tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32952118208425197492024-02-21T03:07:09.416+00:00Glistening SheenColour in LifeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802228590460534683noreply@blogger.comBlogger145125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295211820842519749.post-91563044401583078242016-01-20T17:34:00.003+00:002016-01-20T17:34:40.637+00:00Getting My Mojo BackGood Day Everyone,<br />
<br />
I hope you've all had a great start to 2016. I am pleased to say that I am finally starting to feel like myself again. In fact, I feel like <i><b>I'm getting my mojo back</b></i> :o).<br />
<br />
The last couple of months of 2015 were very difficult. My arthritis flared up severely and there were days where I felt like I couldn't carry on living with the excruciating pain I was experiencing. In addition, both my scalp and body psoriasis were also flaring and I was suffering from more migraines than usual, all whilst living in what felt like a <i><b>building site</b></i>! The despair that I felt at the end of 2015 was reminiscent of the despair I felt back at the end of 2011, when I made the difficult decision to give up my career so that I could work on my health full time. I felt like I was living under a dark grey cloud surrounded by a thick fog - I couldn't see where I was going, there was no shining light in the distance, and I could feel myself heading into a <i><b>downward spiral of depression</b></i>. If you've read my previous blog post (<a href="http://www.glisteningsheen.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/why-today-had-to-be-different.html" target="_blank">read here</a>), you'll know that I slowly but surely started to take <i><b>positive steps</b></i> to move forward during the last few days of 2015.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Juicing again :o)</td></tr>
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Over the past few weeks I have continued to make good progress with <i><b>small positive changes</b></i> to my daily life. I am now in a place where I'm starting to feel happy about my life again. My health is starting to improve and whilst I am still struggling with my arthritic shoulder, I have seen small improvements. I feel like I now have a better understanding of what I need to do to help my shoulder get better and accepting that it is going to be a long slow battle is easing my frustration.<br />
<br />
Having a fully functioning kitchen has been a <b><i>huge </i></b>contributor to me getting my mojo back. I always feel better when I have greater control over what I eat, as I know from experience that what I eat greatly affects my arthritis. Living in a caravan for six months with a <i><b>restrictive kitchen</b></i> meant that we were eating foods that didn't take long to cook as the cooker wasn't particularly powerful, and foods that were convenient to store as we had a very small refrigerator. Basically, we lived of a lot of processed carbs like pasta and bread. We were eating some fruit and vegetables, but it wasn't as much as we would typically eat, and there were <i><b>a few too many</b></i> treats. My hubby is a sugar junkie and would often snack on chocolates and biscuits, whilst I relapsed on my crisp addiction (although to be fair, I think I was<i><b> comfort eating</b></i> as I was unhappy with my whole living in a caravan situation). Whilst hubby would burn of the calories from his vice due to all the physical work he was doing, I on the other hand, developed a rather rounded midsection due to my sedentary lifestyle ;o). However, all that is now changing. We have a fully equipped kitchen and a dining table with chairs, which means that we actually have something to sit on, other than our bed, and that has made the world of difference.<br />
<br />
Below are some of the steps that I have taken over the past few weeks that have resulted in me getting my mojo back;<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Exercising daily: </b>I have made a conscious effort to get back into the routine of exercising daily. Exercising really helps with my arthritic pain and joint stiffness which in turn helps my mobility. Some days I will go for a brisk 40min sea front walk, other days I'll hula hoop or do yoga based stretching exercises at home if I'm too tired for a walk or if it's raining (which it has been a lot!).</li>
<li><b>Baths:</b> One of the side effects of suffering from chronic pain is insomnia so I am trying really hard to take regular bath soaks in the evenings to help me sleep better and help with my joint pain.</li>
<li><b>Bedtime:</b> To help with my insomnia, I am trying to go to bed at the same time every night and get up at the same time every morning, even on weekends, so that I can condition my body and mind into a sleep routine.</li>
<li><b>Food: </b>Now that we have a functioning kitchen, I am cooking from scratch and we are eating healthy, nutritious food again which makes me incredibly happy, oh and there are no crisps in the house! Breakfast toast is now replaced with smoothie bowls and we juice most days so I get a good chunk of anti-inflammatory ginger into my overly inflamed body.</li>
<li><b>Cooking in bulk:</b> Because I never know how bad my body is going to be from one day to the next, I have started to cook in bulk. I will often cook enough food to last us for two days and if it's freezable I will make enough so that a couple of batches can go in the freezer. This way there is healthy home cooked food in the fridge / freezer so that we don't resort to ready meals / takeaways. Plus, it means I don't have to cook every single day, meaning I can use that energy to write blog posts like this one :o).</li>
<li><b>Medication application:</b> To deal with my flaring scalp psoriasis I have resorted back to a routine of applying my scalp medication daily (<a href="http://glisteningsheen.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/living-with-scalp-psoriasis.html" target="_blank">read more here</a>). This means having to wash my hair every single day which is an incredibly exhausting task when you suffer from chronic fatigue and exhaustion, but I am seeing such great improvements that it's keeping me motivated to continue. Hopefully, soon my hair will no longer look like someone has emptied a snow globe on it and I can temper the medication application down to just a couple of times a week. I am also doing the same with my body psoriasis.</li>
<li><b>Drinking more:</b> To help with my migraines I am making a conscious effort to drink more water. Aside from food / scent triggers, I know that being dehydrated can cause me to experience more migraines and lets just say that having to use a caravan toilet for six months wasn't the greatest incentive to drink more!</li>
<li><b>Silence: </b>This is slightly more on the meditative side but I am consciously taking time out of my day to simply be in silence. I sit without the radio or laptop on (we have no television and you can <a href="http://glisteningsheen.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/life-without-tv.html" target="_blank">find out why here</a>) and just listen. It is incredibly calming. Being surrounded by trees and public gardens mean we get a lot of birds around our house, especially at the back and sometimes I just stand and listen to / watch them. We also have squirrels at the back of our house and they are always fun to watch.</li>
<li><b>Acceptance:</b> I am actively accepting the things that I cannot change and learning to let go of the negative emotions they cause me to feel. One half of our house still looks like a building site and walking through it used to really upset me. The other half, whilst it's progressed significantly, it still isn't finished and not having a single room that is finished really grated on me, but no more. I have accepted that this house renovation is taking a lot longer than we ever anticipated and being upset about it doesn't actually change the situation. There's no point in wasting valuable energy in being upset. I just have to ride it out whilst appreciating all the things that are working, like the kitchen and having a regular toilet and bath. I am also accepting that getting my health back on track is going to be a long journey, but at least I am moving in the right direction now. </li>
</ul>
Over the years that I've lived with Arthur (aka arthritis), I've been forced to learn (and accept) that things are just going to go at a <i><b>much, much slower pace</b></i> for me, compared to others. Having a mind that is fully functional, but a body that is not, causes a great deal of <i><b>internal conflict and frustration</b></i>. I have so many ideas of blog posts that I want to write, content that I'd like to create for my YouTube channel and photographs that I want to take, but alas I barely have enough energy to shower and cook most days. My life now is so different to before Arthur invaded my body. I often reminisce of when I used to have a career that led me to travel the world (well Europe and the US), work crazy hours and always be on the go socially. My world has shrunk so much, as has my identity, but nonetheless, I have learnt to treasure the days when I can cook and shower for I have experienced days when I haven't even been able to do that. Having an attitude of gratitude (and acceptance) is <i><b>definitely </b></i>key in learning to be happy whilst being chronically ill.<br />
<br />
<br />
Love Sheen xxx<br />
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<br />
It sure has been a while since I sat down to write a blog post. The past few weeks have been incredibly tough, primarily on the health front, although the house renovation has been another source of stress, and therefore a contributory factor to the aforementioned. I'll do a separate blog post updating you on the house soon as a lot has happened, and not always in a good way!<br />
<br />
Coming back to the health issues, I've been firing or rather flaring, from all cylinders. I've been experiencing more migraine attacks than usual, and my body and scalp psoriasis has been going crazy. On top of this, my arthritis has flared up quite badly and I've been struggling with severe shoulder pain, as well as intense fatigue and exhaustion, despite doing very little physically. Things got really bad a couple of weeks ago and after several days of <i><b>wallowing in teary self pity</b></i> of "Why? Why is this happening to me?" I realised that I actually knew the answer to why, but more importantly, I took the mental step of <b><i>acknowledging </i></b>that no-one could put this right other than me (even though I already knew this too). You see, the thing with chronic illnesses is that you are battling those illnesses <b><i>every single day</i></b>, in fact it's every single minute of every single hour of every single day. The battle is continuous - there are no breaks, and it is <i><b>absolutely relentless</b></i>! With hindsight and some reflection (after all what else was I going to do when I'm in bed day after day), I can now see that <i><b>I simply got </b><b>tired of battling</b></i>. I had no more fight left in me. <b><i>I had surrendered</i></b>, not only to the disease demons, but also to the temptations around me, which I fight on a daily basis. <br />
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So with the realisation and acknowledgement that I, and <i><b>only </b></i>I, had the power to change things, I... started to change things ;o). Initially, the changes were <i><b>all in my head</b></i> as my body physically wasn't well enough to do anything, but over the last few days, I have started to turn those mental changes into<i><b> physical action</b></i>. They started of small, like me taking over juicing duties from hubby or being well enough to accompany him on a supermarket shop, but hey a step in the right direction is a step in the right direction, no matter how small, and slowly I'm moving on to bigger achievements.<br />
<br />
Having been stuck in a bit of a <i><b>negativity rut</b></i> towards the end of this year, I didn't want to start 2016 on a negative note, no matter how bad my health maybe. And this is why I woke up today after a relatively decent night's sleep with a view that today <i><b>had </b></i>to be different. It just had to. I didn't want today, the last day of 2015, to be like the past few weeks. The same mundane routine. There had to be something <i><b>new </b></i>and there had to be <i><b>some sense of achievement</b></i>, no matter how small.<br />
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So the first thing I did was to check the weather forecast as it has been raining almost every single day this month and seeing that rain wasn't forecasted for a couple of hours, I suggested a<i><b> sea front walk</b></i> to hubby. We used to do these walks most mornings in Japan and found them to be very therapeutic mentally, as well as physically. Despite living next to the sea we haven't actually done many sea walks as hubby starts to work on the house as soon as he is up in the mornings. There was something very inspiring and awakening about today's walk- I started to feel like a weight was being lifted off my shoulders as I took in the crisp morning air and marveled at nature's beauty. The walk turned into a little breakfast stop off, and hubby and I used this<b><i> rare quality time</i></b> (we've had a great quantity of time together these past few months but it hasn't been of good quality) to reflect upon 2015, and discuss what we would both like to get out of 2016. Walking back we did get caught in the rain but it was worth it.<br />
<br />
Once back home I took my <i><b>first ever bath in our new bath tub</b></i> to help my sore joints and whilst it only made them feel a little better and only for a short period of time, I think bath soaks will start to help the more often I do them. After my soak I made our daily juice and then set to work on doing some cooking. We very recently got to a stage where we have a <b><i>fully functioning kitchen</i></b> and yesterday hubby got our dining table and chairs out. This has made such a <i><b>huge </b></i>difference to the quality of our lives. So even though I was feeling quite tired physically, I decided to push ahead using my mental energy which was buzzing after the walk and bath, to be productive in the kitchen. I made fish pie, for the first time <i><b>ever</b></i>. I even made my own butter and parsley sauce, and it tasted great (even if I do say so myself ;o)). I made a batch of them so some can go in the freezer, and I'll be taking a few to my mum's this weekend as she's recovering from knee surgery (cue good daughter points lol).<br />
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I did a few more things that I won't bore you with but suffice to say, as I sit here typing this at 10.30pm on new year's eve, that today <i><b>has </b></i>been different to all the other days I've had lately. I have felt positive and got a real sense of achievement with today. Even though tonight is a quiet night for us, I feel excited, inspired and ready for 2016 to be a year of positive change for hubby and I. And on that note I shall leave you. All that remains for me to say is, thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading this and all the support you have given me, and I hope 2016 is a fabulous year for you and your loved ones :o).<br />
<br />
<i><b>Happy New Year Everyone! </b></i><br />
<br />
Love Sheen xxx<br />
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Good Day Everyone,<br />
<br />
Today I share with you the second vlog from our stopover in <b>Singapore</b>. On this particular day hubby had work meetings and so I headed into Singapore's CBD (central business district) with him. I thought it might be interesting to show you some of the <i><b>architecture </b></i>of the CBD area. In and amongst all of the high rise office blocks there are streets of <b><i>traditional </i></b>shop houses which have now been converted into office spaces, cafes and and restaurants. There are also places of worship for the different religions within the CBD area including a mosque and the oldest temple in Singapore, the <b>Thian Hock Keng Temple</b> which is dedicated to Ma Zu, the goddess of the sea and protector of seamen.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjP4HrY2wiaMtbKRmE7JQJksWvu7Mk9J8Qh7u_jkfaE3cidMdJsdAKJTkd2ia8voVmNppO502Zyom1-HThfUk1YZtG0MdZVPTtM37YSB5yCS-Mfw3usXYVjKz_jbfUF2n1sEm3GG76WJ4h/s1600/IMG_1899b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjP4HrY2wiaMtbKRmE7JQJksWvu7Mk9J8Qh7u_jkfaE3cidMdJsdAKJTkd2ia8voVmNppO502Zyom1-HThfUk1YZtG0MdZVPTtM37YSB5yCS-Mfw3usXYVjKz_jbfUF2n1sEm3GG76WJ4h/s640/IMG_1899b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thian Hock Keng Temple </td></tr>
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One of the things that struck me the very first time I walked through Singapore's CBD area, back in 2011, were the <i><b>palm tree lined streets</b></i> and green spaces. There are lots of small parks and gardens for people to enjoy and have their lunch. When we lived in Singapore hubby always used to say that it was a real joy to step outside at lunchtime, after being cooped up indoors with the air conditioning, look up and see bright blue skies and palm trees, and just feel that initial heat rush. Aside from the shop houses and green spaces, there are also numerous water features, some with koi carp, and art installations around the CBD area.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCL8WD16P6829IpoBNbXClGpuqavlRmmpPbpbpuHtM3uLxzZRbC9J-g_auKhi2062IiC4iHsBCg0b3I_zfg4lMZfdVtrOH1HKVYOFE1DXtWE3Sz89elOhjcGAviJsSpqD1j-fK5yZa4rqV/s1600/IMG_1888b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCL8WD16P6829IpoBNbXClGpuqavlRmmpPbpbpuHtM3uLxzZRbC9J-g_auKhi2062IiC4iHsBCg0b3I_zfg4lMZfdVtrOH1HKVYOFE1DXtWE3Sz89elOhjcGAviJsSpqD1j-fK5yZa4rqV/s640/IMG_1888b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water and art feature</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zDrtWaGubUAfbTTIvy1eQEq9gt3VSVA5DtOB0LX74c99qvAoFKcr9tvimi3nlBpwh9rD5ksfNo_flS88Yp1B_MhRSft5lL1dIZfEn325dwAgQu-ORUYQkLq0nH7Jck1BmSmrGEegw7-7/s1600/IMG_1909b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zDrtWaGubUAfbTTIvy1eQEq9gt3VSVA5DtOB0LX74c99qvAoFKcr9tvimi3nlBpwh9rD5ksfNo_flS88Yp1B_MhRSft5lL1dIZfEn325dwAgQu-ORUYQkLq0nH7Jck1BmSmrGEegw7-7/s640/IMG_1909b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shop houses in the CBD</td></tr>
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From the CBD, I jumped on the<b> MRT</b> (Mass Rapid Transit) which is Singapore's <b><i>subway system</i></b> and headed to <b>Orchard Road </b>- the famous mall lined street for a spot of shopping. Singapore's subway system is very easy to use as it is in English. Hubby
and I still had our <i><b>EZ-Link cards</b></i> which we just topped up with cash upon our arrival back to Singapore.
With the EZ-Link card you simply tap on the entrance and exit gates at the MRT stations. It is a <b><i>cashless travel card </i></b>which can be used on the buses
too, and is available for tourists to purchase. Apparently the Oyster card system that we now have on the London
Underground is based upon the Singapore EZ-Link card. You can see more in the vlog below :o).<br />
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Once at Orchard I went to one of my favourite malls, <b>ION</b>. This mall is full of lots of familiar brands like Zara, H&M, Victoria's Secret, Mango, Uniqlo, Muji,and the <i><b>mothership </b></i>aka Sephora aka makeup heaven ;o). It also houses a lot of the designer/higher end brands too. The basement levels of most malls in Singapore are full of food courts and lots of different restaurants and cafes. I stopped off at IndoBox for a spot of lunch and to rest my joints.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Malay food for lunch at IndoBox</td></tr>
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Orchard Road is home to numerous department stores such as <b>Tangs</b>, <b>Isetan </b>and <b>Takashimaya</b>, as well as all the malls. The road is tree lined and is particularly beautiful at Christmas with all the decorations and lights. If you're not a fan of crowds then the best time to visit Orchard Road is definitely during the day in the working week as it gets very busy in the evenings, and <b><i>ridiculously</i></b> busy on weekends. There is always something going on at Orchard Road, be it pop up exhibitions, promotions, events or temporary art installations. On this particular day there was a display of <i><b>Gundams</b></i>. The Gundam Series is a Japanese science-fiction anime series featuring giant robots and these were absolutely huge!<br />
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The shopping malls in Singapore offer a good mix of western and Asian brands, and every year there is annual two month sales event, known as <i><b>The Great Singapore Sale</b></i>, which just happened to be on when we were there :o). After lunch I made my way down Orchard Road to <b>Plaza Singapura</b> which is another mall that I use to go to when we lived in Singapore, and this mall had a huge dinosaur display at its centre! I didn't vlog the rest of my day as we were meeting some friends that night for dinner and I didn't think it would be that interesting for you. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitkclsP4avhyheWqaZuvTFPNBTTw57PRSCjDfS19PSkNs-Svk1b-d7SsVbydEi0gYynfq2na6tT2qgvsotC9KJNBI5Wiyn82OxCQB6ZdgT9bdBHZl0R6c1ukCEuEInB6QfT6opr1N6Iphv/s1600/IMG_1966b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitkclsP4avhyheWqaZuvTFPNBTTw57PRSCjDfS19PSkNs-Svk1b-d7SsVbydEi0gYynfq2na6tT2qgvsotC9KJNBI5Wiyn82OxCQB6ZdgT9bdBHZl0R6c1ukCEuEInB6QfT6opr1N6Iphv/s640/IMG_1966b.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I hope this blog post and the accompanying vlog gave you a bit more of an insight into what Singapore is like. Have you ever visited Singapore? Did you enjoy it? I'll be back with the third and final part soon.<br />
<br />
Love Sheen xxx<br />
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<br />
When hubby and I left Japan, we did a stopover in <b>Singapore </b>where we had lived prior to Japan, before returning home to the UK. It was an absolute joy to be back in Singapore. It felt so familiar and comfortable, and best of all communication was easy :o). Singapore has four official languages of which <b>English </b>is one. Although living in Japan was an <b><i>unforgettable </i></b>experience, I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy being back in a country where I knew my way around, could order things of a menu <b><i>without </i></b>having to resort to a translation app first, and use public transport with such ease that it was as natural as breathing. Oh Singapore, how I missed thee! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgiG6ZykivpxUYtpbWRUD8qZoGqdBqQ7XjbXZeOs5OcQrKo7ZP_glrJfsq9T3H7oqIibD8mFP68Sz_puzLBxyYSGz53zGLlhuF4Cwr-_oCKyUkXW0DjFyT390eGcOZV_KMme8n8izZZvPL/s1600/312b.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgiG6ZykivpxUYtpbWRUD8qZoGqdBqQ7XjbXZeOs5OcQrKo7ZP_glrJfsq9T3H7oqIibD8mFP68Sz_puzLBxyYSGz53zGLlhuF4Cwr-_oCKyUkXW0DjFyT390eGcOZV_KMme8n8izZZvPL/s400/312b.JPG" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Gateway Building</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbYD20S2CPJEbSQWmxOHcff3zIuwccB5Mu9NLsZE78w8tYj8m23n2QZpDiHXISudZDkwsAMOMCRlS3CkArlst4eox5eWEsOhIjgzbGfNGvSuncpm38rM61O32WagUJ6X9eZ63v2Cjz254N/s1600/311b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbYD20S2CPJEbSQWmxOHcff3zIuwccB5Mu9NLsZE78w8tYj8m23n2QZpDiHXISudZDkwsAMOMCRlS3CkArlst4eox5eWEsOhIjgzbGfNGvSuncpm38rM61O32WagUJ6X9eZ63v2Cjz254N/s400/311b.JPG" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Gateway looks two dimensional from certain angles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I vlogged bits of our time in Singapore so that I could share some of the sights and architecture with you. Singapore is a great place for modern, contemporary architecture and is home to some iconic structures. I love <b>The Gateway </b>building which you can see in the photos above. These two structures actually look two dimensional from some angles, almost as though they were made from a thin sheet of paper due to the particularly sharp angles. You can see the first of the three Singapore vlogs below.<br />
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As we arrived on the weekend, hubby and I spent some time catching up with my cousin and a couple of our friends. In this particular vlog, we headed out for dinner to the <b>Arab Street</b> area of Singapore where there are lots of colourful shop houses. We had some delicious <b>Turkish </b>food, including this vermicelli dessert that was topped with crushed pistachios and sat in a pool of ever so slightly sweetened cream - yummy! After dinner, we headed to one of Singapore's <i><b>oldest tea places</b></i> so that hubby could have his favourite<b><i> teh tarik</i></b> - a milky sweet tea made with evaporated/condensed milk that is served in a plastic bag with a straw! The elderly man at this stall has been serving teh tarik for decades and his little stall is <b><i>always </i></b>busy.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vermicelli Dessert</td></tr>
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Now no trip to Singapore is complete without a <i><b>night time </b></i>visit to the <b>Marina Bay</b> area. This part of Singapore is home to some of it's <b><i>most iconic buildings</i></b> and the whole place looks incredible when it is all lit up. I've always felt that Singapore looks particularly beautiful at night, and it's so much easier to enjoy when the temperature and humidity has dropped a little, although I was still a sweaty betty ;o).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRDiAltyIkIDAnqjrKHcQhAW_7BCstfPdcA-4CvRmxfPO6t5k4v6LYLzcBR2wM5U7xx2qSWRCLpWGtEa6_bRAKvx_jYl_SOsXumsCAVWCCq57YWHAnqBvM4dUpZuyVpyVM-HE0TmXf3iH-/s1600/IMG_1858b.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRDiAltyIkIDAnqjrKHcQhAW_7BCstfPdcA-4CvRmxfPO6t5k4v6LYLzcBR2wM5U7xx2qSWRCLpWGtEa6_bRAKvx_jYl_SOsXumsCAVWCCq57YWHAnqBvM4dUpZuyVpyVM-HE0TmXf3iH-/s640/IMG_1858b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Singapore Flyer (ferris wheel), Helix Bridge, ArtScience Museum (white lotus flower shape) & Marina Bay Sands Hotel</td></tr>
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Whilst walking off the calories from dessert, we saw that there were numerous Ferrari cars parked outside the iconic Fullerton Hotel (which is a stunning building and used to be the old general post office), and naturally the boys wanted to go take a closer look. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaxR7SFdOO4nhJtkdY-mfME6Y_doIUjXZXmpgu58-QRUyWlXnjuENE-nXw4hr9FTYkQP7AFhZ3AlVAGJHp4qhiv-1iFYcXff5ZVlF9RpWxfzlPgErz1Ad6oShnWOqlIEZe24zQkO7rjyYb/s1600/IMG_1872b.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaxR7SFdOO4nhJtkdY-mfME6Y_doIUjXZXmpgu58-QRUyWlXnjuENE-nXw4hr9FTYkQP7AFhZ3AlVAGJHp4qhiv-1iFYcXff5ZVlF9RpWxfzlPgErz1Ad6oShnWOqlIEZe24zQkO7rjyYb/s640/IMG_1872b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ferrari on Tour</td></tr>
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I hope you enjoyed this little peek into our stop off in Singapore and I hope to have the next post up soon :o).<br />
<br />
Love Sheen xxx<br />
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<br />
I am <i><b>beyond </b></i>excited to type these words - we have, after almost six months of living in Cora the Caravan, <i><b>finally </b><b>moved into our house</b></i>! We are no longer living in a space that was about the size of our bathroom in Japan. Hubby and I can now move without bumping into/stepping on each other and it feels wonderful :o).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-49X5-ENQGI_8dCmZV0ZklkDSbMxjGScutvifW_4FrXh9yMMHg63tvLmcYWsL5Q92-3QQEq1bVycGeUI-OWvhbJNGLaEYTB6DzNqhW2GFCgYL9Ax4K-Asq2h_PMn_-9n-1sSmBVLSevKl/s1600/image%25281%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-49X5-ENQGI_8dCmZV0ZklkDSbMxjGScutvifW_4FrXh9yMMHg63tvLmcYWsL5Q92-3QQEq1bVycGeUI-OWvhbJNGLaEYTB6DzNqhW2GFCgYL9Ax4K-Asq2h_PMn_-9n-1sSmBVLSevKl/s640/image%25281%2529.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apologies for the poor quality photo but I've not had chance to take any recently</td></tr>
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Whilst the sense of space feels wonderful, the reality is still some way away. The house is very much a building site. We have no internal doors, no finished rooms, nothing to sit on bar the bed but we are inside, and that is the most important thing. It has very much been the weather that has accelerated our move to the inside. The torrential rain was one thing, but coupled with the gale force winds, it was becoming increasingly difficult to sleep in Cora. Especially when we could hear the trees creaking as they swayed crazily above us. Oh the nights when we've laid awake debating the possibility of a tree coming down on us! The wind has been so severe on some days that Cora has <i><b>actually </b></i>rocked and swayed herself, and I've wondered if we'd wake up finding ourselves drifting in the sea in our metal home... <i><b>dramatic</b></i> I know, but very real in my dream let me tell you!<br />
<br />
In an ideal world, we would have liked the renovations to be a bit further along before moving in but the temperature has dropped significantly this week, and with there being no end in sight on the rain/wind front we decided to take the plunge. Luckily the <b><i>basic necessities</i></b> are in place. We have heating, hot water, a working toilet, sink and bath (no shower yet), and we have a kitchen sink and hob (but no refrigerator so we continue to use the one in Cora), oh, and a bed of course.<br />
<br />
Now that we feel a bit more sheltered from the elements, we can hopefully start to sleep a little better - once we become accustomed to all the strange noises the house itself makes ;o). It also means that we (when I say<i><b> 'we'</b></i> I mean hubby, for the most part) can carry on working later into the night and make some good headway in the coming weeks.<br />
<br />
If you're facing weather conditions anything like what we have here in the UK, then I hope you manage to stay safe and dry :o). <br />
<br />
Love Sheen xxx<br />
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<br />
I finally have another update on the <b>From Stables To House </b>renovation. If you missed the previous update then you can catch up <a href="http://www.glisteningsheen.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/from-stables-to-house-3-stairs-exciting.html" target="_blank">here</a>. I haven't done an update for a few weeks and there are a number of reasons for that. Firstly, a lot of the work has been a bit more <b><i>behind the scenes</i></b> (like sorting out the wiring, plumbing and reconnecting our mains water supply). Secondly, hubby and I have been finding living in a caravan a bit tough lately. We have been living in our metal tin for five months now! Five <b><i>very long</i></b> months! The weather has turned colder and we've had a lot more rain recently, which means we barely get any sleep on rainy nights because the raindrops make so much noise when they hit the caravan roof. Even if the rain stops, we then get water dripping from the trees above falling onto the caravan. We are also experiencing some very severe winds at the moment, and being by the coast means we are getting the worst of the crazy weather. I've spent nights wondering if the trees at the back of the house are going to come down on top of the caravan!<br />
<br />
Aside from that, we miss being able to take baths and having a nice bathroom... <i><b>actually </b><b>forget bathroom</b></i>, we just missing having a nice home. A home where we have a fully functioning kitchen with a decent sized refrigerator, and our personal belongings around us. Another thing that's been making me a bit unhappy is that our diet isn't as clean and healthy as it usually is. We find ourselves snacking a lot more (on the not so healthy stuff), and opting for the convenience and ease of cooking pasta or eating bread/wraps, given the kitchen limitations in the caravan. I am so <b><i>carb-ed out</i></b> right now that I cannot wait until we can start using our new kitchen - I'll be gorging on oven roasted vegetables, smoothies and salads :o).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkjqpcKKlhgqffnmX-xsTULxjUQXqGMxoOOBkR3FoS3nmYvSZH7ya0SAv0_atciNeNN9ZsuVUb1Mv4pDL7-W5IvXdK6alBUb6BMYERPlJiTypmKwVzxKhxw_K3escD-w-ldxTy7qHj0bts/s1600/IMG_2382b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkjqpcKKlhgqffnmX-xsTULxjUQXqGMxoOOBkR3FoS3nmYvSZH7ya0SAv0_atciNeNN9ZsuVUb1Mv4pDL7-W5IvXdK6alBUb6BMYERPlJiTypmKwVzxKhxw_K3escD-w-ldxTy7qHj0bts/s640/IMG_2382b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We now have painted window frames</td></tr>
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Finally, we've just had a bit of a <i><b>challenging </b></i>time with some of the tradesmen. We've had people accept jobs and then not turn up or turn up a week later than agreed... <b><i>a whole week late</i></b>! This obviously has a knock on effect on the works schedule. We've also been a bit frustrated with some workmen just being very careless when onsite. We've had several packs of tiles broken, wires have been drilled through, walls have been damage... all accidentally of course, but nonetheless it still costs us money to then put right other people's mistakes. I guess people aren't that diligent when it's not their money or home that's at stake.We are currently a month behind where we should be and that delay is
purely down to people not turning up for work on time and rectifying mistakes made by others.<br />
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On a more positive note, we've had our boiler installed and being able to run the underfloor
heating is a real joy as a lot of the work we are doing now is inside
the house. Things <i><b>are </b></i>progressing as you'll see in the video above, and this is keeping hubby and I motivated to push on. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ypzCx9s2E4D_ANPqxKNOjAkoxEbeQiWStXGiFHaA7OFuXTGxig_g8VNnmV3fyNOCcM2vaAQ8n4g3qebDFlpBvjqb8Zgg1OYTXd0dnLGhq1ZHUSbRx-9OWYs6pDF8RmX_E5uqLaa2uy_n/s1600/IMG_2316b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ypzCx9s2E4D_ANPqxKNOjAkoxEbeQiWStXGiFHaA7OFuXTGxig_g8VNnmV3fyNOCcM2vaAQ8n4g3qebDFlpBvjqb8Zgg1OYTXd0dnLGhq1ZHUSbRx-9OWYs6pDF8RmX_E5uqLaa2uy_n/s640/IMG_2316b.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Due to the wet weather, we have been prioritising getting the gutters and drainpipes up. Restrictions from the conservation officer mean that we have had to replace all of the plastic gutters and drainpipes with cast iron ones. As these are quite expensive new, hubby has been collecting second hand ones for <b><i>over a year</i></b> now from ebay and various online sites. We've had to buy some new pieces, but overall, hubby's initiative of searching for these months before we actually needed them has helped to keep the cost down significantly :o). In the photo above you can see hubby cleaning up a second hand drainpipe that was painted bright green. Once the paint was removed, we painted it in a rust coloured primer for additional protection from the sea air, before painting it in our chosen colour which is <b><i>lichen </i></b>by <b>Farrow and Ball</b>. Lichen is a beautiful <i><b>sage green </b></i>that we've used not only
on the gutters and
drainpipes, but also on the window frames and external door frames. The
colour
looks slightly washed out on the gutters and drainpipes due to the
rusty coloured primer underneath, but on the window and door frames it
is a little bit darker and a bit more green. Hubby and I both love the
colour and feel that it compliments the natural stone of the building
really well with it being quite an earthy and muted green. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgIcIHcrzPL2MJ463TcheXStindxAEEe25Y-N9YOId4OhYgx2pk3Ha1G9J5tTn0VAdOtsqdnNiDYoBSiwukuqk7oIxJ7GCsMPiRppMSa_cGucqoa-YVj0nyfN7R-CnIBdxg7O4VK-rdTAs/s1600/IMG_2398b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgIcIHcrzPL2MJ463TcheXStindxAEEe25Y-N9YOId4OhYgx2pk3Ha1G9J5tTn0VAdOtsqdnNiDYoBSiwukuqk7oIxJ7GCsMPiRppMSa_cGucqoa-YVj0nyfN7R-CnIBdxg7O4VK-rdTAs/s640/IMG_2398b.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
More recently hubby and I have been busy painting the upstairs. The <b><i>transformational </i></b>effect of painting the walls and ceilings is quite amazing. All of a sudden we feel that the upstairs isn't too far of from being finished. Hubby has also been working on getting the family bathroom fitted and tiled. As soon as a bedroom and bathroom are ready, we can move out of the caravan and into the house, whilst we complete the rest of the work, and <i><b>that </b></i>will be a momentous occasion indeed :o).<br />
<br />
Love Sheen xxx<br />
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<br />
This blog post is a continuation from the previous one (you can read that <a href="http://www.glisteningsheen.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/jvlog-25-last-week-in-japan-odaiba.html" target="_blank">here</a>) of our last week in Japan. By the time it came to our final week, hubby and I were absolutely exhausted, both physically and mentally. Moving homes is no easy feat and when you add a change of country into the mix then you're <i><b>definitely </b></i>taking it up a level. Our bodies and minds craved complete bed rest, but we found that we couldn't just take it easy and chill out at our hotel. We felt the <b><i>need </i></b>to be out and about, making the most of the limited time we had left in this amazing country, because otherwise we may regret doing nothing during our last few days. We <i><b>had </b></i>to make the most of the time we had left. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH7eQAqpDvu-GpPS5gSrhzSATxw8GgjarME0FR8A_Rz6AfTBubBWGeXtSjO_vHspWoTkiURsuA46H4AfRg0OWTHkVSY7gdlr2ozur46BoYzgDlH8tCx_k6BTAcyEvvbX2ez0oopKNudVSo/s1600/IMG_1781b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH7eQAqpDvu-GpPS5gSrhzSATxw8GgjarME0FR8A_Rz6AfTBubBWGeXtSjO_vHspWoTkiURsuA46H4AfRg0OWTHkVSY7gdlr2ozur46BoYzgDlH8tCx_k6BTAcyEvvbX2ez0oopKNudVSo/s640/IMG_1781b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanazono Shrine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO0rVOg108GfiUAgo8OwQGptsRbmT0zfjil4Q5MAx6zI2Zif5Y7YlDdIwR6BS7FrBlr0HE1VRDDBWvYhTRPxcaMzIzxfsXif4zKJmYP7hWXG5GDcFmbgGzPRnjuA9UIYFNA_gvxFhOe6V0/s1600/IMG_1784b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO0rVOg108GfiUAgo8OwQGptsRbmT0zfjil4Q5MAx6zI2Zif5Y7YlDdIwR6BS7FrBlr0HE1VRDDBWvYhTRPxcaMzIzxfsXif4zKJmYP7hWXG5GDcFmbgGzPRnjuA9UIYFNA_gvxFhOe6V0/s640/IMG_1784b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanazono Shrine</td></tr>
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On this particular day though, I did leave hubby to rest up in the hotel, as I wandered out. We were staying in a part of <b>Shinjuku </b>that was quite <b><i>different </i></b>to where we normally visit and so I took my vlogging camera and went exploring. I came across the<b> Hanazono Shrine </b>which I'd walked past the previous day but didn't have time to walk around then. The shrine is situated on a main road and used to form part of the <b>Imperial Gardens</b>. The buildings at the shrine have been redeveloped over the years to what's currently on the site today as some of them were damaged during World War II. You can see more in the vlog below, as well as the rest of our final week in Japan.<br />
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By the time I'd finished wandering around the shrine, hubby had joined me and we spent the rest of the day in the main shopping district of Shinjuku before heading back to <b>Yokohama </b>the next morning. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-9Jcv868wIWspOUOF5Cy3OkVN0ziP7TO9Ajl_DGC2czGlQ0ejpLHRxqJ7AWSb5L6DrpWvqmyVCZL9KbshVFj7I4Al3hav8p-2yeBqh8U5ZMTnxXdHM_31Ye73dUjIHeEDjuSdlUYhzvT/s1600/IMG_1560b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-9Jcv868wIWspOUOF5Cy3OkVN0ziP7TO9Ajl_DGC2czGlQ0ejpLHRxqJ7AWSb5L6DrpWvqmyVCZL9KbshVFj7I4Al3hav8p-2yeBqh8U5ZMTnxXdHM_31Ye73dUjIHeEDjuSdlUYhzvT/s640/IMG_1560b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cruise ship at Osanbashi Pier in Yokohama</td></tr>
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Back in Yokohama, we had to finish packing up our shipping boxes as they were being collected soon. We did, however, take a break from the packing and head down to the bay one last time. It was such a glorious day that we couldn't spend all of it indoors, especially as it was forecasted to rain on our last day in Yokohama, so you know... we <i><b>had </b></i>to make the most of it ;o). We headed to<b> Rinko Park</b>, our local park, and walked along the waterfront where we spotted a huge cruise ship at <b>Osanbashi Pier</b>. Naturally, we had to go take a closer look. We then went to <b>Nihon Odori</b> back to the Turkish restaurant that we'd been to numerous times to say goodbye to the family that run it and grab a bite to eat. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio4uCtWZXjflh9R-AxvhuBHGoQfoBrPHufNNwELdWB-TqnKBA8Rd4p1-P35vLVVqwA2lthTD7uXTnGqsn3BrvxyOV0EcR-hzelJfAJ7zJE6AFoXvxOycS7YQsGJotBcS3x3qTpMU8ywqsz/s1600/IMG_1590b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio4uCtWZXjflh9R-AxvhuBHGoQfoBrPHufNNwELdWB-TqnKBA8Rd4p1-P35vLVVqwA2lthTD7uXTnGqsn3BrvxyOV0EcR-hzelJfAJ7zJE6AFoXvxOycS7YQsGJotBcS3x3qTpMU8ywqsz/s640/IMG_1590b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Minato Mirai 21, Yokohama</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk5hZx6Sd8NQvts5Q80fEzYAFsUWDEJ5QjDhsgYqHnGhQi5HmAVDSI2UdH9lCjSQTZNW5z0mCQOZlu_8UObQPAJT3fhjG5nSbvmTkYkG0AVmFW7AsupxfCs0MQ8ZqtDlg8SPVJOA-v1ldb/s1600/IMG_1595b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk5hZx6Sd8NQvts5Q80fEzYAFsUWDEJ5QjDhsgYqHnGhQi5HmAVDSI2UdH9lCjSQTZNW5z0mCQOZlu_8UObQPAJT3fhjG5nSbvmTkYkG0AVmFW7AsupxfCs0MQ8ZqtDlg8SPVJOA-v1ldb/s640/IMG_1595b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MM21 all lit up at night</td></tr>
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We ended the day with <i><b>heavy hearts</b></i> as we walked back from Nihon Odori, taking in the sights that we'd become so accustomed to, one last time. That night we'd be moving our suitcases into our final hotel near Yokohama station, and we knew that we would not be coming back to <b>Minato Mirai 21</b>, the place that had been our home for the past nine months, again. So we lingered around <b><i>just a bit longer</i></b>, taking in the sunset and watching<b> MM21</b> light up at night, for the last time (and wiping a few tears as we did).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLwpDPc9ao0tywhP2wvROI8m9MaTkR-WjgCgWclmiBqp49XKM3Khyphenhyphen91aWp_QHyhTBMQHfReyuzuCQN4eRTSNJAO9UupS8epCAxQE9Rcd5BU4WFZjoz3Bwm0ZrZKcC4b4UKQuXvU2HBYvK/s1600/IMG_1599b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLwpDPc9ao0tywhP2wvROI8m9MaTkR-WjgCgWclmiBqp49XKM3Khyphenhyphen91aWp_QHyhTBMQHfReyuzuCQN4eRTSNJAO9UupS8epCAxQE9Rcd5BU4WFZjoz3Bwm0ZrZKcC4b4UKQuXvU2HBYvK/s640/IMG_1599b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cosmo World amusement park, Yokohama</td></tr>
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Whilst leaving Japan was very sad, hubby and I were <b><i>immensely grateful</i></b> for having had the opportunity to live in one of the most <b><i>unique </i></b>countries we'd <b><i>ever </i></b>visited. It also made me glad that I'd taken the somewhat <i><b>bold </b></i>step (bold for me anyway) of vlogging as now we had captured memories that we could relive via my videos :o).<br />
<br />
Once we'd boarded our flight to Singapore the next morning, the excitement of arriving to
our <i><b>previous home</b></i> was starting to take over from the sadness of
leaving our <i><b>current </b></i>one. I did do some vlogging whilst in Singapore and I hope to share that with you in the coming weeks.<br />
<br />
Although this is my last Japan vlog, it is by<b><i> no means the end </i></b>of
my Japan blog posts (or videos about Japan) for I have many things that I
still want to share with you, including all the things that we bought before
leaving Japan. However, all that may take a little time as we wait for
our shipping boxes to arrive and try to progress with our house
renovations, but I <i><b>will </b></i>get there :o).<br />
<br />
Love Sheen xxx<br />
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When hubby and I were getting ready to leave Japan we had to sell all of our furniture as we had rented an unfurnished apartment. Luckily, we managed to sell/give away everything a week before we handed our apartment keys back. However, as a result of having no bed to sleep on, we had to spend our last week in Japan staying in hotels. We decided to split our week between Tokyo and Yokohama (where our apartment was).</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjqNvjSaM3YOoEjbrmAfrkXVdbyBhWg3Oeh3hRfP-SH8EUfyZk3vl3g6kGRfkUy58XVvMD94Iwz1tZVy8jNoVe2Saj4F6SLjGbY_gjR8W4rczMw3N5v4DGdCNZ9mNiiORlb-11iSVeA_g1/s1600/IMG_1616b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjqNvjSaM3YOoEjbrmAfrkXVdbyBhWg3Oeh3hRfP-SH8EUfyZk3vl3g6kGRfkUy58XVvMD94Iwz1tZVy8jNoVe2Saj4F6SLjGbY_gjR8W4rczMw3N5v4DGdCNZ9mNiiORlb-11iSVeA_g1/s640/IMG_1616b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Views from Sunshine City</td></tr>
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Whilst staying in Tokyo we visited places that we'd not manage to see thus far. This included a quick visit to <b>Sunshine City</b> in Ikebukuro. There is an observation deck, <b>Sunshine 60</b>, on the 60th floor of the complex but unfortunately on the day that we went the observation deck was closed. However, we did manage to get to the 59th floor where there are bars and restaurants, and so we still got to enjoy the views. Looking out of the floor to ceiling windows, we got a real sense of just
how built up and expansive Tokyo is. I love how amongst all the high
rises you get little pockets of coloured roof tops.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5N4mmIo9eKO5hqf8mGNzU10edfe2rUrbMTsEV96p2BiIv9EMfXmLEpa45kXGgPh_TthCh6SaIKKe6aGoAe2e6pExXwGaANcN8mgbtYkxnyEKev3kLfTFVYffFopNCjw9BIwBPmZxd4laq/s1600/IMG_1627b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5N4mmIo9eKO5hqf8mGNzU10edfe2rUrbMTsEV96p2BiIv9EMfXmLEpa45kXGgPh_TthCh6SaIKKe6aGoAe2e6pExXwGaANcN8mgbtYkxnyEKev3kLfTFVYffFopNCjw9BIwBPmZxd4laq/s640/IMG_1627b.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
The elevator up to the 59th floor was probably one of the quirkiest elevators I've ever been in. Not only did it show the speed at which we were travelling, but it was decorated in a spacey/starry night kind of theme with pretty lights, as you'll see in the vlog below - <b><i>very cool</i></b>!<br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/s_vi/Zo8JEzsOkvA/default.jpg?sqp=CJy3uLEF&rs=AOn4CLDgLo5xjUZhNVyhLf0xVKN3fv9efw" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Zo8JEzsOkvA?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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From Ikebukuro, we made our way to <b>Odaiba</b>, an artificial island on <b>Tokyo bay</b>. It is a huge entertainment and leisure area with numerous shopping malls, restaurants and bars, as well as iconic buildings and sights to pass away the time. The area is particularly busy on weekends and is a popular place for young people to hang out, as well as being a big tourist attraction. On the man made island you will find a <i><b>replica of the Statue of Liberty</b></i>, a <i><b>huge gundam robot</b></i> statue, <b>Megaweb </b>which is the exhibition centre for <b>Toyota</b>, games arcades and a whole lot more, including a large ferris wheel. Interestingly, Odaiba is one of Tokyo's proposed sites in its bid to host the 2020 Summer Olympics.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwUUxlxSaDV67uRdefI3FBKm3Rh5awiKG7mfwFyNCE-o4dhZ0pzON7fsPM7CJ4OayZlEKfUqsvirU4l0XNBsbUAi7nqJo7tFkjh4hg8gfFAt2ExWKt65XpuF3IcmXhE_HaR-OIqYbZpLN/s1600/IMG_1635+%25282%2529b.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwUUxlxSaDV67uRdefI3FBKm3Rh5awiKG7mfwFyNCE-o4dhZ0pzON7fsPM7CJ4OayZlEKfUqsvirU4l0XNBsbUAi7nqJo7tFkjh4hg8gfFAt2ExWKt65XpuF3IcmXhE_HaR-OIqYbZpLN/s640/IMG_1635+%25282%2529b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Daikanransha Ferris Wheel - an Odaiba landmark</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFjcz1gC_BE8Zo4IH8WIiSaWjrrFaqnKkEk0RCmRKCsWBmI9QX5N7Psl_9cBgds6o0AsmzjNK0uc1kcPpmngq-wY0lo7VvKHZ5cXiWFQ-8D5mSQ_ksXqqT_K395_bAV_S10aj9vS-X6iR/s1600/IMG_1648b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFjcz1gC_BE8Zo4IH8WIiSaWjrrFaqnKkEk0RCmRKCsWBmI9QX5N7Psl_9cBgds6o0AsmzjNK0uc1kcPpmngq-wY0lo7VvKHZ5cXiWFQ-8D5mSQ_ksXqqT_K395_bAV_S10aj9vS-X6iR/s640/IMG_1648b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the Yurikamome of some cool buildings</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
The <i><b>Yurikamome </b></i>(an automated transit system, a bit like a monorail)
stops at various places in Odaiba. We used it to cross over <b>Rainbow
Bridge</b> just for the sake of it really and to enjoy the views, before getting back on the train to come back to
Odaiba. The first place we visited in Odaiba was a mall called <b>Decks </b>which
features a <i><b>mini Hong Kong </b></i>and a <i><b>Sega Joypolis</b></i> (an amusement park).
However, our main reason for visiting Decks was for the great views it
offers of Rainbow Bridge. We were also pleased to discover a <b>Bills </b>- one
of our favourite places to eat where we were able to enjoy a light
lunch. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBqw81ftzdWRw_sADTkQrAM5iyMUXgW_l40dyAbg05NCH9BIOYELdcpMYBUP6UizB6IfZynmyJORJfpjH60J8z_-uiObkEHNGSDo9baoY_QYtYA9BgGRBleISVpbRqFVZ8vDaCt9K4g3C/s1600/IMG_1626+%25282%2529c.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBqw81ftzdWRw_sADTkQrAM5iyMUXgW_l40dyAbg05NCH9BIOYELdcpMYBUP6UizB6IfZynmyJORJfpjH60J8z_-uiObkEHNGSDo9baoY_QYtYA9BgGRBleISVpbRqFVZ8vDaCt9K4g3C/s640/IMG_1626+%25282%2529c.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking out at Rainbow Bridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMqKtAMnjJlO-qXSR3dJf7lVKy2yt4iJmhM56-1GTBGcKBAt8LPhupcBE4zxTwoPJXclqPPZYcEgHNUex-KCyasJ3fKUAMWnrph4Mb2vOr-EI4mOemcsiyRp8W3otOoMgURyPnbNw99hG/s1600/IMG_1629b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMqKtAMnjJlO-qXSR3dJf7lVKy2yt4iJmhM56-1GTBGcKBAt8LPhupcBE4zxTwoPJXclqPPZYcEgHNUex-KCyasJ3fKUAMWnrph4Mb2vOr-EI4mOemcsiyRp8W3otOoMgURyPnbNw99hG/s640/IMG_1629b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainbow Bridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzTtrArSVwOUDYY4Txpv3FUQs_wvulgIOn3N6Q0IotdxE355YX-8WkY-8KWdUq4b286PIuoP9VgPsXtfgPiMggpuue8AdWg6-G9xNCt_WcWiQ45ZYikdfxgRsPnrVZA74m0RaSYxG1LCZv/s1600/IMG_1668b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzTtrArSVwOUDYY4Txpv3FUQs_wvulgIOn3N6Q0IotdxE355YX-8WkY-8KWdUq4b286PIuoP9VgPsXtfgPiMggpuue8AdWg6-G9xNCt_WcWiQ45ZYikdfxgRsPnrVZA74m0RaSYxG1LCZv/s640/IMG_1668b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch at Bills</td></tr>
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From Decks we made our way to the<b> Fuji TV</b> building. This is one of
Odaiba's most <b><i>iconic </i></b>buildings and we've seen it from afar when we did
the <b>Tokyo Bay Cruise</b> (you can see that <a href="http://glisteningsheen.blogspot.co.uk/2015_06_01_archive.html" target="_blank">here</a>).
There is an observation deck in the building but unfortunately we just
missed the opening times. Can you tell that it just wasn't our day when
it came to observation decks?! We did manage to go up a couple of
escalators to get a bit closer to the iconic sphere that sits at the top
of the building :o). <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgadFv9HJ9fLHDb6wC4l5T6x-hhZY5nYIfxIVI7044fG5sOWEMxTJUCLx_WDAmfWqIOG_qqNn5JdKlDLLTdH2i-GAmoTk0V6F6ZzclNMzU5p529QnGtqXUWB2JKU1oYVPMNVZHZy5Z2oeRo/s1600/IMG_1641b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgadFv9HJ9fLHDb6wC4l5T6x-hhZY5nYIfxIVI7044fG5sOWEMxTJUCLx_WDAmfWqIOG_qqNn5JdKlDLLTdH2i-GAmoTk0V6F6ZzclNMzU5p529QnGtqXUWB2JKU1oYVPMNVZHZy5Z2oeRo/s640/IMG_1641b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The iconic Fuji Television building</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWjUNkgnACL_fJ5xArU1aRSEOhwObY0cO9LdWniMyUphS3HqnXHrhwCyv2Bhdx3mNhvMrU5IF95jy0t-IYGrrieqDy5oyZ9_NK0bpQ3CItUMDD7911eRkBbCrAWMnO1vTPsvSAusurgEKB/s1600/IMG_1643b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWjUNkgnACL_fJ5xArU1aRSEOhwObY0cO9LdWniMyUphS3HqnXHrhwCyv2Bhdx3mNhvMrU5IF95jy0t-IYGrrieqDy5oyZ9_NK0bpQ3CItUMDD7911eRkBbCrAWMnO1vTPsvSAusurgEKB/s640/IMG_1643b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Fuji TV building to the left</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Next we headed towards another mall called<b> Palette Town</b>, next to the iconic ferris wheel. Given the <i><b>petrol head</b></i> that my hubby is there was no way we could go to Palette Town without spending some time at <b>Megaweb</b>, Toyota's exhibition hall. Inside there were some pretty cool things to see, including the Winglet. In my vlog above I actually managed to capture a few seconds of the Winglet advert that was playing on a screen, in case you've ever wondered about the Japanese style of advertising :o).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhqURKK0eM_eyKlaZ4oUglvbiwMFEAf96DRkGBgjb8faWbCMmA84pfBrNz78kmU0tLnhnN5xtnx6yLL4AeweN_qG8Ei1O75M1rc0LMwq2uC5L3yf2ff_Scy8saGqbpMjb6OUDk2z1C48ff/s1600/IMG_1737b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhqURKK0eM_eyKlaZ4oUglvbiwMFEAf96DRkGBgjb8faWbCMmA84pfBrNz78kmU0tLnhnN5xtnx6yLL4AeweN_qG8Ei1O75M1rc0LMwq2uC5L3yf2ff_Scy8saGqbpMjb6OUDk2z1C48ff/s640/IMG_1737b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Winglet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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As it came close to sunset we went on the <b>Daikanransha ferris wheel</b> which is 115 metres tall. From the top we could see all of Odaiba and much of Tokyo, including Tokyo Tower and the Tokyo SkyTree. We could also see aeroplanes taking off and coming into land at Haneda airport.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7FnTilQn6brjVbsYWiiY7SZptSyghtlVpMEx1DmonjmsJMhrO2pcrpcqZFRZGwZ7gGFgWCu7EzYRCtPr_EcMSq9MaNVCa6GDH54LavPd3eNa_70IMKdjXmconcTNPKLxOD1RBzUMFSclj/s1600/IMG_1661b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7FnTilQn6brjVbsYWiiY7SZptSyghtlVpMEx1DmonjmsJMhrO2pcrpcqZFRZGwZ7gGFgWCu7EzYRCtPr_EcMSq9MaNVCa6GDH54LavPd3eNa_70IMKdjXmconcTNPKLxOD1RBzUMFSclj/s640/IMG_1661b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daikanransha Ferris Wheel </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYjRl0UOz84Jz3OIKlXbH-5cEvhHvVG-NYHuqfqNiK3jC4GF-UnUsQtXS9tueQMLwMB7cxg0GQb90kBv2NjqqKo6FAeGuCefiajLpwBKsREalrLbt8ClqVdBPIMX3OeKt_JX-kUdxUOQh_/s1600/IMG_1655+%25282%2529b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYjRl0UOz84Jz3OIKlXbH-5cEvhHvVG-NYHuqfqNiK3jC4GF-UnUsQtXS9tueQMLwMB7cxg0GQb90kBv2NjqqKo6FAeGuCefiajLpwBKsREalrLbt8ClqVdBPIMX3OeKt_JX-kUdxUOQh_/s640/IMG_1655+%25282%2529b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Tokyo and the Tokyo SkyTree from the Daikanransha Ferris Wheel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfQVJyC8Q4pnbuaDTvVv4BJD1igrdjrQyGsnBNk4qjdlJHCmiXeS8_WPiYc5wC_kDDuN_90UX8N9Rb2sJydWnyS3LoAe9puK7_gYyPPJ2GNl6t3P4Krm2yQR_ugb-VHvkmiVFp1hk1W7bu/s1600/IMG_1744b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfQVJyC8Q4pnbuaDTvVv4BJD1igrdjrQyGsnBNk4qjdlJHCmiXeS8_WPiYc5wC_kDDuN_90UX8N9Rb2sJydWnyS3LoAe9puK7_gYyPPJ2GNl6t3P4Krm2yQR_ugb-VHvkmiVFp1hk1W7bu/s640/IMG_1744b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Venus Fort Shopping Mall in Odaiba</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We ended our time at Odaiba by visiting <b>Venus Fort</b>, a Venice themed shopping mall - not quite what we expected to find in Japan, but it's Japan so one should expect the unexpected. There is a lot to see/do in Odaiba and I don't think you can really see it
all in one day. We spent an afternoon there and barely scratched the surface. There is a <b><i>wide variety</i></b> in the things that you can see/do in Odaiba from
enjoying popular Japanese culture/anime/music to architecture/museums/technology and even a beach. I'd recommend doing your research and prioritising, if you've only got a day in Odaiba just so that you don't miss anything that you're especially keen to see/do.<br />
<br />
I hope you enjoyed this peek into our last week in Japan. I will have another vlog of the rest of our week coming soon.<br />
<br />
Love Sheen xxx<br />
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}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802228590460534683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295211820842519749.post-25527912967804975972015-10-20T16:32:00.002+01:002015-10-20T16:32:32.379+01:00From Stables To House: #3 Stairs & An Exciting DeliveryGood Day Everyone,<br />
<br />
We have stairs!!! I recently came back onsite after over a week at my parents to find that our staircase had been installed. This is <b><i>very </i></b>exciting indeed! I have not been upstairs for such a long time that I'd actually forgotten what it looked like. As well as stairs, we also had a very exciting delivery. Our cast iron radiators arrived. We took a bit of a gamble on these as we ordered them online <i><b>without </b></i>seeing them in person first, but the gamble paid off. These are absolutely stunning - I <b><i>love </i></b>them<i><b> </b></i>:o). The intention had always been to go for matte black cast iron radiators... until we saw these. We loved how these had a modern twist and we also like the different colours and how they change depending upon the lighting.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNaoKEVyx1LrDan6LBls-sM4vmHNFXBsYpHDudI_TaPa_WD4YJ_J4a0Wit_eAn50pm9b7VMnHPuCrVl4cMIfFydeeHf0HEDsdAAAdc-OmHlWtBYNu0zQe5RzI7PUPUN7wPxTjI5KkVLwk/s1600/IMG_1665b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNaoKEVyx1LrDan6LBls-sM4vmHNFXBsYpHDudI_TaPa_WD4YJ_J4a0Wit_eAn50pm9b7VMnHPuCrVl4cMIfFydeeHf0HEDsdAAAdc-OmHlWtBYNu0zQe5RzI7PUPUN7wPxTjI5KkVLwk/s640/IMG_1665b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cast Iron Radiator</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGG9KRn4_mQTgPBj7-eGs5Xyz7PNkeNCon6JjugIy1ihFab2yrXWEMkUrV9TOqng6bip9UJ-wpkmkHUTiHXfOGPbkR5jQrsCfY81iVRiidsBFERJO6wvLRSmmEc7h1W_-CsMnu2kNvfo1v/s1600/IMG_1678b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGG9KRn4_mQTgPBj7-eGs5Xyz7PNkeNCon6JjugIy1ihFab2yrXWEMkUrV9TOqng6bip9UJ-wpkmkHUTiHXfOGPbkR5jQrsCfY81iVRiidsBFERJO6wvLRSmmEc7h1W_-CsMnu2kNvfo1v/s640/IMG_1678b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A closer look (please excuse the dust)</td></tr>
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In the above vlog, I take you upstairs and show you how we have split the upper floor. Historically, the upstairs was split into two rooms - one very large open room with a dividing wall and door that led to the smaller room with cupboards and a kitchenette. Each room had it's own staircase.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-5IAh9Nd_A2CzBULAPDk0hpNZWhkok6gkK0Gk7PT2kQ69qBpb95IhyphenhyphenDVeJwu9VcVIshd_A1M4_6Vi4ew5RHMipoDVBQmW4rsche63pvBXQBLImo-CX92p7fkzzzXpJdAohHmt1FxIIsZ4/s1600/IMG_3325b2b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-5IAh9Nd_A2CzBULAPDk0hpNZWhkok6gkK0Gk7PT2kQ69qBpb95IhyphenhyphenDVeJwu9VcVIshd_A1M4_6Vi4ew5RHMipoDVBQmW4rsche63pvBXQBLImo-CX92p7fkzzzXpJdAohHmt1FxIIsZ4/s640/IMG_3325b2b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The old larger room with it's own staircase </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dt-14dhK2QBwnyYOpnYljL1Y6zCl_pP0142RqmP1TFy_6pnPOT1_fuynzuWCpYBoytWbRyQo8VY-PJk3Sakznp0KKPUu4pAz8aODOUs-TbGa2MfeEPPMDat5xTnU8m8k-OXXJNt_0RGZ/s1600/IMG_3321b2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dt-14dhK2QBwnyYOpnYljL1Y6zCl_pP0142RqmP1TFy_6pnPOT1_fuynzuWCpYBoytWbRyQo8VY-PJk3Sakznp0KKPUu4pAz8aODOUs-TbGa2MfeEPPMDat5xTnU8m8k-OXXJNt_0RGZ/s640/IMG_3321b2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Door way from large room into smaller room</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old small room had cupboards & a kitchenette</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoY9TKt9DKW-eLRrTEnYO9jnFdWhuaaQL6eno3MEErleGjUeF5do_6HpcLKK1XnYnxpsbupacqctbxioxf0FSiEIzIDhX66iVR9OXWqAXiVLTFH4g480uDbG3EVcFch-vbT-VHsypCpEGN/s1600/IMG_3324b2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoY9TKt9DKW-eLRrTEnYO9jnFdWhuaaQL6eno3MEErleGjUeF5do_6HpcLKK1XnYnxpsbupacqctbxioxf0FSiEIzIDhX66iVR9OXWqAXiVLTFH4g480uDbG3EVcFch-vbT-VHsypCpEGN/s640/IMG_3324b2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old small room had it's own staircase too</td></tr>
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The upstairs space is very rectangular and when it came to rejigging the layout we had to work around the existing windows. We were not allowed to change the position of the existing windows nor could we install any new window openings. So we decided that the best way to <i><b>maximise the space</b></i> would be to remove both staircases at either end of the rectangular space, and install one that was slightly more to the centre. This way when you go upstairs you could have rooms coming off to either side of the landing as well as in front - it makes sense when you look at the photos below of the new layout :o).<br />
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Reworking the space allowed us to create a master bedroom with an ensuite wet room, a family bathroom and two further bedrooms. We were allowed to install skylights into some of the rooms with no/very small windows as they do not change the overall silhouette of the building, thus adhering to the conservation restrictions. The whole of the upper floor is built into the roof space. This means
that every room has sloping ceilings, making the rooms feel quite
cottage like.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPrTLof2Y_KQx8q_cHEYfze-LZeBsEar3B4Ysjk6wsG3tJHhTEjdlXJ_R3vL1LpBI8KOKAyiiMNioZYC7HPKFBZcylJmO5YfJ8X5JYnmYo2sRkFGQLlYi9P5Em6nd4CqLMMTxmG8LDQWV/s1600/IMG_8313b2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPrTLof2Y_KQx8q_cHEYfze-LZeBsEar3B4Ysjk6wsG3tJHhTEjdlXJ_R3vL1LpBI8KOKAyiiMNioZYC7HPKFBZcylJmO5YfJ8X5JYnmYo2sRkFGQLlYi9P5Em6nd4CqLMMTxmG8LDQWV/s640/IMG_8313b2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new layout</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MCXQzaTSg2MnZaS7YwAJiKGTJ_pHDq3BsQ6-57LiIBcFvOWDIULcN6NDJi-VfBe_9Nob0ufNRBx38MiJW8ka3TppeRN7S5ahBBWPop19tBz9_10Njq6366iVVOCTcIIjdv-LhINvsHws/s1600/IMG_8310b2b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MCXQzaTSg2MnZaS7YwAJiKGTJ_pHDq3BsQ6-57LiIBcFvOWDIULcN6NDJi-VfBe_9Nob0ufNRBx38MiJW8ka3TppeRN7S5ahBBWPop19tBz9_10Njq6366iVVOCTcIIjdv-LhINvsHws/s640/IMG_8310b2b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new layout</td></tr>
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Originally, we intended to have <b><i>painted floorboards</i></b> in the bedrooms and landing, however, most of the floorboards turned out to be very rotten. Not surprising given that the building is over 130 years old. In the end, we managed to salvage about 25% of the floorboards. As our floorboards are so old, they're a different size and thickness to what's currently available on the market. After ringing around a few reclamation yards we got lucky and found some that matched our existing ones. The reclaimed floorboards are from an old hospital, and aside from being dirty, they are in <b><i>immaculate</i></b> condition. There are no holes or nails in them whatsoever. In fact, hubby cleaned and sanded a small part of one and the wood looked so good that we have decided to sand and oil them, instead of painting them. Don't you just love it when things work out <b><i>differently but better</i></b>?!<br />
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I hope you enjoyed this little update on our renovation project. <br />
<br />
Love Sheen xxx<br />
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Good Day Everyone,<br />
<br />
I never thought that something as <i><b>nondescript </b></i>as underfloor heating would ever get me excited - but boy was I wrong! To say that I was very excited would be an understatement. Perhaps it's because summers in the UK never actually get <i><b>that </b></i>warm... you can forget about hot! Also, having spent the last four+ years living in temperatures of 30+ degrees C, the thought of actually getting some warmth into my bones was just too much for me to remain calm about ;o).<br />
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Hubby and I are always cold. You'd think that having been born and raised in the UK, we'd be accustomed to the climate, but no. You will always find us in front of the fire or sat with our backs to the radiator whenever we are in the UK. Growing up, my bedroom was the only bedroom in the house that, as well as a central heating radiator, also had a gas fire. As a child I was <i><b>always </b></i>cold, even in summer. In fact, me feeling cold all of the time was seen as being completely at odds with the rest of my family (who feel warm very easily), so much so that my mum actually took me to see the doctor about it when I was a teenager. She felt it just wasn't <i><b>normal </b></i>to feel <i><b>this </b></i>cold, all of the time - but it was. This is just the way my body is. My mum has always said that having a hubby who feels the cold as much as I do, was a real blessing for me because now there are no arguments in our house about the heating, unlike when I was a child ;o).<br />
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When I used to work (pre severe arthritis) there was a joke in the office that I had <i><b>the world's </b><b>most traveled hot water bottle</b></i> because I used to take her (yes, my hot water bottle is a pink and fluffy <i><b>'her'</b></i>) on every overnight trip, and I traveled quite a lot with work. Not only that, but I also used to and still do, take her on every holiday even if it's to a hot climate like Australia or Dubai because often I find that I can never get the air conditioning in hotel rooms warm enough. The thought of feeling cold is just too much for me.<br />
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Needless to say that it came as no surprise that hubby and I opted for underfloor heating in this renovation. The idea of <i><b>walking on warmth</b></i>
pleases me more than I can explain! Not only that, but it also meant
that we would not have to have radiators on the ground floor which gives
us so much more freedom on where to place furniture, and what we can do
with that unoccupied wall space.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6C9LrKmMFalnDVTyu-zwOiD-yZBJTgfPwtA0zzM3I7VpGTOZnHtRrUSnjqJsO_GD4wSJbAeAs0HDiiJl5lpPoByzWDS1klhFjihFskVtPD4ho96DoGmKR8xI10U3YLMoMnOJx8Sl4ytb/s1600/IMG_2127b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6C9LrKmMFalnDVTyu-zwOiD-yZBJTgfPwtA0zzM3I7VpGTOZnHtRrUSnjqJsO_GD4wSJbAeAs0HDiiJl5lpPoByzWDS1klhFjihFskVtPD4ho96DoGmKR8xI10U3YLMoMnOJx8Sl4ytb/s640/IMG_2127b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Underfloor heating pipes</td></tr>
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Now, there is no way that I can write this blog post without giving a <i><b>massive shout out</b></i> to my amazing hubby because he laid all of the underfloor heating himself, having never done it before (with a little help from Andy, our carpenter). Hubby spent many nights researching, reading and watching YouTube videos all about underfloor heating.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUKQRJvEcntcDkauLn5xelZCYh1VwqzDee3OZVn0DFqayGYy0ZaxGV-JIE0Z3IGV-P3WpJrpK89EPAv7YyIrkjPz8tc4yA-EKPJbLMZdrsHYQ8-arQUyPhv93CK8w8Zgu4DCK-jXpZkthi/s1600/image%25281%2529c.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="505" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUKQRJvEcntcDkauLn5xelZCYh1VwqzDee3OZVn0DFqayGYy0ZaxGV-JIE0Z3IGV-P3WpJrpK89EPAv7YyIrkjPz8tc4yA-EKPJbLMZdrsHYQ8-arQUyPhv93CK8w8Zgu4DCK-jXpZkthi/s640/image%25281%2529c.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Insulation being laid</td></tr>
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The ground in our house was prepared with a concrete base that incorporated a damp proof membrane. Hubby then started by laying 100mm thick foil faced rigid insulation board all over the ground floor which buildings control came out to check, as this is a requirement in the UK, in order to meet energy saving regulations. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7MoYPqrXsco6SN62iISEoi6IbPScTbcO4-ah2KCrmzfSFVk9wO16kvtx-jn_vX9fzNEMWg2-n2nzc53g-kdQt1IlPFiO-2hTk4Bkk-op51rNPDMOQiBZYmcEFvvo3B02JpT6Hb3QoOw_u/s1600/image%25282%2529c.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7MoYPqrXsco6SN62iISEoi6IbPScTbcO4-ah2KCrmzfSFVk9wO16kvtx-jn_vX9fzNEMWg2-n2nzc53g-kdQt1IlPFiO-2hTk4Bkk-op51rNPDMOQiBZYmcEFvvo3B02JpT6Hb3QoOw_u/s640/image%25282%2529c.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ground floor insulated</td></tr>
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Over the insulation board, visqueen sheeting (the black sheet you can see in the photo below) was laid to create a <i><b>waterproof </b></i>membrane. Hubby then spent days on his hands and knees laying the
water pipes in accordance with the design provided by the underfloor heating supplier. Basically, he was creating continuous loops of pipe with no joints, that started and finished at the underfloor heating manifold. Hubby laid over half a kilometer of pipe which was pinned down
into the insulation by white barbed pegs.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhjqvb6Fw2vpnQnPFznqARydIyQHfWsD6ytLQ4J_0aQb0HY_ja8cPQinvWY7sWXrUCyu9MVQVtUb7q_xgC3s0gHzfTIGmyWn3Tw_uBs0wBcDHXq34fk3I08i3lu0R9B-OvuCnT4AjfqZI/s1600/IMG_2130b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhjqvb6Fw2vpnQnPFznqARydIyQHfWsD6ytLQ4J_0aQb0HY_ja8cPQinvWY7sWXrUCyu9MVQVtUb7q_xgC3s0gHzfTIGmyWn3Tw_uBs0wBcDHXq34fk3I08i3lu0R9B-OvuCnT4AjfqZI/s640/IMG_2130b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No underfloor heating pipes under the kitchen island</td></tr>
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Hubby created different zones with the underfloor heating pipes so that we could pick and choose which areas of the house had the heating on at any given time. There were specific areas such as the kitchen cupboards, kitchen island and the corner where the wood burning stove would be going in the living room where he didn't lay any pipes as those spaces don't need to be heated. The pipes were then pressure tested with water to ensure there were no leaks. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSoLnwfCIb2nd7cm5COjP58AkHZMGYnCBEpzLIDtOHjNRJykvEmJP4I9Fz86YerfXYi25SqckoDfvvDP_4DEZBT4CRFiSsnEPKnsxB7wxH0YiUEICg6bcfSSa3baCyKqy0J7xjzeU_3Vwz/s1600/IMG_2155c.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="556" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSoLnwfCIb2nd7cm5COjP58AkHZMGYnCBEpzLIDtOHjNRJykvEmJP4I9Fz86YerfXYi25SqckoDfvvDP_4DEZBT4CRFiSsnEPKnsxB7wxH0YiUEICg6bcfSSa3baCyKqy0J7xjzeU_3Vwz/s640/IMG_2155c.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Screed being poured with laser leveled tripods</td></tr>
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The day before the screeding mix was poured over the pipes, workmen came to place metal tripods all over the ground floor. These tripods were set up to a pre-specified level that the screed would be poured to, and they had been laser leveled to ensure that we would get an even and leveled floor throughout. The screed is a liquid mix which covers the water pipes and sets to form a solid floor that we can then lay floorboards or tiles upon.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ3lkFLVDwQO8SE25fjQr1qxCTzfUdTRxwig7dFnEod7Z-HN2d7mVmt8Vbny47FLqlaIBvy3BKcID-Y8Lr7VzXndIJeFDH6APUdXyhn4NIWrwGnTwLvCmf1ojO1d3EOpEz5JCSCR_DHIHg/s1600/IMG_2140b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="505" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ3lkFLVDwQO8SE25fjQr1qxCTzfUdTRxwig7dFnEod7Z-HN2d7mVmt8Vbny47FLqlaIBvy3BKcID-Y8Lr7VzXndIJeFDH6APUdXyhn4NIWrwGnTwLvCmf1ojO1d3EOpEz5JCSCR_DHIHg/s640/IMG_2140b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lorry with screed mix</td></tr>
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Screeding day was very exciting, particular for hubby who loves all the machines and gadgets involved, and because he'd literally worked his socks off getting the floor to this point. The screed came in a large lorry which was then poured into a machine with a sieve in it to sift out all the big pieces. The liquid screed was then pumped from the machine via a large pipe, into our house's ground floor. You can see it in action in the vlog below.<br />
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Once the screed had been poured and leveled it gave the floor a glass like, reflective finish. The screed was then left to set for 48 hours before we could walk on it. As it dried, the floor lost it's shiny finish and became a lot more matte. Over the course of those two days I had a bad arthritic flare so hubby stepped in with the vlogging and shows you the finished floor in the above vlog. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKWBIrzndV7Ffj_yADO7BVOlT1UgsSRv48IhoSHcTYVveTqernZ-Ze72MoDbgq9IVs46_arnq8cOPxp8dZ5XOLmcqOVKEsriSie_IMBw7gff7eEol7uZoBti9KqByUqLZf41eEP_28jJL/s1600/IMG_2159c.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKWBIrzndV7Ffj_yADO7BVOlT1UgsSRv48IhoSHcTYVveTqernZ-Ze72MoDbgq9IVs46_arnq8cOPxp8dZ5XOLmcqOVKEsriSie_IMBw7gff7eEol7uZoBti9KqByUqLZf41eEP_28jJL/s640/IMG_2159c.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The floor just after the screed was poured</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I hope you enjoyed this update. I can't imagine underfloor heating is something that most of you reading this would be particularly excited about but it was exciting for us ;o).<br />
<br />
For mini progress updates, don't forget to follow me <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GlisteningSheen" target="_blank">here</a> on Facebook. The rest of my social media links can be found to the right of this blog post, when viewing on a desktop :o).<br />
<br />
Love Sheen xxx<br />
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}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802228590460534683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295211820842519749.post-7813999865646226792015-10-05T11:31:00.001+01:002015-10-19T12:56:10.054+01:00From Stables To House: #1 Living In A Caravan<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Good Day Everyone,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you’ve seen <i><b><a href="http://www.glisteningsheen.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/from-stables-to-house-coming-soon.html" target="_blank">this </a></b></i>post (and I recommend you do before proceeding :o)) then you’ll know that hubby and
I are currently in the middle of renovating what was once a horses stables into
a house. It’s what we have been spending our time/energy/money (and <i><b>everything </b></i>else) on since our return from Japan, earlier this
summer.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBZ3DW_3WgfUWrDQ0jVeOXiRM8LZpo5_ZqmZSX9W5qsOZcIrmubpNKTWjlqPmyw4eAVhH9_72nI10-2F-R3C0MV8N4KVMtoBylMxj5iRvcoLyy0udD2zNGEUylhoNsccGckNZYj_iDup6V/s1600/IMG_2216b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBZ3DW_3WgfUWrDQ0jVeOXiRM8LZpo5_ZqmZSX9W5qsOZcIrmubpNKTWjlqPmyw4eAVhH9_72nI10-2F-R3C0MV8N4KVMtoBylMxj5iRvcoLyy0udD2zNGEUylhoNsccGckNZYj_iDup6V/s640/IMG_2216b.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Some back ground on our building - historically, the two part building was a stables along with
a gardener’s house. Together, these two properties belonged to a large estate
home with its own fruit orchard and gardens. Unfortunately the large estate
home was, at some point, knocked down and replaced with a small apartment
block. The land has since been turned into public parks
and gardens. All that remains of the original estate are the stables (which we own) with the
gardener’s house (which our neighbour lives in), and another building nearby
which has been converted into a house. From talking to our neighbour and some
of the local residents who have lived in the area for decades, we understand
that over the years the stables was used as some kind of storage building, and
then a vehicle depot before being left vacant for many years.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-M_TBI1MsCDcyk9hR5z44ZmJyyUZGtU7KT-uhcDNdgf03BWHvSfzcgzwuow1Wg2SadZh2WZX8Tuc0F-jvbXX_3N5iOYliZUgb6PhutmYyZu9ESPyNV5QXWl0MTmPTvaukFqdADQXddwpg/s1600/709b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-M_TBI1MsCDcyk9hR5z44ZmJyyUZGtU7KT-uhcDNdgf03BWHvSfzcgzwuow1Wg2SadZh2WZX8Tuc0F-jvbXX_3N5iOYliZUgb6PhutmYyZu9ESPyNV5QXWl0MTmPTvaukFqdADQXddwpg/s640/709b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The old stables block</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The stables building we bought is near the beach, in a <i><b>conservation area</b></i> which means that the area,
and buildings with in it, are considered worthy of preservation or enhancement because
of their architectural/historical interest. What that meant for us was that we
had numerous restrictions/conditions on <i><b>how </b></i>we could renovate the building and
the materials that we could use. One such condition was that before any work
could begin we needed to call out the <i><b>batman </b></i>to conduct a bat report. Luckily for us no bats or evidence of bats was
found, otherwise no work could have begun until the bats were safely removed
and rehoused, as bats are a protected species in the UK. Other conditions focussed on restoring the building to the way it
would have <i><b>traditionally </b></i>been. We've had to <i><b>replace </b></i>all of the plastic guttering
with traditional cast iron guttering, and all of the windows with traditional
handmade wooden sash windows. The local authorities want our building to be
preserved as close to its <i><b>original </b></i>state as possible, so we couldn’t create an
opening for a front entrance. To access our property we have to go round to the
back and use the entrance that the horses would have traditionally used. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6V9FRtg5HxKV08Ah3xsFbMIx4F0JLeDvcWvPo7C_RqB-KmzgUx3hzWvWbRExSRFwrSOtK9BCDL245Y-WptVUPaa13OhadezyA_BwQJvY1nIgeEpjBQX4cOgw53z7VjuEMKqwFbxJB97K/s1600/710c.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6V9FRtg5HxKV08Ah3xsFbMIx4F0JLeDvcWvPo7C_RqB-KmzgUx3hzWvWbRExSRFwrSOtK9BCDL245Y-WptVUPaa13OhadezyA_BwQJvY1nIgeEpjBQX4cOgw53z7VjuEMKqwFbxJB97K/s640/710c.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our neighbour has the upstairs, whilst we have the downstairs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As you’ll see from the Youtube video below, there is a
<i><b>natural divide</b></i> between our building and our neighbours due to the height
difference, with our stables block being the shorter building. However, our
building also came with half of the ground floor space that sits under our
neighbour’s bedrooms. It’s quite strange because we now own half of what looks
like her downstairs space and she owns the upstairs. Our neighbour has lived here for over 30 years so we
assume that this is how the buildings were <i><b>originally </b></i>split. Perhaps because
traditionally, more of the ground floor space was used to keep the animals, with
people occupying more of the upstairs sleeping space? Who knows!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/s_vi/FRFdpsch_rY/default.jpg?sqp=CMy2trAF&rs=AOn4CLDf5R7ZMA12CMUQ39LJXbs7EDmg6w" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FRFdpsch_rY?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When we bought the building it was very much derelict with
just the roof and outer walls. The inside was dirty, rundown, damp and falling
apart. On the ground floor there were two stair cases, two toilet cubicles
(random!), and the space had been subdivided with some rooms bricked up and
partitioned off from others, and some of the windows had been boarded/bricked up.
Upstairs there was a large room, and a smaller room with a kitchenette. There
was also an old garage in the garden. I have inserted photos of what the inside of the building used to look like in the above video.<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We bought the property with plans to turn it into a
family house. We subsequently gained permission to convert the old garage into
living space, on the <i><b>condition </b></i>that we matched the exterior to the existing
building. We had a little bit <i><b>more freedom</b></i> to make
changes at the back of the building as it is out of public view, so we were allowed to
brick up one of the doors and turn it into a window.</span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5l31XIuhw91dFzCgyVYG1QS-TpcC4Dlp788UtSzHJ76ljkmcXnySUABj6SIrqAWa-E_qR8TxG2MUeZA9aTUP5dEB6crUK2BbuDC9AgKpC51XDiOTLldhzFea55PBM33owG_pSrCufoYBS/s1600/IMG_6820b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5l31XIuhw91dFzCgyVYG1QS-TpcC4Dlp788UtSzHJ76ljkmcXnySUABj6SIrqAWa-E_qR8TxG2MUeZA9aTUP5dEB6crUK2BbuDC9AgKpC51XDiOTLldhzFea55PBM33owG_pSrCufoYBS/s640/IMG_6820b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The old garage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAsepZDJNXEW5-jmE-VitSXNbWs3qkuOgT8Kg_BA11QlfdemVB1tAd818dYbJSO9HVDyD1u_4Vk-ecPzCSBCR2KrdVnde9g1Og1urHM4ubs-5dE9xg5EKGmfzzfofoMtneNQkQIpoYhHzn/s1600/IMG_8288b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAsepZDJNXEW5-jmE-VitSXNbWs3qkuOgT8Kg_BA11QlfdemVB1tAd818dYbJSO9HVDyD1u_4Vk-ecPzCSBCR2KrdVnde9g1Og1urHM4ubs-5dE9xg5EKGmfzzfofoMtneNQkQIpoYhHzn/s640/IMG_8288b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The old garage being renovated</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We have completely
changed the layout upstairs by turning the two rooms into three bedrooms (one
with an ensuite) and a family bathroom. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">The upstairs rooms are built into the roof sp<span style="font-family: inherit;">ace with low </span>sloping ceilings<span style="font-family: inherit;"> and sma<span style="font-family: inherit;">ll windows</span></span>. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Luckily we were able to insert
skylights into <span style="font-family: inherit;">a couple of the </span>rooms as skylights are quite a
<i><b>subtle </b></i>addition. Downstairs there is an ensuite bedroom/study, a living room and
an entrance hallway in the double storey part of the building. At the single
storey end (the part under next door neighbour’s bedrooms) is an open plan
kitchen and dining area which lead on to the main living area (that used to be
the old garage).<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOoznBJl21CGItGEEbykRd-EXid-1TIaV-IA7Qxg3oXIKpWD2Vi8nC9EJG6SmYCXWkvk0p01BDuusurUWde2cUe4xAR0joByMasu6m-jAP7KuIOfvct0agLo1qOFbdck92Ge8yhjUYAkfe/s1600/015b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOoznBJl21CGItGEEbykRd-EXid-1TIaV-IA7Qxg3oXIKpWD2Vi8nC9EJG6SmYCXWkvk0p01BDuusurUWde2cUe4xAR0joByMasu6m-jAP7KuIOfvct0agLo1qOFbdck92Ge8yhjUYAkfe/s640/015b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dining area (to be) with kitchen area blocked of by the grey bricks to the left</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcobugNLUlpHoQvk2luiwL3KNn9EPQHP4b21wIVdJuYMVUtziaD4pQDSDwMe-yGc1MhmRq5FgBXMpj8wCx9tx9AEtLSR9-NQozr2jgQZ2EBT5r8OV_85pdk4SJN3NvEvjEtK9UuEjatDfO/s1600/IMG_8298b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcobugNLUlpHoQvk2luiwL3KNn9EPQHP4b21wIVdJuYMVUtziaD4pQDSDwMe-yGc1MhmRq5FgBXMpj8wCx9tx9AEtLSR9-NQozr2jgQZ2EBT5r8OV_85pdk4SJN3NvEvjEtK9UuEjatDfO/s640/IMG_8298b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dining area with bricks removed to open up the kitchen area</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The building work started on the property whilst we were in
Japan but when our time came to an end there, we decided that it was an ideal
opportunity to come back to the UK and live onsite, so that we could manage the
project ourselves. It wasn’t easy to manage the project when we were living
on the other side of the world, especially with the time difference. Putting
our trust and faith into the hands of strangers doing the work was also quite
difficult, especially when it involved all of our life savings and more! Plus,
with it being summertime in the UK, we thought living onsite in a caravan wouldn’t be too
bad.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTl7A9DI-YLShd5Oxvv57I41rr3PQ25GPgzC-IyDeKJIieIFbp0ayB_0MKaZk7BFacRizRuOQC7Ra54C2KtEnEihB5nv04sThPc0_7WWimXWh_QVdXDvQtJgE9cP2I_Rc4DYsmAYQZd9E/s1600/IMG_2201b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTl7A9DI-YLShd5Oxvv57I41rr3PQ25GPgzC-IyDeKJIieIFbp0ayB_0MKaZk7BFacRizRuOQC7Ra54C2KtEnEihB5nv04sThPc0_7WWimXWh_QVdXDvQtJgE9cP2I_Rc4DYsmAYQZd9E/s640/IMG_2201b.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We’ve been onsite <i><b>all </b></i>summer so far and whilst work has been
progressing steadily, the renovation hasn’t been smooth sailing that’s for
sure! As is often the case with such projects, there have been delays,
unexpected costs and problems that just could not have been anticipated.
Needless to say, it is costing a lot more and taking a lot longer than we
expected, but with all of the structural work now complete, we are finally
getting to the stage where we can <i><b>actually </b></i>see the progress. This has been
tremendous in giving us the motivation to push on. As the temperature begins
to drop, and the novelty of living in a caravan wears off, hubby and I can finally
see the light at the end of this very <i><b>long </b></i>tunnel :o).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I hope you enjoyed this blog post and vlog of our renovation
journey. I will share more as things progress over the coming weeks. Have you ever done a renovation or restoration project? What did you
renovate/restore? What was your experience?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love Sheen xxx</span></div>
<br />
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<br />
I thought I'd do a little update post telling you what hubby and I have been up to since leaving Japan. After a stopover in Singapore (vlog to come soon), we arrived back home to the UK in June.<br />
<br />
Never ones for a quiet life, we jumped straight into our next adventure. This one wasn't quite as glamorous as moving to Japan, in fact it was a bit of a step <i><b>back </b></i>when it came to our living space... a caravan! We bought Cora the caravan (that's right we named <i><b>her</b></i>) the <i><b>same </b></i>Saturday that we landed in the UK. We picked her up on Sunday and come Monday morning hubby drove her to her new location, and that's where we currently live!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF6U2c57aJ6oFVDs78Y04M3vnyQ5zM0uq3P3KNqOtrGpYu8dz9co581depPcqJzYyVXffSAo6udktxOfkVfaGExemYetdAsDXxdLo0Fx9P9jorPTL0V9m4S9deLJut0nyuKULDhHarZ5-c/s1600/IMG_2215b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF6U2c57aJ6oFVDs78Y04M3vnyQ5zM0uq3P3KNqOtrGpYu8dz9co581depPcqJzYyVXffSAo6udktxOfkVfaGExemYetdAsDXxdLo0Fx9P9jorPTL0V9m4S9deLJut0nyuKULDhHarZ5-c/s640/IMG_2215b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Change is always on the horizon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Hubby and I are currently in the process of turning what once used to be a horses stable into a house. This may sound a bit random, especially compared to our recent expat life in Singapore and Japan, but it's not too random for <i><b>us</b></i>. In all the time that hubby and I have been together we've had a tendency to jump from one adventure (and at times disaster) to another, with little time in between. I'm not sure <i><b>why</b></i>, but our lives never tend to remain stable, calm and routine-y for long. Change is always just around the corner. I know change is the only constant in life but we just seem to go through <i><b>more </b></i>change than most people we know. It just seems to be <i><b>our thing</b></i>!<br />
<br />
For example, a year after I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis and realising that it was spreading quite aggressively, we decided to simplify and re-prioritise our lives.... by moving half way across the world to a country where we knew no-one, Singapore. It sounds crazy, but in reality and with hindsight, it really was one of <i><b>the </b></i>best decisions we've ever made<b> </b>#NoRegrets! I'm not yet sure I'll be saying the same about the horses stable but you kind of get the idea of how our life tends to work.<br />
<br />
So <i><b>what </b></i>possessed us to buy a building in
a part of the UK that we'd <i><b>never </b></i>been to before, miles away from
friends and family? The fact that it was a beautiful blue sky sunny day on the day that we went to view it <i><b>might </b></i>have had something to do with it. I'm not sure the outcome of <i><b>that </b></i>visit would have been the same had it been typical British weather of rain and drizzle. Also, the fact that the building is less than 30 seconds from the beach, surrounded by beautiful public gardens with a little stream running in front of it may have played a part. The setting is very idyllic and I promise you, the fact that the building came with it's own teeny tiny bridge taking you over the stream had <i><b>absolutely nothing</b></i> to do with it- honest! Although, it does make our friends chuckle when they visit and we tell them to park their car on our bridge. OK, so the bridge, even though it's very small, is kind of cool ;o).<br />
<br />
I'm going to be doing a series of vlogs on YouTube as well as blog posts here sharing our journey <i><b>from stables to house </b></i>very soon, and in the meantime, here's a little taster of what's to come.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/s_vi/VejNMEUVIlI/default.jpg?sqp=CIjRr7AF&rs=AOn4CLC4NhjdbApATb2WQOFKuiRfahtVKw" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VejNMEUVIlI?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
For those of you that enjoyed the Japan vlogs/posts, don't worry I still have a few more of those to come from the end of our time there :o). <br />
<br />
Love Sheen xxx<br />
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<br />
I've been rather inactive on my blog lately due to struggles with my arthritis ridden body. Living with chronic pain, and the subsequent insomnia this causes, means that I don't have the physical energy to do much at all. Even eating leaves me feeling utterly exhausted at times. However, on days like today when I'm feeling a bit more able, I try to do what I can :o).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTxtVGQiIyc-nn_EE5o9bdviurlDP54aranTrbk7uyG1iVNqnbIHgn8WOxW1YdUXbER5PaU4loyaUDYPKQZ6w-gx13vpWA3gUKf2tWdPUbmpEcgABLpTdGPCY3mur3VvgVsZGeiMIKscr/s1600/IMG_0823b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTxtVGQiIyc-nn_EE5o9bdviurlDP54aranTrbk7uyG1iVNqnbIHgn8WOxW1YdUXbER5PaU4loyaUDYPKQZ6w-gx13vpWA3gUKf2tWdPUbmpEcgABLpTdGPCY3mur3VvgVsZGeiMIKscr/s640/IMG_0823b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An iconic steel sculpture in Yokohama</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE8xz5xjULoJ4ZhJtEQ9LGUSRWjKJeNOkgUOP4OHdT4-QUUg9FHGpsTPqg-mLdO0KE7y7UXKzhXV_Sw-hE3qZeI4invxcfk8pUiYNtBOpYtJUot1X8yzKr4LeRIOQb389bSOkE-8qpu53D/s1600/IMG_0829b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE8xz5xjULoJ4ZhJtEQ9LGUSRWjKJeNOkgUOP4OHdT4-QUUg9FHGpsTPqg-mLdO0KE7y7UXKzhXV_Sw-hE3qZeI4invxcfk8pUiYNtBOpYtJUot1X8yzKr4LeRIOQb389bSOkE-8qpu53D/s640/IMG_0829b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yokohama sights, incl. the Nippon Maru ship museum and Cosmo Clock 21 ferris wheel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In today's post I wanted to share a vlog with you showing you what a typical Sunday afternoon in Yokohama was like for us, sharing some of the local sights. Yokohama is Japan's second largest city and just a 30min train ride away from Tokyo, making it a good day trip spot. It is an old port city and it's proximity to the water gives it a more relaxed vibe compared to Tokyo. Many sights/activities/places of interest are all within easy reach of one another. It's the kind of city that you can easily explore on foot or bike. There are self rental bike stations (Bay Bike) at most tourist sights.<br />
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On this particular day we wandered through a less touristy part of Yokohama where there was a street festival taking place. After quickly realising that we'd seen many of the acts at a previous street festival we decided to catch the subway to one of my favourite parts of Yokohama, Motomatchi, the last stop on the MinatoMirai subway line. Motomatchi and the neighbouring hills of Yamate/Bluff area are where many of the foreign traders settled when Yokohama opened itself up as a port town, after the Edo period where Japan's rulers prohibited interaction with foreign countries. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3fGGJ2AlAEQTq9ruARJbVkuLYU9BDD0X0U1IP8mLyMSuW0rQiFopVKgaq2WpDwzq3yHO5Cyj4hiiAwW0ao0dezAcK4To_vWlQEVrALBcQ1K5SccQ-CBi4XVO0pnXKQvglMau9nsT_f3tt/s1600/IMG_9936b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3fGGJ2AlAEQTq9ruARJbVkuLYU9BDD0X0U1IP8mLyMSuW0rQiFopVKgaq2WpDwzq3yHO5Cyj4hiiAwW0ao0dezAcK4To_vWlQEVrALBcQ1K5SccQ-CBi4XVO0pnXKQvglMau9nsT_f3tt/s640/IMG_9936b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A (very faint) snow capped Mount Fuji behind the trees in the centre</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In this area there are many western style buildings, some of which have been turned into museums and coffee shops, as well as a foreigners cemetery. On a clear day you can see Mount Fuji in the distance near the cemetery's main entrance. There is a walking route which takes you along the edges of the cemetery down to the back of Motomatchi shopping street. Along the way you get a great view looking out towards the iconic Yokohama Landmark Tower and during spring there are some beautiful cherry blossom trees to admire.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGoqb038Ri7meB45LC-bhtTnjfzvStF1aQU9PMdYOc6uILXac3K7RS7kYy1vZPU1_LyeHjes6ewOijD4MG0Th4tvdGCDt6kMbiB0dyECWkX9IuDw7PJ9CUKizNJpGRGy3v4ayEiacQ9ELV/s1600/IMG_9933b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGoqb038Ri7meB45LC-bhtTnjfzvStF1aQU9PMdYOc6uILXac3K7RS7kYy1vZPU1_LyeHjes6ewOijD4MG0Th4tvdGCDt6kMbiB0dyECWkX9IuDw7PJ9CUKizNJpGRGy3v4ayEiacQ9ELV/s640/IMG_9933b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yokohama Landmark Tower and Motomachi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-UXI1gfNa5k5VGWafDlZkcTG-VOWWReNKQPKOhThP2xo13vh-iTY4JhvKlhTqKuTfeLH1rMKSnPDbsh9htS6lSZUVnJY1LgQLSKc_VpS9FvKg8EEK7FdNNh9KobMkWzgbgpTE2S7Nvckq/s1600/IMG_9995b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-UXI1gfNa5k5VGWafDlZkcTG-VOWWReNKQPKOhThP2xo13vh-iTY4JhvKlhTqKuTfeLH1rMKSnPDbsh9htS6lSZUVnJY1LgQLSKc_VpS9FvKg8EEK7FdNNh9KobMkWzgbgpTE2S7Nvckq/s640/IMG_9995b.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
We wandered through the residential streets at the bottom of the cemetery so that I could show you what a typical residential area looks like along with the style of Japanese houses. With space at a premium, houses are small and don't have much in the way of gardens/outdoor space, unless in a rural location (such as what we saw in Kawaguchiko/Mount Fuji area). Even the smallest of house will have a gap between itself and the neighbouring house. You don't see terraced houses in Japan. I'm guessing this is to allow wiggle room in the event of an earthquake. To me, Japanese houses all look very different to one another. You don't see the kind of uniformity that we get in England with streets and streets of houses that all look the same. Even though most houses don't have a front garden, (or if they do it is a very small), there will always be some sort of potted plants/flowers outside the house, which I think is rather nice touch.<br />
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In the midst of the residential houses there is a large fish pond which is home to some beautiful koi carp. I remember the first time we came across this purpose built pond, it felt quite random, just tucked away amongst the houses, but then Japan is definitely home to randomness and that's what we love about it. Can you just imagine a pond like this in the back streets of England?!<br />
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From the fish pond we headed for a bite to eat, before wandering through Motomachi shopping street. This street is the closest thing I ever came across in Japan that resembled a traditional high street that we get in England. As the name suggests it is a street lined with shops (including many familiar brands like Zara and Gap) and cafes and restaurants. It is especially beautiful during Christmas time when it is decorated with festive lights. It is definitely worth exploring the side streets that come off the main shopping street as there are lots of independent shops selling anything from crockery and lace to food and witches... yep that's right witches! There is a whole shop dedicated to witches, as you'll see in the vlog above.<br />
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I hope you enjoyed this little insight into our time in Japan. If you're ever in Tokyo then I would highly recommend a day or two in Yokohama.<br />
<br />
Love Sheen xxx<br />
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Good Day Everyone,<br />
<br />
I am so very sorry that it's taken me so long to conclude our <b>Mount Fuji</b> trip. I have been struggling so much with my arthritis riddled body this past month that I literally feel like life has <b><i>passed me by</i></b>. My arthritis has spread to my jaw which has been causing severe head, ear and teeth ache, as well as making it difficult to chew food. I'm also having difficulty using my right hand as the joint damage and deformity is getting worse. This has been very frustrating given that I'm right handed for <i><b>everything</b></i>. I have an appointment to see a rheumatologist next month and recently I've taken a few steps to try and manage my pain levels better. I'm finally starting to feel like I'm living again (rather than merely existing) and so I'm looking forward to sharing more vlogs with you all :o).<br />
<br />
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Now back to our Mount Fuji trip. After spending a wonderful morning at the <b>Shibazakura Festival</b> (which you can see <a href="http://glisteningsheen.blogspot.co.uk/2015/07/jvlog-22-mount-fuji-lake-kawaguchiko.html" target="_blank">here</a>), we headed back to <b>Kawaguchiko </b>where we bought a pass for the Kawaguchiko sight seeing bus. The pass cost <b>¥1,200 </b>per person and is valid for<b> two consecutive days</b>. Even though we were going to be using the pass for just one afternoon, it was definitely worth it because by this point my arthritic joints were starting to hurt quite a lot and the hot humid weather was starting to get to me. The sight seeing buses cover two main routes; one around Lake Kawaguchiko and the other around Lake Saiko, another one of the <b>Fuji Five Lakes</b>. Both routes depart from Kawaguchiko station and when we purchased the tickets we were given a route map along with bus times. It is worth noting that these sight seeing buses only run from around 9-5/6pm and some of the stops along the routes are quite remote so its important to plan your return journey. </div>
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In the interest of giving our feet a rest we hopped onto the sigh seeing bus and decided to head quite far out past <b>Lake Saiko</b> so that we could enjoy the scenic views whilst keeping cool in the air conditioned bus. On the bus we met a group of young lads from Singapore who were on their way to the ice caves. Hubby and I thought that that sounded pretty cool and decided to do the same. Once off the bus we followed the signs that led us into a woodland. The woodland was absolutely beautiful with tall trees that had the most amazing root structures all over the ground. It was the kind of place that you'd expect to see in one of The Hobbit movies. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh804grEPe8iwewXaytpLkRshyI0JALUhO7noiW1LPLQwx0IkgYuMw1h1upfSpiD-4aiXCZrrYwQZbI0Af7VCiGwdAS1nkgiQ1rG3mDarh1t47wh0k2_ES_W6cG3Zok3z-uwJ-u_QjJIz_I/s1600/IMG_1376b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh804grEPe8iwewXaytpLkRshyI0JALUhO7noiW1LPLQwx0IkgYuMw1h1upfSpiD-4aiXCZrrYwQZbI0Af7VCiGwdAS1nkgiQ1rG3mDarh1t47wh0k2_ES_W6cG3Zok3z-uwJ-u_QjJIz_I/s640/IMG_1376b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loved the bamboo hand rail</td></tr>
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After a short walk, we came across a ticket counter where we asked about
the ice caves. The elderly Japanese lady at the counter gestured that
it was a 25min walk away through the woodland and when we looked, we
realised that there was no defined path and the terrain was very uneven.
Hubby and I decided to leave it, as not only were we not wearing the
right kind of foot gear for that terrain, but we would also be cutting it
fine when it came to catching the last sight seeing bus back to
Kawaguchiko. Seeing our disappointed faces the elderly lady pointed to a
poster on the wall which was for a wind cave that was just a few minutes
walk away, so hubby and I bought tickets for that and headed further
into the woodland. You can see the vlog of our afternoon in the video below :o).</div>
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We climbed down a flight of steps to the entrance of the wind cave. Once
we came to the end of the first set of steps, we noticed that the
temperature dropped all of a sudden.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to the wind cave</td></tr>
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As we
walked further into the cave we saw icicles hanging from the rocks. It
wasn't long before we were shivering from the cold, and the bamboo hand
rail that I was once so pleased to see was redundant because it was ice cold.
There was no way I could hold onto it for more than a second or two. Not ideal given how wet, icy and slippy the ground inside the cave was.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Icicles</td></tr>
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At various points within the cave, the head height was so low that <i><b>even I </b></i>had to crouch. Further inside the cave we saw collections of ice blocks and structures. Aside from the ice, there wasn't much else to see inside the cave. There certainly wasn't anything to suggest that this was specifically a <i><b>wind </b></i>cave. As we reached the end of the cave, we saw the same group of lads from Singapore. It transpired that they also had the same concerns that we did about the terrain and catching the last bus back.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the cave</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMmINo99Mtya7PBXJDUXObUVB0597yBxsZdKR2_2u8QkdMZROyeQVrVU7F8bEh7lKAlfPxbLIJm-Q4aH0pKPWpXOCC59iXJLRTvLwkC4W5DLEUaDqyDGiiu0KmF2xaZ-bDL4w-Nl73yThI/s1600/IMG_1419c.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMmINo99Mtya7PBXJDUXObUVB0597yBxsZdKR2_2u8QkdMZROyeQVrVU7F8bEh7lKAlfPxbLIJm-Q4aH0pKPWpXOCC59iXJLRTvLwkC4W5DLEUaDqyDGiiu0KmF2xaZ-bDL4w-Nl73yThI/s640/IMG_1419c.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Once we made our way back out into the warmth, hubby & I were both kind of glad that we made the decision not to go to the ice caves as we definitely weren't wearing the right clothing. Poor hubby's arms were freezing as he was in just a t-shirt. After catching the last sight seeing bus back to Kawaguchiko, we caught the first of four trains to make our way back home to Yokohama. Although we came to Kawaguchiko on the coach, there were no seats available on the return coach. It was a <i><b>long</b></i> 3.5hrs back home. Had the weather been dry for the next day then we would probably have stayed an extra night at Kawaguchiko, but sadly rain was forecasted. Plus we had shipping boxes waiting to be packed in preparation for departure from Japan.<br />
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I hope you've enjoyed these blogs and vlogs of our trip to Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko. Aside, from the wind cave, I would definitely recommend the other three activities/sights that we did. Had we had more time then we would have liked to have gone to the Fuji-Q Highland amusement park, even though we're not thrill seekers.<br />
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I can imagine Mount Fuji and the surrounding mountain area being absolutely stunning during the <i><b>autumn/fall</b></i> as the maple leaves change colour. Spring would be another great time of year to visit with the cherry blossoms and that was when we originally intended on going, but unfortunately that 2-3 week period when the blossoms were in bloom, was very wet this year. Nonetheless we really enjoyed our time and would highly recommend a visit, if you're ever planning a holiday to Japan :o).<br />
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Love Sheen xxx<br />
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Welcome to the second day of our trip. If you missed day one then you can catch up <a href="http://www.glisteningsheen.blogspot.sg/2015/07/jvlog-20-mount-fuji-lake-kawaguchiko.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://www.glisteningsheen.blogspot.sg/2015/07/jvlog-21-mount-fuji-lake-kawaguchiko.html" target="_blank">here</a>. I woke up on the second day after a not so great night's sleep. I don't think I've <i><b>ever </b></i>slept on such a lumpy mattress before... perhaps that explained why the rooms were so cheap lol! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPw0G0xBav9I64PIYAsz2hdn4ckvrDCa9T1M9Dyo-z8LgfmOvBXlsBJwsCPkTSxFHRwVMXcbFQhLgxYyD5ZfyDyxLwMmUvlt3brOesGgSDkSbTX20TiTTS464Vqe8PGR6AqepubcTCO7dT/s1600/IMG_1324+-+Copyb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPw0G0xBav9I64PIYAsz2hdn4ckvrDCa9T1M9Dyo-z8LgfmOvBXlsBJwsCPkTSxFHRwVMXcbFQhLgxYyD5ZfyDyxLwMmUvlt3brOesGgSDkSbTX20TiTTS464Vqe8PGR6AqepubcTCO7dT/s640/IMG_1324+-+Copyb.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink shibazakra with Mount Fuji in the background</td></tr>
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As it was still early the cafes weren't open yet so we headed to a convenience store for a morning coffee. Japanese convenience stores are <i><b>fantastic</b></i>! They cater for <i><b>so much more</b></i> than just snacks and often have a small dine in section. They provide complimentary microwaves so you can buy a ready meal, heat it up and eat it there. You can also get hot drinks, toiletries, and sometimes even a shirt and tie set, just in case you've had an all nighter during the working week! How cool is that?!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Swypzk_qXeaL4OiRiqQZJJpSm6z8KebMdQOUCIQNlsJpmqjCJtT7_sE56bZk_JWVWWp1yPWo9mk6Zj9pYMrzBFmLYFOERYWk6XYLsB99LvhotC8TKZJOTgZGxwdDRZ2xTM-Sf5dmNAh1/s1600/IMG_1188b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Swypzk_qXeaL4OiRiqQZJJpSm6z8KebMdQOUCIQNlsJpmqjCJtT7_sE56bZk_JWVWWp1yPWo9mk6Zj9pYMrzBFmLYFOERYWk6XYLsB99LvhotC8TKZJOTgZGxwdDRZ2xTM-Sf5dmNAh1/s640/IMG_1188b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Fuji</td></tr>
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We got very lucky with the weather for our second day with another blue sky morning. Mount Fuji was clearly visible although it
did have a marshmallowy white cloud around it's summit. Since we had some time to spare we wondered down a few side streets to look at Japanese houses and gardens, and to admire the different views of Mount Fuji. You can see that and the rest of our day in the video below :o).<br />
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We then went back to Kawaguchiko Station to join the queue to purchase tickets for the <b>Shibazakura</b> <b>Festival</b>. Shibazakura, also know as <i><b>pink moss</b></i> or <b><i>phlox moss</i></b> are teeny tiny flowers that form a beautiful blanket/carpet of colour on the ground when in full bloom. <br />
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The festival venue was located just south of <b>Lake Motosuko</b> (the most western of the Fuji Five Lakes) and we purchased a ticket that included entrance to the festival as well as a return coach journey for ¥1,900 each. The coach journey took about 40mins each way and we went past both <b>Lake Shojiko</b> (the smallest of the Fuji Five Lakes) and <b>Lake Motosuko</b> (the image of which appears on the reverse side of the ¥1,000 bill) along the way. Both of these lakes looked very remote and isolated. The surrounding area wasn't particularly built up and there really wasn't much around. Now we understood <i><b>why </b></i>people online were recommending that Lake Kawaguchiko was the best for non-Japanese speaking tourists. Also, there isn't much in the way of bus services around the Fuji Five Lakes so you need to get about on the tour coaches or the tourist bus which runs from about 9am-5/6pm, if you don't have your own transport.<br />
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We arrived at the venue to a sea of tour coaches. Even though it was still relatively early in the morning tourists were out in force, most probably to get the best photos of the shibazakura before the festival got too busy. It looks like we all had the same idea ;o). We took a leisurely walk around the grounds admiring the shibazakura and keeping an eye for that famous spot where you have a carpet of bright pink shibazakura with Mount Fuji in the background. <br />
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The festival area was surrounded by beautiful green mountains of varying shades of green. I can imagine the mountains being
particularly stunning during autumn/fall as the leaves change colour. There were also lots of different flowers in bloom that provided a pleasant contrast to the shibazakura. There was a purpose built viewing platform on the grounds that we went up to get some photos, although to get the <b><i>iconic </i></b>photo of the bright pink shibazakura in the foreground with Mount Fuji in the background we needed to be lying on the ground, not going up lol. Hubby did a great job of capturing that shot for me, the one that you see at the top of this blog post :o).<br />
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As well as places where we could get a light bite to eat and purchase some shibazakura themed delights, there was a little collection of market stalls to mooch around where we could buy Japanese goods including Japanese Peach Tea. The short text on the tea box is typical of the polite Japanese etiquette that we've always enjoyed, although the man looks a bit too aggressive for my liking!</div>
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I hope you enjoyed the vlog and this blog post of the second day of our trip. The final part will be coming soon.<br />
<br />
Love Sheen xxx<br />
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I'm continuing today with the second part of our first day at Lake Kawaguchiko. If you missed part 1 then you can watch/read it <a href="http://www.glisteningsheen.blogspot.sg/2015/07/jvlog-20-mount-fuji-lake-kawaguchiko.html" target="_blank">here</a>. After checking into our hotel and resting my joints, we headed back out in the afternoon to visit one of Japan's most famous pagodas. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9WEav_V5NurSaOAd8umbr8Yx-UkPPBiGYYsIWChGRfZVkLkwNsyT5SCFYkgOSFC0F5ZOOOxB31u2Rn1cFfQaMM2ITlo6zxtrVgtzYesiwHUOVzk8018Iq0EZPsLlvq4VG8Hraph5lR28g/s1600/IMG_1156+-+Copyb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9WEav_V5NurSaOAd8umbr8Yx-UkPPBiGYYsIWChGRfZVkLkwNsyT5SCFYkgOSFC0F5ZOOOxB31u2Rn1cFfQaMM2ITlo6zxtrVgtzYesiwHUOVzk8018Iq0EZPsLlvq4VG8Hraph5lR28g/s640/IMG_1156+-+Copyb.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Chureito Pagoda with Mount Fuji in the background</td></tr>
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We caught a local train from Kawaguchiko station to Shimoyoshida station, and from Shimoyoshida station there are signs that direct you towards the mountain where the pagoda is situated. It is just a short 10mins walk to the foot of the mountain. You can see our journey up the mountain to the famous Chureito Pagoda in the video below, as well as the rest of our day :o).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tourist sgns leading the way to the pagoda</td></tr>
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Whilst it was still very warm and muggy the sky had become a lot more overcast and cloudy which was a shame but at least it wasn't raining. The walk from Shimoyoshida station to the foot of the mountain was very pleasant and tranquil as it took us past <i><b>traditional </b></i>Japanese houses and gardens. We love the rural landscape in Japan and with the soil being so rich and fertile, it was no surprise to see so many people growing their own vegetables. <br />
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Once we reached the foot of the mountain we were greeted by <i><b>over 400 steps</b></i> that we needed to climb in order to get to the pagoda. I found the first 100 or so steps <i><b>challenging </b></i>as they were quite high and uneven with no handrail. I've never been the most stable of individuals on my feet but since developing an arthritic knee and feet, I do have difficulties walking and climbing stairs especially if I'm tired, like I was on this particular day. However, I was determined to persevere in order to capture an image that I had in my mind that I knew would make this climb so worth it. That image is the photo that you see at the start of this blog post. Whilst I was <i><b>gutted </b></i>that the weather had turned hazy and there was no bright blue sky in the background, I was still over the moon to capture it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first set of steps leading up the mountain</td></tr>
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Things got a bit easier after the first 100 or so steps because the steps then changed. All of a sudden there was a handrail and the steps became less uneven and not so high. We also noticed a road that seemed to be winding its way up the mountain with people walking along it. That road was <i><b>definitely</b></i> going to be our route back down this mountain! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Fuji and Fujiyoshida city</td></tr>
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It took us quite a while to climb the mountain as every so often we would stop and look back to admire the views of Mount Fuji and Fujiyoushida city beneath it. However, once we eventually made it to the top, it was simply amazing!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Chureito Pagoda</td></tr>
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The pagoda was built as a <i><b>peace memorial</b></i> in the 1960s and forms part of the <b>Arakura Sengen Shrine</b>. The Chureito Pagoda is primarily famous because of it's <i><b>unique </b></i>location. It truly is a photographers dream and people flock to it for that reason. The view of the vibrant red five tiered pagoda in the foreground with Mount Fuji in the background is simply stunning. There is a postcard in Japan of the pagoda in spring with beautiful pink cherry blossoms to the left, the pagoda to the right and a snow capped Mount Fuji in the distance. It is one of my most favourite postcards <i><b>EVER</b></i>! And the closest I could get to <i><b>that </b></i>image was the very <i><b>first </b></i>photo you see in this blog post. However, in order to get that shot we had to climb further up the mountain and stray of the path to some seriously uneven terrain with a very high drop that had no barriers... risking our necks all for that one photo ;o).<br />
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After getting <i><b>the </b></i>photo we started to make our way down the mountain because the mosquitoes had started to come out as the afternoon turned into evening and these pesky little things seem to love me a bit too much for my liking! Going down the mountain proved to be much easier and we came across the <b>Arakura Sengen Shrine</b> along the way. As is typical of the shrines and temples in Japan, there was an area for cleansing at the entrance but instead of the water flowing out of the usual bamboo pipe, this one had a rather ornate dragon from which the water flowed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVr6ZtG9QLAyP3oZ-oq9qG9-EcLiEE4BVotmF5vnS0JR3xrtSy91rzUqGyPAXB7YEU0bn2OF_ywMKr_YOKkv0rLPm7f5rkaz4Ga_4BkW6-IhYqjgHuR74EdpSejbRLbR5EmIrBknXvFrw/s1600/IMG_1278b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVr6ZtG9QLAyP3oZ-oq9qG9-EcLiEE4BVotmF5vnS0JR3xrtSy91rzUqGyPAXB7YEU0bn2OF_ywMKr_YOKkv0rLPm7f5rkaz4Ga_4BkW6-IhYqjgHuR74EdpSejbRLbR5EmIrBknXvFrw/s640/IMG_1278b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arakura Sengen Shrine</td></tr>
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As we made our way back to Kawaguchiko Station, hubby and I discussed our dinner options and decided to go back to Lake Kawaguchiko where we had spotted an Indian restaurant called <b>Alladin</b>, earlier in the day. To our amusement the restaurant was actually a <i><b>halal </b></i>restaurant. This was the last place we ever imagined finding halal food, but hey, I wasn't going to turn down the rare opportunity to have meat in Japan. I opted for a set menu that came with a lentil curry, rice, freshly made naan, mutton curry, salad and a yoghurt dessert whilst hubby opted for a vegetable pizza. Yes, it was an Indian restaurant that also served freshly made pizza! <br />
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The restaurant was a small place, as is often the case in Japan, and the staff spoke good English as well as Urdu/Hindi, and Japanese of course, so communication was easy for once ;o). The Indian food was hands down <i><b>the best </b></i>Indian food I've had in Japan. The curries were so authentic that I could easily have mistaken them as my mum's curries in a blind taste test, and the portions were deceptively large. Those little silver bowls hold a lot more than you think. Hubby's vegetable pizza was.... well... a vegetable pizza but the first pizza he's ever had with cauliflower and carrots ;o).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqxSYRH2beGt4M6IyG-zRR1onQBYbaZFHER9sQrazWf2rEFjmmm-7nVZqGBiGytsuFPozJGxj4qY5YTUo5te927EbToM6ZpwrJkDW9V_kqLbOxjBhmT6EuYkUmgIED3aNSeOUouVLGD38Z/s1600/IMG_1329b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqxSYRH2beGt4M6IyG-zRR1onQBYbaZFHER9sQrazWf2rEFjmmm-7nVZqGBiGytsuFPozJGxj4qY5YTUo5te927EbToM6ZpwrJkDW9V_kqLbOxjBhmT6EuYkUmgIED3aNSeOUouVLGD38Z/s640/IMG_1329b.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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After dinner we walked down to the lake just to see the lights reflecting of the water before walking back to our hotel. Whilst the streets were very quiet with little traffic on the roads, we felt perfectly safe walking back in the darkness. We noticed that most coffee shops/cafes and stores close around 5-6pm and most restaurants close by 10pm so it's not really the sort of place where you're going to be having a particularly late night. We didn't mind this at all as our partying days are well and truly behind us, plus we were planning on an early start the next day.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0zSLMFEmwa5Tat3D7qCryWvnmii3T85rxWFmQclwjVbbidLTxDsTtdElv7SrprU5DE1VLfNxUAOD1NZGvJXp7KjS_c4H1gySxETc1Nx_mh4wEJK9MM5vXKcIdyKjfmrMCfdQz7ai61_pc/s1600/IMG_1334b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0zSLMFEmwa5Tat3D7qCryWvnmii3T85rxWFmQclwjVbbidLTxDsTtdElv7SrprU5DE1VLfNxUAOD1NZGvJXp7KjS_c4H1gySxETc1Nx_mh4wEJK9MM5vXKcIdyKjfmrMCfdQz7ai61_pc/s640/IMG_1334b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Kawaguchiko at night</td></tr>
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I hope you enjoyed this video and blog post concluding our first day at Lake Kawaguchiko. Day two will be coming soon. <br />
<br />
Love Sheen xxx<br />
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
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Good Day Everyone,</div>
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<br /></div>
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Before leaving Japan, hubby and I were very keen to go see<b>
Mount Fuji</b> closer up and today I’m bringing you the first part of our two day
trip to <b>Mount Fuji and the Fuji Five Lakes</b>. There are many organised tours and
day trips to the area surrounding Mount Fuji, and <i><b>if </b></i>you are pushed for time
then these are definitely a good option, especially if you don’t speak
Japanese. However, we opted not to go down this route because, firstly the
organised tours typically depart from <b>Tokyo </b>(and we were living in Yokohama),
secondly as we weren’t pushed for time we wanted the <i><b>freedom </b></i>to go where we
wanted (rather than where the tour took us) and do what <i><b>we </b></i>fancied rather than adhering
to a schedule, and finally the organised tours were working out to be <b><i>more
</i></b>expensive compared to doing it ourselves. We opted to go on our trip mid-week
in order to avoid the weekend rush. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinus8GdwNA_izVBn5Caqnnj0c7ve_hXUU8jzLOfE19b1nLljdzR2nFR7So9X24l7Hj4jCmskkYg2g9uRdS1d2CY0uBOmYTvQxaAUAXS8OKiJdOUa702RKGysqhxzqwZVeYWHM0GMMUeew1/s1600/IMG_1212c.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinus8GdwNA_izVBn5Caqnnj0c7ve_hXUU8jzLOfE19b1nLljdzR2nFR7So9X24l7Hj4jCmskkYg2g9uRdS1d2CY0uBOmYTvQxaAUAXS8OKiJdOUa702RKGysqhxzqwZVeYWHM0GMMUeew1/s640/IMG_1212c.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Fuji from the Kachi Kachi Ropeway observation deck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Mount Fuji is surrounded by five lakes to its northern side and after a lot
of online research we decided to head to <i><b>Lake Kawaguchiko</b></i>, the second largest of
the five lakes as this is the<i><b> most developed</b></i>, and recommended as being<i><b> most
suitable</b></i> for non-Japanese speaking tourists. Hubby had managed to find a travel
agency near Yokohama station that offered a coach service directly to Lake
Kawaguchiko, taking about 2.5hrs. Although Kawaguchiko has a train station,
there are no direct services from Yokohama. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1AvyDiZugHbrVCxYePhFfXk6HSkIUU8fgDmL3l3i0eKhfJ23nLndMsgaMd0VXgSy3JHsxvq4lHKZPA64RpgBubBG2WaTUBBUwiKcCYi5XbTfc3-2BOfG3ETPkZYVBnN-UEDvhHQGUX9h/s1600/IMG_1064b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1AvyDiZugHbrVCxYePhFfXk6HSkIUU8fgDmL3l3i0eKhfJ23nLndMsgaMd0VXgSy3JHsxvq4lHKZPA64RpgBubBG2WaTUBBUwiKcCYi5XbTfc3-2BOfG3ETPkZYVBnN-UEDvhHQGUX9h/s640/IMG_1064b.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I woke up <i><b>super </b></i>excited on the day we were leaving because not
only was the trip a welcomed break from all the packing but it was also a<i><b> dream
coming true</b></i>, to go see Mount Fuji. We had an early start that day as the coach
departed from Yokohama at 7.30am but hubby and I both manage to snooze on the
journey since it took an hour longer than expected due to heavy traffic. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3o00zUH1fwC2ZBU9kd2GetOsqSle90QUL0TD97K1uxVJ-vr77mgX8sJtsUGXWIyBXOMc4zcs1q_XvNYyboT_APehjZngzPBRUhs-PMUNiNA7Ga1bKtlvBh-4uIbLtBlLQh0lLB03APRJV/s1600/IMG_1077b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3o00zUH1fwC2ZBU9kd2GetOsqSle90QUL0TD97K1uxVJ-vr77mgX8sJtsUGXWIyBXOMc4zcs1q_XvNYyboT_APehjZngzPBRUhs-PMUNiNA7Ga1bKtlvBh-4uIbLtBlLQh0lLB03APRJV/s640/IMG_1077b.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKt91MiD-qKtzEnTGshlfMAacVJDPHvCqRGFCwCVaiV-_O16_ANABxeZ42-0ktg1b_t4DDBn6WQoxKCWsFMGgQloX_z-Y0OhtclO77BwaNxJu0lEXdki2S2hDeV7iVXa4ooSYD9E-NeIYS/s1600/IMG_1319b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKt91MiD-qKtzEnTGshlfMAacVJDPHvCqRGFCwCVaiV-_O16_ANABxeZ42-0ktg1b_t4DDBn6WQoxKCWsFMGgQloX_z-Y0OhtclO77BwaNxJu0lEXdki2S2hDeV7iVXa4ooSYD9E-NeIYS/s640/IMG_1319b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kawaguchiko Station with Mount Fuji behind it</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As you can see in the video below, it was absolutely <i><b>amazing
</b></i>to get off the coach at Kawaguchiko station only to see Mount Fuji behind the station.
We headed to our hotel which was directly across the road from the station to drop off our overnight bag, and then we went straight to tourist
information. Luckily, the staff at tourist information spoke good English and
provided us with maps in English and directions to our first attraction, Lake
Kawaguchiko. The lake is just a short 15min walk from the station. At the lake
there are<b><i> paddle boats </i></b>for hire and <i><b>boat trips</b></i> that take you around the lake. You
can’t see Mount Fuji from Lake Kawaguchiko unless you go further out into the lake
on one of the boats. The lake is surrounded by beautiful mountains, some with snow-capped
peaks in the distance. There are a few cafes, restaurants, tourist shops and
convenience stores on the main road leading to and around the lake. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/s_vi/CJWMGXXmghs/default.jpg?sqp=CJDA76wF&rs=AOn4CLBFgdVh8L81LxAV52Z4CQWnlzCXQQ" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CJWMGXXmghs?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
</div>
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</div>
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After admiring the lake we walked towards <b>Mount Tenjo</b> to get
the <b>Kachi Kachi Ropeway</b>, a cable car ride, up the mountain. A return journey
costs <b>¥720</b> per person but there is also a hiking trail back down the mountain
which takes about 30mins. The ropeway is open from 9am-5.20pm and the journey up takes just 3mins. The Kachi Kachi Ropeway is decorated with large rabbit
and raccoon cartoon characters as Mount Tenjo is the setting of a <i><b>folk story</b></i> in
which a rabbit gets revenge on a thieving raccoon by setting him on fire and
drowning him in a river… not the most pleasant of stories but at least the
cartoons are cute ;o). </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijRiyEwDWrjQjFaQ0PV9h_xRdhNzLrxYZ5N-g0uGMkFA9YAPJEcEkul8DpBEGff7BGWb1bXojYSP0RG8kldj8d7VB_sa5UKK1H7MgaJQZl69VIDRTob1ATfkbaiNn2zWavP4YqLljAG3Gm/s1600/IMG_1080b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijRiyEwDWrjQjFaQ0PV9h_xRdhNzLrxYZ5N-g0uGMkFA9YAPJEcEkul8DpBEGff7BGWb1bXojYSP0RG8kldj8d7VB_sa5UKK1H7MgaJQZl69VIDRTob1ATfkbaiNn2zWavP4YqLljAG3Gm/s640/IMG_1080b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Kawaguchiko</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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At the top of the ropeway, which ascends 400 meters, is
an <i><b>observation deck</b></i> sitting more than 1,000 meters above sea level with the
<i><b>most breath taking views</b></i> of Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchiko and the <b>Fuji-Q
Highland </b>amusement park with its <b><i>Guinness World Record breaking roller coasters</i></b>. Whilst I love the excitement of amusement parks and crazy rides, neither hubby or I actually tend to go on them due to our joint problems which is why we prioritised other sights over Fuji-Q. However, if its something that you enjoy then I'd highly recommend a visit. You can pay an entrance fee and then pay per ride or alternatively you can get an all inclusive ticket which gives you access to all of the rides - great for thrill seekers!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavDWo0A1_zqGOueaqWa8xdh4b8Usz5ujy5wAgZwTwNSlJeVW_kcgN0CIhTrd1Teps8RbqUdOykgmKUJIuiVSYnO171a4b2ujB8yJibGTzA8pUCxVPGGBukwcsgHzgfDrYWyXUZQI26Hf9/s1600/IMG_1041b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavDWo0A1_zqGOueaqWa8xdh4b8Usz5ujy5wAgZwTwNSlJeVW_kcgN0CIhTrd1Teps8RbqUdOykgmKUJIuiVSYnO171a4b2ujB8yJibGTzA8pUCxVPGGBukwcsgHzgfDrYWyXUZQI26Hf9/s640/IMG_1041b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fuji-Q Highland Amusement Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS02LzQUxHHx7n_nqkZo-4KMIMGreAQfKZU59fVgs6WE4QI8saAxgQEpFBE6kx-PbYPbkIVpBjkn-IMi1bGLBlz5ALSR3iZFtTT4aYDuOefca09nZRfJKmae2feNpk6inYZJcokuANOmPI/s1600/IMG_1042b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS02LzQUxHHx7n_nqkZo-4KMIMGreAQfKZU59fVgs6WE4QI8saAxgQEpFBE6kx-PbYPbkIVpBjkn-IMi1bGLBlz5ALSR3iZFtTT4aYDuOefca09nZRfJKmae2feNpk6inYZJcokuANOmPI/s640/IMG_1042b.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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There is a small shop at the observation deck where I
indulged in an ice lolly made with water from Mount Fuji to cool down as it was
quite a hot and humid day, before we made our way back down the mountain to go
eat our lunch by the lake. We still had a while before we could check into our hotel
room so we headed back towards Kawaguchiko station and passed some time in a
little coffee shop, whilst sheltering from the afternoon sun. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOTmdC2zx76oHxU0Ieqti82_br1PIyfXc3OHjpQshET4WdxTlqbV2VY93J0v2Krfo5SlY59FyCSjx-gQpZgZfbwfjKLhCfIZOhvvM8nrGjcXGq4_-Hkh4nH2GYmfPxpFEga-2fFTU-35U8/s1600/IMG_1084b.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOTmdC2zx76oHxU0Ieqti82_br1PIyfXc3OHjpQshET4WdxTlqbV2VY93J0v2Krfo5SlY59FyCSjx-gQpZgZfbwfjKLhCfIZOhvvM8nrGjcXGq4_-Hkh4nH2GYmfPxpFEga-2fFTU-35U8/s640/IMG_1084b.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Most hotels around the Fuji Five Lakes area offer a <i><b>whole
Japanese experience</b></i> where your breakfast and a traditional evening meal is
included, and you sleep on a Japanese style bed. Hubby and I did not want this
as we’re not fans of Japanese food and have a number of dietary restrictions.
Plus as we were only there for one night we literally just needed a place to
sleep and so opted for a room only hotel stay. Whilst our room was very basic and worn, it was clean and conveniently
located across the road from the station, plus for ¥9,500 it was pretty cheap, although that was reflected in the quality of the mattress!
Given that we were only in Kawaguchiko for one night we didn’t want to splash
out on a <i><b>fancy </b></i>hotel when we’d be spending <i><b>most </b></i>of our time outside, doing the
sights. After a brief rest we headed back out to visit one of <i><b>the </b><b>most famous pagodas </b></i>in Japan, <b>The Chureito Pagoda</b>. <i><b>T</b><b>o be continued....</b></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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I hope you enjoyed part one of our trip. Part two shall be
coming soon :o).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love Sheen xxx</div>
<br />
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}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802228590460534683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295211820842519749.post-38862168895690507852015-07-02T17:33:00.001+01:002015-10-20T13:15:32.187+01:00Moving On<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
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Good Day Everyone, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hope you’re all keeping well. It certainly has been a
while since I sat down to write a blog post! Life has been <i><b>all sorts of
craziness</b></i> these past couple of months but things have finally settled down,
albeit only for a short while ;o).</div>
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<br /></div>
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As you may know, our Japan adventure came to an end in May.
Japan was always going to be a short term thing, and I know some people may
question whether it was actually worth it for just nine months. Moving to a new
country requires a significant <i><b>investment </b></i>of time, energy and money but for us
it was <i><b>totally </b></i>worth it. Japan is <i><b>sooo unique and different to anywhere else in
the world</b></i> that we just couldn’t pass it up when the opportunity arose. Having
visited Japan a few months prior to moving there, I can tell you that living in a
country is a <i><b>completely different</b></i> experience to visiting
the country as a tourist.</div>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6-9RN29pN_OpSP42nqc2LmlvwcZq1OePVriRSWYjuhQvB0b-tn8qBpvBJuyD-iIT9CP1h-vVmQtclhJ3HXVonPnlSuorPP57dhTcwZQMMLz2SePd0g_oEKlAgtHhWrh25Gd5eFP8owIA/s1600/IMG_1205b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6-9RN29pN_OpSP42nqc2LmlvwcZq1OePVriRSWYjuhQvB0b-tn8qBpvBJuyD-iIT9CP1h-vVmQtclhJ3HXVonPnlSuorPP57dhTcwZQMMLz2SePd0g_oEKlAgtHhWrh25Gd5eFP8owIA/s640/IMG_1205b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Fuji</td></tr>
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Once we found out that our Japan adventure was coming to an
end, there was one trip that we just <i><b>had </b></i>to make, and that was to go see <b>Mount
Fuji</b>. This famous sacred mountain is visible from Yokohama, where we lived, on
a clear day but we just had to go see it closer up. Fuji-San (as it’s known
locally) is surrounded by five lakes to its northern side, and so hubby and I
planned a two day trip to the Fuji Five Lakes. This is what will be coming up
in subsequent blog posts and on my YouTube channel.</div>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjslZasiK9tmr95pLxmJufdDsrQWxV8gqd-Re3o8zWnhYyF9qI4yTYZTwfjJXNtAKfa5Ek4qtWmh4sfkGayxaGqOnzsjj-qDvC88r8jqteH1cLoVtq_7V39SwT66-e9FVMgyFMhIsqndRp/s1600/IMG_1381b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjslZasiK9tmr95pLxmJufdDsrQWxV8gqd-Re3o8zWnhYyF9qI4yTYZTwfjJXNtAKfa5Ek4qtWmh4sfkGayxaGqOnzsjj-qDvC88r8jqteH1cLoVtq_7V39SwT66-e9FVMgyFMhIsqndRp/s640/IMG_1381b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our last sunrise from our Yokohama apartment</td></tr>
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We spent most of May in a bit of a <i><b>whirlwind</b></i>. We had days
where we were drowning in bubble wrap as we started to pack up our belongings
into shipping boxes, and days where we were rushing around taking in some last
minute sights. I tried to capture as much as I could on my vlogging camera so
that I could continue making videos about Japan once we returned to the UK. My
arthritis riddled body can capture footage more easily than it can edit it into
vlogs so please bear with me. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8SnNNyOYDH3ZXkq-kYl8U4kqMXZlyWhKjzNqQxH2CX28CUD536cZVfqTqGPpoWke5Y0AVozQFbuhrsi5JQPfVQ9r0WkmOOBfh_w7dgdDQHOaJeW81Ec89n0lIGPWRq2XNEaOl6sw5zHHb/s1600/IMG_1409b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8SnNNyOYDH3ZXkq-kYl8U4kqMXZlyWhKjzNqQxH2CX28CUD536cZVfqTqGPpoWke5Y0AVozQFbuhrsi5JQPfVQ9r0WkmOOBfh_w7dgdDQHOaJeW81Ec89n0lIGPWRq2XNEaOl6sw5zHHb/s640/IMG_1409b.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We also had the challenge of selling all of our furniture that we’d
only recently bought. We soon learnt that Japan does not have a big second hand
market and recycling furniture is a <i><b>very </b></i>costly affair. If we hadn’t managed to
sell our furniture, we’d have had to pay a lot of money to have it collected by
a recycling firm. This explains why expats often give their
furniture away for <i><b>free </b></i>on the local Craigslist. Luckily for us, we managed to
sell everything, albeit at a fraction of the price we paid, with just a week to
go! </div>
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<br /></div>
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This meant that we then had to spend our last week staying in various
hotels. We spent three nights in <b>Tokyo </b>and used it as an opportunity to visit a
few of the sights (I’m sure there will be a blog post &/or vlog coming soon). The rest of the week was spent in Yokohama liaising with the local authorities and
utility companies to wrap things up before we left.</div>
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On our way back to the UK, we stopped off in <b>Singapore </b>for
six days to de-stress as the last couple of weeks in Japan were pretty taxing, and
to catch up with friends. It was sooo good to be in a country where we could
speak the language and get vegetarian and halal food ;o). I did do a bit of
vlogging whilst in Singapore and will post that on my YouTube channel soon.</div>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEPa1LrOE7kThY7vADYRtQ5TA445uAKJpa-OzoHILCx4CaNWIvrowHdjWFmDGI5WCi8EtJY8ReWHq_ujgfFsNu10z_8wOrhQ6agwOtp1D36Fz0GB75Me0YA007NN7U0JxvQmFyc6VjybtZ/s1600/IMG_1861b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEPa1LrOE7kThY7vADYRtQ5TA445uAKJpa-OzoHILCx4CaNWIvrowHdjWFmDGI5WCi8EtJY8ReWHq_ujgfFsNu10z_8wOrhQ6agwOtp1D36Fz0GB75Me0YA007NN7U0JxvQmFyc6VjybtZ/s640/IMG_1861b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marina Bay Sands Hotel in Singapore</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXReoDUDschl8X2FEO6etlxZiJNur3OAe_X4O_BHD8rK1GK1hOpWfcCgrDa2WbYdf6pg1zD2xVNvU5pLacid_3ERy8bKITCXawW5BBnqqvQj3M0ujLb-ydTLPtt0ZVV2VvUyiCv_JUkPPX/s1600/IMG_1989b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXReoDUDschl8X2FEO6etlxZiJNur3OAe_X4O_BHD8rK1GK1hOpWfcCgrDa2WbYdf6pg1zD2xVNvU5pLacid_3ERy8bKITCXawW5BBnqqvQj3M0ujLb-ydTLPtt0ZVV2VvUyiCv_JUkPPX/s640/IMG_1989b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The iconic Singapore Merlion</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
We adjusted to being back in Singapore so easily that it was a
bit like coming home, although I had forgotten just how hot and humid Singapore
was! The heat <i><b>definitely </b></i>got to me, as did the stress of the move and
consequently I spent a couple of days on bed rest as my body started to react
to the past few weeks. The six days went by way too quickly and before we knew
it we were on another plane making our way back to the UK.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvm9_m6lSkkN6u7zptcx1FFHMo-r1PZYbVcWC8RJp_YZm4f1Hz5Fva3j-fmf0Qk67W85dyHPytz7N_RzNJaTl1GcXuivc7ybeNEB2mmJWB9MEXsLP_MAMc7Mheufp8Q-J9wcD_2C5Cqv6y/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvm9_m6lSkkN6u7zptcx1FFHMo-r1PZYbVcWC8RJp_YZm4f1Hz5Fva3j-fmf0Qk67W85dyHPytz7N_RzNJaTl1GcXuivc7ybeNEB2mmJWB9MEXsLP_MAMc7Mheufp8Q-J9wcD_2C5Cqv6y/s640/image.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cora the Caravan - our current home</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
We’ve not been back a month yet and already Japan and Singapore
feel like <i><b>distant memories</b></i>, more so for me, as hubby has had a trip
back to Singapore for work purposes. It feels <b><i>strange </i></b>to be back in the UK
after four years of living in Asia. And what feels <i><b>even stranger</b></i> is living in a
caravan…that’s right, hubby and I are currently living in a caravan. Not something I <i><b>ever
</b></i>imagined doing but then again, I <i><b>never </b></i>imagined living in Japan either ;o).</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love Sheen xxx</div>
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}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802228590460534683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295211820842519749.post-53795880499875943572015-06-03T08:11:00.002+01:002015-10-20T13:15:45.858+01:00JVlog #19: Tokyo Bay Cruise & A Japanese GardenGood Day Everyone,<br />
<br />
Hubby had a follow up appointment recently with the specialist about his back, near <b>Tokyo Tower</b> and so we decided to make a day of it. It was nice to admire Tokyo Tower again but this time against the backdrop of a bight blue sky. We also took this as an opportunity to head back to Le Pain for some delicious breakfast.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPo0ysdAjUNYkHN1V2xvH-asR6Nc-CTjwQJG-X6uzGf_vsuYUnIIqVy_QsODbeM3hxx99UgFfetcTnNZnqIfWTLCvxgyvl8jxr_SbnPgkeZoluUiikbSyQKKKQledncMImVwbUjFk8jBy2/s1600/IMG_1023b.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPo0ysdAjUNYkHN1V2xvH-asR6Nc-CTjwQJG-X6uzGf_vsuYUnIIqVy_QsODbeM3hxx99UgFfetcTnNZnqIfWTLCvxgyvl8jxr_SbnPgkeZoluUiikbSyQKKKQledncMImVwbUjFk8jBy2/s640/IMG_1023b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tokyo Bay with Tokyo SkyTree in the distance</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Since it was a beautiful blue sky day we decided to walk towards <b>Tokyo Bay</b> to see if we could get on a cruise. Along the way we came across a glasses cleaning machine placed outside an opticians that passersby could use for free, and hubby did... twice ;o). Very cool, don't you think? You can see more in the video below.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/s_vi/wHBYcm2d_YE/default.jpg?sqp=CMTJuqsF&rs=AOn4CLC9w1rzpGpzYFZzd9kIBvuzic8REA" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wHBYcm2d_YE?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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As we wandered towards the bay we came across the<b> Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden</b> near Hamamatsucho Station. Given that it was such a warm sunny day we paid the ¥150 (each) to enjoy this classic Japanese landscape garden. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaxitFLX8f-mM4T0-nwnjPzQd8UW5pXp9oLmkGf5uIz8_1tTGlDqPGxgAlAz6PPR8S_ygSCMK_v7-8bcdL1kE3qBjVB-toUhvgWyS7scukQ5L13O_2kWk6ORwdP4TZ9r_OKYzNC7nZfwE/s1600/IMG_0915b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaxitFLX8f-mM4T0-nwnjPzQd8UW5pXp9oLmkGf5uIz8_1tTGlDqPGxgAlAz6PPR8S_ygSCMK_v7-8bcdL1kE3qBjVB-toUhvgWyS7scukQ5L13O_2kWk6ORwdP4TZ9r_OKYzNC7nZfwE/s640/IMG_0915b.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbtaYh8ZpRSeyaJqioI_zl5gRx3lMbXp-1zmyJWy0d2uXm0vlISFnNexV7wTp0h-Pf3vnIxGhXmd_5HaY8X5JNtcew41Fs5ZeDFvzXjS7JqDR10s7-uc5wXkXbhZlHrBl_ukiO-Q7vz1X/s1600/IMG_0934b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbtaYh8ZpRSeyaJqioI_zl5gRx3lMbXp-1zmyJWy0d2uXm0vlISFnNexV7wTp0h-Pf3vnIxGhXmd_5HaY8X5JNtcew41Fs5ZeDFvzXjS7JqDR10s7-uc5wXkXbhZlHrBl_ukiO-Q7vz1X/s640/IMG_0934b.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The garden consists of a pond with turtles and koi carp fish, little man made hills, beautiful bamboo fencing and red maple trees.This little oasis is surrounded by tall office buildings in the middle of Tokyo, and there were several office workers having their lunch in the garden whilst enjoying the glorious weather. </div>
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Hubby and I love Japanese gardens. They are very tranquil places even when surrounded by the craziness of a 24hr city like Tokyo. We especially love the use of <i><b>bamboo</b></i>, which is an incredibly versatile and beautiful material, and <i><b>water </b></i>for it's calming effect. There was also a couple in <i><b>traditional Japanese dress</b></i> having their wedding photos taken which was really interesting to see :o).<br />
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As we left the garden, we took the escalators across the road to watch the <i><b>Shinkansen </b></i>(bullet) trains go by. Hubby and I never tire of watching these beauties that <i><b>epitomise </b></i>Japanese engineering. The bullet trains have a rather <i><b>majestic aura</b></i>, with their long sleek noses and even longer bodies.<br />
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We then followed the main road down to the bay which brought us to <b>New Pier Takeshiba</b>. From there we followed the monorail line, pass The Intercontinental Tokyo Bay hotel, to <b>Hinode Pier</b>. At the Hinode Terminal there was a counter for cruise company, <b>Symphony Cruise</b>, and so we inquired about availability for that afternoon.<br />
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Whilst none of the employees spoke enough English for us to communicate with them, the cruise company did have leaflets with<i><b> both English and Japanese</b></i> information about the different cruise options, routes, prices and times. With a bit of pointing and hand gesturing we are able to convey what we wanted :o). We opted for the afternoon cruise which was 50mins and cost ¥1,500 (each). <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainbow Bridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daikanransha ferris wheel at Odaiba in the distance</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The iconic Fuji TV building at Odaiba</td></tr>
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The cruise was a lovely way to give our feet some rest and enjoy the sights of Tokyo. I'd definitely recommend it if you're ever in Tokyo as it's a great way to see some <i><b>iconic </b></i>structures. We could see both Tokyo Tower and Tokyo SkyTree, as well as iconic landmarks at Odaiba island. As it was quite a clear day we could even see planes coming into land, just above the water line in the distance, at Haneda airport. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAcVFz8WYesudykeqrxV9x030rozPiRXLUIEAu-Dm810QetGfDnQj7dQYjBUppECOJ3LtNXvbg2TFG4F6qz38xCVuk0uONVHHQKIVOSP6EFFkFJo5cpE98ViUvlYYwHtE63fnxcLSpPNSQ/s1600/IMG_1126b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAcVFz8WYesudykeqrxV9x030rozPiRXLUIEAu-Dm810QetGfDnQj7dQYjBUppECOJ3LtNXvbg2TFG4F6qz38xCVuk0uONVHHQKIVOSP6EFFkFJo5cpE98ViUvlYYwHtE63fnxcLSpPNSQ/s640/IMG_1126b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Tokyo Towers - Mid Tower & Sea Tower</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5nouEW1KIt9BGxo7F_Pz05HroF2D3WlpZ6S-t1uGsTqfoA3dxSFgllqUHGMzzEIPGhtNLOvtTK6-RrM3LJtJMf7MTfM6hmrkfw69Qf8LsMceeQRzeipeVTsGNSPZIHZbyIrZ3AdcM1QM_/s1600/IMG_0993b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5nouEW1KIt9BGxo7F_Pz05HroF2D3WlpZ6S-t1uGsTqfoA3dxSFgllqUHGMzzEIPGhtNLOvtTK6-RrM3LJtJMf7MTfM6hmrkfw69Qf8LsMceeQRzeipeVTsGNSPZIHZbyIrZ3AdcM1QM_/s640/IMG_0993b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A plane coming into land at Haneda Airport in the distance</td></tr>
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<br />
Symphony Cruise also do a lunch, sunset and dinner cruise with a choice
of French, Italian or Japanese cuisine. These cruises are longer
(2-2.5hrs) and the cruise route goes further out than the
afternoon cruise that we did. Prices range from ¥5,000 - ¥20,000. The
Symphony Cruise website is in both Japanese and English and <a href="http://www.symphony-cruise.co.jp/english/map/index.html" target="_blank">here</a> is the link, in case you're interested :o).<br />
<br />
I hope you enjoyed this blog post and video of our day out in Tokyo. I'm sorry that I'm a bit slow in getting my blog posts and videos up at the moment but things are pretty hectic with our move. Hopefully, when things settle down in a few weeks, I can get in to a routine again.<br />
<br />
Love Sheen xxx<br />
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}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802228590460534683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295211820842519749.post-66966812326710753792015-05-23T14:29:00.001+01:002015-10-20T13:15:59.236+01:00Missing In Action & MovingGood Day Everyone,<br />
<br />
I've been MIA (missing in action) recently as I've had another <b><i>arthritic flare</i></b> which has been really frustrating. Aside from the pain and associated insomnia, a flare up tends to restrict my movements and ability to do simple everyday things from walking to taking a shower. As a result I haven't been able to post any Japan vlogs even though I have a backlog of video footage accumulated. It wasn't until I started my YouTube channel that I realised just <i><b>how much </b></i>work goes into producing a 10-15min vlog, esp. when you work at a snail's pace like me courtesy of my arthritic hands!<br />
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The good news is that I seem to be over the worst of it and back in the land of the living.... and Instagram :o). Me not posting on Instagram is usually a testament as to <i><b>how bad</b></i> my flare up has been!<br />
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The other bit of news that I have to share with you is that hubby and I are moving. Our little adventure in Japan is coming to an end soon. We are not yet sure where the next chapter of life is going to take us, but what we do know is that we will be spending a week in Singapore (our previous home) in June, before we head back to our real home, the UK for a bit. <br />
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These days we are immersed in bubble wrap and shipping boxes as we pack up our lives for the second time in 12 months, and try to sell furniture that we only just bought a few months ago! We are also trying to <i><b>make the most of the time we have left in Japan</b></i> and recently spent two days at <b>Mount Fuji</b> which was a fantastic little trip. I have lots of exciting vlogs to share with you over the coming months but things might be <i><b>a bit slow</b></i>. When I'm having a <i><b>good </b></i>health day I'll be wanting to spend it outside enjoying the last bit of Japan, rather than sitting in my bed editing vlogs, as I'm sure you'll understand :o).<br />
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We are very much looking forward to our stay in Singapore. After the stress of packing and sorting everything out in Japan, we will be in need of some downtime. Also it will be lovely to catch up with our old friends and eat lots and lots of fruit ;o). <br />
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On a final note, whilst living with chronic illnesses can be <i><b>soul destroying</b></i> at times, it's not without it's <i><b>perks</b></i>.... yes perks. Thanks to my <i><b>pain induced insomnia</b></i> I was awake at 4.30am to watch this <i><b>breathtakingly beautiful</b></i> <i><b>sunrise</b></i> - these photos are completely unedited! It almost reduced me to tears and made my heart swell up with so much gratitude for the beauty my eyes see. In that moment, for just a short while, I forgot all about my pain :o).<br />
<br />
Love Sheen xxx<br />
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<br />
A few days ago hubby and I made the most of a national holiday and headed out for a <b><i>relaxing </i></b>day by the waterfront at <b>Yokohama Bay</b>. Our first stop was the <b>Red Brick Warehouse</b> for some breakfast. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Brick Warehouse - the larger one</td></tr>
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The Red Brick Warehouse is a collection of <b><i>two warehouses</i></b>, over 100 years old, that are <i><b>iconic landmarks</b></i> of Yokohama. In the olden days Yokohama was a big port city and the Red Brick Warehouses were the customs buildings. Nowadays they are full of retail stores, bars, restaurants and a banquet hall.
The larger Red Brick Warehouse has a two storey balcony which is west
facing, making it a great place to relax with a drink and watch the
sunset :o). <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">West facing balconies for a sunset view</td></tr>
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There is a large outdoor space in between the two buildings that is used
for festivals and events. It's where the New Year's Eve fireworks were,
if you ever saw my very first vlog ;o). On this particular day there
was a <b>German Beer Garden Festival</b>, as well as fun things for children to do. There are often <i><b>bicycle rickshaws</b></i> along the main road by the Red Brick Warehouse where you can pay to be driven around the surrounding area. It's a good way of giving your feet a rest whilst still taking in the sights. Many of the rickshaw owners don't speak much English but they have a map with the different routes and prices.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bicycle Rickshaw</td></tr>
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For breakfast we headed to <b>Bills</b>, an <b><i>insanely </i></b>popular <b>Australian </b>restaurant by the Chef Bill Granger. Such is it's popularity that it is common to have queues that are <i><b>2-3hrs long</b></i>...I'm not kidding! We arrived for when it opened and <b><i>still </i></b>had to queue for 45mins! That's pretty good going when it comes to queuing at Bills.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmryZiGd_oN-zoI2k6OTdN32TyAuipg7CGzhv1UEimenZQ8L1s3yVMyP144Bpx4PiyCYwJ_oFyUvEUmZoydScuflvZbO6qAwk14N4ziyQ5SrVBcEg6zDIw7xKJDfUTOvXyf18USTtrCJcj/s1600/IMG_0975b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmryZiGd_oN-zoI2k6OTdN32TyAuipg7CGzhv1UEimenZQ8L1s3yVMyP144Bpx4PiyCYwJ_oFyUvEUmZoydScuflvZbO6qAwk14N4ziyQ5SrVBcEg6zDIw7xKJDfUTOvXyf18USTtrCJcj/s640/IMG_0975b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Smoothie for me & Bill's Beets for hubby</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6NSRw_rsz2hpi-j1cgpN64Gl-lsqxAyJZW-7N9_TL8zhtQhU86KQASgr8COPaWIayd55mMsmM2sy-kRdXfnokNDmhYD3OaLobglottQHbF3IQ5BrdXdLsgZvk8VSJR4MDoUP78q3Dle4H/s1600/IMG_0980b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6NSRw_rsz2hpi-j1cgpN64Gl-lsqxAyJZW-7N9_TL8zhtQhU86KQASgr8COPaWIayd55mMsmM2sy-kRdXfnokNDmhYD3OaLobglottQHbF3IQ5BrdXdLsgZvk8VSJR4MDoUP78q3Dle4H/s640/IMG_0980b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My breakfast of scrambled eggs, avocado, halloumi and bread</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hubby's breakfast of sweetcorn & bell pepper fritters with halloumi and avocado salsa</td></tr>
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The food is fantastic and very much the kind of food hubby and I enjoy with fresh fruit juices and smoothies, lots of light, healthy, nutritious and tasty food. You can see more in the video below.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/s_vi/umVJbnqj2dc/default.jpg?sqp=COiqu6oF&rs=AOn4CLDNS77lc_j8yP7coN1Ulu48imjAuQ" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/umVJbnqj2dc?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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After fueling our stomachs, we walked along the water front promenade to <b>Osanbashi Pier </b>as a cruise ship was coming in. Being the engineering geek that he is, my hubby loves watching the cruise ships come in to dock ;o). <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB36tZkgaEJEJ02F2KuSXEPguogKzL1NbTMjo8hB7xrRfT7tTTz8rQ0EZi8MK_rg3AF019HVU0foyXeo08WkwTnOzLvpJYNFe5XapuQ9lnj-di0ujx0UjItKKK79GyyHHWlZjFc5QBD3ve/s1600/IMG_0997b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB36tZkgaEJEJ02F2KuSXEPguogKzL1NbTMjo8hB7xrRfT7tTTz8rQ0EZi8MK_rg3AF019HVU0foyXeo08WkwTnOzLvpJYNFe5XapuQ9lnj-di0ujx0UjItKKK79GyyHHWlZjFc5QBD3ve/s640/IMG_0997b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cruise ship coming into Osanbashi Pier</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyBzQ_lBfJXqsvPSUqlwwPQmN_HAFhVG02-wU6y-m4V_jxI9hhm0sLj0l5navAR4KnquwUfot7Ti4Z_maTLC-SDnGiIyaDWAMQCG-fo68oElPSTUTIDyweEKSqi8oAdcZoebtkgAczq_N/s1600/IMG_1007b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyBzQ_lBfJXqsvPSUqlwwPQmN_HAFhVG02-wU6y-m4V_jxI9hhm0sLj0l5navAR4KnquwUfot7Ti4Z_maTLC-SDnGiIyaDWAMQCG-fo68oElPSTUTIDyweEKSqi8oAdcZoebtkgAczq_N/s640/IMG_1007b.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
The views from the <i><b>roof top garden</b></i> of Osanbashi Pier are pretty impressive. You can see all of <b>Minato Mirai 21</b> including iconic buildings such as Landmark Tower, Queens Towers A, B & C and Cosmo World Ferris Wheel, as well as the Red Brick Warehouse, Bay Bridge and Yokohama Marine Tower. You can walk along the water front promenade all the way to <b>Yamashita Park</b>. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtqMMJ4twpqXGsxT7YX38MRsPl81stfUO6KSABq0WjUMzkw9-xiSq9DYCiibQJIEzOyLdzRwpQJ8_CRhyphenhyphenEkK6EQdcGWr2jkWus0Wg7OYsessYdSUZ0VVsK7FCYvoAmnVpD_GIrHyrsSeeB/s1600/IMG_1008b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtqMMJ4twpqXGsxT7YX38MRsPl81stfUO6KSABq0WjUMzkw9-xiSq9DYCiibQJIEzOyLdzRwpQJ8_CRhyphenhyphenEkK6EQdcGWr2jkWus0Wg7OYsessYdSUZ0VVsK7FCYvoAmnVpD_GIrHyrsSeeB/s640/IMG_1008b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Minato Mirai 21 skyline</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHnyNgpat7f2HVr9hAjHvshN-AS_3zO6drgmwkD-Rn5gLsLX6jqOkDjSp4pn2frtz24tc_e19pKig26yoeDorRPQQz7bJZLkROoLFxE9Gd474s8lkePRojMwQoKO5M-TprWG0_zYjOjCkl/s1600/IMG_1034b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHnyNgpat7f2HVr9hAjHvshN-AS_3zO6drgmwkD-Rn5gLsLX6jqOkDjSp4pn2frtz24tc_e19pKig26yoeDorRPQQz7bJZLkROoLFxE9Gd474s8lkePRojMwQoKO5M-TprWG0_zYjOjCkl/s640/IMG_1034b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bay Bridge</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjuhCEPBiNHAW2-7lJ0plJPYcKC9hCmX3BhvWDOHn4t9koLxwZCwSn3dMSiUkpj1vKGa85_sfeo0aFd_tUkib40416Ucpld_fSeH5w7auIhsdOXzxtvSQzM_bHjuuQWUSn3Y2F0qBg85F0/s1600/IMG_1033b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjuhCEPBiNHAW2-7lJ0plJPYcKC9hCmX3BhvWDOHn4t9koLxwZCwSn3dMSiUkpj1vKGa85_sfeo0aFd_tUkib40416Ucpld_fSeH5w7auIhsdOXzxtvSQzM_bHjuuQWUSn3Y2F0qBg85F0/s640/IMG_1033b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yokohama Marine Tower & Yamashita Park</td></tr>
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On this particular day we spotted <b>Mount Fuji</b> in the distance. We had no idea that we could see Mount Fuji from Osanbashi Pier. As you'll see from the above video, I couldn't pick it up all that well on my vlogging camera, but at least <i><b>you </b></i>now know <i><b>where </b></i>to look, if you're ever at Osanbashi Pier :o).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiywhP1HSqfL_Lm3vQqjsvr9zdDIM-JO2aL6DPpwyeKZ8OGTKmYIPRpv21tdEXE_oMT-3MecQ3Kwzdr7sVFFtTHwkzrBN8Y4zZCbk2XUUsO4qmQgmKg_XdL4fG-dshjYdGcVSizJ3hHOTrX/s1600/IMG_1038b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiywhP1HSqfL_Lm3vQqjsvr9zdDIM-JO2aL6DPpwyeKZ8OGTKmYIPRpv21tdEXE_oMT-3MecQ3Kwzdr7sVFFtTHwkzrBN8Y4zZCbk2XUUsO4qmQgmKg_XdL4fG-dshjYdGcVSizJ3hHOTrX/s640/IMG_1038b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rooftop garden of OsanBashi Pier with cruise ships on either side</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigM-Wk6pyE6ifIuKMZXuZZxJy1hRth0BFAzwMo6WUaBjaqojJ7U5uucgEAqzHFzLwHHhdGiCvseP4DDwdhCcM8ssdb5nkD_sh8DdiKu_q9dJ5iO6FupNxeD7haebRKuOKMexqltLWxEKd3/s1600/IMG_7747b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigM-Wk6pyE6ifIuKMZXuZZxJy1hRth0BFAzwMo6WUaBjaqojJ7U5uucgEAqzHFzLwHHhdGiCvseP4DDwdhCcM8ssdb5nkD_sh8DdiKu_q9dJ5iO6FupNxeD7haebRKuOKMexqltLWxEKd3/s640/IMG_7747b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Osanbashi Pier & Bay Bridge in the background</td></tr>
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The pier building itself has a very unique structure with an underlying <b><i>nautical </i></b>theme. Its different decks and layers are designed using floor boards and grass to resemble <i><b>rolling waves</b></i>. There are often events taking place at the pier and on this particular day there were several quirky food vans.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkmXm-IXxb4MIM12ycmBVc6nmpdsc5clabfHxk3FaopQeEI5L9GnGrSAaR-qniCgqOSG8BnOHFYKp_ceCnWltEYsSKqW0lfbBAgSDivsMJea2vLR0VLLzPGPcro5LmYLi_B6dMzvJxHi4g/s1600/IMG_1056b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkmXm-IXxb4MIM12ycmBVc6nmpdsc5clabfHxk3FaopQeEI5L9GnGrSAaR-qniCgqOSG8BnOHFYKp_ceCnWltEYsSKqW0lfbBAgSDivsMJea2vLR0VLLzPGPcro5LmYLi_B6dMzvJxHi4g/s640/IMG_1056b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quirky food van</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Walking around the pier is free and a great way to relax in the sun. Hubby and I got an ice cream and sat in some chairs, soaking in the sun whilst being kept cool by the gentle bay breeze.<br />
<br />
I hope you enjoyed this little tour around some of Yokohama's tourist attractions :o).<br />
<br />
Love Sheen xxx<br />
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<br />
We are currently in the midst of <b>Golden Week</b> here in Japan. Golden Week is when there are <i><b>four national holidays within the space of a week</b></i>. It is one of Japan's <b><i>busiest </i></b>holidays, as a result tourist attractions as well as public transport are incredibly crowded. If you're ever visiting Japan during Golden Week then it's worth bearing in mind that hotels in major cities get booked up very early and, as expected, prices tend to be higher.<br />
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During this national holiday there are lots of <i><b>festivals and events</b></i> taking place around the country. Here in Yokohama, we had <b>The 63rd Yokohama International Costume Parade </b>take place yesterday. The weather was truly glorious with bright blue skies, sunshine and a gentle breeze. Hubby and I headed out to <b>Yamashita Park</b>, the starting place of the parade. There were over 40 acts taking part in the parade, walking a route of almost three and a half kilometers.<br />
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You can watch the parade and the rest of our day in the video below :o).<br />
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We didn't spend too long outside as hubby has been quite unwell recently with severe back problems. In fact, he had to have two steroid injections in his back and hip the day before the parade. Anyone that's had them will know how incredibly painful steroid injections are. However, he was determined not to miss out on the great weather and seeing a Japanese parade ;o). The great thing about our apartment is that it overlooks <b>Yokohama Bay</b> and <b>Rinko Park</b> so whilst we called it a day fairly early, we could still hear the music and watch some of the activities from our balcony.<br />
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I hope you enjoyed this little vlog of a relaxed Sunday :o). What did you get up to on your Sunday? <br />
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Love Sheen xxx<br />
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Good Day Everyone,<br />
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On Saturday Hubby had an early appointment in <b>Tokyo </b>and it turned out to be <b><i>very </i></b>close to <b>Tokyo Tower</b> so we decided to make a day of it. To get to Tokyo Tower we got on the Minato Mirai Line from near our home to Naka-meguro, and then changed onto the Hibiya Line to Kamiyacho station. From Kamiyacho station we took exit 1 and once we got to street level we turned left and followed the road up a slight hill. As we approached the traffic junction we could see Tokyo Tower to our left on top of a small hill.<br />
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By the time hubby finished from his appointment it was lunchtime and we'd not even had breakfast as we'd left home in such a rush. So we headed down the hill from Tokyo Tower to behind the Prince Hotel to a place called<i><b> Le Pain </b></i>for some lovely brunch. Along the way to Le Pain we noticed something that looked like a temple or shrine and so we went to explore once we'd refueled our bellies.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sangedatsumon Gate as viewed from inside the temple grounds</td></tr>
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<b>Zojoji Temple</b> is the head temple of the Jodo sect of Japanese Buddhism. The temple was built in 1393 and moved to this current location in 1598. Most of the buildings on the grounds are reconstructions except for the main entrance gate which dates from 1622, and has survived many earthquakes and fires. The main temple gate, known as Sangedatsumon, which means a gate (mon) for
getting delivered (gedatsu) from three (san) earthly states of mind -
greed, anger and stupidity, is very imposing and quite magnificent to look at. The Zojoji Temple and surrounding grounds are open all year round from
9-5pm and admission is free. You can watch our day out to Tokyo Tower
and the Zojoji Temple in the video below.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daibonsho (Big Bell)</td></tr>
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There is a <i><b>giant bell </b></i>within the temple grounds that was completed in 1673 and is renowned as one of the Big Three Bells of the Edo Period. The bell is tolled twice a day and weighs a whopping 15 tonnes. We spent quite a while walking around the temple grounds as there was quite a lot to see. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The main hall Daiden (Hondo) </td></tr>
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Enshrined in the<i><b> main hall</b></i>, Daiden, are three images which are greatly revered by people who worship at Zojoji. There is a large main image of <b>Amida Buddha</b> with an
image of Great Teacher Shan-tao at its right and an image of Honen Shonin at its left. There was a <i><b>Japanese wedding</b></i> whilst we were there and the bridal party were having their wedding photos taken. They were happy for visitors to take photographs of them. Below is the bride in white with a female friend/relative in blue. It was really interesting to see what a <i><b>traditional </b></i>Japanese wedding dress looks like.<br />
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Within the temple grounds there was an area, kind of like a memorial garden, with lots of <i><b>Jizo statues</b></i>. Jizobosatusu is the <b><i>protector of children</i></b>, and people who have lost an unborn child can dedicate a statue of Jizo and decorate it with toys and baby clothes. At the time that we were there I recognised these as being Jizo statues, the protector of children, but it was only whilst I was researching for this blog post that I discovered that <i><b>each statue represents an unborn child</b></i>. It is very heartbreaking and sad. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHroeqq-9RH9ZJcVLuhjFsC3haAc9DSJ8lhuYFKRAH0C-T3uQZ7_uUdRmYOt_JTbnKJkQdMO8swbbNOpF5bsrG9rf9w7nKWBZ0BAdYmLbOqAh_-x2x_Zy8sCC5n_YDnHpYZKZ7vaMET3b/s1600/IMG_0697b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHroeqq-9RH9ZJcVLuhjFsC3haAc9DSJ8lhuYFKRAH0C-T3uQZ7_uUdRmYOt_JTbnKJkQdMO8swbbNOpF5bsrG9rf9w7nKWBZ0BAdYmLbOqAh_-x2x_Zy8sCC5n_YDnHpYZKZ7vaMET3b/s1600/IMG_0697b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jizo statues of unborn children</td></tr>
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After walking around Zojoji Temple we headed back up the hill towards Tokyo Tower. The small road that runs between the temple and the Prince Hotel is an <i><b>ideal photo opportunity </b></i>with Tokyo Tower in the back ground. <br />
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<b>Tokyo Tower</b> stands at a height of <b>333m</b> and has <i><b>not one but two observatories</b></i>. The <i><b>main observatory is up at 150m</b></i> and is a <i><b>two storey deck</b></i> with a <i><b>cafe </b></i>on the lower floor, as well as a small <i><b>performance stage</b></i> known as <b>Club 333</b>. Whilst we were there we saw a female Japanese singer and a boy band perform. I've no idea as to how famous these singers are but the predominantly Japanese crowd seemed to love them and were bopping along, as you can see in the video above. A ticket to the main observatory costs ¥900. Whilst it wasn't a particularly clear day, the view over Tokyo was still impressive nonetheless. On a clear day you can even see Mount Fuji in the distance.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tokyo Bay and Rainbow Bridge</td></tr>
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Once at the main observatory you can then purchase a ticket to the <i><b>special observatory</b></i> which is <b>250m </b>high for an additional ¥700, which we did. Tokyo Tower is open from 9am - 11pm and the tower lights up at sunset. </div>
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In hindsight, we should have gone up Tokyo Tower a couple of hours <i><b>later </b></i>than we did because whilst there, we decided that it would be cool to watch the <i><b>sunset </b></i>from the special observatory and watch the <i><b>night lights</b></i> come on. However, that meant that we had to hang around for quite a few hours. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tall building is the Tokyo Skytree</td></tr>
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In my opinion, the best time to go up Tokyo Tower would be <i><b>an hour before sunset</b></i>. This way you can see all of Tokyo in the daytime, and watch the sunset and night lights without having to spend hours hanging around like we did.</div>
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Currently, at the ground floor entrance to Tokyo Tower, there are <b>333 koinobori</b> (carp streamers) adorning the entrance. This is in celebration of <b>Children's Day</b> which is on May 5th. On this day, it is tradition for people to display carp shaped streamers in their gardens as a wish for their boys to grow up healthy. This is based on the legend about a carp that swam up a waterfall and turned into a dragon. Families wish for their boys to grow up strong, just like this carp.<br />
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After several hours at Tokyo Tower we were well and truly ready for some dinner. As we were both feeling really tired, not surprising given that we'd been up since 5.30am, we decided to head back to Le Pain for a bite to eat. The food at Le Pain was just the kind of food hubby and I like to eat, it was healthy, light, fresh and tasty. We even picked up a couple of croissants to take home with us for breakfast the next day.<br />
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I hope you enjoyed this blog post and video about our day out sight seeing in Tokyo :o).<br />
<br />
Love Sheen xxx<br />
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<br />
Hubby and I recently headed out for dinner in the <b>Shibuya </b>area of <b>Tokyo </b>to a <i><b>yakiniku </b></i>restaurant. Yakiniku literally means <i><b>grilled meat</b></i> in Japanese and is the term used to describe a<b> Japanese BBQ </b>where you grill bite sized pieces of meat at the table - a kind of <i><b>do it yourself</b></i> concept. <br />
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We had read really positive reviews on <b>TripAdvisor </b>about a restaurant called <b>Gyumon </b>which uses <i><b>halal certified meat</b></i> and given that halal meat is quite difficult to come across in Japan, we were super excited to try this place out :o).<br />
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Gyumon is a good <i><b>10mins walk from Shibuya station</b></i>. To get to the restaurant you head towards the Shibuya Police Station and walk along the main road that runs parallel to the Tokyu Toyoko train line on the map. Once you pass the Police Station, after about 5mins of walking there is a 7-Eleven convenience store on the left, and just after that there is a narrow little side street, still on the left, that you turn into and Gyumon is on the right, just before a shoe store. If you walk past the 7-Eleven and come to a large cross road junction then it means you've passed the little side street that you needed to turn into. <a href="https://www.google.co.jp/maps/place/3+Chome-14-5+Shibuya,+Shibuya-ku,+T%C5%8Dky%C5%8D-to+150-0002/@35.6560112,139.7053267,18z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x60188b5c78bedc67:0x22a0e932add7eea7" target="_blank">Here </a>is a Google map link, in case you ever wish to find it.</div>
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Gyumon is a<i><b> tiny</b></i> little place which you can<i><b> easily miss if you blink</b></i>. As you can see from the photo above, it has no obvious name on the front in English, but there is a little board with newspaper/magazine cuttings and the halal sign in front of the restaurant.<br />
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The restaurant is spread over two floors but despite this there is <b><i>limited </i></b>seating. I'd recommend making a reservation if you can or getting there when it first opens, which is what we did, otherwise you will have to queue outside.<br />
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The interior of the restaurant is kind of<i><b> basic and sparse</b></i> with posters and drawings on the walls, but don't let that put you off because what it lacks in visual aesthetics, it more than makes up for in it's food :o).<br />
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Above each table is a long silver extraction flute and underneath that is where the BBQ grill containing the charcoal is placed.<br />
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Like the interior, the menu itself is also pretty simple. <br />
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We opted for the <i><b>set menu</b></i> which comes with <i><b>three different types of beef</b></i> (beef shoulder, beef round meat and beef rib loin), a bowl of <i><b>rice</b></i>, a bowl of <i><b>salad </b></i>and a <i><b>drink</b></i>, all for <i><b>¥4,000 plus tax</b></i>. We then supplemented this with a second bowl of rice as we were unsure of the portion size. We also added a portion of <i><b>vegetables </b></i>for the grill because my hubby isn't much of a meat eater.<br />
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The meat portions were quite <i><b>generous </b></i>as was the portion of rice and in hindsight we could easily have done without that second bowl of rice. The meat comes lightly seasoned and with two different types of sauces; chilli and BBQ.<br />
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Now hubby and I are no meat experts, but I can honestly tell you that this was <i><b>some of the best meat we've ever tasted</b></i>. It was very <i><b>tender </b></i>and <b><i>juicy </i></b>but also very <b><i>flavoursome </i></b>without the chilli and BBQ sauce. It was great fun cooking the meat ourselves, as and when we wanted to eat it, thus ensuring it was always nice and hot. You can see us in action in the short video below.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/s_vi/03gRsEU1RNs/default.jpg?sqp=CJTm9qkF&rs=AOn4CLD34sShrPw24NMMTQf5YkFiCYxbaw" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/03gRsEU1RNs?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
We thoroughly enjoyed our first experience of a yakiniku restaurant and <i><b>would highly recommend Gyumon</b></i>. Although the food is very simple, it is extremely tasty and satisfying with generous portion sizes. Plus the staff are really friendly too.<br />
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Have you ever tried a yakiniku restaurant? Are there any restaurants in Tokyo that you would recommend? I'd love to hear your suggestions :o).<br />
<br />
Love Sheen xxx <br />
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On the weekend we finally got a break (for the most part) from the April showers, just in time for the annual <b>Yokohama Street Performance Festival</b>. This is a<i><b> 2 day festival</b></i> which showcases and celebrates the talents of a huge range of <b><i>street artists and performers</i></b>, ranging from mime artists, singers and belly dancers to acrobats, tight rope walkers and jugglers.<br />
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The festival involves not only Japanese performers but also artists from other countries. Whilst it is a <i><b>free </b></i>event, donations are collected at the end of each performance and we were only too happy to oblige given how fantastic all the performances were. <br />
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The event takes place at various locations around <b>Yokohama</b>, including where we live in Minato Mirai 21. There were two designated <i><b>special</b></i> stages which showcased some of the <i><b>more </b><b>complex </b></i>acts such as synchronized trampolining and tight rope walking. You can watch these and more in the video below :o). <br />
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As you would expect, the map/brochure detailing all the performances was in Japanese but using specific landmarks we were able to decipher exactly <i><b>where </b></i>the events were. Also the index border with photographs of all the different performers proved to be most useful in determining <i><b>what </b></i>their talent was...so even though we cannot read a word of Japanese...where there's a will there's a way ;o).<br />
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Luckily for us the two special stages were located near where we live and we prioritised watching the artists at those sites as the performances looked particularly <i><b>exciting</b></i>. On Saturday we watched an entertaining mime act who did impersonations of a <i><b>Rocky fight</b></i> as well as some Michael Jackson and super heroes inspired performances.<br />
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We then wandered across to the special stage located outside the <b>Yokohama Museum of Art</b> to watch a duo from <b>Colombia </b>do a number of performances whilst <i><b>tight rope walking</b></i>. These men did an amazing, and somewhat nerve wracking job given that it was <i><b>very</b></i> windy on Saturday. They didn't appear to be wearing any harnesses but there were a couple of men moving an inflated mattress along the length of the tight rope, just in case. We ended our little outing on Saturday by watching some belly dancing at one of the nearby malls. <br />
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On Sunday, we went to the second special stage but by the time we arrived all the best spots were taken (the joys of being vertically challenged;o)) plus it was starting to rain. So we headed into the nearby mall to pass the time until the next scheduled performance.<br />
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Whilst at the mall we found an area by the stairwell that proved to be a <i><b>great</b></i> viewing point for the special stage. We watched some truly fantastic performers who did the most amazing things with their bodies. I cannot even begin to imagine the kind of physical and mental strength, determination and focus those movements required. <br />
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I hope you enjoyed this little peek into our weekend and that the video gave you a little taste of the Yokohama Street Performance Festival. Now that the weather is starting to warm up I think there will be a lot more fun activities and events coming up.<br />
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What fun activities/events have you been to lately? I'd love to hear about your weekend :o). <br />
<br />
Love Sheen xxx<br />
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