here is a little of what we're up to right now...

sorry i can't get videos up

Chaing Mai

We've made it! Unfortunately, I can't figure out how to upload pics/videos from this computer. We just had the most amazing day, full of elephant rides ect!!! First we took an ox-cart ride to a tribal sales market and when we finished we took an elephant back to camp where we boarded onto the oxes. Afterwards we ate a hurried lunch and then to the bamboo rafts. Our raft drivers were hilarious. They were poking us with their wet poles and yelling "ANACONDA!!!" or "CROCODILE DUNDEE!!!" Finally we took the tour car up to a hemp-making hut called Hmong. Then at seven we went to an "authentic" Thai ceremonial service thing. We ate spicy food outside and watched the musicians and dancers on the stage placed infront of us. As soon as we found ourselves tired we left the building and found a paper balloon lighting service. The balloon is lit from the bottom around a carrosine ring and then it floats away symbolizing letting go of bad kharma.

Research and Development for deliver me yoga:

In Japan, shiatsu, performed by a blind therapist, did a great deal to ease discomfort in my legs. I would recommend it!
However, although I did come away with one tidbit that deliver me yoga will use (a lovely bowl of fresh orchid blossoms floating in a dish below my face rest), let's face it, I could have traded Logan a snickers bar to perform the "relaxing massage" I recieved yesterday in our swanky Thai hotel. The lesson learned is that just because it's an expensive hotel, it doesn't mean the MT's have their mojo working.

Today, we go off to Chang Mai on the night train to meet Don Wilcox tomorrow morning. Thailand is HOT.

Not sure the next time we'll write, but we'll try our hardest to find a computer!

Love you all!
The Hills

Thoughts

While in Japan, I heard that a gallon of gasoline is cheaper than a gallon of water in Dubai!

There is no single word for 'no' in the Japanese language.

If you commit suicide by jumping in front of a train in Japan, your family will be fined for the inconvenience. The fine will be greater if it happens during rush-hour.

Survey Part B

And so, the plot thickens...I knew the responses to the survey were way too far within the confinds of my comfort zone. They meet my need to believe that we all want the same things- love, happiness, connection to others.

An astute interviewee queried, the question really should not only be what, but how? So all of you good friends who have already participated in our survey, c'mon back and tell us how you would get whatever the most important thing in your life is.

THAILAND

Finally, we've arrived in Bangkok! It's really strange here. There are half naked monks sitting under trees everywhere. Because of the demonstrations going on (some citizens don't like the current Prime Minister) there are armed soldiers with massive guns and mob sheilds everywhere...very odd. Unfortunately, we're not sure the next time pictures will be put up because of the computer situation, but we'll try our best. Today, we visited the king's Royal Palace and saw another Buddha. Logan and I got facials, while my mom got a massage. The Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel is SO nice. Tomorrow we look forward to the floating market!! Missing the USA...but still having an AWESOME time...
The Hills

Finishing up Japan

Unfortunately, our stay in Shirokane has come to an end. These are our last few days here. Today, we fly to Bangkok! Hopefully, we'll have internet there. Wish us luck!

Day Three: Edo Period Farmhouse, Harajuku, Bath House

Today we saw a really old farmhouse which was used until the late 80's, believe it or not. After the farmhouse, we went into Harajuku and saw a bunch of Japanese girls dressed up in crazy clothes. The make-up and dresses are so amusing! In the late afternoon we visited a Bath House with real-live naked people. It was...an interesting experience.

early cherry blossoms in the park at the Jidayubori Minka-en (old Edo period farmhouse)

Day Two: Fish Market, $ Washing Temple, Buddha

In the morning, we visited the fish market. All of the businessmen who are involved in the market come really early to an auction where the fish are sold and bought. We had to be respectful, because while we wanted to take photos and stare wide-eyed at the fishermen gutting fish, it was still an official place where people were there to worry about their business. It was so crowded. In the first video, you can see there are people going around on these little cart/car things that go really fast. You had to be aware of your surroundings at all times or else you'd get run over! Everyone is pushing and shoving. We were constantly stepping in puddles of thawed ice from the frozen fish; it was gross. After the market, we went to the 'Money Washing' Temple, where people go to, literally, wash their money. We put our money in some woven baskets, took some of the holy cleansing water, and ladled it over our bills. You light incense before it, and do a little prayer after it. Apparently, the ritual is supposed to 'double' your money. It encourages those to put out and share their wealth, and hopefully, in return, they'll receive positive things back (can't think of a better way to say it). After cleaning our cash, we saw the Great Buddha. Standing 13.5 m feet tall, it is Kamakura, Japan's most famous sight. Then, we took a walk through the town to get some lunch. There was a MASSIVE wind storm. We're talking, being able to stand at a 70 degree angle having the wind holding us up, massive. After we got home, it took Page a good thirty minutes to brush her hair out. I'd say we had a pretty fulfilling day.

Other things...

Zojoji Temple

This was the Zojoji Temple in Tokyo. We went inside the temple where people drop coins into a box, drop incense into the incense burner, and pray to the gods. It's crazy big.