Last weekend we decided to get our pictures taken at a studio in our neighbourhood that specialises in Japanese dress up photos. I dressed as a samurai and Mika dressed as a very convincing Geisha. A worth-while and fun activity, I recommend to anyone coming to Japan as it isn’t that expensive. The whole affair (kimonos, make-up, photo shoot and 6 prints) was a very reasonable $200.
Jul 18
We’re now half way through July and into the “stinking hot and humid” weather. I know it gets humid in North America but compared to Asia, it is mild. This past week has been particularily bad and the worst is yet to come. That means we haven’t done much. Work has kept us busy and the weather has kept us indoors.
My tomoates that I grow on the balcony have all ripened already though and they have been good. I wish I had a bigger garden though as they are almost finished.
Soon it will be even busier here as Matthew and Sandy are scheduled to arrive on July 22 and my father is scheduled to arrive on August 7 for a four month temporary duty at the embassy. Mika’s parents are coming at the end of September so it is going to be a busy few months.
Henry, as cute as he is, has developed a new routine over the past month which is a bit annoying. He wakes me up at 4:30 and I throw him out of the bedroom. He comes back at 6:00 and meows at the door every 5 seconds until you open it and feed him. He can go on for at least an hour so we now have ear plugs beside the bed if it gets really bad. One of us feeds him at around 6:30 and then we return to bed. After he finishes eating he meows loudly back up to the bedroom where he demands a spot so he can snuggle. Of course if we keep the door closed all the time, he’ll just meow all the time. At least it’s a predictable routine. I hope when the nights get longer that he will wake us up later in the morning. Cross your fingers.
Jul 07
It’s embarrassing. The Canadian embassy did not organise anything for Canada Day. The Ambassador is in Canada with the Emperor and Empress of Japan which I guess is sort of an excuse but still…
The MPSS (Military Police and Security Services) did manage to cobble together a BBQ that they routinely do for the Military Police charity for blind children.
The Americans, on the other hand, had a huge party at the hotel Okura to which Mika was invited. I was also invited as the spouse of. As usual it was a colossal affair with mountains of food, crowds of people and music provided by the 7th Fleet band. The Chargé d’affair provided a greeting and toast (Obama has not yet chosen an Ambassador), and the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Japanese Minister of Defence also toasted the USA. Food was provided by the embassy kitchen as well as sponsors such as Crispy Creme, McDonald’s, Domino’s Pizza, Cold Stone Creamery, Starbucks and more. A grand time was had by all. As it was on July 2, it was close enough that we could celebrate Canada Day as well.
I’m trying out a new gallery type format for the blogs. Let me know what you think of it. Good, Bad?
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