I can't believe this is my 100th blog published. I thought it would be fun to list 100 things I love about Japan.... maybe with a few pictures, here and there. Food— the food in Japan is insanely good, even from the convenience stores. Sake (Nihon-shu)— a no brainer for anyone who knows me and … Continue reading 100 Things I Love About Japan
At the end of our last trip we spent five days in Tokyo. I didn't blog at all during that time as we were crazy busy, exhausted and trying to squeeze a lot into a few days. Tokyo is busy at the best of times, and when you are trying to cater to everyone's wishes, … Continue reading Five Crazy Days in Tokyo with Four Kids…. Part 1
The first time I came to Japan, I stayed in Osaka for three or four days. I was not a huge fan. I found the trains much more difficult to navigate than those in Tokyo and just the general, overall vibe of the place a little less charming than many other places I have been … Continue reading Sengoku Samurai Heaven… Osaka
So, after wasting a half a day in bed and elsewhere..... I bounced back and we squeezed so much into our day yesterday, my feet are still hurting. Around 25,000 steps of exploration and fun. We started our day at Starbucks in Gion. A tradition for both SSB (Super Sake Boy), the kids and me.... … Continue reading Urban Exploration, Kyoto
Kiyomizu-dera temple is one of the most famous temples in Kyoto. Lancy had planned an afternoon with her friend, Shuko's father, who is a professional potter, and we decided to spend the morning temple strolling and around the old areas of Higashiayama, on our way to her house. It was a perfect day for such … Continue reading Clear Water Temple 清水寺
A not too early traditional Japanese breakfast (yum.... rice, miso, pickles, nori and fish) and we were off exploring again. After a quick Starbucks stop, and the biggest coffee I have ever had, we jumped on the rapid train to Nara. Nara was the original capital of Japan from 710-794, before it was moved to … Continue reading Deer, oh deer
So, a little more than two years later and I am back in Japan. This time with a partner in crime, Super Sake Boy (what could possibly go wrong).... and four teenagers in tow, Ewan, Abby, Mya and Harper. We arrrived on Wednesday, a little dishevelled and tired, having had a 4 and 1/2 hour … Continue reading Serious Sakura
If I had have seen the info graphic on how long different languages take to master before embarking on my language journey, would I have chosen the language which takes longer than any other, by far? Maybe... I like a challenge. I could have become fluent in French, German, Spanish and Italian in the time … Continue reading Climbing Mt. Fuji… Metaphorically
After a bit of a break from blogging, and a bit of a break from travel (I have been very distracted.... thanks, Super Sake Boy ☺️😛) I am happy to report, I am returning to both. Yay. Firstly, my return to blogging. I am very excited to sink my teeth back into writing my blog. … Continue reading Return to Japan and Return to Blogging
The day after we arrived in Japan for the first time Mya and I did a Sushi cooking class in Asakusa. It was an excellent idea (in hindsight) as our beautiful teacher, Yoshimi-Sensei, armed us with some essential local knowledge, including hashi etiquette. Hashi, or chopsticks, are, of course found in many other countries. However, … Continue reading Japanese Etiquette 101- Hashi (Chopsticks)
