Graphics Halloween Party 2007

Pictures from Friday nights Halloween Party at Graphics.
The rest of the photos are linked here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8953511@N05/sets/72157602728180794

The Nikko IceBucks

This weekend we went with Friends to see the local professional hockey team, The Nikko IceBucks play a home game. They are in the Asian hockey league which has teams mainly from Japan, but also South Korea, and a few other Asian countries. This weekend they were playing A team from South Korea called Halla. Unfortunately the Bucks lost 2-1 but it was actually pretty entertaining as the fans, as with all sports here really get into it. They are still learning to be hockey fans though and In the future we plan to introduce them to the idea of drinking some beer during the game, and heckling the refs and opposing players in the penalty box, as they were a little weak in these area's. Another reason the team/game is interesting for us is because during our stay in Utsunomiya we were introduced to the head coach and a former player who is a great guy and also happens to own one of our favorite drinking spots here in town. Here's a few fotos of the rink and the game.

Guam Final

We spent our final day relaxing at the pool, the beach, and of course the Tiki hut. The final sunset was great as always. Guam is a cool place to visit no matter what kind of vacation you looking for, and we really enjoyed it. It has a lot to offer for everyone. The beach is great, ample restaurants and shopping, sightseeing, it has much too offer. Will we go back? Its possible,but there are a few other places around Asia we may want to visit first. Would we stay at the Guam Marriot again or reccomend it to others? Absolutely not, for too many reasons to bore you with here. Though it didn't really spoil our vacation in any manner, it is not really a resort, and is quite dated. There are nicer hotels at the same price point.
We are now back in Utsunomiya, where it is cold, cloudy, and work awaits(for some of us). As always, the rest of our pictures are in the Flickr folders.

Guam, Two Lovers Point

If you were paying attention during the first of our many Guam posts, you will notice some cliffs in distance to the North in the Tumon Bay pics. This is probably one of Guam's most famous tourist attractions, "Two Lovers Point". Basically just some cliffs with a 300 year old legend about lovers jumping to their deaths to avoid a arranged marriage. Here's the story: http://www.twoloverspoint.com/legend.htm
Anyhow beyond all of that, it is really a place with a great view of the Philippine Sea, Tumon City, and Tumon Bay.
Many Japanese actually come to Tumon to tie the knot and inevitably end up at the point for pics, toasts, etc...
Pretty cool stop.

Guam, Gaan, Asan, Historical Sites

Guam was the site of a lot of action during the WWII and there are many historical sites still well preserved today. We visited Gaan and Asan Beach which were landing sites for invading allied forces and now nicely maintained memorials. There are still bomb craters and gun emplacements in the areas with signs warning of live munitions. It is very hard to imagine violence that took place here so long ago in what is now such a serene place.

Guam, Talofofo Falls and Yokoi's Cave

Talofofo Park contains the falls of the same name and Yokoi's cave. Yokoi was the gentleman who remained in the dark about the end of WWII and lived in this cave for an additional 28 years after the war was over. The falls located next to the cave are pretty scenic, but it is hard to imagine he lived in this cave for 28 days let alone 28 years. It is in a really remote area even today, with plenty of nasty spiders and snakes. Looking at the mouth (as you cant enter it) of the cave, I'm not sure if I would even fit into it. Really amazing. The falls were nice and the short cable car ride down the cliff, and a couple of Carney level museums made for an interesting stop.