Chris had to work New Year’s Eve…well sort of. He had to do a little bit of work but mostly was just required to be on base all night in case someone did something stupid. Surprisingly, no one did! So we had a great time with all our friends at the officer’s club casino night and had a free hotel to stay in within walking distance. Chris won tons of money, I lost all my money (quickly) and the buffet was delicious. Two good buffets in three days—shocking. Usually buffets are so unsatisfying. Given the casino theme and the fact that last year the entire squadron decked out in pirate gear, I figured this was a Casino Royale, James Bond-type affair so I wore a one-shoulder sparkly dress (White House Black Market–clearance–$17!) with silver tights, black and silver shoes AND black leather above-the-elbow gloves I bought with Mariana at Zara in Costa Rica last February right before her wedding (clearance–$7!!). I arrived to find everyone in regular cocktail dresses or pants. Oops. Oh well, if you show up, show up–I added a Happy New Year headband complete with foofy feather. Perfect!
Photo: Mount Fuji from the flight line on New Year’s Day
These pictures are from Kamakura, my favorite place in Japan so far. The above video is a teaser for the 3 January 2009 post coming soon! 
Above: A girl spoons water over a statue New Year’s Day at Hasedera Temple in Kamakura. 
Above: View of Sagami Bay from Hasedera Temple’s observation walk. 
The two above: statues in the Hasedera Temple grounds in Kamakura. 
Above: Unseasonably warm, sunny weather (yay!) resulted in these early cherry blossoms on New Years Day at the Hasedera Temple in Kamakura. More cherry blossoms spotted in the Imperial Palace grounds and…on my doorstep! 
The two above: These statues are about as different as they come, but they’re right across a gravel path from each other at the Hasedera Temple in Kamakura. 
Above: A few hundred yen buys candles to place at the feet of statues carved into the caves of Hasedera Temple in Kamakura. 
Happy New Year from Japan!
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What a fantastic post! But I have to admit to you how incredibly lame I am.
After all that, here's what sticks in my mind: "There's a Zara in Costa Rica?" ;o)
Good luck with the travel pitch to S&S!
I love the cherry blossom!
Again, you have captured and communicated the feel of these amazing places which I have never visited. The film adds another sensation of being there!
P.S. Thank you for becoming a Follower of Raph’s Ramblings! I haven’t got my neck round the technology of the Following widget and lists yet, but will explore that this week!
I love cherry blossoms! We have a similar tradition of heading to the beach on Christmas eve…. run out to the beach for as long as you can stand it and then run back to the warm car!
Hey Mari!
Everyone that entered my 100th post giveaway is receiving a design of their choice. Let me know what colors/style/designs you are interested in and I will get started on it!