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.
This 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.
Shin 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.
… 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.
昇仙峡, Shosenkyo is one of the most beautiful places Mei-Shun recommend you to visit. White, uniquely shaped rocks give wonderful contrast with clean, emerald water especially in winter followed by simmering hoto. It is a miso stew with various vegetables including pumpkin, Japanese white radish, carrot, leak, etc. while meat and hoto noodle. We found it nice in summer as well with egg plant, cucumber, tomato and okra today.
偕楽園 accommodates a lot of old, beautiful trees represented by 梅＝ume, or plum which blooms in early spring. It makes the garden so crowded that Shin and Mei-Shun never approach there, while months except for February and March find them in serenity. On the top of their recommendation list is 吐玉泉, togyoku-sen found below. Water flow from many natural springs are collected into the lowest point, put this marble rock called 寒水石 as a well curb.
