A little by little

I never underestimated the life changing aspect of having a baby! So in a way I was prepared. Two weeks ago, Hudson was born! My life has been a Topsy Turvy of diapers, doctor's visit, sleepless nights and laundry washing... and I love it! 

What I was not ready for is how much love goes into all of these task! Even worst, how much it hurts to be sitting helplessly on the bedroom floor with a baby that for unknown reason won't stop crying. Last night for 4 hours, I tried to figure out what was wrong! It broke my heart to see her like that! I felt so useless as I was unable to figure out what she wanted!! I was not ready for that! In the end she fell asleep on daddy's laps... We will probably never know what it was... it will probably happen again... and once more I will be broken hearted. That is the real hard part.

So two weeks have gone by. Everyone is getting use to a new schedule. The first few days I was overwhelmed by breastfeeding. I took so much of my time. Hudson would nurse for 40 minutes every 2-3 hours... But after the first week I came up with an awesome plan!!! 40 mins x 8-9 times a day = a j-dorama a day! Time to catch up on the last 3 seasons! And I also decided to watch the Taiga dorama Yoshitsune (all 50 episodes)... I hope Hudson will forgive me to split my attention in half...

On Halloween, Hudson was 1 week old! Months ago, I had crocheted the Green Eito Ranger sweater for her as her first Halloween costume. But it was way too big. We still decided to take some pictures. Daddy carved a plastic pumpkin in honor of her first Halloween. He went to great length to carve a Tuna on one side and then a stylized version of her name on the other side. We used a plastic pumpkin so we could keep it for the years to come (kind of like those first Christmas ornaments).

 

In the past week, we decided to make imprints of her feet. The first attempt was a complete disaster! Plaster + Vaseline + 9 days old baby does not go well together. We had a good laugh still. 

Then yesterday we opted for the ink version. It was easy, not as messy as first thought and yield great results. We got the ink pad at Walmart for 4$ and the card stock at Dollarama. We made enough prints so that both aunts, and the 3 sets of grand parents could get a copy.      

Today Hudson is 2 weeks old. The weather outside is beautiful. 15 degree and sunny. The trees are still full of colors. This is not your typical grayish November! It truly feels like the calm after the storm. Hudson is finally sleeping, and soon I will go join her ;-)

    

Yokocho! Concert report #2 TOKYO!!

The truth is: I remember really little about this concert!

We were sitting first row! Less than a meter from the stage! It was amazing! Needless to say Yoko was great. I have to admit thought, he was not as great as when we say him in Osaka. He seemed worried and bottered by something. Enough that he messed up in the lyrics or in the dances a few times. He was sweating a lot too. During the MC, it became clear that something was on his mind. That's when he started messing arround with the audience... saying... I have some guest for the MC... or not... maybe it's kanjani8... sorry I'm just lying!!... it went on for a good 5 minutes. The crowd became very restless. That's when the whole group walked on stage. The crowd went wild!!! We went wild. They did the MC with Yoko. Ryo and Ohkura were standing right in front of us. Ryo came closer and said hi to us. Then the whole group sang Hitotsu no uta. I was amazed. I could not believe our luck!!! Turns out in the whole tour, that was the only time the whole group showed up. That also explained why Yoko seemed so nervous. 

Towards the end of the show, Yoko threw 4 sign boards. Marie and Ani caught one. Ani gave it to Marie. (it is now framed in her bedroom)

好きやねん 温泉 と カラオケ

After 7 very long days, and since the rain was still in the forecast, we decided on taking a day off!! That means, we spent the day at the nearby Onsen!

I love onsen! Like you would not believe it! I love them! I love them! I love them all! It makes my skin so soft. It makes my body NOT hurt! I love it!

So at the onsen, I met a couple of really lovely ladies. One of which, an old lady, fallowed me around for half the day! She was so happy to *find a canadian in Osaka*. She kept asking me if I was single since she had a son about my age.... lol

She presented me to all the ladies in attendance. As good Osaka women, they lived up to the Obachan name as they were all very noisy and nosy! So all afternoon we chatted in Japanese about Osaka, Canada... and food!!! (That's why I love Osaka...) They kept asking me where in Japan the food was the best... I made them really happy when I said Osaka!

They also were asking me lots of questions about our dear-canadian-beautiful-figure skater Joannie Rochette! They kept saying how amazing she was! How great she was for having competed even after her mother had passes away.

So that's how my day went... in the evening, we spent all night watching different TV show. We watched Space Shower ranking (NYC was first!! lol) then we watched VS. Arashi which is always so funny.
The next day, the rain was still pouring down! But lucky us, we didn't get any snow like Saitama and Gunma did! So we went a few station down the street and headed to Shidax for 8 hours of Karaoke!!!!! Here during the day, you can buy free time Karaoke. That means it is a set price and you stay how long you want. So we sang for 6 hours straight before we had to start singing the same songs again. All this without the romanji lyrics!! I have to say, we really came along a long way since our first time 3 years ago.
We ended the night by working on our concert Uchiwa for Yoko's concert in Tokyo next week!!! First row baby!!!

Kumamoto

The next day, after resting well at the Hostel, we took an early train out for Kumamoto. About 2 hours south of Hakata, half-way to Kagoshima. Kumamoto was the reason for our trip in Kyushu. Like most places we visited on our many stay to Japan, we came about that place while watching Japanese TV. This castle was featured in 47 live the documentary. Ever since we had thought about going there. But being so far off the way, it had never been an option until today.

Kumamoto is one of the biggest castle in Japan. Unfortunalty, it was almost completly destroyed by an angry samourai who set it on fire in the late 1800s. In the 1960s, it was reconstructed according to the few pictures pre-fire state.

The castle itself is beautiful and I have to say, it was well worth the trip. Of all the castle in Japan, this one offers the most building to visit and possibly the biggest ground space. The inside of the main tower is a museum about the history of the castle but also about all the other castles in Japan.

As you first enter, you also see walls covered with name plates. Those name plates are the one of the people who donated money for the reconstruction of the different building of the castle.

It took Marie and I about 3 hours to visit the castle and its surrounding. Of which, 1 hour was spent trying to locate on the name plates, Murayama Ryuhei and Murakami Shingo. We did find Maruyama's plate but had to give up on finding Hina's. But as we recall, even in the documentary they had trouble locating Hina's plate.

Overall, we had a great day in Kumamoto. It's too bad the weather was rainy and gray, it prevented me from taking beautiful pictures.
(On the picture, my finger is pointing at Maruyama's plate but you can hardly see it since it was so high over head.)

Tori no Kizoku Izakaya

This Izakaya chaine is owned by Ohkura Tadayoshi's family. A Japanese idol from the band Kanjani8. There are many location across Japan, with most of them in Osaka *their home town*. This Izakaya is very similar to most Izakaya in Japan. There can be a very long wait depending on the days you are going. Everything on the menu is 280 yen *including alcohol drinks* and I have to say over all for an Izakaya, the food is delicious. For my first visit, I went to the Shinsaibashi location right next to the Daimaru, in Osaka. But the location on Dotonbori is a lot easier to get too. *You can see it from the bridge Ebisubashi*.





Deep fried camember!

Although they did not speak English or have an English menu, all the items are listed with a picture so it is easy to order. Note to Kanjani8's fan, they also sell a cell phone strap with the logo of the Izakaya: a chicken with feet shape like a mugendai.

This Izakaya specializes in Yakitori but the best item on the menu is  their deep fry Camembert cheese! I also enjoyed the soups there really much.

Hanami, Yokocho, Izakaya

When in Osaka: eat, have fun and eat again! And that's what we did yesterday!!!

We started our day with a bento box and a little Hanami party of our own. For those who do not know what a Hanami is: Spring is the season for the cherry blossom, so all over Japan, people organize party where they sit underneath the cherry blossom, eat, drink and party all day. Think of it as a tail gate party before the Superbowl.

So we went to Osaka Castle (and so did the whole population of Osaka it seems) and found a tiny place that was not already occupied and ate our bento box.

After eating, we made our way to the Osaka Jo hall to watch Yoko's Solo Con *I already posted below, the concert report*. We had a great time.

After watching, we took a stroll to the Osaka Castle and NHK TV. The Castle was as splendid as usual and in front of NHK we found a Daibutsu! We took a few pictures and left for Shinsaibashi to go eat at Tacchon's family owned Izakaya. We had lots of delicous food including a deep fried Camembert that was delicious. *You can find below a post about the restaurant*.

After eating we walked the street of Shinsaibashi, did a purikura and ended up in front of Glico Man.

Concert Report: Yoko's Solo Con! Osaka

Wonderboy! Where to start! This marks Yoko's third solo concert since his debut. You can never go wrong with watching a Kanjani8 concert or Solo concert in Osaka. The city goes into a frenzy for their hometown boys. Everywhere you go, there are signs of their presence (music being played in EVERY store, messages of good luck left at the temples, long lines to see Billiken)

This weekend was no different. We had gone the day before to buy our concert goods so we wouldn't have to carry them with us into the venue. The goods were a hit. On the day of the concert, after having a quick Hanami, we decked our self out with Tiger hats *the theme of the concert* and headed to the Osaka Jo Hall. Our seats were 16th row right over looking the stage. Not the best seats in the house but not the worst either. We were lucky enough to be close to the main stage!

The concert itself was amazing! Yoko looked great and had Veteran, Shadow West and other Kansai juniors as his back up dancers. His did many of Kanjani8's greatest hits (Kyu Jo Show, Musekinin Hero, Zukkoke, Kawaita no hana, Ichibyo Kiss, It's my soul). He also performed many of his own solo's or unit song including Wonderboy and Kicyu twice). He had no guest for the MC but had video messages from all the members. He also poke fun at everyone of them and attempted singing one of their solo. His interpretation of Yasu was hilarious as he tried to sing high pitch. But the best moment was without any doubts his Babun Attack in full outfit performance!  I don't think I had ever laughed so hard in my life!

We also got to watch an Eito Ranger Skit!! With a new version of the song! "Ah, Ah blacku ranger..." The skit was performed with Veteran as they did their own version of Momotarou!

During the MC, he talked about the new TV show and how him, Maru and Ohkura went filming on a boat. How Maru just would not stop throwing up...

The show ended with Onigishi as we learned that his mother was in attendance for today's concert. Yoko finished the song in tears and so did half the audience.

We were treated to 3 encores (which is one more than the other concert) probably because of his family in attendance. The last encore, after coming back 3 times was Zukkoke Otokomichi... again. Except he did not really sing and let the crowed do all the singing.




Overall the show greatly exceeded my expectation. But best of all! The day before the show we received our Tokyo tickets (We balloted many times for the concert and luckily hit twice). The Tokyo venue only sits 5000 people so there are no bad seats but since it is a theater and not an arena, there will be only one main stage. Well, anyway, we received our tickets and we will be sitting FIRST ROW!!!!!! On the far left.  This is truly amazing!!!

One of many messages left by fan at Billiken in Osaka.

The long way to Osaka!

Here I am, unpacked in beautiful sunny Osaka. But the road to get here was long rainy and windy! Lets go back 4 days in time. Last Wednesday morning my alarm clock did not ring so I ended up waking up 5 minutes before mom was picking me up for the airport. After a mad dash I did it and manage to take a shower, finish packing and say my farewells...

I was flying aircanada on a direct flight. I have to say the direct flight made such a big difference. It was worth spending the extra 113$. It took less than 2 minutes to go through custom and the plane itself was very comfortable. The only down fall was the food that truly sucked!! But I was ready and had packed a lunch of myself.

The flight went well and took just under 13 hours. The landing turned out to be the event as we tried landing in heavy wind. It was scary. Very scary.

When I got to the custom, I ended up waiting more than 1 hour 40 minutes. It was total chaos!!! Hard to believe I was in Japan!!! I finally made it and jumped on the cheap train. Got to Tokyo, Shinjuku. Found my sister no problem and we headed out for dinner. I had Hayashi rice!! I had never had hayashi rice in Japan. I make my own at home in Canada so I was excited to find out if the taste was the same. Well turns out that my hayashi rice taste NOTHING like it should! I will have to find a new recipe.

After dinner, I met up with Lindsay and had a well deserve rest! The next day, we had about 15 hours to kill before the night bus to Osaka. Marie and I went and bought glasses at Coolense *Tokyu Hands, Ikebukuro*. I got a pair of prescription sunglasses for 18 dollars.

On that day we had plan to to go Harajuku and Shibuya but since it was pouring rain we decided to stay in Ikebukuro sunshine city. We played arcade games, did a few Purikura and went to watch a Japanese movie. Liar Game the final stage. You can check out my movie review in a separate post.

For dinner, Marie and I went to the famous ramen street in Shinjuku and had a delicious soup. You can check out my Tokyo Food Guide post about this restaurant.  Before taking of on the night bus, we met with Chingy, Ani and Lindsay for some drinks.

At 11h50 we hopped on the night bus with Chingy and off we left for Osaka. Yesterday morning we finally hit FTO *Funky Town Osaka* and found our way to Banana Guest House where we will be staying. Look for a separate review post about this guest house.

We then made our way to Osaka Jo Hall to buy the concert goods for the show we will be watching today. The place was ridiculously packed with Fans and also Hanami goers. After buying our talking bank and T-shirts, we walked around Dotonbori and ate a delicious Okonomiyaki. Check for a post about this restaurant in my Osaka Food Guide.

EITO RANGER: Concert report

Hard to describe the concert this year! I guess the word would be EPIC!! 

First off, we got to the venue early and try to exchange our extra pair of tickets for another performance. We failed so we just decided to sell them. We sold the tickets to an american girl for face value. She was so happy. When it was finally time to go in, we got really excited to find out how amazing our seats were!!! The show opened with Ohkura and Yokoyama standing right in front of us for Musekinin Hero.

The set list was not as great as last year, but the overall performance was much better. Unlike last year, Subaru was amazing, I had never heard such great vocal from him. Yokoyama still on his high from Quiz Show was also amazing. 

Unlike last year, there weren’t many band song. The show was a lot more mixed up in style. Within 3 hours, they went from pop-ish boys band, to hard core rock, to 50s style and broadway. But the best was without any doubt the EITO Rangers’ skit!! Last year was such a disapointment for us. For the first time they had not done an eito ranger skit. But it was worth the wait!!! This was by far the best skit they’ve ever done. I almost died laughing when they performed the dance from the West Side story famous fight-scene. Or when they did a mock up of a japanese commercial I really like.

If the show and the skit were Epic, the MC was as well. I had never seen Ohkura and Subaru talk this much in an MC. It started with Hina saying that he was as talented as any other Johnny’s and that he could take on Arashi anytime. To prove his point, he sang One Love Acapella. Then him and Yokoyama had that never ending fight as to who is the best singer between the two of them (the joke being they both suck) That’s when they all cornered Yokoyama and forced him to also sing Acapella. It was so funny to finally see all the guys get back at Yoko. Usually he’s the one abusing them during the MC!!

Last little note: Towards the end of the show, the rolling cart went between the rows so we had Nishikido right by us. We waved our canadian flag and when he saw us, he said thank you and bowed down!!!

Oigami in, Tatebayashi out! Nagano no show!!

Oigami IN

Yesterday Ani and I went to Oigami. Oigami is pretty much in the middle of no where after a 45 minutes bus ride from Numata. The landscape was amazing and the cool mountain air felt great. Our day started at 6:30 am. We arrived in Oigami (after taking the wrong bus) at around 11 am. As soon as we got there, we knew this would be a great day!!

We started off by going to the the Fukiware Falls. It was absolutly stunning. Not the biggest falls I’ve seen, but very unsual. It was a great walk in the mountain and definitively worth the trip! I recommand this place if you ever travel in Japan!! 

Along the way, there were a few local cuisine restaurant. We stopped for lunch and I had some white fish. Oishikatta desu!!!!

We then made our way to the onsen. Oigami is known for it’s onsen. I have to admit, I was a bit disappointed by the one we went to. Nowhere near as good as the one I went to in Saitama. If I go back, I will check some of the other Ryokan. Gorokaku was not worth it. Anyhow, bathing in the outdoor was still very pleasant. We stayed a few hours and then had to catch back the bus to Numata. 

We got home and watched some funny videos. After going through my budget, I decided not to go to Nagano the fallowing day. I rather keep my money for my excursion to Kansai!

Yesterday was also the day, Marie’s Japanese failed us… Turns out, weeks ago we DID win tickets through the ballot process for Kanazawa. They are getting mailed out to us as we speak… So now we have two pairs of tickets for the same show. We will keep the best seats and we will try reselling them at the venue or exchanging them for one of the other 3 concerts that weekend.

Tatebayashi OUT!

Today, we all got up at 6:30. The girls were going to Nagano and I was going to Tatebayashi. I recounted my money quickly just to see… no way I could afford going to Nagano. I went to Tatebayashi (the greenest city is Japan). Well, true it is green… and very unexciting. Tatebayashi must beautiful for the Hanami but in summer time, it just isn’t that impressive. I walk all the way to Tsutsugaokakoen to see the Lotus flowers. They were hard to find. Even thought the ones I saw were beautiful, there really wasn’t much of them. At this time of the year they should be in full bloom, but they weren’t. I took a few pictures and headed back home.

I stopped by a take out sashimi place and took a whole platter of Maguro sashimi. I took it home and had the pleasure of having lunch with Marie’s TV. Or I should say, me and VSArashi had lunch together.

It is now 2 pm. I just got a mailed from Marie. They finally got tickets from the scalper after 3 hours of hard bargaining and they are now enjoying the concert in Nagano. As for me, I will do my laundry and start planning my day tomorrow. I might go to Nikko tomorrow and Karuizawa on Monday. I am not sure. I will see depending on the weather. Then on Tuesday starts the Journey… to be followed.

Little up-date as I do my laundry...

Well, TV and I had a great afternoon... Now I am doing my laundry. I didn't bring much clothing since I had no place in my suitcase. I will hit Uniqlo when I get to Tokyo this week. I can't wait!

So while I do my laundry I got these pictures from my sister:

Ohhhh. Such great seats. She said she had to sell her soul to the scalper thought. lol. I can't wait for next weekend.

Good News from Japan in Manila!

I got home today around 10 pm. We spent the day outside the city. The air felt so good. We went to visit a marble quarry (it belongs to by BF's god father) it was sooooo cool and interesting, I also saw rice fields, a water buffalo and avocado trees.

It was the first really good day I had here in Manila. My stress level went down a bit and I got to spend time outside the four walls and the mall. I am still covered in rashes (eczema attack) but it seems to be getting better.

In the evening we went to the grocery and we bought junk food (my bf and I were going to watch HYD1) and eat donuts... so we got home and settled down for it... untill I saw the comment on my last post.


I got Kanjani8 tickets for their first show in Tokyo. I am so excited about it!!! there's no way I will get any sleep tonight!!!  The funny thing is that my BF seemed disappointed that he doesn't get to go!! I was a bit surprised by that!!! lol. He might look for tickets on yahoo auction for the same show we are going.

So anyway,after getting teh news I tried reaching my sister all the way back in Canada. I didn't know if she had seen the comment. I left messages everywhere. I finally got a hold of her on MSN and I thought she already knew. So I was telling her how excited I was and blah blah blah.. after a while she stopped me and asked... Ok but what are you excited about??? Then I realized she DIDN'T know yet!!!! 

Ohhhhhhh. Ok I really have to get some sleep. Tomorrow we are going out of town to another city. I forgot the name. anyway.

Good Night!!!