Hanayashiki Amusement Park

No trip is complete without a visit to the local amusement park – at least for my husband and daughter.  They go off and get turn upside-down, dropped from heights, eat sweets, and experience the other side of town while I do something “boring” like go to a historic house museum or temple garden.  Tokyo was no different except for the fact that the amusement park was like something out of Spirited Away.   Hanayashiki amusement park, originally opened as a flower park, has a history of more than 150 years. Located just a few steps from Sensoji Temple in the Asakusa district, the miniature amusement park offers a small Ferris wheel, roller coaster, carousel, a ride that is powered by you pedaling, Space Shot and great crepes.

Popularity: 20% [?]

If I am on a road trip and see the words “creamery” or “dairy,” you better hope that you are not riding my tail.  I have been known to make quick 90 or 180 degree U-turns to get my fill of sweet, fresh dairy treats.  That is exactly what happened to me on my way to Cashiers, North Carolina.

Popularity: 18% [?]

May 2011- Perdido Key Update:

Since my last jaunt to beach, Perdido Key and the nearby communities have welcomed several new businesses. I am also very pleased to report that the beaches were pristine and the water clear – not a tarball in sight!

Popularity: 21% [?]

My first attempt to plan our trip to Japan started with maps. I should have known that one week would not be enough when I realized that I could not find Kyoto on the map because the map was not Japan, but simply Tokyo.  I consider myself fairly adept at reading maps and being able to “get a lay of the land” before I ever visit a place.  That was until I battled the map of Tokyo and Tokyo came out the victor.  I folded the map, waived the white flag and proclaimed, “Forget it!  We will figure out when we get there.”  

Popularity: 20% [?]

My daughter goes to a French immersion school. In the summer between her 1st and 2nd grade, my husband and I thought it would be a good idea for her to have some sort of French experience (of course, not thinking of us). After some initial research, it became apparent that a trip to France was just not feasible. We resigned ourselves to the fact that we would just have to resort to French films, books and music. Then, it came to us – Montreal! A mere four hours away by plane and at a significantly reduced cost, our daughter could continue her French education during the summer (again, not thinking of us).

Popularity: 93% [?]