sunday

Ever since we moved from Osaka to Tokyo, Satoshi has been going to classes and studying for various tests.

The tests eventually would allow him to be an interpreter/tour guide for foreigners, mainly for tourists/people who speak German.

He finally had the last test this past Sunday.

It was an interview.

He said it was pretty intense and the total amount of time to speak was only 5 minutes, but he said it was a good experience.

Send him good mojo, he'll know how he did in February...

So, while he was doing all of this, I went holo-holo (galavanting) on my own on weekends and weekdays to keep myself "busy"...

and went to check out the ginkgo trees near Gaienmae.

I walked from Shibuya...it was a nice 30 minute walk.

Was kind of disappointed because the trees were kind of bald on top...wonder if the typhoon and weird weather had anything to do with this?!

Under the trees the light was a brownish-yellowish glow with not many leaves on the ground.

Afterwards, I walked back to Shibuya bought some dessert for dinner and headed home.

Dinner was kefta, which I've made in the past.

Dessert was from Libertable whose main shop is near Akasaka. Their Enfant is a verrine (glass/cup) dessert...custard topped with caramel gelee and marron (chestnut) puree.

Delicious! the caramel gelee had a little bitterness to it, but balances out the rich custard and sweet marron.

I hope to try other items from this shop again.

We need to start working on holiday cards as well as prepare for the end of the year.

Hope you have a good week!

Libertable (UPDATE2021: this location closed)
ShinQs Hikarie Shibuya B2
Shibuya, Tokyo
Phone: 03.6434.1848
Hours: 10:00-21:00
Open when Hikarie ShinQs is

gaienmae & azabujuban

Wednesday, Satoshi had the day off, so we went to check out the ginkgo trees near Gaienmae.

The tops are kind of dried out, but the lower part of the trees are turning yellow.

We had lunch at Shake Shack because "someone" was starving and didn't want to look for somewhere else to eat.

He had the single shack burger while I tried the shack-cago dog...this dog was disappointing...

They cut the sausage lengthwise to cook it and the bun fell apart...messy eats.

Then we walked to the National Art Center of Tokyo.

We didn't go inside but I'm sure Satoshi will when there is an exhibit he is interested in is there.

Taiyaki from Naniwaya Sohonten in Azabujuban.

They are one of the oldest in Tokyo...in business since 1909?!

The outside has a little chew but it is filled to the tail with chunky sweet bean paste.

We thought the weather was forecast for rain but it turned out to be a great day out and about.

National Art Center of Tokyo
7-22 Roppongi
Minato, Tokyo
Closed Tuesdays
Hours: 10:00-17:30

Naniwaya Sohonten
1-8-14 Azabujuban
Minato, Tokyo
Phone: 03.3583.4975
Closed Tuesdays and every 3rd Wednesday
Hours: 10:00-19:00

ginkgo

Saturday, the weather was really sunny so the ginkgo leaves were really golden. (Photo taken at Horikoshi Shrine)

Monday, the golden color was deeper but still very pretty.

I think the fall colors will soon be over.

around the neighborhood

The other night, I was having fun with Photofunia...Wouldn't it be cool to get a Mini cooper like this? (with cappuccino art, macarons or dark chocolate Hello Kitty on it...though it would be hard to choose which one I would want, which one would you choose?)

Yesterday was such a beautiful, sunny day. I decided to eat lunch at MOS then walk through Suigetsu Park.

While walking through the park, I found this elderly couple having lunch on the bench between these weeping willows.

The leaves aren't changing much yet, but I did find these stinky gingko nuts...they smell like stinky cheese...blah!

I also saw a pomegranate that the birds partially ate.

And a semi-rant...if you are going to make your child wear a helmet, don't you think you should too?

Today, our building is having some work done so I have to be out of the house for most of the day as they will shut off the water. On top of that it is supposed to rain for most of the day, hopefully it won't be too cold out.

Have a nice weekend!

some history, gingko trees

Yesterday Satoshi had the day off, so we went to our favorite cafe, Hiro, for breakfast. The weather is FREEZING!! You could actually see snow on the Minoo mountain tops. The weatherman says we can expect the mid-winter conditions to continue (didn't winter just start??)

Anyway, after breakfast, I wanted to show Satoshi the gingko trees. They were a very bright yellow and it looked like a truck that had yellow paint in it, exploded. (I think I may have used that description a while back...) Anyway, in the sun, they looked a lot brighter.

We have some interesting history in Minoo, for one thing, in an area called Sakuragaoka, the Japan Architect Association sponsored a house remodeling exhibition in Taisho 11 (1922) which featured Western style houses. A total of 25 houses were built. After the exhibition, all of the homes were sold. Today, 8 homes have kept its shape and 4 of them have been registered as a National Treasure of Japan. This one was unique for its time because the contrast of the red roof tile and white walls. I was surprised because most of these houses are HUGE!!

When we go check out the other historical spots, I'll post my findings.

Keep warm if you're in areas like ours, and for those in warm areas, try to keep cool!!