Kar a o ke - "Karaoke"

Karaoke is just one of those things that Japan is famous for... along with Sushi, Bullet Trains and Mt Fuji. So of course I couldn't leave without trying it out.

Nobutaka and Chisa were kind enough to take Shota and I out, the place we chose was only a few minutes from home (handy right) and allowed you to BYO! So we went armed with Wine and snacks and ejoyed 90minutes of Karaoke pleasure, in the comfort of a private room :)



Chisa was the designated Driver... so that meant she had to wear a lovely sticker, reminding us all not so serve her alcohol!

I was surprisingly nervous about singing infront of an audience (Shota's Parents) So the Shoatz helped me out! lol

This is us busting out a little Adel - Rolling in the Deep and Beyonce - Halo We took it very seriously! :)

I had such a good night! It was full of laughs and lots of "off key" singing!!
The night ended with Britney "Hit me baby one more time"... always a crowd pleaser!!
xxx

Kamakura - just a day trip from Tokyo

Kamakura, located less than an hour out of Tokyo, is a beautiful coastal Town. On the "Tram" we had our closest viewing of Mt Fuji so far! It was amazing, so huge and was framed perfectly with blue skies and snow on the peak. Sadly we were unable to capture the Mountain, as the tram was moving to fast... But we are going to Hakone this weekend, so we hope to photograph Fujisan then :)

Kamakura is often refered to as "Mini Kyoto" due to the numerous shrines and temples. The sandy beaches also attract many tourists in the warmer months, which I would've loved to have visited, but it was just too cold! 

Daibutsu - The Great Buddha of Kamakura, is a sensational sight and one of the main reasons tourists visit the town.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu - Located at the end of the main shopping street, making it easy to find. This was also where Shota and I encountered our first "squirrel" since arriving in Japan... I was rather excited, yet also scared, as it was staring me in the eye and running towards me! Luckily there were brave Japanese Ladies there who happened to enjoy having the squirrel jump into their bags and eat their food... we just photographed it.

  
Our last destination for the day was Hokoku Temple, which had a beautiful Bamboo forest.

Day Trip Kamakura was fantastic... another day of beautiful Japanese sights!
xxx

Happy Australia Day!

Thanks to my very kind Father, Shota and I received a delivery of "Australian Day" supplies... plates/bowls/cups/napkins a cute tie and a funny hat! So we decided to celebrate "Aussie" style and have a BBQ....

Here are the pictures below;

Nina's 23rd Birthday!
Then on Friday the 27th of Jan, it was my little sisters Birthday :)
She is currently living on a beautiful Island, where she has developed a lovely tan and celebrated with her friends... ahhh the life :p

Mei found some "Happy Birthday Glasses" and we sent the below picture to Nina!
love you sister
xxxx

I hope everyone had a Happy Australia Day and Nina a wonderful "warm" Birthday!

lot's of love
Jessica
xxx