Category: Shop

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 Feelings, Gadget, Japan Technology, Place, Shop, Shopping, Tokyo

Shopping at Yodobashi Camera, Akihabara

Posted on by sonokotchi

I went to Yodobashi Camera, Akihabara which has sales area of 23,800 sqm to find TV, Blue Ray Recorder, refrigerator and laundry machine.

The retail named Camera because it originated a specialized camera shop, but today, the store cannot survive by just selling cameras.

The store sells cameras, electric home appliances, mobiles, PC, accessories, toys, TV games, etc.

It’s quite fun to visit for even window shopping.

I usually go there when I want to consider purchasing these products to obtain product information.

I did the same thing this time.

In the morning, obtained enough information on each products, then returned to condo to double confirm the size of area for each home electric appliances; then returned to Yodobashi Camera to purchase them.

We decide to support Japanese manufacturer this time.

TV: Sony

Blue Ray Recorder: Panasonic

Refrigerator: Mitsubishi

Laundry Machine: Sharp

I cannot wait for the delivery day.

Posted in Experience, Feelings, Food, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Nature, Place, Restaurants, Shop, Shopping, Surprise, Tokyo, Travel

Golden Week Holiday in Okinawa (Day 4)

Posted on by sonokotchi

Today, it’s a sightseeing day.

We rent a car from Times Parking.

Once become a member, we can rent a car by our requested hours at the nearest Times Parking.

First, we went to Yoshinoya for breakfast.

I ordered a normal Gyudon (Beef Bowl) to compare it from Tokyo one’s.

Hummmm, it tastes the same.

Last night, uchina (Okinawan) recommended us to visit Gyokusendo (Cave) at the Sushi Restaurant Hagama Zushi.

Gyokusendo is located at the Okinawa World.

To my surprise, it’s a huge park, comprehensive Okinawa cultural park.

We started with Gyokusendo, the cave.

It’s a huge cave.

Ao no Izumi (Blue Fountain)

Ogon no Sakazuki (Golden Sake Cup)

There is a natural eel!

He swam slowly occupying the place to himself.

We exited the cave at the other side of park.

We walk through many parks back to the entrance/exit.

There is Ryukyu (Okinawan) glass park.

We can make crafts or simply enjoy shopping.

I shopped Ryukyu Glass Chopsticks holders here.

There are many cafe as well.

I enjoyed Uchina Zenzai (Okinawan Style Bean Ice Shave), shekwasha (citrus) juice and a bite of vanilla Blue Seal ice cream.

There are many more shops and cafe to enjoy.

This is Okinawa Style Traditional House.

This is Okinawa’s traditional costume.

I also tried Okinawa’s Buku Buku Cha (Foam Tea).

I need to chew the foam to prevent from choking.

This is my first experience to chew the tea. hahaha

I also watched Eisa (Okinawa Dance).

Another big event at this park is Habu Snake (poisonous snake found in Okinawa) vs mongoose.

Mongoose catches Habu; however, Animal Welfare Society protested to stop the fight.

Today, we cannot watch the fight.

They race to swim faster.

Mongoose won. hahaha

You will watch and even can touch many snakes here.

After enjoying this huge park, I went to walk on Shuri Kinjo-cho Ishidatami Michi (Shuri-Kinjo Town Stone Pavement).

It’s normal residential area, but I felt like I’m walking at the different time zone.

Luckily I walked down this slope.

It’s time to return to Tokyo.

Sayonara Shisa (Okinawa’s Lion/Guardians)

It’s the last day of Golden Week Holiday; therefore, all flights are sold out!!! Wow!!!

Had dinner at Kirin Bar also planning about next trip to Okinawa if any. hahaha

Sayonara Okinawa for now; look forward to visiting here again.

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.

Posted in Beauty, Family, Feelings, Food, Friends, Hotel, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Shop, Shopping, Tokyo, Travel, Work

Golden Week Holiday in Kyoto (Day 1)

Posted on by sonokotchi

In Japan, there is unrecorded holiday season named Golden Week.

There are many Japanese National Holiday starting on 29 April – 5 May.

These are

29 April – Showa Day

3 May – Constitution Day

4 May – Greenery Day

5 May – Children’s (Boys’) Day

Therefore, many factories close during this period to save operational cost.

In my case, my office has our own calendar; the office close from 28 April – 1 May 2018 (Labour Day) and from 4 – 6 May 2018.

I decided to spend my earlier Golden Week Holiday in Kyoto.

I planned to take 6:30 pm Shinkansen (bullet train);therefore, I tried to finish my works by yesterday, then packed at night.

I didn’t expect any visitors today so I even polished my nails for holiday last night.

Luckily, we didn’t receive any urgent tasks from HQ today.

I could leave office at 5 pm. Yeah

I arrived busy Tokyo Station; there are many people heading for home and holiday.

I queued to buy a souvenir: Tokyo Banana’s Tokyo Banana Panda with Banana Yogurt Cream for my old friend whom I plan to meet in Kyoto.

These are cuuuuuteeeeee in Panda.

I also bought an obento (packed food) for dinner on the train.

After shopping these, we proceeded to the Shinkansen platform.

There are many people busily walking…

Shinkansen was parking at the platform.

On the train, I enjoyed seafood obento/dinner: uni (sea urchin), ikura (salmon roe) and kani (crab).

Then I enjoyed Tokyo Banana Panda for dessert.

Yes, I bought them for myself, too,

I arrived Kyoto at 9 pm.

We took a subway (Karasuma Line) to Shijo Station for checking in at Kyoto Karasuma Hotel.

This is my second time to stay at this hotel.

This hotel is nice and cozy.

Time to hit the futon.

Oyasuminasai (Good Night).

Posted in Family, Feelings, Shop, Shopping, Tokyo

GEMME COLLECTION, Ginza

Posted on by sonokotchi

I went to JAB ANSTOETZ and Christian Fischbacher to confirm curtains and laces.

After confirming these, Mom and I went to Ginza for shopping.

I love glitterings so these caught my eyes…

This shop temporally opens from April to July 2018 at Ginza Exit Melsa B1 Floor.

I bought these today.

I cannot reject glitterings… hahaha

Posted in Beauty, Family, Feelings, Food, Shop, Shopping, Tokyo

Starting a Day with a Mistake

Posted on by sonokotchi

I went to spa at 9 am.

I saw the receptionist busily walking around.

Then she told me…”ahhhh, your appointment is at 12, noon today…?”

I was “…………….”

They are nice; they quickly coordinated to get ready for my session.

Arigatogozaimasu.

Thank you for allowing me to start my day refreshing, though I went at the wrong time.

After refreshing, I went to confirm furniture at IDC Otsuka, Ariake, Tokyo with Mom.

We did paper works at the meeting area where we can have a good view of Tokyo Big Sight (the largest exhibition hall in Japan).

This place will serve as media room during Tokyo Olympic.

After we happily confirmed few pieces of furniture, we picked up Dad for dinner.

We had another Italian consecutively.

We were busy reporting to him about furniture.