A Journey of Spirituality and Life

Breakfast in our room while we got ready for church was quick and easy.  We had picked it up from Daily on our way back last night.  I had a brick of scrambled egg, strawberry yogurt, peach juice and an apple pastry.  Mom had a teriyaki burger and she put sliced tomatoes on it from yesterday's salad we never ate since it didn't have dressing.

We attended a church service for the Anglican Church in Tokyo at St. Alban's, which is on the grounds of the Anglican Cathedral.  We had searched and found this was the only place offering an Anglican service in English.  We took the Metro and found our way, walking up a steep hill at the end.  I was ready to sit and have some a/c!  There is NO break from this humidity even in the AM hours.

We got there about 30 mins before the service started and found the Rector sitting in a pew talking with a young woman and walking her through what sounded like would be her Baptism during the service.  We chose seats and I inquired about where I could find the toilet.  I was directed through a back door into the community room where I saw several children and adults who were obviously part of the migrant community St. Alban's touts as their signature ministry.  

The sanctuary was small, compared to All Saints at home, but it was absolutely full by the time the service started.  We were among perhaps 15 White people and there were perhaps 20 Japanese people and the rest were migrants from, we found out, Nigeria and Liberia.  I think the 3 young female acolytes were from Bangladesh.  Mom thinks they were perhaps from India.  All in all I think there were 100 people in the church!

The service was familiar, but also very different.  The verbiage, we were told by the Rector afterwards (who comes from Maryland and has family in Pennsylvania), uses an English translation of the Japanese Anglican Communion.  Today's service was slightly modified in that a Baptism was included.  Before Communion, the Rector gave visitors an opportunity to introduce themselves and tell where they are from.  I stood up and introduced Mom and I and stated we are visiting from the Los Angeles area.

Communion was very different from what we're used to.  We're not sure if it's perhaps a holdover from Covid or if this is the way they've always done it.  The Rector sat in a chair behind the communion rail and the congregants approached one by one and kneeled in front of of him.  He dipped the wafer in the communion cup, that the Deacon was holding, and put it in the congregant's hands, and it was to be consumed at the handrail before returning to our seats.  You can imagine how long that took for 100 people to receive communion! Immediately after the service a Japanese woman approached Mom and inquired specifically about the fires in LA at the beginning of the year and asked if our homes were in danger.  We said we had been fortunate, but that my home was near the start of one of the fires.  She expressed sorrow for those we know who lost their homes. She was very kind and Mom was very touched that she had made a point of seeking us out.

We looked to go to the coffee hour afterwards but the line to get into the community hall (and the line for coffee and snacks) was very long, so we decided to leave and find the guys.  As we walked out we saw the young woman who had been baptized and congratulated her on her new journey.  She spoke English very well and inquired about us and our visit to Japan.

The guys had gone to "Creepy Vending Machine Corner" while we were at church and suggested we meet for lunch at Tokyo train station.  Kenji texted me the name of a restaurant that we could use at a meeting spot and decide to go from there.  Let me tell you, not only is Tokyo train station a train station, but there are like 3 different malls there, too!  Getting off the Metro and navigating to find the meeting spot was a huge challenge and quite frustrating at times, but thank goodness for Google Maps we made it!  We ended up choosing a curry spot next door and waited a short time for a table for 4.  It gave us enough time to peruse the menu.  Mom and I decided to share a set (read: combo) of pork cutlet curry with rice that came with a small side salad and a bottle of lime soda.  The salad was crisp and fresh with a light and yummy dressing and the soda was bright and refreshing!  The curry was warm and yummy.

I was in need of a change of clothes at that point.  (Let's be honest, I was ready for a change of clothes before we even got to church)  The humidity is brutal.  I know I've said that before, but seriously.  I will never complain about the the wimpy humidity we have at home again. So Mom and I came back to the hotel and got into comfy dry, lay around the room clothes (jammies) and had a little rest.  

The guys came back about 4 pm and had a rest and then we all went to Shinjuku together for dinner. The Metro was very crowded!  We went to a place I had seen on YouTube for Gyudon.  Think: Yoshinoya Beef Bowl, it comes with rice.  Rice is life in Japan.  The word "gohan" means both rice and meal. The restaurant has about 14 bar stools around the kitchen and the owner was a lively gentleman who was amused at my attempts at Japanese.  His English was much better.  We ate and left.  Mom said she enjoyed the meal, but it went too fast. That's how most places are here.  Eat and leave.

We walked through Shinjuku and Kenji took us to see the Godzilla Hotel since I didn't see it when we were here a couple of days ago.  Mom commented how she has never seen so much neon!  I told her to wait til we get to Osaka.  We had to pass the 3D cat video screen again.  So cute!  Kawai!  I suggested we have shave ice for dessert, but we were unable to find any in the area so we went back to our iced coffee restaurant where we could all sit in a booth together and talk.  Kenji and I shared a large strawberry shave ice with condensed milk and soft serve ice cream.  It hit the spot!  It was cold and melted in my mouth and soothed all the heat.

After investigating the laundry facilities at the hotel, and making a plan to do laundry tomorrow (Monday) in anticipation of leaving Tokyo on Tuesday, we retreated to our respective rooms.  I showed Mom a YouTube video I'd seen on how to use hotel laundry machines and we both blogged.

Here's to hoping for more than 6 hours of sleep at some point soon.

A Journey of Art and Lights

Today was the only day we actually had firm plans for.  We had tickets for teamLab: Borderless.  We bought breakfast at the local Family Mart and ate together in the girl's room and talked about the day ahead.  I had the fried chicken patty Family Mart is famous for.  It was a thigh that was very moist and tender and had been friend fairly recently as it was still crunchy.

We convened together downstairs at the appointed time and walked to the Metro.  After a train change we found ourselves eagerly anticipating the experience!  If you attended the Van Gogh exhibit in Los Angeles, or any of the other cities it visited, you remember the projected images of his works on the walls as they moved, ebbed and flowed through the different rooms.  That's sort of what this was like.  Each room was a different projection and sometimes we came back into a room we'd been in and the projection was different.

There were also rooms with "exhibits" that we were asked not to touch.  One room was filled with LED lights hanging from the ceiling that had coordinated patterns to create a light show.  Many rooms had mirrors on the floor and ceiling, and in this room the mirrors created the illusion of thousands more strands of light than were actually in the room.  One room reminded me of the "core memories" from the movie "Inside Out", with spheres moving along tracks.

My favorite room was the one I called the "lily pad" room.  There were circles of a spandex-like material on a stick at about knee-height that gave way as I walked around the room on a pre-determined path.  The projections gave the appearance that I felt was lily pad-like.  I felt so serene in this room.  The music was very spa-like and I wanted to spend more time here, but there were no seats or benches to sit and stay and absorb the atmosphere.  

We spent 2 hours at teamLab and got lost easily, passing through many rooms several times trying to find places and projections we hadn't seen yet.  We lost each other many times and crossed paths with each other a few times.  It was an amazing experience and I'm so glad Kenji & Leo found it as something to do while we were in Tokyo.  It will stay with me the rest of my life.

Mom and I headed back to the room as my ankle was bothering me and I wanted to get off of it.  We picked up a veritable feast of a lunch at a little grocery store in the building over the Metro.  We went back to the room, pleased with our choices and eager to try our choices.  As we unpacked the bag we realized we had no silverware other than demitasse spoons in the room meant for the coffee/tea.  We laughed and made the best of, taking very small bites and stretching lunch out quite a while.  

Full and not eager to get back on my feet, I decided to take a nap and Mom did, too.  After we woke up and reconnected with the boys, we decided we really didn't want to eat anything more at the moment, but instead headed out in time to get over to the Shinjuku Government Building for their nightly Fun & Light show.  On Saturdays & Sundays the 15 minute shows are Pac-Man and Godzilla.  We joined the good sized crowd gathered in a courtyard across the street from a very tall building and we managed to find seats on the edges of flower beds and a couple of minutes later the Pac-Man show started.  I smiled as I saw the classic images of Pac-Man and the ghosts chasing him.  Images of Tokyo made appearances.

After a short break, the main event, Godzilla, appeared and began terrorizing Tokyo.  It was a uniquely Tokyo experience and a lot of fun!  It started to sprinkle near the end, but brought with it a cool breeze that was most welcome and a good trade off for the coming rain.

We found a close Metro entrance and ducked inside.  Mom and I shared a Pocari Sweat (a lightly flavored Gatorade-type electrolyte drink) while we waited for the subway.  When we got back to our station we all went into a Daily store and picked up items to have in our rooms for breakfast at our leisure tomorrow AM. The rain was more than sprinkles as we came out of Daily and the parts of my shirt that weren't yet stuck to me from the humidity were now pressed onto my skin with the rain as I had left my umbrella in the room.  *eye roll*

Mom and I have decided to go to St Alban's Anglican Church tomorrow AM for the only Anglican service in English in Tokyo.  Yet to be seen is if we'll make it to the 7:30 or 10:30 am service.  We've been waking up early enough we could make the 7:30, but might take our time and go to the 10:30.  We shall see.

We now only have 2 hours left in July 5 and no earthquake yet.  

A Journey of Separation and Togetherness

After not going to bed til 9:45 pm last night I managed to sleep all the way to 4 am today.  *eye roll* 

Mom, Leo & I had breakfast together while Kenji did some work.  The restaurant served sandwiches.  Mom had a chicken sandwich that tasted distinctly like teriyaki chicken with shredded cabbage on toasted white bread.  Leo had a pork cutlet (read: friend pork chop, no bone) sandwich and I had, wait for it, pizza toast with plenty of egg.  Yep, that's how Google Translate translated the menu.  You know I had to try that!  It turns out "plenty of egg" is egg salad.  It was an egg salad sandwich on thick cut bread that was toasted with marinara, cheese, tomatoes and a small slice of green bell pepper on it.  When we were here the day before for an iced coffee we had commented on that item.  You know I had to get it!  It was, well, different, that's for sure.  It wasn't awful, but I doubt I'd order it again.  Kenji wanted to try it so I used Google Translate and asked the waitress if I could take half back to the hotel for my husband.  She happily brought me t to-go box, despite Google saying take-out generally isn't done in Japan.  I know I embarrassed Leo by even asking for a box.  My job was done.  Achievement unlocked!

We went back to the hotel and gave Kenji the half sandwich and then we went our separate ways.  The boys went to an exhibit called Small Worlds, which was a display of miniature models of cities and other places.  I don't know. I didn't go.

Mom and I figured out how to get to the Imperial Palace so we could wander around the Gardens, as we didn't buy a ticket in time for a tour of the Palace.  As we approached the Palace I wondered why the gates were closed and the front had barricades.  As we got up to it we saw signs saying the Palace and Gardens are closed on Fridays.  *groan* We hadn't done our homework about it enough to know it's closed on Fridays.

Plan B was hatched and we were off to the Meiji Jingu Inner Garden at the Meiji Shrine. It was beautiful and peaceful and we sat for a while looking at the lily pads.

We went back to the hotel for A/C and a rest.  We were told later that the guys went to Tokyo Disneyland Ikspiari, which is kind of like a mall with restaurants and shopping.  They rode the monorail (which actually requires purchasing a ticket, since it's part of the rail system.

After they came back and had a rest, we all had dinner together.  We went to a restaurant on the corner near the hotel that serves ramen, gyozas and fried rice.  the guys had had the ramen last night, so they had friend rice.  Mom and I each ordered the gyozas which came in an order of 5.  They were steamed then lightly fried.  Oishi (pronounced oy-shee)!  It means delicious.  We sat at the counter and had a view into the kitchen, which is usual for small restaurants in Japan.  We spoke with the cooks and had some fun with exchanging English and Japanese words and smiles.

After our quick meal, we were off for our excitement of the evening and found ourselves at the Shibuya Scramble, which is the busiest intersection in the world.  Every time pedestrians cross during rush hour there are 3,000 (yes, three thousand, NOT a typo!) people crossing in all directions all at once!  We watched then jumped in and participated!  So much fun!  While we weren't there at the height of rush hour, there were A LOT of people there nonetheless as it is Friday night and Shibuya is a busy area for nightlife.  After the Scramble we wandered around Shibuya and took in the neon lights and folks in line for popular restaurants and bars.  It started to sprinkle so we headed back to the subway.  

The train stations are no joke in regards to size and extensive walking required to get up and down escalators and stairs.  Google Maps is a necessity to know which exit to use to get closest to your destination.  You don't want to go above ground in the wrong spot or you could be very far from where you want to be.

On our way back to the hotel we stopped at a 7/11 in the Akasaka train station for snacks.  7/11 in Japan is VERY different than in the US.  There are freshly packaged prepared meals, truly fresh fruit, bakery items that don't stay on the shelves more than a day, so you know they won't be stale.  We got a pancake sandwich with butter and syrup in the middle, which is one of the items they are famous for. The guys got drinks and Mom & I got lattes for the AM to save time.

We came back and had a dessert-tasting party in the girls' room.  The pancake was soft and yummy!

Fingers crossed for longer sleep for me tonight. And fingers crossed the Manga (Google it) prediction for a large earthquake in Japan tomorrow, July 5, doesn't actually come true.  Yes, it's real.  Google it and pray for us.

A Journey of the First Day

When one goes to bed at 8:30 pm, one should not be surprised when they wake up for good at 2:30 am.  Too bad my roommate slept til I got out of the shower at 6 am.

The boys were showered and out of their room at 5:30 am to explore the neighborhood. We met up and found a local spot for breakfast.  You order using a machine-ticket system. I saw the plastic food in the window and decided I wanted #39.  Mom and Kenji got the same thing.  Leo got melon bread at Family Mart.  Our dishes were a super oishi (yummy) bowl of soba noodles, seaweed, a soft boiled egg and a veggie nest-pancake item.  Such a very different breakfast from back home, but was perfect and held us all over well til lunch.

We went to the local Akasaka Shrine, Hie, and paid our respects.  The Tori gates on the staircase down were sublime.

Then it was time for our first foray on to the Metro.  We got our Suica cards ready and made our way downstairs into the subway system.  When we got off we found ourselves in Shinjuku, where Leo was looking for the, wait for it, Disney Store.  I know, I know.  Apparently a few new Tsum Tsums (Google it) were released a couple of days ago.  We found them and wandered the 3 story store extensively.  I could've easily bought several items there, but resisted.  Nothing grabbed me enough to be willing to drag it around Japan for 4 weeks.

Then it was time for a surprise for mom and one of the things I've been looking forward to a lot, the Shinjuku 3D cat.  It was so much fun to see in person!  What I wasn't prepared for was all the other videos on the screen between appearances by the cat.  From what I've seen on YouTube it was all cat all the time.  Oh well.  We hung out there for a while and got some fun photos and videos.

It was about 1 pm and we were all ready for lunch.  I saw a Tourist Information office and went to ask for a recommendation for something nearby that is yummy and inexpensive.  We were directed to the elevator going downstairs and were told there were several restaurants down there.  We found a place where we all decided on different dishes and were looking forward to trying a bite of each other's meals.  As we ordered we were told that they had just run out of the fish dish I wanted and another one Kenji wanted.  Bah humbug!  The Lusters all ended up getting a fried chicken nugget meal with a tartar sauce.  Odd sounding, yes, but oishi nonetheless.  It was too bad our salads didn't have any dressing.  I would've liked more pickled daikon (Japanese radish).

After lunch the boys went to go explore and Mom & I wandered through a stationary store. I then had my first bidet experience.  Well, first of *this* trip. Boy, howdy, I forgot what deadly aim that stream of water has!  then walked to the Shinjuku National Garden.  It was lovely an green. but only a couple of patches of hydrangeas and no other flowers.  The humidity got the better of us and we headed back to the hotel.  The boys had already been back at the hotel about an hour before we got back.

I changed clothes when we got back and having put on my jammies, sort of made up my mind that I was in for the night.  My feet were throbbing and I couldn't imagine putting my shoes on again.  Mom and I weren't interested in eating again today, so the boys went out and got ramen without us, then returned to the hotel and were in for the night early, too.  A muffin I brought from the plane will serve as my dinner.

The humidity is wiping the floor with me.  I could easily change clothes every hour.  

I'm hopeful to stay up til 10 pm, my usual bedtime, to get onto a better sleep/wake schedule.  

A Journey to Japan

Today started dark and early.  I picked Mom up at 5:45 am and we were all picked up at our house at 6:15 am for a drive to LAX.  After getting through TSA we made our way to Delta Lounge and enjoyed a leisurely breakfast before boarding the plane for our estimated 11 hour flight to Tokyo.

The flight was smooth and uneventful.  I watched 4 movies, 3 I hadn't seen before.  We got through Immigration & Customs with only minor hiccups and got to an ATM and got cash and found the Suica card machine and purchased 3 Welcome Suica (pronounced swee-ka) cards (Kenji will be using his on his phone).  A Suica card will get us around Japan on the local trains, the subways and can even be used at convenience stores like 7-11 (a totally different and MUCH better store than in the US), Family Mart and Lawson.

Kenji found our driver and we loaded into his van for the approx. 30 minute ride to our hotel.  After checking in leaving luggage in our rooms, we departed for a walk-about in our Akasaka neighborhood.  We found a Family Mart next door and all purchased cold drinks.  In Japan it is considered rude and walk and drink at the same time so we sat outside the Family Mart and drank then walked to a 9 story Bic Camera store for Leo to look for film for his camera.  Yes, actual film!  He bought a film camera specifically for this trip.  Mom was amazed that there were soooo many floors of electronics and so many other items all for ONE store!  Yes, we explored all 9 floors.

We continued exploring the main street in Akasaka on foot after we left Bic Camera.  Mom and I wandered into a Daily convenience store and found they have a more extensive selection of freshly prepared, ready-to-eat foods.  We all selected some items and went back to our rooms.  We have 2 rooms the whole trip, with each room having 2 twin beds.  We are bunking girls with girls and boys with boys.  Mom and I watched some Japanese TV while eating our dinner, which cost about $5 each.

It is very humid here. My new battery-operated neck fan doesn't seem to be able to keep up with the humidity unless it's on the top speed.  Yikes!

Everyone seems to be winding down early, with none of us sleeping on the plane (well, Kenji cat-napped a couple of times, and I closed my eyes but never fell asleep).

Hopefully we'll all get a full night's rest and be on local time and ready to go in the morning!