KUMPAI...Cheers to 2009...The Year of the COW.
It is now New Years Day here in Japan and it is about 8:30 am and I just got back from watching the first sun rise of 2009.
Yesterday we took the train northwest of Tokyo and climbed Mt Takao. It was a long,uphill hike with lots of slopes, and many a staircase which led up to the different temples and shrines along the way. It was a very interesting and colorful hike, with all the New Years arrows, door decorations, amulets, stacked rice cake balls with oranges, etc...on the alters and for sale at each of the locations.
At the summit we looked across the valley and beyond the different hues of blue mountains and had a great view of the snow covered dome of Mt. Fuji. Beautiful!!! We sat there on a stone wall and had a little snack lunch while basking in the warm sunshine and then we made our way down a more scenic trail. We enjoyed walking through the woods on a very moist and narrow path alongside a babbling brook.
At the bottom of the MT and near the train station we watched some men rolling out dough to make soba noodles which are the New Years traditional food. We then made our way back home on the train where we had our own homemade soba noodles for long life, along with some pot stickers and shrimp/veggie tempura paddies. It was quite tasty actually.
After dinner we went to the neighborhood Buddha temple which we just found the other day on a walk around Yamate-cho. I knew there was one in that general direction, but I could never tell which little alleyway or staircase lead to it.
We watched and kept warm by the very BIG, hot and smoky bonfire where the Japanese burn their last years new years decorations, old wood plaques from the graveyards... while listening to some chanting and prayers from the monks before the ceremony began to ring the big bell 108 times to wipe away ones sins of the past year.
There were many people lined up to take there shot at ringing the bell and others lined up to drop some coins and say a prayer, buy an aumulet, arrow, decorated door spray, 2009 New Years COW Decoration of some sort.
It was a very interesting to see all the different generations gathered in one place and to see how they each celebrated this evening according to the times. The older folks were much more sedate, and conservatively dressed with a few women in kimonos and right next to her was a young gal in fishnet stockings, black boots, mini skirt and she and her friends were drinking,very talkative, taking pics and having a good ole time...
We then made our way up and down the bluff and then across the snowflake bridge over the canal and into Chinatown. Sadly we got there right after the dragon and lion parade ended. We were in front of the shrine as the parade guys with their sparkly pants and papermache lion heads were returning to their storage area. Darn ...to hard to be 3 places at the same time. We did hear lots of fireworks though and one bowl some young kid lit off right in the middle of the road about 10 feet from us, made me feel like I went deaf for a moment..it was so LOUD and it left my ears ringing for about 15 minutes after.
We walked through the very busy streets and then made our way over to the Shinto Shrine of my friends from the school and watched as a samller crowd paid their respects at the alter, kept wartm around avery controlled small bonfire in old barrels. It was watched over by about 25 men all decked out in their blue Yokohama fire dept jackets. So interesting to see them all there with the small contained barrel of embers and then to think of the HUGE one at the temple and one little garden hose laying on the ground in case of and emergency.
The cute little ladies of the shrine were serving some of that hot sweet rice milk and so we enjoyed a small taste before coming back home for our other flavored mochi cremes.
We decided to stop by Laser Rush and see Leo and Pauline who we ran into earlier on the train back from the MT. We had one drink at their pub to ring out 2008 and in 2009. We then slowly made our way up the last set of stairs for the year. WOW..I have never climbed so many stairs in one day and I was very glad to take a nice hot shower before going to bed for a few hours of sleep.
I was in bed at 2:30am or so and then up a few hours later to go and watch the first sunrise of the New Year. Kalen and CJ decided to watch it from home, but Mike and I ventured out into the cold and very crisp morning air and over to Harbor View Park to see the sunrise. We were not alone as many gather for this very special Japanese New Years Day Tradition. I took many a photo from different angles and view points as the sun in a bakl of golden light rose up from the horizon and above the tree tops. Then as I walked home Icaught another glimpse of a very statly snow covered Mt Fuji-san in the Yokohama sklyine. WOW what a beautiful start to a New Year in Japan. I am so looking forward to what this new year will bring and can't wait to find out what adventures are in store for CJ and I as we continue our life here in Asia.
Cheers to 2009...Kumpai
My New Years resolution is to learn more Japanese and to take advantage of new opportunites and times here with CJ
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Friday, December 26, 2008
Merry Christmas 2008 from Harriman's in Japan
Merry Christmas to all.....
Sorry I have gotten a bit behind on my posts here, as we have been very busy and covering lots of ground here in Japan.
Christmas Day was spent with the family at home and having the usual breakfast of oranges and sweetbread. This year mandarin oranges replaced the usual naval and apple cake took the place of Grandma Solvei's Swedish Tearing.
We then opened silly gifts from our stockings while enjoying family favorites I imported from America. Reeces Peanut Butter Bells, M&M Peanut candies,Old fashioned Creme Drops and Snickers.
A few little gifts were opened and then to wrap up the festivities the annual scavenger hunt which has the kids running up and down the stairs from room to room and outside to find the next clue and then the grand gift at the end. They always seem to enjoy the opportunity to be like little kids again and CJ and I enjoy watching them giggle, laugh, smile and try to decipher my scribbling.
Next we made our way out into the sunshine and to explore Yokohama. We walked past lots of Japanese tourists out and about to see the Mansion halls decorated with balls of holly and red and green ornaments, Christmas Trees....
A crystal clear view of the harbor we had and then some fun down the bluff at Yamashita Park watching a juggler who had many a young asian toddler and adults as well transfixed by his firey stick tossing and a little game of rugby too.
A walk out onto the International Pier where 2 big cruise ships were docked and wher we found a spot to have a quick bite to eat as we watched the sunset over Yokohama and the beginning of the light show where neon lights at the amusement park lit up the ferris wheel and other rides.
A look at a Japanese photo display, stop at Mike's Favorite Snoopy Store and a peek at the decorated Christmas tree at Queens Square and Landmark Tower before returning for our homemade Christmas dinner. CJ grilled some delicious savory salmon steaks to go with our green beans, squash, salad and Christmas Cake of course. We found one at the pier for $10 and they even threw in 2 bottles of sparkling soda and a CD.
It was an enjoyable day and we are thankful the kids and Mike could be here with CJ and I.
....and to all a good night
Karla and the reindeer gang
Sorry I have gotten a bit behind on my posts here, as we have been very busy and covering lots of ground here in Japan.
Christmas Day was spent with the family at home and having the usual breakfast of oranges and sweetbread. This year mandarin oranges replaced the usual naval and apple cake took the place of Grandma Solvei's Swedish Tearing.
We then opened silly gifts from our stockings while enjoying family favorites I imported from America. Reeces Peanut Butter Bells, M&M Peanut candies,Old fashioned Creme Drops and Snickers.
A few little gifts were opened and then to wrap up the festivities the annual scavenger hunt which has the kids running up and down the stairs from room to room and outside to find the next clue and then the grand gift at the end. They always seem to enjoy the opportunity to be like little kids again and CJ and I enjoy watching them giggle, laugh, smile and try to decipher my scribbling.
Next we made our way out into the sunshine and to explore Yokohama. We walked past lots of Japanese tourists out and about to see the Mansion halls decorated with balls of holly and red and green ornaments, Christmas Trees....
A crystal clear view of the harbor we had and then some fun down the bluff at Yamashita Park watching a juggler who had many a young asian toddler and adults as well transfixed by his firey stick tossing and a little game of rugby too.
A walk out onto the International Pier where 2 big cruise ships were docked and wher we found a spot to have a quick bite to eat as we watched the sunset over Yokohama and the beginning of the light show where neon lights at the amusement park lit up the ferris wheel and other rides.
A look at a Japanese photo display, stop at Mike's Favorite Snoopy Store and a peek at the decorated Christmas tree at Queens Square and Landmark Tower before returning for our homemade Christmas dinner. CJ grilled some delicious savory salmon steaks to go with our green beans, squash, salad and Christmas Cake of course. We found one at the pier for $10 and they even threw in 2 bottles of sparkling soda and a CD.
It was an enjoyable day and we are thankful the kids and Mike could be here with CJ and I.
....and to all a good night
Karla and the reindeer gang
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Happy Christmas Eve from Japan
Hi All
Well it is actually Dec 26th here in Japan, but we have been so busy the last few days I have not had time to jot down anything till now.
Everyone is sleeping in or doing their own thing this morning so I will take a few minutes to get you up to date on all the happenings here in Japan.
Christmas Eve day we met CJ at the Ramen Museum for lunch. We enjoyed some very garlicy ramen as well as some miso based and soy sauce based soups. It was no joke that we lost our noodle as we legally slurped our hot and savory soups and enjoyed some egg like looking sweet cakes after.
We then made our way up to Shinbuya, Tokyo to see the Akihabara Electric town and all the electronics, lights, colorful signs... First we spent an hour or so in the Club Sega game pavilion where Mikey, Kalen and the Harriman Boyz tried their hand at a few racing games. I walked around and looked at all the Manga posters, books and figurines. I hoped to see lots of girls dressed in their maid costumes,but we saw more santas and 1 reindeer than anything else.
The Santas I ran into, were passing out little cards of a NEW Manga charcter who's Birthday it was today. I guess everyone here likes to dress up like Santa as many a store had employees dressed in the red and white outfits as they tried to hawk and sell their numerous wares. I can not believe the high inventory all these stores here hold on their shelves. Yikes !
We then wandered the streets and made our way to the train station and over to the Shinjuku area of Tokyo. As darkness fell over Tokyo the skies lit up with many a neon sign,and we saw many a Christmas tree light,stars twinkling,snowflakes a glow as we walked through the 2008 Shinjuku Light show at Times Square. Was so fun to watch the faces of surprise on young and old as they pressed a button and watched the color change on the very lacy looking gazebo.
We walked up and down some more streets and as the cool wind blew I wondered how these girls in their short shorts and boots of all varieties and styles kept their bare legs warm. I was a bit chilly even though I was bundled up in my gloves,turtle neck, tights under my jeans, scarf, jacket...and was still a bit chilly. Interesting Christmas apparel I'd say.
We finally found a little restaurant that served pork cutlet and so we entered the bottom floor of this building to have our Christmas Dinner of some very sweet and savory specially prepared pork cutlet, with cabbage salad, brown rice and pickled veggies.
After dinner we made our way back home on the numerous different subways and trains and had a night cap of sake and some fancy cakes flavored with mango, carmel and chocolate banana before laying our heads to bed so Santa could get down to business.
Konbonwa
Karla and the reindeer gang
Well it is actually Dec 26th here in Japan, but we have been so busy the last few days I have not had time to jot down anything till now.
Everyone is sleeping in or doing their own thing this morning so I will take a few minutes to get you up to date on all the happenings here in Japan.
Christmas Eve day we met CJ at the Ramen Museum for lunch. We enjoyed some very garlicy ramen as well as some miso based and soy sauce based soups. It was no joke that we lost our noodle as we legally slurped our hot and savory soups and enjoyed some egg like looking sweet cakes after.
We then made our way up to Shinbuya, Tokyo to see the Akihabara Electric town and all the electronics, lights, colorful signs... First we spent an hour or so in the Club Sega game pavilion where Mikey, Kalen and the Harriman Boyz tried their hand at a few racing games. I walked around and looked at all the Manga posters, books and figurines. I hoped to see lots of girls dressed in their maid costumes,but we saw more santas and 1 reindeer than anything else.
The Santas I ran into, were passing out little cards of a NEW Manga charcter who's Birthday it was today. I guess everyone here likes to dress up like Santa as many a store had employees dressed in the red and white outfits as they tried to hawk and sell their numerous wares. I can not believe the high inventory all these stores here hold on their shelves. Yikes !
We then wandered the streets and made our way to the train station and over to the Shinjuku area of Tokyo. As darkness fell over Tokyo the skies lit up with many a neon sign,and we saw many a Christmas tree light,stars twinkling,snowflakes a glow as we walked through the 2008 Shinjuku Light show at Times Square. Was so fun to watch the faces of surprise on young and old as they pressed a button and watched the color change on the very lacy looking gazebo.
We walked up and down some more streets and as the cool wind blew I wondered how these girls in their short shorts and boots of all varieties and styles kept their bare legs warm. I was a bit chilly even though I was bundled up in my gloves,turtle neck, tights under my jeans, scarf, jacket...and was still a bit chilly. Interesting Christmas apparel I'd say.
We finally found a little restaurant that served pork cutlet and so we entered the bottom floor of this building to have our Christmas Dinner of some very sweet and savory specially prepared pork cutlet, with cabbage salad, brown rice and pickled veggies.
After dinner we made our way back home on the numerous different subways and trains and had a night cap of sake and some fancy cakes flavored with mango, carmel and chocolate banana before laying our heads to bed so Santa could get down to business.
Konbonwa
Karla and the reindeer gang
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
It's Christmas Eve Day in Japan Dec 24th, 2008
Merry Christmas Eve to all of you...it is Dec 24th here in Japan
I am once again awake early and the "young adults" are all still nestled asleep on their Japanese futon beds with visions of more Jumbo-cho's I'm sure, dancing in their heads... They were up late waiting for CJ to return from a very important work party at Asia's biggest distributor for Graco here in Japan. It was a GREAT HONOR for CJ to be invited and so he and Tad from work did not pass on the opportunity.
Monday CJ and Graham got up early and ran down by Yokohama harbor and Yamashita park before CJ headed to work.Later Graham and I went on a shopping spree to buy him a futon bed and to stock up on food for when we all gather together on Wednesday night. We had quite a work out carrying all the goodies up the big long sets of steps. My legs,lower back and shoulders I'm finding this morning are a bit out of shape. I can tell my body has missed the daily walking/carrying I get here, while I rode in the car for the last 2 months back in MN. UGH!
Who knows...perhaps if I am a good BIG Momma...Kalen who is now an offical Graduate from Cortiva Institute of Massage might give me a little body massage? Now that I think,... would be the best Christmas present ever, besides my family all being here together after one long year apart...hint...hint.
Graham has been in hog heaven as he watches many a Rugby match on TV while chillin and getting caught up on his jet lag. I too got through a bunch of paperwork and mail that had accumulated over the last 2 months and it felt good to get a bit organized once again. Monday night CJ made Graham one of his favorite potsticker and sticky white rice meals and they washed it down with a few different Japanese beers.
Tuesday the guys went for another morning run through Chinatown and past Yokohama Stadium. After breakfast we all headed in a different direction and down to the Canterbury store so Grambo could look over all the Rugby jerseys, hats, balls, shirts... We then made our way down the very busy and festive Motomachi shopping street where many a Japanese shopper was out and about on this National Holiday. You see the Japanese folks are BIG savers of their money, and so the govt has made many a National Holiday so that people will get out and spend their money. December 23rd is the Emperor's Birthday and many were doing just that buying stuff left and right.
Next we found ourselves at Don Quixotes so the guys could stock up on a variety of Japanese Beers and Sake. Graham thought parts of the "fully loaded with inventory" shop looked like a Japanese Spencer Gifts type store. I get dizzy just looking at all the stuff in there, but the prices are good though,and so I do go there quite often.
We then made our way back home and up another new set of steps, ate some lunch before CJ was off on the Shinkansen Bullet Train with Tad to the party down south in Nagoya. After the rugby game was over, Graham and I took another walk down the other side of the bluff to do more shopping and to see the mom and pop district of shops. He met my pal Charlie the produce man while I loaded up on a bunch of different veggies and then got some rice crackers at the Gruppe Honomoku store.
We walked back through the side streets and took pics of Holiday decorations, flowers, architecture and then caught a little bit of an outdoor Holiday concert at one of the western mansions in the park at the end of our street. Back home Graham watched more Rugby and I made some dinner preparations for when Kalen and Mike showed up later in the eve.
Kalen called to tell us she made it throught customs and that they were now getting on the 5:20pm Narita Express. Graham and I made our way back to Canterbury's so he could get his rugby ball. Yep, he couldn't even wait till Christmas. We then walked through a very busy and colorful Chinatown, bought Kalen some delicious coconut macaroon tarts and then we were off to the subway to go meet her and Michael at the RR station. More Jumbo-cho's were purchased for dessert and reward after a very looooooooong travel day.
Back home we had spaghetti dinner. Ok so it isn't really a Japanese meal, but it does have noodles. haha CJ will be the cook of more traditional Japanese fare while the kids are here, I will keep with my American style and flava. For dessert we had a ZEN like moment when eating the Jumbo-cho's we always talk about and happily the kids agreed they are Delicious !!! YUM YUM YUM !!
Then I was off to bed and the youngin's waited for CJ to return home. The kids are now all waking up on the morn of the 24th and CJ is back to work for 1/2 a day. We will have some breakfast and then make our way to see his work, the Ramen Museum for lunch and then up to see Cos play and Manga dressed folks in the Akihabara area of Tokyo. We too hope to see holiday decorations before they are all taken down and preparations for the NEW YEAR are made after Christmas.
More soon about our advenutures in Colorful Tokyo
Karla and family
I am once again awake early and the "young adults" are all still nestled asleep on their Japanese futon beds with visions of more Jumbo-cho's I'm sure, dancing in their heads... They were up late waiting for CJ to return from a very important work party at Asia's biggest distributor for Graco here in Japan. It was a GREAT HONOR for CJ to be invited and so he and Tad from work did not pass on the opportunity.
Monday CJ and Graham got up early and ran down by Yokohama harbor and Yamashita park before CJ headed to work.Later Graham and I went on a shopping spree to buy him a futon bed and to stock up on food for when we all gather together on Wednesday night. We had quite a work out carrying all the goodies up the big long sets of steps. My legs,lower back and shoulders I'm finding this morning are a bit out of shape. I can tell my body has missed the daily walking/carrying I get here, while I rode in the car for the last 2 months back in MN. UGH!
Who knows...perhaps if I am a good BIG Momma...Kalen who is now an offical Graduate from Cortiva Institute of Massage might give me a little body massage? Now that I think,... would be the best Christmas present ever, besides my family all being here together after one long year apart...hint...hint.
Graham has been in hog heaven as he watches many a Rugby match on TV while chillin and getting caught up on his jet lag. I too got through a bunch of paperwork and mail that had accumulated over the last 2 months and it felt good to get a bit organized once again. Monday night CJ made Graham one of his favorite potsticker and sticky white rice meals and they washed it down with a few different Japanese beers.
Tuesday the guys went for another morning run through Chinatown and past Yokohama Stadium. After breakfast we all headed in a different direction and down to the Canterbury store so Grambo could look over all the Rugby jerseys, hats, balls, shirts... We then made our way down the very busy and festive Motomachi shopping street where many a Japanese shopper was out and about on this National Holiday. You see the Japanese folks are BIG savers of their money, and so the govt has made many a National Holiday so that people will get out and spend their money. December 23rd is the Emperor's Birthday and many were doing just that buying stuff left and right.
Next we found ourselves at Don Quixotes so the guys could stock up on a variety of Japanese Beers and Sake. Graham thought parts of the "fully loaded with inventory" shop looked like a Japanese Spencer Gifts type store. I get dizzy just looking at all the stuff in there, but the prices are good though,and so I do go there quite often.
We then made our way back home and up another new set of steps, ate some lunch before CJ was off on the Shinkansen Bullet Train with Tad to the party down south in Nagoya. After the rugby game was over, Graham and I took another walk down the other side of the bluff to do more shopping and to see the mom and pop district of shops. He met my pal Charlie the produce man while I loaded up on a bunch of different veggies and then got some rice crackers at the Gruppe Honomoku store.
We walked back through the side streets and took pics of Holiday decorations, flowers, architecture and then caught a little bit of an outdoor Holiday concert at one of the western mansions in the park at the end of our street. Back home Graham watched more Rugby and I made some dinner preparations for when Kalen and Mike showed up later in the eve.
Kalen called to tell us she made it throught customs and that they were now getting on the 5:20pm Narita Express. Graham and I made our way back to Canterbury's so he could get his rugby ball. Yep, he couldn't even wait till Christmas. We then walked through a very busy and colorful Chinatown, bought Kalen some delicious coconut macaroon tarts and then we were off to the subway to go meet her and Michael at the RR station. More Jumbo-cho's were purchased for dessert and reward after a very looooooooong travel day.
Back home we had spaghetti dinner. Ok so it isn't really a Japanese meal, but it does have noodles. haha CJ will be the cook of more traditional Japanese fare while the kids are here, I will keep with my American style and flava. For dessert we had a ZEN like moment when eating the Jumbo-cho's we always talk about and happily the kids agreed they are Delicious !!! YUM YUM YUM !!
Then I was off to bed and the youngin's waited for CJ to return home. The kids are now all waking up on the morn of the 24th and CJ is back to work for 1/2 a day. We will have some breakfast and then make our way to see his work, the Ramen Museum for lunch and then up to see Cos play and Manga dressed folks in the Akihabara area of Tokyo. We too hope to see holiday decorations before they are all taken down and preparations for the NEW YEAR are made after Christmas.
More soon about our advenutures in Colorful Tokyo
Karla and family
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Back in Japan and out of the snowy cold weather
Ohayogozaimous
It is about 10:3am on Dec 22nd and I finally arrived back home last night to a balmy 66 degree Japan.We had a major snow storm blowing through Mpls when we were leaving and so got a bit of a delay as they shoveled off the runway. CJ, I and Graham are here now and Kalen/Mike will arrive tomorrow on the 23rd from snowy and cold Chicagoland. We are looking forward to regrouping and to see how they celebrate Christmas and New Years here Japanese style.
For those who don't know. I have been in MN since October 27th and helping my mom and dad. My dad was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor and Non Hodgkins B Lymphoma back on Oct 6th and had surgery to remove the tumor Oct 10th. I went back to help get him to and from his 25 radiation and numerous other doctor visits.
Dad came though all that with flying colors and graduated on Dec 17th with cake and congrats from all the girls at the clinic. I have kept all abreast who are interested in that info on this Caring Bridge site here
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/bernardmslick ...so check it out if you want to know more. I too will add to it when I make phone calls back home and see what is going on with them. Lisa will also write her perspective from MN.
I am now hoping to get back on this blogsite to give you updates here on what life is like in Japan during the winter months. Today it is almost 68 degrees, sunny and clear. Maybe we will see Mt Fuji-san when we head out on our errands. CJ has seen it already as you can see on the attached photo.
I am unpacking,making up my grocery list, organizing some papers and checking out stuff on my computer. Graham and CJ went for an early morning run down along the harbor before CJ headed to work and now Grambo is waiting for me and chillin while watching rugby on TV.
We will head out on the town to get a few things at the store this afternoon, as it is a national holiday tomorrow so I am not to sure what is open. It is the Emerpors Birthday on Dec 23rd.
More later.
It is about 10:3am on Dec 22nd and I finally arrived back home last night to a balmy 66 degree Japan.We had a major snow storm blowing through Mpls when we were leaving and so got a bit of a delay as they shoveled off the runway. CJ, I and Graham are here now and Kalen/Mike will arrive tomorrow on the 23rd from snowy and cold Chicagoland. We are looking forward to regrouping and to see how they celebrate Christmas and New Years here Japanese style.
For those who don't know. I have been in MN since October 27th and helping my mom and dad. My dad was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor and Non Hodgkins B Lymphoma back on Oct 6th and had surgery to remove the tumor Oct 10th. I went back to help get him to and from his 25 radiation and numerous other doctor visits.
Dad came though all that with flying colors and graduated on Dec 17th with cake and congrats from all the girls at the clinic. I have kept all abreast who are interested in that info on this Caring Bridge site here
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/bernardmslick ...so check it out if you want to know more. I too will add to it when I make phone calls back home and see what is going on with them. Lisa will also write her perspective from MN.
I am now hoping to get back on this blogsite to give you updates here on what life is like in Japan during the winter months. Today it is almost 68 degrees, sunny and clear. Maybe we will see Mt Fuji-san when we head out on our errands. CJ has seen it already as you can see on the attached photo.
I am unpacking,making up my grocery list, organizing some papers and checking out stuff on my computer. Graham and CJ went for an early morning run down along the harbor before CJ headed to work and now Grambo is waiting for me and chillin while watching rugby on TV.
We will head out on the town to get a few things at the store this afternoon, as it is a national holiday tomorrow so I am not to sure what is open. It is the Emerpors Birthday on Dec 23rd.
More later.
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