Home-to-stay?

Last weekend Emily, Gretchen, Laura and myself had a girly sleepover ^_^.

During the day I headed to Osu Kannon with hopes that the Lolita dress that I had spotted while with Mum though did not have the monies to purchase at the time, would still be there. No luck. Did however have a good wander around the shops before heading to Hongo to meet Laura to travel to Kinjo University.

Laura made cookie monster cupcakes ( inspired by my cookie monster shirt, I think). Because she was lacking some of the ingredients, Laura needed to substitute a number of them including using coconut milk instead of cow milk, though despite this they were absolutely delicious!

We played Cards Against Humanity and Truth or Dare, which turned out to be more truth with no dares proposed. Nails were painted (mine were kinshyachi colour) , cupcakes eaten and topics discussed. Was good to talk about some of our shared experiences in Japan as well as my weight issues which have been getting be down quite a bit recently.

Sleep was had though for me it was brief as the BBQ at Agui with my previous host family started at 11:30. Usually getting to Agui does not take too long, though just in case my brain refused to remember how to get there, extra time was given to the task. Breakfast was at Starbucks Kanayama and I had a caramel latte, for sentimental reasons. <3

懐かしい夏のお菓子 - Natsukashii natsu no okashi (The nostalgic sweets of summer )

On the train to Agui. Was about Otagawa as the buildings began to give way to more and more rice fields,  that the memories began flooding back. Flashes of the past juxtaposed onto the present, matching them almost perfectly as I came to fully realized my destination. Home.

The joyful tears feel silently, clouding my view of the ever familiar scenery that I would watch from the train every morning on my way to school. This place, set in my mind and my heart as one of my few true homes. Agui.

Nanako collected me from the station, though I did not recognize her at first as she was, like me, a child upon our last meeting. The decision to travel 5 minutes to pick me up in the car seemed odd yet justified as it had been raining all day, though with all the memories flooding back I, in that instant knew all the roads and trails that would lead to my destination.

Leaving the car the house before me, I climbed the few steps while admiring the vegetable garden I had never seen in Summer. The front door was heavy as always, the entrance area tidy and giving me my first glimpse into the house with it's light wood tones and ever cheerful atmosphere.

(Memory): 2009 - Leaving Nagoya for Tokyo on the Shinkansen with so many mixed emotions regarding my return to Australia. Glad to be going back to my family, though deeply sad at leaving my life in Japan and already determined to return. Hiramatsu and Kito sensei have come to see me off along with my last host family, the Sakata Family. The shinkansen pulls up and it occurs to me that this may be the last time I see Nagoya. The teachers help me with my bags and step on-board with me, though unexpectedly my host mother also gets on the train. Okasan went with me all the way to Tokyo despite the cost of the shinkansen. She kept me calm through the entirety of the difficult journey.

We arrived at Tokyo station and the time came. My host mother looked at me and in that final moment said " Itterashyai" (enjoy your day) to which I replied "...ittekimasu" (I'm off). Then she was gone and the chapter closed.

(Present): Taking my shoes off I step into the entry then through the arch of the door to the main house. From around the corner of the kitchen, my host mother comes to greet me. Tears (much like the ones that flow down my cheeks as I write this) had never come so easily or spontaneously.

"tadaima" (I'm home)
       "Okaeri" (Welcome home).

(I'd waited 4 years just to say this)

Seeing Mioko, the host sister that I admire so much who was the best big sister I could have asked for, bought even more tears. Eventually the crying subsided when I realized that they had guests. Of course the had guests, it was a BBQ party!. No shame in love for your family. <3

The nagashi soumen was a pleasant surprise and everyone had a fantastic time trying to grab the soumen as it flowed down the bamboo, their little cups of soy sauce at the read for dipping them.Was my first time experiencing this and it's definitely on my list of things to do again. ^_^

 The BBQ itself was so very delicious with no shortage of tasty tasty meat. *mouth waters*. They even had ribs!


Dad came home and wandered into the kitchen. When he turned and noticed me it was a surreal experience and all I could do was stare (which was probably rather strange) as he came over and remarked on how nice I looked before shaking my hand. He always reminds me of my own Dad with his philosophies on life and family. Later in the evening he would remark on how he was thankful to have three women (his wife and two daughters) in the house as they brought vibrancy and happiness. 

The afternoon/evening was the best I have had in a long time. There is so much happiness in that home as there is so much love and happiness in that family. I was surrounded by new friends and beloved family. However, it was touched by a bittersweet note of Mioko's departure in early July for Gana, Africa. Mioko is one of the most kindhearted, globally minded individuals that I've the pleasure to know and will be traveling to Gana to help establish and maintain farming practices that will help sustain development. While this is a highly admirable dream and she has such passion and motivation, the position is for 2 year and as the evening wound up and there was a chance to chat with my host Mum, I came to realize some of the feelings that my own mother would have had when I first left for Japan.

Only brought one set of clothes which I had been wearing since traveling to Osu Kannon the previous day, so my host Mum gave me an unworn shirt of Dad's. Slept in my favorite spot beneath the piano that night. ^_^ Woke up and took the dog Fran-chan for a walk through the brilliantly familiar and now nostalgic countryside. It's amazing how easy it was to settle back into being there.


 Hopefully my stay with the family will begin early July and finish sometime before University resumes. My host mother was extremely keen to have to stay there and even said I could have gone back to the dorm, collected my things and came straight back. However logically my stay should begin when Mioko heads out as there will be a room free.

This post turned out longer than I had planned due to the amount of emotion connected to visiting my host family again. As a reward, please enjoy this image of one of the local shrines in Agui.

両親と遊ぼう！Grand Adventures with Parents, the sequal.

Kyou to Kyoto. (Today and Kyoto. Please enjoy this pun)

Seems that booking a hotel in Kyoto was definitely the way to go as there was just so much to see. Staying at the ANA Crown Plaza Kyoto allowed us to travel easily out to the various places we wished to visit without having to spend hours returning home as I had initially planned.

Nagoya -> Kyoto (Kyoto Day 1) - Golden Temple

Was awake until the wee hours of the morning writing by blog. Much to my own detriment, I did not rest until the sun was in the sky and the day was clearly imminent, thus my usually luxurious 10am wakeup call was anything but. Promised my parents that if they headed to the station for some breakfast from Vie De France, I would join them when they were done.

My obligations as a tour guide were clear and after some time I made my way to the station to meet with my parents and head to Kyoto.

Once in Kyoto we caught the courtesy bus to the hotel which was directly across from 二条城 Nijo Castle. Because my family are awesome and love adventures, we were not content to stop our travels there and ventured out again by bus in the afternoon to the 金閣寺 Golden Temple. Ate kakigouri before perusing the Golden Temple and it's surrounding gardens. This was my second visit to the temple, though it was still a pleasant experience to revisit it with my parents. I was surprised to see a crane poised perfectly on a small island before the temple in such as way as to make for a wonderful photo opportunity.

After the Golden Temple we found a chirimen shop where there were many adorable creations. Mum purchased a little cat purse for dad and I bought a hanging chirimen chain for the month of June with the seasonal hydrangeas and frogs.

(Day two) - Fox temple, Manga Museum and Kyoto Tower

Second day in Kyoto we went to the place I was most anticipating visiting, the 伏 見稲荷大社 ( Fox temple). We woke up early again with much excitement and had a quiet breakfast before catching a taxi to the shrine (dad's idea after the seemingly long bus ride to the golden temple the day before). Seeing the first red torii followed by the giant mon gates brought me much excitement. Were I a kitsune living in Japan, this is where I would most probably have a shrine, or at least come to pay homage yearly. 

 



Venturing on further into the shrine I marveled at the number of fox statues, some carrying wheat and others messages from the god Inari. Stopping before the massive main shrine building the jingle of my 5円 signaled the beginning of possibly one of the most important shrine visits of my life, my ultimate 初詣 hatsumōde . It was during this time that I achieved a state of such calmness and presence in the moment that my mind cleared and my innermost thoughts were audible. 
 Disclaimer : To those without a mind for minds, you would probably call it some form of "spirituality"...don't :D
However,  my darling mother hardly understood the importantce of the moment and mid prayer she interupted me with question about where the toilet was. My mind reminded me that distractions become chances to practice tollerance and compassion. ^_^


Climbing to one of the bunsha (sub-shrines) on the mountain, my original intention was so climb the 4 kilometers, 2 hours to the very top of the mountain although the humidity of the Japanese 梅雨 Tsuyu (wet season) defeated me. Making a vow that when my tanuki comes to visit we shall climb to the top together, I began my descent.





On the way down there was a small cafe where I enjoyed kitsune udon and amazake.

After meeting up with my parents who wished to head to the monkey shrine following the fox one, we parted again after arriving back at Kyoto station and I took the bus back to the hotel in order to walk to the  Manga Museum.

Manga Museum which had been suggested by my dear friend Alex, was rather interesting and enjoyable. Especially enjoyable was the room with manga ordered by year as there were a few that surprised me in terms of which manga were released before others. Savoring the taste of the maccha cheese cake and latte while chatting with Michael,who was originally from Perth though had spent the last year traveling Asia, was likewise pleasant and has encouraged me to strengthen my resolve to eventually travel beyond Japan to explore the rest of Asia and indeed the world.

Proceeding the Manga Museum Michael allowed me to tag along with him and we wandered down the shopping street, neither of us with enough money to actually purchase anything, down to the station and Kyoto Tower. $7 to the top. The view was utterly breathtaking with so many famous buildings and shrines visible and we were lucky enough for a cease in the rain that had been fairly relentless given the imminent rainy season.

Kyoto Tower - Sunset over Kyoto on one side - Full moon on the other - magical!

Had curry udon and maccha kakikouri (slightly addicted at present) for dinner before saying goodbye to Michael and wishing him the best on the remainder of this travels. Walking through the station it caught my attention that someone was following me looking at my bag, it was at this point when my second friend of the day was made. Got chatting and he enjoyes reading manga and loves Evangelion also, though quickly realized that the last bus would leave soon and had to scramble. Missed the bus anyway...so I got a taxi. (thank you Mum)

Kyoto -> Nagoya (Day Three) - Nara - Todaiji

Dear dear deer, you are my friend. (Please refer to post titled "Dear dear deer, you were tasty" ) Caught the train to Nara (how clever we are) and met two other Australian women in the carriage where my parents chatted with them about the things they had enjoyed in Japan so far. Arriving at Nara we realized it would be quite a walk so my father decided to take a taxi to the center of the park.










Bought some senbei and the assault came swiftly from all directions. Deer swarmed, nipped, headbutted and generally misbehaved their way, into our way, until the senbei was out.




Mum and myself ventured towards the   東大寺 Todai-ji or Daibutsu the sheer size of which made it look as though it could happily cater to a family of giants and indeed it does in a way, with a giant iron cast buddah at it center and massive awe inspiring statues all around. After praying and purchasing a deer charm Mum and myself headed back to where Dad had been seated, expecting him to be less than happy after being left for half an hour. Quite on the contrary my father had enjoyed watching people be assulted by the deer until they lost their senbei. Lunch was kitsune udon again before we headed back to Kyoto station then back to Nagoya on the Shinkansen.

Nagoya (two days left)

Upon returning to Nagoya my parents and mysef had a short rest though the schedual was rather relentless with so many things to show them. We all slept in the following day before heading to Nagoya to look at an electrical shop that Dad had seen when we were leaving for Kyoto on the Shinkansen. The building was 7 floors of electronics and both Dad and myself managed to find the items we were looking for. I love my new Bose headphones <3 They sound absolutely amazing and are so enjoyable to listen to. That afternoon we had also planned to head to Osu Kannon to find a number of items that Mum was searching for, though did not make it and so it was promised for the following day.

In the evening my parents got to meet the Toyoda family who looked after me for three months last exchange. Etsuko and Remi were gracious hosts and cooked marvelous food that my parents really seemed to enjoy despite my mother being unwell and hardly eating any. The highight of the dish was probably the tempura as Etsuko knows that it's one of my favorite foods.

 Nagoya (one day left)

The plan was to make this Mum's day of shopping and since selling my soul the previous day to finance the headphones, there would be no questioning or complaining. However, when passing the front dest and waving goodbye Yoshida-san stopped me and asked what time that day my parents would be leaving Ihouse. 0.0 The day was spent then finding and relocating to the hotel, though once we were settled there was time for Mum and myself to shop. Stayed at the hotel that night.

 

 Nagoya (Final day)

Parents went to get breakfast while I grabbed some more sleep. We traveled to Kanayama, then to Nagoya station and found our way to the gate of the Shinkansen line. The Goodbye was not my usual "see you later" Goodbye but more of a "was fun while it lasted"though it was a somber reminder of how paths diverge and people grow. Choking back tears I texted a close friend "...and I'm alone again" to which I got no reply, how apt.

Like King Kong on his final desperate attempt to escape the helicopters, or a cat who just heard the vacuum cleaner, I sout a high place. Wishing to view the city that has become my home. Longing to be reminded of my life here instead of letting my heart be tugged back to Australia where so many nostalgic places and beloved people reside. I'm pleased to say that what was my first visit to Nagoya TV Tower, was successful and as I read the letter left for me by my parents the comfortable feeling of quiet acheivement mixed with a sense of clarity about what was ahead, assured me of my path.





We are all traveling. Through life, through time, through adventures and trials. Traveling on paths that meet and diverge, twist and turn, sometimes double back. We chose our travel companions and journey with them, sometimes indefinitely and sometimes until we can both journey no more. These are my travels and this is my journey.

両親と遊ぼう！Adventures with my parents.

 Day one - Tokyo - Airport

Caught a bus (Ihouse -> Hongo) to catch a train (Hongo -> Nagoya) to catch a bus (Nagoya -> (Shibuya)Tokyo) to catch a train (Tokyo -> Narita) which I made a mistake on and ended up riding 3 to backtrack, to be there at 8pm to meet my parents at the gate.

The bus from Nagoya to Tokyo I almost did not find and required the help of a kind man from another bus company. The previous bus had tanuki on it and was pink like ours. Inside the bus had a TV with movies and Sega games. I played Sonic and Knuckles while relaxing in the comfy pink seats.

Upon successfully arriving at the airport I spotted the very first convenience store that I saw in Japan on my first exchange. I remember buying CC Lemon for the electrolytes. Checked out the food and shopping level after this and got some macha kakogori (green tea shaved ice).


Can now confirm that wasabi kitkats DO exist, along with a number of other flavours that I have never seen before and will probably never see again.

Was wonderful to see my parents and it's still a little surreal to see them in Japan. We booked in to the ANA Intercontinental. They bought me up a trundle bed and it was super comfy though the pillows were too soft >.<. Thus concludes day 1.

 Day two - Tokyo - Kaminari-mon and Senso-ji Temple

Woke early taking the Ginza line to Asakusa where we perused the markets and saw Kaminari-mon and Senso-ji Temple. Breakfast was at Excelsior Cafe, my parents tried anko taiyaki, senbei ,kibidango and melonpan.
Seeing the iconic Kaminari-mon with my own eyes is something that I'll never forget. By it's remarkable fame alone the Kaminari-mon a sight to behold, let alone it's sheer size and presence that  many is something you really must go see if in Japan.

We then headed to Skytree. So much Evangelion/Skytree merchandise!! Nearly died when I saw all the Evangelion merchandise and I bought a large quantity.Managed to see the Moomin cafe though did not get to go in as my parents were not too keen.

Lunch was Starbucks and dinner was at a small Izakaya where we had delicious Nepalese influenced Japanese dishes and met a really pleasant man from Nepal who Dad kept saying had a thing for me. o.0

Day Three - Tokyo - Akihabara

Akihabaras' electric town on a rainy day. As soon as we got to the main area (as we were not able to find it straight out of the station) mum went searching for radios with Dad and I went to one of the massive anime merchandise stores. Akihabara is indeed nerd paradise it seems, with tech and anime shops everywhere you look. This was the morning that Dad discovered the cheese breakfast dogs from Vie De France and I discovered the Apple Cake Triangle which I am now addicted to.

First store I entered was a loli-hentai store and it had the tanuki's name all over it. The store had 7 floors catering to Japanese men who may never get girlfriend  :P Lollies wall to wall and various merchandise such as hug pillows featuring their likeness.

Second store was also 7 floors, though this time they were all full of anime merchandise and had everything from Dragon Ball Z figures to Dolfie Dreams. Finally managed to find that holy grail of Nagisa-kun merchandise, the Real Action Heroes Nagisa Kaworu posable plugsuit figurine. My life became complete in this moment. 

Third store was an adult store labeled " Adult Amusement Park". They had fluffy butt tails and various things that wizz and wurr and twirl and vibrate. There was also a Mikuji shrine in the store called Akihabara Man-chin Jinjya where you could get your sex fortune. Mine is good aparently.

After these little adventures Dad was still having trouble finding the store he wished to visit, so Mum and I went to have lunch at Maid Dreamin. Mum did not understand any of what was being said to her, though seemed to enjoy the adorable food and watching the maids cast their magic. Was a pleasant experience for me as always. ^_^ The maids were adorable and the service fantastic. Once mum had finished her meal she elected to find Dad who was looking at cameras in the next shop over by this point, though I wished to have dessert in the maid made wonderland. It was at this point that I met Fredric from France. He is in finance, is currently traveling solo and will also be in Kyoto this week. Hope that I will meet him in Kyoto.
 
Evening bought more delights with a seasonal feast from the hotel restaurant Unkai. 8 courses of Japanese cuisine .  Managed to get a menu for Alex. Wore my lolita dress and enjoyed the food and company immensely. ^_^ Wish we had been able to view the hyped Japanese traditional garden out the window, though that was hardly a drawback for the fantastic service and quality of the food. Cannot wait to recall this even in person to Alex and George and possibly enjoy such food with friends or family again in the future.

 

Day Four - Tokyo - Meiji Jingu and Harajiku 

Headed to Meiji Jingu despite the continuing downpour of the rainy seasons. Purchased an extra umbrella at the station with little blue and pink stars, as it was difficult to share one umbrella between three people.


The walk to the shrine was long and wet and despite my shoes and moko-chan getting soaked, was definitely worth it. It's difficult to escape the majesty of the shrine with it's breathtakingly intricate wood and metal work, god trees with wishing Ema (絵馬) and overall sense of being close to something enshrined in history with a deep spiritual feel.

 

We hung our wish on the wishing tree, saw temple staff in their traditional outfits (which I would love to emulate) and witnessed not one, but two weddings showing two different styles of wedding gown, both of them equally beautiful. Dad managed to get this wonderful picture that captures their happiness well I think. ^_^  I explained to my parents that one day I should like to be married at a Japanese shrine and don the traditional robes. Could there be a foxes wedding. 狸?

At the shrine there was also a bonsai display with many magnificently well kept bonsai, some over 200 years old. Those on display reflected the plants of the season that were also blooming across Japan in abundance and it was a delight to see them in minature . Cy-chan is only 5 years old, though if we can get a tradition going at this dorm I think they stand a chance of growing to that age.

The afternoon was Harajuku which is conveniently located not far from Meiji Jingu. Harajuku, the home of lolita and just about every other uniquely quirky, wacky and wonderful style that has come out of Japan, did not disappoint! Walking along Takeshita-dori I witnessed a number of unique styles and entered the shops from which they were created. Was surprised to find a Liz Lisa store along the street which is a brand that, thanks to Gretchen I have become increasingly familiar with.

 My main purchase was this awesome gothic cat jacket which I feel is reminiscent of the Cheshire Cat from the recent Tim Burton remake of Alice In Wonderland, however I also purchased some other odds and ends for friends and some extra poof for my lolita dresses.

 After possibly the best crepe I have had so far in Japan,  we headed home. Needless to say after such a big day sleep found us soon.

  Day Five - Tokyo to Nagoya 

Caught a Hikari Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagoya. So exciting to ride the second fastest train in Japan as I have developed quite a love for and interest in the types of Japanese trains ever since my first exchange. My brother Takumi would be proud.

Arriving in Nagoya my parents and I headed straight to the dorm to put our bags down, then back out again to Sakae where we wandered for a while. It had been a big day of travel so we had dinner at "Tamago to watashi" (an omelet and rice restaurant recommended to be by Gretchen and Emily) then headed home early and straight to bed.

 

Day Five - Nagoya - Nagoya Castle and Osu Kannon

Woke early to catch the train in to show my parents Nagoya castle. It was there as it always is, along with the man who sets up shop just to the left of exit 5 selling sakura mochi all year round. After viewing the now slightly overgrown gardens, eating some kakigouri and taking the obligatory photo of me looking fabulous in my lolita dress in front of the castle, I climbed the stairs up the 7 floors to the lookout. There are some days when I wake up and think " I could climb all the stairs of Nagoya-jo"..this morning was not one of those.  Took a photo on my friend the kin-syachi (golden dolphin) before heading down the floors, perusing them one by one.



















 For lunch we had Miso-katsu in Nagoya Ordered the osusume as always. Dad was so impressed with the taste of the dish that be vowed we shall return.


Afternoon was shopping in Osu Kannon as there were a number of items I had bought there and shown on my blog that Mum was keen to view. Feeling completely at home in Osu in my lolita outfit, it was safe to say that I was wearing the second most beautiful outfit I had seen that day. Was outdone by another lolita wearing something which must have been Baby The Stars Shine Bright or another brand that just stuns people wherever they go. This wast only because  I'd opted to wear my second favorite dress just in case that rain from Tokyo followed us.

Chatted with Nuki in the evening which was extremely pleasant as I had missed the tanuki and after thinking for a few days while being away from home, have decided that he gives rather good advice and is great for my mental health. He read some Don Quixote to me before bed time.

Day Six - Nagoya - Relax 

Woke up at 11am. Mum woke up around midday. Had plans to head to the post office, these fell through, though I did manage to remember to pay rent so at least got something ticked off my to do list. Dad however was up earlier and managed to make his way to the electric store near my university, bringing back an Ethernet cable for himself and a wireless router which he helped me set up. We booked our hotel room for tomorrow night in Kyoto and made sure it was within reach of my beloved fox temple.

Around 4 we headed to Hanashoubu, the bathhouse which is very close to Aichi Shukutoku University and a place I wish to frequent more often as it's rather a great place to soak away all my troubles. Lunch was cold kishimen noodles and a fruit smoothy. Dad had been carrying the bulk of the bags so far on the trip, required a massage (or was possibly just too shy to enter the bathhouse) so after sorting out a 90 minute massage for him, mum and myself headed for the ladies side of the bathhouse.

Mum took to the bathhouse like...a duck to water? Usually the whole getting naked in front of other women thing would freak people out, though Mum took it in her stride. Managed to trick Mum into sitting in the electric massage which I find rather an unpleasant sensation, though she managed to flick me with the chilled water from the 16c bath. 0.0 Now we are even.

Then home to what should have been sleep, but ended up in the realization that this blog needs to be written NOW before I completely forget everything.

 Nuki-chan, looking forward to receiving the mail you posted today. Shall send your gifts soonish.

Need to be up in 4 hours to catch a train to Kyoto for the second half of my adventures with my parents.

Plan
Wednesday - Imperial Palace
Thursday - Foxes
Friday - Kinyoubi = kinkakuji.