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! 

Aomori in a day. Part 1:The Drive.

I had a super fun 4th of July holiday.

Bear, his friends, and I took a little road trip to Aomori the city. (Aomori is also the prefecture.)

It took us about 2 hours going the scenic route. If you were to take the toll road it's about $30.00 and it's quite a bit faster.

We decided to take it easy and go through the mountains.

It was beautiful. By far, it was the most peaceful, beautiful landscape I have ever seen.

If you want to travel from Misawa to Aomori, definitely do it. It's not a long drive and it would have been worth it just to take pictures and take in the country side. Japan is beautiful, and if you are here to en extended period of time, be adventurous and explore!

We had such an eventful day, and there is way too much for this one post, so next post will be Part 2: The Aquarium!

Happy travels.

I was trying to gather the dragon balls for a friend.

But I failed you Carlito.

Arcades in Japan continue to kick ass. 

So do the vending machines.
Found these gems last night.

Oh yes, my friends. Those are tighty-whities for your phone. And I have a pair. (Thats actually Bear's phone.) 200 yen in the vending machine.

This shitty picture is of a tiny, tiny mini mobile suit. It turns into...

!!!

Also 200 yen.

As usual, we went to the toy section upstairs by the arcade. 

Squees all around. Sleeping Pikachu is my favorite.

And, I got a whole new crap-ton of magazines. And a catalog.

Another one of my favorite things about Japan are catalogs. Lots of brands put out seasonal catalogs right next to the magazines. Theres something satisfying and fun about a catalog to flip through, rather than shopping online. (Or even in a store.)

Tonight I'm going after some Paul & Joe cosmetics I've had my little eye on.

Happy travels.

Tex-Mex Goodness in Misawa!

There is hope.

There's a good Tex-Mex restaurant.

To be real honest with you, I had my doubts. "At least there's a meager substitute for the wonderful food of my upbringing and home so far away," I said dramatically to myself. But then...

This place blew me away. It was good. Really. Really. Good. Those ladies know their Tex-Mex.

Best sour cream chicken enchiladas I've had in a while. The peach margarita wasn't bad either.


The prices aren't bad and this place is right outside the base.

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!

Noodle House Marumiya (Cheese Roll House) in Misawa

Well folks, this place is good. Really good. Who doesn't like fried cheese?

Everything we ordered was great. Check it out if you're in Misawa.

Truth be told, this is kind of a token Misawa place. It's very popular with local Americans. (Americans like fried food? No way.) It's easy to feel comfortable and ease into being Japan.

It's PACKED at lunch and parking is on the street. They offer take-out. It's also closed on Sundays and from 2:30-5:00 every day. They close at 9:00.

They also have a Facebook page!

How did I get to Misawa?

Well. First things first here. I want to try to be helpful to anyone like myself who has no idea what they're doing.

I flew American Airlines to Tokyo. I definitely recommend them. Both times I've flown with them it's been great. No complaints.

The first time I flew I had a window seat. This was not good. I was cramped while eating, and its no fun to wake up the person next to you if you have to pee. The second time I flew I had an aisle seat on the middle row. This was fantastic because it let me eat meals in peace without being scrunched up, and I was free to get up as I needed to. Basic stuff here, but I wish someone would have warned me. I had never flown on such a long flight before.

When I got to Narita Airport in Tokyo, Bear was waiting for me past customs. There are trains that connect Narita to Tokyo Station. The ticket desks speak English so it was easy to buy tickets. Once we got to Tokyo Station we had a 3 hour layover before a 3 hour train ride to Hachinhoe, which is about 30 minutes from Misawa. I recommend buying tickets for the "Green Car" which is first class, but doesn't really cost much more than normal seats. Very worth it after a long day of travel.

Green Car 

Skymall? Nope, TrainShop.

Tokyo Station is huge. It's busy and fast-paced but there are information desks that are really helpful if you need them. We locked up all my luggage in lockers and had lunch at one of the food courts.

The train ride was great. Lots of great scenery. I'm used to living in the dust bowl, so I was surprised at how green everything is.

The doors on the train open by touch, and I almost pressed the emergency stop button on the way to the restroom. Don't do that.

We got to Hachinohe and Bear drove us to Misawa and my new home. I will tell you that if you have a car, don't be afraid to travel and explore! Google maps and Google translate are your friends! Use them! People are very friendly, especially if you are courteous and respectful.

Happy travels.