From modern Osaka, Steven and I headed north toward Nagano to Matsumoto where we got a much more authentic experience at the Muramyo Ryokan. Before you ask “Why Charles did you end up going to Matsumoto?”, the answer is simple. When planning the trip, we googled “samurai castles” and Matsumoto Castle is the second coolest castle in all of Japan (behind Himeji). Check out more pictures here.

Here are things we learned in Matsumoto

• Japanese people are really nice. This guy was going to walk 10 minutes with us to our Ryokan when we got lost. It took a lot longer to explain to him that he didn’t need to escort us
• Even when it is snowing and freezing, Japanese girls still walk around wearing skirts. Crazy.
• Did I mention that Japanese castles are really amazing?
• Not a big fan of horse sashimi
• The really old ryokan was surprisingly very comfortable, not to mention the shared bathroom smelled very pleasant.

Swans

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Kyoto was our first stop after Tokyo. We were only there for a few days but it was plenty of time to hit up some shrines and temples around the city. Whether it was towering arches, peaceful rock gardens, bright gold paneling, or a massive bamboo forest… each site was unique. More photos are posted here.

Here are a few things we learned in Kyoto:

• The Shinkansen (bullet train) is seriously fast
• Fresh mochi is really really good
• You tend to spend a lot of Yen when making wishes at different shrines
• Even if you lose your bus map, you can still find your way around Kyoto
• McDonalds in Japan serves Shake Shake chicken which is not only delicious, but fun to eat

I Like Gold

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P.S. For those that have been following my “weekly” photo posting, you might have noticed that I didn’t quite make it. Today is the last day of the year and well… I clearly didn’t fulfill my “weekly” goal. Regardless, I am going to cheat and continue posting into 2010 until I get 50. Happy New Year!

Me + Sleeping on the ground + Iphone falling in my face = Rude Awakening

Jet lag is now in full effect. I can’t sleep anymore so I played with PhotoBooth to document my fun morning…

Just got off the plane… a little jet lagged from my 3 week long trip hopping islands in Asia. I am still on holiday so I’ll be taking some breaks to post more pictures. First island… Japan.

Things we learned on our first night in Tokyo:

• The Japanese know how to make fried pork really really well
• Izakaya = a bar/restaurant where you can eat/drink/hang out until the next morning
• My Goh? (while pointing at yourself) = I am lost.
• [Insert destination] doko? = Where is [desitnation]?
• Yoshinoya is not as great as Jason claims it to be

Karaoke and Toast

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It has been a while since I posted some photos, but I recently spoiled myself and went on a shopping spree and got a new Tokina lens. Check out more wide angle love action here.

The Long Hall

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I wrote this book for my mom and my sister, but some folks out there might need some leisure reading material. I ended having some fun by creating a website (www.howtomarryachinesegirl.com) to learn more about Facebook Connect.

A BIG thank you to Caroline for doing fantastic illustrations that really made the book come together. You rock.