Hello all - so sorry about not posting lately - life has been busy. I can hardly believe our time in Tokyo is almost over - we leave in just two short days for Kyoto. We have had many great adventures - so I will slowly start to share them all with you may take a couple of days to catch up - so bear with me.
Yesterday we stayed fairly close to home and explored a science museum - National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation. It was really cool - they had exhibits on space aliens, nanotechnology, robots, genomes, and all things futuristic. We decided to have a quick bite in the cafe - and there was a poster next to our table - the world according to a Houstonian - we were quite amused. Jeremy was quite impressed with the aliens exhibit and decided to stay and explore the museum until it closed, while Ashley and I were a bit restless. We decided to leave him there and walk to a building called "Venus Fort". This was an indoor shopping arena designed to look lie an Italian piazza or plaza. It even had a ceiling painted lie a sky with clouds that changed throughout the day to show sunset, stars, etc. There were many very expensive shops, but most intriguing were the pet shops on the bottom floor. They had everything for your dog or cat. It is very trendy in Tokyo to have a pet - but the pets are often catered to more than their own children. For example, we have come across many who stroll along with their treasured friends in specially designed strollers. These we noted at the shops are priced well above $200. I guess it is cheap compared to the cost of the animals which run from 3-4,000. If you are not sure a small dog is your thing, a kitten is much cheaper at around 2,500. - Dollars - not yen :)
These stores have photo studios where you dress up your pooch and take his picture - and can put it on a pillow or handbag for an additional $200. You can order a birthday cake at the bakery for about $60 made by hand for any celebration - just don't forget the custom printed invitations with a dog treat attached for all of his friends. Rows and rows of out fits and handmade doggie sweets and treats are also for sale. The average outfit only runs about $80 and would fit a small dog only. The larger dogs need theirs custom ordered and tailored.
Once we past this extravaganza, we made our way to the family center. Ashley eagerly ran to the "jumpzone" and signed up. That child has no fear! She jumped as high as 100 feet I think. After that, we snacked on a crepe - wrapped like an ice cream cone stuffed with our choice of fruit. Fruit is slightly hard to come by here - so for about $4 you get two strawberries - cut in half for your strawberry crepe. Ash had 4 sliced of canned peach on hers. They were yummy though!
We then wandered into the Toyota showroom where we oogled at the newest designs. Some amazing stuff to look forward to! There were more than 150 models to peruse. Ashley tried many out. We signed both the kids up for a ride on the kids hybrid track for later and then went to find Jeremy. On the way back through the shops - we passed a Lego store and realized that Jeremy had missed some special treats. We were sad but knew he would still be happy he had all that time in the science museum.
We walked back and went into a room with couches that you could lie on so you could watch this constantly changing Earth. It was made of little tiny screens and was updated every hour by satellites. It was run by one of the largest supercomputers in the world. It shows in real time the land temperatures, air currents, water currents and temperatures, cloud movements, among other things. It was truly beautiful and amazing. Ashley and I lay there for about 30 minutes totally mesmerized and then Jeremy walked in. We were delighted to see him. He described the many treasures he had discovered and told us about the snack he had found in the cafe - some kind of delicious vegetable soup.
We all decided to head back to the Venus Fort because it was there that housed a large Ferris Wheel - in 1999 it was the largest in the world - 115 meters. We knew we would have to ride it - all 16 minutes of the terrible heights of it.
We arrived in this bizarre shopping mall and decided to have dinner. We found a place that served Tepinyaki - some kind of egg pizza thing on tofu with octopus shavings. We opted for a sampling of appetizers - bacon and cream cheese spring rolls, potatoes with corn and cheese, Chinese steamed dumplings, and something else I am still not sure what it was. We were seated across the table from another family who showed us ho to turn our chopsticks wrapper into an origami chopstick holder. It was lovely.
After dinner we had to rush out to keep our appointment at Toyota - Jeremy and Ashley both got to drive human powered cars. They had to stomp on these pedals to charge a battery which then operated a car. It was fun. Then Jeremy tried out the Jumpzone, then on to the Ferris Wheel. Pictures should be attached.
We at this point were quite exhausted and still had to do a lot of walking and subway riding. We made our way back home - only to realize we only have two more days in this amazing city and then we would have to adjust to a whole new world. We are just beginning to discover all of its secrets and to come into harmony with its rhythm. We will miss Tokyo very much. I mean - where else can you leave a 10 year old alone for three hours while you explore? It is so amazingly safe here - it is not something that can explain in words - but it is really special and attests to the greatness of the people here. Utopia may not exist, but they have mastered human decency here.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Jet Lag and New Food
Ohayo Gozaimas!
Hello everyone! Sorry it has taken awhile to post, but we are still acclimating. The flight went so smoothly - a bit cramped but it is a distinct bonus to travelling with two kids - they give you extra room. We left at 3:15am from our home in Richmond to go to the airport. We arrived in Tokyo at 2:50am the next morning (3:50 in the afternoon Tokyo time - but didn't make it to our apartment until after 8. It was a very long journey. While in Chicago we found a children's lay area set up by the Children's Museum and met some very interesting fellow adventurers. They had a lovely little girl named Lucy who Ashley befriended and took a pic with wearing matching sunglasses. They were both tickled they had the same taste (and moms who love Target).
On the flight, we were served three meals, but what was interesting, in Japanese style they brought around hot wet towls for us to wash with before the meal. We soon learned it is extremely customary here to do so. At the fast food places even you are given a packet with a wet wipe to wash with before you eat.
On the flight, mostly we slept. On the one from Richmond to Chicago, however, as the children sent the trip in dreamland, I was called to hel with a woman who had passed out. No other Docotrs or Nurses where on the flight. I waited quietly hoping someone would step forward with more training than I, but when there was no response, I quickly went to see what was happening. I was not sure of the legality of my actions, but was certain of the morality. It was a middle aged woman who had no radial puls (the one at thr wrist) and was in and out of conciousness. I did the best I could without any equipment and was able to keep her somewhat concious until we landed and met an awaiting ambulance. It turned out that she had repetitively had her blood pressure drop due to some pre-existing condition. She was treated by the Chicago Medic, given her medication which she had forgotten that morning and was able to catch her next flight.
On the flight to Japan - nothing of interest happened. We did get a special tour of the cockit as we were the last passengers to exit the plane. What was most interesting was the amount of luxury and room the first class passengers enjoyed! Their chairs laid down into full beds! One day :) We however, did have our own TV screens with remotes with free movies, video games, and reruns from popular shows. Also included was an array of music stations. Not bad for coach!
I have to comment here that the Japanese people are so wonderful whenit comes to families and to children in general. One thing I have noticed many children in the 6-10 range are travelling alone throughout the city. They take their subway cards and go where they need to. I saw a small group of girls today doing just that. They were all younger than Ashley!! It is truly amazing. But immediately after arriving, the same courtesies were extended to us. A customs officer saw us standing in the monstrous line (over 90 min wait) and pulled us aside to go through the priority line. Our passports were checked, visas issued, and we were on our way. Of course our baggage was not so efficient. It took another hour beofre our bags appeared on the conveyor belt. Whew!! They all made it!
Then off to the bus to take us to our part of town. On the ride, we tried to note the scenery, but our eyelids demanded a break. When we arrived at the Tokyo City Air Terminal, we hailed a cab, handed over our map (in Japanese of course) (GO ME for thinkin gof it!!) and were on our way. It was another 25 minutes before our driver found the building. - Funny thing is it is less than a 4 minute walk - we go there frequently to catch the subway :)
We took our luggage upstairs to our room and were quite impressed. The size - while less than the size of our kitchen back home is very efficiently used. At night, when we all are sleeping, there is no floorspace left except for the short walkway to the toilet. It is all quite luxurious though. The bed is very comfortable, and we paid for a Japanese style futon for Jeremy to sleep on which is folded up and set aside during the day. It is not like the futon in any way that we are familiar with in the states. It is very soft and comfortable.
The kitchen is a small space in the hallway with a sink and two burner stove. The entire bathroom is a shower! With a small tub inside to soak in once you are clean. The toilet is in a separate compartment and is equiped with more buttons than my computer. Jeremy discovered the bidet and was not really impressed. The seat warmer, however is impressive. Our washing maching is quite the contraption. You truly do put in your clothes and when you come back four hours later they are washed and dryed!! We have discovered other little trinkets as well - one thing that is interesting is the hot water that never runs out. You set the temp on the control panel outside the shower area. Instantly the water that runs through the pipe is heated to that temp. We discovered this one evening when Ashley wanted to take a bath and we ran the water for nearly twenty minutes and still it was freezing cold. How odd I thought. Then we found the panel and pushed buttons until the display read 44 C. Miraculously and instantly hot water poured from the faucet. I am not sure how this all is accomplished but it is very interesting anyway!
The other interesting features - we also have a PS2 but no games, a flat panel TV but nothing in English, a rice cooker, and a fax machine. We were luck enough to get a unit with a window/balcony as well. It makes it hard to sleep in though.
Well - I must go for now. I will write again soon to let you know of our adventures! We miss everyone!!
Special note to Sue - WOW!! Amazing story from Anna! What a miracle. I want to hear all about it!!
Hello everyone! Sorry it has taken awhile to post, but we are still acclimating. The flight went so smoothly - a bit cramped but it is a distinct bonus to travelling with two kids - they give you extra room. We left at 3:15am from our home in Richmond to go to the airport. We arrived in Tokyo at 2:50am the next morning (3:50 in the afternoon Tokyo time - but didn't make it to our apartment until after 8. It was a very long journey. While in Chicago we found a children's lay area set up by the Children's Museum and met some very interesting fellow adventurers. They had a lovely little girl named Lucy who Ashley befriended and took a pic with wearing matching sunglasses. They were both tickled they had the same taste (and moms who love Target).
On the flight, we were served three meals, but what was interesting, in Japanese style they brought around hot wet towls for us to wash with before the meal. We soon learned it is extremely customary here to do so. At the fast food places even you are given a packet with a wet wipe to wash with before you eat.
On the flight, mostly we slept. On the one from Richmond to Chicago, however, as the children sent the trip in dreamland, I was called to hel with a woman who had passed out. No other Docotrs or Nurses where on the flight. I waited quietly hoping someone would step forward with more training than I, but when there was no response, I quickly went to see what was happening. I was not sure of the legality of my actions, but was certain of the morality. It was a middle aged woman who had no radial puls (the one at thr wrist) and was in and out of conciousness. I did the best I could without any equipment and was able to keep her somewhat concious until we landed and met an awaiting ambulance. It turned out that she had repetitively had her blood pressure drop due to some pre-existing condition. She was treated by the Chicago Medic, given her medication which she had forgotten that morning and was able to catch her next flight.
On the flight to Japan - nothing of interest happened. We did get a special tour of the cockit as we were the last passengers to exit the plane. What was most interesting was the amount of luxury and room the first class passengers enjoyed! Their chairs laid down into full beds! One day :) We however, did have our own TV screens with remotes with free movies, video games, and reruns from popular shows. Also included was an array of music stations. Not bad for coach!
I have to comment here that the Japanese people are so wonderful whenit comes to families and to children in general. One thing I have noticed many children in the 6-10 range are travelling alone throughout the city. They take their subway cards and go where they need to. I saw a small group of girls today doing just that. They were all younger than Ashley!! It is truly amazing. But immediately after arriving, the same courtesies were extended to us. A customs officer saw us standing in the monstrous line (over 90 min wait) and pulled us aside to go through the priority line. Our passports were checked, visas issued, and we were on our way. Of course our baggage was not so efficient. It took another hour beofre our bags appeared on the conveyor belt. Whew!! They all made it!
Then off to the bus to take us to our part of town. On the ride, we tried to note the scenery, but our eyelids demanded a break. When we arrived at the Tokyo City Air Terminal, we hailed a cab, handed over our map (in Japanese of course) (GO ME for thinkin gof it!!) and were on our way. It was another 25 minutes before our driver found the building. - Funny thing is it is less than a 4 minute walk - we go there frequently to catch the subway :)
We took our luggage upstairs to our room and were quite impressed. The size - while less than the size of our kitchen back home is very efficiently used. At night, when we all are sleeping, there is no floorspace left except for the short walkway to the toilet. It is all quite luxurious though. The bed is very comfortable, and we paid for a Japanese style futon for Jeremy to sleep on which is folded up and set aside during the day. It is not like the futon in any way that we are familiar with in the states. It is very soft and comfortable.
The kitchen is a small space in the hallway with a sink and two burner stove. The entire bathroom is a shower! With a small tub inside to soak in once you are clean. The toilet is in a separate compartment and is equiped with more buttons than my computer. Jeremy discovered the bidet and was not really impressed. The seat warmer, however is impressive. Our washing maching is quite the contraption. You truly do put in your clothes and when you come back four hours later they are washed and dryed!! We have discovered other little trinkets as well - one thing that is interesting is the hot water that never runs out. You set the temp on the control panel outside the shower area. Instantly the water that runs through the pipe is heated to that temp. We discovered this one evening when Ashley wanted to take a bath and we ran the water for nearly twenty minutes and still it was freezing cold. How odd I thought. Then we found the panel and pushed buttons until the display read 44 C. Miraculously and instantly hot water poured from the faucet. I am not sure how this all is accomplished but it is very interesting anyway!
The other interesting features - we also have a PS2 but no games, a flat panel TV but nothing in English, a rice cooker, and a fax machine. We were luck enough to get a unit with a window/balcony as well. It makes it hard to sleep in though.
Well - I must go for now. I will write again soon to let you know of our adventures! We miss everyone!!
Special note to Sue - WOW!! Amazing story from Anna! What a miracle. I want to hear all about it!!
Friday, March 28, 2008
God is AWESOME!!
For those doubters and non-believers out there, if you know me well you know of at least a few of my incredible God stories. Stuff like that you just can't make up. The truth is just too amazing.
A very quick update -
My bank cleared up the Visa issue - got the apartment!!
Terrified about rush hour in the subways in Tokyo - a solution was revealed to me that cost the same - an airport bus that has a direct route to Tokyo Air Terminal from the Narita Airport! and luggage is handled free!! The taxi ride from there is less than $20.
My laptop - I was told it may not be repaired or arrive until the middle of next week. Due to the wonderful people at Hewlett Packard and Fed-ex - AND GOD!! - I just found out it will be delivered today!!!
Everything has come together perfectly. Only one more challenge - how do I fit everything into 2 suitcases???
Any ideas or suggestions welcome!
Praise GOD!
A very quick update -
My bank cleared up the Visa issue - got the apartment!!
Terrified about rush hour in the subways in Tokyo - a solution was revealed to me that cost the same - an airport bus that has a direct route to Tokyo Air Terminal from the Narita Airport! and luggage is handled free!! The taxi ride from there is less than $20.
My laptop - I was told it may not be repaired or arrive until the middle of next week. Due to the wonderful people at Hewlett Packard and Fed-ex - AND GOD!! - I just found out it will be delivered today!!!
Everything has come together perfectly. Only one more challenge - how do I fit everything into 2 suitcases???
Any ideas or suggestions welcome!
Praise GOD!
Monday, March 24, 2008
Trials and Triumphs
My buddy Murphy has discovered we are trying the impossible and is tagging along. I guess he couldn't miss out on the opportunity :) So yes - everything that could go wrong - almost - is. But I believe heartily that it will all work out in the end! God is with me on this one!
So to update those of you who have had the blessing of not hearing me rant on the phone, here is the story. It all started one day after a particularly long night on duty at the rescue squad. I was exhausted as I stumbled home watching twilight turn into morning. I slowly climbed the stairs, knowing I had exactly 100 minutes until my children returned home for our typical busy day. Just enough time to strip down and crawl into bed for a short nap. I didn't empty my pockets, and as I climbed out of my pants, I managed to step on the contents in my back pocket, seriously bending my credit/debit card. For those of you who do not know how I operate - that card is my life. I rarely use cash, and I never use credit - so without that little peice of plastic, I wander hoplessly in a fog of confusion...
So not to be distressed about it, I let myself fall into a peaceful slumber and dream my recurring dream about a tsunami hitting Japan. I woke up and called the bank asking for a replacement. They said it would cancel my existing card as a credit card, but they could have it rushed to my local branch in 3 days. Wonderful I thought. By the way, it expires in June (while we will be in Japan) - could you please have that date changed at the same time. Sure - no problem. And I went about the rest of my crazy day.
The card came in the mail. Oops - wrong expiration date. Order a new replacement. It comes three days later - getting nervous now as I am needing to put up deposits for lodging in Tokyo. Trying to be patient. (PS I am not good at that). Another card comes - wrong date again. So I call and have a lengthy conversation where they insist they will have it corrected and give me the new expiration date so I can make reservations (11/2009). Suddenly I am getting called that the card is invalid. So I wait and it arrives - the date was actually 2008. OK - so I frantically call several places in Japan in the middle of the night (daytime there) and try to sort it all out. Mostly trying to convince the other person in terribly broken Japanese that I am not a thief and that I can actually pay for what I say I can. Finally the day arrives that the new card comes, only due to all of the confusion and attempts at an invalid card, my account has now been blocked by Visa!
I have one week until I leave and the lovely woman who helped me arrange for a wonderful apartment in Tokyo now thinks I am part of a credit card fraud ring. OK - maybe not because I do talk to her everyday and insist my bank will send a letter of apology any day. (One of the best things about being a member of a Credit Union - they take good care of you). So I finally got the right card and the right expiration date, and have it unblocked!! I am now waiting for another business day to begin in Tokyo to see if the apartment company is willing to try one last time!!
But as this is sorted out...my laptop has decided to stop functioning. It is ok because it is still under warranty and I can simply ship it to HP and they will fix it. But it may not be back before Tuesday - our departure day - and they emphatically do NOT ship to Japan. However, they will be happy to leave it on my doorstep if I am not home. (For 3 months). I am now praying that it arrives before we depart.
I am certain though that whatever happens, it will all work out for the best. All these trials will turn into triumphs and make me appreciate the good all that much more. We must remember we would not know the power of love without hate. We could not see the mercy of forgiveness without blame. We would not know the true value of a friend without knowing lonliness. And we cannot know the amazing blessings in our lives without struggles.
Well - have to run again. Keep you updated soon!
God is an amazing God!!
So to update those of you who have had the blessing of not hearing me rant on the phone, here is the story. It all started one day after a particularly long night on duty at the rescue squad. I was exhausted as I stumbled home watching twilight turn into morning. I slowly climbed the stairs, knowing I had exactly 100 minutes until my children returned home for our typical busy day. Just enough time to strip down and crawl into bed for a short nap. I didn't empty my pockets, and as I climbed out of my pants, I managed to step on the contents in my back pocket, seriously bending my credit/debit card. For those of you who do not know how I operate - that card is my life. I rarely use cash, and I never use credit - so without that little peice of plastic, I wander hoplessly in a fog of confusion...
So not to be distressed about it, I let myself fall into a peaceful slumber and dream my recurring dream about a tsunami hitting Japan. I woke up and called the bank asking for a replacement. They said it would cancel my existing card as a credit card, but they could have it rushed to my local branch in 3 days. Wonderful I thought. By the way, it expires in June (while we will be in Japan) - could you please have that date changed at the same time. Sure - no problem. And I went about the rest of my crazy day.
The card came in the mail. Oops - wrong expiration date. Order a new replacement. It comes three days later - getting nervous now as I am needing to put up deposits for lodging in Tokyo. Trying to be patient. (PS I am not good at that). Another card comes - wrong date again. So I call and have a lengthy conversation where they insist they will have it corrected and give me the new expiration date so I can make reservations (11/2009). Suddenly I am getting called that the card is invalid. So I wait and it arrives - the date was actually 2008. OK - so I frantically call several places in Japan in the middle of the night (daytime there) and try to sort it all out. Mostly trying to convince the other person in terribly broken Japanese that I am not a thief and that I can actually pay for what I say I can. Finally the day arrives that the new card comes, only due to all of the confusion and attempts at an invalid card, my account has now been blocked by Visa!
I have one week until I leave and the lovely woman who helped me arrange for a wonderful apartment in Tokyo now thinks I am part of a credit card fraud ring. OK - maybe not because I do talk to her everyday and insist my bank will send a letter of apology any day. (One of the best things about being a member of a Credit Union - they take good care of you). So I finally got the right card and the right expiration date, and have it unblocked!! I am now waiting for another business day to begin in Tokyo to see if the apartment company is willing to try one last time!!
But as this is sorted out...my laptop has decided to stop functioning. It is ok because it is still under warranty and I can simply ship it to HP and they will fix it. But it may not be back before Tuesday - our departure day - and they emphatically do NOT ship to Japan. However, they will be happy to leave it on my doorstep if I am not home. (For 3 months). I am now praying that it arrives before we depart.
I am certain though that whatever happens, it will all work out for the best. All these trials will turn into triumphs and make me appreciate the good all that much more. We must remember we would not know the power of love without hate. We could not see the mercy of forgiveness without blame. We would not know the true value of a friend without knowing lonliness. And we cannot know the amazing blessings in our lives without struggles.
Well - have to run again. Keep you updated soon!
God is an amazing God!!
Monday, March 17, 2008
Well, getting ready is harder than I thought. But I wanted a challenge - and here it is. What we have so far - an I -Pod, a camera, and a laptop :)
OK, so although I survive here with little else, Japan requires a bit more. We have been shopping for new clothes. They are a bit more conservative so we are going with capris for the girls and khakis for the little guy. Trying to find things that will transition to summer well. A few shorts and swimsuits. It is an island after all. We hope to do plenty of swimming,a nd maybe even some diving! I may have that set up very soon. I am bummed because my entire wardrobe revolves around jeans and they are not what is in over there.
Besides clothes, we are stocking up on OTC meds - Zyrtec for allergies especially. Most of what we allow here OTC is very hard to get even by Rx over there. Deodorant and toothpaste are two more hard to find items. We are set in that area I think. We are also bringing over a bunch of easter candy - M&M's and Skittles to hand out to all the people nice to us. It is the custom over there to hand out treats and gifts to everyone. It will be fun to have something especially American and fun and yummy to share!
Plans - now here is the fun part!! We are set on two apartments. One is in Tokyo - can you believe I got it for the same price as staying in the cheapest Youth Hostel dorm room! Yeah me!!!I rock I rock oh yeah... OK - sorry for that. Well it turns out to be quite the pad. I will write more about it when we are there - but we probably will not have windows because the rooms are lined up on each floor in a straight line - most rooms max out at about 20m2 (20 meters squared). Not very big! And that includes the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, laundry, closet, etc! But they are well equipped. The toilet in this one has a computerized flushing system with many buttons I am afraid to try (one sprays water on you :)). The washer/dryer is only one machine. You put in the clothes and soap, turn it on, and when it is done, they are dry! We also get high speed internet and a plasma TV with cable - all in Japanese of course (except CNN). So many cool feature! I will try and post some pics here if I can figure out how.
We will be there for three weeks. We hope to explore Tokyo to the max by then. We will be going to the Children's Hall - 5 stories of free stuff to explore with a rooftop playground and skate park. We will also definately look up the Sony building. Apparently you get to try out all the latest games - even before they are released. Then it is a move via the bullet train going 300mph to Kyoto. We have a two bedroom apartment there in the heart of the historical city. Again, if I can I will post pics.
After that we hope to meet up with a firend living in Northern Japan on our way to a horse farm. We will be staying there a week before going to a silk making farm. Perhaps we will see monkeys flying through the forest trees. We hope so.
So much to do - have to run. Forgive the typos - still have a broken finger :(
Hope to write again soon!!
OK, so although I survive here with little else, Japan requires a bit more. We have been shopping for new clothes. They are a bit more conservative so we are going with capris for the girls and khakis for the little guy. Trying to find things that will transition to summer well. A few shorts and swimsuits. It is an island after all. We hope to do plenty of swimming,a nd maybe even some diving! I may have that set up very soon. I am bummed because my entire wardrobe revolves around jeans and they are not what is in over there.
Besides clothes, we are stocking up on OTC meds - Zyrtec for allergies especially. Most of what we allow here OTC is very hard to get even by Rx over there. Deodorant and toothpaste are two more hard to find items. We are set in that area I think. We are also bringing over a bunch of easter candy - M&M's and Skittles to hand out to all the people nice to us. It is the custom over there to hand out treats and gifts to everyone. It will be fun to have something especially American and fun and yummy to share!
Plans - now here is the fun part!! We are set on two apartments. One is in Tokyo - can you believe I got it for the same price as staying in the cheapest Youth Hostel dorm room! Yeah me!!!I rock I rock oh yeah... OK - sorry for that. Well it turns out to be quite the pad. I will write more about it when we are there - but we probably will not have windows because the rooms are lined up on each floor in a straight line - most rooms max out at about 20m2 (20 meters squared). Not very big! And that includes the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, laundry, closet, etc! But they are well equipped. The toilet in this one has a computerized flushing system with many buttons I am afraid to try (one sprays water on you :)). The washer/dryer is only one machine. You put in the clothes and soap, turn it on, and when it is done, they are dry! We also get high speed internet and a plasma TV with cable - all in Japanese of course (except CNN). So many cool feature! I will try and post some pics here if I can figure out how.
We will be there for three weeks. We hope to explore Tokyo to the max by then. We will be going to the Children's Hall - 5 stories of free stuff to explore with a rooftop playground and skate park. We will also definately look up the Sony building. Apparently you get to try out all the latest games - even before they are released. Then it is a move via the bullet train going 300mph to Kyoto. We have a two bedroom apartment there in the heart of the historical city. Again, if I can I will post pics.
After that we hope to meet up with a firend living in Northern Japan on our way to a horse farm. We will be staying there a week before going to a silk making farm. Perhaps we will see monkeys flying through the forest trees. We hope so.
So much to do - have to run. Forgive the typos - still have a broken finger :(
Hope to write again soon!!
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Getting Ready
Welcome to Adventures in Japan. We are getting ready for our trip which starts on April 1, 2008. Yes, I know it is April Fools, and I am hoping my buddy Murphy will take the day off so that all goes smoothly :)
We have begun the process of planning and preparation. I am such a boy scout - trying hard to think of everything, but winging it is really my gift, so I will be putting all my faith in God to keep us safe and for me to at least remember our passports!
I will be posting here as often as we have internet access. Some of the places we are going are quite remote - but have patience, those will be the best stories.
To those who stumble upon this page and don't know us - here is a brief introduction. (Please excuse the typos - I broke my index finger, so I am not tyoing well :P
I am Mom - aka Christine. I am a single mom homeschooling two amazing kids. We live in Midlothian, Virginia USA (just outside the state capital of Richmond). I work as a caregiver for a man here. His name is Ed and he is a dear firend. We will miss him, but are lucky to get to come back and still work for him. I also teach/tutor other homeschoolers, and work as a nanny. In my spare time, I volunteer as an EMT-E with Louisa County Rescue Squad in Louisa, VA and Manchester Volunteer Rescue Squad in Chesterfield, VA. I am going to REALLY miss all you guys!!! Send me the stroies of all the "good calls"!! I was a professional photographer BC (before children) and my wonderful sister has equipped me with a new camera for our journey. It is through that lens that I will share this new world we are about to discover.
Jeremy - age 10. Lego crazed robot loving, Wii playing every chance he gets, superstar. He is the true inspiration for not giving up on this dream of living in Japan. I will tell that story later. So this trip is for you baby!! He loves to read anything and everything. He loves to build things, archery, ride bikes, try new foods, explore, and help me find my way when I am lost. And that is all the time! I know I am the luckiest mom in the world!!
Ashley - age 8. Loves animals. All animals. If we had a kitten farm with horses, puppies, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, etc. she would be in heaven. We hope to discover the farm life in her honor. Hopefully at a goat farm taking care of the new babies, and a horse farm learning archery on horseback. We are also planning on swimming with the dolphins. Mostly, we are hoping to discover new animals, both in the sea and on land. Monkeys especially. She loves to ride bikes, explore, eat, and play with her stuffed animals. Love you baby!!
For all you frugal types and dreamers with doubts - I am going to post tips and ways to travel on a skinny dime. We are doing things a little diffewrent. We cannot afford hotels, and really do not want to travel as tourists. We want to LIVE Japan. We want to meet the people and share their lives and customs. We are really going to explore and make new friends. So for anyone who has any dream at all - do not wait - make it happen now. Believe is is already happening and it is!!
Special thanks to Grandma Sue and Grandpa Leonard for not telling us we are crazy - but believing in me to do anything. We are especially thankful for their generous gifts that are helping to make this dream come true. WE LOVE YOU!! And can't wait to see you Grandma.
And to my loving and incredibly supportive sister. You are the one person who has ALWAYS been there for me - always helping me through the rough times, always believing in me even when I didn't. You are so amazing. I couldn't do this without your words echoing in my head. Love you to death!!
OK - so here we go. Time to get ready.
We have begun the process of planning and preparation. I am such a boy scout - trying hard to think of everything, but winging it is really my gift, so I will be putting all my faith in God to keep us safe and for me to at least remember our passports!
I will be posting here as often as we have internet access. Some of the places we are going are quite remote - but have patience, those will be the best stories.
To those who stumble upon this page and don't know us - here is a brief introduction. (Please excuse the typos - I broke my index finger, so I am not tyoing well :P
I am Mom - aka Christine. I am a single mom homeschooling two amazing kids. We live in Midlothian, Virginia USA (just outside the state capital of Richmond). I work as a caregiver for a man here. His name is Ed and he is a dear firend. We will miss him, but are lucky to get to come back and still work for him. I also teach/tutor other homeschoolers, and work as a nanny. In my spare time, I volunteer as an EMT-E with Louisa County Rescue Squad in Louisa, VA and Manchester Volunteer Rescue Squad in Chesterfield, VA. I am going to REALLY miss all you guys!!! Send me the stroies of all the "good calls"!! I was a professional photographer BC (before children) and my wonderful sister has equipped me with a new camera for our journey. It is through that lens that I will share this new world we are about to discover.
Jeremy - age 10. Lego crazed robot loving, Wii playing every chance he gets, superstar. He is the true inspiration for not giving up on this dream of living in Japan. I will tell that story later. So this trip is for you baby!! He loves to read anything and everything. He loves to build things, archery, ride bikes, try new foods, explore, and help me find my way when I am lost. And that is all the time! I know I am the luckiest mom in the world!!
Ashley - age 8. Loves animals. All animals. If we had a kitten farm with horses, puppies, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, etc. she would be in heaven. We hope to discover the farm life in her honor. Hopefully at a goat farm taking care of the new babies, and a horse farm learning archery on horseback. We are also planning on swimming with the dolphins. Mostly, we are hoping to discover new animals, both in the sea and on land. Monkeys especially. She loves to ride bikes, explore, eat, and play with her stuffed animals. Love you baby!!
For all you frugal types and dreamers with doubts - I am going to post tips and ways to travel on a skinny dime. We are doing things a little diffewrent. We cannot afford hotels, and really do not want to travel as tourists. We want to LIVE Japan. We want to meet the people and share their lives and customs. We are really going to explore and make new friends. So for anyone who has any dream at all - do not wait - make it happen now. Believe is is already happening and it is!!
Special thanks to Grandma Sue and Grandpa Leonard for not telling us we are crazy - but believing in me to do anything. We are especially thankful for their generous gifts that are helping to make this dream come true. WE LOVE YOU!! And can't wait to see you Grandma.
And to my loving and incredibly supportive sister. You are the one person who has ALWAYS been there for me - always helping me through the rough times, always believing in me even when I didn't. You are so amazing. I couldn't do this without your words echoing in my head. Love you to death!!
OK - so here we go. Time to get ready.
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