Category: Family

Posted in Cooking, Experience, Family, Feelings, Japanese Culture, Shop, Shopping, Travel

Trip to Bulgaria and Romania (Day 3)

Posted on by sonokotchi

As usual, I started my day with a lovely omelette. hehehe

After breakfast, I had some time to relax at the room before departing for sightseeing Sofia City.

I felt Jazzy so I played Jazz station.

This is City of Sofia: view from the hotel.

The bus dropped us at a corner of the Alexander Navsky Cathedral to start our sightseeing.

The Cathedral is so beautiful under morning of soft sunlight.

We first visited the memorial stone of Ivan, the first famous Bulgarian writer.

These are the memorial for great contribution of King Boris III who protected Jewish from Germans during World War II.

This is the Mayor’s Office.

The mayor is SHE and she has been serving for 6 years.

She tries to increase greenery in the city.

One of uniqueness of this city is we can find many ruins from Roman Era everywhere.

This is the Saint Sofia Church Which was built in 6th century.

This church was converted to serve for many religions.

First it was built for Greek Orthodox, then converted to Mosque by the Ottoman Empire.

There was a big earthquake then that destroyed two towers on their holly day on Friday.

Muslims took it as a sign of bad luck so they abandoned it.

Today, the Saint Sofia Church became the most popular church for wedding among Bulgarian Orthodox.

The other side of street, there is the House of Patriarch.

I also find a memorial for the bilateral friendships between Bulgaria and Japan.

It’s time to pay a visit to the Alexander Nevsky Church which is the largest Bulgarian Orthodox church.

There are twelve domes on the roof and the bell weights 12 tons.

In addition, the weight of gold used for domes is 9 kg.

We cannot find any chairs at any Bulgarian Orthodox Church.

They participate in the service by standing.

On weekdays, the service is 20 mins, but on Sundays, the service is 3 hours.

People are allowed to join and leave any time during the service.

Another difference from other Christianity is that we cannot find any music instrument in any Bulgarian Orthodox Church because they serve/donate/praise by voice only: singing.

All these marbles are imported from Italy, Brazil and Morocco.

We could take photos inside, but we need to buy an approval ticket for 10 leva.

The church is beautiful to consider this payment as donation to the church.

After visiting a beautiful church, we started walking around the city to visit iconic buildings and places in Sophia.

The Statute of Tsar Alexander II

He is Russian Emperor who contributed to liberated Bulgaria from the Ottoman Empire.

Saint Nicholas Orthodox – Beautiful Russian Church

Old Palace, today it serves as History Museum.

City View

Central Bank

Presidency Building

Prime Minister’s House

Saint Sofia – Owl on her shoulder and crown of laurel in her hand.

Many ruins from the Roman Era (2nd Century) found underground of Sofia.

These are discovered in 1955.

As a Japanese, I love Onsen (hot spring).

There are 5,000 sources of hot spring in Bulgaria.

Hot spring water could be hot and cold like Japan.

Of course, I washed my hands to make them look 20 years younger!!! hahaha

This scenery is symbolic of Bulgarian, living in harmony.

Majority of Bulgarians are Bulgarian Orthodox; here we can find Mosque and Jewish Church in the same area.

The building in the center is the market.

When we passed by Mosque, we can see the ruin of the large bath for Muslims purifying themselves before entering to the Mosque.

This is the market.

We can find ruins everywhere.

Roman Bath

Church of Saint Petka of the Saddlers – this church is partially buried into the ground to show the respect to Ottoman (lower then any mosques) during its ruling allowing them to continue practicing.

Peaceful city view

We returned to the Presidency Building to watch the ceremony of changing of the guards at every o’ clock.

At the back of the Presidency Building, there is Saint George Rotunda.

This small church brought peace to my heart.

National Museum of Archaeology which is located in front of the Presidency Building.

At this museum, we should check treasures of Thracian.

There are many more precious pieces in this museum.

I need to keep distance (70 cm) from exhibits not to trigger the alarm.

I found interesting pieces as well.

VERSACE

An old plate with Japanese Emperor’s symbol (chrysanthemum) as if it belongs to him.

2nd June is special for Bulgarians.

At noon, the siren started and all Bulgarians pray for ancestors.

The guards at Presidency Building performed a special ceremony/formation.

This time police officers guarded the guards…?

Suddenly, he appeared and unfortinately, he blocked my view.

We had a famous Bulgarian cold yogurt soup – Tarator – for lunch.

We departed Sofia for Provdiv.

The buildings in Provdiv is unique; the second floor is larger than first/ground floor to avoid paying taxes, but to enjoy larger space.

Museum of Ethnographic – to learn local and traditional culture and industries.

The building itself represents local culture.

The Church of Sveti Konstantin & Elena – lovely church; therefore, this church is also popular for wedding.

Today, it is a restaurant, but this building was built in 19th century as Dervish Monastery.

We can understand it’s history on he wall of restaurant.

There are many more unique buildings on the street.

Roman Ancient Theatre

This is how it looks from the stage.

Back Stage

The special path was used by Emperor.

The Holy Virgin Orthodox Church

We reached to shopping area.

Again, there is Roman Stadium buried under shipping area.

Further walked down the street.

Oh, there are marks on the street indicating the other side of stadium.

Central Post

Ramada Hotel Trimontium

The main dish for tonight was Bulgarian famous meatballs.

After laughing over dinner, went to a local supermarket to buy souvenirs and own consumption.

(Top Left) Ice Cream, Lokum (Bulgarian candy), chocolate and candies/cough drops and Linden tea bags.

Posted in Experience, Family, Feelings, Food, Nature, Place, River, Shop, Shopping, Travel, World Culture

Trip to Bulgaria and Romania (Day 2)

Posted on by sonokotchi

I started my day with a nice simple buffet breakfast.

Ingredients are indeed fresh to enhance a breakfast.

We departed hotel for Rila Monastery.

It is about two hours away from Sofia; therefore, we stopped few places before we reached there.

Rila Mountains

The area is famous for production of cherries.

We stopped at SMALL cherry shop to buy local delicacy.

We also stopped at small town to look for nests of storks.

In Japan, we believe a stork brings a baby to a family and I was told that in Bulgaria, a stork is also a symbol of good luck.

I could see a head of storks at chimneys; how cute!

Then we reached Rila Monastery; it is located over 1000 m from the sea level and opened by Saint Ivan about 960 years ago.

This monastery is the largest and most significant Monastery in Balkan Peninsular.

We are welcomed by Saint Gabriel, Jessica and Saint Michael at the gate.

There was a fire in 19th century to burn all down except the stone tower.

Those days, 500 people served at Rila Monastery, today there are only eight.

Rila Monastery is equipped with 300 bed rooms, a wine cellar, bakery, cheese factory, vegetable farms, kitchen and even library.

Rila Monastery survived during Turkish Yoke by paying taxes because they earned income by selling wine, reads and cheese.

There is a cute little post office.

Wow, this place has everything within the premises.

First, we visited the museum to learn more about the history of Rila Monastery and beautiful crafts of Eastern Orthodox.

This is the tower that survived from a fire in 19th century.

We went outside from another entrance to take a look of Rila River.

Rila means lilac in Bulgarian, but for Rila Monastery, it means the source of water.

Rila River

The Virgin Mary’s Church.

The church is nicely decorated by frescoes.

With no exception, these beautiful frescoes made the monastery famous.

There are significant frescoes.

For example, the judgement day: there is a door to the heaven and a path to the hell.

I found the Virgin Mary and her son (Jeasus).

I had trout for lunch at the river side restaurant.

I had my trout with Bulgarian local beer and cherry juice.

A bottle of Rila Water was provided to each of us so I happily took it back for my own consumption!

Again, food is simple, but I enjoy its simple ness.

After lunch, we visited another UNESCO World Heritage: Boyana Church (1979).

The first section was built in 11th century; the second extension was built in 13th century; the last (third) section was built in 19th century.

We can see the period clearly from the side of church.

The door to enter into church is made by wood (surface) and steel (inner) in 14th century though the building was built in 19th century.

The entrance is small to make us naturally humble to bow before entering.

Boyana Church became famous because of frescoes – so emotional.

It is very unfortunate that I won’t be able to share how beautiful these frescos are.

This was the last sightseeing spot of the day.

We returned hotel for dinner.

We enjoyed buffet dinner at the terrace.

After good laughs, time to hit bed!

Posted in Beauty, Family, Feelings, Flower, Food, Gadget, Hotel, Movie, Place, Shop, Shopping, Surprise, Travel, World Culture

Trip to Bulgaria and Romania (Day 1)

Posted on by sonokotchi

I joined a 10 days tour package to visit Rose Festival (once in a year event) in Bulgaria and Romania.

I departed Narita Airport for Sofia, Bulgaria by Austria Air.

This is my first time traveling by Austria Air.

Austria Air started operation again after a year and 8 months absence.

Austria Air stopped the operation between Vienna and Japan because the number of Japanese tourist dropped due to active terrorist attracts in Europe then.

I quickly walked through immigration because I had shopping to do.

I usually get my supply of cosmetics at Narita Airport.

It could be cheaper to buy cosmetics in overseas duty free shops but the quality of cosmetics are better in Japan because the stores always get new supplies due to the large number of shoppers to visit the shop.

I learned this through my experiences.

I bought cream eye shadows at the overseas duty free shop but when I open it, one of them was cracked and others are firm though it’s Chanel cream eye shadows, these must be already dried.

The shop is too far to complain or ask for replacement…

This time, I get mascaras (Chanel one’s in gray. I look forward to wearing it) and nails.

I didn’t have much time to rest at the lounge, but it’s okay.

Austria Air shares the lounge with ANA so I’m already familiar with their food and facilities. hahaha

Then time to board!

The facilities are nice: thick blanket, nice headset, beverages, food, desserts, even COFFEE!

These are in a bag of amenities.

I had lamb as my main dish for dinner.

I also enjoyed Austria dessert wine (a blend of Chardonnay and Welschriesling) with cakes.!

I was amazed by the coffee; there are so many varieties.

I tried Maria Theresia: an exclusive Wiener Coffee which is black coffee with delicious orange liqueur!

I enjoyed watching movies with a nice headset and sleep on a comfortable seat.

Look what I found at the laboratory.

I found stain remover for clothing; how thoughtful they are!

I kept them in case I need them.

I had roasted chicken breast broccoli potato pepper gratin for breakfast.

I love having my breakfast with a glass of champagne. hahaha

I enjoyed my flight and safely arrived Vienna, Austria.

I still had to catch a connecting flight for Sofia, Bulgaria.

I haven’t visited Vienna yet so I will make sure to return here.

It is international flight, but it took few hours to reach Sofia, Bulgaria.

I had snacks on the flight; we can choose from either sweet and salty.

By the time we reach Sofia, it was already dark; of course, we landed at 11 pm.

We finally reach to our hotel: Hilton Sofia.

I soaked my body into a tub to relax.

It was a long day due to long journey and time zone. Zzzzzzz

Posted in Family, Feelings, Food, Hotel, Nature, Place, Restaurants, Tokyo, Travel

Long Weekend @ Kamogawa, Chiba (Day 3)

Posted on by sonokotchi

It’s time to return to Tokyo.

I took a morning bath; then the last breakfast at Kanpo no Yado Kamogawa,

After breakfast, I played with niece at hotel’s children play area till I get tired.

I’ve been playing with her for three days.

She never stops playing!!! hahaha

I drove through woods, then Aqualine to reach Umihotaru (Sea Firefly) Parking Area for sightseeing and lunch.

This parking area is located on the highway Aqualine which is crossing Tokyo Bay between Kisarazu, Chiba and Kawasaki, Kanagawa.

I can see Tokyo skyline on the horizon.

I had Chiiiba Don (Chiba Local Food Rice Bowl) for lunch.

I had after lunch coffee at Starbucks.

This is Chiba’s mascot charactor: Chiiiba-kun.

I couldn’t take many photos today because I was driving.

I safely arrived home and ready to go to bed early tonight.

It was a nice family gathering.

Posted in Diving, Experience, Family, Feelings, Food, Hotel, Nature, Place, Travel

Long Weekend @ Kamogawa, Chiba

Posted on by sonokotchi

I woke up early at 5:30 am because we forgot to close the curtain.

I went to a morning bath; to my surprise, there are many people at 6:00 am.

Today, we plan to go to Kamogawa Sea World.

We reached at the entrance of Kamogawa Sea World. Yeah.

There are many performances by many aqua creatures.

First, watched Shachi (Killer Whales) Performance.

Great performances and splash!

Then Ashika (Sea Lion) Performance

Smile Family performed a comical play.

Then continuously watched Iruka (Dolphin) performance.

Four dolphins performed acrobatic show.

Then we took a break: lunch.

The last show: Beluga Whale Performance

They are cute!

Would I have an opportunity to swim with them?

And there are aquariums to meet many more creatures.

Yes, these are the situation that I want to swim with them!

After enjoying spending time at the Kamogawa Sea World, returned to hotel to take a bath before dinner.

Posted in Family, Feelings, Food, Hotel, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Place, Travel

Long Weekend @ Kamogawa, Chiba

Posted on by sonokotchi

My family organized a special Buddhist ceremony for my grand mother: 13Kaiki (13th Anniversary Special Prayer).

First, check in at Kanpo no Yado Kamogawa at Kamogawa, Chiba.

The room is not ready so I had a coffee milk at the hotel lobby.

There is a special vending machine for various milk and somehow coffee milk reminds us school days because coffee milk was served at elementary school lunch, not a chocolate milk.

Chocolate Milk such as Milo is considered baby’s drink; though, now I enjoy it.

It was sunny day and we had a nice ceremony.

After the ceremony, we went up to the room and took a bath at a large public bath before dinner.

We had local food for dinner.

We started with these…

Beef Shabu Shabu (Cook in Boiling Water)

Takenoko no Kamameshi (Bamboo Pot Rice)

And dessert.

We all watch Yonimo Kimyo Na Monogatari (Weird Stories) together.

This is the seasonal special TV programme on Fuji Television.

Posted in Family, Feelings, Food, Friends, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Place, Restaurants, Travel

Golden Week Holiday in Kyoto (Day 4)

Posted on by sonokotchi

Took the train down to Akashi, Hyogo today.

Today, we plan to visit Akashi Tenmondai (Akashi Municipal Planetarium).

Could it be this building that I could see from the train and platform of Akashi Station?

I saw a big clock and letters, SEIKO – the company name of Japanese famous watch/clock manufacturer.

Another interesting structure that I found from the station platform is …. is that the castle….?

Later, Mom’s friend explained to us that that is the ruin of Akashi Castle; the actual castle does not exist today.

I had donuts for breakfast at Japanese brand donuts shop, Mister Donut.

I picked a matcha donuts collaborating with Kyoto’s famous Matcha (green tea) shop, Tsujiri.

I had to have this since I’m in the area. hahaha

After catching up on each other for over one hour, we departed for Akashi Tenmondai.

Akashi is Japan’s Standard Time Meridian where 135th Meridian East is located.

I was fortunate to listen to the music to indicate 12 o’clock noon.

If it’s noon in Japan, it’s 3 am in London.

From the observatory floor, we can enjoy the great view of Akashi Ohashi (Akashi Big Bridge).

After enjoying the great view of Akashi city at the observatory floor, we went down to the planetarium.

Reminded me of my childhood…I enjoyed the show very much.

I even stopped by at the exhibition area.

Now it’s time to enjoy Akashi local food!

Akashi is famous for Akashi Yaki (Akashi Balls) which is family of Tako Yaki (Octopus Balls), but it’s actually omelet balls dunking in dashi (soup).

The taxi driver highly recommended us to go to Akashi Yaki Shop Funamachi.

We see the queue, but I persuaded Mom and her friend to queue as well.

I know they want to continue talking; I thought it’s no harm for them to talk while we are queuing.

Then after some time we found a cone says, “it will take two hours from this point”.

We mentioned it loudly, but we managed only people behind us to leave.

The queue remained long.

The signboard was right; we waited for nearly 2 hours.

We finally get a table!!!

Akashi Yaki!

Yes, waited these for 2 hours!

First, I enjoyed these Akashi Yaki (omelette balls) simply dunking in dashi (soup).

Then for half of them, I added toppings: sauce, katsuobushi (bonito flakes) and aonori (seaweeds), then dunked in dashi.

These are yammy!!!

It’s worth waiting for 2 hours!!!

It was nice Lundi (I made it up the word for lunch and dinner. hahaha).

We started queuing around 3 pm; we ate at 4:30 pm.

After satisfying our stomachs, we walked down to Uo no Tana (Akashi’s Fish Market).

We reached to Akashi Station, but we went to Wa Cafe Conana (Japanese Cafe Conana).

I had Japanese style Warabi Parfait set (bracken-starch cakes parfait with Hoji-cha (Japanese roasted tea).

It was fun sightseeing Akashi♪

Posted in Family, Feelings, Flower, Food, Friends, Hotel, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Nature, Restaurants, Shrine and Temple, Travel, Waterfalls

Golden Week Holiday in Kyoto (Day 3)

Posted on by sonokotchi

I had these for breakfast.

I, again, visited Ishiyama, Shiga this morning

to visit Ishiyama Dera (Ishiyama Temple).

It’s guarded by Nioh (guardians).

It’s Spring so Temple is so green.

Walked through old aged stone for fun.

On the way to Hondo (the main temple), there are many temples to visit and pray.

Daishi Do (Kobo Great Buddhist Priest Temple)

When I look up from here…I see…

At Hondo (the Main Temple), I prayed to Nyoirin Kannon (Goddess).

After visiting Hondo, there are still many places to visit.

And the path are beautifully decorated by azalea.

This is the map of Ishiyama Temple.

You can see that there are many places to visit in the premises.

We are half way now.

We continued walking down the path.

Then we reached Kodo (Light Temple)

The door for this temple is opened specially from 28 April – 20 May 2018, allowing us to meet three special Buddha.

We are so lucky to be here today.

The first Japanese lady love story writer, Murasaki Shikibu used to visit this temple to get inspirations to write Genji Monogatari (Mr. Genji’s Story).

There is Kanro Daki (Kanro Fall).

And nice Shobu En (iris garden).

I cannot enter, but there is a path to the sacred place looking mysterious.

There is a holy stone.

According to the signage, it says Ooyuya, meaning a big bath…?

I also prayed to the very important God: Daikokuten (God of Wealth).

At last I prayed to Kinryu Ryuoh (Golden Dragon King) for preventing bad luck and bringing good luck.

After visiting Ishiyama Temple, we took a breath at tea room, Kanou Shojuan, to enjoy Ishimochi (stone rice cakes).

Ishimochi presents strong stone foundation of this temple, wishing for prevention of bad luck and establishment of strong tie.

These are delicious.

I had dinner appointment with my old Kyoto friend.

She took me to a nice Japanese restaurant Izama at Mitsui Garden Hotel Shinmachi Bettei, Kyoto.

I absolutely enjoyed food, drink and chatting!

Kyoto Local Beer (Dark Beer)

Three Types of Kyoto Local Sake

After dinner, I went to Bar Islay Mojito with her to continue girl’s talk without Mom. hehehe

Posted in Beauty, Experience, Family, Feelings, Food, Hotel, Japan Technology, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Restaurants, Shop, Shopping, Shrine and Temple, Travel

Golden Week Holiday in Kyoto (Day 2)

Posted on by sonokotchi

Took a train to Ishiyama Eki (Ishiyama Station) to participate in a special Buddhist ceremony at the temple in Shiga.

I love listening to Buddhist sutra reciting; and also participating to recite it.

The peaceful moment brings me clam and peace.

After participation in a special prayer, visited Iwamadera (Iwama Temple), Ishiyama, Shiga.

First, I hit the bell.

Please take note that you cannot hit it on the way back; you will bring bad luck instead.

If you forget to do it, it’s okay.

This is not the must.

There is Bokefuji Kannon (Goodness for senile dementia prevention) at this temple.

There is also Shirahime Ryujin (White Princess Dragon Goddess) for beauty.

The temple is located on the mountain.

Then I proceeded to Hondo (main temple).

Hondo (Main Temple)

There is a small beautiful pond next to the Hondo.

The famous Japanese poet, Matsuo Basho, composed a poet.

Furuikeya Kawazu Tobikomu Mizuno Oto

(Old Pond, a Flog Jumped, Sound of Splash)

Then there is also Fudo Do (Fudo Temple).

Fudomyoo is God of Fire.

He can burn all bad luck!

There is also Inazuma Ryuo Sha (Shrine for Lightning Dragon).

This God will prevent us from lightening and fire.

And there is also Taishi Do, Temple for Kobo Daishi (Kobo Buddhist Priest).

There is a resting room; you should take a rest here to meet more Gods and Eight Great Priests.

After dropping souvenirs at the hotel room, went out to buy tomorrow’s breakfast.

On the way to the bakery shop, stopped by at the Yojiya cosmetics shop located inside of hotel.

Yojiya was the specialized cosmetics manufacturer for Geisha.

Today, Yojiya also produces cosmetics for general consumers like me.

I bought UV protection loose powder in white.

I have sensitive skin so I want to avoid wearing UV protection cream by wearing a hat and THIS!

Then walked down to LAQUE to buy breads and cut pineapple for breakfast.

We arrived late last night and were active today.

We decided to have dinner at Japanese Restaurant Irifune at the hotel.

I enjoyed nice Kyoto food and Kyoto Sake Heiangu with Mom.