Through My Eyes

So since this is supposed to be a photograph-heavy blog, I suppose it's about time I actually post some evidence that I really have been in Japan for a month. You know the saying: "pics or it didn't happen."

Shinkansen from Tokyo to Morioka!

Back in March when our journey began, it began with a shinkansen.

      

  

 

Morioka: complete with boy koi and karaoke

Morioka-shi itself is pretty cool: a mix of historic and trendy! 

Shrine touring with Allie in Morioka

During our one free day during training, Allie and I put on our "fun jeans" and did some walking. Stumbled upon a wedding in progress, here!

Every shrine and temple has a little covered fountain

Towards the end of our time in Morioka, banners for boy's day were already hanging along the main street. Some are very ornate!

First onsen experience with Patrick and Limor!

A couple weeks into settling in our respective towns, team Iwate had another training session in Morioka. The following day, Patrick, Limor and I decided an onsen was in order.

Yum.

Lunchtime at said onsen

 And now for something completely different...Kitakami!

Sorry, Mom: Japan beat me to "Paint Bunnies"

Japanese pastries. Oh. My. Glob.

Make a call...the oni dare you!

 There's a none-too-shabby bakery in the Sakurano Twin Mall Plaza where I picked up this little bundle of oishii. It's like a custardy dumpling in a pie crust with glazed fruit. So good!

 

The poetry park has a shrine and monuments

In the Contemporary Poetry Museum Park, I found out there is a sisterhood between Kitakami-shi and Concord City! 

There are a few monuments around the park celebrating the sister cities.

It's a beautiful park and museum. I look forward to spending a lot of time jogging around the park, reading under the trees or drinking coffee in the cafe!

Contemporary Poetry Museum...just around the corner!

Beautiful statue in poetry park

Well, I think that should suffice for now! Every week will feature a new photo page!