Winter in Casa la Vita

This is what our apartment looks like in winter. We can't dry clothes outside because they would freeze. So, we have them hanging indoors. Usually for about 3 days a week. It's kinda crazy. We have taken off the shoji (sliding doors) that separate our two rooms. Now it seems like one big room as long as there aren't clothes hanging along the door frame.

Sunday of Fun

We went ice skating with Kenny, Nicola, and Matt. It was crazy crowded. I had no idea so many people could fit into a small ice rink. I've only skated once in my life and that was a long time ago. Apparently I'd forgotten how to skate and also gained some huge balance, weak ankle, and fear problems. It was really terrifying to me for some reason.

After that we went to a friends house who has a tea room. I thought it was kind of amazing that she has this room in her house where she can open the floor and build a fire. Then boil water without even messing up the brand new tatami. We drank koicha which is a really thick green tea. It was about the thickness of a cream soup and had a really strong taste, a bit like vegetables mixed with coffee - maybe.

She showed us how to make regular green tea too. I was happy to get a chance to make tea with someone guiding me in English. I could understand everything.

Suisen

We went to suisen rando - It means Narcissus/Daffodil Land on Saturday. It was a sunny day! Surprise, still no snow! I'd heard this place was nice so I was happy it was actually big, spacious, and filled with flowers. (sometimes my expectations aren't met in Japanese touristy things).

It's on the coast so you can see daffodils and the rocky Echizen shoreline all from the same place. I love living by the ocean.


I came home with 4 bundles of the cheapest flowers I've bought in my life.

Malaysia and Singapore photos

From Our trip in Mayasia and Singapore

I'm trying out Picassa to store our pictures on line. Click on the picture above and take a look at some of our pictures.