Tag Archives: Japan

Miyajima: Itsukushima Shrine aka Shrine Island

October 21, 2012 By in Chase, Cliff, Family, Getting there, Japan, Japanese Excursions, Kathryn, useful Tags: , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

Miyajima at Sunset

Whenever I mentioned I was going to Hiroshima, EVERYONE would ask, “Are you going to Miyajima too? You MUST go!” The more I looked into it, the more I realized they were right. Miyajima is considered one of the top 3 most beautiful places in Japan.

Schedule:

  • Sunday 9:30am Leave hotel for Miyajima after breakfast
  • Hiroshima Stn to Miyajimaguchi (400 yen/person) 25 min by JR Train
  • Miyajima Port (170 yen/person) 10 min by Ferry
  • Sightsee & Lunch
  • Last Ferry from Miyajima is 22:14 we left at 18:00

Once upon a time, when Cliff and I were still dating, we used to have fun on trips. Somewhere along the trip of our lives, traveling with Cliff has just about become unbearable to me. He never walks with us, he always acts like he’s on some business trip by himself, he complains constantly and he is picky as to where and what he eats. I go into “vacation mode” and ergo his otherwise “normal” behaviour becomes even more intolerable to me because I feel like our time together as a family is so precious. So, the net result is I turn into one snarky bitch which in turn turns Cliff into even more of a party and poor Chase has to witness his parents acting like imbeciles. So on Sunday morning, before we even had breakfast, I declared I would be on my best behaviour.

On the ferry

GETTING TO MIYAJIMA

At Hiroshima Station, get to the JR side (remember you need to use the underground tunnel through the station). Purchase tickets (400 yen/person) to use the train to get to Miyajimaguchi (literally means the mouth of Miyaguchi). From the Miyaguchi Station, walk straight out and follow the herd to the port. There are plenty of signs and it is a short straight shot (you may have to walk underground to avoid traffic).

Don’t forget your ferry tickets!

Amazing landscapes, autumn colors, floating shrine, oysters, rice paddles and wild deer are just a few of the many things you can look forward to in Miyajima:

My deer!

ARRIVING:

I was immediately charmed by this little island which in and of itself is a community/town. I don’t know why I was so surprised. I just thought it would be like another seasonal fair but it’s a real town with residents. You can rent bikes to get around, but we opted to walk. The tide was still high enough at that point, so we were able to take a boat ride to the floating torii:

We were boat people

Even though the guide was talking completely in Japanese, we had a great time just watching everyone in these hats and who could be in a bad mood in a boat on a lovely day?

Miyajima Ropeway:

Just getting there

FYI: Getting anywhere on Myajima feels like a hike. The great news is it’s absolutely beautiful. There are trails and bridges and ponds and wildlife all around you. I was excited to take the ropeway which is actually a gondola (think ski lift/gondola) up to the highest peak on the island. It takes you to the shrine of a famous monk who supposedly showed the good people of Miyajima “The Way”. When we got to the top, it was around lunchtime, but there is only 1 cafe and you can only order a couple of dishes from a vending machine. We didn’t want to waste our appetites on that mess, so we ended up placating Chase and ourselves with a few popsicles until we could get back to the main area and get some “real” food. Despite the long-ass-practically-vertical climb to the top, we did have a good photo-op:

Fake it to Make it!

FOOD:

Once we returned to the village, I couldn’t wait to get my bag of chestnuts and rice-cake-on-a-stick! They also had a bunch of other options:

Street Food

Chase and I would have been completely happy eating some more street food, but Cliff won’t do it. So I had to stop so we could go and eat in a restaurant. Still good food. Miyajima is surrounded by oysters, so that’s also something you need to try. The oysters are meaty & delicious!

Roasted oyster on bed of crispy rice. Yummy!

SOUVENIRS:

With our bellies full, Chase somehow found a gaming area where you could either shoot targets or toss rings for cheap prizes. He LOVES these opportunities. I made Cliff be his audience while I shopped for rice paddles:

Size matters

My shopping was interrupted by a small crowd oohing & ahhhing outside my shop. I looked outside only to find my son and husband in the middle of this crowd, guns poised and a pile of cheap toys in front of them. I felt like “The Mom” as I stood akimbo and interrupted this carnival party with, “What is going on here?!?”

We beat the system!

Evidently, Cliff realized early on that the displays were rigged and he schemed with Chase to shoot siultaneously at 1 target to take it down. They would wait for the game manager to turn around so she couldn’t see what they were doing. Seeing the pure glee mixed with crazy in their eyes and the fact that they were actually bonding and having fun enabled me to just shake my head and walk back to my paddles smiling. Good for them, I thought.

Chase would not be outdone by our cartoon antics on the mountain so when he had his opportunity, he took it:

Don’t mess with me and my paddle!

AT THE END OF THE DAY:

By the time we got ready to head back on the ferry it was about 6:00pm. Despite spending all day on the island, as we walked back I realized we hadn’t even seen half of the island. There was a whole other section we forgot about at the dockside! It was an amazing day for our family. Everyone behaved. All the way back to the hotel, Chase kept going back and forth between Cliff and me hugging us and telling us, “Thank you” and what a great time he had. Even though we were tired physically, I feel like our souls were rejuvenated.

Top of the World literally & figuratively

Until next time…

October 24th We go to Korea!

More Dad Days

May 30, 2012 By in Dad, Japan, Japanese Excursions, Kathryn Tags: , , , , Leave a comment

Shinagawa Station

I love this photo of Dad as we were trying to get through the early morning “river of people”. Who wouldn’t love this face? I’m only blogging about the high points of our visit, but I am not exaggerating when I tell you, everyday we shared spontaneous special moments with one another. I have referred to my father’s extraordinary fitness and stamina, but in truth, spending this amount of quality time together, I was never made more aware of his fragility. No one wants to admit their parents are getting older. It only implies one thing. This morning’s conversation with Cliff:

  • Cliff: Do you mind picking up my prescriptions?
  • Me: No…. I don’t understand why you need to take all these meds!?!? (Migraine & “Special Skin Cream”)
  • Cliff: I’m not taking “all these meds…”
  • Me: You’re dying too!!! [flopping on the bed working up some tears]
  • Cliff: I’m not dying! Look at me! I’m healthier than you!

Let me just tell you, sometimes when I’m about to get into a frenzy, Cliff’s narcissism can work like smelling salts.

FILLING IN THE BLANKS

In Roppongi Hills. Tokyo Tower in the background.

After the hike to Nokogiriyama, Dad and I were also able to do some shopping, go to an onsen play tennis, take in a yoga class, take an Indian cooking class, attend one of Chase’s baseball game (Chase ended up hitting a homerun out of the field), go to an art exhibit and eat a lot of great food. We did a little grocery shopping every day so I could make dinner. Dad was in a constant state of sticker shock for obvious reasons. I have long since stopped converting all the prices to dollars, but Dad felt compelled to calculate everything for me.

  • Dad: I can’t believe those oranges cost so much!
  • Me: Well, after a while you just get used to it. I compensate by not buying underwear.
  • Dad: Hmm. [Pretending to ignore me] I just wouldn’t buy any.
  • Me: Besides, scurvy isn’t fatal right away…

One of the advantages of being a senior citizen is being able to eat as many “samples” as you like. Dad illustrated this for me everytime we passed any food samples in stores. I guess once he realized how expensive the food is, he decided he could “save” me some money by eating like this. Parents. ;)

IMPERIAL PALACE

Just stopping by

The Imperial Palace is one of those places that you can overlook because you live too close. I have passed it many times on my way to here and there and everytime I do I say, “I have got to go walk around there!” It is just so beautiful. It is this huge property of manicured lawns and trees smack in the middle of the city. Oh, and of course there is the palace. On the weekend, the main road is actually blocked off to traffic so there are tons of runners and bicyclers all over the place. Entrance to the grounds is free and the gardens inside the Palace are beautiful and full of history and information. I love the mix of old and new architecture.

SHIN OKUBO & MEIJI JINGU

In Front of Meiji Jingu

One of our spontaneous days involved visiting Shin Okubo aka “Korea Town” and then Meiji Jingu Shrine. Going to Shin Okubo was kind of a disappointment. I’m sure when Alexandra reads this, she will say, “What is that girl talking about? Kathryn must have gone to North Koreatown.” I went there wanting to love it. The food there wasn’t any better than what I would find in Nishi Azabu (closer to where I live) and to be honest, I was a little uncomfortable with all the K-Pop worship. There just seemed to be a lot of middle-aged housewives and a lot of autographed posters of K-Pop and Korean Drama Stars. The best part was going to the Korean supermarket and scoring mangos for half price!

Afterwards, we went to Meiji Jingu because it was another place I hadn’t been to, but everyone has said is a place to see. It is sort of the Emperor’s “vacation spot”. It is such a tranquil and lovely place. Since dad arrived, I have gotten him hooked on sake, especially as a remedy for the jet lag wake-ups at 1 and 2am. Less liquid to drink than a Sapporo tall boy. As we were walking in the park, we came across this beautiful display of old sake barrels. Kismet!

Talk about kismet!

SENZOKUIKE PARK

Shrine at Senzokuike

Our last group tour was to Senzokuike Park in south Tokyo. This is a real “local’s” treasure. I have to take Chase here. He would love it. It is a Buddhist temple and Shinto shrine all in one. There is a samurai buried here and one of the emperor’s most prized horses is honored here. You can rent swan shaped paddle boats and explore the lake that way too. The lake is full of fish, turtles, and birds. It is really a special place.

I’m all “re-capped out” so I am going to fix some dinner. Will try to blog again ASAP.

DATES:

June 12th Chase & I return to the States and will stay with Mary in Sterling, Virginia.

August 12th Date we return to Japan

Until next time…

China, Moss Bonsai, Wine with Lunch

April 30, 2012 By in China, Cliff, Daily Living, Japan, Kathryn, Mom, useful Tags: , , , 2 Comments

Before I leave for China, I thought I should tie up some loose ends:

April 17th I picked up our visas for China. Of course I got into line as early as possible and managed to score the 2nd spot. Once I went in, I went to one of the windows on the first floor. I handed her the receipt and she handed me another ticket that I had to take to a machine and pay the visa fee (15,000 yen/US Citizen):

Pay money here

Sorry for the blurry quality. I had to take the picture on the sly because all these police-y looking men already warned me once “no pictures”.

Then, the machine gave me a ticket which I had to return to the window and show the lady. At this point, I was handed our visas. You can’t truly understand how process oriented Japan is until you live here.

The other thing I was going to blog about was a Moss Bonsai class I took at Tokyo American Club (TAC). 

We took raw materials:

Materials for Moss Bonsai

And turned them into this!

Moss Bonsai! Wah-lah!

They turned out so nicely, I thought, “Instead of designer handbags, I’ll just give these as gifts for my girlfriends!”

I look at that picture and think, “That was a girl with a mom.” See how happy she was.

Sunday, Cliff, Chase, and I went to Shibuya. Shibuya is known as the “young people” area, so Chase and I fit right in. It was soooo hot and crowded I literally felt nauseous:

Taken from Shibuya Station

I promised them I would meet them after baseball for lunch, so I picked out a place known for its udon and we checked it out. I still haven’t gotten used to the crowds. It is so hard to be outside and constantly jostled around and waiting for slow people in front of you.

Today is the Emperor’s Birthday and the first day of Golden Week so Cliff had the day off, but Chase did not. We have an unspoken understanding when Chase is in school but Cliff is home, that we have lunch date. This morning I went to ashtanga yoga at Under The Light and planned to meet Cliff at a new Italian restaurant near our place. I still feel shaky and I don’t know if it is the grief or jet lag, but I just know yoga will help me so I am forcing myself to go. By the time I got to shivasana, I closed my eyes and I just started crying. This is like the 3rd or 4th time I’ve cried during or after yoga. There is something about all the stretching, twisting, breathing, and pain that just releases a person. One of my teachers at Balance Yoga in Atlanta theorized that because we carry so much of our stress and anxiety in our muscles and joints, yoga pulls all that out and helps us rid ourselves of their physical manifestations. I believe it. While I practiced today, I just felt like my mom was with me.

I left early, just because I was sniffling and I didn’t want to interrupt everyone’s shivasana. On my way to the restaurant, I saw an elderly couple where the wife was being pushed in a wheelchair by her husband (so much like my parents) and that just took me over the edge. I got on my bike and was bawling out loud through the streets of Tokyo. I’m sure people thought I was crazy.

When I got to the restaurant Cliff was already sitting. I told him to order me a glass of white wine as I ran to the restroom. I think the waitress felt sorry for me, because she kept filling our glasses. It definitely made me feel better. I also wondered, “Am I that woman? The woman who has wine with lunch? Where Happy Hour starts at 12:00?” Am I going to have my “special” thermos in the truck when I am waiting in the carpool line? I don’t know. One day at a time, right? I do think I am going to have to start knitting again:

Wineholder

Until next time…

Sakura no Hanami

April 11, 2012 By in Daily Living, Holidays & Festivals, Japan, Living in Tokyo, Weather Tags: , , , , 3 Comments

CHERRY BLOSSOM SEASON

I have no doubt that now is the best time to visit or live in Japan. We are in the midst of Sakura no Hanami. Literally meaning: Cherry Blossom Viewing Season. Recently at a dinner out, I mentioned how surreal and interesting it is that an entire nation gets so excited about blooming trees. One of the guests explained that for the Japanese, the Sakura is a metaphor for life. “It is beautiful and fleeting”.  Yes, this is dinner party talk in Japan. Personally, I think Sakura no Hanami must also mean: Leave Your Pants at Home Girls. I don’t know if it’s due to the season or the fact that the temperatures have gone up by 5 degrees, but there are a whole lot of blooming thighs getting viewed too:

During this time, everywhere I go, everything is sakura related. There are desserts, teas, foods all incorporating the blooming cherry blossoms. It is difficult not to feel like an inspired photographer.

TWILIGHT

The increased time I am spending with teenagers compounded by the fact that I am now pushing my way through the 3rd Twilight book has made me realize: I hate teenagers. Maybe hate is too strong a word. Some teenagers, make me gag. The truth is most of the kids I’ve been working with are sweet and innocent. There are a few “shining stars” even. But I have come across one girl who I swear, could be the focus of Bad Seed 2. Someone did her a real dis-service and made her feel too special. Anyhow, whenever I come across kids who are so comfortable being defiant to authority figures, I’ll admit, I get a little scared and then, very quickly, I get thoroughly disgusted. I told Cliff, this is why I can’t work on long-term projects. It doesn’t matter what you do, there is ALWAYS going to be that one asshole you can’t get away from. Anyhow, getting back to Twilight. I can’t believe the author has spent so much of the book with bullshit writing like:

  • Him: I love you
  • Her: No! I love you!
  • Him: But I love you more
  • Her: Impossible! I love YOU more!
  • Him: I want you so much
  • Her: Then bite me already
  • Him: No! [insert gagging noise]

At this point, I just want everyone to either die or go live in Alaska. I haven’t seen the films yet and now I have no desire to. I’ve been around people like this in person, and call me “bitter married woman” all you want, but it hurts my eyeballs when they look in the back of my head that long.

PRESERVATION

My latest attempt to re-apply a new skin to my phone has failed. When I reached into my pocket only to find a sticky, rolled up tube that was my new iPhone screen skin, I realized: You can’t be a born-again virgin. Maybe it’s the cherry blossoms. Maybe it’s the sake, I don’t know. I see the falling and the fallen petals all around me and realize, no one is desperately trying to re-attach those things to their branches again. You have to enjoy the beauty as long as it lasts, and then move on. Like my yogis always tell me, “Be Present”.

Until next time…

School Daze & Trying to Get to China

April 8, 2012 By in Chase, China, Cliff, Culture Shock, Daily Living, Japan, Japanese Excursions, Kathryn, Living in Tokyo, School, Tokyo, Transportation, useful, Weather Tags: , , , , , Leave a comment

SCHOOL CLOSING

In the States, I have experienced or known of unexpected school cancellations due to snow, ice, hurricane, and violence. Last week, I experienced my first school closing due to High Winds. Because so many students in Japan commute by trains, if the winds are too intense, much like a ski lift, the trains have to stop running. It does seem ironic that Tokyo can survive earthquakes, but if the winds get too high they worry about trains flying off their tracks. Truth be told, I have never experienced winds as crazy fierce as those in a Tokyo typhoon.  Oh well, Chase got an unexpected half-day and because my cooking lesson wasn’t canceled, he ended up meeting Cliff for lunch and spending the rest of the afternoon being “home-schooled”.

HITTING THE WALL: CHINESE VISA

My second attempt for a visa was again unsuccessful. My first attempt happened to coincide with the Chinese holiday Qingming Day, or Tomb Sweeping day. It’s hard to believe anyone can make a living with all the holidays. Remember, call first before you go anywhere.

On my second try, I thought I would take pictures depicting the waiting line as it grew. We live very close to the Embassy so I get to see it regularly. I never expected to actually be a part of it. I decided to get in line at 8:15am even though it opens at 9:00am:

8:15 am

My spot is marked by the pink backpack. There was actually a family of 4 in front of me when I assumed my position.

8:35am looked like this:

8:35am

When I went across the street to take this picture, the police officer chastised me for jay-walking. I had to walk to the crossways every time.

As 9:00am arrived, some Chinese embassy officials popped out of the building and set up a table ala airport security-style with baskets for “metal objects”.

8:55am

It was so funny watching people get dropped off in front of the Embassy and watching the realization on their faces that they had to walk another block to get in line. Once the doors opened, we rushed in and you have to go to the 3rd floor and go from window to window. They checked my papers. I didn’t have a photocopy of my (and Chase’s) passport and alien card so I had to get in line for the photocopy machine (luckily I was early so I didn’t have to wait for that) but then I had to get back in line at window 1. You basically go to Window 1 for a ticket to get to Window 2. When my turn came up, I went to Window 2, and she said I needed my hotel reservation and plane tickets. With that, she quickly  handed me a copy of the application procedures along with all my papers and shut the window. It was all very Wizard of Oz, Dorothy-San style. As soon as I left, I of course called Cliff to thank him for wasting 2 hours of my life. Will let you know how much further I get on the “yellow-brick road”.

THE GRADUATE… years later

Last night, we finally rendezvoused with Andrew. He’s so cute and very “fresh” (vampire term). Cliff met him at the station, and Chase and I met them at our favorite soba restaurant in Azabu Juban. I don’t know if it’s a sign of maturity or maternity, but as Chase and Andrew sat next to each other, I couldn’t help wondering what Chase would end up being like when he goes to college. How would he act if he was traveling overseas on his own? Andrew got on Chase’s good list as soon as he realized they could talk about video games and DragonBall. Andrew got on my good list as he talked about his interest in Japan and his desire to explore the city. He’s our first visitor and it is so nice to see the city through “new eyes” as only a visitor can bring.

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL

Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

So the countdown is on. Friday the 13th is opening night. I’m not going to say it’s Glee, but it’s definitely a show. I do have my favorite numbers and my favorite cast members. It’s been an interesting experience and I have enjoyed working with some of the kids. I have also made some interesting observations about people who choose to work in high school settings. Not being faculty and being more of an outsider, it has been a revelation on many levels to work with the kids and adults. If it sounds like I keep talking around something, it’s probably because I wish I could say more, but I have to  wait until we’re out of the country to spill my guts.

Until next time…

 

 

Fired, Food, Furs, Floors & Fast Boys

March 16, 2012 By in Daily Living, Japan, Living in Tokyo, Tokyo, useful Tags: , , , , , , 4 Comments

Fired

So I just let Joji, my helper, go. I don’t think I’ve ever had to fire someone before. In the States, we either moved or my help ran away. Wait, there was that one Russian woman I fired for not being able to stop talking and texting while driving. Every time I called, I could hear the traffic in the background, or I would text and get a reply when I knew she was driving. Entrapment? Maybe, I don’t care. Nobody talks while driving my baby. Anyhow, I waited until Joji was getting ready to leave and then I started in with the, “Joji, can we talk? You know I think you are a lovely person… but-”. I feel badly for blind-siding her. I just kept thinking about that movie where George Clooney fires everyone: Up in the Air. I was also fresh from watching Moneyball with Brad Pitt and he has a scene where he teaches someone how to fire people. It is not easy. It’s no fun being abandoned a week before all your relatives come to stay for the holidays either, but between the 2 situations, I think I’d choose being abandoned. It’s easier to feel mad than sad. So this Saturday and Sunday, I am interviewing 2 new ladies. The first lady’s name is Mercy. Lord, I hope to get some.

What are we eating in Tokyo?

Well, here is part of the menu from a restaurant we decided to try the other night. Being a graduate from the University of South Carolina (USC) I know about Gamecocks, but I also assume some game has cock. Which is it? Surprisingly, no one was in the mood for turtle organs.

Furs

I have addressed Tokyo fashion in a previous blog, but those were warmer times. Given all the fur on people’s bodies in the city and the creative culinary use of animal parts, I’m thinking PETA is still just bread here in Japan. You’ve also heard me talking about all the “fancy men” of Tokyo. In Atlanta, the only people I ever caught wearing furs were rap stars and trophy wives (yay! trophy wives). In Tokyo, even the men appreciate a little fur next to their skin.

Floors

If you come to Japan, you will not be able to miss the interesting floor patterns. For a long time, I thought these weird floor tiles were just there as decorations or to annoy anyone wearing heels. Then, one day I saw a blind person tapping their walking stick and following the pattern. How cool is that? How ironic is that? It took a blind person to show me what that was.

Fast Boys

You’ve heard me talk about my assumption that there are no native English-speaking editors in Japan.

Maybe my mind is in the gutter too much, but I practically cracked my skull getting this photograph for you friends. The truck was stopped at a red light. I keep laughing thinking about the brainstorming meeting to decide on the name for the new company:

  • What about Quick Boy?
  • So good!
  • I like it!
  • Done!
  • Let’s go practice our yo-yo…

Cliff has been in Hawaii since Tuesday on a Golf outing. He returns Sunday evening.

Chase is supposed to have baseball all weekend of course, but I am praying it rains like it is supposed to.

I was sent a note from Angela about a television casting call for ExPat wives living in Tokyo. She was encouraging me to throw my hat in the ring. Hmmm.

Until next time…

The Help, Media & Playdates

March 14, 2012 By in Culture Shock, Daily Living, Japan, Kathryn, Pearls of wisdom, Tokyo, Uncategorized, useful Tags: , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

The other day, I bumped into a fellow expat at TAC (Tokyo American Club) who I had met before during my brief attempt at joining a book club. She asked me if I was still going and of course I had to say no. The books were terrible and forcing me to turn to iPhone app games like Plants versus Zombies to satisfy my need for escapism. Anyhow, she offered up an opportunity to join a different group with older ladies but better books. I’m obviously not an age-ist so I agreed to check out the book selections and go. The book for March is The Help by Kathryn Stockett. I had heard about this book from several people. Unfortunately, I happen to be one of those people where if I know everyone else is doing something, I don’t want to do it… at least I won’t do it right away. I downloaded the book to my Kindle and within seconds was able to start reading. I love it. Some of my exhuberance may be because I just finished reading Blood Ninja by Nick Lake (I know what it sounds like) and that book was TERRIBLE. The whole way through I found it to be mind-numbing and so much the writing of a white guy who either wants to be Japanese or find hisself a Japanese girlfriend real bad. Anyhow, “The Help” is a lot better. Although, I do find it a little annoying that the author is a white woman. But who knows, maybe she “high-yellow” and I’m just being quick to judge.  The beauty of “The Help” is that I can identify with all the characters. Sometimes I feel like an uppity Southern Junior Leaguer and sometimes I feel like a sassy black house mammy. The funny thing I have noticed is the more I read the book, the more I am saying things like: “Ain’t you a sweet one to finish yo breakfast” and “Laws! you  gonna go out da house like dat?!?” I have a little money stashed for Chase’s therapy.

The irony of the book is that I have finally decided to let go of Joji (my helper) and find someone new. My last straw was Cliff finding a dirty plate in the cabinet at breakfast. My predicament is that I found her through another resident (the Coke family from Atlanta in fact) in the apartment and then, I recommended her to another neighbor who lives in the apartment next to mine. So she gone be around. For the longest time, I have been wanting to let her go, but she is really sweet and for some reason everyone in her family has been fired from their jobs and she’s the only one supporting everyone. I have a couple interviews set up for this weekend so hopefully everything will work out and the next helper won’t short-sheet my bed anymore.

RADIO & TV

As “progressive” as Japan seems on the outside, let me just inform you as a short-time resident that Japan is where old music and TV goes to die. I have my kitchen radio on the most popular station in Tokyo. Whenever they play a song, I’m reminded of some ex-boyfriend from high school. Then, when I do find myself on the couch watching TV with Cliff or Chase, on the English-speaking channels it’s all from TVLand. The Classics programming. I will admit, I have a new found appreciation for Columbo. He was a really fine detective.

Columbo

PLAYDATES

So I’ve hosted a few playdates here in Japan. A couple of things I’ve observed:

1) It is not the easiest thing to do. First, most of the kids here have so many extra curricular activities, finding “free-time” is sometimes impossible. I remember just recently, when St. Mary’s called an unexpected snow day, I called Chase’s friend who lives just up the street thinking, the mom would be happy to have someone take her son for a little playtime when they were supposed to be at school. Nope. I called at 8:00am asking if Ken could come over and play with Chase and his mom said they were busy. I know this may have been nosy, but I had to ask what they were doing. Going to the hospital to visit sick people. Probably trying to pad his transcripts for college applications already.

2) If we are able to coordinate a time together, the kid coming over ALWAYS brings something. This has taken the form of cookies, candies, and books. At first, I was a little surprised, but then it got a little weird when a particular friend came over several times bearing gifts every time. I kept saying it wasn’t necessary, but that doesn’t matter. When Chase goes to someone else’s house, now I make sure he always has something for the host.

3) It’s usually not at their apartment. In other words, it’s usually an outing. Maybe it’s because their flat is small, or cold, or messy. Take your pick. I guess it isn’t so terrible. Whenever we host, we inevitably end up at the club. That is probably one of the best points about being members at TAC. It’s the basement I used to have.

Not Inside My Apartment

Until next time…

Back

February 18, 2012 By in Cliff, Culture Shock, Daily Living, Japan, Kathryn, Living in Tokyo, Transportation, useful Tags: , , Leave a comment

20120218-160503.jpg

Finally back from India. We finished a 9+ hr flight in coach and Cliff has decided to spoil me with a train ride to Tokyo (there is sarcasm in between these words). He wants to try the Narita Express. Tickets are ¥2940/person.

While Cliff figures out how to buy tickets, gives me a chance to check in and be “connected”. He hates when I try to help because I think he finds it emasculating, so I’m on luggage guard duty until he hits “the wall” and waves me over so I can start my apologies for my “difficult round-eye husband”.

Anyhow, so many photos and lessons and quotes to share. Will try to get organized ASAP in between loads of laundry and packing for Nagano (Wednesday!).

About Last Night

February 12, 2012 By in Chase, Cliff, Culture Shock, Daily Living, Dining out, Girlfriends, Japan, Japanese Excursions, Kathryn, Living in Tokyo, Tokyo, Transportation, useful Tags: , , , , , , , 4 Comments

 

Cosmopolitan from Union Square Restaurant

Before the details get fuzzy, I must record the happenings of last night. I thought I could hang with Alexandra and Andrew (Alex & Andy) but I think I was kidding myself. Ever since our last trip together, I have promised myself I would gradually increase my alcohol tolerance, and adhere to my strict bedtime of 8:00pm. Saturday, Alexandra at least seemed to be considerate of my 10 hour sleep minimum. She asked me if she should make the reservation for 7 or 7:30pm so of course I said 7. We met them and another couple at Union Square restaurant in Tokyo Midtown for dinner. That Cosmopolitan picture was the drink I ordered. My eyes nearly fell out of my head because it was so big! I took a picture of it next to a 50 yen piece (about the same size as a nickel) because I just couldn’t believe it. I finally found something in Japan that wasn’t smaller here than in the US. After fantastic food, wines and service, Alexandra received a call from a friend who was at another bar close by with more people and oh by the way, do we all want to meet up? At this point, I’m feeling pretty saucy and having trouble in my Ferragamo wedges, but Alexandra is pulling me by the arm and threatening never to talk to me again if I don’t go for just one drink. She has promised Lien and me that we will be rewarded with furs if we go, what the hell?!? How can you not love Alex? Anyhow, for someone who can’t weigh more than 100 pounds soaking wet, she is a very strong woman. I attribute this to her Korean background.

Next stop, R2. We find the group. Everyone is very nice and they have somehow managed to score the front table so now we moved from a party of 6 to 12. Everyone was jovial and drinking more wine. Being surrounded by the 20-30-whatever set, it suddenly dawned on me that as you get older it isn’t about who you’re going to meet when you go out anymore. It’s who you can escape from. I don’t know when, but by I think 11pm? I can’t remember, people were dispersing, there was talk of babysitters needing to be relieved, I was seeing a light at the end of the tunnel, but I was mistaken, because it turned out to be the glinting light from Alexandra’s diamond ring as she was pulling my wrist AGAIN and talking of karaoke! WTH? I can barely walk. Now she says I have to go for “just 1 song, baby. Shut up and get in the cab.” I’m disoriented. I’m tired. I’m going.

Smash Hits is where we pull up. The original and final 6 of us (Alex, Andy, Lien, Paddy, Cliff and yours truly). At first, I had no intention of getting on stage or  singing, but damn them if they didn’t make it seem so fun! The place had a HUGE inventory of songs to choose from and you could get on stage and jump in whenever you felt it. They even had props like wigs or a guitar. The place was pleasantly full, not crazy packed and we could spread out and it made it comfortable for even Cliff to get up and sing a tune:

Cliff and Alexandra singing backup for Andrew

ONE song turned into shutting down the place at 2:30am. Cliff and I somehow managed to stumbled home reeking of cigarettes and sneaking into the apartment trying not to wake the 10-year-old boy.

At this very moment Cliff and I are packing for our trip to India. Everything seems to be in order, but I always feel like I am forgetting something especially when we leave Chase behind. I want to blog while I am away but I am not sure if I’ll be able to, so just hang in there until I get back. Our flight returns to Tokyo next Saturday the 18th late in the afternoon. Cliff turns right around on Tuesday the 21st to do business in the US and I leave with Chase, Wednesday on the 22nd to meet Alexandra, Andrew and their boys up in Nagano for a few days of skiing. We will return Saturday the 25th. Cliff returns to Japan March 2nd. Whew!

Until next time…

 

 

I Heart Valentine’s Day & India part 2.5

February 10, 2012 By in Chase, Cliff, Cooking, Daily Living, Japan, Japanese Excursions, Kathryn, Living in Tokyo Tags: , , , , , , 1 Comment

When I first arrived in Japan, I was informed that the Japanese are known as some of the most energetic consumers in the world. I didn’t quite understand what this meant until a couple of days ago when I was walking around and noticed all the Valentine’s Day decorations. Between the Japanese festivals and National Holidays and then the purely commercial International Holidays barely 5 days can pass when you aren’t obligated to buy some kind of gift. It’s genius. These obligations keep businesses open and people in stores buying things all the time. I recently came across an article in the local Gaijin Magazine: Metropolis. It had a small list of “Japanese” terms for the different types of chocolates we have to buy for one another:

The Japanese have figured out a way to get 2 spending days out of one holiday by designating Valentine’s Day as the “Man’s” Holiday. One month later, White Day (March 14th) is observed as the “Woman’s” Holiday when the men who received gifts are supposed to reciprocate with bigger and better gifts to their female gifters. Sometimes women give each other gifts and even that has become somewhat of a show of who has the most friends. Most of my friends know I’m not really into brown chocolate. Give me fried food any day:

KFC's Chicken Fillet Double

As of February 2nd, Japanese KFCs started carrying the Chicken Fillet Double. I don’t know if this is old news for you all in North America, but it nearly made me fall off the pescetarian wagon. Two chicken fillets acting as “the bun” containing 2 slices of cheese , bacon, and mayo. I just don’t understand how this and other more elevated food can be available here in Japan and I SWEAR, people here are tiny.

Picture of the Day:

The name says it all

Some of you have heard me say, I just don’t believe in going to any restaurant that promises to deliver the world to you. I don’t go to Pan-Asian buffets and expect Michelin level food. Give me a restaurant that promises one or two dishes and do them to perfection and I’ll be there every week (ie, So Kong Dong in Atlanta, GA). I passed by this deep-fried chicken joint on my way home and I just felt a deep connection to the place.

As promised I am including a picture from my last cooking class with Hema:

Nicki, Alexandra & Hema

We had a great time and as usual, Hema outdid herself making so many dishes and providing hot Indian crepes as we ate. That list of recipes on the refridgerator is what we prepared for that day’s lesson in South Indian Cooking. I just can’t get over how flavorful everything is and how even without meat you NEVER leave the table unsatisfied. Hema also had some good advice regarding my upcoming trip and I will take everything to heart. So excited to go to India. My passport finally came back from the Embassy, I have my diarrhea meds all packed and I am ready.

Tomorrow, Cliff and Chase go bird-watching in Ueno. I will go spinning (more on that later) and get my hair cut. Maybe I’ll do something really crazy like get lots of layers and dye it red:

Until next time…

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