An actual written blog about Italy

Ok this is going to be way too long I know, and I think it may even be a bit pretentious (just like George's girlfriend that one episode of Seinfeld). But I wrote this today at an English writing class so I thought I might as well share it.

Two weeks ago I went to Italy. I met three of my best friends, two living in Africa and one in central Asia, there and we explored the sights. I flew from Tokyo to Amsterdam, where I met one friend. We then flew together to Rome to meet the other two.

Our first day together we went to Vatican City, where we just missed the Pope. We saw St. Peter's Cathedral, which was breathtaking. Can I say that Rome is very interesting, with many historical places that are intriguing to me, however there is graffiti everywhere and the food is pricey and not as appetizing as I would have hoped. But the trains are very easy, only two lines, A and B. Not quite the Tokyo shuffle.

The next day we went to the Sistine Chapel, it was closed the day before. The line was only thirty minutes, despite the tour guides insistence that it was two hours and we should shell out forty euro, or seven thousand yen, to go with them. Ha! I said. Next we traversed to the Roman ruins and the Colosseum. Somewhere in the ruins I lost my friends. I waited for some time, while watching prepubescent French kids dump water on each other, oh the flirting of eleven year olds, then set off for the Colosseum alone. There I met a girl who was sketching the famous structure. I asked her if she spoke English and turns out she is from Colorado and goes to school in Texas, so connections abound. I chatted with her, then bound up the stairs to see the sights. Around the corner were my friends! Exciting and unexpected.

Next we hopped on a train to Tuscany. Our hostel was about thirty kilometers from Florence, so we had to take a taxi from the train station, the buses had stopped for the night. The land there was very green and beautiful and quiet. Also the hostel was cheap, my favorite we stayed at. It reminded me of camp, and I love camp.

The first day in Tuscany we went to Siena, via Poggibonci. It rained all day and we didn't see much, but I had the best gelato, cherry, made by the friendliest of chefs, that assured me her lemon was the best in Siena, as she often sampled the competition. The second day was Pisa. The tower is impressive, as is the shear number of souvenir shops, several of which had samurai swords interestingly enough. Then the third day was Florence itself, my favorite of the cities. Home of the Domou, David, and a historic gelato place, whose pear caramel made my friend swoon.

The last stop for us as a group was Venice. Lots of glass shops and, obviously, canals. The girls were in love, I was impressed but ready to leave after a day and a half. Here we sadly, separated, the girls to Milan, us guys back to Rome. A long night in the airport, flight to Amsterdam, I alone in another airport, then longer flight back to Tokyo. Forty five hours no sleep, but worth it I think.

Josh's Hair Experience

Italia Video!! This is a monster

Andy's Anniversary Video

Cherry Blossoms

As some of you know, spring time in Japan is famous for cherry blossoms. So yesterday I went out and got some pictures.

Yes I realize this isn't a cherry blossom. Still pretty though eh?

You can ride in swan boats.

Attempting to see the Sox

House Church

ok. as my video efforts are being used else where for the time being i thought i'd put a couple of photos up for you. this first one is after our bible study on sunday mornings. we had just had coldstone. can't you see the glow in our faces? its the strawberry/vanilla combination. that is amy on the left. one of the journeygirls here.



this next one is during our house church we have with just missionaries on sunday evenings. it's really good just to sing, do bible study together, pray, hang with a bunch of rabid little boys. all in english. oh and there is always plenty of good food rapped up by miyoko's weekly dessert she makes for us!

Snowing in Tokyo

Itchy (that would be one, I don't have fleas) year ago

So as Audrey, Mallory, Anna, and Paul (subliminally), have reminded me, I went to job conference one year ago this month. So at that time, I didn't know where I would be or what exactly I'd be doing in one year. Well in case you don't know, I'm in Japan confusing and confounding the Japanese. I thought I'd break up the monotony of the videos and post some pictures of my friends from conference! (Breathe slowly, I know you're excited but no use in hyperventilating...)

Ok so that is me. Just to make sure we are clear.
(and yes I'm aware I'm sitting in a baby seat at Wendy's)



This is Paul. It was his birthday. I have no idea what that pointy thing is in the bottom middle of the picture. (Not alcohol I know for a fact.) Paul enjoys sports, facial hair, and hanging out with his friends.


Ok just so you don't forget whose blog this is...and yes I miss big cups like I'm holding in my hand here.


This is Anna. Trust me we do not normally look this normal. Anna has a"precious" heart and loves discipling people and trying to talk more than me.


This is Mallory. She likes Clemson. Auburn beat Clemson.
She has an infectious laugh and big sunglasses and likes to plan. Why you may ask?
No idea.


This is Audrey and we are pointing to where we will serve. I think Audrey is serving the fish in the depths of the Ocean. No, Audrey is here in Japan with me (yeah she would appreciate your prayers.) She dislikes Pepsi and quiet. She likes Japanese children and small dogs.


That would be Lottie. Yes she is tiny and yes we are close. She also has the hook up on the funds.


Malloy, myself, Anna, and Jana in "class". Notice I'm the only one not posing. (See I'm not a poser.) You've met the others, but Jana is serving with Mallory. She likes deep discussions and is taller than Lottie.


I don't know these people.
Just kidding. This is Blake, Shawna, and Aleah. They like to harass me and Aleah just likes to be awesome.


Ok I really don't know this guy. He was just sitting out on the lawn in DC. The only person out there. And when we went back by later he was still there but had changed into shorts and a t-shirt. Strange.


I thought just to be safe I should include the security 4 picture. (That is my head.)



This is Anna and Mallory talking with me on the phone. My lack of photogenicness is disguised quite well here.


Paul and I before yet another successful Wendy's run.


This is Elbert. He gets to direct the training time we have in Virginia. Very godly man and very quotable....in a good way.


And finally (thank the stars you are thinking...I know) Paul, Anna, Mallory, and I. These people are oh so important me. Truly "precious to my heart".

Mt Fuji