I received a text from my boss late at night (past midnight) on Thursday that we can work from home on Friday, 8 January 2021.
I’m glad to hear a news.
I happily reported to my boss that I took note of a text and I won’t have any problem working from home because I brought back necessaries from office.
I like to work from home because I can work in comfortable clothes and be with Choco.
Due to increasing number for new case by recording record high, Japanese government plans to announce the State of Emergency for Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama and Chiba tomorrow effective from 8 January – 7 February 2021.
I am hoping boss to allow us to work from home.
In fact, I can work efficiently at home.
It’s getting cold, winter in Japan; therefore, it is getting harder for me to come out from a warm bed to go to office.
First, I taught UNO to my niece based on rules that I remember.
However, I worried what if I taught her wrongly and she gets confused when she plays the game with friends.
I checked the official rules practices by Japan UNO Association and I changed rules; yes, to my surprise there is Japan UNO Association!
She is only 5 years old and can play with adults by remembering many rules such as same Colour, same Number, Skip, Reverse, +2, +4 and WILD Card and according to the packaging, the game is designed for 7 years old and above!
I am proud of her!
We were so full from lunch the previous day so we skipped dinner and souvenir – Panda Baum (Matcha Baumkuchen or layered cake) .
After playing few games of UNO and having a light breakfast, we opened the box….there is a cute Panda!
The cake is in Panda shape!
We decorated our Panda Baum with Macarons.
It’s cute and delicious!
We all got excited, regardless our age!
It’s fourth day and last day today.
While she was packing, she asked me what date would it be her next visit?
She is asking for DATE!
I told her we should plan again on her school holiday.
I’m glad to know that she enjoyed her stay at my condo and she is looking forward to visiting me again.
On the other hand, Choco looks happier to get attentions and his quietness after guests leaving.
Yes, we finished our roles as host and we shall get some rest.
The State of Emergency was lifted; weather is getting nice so decided to go to Moto-Hakone for Onsen (Hot Spring).
Choco found his stay over goods at the entrance so he got excited.
On the way to Moto-Hakone, we stopped to get our lunch and I had my BigMac and Ramune Shake.
Ramune shake (Japanese traditional soda flavored shake) is seasonal and limited menu.
It finishes serving either finishing the ingredients or serving duration.
We arrived Moto-Hakone early so that we stopped at Ashinoko (Ashino Lake).
Some people are enjoying fishing.
I could see a fish, very peaceful.
We checked in at Caro Foresta Moto-Hakone Lucia at 3 pm.
This time, I have chosen a western style room.
There are welcome Onsen Tamago (Hot Spring Boiled Eggs) and cookies for Choco.
These Onsen Tamago were boiled at Ohwakudani: the origin of natural Onsen.
These eggs are also known as good luck because we believe one egg can bring us longer life, 9 years, by eating it.
The air is fresh there.
This hotel is dog friendly and I was busy using facilities for Choco.
First, he exercised at the Dog Run (Dog Playground) at the entrance.
Hakone is famous for Onsen (Hot Spring).
The hotel is equipped with Onsen facility for Choco as well!
He had his first Onsen of his life and it was Iou Onsen (Sulfur based Onsen).
I also dipped myself at Onsen.
After refreshing, I had a nice French for dinner.
All dishes are delicious.
I got so excited when I received the dessert plate!
There is Choco!
After dinner, I took Choco for Indoor Dog Run.
This Indoor Dog Run is opened for 24 hours.
Both of us got tired and slept well.
First thing I did on the next day was dipping in the Onsen.
In the morning, I found a dog greeting me from outside!
I had a nice Japanese breakfast.
After breakfast, I took Choco to the Wood Dog Run.
Again, I took him to the Dog Run at the entrance and Indoor.
The check out time is 11 am; therefore, we rest in the room before checking out.
Choco must have so much fun because he slept in the car on the way back to Tokyo.
I had a big breakfast so I had a late lunch at Misoichi, Nakameguro Shop.
I had a basic Miso Ramen with toppings of corns and butter.
I like it!
After unpacking and resting, went for late quick bite to say hello and congratulate reopening after Stay Home Request to our friend, Sushiya no Goto (Goto’s Sushi Shop), Roppongi.
It’s nice to see smiling face of Taisho (Master) and Mama san (Madam).
According to the media, on 1 June 2020 (the first Monday after government lifted the State of Emergency), the number of commuters has increased.
To avoid taking subways because I won’t have enough social distancing there, I started to walk to office.
During the State of Emergency, I was required to go to the office twice in a week so I could manage it; however, from 1 June 2020, I’m required to go to the office every weekdays.
As reported in previous blog, it takes 1 hour or 4 km to reach office.
It’s getting warm outside, reaching to 30C with strong sunlight.
Walking with a mask makes me feel hot which leads me to sweat.
Today, I tie my hair.
And carry a drink (amino) in small bottle.
My mask gets wet with my sweat by the time I reach to the office so I keep some (backup) at the office.
In addition, I reinforced footwear.
I have already introduced Asics Walking before.
I started wearing this brand when I hurt my knee because cushions are soft.
I bought other colors and styles that I don’t have yet.
I also bought Tokyo Olympics designed sneaker for memory.
These will surely assist my walking to the office.
sonokotchi 