Category: Experience

Posted in Art, Experience, Family, Feelings, Food, Movie, Place, Restaurants, Tokyo, Travel

Trump’s Visit to Tokyo

Posted on by sonokotchi

I returned from Australia and I was surprised to see many police men in my neighborhood: Roppongi Area.

Soon I found why; President Trump was invited as the first State Guest of the new Emperor Naruhito.

American Embassy is located in the area and Prime Minister Abe was planning to take Mr. and Mrs. Trump for a dinner at the restaurant in Roppongi.

I felt very safe when I was walking in the park at night because I bumped into a police man every 5-10 m. hahaha.

I pitied police men because Trump’s Visit was on 25 – 28 May 2019 and Roppongi was crowded by people due to the event: Roppongi Art Night on 25 – 26 May 2019.

The arts were displayed.

And there was the free opened air documentary movie on Banksy.

I met up with parents for dinner.

It was difficult to get a table on Saturday, 25 May 2019.

I visited few restaurants and I managed to get a table that was just cleared at Le Pain Quotidien, Tokyo Midtown Roppongi.

I usually come here for a brunch and it was my first time having a dinner here.

I even like their dinner menu!

It’s simple, fresh, delicious and economical.

The restaurant is highly recommended for dinner as well!

Posted in Experience, Family, Feelings, Food, Friends, Hotel, Nature, Place, Restaurants, Shop, Shopping, Travel

Trip to Australia (Day 5)

Posted on by sonokotchi

It’s going to be the last day in Australia. Sob sob sob.

Going down for breakfast and I wish I could stay longer.

We started Melbourne City Sightseeing.

I was surrounded by great nature so this is a rehabilitation progress to return to hectic city Tokyo. hahaha

We walked and took tram to visit iconic places in Melbourne.

Administrative district area: Old Treasury Building.

Next to it is new Treasury Bldg.

Parliament House with Real Australian Flag – aborigine colour.

Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton Garden.

Royal Exhibition Building is Australia’s first UNESCO site.

The garden is opened to people and animals.

Trees are wrapped by metal sheets to protect trees from possum.

Melbourne is generous to people.

We took free area tram to go places.

Flinders Street Station

These clocks state train departure time.

It’s a large station.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

There is an interesting signal; symbols are wearing skirt – women!

Go Women!

We shopped at Queen Victoria Market.

Few buildings are connected and sold many fresh and interesting products.

There is one building for household and sundry goods.

The atmosphere is like a night market in Asia.

I had a Long Black and Flat White at Market Lane.

I need to tell my name and barista can write my name correctly without asking me for spelling.

I was impressed!

I bought chocolates at Koko Black, known as Australian Godiva; very nice.

I love coffee so I bought some coffee at Mc Ivers.

These are really good shopping!

There are many more tempting products but I cannot bring back all…

Honey

Spice

ETC.

We departed Queen Victoria Market for lunch.

We had a fish & chips at Holiday Inn.

We drove about one hour to reach to winery Domaine Chandon.

This winery is family of Moët Chandon.

We had a little tasting for 4 different sparkling wines.

Lastly, we can ask for one full glass of our choice.

I asked for unique red grape sparkling wine which is only available at this winery.

There is another unique sparkling wine available at this winery: iced wine sparkling wine.

I bought few bottles each for home.

After tasting nice, we had one last dinner in Australia.

I asked for a beer and I thought the size is not fair comparing to a wine.

Food was nice and so as conversation with your mates.

Then we went to our last sightseeing point: EUREKA SKYDECK.

We walked through a glass cubical that control people on the outside terrace, we can observe the city as if we were a bird overlooking from the sky.

Now we completed all sightseeing in Melbourne.

It’s time to go back to Tokyo.

After completing last minutes shopping at the airport duty free stores, I spent at the Marhaba Lounge till departure.

Posted in Exercise, Experience, Family, Feelings, Flower, Food, Friends, Gadget, Health, Hotel, Nature, Place, Restaurants, Shopping, Sunrise and Sunset, Travel, Waterfalls

Trip to Australia (Day 3)

Posted on by sonokotchi

We left hotel early with a breakfast bag to watch Ayers Rock in Sun Rise.

There was a dark cloud that worried me…

At the view point, there was as a drink and snack station for us; but I quickly made a hot chocolate to go to bring it to the view point.

Ahhhhh

Ayers Rock is covered by the thick cloud….

It’s time for Sun Rise; but…

Unfortunately, Ayers Rock was still covered with the thick cloud.

It’s not a good sign because according to the tour itinerary, we supposed to climb the Ayers Rock today.

The cloud was cleared by the time we reached to the gate, but the gate was closed due to low cloud and I am aware of IT.

Since we could not climb; we went to walk at Mala Walk.

The common trees that we can observe here is named Desert Bloodtree.

The tree sap looks like bleeding blood.

There are quite number of trees because the area is semi-deserted area, meaning less rain but rich with underwater.

There is a trace of waterfall on the rock face.

There will be a water fall when it’s rained.

There are many caves with purpose.

This is Kitchen Cave.

This is the spot that aborigines cooked bread like naan.

Aborigines didn’t have letters; therefore, they left messages in drawing.

We can find many painting at the various caves.

Are these bird’s foot steps?

This is Old People’s Cave where Elderlies assembled to conduct ceremonies including cooking in the cave.

You can walk through the great nature.

There is even an anthill.

we took many trick art photos with this trace of giant water fall.

This spiky bush, Soft Spinifex, is commonly found in this area.

we can find many trees hit by lightning because rich water inside of the tree can attract lightning.

Kantju Gorge is big waterhole.

We usually don’t see water at the bottom but there are much water from last night rain.

We could see water in waterhole because the rain was strong with thunder and lightning last night; however, ironically, the string rain last night closed the gate of Ayers Rock today.

We continued our walk.

This tree is ageless; when there is not enough rain; this tree can prune itself.

That is why the growth ring and its age doesn’t match.

The nature is great.

There are many more caves.

There are many drawings at the Teaching Cave.

This is called Desert Lantern-Flower; the flower looks like a lantern.

Of course, there are many wild birds as well.

There are few caves look like lip; I wonder how nature have created this?

The gate to Ayers Rock was still closed; therefore, we continued our walk at Kuniya Walk.

This is Bush Plum with some plum fruit.

One of our tour mate is good at finding wild birds and animals.

There is a Mutitjulu Waterhole.

Again, there is much water from the rain.

There is heart and peace shaped holes for Good Luck Fortune for Love.

I hope these will bless me.

There is a story about two snakes: Kuniya and Liru ( https://parksaustralia.gov.au/uluru/discover/culture/stories/kuniya-liru-story/ )

Kuniya attacked Liru: this photo represents Liru and crack caused by Kuniya’s attack.

Kuniya is watching Liru. (Kuniya’s head at left bottom corner is watching Liru in the mountain face).

We returned to hotel before noon.

After getting off the bus, I saw three lady tour mates talking in front of the receptionist counter.

I asked whether they plan to go to Ayers Rock during today’s free time and they replied YES.

At 12 noon, the gate was still closed.

We were informed we could check the status about 12:30 pm.

We returned to the counter at 12:30 pm and was informed the gate has opened!

We quickly checked and planned to Ayers Rock.

We could reach to the gate by Hop On Hop Off Bus (AUD 49) by making a reservation at the hotel.

We could pay the National Park Entry Fee (AUD 25 cash only) directly to the driver.

First, we need to use chain to climb up.

The slope can be sharp as 47 degree.

I thought we are almost at the summit when I finished the chain area.

I was wrong, I started walking following the line.

I soon regretted to wear a normal sneaker.

I should have worn a pair of mountain shoes so that I can get a grip.

Since my shoes was slippery, I had to use my hands like a Spider Woman to climb some area.

You also need to bring 1 litter of water.

It’s 348 m high and some travel information says it takes (ONLY) 2 hours for return trip, but this 2 hours is for athletic person.

On the way to the summit, I was just focusing moving forward.

Ayers Rock can close anytime and I was determined to reach to the summit.

These photos that I’m posting now, I took them on the way down with appreciation.

Yeah, I reached to the summit!

We took the last Hop On Hop Off bus back to hotel.

For the last Hop On Hop Off bus, the Sun Set View is inclusive.

We already watched the Sun Set on previous day, but watched it again.

We returned to hotel happily.

We took a shower before dinner.

The beer tasted good and we happily talked about our adventure over nice dinner at hotel restaurant: ILKARI RESTAURANT.

After dinner, I massage my body, especially my legs.

I’m glad that I brought Egyptian Sandalwood Oil.

Again, it’s worth it to wear a mountain shoes to avoid any pain. hahaha

Posted in Exercise, Experience, Family, Feelings, Food, Friends, Hotel, Music, Nature, Place, Restaurants, Shop, Shopping, Surprise, Travel

Trip to Australia (Day 2)

Posted on by sonokotchi

According to our tour guide, when this trip was planned there was a direct flight from Melbourne to Ayers Rock everyday.

However, today, the flight is scheduled on some days of week and we couldn’t use that direct flight for our tour schedule.

Therefore, we departed our hotel at 5 am to catch two flights (Melbourne to Sydney and Sydney to Ayers Rock) to reach Ayers Rock.

When we reached to the airport it was still dark.

Each of us received packed breakfast to eat at the airport.

Sun rose and became brighter when we departed Melbourne.

I was still full from a packed breakfast so I brought this banana cake back which was served on the flight.

Konnichiwa Sydney.

It looks a big city to me; perhaps, I should plan to visit one day.

I did some window shopping at the airport while waiting for the next flight.

It was fun to visit various shops to check the trend In the Australian market.

I can kill time just doing window shopping. hahaha

I had lunch on the flight; just nice for my stomach condition.

I also enjoyed smooth free inflight WiFi service. fufufu

I got excited when we were about to land.

I was lucky.; I could see Ayers Rock (Uluru) from the plane.

And Mount Olgas (Kata Tjuta: Many Heads).

Even we landed, we could have a good view of Ayers Rock.

It has proven that we safely landed at Ayers Rock Airport!

We headed for the Sails in the Desert, our hotel for two nights.

We were welcomed by mysterious local music.

After checking-in, we quickly went to our room to get ready (unpack) for the adventure.

We headed for Kara Tjuta.

There is an iconic street on the way to Kata Tjuta.

This road is called the shortest short cut to Perth.

Perhaps, one day I can try 2,000 km journey.

We had a nice walk to the Vally of the Wind in the Walpa Gorge Walk, Mount Olgas.

The Vally of Wind.

The mirror pond looked beautiful today.

Thanks Mount Olgas to welcome me today.

Sun started setting at the direction of Mount Olgas.

Now we are going to enjoy Ayers Rock’s way of sun setting with sparkling wine and finger foods.

First Ayers Rock is in dark colour.

I also tried to drink up Ayers Rock by placing it in my glass upside down.

Sun started setting, then…the colour of Ayers Rock changed to its Amazing red!

It was so romantic: cloud is in amazing gold and full Moon rose from left side of Ayers Rock.

Sun set and Ayers Rock returned to darker colour again.

The other side (the direction of Sun Set) is also beautiful.

We, Japanese, usually appreciate watching Sun Setting, but today otherwise.

We enjoyed Ayers Rock in colour of Sun Set.

Hummm I don’t like this… the dark cloud started spreading….

After enjoying beautiful Sun Setting View, we had a nice picnic dinner.

We supposed to have our romantic dinner at the table like this…

However, we started feeling rain dropping…Some of us took initiative to move to a table under the roof by taking a chair.

And others followed.

It became more romantic and created more cozy atmosphere to unite us closer.

We introduced ourselves and laughed throughout the dinner though rain became harder.

I also enjoyed dessert: a chocolate cake with a hot chocolate.

I made a cup of hot chocolate before announcement of dessert menu. hahaha

We were surely tired because we started today early.

We came back to hotel to rest, hoping to climb Ayers Rock tomorrow.

Please stop lightning, thundering and raining.

PLEASE!!!

Posted in Art, Experience, Family, Feelings, Flower, Food, Health, Hotel, Place, Restaurants, Shrine and Temple, Sunrise and Sunset, Surprise, Travel

Trip to Egypt (Day 2 Part 2)

Posted on by sonokotchi

I’m spending relaxing Sunday with Chocolate at home today, cleaning room, doing laundry, etc.

Therefore, I decided to continue where I left it on my trip to Egypt.

I thought I would have time to upload about my trip sooner; but simultaneously, I had something that I wanted to share on that day that prevented me to continue.

Well, my second day in Egypt had been a long day.

We slept on the flight from Tokyo to Cairo; then continued our first half of sightseeing of the day.

We finally reach to our lodging for three nights: the Moon Dance Cruiser.

We were welcomed by Hibiscus Drink and my room is named my favorite “Da Vinci”.

To my surprise, the room is spacious for a cruise.

There is a spacious living room; I mainly use this room as my wardrobe.

There is a welcome fruit plate in the bedroom.

Fruits are delicious for deserted area.

Everyday, bed was made nicely.

Cobra hahaha

There is a basin then toilet, shower booth and…

Sauna!

First, I was excited about having a sauna in the room.

However, this sauna was newly equipped the the recent renovation; therefore, the staff doesn’t know how to turn it on properly or lack of informing us on how to use.

First night, it went up only 40 C.

I thought Egyptians enjoy sauna in low temperature.

I found it can go up to 70C from other tour mates the next day.

The second night, I asked the staff to on the sauna again.

Originally, I was informed it will take 10 mins to heat up so I prepared accordingly.

However, it took 10 mins to go up to 40 C and another a half hour to reach 70 C.

My body got cold while waiting for the sauna to heat up.

The third night, I turned on sauna early so that by the time I come back from dinner, it would be just ready.

Well, it reached 70 C before going for dinner.

I happily came back to the room and found sauna was cold as 40 C.

I was frustrated and I followed what staff was doing previous night.

I turned the switch and heard ticking sound… it has the timer.

Ahhhhh, I had to wait for 40 mins again.

I was frustrated so I put pajama and stick Hokkairo (hot plasters) on me and sat in the sauna and waited to reach 70 C.

I made my own sauna and managed to sweat.

By the time, I learned about the sauna, it’s time to get off the cruise. Sigh

After quickly inspecting our room facilities, we had our lunch on the cruise

It’s buffet lunch and I enjoyed food and drink.

Fresh fruit and vegetables are precious in Egypt; therefore, fresh juice is more expensive than alcohol.

Usually, it’s vise versa.

I enjoyed all fresh fruit juice and this is banana juice.

After lunch, we departed for the Luxor Temple.

This temple was built over 3,000 years ago…?

Therefore, this temple was used by others as well.

There is a mosque in the temple; Muslims modified the temple partially during their time.

At the other end, there is a church.

Nonetheless, we can find many Egyptian legacy in the temple.

This is Rameses II; the great Pharaoh (King) who united the North and South Egypt.

You find lotus and papyrus flower at the foot of two men who are tied by a rope.

Lotus is symbol of the North Egypt and papyrus is the South Egypt; therefore, this statue represents Ramses II united the North and South Egypt.

Ramses II had a beautiful and supportive wife: Nefertari.

I leaned a great lesson recently; I was like why this, why not, etc., I was frustrated.

Today, I realize I am happy just loving him.

I can understand how much Nefertari loved him by looking at her statue.

She is such a loving person.

There is another symbol of great love: Tutankhamen and Ankhsesnamum.

She also supported him with her great love.

There are many beautiful and meaningful motif.

We tried to read Hieroglyphic Alphabets from this chart to understand the story of motif.

There was culture

and great engineering skill.

How could it end…?

We returned to the cruise.

The cruise parked in front of the Luxor Temple so that we could continue admire the Luxor Temple in warm orange when the sun is setting.

On that day, or room was facing the Valley of the Kings.

We watched the sun setting from the room.

After the sun set, the petro station parked next to our cruise to supply the fuel.

It’s very convenient!

I enjoyed food and drink in Egypt.

After returned to the room, what happened with sauna is explained earlier. hahaha

Other than that the bed is comfortable and I slept well.

Posted in Art, Experience, Feelings, Food, Friends, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Place, Restaurants, Tokyo, Work

Tokyo Shiba Tofuya Ukai, Shiba-Koen, Tokyo

Posted on by sonokotchi

I was invited for a corporate dinner at the Tokyo Tofuya Ukai, Shiba-Koen, Tokyo.

The restaurant is located foot of Tokyo Tower.

It’s dark so difficult to see its beautiful traditional building,

We are greeted by Sakura (Cherry Blossom) that is about to bloom.

There are 600 types of Sakura and this is Miyabi Zakura, first to bloom.

There are sake cups decorated in Japanese 7 Gods and Goddess.

These are for Ohanami (Sakura viewing).

There is a nice Japanese garden.

And there is a house…

to grill deep-fried tofu with charcoals.

We can look up Tokyo Tower from the garden.

This is another type of Sakura, Shidare Zakura.

This restaurant will be nicely in pink during Sakura season.

I had a nice Tofu Kaiseki (Tofu Course Dinner).

I enjoyed companies, conversation, variety of Tofu and seasonal Amaoh Strawberry juice.

I had a souvenir to bring back.

It became a lovely evening.

Posted in Experience, Feelings, Health, Japan Technology, Place, Tokyo, Travel, Work

The Week of 4th March 2019

Posted on by sonokotchi

Monday, 4 March 2019

As I uploaded, I attended the reception hosted by the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Indistry.

Tuesday, 5 March 2019

I went to gym to rewind my body to get ready for a long day next day.

Wednesday, 6 March 2019

I visited three companies and they are:

*Rakuten

Rakuten is Japan’s leading e-Commerce platform; approximately 100 million users occupying 25% of Japanese eCommerce market.

*Fujisawa Sustainable Smart Town/Panasonic

Panasonic, being a Japan’s leading manufacturers of consumer electronics and household equipment, enriches lifestyle by building a sustainable town enabling residents to have eco-friendly and comfortable lifestyles while ensuring safety and security.

*Kawasaki Heavy Industries Robotics Company

Kawasaki robotics is one of Japanese leading suppliers of industrial robots and robotic automation systems utilizing IoT and AI to meet the demand for IR 4.0.

It was fun witnessing the latest technologies.

Thursday, 7 March 2019

I visited FOODEX JAPAN 2019 (the world third largest international food and beverage exhibition) at Makuhari Messe, Chiba for assisting a meeting.

I’m glad to know that I could assist to solve issues.

Friday, 9 March 2019

I received urgent assignments (such as sending reports and receiving a group) to be settled.

This week, it’s more on reporting on work; simultaneously I had a great fun visiting companies, places and meeting people.

I try my best to interest me and motivate me.

Posted in Art, Experience, Family, Feelings, Flower, Food, Place, River, Sunrise and Sunset, Travel

Trip to Egypt (Day 2 Part 1)

Posted on by sonokotchi

We took a domestic flight to Luxor.

When we arrived Cairo at 3:50 am, it was dark; therefore, I couldn’t see the city.

Now it’s 6:15 am and we can see the city of Cairo clearly.

And sunrise.

We see houses in desert.

I enjoyed juice and cookies on the flight.

And these are also written in Arabic.

I enjoyed views from plane.

The landscape is breath taking and reminded me of Grand Canyon.

These landscapes might have created by Great Nile River.

We can clearly witness bless from Nike River; so rich and green.

This is town of Luxor.

And we landed Luxor International Airport after one hour journey.

I’m glad to know that my suitcase also arrived Luxor International Airport with me.

I started sightseeing in Luxor.

First visited Karnak Temple.

There are mini Sphinx to receive us.

There are few theories for construction method of gates.

These sands/rocks support one of theories that old Egyptians made a slope to build higher.

This is a papyrus columns.

There are a total of ten papyrus columns on two sides to be lined symmetry.

There is a section with 134 papyrus columns..

These used to be painted in nice colours.

After walking through Papyrus Columns; there are two Obelisks.

There is one wall full of Hieroglyph.

These are nice views of the Obelisk.

At the back, there is a road leading to Luxor Temple which is under the repair.

Sacred Pond

There is a Scarab.

According to the guide, if we walk around the Scarab reverse clock wise for three times, it will being good luck, but this matter is not written on the Scarab.

Nonetheless, I walked to wish for good luck. hahaha

It has been a long day because after landing in Cairo, we continued sightseeing.

I will continue the second half day in next blog.

Posted in Beauty, Choco-chan, Experience, Family, Feelings, Food, Movie, Place, Restaurants, Shop, Shopping, Travel

Trip to Egypt (Day 1)

Posted on by sonokotchi

As usual, I was busy packing till last minutes so I woke up early to continue packing.

This time, I needed to prepare sending Choco to the pet hotel.

I’ve chosen the pet hotel that we took class.

When he arrived at the pet hotel, he seemed happy because he might still remember the staffs; but when he was taken, he looked bit sad…?

I was worried about him, but I received a daily report that he is having fun with friends.

I’m happy for him.

Unlike me, I arrived too early to Narita Airport.

The counter wasn’t opened yet; therefore, I took a drink at Tully’s to relax.

Finally, the counter opened and checked-in.

I wanted to check new collection of cosmetics; but two of them are already sold out. Sigh

I bought one lip stick and one alternative eye shadow.

This time, we used United’s Lounge.

There are less people so peaceful and comfy.

I was told that there aren’t any inflight alcohol serving so that I decided to enjoy Sake before departure.

We took the direct flight from Narita, Tokyo to Cairo, Egypt by Egypt Air.

We were greeted by Guava juice and chocolates.

First I thoughts seats are narrow; however, to my surprise, it’s quite spacious and comfortable because Egyptians are tall.

Though this airlines don’t provide a slippers, but I’m quite happy with varieties of amenities.

Food is European food.

I watched three movies.

I fell sleep for first two movies; however, these were action movies so that I don’t miss much because they were fighting on the movies.

22 Mikes

Peppermint

Lastly, I watched a movie about a woman changing her life by living with Pug: Patrick.

I fully understand her.

I slept and woke up for breakfast.

About to reach Cairo, Egypt.

This map shows places where I would visit such as Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simpbel, etc.

I got excited when I look at it.

It’s quite a distance from Japan… we travelled 10,416 km.

We landed Cairo at 3:30 am.

It was still dark and we continued our trip to Luxor by taking a domestic flight.

Though I continued sightseeing, I should stop Day 1 and continue as next day from here because I spent one night on the plane.

Posted in Art, Experience, Feelings, Food, Friends, Hotel, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Place, Restaurants, Travel, Work

Business Trip to Hokkaido (Day 1)

Posted on by sonokotchi

I took an early flight to Hokkaido.

We took a train to the city center: Sapporo.

We took lunch at Marumiya, Paseo Sapporo.

We had some time before the meeting so that we stopped by at the Yuki Matsuri (Snow Festival).

The first… yeah, it’s Star Wars!!!

There is a giant snow cup noodle with slide.

Totoro

Pockemon

Tennis Player Naomi Osaka

NHK character Chiko-chan

Gundum

Tokeito (Sapporo’s Crock House)

Chibimaruko-Chan

Train

Swords Art Online

Finland Plaza

Kento Ranbu

Kaohsiung, Taiwan

NHK’s New Morning Drama: Natsusora

JRA (Japan Racing Association)

Hard Rock Family

Yuki Miku (Snow Miku) AR

I didn’t know how to activate so that I could watch the last scene.

This is the stage for acrobatic performance.

It’s time for us to return back to Prince Hotel Sapporo to depart for the meeting.

I was so happy to see Prince Hotel Sapporo because it’s getting dark and cold, but all taxies on the street were occupied.

After the meeting, we went for crab dinner at the same restaurant at Marumi, Paseo Sapporo.

King Crab

More dishes such as scollops, crab croquets, tempura, seafood salad, etc

Hairy Crab

We returned to hotel to dress up for night Yuki Matsuri (snow festival).

Hotel Keihan Sapporo

Night Yuki Matsuri was fun because it looks beautiful with colour.

There is different sculpture of Yuki Miku.

Now please compare how it looks in daytime and night.

We were cold so that we had a gluhwein (hot wine).

It’s – 6 C outside.

I really wanted to watch Yuki Miku AR and this time I asked a staff how to activate properly.

It was so much fun!!! YEAHHHH

Okay, I’m ready to go back to hotel for Daiyokujo (Large Public Bath).

I enjoyed Sudachi Bath.

For further details, please read the stand.

My body warmed up and ready to go sleep now.

Oyasuminasai (Good Night)