Following yesterday, another natural disaster might beat us tomorrow — snowstorm. If really happened in November, it would be the second record after the first one 54 years ago, they say. It rains a little, chilly in Tokyo today. Buildings on Namiki Street, Ginza are so charming adorned with Christmas lights and ornaments. Convey our warm regards to such amusement, while never to unseasonable Snow White.
travel
Gorgeous Sight
StandardIt really is in Tsukuba right now. Most of main streets are trimmed by trees beautifully bloom in spring, colored in autumn. Mei-Shun’s favorite includes Japanese maple whose coats depend on daily temperature and weather in summer especially. Perhaps the latter made one yellow instead of red, with already browned leaves on the top. Another keeps green while in part turning into bright red. The only problem is that they are too attractive to keep drivers’ eyes on the road.
Gold in Blue
Standard10 days have passed since Mei-Shun visited 乙戸沼 Park before. Gingko ladies have changed their dresses from pale green to shiny gold. How great it is to see them in morning sunlight! On the other hand, she felt a bit itchy in thighs at the end of walking. It is because she has stayed away from it for too long — even three-day off gives the same impact. Such a 三日坊主 would be punished by herself.
Joy of Art
StandardIt is great honor for Mei-Shun to have a chance to visit a mosque for the first time led by Professor S, who is major in interfaith dialogue. Tokyo Camii & Turkish Culture Center is in Shibuya Ward, an amazing place of Islam and art. Marble walls and stairs with an impressive dome and minarets suddenly appear among tall trees. Now indoors taking off shoes, shining stained glasses and arabesque patterns jump into your eyes. Adhan by an imam sounds incredible, just like fantastic music.
Joy of Rose
StandardMei-Shun visited 旧古河庭園 with Professor S. They applied for a tour to enjoy autumnal roses there, fortunately won in the drawing. Starting from 9:00, they gave us a 5-minute lecture. It is very interesting that the flower originates in the Middle East, which seems one of the reasons for popularity of rose water around the region. Today’s Ms. Scent is 春芳=shumpo, with lovely silver-pink color and fascinating tea fragrance while Ms. Beauty White Christmas below in creamy white, round petals and fruity aroma.
To be continued to 21st, Fri.
Autumn Style
StandardMei-Shun went out with Shin in the morning to visit a beauty salon in Shinagawa. With advice by her designated hairdresser, she got a curling treatment. More than 20 years have passed since she had it last time — amazing progress in technology. Thank you, Mr. H. She then met Shin again at a Japanese restaurant which serve them delicacies full of autumnal scent. Her excursion was successfully closed in Asakusa to buy 草履=zouri, Japanese sandal for 汐汲 performance.
Adventurous Road
StandardMei-Shun managed to drive toward Narita Airport alone for the first time to pick up Shin. Since new 圏央道=Keno-do highway has been connected with older one, it became quite convenient for us. Perhaps expected to be widened in the future, 圏央道 accommodates a traffic system called 対面通行, meaning a two-way lane. There is no central reserve, you must be very careful. Just go on the left except for a few passing lanes. Here she sees a sign of the airport. Thanks a million, smart navigator.
Visit Ueno
StandardThis is the entrance hall of 伊豆榮梅川亭, Izuei-Umegawa-tei. They serve you delicious 鰻=unagi, baked eels and other Japanese cuisine. It reminds us of Shin’s father who passed away 16 years ago. He was a public servant for Tokyo Metropolitan Government, often contacted his son to dine there. Mei-Shun was always happy to hear his invitation, never interrupted their good communication. Dad-in-law kindly understood her thoughts, always handed Shin 2 cups of 餡蜜, an-mitsu sweets on his way home.
Joy of DFS
StandardShin went on 1-week business trip to Europe last week. How strongly Mei-Shun wishes a story by respectful Mr. HOSHI, Shin-ichi would come true, in which our houses can be changed into airplanes. Well, in current reality, husband is always gentle enough to do wife a favor for cosmetic items. She has been excited to experience body oil for the first time. A brochure published by A airline co. says it has a scent of berries, yet it is rather a vegetable juice. No problem anyway, he is safely home.
After 1Y + 18Wks
Standard… will be postponed to Tuesday. Mei-Shun visitied her mother staying in 草津 with a handmade birthday cake and Shin. He is always kind enough to agree with his wife’s idea — he had squeezed a vacancy out of his hard schedule, reserved bullet train seats to 軽井沢, Karuizawa with a rental car service. Just one-hour drive brought them to the cottage which Mei-Shun’s late father bought 20 years before. It is really cool and comfortable in summer there. Mom was fine, welcomed her children with fresh vegetables.
meishunkikunoe 