Welcome to Sonokotchi World
The meeting ended at 4:30 pm.
Boss allowed me to leave office together with a staff of sister organization.
We went for drink and I mean DRINK.
We had a glass of champagne and a parfait at LEXUS Cafe, Tokyo Midtown Hibiya.
These were delicious and champagne made me very happy and talkative.
We chatted happily! fufufu
We had a guest who loves dogs over the weekend.
Choco was busy visiting Mom’s and guest’s rooms in the morning and playing with them.
Unfortunately, Choco was alone on Monday morning.
I was busy getting ready for work and a new friend was busy packing to go back home.
Usually. I give him food with a command of “sit” and “down”.
We look into eyes and he eats his food from my hand.
In a way, we communicate despite busy morning.
On that day, I was running late and he was given a bowl.
He caught my eyes because he looked lonely when he started eating but I left for work.
Mom reported to me that Choco didn’t finish his breakfast.
When I returned home, he left more than half in the bowl.
I gave him the left over from my hand and he ate all though these food are harder being left out since morning.
He needs to feel loved.
Current food is bit large for him so I’m breaking in smaller pieces for him now to save time in the morning.
Choco, you are so honest; obviously, you need attention.
I will wake up earlier to spend time with you.
Love you, Choco!
I finally felt that I recovered from a cold and feeling good!
I EXERCISE and feeling so fresh and energetic!
I’m pumped!
I asked my trainer that am I ready for harder exercise?
He said you look so happy so you can try anything.
According to my trainer, when I’m happy I don’t feel pain. hahaha
Shibamata is located in Tokyo and the place is famous for Shibamata Taishakuten (Shibamata Taishakuten Temple) and the filming place for the series of movie named Otoko wa Tsuraiyo (Being Man is Tough).
Though it’s located in Tokyo and the temple is famous, this would be my first time visiting this temple and temple town.
On the way, I took a bus from Kanamachi Eki (Kanamachi Station); therefore, I got off near the Sando (Commercial Road to Temple).
If you take train, Keisei Line, to Shibamata Eki (Shibamata Station), then Tora san (the main character of the movie) and Sakura chan (sister) will welcome you at the Station.
There are many attractive stores standing next to each other all the way to the temple.
I was tempted to try fresh traditional local food, but I forced myself to visit temple for prayer.
The main entrance of the temple.
There are many people coming for prayer.
I tried a fortune paper…. I pulled the Good Luck.
Everything gonna be as I wish! Yeahhhhh
After praying, we continued for sightseeing.
This temple is famous for curving.
I found my zodiac: Rat.
There are many Buddha’s stories.
This curving describes trying not to look down and treat people equally, yet suffering from persecution.
Nonetheless, there is always a light for guidance.
There are many dragons are curved or drawn at this temple.
After admiring curving, we admired Japanese garden, Suikei-En (Suikei Garden).
This is a nice Japanese garden.
Many prototypes of curving are displayed there.
Chandeliers look antique.
There is a Byobu (folding curtain) drawn by famous Japanese painter, Yokoyama Taikan (Taikan Yokoyama).
And this is the main room with the most important Kakejiku (hanging scroll) with the Japan’s largest nandin alcove post which skewered to the roof.
We also admired the garden from outside.
There is a well of Goshinsui (Holly Water).
Of course, I washed my both hands.
And this must be the main entrance of the garden with the garden’s signage.
Now it’s time to enjoy food!
We had a brunch today so we are ready for nice meal after a walk.
We had local specialty Unagi (eel) at Kawachiya.
We took a window side table on the second floor.
The view from window was nice; I can see the main gate of temple.
I had Unaju (Eel Rice Bowl), kimo roll (Eel Liver Roll) and Koi Arai (carp raw fish).
I enjoyed both side dishes very much.
Then I went to look for desserts: Kudamochi (mugwort ball).
I enjoyed Yoshinoya’s very much; these are fresh, warm, soft and rich with mugwort!
I also tried another shop’s Kusamochi, Takagiya.
I enjoyed visiting the temple and temple town.
I would love to come back again.
Choco was patiently waited for us at home.
I wanted to take him out for stretch so we went Gaston & Gasper for dinner.
I’m glad to know that we can all sit together inside.
Cheers Choco!
We went to Keisen Flower School to check closing sales items.
I bought these three items; I will terribly miss the school.
After visiting the school, I invited my friends for tea at my house because Mom went to buy cakes for her friend and us.
We had so much to chat so my friends stayed for dinner.
I went to grocery shopping to prepare simple dinner.
Again, it was simple and I bought a ready-made chicken to save time.
A whole chicken is just nice for four of us.
I like to host gathering at home so that we can talk freely (not worrying about others), stay long as we want (staff won’t chase us out) and I don’t have to walk back home (especially in cold!).
She returned to Tokyo for Year End and New Year Holiday.
I miss her and we had so much to catch up on.
I cooked simple dinner for her so that we can relax to chit chat at home.
She gave me nice souvenirs; all my favorites!
Thank you!
I celebrated New Year at Italian Restaurant Shunsai, Roppongi with my friend together with Choco.
There are three seniors poodles at the restaurant: 19, 17 and 13 years old.
I wish my Choco to grow healthy like them.
Choco tried his first pizza crust.
