'Tis the season...

Our Thanksgiving weekend here in Tokyo was quaint...sans turkey. I might have mentioned it before, but turkey meat is not prevalent in Japan, nor are the average homes with ovens large enough to bake a decent sized turkey, otherwise I wouldn't have minded slaving in our kitchen for the occasion. Generally, turkey is available at most international supas. Indeed we missed out on great home cooking with family.

What a smile!

Online, I found several restaurants serving turkey dinners. I randomly chose one restaurant named Farm Grill located in Ginza. Based on the review, it sounded great. So we ventured out to Ginza to the location, and much to our surprise we couldn't find it anywhere. We even went to the Koban (police box) for some assistance. I tried calling the phone number, which I had written down, only to get a busy signal. So I assumed that they were just simply busy. But to no avail, it turned out that the restaurant closed down two years ago. What a bummer! When I got home that night, I checked the listing once again online...I found out that I was reading a back issue of a magazine dated in 2005. Lesson learned!

Taking a stroll down the main street in Ginza.

Friday, November 23 was also a national holiday in Japan - Labour Thanksgiving Day. The purpose is to commemorate labour and production, as well as giving thanks to one another for hard work and accomplishments. Government-related offices and most businesses had the day off. However, like most national holidays, Honda employees were hard at work; at least we can say it was a short day.

On Thanksgiving weekend, we did some bulk shopping at Costco and headed to TOKYO MIDTOWN in Roppongi to see the wonderful holiday light displays, commonly known throughout Japan as "Winter illuminations". Tokyo Midtown is like a little town in itself right in the heart of Tokyo. This new attraction comprises six buildings, one of which is now the tallest building in the Tokyo Prefecture at the astounding height of 248 metres. After three years of construction, the complex first opened its doors early this year in March. Crowds upon crowds showed up for the Grand Opening. During that time, I remember us heading to church one Sunday morning, which is located just a few blocks away, and being swarmed by the hundreds of people making their way to the new site. Within it's commercial property, it houses several restaurants, Japan's first Ritz-Carlton Hotel, many retail shops and museums, including the Suntory Museum of Art.

Views of inside the Galleria of Tokyo Midtown

Tokyo Midtown Plaza area, by day

The Plaza, by night

Markus was compelled by the changing colours of hanging fibre optic streams of lights

The view looking up into the fibre optic streams

The weather was gorgeous last weekend, perfect for walking outdoors, so of course there were hundreds of people out and about trying to capture the perfect picture.

Glass Christmas Tree in the Garden Terrace

Just a side note, Japanese are predominately Buddhist and Shinto, and since Christmas is a Christian holiday, it is not considered a national holiday in Japan. In fact, Rodney is scheduled to work on the 25Th of December. However, these days it seems that Christmas has become more of a "Hallmark" holiday in that it gives people reasons to exchange Christmas gifts with each other. Traditionally, most of my Japanese friends buy their children gifts, but not their spouses or parents. Though we'll be here in Japan for the holidays, we intend on continuing our own family traditions. Yes, Rodney and I have already exchanged wishlists!

A closer look of the Milky Way display in the Garden Terrace consists of rows of brilliant blue and white LED lights.

Another spectacular view overlooking the Garden Terrace from the crosswalk

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TOKYO TOWER is the largest structure in all of Japan standing at 333 metres high. The illuminations display consists of 15,000 lights. Based on what I can recall, the set up is very similar, if not exactly the same, as last year's. Joanna and Giancarlo were in town when we toured the Tokyo Tower and holiday display last year.

Taking a breather from all the running around!

This theme is perfect for the toddler who loves trains, Markus included. He enjoyed popping in and out of the train cars and posing for the camera.

We plan to visit several more of the illumination displays all over Tokyo. I just love this time of year and it was so nice coming back to the Tokyo city scene adorned with plenty of beautiful holiday decor.


HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Reuniting felt so good...

All unpacked and back into the swing of things. Markus is finally on a tolerable sleeping pattern and I'm back to my insomniac self. It's been a busy week for Rodney catching up on his workload. It was so great to have him around all day and all night for a week while in Windsor.

Besides all the new Rexall Pharmacies being erected throughout the city, not much else seemed to change in Windsor since our visit last Christmas holiday. Although one of the first things I thought about when we first crossed the Canadian border was my Lola who passed aways last February. When I visited her place of rest, I was overcome with a sense of peace and happiness seeing that both my grandparents were laid to rest adjacent to each other...reunited once again. They will be forever missed.

On a lighter note, I was humoured by how much Markus communicated in Japanese. Often times while babysitting for Markus, my parents as well as Rodney's parents, would wonder what in the world he was saying. Interestingly enough, our families learned some of his usual Japanese phrases. Each morning he greeted everyone in the house by saying "O-ha-yo go-zai-masu". And when he felt in a mannerly mood, his requests would follow with "o-ne-gai-shi-masu" (please). One of his favourite phrases were, "cho-tto-mat-te ku-da-sai-ne". Translated, it means, "Please wait (a while)". Just like in Japan, before and after meals he would say, "I-ta-da-ki-masu" and, "Go-chi-so-sama-desh-ita". It was funny hearing my parents say "a-bu-nai", which means "dangerous", which they said when Markus would begin playing near the treadmill or, try to carry large objects as he walked down the stairs. Markus had an incredible time with his family and new friends. Since we've been back he's constantly referring to his trip to Canada. He was excited to show Keiko-san all his new toys and was able to remember who gave him what. Hopefully he'll retain the memories for a long, long time.

Below, I put together a compilation of more photos. Markus loves looking through the albums over and over again. Honestly, this child enjoys reminiscing as much as I do.

"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.