Round Two

We’re back for what feels like round two in Tokyo. After the wedding I took a giant chill pill and haven’t really done anything communicative in a while. That includes writing this blog. But now that we’re back and settled, I intend to keep a somewhat steady posting flow. I also promise to upload our wedding photos to our flickr account just as soon as we receive them. So stay tuned.

Immigration Bureau of Japan finally pulled me aside and took me into that scary back room I’ve always feared. They explained that I was only allowed to enter the country on a tourist visa twice. Somehow I have made it through five times this year. After threatening to put me back on another US bound plane, they finally gave in, they gave me one last stamp. Here’s to getting my dependent visa before my 90 days is up!

After the airport incident, we made our way back to our apartment. We were happy to be back in Tokyo. It felt great to be home. And for the first time, coming back to Tokyo felt as familiar as taking a trip somewhere in The States. This lasted for a while until my spirits began to take a bit of an emotional dive. It happens here sometimes. Living abroad has its ups and downs. But I have no doubt that the tough times are well worth the experience. Luckily my lows here usually don’t last too long. There were a few key things, which pulled me out of this particular being-abroad-funk.

The weather changed. It’s autumn here now, and it’s beautiful. It’s skirt and jacket weather, and it feels great just being outside. I’m a firm believer that autumn brings out the inner fashionista in most people. Being in Tokyo is fun right now because as the seasons change, so do the styles. I’m really digging some of the cool-weather clothing I'm seeing around town. I started a part-time job teaching. The school is located right here in Azabu-juban (our neighborhood). It’s an international school with kids from all over the world – well mostly Europe, Japan and Australia. I made a great skirt out of some really nice vintage fabric I found in Nakameguro. A successful crafty project is always good for a mood boost. Last, I have a wonderful new husband. He knows how to help pull me out of the low bouts.

Once again I’m really happy to be here in Tokyo. Happy to be living in the moment.

Sky Aquarium

One good thing about living in a big and international city is being able to regularly attend world-class art exhibits. All cities seem to have their own specialties and styles when it comes to art, exhibits and museums. And I’m slowly getting to know the way the scene works here in Tokyo. The approach is ultra modern incorporating a lot of new ideas and experiments. It’s not better or worse from what I’ve seen in NYC, London, or Paris, it’s just different. Many of the shows seem to focus on the experience at the museum, rather than a standard viewing of the artwork. A good example of this is Sky Aquarium, which we checked out last night. Wild, sculptural, water-spouting aquariums were displayed on the top floor of the second tallest skyscraper in Tokyo. The space is also a city viewing area, so windows line the entire floor. As we looked through the aquariums and past the brightly colored tropical fish, we could see the Tokyo skyline. There was a lot of colorful mood lighting, and these incredible jellyfish…

Getting Published

I’m excited; after some fun hard work I’m having a four-page feature article, some photos, and a map (put together with the help of a graphic designer) published in next week’s Metropolis magazine (Japan’s #1 English publication). I met with the editor yesterday to go over the final details of the layout and it looks like we’re good to go. The whole thing is kind of fun for D and me because before we moved, we would sit in our kitchen in Portland and read up on Tokyo by checking out Metropolis magazine online: http://metropolis.co.jp/ (sorry, I still haven't figured out the active link thing). The article is about Yanesen, a large Tokyo neighborhood, which I now know like the back of my hand. Free tour available to all visitors of Casa de Reid.

Post meeting with editor: celebratory sparkly gold shoe purchase...


Thanks Dwayne, Marie-Adele, and Yuko for your help translating!

Cloudy Day Beach Picnic & Hike in Japan

After riding three trains and one bus, we made it to the beach outside of Tokyo. It was a fun adventure; we're always happy exploring new areas. We hiked for three hours up the rocky coast. I think we'll be back once the sun comes out again.

Little Kids on the Subway

I finally got it together and whipped out my camera in time to take a photo of this strange phenomenon. This sweet little boy was riding Tokyo Metro all alone. He’s not the youngest solo rider I’ve seen. I’m talking LITTLE kids ride the subway here alone, all the time. I’ve spotted teeny, tiny four or five year-old girls on the subway. They just cruise along by themselves, little feet dangling off the edge of their seat, playing with toys, making their way through the maze of train stations. It sort of blows my mind that their parents are brave enough to let these kids cruise around like this.

Funny Japanese TV Food Shows

My favorite is when, to make the food look extra delicious, they give whatever they’re eating a big jiggle with their chopsticks or fork. I also like the close shots of people putting food in their mouths and exclaiming, "Oishii desu!"

Return of the One-Dollar Dress

I haven’t owned a clothing article this inexpensive since we used to shop the Goodwill dollar bins in high school. Anyway, I just made this little soft cotton dress out of fabric that cost $1.00 per meter. The fabric is from an area of town here in Tokyo called Nippori Textile Town. It’s basically store after store chalk full of all kinds of super affordable fabric. It’s really a crafter's paradise. Sorry, Kspell, I wish I had discovered it before you came. Next time! Oh, and the stuffed dress lying down was an idea stolen from the boutiques around town.