Today Mike left for Florence, Italy and left me here in Japan. I wish I was saying "Italy here I come and be ready for me to eat and drink through your city," but I am not. There is just a twinge of jealous and annoyance radiating off of me, but nothing I can do about it.
If this wasn't such a short business trip and one that was literally booked last week, maybe Mike would have considered having a tag along. However, his boss is on this trip and on the same flight, so needless to say, it wouldn't look very good if I was tagging along. I did make a very good case for why I should be allowed to tag along next time:
- I can easily find things to see
- I will not have trouble finding food to eat
- I will enjoy all that Florence has to offer
- I maybe slightly tipsy when Mike is done with meetings (ok, maybe not so good)
- he doesn't have to worry about me
Anywho, I'm alone for the week, but have a variety of things to do, so I don't think it will be a problem. Let's hope he brings back some leather goods for me especially since he took my kindle with him!
Ciao!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
TENGU AND SETSUBUN FESTIVAL
So yesterday I went to the Tengu and Setsbun festival in Shimokitazawa.
Setsubun is the "mamemaki" or bean-throwing ceremony where people throw beans to get rid of bad luck and bring new luck. Here is an excerpt about it:
"Based on the lunar calendar, Setsubun is the day before spring starts and is celebrated on Feb 3 or 4 in temples and homes all over Japan. The objective is to drive out the bad luck and bring in the new. You shout "Oni wa soto" (out demon) and "Fuku wa uchi" (in luck) and throw beans at them."
The tengu (red mask) is suppose to be like the super hero who helps you get rid of the bad luck. Although, the mask is pretty scary looking. You throw the beans at the "devil."
I first walked along with a group of kids who were parading around the city streets. In certain areas, "devils" would appear and the kids would start throwing the beans at them. Here are just a few pictures:
After this, I walked over to the shrine, where the real parade was going to happen. I got there before it started and got some great pictures of the people coming down to get in their positions for the parade. I even got the pictures of the Tengu, himself and maybe a bodyguard...but check out the shoes on these guys.
And this was my favorite picture because you could actual see the beans being thrown.
The festival was really fun and where else will you find such things. I will upload all the photos and suggest you look at them if you can. They are funny and you can get a better idea of what the festival looked like. The actual Setsubun is on Thursday and I will be attending. My only complaint about this festival is that it is definitely not the start of spring as it has been getting colder and colder here.
Setsubun is the "mamemaki" or bean-throwing ceremony where people throw beans to get rid of bad luck and bring new luck. Here is an excerpt about it:
"Based on the lunar calendar, Setsubun is the day before spring starts and is celebrated on Feb 3 or 4 in temples and homes all over Japan. The objective is to drive out the bad luck and bring in the new. You shout "Oni wa soto" (out demon) and "Fuku wa uchi" (in luck) and throw beans at them."
The tengu (red mask) is suppose to be like the super hero who helps you get rid of the bad luck. Although, the mask is pretty scary looking. You throw the beans at the "devil."
I first walked along with a group of kids who were parading around the city streets. In certain areas, "devils" would appear and the kids would start throwing the beans at them. Here are just a few pictures:
After this, I walked over to the shrine, where the real parade was going to happen. I got there before it started and got some great pictures of the people coming down to get in their positions for the parade. I even got the pictures of the Tengu, himself and maybe a bodyguard...but check out the shoes on these guys.
And this was my favorite picture because you could actual see the beans being thrown.
The festival was really fun and where else will you find such things. I will upload all the photos and suggest you look at them if you can. They are funny and you can get a better idea of what the festival looked like. The actual Setsubun is on Thursday and I will be attending. My only complaint about this festival is that it is definitely not the start of spring as it has been getting colder and colder here.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Luncheon and Hacking
Oh what a Wednesday I had. Stupid hackers. As most of you know, I was hacked on Wednesday as my email address sent out a very poorly written email stating my distress and need for money. Thank you to everyone who informed me of the problem. I did receive funny replies from some of you and appreciated it. If the hacking had happened any other day, I would have been fine, but it happened on the day of the monthly luncheon, which I am in charge of and needed to be there early to ensure it went smoothly. Plus, it was my first luncheon as manager and it was being held as the first event in a new facility. UGH. Anywho, I worked everything out, so you should be receiving emails from just me, but it does take me like 5 minutes to log into anything that requies a password because I had to change every single one.
On to the luncheon...It actually turned out really well and I was glad we had such a good attendance. For this position, I have a Japanese partner/co-manager who helps me out. I think we are going to work wonderfully together, especially since our first luncheon went smoothly. Our job is to take care of reservations, payment for the luncheon, checking in and distributing menu cards, as well as informing the catering people on the amount/number of plates. Its a job that suits my personality well, especially because you have to be a stickler about certain things, which as you all know, I can certainly do!
Luncheon events are socializing, lunch, followed by some sort of lecture or performance, which has some cultural component to it. For this month, our coordinators asked the Hanayagi brothers from the famous dance academy in Tokyo to come and perform for us. I had never seen this form of dance and was very excited about the program. It was actually really good and one of those things that I wouldn't do/see by myself, especially since Mike isn't into certain arts. Anywho, it was a great program.
Here is a video of the brothers dancing. Its a bit far, but you get the picture. The video is about 1 minute long, so you can see more more than just a quick snipit of it.
Yay for the luncheon being over and it going so well. BOOOOOO, plus lots of other words, to the hacker in Egypt who caused me unnecessary grief.
On to the luncheon...It actually turned out really well and I was glad we had such a good attendance. For this position, I have a Japanese partner/co-manager who helps me out. I think we are going to work wonderfully together, especially since our first luncheon went smoothly. Our job is to take care of reservations, payment for the luncheon, checking in and distributing menu cards, as well as informing the catering people on the amount/number of plates. Its a job that suits my personality well, especially because you have to be a stickler about certain things, which as you all know, I can certainly do!
Luncheon events are socializing, lunch, followed by some sort of lecture or performance, which has some cultural component to it. For this month, our coordinators asked the Hanayagi brothers from the famous dance academy in Tokyo to come and perform for us. I had never seen this form of dance and was very excited about the program. It was actually really good and one of those things that I wouldn't do/see by myself, especially since Mike isn't into certain arts. Anywho, it was a great program.
Here is a video of the brothers dancing. Its a bit far, but you get the picture. The video is about 1 minute long, so you can see more more than just a quick snipit of it.
Yay for the luncheon being over and it going so well. BOOOOOO, plus lots of other words, to the hacker in Egypt who caused me unnecessary grief.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Roast Chicken
There are always culinary excursions in my kitchen, just because. So on Sunday I decided to roast a whole chicken in our oven. I have never roasted a whole chicken before and figured there wasn't much to it. I did check out a few recipes on how to do it and mixed them together. I started out with rubbing butter on the chicken, followed by the seasoning mix I conjured up and then stuffing the inside with onion, garlic, bay leaf, and thyme.
Of course I had to hold it up by its legs for fun, even though I look some what scary in the picture.
Next it went into the oven and started roasting. Our oven actually has a roasting setting, which is great and it only took about 45 minutes to an hour to cook. Some recipes said it would take longer, but we're glad it didn't. During the cooking process, I constantly basted the chicken, so it would stay moist especially since Mike very clearly stated he did not want dry chicken.
Here I am taking it out of the oven.
The finished product, before we hacked into it.
Our table setting with the chicken in multiple pieces along with cauliflower, green beans, and of course, the wine!
Bon appetit!
Of course I had to hold it up by its legs for fun, even though I look some what scary in the picture.
Next it went into the oven and started roasting. Our oven actually has a roasting setting, which is great and it only took about 45 minutes to an hour to cook. Some recipes said it would take longer, but we're glad it didn't. During the cooking process, I constantly basted the chicken, so it would stay moist especially since Mike very clearly stated he did not want dry chicken.
Here I am taking it out of the oven.
The finished product, before we hacked into it.
Our table setting with the chicken in multiple pieces along with cauliflower, green beans, and of course, the wine!
Bon appetit!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Shinjuku and Izakaya
On Tuesday, Greg and Julie went out to venture the city. They did quite alot, but then we all met up for dinner. We went to Shibuya, another large, lights galore area, with the biggest crossing. Julie and Greg picked a great place, Tengu, an izakaya place to eat at. It's basically Japanese tapas and we all ordered some good stuff except for the cream cheese that Greg ordered! After dinner, we headed to the bar for a few after dinner drinks!
On Wednesday, I joined Julied and Greg on a tour of Shinjuku, which is an area around Tokyo. I don't like to go to Shinjuku because it scares me. Here are some facts and reasons why:
- the largest train station in the world
- 3.6 Million people use this station in 1 day
- the architecture in and around the station is amazing
I actually liked the tour and was glad I joined them. I'm not as scared to go there, and have been there like three times before, but with very strict and direct directions. I think I'll take a personal tour one of these days and see what else there is.
Here are some pictures of the buildings and for any architecture gurus, you should definitely come and see this area.
Anywho, on Thursday, Greg and Julie left for the next part of their. We were glad they came to visit and hope they enjoyed themselves.
On Wednesday, I joined Julied and Greg on a tour of Shinjuku, which is an area around Tokyo. I don't like to go to Shinjuku because it scares me. Here are some facts and reasons why:
- the largest train station in the world
- 3.6 Million people use this station in 1 day
- the architecture in and around the station is amazing
I actually liked the tour and was glad I joined them. I'm not as scared to go there, and have been there like three times before, but with very strict and direct directions. I think I'll take a personal tour one of these days and see what else there is.
Here are some pictures of the buildings and for any architecture gurus, you should definitely come and see this area.
Anywho, on Thursday, Greg and Julie left for the next part of their. We were glad they came to visit and hope they enjoyed themselves.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
First visitors of the year
Yay for visitors and we had some early this time. Our first visitors were Greg and Julie. Greg, or as Mike refers to him Rieker, and Jule made a stop in Japan before heading on to the rest of their vacation spots. They were only here for a short time, but they made most of the time and we made sure they enjoyed all the food that Tokyo has to offer.
After picking them up at the hotel and they settled in, we headed out to enjoy Tokyo. Their first meal, okonomiyaki, a crepe like pancake filled with sprouts, cabbage, egg, and the meat of your choice. This place was also do it yourself, which is always fun.
Next we headed to karaoke b/c its something you have to do while in Tokyo. They were skeptical at first, but then really liked it once they realized it would only be the 4 of us in a room. Less pressure! There definitely was a Rolla shout out as Mike and Greg sang to Ring of Fire. This picture was also taken by the karaoke guy, who gave us 4 free copies courtesy of the karaoke bar.
So on Monday, we went to see Sumo. Who knew someone could like sumo so much, but Greg is that person and enjoyed every single match. It was nice to go with someone who was so enthusiastic since it made us more excited, but 5 hours of sumo is enough for me!
Greg and Julie holding up our the free coupon for coffee at McD. We all got one
The ceremony thing they do after everyone is announced.
ACTION!
After picking them up at the hotel and they settled in, we headed out to enjoy Tokyo. Their first meal, okonomiyaki, a crepe like pancake filled with sprouts, cabbage, egg, and the meat of your choice. This place was also do it yourself, which is always fun.
Next we headed to karaoke b/c its something you have to do while in Tokyo. They were skeptical at first, but then really liked it once they realized it would only be the 4 of us in a room. Less pressure! There definitely was a Rolla shout out as Mike and Greg sang to Ring of Fire. This picture was also taken by the karaoke guy, who gave us 4 free copies courtesy of the karaoke bar.
So on Monday, we went to see Sumo. Who knew someone could like sumo so much, but Greg is that person and enjoyed every single match. It was nice to go with someone who was so enthusiastic since it made us more excited, but 5 hours of sumo is enough for me!
Greg and Julie holding up our the free coupon for coffee at McD. We all got one
The ceremony thing they do after everyone is announced.
ACTION!
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Happy New Year
See you later 2010, and welcome 2011.
Its been a great year for Mike and I, particularly the fact that we finally got to live together again, as an actual husband and wife. This is year was filled with ups and downs for me. Moving and adjusting was a big change, as well as trying to find things to do and friends to hang out with. I successfully managed to make it through everything and am glad!
As you all know, we will be staying in Tokyo for another 2 years and I have multiply things lined up for the year. I have taken the position of Luncheon coordinator for the organization I joined, so that will keep me busy for a few days a month. I will continue to take Japanese lessons and add in Ikebana. I am going to try to find a part time job or full time one if that works out. I will also add some more volunteer work.
Here's to 2011 and all that it will bring. May this year bring more than last year to all of you!
Its been a great year for Mike and I, particularly the fact that we finally got to live together again, as an actual husband and wife. This is year was filled with ups and downs for me. Moving and adjusting was a big change, as well as trying to find things to do and friends to hang out with. I successfully managed to make it through everything and am glad!
As you all know, we will be staying in Tokyo for another 2 years and I have multiply things lined up for the year. I have taken the position of Luncheon coordinator for the organization I joined, so that will keep me busy for a few days a month. I will continue to take Japanese lessons and add in Ikebana. I am going to try to find a part time job or full time one if that works out. I will also add some more volunteer work.
Here's to 2011 and all that it will bring. May this year bring more than last year to all of you!
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