Wabi-Sabi Sole

Spontaneous Julia Tour

On March 30, 2017

In Diabatsu, Japan, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji, Ramen

One of my favorite things about the Navy is how frequently paths will cross with former shipmates. Even in Japan. Eric, who was the Command Master Chief at SWOSU for about a year while Dave was the CO, was here in Yokosuka attending a conference. Dave and I met up with him last night for dinner in Yokosuka.

The conference ended on Wednesday and Eric’s flight didn’t leave until Friday morning. That gave him all of Thursday to explore and experience a short one-day Julia tour around Kamakura.

I decided anyone who visits must see the Diabatsu, the giant Buddha of Kamakura.

I mean the giant Buddha is just so chill and such a Japanese experience. I like to think of the Diabatsu as the Willis Tower of Japan! Except cheaper and not as tall. Haha

I decided I would take Eric to the Diabatsu via a hike. Dina was able to join us for our adventure. I took them on the hike I did a couple months ago, The Trail With 4 Buddhas. On our way to the trail, we made a quick stop at my favorite temple, Jōchi-ji, for a quick visit to see the God of Happiness, Hotei.

It was a lovely early spring day.

When we reached the Kuzuharaoka Shrine, Dina saw this sign.

We decided we all needed to throw a dish at the rock!

And so we did! Be gone malign influences, impurities, and obstacles!!

My throw might have been a little overzealous. Parts of the dish ricocheted at me.

We continued on our hike and eventually made our way to Diabatsu. How could Buddha possibly be spelled wrong!?!

And we made it!

With photos taken as proof of our visit, it was time for lunch! Eric’s request was ramen. Google Maps helped us find a little ramen shop off the beaten path and absolutely delicious.

After lunch, we made our way back to Kamakura. In Kamakura, Dina headed home. Eric and I walked through Komachi Dori and made our way to the Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine.

As always, my first thought is – “so many people!” Second thought, “don’t these people have to work!?”

I was super happy to be able to incorporate a hike into my Julia tour today. Unfortunately, it wasn’t clear enough to see Mt. Fuji. Maybe when you visit and we go hiking, it will be clear enough to see her!

Sakura Geraniums

By wabisabisole

On March 29, 2017

In Flowers, Japan, Sakura

I went to the Homes store today and picked up a few more plants to decorate the back yard and fill my herb pot. They had Sakura Geraniums for sale! Sakura Sakura for everyone!

They are so pretty and a highlight to the double fence issue in the backyard.

I put a total of five planters along the back fence. Three with Geraniums and two with this interesting plant. Not really sure what it is other than pretty and pink.

My last project was the herb pot. Filled with herb happiness.

I absolutely love coming home to the front porch of our cell block. It’s so homey and inviting. I can’t wait for you to see it in person when you visit.

I want to tell you one more thing I finally did today and it is on a completely different topic. My Japanese grandmothers have a cute way to communicate a change of subject. They say, “thank you for sharing. Ok. Subject change.”

I finally figured out how to put my name on my PASMO card. I first noticed this was an option when I saw Dina’s card. I tried once before and couldn’t figure it out. Almost 8 months into this adventure and two attempts, my card is named! I must give James credit. We had to put his name on his card because he qualified for a youth fare PASMO and through that experience I had a clue. Today, on my way to meet Dave and his former CMC from SWOSU for dinner, I charged my card and put my name on it in less than a minute. Boom! Small accomplishments make me feel amazing. Now let’s hope I get on the correct trains to get me to Yokosuka on time…

Running Errands

By wabisabisole

On March 28, 2017

In Japan, Sake, Sakura, Sushi

I think we can all agree that “running errands” is not our favorite thing to do. Simultaneously, they are necessary and can only be put off temporarily. They best way in my opinion to run errands is with someone. This way, you have someone to talk to and distract you from the annoying tasks!

Dina and I set out on errands today. Our first stop was Costco. We needed our regular items. For me, fizzy water and kale. This is the second visit in a row Costco has not had kale and I had to settle for spinach. Grrr.

Dina also needed a cake for her oldest daughter’s birthday. The one at Costco was of course Costco size. Too big. So, we headed to Sweet Tooth in Hayama. While Dina picked out the chocolate cake she needed, I picked out a few treats I didn’t need! The first was a Sakura macaroon.

The second, a Sakura tiramisu. Can you guess which one? Oh, right. It’s in English.

I mentioned before how Sakura is everywhere. Check out the number of Sakura treats! Besides macaroons, there were muffins, cookies and donuts!

After dropping everything off at the house, we decided to treat ourselves to lunch. Our reward for “running” our errands. We went to Zushi and tried Kappa Sushi. It is a Sushi-go-round. Very similar to to Sushi-ro, with the exception there was no English option on the menu!

Google translate and the pictures helped. We did have to call the server once to help us order Sake. Now that is a reward!! Tuna Sushi and Sake!! To quote Delaney, “my favorites!”

Everything was pretty much the same. The experience took a little patience. But, all things considered, we were champions. Tip: don’t take the plates on the special bowls!

Up close picture of tiny squid and shrimp. No, we didn’t try this one!

Juice boxes!! This made me laugh.

Days like today when I can accomplish normal things ( like running errands) without incident make me feel pretty good. Simultaneously, I suggest we all give ourselves a “reward” when we successfully “run” our errands. Life should be celebrated!

Naked at the Aqua Park

By wabisabisole

On March 27, 2017

In Japan

Tricked you again! You forgot Naked is a group of artist specializing in flowers! Ha! I saw an advertisement for the special Sakura Aquarium exhibit by Naked at the Aqua Park, Shinagawa on the train earlier this month. Fish and flowers seemed like a perfect adventure for a rainy Monday. I took the 9:03 train from Jimmuji to Shinagawa Station. The Aqua Park was about a five minute walk from the station. I arrived shortly after 10am.

The Aqua Park had self-serve kiosks where I easily purchased my ¥2,200 ticket (about $20). The entrance was decorated nicely with Sakura.

There were several smaller tanks with tropical fish that were also decorated with a Sakura theme.

The jelly tanks were my favorite! The lights were set to very soothing music and changed as you walked through!

What was most interesting about the experience was the smell. Aquariums I have visited typically have a saltwater, fishy smell. Not here. It smelled like flowers and kettle corn!

The Sakura exhibit ended with the jellies. The route through the aquarium continued upstairs. I walked up to the second level and was encouraged by one of the workers to take a seat in the water stadium for the dolphin show. (I’m assuming she said that, anyways. She only spoke to me in Japanese and swept her arm into the stadium as I passed through the doors.)

Hmmmm… dolphin show. I struggle with this one a lot and honestly, I’m not a big fan. I contemplated staying for the show or leaving. I ended up staying and rationalizing I had already paid the admission to the Aqua Park and the show was included.

The dolphins and porpoises were beautiful to watch. They splashed the first four rows of spectators several times. I can only hope the beautiful sea mammals found this enjoyable.

I really struggle with ecotourism. Keeping animals captive doesn’t seem right. However, aren’t aquariums and zoos an important part of learning about science for kids? The Aqua Park is a privately owned aquarium. I want to tell myself the animals are well taken care of and not suffering. Regardless, they are in captivity and that makes me sad.

The show lasted 12 minutes. Afterwards, I finished walking through the very crowded aquarium. Keep in mind this was on a Monday morning!

I passed a few more cute creatures on my way out.

Can you find the lizard?

How about here?

Look at the spike on the snake’s face!

Piranha.

This definitely doesn’t need to be on the list when you visit. It pales in comparison to The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago or The National Aquarium in Baltimore. I went for the Sakura Aquarium by Naked exhibit. It was lovely, relaxing and smelled amazing! Perhaps, I should have left after the jellies exhibit!!

Tyrannosaurus Rex

By wabisabisole

On March 25, 2017

In Beer, Honcho, Japan

Seriously. I couldn’t make this story up. Last night, I met Dave in Yokosuka for our traditional Friday night date night in the Honcho. We meet when Dave is finished with work for dinner and drinks (beer).

Side note: the Honcho (pronounced Honch) is the area of bars, restaurants, and other establishments right outside the main base. It has the reputation of a typical sailor town. However, being Japan, it is clean and safe. Which, of course, is atypical of an American sailor town.

Frequently, we will run into someone we know, share a pint or five and tell a sea story or three. Last night, was a relatively quiet night in the Honcho. We went to our favorite curry restaurant, Delicious. The coconut chicken curry is my favorite and I don’t really like coconut! And the naan! It’s amazing.

As we were walking through the Honcho on our way back to the train, we saw these two creatures approaching.

I tried to switch my phone to video. But, I wasn’t fast enough!! They were running full speed!!

Fortunately, these two Tyrannosaurus Rex were friendly. In fact, they were happy to pose with me. Looking at the picture now, the one on the left is throwing a peace sign and the one on the right is about to bite my head off! Haha!

Seriously. Two T-Rex were running through the Honcho on a Friday night. Suddenly, drunk sailors don’t seem so bad!!

Jā Matane

By wabisabisole

On March 24, 2017

In Japan

I can’t believe how quickly the week passed with the Cummings visiting. We packed every day full of adventures. I truly hope they enjoyed their visit as much as Dave and I did.

They were originally supposed to catch an AMC flight out on 3/23/17. The flight was delayed several times and eventually postponed until Friday. Sara was running low on data and I finally received a message from her at 1600 on Friday- 3/24/17, letting me know they were on the plane and about to take off.

I saved a few candid pictures of their visit. They really make me smile!

The Sara photobomb! Dave and I have tried for almost 8 months to get “a good picture at the big Buddha.” Guess we will continue waiting.

JJ blending in and avoiding the pollen.

James working hard not to blow away with the parasol.

“What do you mean you don’t buy organic miso at Costco in the U.S.?”

The boys fanning Sushi rice.

Tour guide Julia.

Poor Delaney and the awful sea urchin pretzels!

Naps, we had a few.

Bubble boy!

Oh, Delaney!!

“James, take a selfie with me.” “What’s a selfie?”

Train rides can be long and monotonous. Facebook filters make the train ride “funner.”

Sara napping on her Cup Noodle pillow.

Delaney making friends on the train!

All that was left was one of James’ socks.

I found it doing laundry. It made me smile. My mom always says if you leave something behind, it is a sign you will visit again… I can’t wait!

My heart is full after spending time with our friends. It was just what my American heart needed living so far away. I hate to see them go. But, it is never sayōnara. It is always, jā matane. See you later!

Yokohama Tourist

By wabisabisole

On March 22, 2017

In Cosmo World, Cup Noodle, Japan, Yokohama

Wednesday we headed to Yokohama. Our destination was the Cup Noodles Museum. On our walk to the museum, we were sidetracked by the rides at Cosmo World. Cosmo World is an amusement park in the Minato Mirai area of Yokohama. Our first stop in Cosmo World was a spin on the Cosmo Clock 21 – aka the giant Ferris wheel.

On the ride, we had a great view of the surrounding city. The large red brick building behind the roller coaster is the Cup Noodles Museum.

The tall rectangular building is the Landmark Tower.

Port of Yokohama.

A few pictures of the park and the roller coaster Vanish!

After our ride on the Cosmo Clock 21, James and Delaney rode Vanish! Vanish! is a disappearing roller coaster.

JJ was able to capture a great picture of the kids on the roller coaster. They are sitting in the front car.

After our visit in Cosmo World, we continued to our original destination, the Cup Noodles Museum.

We enjoyed having the opportunity to decorate the cup and select our own cup noodles flavor.

Selecting the flavors!

After we made our cup noodles, we visited the museum. The museum cracks me up. The Japanese are so proud of Momofuku Ando for inventing chicken ramen – the first Cup Noodles flavor. So proud, in fact, when viewing the museum you are given the impression he did something more monumental than just making a cup full of noodles!

It was another fun day full of walking and exploring. There is still so much to do!! I can’t believe the Cummings are leaving tomorrow! It has been a blast playing their tour guide and experiencing Japan together!

Trick Art Cruise

By wabisabisole

On March 21, 2017

In Japan, Rainy Day, Yokohama Trick Art Cruise

Tuesday was rainy. Very rainy. The rain made finding an indoor activity necessary. On our way home from Tokyo, we stopped in Yokohama at the Trick Art Cruise.

The Trick Art Cruise is a museum with art murals that give the illusion of being 3-dimensional when viewed with one eye or through a camera. It might be easiest to understand with pictures. Fortunately, Sara and I both took a few!

There are several trick art museums around Japan. Yokohama is a considered a port town making the cruise theme appropriate.

The Trick Art Cruise cost ¥700 (about $6.50) and took about 30 minutes to walk through. The pictures, priceless!

All Day Scavenger Hunt

By wabisabisole

On March 20, 2017

In 2017, Japan, Lucky, New Sanno, Roppongi Hills, Seven Lucky Gods, Shinjuku, Shrine, Temple

I took the Cummings on a tour around the west area of Tokyo on Monday. Dave called on Sunday and was able to reserve two rooms for us at the New Sanno Hotel. This would enable us to spend the entire day exploring and not having to take the train all the way home.

The first stop on our scavenger hunt was at The International House of Japan. Or as we quickly named it “The International House of Ja-pancake.”

Here, Sara was able to deliver a book her father published of his notes and recordings from a conference he attended during the 1960s. Fortunately, one of the receptionist spoke very good English. Sara left the book with the receptionist and she in return gave Sara an email for her father to use to contact the library. Mission complete.

Our next order of business was to drop off our bags at the hotel. As we walked through Roppongi, we could see Tokyo Tower.

At the hotel, we registered for our rooms and left our bags with the bellhop. Back to the train station we went! This time our destination was lunch! The Vernal Equinox is a holiday in Japan making it difficult to find a place not too crowded at lunch. Outside of Shinjuku station, we found a cute little back alley filled with different ramen shops.

It was the perfect spot to fuel our Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage. Lucky us, there were five seats available!

With our lunch mission complete, we set out on the Shinjuku Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage. Seven temples to find!

At our first temple, Taiso-ji, we collected Hotei and purchased the boat the Gods would rest upon. Hotei: God of happiness, family, peace and protection from illness and disaster.

The second stop was at the Hozen-ji Temple. Here we collected Jurojin. Jurojin: God of long life and protection from illness.

I knew our next stop was a tricky one to find and I took us down a couple dead end streets before finding the path to the temple. Without too much delay, we arrived at the Itsukushima Temple. Here we collected Benzai-ten. Benzai-ten: Goddess of music, arts, and speech.

Our fourth stop was around the corner. We walked over to the Eifuku-ji Temple. The Eifuku-ji Temple is dedicated to Fukurokuju. Fukurokuji: God of health, happiness, and long life.

The fifth temple was a bit of a walk and required a little refueling. A short stop at the Family Mart for ice cream and we were on our way! About 15 minutes later we arrived at the Kyo-o-ji Temple. Here we collected Daikoku-ten. Daikoku-ten: God of grain harvest and wealth. Everyone also had a chance to shake the lucky mallet for wealth!

To reach the sixth temple we took a quick train ride to the Zentoku-ji Temple. This temple is dedicated to Bishamon-ten. Bisamon-ten: God of protection from disaster and evil.

As we were leaving the temple, we realized we needed to pick up the pace in order to ensure we made it to the last temple on time. Everyone stepped it out! I was so proud of everyone! We made it to Ushi Kitano a Shinto Shrine.

But, guess what – it was the wrong one! Yep, I messed that one up! Gah! It was 1600. Hopefully, the temple we wanted to visit stayed open until 1700. Back to the train we went!! Our final God awaited at the Inari Kio-jinja Shrine. Here we collected Ebisu-jin. Ebisu-jin: God of prosperous business.

I consider us extra lucky after this pilgrimage- we found all seven plus one additional temple!!

After completing our pilgrimage, we went to Harajuku for the reward I promised – cotton candy. And not just any cotton candy… a mountain of cotton candy! But first, we needed a family picture at Takeshita Dori!

This part of the scavenger hunt was pretty easy. The cotton candy was everywhere!

We enjoyed walking around Harajuku and seeing so much “kawaii!” Next up- finding Shibuya Crossing and a snapping a picture with Hachiko statue.

Done and done! Time to eat dinner. Oh, boy… always a bit of a scavenger hunt and with two kids it can be tricky. If James had his pick, we would eat ramen again. While walking around Shibuya we turned the corner and saw Outback Steakhouse. Seriously. Our search was over. The American mothership called us home.

We all agreed, this was much better than the sea urchin pretzels Delaney picked up earlier in the day!

This massive burger with blooming onions on top made my scavenger hunt complete.

The day was quite an adventure. I lost track of how many trains we rode. Apple steps told me we walked over 10 miles. Even after a full day of walking and occasional wrong turns, I’m the lucky one. I was able to spend the day with friends doing what I love – exploring!

PS. Sara snapped this picture in one of the many train stations. Me, wiping my ever runny nose. Yep, that’s about my normal look! Haha

Fuji and Sushi

By wabisabisole

On March 19, 2017

In Japan, Mt. Fuji, Ramen

On Sunday, we set out on a road trip to get a close up look at Mt. Fuji.

It was about a three hour drive with traffic. If you weren’t clear on why driving in Japan is challenging- check out this interchange. What?

The views of Mt. Fuji along the way were impressive. I had lots of help with pictures today. Both Dave and Sara contributed. Dave snapped this picture from the back seat.

Sara helped with road signs. Surprisingly, a couple of them started to look familiar.

Not sure what is being advertised… but, kawaii!!

The deer crossing made us laugh. The road had 30 foot walls on either side. Deer actually crossing didn’t seem possible.

My favorite. The car farting as it went up the steep hill.

Sara also did a great job capturing Mt. Fuji as we approached.

Our destination was to a cute tourist village at the base of Mt. Fuji on the northwest side. It is just over a two-hour drive.

In the village, we had a stunning view of Mt. Fuji.

The buildings were recreations of traditional Japanese structures.

Here we are at the building for napping and dozing. It was too chilly for either!

A highlight for all the girls in our group was being fitted for kimonos.

I originally selected this kimono. The lady informed me it was too short for my “jumbo” size. She selected the yellow for me instead.

The finished product was worth the effort.

James was a sport to pose with the parasol.

The highlight of the day for him was the ramen.

The hostess at the restaurant was the cutest little puppy with her pearl necklace. Only in Japan!

The other highlight was the short stop at the Wind Cave on the way home. A nerdy science teacher’s day was complete! Big mountain sighting and cave exploring followed by a walk in the woods.