Well it's been quite the journey so far. The weather has been pleasant for the most part; approx16-18 degrees Celsius during the day and down to 7 Celsius at night. We've managed to do most of our unpacking all in one week. Baby Markus has adjusted to the time change with little difficulty. He seems to be enjoying his space here. He's reunited with a lot of his toys that have been packed away since early Feb...so it's like Christmas time all over again for him!
(We thought we'd dress him in his little blue kimono to suit the occasion!) We've sorta designated the tatami room for his play area...although it's supposed to be a traditional Japanese meditation area, guest room or an area for special get togethers.
Each day, literally, we make a run (actually walk) to the Supa (market). This is partly because we don't have a car to do a big grocery shop excursion to haul all the bags back to our apartment, and secondly, our refrigerators are smaller than what we're used to so they don't hold a whole lot. However, I must say I have no complaints...we've been getting serious walking exercise and discovering something new about the culture everyday.
Last Sunday, we went to ToysRUS in Makuhari which was about 1 hour travel time by subways and trains. There is also a Costco and Ikea that were close by. In many ways, it's a lot alike to home, but it can be a challenge to communicate. I thought I learned pretty good Japanese lingo prior to coming, but putting it colloquial context is difficult. I feel lost half the time when someone is speaking to me. My favourite sentence usually starts with "gomenasai, wakarimasen" (Sorry, I don't understand).
The main form of transportation in Tokyo is via the very efficient train and subway systems. But don't dare get caught during the rush hour periods. You're literally up against one another. On Monday morning Markus and I had to take a subway into Ikebukuro to meet up with Amanda and Addison. It wasn't such a pleasant ride. I held Markus securely in one arm and a folded stroller in the other with my backpack hanging from one of my limbs...it was crazy!!! We were totally squished in for about a 12 min. ride, w/ about 6 stops in between. Markus was a trooper, I can't imagine what he was thinking through all the chaos. Amongst all the frenzy, you would not believe how quiet everyone is on the train...not a peep from anyone. For one, you're not supposed to talk on your cellphones on the trains...that's why practically EVERYONE does text on the trains.
Enough for now...
Enroute to Tokyo watching his new fav DVD "The Backyardigans"
(Thanks Tita Tricia, Tito Mat and Maddie)
Check out the Japanese landscaping in our courtyard. 
Walking toward Kami Itabashi Station from our apartment.
Still walking...
Here is Markus in the tatami room; his play area for now.
The bathroom is pretty versatile. It holds the washer/dryer unit in the closet. The bathtub automatically fills up to whatever level you want and it remains at a constant temperature that you desire. The toilet room is situated in it's own tiny room across the hall...a bit weird to get used to at first...but I was aware of this difference from my previous visit to Japan. I think one of the bonuses to this apartment is the city view outside our balcony. On a clear day, you can see Mount Fuji in the distance, which is just a beautiful site amidst the hectic city.
