Japan: Mini Photo Shoots

First, I just had to take a few pictures of Takeru taking a smoke break in his natural habitat while we were in Shimokitazawa

And then he took my camera and got some of me at a Shinto shrine on the way back to the station!  I took some pictures of him here too.  This is definitely one of the things I love about Japan.  Just scattered all around the new cities, buildings, homes, trains, and hustle and bustle, you can literally just walk into the past.  These shrines range in sizes, and most of them aren't huge, famous, and full of people.

We got our little fortuney things, and I got the best one you can get! Takeru just got the regular one though XD I'll have to have enough luck for the both of us I suppose

The feeling at one of these shrines is similar to the calm, kind of peaceful feeling you'd get going into a church, or a beautiful naturey place.  Whether or not religion plays a role, churches, shrines, and nature do have that kind of feeling, I think.   It's really interesting to me, that a Catholic church in America, a Shinto shrine in Japan, and some beautiful natural wonder anywhere in the world can all have the same kind of feeling.  Just have respect and love for all religions, people, and nature is what I believe!

Blog: Japan Day 3 Part 2: Harajuku and Shinjuku

Of course I couldn't not go here at least once!  It was only a very quick trip, since I have been here before many times.  It was nice to see these places I haven't been in so long, and be reminded that it wasn't just a dream!

I went to the new Harajuku Etude House

And here's just random quick pictures

I know this isn't particularly interesting to you guys, but I got to revisit the first conbini I ever went to when I first went to Japan, in Harajuku! XD

Anyway, after that, we headed to Shinjuku to meet some of Takeru's friends for drinks at an izakaya.  We hit some pretty rough rush hour traffic on the Yamanote line...

Can you find Godzilla?

This is the inside of the izakaya! It was called: 磯丸水産 (Isomarusuisan)

And here comes the food porn...

Japanese alcohol is the best!

After that, we went to karaoke and ate ramen, but I was a little drunk and didn't take pictures of it XD  That's all for that day!

Blog: Morgantown Spring Part 2: Cherry Blossoms and Other Spring Blooms

No one ever believes me that these are real cherry blossoms in Morgantown!  They always think that they are whatever those weird fishy smelling pear trees are that all all over town DX I will tell you that these smell just like the cherry blossoms that I've smelled in Japan, AND they are also Japanese person-approved-real. ♡

I will also tell you, to be careful if you go here (Hazel Ruby McQuain Park).  This is where my camera was stolen, and creepy people sometimes try to talk to me.  It's very sad that things like this must happen in a place so pretty and meant to be fun.  But please be warned and careful, and maybe go with a group.  I have had lots of good memories and times with friends here too!

Definitely cherry blossoms!  They even have the distinct almost heart-shaped petals

And then here are some cherry blossoms and other flowers I found around town and on campus!

Unfortunately, I think the random second winter-like cold got to a lot of the delicate spring flowers, but it's warming up now, so hopefully that means summer flowers are coming!

Blog: Japan Day 3 Part 1: Shimokitazawa and Italian Food

We went to Shimokitazawa again, because there was so much more to see still, and I loved it so much the first day!

This place was called the Garage Department, and it was a bunch of mini stores selling secondhand, vintage, and handmade clothes and accessories, kind of like a flea market!

I got an Axes Femme dress and an Anna Sui earring from here! I think I will make a post with more details and pictures of what all I got and where from. Unfortunately it might have to be mostly Iphone pictures because of my stolen camera though DX [link to post with that story here] I'll try to look at it as an artistic challenge... I want my camera! DX

This store had a lot of Gunne Sax dresses! I will also have a more detailed post about Gunne Sax in Japan, with maybe some links to their websites and pictures from inside the stores. ;)

After that, we took the train a few stations away to eat at an Italian restaurant where Takeru used to work

Right by the station

And that's all for the first part of day 3!