Next Stop

What are the buses like in your city?

There are a lot of buses running throughout Tokorozawa. I was riding this Seibu bus the other day. Most of the buses here don't have any steps and the button you press when you want to get off at the next bus-stop is just about everywhere.

I'm always afraid I'll lean on it and press it by mistake. And am I the only one who gets nervous about pressing that button? I'm always relieved when someone gets off at the same stop, so I won't have to press it :)

Stop

Stopping in front of a stop sign painted on the road.
'Tomare'

Stop and Shoot

The road said STOP so I stopped...to take a photo!

In The Window

This house is a wonderful sky blue color. But there is one thing that always makes me stop and ponder.

What IS that brown thing on the windowsill?

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!

Blessings

We've been having rain for a few hours every day lately.

But it's a blessing for me, because it cools down the temperature, and probably for this flower, too.

I'm thankful for many things today. Like the fact that today is my birthday and I am blessed to be surrounded by wonderful family and friends.

I'm also thankful for all my blog friends who stop by and/or comment on this blog! Hope you are all having a fantastic weekend!

Colorful Wall

This is the exterior wall of the pastry shop, Emile.

Today is White Day in Japan, a day for the guys to give something to the girls. Kind of like a return for Valentine's Day.

I forgot all about it and wanted to stop by to buy a slice of cake, but the shop was packed with people. So I couldn't get a photo of their delicious cake, but I thought I'd show their lovely wall.

Happy White Day!

Uchidaya

Uchidaya Toriniku Ten (translated: Uchidaya Poultry Store) is located right behind the Seibu department store. It's a small shop but seems to be popular among locals. I hear they have good tasty chicken. People stop in after shopping, on their way back to the parking lot.

I really like this building, which is what first caught my eye. There are roads in the front and both sides of the building. And if you look really closely, they actually have a roof garden going.

This is a very interesting retro building.

Lotus Luck

Have you ever eaten a Lotus Root? It's called 'Renkon (蓮根)' in Japanese and is a popular vegetable here.

In Japan the Lotus Root is considered to be good luck. If you've ever cut a Lotus Root, you'll know that there are a lot of holes. And because you can look through the Lotus Root, it is believed that it gives you insight into the future.

I found these Lotus Root chopstick holders in various places around the shop Chocolate Cosmos. The owner told me that they were popular as an extra something when people buy presents there. Aren't they cute?

Anyone who wants to stop by the shop, it's open from 11am to 7pm mostly everyday!

A Sign Of Spring

I can smell spring today! It's so warm outside. The sun is shining and I am humming a tune. How are you?

I found some pretty plum blossoms inside the Japanese garden at Koku Park. In the photo below you can see the Tea House in the background. You can stop in here to relax and enjoy the Japanese green tea and snack set for 500yen.