I am NOT a tourist.


February 19th: Today Matt and I headed to Kyoto on a Sunrise Tour. There we saw Sanjusangendo. It houses 1001 statues of Kannon, Bodhisttva, dating back to the 13th century. If you are caught taking a photo your camera is confiscated, so I have included a photo from japaneselifestyle.com.au.




“Sanjusengendo, means "33 spaces between columns hall." There are 34 columns along the length of the room, creating 33 spaces between them, and 33 is a significant number in that sect of Buddhism. The temple is filled with statues: one big Thousand Armed Kannon, known as the main deity, set up as the main point of worship in the center; 1000 Thousand Armed Kannon statues lined up in the hall; 28 guardian deities who protect the Kannon; and 2 gods of wind and thunder adding their fierceness. While the temple is a popular tourist and school field trip attraction, it is still a working temple, with appropriate services conducted by the resident monks during the day. In front of the main deity, there are drums, bells, incense bowls, and kneeling cushions that are used every day. “ (Tomoko, Sunrise Tours)




Next stop on the tour was Heian Shrine. It was breathtakingly beautiful. A portion of the movie Memoirs of a Geisha, 2005 was filmed in this garden. Heian Shrine was built in 1895. It is dedicated to the first and last emperors that reigned from Kyoto.


Here I am crossing Garyu-kyo, a walkway across the Soryu-ike pond. Garyu-ko is made from stone pillars.

Last stop in the tour was Kiyomizu Temple Complex. Kiyomizu means clear water, or pure water. The name is taken from the water fall near by. The temple complex includes several other shrines.


Boo-Yaow! It was only a matter of time. A pink and green temple! I love my A-K-A! I love it! I love it! I love it!






After 6 hours, we were templed out. Osaka is known for its food. So I could not leave without tasting Okonomiyaki, a Japanese Pancake.







After 3 cities in 3 days, we were exhausted or “broke down” as my cousin says. It was time to return to Tokyo! After boarding the Shinkansen, it was lights out for me.

What had happened was( LOL I love starting a story like that).


Mattilyn and I were standing at the cab stand when I noticed the gentleman in front of us was unsteady on his feet, and before I could say, “ Get Him!", BOOM! Into the shrubs he goes. After a few people helped him to his feet, he was still unable to stand without assistance and was bumping into me. So I told him ,“ Look brother, I am going to stand here and hold you up until your cab arrives.” I was praying he didn't regurgitate. When his cab pulled up, I walked him over and pushed him in as best as I could. I mind you plenty of MEN were standing behind us. But according to what my cousin could tell (she knows some Japanese) they were embarrassed. It wasn’t the first time I’ve had to do that, come on I went to college.


What that exchange taught me is The Golden Rule, Do unto others as you’d have them do unto you, is trans-cultural.

Daijoubu, Oyasuminasa!

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My first time was in Japan!

February 18th: Today was fun! First thing was Universal Studios.





After hitting a few rides with the guys I ventured off by myself. Took a few pictures. More shopping. Made a friend.




After dinner, it was time to do something I have never done before. It was 8 of us. I was so excited for my first time to be in Japan.

I went to a spa!


Spa World was a 24 hour 6 floor onsen in Osaka. An onsen is another word for hot spring. During check in you were assigned a wrist tag as your ID. It will just record your bills in the computer; you then pay the total on check-out., so no cash needed.



First stop was a red pepper and ginger bath. This spring was outside.


Next stop, Shea Butter, Collagen Placenta bath. It was heavenly!




Speaking of heavenly... next was an hour long full body massage with sandal wood oil.



Next was another unforgettable experience. A fish pedicure. In some countries they use this method to treat variety of skin ailments, like psoriasis, but for us it was strictly vanity and curiosity. The fish nibble on dead skin (heels and cuticles). Now...I had to take a min and get myself together b/c the thought of something eating my flesh as I watched was freaking me out, but for $12 you get 12 mins and I figured 12 mins isn't that long. The feeling isn't painful at all; it was more ticklish than anything. Something like a vibration. The little fish {Garra Rufa} didn't hold back either and I’m glad b/c when my feet emerged from the water, they felt better than expected. Press Play to see the little creatures @ work!



This little momma was enjoying the spa with the big girls!


Here are the guys goofing around in their spa attire. I said smile and they hit a Sashay Shantay!



After the pedicure I hung out in the rest area. That last all of 10 mins.


Then I was off to the Salt Sauna while the others went for another massage. The salt sauna was really intense. So after 10 -15 mins, I had enough and headed for another round in the different baths. We were there for hours and I could have stayed all night to be honest, but all good things must come to an end, right? Wait who said that??? ( I looked it up.Chaucer, 1374) Obviously, he has never been to Spa World! If you ever visit Osaka, Spa World is a must!

Unfortunately, my evening wasn’t over. In order to play hard, you have to work hard. I had to update my resume, write a cover letter, complete application, share it with Monya via Google documents and make sure it was faxed( and emailed) by close of business Eastern Time. That is the one thing that felt wrong about this trip, not having my crony along, but we have less than 200 days until our summer vacation. After that was done, I took a walk to Lawson’s (a corner store) to get something to eat, and right as I was falling asleep, another earth quake…Good Night!






























































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Call me Bambi!



February 17th: Today started early. I mean 4am early. After a mini earthquake, Mattilyn and I met Ryan and Campbell downstairs and we caught a cab to the metro station.

From there we took at train to Tokyo Station and then hopped on the Shinkansen a Japan's high speed trains (bullet train). The train travels close to 200 mph. It took maybe 3-4 hours to get to Kyoto Station. Breakfast was at McDonalds. In Japan, the fish sandwich and chicken nuggets are considered breakfast meals, the Double Quarter Pounder is new and you can wash your hand while standing in line.



Next stop Nara. The travel guide gave us a map with the major places circled in red crayon. First stop, Kōfuku-ji. A Buddhist Temple built in 669, but moved to Nara in 710.



Visiting Nara Park was a highlight of the trip. It is home to over 1,200 wild sika deer that freely roam. These deer are considered tame,

but if you have any "shika sembei - Deer Biscuits" or if they think you have a biscuit, it is another story. I was head butted by a deer that was not happy with me b/c I didn't have any biscuits. Campbell actually caught the moment of contact on camera. After that...they weren't that cute anymore. Please get me out of here!

Here we are in front of the Buddhist temple complex, Todai-ji. Its Great Buddha Hall is the largest wooden building in the world and inside is the world's largest statue of the Buddha.





After walking for four hours, I was tired; but not too tired to shop! Once we returned to Kyoto Station. We retrieve our luggage from the lockers. Campbell and Ryan stayed in Kyoto, while Mattilyn and I headed for Osaka. After meeting the fellas for a quick photo-op, Jason and Chris joined us for dinner at Barbacoa a Brazilian Restaurant. The grilled pineapple was great and so was the seaweed salad.


After that it was lights out!
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The Magic of Disney

February 16th: Today was the first of two trips to Tokyo Disney Sea. I was excited about seeing Mattilyn doing what she does best...entertain the people. Ian (my tour guide for the day) and I got to the show a little late so we were seated in the balcony. You know I was NOT supposed to have a camera, but I’m Meredith and breaking the rules is a habit. It paid off b/c I captured some nice footage of her performance. Her mom is going to be ecstatic. More about Big Band Beat on the Feb 23rd entry.


Next, Ian and I headed to see Mystic Rhythm. It was an amazing show. My footage does not do it justice. Afterwards we channeled our inner child and played for a while.

After dinner at Planet Hollywood and I called it a night. Tomorrow…we leave for OSAKA!

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Light! Camera! Action!

February 15th: Today was an interesting day. My cousin wrote a song called, A Woman Scorned and today she shot a video. Before you start goggling and looking for it on MTVJams. It was strictly promotional, more like youtube.
It was so much fun, but hard work. Cheers to Campbell the director. I was his Assistant Director and Audio Engineer, along with Naoko Visual Engineer. That means I wrote things down, carried bags, touched up make up and pressed play on iTunes and Naoko made sure the lamp was close enough to the camera! LOL ! The leading man was a sweet piece of eye candy, excuse me a very handsome young man named Ian.




During taping I excused myself to the ladies room to find this.


a squat toilet

Even with my pre-trip research and knowledge of the culture, my first thoughts were still , “Oh hell naw! How am I? What am I? Let’s just say I’m glad I’m familiar with a few Yoga poses. Moving on.


Mattilyn and I @ the travel agency. We leave for Osaka Tuesday morning.

Later that evening was a birthday party for Jeremy and Hayden (other Big Band Beat performers). When it comes to sushi, I usually go to my local whole foods where my buddy, Rico hooks me with an order of fresh whole grain veggie sushi. Ha Haaaah! It did not go down like that tonight. I had Ahi! I am glad I tasted it, but it is not something I’d eat on a regular bases.










































































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Out and About

February 14th: After Mattilyn left for work. I took my morning walk to the bay. I have no idea what time I woke up and I really didn't care.What a great feeling. Could have caught a cab or the bus, but I decided to take the 20 min walk to Shinurayasu Station. This cutie pie and I played peek a boo long enough for me to snap a picture.
Isn't she precious? At 6pm I met Babysis, Naoko, and Chris at Ikspiari. Naoko is the costume designer and Chris is a singer in the Big Band Beat show @ Tokyo Disney Sea. Ikspiari is a shopping, dining and entertainment complex outside of Tokyo Disney Resort. It was simple to find. One train stop away. Next we headed to Electronics Town in Akihabara. Anything you can think of they have it.
Later we had dinner at a Korean Resturant.

We did a bit of shopping after dinner.




I didn't get it either.



TMZ moment: During my trip to Japan, it was common to see public intoxication. This particular night, I noticed a young man walk into the wall, get on the escalator, tumble down the escalator then ride up on his side. We were in shock. My cousin and I started running backwards on one of those moving side walks. We get up the steps to find him passed out in a corner. Pants undone. It was crazy. Mattilyn goes and get some coffee wakes him up and makes him drink it. I’m praying he does regurgitate. Then he jumps up and repeatedly mumbles, Arigatou. Arigatou. Starts to cry and stumbles away. I call this a TMZ moment b/c shamefully; I got some of this on video. I felt horrible afterwards, so I deleted it! Good Night!










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February 11th & 12th: Welcome to J-pan!

Today starts my 2 week adventure in Japan. I got to the Charlotte Douglass International Airport at 5:00am for a 6:01am flight. After hugs and kisses from my parents it was time to start my trip! First was a short flight to Detroit. There, my 4 hour lay over ended up being 7 hours. People where getting hostile. It was quite entertaining! Being rude to the staff isn't going to get us there any quicker. The flight was pretty smooth. I slept most of the time. We flew across Canada, Alaska and Russia. The food was OK. You can't beat Oreos and Green Tea for dessert. My seat mates were retired teachers headed to Thailand. After seeing another sunrise, I got a great glimpse the mountains. Where? I have no idea. The pilot usually announces where we are, but I guess I missed it. After 22hours and 6,897 miles, I landed in Japan! Upon getting my bags and going through customs the adventure started..Getting to my cousins apartment! After a bit of walking, a bus/limo and a cab I was finally at E-Village! E-village is where all the Disney and Cirque du Soleil performers reside. Upon checking in with security, getting issued an ID and my room key, I was ready ...for BED! The evening ended with meeting a few cast members and a dinner of none other than Kentucky Fried Chicken, Macaroni and Greens! Good Night!

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