[Cole]

Real Aubry, no. Aubry from Stranded, yes. Lol

AKA the only Aubry that matters.

<3 Too true on that point.

Did you know that your future wife played with mine? She thinks the only reason why Aubrey won her season is because she got out first. but Aubrey blindsided her ass if i remember correctly? Also, i think i remember you’re going to Japan? We went on our honeymoon, it’s amazing there! I’ve been to Japan 4 times, lmk if you need any suggestions for places to go / accommodations! You seem like a thorough guy though, I’m sure you got that stuff covered.

[Cole]

can you guys stroke my ego a little if it was my ryan and roark at the end who would yall have voted for thank u so much

Roark

delete this

Lmfao. Roark or Ryan? Seems like a match made in heaven. If Ryan went to the end with Roark or Matt, I’d still never vote Ryan. Hell, if Leif was still in the game and inactive this entire time, I’d fucking vote Leif. Ryan thinks he’s playing some great game, but he’s only here because everyone knows nobody respects him. Going to rocks wasn’t a good move, it was just stupidity. How was that beneficial for anyone’s game? Kim and Roark are subsequently still here. As soon as I left, the alliance he had wii Patrick and I crumbled. What leg does he stand on now? How did he not think that through? Because he has no sense of strategy, he just does what he’s told like the good dog he is.

[Chrissy]

AKA the only Aubry that matters.

<3 Too true on that point.

Did you know that your future wife played with mine? She thinks the only reason why Aubrey won her season is because she got out first. but Aubrey blindsided her ass if i remember correctly? Also, i think i remember you’re going to Japan? We went on our honeymoon, it’s amazing there! I’ve been to Japan 4 times, lmk if you need any suggestions for places to go / accommodations! You seem like a thorough guy though, I’m sure you got that stuff covered.

Ew why us everyone married

@Ali singles forever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jonas]

Did you know that your future wife played with mine? She thinks the only reason why Aubrey won her season is because she got out first. but Aubrey blindsided her ass if i remember correctly? Also, i think i remember you’re going to Japan? We went on our honeymoon, it’s amazing there! I’ve been to Japan 4 times, lmk if you need any suggestions for places to go / accommodations! You seem like a thorough guy though, I’m sure you got that stuff covered.

I have learned this! I'll have to ask her about it for confirmation. I know she had a ton of fun playing this game and as I understand it, made her fair share of enemies with some choices.
And you are correct! Going for our honeymoon, as it is!
4 times, huh? That's enough to get a fair look at it, too. Where all have you visited thus far then?
And hey, I'm open to any and all suggestions. We've been looking over a ton of stuff and have a decent itinerary planned out, but nothing super concrete and we're still looking around, so I'm all about hearing more about it.
Main course so far is to hit Tokyo for 4 days or so, likely Takayama for an Onsen and Ryokan, then head over to Kyoto for a few days, and then back to Tokyo for whatever is left.

I had just started talking to Ali a little bit about her visit before I got the big ol' boot.

[Jonas]

<3 Too true on that point.

Did you know that your future wife played with mine? She thinks the only reason why Aubrey won her season is because she got out first. but Aubrey blindsided her ass if i remember correctly? Also, i think i remember you’re going to Japan? We went on our honeymoon, it’s amazing there! I’ve been to Japan 4 times, lmk if you need any suggestions for places to go / accommodations! You seem like a thorough guy though, I’m sure you got that stuff covered.

Ew why us everyone married

@Ali singles forever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There's a marriage for everyone!

[Cole]

Did you know that your future wife played with mine? She thinks the only reason why Aubrey won her season is because she got out first. but Aubrey blindsided her ass if i remember correctly? Also, i think i remember you’re going to Japan? We went on our honeymoon, it’s amazing there! I’ve been to Japan 4 times, lmk if you need any suggestions for places to go / accommodations! You seem like a thorough guy though, I’m sure you got that stuff covered.

I have learned this! I'll have to ask her about it for confirmation. I know she had a ton of fun playing this game and as I understand it, made her fair share of enemies with some choices.
And you are correct! Going for our honeymoon, as it is!
4 times, huh? That's enough to get a fair look at it, too. Where all have you visited thus far then?
And hey, I'm open to any and all suggestions. We've been looking over a ton of stuff and have a decent itinerary planned out, but nothing super concrete and we're still looking around, so I'm all about hearing more about it.
Main course so far is to hit Tokyo for 4 days or so, likely Takayama for an Onsen and Ryokan, then head over to Kyoto for a few days, and then back to Tokyo for whatever is left.

I had just started talking to Ali a little bit about her visit before I got the big ol' boot.

hands down, if you're looking to have the real ryokan experience, take the short trip from tokyo to nagano and take the local train to Yamanouchi. it's a small onsen town, which has shiba onsen town nearby- but what makes it really special is the snow monkey park. there is a ryokan from the late 1800's thats been run for generations thats in the middle of the forest, and they have an onsen with a waterfall and a geyser next to you that both you and your honey can enjoy together! and it's outside! which is very rare in japan. the food they provide you is incredible, and well.. MONKEYS!!! i couldn't recommend this place enough. i took my wife's grandfather there and he told me he wants to come back to japan and die there haha. it's probably one of the most amazing places i've ever been to.

https://booki.ng/2HqkZrf here is a link to it, it's really not very far from tokyo. about 3 hours by bullet train?

we went all over japan though. okinawa is amazing. ishigaki is pretty cool too if you want to see island life in japan! the water and snorkeling in both places was incredible. you can't go wrong with kyoto, although you only need a few days there. tokyo is amazing. check out shimokitazawa, and stay in an airbnb! it's waaaay cheaper, and you can stay right in the heart of it. it's also cool to experience what japanese apartments are like vs. hotels. shimokitazawa is a really awesome young people town in tokyo, tons of vintage clothing shops, amazing food, record shops, etc- whenever i stay in tokyo, i stay there the entire time. i think a lot of people stay in shinjuku, don't do it! it's not worth it. just go visit, it's the opposite of relaxing. it's so hectic in shinjuku, i actually really don't like it there! koenji is also a really neat neighborhood in tokyo! same with kichijoji! omg i can go on and on and oooooonnnnnnnnn about japan. let me know if you have any specific questions though. you guys are going to have so much fun!!!! :)

[Jonas]

hands down, if you're looking to have the real ryokan experience, take the short trip from tokyo to nagano and take the local train to Yamanouchi. it's a small onsen town, which has shiba onsen town nearby- but what makes it really special is the snow monkey park. there is a ryokan from the late 1800's thats been run for generations thats in the middle of the forest, and they have an onsen with a waterfall and a geyser next to you that both you and your honey can enjoy together! and it's outside! which is very rare in japan. the food they provide you is incredible, and well.. MONKEYS!!! i couldn't recommend this place enough. i took my wife's grandfather there and he told me he wants to come back to japan and die there haha. it's probably one of the most amazing places i've ever been to.


https://booki.ng/2HqkZrf here is a link to it, it's really not very far from tokyo. about 3 hours by bullet train?

I think I had been reading about this while looking over things. It sounds incredible and I'd be all about.
Aubry isn't quite about monkeys being everywhere, though, hah XD. Her goal with an Onsen is to get a good view of the mountains (and be undisturbed by animals, lol).
I'll check it out some more and see where her opinion lies after looking at it.
I'm expecting to have the very same opinion as your wife's grandfather after visiting Japan. I really can't wait for it.

we went all over japan though. okinawa is amazing. ishigaki is pretty cool too if you want to see island life in japan! the water and snorkeling in both places was incredible. you can't go wrong with kyoto, although you only need a few days there. tokyo is amazing. check out shimokitazawa, and stay in an airbnb! it's waaaay cheaper, and you can stay right in the heart of it. it's also cool to experience what japanese apartments are like vs. hotels. shimokitazawa is a really awesome young people town in tokyo, tons of vintage clothing shops, amazing food, record shops, etc- whenever i stay in tokyo, i stay there the entire time. i think a lot of people stay in shinjuku, don't do it! it's not worth it. just go visit, it's the opposite of relaxing. it's so hectic in shinjuku, i actually really don't like it there! koenji is also a really neat neighborhood in tokyo! same with kichijoji! omg i can go on and on and oooooonnnnnnnnn about japan. let me know if you have any specific questions though. you guys are going to have so much fun!!!! :)

We thought about hitting up Okinawa, but looking at our timeline and limited time we'll be there, we're focusing. It seems super cool. Save it for another trip!
Hadn't heard/seen anything about Shimokitazawa. Definitely will look into that. Would be cool to have that view/look into the city. Currently we were looking at staying in Akihabara. Put us right in the heart of the nerd center.
I think we have a visit to Shinjuku in our itinerary, but I'd have to double check.
Thanks for all the info so far, Cole! The more the better as far as I see it. Nice to get different perspectives and opinions.

Did either of you speak any of the language when you've gone?

[Cole]

hands down, if you're looking to have the real ryokan experience, take the short trip from tokyo to nagano and take the local train to Yamanouchi. it's a small onsen town, which has shiba onsen town nearby- but what makes it really special is the snow monkey park. there is a ryokan from the late 1800's thats been run for generations thats in the middle of the forest, and they have an onsen with a waterfall and a geyser next to you that both you and your honey can enjoy together! and it's outside! which is very rare in japan. the food they provide you is incredible, and well.. MONKEYS!!! i couldn't recommend this place enough. i took my wife's grandfather there and he told me he wants to come back to japan and die there haha. it's probably one of the most amazing places i've ever been to.


https://booki.ng/2HqkZrf here is a link to it, it's really not very far from tokyo. about 3 hours by bullet train?

I think I had been reading about this while looking over things. It sounds incredible and I'd be all about.
Aubry isn't quite about monkeys being everywhere, though, hah XD. Her goal with an Onsen is to get a good view of the mountains (and be undisturbed by animals, lol).
I'll check it out some more and see where her opinion lies after looking at it.
I'm expecting to have the very same opinion as your wife's grandfather after visiting Japan. I really can't wait for it.

we went all over japan though. okinawa is amazing. ishigaki is pretty cool too if you want to see island life in japan! the water and snorkeling in both places was incredible. you can't go wrong with kyoto, although you only need a few days there. tokyo is amazing. check out shimokitazawa, and stay in an airbnb! it's waaaay cheaper, and you can stay right in the heart of it. it's also cool to experience what japanese apartments are like vs. hotels. shimokitazawa is a really awesome young people town in tokyo, tons of vintage clothing shops, amazing food, record shops, etc- whenever i stay in tokyo, i stay there the entire time. i think a lot of people stay in shinjuku, don't do it! it's not worth it. just go visit, it's the opposite of relaxing. it's so hectic in shinjuku, i actually really don't like it there! koenji is also a really neat neighborhood in tokyo! same with kichijoji! omg i can go on and on and oooooonnnnnnnnn about japan. let me know if you have any specific questions though. you guys are going to have so much fun!!!! :)

We thought about hitting up Okinawa, but looking at our timeline and limited time we'll be there, we're focusing. It seems super cool. Save it for another trip!
Hadn't heard/seen anything about Shimokitazawa. Definitely will look into that. Would be cool to have that view/look into the city. Currently we were looking at staying in Akihabara. Put us right in the heart of the nerd center.
I think we have a visit to Shinjuku in our itinerary, but I'd have to double check.
Thanks for all the info so far, Cole! The more the better as far as I see it. Nice to get different perspectives and opinions.

Did either of you speak any of the language when you've gone?

Oh, the monkeys won't bother you at all. They want nothing to do with us humans. They pretty much all congregate in their special area on the mountain, and you'll see them with their little monkey babies running around occasionally near the ryokan. But they don't like, get in the same hot springs as you or come up to you and try and beg for food or something lol. They have their own hot spring that they bathe in, it's so cute! There's also indoor hot springs if you're especially worried about them disturbing you! The best thing about it really, is the lack of crowds. I've been to many onsen, and the thing that sucks is that it's gender separated, and it's often very crowded. The place in the forest has little to no people staying there, so they don't care if you go in together. I was saying Shinjuku is worth visiting, just not getting accommodations there. My good friend went to Japan and stayed in Shinjuku the entire time, and there's much cooler places to stay. :) Akihabara is great, it's what you imagine Japan to be- skyscrapers, neon lights, the hustle and bustle. We stayed there on our first trip, but quickly realized that it's somewhere to visit, it isn't centrally located. It's pretty far train ride from Shibuya, Harajuku, Yoyogi Park, etc. But hey, you gotta learn and experience it for yourself! I prefer a more lowkey, small town vibe, rather than the big city feel. To each their own, and you'll see what your preferences are when you explore. Excited for you guys, Japan is an awesome place to adventure with your partner! :DDD

[Cole]

and no, we only know some simple words like thank you and please and see ya later and stuff. memrise is a great app to learn some basic japanese before you go, and it's fun

[Jonas]

Oh, the monkeys won't bother you at all. They want nothing to do with us humans. They pretty much all congregate in their special area on the mountain, and you'll see them with their little monkey babies running around occasionally near the ryokan. But they don't like, get in the same hot springs as you or come up to you and try and beg for food or something lol. They have their own hot spring that they bathe in, it's so cute! There's also indoor hot springs if you're especially worried about them disturbing you! The best thing about it really, is the lack of crowds. I've been to many onsen, and the thing that sucks is that it's gender separated, and it's often very crowded. The place in the forest has little to no people staying there, so they don't care if you go in together. I was saying Shinjuku is worth visiting, just not getting accommodations there. My good friend went to Japan and stayed in Shinjuku the entire time, and there's much cooler places to stay. :) Akihabara is great, it's what you imagine Japan to be- skyscrapers, neon lights, the hustle and bustle. We stayed there on our first trip, but quickly realized that it's somewhere to visit, it isn't centrally located. It's pretty far train ride from Shibuya, Harajuku, Yoyogi Park, etc. But hey, you gotta learn and experience it for yourself! I prefer a more lowkey, small town vibe, rather than the big city feel. To each their own, and you'll see what your preferences are when you explore. Excited for you guys, Japan is an awesome place to adventure with your partner! :DDD

I can imagine Aubry now just saying "Ew" XD. That sounds perfect to me, though. That peace and quiet deal is by far my favorite. And getting to be chilling out with monkeys just doing their own thing... Yeah. That would be real relaxing and a nice "mesh with nature" sort of moment.
So Akihabara could be quite a change from my usual, but I'm also looking to dive into everything that Japan has to offer. Get a taste of as much of it as possible to figure out those preferences indeed!
When we were looking at the main areas we plan to explore, a lot of are within a 30 min walk or so, so we'll like do a lot of walking around.
Biggest thing we're looking to do in Tokyo is hit up the fish market. Which will have moved by the time we get there, so we'll get to check out its new, temporary, location!

Probably going to be the greatest adventure I've been on. So many cafes, places, shrines, etc. to see. It will be a literal dream come true.

Our tier of excitement for the whole things goes:
#1 - Being married
#2 - Japan trip
#3 - Wedding
Everything else

[Jonas]

and no, we only know some simple words like thank you and please and see ya later and stuff. memrise is a great app to learn some basic japanese before you go, and it's fun

Awesome!
Yeah. I've been using Memrise. I really like it. Cool system for it and adds in some extra to keep you interested.
Pairing that up with Genki to learn more about how the language works. I'm trying to become as proficient as I can in the short amount of time, but it's definitely good to keep hearing that you don't 'need' to know a whole lot to do well.

[Julie]

AKA the only Aubry that matters.

<3 Too true on that point.

Did you know that your future wife played with mine? She thinks the only reason why Aubrey won her season is because she got out first. but Aubrey blindsided her ass if i remember correctly? Also, i think i remember you’re going to Japan? We went on our honeymoon, it’s amazing there! I’ve been to Japan 4 times, lmk if you need any suggestions for places to go / accommodations! You seem like a thorough guy though, I’m sure you got that stuff covered.

Are you joking?!?!!!!! I want to go to Japan so badly! This is why Jonas and I bonded!
I'm so jealous! UGGGHHHHHHHH!