all over Tokyo

We had a pretty packed day on Sunday, visiting a traditional Japanese garden, riding a boat on the Sumida River and hanging out at one of Tokyo's biggest aquariums.  Our first stop was the garden, which was surprisingly gorgeous.  The route there was typical Tokyo: buildings, cement... repeat.  But, when we walked past the gate, it was like we had entered another world.   It was quiet, peaceful and green!  This is by far one of my favorite aspects of Tokyo, the twists and turns that can lead you somewhere that seems so out of place, but yet, was just what you needed. 

Then we were off on the boat to the aquarium.  It was a short ride, and very tourist-y, but it was interesting and we got a nice view of the city.   

Next we were on our way to the aquarium, but we actually missed the boat that would've taken us straight to the aquarium, so we ended up having to take like 2 or 3 more trains plus the monorail.  It was a nice crash course in Tokyo public transit for Ethan, but I think after the like 2nd train, he was a bit over it.  

I don't remember the last aquarium I went to in the US and Ethan couldn't either, but he definitely seemed to enjoy it and get a kick out of the tons of different things that we got to check out.  

I have another English lesson later on today, but this time, no Ethan.  Today's class is the older "obaasan" (grandma/older women) class, and no matter how much I offer, he doesn't really seem to budge with this one.  Which is fine I guess, cuz we leave for the camp on Sunday, when there'll be plenty to do.  

much love,

Hanako

First English Lesson

Ethan and I taught our first lesson!  There was a lot of coercing, bribing and buying of Japanese soda drinks that had to happen before hand, but in the end, I'd have to say that it went pretty well.  The lesson didn't last that long and we mostly just played this one card game, but for Ethan's first time teaching anything or really doing anything of that sort, it was definitely a success.  

Later on that day was also an "obon festival," which is why the one girl is wearing a yukata (summer kimono).  Ethan and I ended up wearing them later on too, with much thanks to Chieko-san (the woman who runs the English school) who bought one for each of us.  

attempting to learn the obon dance

Yojiro and I have been here one week now.  It's definitely an interesting living situation.  Baba: our 72 year old grandma, who has one of the loudest personalities I've ever encountered, plus her 14 year old grandson, who is also loud, kind of obnoxious and not to mention:  English only.  Then there's me:  umm... somewhere in the middle??  Sometimes I definitely feel like it's a bit much, but I gotta say, overall...  it's been pretty entertaining.  Knock on wood it continues to stay that way...

much love,

Hanako

   

A Taste of Japanese Humor

When something is popular is Japan, especially Tokyo, apparently everyone knows about it. Right now, one of those things is "3 no baisu," which means "multiples of 3." It's a skit created by this comedian, where you count and when you get to all multiples of 3 or any number that contains 3 you scream and make a weird face (they call it turning "crazy/stupid")... go figure. Anyway, it's the hit right now and everyone is screaming three, six, nine and so on...  If you're not convinced yet, follow the link below to a clip of famous Japanese people doing it.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KslVPf_Hpg

It's actually kinda funny... the first couple times.

We`re here!!

So, we`re really here.  Things are going great and we`ve been keeping pretty busy, hanging out with family, riding bikes and of course chowing down on tons of japanese food.

Our big plans so far:

1. find the best ramen in Tokyo
2. go on the ultimate bike ride
3. climb (aka go to) Mt. Fuji
4. co-teach English lessons

well...it`s a start.   here are some pics!!

Erimo`s bday party! Our Aunt Koko, cousins Erimo and Soya and our Grandma Baba.

Ethan's favorite activity.

His other favorite activity... drinking Oronamin C.

Riding the chair lift at Mt. Takao.

Washing our hands before entering the shrine.

We made it to the top!!

Ok, that`s it for now!! 

much love,

Hanako & Yojiro

Oh and, I like to pretend that Yojiro is excited or atleast somewhat interested in helping with this blog, but really... he`s not. Hopefully, I will be able to get him to write something before we leave!