Coming From Mom and Dad

Julie and I enjoyed nine days in Japan with Brian.  We saw where Brian lives now, and also when he was in Kobe.  He took us to some of his favorite restaurants, too.  Japan is an amazing place, but the coolest part of the trip was seeing Brian completely interacting with the Japanese people.   His language skills are quite impressive, and his ability to navigate the subway and trains was amazing.  We saw a lot of neat things -  huge shopping areas, temples/shrines, the Peace Museum in Hiroshima, a ryokan on Miyajima Island, the spectacular aquarium in Osaka – the list goes on.  I would recommend to everyone a trip to Japan so that they can see how another culture lives.  I would, however, suggest taking Brian with you since he is a wonderful guide and interpreter. 

Thanks, Brian, for taking your spring break to take care of your parents.

Pictures after the jump

Fukuoka Hard Rock Cafe

Yakiniku at Fujiya restaurant in Fukuoka

Indian food at Shiv Shankar with Jeremy, Mitch and Jeff

Ryokan (Japanese style inn) in Miyajima

Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima

Genbaku Dome in Hiroshima (a building that withstood the blast from the atomic bomb)

Whale shark at Kaiyukan, the Osaka Aquarium

Nijo Castle in Kyoto

Ginkakuji in Kyoto (Zen Buddhist Temple)

Kiyomizudera in Kyoto (another famous Buddhist Temple)

Statue of Hachiko in Shibuya, Tokyo

Subway station in Tokyo