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Category Archives: TRAVEL

Domo Arigato Japan

Well it’s been over a month since we returned from our honeymoon in Japan, but it still feels like we were there yesterday. Adam and I chose to go to Japan because it was a country that was on our “MUST GO TO” list. It was was quite the experience. I was in my second month of being pregnant so I was a little worried about how I was going to handle this trip waaay overseas with the different foods, let alone the 11 hour direct flight to Narito Airport from Los Angeles. But I successfully made it through our 2.5 week trip even with some good days and some pretty rough nausea/fatigue days…ok, enough about how the ninja was already kicking my butt.  ;P

The timing for our honeymoon trip was based around the Tokyo Auto Salon in January (I’m an awesome wife right?). We met up with the DSport Magazine group in L.A. and then headed to Japan. The tour and show was about a week long but when that wrapped up, Adam and I were on our own. Adam planned most of our sites to see and had everything organized for us for this trip, which I’m SO thankful for. Some of the places and areas we went to see was Himeji Castle, Harajuku, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Kyoto, and Osaka, just to name a few. We even stayed in a Ryokan, which is a traditional Japanese inn where you get to experience true Japanese culture and hospitality. I wish we could have stayed there a few more nights since I found it so relaxing.

This entire trip had amazing and breathtaking views where pictures just don’t do it justice. I will definitely go back to Japan again, but at a much warmer time of the year. I really wanted to see some cherry blossom trees in full bloom, but they don’t blossom until the end of March – beginning of April. *Sighh…but the trip was based around the date of the Tokyo Auto Salon (again, I’m an AWESOME WIFE…right Adam??? *wink*). We are already planning to go back in a few years, then I can bask in the warm sun and take in the pretty sweet blossoms.

So enjoy some of the pictures that we took with my Canon 5D and point and shoot.

With the set of pictures at the Salon show, I let Adam have my 5D to take pictures of cars. Great pics, but with the collage below, can you tell me which picture doesn’t really belong??? I’m glad he enjoyed all the great “bodywork” there. *tsk *tsk *tsk…

They even had some cool Recaro baby seats there. We really wanted to get one but these models are illegal in Canada.  :(

I even liked the design on their street sewer covers. I love geometric shapes and patterns.

Adam striking a pose with amazing light.

This is Himeji Castle in all it’s glory. This Castle was used in a James Bond movie, “You only live Twice” and the Tom Cruise’ movie,“The Last Samurai”.

Me inside the castle.

The stairs in this castle were extremely steep. Inside, there were six levels in total, and with a lot of climbing and rests, we both made it to the top!

How can you go to Japan without seeing anything Hello Kitty?! I’m not a cat person but she is the only cat I love. So while we were out and about shopping, I found this place where they had some flavoured stuffed treats shaped as, you guessed it, Hello Kitty! Yum!

Random smoker on the side streets in Harajuku.

Inside one of the many crazy, expensive malls we just window shopped in.

Adam looking at shirts in cool packaging and interesting display.

The majority of restaurants in Japan have this type of display inside their windows or entrances. It’s a realistic mould of the dishes they serve. Pretty cool and they looked so real.

Adam finally met up with his penpal of ten years, Mariko, whom we had a nice dinner with, which included Japanese-style pizza and Baskin Robbins for dessert. Thanks for the gifts Mariko, you are too sweet!

I took a picture of this because it was the only pug I saw in the entire time I was in Japan. No Shar-pei’s either! Boo.

These next series of shots were taken at the Ryokan, where we were dressed in traditional yukata’s while we stayed there. As you can see, we liked…

Domo Arigato Japan, we will see you in a few years in full bloom with an adventurous ninja in hand.  ;P

And thankyou Adam for such a great adventurous honeymoon. Can’t wait for next time!

March 17, 2010 - 12:51 pm Linda - Great pics! Looked like a great time. I'd love to check out Japan someday. I want that Hello Kitty pastry, so cute! Can't wait to meet little ninja. :)

March 10, 2010 - 11:51 pm Adam D - WOW We took some great shots, and thats only like 2% of them ha! Thanks for the great trip sleepy head, I cannot wait to go back...so the pressue is on Mariko to buy that house. haha :)

March 10, 2010 - 3:15 pm Angela Leung - Hi Lisa/Adam, make sure you guys come back for a visit soon, can't wait to see the little one :)

March 5, 2010 - 2:43 pm Wyatt - I'm turning Japanese I think I'm turning Japanese I really think so!

March 5, 2010 - 11:20 am Karen Gilmour - Awesome pictures Lisa. Looks like a lot of beautiful memories too!! We spent our honeymoon in Hawaii and would love to go back.........we were supposed to go back on our 10th, 20th and it's now our 21st but maybe someday. We're certainly enjoying many other beautiful places with our family before they're too cool for mom and dad!

March 5, 2010 - 10:34 am Jessica - Cooool! Looks like you both had so much fun. :D

March 5, 2010 - 10:16 am Heather - That is awesome! Your trip looks amazing!!! :)

I’m back and married!!!

Hi everyone! I’m back and hitched! Our wedding at the El Dorado Royale in Mexico was a success. I wouldn’t have changed anything about it…it was absolutely perfect! The wedding day was sunny, breezy and the view of the ocean was breathtaking. Adam looked so handsome in his custom made suit from Mark Nunes, I couldn’t take my eyes off of him. And my dress, I absolutely loved. I had it custom made by a talented designer named Lisa Van Hattem. It was perfect for the warm climate and exactly what I wanted.

I have always wanted a destination wedding and the resort in itself has now set a new standard for me, it definitely didn’t let me down. I have to admit that I was worried since we planned everything by doing our research on the internet and reading reviews. I would definitely go back to this resort again, and again. The food was exceptional, and all of the workers were friendly and willing to help you out in anyway to make sure you were happy and comfortable. All of our guests had a blast and we brought a lot of great memories back home to Canada.

I’m still adjusting calling Adam my husband but I’m sure it will become the norm after a year or so…heehee! He is my best friend and the one I can turn to for anything. I love you Cutes and am looking foward to the many years ahead together!

Come back to this post soon because I will be posting some pictures that Emma Smallbone from barebonephoto took of our special day! CAN’T WAIT for you all to see them!

***UPDATE*** Look below for just a few of my favorites. Thanks so much Emma! Enjoy! If you’d like to see more, check out her blog.

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Our outdoor reception.

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Here are some pictures taken a few days after the wedding…

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February 18, 2010 - 9:34 am Emma - I had soooooo much fun shooting your wedding day......and the day after session. Talk about amazing locations! Eeeeeee....I still can't believe your married!

December 20, 2009 - 7:11 pm Fatema - Lisa and Adam! congratulations!!!! :) so happy for the both of you!

November 27, 2009 - 4:36 pm Adam - HI *kiss kiss hug hug BIG kiss little hug kiss*

My turn to say “I do” … in MEXICO!!!

Hola friends and fellow blog followers! I am out of the office because in a few hours I am off to get married in “Meh-hee-ko”– The Mayan Riviera to be exact. I cannot believe one year of planning has gone by so quickly…oh how time flies.

Right now, my soon-to-be husband Adam is power napping while I stay awake writing to you. I can’t just abandon you without telling you where I’m going…especially when it’s such an exciting point in my life. Honestly, I don’t even know how he can sleep. We have to be up and out the door by 6 a.m. but I’m too excited, anxious and nervous to even close my eyes! Ohh I can’t wait to feel that breeze of warm air when I take that first step off the plane. Then hit the beach and dig my toes into the warm sand while gazing at the gorgeous blue ocean. Wow, in less than a week’s time, I will do what I’ve seen soo many beautiful bride’s do…is say “I do” while staring into their best friend’s eyes. Love. *sigh*…

Don’t worry, I’ll come back and post pictures from our big day, but right now I must calm the brain and get some beauty sleep. ;P

Buenas noches! Zzzzzzzz..

Beach

November 22, 2009 - 7:17 pm Adam - I power napped for you my wife! ha

November 20, 2009 - 12:19 am Janet - Congratulations Lisa! Hope you have a great time!

November 16, 2009 - 6:35 pm Jessica - Yaaaaay! I can't wait to see the photos!!! XOXO

November 16, 2009 - 2:42 pm Susan - All the best Lisa!!!! :) Can't wait to see the photos.