A trip to Laughlin and the Grand Canyon.

Because there just wasn't enough time to go to Yosemite park like we had originally planned, the folks took us to the Grand Canyon which was great because neither Juan nor I had ever been there before. We went to Grand Canyon West which is on native American property and actually costs a pretty penny just to get on the reservation. Once there Juan and I did the famous sky walk, which was a little terrifying.



We had a nice afternoon walking the unguarded rim and seeing one of the worlds biggest natural wonders. Thanks to my training in Tokyo, I was all prepared with SPF 50, lots of water and my trusty SPF parasol. Unfortunately not everyone in our party fared so well and we left after a few hours for the sanctuary of air conditioning and iced beverages.

Later that evening we went back to our hotel in Laughlin and enjoyed the evening with a buffet and a few games of Cosmic Bowling. It was a great little trip. Thanks Sue and Dad for everything!

The only thing we regret is not opening up that gas station/ car wash at the end of the 15 mile unpaved road you had to take to get onto the reservation.

Sailing in San Diego

The folks took Juan and I out to San Diego for a lovely day of sunshine and sailing.

Dad works the sails.

Juan pretends to drive the boat.

Sue actually drives the boat.

And me... I just like to sit and enjoy the salty air and the wind on my face.

1st order of Business

1. A trip to the DMV to renew our driver's liscence.

2. Pedicures and a much needed foot scrub.

3. Eating copius amounts of red meat.

4. Catching up with the family in the nice dry california summer.

We're going to America

Asagaya Tanabata Matsuri

After a day of shopping in Shinjuku for last minute gifts for friends and family... Juan and I decided to hit up one of our local festivals. Asagaya's Tanabata Festival is mostly for children, but everyone seemed to being enjoying themselves as they sweated through the crowded streets looking at large paper-mache cartoon characters and eating shaved ice.

Here's a cute little video of a popular festival game in which children fish for goldfish using rice paper rings.

Tonkatsu Lunch and shopping in Shinjuku

Joestu manhole cover

As we leave Joetsu, I would like to leave you with this picture of their manhole cover. Manhole covers in Japan are often decorated with designs representing the local area. Not all are painted, but if you run across one it's always a good idea to snap a photo.

Check some more photos out at Gizmodo

or purchase a hip coffee table book for your friends at Amazon.

Enjoy