"Tadaima!"

"I'm home!"

After nearly a month away in our hometown of Windsor, Canada, we're happy to be back in Tokyo. The purpose of this home leave was to have my fingerprints taken for my US resident visa. My wonderful Rodney took some vacation time to meet up with Markus and I to accompany us on our return flight back to Japan. During the 13 hour flights, Markus did a fantastic job both directions. No motion sickness episodes...thank heavens! Even the "scary and loud" flushing sound of the airplane toilet didn't stop him from using it. He was even commended on his good behaviour by a fellow passenger...how cool! He made us very proud parents.

We would have been home nearly a week earlier had it not been for the "panic" email Rodney received at the eleventh hour (as Giancarlo said it best), on November 13th the night before our return flight to Tokyo. Our immigration lawyer emailed Rodney with the bad news indicating that my first set of biometrics (fingerprints) taken on October 27 at the USCIS Ohio office, were "unclassifiable", and I was required to have them re-done on November 28. At the time, the lawyer perceived we had returned to Japan, thus his main mode of communication was via email. He would've phoned us had he known we were still in Windsor. Several reasons could have considered the fingerprints unclassifiable, such as an unclear reading or even a glitch in the transfer of information. As a result, this meant another three-hour road trip back to Columbus, Ohio; still better than a 13-hour flight back to US. That evening at 10:30 P.M., we were immediately on the phone returning calls to the lawyer to figure out our options. I really wasn't for leaving for Japan then coming back two weeks later. The next morning, we were told the earliest appointment for reschedule was Saturday, November 17th. Thus, we rescheduled our flights to depart on Sunday the 18th. The second time around, the USCIS government clerk was very thorough in taking my fingerprints. She ensured that each digital print was readable and precise. The US government sure doesn't make it easy to be a permanent resident in the USA. There are very few, if any, acceptions to the rules. No matter where I was situated in the world, it was mandatory to be back in Ohio to have my biometrics completed. With that feat accomplished, let's hope the results return adequate.

On the upside of things, we were at least able to make a nice visit out of it with family and friends. Markus was ecstatic to see all of his relatives. There was much anticipation leading up to playing with cousins Raeya, Jaeden and Maddox. They were overjoyed!

Rolling around the floor with Maddox

Raeya, Markus and Jaeden on a nonstop chase around the house!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

As expected, the time flew by. Among the many get togethers, we celebrated Markus' first official Halloween trick-or-treat outing. Weather-wise, it was a nice night to be out. My sister Lysa chaperoned Markus, Bea and Bianca door-to-door, while I took photos and walked along with Aileen and her pup, Maggie.

We also we attended birthday parties, poker nights and nights out in the city. In addition, we shared in the beautiful wedding celebration of my deareast friend Grace and her husband Willie.

With the dazzling bride, Mrs. Grace Maker

It's been a week since we've arrived, and I can honestly say that it's been tough this time around re-adjusting (Tokyo is 14 hours ahead of Windsor's time). Rodney seems to be back on his regular schedule. He returned to work the next morning after we arrived. However, both Markus and I are up before the sunrise each morning, which is just before 6:30 A.M. While Markus plays with his many new toys, I've been trying to sort through the hundreds of photos I took during our visit. In the meantime, here are a few random snapshots...more to come!

Markus reuniting with Rodney after two and a half weeks.

With sisters Lysa, Rose and Jenna

L-R: Ivana, me, Erica, Michelle, Rochelle, Jessica, Zendy, Joanna, Andrea and Maria

Dinner party with all the gals and guys at the Keg Steakhouse...great meal, great company! Thanks Joanna and Giancarlo for planning the dinner...you guys are super friends!

L-R: Jay, John, Paul, Percy, Dave, Rodney, Giancarlo, Mike, Raffi and Ritchie

Assumption High School alumni

L-R: Scott, Don, Gino, Rodney, Reg and Wassim

Chillin' out at Stars of the Game for the Assumption High School Reunion Party with Giancarlo and Joanna.

Markus playing with his new Mr. Potato head, one of the many gifts from Tita Lynne and Tito Keith

I never realized how much I missed home until I was actually there. Reuniting felt so good!

Summer Recap

Meguro Gajoen waterfall courtyard

I find it hard to believe that there are only three more months left of 2007. Our second summer in Tokyo was gratifying. For one, we had a lot of time to enjoy the weather. This summer season seemed to stretch to great lengths. Up until a few days ago, the temperatures soared to high 80's F with the sun beaming most of last week. I haven't even begun to pull out our autumn wardrobes. However, I feel the cooler temps upon us. I love the autumn, but not looking forward to the cold of winter.

On the very humid night of August 25, I met with Keiko-san and her friend Juunko-san and attended the Koenji Bon Odori Festival. I didn't expect it to be as massive as it was. This night festival consisted of several dance groups performing on the streets. The event took place near the very populated Shinjuku area. There were thousands upon thousands of spectators so it was nearly impossible to get a good view of the dancing. We spent most of our time jammed in the crowds hoping to catch a glimpse of action.

Since our holiday vacation to Phuket in August, we've been taking it easy relaxing and enjoying local parks and taking bike rides in our area. In August, I joined a running group called the Namban Rengo of Tokyo. As a group, we train twice a week. Wednesday evenings consist of running a track work out in Harajuku. Most drills include speed training. On Sunday mornings, we do long distance runs in Yoyogi Park, which tests our endurance. The large group of over 40 members, are predominantly serious runners who compete in half-marathons, marathons, ekidens (relay races), and so on. I've always loved to run, but I'm a novice runner compared to many in the group. My main intentions are to keep healthy and fit, however I'm not ruling out a marathon in the future, or at least a half-marathon.

In Tokyo, I was surprised to learn of the many areas to do long distance runs. The Imperial Palace grounds is a popular running, walking and Sunday biking route. Running along, you have plenty of beautiful views of the city, moats and landscapes. We drive out to Imperial Palace on Saturday mornings. I run two loops around the perimeter, which amounts to 10K. My support team of Markus and Rodney ride a bicycle as a pacer and water bottle holder. I'm usually exhausted by then, but it sure feels great! I really wish I would've known about this group much earlier.

On September 23, many Namban members ran the Annual Terry Fox Charity Cancer Run at the Imperial Palace. Being Canadian, I have participated in this annual event for several years back in my hometown of Windsor, Ontario. So of course, I was more than thrilled to learn that Japan is one of the nations which contribute to the cause.

The Namban Rengo team

What an astounding turn-out! The event was claimed to have attracted 8,000 participants; 10,000 if you include all the volunteers. We were entertained by Canadian folk music and had complimentary food after the run. My beloved support team of Markus and Rodney greeted me at the finish line. It was a wonderful event. I have to say that my awesome hubby skipped out on the anticipated Tokyo MotoGP to attend the event with me. That's love!

Jidokan classes have also resumed after over a month of summer hiatus. Markus has enjoyed reuniting with his tomodachi (friends). I'm often surprised by how extensive Markus' Japanese vocabulary has become, especially when he's in the company of his friends. It's as if he intuitively knows when to switch to Japanese mode. Naturally, he has absorbed much of the culture; he's lived here longer than any place else. He enjoys watching a Japanese morning show and also loves it when I read his Japanese books. It's funny when he's on Skype speaking the language to family on the webcam. He usually gets the "Pardon me...what did you say?" response.

With best buddies, Kota & Chihiro

Chigasaki

Last weekend, Rodney joined in on his annual charter boat fishing trip to Chigasaki with his Honda work associates. They docked off at sunrise at about 6 a.m. It turned out to be a long, hot and sunny day on the boat, but he was happy to catch eight fish called aji, also known as Spanish Mackerel. There were a few interesting creatures that were lured by their shrimp bait; a starfish and a small sting ray. After the crew made their observations, they tossed them back into the water. That evening I searched the internet for some tasty-sounding Japanese recipes and baked the fish in a miso-sake mixture, in our handy microwave/oven. Ouishikatta!






A rare catch

As most of you know, this October was intended to be the end of Rodney's intra-office transfer with Honda in Japan. However, he was requested a second extension, which we graciously accepted. We are more than happy with the opportunity to remain in Japan until the end of March 2008.

While shopping at a home store, this bed display looked too tempting for Markus. He took his sandals off, jumped in, and made himself comfortable.

We have open our hearts to Japan and I speak for my family when I say we really love this place. With great reason, we look forward to our new adventures as we continue our Journey in Japan.

Phuket, Thailand Adventure PART IV

By DAY 6, the sun came out in full force...figures it was our last day. We were relatively all 'vacationed-out' and content to be heading home. We requested a late check out at the hotel, so we used the time to lounge by the pool and beach. I also spent an hour getting a very relaxing Thai Beach massage, which was a perfect way to end the incredible holiday.

Here are just a few more photos of our last day.

The massage on the beach costed only 400BHT, which was about US$15 for an hour. It was amazing.

Our last look at the beach

When did my little baby become such a grown boy...

After a four-hour delay in Bangkok Airport, we made it home safely in sunny Tokyo.

We hope you enjoyed learning about our Phuket adventure, just as much as we enjoyed sharing it with you!

Phuket, Thailand Adventure PART III

DAY 4

We intended on having another big island tour planned for the start of Day 4, however we woke up plagued with a monsoon. So I made a few phone calls to the tour operator. To my surprise, I was informed that even during torrential rain, most tours take place as scheduled. Rodney and I were reluctant to take Markus out in such heavy rain, especially since our tour involved riding in a speedboat. So without much thought, we cancelled and rescheduled for the following day. Markus spent about an hour with his colouring books and solving a new jig-saw puzzle, while we lounged out in the meditation area of our hotel room and watched the rain pour through the palm trees. Observing the pouring rain can be dramatic in a tropical setting.

After hanging out in the Children's Pavilion and shopping gallery of the hotel, we hired another driver and went into town to a different location to do some more sightseeing and art shopping for a couple of hours. We try to make a point of purchasing pieces of art from our travels to add to our home collection. In town, the driver took us to a local market where streets were lined with souvenir shops and small restaurants. There was a small department store, which we didn't care for too much. (I guess I can't help but compare to the Tokyo shopping, that I've grown so fondly of.) By the time we returned to the hotel, the rain had subsided, so we changed into our swimsuits and headed to the pool for an afternoon swim.

We dined at Cucina, an Italian restaurant at the hotel. Rodney and I indulged on the shiraz, while Markus sipped on his freshly squeezed OJ. After a satisfying dinner, Markus didn't seem quite ready for bed yet, so we took a stroll around the hotel. Each evening, the Lotus Pond on the lower level is lit up with fire torches reflecting over the water. Since it was a very calm night, the water was as tranquil as it was picturesque.

The Lotus Pond For additional photos from Day 4, CLICK HERE...

DAY 5

This was our last full day in Thailand. The first thing I did that morning was confirm the weather forecast with the concierge. He said it was likely to rain for most of the morning with skies clearing in the afternoon. No monsoon in the forecast, so the planned James Bond Island Tour was good to go. We packed our backpacks, rain ponchos and baby Dramamine (just incase), and met with the tour transfer pick up at 8 A.M. at the lobby.

Our first activity was a speedboat ride to Phang Nga Bay to the island where James Bond "The Man With The Golden Gun", was partly filmed in 1974. Neither Rodney nor I have ever seen the movie, but we were still happy to take part in the famed tour attraction. Upon arrival the shore was crowded with many long-tail boats. To the locals, the island is known as Tapoo Island, meaning "Nail Island". The limestone structure with patches of green shrubs stands straight up above the clear water, which appears like a nail (see photo above). We hung around the island for about 40 minutes in the rain and enjoyed the scenes of seacaves and deep crevices of limestone rock formations. Markus enjoyed the beach shore and getting his already wet feet even more wet, if that's possible. The temperature of the water was very warm and would have been more enjoyable had it not been raining.

Back on the speedboat, we headed to a few other small islands and viewed some ancient drawings in caved walls deemed about 300 years old. Next, we boated out to another area of the bay and docked by a floating cafe to board canoes for a ride in the caves. At that point, Markus had fallen asleep so we sat around in the cafe and waited for our group to finish canoeing. Rodney opted out of the canoe ride and sat with me while Markus was asleep in my arms. For lunch we headed to another popular attraction known as Panyee Village, AKA the "Village on Stilts". This place is quite unusual but fascinating. Literally held above the water on wooden stilts, it is a small Muslim village with inhabitants that depend on the sea for their livelihood. There are quite a few seafood restaurants where many tourists stop for a bite to eat during their tours in the Phang Nga Bay area.

This is a scanned image from the tour brochure that I had. It provides an aerial view of Panyee Village, which makes for an interesting perspective.

Docked in front of Panyee Village

Back on land, we headed to the next segment, which was the Eco-Safari Tour. This involved an elephant show, oxen ride and another elephant trek in the flooded river banks. During the elephant show, Rodney braved the elephant massage. He figured if I could do it, he could!

We bought a basket of fruits to feed the elephants. Markus thoroughly enjoyed this activity!











This elephant trek seemed to be bumpier than the first, but nonetheless quite the exciting escapade in the jungle atmosphere.


It was nearly 6 o'clock in the evening when we arrived back at the hotel. After a quick shower we headed down to the Marriott Cafe for the international buffet dinner. We feasted on Pad Thai noodles, sushi, fish, and spicy barbeque chicken. There was also a plethora of tasty desserts and more fruits. We had fun sampling nearly everything! Finally after dinner, we headed down to the banquet hall to check out the night festival. Several stalls of vendors selling unique artifacts were lined up along the walls. The crowds of people were being entertained by a group of Thai natives performing cultural dancing on the stage.

Thai artifacts

Yet another enjoyable, action-packed day in Phuket. Goodnight!

For more photos from Day 5, CLICK HERE