In Case You Are More Confused Than My Parents...

I am finally back in Honolulu, here to stay for at least a few months. I have tons of pictures and posts that didn't make it in time, but I will continue posting them! Thanks for all the love, I never thought I would've reached 700 by the end of the summer!



                                        

This summer has seriously been nonstop traveling. I love traveling and seeing new places along with continuing the traditions I have at places I've been before.
However, I don't like being stuck on an airplane for hours on end (slightly claustrophobic), not being able to sleep on time due to jet lag and packing/unpacking. I really HATE packing - It's too difficult.

An overview of my trip:

Honolulu - Tokyo (Haneda) [By myself]
        Tokyo - Nagoya *bullet train
        Nagoya - Hamamatsu *bullet train
        Hamamatsu - Tokyo *bullet train
Tokyo (Haneda) - Paris [With grandma and aunt]
        Paris - Lourdes * TGV
        Lourdes - Paris *TGV
Paris - Florence [With grandma and aunt]
Florence - Paris [With grandma and aunt]
Paris - Tokyo (Haneda)  [With grandma and aunt]
        Tokyo - Karuizawa *bullet train
        Karuizawa - Tokyo *bullet train [With grandma and aunt]
Tokyo (Narita) - Honolulu [By myself]

 Awesome mileage...!

I highly doubt my own parents knew where I was exactly this whole summer, and I barely had a clue where I was! Nonetheless, I had a blast and unforgettable summer. 9 more months and counting the days until summer 2012, where to next?

Life's Better When You're Japanese

Dinner at 一茶一坐 with Tanya and Amanda! Reunited in Tokyo once again, we enjoyed eating a delicious Chinese meal, taking purikura and singing at a karaoke booth in Shibuya.  

    








                

I am wearing this top that I just bought at Forever 21. Its' loosey goosey casual fit is very comfy, and not completely unflattering if I may say so myself. Usually you can't find a combination of the two. Lately I have been OBSESSED with this black and white tribal print. I can't seem to get enough of it! You will probably see more of this top later...

Guess where I am?

If you guessed London, sadly you are wrong. I am on the streets of Tokyo, on my way  to see the final showing of the three musketeers directed by a family friend at Nisei Theater. If it weren't for my jet lag, I would've gone backstage to meet the cast! That and the fact that Princess Aiko, her father, Prince Tougu, and their 30 SP's were occupying my friends attention. Bummer！

I noticed that the number of telephone booths have dwindled over the past decade. That or the fact that I never use them so they don't draw my attention...Anyways, this cute booth was peculiar, and there's nothing I'm more attracted to then the odd and undiscovered. I am wearing a fuschia dress from urban outfitters. I bought this online and crossed my fingers in hopes that it would be the right size, which it was! This silence and noise dress has been wonderful to me; I can where it anywhere without feeling inappropriately dressed.Accompanying it is my "big brown bag". It fits everything and the color matches 90% of my outfits - it's a traveling bag must! My mothers' friends' husband is the designer of this bag. Most of my bags are designed by him, brand name is Sa-Che.

Day 1: Odaiba

Finally! I made it out to Tokyo :) Nothing warms my heart the second best than seeing fancy CLEAN public bathrooms and convenience stores on every block. I started off the day by going to the Odaiba Gasyukoku (お台場合衆国). I must say Japans heat surprised me again. It was so hot, that just walking around for ten minutes I was sweat more than I ever have in a sauna or running. I was dripping sweat, and complaining about the heat every ten minutes. I've gone to Japan at least once a year since I was a baby, so I am heavily influenced by its culture. I probably know 90% of TV shows on air, and watch about 40% of them. This fair like event, is hosted by a single TV station. They have many booths that are themed by the TV show, and tons of creative/odd food! 

This "mecha" portion of the carnival is by far my favorite. One of my best loved TV shows is "mecha mecha iketeru", it always manages to make me roll around laughing. This year, they did a Hawaiian resort theme, which I knew all too well. I was super close to asking if I could be in the front of the line with a Hawaii Drivers license.

My big floppy hat might get the best friend title. It is always there for me protecting me from the suns harmful rays! Without it, I couldn't imagine how hot it would be. My turquoise top is from Vans and regretfully, I didn't wear it to optimize its smashing shape. The top is actually really cute; it is cut off in the back a couple inches above the tailbone, and in the front it is longer and folded over (kind of hard to explain.) Going vertically down at diagonals, are tiny little holes which make for an adorable design. I love the color, probably because it reminds me of the ocean at home. Perhaps I will re-wear this later and show you its full potential. 

The view from the hotel...perfect no?