One Piece Tower | Tokyo, Japan

One of the places in Tokyo that Markus and I were most excited to visit was One Piece Tower. As most of you know, Markus and I love anime and watch a plethora of shows. Back in 2012, when we still lived in Korea, Markus introduced me to One Piece. I was instantly hooked and watched hundreds of episodes in a month or so. I got the best experience with One Piece because I didn’t have to wait for new episodes every week. It was great! If you can’t tell, my favorite characters are Tony Tony Chopper and Portgas D. Ace. It’s pretty obvious why those two are my favorite characters. Chopper is probably the cutest character on the show and Ace is the hottest.

One Piece Tower is found on the first, third, fourth and fifth floors of the iconic Tokyo Tower, which was frequently featured on Sailor Moon. So visiting was like experiencing two of my favorite animes at the same tie. Even though it’s not exactly an amusement park, there is tons to do, even if you aren’t a kid. There are attractions on every floor that focus on specific characters from the anime. We really enjoyed Brooke’s Haunted Mansion and the live action show that I will be posting about later. Markus and I spent way too much time at One Piece Tower, but it was so much fun and I honestly would go back if we were in Tokyo. It’s not very often that you get to be immersed in your favorite anime!

Gundam Cafe | Tokyo, Japan

While we were exploring Akihibara, Tokyo's Electric District, we saw heaps of Gundam goods everywhere. Since we were in the famous neighborhood, naturally we would have to make a quick stop at the Gundam themed cafe. Markus and I aren't fans of Gundam and I don't know much about it. Honestly, I was more of a Macross fan growing up. It was still exciting to be able to visit a place dedicated to the beloved series. The drinks were quite tasty and I enjoyed looking at all the fan art on the wall. I love that Japan has places that are dedicated to their geeky offerings. I wish there were more places like this in the States! 

Mark's Posh Birthday

Birthday boy!

A week ago today, my beloved Markus celebrated his 33rd birthday. I really can't believe that he's in his 30s. The boy really does look young. Once someone said to him, "Mark, I think that you drank from the Fountain of Youth." I really think he worked some kind of hoodoo because he does not look 33. Since Markus entered his 30s, he's preferred to have low key celebrations. Now that I'm also approaching my 30s I do too. Last year, Markus didn't get to do anything he wanted for his birthday, so I was determined to make all of his birthday wishes come true this year.

Posh Nosh

Darth Vader Art

Seared Tuna Salad

Gorgonzola Pizza

Lychee Martini and Mojito

So excited

Our first stop for Mark's Posh Birthday was the amazing Posh Nosh. Usually, I do all the research and look for restaurants, but this time, Markus found the place. When we walked in, I was so impressed. I think of all the restaurants we've been to, this is by far the classiest. I loved Posh Nosh and everything about it was great. The decor was really modern and artsy. The food was absolutely delicious, a little pricey, but worth it. We ate the Gorgonzola Pizza and Seared Tuna Salad. We've had Gorgonzola Pizza before and it's been average. We were both worried it would be mediocre, but it wasn't at all. It was really good and it only proves that quality means everything. Even though it's a simple pizza, the flavors of the cheese were strong. My favorite part of the meal was the drinks. I ordered a Lychee Martini and Markus ordered a Mojito. I usually hate martini's but this one was so good. It was sweet and had the subtle taste of lychees. Honestly, I would go back to Posh Nosh, just for the drinks.

It's your birthday, ru ru ra ra ru....

SKULL JOKE!

After we ate dinner, I gave Markus his personalized birthday card. As I've said before, we try to give each other personalized presents. Nothing too big, just something that the other person will like. This year, I started watching One Piece, as you probably noticed. Markus loves two characters, Sogeking or Usopp and Brooke. Each character on One Piece has signature sayings or jokes. So for Sogeking and Brooke, I used them for his birthday card. I think he really enjoyed it and I was so excited to make it for him, especially because I also watch the show.

Shinsekai "New World" and the One Piece Bar

Ace, I see you hottie.

Zoro, Luffy, Chopper, Rayleigh

Someone is really happy.

Mugiwara's

Yakitori

Grilled Rice Balls

After our delicious dinner at Posh Nosh, we headed to Sirohige, a bar that we saw a few weeks ago. As we walked the streets of Seomyeon, Markus immediately saw a bar that was decorated with One Piece figurines. We made a mental note and decided to come back for his birthday. Sirohige is a Japanese yakitori-style pub. Yakitori is basically a Japanese style of food where everything is put on sticks and grilled. We ordered our food and drinks and checked out all the One Piece figurines. We even played a game of naming all the characters. I know it sounds really juvenile and doesn't fit in with the definition of posh, but it was really fun. I love that Markus and I can do simple things but manage to always have fun. I think that's why I love being married to him. It really is the little things.

Face Cake

We decided to save dessert for home.  Markus was surprised at school by four of his students. They gave him heaps of presents, a poster with letters and this personalized birthday cake of his face. When he told me they got him a cake, I thought it was just one from the store, not one of his face. I couldn't believe it. I only made him a card, but these girls completely upstaged me. Despite being completely outdone by four elementary girls, I was really happy for Markus. I think that he always gets overlooked for his birthday and this year, it was really special. I just hope that he knows how important he is to me and even to his students!

Top Ten Animated Hotties

I'm not sure if it's very apparent on my blog, but I'm a huge geek. Ever since I was a kid, I've loved and been obsessed with comic books, anime and that sort of thing. I would spend hours watching TV and films. As a young adolescent girl, I was, of course, boy crazy and tended to form little crushes on some of the animated characters. So in lieu of the endless hours I've recently spent watching the anime series, One Piece (and all the hotties from that series) I've compiled a list of my animated crushes from early childhood to present day.

10. Prince Eric from The Little Mermaid
One of my earliest memories is of this movie. I was six when the film came out and my brother took me to the theater to watch it. Even at such a young age, I fell for Prince Eric. He was a total dreamboat. He was dashing and handsome, everything that a young girl wants in her prince. I really liked that he was captivated by Ariel's voice and not her looks. I found this gem of a photo on the internet. It's a bit risque, but who could pass up a bubble bath with this hot prince?

9.  Aladdin from Aladdin
I always found Aladdin really charming. Of all the Disney male love interests, I think he would make the best husband. He's lived on the streets so he'll always work hard to provide for his family. He's really smart and he'll always be one jump ahead of the lawmen that's all, and that's no joke. I also loved his voice, he actually sounds a lot like Markus. So if you think about it, I sort of married an alternate version of Aladdin. Actually, they kinda look alike too... 

8.  Tuxedo Mask from Sailor Moon
In middle school, I lived for this show. This show was my life. As soon as I got home, I went straight for the TV and watched Sailor Moon. I even wore my hair like Sailor Jupiter. It was embarrassing, but I was obsessed. I think the real root of my obsession was my undying love for Mamoru Chiba or Tuxedo Mask. He was in high school, so he was like the ultimate for me. I liked how rude he was to Usagi, but then changed later. Even though people these days say he's a little lame, I still pledge my undying affection for him. 

7.  Li Shang from Mulan
I was really excited when I heard that they were releasing an Asian Disney movie. I spent my entire childhood admiring and loving Ariel, Jasmine and Belle, but now there was a girl that I could really connect with. Although, there was someone else I would rather connect with, Li Shang. There is nothing more attractive than a man who is in control and commands attention. He was both swift as a coursing river and tranquil as a forest. Most importantly, he was mysterious like the dark side of the moon. Plus, a guy whose motto is, "Let's get down to business" is definitely hot.

6.  Sanji from One Piece
I struggled a little bit with including Sanji on this list because there are two other One Piece characters already. Then I realized, Sanji loves women, he's an incredible chef, he's really strong and he's quite a looker. It would be a crime if I didn't include him. When I was first introduced to Sanji on One Piece, I didn't really like him. I thought he was too annoying when it came to women, but then I realized that's one of his best qualities. He's passionate about the ladies to the point that he becomes a silly prince that dotes on your every whim and that type of guy would be a great boyfriend.

5. Howl from Howl's Moving Castle
I love Hayao Miyazaki films, they are amazing. I don't think there are any movies that could really compare. Howl's Moving Castle isn't my favorite, that's Spirited Away, but this movie has Howl. He is one attractive kid. I mean look at those piercing blue eyes. I could fall into those baby blues. I don't usually go for blondes but Sanji and Howl are definitley the exception. The fact that he owns a moving castle and is a powerful wizard, makes him even more appealing. He's also super mysterious and that's super sexy.

4. Spike Spiegel from Cowboy Bebop
There is nothing cooler than an intergalactic bounty hunter. I never watched Cowboy Bebop when it first came out, but a couple years ago I told Markus I wanted to watch it. I'm not really a fan of space or westerns, so anything that is a space western I don't really like. I know, I know Firefly is amazing and so is Trigun, but I wasn't a fan of either. Having said all of that, I'm totally a fan of Cowboy Bebop and especially Spike Spiegel. He doesn't have any special powers, he's just a really good bounty hunter. I love that he's not so serious and takes life as it comes. He's very carefree but when it's time to be serious, he's a stone faced killah.

3. Roronoa Zoro from One Piece
There is no doubt that the hottest member of the Straw Hats is Roronoa Zoro. This guy just oozes hotness. He's stoic and the complete opposite of Sanji. While Sanji lives for the ladies, Zoro only lives to become the greatest swordsman in the world. This man strives for greatness. He is fiercely loyal to his captain and crew and he's an extremely amazing swordsman. Not only is he hot, but he has great ambition that pushes him to be the best. There is nothing more attractive than a broody guy that knows what he wants and goes for it.

2. Hatake Kakashi from Naruto

Back when Markus and I first started dating, we bonded over our mutual love of Naruto. Over the next couple years, we religiously watched every episode. Then I fell out of love with Naruto and stopped watching anime. Despite not watching the show, one thing still remained, my undying love for Kakashi. I love that he's so serious, but when he isn't off fighting he's reading romance novels.  Markus still watches Naruto, so I'll always ask, "How's Kakashi doing? Still alive? Still hot?" I may no longer be interested in the show, but I'll always be interested in that silver haired fox from the Hidden Leaf Village.

1. Portgas D Ace from One Piece
Ace, oh Ace, you hot, hot hottie. Quite literally, the guy is made of fire. I don't know what it is about Ace, but I love this guy. He has great hair and his freckles, oh my golly, those freckles. I love that he runs around shirtless showing off his body. It's like he knows that he looks good and that he has the confidence to flaunt it. I like to think that he's a grown-up version of his younger brother, Luffy. He's what Luffy will become when he matures and grows a bit. Not only is Ace a looker, but he's also a really great guy. He loves his brother immensely. Their strong bond is what really what made me love Ace. He's fiercely loyal to those closest to him.  He would do anything, even if it means risking his life and that's the kind of guy deserves to be number one.

So, dear readers, there is my list of the top ten animated hotties. I hoped you enjoyed it! Did you agree with with all of my selections? Is there anyone that you think should've make the list? Let me know in the comments!


Photo Credits:
Prince Eric: galaxcardinal / Sanji: nmhps3-d5kczth/ Kakashi: ALA21DDIN21/ Tuxedo Mask: Cosmos-chan/ Zoro: cromarlimo