Our Something New: My something new

Last weekend, some friends of ours invited us to go along with them to see some fireworks at Lake Towada (the lake at the top of the Oirase Gorge). We were going to torture treat Bean to her first firework display ever! We just knew she would love it because she is at that stage where she just loves, loves, LOVES noises! In reality, the sound of a crinkling plastic bag sends her into hysterics, the blender makes her hyperventilate, and a sneeze causes that bottom pouty lip to...pout. Regardless, we figured it is a right of passage to hold a baby as she screams through fireworks, and since 4th of July in Japan did not present that opportunity, we fully intended to take advantage of this one.

On the morning of the fireworks, Eric started to feel sick. He spent the first half of the day trying to feel better and the second half of the day convincing me to leave Bean with him and enjoy the fireworks on my own. I felt bad leaving him to care for a baby when he wasn't feeling well himself, but he would not accept no for an answer (he's a good dude) so off I went with our friends to the lake!

Before the firework display, we gathered our dinner from the various tents selling Yakisoba in plastic containers, pork belly cooked by blow torch, and mystery meats on sticks. Dinner in hand, we found some beer and then performed the ritual called, "let's find the best spot to put our blanket." You know the one! It felt just like the 4th of July! We eventually found the perfect spot and waited for the show to begin.

The fireworks lasted for an hour with short breaks in between sets. My favorite parts were when this boat quietly and sneakily crossed lake distributing firework bundles. As it crossed, colorful explosions erupted out of the water behind it; the sparks twinkling beautifully on the water as they floated back toward it (see video at bottom of post-- sorry no sound I had a camera malfunction). I had never seen anything like it! It was pretty incredible. Besides that, the show was a lot like firework displays I've seen in the States. A couple of different colors and tricks, but overall very similar. We missed Eric and Bean, but had a nice time nonetheless.

I guess we will have to wait a little longer to find out how much she loves fireworks...Oh, and Eric's one request as I walked out the door? "Do you think you could bring back some Takoyaki?" Yes, the octopus balls. He even wanted them when sick. This guy loves his tentacles!

Our Something New: Does this look like a swamp to you?

A couple of weekends back, we took advantage of the nice weather and went to explore a nature trail in Towada with some friends. The Tsuta (vine) Onsen (hot springs) Trail is a loop that begins at an onsen, meanders up a forested mountain, and passes seven lakes (or "swamps" as the signs indicated).

The swamp signs were fodder for much speculation about the difference between lakes, swamps, and ponds. We never came to consensus (read: none of us knew the answer), but it kept us entertained while we enjoyed nature. Remind me to Google that later... When we weren't discussing the difference between small bodies of water, we were debating whether or not starting the trail in the opposite direction would have made for an easier hike. We hiked with two littles (besides the Bean), ages 3 and 4, and their little legs gave out around the half way mark. Being the smart little ones they are, they hitched rides on the big people and the rest was gravy!

This little guy's mom informed me I was carrying an extra 34 pounds!

Per typical Japanese walking/hiking paths, the trail is very well manicured and contains a number of staircases to assist weary hikers up some of the steeper inclines (and declines). We were near the Oirase Gorge, which Eric and I explored last year. It was a beautiful hike and a great day to be outdoors. Little miss Bean rode on Eric the entire time and was totally captivated by the sights and sounds of the forest. She loves to be outdoors! I am glad we found an activity that we can all agree on.

Rockin' the floppy hat.

Cutie pies

Does this look like a swamp to you?

After we finished the hike, we stopped at a little market near the trail head for drinks and snacks. We sampled Oirase Beers (brewed locally) and some little donuts with bean paste inside. Typically, I am not a huge fan of bean paste, but I thought these little treats were delectable!

Yum-o!

Our friend also recommended we try the bubbly Powerade, that's right, carbonated Powerade. So rest assured, we re-hydrated responsibly before drinking the brews. Eric and I both liked the FUELX. All in all, it was an excellent day and a great place to revisit when we need to get away from the crazy hustle and bustle of Misawa (har har).

Our Something New: Ice cold creamy cheese

Eric tried to sneak Bean licks of gelato...he failed. I think.

Eric had a four day weekend that I managed to let most of slip by in a sleep-training psychosis. The good news is I figured out that sleep training is probably not for us. At least not the way I was going about it. At least not right now. The bad news is we had four days to do lots and lots of something news, but we only did one. One relatively small something new. But I will take all the victories I can get! 

Friends of ours took us to Namiki Farm, which is about 40 or so minutes away from base. It is a cute little farm out in the middle of nowhere where you can take a tractor ride through a field, sit on some stationary pink tractors, and eat some real, made-on-the-farm-from-the-Jersey-cow-milk gelato. They also have a restaurant on the farm, which I assume sells real, made-on-the-farm steak. We went solely for the gelato as Bean is too small to be excited about pink tractors.

The gelato was delicious! The flavors of the day included: blueberry, mango, banana, sesame, green tea, chocolate, cookies cream, jersey milk, and cheese. Yes, cheese. Between the four ice cream consuming adults, we sampled 7 flavors (by taking advantage of the double scoop option). We tried blueberry, mango, banana, cookies cream, jersey milk, chocolate, and cheese. Yes, cheese.

All of the flavors were delicious! Even the cheese. It tasted like....cheese. Yes, cheese. Don't ask me what kind. We never could come to an agreement on that.

While we enjoyed our cones, Eric took advantage of an opportunity to milk a cow...well, half a cow. We also walked around and visited with some of the livestock. Though, we never actually saw a cow...Anyway, Namiki Farm will likely be a tour stop for any future visitors, and fear not! They serve up cones year around!