Wow, we're back in Canada. It's hard to believe that we are now embarking on our Canadian stint of the Fantabulous Trip. We lived out February 15th twice, as we boarded the plane for the 7pm take-off on that day. Of course, it was Air Canada, so we were late leaving :) We arrived in Vancouver at 7am on Feburary 15th. Just like the movie Groundhog Day! We had a nice time in Vancouver and got to see our friends--Carly, Fadi and Lucia. We also got to drink...

Wow, we're back in Canada. It's hard to believe that we are now embarking on our Canadian stint of the Fantabulous Trip. We lived out February 15th twice, as we boarded the plane for the 7pm take-off on that day. Of course, it was Air Canada, so we were late leaving :) We arrived in Vancouver at 7am on Feburary 15th. Just like the movie Groundhog Day! We had a nice time in Vancouver and got to see our friends--Carly, Fadi and Lucia. We also got to drink...

Our next installment of Japan brought us to Kyoto. Kyoto is not only know for the environmental accord to reduce CO2 emissions to curb global warming (just in case you didn't know Mr. Harper and Bush) but also as one of the ancient capitals of imperial Japan. Luckily, the Allies took this place off the short list for the A-bomb as it is a very beautiful and laid-back city at the foot of the mountains! For that reason, Kyoto is home to 2000 plus Buddhist and S...

A-bombs and so much more After a wickedly fast train ride from Osaka to Hiroshima, we found our (excellent!) hostel quickly and dumped our bags (hostel link: http://hiroshimahostel.jp/). We were off quite soon afterward, as the majority of the atomic bomb memorials are very close by. We decided to take a look at all of the cenotaphs, statues, etc. during the nice light of the setting sun. Hiroshima has a series of rivers running through it and they have taken on...

Konichiwa! We are settling into Japan and the cold quite well, we think. It's great how efficient, clean, and vendor-free this country is! We're really enjoying it so far. It helps that we're staying with a friend of a friend who has been a great hostess (and has let us sleep in her super-comfy bed). Rona grew up in Winnipeg but has lived in Japan on and off for the past 5 years or so. She knows her stuff. She didn't even hesitate when I asked he...