Sweet Memories

I think I need a vacation to recover from the vacation...can't seem to keep up!

Today almost felt like it was spring outside. We had a beautiful 18C sunday afternoon. But the colors of the trees remind us that we still have a while to go before it's truly spring.

And I've finally was able to post some photos from DC. Mind you, I did a whole lot of relaxing and didn't really take a lot of photos of the city...but here are some that I caught here and there:

(from my window on the plane)

(The National Archives Building)

(Cutting of the cake at the wedding reception)

(I loved the moody metro stations - Dupont Circle)

(So THIS is where I lost it - Big red shoe @Union Station)

(Union Station)

(Another shot of Union Station)

(I really adore the architecture in DC - F Street)

(9th Street NW)

(Washington Monument)

(Ronald Reagan National Airport)

(Smithsonian Castle Information Center)

Oh, and the wedding? Absolutely wonderful!

It was so great seeing the happy couple getting married, surrounded by friends and family. You can tell they are very much loved and I wish them all the best!

Ok. So that was a bit more than "some"...but I couldn't stop uploading photos! Hope you enjoy them and get a chance to visit this lovely place, too! Even without a wedding to go to, I think it's one gorgeous city :-)

(Suddenly back to reality - Tokyo Bay)

PS: I'm behind on all my comments (so sorry!) but will be by soon!

Not Winter Yet

I always think that if it's going to be this cold outside...it might as well snow. But no sign of snow yet.

PS: Hoping to post a few photos of DC after things settle down this weekend :-)

Back To The Grind

I'm finally back in Tokorozawa and all these colorful fall leaves were here to welcome me back!

How have you all been? I had SUCH a great time in DC...the wedding was wonderful, being with old friends was beyond fun, and thanksgiving dinner was amazing! Just between us...I really didn't want to come back (mostly, to work).

But these gorgeous leaves made coming back to reality and going back to work just a bit easier. Walking to the station surrounded by colorful trees is quite relaxing. Hope you're enjoying a lovely fall (or whatever season) day in your city, too!

Curtain of Vines

A green curtain covers one side of our city hall in the summer.

The vines are morning glories and bitter melon plants! I think they were planted sometine in June. It's amazing how fast they grow. It's a nice natural curtain!

See other wonderful reflections from around the world at Weekend Reflections hosted by James.

Bark Mosaic

This is one of the trees standing along the street where the bench from yesterday is located.

I though the coloration and texture of the tree bark was interesting. Does anyone know what kind of tree it is? Sycamore?

Take a Seat

I love public benches.

This one is sitting in the shade. On a hot day like this, there's no better spot!

Street Art

This is one of the manhole covers you'll find in Tokorozawa.

There is a Henri Farman biplane flying over tea fields as Tokorozawa is both famous for being the birthplace of Japanese aviation and producing tea.

You will also find the city tree, bird, and flower included in the design...Ginkgo leaves floating above, a flying skylark, and tea flowers below.

My Choice of Drink

Although the clothes stores have started selling corduroy and fur, it's still hot as ever in Tokorozawa. Not only Tokorozawa but everywhere in Japan, actually.

It's always so humid. Many people are suffering from heat exhaustion. Which is why it's important to take plenty of fluids this time of year!

When I plan on being outside for awhile, I always buy this drink at the convenience store. Kachiwari Lemon (かち割りレモン) is actually sold as a frozen drink. But since it's so hot outside it usually starts to melt right away and you can enjoy a cold drink to the very end!

Nice and Simple

This is the little footbridge that crosses over to the Japanese teahouse at Koku Park. I like how simple it is.

And if you turn around you have this view of the pond and waterfall.


Click below for more lovely photos of bridges around the world!

Sunday Bridges

A Walk In The Clouds

We had amazing clouds scattered across the sky the other day! Aren't they great? Wouldn't it be fun if we could just hang out and roll around in the clouds?

I know it's scientifically impossible because clouds are really droplets of water or frozen crystals suspended in the atmosphere...blah blah blah.

Sometimes, although I do believe knowledge is power, I just feel like dreaming...


Take a look at different skies all around the world here.

Hot Feet

In Japan, we are always barefoot inside the house.

On a wonderful sunny day like this, sometimes we're barefoot outside, too! That is, until the concrete becomes too hot to walk on. Then you have to make a very important decision.

Do you calmly put your shoes back on? Or do you do the silly hot-hop dance until you find shade?

Salad Udon

This is the Salad Udon they serve at the Koku Park food concession. It's a very popular menu during the summer.

Tokorozawa is actually known for their Udon, which is a thick noodle made from wheat flour. The reason for this is that the land in Tokorozawa was unsuitable for planting rice and so instead many people grew wheat. Thus the popularity of the udon grew.


This Salad Udon has tomato, cucumber, lettuce, seaweed, Japanese radish, mizuna (potherb mustard), soft seaweed, kamaboko (steamed fish paste), and katsuo-bushi (dried bonito) as toppings. All these are great for overcoming summer fatigue.

Good thing because all the seats are place outside!

I Can See Clearly Now

"Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind, it's gonna be a bright, bright sun-shiny day." - Johnny Nash

I actually like how this photo seems a bit faded...

It was another sunny and hot day at the park. Taking a walk in the shade felt good. Hope everyone has a nice sunny weekend!


Take a look at different skies all around the world here.

Across the Creek

Eek! I'm running out of bridge photos!

But I remembered this little bridge over a creek in Koku Park just this morning. This creek is right by the kid's playground and is a great spot to cool off in the afternoon sun.

I actually wanted to get a photo with all the kids playing, but once I started taking photos, everyone moved out of the way. Oh, well.


Click below for more lovely photos of bridges around the world!

Sunday Bridges

Fooled Me

I thought this bridge was interesting because at first glance the sides look like a wall. But when you look at it from an angle, you can actually see through it.

Pretty cool, huh?


This is the pedestrian bridge that crosses over the road to Koku Park from Koku Koen Station. Today was such a great day that there were many people heading to the park.


Click below for more lovely photos of bridges around the world!

Sunday Bridges

Afternoon Flight

Another afternoon at Koku Park.

This eagle is made out of thin wooden sticks and paper, although it looks very real. And here's the owner of the lovely eagle during his flight below. They both seemed to be having a great time!

Step in Time

Have you ever been with friends and suddenly realize you've known them forever?

I always get this warm and giddy feeling because even though we've all grown up and changed, our friendship hasn't. That's pretty special.

Make a Wish

Today is Tanabata, also know as the Star Festival. You can read about the legend here, but basically it's famous for being a day when many people can make a wish by writing on a piece of paper called the Tanzaku and hang it on a bamboo branch.

We also decorate the bamboo branch with things made from origami, like this lantern here. This is the Tanabata bamboo branch at Tokorozawa Public Library.

I always like to see what everyone is wishing for. Like these two below.

"I hope I can find my library card."

"I hope I can marry into the Imperial family."

I had to laugh, although I'm sure these girls were very serious about their wish. As for my wish...I wish I can continue to post on this blog until Tanabata next year!

What's yours?