Catching up from earlier this summer
Out there, a block past those windows is the OCEAN! An Ocean View from our bedroom!!!
Out there, a block past those windows is the OCEAN! An Ocean View from our bedroom!!!
First, a bit about this apartment. This is a 2 bedroom apartment, just like what we have in Utsunomiya. But a much different 2 bedroom apartment, tiny rooms, all squished together. The second bedroom functions as the Living Room, carving out space in the kitchen for a small table. Perfect for a beach getaway. Not perfect for long term living. But a great demonstration of the wide range of different spaces people call apartments. So grateful for the large spacious apartment Jesse picked out for us!!!
Tasting all the local foods! Finally realizing the name of these tiny fishies: Whitebait.
Prevalent on the coast. Added to everything, and we're getting better at eating them without too many complaints.
Another Google fail, took 3 tries before finding an open restaurant. Jesse ordered two different meals, but walked away from Denny's with a full belly. We laughed at knowing we fulfilled a stereotype today- Americans, eating at a Denny's diner, eating so so so much food.
Prevalent on the coast. Added to everything, and we're getting better at eating them without too many complaints.
Another Google fail, took 3 tries before finding an open restaurant. Jesse ordered two different meals, but walked away from Denny's with a full belly. We laughed at knowing we fulfilled a stereotype today- Americans, eating at a Denny's diner, eating so so so much food.
Exploring Enoshima Island and deciding to pay a few dollars to take escalators instead of hundreds of stairs. As we rode higher and higher we counted our blessings in deciding to save our muscles for later.
Admiring the views out over Sagami Bay, watching the clouds roll in and out.
On a clear weather day, Fuji san stands tall over the city and mountains.
But alas, today was not the right weather day (thanks rainy season)
But alas, today was not the right weather day (thanks rainy season)
Exploring seaside cliffs and caves. Creeping through the dark passageways, finding a legend tucked in the back of the cave.
Families flock to the rocks tucked in between the waves and the cliffs. Fishing, tidal pool hunting, picnicking. Picnicking is a serious business here. Backpacks loaded with the fanciest of foods, tables strapped to the packs, blankets hanging off the side. All schlepped down to the sea for an afternoon in the sun.
Chasing Sunset and watching the clouds roll by,
too thick for the green flash but perfect for watching the light creep to the horizon.
too thick for the green flash but perfect for watching the light creep to the horizon.
Up bright and early the next morning to wander through shrines and gardens full of Ajisai. A slight problem, the country is officially open for travel. And at least half the country had the same idea we did. Properly protected with masks and hand sanitizer, but its been a long long time since we had to weave in and out of crowded streets.
When we first got to Japan we nimbly traversed the crowds, weaving in and out, darting for open patches in the throngs. Then winter came and we ski bummed from lodge to lodge. A different type of crowd navigating. Then Corona came. And we officially lost our crowd navigation expertise. Also, after weeks of mellow travels in our prefecture, we weren't quite prepared for all the other people also itching to travel.
After a few grumbles and gripes we made the best decision ever- stepping away from the crowds flowing down the street for a snack. We heard this town was known for their Meats and their Beers and these did not disappoint. A few extra sausages may have snuck their way back to Utsunomiya with us!
Full tummies and brighter spirits we set off again. Loving how many quiet spaces we can find even in the touristist of touristey places.
Trees sculpted by ocean breezes and bright colors floating and fluttering on these same breezes.
Finding our Zen and paying respects along with hundreds of our closest friends.
Love the tradition of leaving little gifts- bottles full of water, fresh fruit and flowers!
Love the tradition of leaving little gifts- bottles full of water, fresh fruit and flowers!
So excited the country is finally open and we can start exploring all the places again!