Traveling

It seems I’ve been forgetting my blog again. I didn’t mean to. It’s just that I’ve been somewhat busy and somewhat lazy lately. Busy with work making me lazy to do my own things.

I started this trip to Washington D.C. on September 22, 2006 and am finally starting to really take the time to explore. It helps that I’ve had some free time and some colleagues (with cars!) nearby that I could go out and do things with. I know, I know. I could have taken the bus or the subway or some other method of public transportation. It just seemed like too much work and I’ve come to realize something early on this trip… I’m getting tired of traveling on my own. It’s been a couple of years now and I’ve seen some great places, eaten at some fabulous restaurants, and met some amazing people. Perhaps it’s time to spend more time at home and rebuild the relationships that I so value… and possibly establish some new ones.

 

Lazy days of summer

What a nice and lazy weekend. Started out with pizza and drinks at my buddy Rob’s on Friday night, more alcohol (martinis, margaritas) with friends… again at Rob’s on Saturday night, and finally, hanging out at my sisters’ house with my mom, niece, nephew and brother-in-law. It’s so nice when there’s nothing urgent to worry about and you can just enjoy the weekend. And now I have a fan for my condo… YIPPEE! (thanks mom!) It’s no air conditioner but now that it’s cooled off a bit, it’s perfect. Life is grand. Only thing I didn’t get to was the gym. Can’t let that continue! Gotta work off that Japanese hospitality.

 

So, it’s now been just over a week…

I’ve been home for just over a week now, having just spent over a month in Japan. Two weeks in Tokyo, 5 days in Kyoto, 5 days in Osaka and 12 days in Fukuoka. This was my first trip back to Asia since I was 5 years old and my first long overseas trip. An experience of a lifetime, it was a trip filled with excitement, new experiences, stress, education, isolation, but best of all, new friends. A special thanks to the boys, Tom, Jeremy, Matt, Koh, Kris and Dwight… and the ladies, Miyuki, Yuriko, Karina, Maki, Rie, Minako, Asako, Makiko, Hiro and Mikako. I have memories and stories about all of you. Thanks for your hospitality and friendship. I hope to see you again one day.

Arrival in Vancouver was filled with anticipation as I went straight from the airport to see my new niece, Kalani Cox. My little buddy/nephew Aidan finally has the little sister he’s been asking for. I think he was hoping for one a bit bigger though… you know, one he could actively play with. Either way, it seems he loves it when she’s sleeping on his belly.

Ahhh. Vancouver! Home SWEET home!