We’re now on Narita Express heading back home. Back from a great vacation in the Philippines; where I met great friends who I treasure dearly, and had a memorable road trip with family who made me feel loved and cherished. My heart is with them. And I/we are looking forward to our next vacation.
But as the train sped on and I gaze out on Japanese houses in Chiba, rice paddies, golf courses, I felt happy to be home. My heart is also here, my love is here. I am home.
The week flew by so fast!
Takayama (sarobobo), we meet again. The last time I went to Takayama, 2010, it was a solo trip on my last weekend as a sort of “goodbye Japan” for me. The Monday after the trip, I was offered an extension for another project and there met my husband. The rest is history.
Shirakawago, I am sorry I could not have a photo of you that would do you justice. You’re so beautiful! I hope you will keep your beauty for generations to come.
Kurobe Dam hello again. We missed your peak autumn foliage but it’s nice to see you again.
Mikurigaike Pond and Murodo Plateau, you’ll be memorable to me in many ways.
And my favorite!! Prefectural Road 158. I’ll drive your whole length one of these autumns!!
Drive a total of 900km in three days! Of course, I’ll do it again and more.
The examiner told me I almost failed because of parking (in my own rating, I think I failed the parking part).
But she highly commended me with my safety checks and safe driving. As she said this, two scenes during the practical exam flashed in my mind: one where I had to overtake a parked car while a truck was on the opposite lane of a very narrow road; and another was when I was rounding a curve and a bus was also rounding the curve and I felt like my car’s hood would hit the bus’ headlight. To hear her commendation and pride on her face truly uplifted my spirits from my terrible parking performance; because of all my teachers, she was the most strict with safety.
Back in Manila, I actually didn’t feel any fear while driving. Now though, even after refreshing my driving skills and learning a ton more of new skills and knowledge, I feel more apprehensive going out alone, without my teacher.
Practice, practice.
Dear Kid who made this sandcastle,
You and your friends have been in my thoughts the whole day. From now, you will always be in my prayers. I pray you and your friends get the education you need, the passion to achieve more, the heart to do good, the wisdom to choose good over evil, angels to guide and help you in your way for a better and more fulfilling life. I claim to God that my prayers will be answered in His perfect time and that you and your friends are in Good Hands. Indeed, it’ll be a Happy New Year for you and your friends! 🙂
I brought with me an Ayn Rand book for this business trip. But I wanted to buy a book in the airport; to commence a new tradition. Thing is, the bookstore only has these English books on their shelves, the rest in Japanese.
The only choice is obvious I guess. I bought the one that I know would enrich Yui once she gets to know that such an inspiring person lived (We also already have Sherlock Holmes and Haruki Murakami at home). 
We’re having yet another great weather weekend. And since I have to work overtime tomorrow (can’t work today because the networks are down) and today’s a special holiday so our Nihongo class is off, I hounded Hubs that we go out and enjoy the wonderful autumn colors. So off we go to Shinjuku Gyoen.
As the park’s quite far from our place, we first had to take the local Keikyu line and then take the rapid Shonan Shinjuku line. While waiting for the rapid train, we were queuing behind a distinguished-looking old gentleman, the type who exudes authority.
When our train finally arrived, we were lucky that we queued on the door near the priority seat and that it wasn’t crowded hence we could take Yui out her baby car and the three of us could all sit down, with Yui sometimes standing to enjoy the passing scenery, the old gentleman sitting the seat opposite us. I was doing what I usually do when we travel long distance – pointing out to Yui interesting and new stuff, giving her a book or a toy when she got bored looking about, giving her a blanket or towel when she wants one, (she already had snacks and a drink earlier in the local train) and rocking her to sleep, ultimately putting her down on the baby car so she can sleep more soundly and so I can browse the internet with my phone (hehe!).
On one of the station stops, the old gentleman stood to get off. He was standing quite close to the baby car so I looked up. And got surprised to see that he was beaming at me. And with a jolly tone, he said “いいママですよ！” (you are a great mother!). I was so touched with the conviction in his voice and that he really told me so that there were tears in my eyes as I bowed and said my thanks (heck even now I’m teary-eyed!). Being a firs time Mom who is also struggling with keeping a balance between career and being a wife (and a daughter and a friend und so weiter), being complimented like that by a complete stranger (and one who looked snobbish at first glance!) can really touch you deep. Thank you dear stranger. But thank you as well Yui, for being such a well-behaved baby.
Great weather (perfectly blue sky!) and great compliment had me floating as we entered the park. To see all this beauty (unfiltered!).
We had lunch here.
Lunch! This is the best quiche I’ve had. The blueberry muffin we saved for Yui’s snack. I wish there’s Dean and Deluca in Yokohama!
In which the baby had a stroll afterwards in the picnic area.
A couple of hours later, we had our snacks here.
Thankful.