A day in Aomori Part 2: The aquarium!

When we got to Aomori, our first stop was the aquarium.

Aquarium Asamushi is pretty darn cool.

It was $10.00 admission for each adult, and let me tell you, we all agreed it was worth every penny of $10.

We went on a weekday so it wasn't crowded at all. I highly recommend doing that if you decide to go.

I'll start with my favorite part of the aquarium.
The dolphins. The really cute dolphins.
There was a small room where you can watch feeding time and get super close to these happy guys. This was included in admission, which we all thought was pretty cool. I mean, look how excited I am.

The trainers went around the circle to each group in the audience for everyone to get a closer look.We were so close we could probably reach out and touch them. (Though absolutely no one, and no child tried to. This is a very respectful culture.) The trainers also had them do tricks and spoke to the crowd. I'm sure they said a lot of fascinating dolphin stuff/facts. But we don't understand Japanese. Either way, it was really, really special. 

After the show was finished, we walked downstairs where you could see the dolphins underwater. There was a mother with a baby and one of the dolphins just stayed close to them and entertained the kid. It was amazing to see. It must've liked children. They're such beautiful animals.

I really should have gotten better pictures, but we were having too much fun. I just forgot to take them at good moments!

There were so many other really interesting animals there. As soon as you walk into the aquarium, there is a large tank full of giant sea turtles. I had never seen any in person. They are so majestic. And really, really huge.

There were also sea lions.
Not gonna lie. This was kind of awkward. Totally not into me.

The cuttle fish was awesome. It flashed colors at us. I thought I took a wicked video, but it turns out I didn't. So that sucks. But, heres a really mediocre picture. 

There was plenty more. Like I said, definitely worth $10.00.

The aquarium also has a restaurant, and gift shop. The gift shop is full of really neat things.

For example.

There were a few photo booths and I got Bear to go in one with me! Super kawaii!

And, I will leave you with this gem. 

Happy travels! 

Shimoda Mall in Misawa

Okay. We can't stay out of the arcade. So we went the mall. Not really, I just wanted to go. But we always end up in the arcade.

It was such a pretty day. This is the top parking garage.

I won this one *mostly* by myself. >.> This is my guilty but pleased face. 

This is before this Evangelion figure came out of the machine by sheer will and many 100 yen coins. The thing about 100 yen coins? They look like quarters. Too easy to spend. 

 Here is after my awesome skill. 

Aaannd a Gundam figure, if you're into that sort of thing. Bear is. 

After victories, we celebrated at Mister Donut. The best donuts. Ever. In the entire history of donuts. You don't believe me, but if you tasted, you would. Also, one is Hello Kitty shaped. It has a little bow and everything. 

But. If you ever do have Mister Donut, do not under any circumstances be fooled by this seemingly innocent looking donut. Looks like coconut and caramel? It's not. It's curry. And it's a big kick in the mouth when you're expecting caramel. Ask Bear.

All in all Shimoda is a pretty good mall. I'm sure I'll have more posts to come about it.

Happy travels!

This just in! Panda Gloomy Bears!

So cute!

Mr. R sent me a picture of the new additions to my gloomy family! Addicted to collecting these. Addicted. He must be getting good at the arcade games. At least, I hope he is.

If you want more info on my Gloomy Bear collection, please click here.

I'm leaving so soon, I can hardly believe it! So little time left here.