my first visit in Kobe :)

@ Kobe city...

As I'm writing a blog entry about visiting a friend in Kobe, oddly enough, I'm at the Haneda International Airport right now, ready to go home in LA.  Although I stayed mostly in Tokyo area during my Japan trip, besides Nagoya, where I'm originally from, I also visited Kobe to see a good friend of mine.  I actually met her through my other blog while living in NY, and she's still based out of NY, just temporarily back in her hometown in Japan.  It's always great to just catch up with a great friend.  I don't think there was any moment of silence, as we were so busy trying to catch up everything we missed.  Good food and good alcohol definitely helped I'm sure :)

Don't you just love the quality and depth of these pictures?  My friend sent me these pictures that she took with her DSLR, and oh my goodness, they're awesome!!!  I've always wanted to get my own DSLR, but with the cost and everything I've been just debating and debating... but after seeing these pictures, I think it officially has made itself on my wishlist of 2012.

Okay, time to fly!  See you in the states :)

running away

@ Tokyo Imperial Palace and other places...

 

 

If you ever asked me if I would run during vacation before, my answer would have been no.  But considering how much I've been eating and drinking everyday, I have no choice but to workout to burn off some fat.  People say Japanese food are healthy and it's good for you, and that's only true when you eat in moderation I guess...  I won't stop eating though!!!

Hope everyone had an awesome Black Friday!!!

Traveling to Japan

Back to LAX

 

As most of you have already guessed, we're in Japan!  We typically fly to Tokyo first, but this time we first went to Nagoya, then a quick half day trip to Kobe, and now we're back in Tokyo.  Japan has been shockingly cold, but we're enjoying like crazy :)  Here are some pictures on our way to Japan!

Happy Thanksgiving!

NYC trip - friends and food part 2

@ French bistro in Soho...

 

So, since I've totally forgotten to upload rest of the pictures from NY, instead of packing for Japan tomorrow I've decided to upload them now. Very clever I know.  Every night I spent in NY this weekend was so special to me, and this night of reuniting with my old roommate was no exception.  Although we've started living together as an acquaintance, I've been so fortunate to have her as my roommate.  It definitely is one of the best things that have happened to me while living in NYC.  We've went through each other's ups and downs, and we literally survived together.  No matter where we both decide to live in the future, I hope this friendship will last :)

I'll be back at the airport tomorrow!!!

okonomiyaki party

Inviting good friends before the big trip...

 

It was just the last weekend we were in NYC, and I can't believe we will be in Japan next weekend!  Before the big trip, we've invited our friends to our place and had a super casual home party.  "Okonomiyaki" is basically a Japanese savory pancake, and it's a great dish to serve at parties like this, because it's so easy and you just make it in front of the guests and guests can eat with whatever sauce/toppings they prefer.  We forgot to take pictures, but we also served "takoyaki (octopus ball) as an appetizer.  I love drinking with them :)