Pepsi Next & Space Brothers

I found that a lot of drinks in convenience stores in Japan would sometimes have collectible phone straps/key chains with them. I tried Pepsi Next from a Family Mart and I got this strap with it! It wasn't till after this that I watched Space Brothers and have enjoyed it. I still need to finish it though! Anyways thought you might find it interesting!

 

Cold stroll in Maymont

this had to be back in January when I went in to Maymont with my girl friend. It was a slightly chilly day like they still are but was sunny and bright. Anyway's I brought my camera with me so enjoy the pictures!

Small Temple in Kita-ku, Kyoto

I was staying it Kita-ku, Kyoto while I was there and I have looked all over for the name of this small temple. I do not know what it is, I found it on Google Maps (you can check the location link at the bottom of the post) but can't read the Japanese of it. This was a few blocks from where I was staying and I just happened to come across it. Anyway's enjoy!

Lovely bell...

Gundam RX-78-2 Coffee Mug

So while I was in Japan I had to stop at the Gundam Cafe and ended up going to the one in Akihabara and also the one at Diver City next to the Life Size Gundam. I picked up Gundam RX-78-2 coffee mug and love looking at it. I use it mostly for tea but recently I let it sit on my desk with a Gundam standing in it. I also picked up a rubber cup coaster since I love collecting those too!

Different World of Luray Caverns

Luray Cavern's is a fantastic Caverns to go to. It has drawn people from all over since it's discovery in 1878, and one of it's most notable piece is the Great Stalacpipe Organ. How they did this is find the right size of Stalactites and solenoid stickers hit them to create a tone. The caverns (Once called Luray Cave) is located very close to downtown Luray which is fantastic. We stayed at Mimslynn Inn, check out the post here!

I hope you enjoy the pictures  my girlfriend and I really enjoyed our time in the caverns. It was us, and two other couples on the tour, it was so quiet! Enjoy the photographs.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto

Hey everyone!
Probably on of the most popular visits in Kyoto for tourists is Kinnkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji, Gion and of course Kiyomizu-dera Temple. This temple is marvelous  The "wooden stage" stands with a grand view of the Kyoto to the West and it seams like you are on top of the trees.
Kiyomizu-dera literally means pure water temple, and founded in 780 at the Otowa Waterfall. You can see the Otowa Waterfall and it is split into three streams below the temples stage where you can drink it's pure water, post here. The present buildings were constructed in 1633 by the order of the Tokugawa Iemitsu. Some interesting bit of information is the fact that there was not a single nail used in the building of the structure. It use to be from the Hosso sect of Buddhism but in 1965 changed to Kitahosso sect. The Wooden stage is 13 meters above the ground and it is said that if you make the jump and survived a wish will be granted. There are 134 documented cases in the Edo period of it and only a little over 85% survived. do not know if their wishes were granted. The view can grant you great views of the Maples and Cherry trees in the area for perfection in Fall and Spring times.

Mimslynn Inn in Luray, Virginia

So I got this crazy deal through livingsocial that I can stay at the Mimslynn Inn, get two souvenir wine glasses and two tickets to Luray Caverns! It was a great weekend for my girlfriend and I and the Mimslynn Inn made us feel fancy! We stayed at a standard room that is below and it was really nice. the nicer rooms have in room fireplaces. Downstairs was very formal and shows that it has a certain tradition. The bell hope boy was dressed to impress ready to get your bags and the piano player looked the part. We felt very special while we were there. We didn't eat at the Circa restaurant on the Lobby floor but the Speakeasy downstairs was nice. If I had more $ I would have tried the Circa since they can pair your food choice with wine. The Shenandoah Valley is some what a Nappa Valley here with many small local wineries and if you go to any of the local shops in Luray you can find tones of local/Virginia wines. If you can take your love somewhere in Virginia  the Mimslynn Inn was a pleasant stay. Oh and it lightly snowed almost the entire time we stayed in Luray, it was wonderful. 

Can you spy my girl friend peaking over the bed? heheh

Otowa Waterfall at Kiomizu-Dera in Kyoto, Japan

This waterfall is located below the wooden stage of Kiomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto, Japan. The waters are divided into three streams that you can see below and people come around to get a drink from one of them. Having a drink from all three is considered greedy. One stream helps with longevity, one for success in school and the last is for the fortune of love. You use a long pole with a cup attached to the end to reach for them. There was a long line for it and I didn't wait and I didn't know which stream was which haha.
Also check out the Kiomizu-dera post and also the Jishu Shrine that is located there.