Tokyo trip, days 1-5

Earlier this month I went with David on his business trip to Tokyo.  I put a lot on Instagram as the trip went along, but I'd like to blog a bit about it too.   It was just one of the best vacations I've ever had.  

I dreaded the flight, but it really wasn't bad.  I have good noise canceling headphones and they help so much.  Our first hotel was just lovely, plenty of space and a big window.  

Day one -  I taxied to a lunch spot to meet up with some fellow Relief Society friends from when we lived there, and then I took a long walk in the sunshine, collected a few groceries for the hotel room.  

Day two -  I met up with friends Christina and Naomi and we walked all around Christina's neighborhood, Koenji, which is known for its many vintage clothing shops.  We stood in line for a long time for THE best tempura I have ever tasted. Ah, Tokyo! 

Specialty rice shop with rice grown in lots of different regions of Japan: 

The cutest little office supply store: 

Everywhere you turn, there is something interesting to see. 

But mainly it was just so great to spend the afternoon talking and laughing with good old friends. 

Day three:  I met up at our church building for an outing by car to the beloved "Dirty Dish" shop.  That isn't the name, but it's what expats have called it for decades.   It's a big dusty warehouse with excellent prices and then everything is an additional 40% off.    To and from the shop, I got caught up with Leslie A.  It just feels like no time had passed since 2022 when I left Japan without really knowing I was leaving "for good". 

I managed to buy a few things (including hashioki (chopstick holders) and two replacement ramen bowls for Kaela.  

So fun catching up with Coy Lou... 

And Aya... 

 

Day three, Saturday with David - 

His favorite gyoza place, Harajuku Gyoza. 

From there it is walking distance to Meiji Shrine.  Such a lovely wooded space on the way. 

The purifiying ritual of rinsing hands, taking a sip of the cool water as a sign of respect before passing through the gate.  

Blue skies, and a glimpse of a Shinto wedding procession - 

You know I see quilty inspiration everywhere - 

Just so fun being back in Tokyo.  It felt like returning home. 

Day four, Sunday - a quiet day - church followed by brunch and a little shopping for clothes for David.  The Tokyo LDS temple has been recently renovated, and we attended church in the attached "annex".  

So nice catching up with friends - 

To be continued!  

Cynthia 

Meiji Shrine on a beautiful fall day

A couple weeks ago there was a festival (sort of subdued, with the lack of tourists - Japan is still not open to tourists) at Meiji Shrine.  I met some friends there and we really enjoyed ourselves.  Not pictured are the many absolutely adorable children in their fancy kimono, being photographed.

At the entrance, an autumn display celebrating the harvest - with a ship made out of vegetables! 

A solemn procession of monks: 

A marvelous exhibit of ikebana: 

and chrysanthemums everywhere: 

I love spotting the Pawlonia kamon (family crest):  

Back home, I've not been doing much quilting lately.  I'm sort of stalled out.   I've been doing a lot of geneology, sitting at my kitchen table with the marvelous fresh air and sunshine streaming in: 

Cabell County West Virginia rural school class photo.  The tall guy in the back was my great-grandfather Garland Tennyson Brown.  We called him Pop: 

Last week in book group we discussed A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles.  I read it for the second time (actually, the first time, I listened to it).  I took notes and really savored it because it was my turn to lead the discussion.  I highly recommend this epic, beautifully written novel! 

And now we are reading The Woman in the White Kimono by Ana Johns - much quicker read, really enjoying it too. 

xo

Cynthia