Last year, Portland honored those who sacrificed their lives during war by decorating Tom McCall Waterfront Park with American flags. The city has a series of dedicated war memorials, such as the Korean War Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, and the Battleship Oregon Memorial.

Soldiers are not the only lost heroes whose lives deserve to be remembered. In Tokyo, children are remembered at the Zojoji Temple with jizo statues. The child statues are often decorated with knit caps, capes, and flowers, offered by mourning parents and relatives.

Photo credits: National Monument, Martin Palmer; Jizo statues, Deadly Tedly; Memorial Day USA 2010, Dr Butoni

Where will your vacation take you this year? Share your itinerary with us, and we would be happy to share a few more ideas for your Amsterdam  or Tokyo travels.

Photo credits: Som Tom Spicy Papaya Salad, Ken Funakoshi; Pork sliders, Jocelyn McAuley; Cheese stall, kattebelletje

Julee Maltsberger

My name is Julee Maltsberger and I just graduated from Eastern Washington University with a degree in Public Relations.  My mom promised me a trip for my graduation, but at the rate we were going, it was looking more like a trip to the Oregon Coast…WHOO HOO!  There was a method to her madness when she told me I needed to play this crossword game with her to try to win a trip…so guess who I’m taking to Amsterdam?? My amazing mom. Besides my trip to Mexico a few years ago, the extent of my international travel has been limited to serving up all the Swedish flavors at my wonderful job at the IKEA Restaurant & Café. Since Amsterdam is so close to many other European countries and you can get almost anywhere by train, we definitely plan to make the most of the trip and see as much of Europe as we can.

Barbara Ramberg

My name is Barbara Ramberg, and I was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. I have three children who often invite me to join them on their worldly trips, but I rarely find the time to get away. My sister, Janis, is married to a Dutch-American man and travels to Holland often. I have spent many years listening to her stories of traveling the beautiful countryside by bike, tasting the Netherlands’ delicious food and craft beers, while she strolls the cobblestone streets and admires the area’s architecture. I can’t wait to take her with me as my “official tour guide” this summer. I have already started training on my bike for the long rides we plan to take while soaking up the Dutch culture via bike while we are there. We have also talked about visiting neighboring towns, markets, museums and the Heineken distillery. Oh the possibilities!

Julee and Barbara will keep us apprised on their upcoming trips, sharing their itineraries and post-trip experiences. Stay tuned!

Photos courtesy of the Port of Portland

Portland International Airport (PDX)

1.     Use the free wifi! Portland is one of the few airports in the country that offers 100%, no subscription or hidden fees, completely free wifi. For those with smartphones or laptops, it can turn your time into a productive or pleasantly distracting one.

2.     Explore Portland’s unique personality at any of its local retailers, cafes, restaurants and breweries. You can grab some Stumptown coffee and a muffin at the renowned Beaverton Bakery, flip through books at Powell’s – a mini version of the largest independently owned bookstore that calls Portland its home – and pick up an authentic piece of the Pacific Northwest at the Made in Oregon store.

3.     Gear up for the great outdoors and enjoy the lack of sales tax at Portland active wear brands Nike and Columbia Sportswear stores.

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport

1.     Flower shops? In airports? Only in Amsterdam. If you’re coming or going from Amsterdam and want a souvenir that represents the city, the airport’s got you covered. Schiphol is the home of several flower shops that specialize in Amsterdam’s pride and glory: tulips.

2.     If you have time to spare, you won’t have any trouble getting lost in Plaza Schiphol. In the plaza, both frugal shoppers

and high rollers will find a plethora of shops to fit their tastes and wallets. Everything from H&M to Nike to Paollo Salatto designer suits, you’re bound to find something you like. To make shopping more convenient (and save big), Schiphol’s See Buy Fly Program gives passengers the opportunity to e-window shop items and reserve them at a discounted rate — up to 35% off any other store in the Netherlands.

3.     Get some fresh air at the Panorama Terrace, right before passport control. If you have a long layover, take a breather and step outside to catch a great view of all the airborne action.

Amsterdam Tulips:

Narita International Airport

1.     Step out of the hustle and bustle tucked away at the oxygen bar. Take a break and relax before you adventure on.

2.     Don’t waste money and calories on typical airport food. You’re in Japan! Check out one of the many traditional udon noodle and sushi restaurants scattered throughout the airport. Some boast top chefs and Asian fusion mouth-watering concoctions.

3.     Always wanted to learn how to fold a paper crane? Learn about the ancient art of origami at the Nippon Origami Museum in Terminal 1. Wander through 400 different exhibits as you try some of the 200 types of Japanese sweets they sell while you are exploring.

Photo credits: Music at PDX, Mulling it Over; Stumptown Coffee, tornatore; Tulips, Salim Virji; Origami Museum, ssedro

Julee Maltsberger and Barbara Ramberg! Thank you to all who participated. We hope this contest has inspired you to plan your own vacation to Amsterdam or Tokyo. Learn more about our nonstop international air service here.

1.     In order to be a professional sumo wrestler, you must be trained in one of Japan’s 50-60 heya, or training and boarding facility. A young sumo will join the heya around 15-16 and is expected to live there until the end of their wrestling career. Heyas are hierarchical, and the newest, least established wrestlers will be responsible for chores, cooking and helping to bathe sumos higher in rank.

2.     Sumo wrestling is one of the fasted paced sports in the world. Matches usually last less than 1 minute, often only a few seconds. The longest matches can last about 4 minutes, and if they take longer, they can result in a draw. The last draw was in 1974.

3.     Unlike American wrestling, there are no weight classes in sumo. It’s likely that a wrestler will face off against someone almost twice his size. This is why one of the most integral pieces of life in a heya revolves around gaining weight. Sumos typically don’t eat breakfast, and instead eat a massive lunch, washed down with beer and followed by a mandatory nap. Every morning, sumos train on an empty stomach to slow their metabolism and calorie burn. Wrestlers usually weigh between 250-500 pounds. The heaviest recorded sumo wrestler of all time was Konishiki Yasokichi, at 630 pounds.

4.     Slapping your opponent in the face is not only a legal move, it is a frequently used technique called harite. The move is used to confuse the opponent.

5.     Sumo wrestling is not just for men. In 1997, the first women’s only sumo championship took to the ring. Although women only compete on the amateur level, women’s sumo organizations are growing in popularity throughout Asia and even Europe.

In May 2011, one of the six annual sumo wrestling championships will be held in Tokyo. Tickets go on sale April 9^th. Meet some of the top ranked sumos that will be defending their titles this May:

1.     Hakuho, 337 lbs

Hakuho has held the highest grand champion title (yokozuna) in sumo wrestling since July 2007.

2.     Baruto, 410lbs

Baruto, Estonian born, holds the 2^nd highest championship title (ozeki) since May 2010.

3.     Kaio, 381 lbs

Kaio has held the 2^nd highest championship title (ozeki) since September 2000.

Authentic sumo wrestling in Tokyo is not an experience you will want to miss. If you’re traveling to Tokyo, show your support of the oldest, most honored sport in Japan. Learn more about this traditional sport from National Geographic:

Photo credits: Sumo wrestling tournament, Ms. President; Hakuho; Baruto; Kaio

Photo credits: Okinawa Cherry Blossoms, Okinawa Steve; Pittock Mansion, Mike Krzeszak; Keukenhof, Patrick

Where to get your sweet tooth fix in Amsterdam, Tokyo and Portland?

Photo credits: De Kas pie, Jacob Boetter; Anko pie, fleterjcm; Random Order pie, Kristen Taylor

The next time you are visiting Tokyo, warm up your vocal chords for an evening of team bonding at these venues:

Festa

The Roppongi District is famous for its access to karaoke boxes, and each venue offers something unique for each of its visitors. After a long day of meetings, treat your colleagues to an upscale karaoke experience at Festa. A bottle of free wine is available for parties of four or more, singers can choose from 200+ costumes to match their performance, and participants even have the opportunity to purchase a CD recording of their singing endeavor.

Fiesta International Karaoke Bar

Just down the street from Festa is a low-key option for your colleagues. At Fiesta International Karaoke Bar, 3,500Yen (approximately $42) gets you access to an inventory of over 10,000 songs, three free drinks and free karaoke until closing.

Karaoke 47

Just because you are inside for karaoke, doesn’t mean you can’t do a little site seeing as well. Located on the 47th floor of the Keio Plaza Hotel, each of Karaoke 47‘s karaoke rooms offers a panoramic view of Tokyo.

Smash Hits

For a truly international, family-friendly treat, visit Smash Hits in Hiroo (Shibuya). The karaoke box specializes in music from Sweden, Finland, Italy and Greece; offers free admission for children ages 7-18, and paying adults receive two comped drinks and free karaoke. As one of the largest karaoke boxes in Tokyo, Smash Hits is also an option for some much needed client bonding time. Look into their private party packages for more details.

Jan Ken Pon

Our final choice is not for the faint of heart. Unlike most karaoke boxes, Jan Ken Pon provides a very talented live band to compliment your vocal skills. For approximately $20, this karaoke hotspot may be one of the most affordable and memorable locations for you to sport your best Cher or Jon Bon Jovi renditions.

Which are your favorite karaoke songs?

Photo credits: Shinjuku, Attila Malarik; Koei Plaza Hotel, Kimon Berlin