Wizheart and I in Osaka, Japan
Exactly a year ago today, my husband and I flew to Japan for an all-expense paid trip for five days. It was both our first time in Japan, and our first time to travel overseas with just the two of us. We usually go on trips both local and international with the kids. But for sure, we will go back to Japan with our two boys. It is one of our dream destinations.
So, we set out to get that all-expense paid trip. We worked for it incessantly day in and out for 13 weeks. It was not a smooth run as there were times that we thought we couldn't make it any farther. We persisted because it felt like running a marathon but we knew the finish line would be in Osaka, Japan.
Who wouldn't want to hit a finish line like that? LOL And did I tell you that while working toward that goal, we were earning as well? Amazeballs!
It was sooo cold yet soo fun!
Trivia: The name Dotombori comes from the 400-year-old canal called Dotombori-gawa, which is now lined with pedestrian walkways and with a riot of illuminated billboards glittering off it's waters.
At Dotomburi shopping center, which comes alive at night. We were in the middle of it all!
At Nara Deer Park, Japan
Trivia: Established in 1880, the park is one of the oldest parks in Japan. Nara Park covers a broad area, and in fact a portion of it is made of by the grounds of Kasuga Taisha Shrine. The deity enshrined therein is Takemi Kajichi no Mikoto, said to have ridden to Nara upon a sacred deer from Kashima Shrine (also written with a character for "deer") in Ibaraki Prefecture. Because of this legend, deer were thought of as sacred animals--the helpers of gods--and have been carefully protected for many years. Even today, Nara's deer are carefully protected as "natural monuments.
Sharing just some of the photos we had together.
We stayed in Sheraton Hotel in Osaka. Osaka and Kyoto, the two cities we visited, are a dream. These cities are clean, quiet, zen, and oh so, lovely! And the food is superb!
Selfie with Osaka Castle
Trivia: Osaka Castle is widely known as an emblem of the power and fortune of Hideyoshi Toyotomi. In 1583, Hideyoshi began construction at the former site of Honganji Temple and completed the magnificent castle, which was reputed as being unparalleled in the country.
Osaka is a large city port and known for its modern architecture, nightlife, and hearty street food. We got to taste its takoyaki, okonomiyaki, Ichiran ramen, and oh the mackerel! It's a gourmand's paradise, actually.
A bowl of Ichiran ramen on a winter night is just perfect!
Kyoto, on the other hand, is famous for buddhist temples, gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines and traditional wooden houses.
Trivia: Fushimi Inari Taisha is Kyoto’s most important Shinto shrine and one of its most impressive attractions. Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head shrine of Inari, the god of rice, sake and prosperity and patron of business, merchants and manufacturers. The shrine sits at the base of Mount Inari and includes many smaller sub shrines which span 4 kilometres up the 233 meter (764 ft) mountain. Each of the famous torii shrine gates has been donated by an individual or a Japanese business in the hope of receiving good luck and fortune. The name of the donor is inscribed in black ink on the back of each gate.
At Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kyoto, Japan
Trivia: The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of Kyoto’s top sights and for good reason: standing amid these soaring stalks of bamboo is like being in another world.
After this trip and achievement, one thing is for sure. It's not crazy to set a crazy goal or crazy goals in life.
In fact it is good for us. Because it tests our capacity and capability. It gives us a glimpse of our true character because it will show us how we behave in the most uncomfortable situation. LOL. We are stretched to the limit and we can see how far we can go to helping ourselves and others as well.
It is also the perfect opportunity to see how the Lord works in our life. Because at that time when I thought I wouldn't make it, I let go and let God. He manifests, and it made the endeavor all the more meaningful.
Here's to more crazy goals in the coming months, and years!
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Ⓒ 8 January 2021
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