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!!
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