28 December, it is the last day of work for 2018 for many companies so that we can get ready to welcome New Year.
Simultaneously, it was the last day of 2018 for me to go to hospital to get medicines to get better.
I was still suffering with terrible coughs and weak.
There aren’t many people at the hospital waiting room because many people must have gone back to their home towns.
I asked for stronger medicines so that I can recover to welcome New Year in good health.
I celebrated belated Christmas at Yasaiya Roppongi.
Choco also had his Christmas dinner: Roast Beef!
He enjoyed it very much!!!
He asked for more so I gave him leaves.
I guess he is not fan of salad; he passed.
I still have Tacos topping left overs; therefore, I made Tacos Rice for brunch.
I heated up brown rice and all Tacos toppings on the plate.
I also enjoy Tacos with Rice when I’m out of hard shells.
Town was fully decorated for Christmas.
It’s next day of Christmas at 8:30 am at GInza and town is already ready for New Year.
I attended the Year End gathering on Boxing Day at Restaurant Kern, Toranomon, Tokyo.
Good food, drink and friends – cannot go wrong.
I invited my friend for today’s lunch yesterday.
When I don’t have time to cook properly, I usually cook Tacos because it’s easy to prepare, just cut!!!
We chatted for 7 hours. hahaha
I’ve been sick and I’ve been sleeping.
I’ve done what I should do in Christmas such as watching Christmas illuminations (I’ve watched Tokyo Midtown Roppongi and Marunouchi), are a whole chicken which I bought from COSTCO the other day and decorated the house for Christmas; but I totally forgot to plan my Christmas on Christmas Day.
The blessing were I received Christmas gifts from the States and Choco is here to keep me a company.
I dressed Choco up to Santa.
Choco Santa with Reindeer
But he doesn’t want to wear Santa clothing.
He won’t move with Santa outfit.
Well, there are many people outside to see Christmas illuminations at Tokyo Midtown Roppongi.
The management of Tokyo Midtown Roppongi even placed fences to manage the crowd.
To cut through the line, I need to get a special pass for it.
In 2018, I had only gym session for Christmas event on 25 December 2018 at 6 pm.
I dressed up and put make up as if I’m going out for dinner because my gym session was at dinner time.
Next Christmas, I will plan better by not getting sick.
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!
sonokotchi 