The main reason we decided to head to Ube for a day trip was to see the Japanese wind chimes at Kotozaki-hachimangu Shrine . Furin, Japanese wind chimes, are known as the sound of summer. Many Japanese people enjoy hearing the soothing sound the chimes make while blowing in the wind. It is even said… Continue reading Day Trip to Ube
South Korea Part 2: Gyeongju (Day Trip from Busan)
Since we had seen everything we wanted to see in Busan, we decided to take a day trip to Gyeongju, a coastal city of South Korea. We hired the same driver for this day trip as the one who had shown us around Busan. The drive was under 2 hours from Busan. Gyeongju was the… Continue reading South Korea Part 2: Gyeongju (Day Trip from Busan)
7 Things to Do in Busan (South Korea-Part 1)
Before telling you about the 7 sights to see and activities to do in Busan, I will explain how we traveled from Iwakuni, Japan to Busan, South Korea. At the end of December 2019, we decided to make a trip to South Korea. We thought Busan would be a great place to explore and get… Continue reading 7 Things to Do in Busan (South Korea-Part 1)
Goldfish Lanterns and Indigo Dyeing in Yanai
Are you looking for something different to do on a rainy or cold day? Or even an easy day trip when the weather is nice? Then head to Yanai. Yanai is a city in Yamaguchi prefecture, and it is home to the goldfish lantern festival that occurs annually on August 13th. During the lantern festival… Continue reading Goldfish Lanterns and Indigo Dyeing in Yanai
Unique Animal Experiences near Camp Zama
Japan is home to many unique animal experiences which often take place in a cafe. If you live in or near Zama, Sagamihara, or Atsugi you should check out these three animal encounters. Each animal experience was very family friendly and easy to navigate with the language barrier. Parrot Cafe The Parrot Cafe is a… Continue reading Unique Animal Experiences near Camp Zama
Day Trip to Mine City
If the weather is nice and you are looking for a family friendly day trip from Iwakuni, I have just the place for you. Mine is a city in Yamaguchi Prefecture with over 25,000 residents. It is best known for Akiyoshidai Quasi-National Park. The area was thought to be a coral reef over 300 million… Continue reading Day Trip to Mine City
3 Babies in 3 Countries: Japanese Birth Experience-Part 2
Before beginning the rest of the story about my Japanese Birth experience, it is important to note that at ICC they have many, many rules that they did not have at the hospitals I delivered at in Colorado and Germany. One rule was that they do not allow children to visit the newborn in the… Continue reading 3 Babies in 3 Countries: Japanese Birth Experience-Part 2
3 Babies in 3 Countries: Japanese Birth Experience-Part 1
In July 2019, two months prior to Flynn’s arrival we had a permanent change of station (PCS) from Camp Zama, Japan to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan. We packed our 2 dogs, 2 girls, and some luggage into our 2 vehicles for a 2 day drive south toward Hiroshima. When we arrived, we stayed in temporary lodging… Continue reading 3 Babies in 3 Countries: Japanese Birth Experience-Part 1
3 Babies in 3 Countries: German Birth Experience
Before I can tell Mackenzy’s birth story, I have to give a little background information and explain the prenatal visits to the German Klinikum in Weiden. So here goes… We moved from Colorado to Germany with Carsyn, who was 17 months at the time, and our two dogs when I was 33 weeks pregnant with… Continue reading 3 Babies in 3 Countries: German Birth Experience
3 Babies in 3 Countries: American Birth Experience
Carsyn is my first and oldest child and her due date was a few days before Christmas. At the time we were living in Colorado Springs, as my husband was stationed at Fort Carson. As a teacher, I was excited that I had made it to winter break. My pregnancy was relatively uneventful and normal.… Continue reading 3 Babies in 3 Countries: American Birth Experience
Three Tulips and a Texan 