Friday, August 7, 2009

Oh pretty Love, don't worry

Konnichiwa! Ni Hao! The vacation is over! David and I arrived back on South Korean soil after 2 weeks hopping around Asia and I must say, our time away was quite a success. Aside from a mild case of strep throat which kept me bed ridden for a few days, everything was 100% perfection.

I've decided to update my blog as I edit photos. I've narrowed my selection down to less than 1/2 and am still sifting through to find my favorites. But, before I move onto the photos, just a mini update sobre yours truly.

This week is English camp, which is identical to normal teaching only I'm 100% on my own, the classes are 1/4 of the size and it's a bajillion times more fun! Today I taught my sweet kiddos about different cultures around the world and then we played the game "musical chairs," which all those glossy-haired cuties were emphatic about. Especially since there was an unknown prize involved (unknown to me, as well..forgot I added that part on the "directions" portion of my powerpoint...I'll pick up something this weekend)! I even got an "I LOVE YOU, WENDY TEACHER!" as a few skidaddled out of the classroom.

Ooh, adorable story: We were talking about how to say, "Hello," in various languages and when we came to Mexico, the students saw, "Hola," written on the powerpoint. I said, "Does anyone know how you say, "Anyeonhaseyo," in Mexico. My ears were overjoyed at the chorus of, "HOLLA's!" sung out by the students. Holla! I died laughing. Like, seriously. Dead.

Anyway, it's really mega weird to say this, but David and I move back to the United States next month. Next. Month. As in, the one after this one. As in, oh my god. Honestly, I'm feeling good about it. I miss my family and friends. I miss my car. I want to get settled. I think as time progresses, though, I'll begin to feel more abivalent about leaving. I already get pangs of sadness. It's kind of like when you're about to graduate and you experience all those, "lasts."

I'm really eager for the wedding to happen, too, an event which occurs one month after we return. It's been a few years in the making, though most of the planning has occured within the last 6 months or so. I really hope everything goes smoothly. I have all these ideas floating around in my head and just want everything to be concrete, planned, scheduled, happening. And I hope that the burn across my chest (which forms a perfect square, mind you, despite slathering on a bucket of sunscreen) fades before I throw on that strapless wedding gown. Can you imagine?

Anyway, more updates about life things, later. For now, I'm going to post some photos from Harajuku, a district in Tokyo Japan that I was the most excited about visiting. It's considered a cultural hotspot, one of the most famous in the world, and breeds angsty asian teens in CosPlay (Costume Play) outfits. It's a shoppers paradise (especially if you're into quirky) and full of candy-fresh colors and eccentricity galore. Enjoy!

Tokyo, Japan Sights

Tokyo, Japan Sights

Tokyo, Japan Sights

Tokyo, Japan Sights
Cutest Miss ever!

Tokyo, Japan Sights
This is "Condomania." A little risque, but nothing's too bold for Wendy. Check out the store signs! :P

Tokyo, Japan Sights
I love the colors!

Tokyo, Japan Sights
This is a darling, all-vegetarian cafe David and I randomly bumped into. Perfect for lunch!

Tokyo, Japan Sights

Tokyo, Japan Sights
And thus begins the shopping.

Tokyo, Japan Sights
Tarina Tarantino = <3 href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/misswendycity/3779569459/" title="Tokyo, Japan Sights by wendyrgould, on Flickr">Tokyo, Japan Sights
H&M Harajuku!

Tokyo, Japan Sights

Tokyo, Japan Sights

Tokyo, Japan Sights

Tokyo, Japan Sights

Tokyo, Japan Sights

Tokyo, Japan Sights

Tokyo, Japan Sights
Mmm...creperia. David and I couldn't resist the scents/sights/smells surrounding this joint!

Tokyo, Japan Sights

Tokyo, Japan Sights

Tokyo, Japan Sights

Tokyo, Japan Sights
Okay so I'm like 87% serious about starting a creperia when I get back to the states.

Tokyo, Japan Sights

Tokyo, Japan Sights
Harajuku Girls

Tokyo, Japan Sights

Tokyo, Japan Sights
And back to shopping...!

Tokyo, Japan Sights
Why, hello!

Tokyo, Japan Sights
"Take a look," she said with a coy smile!

Tokyo, Japan Sights

Tokyo, Japan Sights

Tokyo, Japan Sights

Tokyo, Japan Sights

Tokyo, Japan Sights

Tokyo, Japan Sights

Now, these next mini-series is also from Harajuku. This shrine is one of the most beautiful and famous in Tokyo, but it is often overlooked because of the vibrant colors across the way. It's called the Meiji shrine and is one of the most tranquil places I've been in quite a while. We perused the area, by accident (curiosity led us down a lush and winding trail) just before dusk set it. Enjoy!

Tokyo, Japan Sights
It was interesting to see all the business men and women visiting the shrine after their long day at work.

Tokyo, Japan Sights

Tokyo, Japan Sights

Tokyo, Japan Sights

Tokyo, Japan Sights

Tokyo, Japan Sights
Prayers in all languages.

Tokyo, Japan Sights

Tokyo, Japan Sights

Tokyo, Japan Sights
I think this is my favorite from the temple. I love the stark contrast of her tiny red kimono against a palette of black, green, brown and white. I also love how the distance is so black, but it's a peaceful black that beckons you.

That's all! :D

2 sprinkles:

Dana Sease said...

Yay, Japan!

If you start a creperia, I'm 100% sure that I'll visit it!! I love me some crepes! :)

I noticed that you had to take the pictures of the Harajuku girls "paparazzi style"...not surprised because I asked some dolled-up girls if I could (pretty) please take their picture, and they said no! Still don't understand that, but oh well. It was raining when I went to Harajuku, so there wasn't quite the fashion scene that there usually is. Bummer.

I laughed out loud at, "Holla!" Just yesterday, I heard a Japanese guy say, "Holla at cha boy!" and I almost peed my pants!

Memory said...

You've reminded me of my crepe love. :) I think I need to make some tomorrow.