFGwurU-ejigga7zhcdsdwpiej0tDS5pkYErauVB53J3EnvOav2KCxU2DqTn3uUldkS5LZi3y8aKJhid1vjESo-_T7RjzyhdEbOfuwiQaX8DhY7lMH5DBrx_7SK_S6MaS/s400/P3250229.JPG" border="0" /></a> We could order it <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">alright</span>, but we left the mixing and pouring up the professionals! Oh man, I love the owners here. They opened up on their day off, jussst for us.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUjeFwbUWXvgSOqAicC0RQElu2EcfedQG4igpW8yIcieFwe1TZvk-6tPNuRk2WoN2ZWzHRisRAbjzvX0ynmRZgytZSNhUvWHkGfMrWGZuBS_WRbXfegk0yVYLRq2P6LDCaj85ipbXu7L4/s1600-h/P3250233.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327752294551631074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUjeFwbUWXvgSOqAicC0RQElu2EcfedQG4igpW8yIcieFwe1TZvk-6tPNuRk2WoN2ZWzHRisRAbjzvX0ynmRZgytZSNhUvWHkGfMrWGZuBS_WRbXfegk0yVYLRq2P6LDCaj85ipbXu7L4/s400/P3250233.JPG" border="0" /></a> Also, it was a mini surprise birthday for Kristin, since her b-day was in less than a week. Happy Birthday with a German chocolate and strawberry cake!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9v6Xpq_mizzWBo-sfEhdG2V6KklmFqV52zTNmWHrssuLFB_kwITt0fDA47F6_8Jy9RMuYcID69IiW0bQKkexxWd_EL6t_IwXKcNwcyysjR6ixle5eTohDVhlYQ6X9BywZlmLt3r9D4oJy/s1600-h/P3250237.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327752288496036418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9v6Xpq_mizzWBo-sfEhdG2V6KklmFqV52zTNmWHrssuLFB_kwITt0fDA47F6_8Jy9RMuYcID69IiW0bQKkexxWd_EL6t_IwXKcNwcyysjR6ixle5eTohDVhlYQ6X9BywZlmLt3r9D4oJy/s400/P3250237.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div> Everyone came out to celebrate!<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXtrDTYSr2qSq0v-TNq8GDE4-mx6TzvDTdboXbf_XfufMDmQrVVvRqB6TYHtrqpnsp5uyUt5m3L944EyngWDOZ3VZxlG8dksehBseYiC-4ffj6VGw0k52hKhwYoGcgGRPJct0dz_vy1ajr/s1600-h/P3250245.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327748938399345346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXtrDTYSr2qSq0v-TNq8GDE4-mx6TzvDTdboXbf_XfufMDmQrVVvRqB6TYHtrqpnsp5uyUt5m3L944EyngWDOZ3VZxlG8dksehBseYiC-4ffj6VGw0k52hKhwYoGcgGRPJct0dz_vy1ajr/s400/P3250245.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div>Even my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">bestest</span> friends, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Tomomi</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Shyooma</span>:)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvVK9sUzc3qrVr3pWLPQDBtQW1uZ9f6BVssNj7tsj3E7ropnjiqxFdG4FzHdt8WB0OipDi7p_E-Bxl32zBkLjU69pQRXTrM5lw0Hmdqakb3nXeyE9H-Oqo-obuJXotHzSHIqn5WLVPGV2I/s1600-h/P3250245f.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327748933575699346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvVK9sUzc3qrVr3pWLPQDBtQW1uZ9f6BVssNj7tsj3E7ropnjiqxFdG4FzHdt8WB0OipDi7p_E-Bxl32zBkLjU69pQRXTrM5lw0Hmdqakb3nXeyE9H-Oqo-obuJXotHzSHIqn5WLVPGV2I/s400/P3250245f.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5g3c5oM0Gh7Sp3X21w9GDoYmbRQme2UK0EneQqMXBTgXpoC64O3cmcSQhpyvl-KSv5H-RXajJ4adkamO03XDLVmO9-3Oekjc0dDUk6VwfNbSOnl1yhBux56KWYo_-RA5qO7PCHEVuAhWz/s1600-h/P3250245g.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327748931364023922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5g3c5oM0Gh7Sp3X21w9GDoYmbRQme2UK0EneQqMXBTgXpoC64O3cmcSQhpyvl-KSv5H-RXajJ4adkamO03XDLVmO9-3Oekjc0dDUk6VwfNbSOnl1yhBux56KWYo_-RA5qO7PCHEVuAhWz/s400/P3250245g.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div>This is Mrs. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Ohtani</span>, my best 80 year old friend, ever! And like everyone that meets her, these two really hit it off.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOL0Yc6JPSELun_U_nDV4Lg3G5rdBgnLbt_Nbli0nvEAj9L1a-bAmtolfotdDbmodwNUR7XfS4kMZqXahz4f6u8Zgvl2ynI0yGnEZw_XVFikdnoZtoh2gHtZIzLVLu0bSeX7rNKq2U8vhK/s1600-h/P3250245i.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327748924505250690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOL0Yc6JPSELun_U_nDV4Lg3G5rdBgnLbt_Nbli0nvEAj9L1a-bAmtolfotdDbmodwNUR7XfS4kMZqXahz4f6u8Zgvl2ynI0yGnEZw_XVFikdnoZtoh2gHtZIzLVLu0bSeX7rNKq2U8vhK/s400/P3250245i.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div>Post Japanese <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">okonomiyaki</span> dinner we had to add another first with Japanese karaoke!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327757324932695442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZg6U69zNzaduELUaBJ0qhJDd1LtLF4eT8RHDYBGOzULGcpSkqxjDKwXzWMzqnOF7orr5xoLyhVpiDyqkhWBGam3e4FVOzYLx4v0BEKmqVyLjDpvLSBY-K-hyiPQB4qZT7UNp8A_LfQxBx/s400/P3250246.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><p>The boys starting it off right with some Queen. Classic.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327757320786861346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj70pDD4wFwEwLFZE5TVAjW4CPyHlL3wxE77YVEXVe5PqUhiLYDFvTmbXZecgsQ_-b8XghMIATbjZ1JknrK2oTW-w9QasP7VBZ0PTBd8hm1eOxQEGIEC4__a2BJML23x8dmP24MvbpUQMBd/s400/P3250249.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>I don't know about Kristin, but this had to be a highlight of the trip for me. So many of my best memories with her are from us going out and singing and dancing (neither of which I do well, but which she dominates). This brought it all back but in the Japanese realm. So much fun!</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327757310706055122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz58H9QZZs8dMm_sumnwWZj38th32-qg5w47Owq6DN-jdlPWYCa9R66F5saGU9-jf5OZRcnl1siLVuTLUoWJ2hjWBUN_paOBsa0Tkzxqv0ocKGWxgp0JwoHJKuJqvyeDfGubdiKFRfTimS/s400/P3250251.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327752306773571618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0477er3n3_ZGm5BaURSIg-laAoesOxnuy0oxzUuTeZ36ovPlqZLguZNMYfShcjwPkhm9Pa4rk1vAf7LIe5lg1OrZyaEh8dturmEH8SpIF8To80u1UMdMet5GbNRy6VAO4DU350DRhHZAp/s400/P3250253.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>Oh, it shan't be long until the singing, drinking, and dancing is had again by many (with the help of the Eddie Butts Band!!!) at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Seidemann</span> wedding of '09. I'm already counting down the days!</p>Sarah Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538062137134649947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030945174899587726.post-92040024237231376202009-04-21T02:22:00.007-05:002009-04-21T23:28:02.477-05:00It's Miller Time in Japan: Part 3: KamakuraBack in 1192, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kamakura</span> was the political center of Japan. That lasted for a mere century before it's decline, after which the rule moved to Kyoto. Because of that history and the many shrines and temples that still remain, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kamakura</span> is often <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">refereed</span> to as the Kyoto of Eastern Japan. I don't really think the two compare at all, and for me it's just a great day trip from Tokyo. So, day tripping was done.<br /><br />I've been to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Kamakura</span> before, but I had never been to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Hase</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">dera</span>. Definitely glad we swung through this time.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCa0yQTo8Vu5H3ZjtAXt48rPAK020xNg9E90wqi5AMCUrai_zt6yjqAzJP4ikO6JEpyyLLqQeR8f00u-CQeN3EKNHvj9Y7KZFdEMdi8EF-TVk__UqQC1QEUIMS9yk6Wwdqu63eFPN7J22I/s1600-h/P3230141.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327047818325373314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCa0yQTo8Vu5H3ZjtAXt48rPAK020xNg9E90wqi5AMCUrai_zt6yjqAzJP4ikO6JEpyyLLqQeR8f00u-CQeN3EKNHvj9Y7KZFdEMdi8EF-TVk__UqQC1QEUIMS9yk6Wwdqu63eFPN7J22I/s400/P3230141.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Kristin got to see her first <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">sakura</span> (cherry blossom tree) in bloom.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh06b8BtTjd9azA9LTmKhG3xTqX7soiOgNSFH0_PLYU1-1iOaC29i9rNF2F97U_HNyHf_fF8ThAM0sKBfV3xVw4BNunUzcSoHe3K4HBxMd_cQXrSzUClFgbxLV1SaxmusKxg3AuzO19S6Ms/s1600-h/P3230143.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327047814575077858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh06b8BtTjd9azA9LTmKhG3xTqX7soiOgNSFH0_PLYU1-1iOaC29i9rNF2F97U_HNyHf_fF8ThAM0sKBfV3xVw4BNunUzcSoHe3K4HBxMd_cQXrSzUClFgbxLV1SaxmusKxg3AuzO19S6Ms/s400/P3230143.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The garden was spectacular. Flowers never cease to amaze me, with their brilliant colors and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">innumerable</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">symmetry</span> patterns.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqPZBVl2Kq8PGSBCRZuNY664XjKlI1hV0DGaeEZdjAF0lhtYAkmtm5K1LJPUNZGkjmRxTpcLWaG98j6mS676XdIKnUqO9xTP8NzdxgDJw6suPTNB6Af_WTNA_XmhEJ3tWPn9vZ3hs-SaYn/s1600-h/P3230147.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327047809157079362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqPZBVl2Kq8PGSBCRZuNY664XjKlI1hV0DGaeEZdjAF0lhtYAkmtm5K1LJPUNZGkjmRxTpcLWaG98j6mS676XdIKnUqO9xTP8NzdxgDJw6suPTNB6Af_WTNA_XmhEJ3tWPn9vZ3hs-SaYn/s400/P3230147.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div>LOVE my new camera's panoramic mode. It's hit or miss with how the 3 stringed pictures come together, but I think this one turned out great. This is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Hase</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">dera's</span> garden.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztTNGcESbHUSctBiKDRuNImwuHsgY5gxJH0Vf9eBdWAuiMZruq-OxH0FIpA_-lK6MmFAYEm2op783-7V4gQ2VTVdiuVBYUxOD-N1dbs0InlRDBQSLe9An-SobwJecdERaj1sV9KtoFgYu/s1600-h/P3230150.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327047804147176194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 107px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztTNGcESbHUSctBiKDRuNImwuHsgY5gxJH0Vf9eBdWAuiMZruq-OxH0FIpA_-lK6MmFAYEm2op783-7V4gQ2VTVdiuVBYUxOD-N1dbs0InlRDBQSLe9An-SobwJecdERaj1sV9KtoFgYu/s400/P3230150.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQQXtL0UrPh9f0Xwf-XfL4BI2bBZf58OW0oifTjhhEdUrLxpi-Yrd3KRKoUC6umh_UoQZF4ybPR_WUEQhoAWfMlasMpfqyx6f7N2xN-qRZimbcpebIAw-AGxXK_Rog2HYdsSrja4ncgIv/s1600-h/P3230152.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327046621095294098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQQXtL0UrPh9f0Xwf-XfL4BI2bBZf58OW0oifTjhhEdUrLxpi-Yrd3KRKoUC6umh_UoQZF4ybPR_WUEQhoAWfMlasMpfqyx6f7N2xN-qRZimbcpebIAw-AGxXK_Rog2HYdsSrja4ncgIv/s400/P3230152.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7Gq1Vpp3B7nLXdlc1UYdXPONnFEzUkgkIfFEnZbAdhqSfPRDlyjr11h4KF5T3ngaxoIUME8TBJa4sL_GI35POzFKTfkyIZ8KXhQJ-EunD3sgEKXXH7msh-G79VVSJnbGGrPGaW6YiuAM/s1600-h/P3230154.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327046615218214530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7Gq1Vpp3B7nLXdlc1UYdXPONnFEzUkgkIfFEnZbAdhqSfPRDlyjr11h4KF5T3ngaxoIUME8TBJa4sL_GI35POzFKTfkyIZ8KXhQJ-EunD3sgEKXXH7msh-G79VVSJnbGGrPGaW6YiuAM/s400/P3230154.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0VybpLtHGN5nz87zUMPFrTI7au_0VqBv_HPEcsRDh1vI1YJTM07GwdcE-EOunrF45MmzMKR5Sp4G_58YMQD6WK-vpCdT2xM0PJtOdqzGRPyIiUwOPWfuJj3I3c03QSJdvZbMh4ECXXqh/s1600-h/P3230155.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327046611838112818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0VybpLtHGN5nz87zUMPFrTI7au_0VqBv_HPEcsRDh1vI1YJTM07GwdcE-EOunrF45MmzMKR5Sp4G_58YMQD6WK-vpCdT2xM0PJtOdqzGRPyIiUwOPWfuJj3I3c03QSJdvZbMh4ECXXqh/s400/P3230155.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Kristin took the time to write a little something on a votive board in honor of her cousin's daughter, Chloe.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOdq7jHLEmdsc-FGK10cXbRu3Z3VK4UuZ0tquIta5JoK-RAjmzKJrPxRa_3metm0aNizpn-rg68ndM0mWH3xWc1TEnhbWY3RllDnctX7HrdExI1wRnuCDXAD7xwKzM45zbUPnRqIDHQgRR/s1600-h/P3230160.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327046608766306914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOdq7jHLEmdsc-FGK10cXbRu3Z3VK4UuZ0tquIta5JoK-RAjmzKJrPxRa_3metm0aNizpn-rg68ndM0mWH3xWc1TEnhbWY3RllDnctX7HrdExI1wRnuCDXAD7xwKzM45zbUPnRqIDHQgRR/s400/P3230160.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div>This is the inside of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Benten</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">kutsu</span> cave, which was pretty sweet. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Benzaiten</span> (statue of a sea goddess with eight arms) and her 16 children are chiseled out of the rock walls.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84WQOSS1gsovO8336NyMA0R_u5SgT230RbXiLWxmFBxZQgH2UOpYgxautBSd5jaFwqCh0hD58D4Y4J9J31BsiiJZytMsAFPHkVrSMgzCafxJ33VGxJtWQqBVnYfhFOi5I3EZOsqRbsocA/s1600-h/P3230161.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327046601623448914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84WQOSS1gsovO8336NyMA0R_u5SgT230RbXiLWxmFBxZQgH2UOpYgxautBSd5jaFwqCh0hD58D4Y4J9J31BsiiJZytMsAFPHkVrSMgzCafxJ33VGxJtWQqBVnYfhFOi5I3EZOsqRbsocA/s400/P3230161.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div>There are also tons of small little statues placed throughout the cave, which I didn't really understand.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIPvmOlZ7748a1ul5Gnl8vlytq795iBrLcaP20KnoIAA1ulz_kbv5xeuhhvx-xI8uDnHAT8WuDP3b739zd7Zly3wYfV1J11YI5Ds1AVXRwxqlyBoJwd_5_oq58g7THDO-QWJsrZscj5X_q/s1600-h/P3230162.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327045550594298834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIPvmOlZ7748a1ul5Gnl8vlytq795iBrLcaP20KnoIAA1ulz_kbv5xeuhhvx-xI8uDnHAT8WuDP3b739zd7Zly3wYfV1J11YI5Ds1AVXRwxqlyBoJwd_5_oq58g7THDO-QWJsrZscj5X_q/s400/P3230162.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div>The many <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">jizo</span> comfort the souls of unborn children.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlC7aRWtPXBnHo0-mMn9C61eV5yAsdHMGhBGN3mrWOIDgEbrNc41qaF46RoFbk_lNoNqj0b7Qwo2CSpKh3mCLhPbe5iYSwIbkNe7zxFlV5wcnNZiSLzzXn4yyD5QkSlhHs-3mhUTChSg8P/s1600-h/P3230167a.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327045547743139714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlC7aRWtPXBnHo0-mMn9C61eV5yAsdHMGhBGN3mrWOIDgEbrNc41qaF46RoFbk_lNoNqj0b7Qwo2CSpKh3mCLhPbe5iYSwIbkNe7zxFlV5wcnNZiSLzzXn4yyD5QkSlhHs-3mhUTChSg8P/s400/P3230167a.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR40s9QJ70scFimILvGEtsP2ol9gyyCGVTIyE-rHdbcAJhv1o3FrfQ40IY3-utAw4SWXaJXqi-147VAOs_pcVIhW8OuNjZWSH5csHAPKH4T4Mp3yM_wrqRwQ7A19D1sVWwspahfxtLkQ0A/s1600-h/P3230169.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327045541147497346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR40s9QJ70scFimILvGEtsP2ol9gyyCGVTIyE-rHdbcAJhv1o3FrfQ40IY3-utAw4SWXaJXqi-147VAOs_pcVIhW8OuNjZWSH5csHAPKH4T4Mp3yM_wrqRwQ7A19D1sVWwspahfxtLkQ0A/s400/P3230169.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div>Another sweet panoramic on the second level of the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">complex</span>.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZTkceNfz0HNYnlFN9Tc3HM0qvjQEHrEThFdWH9L-Zr-AlJfPDY3aCTrckOZTjMQTFgmA5cABHNlCLNHERGa6SxtzKcv3yQkawoVyzZez_3vLNu1VU5AjA_LPpf2ygQ9XmNRbKblwpj-m-/s1600-h/P3230171.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327045537319909298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 99px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZTkceNfz0HNYnlFN9Tc3HM0qvjQEHrEThFdWH9L-Zr-AlJfPDY3aCTrckOZTjMQTFgmA5cABHNlCLNHERGa6SxtzKcv3yQkawoVyzZez_3vLNu1VU5AjA_LPpf2ygQ9XmNRbKblwpj-m-/s400/P3230171.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />View of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Kamakura</span> coast in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Kanagawa</span>. I even caught this huge black crow in the picture, which was dive bombing at us the entire time. Believe it or not or not, there were actually a ton of surfers in the freezing coastal waters.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfe2jLVS_3C3A-bE_TU_tVHSaK1QtlBJaRmqJj0TB3aVpTDpCbjUr0hZ3PTY_TpqDekJEavxWWLtF1xFcMIxo_v-fuIMFygXfGp7eDoYWbX00k06FkP0YbFh-U0HNbS78LZJktglW4CI4N/s1600-h/P3230174.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327045539176556418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 105px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfe2jLVS_3C3A-bE_TU_tVHSaK1QtlBJaRmqJj0TB3aVpTDpCbjUr0hZ3PTY_TpqDekJEavxWWLtF1xFcMIxo_v-fuIMFygXfGp7eDoYWbX00k06FkP0YbFh-U0HNbS78LZJktglW4CI4N/s400/P3230174.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Bad-ass.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_hfakCG6Ob5VF9E7XGfiEKN5sJU8VpgoxCnTPpRltV4EoJ507SjuGGkoLIlVAiCrDTXNUCRbyiCQbqn7A9ff-Bl7OHeaPb_xxZCVMZkIS3SMG5fYvkm3GJ5EYB-zV9ZeSVvyJGGiRvlB/s1600-h/P3230175.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327044320037152818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_hfakCG6Ob5VF9E7XGfiEKN5sJU8VpgoxCnTPpRltV4EoJ507SjuGGkoLIlVAiCrDTXNUCRbyiCQbqn7A9ff-Bl7OHeaPb_xxZCVMZkIS3SMG5fYvkm3GJ5EYB-zV9ZeSVvyJGGiRvlB/s400/P3230175.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div>Also bad-ass.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_l2QBiCNjWAxu2fxEpkWkI0FViHfpRjaxkf5Eo0IyG5_hO830vzHNLMQRCA_GoHkQu-TF5cOqwCEzhQQh9T-GpVD0FSDrMWzlVBD0L95GLn-h17zkL44sj64BgS3p5I7WVYHv8_9ucVoq/s1600-h/P3230176.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327044312945450594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_l2QBiCNjWAxu2fxEpkWkI0FViHfpRjaxkf5Eo0IyG5_hO830vzHNLMQRCA_GoHkQu-TF5cOqwCEzhQQh9T-GpVD0FSDrMWzlVBD0L95GLn-h17zkL44sj64BgS3p5I7WVYHv8_9ucVoq/s400/P3230176.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Had to see the Big Buddha.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9anY0bXsjOE4Nr9KDoblWfVkxUkmnDulI8nw57mfB9vqLQpp-M-R9xBa0GZw9NBuYgYeoi2WZMWvEQdmd5OXXhk4GGwhAFJ974KyWbTIW7QCZ1ZV5HzN-qqvFChYmQTqN9VygPysgsvW2/s1600-h/P3230179.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327044311924252674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9anY0bXsjOE4Nr9KDoblWfVkxUkmnDulI8nw57mfB9vqLQpp-M-R9xBa0GZw9NBuYgYeoi2WZMWvEQdmd5OXXhk4GGwhAFJ974KyWbTIW7QCZ1ZV5HzN-qqvFChYmQTqN9VygPysgsvW2/s400/P3230179.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Budddha's</span> got big '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">ol</span> feet (oh, yeah!)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAb1Mn20U8XxqJhJ3QPtzZd2Mcd44qu2xbUHqk7kR67Q-0Rsuu9qRUFNwO-vZ6HonD5fqYUkT3NYhF5QXGohM0DbodYMvzPZAcFl-mD5ETd_ehT6YohdovUe_C-bCpU28XRw9JzE8c6ogi/s1600-h/P3230181b.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327044307552696530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAb1Mn20U8XxqJhJ3QPtzZd2Mcd44qu2xbUHqk7kR67Q-0Rsuu9qRUFNwO-vZ6HonD5fqYUkT3NYhF5QXGohM0DbodYMvzPZAcFl-mD5ETd_ehT6YohdovUe_C-bCpU28XRw9JzE8c6ogi/s400/P3230181b.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />We also went to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Zeniarai</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Benten</span> Shrine, a first for the both of us.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hq29Lo4P70QmIOdA9xg4aQ8vfCE2P_WenS9eJ2B5tRAUGaswXe7RU7eAIKsNOJ3JvzrajInrj8aYcl5TKiij-YyzukILjjZdx0zXegFukYEo9pHgT8eUno1yTNtyn1na0aPAYVQuel2P/s1600-h/P3230182.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327044302883313298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hq29Lo4P70QmIOdA9xg4aQ8vfCE2P_WenS9eJ2B5tRAUGaswXe7RU7eAIKsNOJ3JvzrajInrj8aYcl5TKiij-YyzukILjjZdx0zXegFukYEo9pHgT8eUno1yTNtyn1na0aPAYVQuel2P/s400/P3230182.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />"<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Zeniarai</span>" means coin washing, so the saying goes that by washing your money here, it will double! I think the Shinto gods got confused on my go, because after spending a week with Kristin and a week in Okinawa, my money was anything BUT doubled.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxPouKnMxbzUXK2Swjg0U27dnva6gupwqmPIJR-JDNMfYjssSFHduXA8uu2U6G7T403uiqI6v5Zr84UXpAcWKaWOvIUKst2bBU8Dayxzw33WGJWkbDUZSUyk6syMFLD2SNF1zLbcUM3th/s1600-h/P3230187.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327043330861366930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxPouKnMxbzUXK2Swjg0U27dnva6gupwqmPIJR-JDNMfYjssSFHduXA8uu2U6G7T403uiqI6v5Zr84UXpAcWKaWOvIUKst2bBU8Dayxzw33WGJWkbDUZSUyk6syMFLD2SNF1zLbcUM3th/s400/P3230187.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I don't know why <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">koi</span> are so entertaining, but they totally are. With their disproportionately big mouths agape and awkwardly small bulging eyes and fleshy whiskers... bizarrely awesome.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_O5LmR90HoLiGIGxpNO0g2u5_BDT4i5M5G_GiVCfZzFRUwJfiJsVNgSYXUh4L2hroRkG9gAibpBzZFU84HRBv67Hums55DUkzIwpqbHCS9ZfA67Bk34UDz7JlucBYFnc7kUC6o5UI4QeB/s1600-h/P3230191.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327043325491783810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_O5LmR90HoLiGIGxpNO0g2u5_BDT4i5M5G_GiVCfZzFRUwJfiJsVNgSYXUh4L2hroRkG9gAibpBzZFU84HRBv67Hums55DUkzIwpqbHCS9ZfA67Bk34UDz7JlucBYFnc7kUC6o5UI4QeB/s400/P3230191.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpQ_edGXG3AtsimkFlyj0zQgFjeVwwszN8LIQIaxhC2lm-eP3pSPmVO152vMnD4EDuFXTYqBIsPuC20IDL3c4nRiH_g98LwWnCjwc_S5NIdqvGxLPN1o9KbOds2ev1JLnI3igwPCcVTCK/s1600-h/P3230193.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327043323267349490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpQ_edGXG3AtsimkFlyj0zQgFjeVwwszN8LIQIaxhC2lm-eP3pSPmVO152vMnD4EDuFXTYqBIsPuC20IDL3c4nRiH_g98LwWnCjwc_S5NIdqvGxLPN1o9KbOds2ev1JLnI3igwPCcVTCK/s400/P3230193.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div>En route from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Kamakura</span> back to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Maebashi</span> for the night, we stopped and had a good '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">ol</span> traditional <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">soba</span> (buckwheat noodle) dinner.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28Ch-XIs-sQwp-T2yIGsxhy8Yp3YyC_uHOKcNQ5xTEtQDpca5P1fGXo60uzTUfcab2dslUjBWdooZdyd2QrF-42jzuPjsFzJltk4Tja7B2cJVuyPKZRnl7Aa-saLQvUDkFtOW5i5_ZRst/s1600-h/P3230194.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327043317221372114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28Ch-XIs-sQwp-T2yIGsxhy8Yp3YyC_uHOKcNQ5xTEtQDpca5P1fGXo60uzTUfcab2dslUjBWdooZdyd2QrF-42jzuPjsFzJltk4Tja7B2cJVuyPKZRnl7Aa-saLQvUDkFtOW5i5_ZRst/s400/P3230194.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div>And after all that sightseeing, Kristin took 'turning Japanese' to a whole new level on the trains. The vast majority of passengers fall asleep on the trains, but this... this is skill.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictS2SkqCcHgy6p1HmrB2b2Dcv_TJww-BZHpJSBB6paUoGm9QP1CVpKMGAAHsZHfSs_UwxtmslmgWGAZByBKQdo9pIoheF9igGkwyNiaLlsLnbGmEGA8vksE-kqrkvuNvUd8v2gZWZayc8/s1600-h/P3230197.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327043315496898402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictS2SkqCcHgy6p1HmrB2b2Dcv_TJww-BZHpJSBB6paUoGm9QP1CVpKMGAAHsZHfSs_UwxtmslmgWGAZByBKQdo9pIoheF9igGkwyNiaLlsLnbGmEGA8vksE-kqrkvuNvUd8v2gZWZayc8/s400/P3230197.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Sarah Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538062137134649947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030945174899587726.post-79831909600460066452009-04-20T02:27:00.006-05:002009-04-21T02:19:45.689-05:00It's Miller Time in Japan: Part 2: Tokyo MarathonI, love, running.<br /><br />For the majority of my life, I hated it. It was always punishment for the sports I was involved in (ie. You're late? RUN 5 LAPS!!!), and the fact that I had sports induced asthma didn't help. I remember having a very very deep hatred for Storms (my freshman year basketball coach) when she decided running a mile before the occasional practice was a good idea. I was always last. Anyway, shortly after I started college, I no longer had regular sports practices and Madison happens to have amazingly gorgeous running/biking paths around campus. I decided to try this 'recreational running' thing out. I quickly became smitten and eventually fell in love. It just allows me a chance to clear my mind and the post run, endorphins flowing feeling is amazing. I (almost) always feel better after a good long run.<br />I participated in some short (5km) races in Madison, but pretty much only for the free food and experience. It was never about actually 'racing'. But, I realized I loved that too! Loved being around a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">gajillion</span> (give or take) other people all excited and ready to run. About a year ago, I ran a half marathon in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Annaka</span>, Japan and it was one of the best experiences in my life.<br />I've always been amazed by people that had done a full 42.2 km run, but never thought I'd have the time, patience, or will power to train and do it myself. It had been in the back of my mind for a while though, so when a bunch of 1st year <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">JETs</span> decided they would fork over the $150 to sign up and train through the winter months Rocky style, I hopped on the band wagon.<br />18 weeks of training later, I was in the middle of Tokyo with 30,000 other people ready to pound the pavement. The training, by the way, really wasn't that tough. Since it was winter, I had hardly any other weekend plans to work around and could take the time needed to eat, rest, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">recoop</span> without missing out on too much other stuff. I didn't fall victim to any injuries and only had to battle with the wind, bitter cold, frozen snot face syndrome, and most difficult I think was trying to occupy my mind for 1-4 hours. The paths I chose were gorgeous, but it does get redundant and music can only take your mind off the fact that you're <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">stilllllll</span> running for so long. But, it was never like torture and almost always enjoyable. Plus I had a great support system here and at home. I don't know if I could have done it without Mom's amazing shipments of my self-selected, supremely picky, and hard to find nutrition and energy bars. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Mmmm</span>.<br /><br />Nobody cares, this is boring, get to the BIG DAY! Alright, alright.<br /><br />Kristin woke up extra early to show her support on race day. Nice!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9BQiXKXgX2aPPLfjVFyc_Q7_NqdoM5wTEYJ3g5u1q70i64ZlsM3ylxnt0-jSvuLUagwgCq2oE05teppSMgphDkD0U8BOHq_AGQfndt4tZnDTeF1zkHqH6PcvShBo0a83-UBqJ11DLYNO/s1600-h/P3220116.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326975806418063570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9BQiXKXgX2aPPLfjVFyc_Q7_NqdoM5wTEYJ3g5u1q70i64ZlsM3ylxnt0-jSvuLUagwgCq2oE05teppSMgphDkD0U8BOHq_AGQfndt4tZnDTeF1zkHqH6PcvShBo0a83-UBqJ11DLYNO/s400/P3220116.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Five other people from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Gunma</span> were running that I knew of (none of which were Japanese though, because they apparently have a 'lottery' which only foreigners get accepted through... lame). Cynthia was running the 10km, so we headed out together.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmEuAxq-eBvqW6BCds41XTInPNdqlKrE5NuUYlGVrExVuvrf74cjnCRIQSE9MbTVrzyQLYCXLrHX7mYt3-3R2rridaDDs8_P_PWW8M67rLcIkPFGWRnMmoWJvnT2QxYb54TICYEbeO3EIx/s1600-h/P3220117.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326975800110030226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmEuAxq-eBvqW6BCds41XTInPNdqlKrE5NuUYlGVrExVuvrf74cjnCRIQSE9MbTVrzyQLYCXLrHX7mYt3-3R2rridaDDs8_P_PWW8M67rLcIkPFGWRnMmoWJvnT2QxYb54TICYEbeO3EIx/s400/P3220117.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The course went ALL over Tokyo. We started off at the Tokyo Metropolitan <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">buildings</span> (arriving 5 minutes prior to check in time) and ran through the areas of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Iidabashi</span>, the Imperial Palace, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Hibiya</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Shinagawa</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Ginza</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Nihombashi</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Asakusa</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Tsukiji</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Toyosu</span>, and ended up at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Tokyo</span> Big Sight. 42.2 kilometers (26.6 miles, for us Americans) of pure big city gloriousness closed down for running.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ovrc8AdedaiieEGbROLJk8uwQ1dqVPNRi-suMeXyWPfoHJLKnPRr8Mgo3SZv5_bOgRsVrUo6d510YgNfckVm-czunLaVGETikkXejYWEOAlqkcHpZIGAl4eDKIcQVRSsAEKF5w4yKs7t/s1600-h/P3220122a.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326975797177160706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ovrc8AdedaiieEGbROLJk8uwQ1dqVPNRi-suMeXyWPfoHJLKnPRr8Mgo3SZv5_bOgRsVrUo6d510YgNfckVm-czunLaVGETikkXejYWEOAlqkcHpZIGAl4eDKIcQVRSsAEKF5w4yKs7t/s400/P3220122a.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />It was a total rush from the start and just like the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Annaka</span> 1/2 marathon, the crowd's support really keeps you going. Having the entire city closed off just so I (and 299,999 other people) could run around it was an incredible feeling. It was really weird, but awesome, to see the city and so many of the landmarks and places I'd been before shopping, eating, clubbing, walking, from the viewpoint of a marathon runner. Really amazing.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihRp8A7C_XV2KnImRHydxfQiC-T5ftGj05GeALKIE7uwfSShDCI7i2lzqCO6gtRPCvjKueUx27itqrP7EhgLj7VgHbBcmmJba0nUuqNRYtoE5GmsVXSuShzokNXWXMbZCD3PCfVDsL-vmB/s1600-h/Helen02.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326975792610380082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihRp8A7C_XV2KnImRHydxfQiC-T5ftGj05GeALKIE7uwfSShDCI7i2lzqCO6gtRPCvjKueUx27itqrP7EhgLj7VgHbBcmmJba0nUuqNRYtoE5GmsVXSuShzokNXWXMbZCD3PCfVDsL-vmB/s400/Helen02.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Unfortunately</span>, I didn't get any pictures myself of the race, so I stole some from Helen. <div>I think she didn't really care about me as much as she did the awesome people in costumes. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-vLE50rYOGc-EKzYIhvQI68Vd4GMbrAwCLmnl5Ru9kLrnKcjFNUNgC1kblJbVpYBOI1qx8E_c88_VBIJA-I4c8rNZt-o3RHk3pgQikC9QKGPezPVuX3AYCYZ6h4WFPWM06gLb9koHV3zV/s1600-h/Helen04.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326975787913315634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-vLE50rYOGc-EKzYIhvQI68Vd4GMbrAwCLmnl5Ru9kLrnKcjFNUNgC1kblJbVpYBOI1qx8E_c88_VBIJA-I4c8rNZt-o3RHk3pgQikC9QKGPezPVuX3AYCYZ6h4WFPWM06gLb9koHV3zV/s400/Helen04.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTnYfyPbbpXWPa5mND71qWHO1GFsHLNM0dLw_vWY_1jMQnS3j_xXcZi0O8of-YrU58Zr4Ntm6CL_9uxzzZYVZQZw_-tc0-2tbZ80hF_I6C5clglu5919JIz_Hd6jRDf5xRdfkb_JqXytdP/s1600-h/Helen06.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326974537650512226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTnYfyPbbpXWPa5mND71qWHO1GFsHLNM0dLw_vWY_1jMQnS3j_xXcZi0O8of-YrU58Zr4Ntm6CL_9uxzzZYVZQZw_-tc0-2tbZ80hF_I6C5clglu5919JIz_Hd6jRDf5xRdfkb_JqXytdP/s400/Helen06.jpg" border="0" /></a> I was scoping for my support crew pretty much the whole race... so much so that I even got a little headache just staring into the endless crowds and faces that lined the 42.2 km of people. I wasn't discouraged though and knew there must be SOME explanation (other than their going to breakfast, such was the case at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Annaka</span> marathon). I was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">truckin</span>' along just fine for about 35km, feeling good, feeling great. But around kilometer 37, I started to struggle a bit. It was raining and had gotten much colder, and I hadn't seen any of my friends. I felt like I was crawling... and then, as I turned a corner and began the final ascent (yes, uphill!!!) to the finish line, I heard my name being shouted! They didn't forget about me after all! The energy pumped back into my body and I even managed a little jig for the cameras. It felt <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">soooo</span> good!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326974532121279282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-9x_GKXhrijpuuql5CVGoc8EZXMU0v3Uf-USmi8MVVeo9mEhBLPVKgVGm6eT854JL5FmJ-6TdXaFB66qp9hLFiNtQEYywwS89JycnThBcAs68Kq6OsJDGXiEgv1gRbSRQEC6AlC2OJwIs/s400/IMG_1592.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0t-AwQhpNDmCGrJoJ5PwO2ZFpvpMuPqRcHFllTEg8wDh_cNCAqvdGecSrkbD45gKRh1gtlj2wN3bQVM7Z68pX3AtR7Swc0h7WJcfI4cppyoeSS9L4nwcS7ZbyXSRvSC5ojVoHzZsrGKfn/s1600-h/Helen08.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326974533204456626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0t-AwQhpNDmCGrJoJ5PwO2ZFpvpMuPqRcHFllTEg8wDh_cNCAqvdGecSrkbD45gKRh1gtlj2wN3bQVM7Z68pX3AtR7Swc0h7WJcfI4cppyoeSS9L4nwcS7ZbyXSRvSC5ojVoHzZsrGKfn/s400/Helen08.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div>I had this semi <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">embarrassing</span> moment after I passed the finish line where I started to tear up a little bit and took a little 'stretch' break to stand by the river and just thank God for providing me with a body that allows me to do all the physical activities I enjoy so much. I really respect my body (except sometimes when I forget to put sunscreen on and get <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">sun poisoning</span> and then my body hates me), and hope that by staying active and healthy now, I'll get to continue doing all those outdoor physical activities until I the day I die. </div><div> </div><div>Inside Tokyo Big Sight, I got me this sweet medal, heaps of food, and got out of my now drenched clothes (from the rain of course).<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGs4HVtNzRVdPT0Y9gqy57yJY9pWYtHSk174V-hSKHn4l6827sYAL0Bd7REw-iDF8wdpX5e37VckChYrXM1_vXqYVZvFsl_PLSfUhMihtf953o8tiu-dVRjoVNscv0Ye4Z6SOSUVpipFWa/s1600-h/P3220123.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326673646732473346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGs4HVtNzRVdPT0Y9gqy57yJY9pWYtHSk174V-hSKHn4l6827sYAL0Bd7REw-iDF8wdpX5e37VckChYrXM1_vXqYVZvFsl_PLSfUhMihtf953o8tiu-dVRjoVNscv0Ye4Z6SOSUVpipFWa/s400/P3220123.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div>Most pleasant surprise: hot foot baths!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivr_UhmEvU_hqNTV8CZ9qaTdu91xhX6n7G8uX6EugajQ5rN5yEd5fyR-MehaCVThk-1B4CZps47wXeuen-NHQzMRTXi5QzEtWW_EJ46yaAabLXI7JP_hjiWVKMf18-YQx3AMBUkQqPzuDJ/s1600-h/P3220125.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326673640217240402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivr_UhmEvU_hqNTV8CZ9qaTdu91xhX6n7G8uX6EugajQ5rN5yEd5fyR-MehaCVThk-1B4CZps47wXeuen-NHQzMRTXi5QzEtWW_EJ46yaAabLXI7JP_hjiWVKMf18-YQx3AMBUkQqPzuDJ/s400/P3220125.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />These were my final times. Given my pretty constant times and the fact that I was grouped with the other G's from the start and we had to wait for all those before us to start up, I figure it took about 12 <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">minutes</span> until I passed the start line. That means, I finished in just over 4 hours. My goal was to finish without dying having run the entire time, so I was very happy to have a somewhat respectable time on top of that.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKAmg5SHBD5a123tfqtNvUA6aDXZlcUFwvABKrPxn_BG2hD2L14vklW7YqaVw-69XLXhUcUPBf6WE6ZH6z77U2e3ZUkmrBzaSFDEQ1G4dKmTdARTSXBZaREgQhyJhhgSa_4GGliGis8pi/s1600-h/P3220128.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326673635184582162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKAmg5SHBD5a123tfqtNvUA6aDXZlcUFwvABKrPxn_BG2hD2L14vklW7YqaVw-69XLXhUcUPBf6WE6ZH6z77U2e3ZUkmrBzaSFDEQ1G4dKmTdARTSXBZaREgQhyJhhgSa_4GGliGis8pi/s400/P3220128.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />After that, I was reunited with all my awesome supporters.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326673630951635666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMqRSfZrHALVwvx7o2Ohhv0c72ffy6tzi-Q1UJrWqJQDO_1BFPZSKu5D-akLbtIe4RFbNNfpqLr9HYrYWUVPQ-r2oFUlC662dh7PqwVR0nnivFGgGZQ68v_dxI3rFc2cGURsQ5x1cZMJq/s400/P3220129.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>They even made/reused signs for me:)</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326974536642370354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6JSw5jcoRnWeavViWxAkFo5-F06ZjF6EPIUpbjTJPQf0tF63-LmgI7VskrFR_qWryQRr1fZszqqxa_qYViigG-8va2LWINIAHhUQxfYloFmmjd0SGcDp1IFNAwv16MRrjC974_xoen9is/s400/Helen10.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>Ran into Simon (our local lepruchan who was signed up but didn't end up running due to 'injury') and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Ronan</span> (who finished in just over 5 hours, after having coffee for breakfast and no dinner the night before... oh, Ronan!) in the meet 'n' greet area.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0HCjMPD1VljmlMZsgmlI9YVAaMIkkXXddBEiPobBckkSMMqyTEZDmfqIcfrJ6VcwbVarOSueuajGZw_xbhJHkRKlit0hJF1ifaUPU1AQTnvtXl6KUxJVln3yM-Hc1cVUETAOsEifveZD/s1600-h/P3220132.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326673628399593618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0HCjMPD1VljmlMZsgmlI9YVAaMIkkXXddBEiPobBckkSMMqyTEZDmfqIcfrJ6VcwbVarOSueuajGZw_xbhJHkRKlit0hJF1ifaUPU1AQTnvtXl6KUxJVln3yM-Hc1cVUETAOsEifveZD/s400/P3220132.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br />So, am I gonna be the next Larry Macon and aim to run 105 marathons in a year? Absolutely not. But, Kristin and I did make a loose pact to meet up at least every 2 years to run a marathon together. Here's looking at you, Paris Marathon 2011!Sarah Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538062137134649947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030945174899587726.post-16282295882980993452009-04-20T01:24:00.006-05:002009-04-20T02:26:33.916-05:00It's Miller Time in Japan: Part 1: TokyoKeeping in touch with family and friends over such a great distance is tough, but not impossible. Having my family and Frank visit me in Japan were definitely highlights of my time here. I not only love living here, I love to share it with others. And of course, I love to be loved and reconnecting with those close people in my life that 'just' talking to on the phone doesn't quite do justice for, is an amazing feeling. One of those people is my best friend Kristin, who took the time, effort, and money blow to make it all the way over here so for at least one week, we wouldn't have to say to each other, "I wish I could be there."<br /><br />I'd been anticipating her arrival for shortly under 1 year and 8 months (the time I've been here) when she told me on the phone that she'd definitely make it out here. Plans were underway from my departure, but on May 20<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span>, fantasy became reality.<br /><br />Half the fun in our time together was just seeing and hearing her reactions to her first trip to a foreign country. After our initial climactic airport meet 'n' greet, we headed to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Asakusa</span>. It's famous for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Sensoji</span> Temple and this giant building which looks like it has poo on top.<br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkvV459F3MCl-uOfcEHknvAs3KiGrCxnS1JhM7dt-vcP9GSk9p0-IK98waFfX6ejZb-VrpM21aOwaosvcywXNtR3KfuEP9s62yWr6CDaA5vq-SmrDSxzm7_a-wfMPfSr8Okc7vLzGQ_bnk/s1600-h/P3200021.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326664157840246690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkvV459F3MCl-uOfcEHknvAs3KiGrCxnS1JhM7dt-vcP9GSk9p0-IK98waFfX6ejZb-VrpM21aOwaosvcywXNtR3KfuEP9s62yWr6CDaA5vq-SmrDSxzm7_a-wfMPfSr8Okc7vLzGQ_bnk/s400/P3200021.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><p>Kristin's first hostel!!! (There are going to be lots of these 'firsts').</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-2_vF0nbDsiSa1Q8bobDr5Ie7vR5dlgI7krZK5u11Y6C2lYxJY5Gccy1ZAPAPp2RM-dmIMsRxZN1n7KVhfQBmHn90fs8_tJJoAOMczAiXyBL_CBomX1e1Xf_nkCzD2L4h0su9MxqcWfG/s1600-h/P3200022.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326664153593697474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-2_vF0nbDsiSa1Q8bobDr5Ie7vR5dlgI7krZK5u11Y6C2lYxJY5Gccy1ZAPAPp2RM-dmIMsRxZN1n7KVhfQBmHn90fs8_tJJoAOMczAiXyBL_CBomX1e1Xf_nkCzD2L4h0su9MxqcWfG/s400/P3200022.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The famous temple, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Senso</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ji</span> in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Asakusa</span>, Tokyo. And of course the staple food sample here, ice cream!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVbjN-uMHPSNQZhPciwQ3eTeMTZt5Cug5Ldu9CS3-x1TqOVjpZd7rQSlkHKLIN13akNfmmpfkKSJ4DnWW0RbCR4AaiUhJIf3E4O5HHhMZSZj43wAeJBdHi6GrGbPfnIZNoQMq8-EV7IrBW/s1600-h/P3200025.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326664147761829394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVbjN-uMHPSNQZhPciwQ3eTeMTZt5Cug5Ldu9CS3-x1TqOVjpZd7rQSlkHKLIN13akNfmmpfkKSJ4DnWW0RbCR4AaiUhJIf3E4O5HHhMZSZj43wAeJBdHi6GrGbPfnIZNoQMq8-EV7IrBW/s400/P3200025.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Anyone look familiar in this picture??? Other than Kristin??? Take yourselves back to a blog done in July, back when my parents and brother came (<a href="http://sarahmoersfelder.blogspot.com/2008/07/fam-does-japan-tokyo.html">http://sarahmoersfelder.blogspot.com/2008/07/fam-does-japan-tokyo.html</a> ) scroll down a bit... YEP! Same exact dude that was there when my parents were here came up to Kristin and I to (again, very forwardly) explain fortunes. Nobody works at said shrine. He is not employed. He apparently just hangs out there ALL THE TIME, waiting for ignorant foreigners to educate. Funny dude.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIejg-zotNF0EyP4gVhpO8ZjCBUaAqa7y46zXBarIHw7I4Couolgq83owaZ7Rlis_m-_tt1kYy2DJHK2d_CBkeGOmOKmugfGECRaO62GZiAi0Jzd85-rghyphenhyphenKe93xvZo99CUlLACm_C8k2m/s1600-h/P3200026.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326664114641875810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIejg-zotNF0EyP4gVhpO8ZjCBUaAqa7y46zXBarIHw7I4Couolgq83owaZ7Rlis_m-_tt1kYy2DJHK2d_CBkeGOmOKmugfGECRaO62GZiAi0Jzd85-rghyphenhyphenKe93xvZo99CUlLACm_C8k2m/s400/P3200026.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div>Welcome to Tokyo: home to bright lights, ancient shrines, a McDonald's on every corner, and buses shaped like cute animals.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMWCIhd8XpuKOXiI8Q4hq0JOYh7_Pscc4bUofD4Zy6LOiA7MS4ZAUrWX4iAgutB4Ixh_QVigoIMQLAhfdW5O1WsybA92ljCyms6L5iZHw68VbtUuchTEJx01eEYNhL0cTQWQ1qICJQE5g5/s1600-h/P3200027a.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326663145581501586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMWCIhd8XpuKOXiI8Q4hq0JOYh7_Pscc4bUofD4Zy6LOiA7MS4ZAUrWX4iAgutB4Ixh_QVigoIMQLAhfdW5O1WsybA92ljCyms6L5iZHw68VbtUuchTEJx01eEYNhL0cTQWQ1qICJQE5g5/s400/P3200027a.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />At night, we took a little river cruise to Tokyo Big Sight. I've never actually been on the river and it was awesome way to see all of Tokyo all lit up of it's glory.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrB5mChdMsB2m2P7Pjx4GO_80IjSOD_FAuhjlp0uFb2LXGs8V-KHTKzlXyBJXxuNrSQzpQYMPynvZngHJeKQhMwzon7aeU6JfF9x972kcz2VZDRjGl6OBzMmCHTlOtvQfUMNDMnLaoymr7/s1600-h/P3200029a.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326663113425025282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrB5mChdMsB2m2P7Pjx4GO_80IjSOD_FAuhjlp0uFb2LXGs8V-KHTKzlXyBJXxuNrSQzpQYMPynvZngHJeKQhMwzon7aeU6JfF9x972kcz2VZDRjGl6OBzMmCHTlOtvQfUMNDMnLaoymr7/s400/P3200029a.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />4am rise for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Tsukiji</span> Fish Market. Kristin lives in Florida and is lucky enough to have fresh fish all the time, but she said this was definitely unlike anything she'd ever seen before.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis3ndtRlnkJLqxdauNxPzqDMZV2jImmAxDzgcH0-K0wnIWsMZgT8X29RsOHg04D77LdjiiBqfw1Ny-fttRKRmDtvi5Cs1yvxgbSc_u06zW7WqXjf56NIgwZ29QgSpr2Ip8xsfHqrkngetw/s1600-h/P3210045.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326663113574760210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis3ndtRlnkJLqxdauNxPzqDMZV2jImmAxDzgcH0-K0wnIWsMZgT8X29RsOHg04D77LdjiiBqfw1Ny-fttRKRmDtvi5Cs1yvxgbSc_u06zW7WqXjf56NIgwZ29QgSpr2Ip8xsfHqrkngetw/s400/P3210045.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Kaz</span>, Kristin, awesome Sushi guy.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq3-DkzyImaX89B07DD-B_59ce1s_9283gK8fNCD5IRkY83VTTLGUfSRn9IkPWeMhtdeoe7xGRC_X-gopQjZoOW6Q8aDyGlIQeMDh9dHLM1-ATwKuiUjFmG7I5LxMTkvbLQujhzja22ApG/s1600-h/P3210050.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326663096616021506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq3-DkzyImaX89B07DD-B_59ce1s_9283gK8fNCD5IRkY83VTTLGUfSRn9IkPWeMhtdeoe7xGRC_X-gopQjZoOW6Q8aDyGlIQeMDh9dHLM1-ATwKuiUjFmG7I5LxMTkvbLQujhzja22ApG/s400/P3210050.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Beautiful day to take a stroll around the Imperial Palace.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6tuXjDB3vCX6-kblXAXMwg4c43Ge2MdscHtnpEbOBXuIjKmSfim9zYWDpdMVuz1o3tZBBVU5cvl2noBbvSnTTOx-D1U8nXKFwi-kqz3u-s9PsMTwsCaVurtdRgNjVPRjfdvN6ba9Rbqe1/s1600-h/P3210056.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326663071224894770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6tuXjDB3vCX6-kblXAXMwg4c43Ge2MdscHtnpEbOBXuIjKmSfim9zYWDpdMVuz1o3tZBBVU5cvl2noBbvSnTTOx-D1U8nXKFwi-kqz3u-s9PsMTwsCaVurtdRgNjVPRjfdvN6ba9Rbqe1/s400/P3210056.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />And do cartwheels in front of fountains.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieSXgkgY59dKBB6QmvTCWoBNq7maaSyDhYXU7pOOyqhmWMVR-SGS2v8e421-FBywXkI6jzXoDdoe6arhtQwZy0_EOpIXkt1LFdLeX-I8TtGA_5mxeI5eJzorAgRtEsZ5TUAP4j1dOFwsF3/s1600-h/P3210064.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326661448888942450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieSXgkgY59dKBB6QmvTCWoBNq7maaSyDhYXU7pOOyqhmWMVR-SGS2v8e421-FBywXkI6jzXoDdoe6arhtQwZy0_EOpIXkt1LFdLeX-I8TtGA_5mxeI5eJzorAgRtEsZ5TUAP4j1dOFwsF3/s400/P3210064.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div>And just take it <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">allllll</span> in!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqTiG-ver9v5nvU-hw-Q07280ysDA4S8k5oX3Iu-l0JCbRWmAnvkSLpT6zsTpEUdtMCfA7rOI0xy7knT-50sOsdUVHJJ0VAF4nt-4z6MacFZuw7xFlCB2txTzOsuZhUYVVt4fB5aUAAjP/s1600-h/P3210065a.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326661445504593138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqTiG-ver9v5nvU-hw-Q07280ysDA4S8k5oX3Iu-l0JCbRWmAnvkSLpT6zsTpEUdtMCfA7rOI0xy7knT-50sOsdUVHJJ0VAF4nt-4z6MacFZuw7xFlCB2txTzOsuZhUYVVt4fB5aUAAjP/s400/P3210065a.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />And stop to smell (and pose with) the flowers.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipIJVMZW8vU8QNG1GIwzq14KcGgRfhkRTYaFHgh4XYmPXcrM0ApKMQQpq1Bh-rSAueKGwpcn_vkXn4JmbjLFpK7MaPydF0YvsQ6fqoLpHvK3NnKnsDuIPfbvHxer6WknfBZAlFof4iZlID/s1600-h/P3210073.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326661442173752706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipIJVMZW8vU8QNG1GIwzq14KcGgRfhkRTYaFHgh4XYmPXcrM0ApKMQQpq1Bh-rSAueKGwpcn_vkXn4JmbjLFpK7MaPydF0YvsQ6fqoLpHvK3NnKnsDuIPfbvHxer6WknfBZAlFof4iZlID/s400/P3210073.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />We met up with some friends (and made random ones) in the afternoon to hang out in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Yoyogi</span> Park.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXFXwPAt1M6A31SLn9WkVxr1fPNNZnuS1MKgB6SNnSQTyMRzvcQyV5oA4XC8xOiiQZlZbxLNdmtCUEwGLyvlgoMa8AeMfLabtsDB7x7K9Wg-n-OiziB5OuHgr8eX2MTEK0Tun1W6SIc-80/s1600-h/P3210085.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326661437033796882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXFXwPAt1M6A31SLn9WkVxr1fPNNZnuS1MKgB6SNnSQTyMRzvcQyV5oA4XC8xOiiQZlZbxLNdmtCUEwGLyvlgoMa8AeMfLabtsDB7x7K9Wg-n-OiziB5OuHgr8eX2MTEK0Tun1W6SIc-80/s400/P3210085.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I persuaded them all to come check out this Design <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Festa</span> Art Gallery I've been wanting to see for ages. It's <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">awesome</span>. The artist's rotate weekly, rent out a room and display whatever it is they consider art. I really enjoyed a lot of it, but some of the pieces I would hardly consider art. It was sweet though, and I can't wait to go back.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZx6xPjRAB60gYpmE3A31q1sKFcUUeNc9yj2uBFbIXq70W4l0SF23tnbu9loTS1zq-jgO75vqiXv59hZ6L97TCtm0xt0V5U9pRYUarmOiyhPpBvoayEnuB0f3Io2gs-KWyk5pFXma0S7Q/s1600-h/P3210095.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326661432932846514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZx6xPjRAB60gYpmE3A31q1sKFcUUeNc9yj2uBFbIXq70W4l0SF23tnbu9loTS1zq-jgO75vqiXv59hZ6L97TCtm0xt0V5U9pRYUarmOiyhPpBvoayEnuB0f3Io2gs-KWyk5pFXma0S7Q/s400/P3210095.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Do you see her? Look closer!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFP5FTmIVFc4g3ozQbfqyfGkbmnhdjoImj_MYJjDJdr-pE0g-oByPRRWO8CYlksiIL7lTPxmYXVfaBUr3XNrldqMiqeFnMFEwdXQx88PphRLaZmESySQ4Zn5H7KUg0Ka8qIae4d44iRONj/s1600-h/P3210096.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326659784991307506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFP5FTmIVFc4g3ozQbfqyfGkbmnhdjoImj_MYJjDJdr-pE0g-oByPRRWO8CYlksiIL7lTPxmYXVfaBUr3XNrldqMiqeFnMFEwdXQx88PphRLaZmESySQ4Zn5H7KUg0Ka8qIae4d44iRONj/s400/P3210096.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Not the most <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">laborious</span> or even skillful work of the gallery, but my favorite. I just loved the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">aesthetic</span> and colors and contrast.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx-qNw6SEwu8GnVJqplDiQpemUyXqQWphxlv6FO3vGx_A8vOoHN_NN8W9VgUDZZKRdet7QlaxrIQETrfNF2IMgSmXYgD2bDIz8qWeBzdWPkiS_OBIib4QyKVYhBkxtj9P4jY8zOPhT4fi-/s1600-h/P3210101.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326659779965162898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx-qNw6SEwu8GnVJqplDiQpemUyXqQWphxlv6FO3vGx_A8vOoHN_NN8W9VgUDZZKRdet7QlaxrIQETrfNF2IMgSmXYgD2bDIz8qWeBzdWPkiS_OBIib4QyKVYhBkxtj9P4jY8zOPhT4fi-/s400/P3210101.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Some people bored a lot quicker than me (cough cough Dean!) and decided to take in a little Japanese culture, in the form of sake. It was Kristin's first (and last) sample.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV9j0AxRcNU93pykX1M4ZwlHBMBYirKAKshQYnWZ_FgsbPOFEqREwRaRS8D3veakDM81ea0aQn38Luw5RsiXDmJ1zZI-PsJh0Dukei8HCle-s58xUfkLPC2-l2GePTVPqrnFh7nwG1WqY5/s1600-h/P3210109.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326659775612954194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV9j0AxRcNU93pykX1M4ZwlHBMBYirKAKshQYnWZ_FgsbPOFEqREwRaRS8D3veakDM81ea0aQn38Luw5RsiXDmJ1zZI-PsJh0Dukei8HCle-s58xUfkLPC2-l2GePTVPqrnFh7nwG1WqY5/s400/P3210109.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />We met more friends that night and went out to dinner at a cool little Thai restaurant. Even <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">cooler</span> though, was this massive <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">mosaic</span> Hello Kitty. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Hilarious</span>.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyAWQ1_2CfdfGQPb6vEUbrFCo0Z1wXhYoMc6IPV3zC-oQO4edXadv_tz2_JAMPJCH0rGPFc4Z-KB3ph05daZt-DrPuFOhfic9C2icHed_GG-MOW993YTAvq0mfbMjG2dg_re6UgpcIRc8A/s1600-h/P3210114.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326659772520456930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyAWQ1_2CfdfGQPb6vEUbrFCo0Z1wXhYoMc6IPV3zC-oQO4edXadv_tz2_JAMPJCH0rGPFc4Z-KB3ph05daZt-DrPuFOhfic9C2icHed_GG-MOW993YTAvq0mfbMjG2dg_re6UgpcIRc8A/s400/P3210114.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div> Taking in the big city in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Shinjuku</span>!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGA_GukecTml0J69ngs6HCcWVPP_nRuFAqFZfkc6lrDlpoD7IlJsO7hxfN_zGG4s5ItiNGEA-IY4WPlTQQEFeOwYTmo4liaD2BFMr2S6jpDtc7fID3gncHSBpf1rh9ATZEP5m_lMZG2lt8/s1600-h/P3220137.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326659770379644114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGA_GukecTml0J69ngs6HCcWVPP_nRuFAqFZfkc6lrDlpoD7IlJsO7hxfN_zGG4s5ItiNGEA-IY4WPlTQQEFeOwYTmo4liaD2BFMr2S6jpDtc7fID3gncHSBpf1rh9ATZEP5m_lMZG2lt8/s400/P3220137.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Sarah Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538062137134649947noreply@blogger.com0