Caseys in Japan

Life in Himeji...and beyond!

Monday, December 31, 2007

Hiroshima Trip

On December 29th and 30th we went to Hiroshima, which is about a 1 1/2 hour Shinkansen (bullet train) ride away from Himeji. We were sad to find out upon our arrival that most everything was closed down due to the approaching New Year, but decided to explore the city all the same. We were not let down, as we seldom are in Japan. We wondered through the Peace Park, saw many memorials, saw the A-Bomb Dome, and then went a bit farther north to the Hiroshima Castle. Also, during our stay in Hiroshima, we found a restaurant, Kemby's, which served MEXICAN FOOD!! We stuffed ourselves, despite the small portion sizes, then ventured upstairs to their cigar lounge. It was like a second Christmas for Joe, as he hasn't been able to find a cigar, let alone a CUBAN (!), anywhere in Japan. We were very impressed, not just with the cigars and Mexican food, but with the city of Hiroshima as a whole. Joe and I couldn't stop talking about how Japan is most likeley the only country that could take such a tragic and horrible disaster as the Atomic Bombing of Hiroshima and turn it into something positive. Nowhere in the city was there any sign of hatred toward America or other countries. All we saw were signs of hope for a better world and peace. Japan, especially Hiroshima, is a place of peace. Once again, we have realized how much we can learn from Japan.













Posted by Life in Himeji, and beyond... 1 comment:
Labels: Weekend fun

Saturday, December 29, 2007

Christmas Party!


On December 23rd, we had a fantastic Christmas party with all of the other residents of Shirasagi and our Japanese friends from the surrounding community! The party consisted of a concert given by Joe, Katie, Eiko, and Marie and Adam Newman! We sang our favorite songs for the party, and then we all went out into the neighborhood for Christmas Caroling. This was a first for most of our Japanese friends, so it was a total riot! We came back for Christmas goodies and a 500 yen gift exchange. The night was fantastic, and made the Christmas season feel more familiar. We miss our family and friends incredibly, but we are lucky to have a new "family" in Japan!








Posted by Life in Himeji, and beyond... No comments:
Labels: Holidays

Thursday, December 27, 2007

We Wish You a Merry Christmas!

Christmas 2007 was exciting for the new Casey's! Although we missed our family and friends like crazy, we created several memories we will cherish forever. We started with carrying on a Casey family tradition of Italian food for Xmas Eve dinner and opening one gift. Katie made a quiche (a Rex family tradition) from scratch! Joe and Katie also made ambrosia for breakfast, and prepared an amazing Christmas dinner of prime rib, garlic mashed potatoes, and a delicious casserole! Our day was filled with opening stockings, presents from Santa, delicious food, and Skype! We will always be fond of our "Japan Christmas" !!!






Posted by Life in Himeji, and beyond... No comments:
Labels: Holidays

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Katies Dance Showcase



Katie has been teaching dance classes voluntarily for the tenants of Shirasagi Residence and a few other friends for over two months. This is a video of Katie dancing with two sisters from Australia, Tina Nesbitt and Marie Nerris, who had never danced before the beginning of these classes. Their progress has been extraordinary. Sadly, they leave Japan and return home in a matter of days, and Katie is very sad to see some of her dance buddies leave.








Posted by Life in Himeji, and beyond... 3 comments:

Sunday, November 25, 2007

A Day in Kyoto

Over Thanksgiving weekend, we decided to take a day trip to Kyoto, which is under two hours north of Himeji. What a wonderful city! We wandered around several temples, including Kinkakuji and Kyomizudera. We walked through the cobblestoned streets of Gion and saw all of the women dressed as Geishas. We ate "Cup of Noodles from a vending machine, and received handmade cards from adorable Japanese girls! The most fantastic part of the day was the autumn leaves. We are so excited to be experiencing this beautiful season in a country where the colors are so vibrant!













Posted by Life in Himeji, and beyond... No comments:
Newer Posts Older Posts Home
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

Himeji, Japan...

Himeji, Japan...
where the living's easy.

How to contact the Caseys

  • katiejcasey@gmail.com
  • jfcasey@asu.edu
  • (602) 910-5865 . . .Yes, that's right! This is a Phoenix number. It is a phone number through a computer program, skype. Try it! It doesn't cost you anything more than a local call!!

About the Caseys

Life in Himeji, and beyond...
Himeji, Japan
The newlyweds are overseas for a year. We have been here since August 2007, and will be here until August 2008. Basically, we spend our time learning Japanese and experiencing new things! Everyday we wonder how we got so lucky. Check out our recent activities!
View my complete profile

Labels

  • Holidays (2)
  • Japanese culture and traditions (6)
  • The Basics (1)
  • Weekend fun (9)

What Time is it in Japan??

How is the Weather in Himeji???

Weather Forecast | Weather Maps | Weather Radar

Blog Archive

  • ►  2008 (16)
    • ►  07/13 - 07/20 (2)
    • ►  06/15 - 06/22 (1)
    • ►  06/08 - 06/15 (2)
    • ►  04/20 - 04/27 (1)
    • ►  04/13 - 04/20 (2)
    • ►  03/16 - 03/23 (2)
    • ►  02/17 - 02/24 (1)
    • ►  02/03 - 02/10 (2)
    • ►  01/27 - 02/03 (3)
  • ▼  2007 (20)
    • ▼  12/30 - 01/06 (1)
      • Hiroshima Trip
    • ►  12/23 - 12/30 (2)
      • Christmas Party!
      • We Wish You a Merry Christmas!
    • ►  12/16 - 12/23 (1)
      • Katies Dance Showcase
    • ►  11/25 - 12/02 (1)
      • A Day in Kyoto
    • ►  11/18 - 11/25 (2)
    • ►  11/11 - 11/18 (1)
    • ►  10/21 - 10/28 (5)
    • ►  09/23 - 09/30 (3)
    • ►  09/16 - 09/23 (3)
    • ►  09/09 - 09/16 (1)
Toodles! Come back and see us again.