The Great Buddha of Kamakura., originally uploaded by docfranxusc.

Well, in the midst of all the work, we finally have had some time off. Justin was getting re-acquainted with the Boy Scouts at a week -long adult leadership camp (pictures of my cute adventurer to come), while i slogged away at work. We were finally able to spend some time exploring our nearby area...

My friend Becky and I ran into Kamakura, a very famous beach town near Tokyo and the home of the Great Buddha, last weekend and found all sorts of fun little shops and temples.

Justin and I went back today to see the Giant Buddha, his big feet, and enter his big bootie (not so stinky at this time of year). There are at least 10-20 shrines and temples in Kamakura, but we only visited one other. I mean, how many can you really see in one day? THERE ARE MORE PICTURES IF YOU CLICK ON THE BUDDHA.

Of course, we stopped in Starbuck's. Seriously, that store is EVERYWHERE, and "caramel macchiato" sounds like "Caramel Macchiato" in both Japanese and English. Amen to that.

The weather's been chillier lately - and by chilly, I mean 50s and windy. And the lack of insulation is definitely felt...the house was under 60 degrees when we walked in tonight. brrrr...and it's not even December (or January or February).

I'm such a cold wimp.