Japan

Scott and I had a whirlwind 5 days together preparing for our next phase of travel. Flight circumstances dictated that Scott leave a couple days ahead of me. I flew to Tokyo, to meet up with him in Tokyo, Japan with my sister-in-law, Caroline, on December 20, 2009. As in Europe, during the day Scott had to work measuring all kinds of skulls, and I was free to sight see; however, this time I had Caroline Maddux to bounce around with. We had a blast hanging out and learning and seeing all kinds of new things. The picture to the right is an old five story pagoda. Pretty cool.

This blog post is somewhat deceiving because the rest of Tokyo looks nothing like this. Tokyo is the Asian equivalent of New York City. It's modern, and chic bustling with millions of Japanese. Imagine that.


First breakfast in Japan. Scott and Caroline got nice big bowls of rice and coffee, while I was given a small bowl of rice and orange juice...yes...they gave me the "child's breakfast."

One of the first things Coroline and I decided to do was go to the National Museum. We found an area where you could design your own Japanese mirror or Kimono with stamps. There were a ton of kids there, but the museum staff cleared Caroline and I a spot, and the kids started to give us stamps. Everyone was really nice, and we had fun. Caroline chose a mirror and I chose a Kimono.

This was defiantly the highlight of our trip to Tokyo...having sushi for breakfast on Christmas morning at the fish market. This was an absolute dream come true!


Eating unagi at a historical and famous restaurant that specializes in unagi. Mmm...eel!

A spectacular pic in front of the imperial palace.

We all loved Tokyo! The constant sushi eating, ease of getting around, finding what we needed, the friendly people, and everything being made for short people made it so much harder to leave than I expected. I think Scott and I could easily live there. In some ways it was easier to be there than it was for us to be in Europe! I miss you Japan! Beijing, China was next on the travel menu...the antithesis of Tokyo...

Communism and Viruses

Some of you who read this blog know that I am currently about to end my adventures in Asia and Australia. I wish that I could have written updates for you while I am away but two things have prevented me from doing so: 1)communism 2)a computer virus.

In China, the government blocks facebook and my blog! It was very frustrating and I got stuck there an extra two days, so I felt a bit like I was imprisoned. I was absolutely relieved to get to Australia, and planned on spending a couple days getting the blog caught up. However, the first day I used the wireless Internet in Adelaide my laptop got a nasty computer virus that put it out of commission for the entirety of my stay. I am paying for my time on the Internet to the tune of $1.00 for every 15 minutes, so I'm going to have to update retrospectively. Apologies to those of you who were hoping to live vicariously through me while I'm gone. Updates will follow shortly after I am home in Iowa (hopefully). In the mean time...a late happy holidays, and happy new year to everyone!

Fortunately, Unfortunately

Fortunately, I got to spend two weeks with Scott after he got back from New York!

Unfortunately, he left for Africa on November 14, 2009 and wouldn’t return until December 15.

Fortunately, my dear friend, Jill Graham, and her two cute boys were in Iowa City with me to ease the pain.

Unfortunately, she eventually had to go back to Wyoming.

Fortunately, Tex and I moved in with some other dear friends the Steeles. I love you guys!!

Unfortunately, I had NO time to clean my house before my family came for Thanksgiving.

Fortunately, some other dear friends, the Guglliuzas, did a major portion of it for me. I love you guys too!

Unfortunately,that means I was working hard at school and not hanging out with them.

Fortunately, Mom, Dad, Clint, Jackson, and Sara all arrived at my house on November 24, 2009!

Unfortunately, Scott missed a very relaxing and yummy Thanksgiving with my wonderful family!

Fortunately, the six of us had a great time creating more Iowa Thanksgiving family memories together.

Unfortunately, they had to leave on November 28.

Fortunately, Tex and I went back to the Steeles' with only two weeks left until Scott returned.

Unfortunately, soon Iowa got hit with the first blizzard of the season.

Fortunately, I got three snow days off of school.

Unfortunately, I was sick during that time.

Fortunately, I got better in time for Scott to come home on December 15, 2009!

...And that's what I did while Scott was in Africa. We then had 5 days to get ready for Travel Phase 3...Asia and Australia!