Bowling

Saturday July 25th

Had an excellent time bowling and singing karaoke in Yokohama. We also took sticker pictures again. YAY!

ACL

Mt Fuji is in Shinjuku?

Friday July 24th

These pictures are not posted in chronological order. Please start at the bottom! (sorry running out of time today)

So after we taught a seminar together Kojja decided he wanted to go climb Mt. Fuji with his buddies. Ummmmmm it was 5pm and the bus to Fuji was scheduled at 730pm. I had called ahead and booked his tickets but we still had to buy food and gear for the trip. Also Henry had left his sneakers at my house. So we jumped on a train and even took a taxi home. While Kojja run to my apartment I visited the 100Yen store and got all his supplies. Yes even a raincoat and a torch. The 100Yen store here is amazing. We also got him energy food and snacks.

Then we jumped into another taxi and got to the station just in time to miss our train. We finally got to Yokohama and caught an express train to Shinjuku. When we arrived at Shinjuku we took a wild guess and decided that the bus stop would also be close to the ticket office. Unfortunately the Shinjuku station is a vast maze. We were right to assume the ticket office would be near the bus office. But by the time we arrived at the ticket office it was 733pm. And you can guess what happened next! The bus had already left and on top of that there were no more buses for the night.

So we were stuck in Shinjuku with some very delicious looking Japanese style packed lunches called bento! We decided to make the best of it. So we found some stairs and sat down to enjoy the delicious food. You can see Kojja in the 4th picture sitting on the steps. His bento is all gone. It was really good. We sat there and just relaxed for about 30 minutes. Henry was in daycare overnight so we were in no big rush. And after 30 minutes a station master came to tell us we couldn't sit there anymore.

What next? I called my friend Tamiko who works right next to Shinjuku station. She joined us and we took sticker pictures or pirikura. That is in those cute photo booths for you guys Stateside! Picture 2 is an enlarged copy of one of the sticker pictures. Kojja decorated this one. You can choose all kinds of photoshop details to add on. For example our hats and Kojja's tiara are photoshopped. Then after you are done you have the option of sending one of the photos to your phone. Photo 3 is of Tami and Kojja outside the photo booths.

After that we went to Mcdonalds so I could charge my phone. It was on it's last battery stripe. Tami's co-worker Anthony joined us. He regaled us with hilarious stories. And even offered to take us on a drive. He had to go home and pick up his car and change first though. So Kojja and I headed to Shibuya and went to a cool internet cafe which had free ice cream and drinks and you could watch dvds, listen to music or read magazines and books for free too. They even had a spot for you to charge your phones. And just in case you forgot your charger - they had rental chargers!

Anthony picked us up and we went to Odaiba. That is the man made island in Tokyo. We ended up having late night Chinese but it was delicious too. Odaiba looks so beautiful at night.

So that was our crazy night in Shinjuku that was supposed to be a night spent climbing Mt. Fuji. Now we know - you have to get there atleast 30 minutes before your bus leaves...

ACL

Smart

Friday 24th July

Kojja got all spiffed up for Friday's seminar. Wow he sure cleans up good!

So we went to an Elementary school and Kojja was my assistant. He did

an excellent job and I am sure the teachers had fun too.

Then we started our mad adventure. The title of our adventure is

indecisiveness!

ACL

Internet Cafe

Tuesday 22nd 2009

Kojja had to edit and complete his first essay for his course. It was no easy feat trying to get Henry-kun to stay calm at the internet cafe we went to. Kojja brought his lap top and was typing away furiously as you can see. Henry-kun tried his luck on the computers in the cafe. His typing was rather fast but no real words were produced. For about 15 minutes Henry-kun happily typed away and then promptly lost interest!

We walked around the stores in Yokohama station while his uncle worked. When we came back Kojja had an epiphany of sorts and managed to organize his essay accordingly. It was a very late evening for all of us!

ACL

Bay Quarter Yokohama

July 14th

This place has an amazing view of all of Yokohama and even some of Sakuragicho. We watched some cruise ships and tried to take pictures but unfortunately our cameras were not co-operating. Also Kojja has somehow managed to use up all his camera's memory. Wow he must be taking a lot of photos. We sat outside the Bay Quarters Shopping complex where they have rather exotic chairs and benches. It was nice just having a relaxed chat with Kojja. Henry-kun had the time of his life playing with peoples dogs and running around. All in all it was a wonderful evening.

ACL

Mr. Mcdonald

July 14th

A couple of weeks ago I went to Mcdonalds in Minatomirai with Henry-kun. Please see the first picture. He was fascinated with the huge Ronald Mcdonald Statue. It is very interesting to watch him interact with the statue because he thinks it is a real person. So after our impromptu birthday party we went for a walk and happened upon another statue. This time in Bay Quarters Yokohama. You can see that Henry-kun was having a conversation with the statue. First he dropped something and asked Ronald Mcdonald where it was. Then they just started having their own private chat! Kojja just enjoyed the scenery. It was a beautiful night and we wished our cameras could take better pictures. Also thanks Kojja for telling me the correct name for the statue. I just always called it Mr. Mcdonald!

ACL

TGIF

July 14th 2009

We met up with Kojja and treated him to an Early Birthday party at TGIF. As you can see Henry-kun was rather disinterested in the whole affair. He was not even interested in taking a photo. They made Kojja a special dessert and gave us 3 polaroids of the party. You can see one of them in the first picture. Henry-kun got tired of the restaurant so we had to leave quickly. We decided to take a long walk.
ACL

Eco -GReen China Town

10th July

We did our bit for World peace and Green peace by taking an ecological Eco taxi. The driver is actually just cycling the whole way. No green house gases emitted whatsoever. But Kojja did point out that actually we had planned to walk to China Town so we would have been eco-friendly Lukomas regardless.

So you can see us posing in the Eco taxi. Our driver took the photo. He was an American guy and it was weird cos he was the only foreigner driving the Eco taxis. All the other drivers were Japanese. He must be having an adventurous time here.

Then we strolled leisurely through China Town. Kojja was amazed at how clean and upscale our China Town is. Well like I said - there is something for everyone and every occasion here Japan-side. We are planning to go back to China Town for some Mango lassis. This time round we were too full to even think of drinking anything.

We visited my office and Kojja met all my Japanese co-workers. They all thought he was my husband - the word for husband and little brother is a little similar - oto (husband) and ototo (little brother). Well it was amusing to say the least.

We picked Henry-kun up from daycare and he was in high spirits. He even let Kojja hold his hand. Then we took Kojja back to Yokohama so he could go home. Henry-kun was very sad to see him go. I think he is getting used to having his Kojja around - and so am I.

ACL

Rock and Roll in BED

10th July

Do you ever feel so full and satiated after a meal in a restaurant that you need a nap? Usually you would have to take the train home or drive home before napping. Well the Japanese have thought of something for every situation. Introducing Chano-Ma - A restaurant where the seats are beds! Yes can you believe it. We stopped here after finding out the Museum was way too expensive. Afterall, Kojja and I are more appreciative of Food, Sneakers and clothes than art - hehe hehe. So I thought he would love this little restaurant. Before entering the restaurant we saw these huge Pink Lips off in the distance and decided to explore. Loud music was also blasting out of speakers. Turns out a famous Japanese pop star was rehearsing for her concert. We got pictures of the Big Pink Lips but alas no pop star in sight.

We had some delicious California Sushi rolls and miso soup. Who would have thought a budget meal could be so delicious. Yes we scanned the menu and miso soup was only 250 Yen! Yet it was so yummy with all kinds of vegetables and some beef too.

So we didn't go to the museum but we did decide to take an Eco taxi ride. Stay tuned for photos of the Eco taxi...

ACL

Sakuragicho

July 10th

Early in the morning Henry-kun woke up bounding with energy. We decided he would have more fun with his buddies at daycare than walking around with us. So I took him to daycare whilst Kojja caught some well-needed 40 winks!

For breakfast I experimented with pancakes and different fillings. On offer were jam pancakes, crushed chocolate chip cookie pancakes and the best experiment of all - cheese pancakes. Yummy.

After breakfast Kojja watched Transformers at the movie theater whilst I worked out. It was an awesome Zumba dance class. Unfortunately I can't take it every week cos it is only in the morning. lucky to have Friday off!

Next up we got beautified - yes even Kojja. It isn't easy taking care of afros you know. I introduced Kojja to my fail-safe plastic comb. I think metal Afro combs are too harsh on afros.

We also packed our own snacks and water. I made a mix of mincemeat, cheese and lots of chinese cabbage. We put the mix into baguettes. Then ate the leftover with cold sushi rice and nori (seaweed.)

Our bus dropped us in Sakuragicho. We took a few pictures of the tourist scene.

Picture 1: Kojja in front of Land Mark Tower.

Picture 2: Kojja standing in front of the World's biggest clock and formally biggest roller coaster.

Picture 3: Kojja insisted on a picture with Japanese writing in the background. That looks more like Japan he said! LOL

Picture 4: Land Mark Tower again.

Picture 2 makes me laugh because it is like a paparazzi shot of Kojja taking a shot of the roller coaster. I think Daddy would appreciate this one because when we travel Daddy is always the keen photographer capturing every moment - even moments when others ar etaking photos themselves.

So our plan was to walk to the Aka Renga buildings, visit a museum and then walk to China Town...

ACL

Bus Stop

Thursday July 9th

This is the day Kojja learnt just how loud his nephew can scream. We had a little screaming episode in Yokohama station. Until we decided to get Henry-kun a vegetable juice drink. In the picture you can see Henry-kun sipping on his juice and Kojja carrying him. We were waiting for a bus to take us home. I prepared some delicious sushi-rice, dumplings and chicken. For dessert we had ice cream and cherries. Once again it was a very late night. But luckily I had Friday off.

ACL

Henry-kun and his shoes...

Henry at ABC Mart trying to run off in just one shoe.

Tekkies

" Ashishi ma tekkie - this is not my size! My Momma bought me brand new shoes - but she didn't know what my size was!" Marcy Pakela ( I believe) Southern Africans do you remember that song? More importantly do you remember the video? It had this tiny singer Marcy Pakela and her groupies all doing Ma Pantsula dance moves and wearing blue Converse All Stars AKA

Tekkies. Well now Tekkies have arrived in Japan! Yes and there is a handy pronunciation guide affixed to the label. These Tekkies are very funky all colors and patterns too.

So as you can see we took a detour to ABC MART or Sneaker Heaven. And Kojja was highly entertained. We did run into some issues allocating size 12 USA sneaks. But apparently some styles have more varied sizes. We also noticed a mega sale on Converse All Stars! Lawrence are you there? And next up as I suggested to Lawrence - how about a very simple white pair of Converse All Stars and a couple of really jazzy types of laces. Then you can rock it 1980s stylee. Note there are so many variations in lacing techniques. I included the classic grid two tone for your viewing pleasure. And if you are feeling adventurous how about some FAT laces. Yes that is the actual product name.

ACL

Baby I'm doing capable!

This post is dedicated to Henry-kun who is "Perfect I am doing capable myself!"

Yeah you can't beat the special type of English found on t-shirts here. After Mcdonalds

we went to HMV. Henry-kun put on a little dance show for us on the stage. In the background

they were playing Beat It videos by Michael Jackson. Can you see Henry-kun prepping his

stage and getting ready. The third picture is blurry cos he was actually in ACTION - dancing.

He loves the Michael Jackson Thriller cd. When I put it on at home he breaks into dance.

Look at Kojja posing for us. It was hard to get a picture where he was smiling but I just achieved it.

ACL

McDonalds in Yokohama

July 8th

We met up with Kojja at Yokohama station. Had to do some errands but stopped off first for some delicious Mcdonalds shakes. You gotta love that 100 Yen menu (dollar menu for my State side readers!)

Kojja was fairly shocked to learn that his nephew has such a healthy appetite. In the first picture you can see Kojja gawking at how fast Henry-kun slurped up his drink. Henry-kun finished off his own drink then started in on mine. LOL

Next up we strolled to a hip-hop clothing store just for laughs. Indeed the African owner told us that all sneaks were 50% off to brothers and sisters. Except Timbalands ofcourse.

ACL

July 5th Tokyo Babeeee

Kojja kept asking where is the real Tokyo! So luckily he got to see Shibuya today. We met up after his orientation and I was surprised that he didn't get lost. It was surreal to meet up with Kojja at Hachiko. That is the most local exit of Shibuya station and it is always packed with people waiting for their friends. We took a long walk from Shibuya to Harajuku. This one is my classic introduction to Tokyo walk. We stopped by Harajuku and Yoyogi park. We were highly entertained by the famous Elvis Presley impersonaters! They do this crazy twist dance and have huge pompadeur hairstyles. It is like James Brown to the max but even more wax. Kojja also took pictures of two guys doing tricks on their bicycles. I glady swapped my heavy little Henry-kun for Kojja's back pack. Kojja said carrying Henry-kun was no big deal and that his back pack is usually heavier.

The last picture is just so cute. That was taken on Saturday. We were waiting for the bus. It reminds me of Forrest Gump. And above that is Henry enjoying the yummy cookies my Mummy sent us. Thanks Mummy!

Tune in for more soon. I will try to take more Asian-esque pictures. Ie temples and Buddhas etc. But for now I am just thrilled to have my best friend here for two months! YAY!!!

ACL