The Japanese word "otaku" is used to describe people who love anything to do with Japanese anime and manga (Japanese comics). Here are a few things that set our inner otakus buzzing with delight. Oh, and we also found a swarm of minions milling about....
Read MoreThe Tsukiji Fish Market is known as the world's largest fish and seafood market. Closed on Sundays and some Wednesdays, the inner markets (restricted to very few visitors) can open as early as 3 a.m. while the outer markets typically close around 2 p.m. We wandered through the tight alleyways of the outer market, watching as the shopkeepers, customers, and tourists mingled alongside each other, taking cash, taking food, and taking pictures. There was barely any fishy smell, which is unusual for any place where seafood is exposed to the open air, and is a testament to the extreme cleanliness of the Japanese people and to the freshness of their seafood.
Although the market has been located in Tsukiji since 1935, it's slated to move in November 2016 to a new location in Toyosu. We were very happy to experience this piece of Tokyo before it moves on.
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Read MoreHayao Miyazaki (think the Japanese version of Walt Disney) wanted to create a museum that immersed visitors into the world of his animations, and he succeeded. The Ghibli Museum gives a glimpse into the beauty of old style animation in a whimsically designed building where you never know which character or piece of memorabilia will trigger a deep sense of nostalgia. If you're curious, check out a few of his movies: "My Neighbor Totoro", "Howl's Moving Castle", "Kiki's Delivery Service", and "Ponyo". The museum does have a few minor inconveniences (it's situated outside of central Tokyo, tickets must be pre-purchased online, and no pictures are allowed indoors) but it's well worth checking out if you're a fan of his work..
Read MoreHappy Valentine's Day! Here in Tokyo, the shop windows are not dripping in pinks, reds, and big sparkly hearts. The Valentine's decorations are subtle, limited to one or two displays (not necessarily in the front window) and really cute. Also, only girls give gifts on Valentine's Day. Don't despair, girls. March 14th is a holiday called White Day and on this day, it's the guys' turn to give gifts.
Read MoreThere is a lot of history and myth soaked into this pretty little place just south of Richmond. It is home to two historic sites, the Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site and the Gulf of Georgia Cannery, but these days, Steveston is known as the place where ABC's TV show "Once Upon A Time" is filmed. Most of the buildings are altered for filming, but there are a few that keep their Storybrooke signs up year round.
Read MoreHappy Chinese New Year! We're on the first leg (more like toe) of our trip, landing in Vancouver, B.C. to spend Chinese New Years with family. Starting our world tour on a fresh new zodiac year feels like an auspicous way to begin. The Chinese zodiac is made up of 12 animal signs and 4 elements. This is the year of the Monkey, the Fire Monkey, to be exact, and very fitting for our trip. Words that come to mind when I think of monkeys are "fun", "curious", and "wild", and this year comes with a little extra spark!
Read MoreWhen we tell people that we're going on a long trip, the responses have varied from squeals of excitement, to high-fives, to a mildly stunned silence. After the initial reaction, there are a few questions that consistently come up.
Read MoreWell, it's official.
We're taking some time off, leaving the Canadian winter behind, and going somewhere different...approximately 15-countries-from-Asia-to-Europe different. It'll be a longer trip than we're used to, but we're ready and eager to trek around this amazing world, knock a couple of iconic wonders off the bucket list, and re-visit a few of our favorite spaces.
Come back and visit as we post (WiFi willing) pictures and stories about our travels from east to west and back home again.
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