Mochitsuki

Sunday we attended with friends Mochitsuki (mochi pounding ceremony) at a neighborhood park near Nishi Oi. Mochi is made from glutinous rice and is commonly eaten in various ways, much like westerners use crackers with a multitude of toppings. The cooked rice is pounded with a wooden mallet (kine) in a wooden mortar (usu). Two people work together. One swings the mallet, and another brave person turns and wets the “dough”, taking care not to get their hand smashed. After Ryan gave the pounding a go, Roo decided he would take a turn at the kid’s station.

After we explained to Roo that you don’t just want to swing wildly but need to hit accurately and with a rhythm, I feared less for the brave lady turning the rice. There were a lot of "ooohhhs" & "aaahhhs" when he was at it.

On the left, mochi with kinaka (soy flour), on the right, mochi with an (sweet red bean).

Restorative Yoga

This weekend and last I completed a 20 hour restorative yoga teacher training course at Sun and Moon. What is restorative yoga, and how is it different than regular yoga? First, in restorative yoga you don’t use any muscular energy. That’s right, no sweating and no straining! Second, you remain in comfortable positions, supported by cozy props, for much longer than in active yoga. In other words, you relax! This type of yoga is wonderful to help manage the stress that accompanies a modern world. Ironically, if we take time to relax (and restore) our bodies, the more active and alert we become. I don’t have intentions to teach, I mainly wanted to learn this yoga to complement for my own practice. (And, I’m hoping to help my husband find a way to gently stretch and relax). Regardless of whether or not you have an interest in active yoga, I encourage you give restorative a try.

Me relaxing with legs on the wall.

A chain of supported relaxation.

Odaiba

[written by Ryan]

Roo's obsession with all things LEGO continues. After a three month break from a toy store due to an "issue" after Christmas, Roo and Mommy trekked to Odaiba to the Toys R Us on the train.

Among the thousands (and I do mean thousands) of options, Roo selected the LEGO castle, which matches the Clutch Powers LEGO movie he has been watching with rigid commitment for the past several weeks.

He is particularly impressed with the sword that the King carries, and also the drawbridge that can open and close. Roo and I spent several hours this afternoon putting it together. He's getting old enough now that he actively participates and enjoys the construction, though his interest wained after the first hour (I don't blame him - - lots of tiny pieces to meticulously assemble). He is very proud of the end product, as the pictures show!

[Back to Darla writing]
The part of our trip to Odaiba Ryan didn't mention was a visit to the shop with the big pink cat out front. Not only does the store offer feline supplies and accessories, there is a section you pay to enter to spend time amongst the pampered residents and enjoy a drink of your choice. Only after I had bought the tickets did the clerk clarify that you can't pick up the cats, only pet them. And, no flash photography. The human occupants? Mostly couples on a date. And families. Even though the space was clean and not crowded by any means, Roo wrinkled his nose and whispered "it smells in here". But, since I had patiently waited for him in the Lego section of Toys R Us, he waited for me.

Day off for Ryan

[written by Ryan]

Yesterday Dad and I undertook a whirl wind tour of Tokyo. We started the day by dropping Roo at school. Next a traditional Japanese breakfast (actually not traditional at all) at McDonalds. A short ride on the train, and a brisk walk later we arrived at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, which offers a free view of the city from the 45th floor. The clear, crisp morning provided excellent visibility of Mount Fuji in the distance.

Next on the agenda was the Shinjuku Gyoen, site of the largest garden in Tokyo. While we likely missed the cherry blossoms by just a few days, the park had many indicators of Spring and many Japanese were out with their cameras zooming in on some of the early blooming plants. Three train segments later we found ourselves at Asakusa. After viewing the plastic replicas of food offerings in many restaurant windows, we chose a tasty sushi restaurant for lunch. The hot broth soup combined with a cold beer made for a very satisfying experience. We also took in Senso-ji, one of the best known Buddhist temples in the city. It seemed everyone else decided to view Senso-ji along with us as the crowds were out mid-day, taking advantage of the pleasant weather. After two more trains and a short walk, we were back in time to pick up Roo at school, only to jump in a car with his friends and their parents for an impromptu play date and dinner in the Shinagawa area - - a long, tiring and fun day!

Shimoda

[written by Ryan]

Grandpa, Roo and myself enjoyed a “boys” weekend at Shimoda, Japan. Shimoda is located on the Izu peninsula, which was formed by ancient lava flows from the famous Mount Fuji further to the north. Shimoda is approximately 3 hours away from Tokyo by train. The route is well known for its beauty (ocean on one side, low rugged mountains on the other) and we were not disappointed. Shimoda is best known as the place that Commodore Perry (an American Naval officer) brought his “black ships” in the 1850’s to establish trade and end Japan’s long isolationist policy. Shimoda was actually the first city in Japan that allowed foreigners to roam and interact freely with local Japanese. I visited the Ryosen-ji Museum, which had on display both Japanese and Western descriptions and drawings from the time--very interesting. A walk down Perry Road near the museum provides a view of the “old town” architecture, with some picturesque walking bridges crossing over the trickling waterway.

Nesugata-yama overlooks the city so we took the ropeway up to the top and were surprised to find colorful Spring flowers, rugged walking trails and a vicious wind. Roo led us on many “secret” paths that criss-crossed the summit. We also discovered a hedge maze, which added to the fun, and a steep slope to facilitate his log-roll attempts.

Our hotel room provided a direct view of the bay. I also took the opportunity to enjoy the outdoor garden hot bath as well as the bayview hot bath, the best that I’ve visited in Japan thus far.

Heading back to Tokyo, we took the “Super View Odoriko”, which has extra wide/high windows to allow better viewing of the scenery. Ryder watched his Lego movie while Grandpa and Dad chatted over a cold beer.

No Girls Allowed!

Roo's Grandpa, Ryan's Dad, is visiting from the United States. This morning the three guys left for a weekend trip out of Tokyo. In this photo they're declaring "no girls allowed"! I'm staying behind to attend restorative yoga training at Sun & Moon.

Grandpa arrived in time to see Japan's spectacular spring gift, the great bloom, on our street anyway. Early April is Sakura season (cherry blossoms). One tree on our balcony is already slowly blooming, wetting our appetite for the splendor of pink to come!

Chilean Friends

This week we said goodbye to more friends from Roo's school. They are returning to their home country, Chile. Kind parents with three lovely children! Roo's enjoyed playing with Diego in and out of school, and I'll miss the mother, Alejandra who creates beautiful ikebana. And, I imagine each time we play the Hi Ho Cherri-O board game I'll think of Daniella, clearly her favorite toy in our home that she located on most visits. I asked Ale to keep in touch as I can't wait to hear how baby Flavia's serious personality develops during childhood. One last frantic good bye when she stopped over the morning they left for the airport to retrieve eyeglasses Diego had left behind on a play date the day prior, we stayed positive declaring "see you again"!

Lego

Nothing too exciting to report from the first week back in Tokyo after a holiday. Mostly our days were filled with the routine of school and Legos. Lego is Roo's new obsession. After school he's anxious to get building! He likes to refer to himself as a "Designer". Our living room floor seems to be constantly littered with brightly colored specs that smart when you accidentally step on one. He's also become a fan of YouTube. Specifically, the reviews about Lego sets. There appears to be quite the contingent of young boys AND grown men that like to build Lego. One night in bed as he was close to falling asleep, Roo whispered "Mommy, can I be a Lego collector?". I had lunch with my Danish friend Jette this week and she informed me that Lego is a Danish company and when her children each turned five years old, they would make a visit to the Legoland Amusement Park. I'm quite certain a trip to the Lego Imagination Center in the MOA will be on our summer agenda! The word lego comes from the Danish "leg godt", which means "play well". Very fitting, as I know one little boys that's doing tons of play very well.

Sunday afternoon

Like father, like son.

Hina Matsuri

Last year I did a post on Hina Matsuri (click to read), or Doll's Day which is held on March 3rd. This year, our building owners have placed a magnificent display in our lobby. In addition, I've bought a small one for our home. Have a look!

Book Review: The Hunger Games

by Suzanne Collins. A lazy vacation provided me the opportunity to finish the second novel in the Hunger Games trilogy. The first novel, the Hunger Games was selected for book club. Because I could barely put it down, I had to read the second, Catching Fire. Now, I'm eagerly awaiting the release of the third, Mockingjay, this fall. Futuristic, the story takes place in the country formerly known as the United States of America, now known as Panem. Collins best explains how she came up with the idea by describing an evening of channel surfing that involved a reality television show and actual war coverage. Once you read the novel, that description is spot on. Here's hoping the author's creativity continues, and the third novel is just as thrilling as the first two! Lionsgate has acquired the rights to film production, but from what I read, we won't see it until 2011.

Playing Games

Let the games begin!

That is, four rounds of the matching game of Memory yesterday by the pool. Roo was victor in three of the four, with the fourth a tie game. He's quite good at this one and I can't help but wonder if a child's brain isn't more agile than an adults? We played many card games on this holiday and I'll admit I'm thrilled to do so. Up until now, Roo has been content to watch. The thought of losing or the stress to win was always too great. I've read and learned from other mothers that this isn't unusual in a four or five year old. At that age, winning is everything. While winning is still important, it's apparent that he's learning to cope as evidenced by his verbal outlay of emotion, for example, "it's ok if you have 2 sets (of Go Fish) and I only have 1 set because I won once already today". Or, the expression he's picked up for when one doesn't come in first, "lucky last". From what I can tell by reading, children are emotionally mature to handle winning or losing at around the age of 8, with the concept beginning to develop around the age of 6. While I'm not sure he's ready to engage in a round of cards with his peers, I'm happy he's finding it within himself to play within the comfort zone of Mom & Dad.

The thrill of winning! Utter elation!

The Victory Dance. Hmm...this may be future material for the end zone!

On the Beach

While Ryan went on a small tour of the area's historic sites, Roo and I played on the beach. Our first attempt at a race car track in the sand was stunted when the waves inched their way up on the shore. In the water, we dropped old pieces of bread (provided by the resort) to watch the hungry fish quickly gather around us. Snorkeling, we got an even closer look at their stripes and color markings.

We stayed cool in the shade, playing the Memory card game. Ryan returned at 2pm, surprised to see us still on the beach from the morning. Content to hang out in his chair, as long as we're talking, I can't help but think Roo's growing up. "Relax by the pool" wasn't in his vernacular a year ago. An even though the conversation is repetitive ("What's your favorite Lego Power Miner? What's your least favorite Lego Secret Agent set?"), I treasure these moments of conversation.

Water Shiatsu

Yesterday I experienced at Chi spa the most amazing therapy, water shiatsu. Floating in a warm pool, aided by floats on each leg, the therapist supports your body such that you can achieve weightlessness and complete relaxation. Ears plugged, eyes closed, and soothing incense baby your senses. Smooth, rhythmical moves stretch muscles and awaken the spine. In fact, the most gentle spine opening I've experienced. Water Shiatsu is one of the signature therapies offered by some, but not all, Shangri La Resorts. Delightfully indulgent, I feel fortunate to have received this unique treatment.

More Fun in the Philippines

What we've been up to:

Rounds on the chip and putt 6 hole golf course. Roo is enjoying the chance to swing an iron and is thrilled when his ball catches some air.

Drinks and

play by the pool. Roo has made progress with his swimming. He has been practicing holding his breath, putting his face in, and floating. Oh yes, and squirting Daddy.

Karaoke.

And, if you can tolerate the excessively loud music and polar temps, the race car in the game room. Honestly, I'm not sure I've seen Roo as pumped as he was after playing this game. We played tonight, and I'm certain he'll still be talking about it in the morning!

The Filipino people here are so friendly. And happy. In fact, so much so that they have me pondering their secret. Is it the tropical weather? The breeze? The sun? The juicy mangoes? Riding in a jeepney? Their Catholic faith? Regardless of the reason, the rarely missed positive greeting or expression makes one feel like a welcome guest!