Month: January 2014

Skytree: Tokyo night view

memoirsofaleishaLeave a comment

It is the tallest tower in the world and the second tallest structure in the world. And I went up it. That’s right, the Tokyo Skytree, which opened in 2012.

Purchasing tickets is a little convoluted if you don’t have a Japanese credit card, which I don’t.
This meant that I rocked up there at 4pm. Upon arrival, I was given a coloured card with a time slot printed on it. You have to come back at that time slot, just to purchase the ticket. I was allocated the time slot of 7:30-8pm at which time I would be allowed to purchase a ticket.
That was fine by me. I could grab dinner at the other end of town and kills some time and then get back to the Skytree.

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/k7E8_lBCHJ7sc47zMVWOxFR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V-y9bMk_RyU/UsF7i8SG_3I/AAAAAAACcnw/A9e0LHHpFL4/s640/IMG_6254.jpg&#8221; height=”640″ width=”480″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&amp;feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table&gt;

Between the 7:30 – 8pm allocated time slot, I was then allowed to line up to purchase a ticket. A line that I waited in for 45minutes, just to purchase a ticket. At about 8:30pm, I finally had a ticket and was then free to go up the Skytree.

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hxAGeNEXo6CWJkuURTbhH1R4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5ylEJ6Q9BCs/UsF7jL3JAZI/AAAAAAACcn4/8RZcv5RvfNo/s640/IMG_6255.jpg&#8221; height=”640″ width=”480″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&amp;feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table&gt;

By the time, I actually got to go up the Skytree, I was well and truly in time for the nightview.

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZkV-vfPUAPD6vPJDb_d8LFR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uRiXX-NNq5k/UsF6-obepfI/AAAAAAACccc/9CoHnhsPiHo/s640/DSC_0038.JPG&#8221; height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&amp;feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table&gt;

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ouCT_qTevohuRzEoDdQnrVR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qjKDun0dtHY/UsF6-IOLKbI/AAAAAAACccU/yWZto5BnafQ/s640/DSC_0036.JPG&#8221; height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&amp;feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table&gt;

This is Tokyo by night:

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/O38nlPnqBtYkZZlkUTdx81R4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gc-uXsB9q2I/UsF62NT524I/AAAAAAACcaA/3wRUHI-miy4/s640/DSC_0007.JPG&#8221; height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&amp;feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table&gt;

The Edogawa river:

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4GkwTu8aaBb_pAM1xFPgx1R4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ak0eQuMWO04/UsF7J424o9I/AAAAAAACcgE/mPDLqcW4y0g/s640/DSC_0089.JPG&#8221; height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&amp;feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table&gt;

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/f2rEjE60yQch2wfk6sapbFR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RJqqIPzdqts/UsF68CWu9MI/AAAAAAACcbs/0LKCObMbBdg/s640/DSC_0025.JPG&#8221; height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&amp;feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table&gt;

My super dooper zoom lens: Big Brother is watching yo!

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2IExKFL3inK-D03GSBNUVVR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-F_hnwIkco0c/UsF68xgJSwI/AAAAAAACcb0/qWJtpZeV8fc/s640/DSC_0029.JPG&#8221; height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&amp;feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table&gt;

Tokyo Tower:

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/n1VXwbC9oxBrihVgR4pL-FR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OJT0R_6ocBY/UsF7aIwrcCI/AAAAAAACclA/DF0zmRMFIlI/s640/DSC_1686.JPG&#8221; height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&amp;feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table&gt;

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0tT5TOuu3ScBTWn8mig68FR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3xcGvO1PrWw/UsF7azBpNWI/AAAAAAACclY/-81aORmhveE/s640/DSC_1691.jpg&#8221; height=”640″ width=”425″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&amp;feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table&gt;

Trust me: There is nothing wrong with your eyesight:

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4HuGkKmh-d82nAOZtie3xVR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7QDFzAGoOgA/UsF7c1gqbDI/AAAAAAACcl8/q5VaZwZtlfo/s640/DSC_1695.JPG&#8221; height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&amp;feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table&gt;

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mM6y41SxISPbSeVhmKWi_VR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-e3E4GZyt5s8/UsF7B6iUy6I/AAAAAAACcds/wVaUv49nSgk/s640/DSC_0053.jpg&#8221; height=”640″ width=”425″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&amp;feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table&gt;

The view from the top is pretty impressive. So long as you don’t mind jostling with people for window space. It was crowded! Avoid the long weekend if possible.

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yqAJxjy63Ex4WrXIdv0RwlR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WHCCipi1C_A/UsF7Y48RrfI/AAAAAAACcko/b359kBbjQPA/s640/DSC_1680.JPG&#8221; height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&amp;feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table&gt;

Tokyo is a pretty awesome city:

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tuXhVcMpvBZHDjqO3ogYolR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_NE0xD5C_04/UsF7UCZFQPI/AAAAAAACcjU/sThJb4TRvoY/s640/DSC_1669.JPG&#8221; height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&amp;feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table&gt;

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YktsqDjDW5rn2-f5NnQYcFR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/–8-Q6hyk3xU/UsF7p4QwnsI/AAAAAAACcqI/n6hjzaxPdUc/s640/IMG_6306.JPG&#8221; height=”640″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&amp;feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table&gt;

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OeSV4ZBj3KT0P-Vux4rEgFR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3UkjSnIg3sc/UsF61ZEe0YI/AAAAAAACcZ4/1gAcsNc9oSQ/s640/DSC_0004.JPG&#8221; height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&amp;feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table&gt;

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yWTxKbxkwbUHF6sb_Z5r_FR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wNI4gZzxi34/UsF7hBhcmrI/AAAAAAACcnU/hlHmFX9Ftg8/s640/DSC_1709.JPG&#8221; height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&amp;feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table&gt;

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zoB15v8AsNSGT_Bg1VVZhlR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fnDjq4nEbtA/UsF66XbeN3I/AAAAAAACcbE/tlRRoAr-f6Q/s640/DSC_0020.JPG&#8221; height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&amp;feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table&gt;

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/V77YAqZZ_zw_RISk664yalR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-r7XTDcuRHS8/UsF7eEo2dVI/AAAAAAACcmY/U_E2QlOy2-A/s640/DSC_1698.jpg&#8221; height=”640″ width=”425″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&amp;feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table&gt;

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YDODlcjvmTnfXDNl5cfq7lR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gIZ4kl6HpEg/UsF8AL4V01I/AAAAAAACcqo/jk0PQiRaHGQ/s640/IMG_6307-TWINKLE.gif&#8221; height=”640″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&amp;feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table&gt;

2014: New year, New Word

memoirsofaleishaLeave a comment

A little belated, but here goes anyway.

But first off, a brief recap of last year. My word for 2013 was “new”, and true to word, it was filled with “new” things.
I started a new job at a new company. Lots of new things to learn, new work colleagues etc. It was a trying year to say the least. They say if you find a job you love, you’ll never work a day in your life. It feels like as if I am going to be working forever. Work has its pros and cons. Am surprised that I survived the year. Just another 12 months to go.
One day at a time.

Along with a new job, I also got a new apartment. After months and moths of apartment hunting, I also moved apartments to accompany the new job change. Moved to a new neighbourhood in Tokyo. Have only been there for about 3-4 months now, but I really like my new apartment and neighbourhood. Apartment is a lot bigger (2LDK), walking distance to a swimming pool. I swim train a lot these days. I’ve averaging 10-12km a week. I’ve also dusted off the old road bike and trying to take up cycling. Where I live is perfect for jogging and cycling. I no longer need gym membership, because I’m able to swim, cycle and jog to my heart’s content.

There was also new friendships and disappointments.

Unfortunately, last year I didn’t do any big overseas trip which I like to do every year. I did a short mini break to Seoul, and 3 trips back to Sydney (not for leisure). But on the upside, I did accomplish something which I had been procastinating doing for a long time, so I’m glad that’s behind me as well. But I’ve done some domestic travel instead.

Also, ran into a little bit of trouble towards the end of the year which put a dampener on things. Let’s just say it involved police and put a little dent on my wallet. But things are all good now.

Trying to start off 2014 fresh.
So the new word for the year is “FOCUS”.
I need to focus on me a bit this year. Focus on my future, focus on my happiness. Last year was about doing things that needed to be done, and not necessarily for the joy of it. But this year, will be about doing things I enjoy and want to do. A large part of that focus is going to be on fitness. I have a handful of physical challenges I want to do this year, mostly around swimming. I am hoping to do a few marathon swims. That means a whopping 10km! So yep, this is going to take a lot of training, motivation and focus.

I’ve also decided to set myself 12 challenges, one for each month. 12 months. 12 challenges. The list is still a kind of work in progress.

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8rwR0bCMuVln2bn8O67t-uEsfyARU4ej4d_Dz8cpHxo?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LjrJljPCQqQ/Us9nMxLILkI/AAAAAAACeL0/hJaedF2xxd4/s800/focus.jpg&#8221; height=”192″ width=”262″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/January102014?authuser=0&amp;feat=embedwebsite”>January 10, 2014</a></td></tr></table>

2014: Day One

memoirsofaleishaLeave a comment

Happy New Year!
May 2014 be a good one for you. Good lord, I need it to be.
2013 was a shocker of a year (hence the lack of posts over the last few months. You wouldn’t believe the lousy times I went through). Here’s hoping this year is going to be a lot better.

Anyway, what better way to see in the new year than a New Year’s Day Polar Bear Swim! You could say it was a “cool” way to see in the new year. Quite literally. It was freezing.

More like a polar bear dip for me though. Air temp was about 10 degrees. Water temp about 16 degrees and plunge into the water we did. Mind you, I was sporting a severe hangover from the previous night’s New Year’s Eve festivities in Roppongi. Probably hit bed around 3am and had to be up at 8am to make the trek to Hayama Beach in Kanagawa prefecture. I was throwing up on the 1.5 hr train ride down there. Not a pretty sight.

A couple of trains and a bus ride later and a few more throw ups along the way, we made it to the beach.

Crazy windy and freezing. And quite the swell. The waves were rough.

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Ax7KyGH821c6npappSAvTNEAJXZdkKLe2njuguxH8bw?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4XfAM_8cM8s/UsUAke5g6ZI/AAAAAAACdFo/rX2r9UBblbA/s640/IMG_6414.JPG&#8221; height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/PolarBearDip?authuser=0&amp;feat=embedwebsite”>Polar Bear Dip</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ojxAumCfeh3Anp7J8EvW59EAJXZdkKLe2njuguxH8bw?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-lcYUpHaPhb8/UsUAkTPaLXI/AAAAAAACdFk/0ir-5p7PS38/s640/IMG_6412.JPG&#8221; height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/PolarBearDip?authuser=0&amp;feat=embedwebsite”>Polar Bear Dip</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JHPDiSmW-whD3jQrEDh8z9EAJXZdkKLe2njuguxH8bw?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1p99TCiZoy0/UsUAkdSygXI/AAAAAAACdFc/j5r__K7hMH4/s640/IMG_6413.JPG&#8221; height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/PolarBearDip?authuser=0&amp;feat=embedwebsite”>Polar Bear Dip</a></td></tr></table>

A few of us braved the cold temps, <em>sans</em> wetsuits, of course! The boys got in:

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XeQiPuTQHF0BwdkWUx1cNtEAJXZdkKLe2njuguxH8bw?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-po_mTGuaveY/UsUAvxwZSOI/AAAAAAACdIA/tlIwy9kzOCo/s640/RIMG0702.JPG&#8221; height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/PolarBearDip?authuser=0&amp;feat=embedwebsite”>Polar Bear Dip</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4VugJRsKO5PiprjMzgnsrtEAJXZdkKLe2njuguxH8bw?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9HJnX_qnQ_U/UsUAw8lsiZI/AAAAAAACdIQ/RemnG9Fgmwo/s640/RIMG0705.JPG&#8221; height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/PolarBearDip?authuser=0&amp;feat=embedwebsite”>Polar Bear Dip</a></td></tr></table>

Meanwhile, at the water’s edge….(I’m the one in the pink cap):

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/EryuDmFIBPXBEUJ5r_ztfNEAJXZdkKLe2njuguxH8bw?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1xkySEvKBtg/Usj34XlHG9I/AAAAAAACd9k/TaLjPKOHmjw/s640/polar.jpg&#8221; height=”427″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/PolarBearDip?authuser=0&amp;feat=embedwebsite”>Polar Bear Dip</a></td></tr></table>

Am still not convinced about going in:

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gWKz2OOjSW7EQHl_ONS8UtEAJXZdkKLe2njuguxH8bw?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XnbpBZRp6vg/Usj2bm8LUsI/AAAAAAACd9A/Ch5VhJGwCHI/s640/dip.jpg&#8221; height=”626″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/PolarBearDip?authuser=0&amp;feat=embedwebsite”>Polar Bear Dip</a></td></tr></table>

C’mon in the water’s lovely.

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Mv7N_7Hv1leJX92C3fri9dEAJXZdkKLe2njuguxH8bw?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-EQDxy6kxkSU/UsUAmw2BS3I/AAAAAAACdGc/8BAAAkXSDRk/s640/IMG_6420.JPG&#8221; height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/PolarBearDip?authuser=0&amp;authkey=Gv1sRgCObBn4fm9fei6QE&amp;feat=embedwebsite”>Polar Bear Dip</a></td></tr></table>

I finally muster the strength to take the plunge. Might help rid the hangover, me thinks:

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Mie8jtnd7tqFqhp10mbRJNEAJXZdkKLe2njuguxH8bw?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s98EZkfeGjA/Usj2eTohRZI/AAAAAAACd9I/agPM4ViAZTw/s400/plunge.jpg&#8221; height=”400″ width=”313″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/PolarBearDip?authuser=0&amp;authkey=Gv1sRgCObBn4fm9fei6QE&amp;feat=embedwebsite”>Polar Bear Dip</a></td></tr></table>

Oh holy crap it’s cold!
I couldn’t breathe. I cannot breathe.
I had to get out of the water. Because I couldn’t get in proper breaths, I had to get out of the water. Know your boundaries.
Survived the polar bear dip, but not the swim sadly.
My body did not take kindly to the water especially in the state I was in.

The others did well, and we’re in the water swimming away for at least another 20-30 minutes.

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Vc_PL5I8D_LwzlyVMeMlq9EAJXZdkKLe2njuguxH8bw?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WdzlVbsVmYI/UsUAmZryNkI/AAAAAAACdGM/GW4Jzt69t90/s640/IMG_6418.JPG&#8221; height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/PolarBearDip?authuser=0&amp;feat=embedwebsite”>Polar Bear Dip</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/V_AQgpKNfnCjQ18j_x_W7dEAJXZdkKLe2njuguxH8bw?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-uvuIXdhUNk4/UsUAlal2YUI/AAAAAAACdF4/ludcYkXFsBw/s640/IMG_6415.JPG&#8221; height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/PolarBearDip?authuser=0&amp;authkey=Gv1sRgCObBn4fm9fei6QE&amp;feat=embedwebsite”>Polar Bear Dip</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Hxut6mlTye9itlz_4BNVMNEAJXZdkKLe2njuguxH8bw?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-71GXI8iLeHs/UsUAloZFOXI/AAAAAAACdF8/6qQkPLSqZbo/s640/IMG_6416.JPG&#8221; height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/PolarBearDip?authuser=0&amp;authkey=Gv1sRgCObBn4fm9fei6QE&amp;feat=embedwebsite”>Polar Bear Dip</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6ZuffkCVJ8FnaPYU5vo36NEAJXZdkKLe2njuguxH8bw?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HbjRF6i3EIk/UsUAmG-kLkI/AAAAAAACdGE/dL0BBFLJTZo/s640/IMG_6417.JPG&#8221; height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/PolarBearDip?authuser=0&amp;authkey=Gv1sRgCObBn4fm9fei6QE&amp;feat=embedwebsite”>Polar Bear Dip</a></td></tr></table>

Cold, cold, cold:

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-KFnu2DRSc7A0zGgsXECMtEAJXZdkKLe2njuguxH8bw?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9KFJqL_c4sE/UsUAnksYEdI/AAAAAAACdGg/_KWXjzrYU44/s640/IMG_6421.JPG&#8221; height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/PolarBearDip?authuser=0&amp;authkey=Gv1sRgCObBn4fm9fei6QE&amp;feat=embedwebsite”>Polar Bear Dip</a></td></tr></table>

It then took a few hours to get warmed back again. But a breakfast of pancakes, soup and muffins and cups of tea helped. My head and liver still not in good shape though.

Was a very cool thing to do though on New Year’s Day. I’m glad I did it, even though my body didn’t really hold up to the challenge. Still, I went in and took the plunge.

Here’s to a swimmingly hopeful new year!