The EMP

 The EMP structure is very unique. It is hard to miss since it is so large (the colors help, too).

There are a mix of textures, colors and shapes. 

This makes me want to say "Go Huskies!" (only a UW alum would immediately jump to this phrase)

The restaurant has bench seating around the edge. They also have these holes in the back that are perfect for spying people watching.

An Old Town Called Chimayo

 Chimayo was very quiet, not so many people in the area. But, of the people that we did meet they were very friendly. One man in particular was very....flirty. lol He was a very good salesman. I have to say his chili was pretty good!

 If you have time try to make a trip to Chimayo. Buy some chili and visit the chapels!

At the Sanctuary of Chimayo

 

 This area is like a power spot for people with different ailments. Most of the chapels have a room dedicated to people who left items of someone they want healed or protected.

Here you can see boards filled with photos of people who had been helped in some way after visiting Chimayo.

Botanical Garden of Santa Fe

 This is my friend Cynthia walking around the gardens.

 

 There were a lot of beautiful flowers like this.

As well as plants that look like sea anenome. At least that is what this reminds me of.

A Stroll Through Downtown Santa Fe

 I love everything about this building. The ivy, the awning, the balcony, the color....

 There were quite a few shops to stop. I found a chocolate shop that I was somehow able to tear myself away from without buying any chocolate. I would have bought some, but I wasn't sure how well they would have held up in my suitcase in Japan where it was still quite hot.

A shampoo explosion is bad, but a melted chocolate explosion? I didn't want to try my luck.

 I loved the souvenir shops, which yes are a little over priced. But then again that's part of buying souvenirs and it helps the local economy....hopefully, the local economy. No matter what it is a good way to bring home a little of the local products to remind you of your time there.

Can you tell I am a souvenir addict?

 If you walk just a few minutes from the center of the town you can find galleries and quiet streets like these. Part of it was that it was the off season, but I can't imagine tourists swarming this area. It felt more like the area the locals would spend their time. Quiet and simply decorated cafes and restaurants. Plenty of apartment buildings and office buildings.

Exciting Times #29

Arriving at Port Discovery Station

Exciting Times #26

Sato looking forward to the ride to Port Discovery.

Exciting TImes #25

Is it time for souvenirs yet?

Exciting Times # 24

A view from Thunder Mountain with my GoPro. Watching the parade as we wait for the line to move forward.

Exciting Times #5

Everybody's favorite landmark -Cinderella's Castle

Exciting Times #3

The world bazarr at Tokyo Disneyland of all products Disney. The amount of detail that was put into this place is amazing! Have you seen it yet?

Exciting Times #2

Mickey Mouse is everywhere. If you stay at one of the hotels close to Disneyland you will use the Disney Resort train line which have these adorable handles to hold on to with matching windows! Also, there is a shuttle bus from the station to some of the hotels which also have Mickey Mouse details. What will you find when you visit?

A Mini Garden Oasis

 Mandaraji Shrine in Konan, Aichi prefecture.

Fuji Matsuri

 Fuji Matsuri in Konan. The purple flowers remind me of grapes.

 The shady areas were nice and cool on this day. A perfect day to be outside, but under the cover of shade.

 There were many families here doing this. Who wouldn't want their childs' face framed by flowers?

 

Wisteria Festival

The Wisteria Festival ended on the last day of Golden Week (in May), but this is an annual festival. If you missed it this year try to go next year! The Wisteria trees are beautiful with the way they drape down and move lightly in the gentle breeze.

 Just an FYI there are some bees that hang around these flowers. They aren't hornets or anything (I think they are a type of honey bee), but they were much bigger than bumblebees that I was used to seeing in Seattle. I was a little freaked out when I first saw them, but if you don't bother them then they won't bother you. So, just keep moving along and you will be fine like I was. : )

Kurobe Dam

Baby Orca and Child

This is my friend's daughter and the baby Orca was very interested in her. The baby kept coming up to her and it seemed like he/she wanted to play with her.

I swear they are making eye contact in this photo.

I wonder what the baby Orca thinks when he/she sees all of us people staring at them with our mouths open.

Look A-chan!

Say hello!

 Swimming with mom and dad.