exploring downtown los angeles.

Back in February, my good friend and I talked about exploring some major tourist attractions in Los Angeles. To think that we live 20-minutes away from Downtown Los Angeles and to say that we haven't been to Grand Central Market or Union Station? How could we even call ourselves Los Angelians? (Not sure if that's even a word...)

We started at Grand Central Market, meandered over to Bradbury Building, walked over to the Walt Disney Concert Hall, drove to Union Station, and ended our time at the Last Bookstore. We went all over the place, but I loved every second of it! Los Angeles has crazy traffic, but amidst the chaos of everything, there's beauty. I never thought much of this city that has some of the worst air pollution in the world, but there's some gems if you take some time to find them. :)

By the way, my friend might be on here more often. She said when she was a kid she had always wanted to model. So you know what that means for me... ;)

Grand Central Market.

You must try this place out! Best eggs everrrrr!

Inside Bradbury Building.

Million Dollar Chinese Theater.

rikuzentakata, iwate.

On our way back to Tokyo, we stopped by Rikuzentakata, one of the towns hit worst by the 3.11 tsunami. I hadn't visited this area the last time I was in Tohoku, so it was an eerie feeling to visit a town where so many people used to live. There was also a boat that ended up on top of a building, but when we visited, they were already working on taking it down. 

Japan is really working on its way to recovery in Tohoku, but there's still a long way to go. I also know that it's going to be a long emotional recovery process. Keep on praying for those in Tohoku, and everyone affected by the 3.11 tsunami and earthquake.

As for myself, I do want to go back and visit...hopefully sometime soon. :)

Mirror selfie! heh

ofunato || food events.

Beautiful Ofunato

Aside from visiting the kasetsu (かせつ) and having tea/coffee with the residents, we also held a few food events. One of the days we held a food event, it was a gorgeous sunny day. We served spaghetti sauce over rice, which seems strange to Americans, but they really liked it! Then the other day we held a food event, it rained. The rain didn't stop people from coming out and having fun, though! :) Good food always brings good company together.