Foggy Friday with Friends

Foggy Friday with Friends

On June 21, 2026

In 2026, Azores, Friendship, Gardens, Wabi-Sabi

After our trip was planned and booked and before we left, I realized one of my dear friends (and her family) from VA Beach was going to be in the Azores at the same time we were visiting! Our itineraries overlapped on Friday, we were both to be on the big island of São Miguel. Obviously, we planned to spend this day together! I found a lovely hike that started from a vista and went down to two lakes. The Blue Lake and the Green Lake in the town of Sete Cidades. From here we would enjoy lunch together and then take a guided kayak tour around the lakes. It sounded like a well planned day. I received a call from the Kayak company informing me the weather wasn’t going to be good to paddle. So, we canceled. The weather forecast predicted rain off and on all day. So, we decided not to hike. Instead we would just drive to visit the locations and enjoy our time together. Jeff, Sue’s husband, was our driver for the day. He did a fantastic job navigating the roads and climbing numerous mountains! Here is where we stopped at the vista for the view. This would have been where we started our hike. So many clouds!

Jeff drove us down the mountain to see the Blue Lake and the Green Lake. Again, the overcast skies prevented us from seeing the true colors of lakes. Also, the low clouds prevented us from seeing the mountains all around us.

We loaded back up in the car and drove around Sete Cidades. We stopped to see a church and walk around the town for a little bit.

The next spot on our tour was Ponta da Ferraria. Ponta da Ferraria is a place where the thermal heat from inside the earth is escaping and warming the Atlantic Ocean. It was beautiful and fun to walk around on the giant lava rocks. Plus, Jeff and Allison both put their feet into the pool. My mom, Sue and I all decided we didn’t need the hassle of putting on our suits and then having to wait in line to shower etc… maybe next time!

After exploring Ponta da Ferraria, we found a lovely restaurant for lunch. Finally, I had a chance to try limpets. I had low expectations, and they far exceeded them! The limpets, cooked in garlic butter, were delicious. I also ordered shrimp and French fries. Plus, a bottle of wine that was recommended by our driver, Carlos, in Pico. Frei Gigante is made with the three white grapes that grow on the island of Pico. It was delicious!

After lunch, we stopped at a cute park in Ponta Delgado. I had marked this park on my list of places to visit. My mom and I were too tired the first day and so it worked well we could stop and walk around all together. It was so fun to have a chance to spend the day together. The highlight was being able to give hugs!

Jeff, Sue, and Allison dropped us back off at city center. My mom and I went back to our hotel to regroup and then went out to do a little more shopping and have one final dinner. Pizza & wine.

Our flight back to Boston left around 6pm on Saturday. We enjoyed a leisurely wake up, breakfast and a morning walk around town before checking out of our hotel. A few more fun street view pictures.

After checking out, we found a nice spot for lunch and enjoyed our last cheese board and beers from Azores Brewery.

This has been a wonderful trip. The Azores are a beautiful place. The people are kind and welcoming. Their service and hospitality deserve all the gold stars. If you haven’t added them to your list to visit, I encourage you to! You won’t regret it!! As always, thanks for following along and sharing the journey. Until next time!

West Coast Tripping

By wabisabisole

On September 25, 2025

In 2025, Friendship, Japan, Plank, San Diego, West Coast

Dave and I spent the first part of our West Coast trip in San Diego. He had a work convention and so we stayed in the Gaslamp District close to the convention center. It was a fun few days filled with good food and great friends.

Most of our friends we met up with, we were all stationed together in Japan. It was a fun reunion!

Happy Hour with Judd, Dave, Bob & Garrett

I left my fitness friends with homework while I’m away. 60 second planks every other day. I’ve been planking here, there and everywhere!

California has been sunny and fun. This morning we have an early flight to Portland, OR to start the second half of our trip. The REAL vacation- driving the Oregon coast! Stay tuned for more! And as always, thanks for reading.

Hakone Highlights

By wabisabisole

On October 22, 2018

In Friendship, Hakone, Japan, Train

Before arriving in Japan, Lisa asked if a trip Hakone was worth it and possible. Taking the trip was definitely possible. Katie and I visited Hakone last November for fall foliage. As to if the day long trip was worth it, well, it definitely would be on a clear day because we could have a great view of Mt. Fuji. Viewing the weather forecast, we decided Sunday would be a great day to visit and it would give Dave a chance to join us. (He hasn’t visited Hakone either and it was on his list.) We left the house at 6:45 to begin our trip to Odawara. We arrived at 8:15 and we were first in line at the ticket office when they opened at 8:30.on the train from Zushi to Odawara, I gave Dave a lesson in how to properly open an onigiri.

We hopped on the first train of the day from Odawara to Hakone. This was already our fourth train of the day!

We followed the same counter-clockwise route around the Hakone area Katie and I did a year ago. The second train of the trip around Hakone was the incline railway.

The third section of the trip was the Ropeway. We couldn’t have asked for a better day! The sky was perfectly clear.

As we crested the top, we were able to see Mt. Fuji. The entire car exclaimed with joy!

We stopped for a lengthy break after the first Ropeway ride. We enjoyed views of Mt. Fuji, the sulfur mines, and lunch snacks (fried potatoes and bacon).

We continued along the Ropeway enjoying more beautiful views.

The final leg of the journey was a boat ride across Lake Ashi. It was breathtaking.

After docking in Hakone, we walked over to the Hakone Shrine.

Before boarding the bus back to the train, we stopped for a couple final pictures with Mt. Fuji. We couldn’t get over how clear it was and perfect temperature.

We worked our way back home on the trains. Along the way, we stopped in Ofuna for sushi conveyor dinner. This restaurant had the cute Shinkansen delivery method. We had a couple impressive stacks of plates by the end of dinner!

It was a fantastic day. We were so lucky to have beautiful weather. More importantly, we are so happy to have wonderful friends visiting. We love sharing Japan adventures.

Lisa and Dave

By wabisabisole

On October 21, 2018

In Friendship, Gingko Trees, Japan, Kamakura, Shopping, Shrine

Our friends, Lisa and Dave, arrived late Friday night from Chicago. We decided to start with a low key day to help them walk off their jet lag. We spent Saturday in Kamakura – shopping and visiting the Hachiman-gu Shrine. First things first, we stopped at Barchie’s for lunch.

It was a beautiful afternoon. The weather is finally starting to feel like Autumn. It was a lovely day for a “white wedding.” We saw this wedding party as we walked toward Hachiman-gu Shrine.

I gave Lisa and Dave a quick tutorial on the appropriate way to cleanse before visiting a Shrine or Temple.

Can you spot the Americans?

View from the top of the Shrine.

After visiting the Shrine, I bought a bag of Ginko nuts for us to share. They have a very peculiar taste and texture. They are served warmed and salted. Then the shell of the nuts is cracked. The inside nut is actually chewy. They require a little getting used to, but I think delicious in the end.

We stopped for a few photos at the entrance of the Shrine.

We had fun catching up and sharing one of our favorite places in Japan. The sunny afternoon, walk, and good night sleep was hopefully enough to reset their circadian rhythm. We have big plans for the rest of their visit! Adventures await!

Setsubun 2018

By wabisabisole

On February 3, 2018

In 2018, English, Friendship, Japan, Setsubun

Setsubun is held on February 3rd. Last year, I went with Miki and Dina to a Setsubun festival. This year, Setsubun was on a Saturday. On Saturday mornings, I normally have a session with my English student, Manami. Instead of having our traditional class, I suggested we go to Kamakura and visit the Hachiman-gu Shrine for the Setsubun Festival. (A Julia School field trip).

Setsubun means “change of seasons” and celebrates the upcoming Spring. Beans are thrown as a means of purification.

One of Dave’s coworkers translated the website for me on Friday night. She told me to be inside the perimeter of the ropes near the Shrine required a special ticket. The tickets would be passed out at noon on Saturday. The website recommended arriving early because the line could be very long and the tickets would run out. Manami and I decided to meet in Zushi and take the train together to Kamakura around 10am. We arrived at Hachiman-gu Shrine by 10:15.

Manami asked the official where we needed to wait for a ticket. He directed us to the line. Believe it or not, we were not the first in line!

We waited patiently. Fortunately, the day wasn’t too cold. Every minute that passed the line grew and grew. By noon the line was double sided!!

Shortly before noon, we were given our tickets.

However, we still had an hour before the ceremony started and two hours before they would throw the beans. We took about 45 minutes to warm up in a little waiting area before the events began. We returned to the area and waited patiently and secured our spot.

Soon it was time for the official party to arrive.

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The official party continued to grow! The members included business owners, Miss Kamakura, and politicians.

The ceremony included a blessing of the crowd. The wooden boxes hold the packets of beans that will be thrown to the audience.

The official party members then entered the Shrine. That permitted Manami and me to be even closer to the front of the Shrine!! The large guy in the middle is the owner of the famous Kamakura dove/ pigeon cookie. The lady to his left is a famous Tokyo reporter. The ladies in the beautiful Kimonos are Miss Kamakura. We were so close to the front! Perfect for catching lots of lucky beans!

Finally, it was time to toss out the beans! Throwing the beans drives out demons and allows for good fortune to enter. Look at the crowd! Good fortune for everyone!!

Before living in Japan, I could never imagine such an orderly crowd. Another reason why I love Japan. Everyone is polite even when trying to catch good fortune beans! We caught several packets of soybeans. Enough for both of us and plenty to share. Each person must eat the same number of beans that corresponds with their age. Dave and I both enjoyed our respective piles of beans!

Manami also ordered us special sushi rolls to eat called “Ehoumaki.” I brought it home for Dave and I to share. It is important to eat the roll in the direction of the God of Happiness and Wealth. This year, Manami told me we should eat the roll facing south-south east. As I was opening the roll, I noticed the compass on the wrapper. It also pointed to the SSE. I used the compass on my iPhone to ensure we were facing the right direction.

It was such a special day. I enjoyed the opportunity to experience a Japanese custom in conjunction with my English session. As the first Julia School field trip, I think we were very successful!

Piacere Pizza & Wine

By wabisabisole

On January 30, 2018

In Friendship, Japan, Pizza, Travel, Yokosuka

Miki and I met for lunch in Yokosuka on Tuesday. She took me to a delicious restaurant off the beaten path and down a back alley. Literally.

Piacere Pizza & Wine offers a delicious lunch set for ¥1,000 ($10.00). The set includes a small salad, your choice of pizza or pasta, dessert, and coffee or tea. The salad and bread were perfect for making a small sandwich!

I selected the wood fired margarita pizza and Miki ordered the spaghetti with vegetables. We shared them both and they were delicious. This might take the number one spot in my list of “favorite pizza in Yokosuka.”

For dessert we enjoyed coffee jello. I wasn’t sure if I would like it at first, but I was pleasantly surprised. It was delicious.

I enjoyed our lunch today. I was appreciative of Miki taking me to a place I haven’t been and one with delicious pizza! I truly appreciate our friendship.

After lunch, I had several errands to do on main base. The first, picking up the Hooptie after an oil change. I’m happy to report she is still doing well and keeping us safely transiting around our local area. I dropped Hooptie off with Dave and was lucky enough to catch him in his office doing what he does best, fixing ships!

The second, was to book two trips for upcoming family and friends we have visiting. As I have said before, Julia Tours are completely customizable and aim to provide a memorable experience. I set up trips to Kyoto and Hiroshima for our upcoming guests. Please let me know soon when and where you would like to go during your visit! I’m ready to plan it for you!!

SRF Holiday Party

By wabisabisole

On December 11, 2017

In Christmas, Friendship, Holiday Lights, Japan, New Sanno, Tokyo

Saturday evening the SRF-JRMC holiday party was held at the New Sanno Hotel. The holiday decorations at the New Sanno Hotel are spectacular.

The Christmas Trees and fireplace make the perfect setting for holiday pictures.

The party had everything any good holiday party should have:

Decorations, delicious food, prizes, and dancing. We danced so much, I eventually had to lose my heels! My friend, Saori, sent me this picture – she drew the heart doodle. Dave was singing his own karaoke to “Faithfully” by Journey. It was obviously later in the evening because my shoes are no where in sight. The best part, Dave’s the sober one. (Still no alcohol for military in Japan.) I’m still laughing almost two days later. It was such a fun night.

One more funny story to wrap up the weekend. Before Dina moved, she gave me a gift certificate for the New Sanno Hotel. The gift certificate had been given to her by visiting friends. She and the kids left Japan before Brent returned from deployment and was never able to use the gift certificate. Knowing we had plenty of opportunities to use the gift certificate, she gave it to me. I put it in a safe place and was thrilled when I remembered to bring it with us this weekend. I gave it to Dave to use towards the room when he checked us into the hotel. I was surprised when I met Dave in the lobby and learned the front desk said it couldn’t be used towards the room. Hmmm. Where can I use it? In the shops. Oh, ok. Saturday afternoon, I went to the small Navy Exchange and attempted to buy Dina a cute purse with the certificate. “Sorry, ma’am, you can not use this certificate here.” Try the downstairs gift shop. I go downstairs and was going to buy Dina a beautiful silk Obi she could use as a table runner. When I presented the gift certificate, I was again greeted with, “sorry ma’am, you can not use this certificate here.” Hmmm. I returned to the front desk and asked them where I could use the gift certificate. They said at the restaurants or bar. Considering we were having dinner at the party later, I was left with only one option. The bar! Kanpie! A couple cocktails, a bottle of wine for me and O’douls for Dave and eventually we spent the gift certificate!

Cheers, to you Dina! I wish you were still here to not only share a drink in person, but to also experience the “sorry, ma’am” with me at each location! You would have been laughing hysterically!

Because Japan

By wabisabisole

On December 5, 2017

In Friendship, Japan

Some days I have experiences or see something that really me me think, I love living in Japan. For example, I went to visit Miki at her house for lunch. She made us lunch (spaghetti bolognese – oishi desu) and we enjoyed a wonderful conversation. She even had answers to my questions from last week. Her hospitality made me feel truly “at home” even though I’m miles away.

Once I was home, I walked down to the post office to check our mail. As I walked down the hill, I passed a construction crew repairing a fire hydrant. Their work equipment was blocking the sidewalk. To make their work less of an inconvenience and safer, they put up cones establishing a temporary walkway in the road. Seriously. I took this picture after I walked past them.

When I see this display of courtesy, I’m struck by the kindness and consideration the Japanese show to others. It all goes back to the “wa” – the good of group is more important than what is good for the individual. The politeness demonstrated at with the construction is normal. Each time I see this type of courtesy I think, because Japan! And that’s why I love living here. Kindness is an international language!

Home Again

By wabisabisole

On September 25, 2017

In Family, Friendship, Japan

Dave and I returned home Sunday 9/24 after a fabulous two week vacation visiting with family and friends. We spent time in Indiana with his family and enjoyed the opportunity to relax and catch up. Jakob, Carmen, and the three grandboys drove up to Indiana and surprised Dave.

Plus, there was a fabulous surprise party hosted by Bob and Tish to celebrate Dave’s promotion. Family and friends came from various parts of Indiana, Georgia, Colorado, and Florida to see us. It truly was a special week. My only regret was not snapping more pictures of everyone. I suppose I was too busy chatting!

The second week we spent in Virginia Beach enjoying time with our friends. Dave and I made a point to see sunrise each day on the boardwalk.

We enjoyed as much beach time as possible.

Our friends, Jennifer, Danny, Campbell, and Chase came up for the weekend to visit. They joined us for morning jogs, beach time, and numerous laughs.

Many of the laughs might have been because of Danny.

Jennifer, Campbell and Chase were sports with the moisture masks. More explanation on that soon!

We celebrated Jeff’s birthday.

We celebrated Big Jeff’s retirement.

It was a wonderful week in Virginia Beach. Mark, Roxanne, Sue and Jeff were amazing hosts and made coming back to the ‘hood feel like home.

And I can’t forget to add a picture of Little Melissa aka Springer aka Small Fry. She’s always popping in with a smile and a story or five.

Thank you family. Thank you friends. You made our trip special and full of so many memories. We miss you all so much already.

Brent’s Ramen

By wabisabisole

On August 31, 2017

In Friendship, Japan, Ramen

Brent has been staying with us off and on over the past couple weeks. Tomorrow he will finally be reunited with Dina and the kids in sunny Southern California. Tonight, Dave and I took Brent for his final dinner in Japan. Fittingly, he choose his favorite ramen joint.

Dave and I have passed it many times and tonight we had the chance to sample it ourselves. It was delicious!

My bowl of ramen had extra noodles and seaweed paper. So, good.

Saying “je matane” to Brent tomorrow will bittersweet. We will miss having our friend nearby and simultaneously, very happy he will be reunited with his family. Safe travels, Brent, see you soon!

Finding Beauty with Imperfection

Category: Friendship Page 1 of 3