Tagajyo city and Sendai 2015

Set off super early in the  morning around 5.30am and this is my first time driving on the highway for long period of time. Endless of yelling and reprimanding by S, be decisive in overtaking, speed up! Do not turn the handle suddenly.... it was endless. He said first time he seen his GPS estimated final destination time keep ending delay (due to my slowpoke driving, others drove beyond 100km/h at least, i drove around 90-100km/h). I was scared to death, too stressful and to me i was already driving very fast. In the end when i completed my part in driving, we were delayed by half hour and he kept grumbling about it. I wish to retort back that you should already thank heaven and earth that we were safe and sound with my driving. 

The main reason why we drove so far just to visit Tagajyo camp in Tagajyo City (near to Sendai) to attend its open house, its because that was his unforgettable training camp during his reservist period. During normal days, no one is allow to take pictures in the area so the day was the only day opened to the public and for picture taking. He was excited to take the pictures and to find his past sergeants that trained him. 

  

cosplay.. not sure what they were selling

waiting for the parade

dormitory 

following the footprints

coast guard mascot 

Sakura in Hachinohe

Went to Hachinohe Japan Self Defence Force open house on saturday. Their camp was filled with sakura trees! That day it was raining sakura petals along with the strong wind, too romantic. If only my wedding photos were taken during this exact timing instead we watched the infantry marching along. We reached the destination pretty early and the soldiers were just standing for hours. Just when i was getting hungry, hot and impatient so S had no choice but to head back and the march started. S was unhappy about that and i felt bad but i was too hungry. 

Went to soramame in Hachinohe, the portion was huge, rice is up to you to fill but you have to finish it or pay penalty! Plenty construction workers type of customers were there so you can guess the amount. I couldn't finish mine.. almost... We went back home and did all the weeds removal from the farm. Time for new plants!

Full blossom @ Hachinohe !

Pity them have to stand for hours under the hot sun

With sakura falling along with the wind. 

fake panda lol!

following one coin lunch again

super big portion, cannot finish

Sakura @ Hirosaki Castle 2015 !

Drove to Aomori on Thursday and we took train to Hirosaki. The train was so packed so glad we boarded the train 1 station early otherwise there were be no seats. Almost everyone had the same destination in mind, to go see sakura at Hirosaki Castle! Plenty Chinese tourists. There was a special bus right in front of the train station that drive straight to castle for 100 yen each. Did not enter the inner castle which was chargeable this time. The outer area was more than enough for non-stop photo taking. S was continuously drinking since i am the one driving back as well. Thereafter we walked to the mall that has Tokyu Hands. In the end, i brought DKNY coat that was on sale ( 21,600 yen $240 sin). Thank you okaasan! Had dinner at my in law house and the food (fried scallops, fried meat, salad, tako were delicious!). Once again we had to trouble okaasan making bentos for tomorrow lunch and dinner for us. So fortunate to have wonderful in laws EVEN BETTER than my husband! 

the castle

wish to try it someday

too pretty for words

faster move in before the crowd gather!

we were horrible in taking decent pic with the castle! why do we choose such a spot! shake head

Mai Mai cafe ベジキッチンまいまい & Sakura!!

Ya finally after a long wait... Sakura finally arrived in Tohoku region! This year weather been pretty warm compared to last year so all the flowers blossom much earlier this year. Drove on the base and the park in front of Misawa city hall (Best places to look at sakura in Misawa) to look at to view the sakura. Hopefully tomorrow we can go Hirosaki to view the sakura again (best place to view sakura with castle as background in Aomori prefecture). Tried a new cafe again and the lunch set was healthy and delicious. Many small portions of food make up the lunch set and seem to be popular with the ladies. Wish to bring Okaasan there, she will certainty enjoy the place! 

finally found the place

mai mai cafe

the cafe also sells takeout bentos and other foods

lots of varieties! Usual price is 880 yen ($10) 

sakura!

at the park

inside the base

still inside the base

never get sick of it!

Nogiku 御食事処 野ぎく @ oirase

Ever since S made his own version of Singapore chicken rice, he had been obsessed with making the taste as original as the local version. So far we have eaten 4 times in 1 month, not that i mind at all since i love chicken rice! Looking forward to eat again! Went to Nogiku for lunch, it was filled with local customers and we were surprised at the portion we received for just 500 yen. Didn't seem as though they need new customers anyway. Will go try their other food again.

half mee goreng half chicken rice.

mayo steamed mushrooms

homemade hawaii ah poke by penguin chef 

super delicious and big serving

nogiku shop