Category Archives: travel

Kumpila

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NB: title and exact location to be revised later.

Visiting temples and shrines and parks is one activity we usually do when in Japan. I figure the same activity is a staple for Japanese couples since we do find a lot of couples in our visits. Hence, it is just but right to document the “first temple/shrine date” Hubbie and I had. 🙂

The Kumpila was a good 1 hour ride from Takamatsu. Hubbie and I had such a good sleep on our way there that the trainmaster had to wake us up when we got there.haha. And yes, we were the only ones left inside the train. It was a good thing our destination was the final station of that particular train. 🙂

We had lunch before climbing the more than 1000 stairs. And of course, we had Udon! I didn’t like the udon in Kanto region but Kagawa region has got very delicious udon that it would make a fanatic out of somebody who detests udon. If we have “Bisita Iglesia”, there are some people in Japan who goes hopping around, tasting the different famous udon shops. Yes, that’s how good it is.

And yes, there were more than 1000 stairs.

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Wearing a Kimono, the first time

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When I went to Kyoto and then later to Osaka with my friends, we mulled on donning on kimonos and walk around the old town wearing our kimonos and of course take lots of pictures of us in kimonos. But what stopped us from renting is that these kimonos-for-rent comes with an exorbitant price, some at 50,000yen for a couple hours or so. Hence, in the last 9 years that I came and went in Japan, I never really had the chance to wear a kimono.

But it was a good thing I didn’t take on the chances I had previously. Because a chance presented itself to me when I visited Hubbie’s hometown, and this time, my “first time” was made even more special – i’d be wearing Okasan’s kimono, which she wore when she was almost about my age. Heirloom, ne? hehe.

me in curlers

me trying to fit my feet into the dainty Japanese slippers

"let's try it out shall we?"

tada!

 The dressing up is actually for our family portrait. Will post the official pictures once they’re out.

Anyways, I’m thankful to Otosan for having captured this tender moment that passed between me and Hubbie.

yiihii ^_^. Admit it again Hubbie, you were so in love with me that day, ne? =D

And of course, I am very thankful to Otosan, Okasan, Obachan, Ojichan and Mayumi for making my stay in Takamatsu a wonderful one. Of course, it goes to say I’m truly thankful to Hubbie as well. =)

30 days!

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Flight booking, Japan: Check!

Flight booking, Davao: Check!

Tagum hotel, Golden Palace Hotel: Check!

Davao hotel, The Marco Polo Hotel: Check!

Flight booking, Boracay: Check!

Boracay hotel, Red Coconut Hotel: Check!

Flight booking, Manila: Check!

Manila Hotel, City Garden Hotel: Check!

Tagaytay Hotel, Sonya’s or the Boutique: TBC

Now, I will just have to remind myself again and again: it pays to wait.

Counting blessings: 24 weeks to go

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Accomplishments for this week:

  1. Hubbie already received our ROM. yey!
  2. I received Hubbie’s DHL package containing our marriage certificate and other necessary documents required by the Church
  3. Mama was able to send me my Baptismal and Confirmation certificates
  4. Because of items 2 and 3, I was able to send our documents both to Lipa Chancery and to Xavier Parish via LBC earlier this evening. It’s expected to reach its destination by tomorrow. I hope Ivy and Sally, respetively, can receive it then.
  5. booked flights
  6. drafted our itinerary for December – January holidays
  7. got body measurements of Mama, Okasan, sis-in-law Mayumi and Carl and forwarded to Tita Linda (Entourage couturier)
  8. applied for passport renewal at DFA (uber looooong queue!!). DFA really has to get down on how to have a better system.

Things to look forward to next week:

  1. Ocular inspection with Ville Sommet (again) and Hacienda Isabella (full, exciting story later once everything clears up)
  2. Cindy’s (Bridesmaid) gown-fitting
  3. Hubbie’s visit to Ministry of Japan
  4. shoe-size fitting with Solea
  5. more flight bookings and hotel bookings
  6. (hopefully) receive clearance from Lipa Chancery
  7. (hopefully) receive endorsements for both wedding banns publication and Pre-cana seminar from Xavier Parish (the Parish handling Caleruega couples)