Only in Japan...

We joined a bunch of folks for a farewell dinner for our friend, Kim, at one of the most random, crazy, unique restaurants we have been to yet: THE LOCKUP in Hiroshima.

We had NO idea what we were about to get into as we waited for the rest of the crew by the cab stand on base.

Yup. This is where we went. It's so crazy, I don't think I can put it into words. And unfortunately, it was a really difficult place to take pictures. But I will try to explain: basically, it's a combination of prison, mad scientist, and monster themes. Wrap your mind around that!!

The servers put Kim in handcuffs after we got there and led us all to our table in a jail cell. They then proceeded to close us in. If that wasn't creepy enough, our drink menu consisted of these funky, mad scientist concoctions. We can't read Japanese very well, so it was a lot of guesswork!  

Pretty funny how all of the drinks came out in beakers and syringes, LOL!

Some of the drinks even had us mixing things together to create interesting reactions.

One of the courses was "burnt chicken". It's the lump of coal looking thing on the right side of the plate. Joel said it was actually really tender and quite tasty! I was able to eat the French fries in the bag, but the kicker was the Takoyaki (fried octopus dough balls) on the left. Everyone at the table ate one at the same time. Two of them were filled with hot sauce instead of octopus. And y'all can probably guess that with my luck, I was one of the "winners" in this terrible, terrible roulette game! LOL - I could barely talk for about 10 minutes and NOTHING would take the heat away! 

Making friends with a server

What a uniquely fun night! Y'all are a great group of folks and we miss you, Kim!

Now, I have to tell you, this was far more than just sitting at a table in a cell, drinking out of beakers, and eating weird looking food that may or may not scar your taste buds. No, my friends, this was so much more. There is a "show" that occurs that was the most horrifying, hilarious, hysterical thing I have ever seen!! I was truly scared and creeped out, yet I was laughing so hard I cried. It is an experience you must have for yourself - I REFUSE to give it away. Only in Japan, folks, only in Japan.

Family Visits are the BEST!

My parents were able to make the trek to Japan last April and we had a BLAST! It has been such a blessing to have our family members support and love on us by coming to visit this amazing country so far away!

So close and yet so far! They traveled for nearly 24 hours but still couldn't connect with us until they gathered their luggage.

They made it!!!

Token thing to do with folks that visit: CARP baseball game!!

Pretty good seats if I do say so myself!

We were able to make a day trip to Tsuwano. It's such a BEAUTIFUL place!

This extremely nice Japanese businessman sells his wife's pottery and son's art in his store in Tsuwano. He told us he was from Iwakuni originally - what a small world! Everything was very beautiful and unique, so of course we walked out of there with some amazing works of art!

Since my parents were here for Easter Sunday, we participated in the Sunrise service on the Kintai Bridge.

My parent's cheat sheet for remembering the language LOL! All spelled phonetically of course!

We hiked Mount Misen on Miyajima Island and I was SO proud of my parents, they were champs! It's not an easy hike by any means, but we made amazing time and had a wonderful outdoor adventure.

Okonomiyaki - the token Japanese dish that all newcomers MUST try!

Joel was obviously more excited about the food than his picture being taken ;-)

On our walk to the train station, we thought this was funny: an entire light and gate for a tiny walkway across the tracks!

We were able to visit the Mazda Museum and assembly line while we were in Hiroshima, so it was only fitting to make sure we had a picture with my favorite Mazda vehicle, the AXELA!

It was such a BLESSING to have my parents in Iwakuni and I will be forever grateful that they made the trek!