Getting My 'Fixes' Around Cincy.....OLA

Ohio Barn Quilt

I am a tennis fan-addict! Bill cannot quite understand why I passionately stay awake up to the wee hours of the morning to watch the rounds of the majors. Finally in Cincy (cute nickname of Cincinnati, Ohio) I got the chance to go to my very first live ATP Masters tennis tournament: The Western and Southern Open. It is part of the US Open Series prior to the US Open which just started today in Flushing Meadows, New York. The Cincy tourney has been running since 1899 and is the only one still playing in its original city. The Lindner Family and Tennis Center in Mason, a suburb of Cincy, is one of the country’s major tennis centers.

Blake-Baghdatis encounter on Opening Night

You cannot imagine my excitement as I waited in line for the gates to open, toured the many exhibits and kiosks, gobbled up many souvenir items (for our grandchildren and myself!), took countless photos, and watched #1 woman player Caroline Wozniacki and #2 men’s player Rafa Nadal practice at the side courts! I was frozen many times while watching even just the early rounds. My eyes followed the living ball whizz to and fro during the Blake-Baghdatis, Harrison-Chela, and Roddick-Kohlschreiber matches. Now, watching at least one of the four majors is a definite addition to our bucket list!

a section of Highway 127 in Ohio

Just like any other female, I am also a shopping fan-addict! But, retired and without the income I had before, it has evolved to become more of treasure hunting. Last year I was just reading about the World’s Longest Yard Sale in a travel magazine. It’s all of 625 miles along Highway 127, from Gadsden, Alabama to Hudson, Michigan on the first weekend of August. I ran into It when I took to bring Bill home from his surgery. On its last day, I dragged Bill, still in crutches, to get my ‘finds’: ‘Hot Wheels’ for my other grandson, Kenji who lives in Seattle, some bake ware, and other bargains! 

 

the Great American Ball Park

I am also a fan of Paul McCartney who chose Cincy as one of the venues for his 8-city ‘On the Run’ tour. It was a sell-out crowd of 41,500 at the Great American Ball Park. Unfortunately, we were not one able to go because of Bill’s surgery. Later we were able to go to the famous home of the Cincinnati Reds (although they may not be playing well nowadays)! I thought…wow they indeed got the best name for a ball park even if it is not ranked as one of the top 3 (Yankee Stadium, home of the New York Yankees, Wrigley’s Field of the Chicago Cubs, and Fenway Park of the Boston Red Sox)!

the family with Bill, catching a small one

Admittedly, another addiction of mine is to entertain! The Wilmington RV Resort had a family centers basketball/volleyball/tennis courts, indoor pool and spa, mini-golf, horseshoe pits and shuffleboards, and 3 fishing ponds! Former I/ACT colleague Lea, husband Jimmy and children, Miles, Patrick, and Mathew visited us there during our first weekend. Matthew had long wanted to inspect RV living up close and personal. So in our Chicago reunion, Lea decided to visit us in this Ohio campground, just 30 minutes away from her home. I had a lot of fun watching the family catch three fish in just thirty minutes, enjoy the ‘ride’ on the RV slide-out going out, and take a nap on the dinette turned bed!

how can I bring home this chair???

And the biggest addiction of mine…the color yellow…got fed as we explored the farms around Clinton County. There we found more barn quilts (56) than the collection in Houston County, Minnesota! Wilmington is also the home of the first banana split in the world and the site of the annual Banana Split Festival in mid-June. But the most special find of all is the biggest chair I have ever seen, probably about 10 feet tall…and it’s all in yellow! 

We are having a lot of fun but soon I have to fly to Vegas for a mini-reunion with gal pals Jingjing and Ann and a visit to my friend Angie and cousin, Ate Tesing. Finally, Bill might be able to have time for his own ‘fixes’…sans moi!  

Nyuto Onsen Walking Part I

A night at Taenoyu Onsen, one of eight onsen ryokan located in the mountains of Eastern Akita prefecture is bliss. Surrounded by greenery, we enjoyed crisp, clean air that refreshed and rejuvenate us. After hectic days of sightseeing and rushing everywhere, it's really nice to sit back and chill and let the slow pace of life be the tonic for more hectic days to come. ^^

The front view of Taenoyu Onsen. There's a bus stop located right in front of this ryokan, so if you are taking a bus here, it's just a matter of crossing the road when you arrived. A staff  immediately came out and greeted us even before we stepped in the ryokan. Taking a bus for our return journey was easy too. We just sat at the bench in front of the ryokan until the bus came and stopped for us.

Taenoyu Onsen is located beside the Sendatsu river. This is the view from our room and it was sure nice to sleep with the sound of flowing dream accompanying our slumber. Sleep well, we did!

On a rather cold morning on the second day we were there, after a really refreshing dip in the hot water; I decided to take a walk and enjoy the fresh air. I didn't venture out too far, though. Wouldn't want to get lost, would we? *^-^*

Another view of Sendatsu river, through the trees

Found a small shrine by the foot of the hill/mountain right next to Taenoyu Onsen

What/which God/Goddess is this?

It was already chilly when we were there although it was still the summer months. It was nice to spend the days in colder areas of Akita instead of returning to a hotter Tokyo afterwards!

Then, we decided it might be nice to walk out further and check out the area. Stay tuned for the upcoming photos. :)

I Like Green

Even if it's green moss!

A place covered in green moss evokes a rather mysterious feel, don't you think? I do. ^^

I'm on a holiday mood. Can you tell? ^^ Can't seem to think of anything more to write here. But, as I said... I love green. It soothes me so. :)

By The Sea

If you google up about towns or villages by the sea in Japan, the result is sadly about the March 11 tsunami. A sad reminder of the tragedy that we should never forget.

Fishing villages overlooking Sea of Japan

Port city of Kitakyushu, if I'm not wrong.

I can't wait to visit quaint fishing villages by the coastal area of Seto Inland Sea. A visit to a smaller island too, perhaps? ^^

As We Remeber 9-11 / 10 Years Later

Today is Aug. 23, 2011 just after the earthquake on the east coast.  One newscaster said there were alot of upset folks thinking back to 9-11 and not knowing exactly what was happening.  How true that is.  

Many of us may be functioning and saying it is put behind us, but the fears from the moments and days immediately following that tragedy are not far below the surface for us..

We were living in Franklin Square and guess about 20 miles or so from ground zero.  When we went out of the house there was the smoke to the west.  Within an hour or two we heard sirens of emeregency vehicles on the main road 1 block from our house. The sirens were constant for hours so we went to go see what was happening.  They were emergency vehicles coming in from eastern Long Island (more than 60 miles away) to be staged at Belmont race track. Fire trucks, fire chief cars, ambulances and rescue equipment

(Belmont is just over the border from Queens, NY and since all fire and rescue vehicles from Queens and Brooklyn were in the city, the other equipment was going to be held in reserve if needed.)

As days went by we heard stories of survivors.  One such story was while I was having my nails done by a lady who told me her husband worked on the top floor.  He pushed himself into the elevator before the building collapsed.  When he got to the bottom, the doors of the building were being closed not to let anyone onto the subway - and yet again he forced his way out and had to pull the doors of the subway car open to get onto the last train out of that station.  

Everyone on his floor was lost and he was suffering with "why was I spared"?  So not only did the families of those who were killed suffer so are the survivors and their families.   
7 members of our church - St. Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church were lost.  The actual church only holds 400 so speakers were set up int the school auditorium and many speakers outside on the street.  The street in front of the church was packed with people in all sorts of uniforms fire - police- military and regular folks, like us, just there to pay our respects.  

2 firetrucks with their high ladders extended formed a point from which a huge American flag flew.  When the casket was carried from the church it was placed on the back of the fire truck for it's trip to the cemetery.  We were told that traffic stopped all along the way as the truck passed.  

After everyone came out of the church, the NYC Police helicopters flew over with the missing man formation.  There were 2 trumpeters  echoing each other, playing taps.

We were at all 7 funerals and Mayor Guilanni and the police chief was at each and every one.  Even now writing this it brings back tears to my eyes!!!

So to get back to today and the feeling those folks must of had being in those high rises, and never experiencing an earthquake and still being 'shell shocked" so to speak!


One thing to keep in mind too is that Manhattan is an island.  The only way off of it is by train /subway, tunnel or bridge.  I don't know about you but none of those options are very inviting to me in these type emergency situations.  


One last thing I need to share too - Some folks went into an dollar store in our small town and the owners/staff/family were all cheering  - celebrating while they were watching the replay.  I don't mean to judge all dollar store owners, but
just sayin' that one group was happy!!


As we get closer to the 10th anniversary of the day that impacted our lives we need to remember a few things - one the fear of the unknown and what would happen next - if anything. Our kids think we are over exaggerating being cautious / aware, but on the other hand - why not?  What does it hurt to be prepared? 

And lets also remember those few days/ weeks afterward and how we were all united as one people suffering for all the lives lost, the damage to families and our nation. No matter what event we went to - everyone stood and sang God Bless America with pride and conviction.  And of all that has been said and will be said that is a very profound memory to come away with.

A Tiny Shrine Amidst The Craziness Of An Amusement Park

Well, what do you expect from an amusement park located in Asakusa, right? ^^

Shounkaku Shrine "Burabo", Hanayashiki's God of fortune.

After spending hours of crazy fun at the oldest amusement park in Japan, why not pay a visit to the shrine located on the rooftop of the multi-storey Shounkaku building. Have a breather there too, and get away from the crowd downstairs, if you wish.

You also get this view from the rooftop.

OLA: Standing at the Crossroads of America 2

a dinosaur 's tail crashes into a building wall at The Children's Museum!

The third definition of a crossroad is this: a place where many roads intersect. And that is Indiana, the Crossroads of America! All intersecting at Indianapolis are four major interstate highways, more than any other American city: I 65, I 69, I 70, and I 74.  If you look at the map, Indiana literally looks like a cobweb! But this is not the only reason why many roads intersect in the state. The Indiana Motor Speedway draws thousands of motorists to the Indy 500 in this, the Racing Capital of the World!

 

Indiana Motor Speedway @ Racing Capital of the World

Last year we were at the other popular speedway, the Daytona 400 in the northeastern coast of Florida. There, obviously newer, even the colorful seats are an attraction. But this one in Speedway, Indiana, an Indianapolis burb, was founded in 1090 and is the country’s oldest racing institution. It is host to the 500-mile Indy 500. Another favorite, NASCAR’s Brickyard 40, was scheduled that weekend, probably why there was a long row of Corvettes in every color parked in front of the Museum.

row of Corvettes in different colors in front of
Indiana Motor Speedway Racing Capital Museum

At the corner of Gliceratops and Triceratops Avenues (make-believe streets in downtown Indianapolis) is the top-ranked Children’s Museum. I was startled by a huge dinosaur coming out of a building wall and another whose head is going into the top floor of an adjacent buiilding! I took as many photos as I can for my 5-year old grandson Enzo who lives in Calgary, Alberta. Through the city center is a copy of the San Antonio River Walk, Canal Walk. Although not as beautiful, it is still a very relaxing place to be.

a covered bridge in Eunochsburg

tree at the Greensburg courthouse tower

Iowa beat Indiana in that two of its covered bridges were featured in the movie, The Bridges of Madison County. But with almost 40 covered bridges around the state, it is considered to be the Covered Bridges Capital of the World! One of them is only 10 miles away at Eunochsburg, one of 3 old German towns we visited. Not far is Greensburg where a tree is growing out of the tower of its courthouse! And also only ten minutes away is Oldenburg, an old town called the Village of the Spires, has a self-sufficient convent of the Sister of St. Francis founded in 1851.

three of the village spires in Oldenburg

water slide at the flea market in Indian Lakes Resort

With Bill’s knee surgery, however, most of the time we simply relaxed in our campground in Batesville, Indiana. Luckily, the Indian Lakes Resort, off I 74, is a very nice place to be. It has a 9-hole golf course, private sites for more than 200 families, a large lake with plenty of water activities, a large clubhouse with pool and spa, a great adult lodge, a teen center, a large restaurant/general store/gas station, and lots of activities. During one of the weekends we were there, there was even a special Open House with a flea market, concerts, free movies with free popcorn, car show, golf carts contest, a water slide, etc. 

vintage RVs in front of the campground

There was even an RV dealer in front of the campground that had vintage 1940 trailers! And about a mile east was a cool little Junkyard Art Home!  And we began making friends again, in this state where many roads intersect, east meets west, old meets new, and junk meets art.  It is also where many people meet and make new friends like Karl & Pat Klein and Woody & Donna Caudill!

junkyard art home near the campground

Carnival Games

We have yet been to any matsuri (festival) in Japan but we got a chance to try out some pretty fun carnival games at Hanayashiki Amusement Park.

What's your favourite festival games?

Handouts Are Good

When people hand over stuff (pamphlets,  samples and whatnot) while you walk around in Japan, just take it. That's what we learn. Because the stuff that got handed over may be some coupons for cheap eats somewhere or discount on stuff.

Why pay full price of things when you can get it at cheaper price with coupons, right? I scour for it in KL and I do it in Japan too! It helps to lower our food expenses, that's for sure and also it got us to eateries that we wouldn't have tried otherwise.

I kinda miss getting free tissues though. Our tissue bounty last year was a far cry from what we used to get in previous years. Either it's because we went sightseeing at unhip places or the economy was bad for companies to do tissue advertising anymore. And, and where are all those cosmetic samples I used to get when we strolled around Shibuya? Where????!!!!

Used to get freebies when we checked-in at Toyoko-Inn too, but no freebies last year. I miss my free socks!

With the amount of night we checked-in and checked-out at Toyoko-Inn branches, Zaini need not buy socks for a year! LOL

I guess no such luck this year. :(

But as I said, them handouts are gooooood...

Water Spouting Dragon

Water - the source of life, and in some cases - tourism too; which can mean a source of livelihood to the community involved.

The smell of sulfurous water at Bessho Onsen; one of Nagano's classic onsen resort town was a tad funky, but it is said to have beautifying prowess and clearing certain ailments, so I just pinched my nose and drink away. I need help in the beauty department, after all. XD

OLA: Standing at the Crossroads of America 1

Carol finding her fave mode of transpo @ the Spirit of Monticello Festival!

We were so excited to move to the White Oaks RV Resort in Monticello, Indiana. Advertised to have a beachfront, hot tubs, heated swimming pool, clubhouse, etc. we thought that would just be dandy! In fact we invited Loy Aquino and his sons Lawrence and Leonard who drove down from Buffalo Grove, a suburb of Chicago, Illinois (a 2 ½ hour drive) to join us there for some swimming and chicken and pork barbeque (Filipino style).  We had fun even if the resort needed some TLC.

the beach at White Oaks

 

Loy and sons Lawrence and Leonard join the Colborns

The fun included The Spirit of Monticello Festival, an annual town celebration.   In the middle of the kiosks and booths, I found a really cool vehicle! Bill, on the other hand, feasted on much missed funnel cake.   He also could also not pass up the Harry Potter: Deathly Hallows Part 2, showing at the small community theater for only $3 a person!   But we had to move to Camping World in Greenwood, Indiana soon after as I told you last week for the beginning of much needed breaks.  

But the fact that my previous post is being received so well is putting me at a crossroad.    I am now thinking of turning this blog into a book.   The goings-on behind the scenes can put the personal touch and thread together all the travels.   After all, ours is the unique story of two people, getting together later in life, after 2 very driven lives, set apart by 10,000 miles of seas, tackling an ambitious bucket list! We welcome your comments…they can help us make a decision.

Bill finding some funnel cakes...one of his fave snacks!

                                                                            A crossroad is defined as 1) a point at which a vital decision must be made, 2) a main center of activity, and 3) the place where roads intersect.   It is meaningful that examples of all three definitions were presented to us, quite nicely so, while we were in Indiana, The Crossroads of America!  The first definition was exemplified above. Let me now go to the second definition…a main center of activity. And remember that we are cruising across the North American continent in an RV.

Nappannee, Indiana in Elkhart County and the famous icon

50% of the nation’s recreational vehicles are made in Elkhart County in northern Indiana.  Winnebago, Jayco, Forest River, Gulf Stream, Thor, Monaco, and Dutchmen, to name a few, are built there.   Even the RV Hall of Fame is in the county.   Right before Bill’s knee surgery, we took a day trip to Nappannee, Indiana, home of Newmar Corporation, makers of high quality RVs like our Mountain Aire!  Daily tours are conducted and you see RVs at different stages of manufacture.   Photography is strictly prohibited.

Amish Acres, a great destination!

An RV takes months to build and the plant currently produces about 3 a week.   Their models range from 27 to a whopping 65 feet in length (ours is a mere 37 ft.).   On the lot at its final stages of finishing was one whose MSRP is a staggering $850,000! But the most interesting thing we discovered is this:  80% of the company’s employees are Amish.  (There are an estimated 150,000 in America, a majority of them here) You must remember that Amish still use horse-drawn buggies as their mode of transport, sticking to basic, simple living, rejecting technology.  What irony!

Buggies Rule!

                                                                           As a matter of fact, just across the plant is an old Amish farm turned tourist destination known as Amish Acres.   There is a greeting barn converted into a store, a unique round theater barn, an apple cider barn, etc.  Surrounding the Newmar plant are acres cultivated by Amish hands with clothes hanging to dry at almost all backyards.   The streets’ traffic consisted of buggies plying around or people on bikes.   Even the town’s water tower bears not only its name but a picture of its every day icon, an Amish buggy.

and so do bikes!

But I am sure you would find the last example, to be tackled in the next post, most entertaining!