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Alllooohhhaa!  Well let's just say this picture was taken far before the action began.  The night was packed...thanks to Brandon and Robbie who planned an awesome Birfday Party as they called it!  First we met for dinner with about 15-20 friends at Little Village a small Chinese restaurant on the outskirts of Chinatown.  They have an Ali'i room (meaning King in Hawaiian), and I have always wanted to eat in there.  I got my wish!  Then we headed to Indigo a big bar with an indian flare and "GOT DOWN" wow!  A few lilikoi martini's and 20 good friends made for a GREAT session of intense dancing where I busted out "my move" as Brandon calls it- which involves some squat type motions.  The following day when I was running  I couldn't figure out why I was soooo sore--He quickly reminded me that I did about 50 squats the night before in 5 inch heal...ohhhhhhh right!  My conclusion of the night was... I have the randomist group of friends in the world, who love me dearly and really know how to "GET DOWN".

Love you all and thanks for a fabulous BIRFDAY!

Chantelle

BRRRrrrrrrrr......

Hi!

Well I am home safe and sound after an awesome trip home to London, On CANADA!  I have to make a confession.  Before traveling home this time I knew I missed my family and friends at home, but underestimated how much I missed the city itself, the culture and the climate.  Being able to say "eh!" and "toque and mitts" without having to explain myself was quite comforting.  Thats in addition to being fully pampered by mom and dad, aunts and uncles and grandparents all week.  I visited with lots of family and got to see my little cousin Katie who is almost two.  She amazed me as usual.  I also got to meet my new cousin Nathan!  What a sweetheart.  What I would give to squeeze his big cheeks right now!  

At the end of the week I raced in the Canadian XC Championships and it was quite a success.  I felt very relaxed and confident throughout the 7k race and couldn't have hoped for a better ending to a great trip! 

Thanks to all who pampered me and came to cheer me on at my race.  I would argue I had the biggest fan base woot! woot!

Love you all,

Chantelle

KONICHIWA!

Konichiwa,

On Thursday, November 20th Robbie and I parted the islands in opposite directions.  Robbie made his first trip out to Japan for work and some exploring.  He traveled with Garet and Jeff and was shown around by co-worker Paul who is actually stationed in Japan for work.  They stayed in Toyko and made a two day trip to Kyoto on a super fast train! Paul took them to the busiest parts of the city and also to some temples to meditate about their beautiful wives!  At the open market Robbie saw a triangle shaped watermelon.  It cost $60.00 or 60,000 yen!  The picture featured above is actually a wedding procession that was taking place at one of the temples he visited.  Sooo different.  We are so lucky to be experiencing different cultures here in Hawaii and through our travels.  He arrived home safely on Monday and headed straight to work...what a trooper!