Here is a sneak peak of a few of our favorites. To see the entire album on our shutterfly site, click here.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Elodie's Professional Pictures
While in Michigan, we had professional pictures taken of Elodie. They turned out fantastic! Thanks Give Me a Shot Photography!! :)
Here is a sneak peak of a few of our favorites. To see the entire album on our shutterfly site, click here.
Here is a sneak peak of a few of our favorites. To see the entire album on our shutterfly site, click here.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Way Behind
After 5 weeks of non-stop travel, we are finally back in Nagoya. I'm obviously way behind on blog posts... so I'll work on catching up in the next couple of weeks.
In the meantime, I added four albums of our travels on shutterfly:
--- Elodie's Professional Pictures (from Give Me a Shot Photography)
--- Michigan Trip - July 2012
--- Ottertail & Lake Benton 2012
--- Obon Holiday: Takamatsu, Himeji Castle & Kobe
We also added Elodie's 10 and 11 month photos to the album, Watch Me Grow!
Enjoy!
In the meantime, I added four albums of our travels on shutterfly:
--- Elodie's Professional Pictures (from Give Me a Shot Photography)
--- Michigan Trip - July 2012
--- Ottertail & Lake Benton 2012
--- Obon Holiday: Takamatsu, Himeji Castle & Kobe
We also added Elodie's 10 and 11 month photos to the album, Watch Me Grow!
Enjoy!
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Sumo Wrestling
July in Nagoya = Sumo time!
There are 6 Grand Sumo tournaments each year: 3 in Tokyo, 1 in Nagoya, 1 in Osaka, and 1 in Fukuoka.
You all already know what sumo wrestling is. The rules are simple: the wrestler who first touches the ground with anything besides the soles of his feet, or who leaves the ring before his opponent, loses. Each match usually only last a few seconds. The bouts are intense, where wrestlers weighing an average of 330lbs. grapple at one another with their bare hands.
Sumo has a long history in Japan and is the nations oldest professional sport. The wrestlers wear their hair in a topknot, which apparently was a normal hairstyle in the Edo period (1603-1868). The referees wear the same kind of clothes as a samurai from 600 years ago. Many aspects of Japanese culture can be seen in sumo, such as throwing salt into the ring to purify it before the wrestlers begin a match.
There are no weight restrictions or classes in sumo. So it's normal that a wrestler can find themselves matched against someone many times their size. Sumo wrestlers used to all be Japanese, but in recent years there has been an increase in foreign wrestlers, coming from Mongolia, Bulgaria, China, & Russia, just to name a few.
I know sumo wrestlers often get made fun of by foreigners --- they are overweight, dressed in a thong, and somewhat silly looking with their hair slicked up in a topknot. But really, being a sumo wrestler takes hard work and dedication. It's not just a job, it's a complete way of life. Every sumo wrestler belongs to a stable, which is where they live while they are young. Referees, ushers, and hairdressers also live in the stables. They live together and train together throughout their careers, dedicating their lives to the sport. They are incredibly strong, and well respected in Japan. Unfortunately though, I did read that the average life expectancy of a sumo wrestler is between 60-65, which is 10 years shorter than the average Japanese male.
A really easy to read and understand kid's website dedicated to sumo is here if you're interested in reading more. :)
This was our second time going to a Sumo tournament. Tickets are a bit pricey, but you do get all-day entertainment. Elodie even enjoyed it - she was able to play on the floor (all seating is pretty much on the floor) and we had our own private little "box." She thought it was fun to clap when everyone else was also cheering. Fun day, and overlal unique Japanese experience!!
There are 6 Grand Sumo tournaments each year: 3 in Tokyo, 1 in Nagoya, 1 in Osaka, and 1 in Fukuoka.
You all already know what sumo wrestling is. The rules are simple: the wrestler who first touches the ground with anything besides the soles of his feet, or who leaves the ring before his opponent, loses. Each match usually only last a few seconds. The bouts are intense, where wrestlers weighing an average of 330lbs. grapple at one another with their bare hands.
Sumo has a long history in Japan and is the nations oldest professional sport. The wrestlers wear their hair in a topknot, which apparently was a normal hairstyle in the Edo period (1603-1868). The referees wear the same kind of clothes as a samurai from 600 years ago. Many aspects of Japanese culture can be seen in sumo, such as throwing salt into the ring to purify it before the wrestlers begin a match.
 |
| Loved the referee's hot pink kimono. |
 |
| Funny expression by the guy on the left. |
 |
| The top division of the wrestlers' hierarchy. |
 |
| Let's go! |
 | |
| Did this skinny foreign guy really think he had a chance? He was up against a guy at least twice his size! |
 |
| Lat match of the day = the best match!! |
 |
| Judges discussing the bout. They actually made the 2 men above during the last bout of the day do a re-match!! It was very exciting to be a part of the crowd! |
There are no weight restrictions or classes in sumo. So it's normal that a wrestler can find themselves matched against someone many times their size. Sumo wrestlers used to all be Japanese, but in recent years there has been an increase in foreign wrestlers, coming from Mongolia, Bulgaria, China, & Russia, just to name a few.
I know sumo wrestlers often get made fun of by foreigners --- they are overweight, dressed in a thong, and somewhat silly looking with their hair slicked up in a topknot. But really, being a sumo wrestler takes hard work and dedication. It's not just a job, it's a complete way of life. Every sumo wrestler belongs to a stable, which is where they live while they are young. Referees, ushers, and hairdressers also live in the stables. They live together and train together throughout their careers, dedicating their lives to the sport. They are incredibly strong, and well respected in Japan. Unfortunately though, I did read that the average life expectancy of a sumo wrestler is between 60-65, which is 10 years shorter than the average Japanese male.
A really easy to read and understand kid's website dedicated to sumo is here if you're interested in reading more. :)
This was our second time going to a Sumo tournament. Tickets are a bit pricey, but you do get all-day entertainment. Elodie even enjoyed it - she was able to play on the floor (all seating is pretty much on the floor) and we had our own private little "box." She thought it was fun to clap when everyone else was also cheering. Fun day, and overlal unique Japanese experience!!
Sunday, July 8, 2012
10 Months
It amazes me how quickly babies learn new skills. Each month Elodie has learned so many new things, but this past month seems to have been an especially huge one for her! She's learned so many new skills and has had several new experiences. :)
She now waves "hi" and "bye-bye," pretty consistently (especially to the ladies at our apartment front desk). She also signs "more," although it looks more like clapping, and she doesn't use it consistently yet.
She has tried a variety of new foods, and has liked them all - salmon, pizza, mac & cheese, quesadilla, eggs, pasta, blueberry pancakes, okonomiyaki, banana bread, bagels... just to name a few!! She's eating way more "grown up" foods instead of the pureed baby food - which is actually way more convenient for me!! No more having to always prepare baby food for her, because she eats pretty much what we eat now.
She has also figured out the game of "chase" when in her walker. She thinks it's hilarious when I chase her around the house... and she runs really really fast! I'll try to post a video this week of her doing it - it's super cute!
Her left top 2 teeth have broken through (the front left and the one next to it). The one next to it actually broke through first, which seems a little odd. She's quite the biter these days, too.
We're still doing baby swimming, 3 times a week. She still loves it and is doing great in the class! We've also been going to a play room inside a department store downtown a couple of times a week - which has been great for Elodie. She's become very attached to me, and is going through some major separation anxiety issues right now. So I'm trying to get out and about and have her around other babies as much as possible. We've made some new friends by doing this, which has been great for both of us. :)
Happy 10-Months, Peanut!!!
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Karaoke, Japanese Style
Got the urge to sing? Japan knows how to take care of that with Karaoke!!
Karaoke is a popular entertainment pastime in Japan, which may seem odd if you don't come from Asia (it still seems odd to me).
In the U.S., karaoke is a scary adventure when you get on stage to sing in front of people you don't know. Yet, if you ask any Japanese person of any age, they will most likely tell you that they often go to karaoke with family and friends. Majorly different from the U.S., Japan has "karaoke boxes." These are individual private rooms (with a closed door), where you can sing without disturbing anyone else. There are rooms small enough for one person, and large enough for a party.
Karaoke boxes have the typical equipment - karaoke player, screen, & microphones, and a huge selection of both Japanese and foreign songs to pick from. You can also order food and drinks and have it served right to your room. Many karaoke boxes are open 24/7.
There are Karaoke bars everywhere in Japan!! They are mainly geared towards businessmen, who come to relax after a stressful day at work and who can afford to pay for high-priced drinks. But it's definitely a popular source of entertainment for people of all ages here.
Singing is not my thing.... and I really don't enjoy karaoke at all. Of course I don't mind going to listen and cheer people on, but being put on the spot to sing is just not my thing. Joe, however, loves it. So when given the opportunity to go out with Miyoko and friends, he gladly accepted the offer! Here's a few pictures from his crazy night out...
I'm glad Joe was able to go out and have a relaxing, fun night with friends. Thanks for the pictures, Miyoko!
Karaoke is a popular entertainment pastime in Japan, which may seem odd if you don't come from Asia (it still seems odd to me).
In the U.S., karaoke is a scary adventure when you get on stage to sing in front of people you don't know. Yet, if you ask any Japanese person of any age, they will most likely tell you that they often go to karaoke with family and friends. Majorly different from the U.S., Japan has "karaoke boxes." These are individual private rooms (with a closed door), where you can sing without disturbing anyone else. There are rooms small enough for one person, and large enough for a party.
Karaoke boxes have the typical equipment - karaoke player, screen, & microphones, and a huge selection of both Japanese and foreign songs to pick from. You can also order food and drinks and have it served right to your room. Many karaoke boxes are open 24/7.
There are Karaoke bars everywhere in Japan!! They are mainly geared towards businessmen, who come to relax after a stressful day at work and who can afford to pay for high-priced drinks. But it's definitely a popular source of entertainment for people of all ages here.
Singing is not my thing.... and I really don't enjoy karaoke at all. Of course I don't mind going to listen and cheer people on, but being put on the spot to sing is just not my thing. Joe, however, loves it. So when given the opportunity to go out with Miyoko and friends, he gladly accepted the offer! Here's a few pictures from his crazy night out...
I'm glad Joe was able to go out and have a relaxing, fun night with friends. Thanks for the pictures, Miyoko!
Friday, June 29, 2012
Only in Japan
Japan....
Where people sincerely apologize for making a mistake... like the handwritten note I received on a package (and also notice - it's in English!)....
Where attention to detail matters....
A country where gentleman working on road construction will help you safely cross the road quickly and with a smile...
Where store employees run (literally, RUN!) to get something for you....
Where you can order something on Amazon and receive it in ONE day...
Where department store employees wait outside and deeply bow and give a warm "Irasshaimase!" to show gratitude to the first customers of the day...
Where people apologize because they can't understand me when I'm the one who moved to a foreign country and can't speak their language...
It's so easy to take all of this for granted. We are so thankful to be living abroad and experiencing these cultural differences first-hand.
Where people sincerely apologize for making a mistake... like the handwritten note I received on a package (and also notice - it's in English!)....
Where packages can be freely left out in the lobby by the delivery company, because no one would even consider stealing them...
Where attention to detail matters....
Where it's normal for individual cakes/treats to look like this....
And for individual birthday cakes for children to look like this....
Where store employees run (literally, RUN!) to get something for you....
Where you can order something on Amazon and receive it in ONE day...
Where department store employees wait outside and deeply bow and give a warm "Irasshaimase!" to show gratitude to the first customers of the day...
Where people apologize because they can't understand me when I'm the one who moved to a foreign country and can't speak their language...
It's so easy to take all of this for granted. We are so thankful to be living abroad and experiencing these cultural differences first-hand.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Shinto Blessing & Sayonara Party
Last Sunday was a special day because Ethan recieved a Shinto blessing at a nearby shrine, which was then followed by Louise & Cal's "Sayonara Party."
Louise and Cal have been such good friends to us here in Nagoya, and we will miss them dearly! But they have lived here for 5+ years and are ready to begin their new adventure in Shanghai, China. Louise and I have especially become close, because of being pregnant at the same time, giving birth within 2 days of one another, and learning how to be new parents together. We have certainly shared so many experiences together!! Not only that, but we live in the same building - so we often go out to lunch, walk together to baby swimming, etc. It won't be the same here without them, that's for sure.
On Sunday, their son Ethan received a special Shinto blessing at nearby Nagoya Shrine.
So we dressed Elodie in her first yukata (summer Kimono) and then road to the shrine on our new bike!!
It was neat to witness a Shinto blessing. It's one of those unique Japanese experiences that we'll always remember. Even though we obviously couldn't understand anything that was being said, it was clear that they were praying for the Ethan's health and happiness.
The priest started the ceremony by thumping a huge wooden drum several times, which was followed by everyone standing to bow deeply twice and then clap their hands twice. The priest then began a low-pitched chant which I'm assuming was "to watch over and protect Ethan," as is most Shinto blessings. His voice was so deep that it almost sounded like a booming hum. The priest then waved a giant wand (which almost looked like a mop of white paper streamers) over Ethan and his parents, as well as the guests. The ceremony concluded with everyone drinking a glass of sake.
After the blessing, we headed over to Louise & Cal's sayonara party. Louise ordered quite a bit of food from a catering service, so we were able to enjoy Japanese cuisine including sushi, egg-rolls, and dumplings, as well as Western food like fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, and salads.
Overall a great day with great friends. We will greatly miss these guys!!!
Louise and Cal have been such good friends to us here in Nagoya, and we will miss them dearly! But they have lived here for 5+ years and are ready to begin their new adventure in Shanghai, China. Louise and I have especially become close, because of being pregnant at the same time, giving birth within 2 days of one another, and learning how to be new parents together. We have certainly shared so many experiences together!! Not only that, but we live in the same building - so we often go out to lunch, walk together to baby swimming, etc. It won't be the same here without them, that's for sure.
On Sunday, their son Ethan received a special Shinto blessing at nearby Nagoya Shrine.
So we dressed Elodie in her first yukata (summer Kimono) and then road to the shrine on our new bike!!
 |
| Happy to be in her yukata :) |
 |
| Loving the new bike! |
It was neat to witness a Shinto blessing. It's one of those unique Japanese experiences that we'll always remember. Even though we obviously couldn't understand anything that was being said, it was clear that they were praying for the Ethan's health and happiness.
The priest started the ceremony by thumping a huge wooden drum several times, which was followed by everyone standing to bow deeply twice and then clap their hands twice. The priest then began a low-pitched chant which I'm assuming was "to watch over and protect Ethan," as is most Shinto blessings. His voice was so deep that it almost sounded like a booming hum. The priest then waved a giant wand (which almost looked like a mop of white paper streamers) over Ethan and his parents, as well as the guests. The ceremony concluded with everyone drinking a glass of sake.
 |
| Receiving sake. |
 |
| Photograph with the priest - Ethan was interested in his hat! |
After the blessing, we headed over to Louise & Cal's sayonara party. Louise ordered quite a bit of food from a catering service, so we were able to enjoy Japanese cuisine including sushi, egg-rolls, and dumplings, as well as Western food like fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, and salads.
 |
| Ethan & Elodie hanging out in their yukatas... and maybe a little smooch too :) |
Overall a great day with great friends. We will greatly miss these guys!!!
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Mt. Nyukasa Hike
We went with our good friends, Miyoko & Kiyoshi, to the prefecture of Nagano to hike to the top of Mt. Nyukasa. It was almost a 3 hour drive to get to the mountain from Nagoya. I was a little nervous with how Elodie would do in the car for that long each way, but she did great!
In the winter, this mountain is a ski resort. But in the summer, you can still take the gondola to near the top of the mountain. The gondola ride itself was very nice - beautiful views of the surrounding mountains as well as the woods below, where we also passed over several mountain-bike trails.
After the gondola ride, you take a short 20-minutes walk on a path through wild flowers, forest, and marshland. Then it's just another short (but steep!) 40-minute hike to the summit, where there were outstanding 360 degree views! On a sunny day, apparently you can even see Mt. Fuji in the distance. But unfortunately for us, it was a cloudy day.
We sat around to enjoy the breathtaking views at the top, while Elodie napped in the backpack. Then we headed back down through the forest, flowers, and marshland. Once we reached the end, we were definitely ready for our discounted ice cream (rhubarb and vanilla) and for the gondola ride back down to the base of the mountain.
It was a long day --- we left our house at 7:30am, and didn't get home until 7:30pm. As I said above, it was a 3 hour car ride each way, and then of course a long day of sight-seeing and hiking in between. But it was great to get out of the city for the day and enjoy the beautiful mountains and countryside of Japan.
It's pretty pathetic that Elodie is almost 10-months old and has never seen grass before! But I guess that's what you get when you live in the city.
It was a very fun day! I'll post an album of more pictures from our hike on our shutterfly site.
In the winter, this mountain is a ski resort. But in the summer, you can still take the gondola to near the top of the mountain. The gondola ride itself was very nice - beautiful views of the surrounding mountains as well as the woods below, where we also passed over several mountain-bike trails.
After the gondola ride, you take a short 20-minutes walk on a path through wild flowers, forest, and marshland. Then it's just another short (but steep!) 40-minute hike to the summit, where there were outstanding 360 degree views! On a sunny day, apparently you can even see Mt. Fuji in the distance. But unfortunately for us, it was a cloudy day.
 |
| The start of our hike, through the forest. |
 |
| Boardwalk path through the wild flowers & marshlands. |
 |
| We stopped and had a picnic for lunch - first time Elodie has seen grass! |
 |
| One of the spectacular views from the top. |
 |
| We made it! |
We sat around to enjoy the breathtaking views at the top, while Elodie napped in the backpack. Then we headed back down through the forest, flowers, and marshland. Once we reached the end, we were definitely ready for our discounted ice cream (rhubarb and vanilla) and for the gondola ride back down to the base of the mountain.
It was a long day --- we left our house at 7:30am, and didn't get home until 7:30pm. As I said above, it was a 3 hour car ride each way, and then of course a long day of sight-seeing and hiking in between. But it was great to get out of the city for the day and enjoy the beautiful mountains and countryside of Japan.
It's pretty pathetic that Elodie is almost 10-months old and has never seen grass before! But I guess that's what you get when you live in the city.
It was a very fun day! I'll post an album of more pictures from our hike on our shutterfly site.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Japanese Food
Upon hearing that Joe's favorite Japanese dish is okonomiyaki, Miyoko and her husband Kiyoshi were quick to invite us to dinner at their house. They made a variety of Japanese dishes for us to try. I love how they used this electric griddle type of pan to make the dishes in the center of the table. It was fun to watch how they prepare & cook all of the food.
The first dish they made was okonomiyaki. I know I've described this several times in previous blogs, because it's Joe's favorite dish and we eat it often. It's a Japanese "pancake" made with cabbage, squid, green onion, pork, egg, and batter (or pretty much whatever you want to put in it); then topped with okonomiyaki sauce, mayo, fish & seaweed flakes.
Next they made tacoyaki - which basically means "fried octopus balls." Although they know I'm not a huge fan of eating octopus, so they left out the "taco" and put cheese in the middle instead. Very good!!!
They also made ramen and yakisoba, which unfortunately I failed to take pictures of. But both were also fantastic! Miyoko and her husband are great cooks and we really enjoyed learning how to make all of these Japanese dishes. I can make okonomiyaki and yakisoba at home - but it never turns out quite as good as theirs.
Thank you, Miyoko and Kiyoshi, for inviting us for dinner. We had a wonderful time! :)
 |
| Miyoko and Kiyoshi |
The first dish they made was okonomiyaki. I know I've described this several times in previous blogs, because it's Joe's favorite dish and we eat it often. It's a Japanese "pancake" made with cabbage, squid, green onion, pork, egg, and batter (or pretty much whatever you want to put in it); then topped with okonomiyaki sauce, mayo, fish & seaweed flakes.
 |
| okonomiyaki |
Next they made tacoyaki - which basically means "fried octopus balls." Although they know I'm not a huge fan of eating octopus, so they left out the "taco" and put cheese in the middle instead. Very good!!!
 |
| tacoyaki - minus the taco and plus cheese & ginger |
They also made ramen and yakisoba, which unfortunately I failed to take pictures of. But both were also fantastic! Miyoko and her husband are great cooks and we really enjoyed learning how to make all of these Japanese dishes. I can make okonomiyaki and yakisoba at home - but it never turns out quite as good as theirs.
 |
| Fun night with great friends! |
Thank you, Miyoko and Kiyoshi, for inviting us for dinner. We had a wonderful time! :)
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Father's Day
Happy 1st Father's Day to an amazing husband and father. Elodie and I truly appreciate all you do, every single day. We love you!! :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)