Exploring Kyoto (Part 3) -- our last day

We didn't want our last adventure day to be just a travel day back to Tokyo. So, with the much-appreciated help of our friend, Mr. Kanai, who have come all the way from Nishinomiya to our hotel in Honmachi, we went back to Kyoto and have a glimpse of the other important and must-see tourist attractions there.

First we headed to Kiyomizu-dera (Temple of Clear Water) and spent our entire morning there. Uphill, we had a view of the central Kyoto where the landmamrk Kyoto Tower was clearly in sight.

Then, we traversed the narrow roads passing by old houses, mostly selling some souvenirs and teacups/teapots, until we reached Kodai-ji. We continued on walking till we reached the Maruyama-koen, which seemingly resembles Ueno Koen. Its main attraction is the weeping cherry tree. Why weeping? Pardon me for I couldn't exactly remember the reason why. Then we went to Chion-in but just on a short stop. We also passed by the Yasaka-jinja before we headed back to Kyoto station.

And oh, Mr. Kanai treated us to an authentic Jap resto where we had a sumptuous lunch of tempura. ;)

And so, our vacation is over, though we didn't want it to end. It is so nice to explore these places. Maybe, next time around. ;)

In the meantime, enjoy our photos:






Eastern Kyoto
January 4th, 2007

Nara deer-venture (aka Oh, di-di-di-deer!)

We went to Nara -- Japan's first capital -- on our third day. There, we met with our dear friends, Rich-san and Tomo-san.

Upon getting off at the Nara Station, we started walking down the Nara Koen until we reached the Todai-ji with the Daibutsu-den (Hall of the Great Buddha) as its main attraction. Before we got into the gate, we were welcomed by hornless deer scattered around the place. Children fearfully but excitedly love to feed them with shika-sembei (you can buy these deer biscuits for only 150yen). But beware! These deer just grab up anything whatever you're holding in your hands, which they believed to be their food. Look at how our friend Tomo-san tried to escape from the flock's plea for food.

Enjoy our photos (please don't mind the other faces in the pictures; the temple was way too crowded to get a chance for a solo):









Todai-ji and Nara Koen
Nara Prefecture
January 3rd, 2007

Bye-bye, Fukagawa!

January 1st, 2007 -- we left Fukagawa, Hokkaido. We were a bit sad with the thought that our snow-y vacation had come to an end. But we have our happy memories, and our pictures to share with you and for keepsakes.

In the photos below, we were at the station waiting for our train to take us back to the New Chitose International Airport.



To our dear friends, Rich-san and Tomo-san, thank you so much for your unselfish and warm accommodation, and for showing us how life is like during winter in the coldest part of Japan. Here's hoping to visit Fukagawa again sometime! ;)


Fukagawa Station
Fukagawa, Hokkaido
January 1, 2007

Hokkaido spree: toboganning

Our first try was a bit short because I was complaining of freezing hands and feet (yup, it's true), so we had our second chance (the place is very near our friend's house) with Dadi enjoying most of it. Of course, it was still freezing cold but we managed to stay a little longer than the first one. However, Luke didn't want to try again and he was crying all the time so we just watched Dadi had the time of his life (pardon the not-so-clear photo). And there were skiers in the area that made me a bit hesitant to try again. Nonetheless, we had fun and enjoyed having our pictures taken, too.

Let's toboggan!




Fukagawa, Hokkaido
December 2006

Hokkaido spree: snowboarding

This is our own version of the sport, k? I recently learned (oh, my innocence) that this is called toboganning (also tobogganing) made for those who are not brave enough to go into the real snowboarding or skiing feat flying high up. We just wanted to get a feel of the excitement of freely gliding down the snowy slope. Screaming, laughing, perspiring. Picture-taking, then freezing to death. ;)




Fukagawa, Hokkaido
December 2006

Fun at Ueno Park

Last Sunday, we went to Ueno (a central district of Tokyo linking all other places) to meet with some of our friends, had a tabehodai lunch and then while away our time at Ueno Park.

With us: Kuya Zeeki, Tita Am-mi and Ninong Zaldy (who generously lent us their car while we were in Pinas); behind the camera was Tito Richard

Zeeki is always very eager to take care of Luke. This time, he helps Luke practise walking in the park, with Luke still on that Tiggery outfit. (Note: This has become his favorite outfit.)

Before going home, we made a short stop at Akihabara, Tokyo's esteemed "electric town". There we bought our new webcam. yipeey!!! ;)

It was a good day for us.

Nurses who care

This is Miki-san, a nurse from the city health office who visits us at home. So far, three nurses have been here already, and at each surprise visit, our house is always at a mess as if a whirlwind has just passed by (can you picture what I mean? of course, this is a li'l bit exagerrated).

Since we always ignore the notices we received from the hoken centaa (health center), nurses like Miki-san go to our house to check on my baby's health condition and update his vaccination. I am just quite amazed to know that here in Japan, little children, most especially those very little ones like my young Luke, are given much attention. They receive free medical consultations, vaccination, advice on introducing solid foods, etc. In some shopping malls, a comfortable space is alloted in the children's section where a pile bed cribs are provided together with cold/hot water for making baby milk. Luke and I usually spend the whole day just in this area -- for sleeping, changing diaper, drinking milk, and playing. This is also my chance to meet and make friends with other mothers -- Pinays and Japs alike. A consultant is also available on a set day where you can ask about anything related to child care. Poor me, Nihonggo wakarimasen (don't know Japanese), so I can't avail of this free service.

I do hope our health center in Pinas will be of this kind. And the shopping malls too. Fingers crossed.