Photoshoot with Manu Akamatsu | Osaka, Japan

As you probably know, every year Markus and I use a photo from our travels for a holiday card. Before we went to Japan, I planned two different shoots for last year’s photo. Our first attempt in Kawaguchiko with Mt. Fuji, did not work out so I had a backup plan with a photographer in Osaka. Thankfully, I found Manu Akamatsu on AirBnB. The time we spent with him was definitely a highlight of our trip.

Markus and I were a bit nervous before meeting Manu. We wondered if it would be an uncomfortable and awkward experience. I almost cancelled because I didn’t want to deal with it, but I’m so glad I didn’t. Within a few minutes of meeting Manu, I knew we made the right decision. He was warm, personable and funny. It was like meeting up with an old friend or cousin. He took us to a few really great spots in the Namba area and even gave us a couple restaurant recommendations. I was also able to ask him some hard hitting questions about Japanese dramas. For example, “why does every drama couple, adults or teenagers, always go on a date to the aquarium?” It was so funny to see his reaction because he never thought about it before but then realized that I was right. I’m still waiting on that answer. As you can see from these photos, Manu isn’t just a great conversationalist. He’s also an amazing photographer. We loved our photos and I wouldn’t hesitate to book him again if we visit Japan again.

Around Town | Fujiyoshida, Japan

One sunny and hot morning, Markus and I put on one of our multiple matching outfits and set out to try and get a holiday photo. There’s a really famous street in Fujiyoshida that has a great view of Mt. Fuji and we tried to take a photo there. Unfortunately, the photo didn’t work out. There were way too many cars, people and the lighting wasn’t right. It’s okay though, because as you know, we got the perfect photo in Osaka.

Even though the photo was a bust, Markus and I had a great time in the small town. It was like being in one of those Godzilla movies from the 1960s. They had speakers all over and sirens and announcements kept going off. I’m sure they weren’t emergencies but it still felt surreal. We ended up finding a cute little cafe that was open since 1935. They had all the french sweets that I like. We ended up taking a little break and ate a matcha cake roll and my favorite, a Mont Blanc. I love anything with chestnuts and the first time I had a Mont Blanc in Paris, I died. Any time I see it on a menu, I have to get it. I’m happy to say that this cafe delivered and it was the perfect spot for a break.

Joyeux Noël 2019 | Hozenji Temple | Osaka, Japan

Every year, Markus and I travel somewhere and take a photo that will ultimately be our holiday card. This year, we traveled to Japan and I wanted to get a photo of us in front of Mt. Fuji. Usually, Markus and I just set up a tripod and take the photo ourselves, but this year, I didn’t want to risk it. Unfortunately that didn’t work out, but I’ll post more about that later. As a backup, I booked a photography session in Osaka with Manu Akamatsu and thank goodness I did. Markus and I had a great time with Manu and he took so many great photos of us, which I will post more of later.

It was hard to pick one photo, but we loved everything about this photo at Hozenji Temple. This temple can be found in the heart of Namba and is not too far from the popular Dotonbori area. The small temple dates back to 1637 and was actually a bit larger than it is today. Manu told us that people usually make a wish at the moss covered statue, Mizukake-Fudo, and then splash water on it. Apparently a woman did this 80 years ago and her wish came true. Markus and I both made wishes, so lets see if it comes true in 2020!

Happy holidays my dear readers. I hope you have a Happy Christmas and a Merry New Year!

Harvest Time Orchards 2018 | Twin Lakes, Wisconsin

For some reason this year, Markus and I took longer than normal to head out to the orchards. When we finally made the trek out to Twin Lakes, all the trees were bare and the store was devoid of a single apple. It was kind of sad, but it’s okay because the main reason we drove almost two hours was the apple cider donuts. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to take any photos, because we ended up devouring the entire order in minutes. No joke, I would probably drive another two hours to eat those amazing donuts!

Big Ben and the London Eye | London, England

In 2006, Markus and I made our first international trip together. We just had our second wedding (another story for another time) and we were able to plan a honeymoon abroad. For as long as I could remember, I wanted to go to London and Markus being the amazing guy that he is, agreed. we spent a short six days there, but it was a life changing trip, it was the start of ten years of traveling and adventuring with my best friend. I didn't think we would be make it back to London, but we managed to visit two more times in ten years. I do have to admit that my love of London has diminished a bit over time. I still think it's a great city, but the charm fades with each visit. I think it has a lot to do with the other cities in the UK, but more on that below.

We didn't plan on going back this last winter, but our dearest and closest Korean little brother Junnie moved to England and we couldn't pass up the opportunity to see him. Despite leaving Korea over four years ago, we still keep in touch with Junnie and talk quite often. I'm glad that we fit in this short trip to London. Not only did we get to see a dear friend, but we also came full circle with our first international trip. 

When we first visited London, I didn't think anything could possibly be better, but then we went to Edinburgh and that all changed. I still think London is great, but there are so many other cities and towns in the U.K. that don't get as much exposure. I feel the same way about London as I do about New York City. It's a great place to visit, but I don't think I could ever live there. There's just too much going on and it's very fast paced. I do like a city feel, but I want it to feel a bit more accessible and not so busy. 

In order to make this visit feel different than past visits, we decided to do some things we didn't do in the past. Despite visiting two times before, we never walked along the Thames and never saw Big Ben and the London Eye at night. Thank goodness we were able to get that night view this time. It was absolutely stunning at night and there is definitely a different feel than during the day. Even though, we've seen Big Ben countless times, it's still nice to stop by. Even though we've been to London a couple times, there's always something new to see and is city that will continue to surprise you.