Mitsui Outlet Park

On January 19, 2017

In Google Map, Japan, Shopping, Under Armour, Yokohama

After our trip to Costco, Dina and I decided to check out the Mitsui Outlet Park at the Yokohama Bayside Marina. A quick selfie before getting our shopping on.

The outlets had several name brand American stores. Eddie Bauer, GAP, Coach, UA, Nike, and New Balance, just to name a few. It also had a gigantic whale tail in the center and windmill at one end, because it’s Japan.

I was pretty excited about seeing an Eddie Bauer. The funny part, the store only had petite sizes.

At Under Armour, I was able to find a solution to my latest problem. I found two new pairs of gloves. One pair for running and one pair for going out on liberty.

Here is an explanation of my problem. When riding the train on date night and during the weekends I typically enjoy a Chu-hai or three. It is a cold drink. In the winter, I have on gloves to keep my hands warm from the cold air and the Chu-hai. I hold the drink in my left hand leaving my right hand available to use my phone to scan my train card, check the train schedule or message as required. Under the influence of a couple or four Chu-hai, even with tech-friendly gloves, I need to remove my glove to accurately and efficiently type on my phone. This resulted in me losing my right glove not once but twice on the trains this past weekend! I needed a solution and I found it at UA. Mitten tops that fold back with a cut out for the thumb! Amazing! Absolutely amazing!

Performance ready! I’m excited for our date night on Friday! Fingers crossed I make it home with two gloves!

Another wonderful discovery of our shopping adventure was a store called Franc Franc. The store carries very cute household items. I purchased an aroma humidifier.

To compliment my aroma humidifier, I purchased the Love Beach aroma water. It smells delightfully like a beach. The label made me happy as well. It has the “wabi-sabi” motto.

“Being happy doesn’t mean everything is perfect. It means you’ve decided to see beyond the imperfections.”

One last funny story for the day. While shopping at Franc Franc, Dina and I both had accumulated a carry style shopping basket full of items to purchase. The baskets were awkward because we had the humidifier balanced precariously in them. One of the store workers came up to us and asked in Japanese and charades if she could take our baskets. Having no idea what she said we said, “hai” or yes. She took the baskets and Dina and I were laughing because as normal, we had no idea what she said. We decided she didn’t want the already tall and space taking up Americans to take up any further room. We were obviously interrupting the store “wa.” She returned with two cards. They were the markers for our baskets which were located behind the counter.

The Japanese can be amazingly efficient at times.

Friends

By wabisabisole

On January 7, 2017

In 2017, Friendship, Yokohama

Today was tough. I received a call early in the morning from our friend, Sue, in Virginia Beach. She called with horrible news. Our friend and neighbor, Terry, was killed in the Fort Lauderdale shooting. I crumpled. My heart broke for Ann, his wife. It broke for his daughters and grandchildren. It broke for all his friends who know him for his beautiful smile and big embracing hug. The murderous act was senseless, horrific and tragic.

I have never felt so far away.

I found this picture of Terry and Ann from when we lived in VB. His smile, love for life and their love for each other is captured in this photo. Looking through all of my pictures of our VB family helped stitch my broken heart.

I had to go on with my day in another country where the earth shattering news didn’t even make headlines. I felt like a robot.

Fortunately, Dave and I had plans to meet a friend from Great Lakes. Ashley is in Japan visiting her family. We arranged early this week to meet for lunch in Yokohama. We enjoyed a lovely afternoon together. Seeing her and hearing all about her plans and our mutual friends, helped to stitch my broken heart.

It is hard to express how much I love and care for all of you. You are always in my thoughts and in my heart. Stay safe. Peace and love.

Must Love Cats

By wabisabisole

On September 28, 2016

In Cat cafe, Japan, Yokohama

One experience that is truly unique to Japan is the opportunity to visit a Cat Cafe. Dave gave me a thumbs down a couple weeks ago when I suggested we visit the closest one in Yokohama. Hmmm… Although, I could do this solo, I thought having a friend experience the adventure would be more fun(ner). Fortunately, I met my new cat loving friend, Laila, at Ikebana a couple of weeks ago.

Off we set on the train to Yokohama!

When we arrived at the Cat Cafe Miysis, we were greeted by a happy and English speaking Japanese lady. She explained to us the pricing structure. The base price is ¥1300 ($13) for 70 minutes in the cafe. Included is a beverage of your choice, coffee, tea or oolong tea and unlimited pets. We were also provided a set of rules in English. We left our shoes at the door and our purses locked in a locker. When we entered the cat room, we were greeted by a happy cat who meowed and walked through our legs while we washed our hands (part of the rules). After that, we had 70 minutes to relax and pet the numerous cats. Although, there were three cats we were warned about and told not to pet because of their bad tempers.

The other cats were more than friendly and enjoyed hanging around. All enjoyed pets and a couple would come to you and sit on your lap.

On their collars they have name tags. The big Maine Koon Cat, Kyle, was my favorite. He was like a puppy cat. Although, he was more cat in attitude.

Cat cafes have several purposes. They act as a shelter for some cats who are hoping to be adopted. Also, they provide a place for people who can’t have pets to relax and enjoy time with furry friends. For my Neko Atsume friends, look what I saw at the entrance.

I asked the owner where I could find the Neko Atsume Nekos. She pointed at the “gumball” machines behind me. In these, I asked? Iie- no. In others? Hai – yes! I now have a new thing to be on the search for during my travels!!

Honestly, the Cat Cafe Miysis was pretty fun. As with most Japanese establishments, it was clean and tidy. A nice feature they had available was a lint roller to remove the cat hair from your clothes when you leave! I can definitely see a return trip in the future. Might as well, I have a couple stamps already on my point card and I can’t wait to earn the red star! Wonder what my present will be… A free cat or just meow mix?!?

Lush Adventure

By wabisabisole

On August 30, 2016

In Japan, Yokohama

The packers don’t pack liquids that have been opened, so prior to the move, I had to use up and pass off most of my lotions. The only one remaining was a travel size container and for obvious reasons, it is nearly empty.

I needed a solution, stat! My first thought was online shopping. I had great luck with Athleta shipping to a FPO address already and I was hoping for the same luck with my favorite lotion company, Lush. I read the shipping information on the Lush website and sure enough they ship to FPO addresses. Great! Unfortunately, after filling my virtual shopping cart, I was unable to find the FPO selection. Hmmm. After a second Google search, I learned there are two Lush stores very near to me. Both in Yokohama! Google map showed me a quick 34 minute train ride to my desired destination. Fantastic. Off I went.

The train ride was uneventful finding Lush was an adventure. Turns out, the Yokohama station has a HUGE mall above it and below it. Yes, above and below! 9 floors. I attempted to look at the directory to determine where the Lush store was located. However, the sign was overwhelming with all the kanji.

Instead I used my Google map to help me locate it. Google map for the win again! Fortunately, the store was on street level making Google effective. I could actually smell the store before I saw the sign.

The ladies in the store were very polite and helpful. They provided me with an English catalog to help me identify the products. (Side note: she didn’t assume English – she offered me French or English. I’m assuming maybe I look Canadian because it’s a Canadian company.)

I was able to make my purchases and complete my transactions without causing international incidents or feeling silly. I used the tray to place my card, gave and received items with both hands and bowed slightly with “Arigatōgozaimas.” Remember, that means “thank you very much.”

It is also customary when purchasing something from a nicer store for the bag to be taped shut. We experienced this when we went to Sports Authority, but not when we got to the ¥100 store. Today, the sales clerk also wrapped the paper bag in a plastic bag. I’m guessing because it was raining. Notice the tape on the handle.

Finally, my purchases. With the cute English catalog she let me use and insisted I take.

My absolute favorite lotion. It’s smells like bananas.

I read the description for the soap jelly and I had to try it! From the Lush website: “Whether you’ve run a marathon or walked a mile this bright wobbly jelly will soothe aches and pains and send lingering cramps on their way.” After last weekends Mt. Fuji climb, our quads are still achy!

I also purchased toothy tabs. I was introduced to these by my sister in law, Michelle. They provide spectacular fresh breath.

Finally, I picked up some lip scrub. Not as necessary now with the high humidity, but I’m hoping fall is right around the corner.

Having most of the label in Japanese is kind of fun. Like hey, I’m in Japan buying my favorite stuff. Honestly, the world is pretty small. Simultaneously, there is something to be said for the comfort a favorite smell provides.

Japanese Baseball

By wabisabisole

On August 14, 2016

In Baseball, Japan, Yokohama, Yokohama Baystars

Today we traveled up to Yokohama to watch the Yokohama Baystars, a Japanese baseball team in the Central League.

Despite having our license, the train system is much easier to navigate. Simultaneously, parking in Japan is a HUGE challenge. And considering we are going to a baseball game & we will undeniably have a beer, it was a safer option to take the train.

A little bit about Yokohama. The population of Yokohama is 3.7 million making it the largest populated city in Japan. It is located about 30 minutes, by train, from where we will live and a little less than half way to Tokyo. Yokohama has many areas that I will definitely need to visit and discover.

The Ferris Wheel and Cup of Noodle Museum will definitely be on my list to explore.

I took a picture of a pedestrian bridge in Yokohama. If you notice, there are no crosswalks and actually railings to prevent pedestrians from crossing the street. Instead, pedestrians climb 2 flights of stairs and take a “sky bridge.” It is actually quite lovely. To me this picture truly illustrates the “wa” of Japan. Pedestrian friendly alternatives to crossing a busy road (although the road doesn’t look too busy in this picture). Also, please look closely the picture and notice the Pikachu in the background. Apparently, there was a Pikachu Party going on in Yokohama because this was the third one we saw.

We arrived in Yokohama with enough time to walk around the city a little and also visit Chinatown. The area was HUGE! We will definitely need to make a return trip to see more of the area.

After a day of exploring we finally arrive at Yokohama Stadium.

Attending the game was an experience and so much fun. Much more fun than a boring stuffing American baseball game. To start, the stadium was packed the entire game. It even went into an extra inning and the stadium remained full. Second, the fans are engaged and cheer for their team and more specifically their batter the entire time they are up at bat. Each batter has a song or chat that is tailored to their name that is sung by their fans. There are actually “cheering sections” for each team who are responsible for leading the cheers. If you notice in the picture below, the opposing team is wearing red and the home team is wearing blue.