Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan June 2014

We stopped over in Tokyo on our way back to the U.S. in June.  Spent one full day touring the city and seeing as much as our guide could show us in 8 hours!

 Tsukiji Fish Market - one of the largest in the world.

 Big Tuna

 Vending machine central.

 Sensoji Temple, Market and Pagoda

 Tokyo Sky Tree and Asahi Building

 Jae and Joanah in front of the Sensoji Pagoda

 Fortune box

 Hand and mouth washing ritual before entering the temple.

 Making a wish....very seriously.

 Harajyuku Neighborhood

 Crepes stands all over the place...the girls approved.

 Meiji Temple in front of donated sake barrels

 Gate at Meiji Temple

 World's busiest intersection...the Shibuya Scramble

Mother's Day weekend in Ao Nang, Thailand

It will be tough to top the Mother's Day weekend that we just spent in Ao Nang, Thailand. After flying into Krabi airport, the only way to reach our resort was by boat. The Centara Grand Beach Resort and Village is completely surrounded by limestone cliffs.
Day one of our weekend was spent on a long-tail boat. We toured the area and spent time at four different islands. Our driver took us to a couple of nice snorkeling spots as well. We ate a Mother's Day dinner at the resorts Thai restaurant. It was great food and there was a two man acoustic guitar duo performing. We couldn't believe it when they played, "Take Me Home, Country Roads" and then for our girls, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow".
Day two was spent on the beach and in the beautiful pool at our resort. We also took a kayak out into the bay and paddled around and through some of the limestone cliffs and caves. Later in the day, we were visited by some of the local wildlife. There are at least 200 monkeys that live in the surrounding national park and they make their way to the resort often. We were warned to keep our balcony door locked at all times. It felt like we were an exhibit at the zoo as the monkeys looked into the windows of our room. That evening we took a boat into the local Ao Nang village to have dinner and shop at the markets.

It was a quick trip, but was one of our favorites so far.  We're already making plans to go back again next year.

View from our room

The steps up to our room. My monkeys and a third monkey at the top of the steps.

The Centara Resort- view from the ocean.

First stop on our boat tour.

Snorkeling

Fish everywhere!

Another beautiful island.

The resort pool.

Gorgeous view.

Our visitors

Looking in on us

Grooming on our balcony

Monkeys everywhere!

New hats from Ao Nang village.

My Mother's Day toast

My Mother's Day after dinner entertainment

Can't wait to visit again!

Borneo- Tanjung Aru Resort

We spent the second half of our week at the Tanjung Aru Resort. It was a relaxing spot with a gorgeous infinity pool and beautiful sunsets.

Resort waterpark

Resort beach

Ocean trampoline

Local kids playing soccer

Dinner spot

Waiting for the sunset

Floral Easter display

Borneo - Mari Mari Village

The Mari Mari Village was an interesting way to learn about the past. We visited traditional homes, watched demonstrations and performances, and participated in daily-life activities.

Many of the tribes were head-hunters and used the heads for some interesting purposes. This skull was protecting their food supply and  kept bad spirits away.

Inside the longhouse.

Petting the village rooster.

Preparing a meal to cook in a hollow bamboo stalk.

Asking the chief for permission to enter.

Attempting to use a blow-dart.

Aiming at a coconut target.

Our guide explaining the bamboo trampoline.

Trying the trampoline out.

The chief using the trampoline to jump to the ceiling.

Henna tattoos

In the wedding hut.