Category: Family

Posted in Beauty, Choco-chan, Family, Feelings, Food, Friends, Gadget, Health, Japan Technology, Japanese Food, Shopping, Tokyo

Vernal Equinox Dayi

Posted on by sonokotchi

Usually, my office doesn’t follow Japanese holiday, but we closed today. Yeah.

I appreciate this break because I am tired.

I went to my hair salon to get a hair dryer and iron: REPRONIZER 4D PLUS.

I tried this at Salon before and my hair felt so smooth after using it, especially straight iron.

I have wavy hair that is not in fashion but gives impression of damage hair.

However, after using this hair iron which won’t damage my hair because of its technology and special material — ceramic, my hair is so straight (no sign of wavy) and smooth!

It surely drew my attention.

I was told the more I use the more my hair get straighter and healthier.

I decide to get one.

Simultaneously, I was looking for a nice hair dryer.

It might give me multiple effect. hahaha

I waited to buy these for five days till today for 5 times Point Day at Roppongi Hills.

I save points to get a voucher for my beauty salon. hahaha

Today, we received a guest who is 91 years old, fit and wise.

In fact, I enjoy talking to her.

She brought us various kind of sweets for our afternoon tea.

Guess who also enjoys her company.

She will stay with us till Sunday.

What shall we do tomorrow?

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, Beauty, Exercise, Family, Feelings, Food, Friends, Health, Japanese Culture, Mt. Fuji, Place, Tokyo

Total Beautifying Day

Posted on by sonokotchi

I went to spa for facial, body and hair.

I had a head massage as birthday of the month special.

It’s nice and I might ask it again.

There was a surprise.

A beautician must have heard of my stomach making noise.

She brought me some sandwich as birthday of the month girl special.

So sweet of her.

I’m going there to beautify myself; simultaneously meeting my friends for chit chatting.

In the afternoon, I went to gym.

Instead of stretching or exercising, my trainer massage me to balance my body.

According to him, my body is overworked.

True enough, I fell sleep while he was massaging me.

Thanks to him, I’ve gained some energy.

In the evening, I met up with Dad.

We visited Hokusai Updated to admire Hokusai’s Ukiyoe (woodblock paints) at Mori Arts Center Gallery, Roppongi Hills Tower 52F.

I like his Mt. Fuji series.

I had luxury of standing in front of Red Fuji and Big Wave to admire quietly.

There are many foreigners from different countries.

It indicates his arts are also popular among foreigners.

The museum is located on 52 Floor; therefore, the view from the floor is breathtaking.

It’s very scenic.

I didn’t have time to visit the observatory area; perhaps, next time.

I beautify completely — face, body, hair and heart — today.

Satisfactory day… fufufu

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 Family, Feelings, Food, Friends, Gadget, Place, Restaurants, Tokyo

Happy Valentine

Posted on by sonokotchi

I received an eCard from a couple in the States.

Their thoughts warmed my heart in the morning of cold winter.

I miss them badly.

Today, I arranged lunch at the Moon, Roppongi Hills 52F, to celebrate my colleague becoming a permanent staff.

It is located at the same level of observatory room of Roppongi Hills (52F); therefore, the view is great.

Food is also nice.

I’m glad to know that Boss and my colleague enjoyed dining there.

Congratulations to my colleague.

When I returned to home, I was excited to see a box.

My new iPhone arrived!

I followed the instructions to transfer all data to new iPhone.

It’s successfully done. Yeah!

I formatted my old iPhone and ready to be sent back.

Now I can go to bed. fufufu

I looked back my Valentine’s Day.

I didn’t have anything romantic; I had a dinner with Mom at home eating Nadaman Restaurant’s packed dinner instead.

It was a peaceful day, YET I was happy and felt loved.

Happy Valentine!

Posted in Art, Choco-chan, Family, Feelings, Food, Friends, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Place, Restaurants, Tokyo

Art Day

Posted on by sonokotchi

I went to Suntory Museum of Art (Tokyo Midtown Roppongi 3F) to admire “Kawanabe Kyodai: Nothing Escaped His Brush”.

He was a very imaginative painter: animals move like humans and he also painted many ghosts, goblins and monsters.

He had his own strange world to express.

If you wish to admire his arts, you are advised to take a photo of this promotional board which is placed at 1F of Tokyo Midtown Roppongi to get 100 yen discount from admission fee by showing the photo.

I’m lucky I had few complementary tickets. fufufu

After admiring Japanese paintings, I was in the mood for a Japanese dessert.

But to enjoy seasonal anmitsu (red bean paste and jelly with syrup), Strawberry Anmitsu, at Toraya Cafe (Tokyo Midtown Roppongi B1F.), I had to wait.

This is Japanese traditional dessert cafe, but the system for queue is very modern – computerized.

People before us weren’t there to wait so we managed to get a table fast.

I expected to see strawberry fruit in Anmitsu, but there aren’t any strawberries.

Though, it’s very strawberry because its very strawberry syrup and there are few strawberry jellies.

I’m glad to chose Matcha (thick green tea) to balance the sweetness.

For dinner, I went to Korean Dinning Kosari Tokyo, Akabane, Tokyo.

Choco and I enjoyed Korean BBQ on charcoals.

Choco had grilled chicken.

Posted in Choco-chan, Family, Feelings, Food, Friends, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Place, Restaurants, Shop, Shopping, Tokyo

Very Japanese Sunday

Posted on by sonokotchi

I looked for a restaurant that I can take Choco with me.

We went to Monjayaki Kotobukiya, Tsukishima, Tokyo.

I had Ramune (Soda) for drink.

We started with Gyu-tan Steak (beef tongue steak).

Forgot to take a photo; I also had Sunagimo (gizzard).

Sumagimo is at the up left corner.

Then we had the main dish, Hakata Mentai Mochi Cheese Monja (Hakata fish roe, pounded rice cake and cheese in Monjya Style.)

Monjayaki is local Tsukishima food.

First we cook ingredients.

Then add soup and mix all.

We can eat moist or crispy as we wish.

We also had okonomiyaki, Kansai (Osaka Style Pancake).

Choco was tired waiting for us.

We left Kotobukiya and stopped by at Tsukiji Bon Marche Deli & Bar to get our dessert: matcha (Green Tea) soft cream.

I enjoyed Tsukiji Happy Ice Cream with colourful decoration.

At the dinner time, I had Nabe (cray pot) and Ehomaki (Good Luck Roll).

This is thick and long with many ingredients.

We face good luck direction of the year (East for 2019) and eat this roll.

I also did Mamemaki (throwing soybeans for good luck) by saying “Oni wa Soto, Fukuwa Uchi (Evils out, good luck to come)”.

And at the midnight, I placed this facing good direction of the year (East).

This will make all matters in favors.

According to old Japanese calendar, 3 February was the New Year; therefore, we have so many tradition to wish for good luck today.