Back to Tokyo, and what?

Okay, enough of our fairytale vacation. We have long been back to Tokyo, and to real life. Yes, life that is so real we feel we are being treated unfairly. Why? Let me tell you.

This morning, my hubby was about to take our son out when he noticed our jitensha (bicycle), standing rightly in the parking area of our building, has lost its chair. Yeah, a chairless jitensha is what we have now. And, who on earth would steal only the chair? What would the bad guy do with the chair? Can he sell it? I don't think so. Who on earth would buy only that?

Our jitensha has been with us for three years now, and needless to say, has been through a lot. No matter how stainless its parts are, rust still persist in all corners, and dents are everywhere. Rain or shine, summer or fall, it has been my hubby's loyal buddy. And it was even jitensha-napped twice. In these two instances, the nappers were kind enough to return it to the parking area after borrowing it for a couple days without informing us.

This time, will the napper/s bring back the chair to where it should be?

To the chair-napper (if he happens to read this blog -- and if he can understand Eigo), I have one message for you:

Couldn't you just wait for two months until we're outta here, and we will even voluntarily hand you over our jitensha -- the whole of it, not just the chair, if you want? But not now, it's too early. What's the use of the bicycle without the chair? You could have taken everything ...

Grrr ...

Sale...90% OFF

Just imagine that! 90% OFF? Unbelievable, isn't it? But it's TRUE. It is just like giving it away (this makes me wonder why don't they just give it away?).

I'm just one lucky person to have stayed in this part of the world where SALE is abundant. And I am NOT talking about my usual bazaars, coz that's another story, thus another post. I am referring to the discounted prices of baby stuffs in the luxurious shopping mall where, expectedly, prices are sky high. This is the same place where my son and I love to hang out, and where items I could only afford to look at and admire, wishing that somehow someday I'd be able to buy at least a few of those pricey stuffs for my son.

Good heavens heard my wish, I guess. For there's an ongoing mallwide price down of up to 90%. Of course, I am especially interested in baby stuffs (what else?). With my happiness, I instantly bought a "few" stuffs.

Due to necessity, I once bought my son a pair of shoes for 700yen at 50% OFF, but the same sets of shoes are now sold at 100yen. Even the fancy little girl's hats are also 100yen, which are originally priced 1800yen. Baby clothes of all sorts of styles are also on sale at 100yen cheapest, others are priced 300yen or 500yen, with original prices ranged from 1500 to 2300yen. It's as if I am in a 100yen shop (I'll tell you more about this in another post).

My bugdet is tight, I have to admit that. But I just can't resist this irrestible temptation to buy, for I know that this comes only once in a blue moon.

Happy shopping indeed!

Jitensha lost?

Last Friday, our jitensha (bicycle) just disappeared from where it was parked that morning. Hubby went home feeling a little exhausted, not only because he had to walk for 1.5 kilometers, but also worried about the lost bicycle.

So, what do we do now? Come Sunday, we went back to the parking area, and tried to search for it again, but no luck at all. We asked our friends what to do, and they said that reporting it to the police is the best.

We have almost given up, and even thinking of our difficulty without it. The bicycle has been our only means of transport from the eki to the house (and vice versa) and helps a lot in buying groceries.

To our surprise, the bicycle got back to the parking area a few days later. Definitely, someone "borrowed" it and returned it afterwards. Oh, that someone should have paid a rent! A huge rent!

I wonder if others have experienced this kind. Is it a norm nowadays? Anyway, what matters is that our bicycle is not gone forever. ;)

Train trouble

'Twas Saturday afternoon, just after my arubaito in the language school. I was on my way to meet up with a student-friend. I was sitting comfortably, almost asleep, when the train stopped in one of the stations. To my surprise, the train didn't just stop -- it stayed there for more than 30 minutes! Oh my! What happened? Why ain't the train moving? Obviously, there was some kind of trouble, as the train staff were on their megaphones announcing something I could hardly understand. As I tried to listen, and as far as my understading of Nihonggo can go, I figured that there was trouble between two stations which affected three train lines. For what kind of trouble, I wonder. Maybe, two trains collided with each other. Maybe, there was someone who tried to kill her/himself. Maybe a thunderstorm? Nah, it wasn't raining.

I was about to panic since I was already getting late for my appointment. Since I have no celfone (oh, poor me!), I had to stand up from where I was comfily sitting (and thus, giving up my seat) and look for a payphone to make a call. To make the story short, I arrived in the meeting place one hour late. Because not only once did the train stop, but thrice!

This "lovely" experience of mine brings back all the train-related glitches I had when I was still teaching in Tsukuba. Once, the train I was on stopped in the middle of the long bridge for about 30 minutes. And since my Nihonggo was really awfully zero at that time, I didn't know what was really happening. I was able to know the reason only when my students explained it to me, when I arrived in the class one hour late. They said the train stopped due to thunderstorm. Oh, boy!

I have had other train troubles, some are minor ones, others are my own fault. But if I were to tell them all here, it will probably take you a day to finish reading a single post. I could not exactly tell that I won't face another train trouble in the near future. Seems like this kind of thing is always near me, if not with me. I try to commute early just so to avoid any inconveniences. But sometimes, no matter how hard or careful I am, Murphy's law strikes without a warning.

Good buys

Most of my friends know that I am exceptionally addicted to the color brown, thus, my romantic fascination for wood.

In Japan, many wood-based home thingies abound, and expensive too (probably because woods are imported). Take for example our wooden stool, which is just as simple as something you can sit on -- no artistic whatsoever -- costs 1200yen each. And we bought a pair. It would seem lonely if we buy only one. ;)

Did I just say they are expensive? Well, everyhing here is pricey, so it isn't a surprise anymore, is it? Luckily, in my bazaar hunting and in some SALE days, I chanced upon some good things that I really like, and I can proudly say it is indeed a one good buy.

Take this thing I call a mega mini-drawer. The three layers are so small that I could only probably store pins and other flat things (like my precious lapad, hahaha!). But it doesn't bother me at all of its very limited usability because I am dead happy for its aesthetic beauty and elegance as a desktop ornament. For now, though, I shall be content with it as a flat base for my indoor sword plant (which, by the way, doesn't seem to grow; hmmm, is this a living thing?)

And here's the most recent addition to my sari-saring collection. It is not made of wood, but it is one of my best buys ever. Yeah, it is a plate but I have no intention of using it as one. It is a bit heavy and too beautiful to put your food on it. Its coarse finish just proves that it is made out by some good hands devoting some innate skills to draw a beautiful piece on a very solid material. And I believe this rare piece of artwork deserves its rightful place as a center ornament in my receiving room displayed strategically as a matching accessory to my wood-motiffed and/or wood-based interior design.

I'll show more next time. In the meantime, lure your eyes and envy me. Hahaha! ;)

Bazaar mania

These are my Pinoy friends whom I rightly call my bazaar-friends. These are friends back in Los Baños who are now somehow transplanted here in Japan. They have stayed here more than we do, so they know more of the ins and outs here -- especially about upcoming bazaars. Take a look at the large paper bags in the picture, you bet those are nice things bought at the recent bazaar they went to with only about 100yen spent on all those.

While bazaars are not patronized by all Japanese, they are most looked forward to by those who want to buy things at a cheaper price. Sometimes even at a jackpot price, as my friend has coined it, for buying a very-slightly-used kiddie bicycle for her son for zero yen. That's really a WOW.

Bazaars are done mostly for charity purposes, especially those organized by the church. Any proceeds go directly to their chosen/intended recipients. In fact, the annual bazaar in our church is scheduled in the first week of June. Hmm, I need to get ready with my coins. ;) Yeah, you only need coins, for prices are really low. And lots of freebies too!

So far, I have bought so many sari-sari (assorted) things from the bazaars that I happen to go to. Most of my son's toys were bought in the bazaar. Just recently, we bought him a big size of Pooh bear (again???) who now becomes his best buddy, a Sesame Street mini-toy kingdom, and a lego-like shapeblocks (om, what's its name?) I also enjoy buying kitchen wares which are unique only to Japan, and which I intend to display ONLY at my cabinet back home (weird? ah, please don't mind me).

I'd say my money and time are worth the things that I bought from these bazaars. Especially when you are trying to live frugally in an expensive and stlyish city such as Tokyo, bazaars are a good source of stuffs you need for your home -- stuffs which are either slightly used or unused at all. Quality is still valued even in this kind of market, and I assure you, your yen could go a long, long way.

Till next bazaar day!

Picnic and fun at Odaiba

Everybody has been busy going here and there. It is a season to enjoy one's [very limited] freetime with family and friends in this weeklong holiday. As for us, we spent our whole day yesterday at Odaiba, together with some Pinoy friends. As we had expected, our "pasyal" was so much fun -- the kids got along well playing all the time, while we, the mothers, spent most of the time talking about our life and all other things while taking care of our "bulilits." The daddies also had their own enjoyment.

To start off, we met at Nishi-nippori station of the JR Yamanote line. 'Twas just funny that our friend who kindly reminded us to be there ON TIME was the one who arrived the latest. Surprisingly, we were the first comers when in fact we were the farthest from the station (about 45minutes from the house). We looked a lot like a very big family all set for a grand picnic each carrying a basket (or backpack) full of foods. So we started our journey, rode the train and got off at Shimbashi, where we transferred to the Yurikamome monorail going to Odaiba-kaihin-kouen (Odaiba Seaside Park) station. Here's my first glitch of the day: I was getting a ticket at the ticket machine when it suddenly gone crazy and out of service after I dropped a 100yen coin on it. Amidst the crowd, we asked the help of the staff and told us to stay put and wait for the machine to spit out my coin. I waited till the machine went back online but no coin appeared. To make the story short, I didn't get my coin back because, according to the staff, "I left the line without waiting for the coin to appear." Well, somebody might have been lucky enough that day to unexpectedly receive 100yen. "It is just 100yen," said the staff. JUST 100yen??? Hey, my 100yen can go a long, long way, you know, especially so in a bazaar. ;)

It was my 3rd time to visit Odaiba so I somehow knew what to expect from the place. Despite this, though, I still enjoyed every hour of our stay there as if seeing the place for the first time. Who would not enjoy such a riot company -- noisy and in an upbeat mood, laughing our hearts out, moon-walking while stopping in every corner to have our [crazy] pictures taken, feeding our already full tummies, filling our eyes with the awesome sights, and feeling the cold breeze amidst the sunny day.

Now, let's talk about the place. Odaiba is one of Tokyo's best spots with a unique ambience to offer its visitors. It is said to be a reclaimed area in Tokyo Bay which was first developed towards the end of the Edo period (1603 - 1867) as a strategic geographical protection against possible enemy attacks from the sea. The development was greatly affected, though, during the "bubble economy" period. Not wanting to waste whatever had been started, the place was redeveloped and "purpose" realigned to now serve not only pure business ventures but what has come to be widely known as a shopping and entertainment district. I would personally say that this place is kinda 'mini-USA" having its own version of the San Francisco Bridge (called the Rainbow Bridge) and the Statue of Liberty. There is also a "Little Hongkong" inside the Decks Tokyo Beach (a shopping mall) as well as the Venus Fort, a for-ladies shopping center with an ambience of the Rennaisance-period Venice, Italy. Hey, you don't need to travel around the world to see these things, because it's all here! Other "must-see" and "must-experience" in Odaiba are found at Japan-guide.com.

Our route? We got off at Odaiba-kaihin-kouen station, and walked our way through the all-woodplanks road to Decks Tokyo Beach until we reached the front of the beach overlooking the Rainbow Bridge. We found a nice shaded place where we shared our "sari-saring baon". We had adobo, tortang talong, kare-kare and tamago sushi, and crema de fruta for our dessert. Afterwards, the kids went playing at the beach while the "bulilits" soundly took their afternoon naps. There was never-ending chatting while nibbling with some "chichiriya". Then, we breezed through the nice parks on our way to the Palette Town where the kids excitedly rode the biggest Ferris Wheel in the world. For 900yen, you'll get to see most of Tokyo from above through a 16-minute ride in the slow-moving Daikanransha. Before and after getting there, we stopped at the MegaWeb (car showroom) where latest -- and old ones too! -- Toyota car models are displayed. Test driving is allowed as long as you have a valid driver's license, which none of us have, so we just took pictures of our pick. There was even a 10-minute showcase of a car of the future which, to me, looked like either a movable bedroom or a one-of-a-kind vacuum cleaner or probably an elegant sofabed with tires. No, I don't -- and won't -- dream of a car like that.

It was getting late and some of our friends left early. With only three families left, we walked down the park while witnessing the awesome sunset. At 6:35pm, we took the sea bus (aka Tokyo Water Cruise and SuijoBus) and cruised the calm waters to Hinode Pier. Yes, I was -- and still am -- afraid to ride a boat. But for experience's sake, I tried it this time. I'd say it was an experience with all the nice sights and lights I saw from the window. Well, I did not have the chance to go up in the open deck because I was carrying Luke. Besides, it was so cold up there.

After that 20-minute sea trip, we took the train from JR Hamamatsucho station to get home. We arrived home a little past 9pm, exhausted, hungry, sleepy but happy and satisfied.

Lure your eyes with more pictures at my Flickr account.
More facts about Odaiba at: Tokyo Essentials, Sugihara.com, JNTO, Odaiba Decks

Spring luck

SPRING has finally come in this part of the world. In Japan, and probably in other temperate countries, this season is most looked forward to and many (if not all) eagerly wait for it. I, for one, love spring so much because this means no more thick fur coats, no more layers of clothings and finally get rid of the "burning" coldness of winter. But this also means no more snow. *sigh*

To many (including myself), Spring connotes a new beginning to something wonderful. Spring gives birth to new life, new hope, new journey, new career, new relationships and all other new things in life. In Japan, this time is the start of its fiscal year. This is also a busy period for job seekers, as many jobs are offered by several companies at this time. Choices are many, but competition is also tough. As for me, I haven't found my best luck yet. But I am not losing hope. Never felt that, in fact. Coz I see opportunities knocking at my door one after the other. It is just a matter of careful scheduling of my rather very (as in v-e-r-y) limited working hours. I have this general impression of Tokyo that it never runs out of jobs to offer any one who is willing to earn for his daily bread. It is just a matter of choice, time and preference. Unlike in my home country, sad to say, that even for degree holders like me have very limited work choices.

Worthy of mentioning is the help extended by the government-run Hello Work and the Tokyo Employment Service Center for Foreigners. Their help makes my job search a little easier with their extensive database system. You tell them your preferences and they will look for jobs suited to your preferences, and even endorse you to that company you are interested in. I've heard some not-so-good things about this office but in my experience, their help far outweighs whatever those things are.

My Hope is that this Spring will Spring new Hope for me.

Train ride

When we went out the other Sunday, I was glad not to forget to bring our digicam so I was able to take pics of Luke while riding on the train. When it was Luke's first time to take the train (that was last year), he got a bit scared, maybe bcoz of unfamiliar sights and sound. After that, train ride is just chicken feed.

My first train ride in Tokyo (alone) was two years ago. Geez, I was so nervous that I made sure to memorize the names of the stations to pass by before my destination. Oh, have I told you I am very poor at directions? This is the very reason why I am so afraid to get lost. Scary, eh! Luckily, I got to my destination hassle-free.

Here in Japan, the most common and convenient mode of transportation is taking the train. This country boasts of its extensive railway system ranging from the trains, platforms, schedules, stations and staff. Taking the train is the fastest way to get to your destination. That is, if you're able to get to the platform just before the door closes. Trains arrive and leave on time. And, if you happen to miss the first train, chances are, you'll not be able to catch the next train when you norikai (change/transfer) to another sen (train line). And, if you are getting all the bad luck in that day, you'll be late for your appointment or work. It happened to me many times before. And I guess I will have more of it in the future, as long as I am here.

This is the very reason why people, no matter how jampacked the train is, still try to squeeze themselves in the train. Especially during rush hour, you will see almost all people running after the train, and trying to get in even if the door is already half closed. Inside, you could hardly breathe. And if you do, you'll surely take in various scents (you're lucky if it is a good one, huh).

Here are some tips when riding the train (including some unwritten rules):

1. Make sure you know where you're going to. Do your homework first before starting your journey. This will save you time and precious yen.
2. Train fares are calculated based on distance. There are many possible ways to get to your destination, and it's but wise to choose the cheapest and fastest route. Go back to tip #1.
3. When you're not sure of the exact fare to your destination, just get the minimum fare, and adjust later. Minimum fare for subway lines is 160yen and 130yen for JR lines
4. Inside the train, always sit properly and keep your things only within your 'space'. If you don't do this, you'll have some eye brows raised on you.
5. More raised eye brows when you talk loudly as if talking to everybody. Especially so when you are speaking a foreign language. General impression is that Filipinos are loud talkers, so if you see a group talking loudly and laughing, more often they're Filipinos. Groups of junior hi schoolers are also noisy, especially on mid- and long-distance trains.
6. Talking on the phone while inside the train is also a no-no. BUT many are doing it, including me (that was when I still have a keitai (cellphone)). If you really need to use keitai, cover your mouth and lower your voice as much as possible, probably just whispering.
7. There are priority seats for the elderly, handicapped, pregnant women and those with children. If you're not one of these, avoid these seats. More often, however, I see some commuters occupying these seats, even if they see an old lady standing near them. Once, on my way home, a lady in her 40s offered me her seat when she saw me standing with difficulty as I carry Luke in one hand and a tote bag on the other. Thing is, she wasn't sitting in the priority seat nor beside me but a few feet away.
8. If possible, don't eat inside the train, especially inside tokyo metro trains. If you can't bear your hunger, just take in a few bites of something not smelly nor 'noisy'. Eating is allowed though in suburb trains.
9. Sleeping is fine as long as you do it with finesse, that is, no drooling, no loud snorr, and no going beyond your 'space'.

Ei, what about during rush hour? Well, that will be another post. Till then.

100 things about me

Guess it's but right and proper to let my readers know who I am, at least in my own words. Got this idea of 100 things from a friend, and I am encouraged to do it too. So, scroll down to the end, and get to know me more.

1. I'll start with my name. I have several names, but I prefer you call me NING.
2. Stay-at-home mom.
3. Have a 1-year-old son.
4. I am 100% Filipino.
5. Born and raised in the Philippines.
6. But I am in Japan right now.
7. Will stay here for a couple of years more.
8. Third among the four brood.
9. In my early 30s.
10. Mestiza.
11. Brown eyes.
12. Tall and slim.
13. But I have grown a little since I gave birth to my son.
14. No plans of going to a gym or even doing a home exercise.
15. I really don't care about my figure.
16. But I want to get rid a few cms so I can still wear my fave suits.
17. Did I say I am a writer and editor by profession?
18. I graduated with a bachelor's degree in communication at the University of the Philippines.
19. I am 3 units short of my master's degree.
20. In Japan, I do English language teaching.
21. I first got a full time job in a language school, but I'm a freelancer now.
22. I try to find a part time work, but things are not as easy as before.
23. I hate cold weather.
24. But I want to experience snow.
25. I love to eat.
26. I eat 3 full meals and 3 snacks in between in a day.
27. I'm always hungry.
28. In fact, I am getting hungry as I am composing this.
29. I hate raisins.
30. Whatever you do, you'll never get me to have at least a taste of those black thingy.
31. I don't eat strawberries before.
32. But now, I do.
33. Strawberries here in Japan are superb!
34. I am a big fan of chocolates.
35. Any kind or brand will do.
36. But I am crazy over macadamia nut or almond-filled chocos!
37. I also love macadamia nut-flavored Häagen-Dazs ice cream!
38. Even it costs so much here, I still buy at least once a week (but not during winter).
39. Oh, I am a coffee-holic now.
40. It started just a month ago.
41. Blame the good coffee taste here in Japan.
42. I am a late-riser.
43. My deep sleep in usually in the morning.
44. I love blogging.
45. I bloghop too.
46. Most of the time, in fact.
47. I've learned about HTML thru blogging.
48. I desire to buy a state-of-the-art digicam but don't have enough dough right now.
49. So I have to be content with our small digicam.
50. Hmm, I never realised it would be this hard to describe myself.
51. It's taking me a while to think.
52. What else should I say?
53. Oh, I love to sing.
54. I dream of singing for a large audience someday.
55. Sort of a live concert.
56. I had a few stints before though.
57. But those were not as big as I dreamed of.
58. Hmm... when will this dream come true?
59. I remember when I was small, I used to sing in front of the mirror.
60. With my hairbrush as my microphone.
61. And with all emotions poured into it.
62. How about dancing?
63. Well, I did a YMCA dance when I was in Grade 6. ;)
64. I am NOT a sportsperson.
65. I don't even know how to ride a bicycle.
66. But I can drive a car.
67. I love peach roses.
68. Don't ever give me red ones, I won't appreciate it.
69. I hate rush hour.
70. I think everyone hates it.
71. I wanted to have another baby.
72. But I am afraid of going through the 9 months ordeal again.
73. It is very traumatic for me.
74. Not knowing what's gonna happen.
75. I get tired of cleaning and sterilising feeding bottles.
76. But I need to, otherwise, I have nothing to use in feeding my toddler.
77. I also get tired of doing the laundry.
78. But I have no choice but to wash them.
79. Ows, have I already mentioned that I love anything with Pooh bear designs.
80. I have a collection eh.
81. Almost all of my kid's things are Pooh-inspired.
82. Even diapers!!!
83. My fascination of Pooh bear started when I got pregnant with my son.
84. That's as far as I can recall.
85. Lately, I keep on forgetting things.
86. Just this afternoon, I forgot to bring the digicam on our way to the park.
87. I love eating at Mister Donut (in Japan).
88. Their Angel Cream is superb.
89. I miss my garden back in the Philippines. *sigh*
90. Ten more to go and I'm done!
91. I intend to buy a G-shock watch for myself.
92. My hubby gave me one 3 years ago.
93. But it is nowhere to be found now.
94. The last six items are the most important.
95. I believe in God Almighty.
96. I love God.
97. I lean on Him for help and guidance.
98. He is my Saviour.
99. My dependable Friend.
100. For without HIM, I am NOTHING.

Note: First published at my blogHi account.