Summer 2013: Journey in Japan contiues...

 { post}

 { on the JR East train}

 { a mini van sells bread}

 { Kamakura, Japan}

 { S' first meal in Japan}

 { my first meal in Japan}

 { sea world}

 {splash}

 { sea turtle}

 { waiting to pat the small sea turtle}

 {mount. Fuji, can you see?}

 { Take a look}

 { temple}

 {Asakusa}

{fortune telling}

{before worship}

 { what is good? can I have two??}

 { S caught typo, orenge} 

 { Japanese traditional sweet bread, so so so delicious}

 { S was a pink lady for the day}

 {sky tree tower}

 { most spoiled treat: a short latte in 350th floor}

 { She was brave!}

 { cakes in Japan are delicate!}

 {complex train tracks}

 { S, the explorer}

 { spot taxi in Japan}

 { can you see the someone's reflection on the telephone booth?}

 { Flowers are everywhere and pretty}

 {a great trip to worship the Buddha}

Did you have a nice tour down here? I hope you enjoy the moments that we have had in Japan. We always have first few days full with busy schedule in Japan. That helped the jet-lag and just make our body ready for the new place. 

S loves the train rides in Japan, but rush hours seem much for her. We tried to leave our room early enough, so we can get on the train with less crowd. Our trip to Kamakura was fabulous. My dear college friend picked us up from the train station and we rode together on the train and it was so helpful to have someone translate the signs and explained the histories for us.

The mini van sells the bread is something that I used to seen when I was S' age. The van came on our street and ring the special bell. We always get some sweet bread or treats for the afternoon treats or for next morning breakfast. S asked me if I  have seen a van sells bread, I replied, yes! There were used to have many different vans, cars, motorcycles even bikes selling food on the street when I was at her age. It was so much fun and memorable to see one again. Mom used to give us a few coins and let us run downstairs to catch the car.

The trip in Japan was full with fresh food and sweets. We have tried many new food this time and really love how they tasted. Asakusa, Japan is a great tourist place to visit. We followed the custom wash our hands before enter the temple to worship. S tried the fortune telling again this time, so did I. The temples in Japan are mostly over hundred years old and so peaceful when we enter. The colors of the space is so calm. Yes, it is really comfortable! Everyone were whispering and murmuring their wishes and so did I.

We waited in lines a lot! Mostly for food! According to my friends, if the line is very long for restaurants or food stands/shops that mean it is a very tasty place.  We waited outside in a hundred year old Japanese traditional sweet bread shop for 45 minutes.  The shop people kept come out to tell us the shop opens at 9, but S and I insisted waited outside. We felt quiet proud to be the first set of customer for the day. The sweet bread was soft and the apple pie crust texture was so crispy. I slightly... greedy think that I should have gotten two instead of one.  We both spoiled ourselves and got soft ice cream as well.

Like every tourist, we joined the big crowd and visited the sky tree tower. It is the newest landmark in Tokyo area.  S was most excited about the speed in the elevator that goes up the 350th floor. Unlike her, my heart beats were fast running when we were in the elevator. Seeing the screen number going up.. 4.....10...200...234...344...345...346....350..

When we first enter and view the outside from the windows, S' first question was there are no backyard in Japan and the land is well occupied by houses. We spotted a large park and thought it might be the place children play and ride their bikes.  The houses are so closed to each other especially viewing the city of Tokyo from 350th floor. The view is so stunning and breath taking! 

We have felt in love with Japanese food, culture, and people! The country has great mixture of Western and Eastern elements. Most of the time, I have asked S not be afraid. It is not a big problem if you can speak the language. People around you will be helpful, but cautious the people you meet. On our trip, we took two small trips to the book stores.  I asked S not to go far out of my sight. We both dig in the subjects that we loved! She found a book for herself and I didn't. I flipped through so many sewing books and knowing our suitcases are full I decided not to get more books for myself... { but how I wish..}

On this trip we have enjoyed meeting friends and having resting time together. Oh yes... I believed you alrady know how much S loves the full attention from mama and the adventures that she is taking so far. One step a day give us a little room to breath and reflect.

The raining season starts in Taiwan and we have enjoying the rainy days... oh dear it cools off the air~ Best of all, raining season in Taiwan is perfect for sewing time... Dad and I are heading to Flea market this Saturday early morning. I hope to find a few things there.. mainly a sewing machine...

xxC 

Summer 2013: Journey in Japan

 { on skyliner speedy train}

{Arakawa, Tokyo}

 {telephone booth}

 {temple}

The departure flight we took in Dallas to Japan was full. The flight hours was actually shorter than it scheduled. Within 12 hours flight, I took a short nap, watched three movies, then a longer nap. S did so well this time. No air sick and thankfully she slept most of the flight time. I always look forward the meal time, not the food, but the coffee. It feels like a big treat after having not much coffee time for so long. Oh yes, coffee and movie are nice combo if you ask me.  I have wished some homemade cookies or cake to go with.

Landing in Japan is alike going to to a different states, but in a completely different language and culture. This is second time S and I stopped by Japan on our back to Taiwan. We have loved this short pause after the our big moving away from N.D. We rest  in a home stay style suit that I rent. The room is floored in Japanese traditional floor, tatami.  The smell of the dried grass is so nice! We hung our daily towels outside in the baloney to dry. I have missed this part of lifestyle: hang clothes outside and allow the sun takes care of it. We woke up in the middle of the night and wonder around at 6 in the morning... the Eastern and Western differences have just started... Shall I keep going.. allow me...

As my friend suggested,  we took the skyliner speedy train into Tokyo metro area. It is perfect for us with large luggage and exhausted body. It takes 36 minutes to reach Nippori station where we stayed. The train is comfortable and so smooth. On our way into metro area, the sight outside of the train window is so fabulous. The combination of tradition Japanese houses and modern houses,  the farmland and the houses are living together. I am guessing they have been living closely for hundred years.   We spotted some family gardens near by the houses and some elder lady were taking care the crops, how we wish we could walk there and ask for some garden fun!?

Japan is a very neat country to be! People are nice, especially the elder gentlemen and ladies. They love help people. I must admitted most of the time, I guess what they were trying to tell me and I used very limited Japanese vocabularies to get around. Thankfully it has worked well!!

Can you tell how much S love the telephone booth in Japan?  Correct me if I am wrong. I haven't seen any telephone booth in the states.  Telephone booths were very easy to find 10 years ago in Taiwan, but now it is hard to find one. Whenever we saw a telephone booth she asked if she can go in and ask a photo.  Oh yes, it is very new for S to experience it.

S and I walked everyday in Japan. We love seeing the signs around the shops. Aren't they fun and cute?  Each shop is so inviting with their shop sign and display. Arakawa, Tokyo is rather a traditional neighborhood, what do I mean traditional; my word of tradition means it carries the old days construction in the buildings and kept is original. The closeness of the each house and the wooden construction outside of each building that has been weathered. The neighborhood carries its own histories and stories.  The houses that have renovated have added some modern feature in it. It keeps the houses going. Almost the idea of vintage feedsake and modern fabric that work together. The chemistry between the old and new have deeply inspired me... Do I dare to say this is what I have wish S to experiences as well?

The electrical lines/wires are everywhere that crossed around the allies. The poles around the streets reminded me of my childhood when I visited grandma in the countryside. Each day, our walk is slow and in our slowly paste. We took our time to enjoy the places that we walk by and people we met.

Will continue journey in Japan posts....

The blogger setting in Taiwan is all in the traditional Chinese font. I have accident removed some comments, really sorry. I have reset the setting and it is up-to-date now, so it won't be a problem for now on.

xxc

Random: Slowly...

 { grandma and S}

 {S' new stool}

 

 {Lucky, the boy}

 { oh dear... Lucky loves his new spot}

The sound of water running into the bucket. The smell of the incenses from upstairs. The sound of gentle paws walking and waiting someone to call his name. The sound of neighbor's washer running and the sigh of mom mopping floors to started her day. This is how the morning started here in our new home,  Taiwan.

It has been some busy days here,  since we arrived! We are adjusting the temperature, which is humid and hot. We are adjusting the new lifestyle, which has involved more two chatty voices. Lucky, the pup has been wigging his tail and waiting to play each morning. He has been playful and happy to have a little big friend to hang out with. Oh dear... It is hard not to let S have all the fun that she has been waiting for.

I have been busy going through the closet, drawers, and things that we have left here in last seven years.  So many S' baby clothes, so many items that have been sitting for years and not being used. The room that I spent my childhood and adolescence has becoming a storage room. Many electrical devices are not working and yes, we just keep them! I asked mom if it is fine to go through the room, she agreed! There are some adjustments between mom and I need to make, but I think we'll ease these conflicts as we go. The motivation of cleaning is very low. I've gone to the traditional acupuncture to get the my sore back fix up and it felt really good.

Our luggage have had opened and gifts have been given. The fabrics are still unfolded and waiting to be sort through and be organized. Can you tell I can't wait, but the room is still a big mess! A few old drawer's pulling tracks are falling off. My brother is helping me to find the parts and hope it will get fix soon, so all our clothes can store in. A trip to IKEA is must.. maybe some paper boxes for the fabrics and sewing tools.

Our first weekending in Taiwan was spent trips to IKEA, Costco, and local stores to getting our sewing/ reading room set up. We purchased a simple folding picnic table, a Billy book case, two stools, and simple paper boxes from IKEA. We plan a simple set up, so when the time comes for us to leave, we won't leave too many things behind. It has been overwhelming on my side getting everything ready.  Finding new music teachers for S has been challenging. We were recommended to a new teacher near by and hope next week the first try out lesson will go well.  S has been doing so well in our new home! She still not sure about the temperature, but she is loving the freshness of the food and seafood.

Families are so excited about us being here! Mom has been cooking and do we not get spoiled? Dad has been getting seasonal fruits for us, do we not love this? Lucky, the pup has been so busy since S saw him at the train station. There are so many jumping, running, tricks show and tell from him to her. Lucky, the pup is a big pup now!  Giggle sounds from S are so sweet and she finally has a real animal friend by her side. It is great to see S takes care of Lucky and be his friend.

Cousins came to hang out with S over the weekending. These girls are so chatty. So many fun and cute questions popped out from them. Those holding hands and watch after each other is something I strongly feel so touched! Cousins are closed to S' age, so there are fun girly talks. Really a blessing time here... The weather is humid and hot;  not what we used to, but all the other events and excitements have taken away the heat. It has been a good start!  

I have asked dad who goes to flea market often to help me to find a sewing machine soon. {fingers are crossed!} I am so itchy to start sewing project, but I knew I have to postpone it for a little longer until everything else settles.  Best of all, we have wifi set up, so I can blog anytime now!!

Hope everything will get settle very soon and of course, I can't wait to start our normal summer days... We are slowly settle in our new home, slowly adjust the lifestyle, slowly used to have more members involved in our life. It is not as simple as I though, but we will make it work. Thanks to our family, give us time to adjust and give us space to breath when we need the S and mama time.

Will have more posts now on.. I haven't get the laptop fix, but hope soon! Tomorrow is Dragon boat festival in Taiwan and will share more soon.. I think you might see two posts a day since the time differences. We are 13 hours ahead of central time in U.S.

Hope I'll start blogging in the morning instead of late night here in Taiwan. 

xxC

Weekending: thousand miles away

 

 { 06-03-2013 Tokyo Japan}

It has been a long time since the last post. Our move was a little  out of control and boy anything could gone wrong went wrong the week of moving. I have so many photos and stories to share with you later, but sadly I dropped my computer the week of moving week. The computer's operation system is not found at this point. I am taking it back to Taiwan and hope to retrieve all the files and photos. I have been crossed my fingers very hard and hope files and photos will be ok or I lost our years in ND photos... S is so kind to let me use her computer for the blog posts for now.

S and I flew over 6000 miles crossed the pacific ocean and landed in Japan last Friday. We are here for a short visit as we always plan this short vacation before heading our way to Taiwan. We have had so much great time with friends, great food, and great people in Japan. More stories later, i promise! 

The flight was long and S did very well for not being sick on the flight. She slept most of her time and watched a few movies. The trip has been so wonderful and she has been enjoy having mama's fully attention and fully energy just with her. I must admit spoil her a little extra on this trip was what I had before left the states. 

We both are still exhausted from the move and jet-lag from the time changes. We always had full busy first two days to exhaust our body then slow down when the body get use to the new weather and time zone. This morning, I was up at 4 and miss the French Press in the kitchen and miss some good coffee time and good blogs reading.. Did I just say coffee? um... 

Thank you for your emails and messages. We are surely miss our home in ND, but we are ready for the new year that's ahead of us. It has been so great to listen to S' observation and questions that she have had on this trip. She is soaking up so much news and gaining great experiences in her little body and I can't tell you enough.. this is what our year is really for!  A little scary still, but we'll make it fun and memorable.

Hope your weekending has been wonderful, {1/4" mark} home still on the move... will settle soon and hope more photos later. 

xxc