Mei-Shun drove mom-in-law to one of major shrines in Japan 八坂神社=yasaka-jinja whose headquarters is located in Kyoto. It is called 祇園さん as well, since the famous Gion Festival is hosted by them. Our nearest branch of 八坂神社 was late dad-in-law’s favorite. He used to buy something at a food stand along a path to the shrine to warm up our hands during midnight queuing for hours. 17 years later, we quietly spend 30 minutes in sunshine to worship.
Shin never checks up pockets after coming home, makes his wife wash train tickets so often. This time, one for a bullet train accompanied him from Taiwan. Hum, amazing technique in paper and printing — not so twisted in the washing machine, readable letters. They make sense for Mei-Shun who has learned Chinese on the radio. Y/M/D, car and seat numbers, paid by a credit card, for an adult. For your safety, please do not hesitate to use elevators if you are with big luggage or elderly.
風流堂=furyu-do, based in Matsue, Shimane Prefecture is on Mei-Shun’s favorite Japanese sweets shop list. When their products were available at the nearest department store, she used to visit there to buy seasonal gifts; 御中元=o-chugen in summer, 御歳暮=o-seibo in winter. However, as informed that the store will be closed soon, she started internet shopping. 風流堂 is so kind to send her a handwritten letter and a little gift attached to ordered goods.
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.
It 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.
10 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.
It 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.
Mei-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.
Mei-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.
Mei-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.
meishunkikunoe 