Field Trip!

By wabisabisole

On October 1, 2016

In Japan

We made reservations with MWR to attend a tour today. Our itinerary:

0545 pick up

9:00 rest stop break

10:30 – 12:30 Mashiko Kyohan Pottery

1:30 – 2:30 Chiyoda City Grape Farm

3:30 – 5:00 Ushiku Great Buddha

7:30 drop off

Here is the route to our first stop.

The rest stop was very similar to a rest stop in the U.S., with one exception. There was a meditation garden in the middle of the food court.

After the rest stop, we rode north west of Tokyo and were able to see parts of the country we haven’t seen yet. It was beautiful, even on a rainy day!

Lots of rice farms!

At the Mashiko Kyohan Pottery Center, we had a couple hours to shop and look at pottery. Some was really expensive. This 3 foot bowl was ¥2805,000 or $ 28,050. Our tour guide gave this advice, “if pottery too expensive maybe you just enjoy your eye.” Chuckle chuckle.

$28,050!!

Pottery everywhere!

Streets of Mashiko

Giant Tanuki – Japanese Raccon Dog

Koi pond

I took a picture of the bricks because they caused me to feel a bit nostalgic. They created a moment of reflection of the many brick paths I’ve walked or run along in my life… Deep thoughts for pottery shopping. Maybe it’s time to go grape picking. Here was our route.

Once we were back on the bus, we headed to Chiyoda City to visit a grape farm. We were able to eat as many grapes as we wanted in 30 minutes.

The grapes are grown on structures that are a little over 5 feet tall. You walk underneath the grapes. We obviously were a little too tall! The lady working at the farm was the perfect height.

Farmer on left. Tour guide on right.

Standing up in the grape vines

Grapes are covered in a bag to keep away bugs & birds.

We were given directions on how to pick the grapes. We needed to select the purplest grapes we could find by peering through the bag window.

The grapes were ah-mazing!

so good

The grapes were so sweet and yet had a tartness about them. My tongue was hurting by the time we finished our bunch! After a short farm visit, it was time to get back on the bus!

Close up of route

Route to Ushiku – to show perspective

As we approached Ushiku Buddha, we could see him from the highway! He is 120m tall! The tallest Buddha statue in the world!

Prayer wall

Bell to ring when entering

Huge incense burner

Replica of toe!

View out of Buddha

Perspective of size

Inside the Buddha are 3000+ bronze Buddha statues

One final peaceful pose

We were able to take an elevator to the fourth floor. We were told, on a clear day, you can see Tokyo Sky Tree and Mt. Fuji. Not today with our cloudy & rainy skies.

This was our final stop and it was time to head back to Ikego. The trips are a easy and fun way to explore different parts of the country at a reasonable price. Definitely beats having to drive ourselves!!

Kimono Dressing

By wabisabisole

On September 29, 2016

In Japan

The “flower arranging” group I joined, Ikebana, had a field trip today to visit the Kimono Museum after being dressed by local Japanese ladies in a kimono. This was my first time taking the train to Tokyo and I was happy to be apart of a big group. We switched trains at Yokohama. From there everything was new! Our route is pictured below.

Once we arrived at the museum, we were asked to remove our shoes and select a kimono we would like to wear. Notice the proper way the kimonos are folded. One of the ladies demonstrated the fold at the end of our session.

We were told in advance we would need to remove our clothes in order to have the kimono fitted to us. We were advised to wear a tank top and slip. Great advice!

We each had at least one, if not two ladies dressing us. They were super nice and very quick.

The kimono and Oni (belt) should not necessarily match. In fact, often they clash. It was explained that the fabric for the kimono and obi are selected by the personal preference of the individual. Also, this kimono was a lighter weight fabric – summer weight. The bow is also special. Each person who dresses has a unique way to tie the bow.

Another Japanese-ism is giving the peace sign, with palm facing forward.

After we were dresses, we went up to the museum. I found a new Japanese friend or two.

A picture of our whole group and the Japanese ladies who dressed us in the middle row.

My friend Dina and me dressed to impress.

Here are few interesting facts about the kimono. When a woman is single, the arms of the kimono are very long. Once she is married, she has the kimono sleeves cut and tailored. Also, the fabrics come in a variety of fabrics, weights and patterns. The figures in the kimono have meaning. Notice the patterns in the fabric behind me:

Lilies – health

Turtle – long life

Dragons – prosperity

Peacock – happiness

Several layers of kimonos are also worn to in more formal settings.

Pictured here are a samari and his wife. Notice the many layers of kimonos. They represent formality and royalty. Up to 30 layers could be worn weighing up to 40 pounds!

Please also notice the eyebrows. Once a woman was married, she would shave her eyebrows and repaint them!

After we removed our kimonos, one of the head ladies showed us how to properly fold the kimono. It was more complicated than folding a fitted sheet! Like kimono origami!

I’m really glad to have this experience! I love learning more and more about the Japanese culture. Something new everyday!!

PS. We walked back to the train station via the famous Shibuya crossing. It was amazing! So many people!

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?!?

Onigiri

By wabisabisole

On September 27, 2016

In Japan, Onigiri, Sushi

Onigiri- pronounced “oh – ni- gir- i” is a Japanese rice ball. The Onigiri often has a surprise inside like tuna or salmon and is wrapped in seaweed. They are available for purchase at grocery stores and convenience stores. I discussed how they are packaged in my Japanese Supermarkets post last month.

Now that I have my own rice maker, I have been eager to try to make my own Onigiri. At a store in Yokosuka, I was able to find a triangle Onigiri shaper and packaging options.

Triangle onigiri mold

Onigiri “ball” wrapper

Onigiri triangle wrapper

Directions for wrapper

Using my new tools, rice maker and wrappers, I attempted to make homemade Onigiri. In the middle of each triangle, I used can tuna because I wasn’t sure how they would turn out and didn’t want to waste money on fresh tuna if this was a flop. The triangle wrappers worked the best. The other wrappers are for use when making a Onigiri ball vice triangle.

Onigiri form with rice

The top of the Onigiri form is used to make the indentation on the rice. This creates a narrow pocket where the filling is placed.

The two sides are put together to make a whole triangle. The Onigiri is then placed inside the bag. I didn’t wrap the rice in seaweed because it would get soggy. I am still on the hunt for Onigiri bags that have a divide for keeping the rice and the seaweed separate.

The final picture shows all the Onigiri wrapped and the seaweed package. Notice the two cute critters have opening directions. The third container is a silicon triangle. It might be my favorite. Although The bags are really cute, they are not reusable like the silicon.

Dave taste tested one last night and approved. I was worried by today the rice would be dry and crumbly. Nope. They were delicious! The best compliment was from the Japanese secretaries at Dave’s office. He sent me a text at lunch and said “they were impressed with my rice making skills.” Pretty good for amateur hour! I think I am ready to try some with sushi grade tuna and salmon! This will indeed make them better, but to truly be perfect, I need to master the seaweed wrap.

PS. For all my emoji loving friends, you now know the name of this emoji ?!

ETC Card

By wabisabisole

On September 26, 2016

In Japan

My one mission today was to purchase, install and register an ETC card for our car. My friend, Tiff, who has been here one month longer than me explained the process to me and gave me this informative direction sheet.

Before leaving the house, I mentally prepared for this daunting evolution. It would require me to go to two different places in Yokosuka near the base. First, I needed to purchase the ETC reader and have it installed. To do this, I located an AutoBacs in Google maps. AutoBacs is like an AutoZone on neon steroids. It smells like tires. It has signs hanging from the ceiling announcing something I don’t understand. The Japanese music playing about two levels too high. To say it was overstimulating is putting it mildly. The directions told me to select an ETC reader from the shelf. Well, obviously, this wasn’t going to happen without some help. I walked up to the counter and showed my information sheet to the register clerk. She quickly asked for assistance from the other clerk who spoke English. After explaining (by pointing at my sheet) that I needed a new reader, he walked over and showed me three different models. All in Japanese. Hmpf. I obviously have no idea which one. I shrug and say I have a Nissan Cube. He walks away and returns with one in a box. Great! We go back to the counter and I pay for the ETC reader. The clerk asks if I parked upstairs. (That sounds so weird and made total sense. The parking was ontop of the building.) I give him my keys and he tells me “1 hour.”

An hour gives me time to stroll around some shops and make a few purchases at a home store and ¥100 store. It wasn’t even 35 minutes later and AutoBacs called to tell me my car was ready. Wow! I return to the store and the same clerk who didn’t speak English grabs my paper work and gives me the charge for the install. ¥37,551. Yikes, I thought I already paid?! When she went to hand me my keys, she realizes she charged me for the wrong vehicle. (Seriously!?! I’m the tall blond American. Only one in the store!) Anyways, she’s attempting to explain to me that she charged me wrong and needs my receipt except it sounds like essticket. Finally she showed me another receipt and I understood. She reversed the transaction and gave me keys. Whew. Step one & two complete. Now for the actual purchase of the ETC card to go into the reader.

This required me to park on base and walk out to the ETC Japan store.

Here I was greeted by an American. Perfect English. Cowboys fan, in fact he was watching the game when I came in while wearing his Cowboys slippers and tshirt. (Yes, slippers at work!) He attempted to tell me nicely to go away and that I needed to register my reader online. (There were 4 computers in the room.) And that I would need to bring back my registered paperwork for the ETC reader and vehicle. Oh, wait – I have that with me! May I use one of these computers to register? Geez. Drive 30 minutes home to do what I can do there. Anyways, he shuts off his game and proceeds to help me register and setup my account. Fortunately for me, the Cowboys won. And my chore is complete. My car now talks to me when the ETC card is properly installed.

This entire evolution took 3.5 hours from the time I left the house to the time I was home. Once again this proves, things in Japan take about 3.5 times longer.

Exploring Zushi

By wabisabisole

On September 25, 2016

In Japan, Sushi, Zushi

Our housing complex is located in the city of Zushi. Until today, we haven’t spent much time exploring the area on the other side of the train station right outside our gate. We knew it was going to be a bit of a walk and with the heat and humidity of the summer, a long walk didn’t seem fun. Also, today was the first day in two weeks it didn’t rain!! Sunny skies and a little less heat (still 93% humidity) made today a great day for exploring. We set off for an afternoon walk with a hopeful dinner destination. We have seen several restaurants on the main road, but today we were on foot and wanted to get off the beaten path.

Our journey took us down the hill from our house, out the gate, through the train station and then up one hill and down another. It provided a great opportunity to take some pictures of Japanese houses.

Uphill

Very few houses have a yard. Any little bit of potential yard space is turned into a parking spot.

Parking spot & sidewalk

Parking and yard option

Garage – bus barely fits!

A wrong turn took us up a steep hill in a neighborhood. It ended up being a great spot to catch a picture of sunset.

An extra beautiful site after 2 weeks of rain

After circling the horses, we spied a restaurant down a side road. We entered not knowing exactly what we would find. To our pleasant surprise, it was a sushi restaurant!! Win!

¥1000 or $10

The sushi chef and two ladies working were so happy we came in to eat. I worked on my Japanese and they tried their English. We even used Google translate to communicate. It was a fun place to find and I can see us attempting to become “locals” or at least regulars. Dave was impressed when I got the waitress’ attention with “sumimasen” (excuse me). The walk home was a lot quicker and only took about 30 minutes. Our exploration today was another step in helping us make Japan feel a little more like home.

Sumo Tournament

By wabisabisole

On September 24, 2016

In Japan, Sumo, Tokyo

In August, friends encouraged us to signed up for the ITT trip for the Sumo Wrestling Tournament in Tokyo. So we did & went together! The tournament is held three times a year in Tokyo (January, May and September). In Tokyo, the tournament is held at Ryōgoku, the Sumo Hall. The tournament last 15 days and begins and ends on a Sunday. Today was the second to last day of this tournament. Our tour included transportation to Tokyo on a bus and tour tickets. I google mapped the route while riding on the bus.

Also on bus ride, I was able to read a bit about the tournament.

Upon arrival, we had a moment to pose for a quick picture before we made our way into the arena.

The arena is indoors and has two levels. The seating on the first floor level are large cushions on which the spectators sit during the matches. The second floor, where we were seated, were cushioned chairs. The picture below was taken when we first arrived. There are few spectators at this point because it was the at the beginning of the event.

The tournament consists of four different groups of matches or bouts. There are 12-15 bouts in each group. The first group are more novice wrestlers, with each group getting more advanced. The final bout at the end of the tournament determines the overall champion. An important thing to note, sumo wrestling is not divided into weight classes. There is often obvious weight differences between wrestlers.

Sumo wrestling is the national sport of Japan. The match takes place inside of a ring that is 4.5 m in diameter. A match is won by the competitor who is able to push their opponent out of the ring first or cause them to lose their balance and touch with a body part other than their feet. The wrestlers follow a traditional routine when preparing to wrestle their opponents. They raise their legs and stomp their feet to rid the area of evil. They throw salt into the ring to purify the ring. The two wrestlers are typically very animated during the ceremonial pre match rituals. It’s almost like watching them put on their game face. This animation also helps to engage the crowd and intimidate their opponents.

By the final group of matches, the arena was full.

I’m sorry… But, so much tushy! Makes me giggle.

One piece of literature I read about the tournament described Sumo Wrestling as “a professional sport, the unique combination of ancient ceremony and the tremendous power of the wrestlers themselves makes it a marvelous and exciting spectacle.” We enjoyed the afternoon placing wageless bets on which wrestler would win. We selected them based on the color of their mawashi (belt). I’ll be honest, I was pretty good at picking the winner…

Small Things

By wabisabisole

On September 23, 2016

In Japan

Let me set the stage. I’m a tall blond American living in Japan. We already discussed shoe shopping. What about other items. Like a bike? Or a sofa? Fortunately, we don’t need these items, because it’s not really a good fit. Doesn’t keep me from trying it on for size…

Women’s Bike at Costco

Couch at Home Store

Speaking of small things, I bought these items today to protect against Mukades. I purchased snake deterrent as well for good measure. The large bottle & little packets are powder to shake around the perimeter of the foundation. The spray can is the freezing spray to kill any invaders.

Mukade defense

The funny part was trying to communicate what I was looking for in the store to the clerk. I asked male clerk first. He seemed confused. I showed him the picture on my phone of the Mukade and said kill. No good. So I took my finger and sliced it across my neck. No good. At this point he takes me over to two ladies behind the register. Again, I show my picture of the Mukade on my blinds. Say “in my house.” “Kill” she looks confused. I pick up my foot and stomp and say “Kill!” She laughed. “Hite! Kill!” She repeats. Takes me to the powder and says “No house.” Points at the picture on outside of the container showing it around the outside of house. Got it. If the rain will ever stop, I am going to make a moat of Mukade death powder around my house. No Mukade allowed!!

It was another hilarious exchange. Me stomping in my rain boot yelling kill. Oh, boy. Glad I wasn’t arrest for an international incident on that one. Happier still to have arsenal to destroy Mukade!

Home Sweet Home

By wabisabisole

On September 22, 2016

In Japan

As per many requests, here are few pictures of our townhouse. I have done a lot to make it home and still have a few finishing touches.

Let’s start downstairs in the kitchen. To help you understand the pictures, the kitchen is “L” shaped. The first set of photos are of the longest wall where I put up a back splash. It is faux tile with an adhesive backing. Very easy to install. Just required a little cutting around outlets and cabinets. I still want to find a rug for the top of the L and make a valance for the sliding door.

Looking from den into kitchen

View from kitchen sliding doors

Kitchen table corner

Back splash close up

On to the den, through the hallway. Here I hung a lot of my black & white photos. I have ordered pictures for the frames from Shutterfly. Every thing just takes a little bit longer to arrive.

From front door looking to the back of house

Wall decal & empty frame- waiting on shutterfly

Heading into the den. I took pictures from several angles. The first is of the TV side of the den. Cozy is probably a good descriptor.

Next is the view looking from the other direction. We purchased the bar since we have arrived. It is amazing. It opens and can be used as a bar and holds glasses, wine bottles and our alcohol stash.

Bar closed – sad face

With the bar open.

Bar open – happy face

Bar close up picture. Notice the dragons.

When in Japan, purchase furniture with dragons

A quick trip upstairs, and we have our bedroom. View from one corner.

No headboard – I improvised

View from the opposite corner. The tall dresser is new.

The door leads to my bath & closet

The two spare bedrooms are ready for guests to nestle into and sleep soundly!

Double bed bedroom

Twin bed bedroom – fabric ordered to finish curtains

Overall, I feel settled and nested. I have a few finishing touches – pictures, curtains & rugs. Plus, an idea for the stairs, wall behind bar and powder room downstairs. But, it feels like home and we are ready for our first overnight visitor(s)! Now taking reservations at “Dwyer no Taun Hausu” (Dwyer’s town house). Inquire within…

Bucking Fugs

By wabisabisole

On September 21, 2016

In Japan

It finally happened. I knew it was just a matter of time. We have been in Japan for 53 days. Today was the day I have been dreading for about 30 of them. I learned about these creatures called Mukade shortly after we moved into our townhouse. A Mukade is a Japanese centipede. They bite or sting or whatever and can cause a severe reaction to include swelling, pain and vomiting. Today, not just one but TWO were in my kitchen. After reading more about them on the Internet, I learned they travel in pairs. Double the grossness.

First Mukade

A close up picture.

Fortunately, I wasn’t completely alone during the invasion. I was talking with my good friend, Jenn, when I saw the devil crawling on my vertical blinds. My reaction was rather calm, all things considered. I dropped several f-bombs and several oh my gosh! Fortunately, I purchased bug spray on Sunday and quickly retreated to the back porch to grab it. I think my quote to Jenn was, “I don’t know if I’m going to cry or vomit, but I’m definitely going to kill it!” The bug spray I bought is a gallon and has a continuous stream trigger and I drowned the Mukade! Die, bugger, die! And it did. Completely when I put it in boiling water. Jenn listened to all of this on the phone and then talked me off the ledge that burning down the house wasn’t required.

Mukade 1 dead

10 minutes later, it’s friend came. It proceeded to crawl through the moat of insecticide I created in the sliding rim of the door without faltering. I’ll be honest here, I think I did scream when I saw this one. I had my bug spray still on the ready & I happily pulled the trigger until it quit twitching. I also boiled more water!

Mukade Two

Mukade stew, anyone?

This pot is now officially the Mukade pot

After hanging up with Jenn, I called my mom. Not able to completely be alone in my house, I needed reassurance that burning down the house was not necessary. My mom suggested I contact a bug spray person. Yes! Great idea. We hung up shortly thereafter and I called housing. It was about 11:45 am and they said someone could spray at 2pm. Thank you! Spray away!! And did he ever! He soaked both the front and back patios. The overpowering smell of highly chemical insecticide was pure ambrosia to my nose.

During my Internet exploring about Mukades, I found this useful file. I saved it because I have plans to go to the Homes store on Friday and will look hard to find the product that will kill Mukade!

Mukade are not the only bugs I have encountered here in Japan. In fact some are quite pretty and some are very large. Here are a couple of other bug pictures I have snapped in the past 53 days. The cicadas seem like puppies at this point!!

I have heard the bugs are bad right now because of all the rain we have had the last couple of weeks. At this point, I’m ready to say goodbye to summer tomorrow and hello to fall. I love summer, but this year, I’ve had enough.