Unless Benicio visits Tokyo next week, sadly this will go unrealized. BUT, I made another resolution that I would travel more in 2009--if possible, every month. I didn't do too shabby.
JANUARY
On a 3-day weekend I took the train to Tochigi Prefecture, to Yunishigawa Onsen. That night a blizzard dumped a foot of snow on the ground, which I got to enjoy from the rotenburo.
FEBRUARY
To Gunma with Tokyo Gaijins for snowshoeing in Minakami. Snowshoe up the mountain, slide down on your bum!
In between, homemade curry and real snow-cones with blueberry syrup. (OK, this was March 1 but close enough)
MARCH-APRIL
I housesat for my coworker in Kitakamakura for two weeks, looking after their pets. A nice 45-minute trek away is Yuigahama beach. Their Plott Hound, Chico, and I spent a sunny Sunday watching surfers brave the chilly ocean.
Later in the month, just as the cherry trees blossomed, I went to the States on business. First to the Southwest, including Colorado Springs and its magnificent Pikes Peak.
Next to the Arizona deserts cities of Tucson and Phoenix.
Then up to Seattle, where the UW Quad was in its full glory.
I made it as far north as Victoria before heading back home.
MAY
No traveling in May, but I did start yoga during Golden Week. Let's count this as traveling... to enlightenment.
JUNE
Ah, June. June was Bali.
JULY
Back to the U.S. for bidness, this time to Baltimore. Hi, Mom!
I love frozen margaritas.
AUGUST
I turned 29. Traveling... to my thirties? In the meantime, meet my coworkers!
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER
Back AGAIN to the U.S., this time to the Sunshine State. I do love me some beaches.
SoCal included lunch with cousin Nicole and a stroll along Hermosa Pier.
OCTOBER-NOVEMBER
2 weeks catching up with office work in Tokyo, and back again, AGAIN, to the U.S. First to the Pacific Northwest, including a drive across the great State of Washington.
A perk of traveling so much for business is that occasionally, they send me to cool places I've never visited, like Europe. First stop, Italy. When in Rome, eat as the Romans do.
Overnight train to Germany, where I met cousin Kai for the first time.
Cities visited for work: Milan, Rome, Frankfurt, Munich, Hannover. Then a week of vacation, starting in Berlin.
With my Eurail Pass I made my way through Germany, down to the heart of the Alps in Interlaken.
Back to Italy to once again eat as the Romans do.
DECEMBER
It's been a busy year. I am going to enjoy this city I call home for the holidays, and stay put. Merry Christmas all, see you in 2010!
