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.