TOKYO!! & Yokohama too!

Yesterday afternoon I left the family and headed out for an adventure.
Well, i did not really wanna leave the family, but i was going with a friend to a 'job' and well... the solo-adventure was nice!
We left about 1 pm from the Jimmuji Station here in Zushi. We took the train to Kanazawa-Bunko Station. From there we switched trains for an Express Train to Yokohama. From Bunko its a 16 minute ride to Yokohama Station with one stop (when riding an Express, green train).

Once we arrived in Yokohama we switched lines to the Tokyu Line. (This is in the same area as the MM Line that takes you to Chinatown).



We got on heading twards Shibuya--->




Once on the Tokyo Line it's about 25 minutes and Several Stops until you reach Shibuya Station. We got off at the Shibuya Station.
Exiting Shibuya Station... Busy Busy!








Yes, they have Starbucks here too!




We walked a few blocks from the station for my friends 'job'.
This is an underground walkway...


Still in the Underground walkway






I have never seen this in Japan! A 1st for me!




We went up this building on the 10th floor for this job.


I hung with her until the job was over and then we were off again.

We did not spend much time in Tokyo honestly... but we did walk around a bit... and enjoy ourselves.
When it was time to head back to Yokohama we decided to Not walk (the few blocks) to the Tokyu Line ... we decided to get on a Different line, a JR Line.
We got on a JR Train headed towards Zushi, if you can believe it... where i live... all the way up in Tokyo! :) We did not take that local train to Zushi all the way home, we got off @ the Yokohama station stop.







Our ride back to Yokohama,... Beautiful!


I could spend a few hours looking at and taking photo's of the beautiful murals in Yokohama Station!


Welcome back to Yokohama @ Rush Hour! haha


My Friend had a Surprise in store for us! (Little did she know i am a bit afraid of heights!)
She had spoke with a friend about an American/Mexican Restaurant in Yokohama. It was located in the SKY Building, which is pretty much connected to the Yokohama station ... well not connected, but VERY close.




Once we arrived, we approached the elevators... and yup........ we were going to the top of this tall building! SKY is 29 floors, and we were headed to floor # 28! OMG! (The hot sweats start!) We got on the elevator in the basement... and rode it until the 15th floor... where i needed to get off for AIR... well... there was no AIR to be found! LOL That was one hot floor!
So we quickly got on that elevator!
28th floor, here we come!
haha!!!!

Once on the 28th floor.... i was fine, and it was Solid! LOL.



We took in the views from the window directly outside the elevator... and then off to dinner!



MMMmmm!
El Torito it is!



It was about 515pm by now, and we were hungry and ready for a good meal.
To our surprise... it was a slice of America, right in here in Japan.





The service/food/quality/view and speed of the service... was perfect! We also got to sit by the window... without a reservation... and the view was AMAZING!

(from left to right... out of the 3 windows by our table. there were many more window...but these were in our 'section'. )






And while we were eating... it got a bit dark. The views are a bit more amazing at night.



Our meals were 1450Y (or $14.50) each and that included a drink of choice. I chose tea, and Tammy chose a Adult Drink... and yes, it was included! It was a mini size, but STILL! :) totally amazing!



After a wonderful meal with a good friend, we were off!
As we were waiting for the elevator... i looked once again out the window, it was now dark... and i could not believe my eyes.......... MT FUJI!

(can you see Fuji-san in the distance?)


YES! :) It was RIGHT there! We could not see it earlier... the light/haze must have been in the way.... but we could see it now.....And the photo shows no justice... AND it was Closer than it appears... LOL!
It was the perfect ending to a great night!

We took the Express train, once again back to Bunko. BUT, this time? We were 'almost squished!'.................... I was hoping they were going to have to use those hired pushers... but nope! :( Anyways, for about 8 minutes were were packed in like sardines! After the only stop... we could breathe again, and ... 8 minutes later we got off.

At the train station, I picked up Ethan and the kids a Bento Dinner and some Yakitori Sticks & Soup... and we hoped the next train for Shinzushi ....home!
I think i got back about 730pm... and it was a VERY nice day out exploring my 'back-yard'.

FYI: Yokohama is about 25 minutes from our Train Station here in Zushi... (if you take the correct Express Train). Then... 25 minutes on the Tokyu (or other) line... and you are more than IN TOKYO!
So, now that i have done it... i can say we live about 50~60 minutes to 'Tokyo'.
WOW! Amazing!
I hope you enjoyed all the photos! I hope to share many more photos of Tokyo in the future!

Flowers...

On Tuesday Ethan came home on the Train.

I was surprised when he walked in the door holding a bunch of Flowers and a pint of Strawberry's!

Wow, and honestly? I was taken back.

Ethan Never buys me flowers!

This is Definitely something to make a big deal about!

Thank You Babe'

The Tsubasa ---> Shinkansen

Today while leaving Ikego Base, we were taken off guard when we saw a 'Bullet Train' parked right on the border gate.
It was parked on a set of tracks that are not in use anymore, but are used to storage trains while they are not in service. Usually the trains (all types) sit on the tracks for a few days.
But, the Bullet Train was here this morning, and gone this afternoon!
I am glad i got a few snap shots. :)
Evan was VERY Excited to see a Bullet Train. :)

---> as we are driving t'wards the gate, leaving the base.




See links below for an explanation for Tsubasa and about the Mini-Shinkansen line it runs on.

After leaving the base...



The type of Bullet train---->http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsubasa_(train)

The line that is runs on ---> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamagata_Shinkansen

Saizeriya Itailian Cafe'

A few days ago (on Sunday i think) we got out of the house, even though i was not up to it at all.
I am still trying to get used to these Allergy Meds (3).

We went to LIVIN (like Walmart... but priced higher than Target IMO)... and went shopping for curtins. We REALLY needed some.
It's been 5 months w/ no curtins.

After a few hours shopping for curtins we were ready for some dinner!



Tiffany from ADD Crafter in Japan told me this place, and i wanna say it's my new favorite!
Good Call Tiffany!
We all ate good, including soups and salads and such... with our meal. Also we all had a drink bar/coffee bar and Ethan had a beer... and we all had Dessert too! All for under 50$~ that's pretty much Amazing here in Japan. I think it was 4900Y actually.

our table---> Ethan had a pasta bowl and a gratin for dinner, soup and salad, not pictured.





my dessert. a coffee jello w/ milk gelato w/ cream to pour on top. i also had a coffee from the coffee bar. :)



Ethan and Olivia chose a truffle ice cream. it was dusted w/ cocoa powder. it was ice cream in a muffin cup!



Evan choose chocolate cake... and it was gone before i got a picture. haha



These few photo's you can click and actually make them BIGGER... so you can see the items on the menu & the prices.

:) Enjoy!!

Let's Grill... well kinda...

We don't have a grill as we gave ours away before moving...
So, we improvised this weekend when we REALLY wanted to grill-out.
Our Fire Pit turned Grill!

Hey, the food was FAB!
And, we had a fun time collecting 'down' wood... and enjoying an almost normal (stateside) night... Remember Kitty???

Evan... trying Sissys hat.... blackmail pictures!
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!!

SNOW!

feel free to click these pictures to make them bigger....

Last week we got the 1st snow.

It stuck for a few hours, and snowed for most of the night... :)... but the snow did not stick around until the morning. :(

Enjoy the pictures!

Evan...

Evan has been more interested in learning over the past few weeks.

He learned the letters in his name a few months ago. He has been writing his name always starting with the E and ending with the N for a few weeks.

The other day i wrote his name on the paper in the correct order... gave him a pencil and walked away... I told him to write him own name! :)

This photo shows you how big he is getting. :) I cant believe he is getting so old. He is JUST 4 and ... such a big boy. :(

Yokohama Date Night [February]

Last weekend Ethan & I went to Chinatown in Yokohama for our 'once a month' date-night.
We asked Tom & Kath to join us along with some new friends Nicole & David.
We took the train to Yokohama Station and then the subway MM line.
We ate at the same Chinese Place as last time. check out this link for pictures of the last visit.
This time we were sat on the 4th floor in a private room. (well, a shared private room...2 big tables). I enjoyed this time much more... because of the big table, and the more private setting.
It was all-you-care-to-eat for 2450Y ... it was a DEAL... :)!

Enjoy all the photos!


That's the longest wicket I have seen!

Leaving the MM subway line headed t'ward Chinatown.







The big table, and the wonderful lazy susan! ;)

The gang...



hahahahahaha



Tim & Kath





Goof!



crazy cups!



These 'cute' girls are all over the Tokyo area... I think they are adorable!

Bedroom...

About 2 weeks ago we bought Olivia's 1st bedroom set. Actually, her baby set was her 1st, but... she has been bedroom set-less for about 5 years.
She really loves it, and it was a total surprise.
This photo shows the bed & night table, but there is also a dresser, mirror & armoire.

Boy Scouts...

Ethan decided a few months ago to volunteer with a new troop forming out here where we live.
He has been in scouting for 20+ years, scouting is in his blood i am pretty sure!

A few weekends ago the troop took a weekend hike.
Ethan had a really good time. :)

Lets Play Catch-up...

I have been so sick w/ allergies so things have been slow around here.
I went to the doc's and am now on a 3 step process to help me funtcion. Hurray!... but, it's not working 100%... yet!

So, let me catch you up with a few entries.... be prepared for an overload. ;)

Ethan was able to go with Olivia to school one day last week. Their was a Dr. Seuss Breakfast and Read-in. It's been a real treat, having Ethan home to attend some special events with Olivia.

Commitment

After making sure I update this blog regularly for 12 full months & After reading all the things my friends and family have committed to over the years, it has had me thinking.............

(this is sooo something a woman would think!)

If I would have committed to walking or doing some sort of exercises for those 12 full months regularly...
How much healthier would i be?
How much smaller could i be?
How much longer would i live?

Well... this has been eating at me! (how funny... eating....haha)

So, i am going to Commit to exercising!!!
I am just going to start with the commitment... then we will see where it takes us.
I never said "I wanna blog for a year"... i just did it.
This is what i am going to do with Getting Healthy.
I wont give a goal... I'm just going to do it.
Lets see where it takes me! ;)

And The Winner Is....

SARA! ;) Yes! Your the Winner of a Box Full of Japanese Goodies............Congratulations! ;)
For those of you who don't know Sara, she is a wonderful friend from the 'good ole' Sasebo days'.
I am so glad we have been able to keep up and stay close throughout the years.
I am super happy for you... and I only hope you can hurry up and get your butt back over here ... !!!
Love~Ya Sist-aaaaaaa!