Let's go to the supa!

Sushi paradise!

Grocery shopping in Tokyo is a whole new different ball game than what we're used to back home. For one, all labels are in Japanese. There's always pictures with directions, so you can definitely get by. Thank goodness we're hard at work in learning the language. My tutor Keiko is extremely helpful. Sometimes our neighborhood supa (soo-pah; super market) doesn't always carry the goods that we want, so we venture out to other supas and even international markets (trains away) to shop. You can find almost anything you need. Most large department stores have supas located on the lower levels. Grocery shopping can be quite interesting even if you just feel like killing time and browsing. You'll never hear enough of store clerks yelling out "Irashaimasseh!" from every direction. Translated, it means "welcome" or, "may I help you".

Among many things, Japanese take pride in their abundance of delectable sweets and desserts. You can find confectionery shops everywhere and all sweets are presented so beautifully, and might I add, oishii! (oo-ee-she; delicious).

Worldwide, Tokyo is known to be the most expensive city to live in. Having said that, I was still very much sticker-shocked to see outrageous prices on some groceries. I thought it would be worth sharing these pictures. Keep in mind that 1000 yen is approx $10US. Take a look...

Yes, these are cherries, very expensive ones at a specialty shop. The cherries don't seem all that different from ones back home, except that they're neatly sorted in the box. Not all supas sell cherries for this price. At our local supa we can buy cherries for about 600 yen for 1/2lb.

This is watermelon on sale.

It can cost up to almost 4000 yen, (size is similar to a soccer ball)

Hard at work

You can find an assortment of prepared foods, just like back home...even lasagna!

Jidokan

J I D O U K A N

On May 23, Markus was enrolled into Jidoukan class in our area. It is a community sponsored center for children under 3 years old. Parents accompany their children to classes, which are every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:30~12:00pm. According to his age, Markus is categorized into the Rabbit Class. It will continue on until next March 2007.

The first half hour consists of teaching songs, dances and storytime. Following that, activities and obstacle courses are set up for the children to attempt. Then finally, the kids have free time to play and experiment with toys, ride tricycles and cars, etc. Though classes are all in Japanese, Markus has no problem enjoying his time interacting with fellow classmates. If it was up to Markus, he would stay at this haven all day!

Front row and center for storytime!

Making new friends!

This is Mihoko and her son Chihiro. They are new friends whom we met that live in our same apartment complex. Mihoko has been a great help. She has introduced us to many other people and was also the one to tell us about the local Jidokan for Markus to attend.

Braving the tricycle for the first time!

Ueno Zoo, Tokyo

Did I hear you correctly, Mom and Dad? Did you say we're going to the zoo today?

Yay!!! Don't forget my milk and snacks, please.

Okay, okay, let's get to the real deal, I don't feel like sitting beside this fake panda bear...there's so much to see!

Mom, Dad, why does the panda look so bored? He must not like being kept in a small room all day long. He must get very annoyed by all the flashing lights of cameras.
Wow, look at the size of the hippo! You could fit about 10 of me in his belly!!

Follow me, I think the giraffes, elephants and zebras are this way...

Who painted the stripes on the white horsey?

Dad, did you hear me say "giraffe"? Because I did, I actually said it!!

Does that say what I think it says?!

I think I'm getting tired...time for a nap.

(Apparently, Markus wasn't the only one needing a nap)

Okay, I think we've had enough fun for today.

Let's go home,

I think the Ueno Station is this way...

Kodomo No Shiro (National Children's Castle)

Today we journeyed to the National Children's Castle, also in Shibuya, where Markus enjoyed an afternoon of discovering new musical instruments.
Hmmm...what should I try out next?

The piano man...

The bongo drums were his favourite!

Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Hall

As Golden Week continued, we visited the largest indoor/outdoor playground facility in Tokyo. Although Markus had a lot of fun, the five-story facility is more suitable for kids 3+ years in age. Showed above is the area where children around Markus' age could interact with each other and play with toys suited to their age.