Nagoya

We started out pretty early and took the toll highway.  It cost about $30 dollars to get there.  We got off on the wrong exit (GPS is all in Japanese) so we made it to the hotel in about 2 hours.  Parking right next to the hotel (ANA Crowne Plaza) was only $15 per night.  It was underground so a little scary going down there.  But since we only stayed one night we parked right next to the door.  The train station was right there also so taking a train would have been good also, but more expensive.  

Atsuta Jingu Shrine

 Here is where you are suppose to purify yourself before praying.

 This is one sweaty baby.

We got there and it of course was HOT, HOT oh and did I say HOT.  We found a little out door mall near the hotel and had a nice lunch at a Hawaiian restaurant that was playing Hawaii radio.  Then decided to walk the shrine about 1.2 km away.  Not always a good idea when it is HOT.  Luckily, they have vending machines on every corner.  Once we got to the shrine it was very shading and not as bad.  

We walked back to the hotel and got caught in the rain which actually felt good.  Check in around 2:00.  Now when they say check in as 2:00, that is what they mean.  There is no early check in if they have a room ready.  We had a nice view of the city from our room.

After resting we walked to the shopping area to get some dinner and hang out.  By then the sun had started to set so it was not as bad.  Our clothes still pretty much stick to you.  It was pretty crowd and was more like a flea market.  We did find a sweet Brazilian restaurant.  You have to buy tickets for what you want from a machine and then take it up to a women and give her the tickets. Jeff said he basically ordered in 4 languages.  A mixture of Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese and English.  So what did we end up with....A ton of food and two beers.  We had two whole chickens, fries and a huge empanada.

After dinner we walked back to the hotel and found another little shrine.  It was very shaded and buggy but had some cool statues.

We went back to the hotel with every intention of going back out but after cleaning up, we all pretty much feel asleep.  Next morning trying to find breakfast.  Lots of pastry shops but Jeff is very picky so we ended up finding of coffee shop with a small breakfast of one piece of toast, hard boiled egg and two little pieces of fruit.  Then later when we were headed to the subway we found a Mister Doughnut and a bakery.  Of course.  Took the subway to the Nagoya Castle.  Castle was more impressive from the outside then inside.  Inside was really just a museum, with lots of stairs.  The garden and grounds were very cool.

 Very clean subway, needs better aircondioning

 Not sure if this means no cars only big fish or something having to do with a Tsunami warning.

 The keeper of Nagoya Castle

  After the castle we went back to the hotel where we proceeded to eat our left over chicken and then check out.  Side note:  Great hotel, great service.  It would have been nice to have vending machines in the hotel so I did not have to make a night run for drinks.  But still good.

We then drove to the Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium.  Now I don't want to sound mean but this was just OK and not really worth the $30 cost.  They had a bunch of dolphin, two beluga whales, penguin and turtles.  Not really that impressed.  But Julia had a blast so that is all that matters.  We found a Red Lobster and were going to have lunch there until I read the menu.  Ah not like Red Lobster in US. So McDonald's wins again.

It was a good trip and we had a fun.  Oh and we did see probably 10 Westerners.  It is weird you make eye contact but no one wants to really say anything.  Next trip hopefully over the July 18th Japanese holiday.

Off to see the birds

This weekend we finally found the Mall.  Took the expressway which cost 400 yen to go about 10 miles.  After getting off the exit you sit in traffic to get into the Mall for about an hour.  There was only one way to get into the parking and it was 10 times worse than any Mall I have seen in America at Christmas.  Once in it is a huge mall with shops and restaurants.  I liked it, Jeff, not so much.  We left around 4:00 and there was no traffic.  Note to self, go to the Mall around dinner time.

Next was the Bird Sanctuary.  This was very cool.  Almost all the birds are free to fly around and you can buy food to feed them.  They land on your and eat the food out of your hand.  Julia was a crazy baby at first and then she was just memorized.  This of course was also very crowded.  They also have bird shows.  I will definitely visit this place again.  We tried Pizza La.  Very expensive - about $15 dollars for a small which is the size of an Atlas personal pizza.  It was OK but not worth the cost.  I also figured out with the help of Miko how to cook the meat and what sauce to use.  It turned out very good and despite the cost, we will be eating this several times a week.

Trip to the Beach

We took a trip to the beach down by the plant.  There are a lot of access points but not very many places to park.  We found a little place, unfortunately it was a like a dumping ground from every one's garbage.  I guess other people are not found of the garbage policies.  The beach was OK, some garbage and I am not sure it is the best location for swimming, but we did see several surfers and some fisherman.  They has a really nice path that goes all along the path and we walked about 3 miles.  I would definitely like to go back when it is a little less humid.  Then we found a little shop where we stopped for snacks.  Julia of course had a blast.  I wish we could have let her go swimming.  Maybe next time at another beach.  We also have to find out when the sea turtles are laying eggs.  I would love to see those.

A visit to Kakegawa Hospital

To start, no one is sick or hurt.  We had to get Julia her MMR shot that most U.S. babies get around a year old.  We thought we had things in order by getting all the forms translated and filled out.  We were told by a few people that at a hospital they can read English but will have trouble speaking it.  First off, that is pretty much false.  We got to the hospital, found the location.  There is a big room where you wait your turn in line.  At the first desk you hand over your book (which we did not have or did we know we had to have) then they give you a thermometer where you are suppose to take your child's temperature under the armpit.  OK so far, except we didn't have the book so they kind of ran around and found us someone who spoke a little English.  The room is filled with other Mothers and babies.  There are rows of chairs with signs stating which vaccination your are suppose to get.  You sit behind that chair and wait your turn.  When your name is called you got to the front where they have a nurse and doctor.  They check her heartbeat, use a tongue depressor to look in her mouth and then tell you how to hold the child so they can give the shot.  This one was given in her arm.  There was screaming the whole time.  Julia was great!  She cried a little and then wanted to play.

They then asked for our insurance card.  We gave them our International SOS card.  No they need Japanese insurance.  I do have to say that they were very patient and helpful as they could be.  They let us have the vaccination for free even though I am pretty sure we were suppose to pay.

They also told us we should have brought an interpreter.  Yes, that would have been a good idea.

Lesson Learned:  If you can't get the shots you need in the U.S. Bring an interpreter.  Also, don't get sick here, it is complicated.

Unsuccessful Trip

Well we tried to find a mall today that was about 7-10 miles away.  Drove around for 2 hours and still no mall.  But at least the weather cleared up and we went to Jolly Pasta for some pizza and pasta.

I am officially over the garbage situation.  Garbage in one, plasic in another, cartoons in another.  I spend half my day sorting garbage.  I think the easiest solution might be to eat out or not eat at all. 

Saw a video on MTV with a Japanese boy band, then I had nightmares about them. 

My sling box is not working and my movie app is not working either.  Time to drink beer and try to watch a DVD.  Maybe we can end this night on a good note.

Our first trip to Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture Japanmaps

We took Julia to Hamamatsu which is about a 45 minute car ride (25 by train) because they have a big Toys R US.  The store was very cool and we bought her a little walking/riding toy for her birthday.  She has been playing with it every since we got home. 
Then we went to Hamamatsu castle and gardens.  Very cool!  Before you ask, yes I did forget my camera so we will have to go back again.  They had a big open area like central park for playing and picnics, lots of paths, ponds with fish and ducks, waterfalls, etc.. The best part was all the little dogs that were being carried and wearing little coats even though it was 80 degrees out.  We also saw two people with there rabbits on leases and the rabbits were wearing burberry coats.  I was wonderful.  They also have a play area for kids that we never even got to.  Then we walked around the city and found a pizza place that had really good pizza and played old school 80 hits in the background. 

Came home and went out for dinner with Jeff's co-worker and his family at the Indian restaruant which was excellent!  When we came home we had our neighbors stop by and welcome us.  They asked all sorts of questions about birthday, blood type, etc.  Not sure what that was all about but I think they are the place to go in case of an emergency.  All and all it was a good week.  Very long since Julia is still getting up at 4:00am.

We made it!

The flight was good and my 11 month old did so well.  Bringing the car seat was a huge pain but worked for sleeping.  I brought way to much, so lesson learned don't bring so much.  One carry one was good. 

Now I am trying to flip Julia to this time zone.  We are on day 5 and it is slow process.  She is getting up around 2:00am but now I can at least get her to sleep again until about 4:30am. 

Tips for moving.  Take measurements for the house, things are so much smaller here.  We ordered a washer and dryer.  I really can't do the hang drying of all the clothes.  I need to have a dyer for some things.

Keeping really busy so I don't get sad, so far this is working.  We are going to try and walk to the store today. 

The slingbox is a great add and having the fiber optics installed today.  Then we should be able to get some TV.