Finding Christmas on Treasure Island, Florida OLA

the colors of the Holidays...on the beach! 

This Christmas felt different from the others Bill and I have spent together. 2007 was white and freezing at -31 degrees C (-24 F) in Calgary, Alberta with Claudine and family!  In 2008 we were with Trisha and family, wet and cool in Seattle, Washington. Then it turned sunny and warm at the Suwannee River Music Park in Florida on our first Christmas in the RV. Back in Seattle in 2010, it was unfortunately white and cold! This year, it was particularly hard to find the spirit, especially after Bill’s close call (please see http://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2011/12/wow-getting-scared.html .

Bill and his glass of wine at the condo

So we went to find it in another new place but, this time, away from our everyday home, a vacation from the RV! We booked a unit at the Sand Pebble Resort of Vacation Internationale (Bill’s time share) in Treasure Island, Florida, one of thirteen beaches around the Tampa Bay area, the region of west central Florida adjacent to Tampa Bay, almost 2 hours from Orlando. It is also known as the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater Metropolitan Statistical Area with an estimated population of 4 M.

the quiet beach at the back

                                                                                                                                                                                                     We had almost forgotten how comfortable condo living is! Our 1-BR unit was spacious enough for 2 couples and had a view of the Gulf of Mexico from the balcony. At the ground floor of the resort is a hot tub, heated pool, pool table, and bar. Every afternoon there was an activity: bingo, ice cream socials, count the shells, etc. But it is the quiet beach at the back that was the best of all!

Like the other years, we got busy looking for stocking stuffers for our Christmas Eve opening of gifts. Bill and I happily lost each other at the Mustang Florida Flea Market for an hour to hunt for the little treasures. Not satisfied with our haul, we went to the Tyrone Square Mall to complete our finds. Each stash was carefully guarded and closed tight so no intruder can take a peek until the proper time! I spent a total of $25; I hoped that Bill did not spend too much more!

another kind of White Christmas...at the beach!

 The following day we went for a long drive…all along the Gulf Blvd that connects all the 10 barrier islands and 13 beaches, collectively known as the Tampa Bay Beaches.  It was never-ending miles of beach homes, condo-resorts, and palm trees. The best of them all is to the north in Clearwater, Florida, just before reaching the Honeymoon Island State Park…Clearwater Beach, famous for white powdery sand (Boracay in the Philippines is pink powdery). We discovered a beach haven much bigger than the Keys, adjacent to a good metropolitan area, and a place where we could conceivably settle (we whispered to each other).

cigars being hand-rolled at Ybor City

Then the next day we discovered legendary Ybor City in Greater Tampa, Florida which became the ‘Cigar Capital of the World’ after Don Vincente Martinez-Ybor moved his cigar factory from Key West to Tampa in the early 1900s.  Other cigar-makers followed, building their own factories. Immigrants from Spain, Cuba and Sicily came to work in them, Romanian merchants opened stores while German lithographers brought the latest in technology to print the cigar labels. Today it is a lively entertainment and arts district, complete with demonstrations of hand-rolling cigars.

at the condo's living room ready for Noche Buena

On Christmas Eve, Bill and I attended a joyous mass at St. John Vianney in St. Pete's Beach, Florida with a little pageant of kids as angels, shepherds, and the Three Kings around the Nativity Scene at the altar.  Then we came home to our Noche Buena of maple/honey glazed ham, Dubliner cheese, fancy crackers, and Christmas stollen. At almost the stroke of 12, Bill got his new polar bear jammies, pristine white hankies, and a heart warmer for cold hands!  He definitely spent more! I got new diamond earrings (to replace the ones I had lost), new fit-over dark glasses (to replace the one I lost) plus a little purse! Talks with my kids on the phone capped our Christmas Eve.

Sunshine Skyway Bridge

After a light left-over breakfast, off we went to complete our drive to the south end of Gulf Blvd for a couple more beaches and the feat of engineering, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge!  Back at the condo, a light lunch preceded our one last time at the hot tub and Skype sessions with Bill's kids.  And to cap a relaxing vacation, we went to see Mission Impossible on the big screen and dined at Joey's Famous Pizza Kitchen in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida to spare me from more cooking!

Christmas tree among the palm trees

Christmas this year was surely different, reliving life in a condo.  We found it in bits and pieces everywhere. But we found it most in us and in Him.  We are a couple who found each other late in life but early in dreams. The Christmas spirit, after all, is the special kinship He has made possible and why we are here, together.

Merry Xmas!

In the spirit of Xmas merriness and sharing and whatnot, here's some random illumination/Christmassy shots I took while we were in Japan.

Merry Christmas to those who celebrate and a Happy New Year to everyone!

Taito Ward Walking

The second last day for us in Japan was spent with a whole lot of walking.

I started the day with the most ideal way for me; running! Yeay me! My head felt heavy from being "lazy" taking a break from running the past few days since it rained both days we were in Kawasaki and the first two days in Tokyo, my gum was still throbbing painfully.

Started my short run from Sumida Boat River terminal, ran down to the next bridge (it was called Sakura Bridge or something, correct me please) ran back to the Azuma Bridge (the red lacquered bridge in front of the Asahi Beer building) and finish off by running all the way back to our hotel. I can probably search for the correct names of the bridge but I'm feeling lazy to fact-check.

After breakfast, we made our way to Kappabashi first. Spent about an hour there, looking at takoyaki mould and spending much of our time over at one shop there selling everything from food items to bento packaging to souvenir stuff. Cheap stuff and some of the "souvenir"y stuff sold at Nakamise-Dori can be found at that shop for half the price! No, I'm not going to tell you the shop's name. Go and head over to Kappabashi yourself.

Then, our foot took us to Ueno and we found this giant of a panda over at Ueno Station. Please don't try and feed the panda! xD

When in Ueno, gotta stroll a bit in Ueno Park. Maybe not the best park in Tokyo but hey, it is free to wander around it and you can meet some pretty interesting people there. We were there on Monday so the zoo and all the museums are closed. Saw plenty of runners doing their noon runs there. If I have more leisurely time in Tokyo, I am so gonna do a few rounds here, I tell you.

Walked past a few shrines, temples and stopped for a while at the 84,000 Jizo Statue and the Mushizuka, an insect cemetery to console the spirits of dead insects used  as models for drawings.

before finally reaching our destination; the Yanaka cemetery. We talked about making our way to Tokyo University too that day, but eventually didn't.

After spending a bit of time meandering around the cemetery, we continued our walk to the nearby Nippori Station for lunch. A simple bread based lunch and we got on our way back to Ueno.

Raimie was such a good boy, spending more than 5 hours walking with us so as a reward, we spent time looking at games and toys at Yamashiroya and Yodobashi Camera in Ueno later.

Then, it's a walk back to Kappabashi and did some shopping there; completing our purchases moments before the store was set to close for the day at 5.30pm. Yup people, stores in Kappabashi close early so don't plan on late evening shopping there. Malls close at 8.00pm or 9.00pm. Complaining about wanting to do late-night shopping but can't? Go to Korea. Or better still, shop in Malaysia. But you can eat sushi all night long in Asakusa. Sushi Zanmai opens from 11.00am to 7.00am the next day.

Hurriedly walked through Sensoji Temple because I wanted to stop and buy something very "touristy" as requested by my siblings at Nakamise-dori. 

By the time we arrived Nakamise-Dori, we've been asked for directions by Japanese person(s) three times that day! One at Yanaka Cemetery - a lady looking for a jizo or something. Second time was at Nippori Station - an elderly couple asking how to get to Yokohama and the third one in front of the Hozomon Gate - a guy wanted to ask something I didn't catch. Did we look so friendly that among all those people mingling there, we were the ones they asked for directions? xD

Four fridge magnets and a few boxes of ningyo-yaki (or whatever Zaini decided to buy for his colleagues) later, then it's time for dinner! Sushi dinner at Sushi Zanmai.

What's that you ask? That's natto temaki sushi and they were yummy!

All that walking didn't leave me unaffected. Just look at my poor blistered left heel. Poor foot. I really do abuse you a lot, right? Three blisters, forming on top of each other that's been there since Day 4 in Japan. But dear two feet of mine, you know I love you, right? I adore you so much that we'll start training for Standard Chartered Marathon 2012 soon! Yeay us! ^^

We were out from 10.00am and only returned at 8.00pm. I decided not to go out again, after looking at my lopsided face in the mirror (left cheek was obviously puffy, the effects of my swollen gum) but "genki" Zaini went out again and after three hours, still not a peep from him! He must be having a lot of fun! ^^

A week after returning from our 2011 Japan vacation, I'm still halfway through taking antibiotics for the gum of mine. Good times. *^-^*

The SNO - WOVEL - A SHOVEL on a WHEEL

 

I posted about this before and it is really worth talking about again.  

Gene has had back surgery and still has back pain.  

Shoveling snow can really irritate his bad back and knees.

A friend recommended this to us a few years ago and it is just amazing.  It was Time magazine's invention of the Year 2006! There is no bending and very little lifting.  No electric or gasoline.  All Manual!!  See the video on their website!!

The idea is to push the scoop and then twist the WOVEL to toss the snow in either direction.  

This is very light weight but sturdy, heavy duty plastic and folds flat for easy storage. No electricity and no gas or oil.  Totally green for those who want to preserve the planet.

So when we need to get to the mailbox to send out our eBay packages, the sidewalk gets done pretty fast because the scoop is huge, with no stress on our backs.   

We are not selling these or involved with them in any way - just love the product and wanted to share the info.  

 The SnoWovel Website

Ogawamachi For A Day!

Day 13 is like a non-event. We spent more than half a day at Ogawamachi, climbing up steps after steps into/up the numerous sporting goods there looking for a bargain.

There are a whole lot of ski and snowboarding shops there alongside with golf, tennis, baseball, basketball and what else? Running of course! I tell you, I was ever so ready to re-mortgage my house to buy the awesome stuff there.

All the completely blinding colours the running shoes that are on sale there. OMG! OMG! Dunno why, but I do so like to be easily identified when running. Bright pink, neon green, the likes.... white running shoes is soooo boring. heh heh

And to further prove my point, here's me in pink amongst a sea of white at one night running event I took part a few months ago in Putrajaya.

Back to the story, a staff at Mizuno store encouraged us to try the foot analysis for free but we declined. I'm afraid to fall into the deep abyss of wanting to buy after doing all those testing!

Not intimidated by the queue at this particular udon shop, we joined the herd and had a very nice udon lunch there. Gave the girl dishing out the udon bowl a headache because the ones that we wanted to order, I had no idea how to pronounce since it was written in kanji. I can do hiragana and katakana. Heck I can do Hangul too (OK, reading and mouthing the sounds aloud doesn't mean I know the language) but kanji... I concede defeat.

They were busy. The line was long. But a staff came out to us and took time to double confirm our order according to the picture shown. We bring chaos wherever we went in Japan. Be warned! heh! We are sorry we have caused you trouble, udon shop staff. ;p

The best thing of all this was, nobody behind us fidgeted and look over at us wanting to see the cause of the holdup. You know you are in Malaysia when just spending a few extra seconds at the automated gate over at Immigration would warrant a comment from the next person in line. "Why so slow?" is commonly heard. ;p

After amply filling our tummy, then it's time to do some serious shopping! Raimie sported a new Nike bag soon after and Mommy had a few purchases on her own. Mommy was very restraint and only spent 18,000yen for her running gears. No new shoes though, despite being so so so tempted to get at least one pair.

Daddy, who had looked at a few pair of Asics Made in Japan running shoes range, decided to not buy anything yet. Scrooge! LOL

By the time we were done, it was approaching 4.00pm and we decided to head back to our hotel and rested a bit before going out again for dinner and a bit of "grocery" shopping.

Such a boring day, eh? ^^

When it's time for a winter Hokkaido vacation in 2014 (planning way ahead, aren't we?), we are so going to drop by this area and buy our snow/ski stuff and whatnot. Unless of course, you kind soul out there willing to lend your stuff to us. *hint hint* hihihi

Denver Christkindl Market 2011

Being German and growing up German these markets fascinate me.  Several years ago we went to one in Chicago on a cold, snowy night.  It was wonderful, so I was looking forward to visiting this one in Denver. 

So OK we went on a Wed. afternoon.  It was cold and there was snow on the ground. Colorado Springs has a large German community and I was disappointed the market was alot smaller than what I expected with a limited variety of things.  I suppose it is larger and busier in the evening and weekends!!

There were a total of maybe 10 of these little buildings selling everything from authentic German ornaments, beer steins and linens to some food & drink, Polish pottery and South American wool clothing and trinkets.   . 

 

The market is located in Skyline Park along the 16th Street Mall across from the Daniels & Fisher Clock Tower. 

 

Denver Christkindl Market web site.

Asakusa To Kinshicho On Foot

The second day we were in Tokyo, we woke up to a bright, sunny day which was a relief for us. I don't know whether I can stand any more rainy, gloomy days for the rest of our vacation.

Walked along the Sumida River to recce the route for my run. Unfortunately, up to Day 3 in Tokyo; I haven't done any running yet.

Saw some people dressed as some kind of heroes (power rangers wannabe or something), with a guy with a bazooka of a lens photographing them. The best part was, nobody else there even batted an eyelid at them.

Saw hordes of tourists and plenty of them are part of tour groups. All trying to capture a good photo of the Asahi Beer Tower and the golden poop; errr.... flame on top of it and also the Tokyo Sky Tree.

We have to make a confession. We too can't resist taking obscene amount of photos of the Sky Tree from different angles. (Note: photos taken by Zaini. I do not have the patience to take "artsy" photos like this)

Walked some more and saw this humongous doggies on the first floor of an apartment a building, which I'm told is a doggie school or something. Good thing they aren't alive. xD

Saw baseball team(s) having a practice session at a field somewhere. Passed by and entered a warehouse sale going on. (Note: random photos like this are of course mine!)

Stumbled upon and stopped by a few shrines and suddenly we found ourselves in Kinshicho.

Had an early lunch at Yayoi-ken in Kinshicho, located opposite Tobu Levant Hotel. There used to be a Yoshinoya outlet there but now found a Burger King place instead.

Spent a bit of time at the nearby Arca Kit before deciding to head over to Akihabara. Raimie had been badgering us over a Nintendo 3DS game that was released that day, Monster Hunter 3G. Saw them at a M-Land but decided to check out the game over at Yodobashi-Akiba. Bad idea. The place was choked with shoppers and the game was sold out there.

Walked back to M-Land after checking out a few other stores and by now the price of the game there had gone up 300yen! At least, it wasn't above the recommended retail price.

Son was pretty stoked getting the game albeit at a higher price. You know, he is sure showing sign of growing up. He didn't buy any of the Kamen Rider/Rangers/Ultraman figures and toys; spending the bulk of his allocated cash on games instead.

Arrived back to our hotel and I immediately crashed. While I felt just fine in the morning, I wasn't feeling too good later in the day and refused to go out again afterwards. Zaini went out alone and came back with dinner packed for Raimie and I. Just bread for me, fast food for Raimie and a bagel for poor Zaini who wasn't keen on eating out alone.

Anyway, why did we walk from Asakusa to Kinshicho in the first place? Because we can! ^^

Oh, by the way. Can I gloat a little?

I am so proud of my Son! Raimie ran a 3K race on Sunday with Zaini accompanying him doing the run in Putrajaya, the Larian Jom! Kitar Semula 2011.

I went solo and did my 7K run and proud to say managed to bag one of the few, limited medals given out.

Job well done Son! :)