Japan & Taiwan Family Cruise

I came across this Japanese phrase “Ichigo ichie” meaning, "Once, a meeting / In this moment, an opportunity." I am reminded that everything I experience is a gift. I learn to let go of expectations and perfect family photos / every minute of vacation being easy. This photo is a representation of not always having things go as planned. We walked a few miles with a freshly busted suit case wheel just to learn our cruise port changed to Yokohama port (WWII, historical landmark). We were all hot, tired, looking for a taxi, and hungry when a fellow tourist offered to take our family photo which ended up me getting smacked in the face by flailing arms in front of everyone! I then realized that my little one did not want to be interupted with his stick collection play plus it was reaching lunch time / quiet time.

(Diver City Tokyo, Japan)

Next time, I will take the path of least resistance by listening to my instinct & being more selective with taking family photos. Thankfully, our travels went smoothly despite a typhoon following us throughout our travel path.

(Google Typhoon Storm Image)

In fact, we got an extra day on our cruise boat due to our Yokohpma port not being safe to dock. We missed seeing Ishigaki early in our trip due to the typhoon weather too. 25 feet waves and 75 mile winds made the pools look like wave pools on the boat. We all needed extra rest at sea though for us to fully enjoy our time in Okinawa, Japan and Keelung, Taiwan.

I am reminded to let go and enjoy the present moment even if it is sprinkled by the hustle of a toddler; my little one, at times is more interested in going back inside for a taxi ride to touch all of the buttons than visiting sites. Then, he eased into our adventures and did not want to leave at times like playing with his Air Force childhood friend at the beach. I don't blame him!

(Turquoise Ocean, Okinawa)

In Okinawa, Elliot also enjoyed sending morse code messages at the Navy War museum. Being in the tunnels where soldiers set off grenades was a very chilling experience!