The Beginning

Yokohama, Japan. Saturday, March 22nd, 8am. The alarm rings. No chance of sleeping in today. Too excited. Too busy. Aki goes to work from 9am-1pm, while Brendan finishes the packing and cleans the house. They meet at her work after she finishes. Suitcases and bags in hand, they walk to Yokohama station and take the train to Narita airport. They fly out of Japan at 6:30pm. Boyfriend & Girlfriend. They will fly back as Husband & Wife. This is their story. This is OUR story. Enjoy.........

Flashback to December 1st, 2005 -

After working the late shift at an infamous English conversation school in Kannai, Yokohama, Brendan goes to 'Hamabowl' to settle a score with his workmate Terry. They've been mouthing off for a while now over who is the best bowler. Now it's time to find out, and with 100円per point difference for the winner, the pressure is on. They arrive at Hamabowl and meet Terry's wife, Saki, and her workmates who have been celebrating bounenkai (end of year party). They will have a bowl too, but Brendan and Terry are in a serious battle, so the ladies are somewhat ignored.......that is, until a nice young woman feels sorry for Brendan, as he can't speak Japanese, so she tries to talk to him in English. As the bowling continues, Brendan learns her name is Aki (short for Akiko) and he begins to enjoy her company. This slight distraction causes Brendan to falter in the high stakes bowling, and after two intense games, he concedes defeat and shells out about 2000円。Terry is crowned champion (a title he later relinquishes), while Brendan has his mind on other things. As they leave together, Aki and Brendan continue to talk, and Brendan offers to teach her more English in exchange for Aki showing him some sights. They exchange numbers and say goodnight, having no idea what the future would have in store for them.

A few weeks later, Aki invites Brendan to Kamakura, where she can show him some sights. Brendan had already been there, but thought it would be nice anyway so he accepts the invitation. The day is fun. They rent bicycles and see a lot of shrines and temples that Brendan missed the first time (his "guide" that time was pretty terrible). They return home, both having enjoyed the day and each others company. Things are starting to happen. Over the next month they enjoy more time together, going out for dinner, sightseeing and other stuff. On January 8th, 2006, Brendan decides their friendship is something more, and after some awkward, broken English leadup, he tells Aki how he feels, she responds in a similar manner, they kiss, and begin their relationship as a couple....then Brendan has to rush to basketball practice.....with a smile on his face........

Our 1st picture together was this blurry pic, taken by some kind old tart in Kamakura; About a month after meeting each other, things became official.