Visiting the Alaskan Glaciers

Glacier: noun <gley-sher>

- an extended mass of ice formed from snow falling and accumulating over the years and moving very slowly, either descending from high mountains, as in valley glaciers, or moving outward from centers of accumulation, as in continental glaciers.

Note: A glacier is not an ice burg!

I was desperate for an outdoor tour. I wanted to see Alaska up-close, I wanted water, I wanted mountains, I wanted animals, but it was mid-September and most tours were closed for the year.

I was in the Alaska visitor center in downtown Anchorage, flipping through pamphlets when the lady who worked there remembered one tour that was possibly still operating. After a phone call to confirm, she gave me an offer, a four-hour glacier adventure. Glacier adventure I considered, envisioning icebergs and the crystal ocean, polar bears and the experience of a lifetime. I was sold. No questions were asked. Two tickets were purchased. The tour operator would be at my hotel lobby at noon.

 

"We're going to see icebergs! The man will be here to pick us up in an hour."

I delivered this news with enthusiasm as I charged my SONY. I couldn't wait to take pictures.

"Wow, we're going to see icebergs?"

Mark began to glow with enthusiasm as well. After all we'd never seen icebergs, we live in Brooklyn.

In the lobby of the hotel, we were approached by a man.

"Are you the Williams'?"

"Yes."

"I'm Sheldon, your guide."

Mark and I exchanged grins. It was go time.

Sheldon led us to a minivan parked outside of the hotel. Like a kid being lured with a lollypop, I hopped right in, buckled my seat belt, and situated my camera on my lap.

Mark, a Brooklyn native, looked nervous and after questioning Sheldon in hushed tones,  joined me in the van.

"I can't believe you just got into this guy's van. We don't know him. I don't see a company logo. He has no id. You're as bad as a kid. He could drive us out in the middle of the wilderness, rob us and leave us. I don't trust this."

Before I could respond Sheldon took his place behind the steering wheel and off we went. All was well, Sheldon was a professional certified independent tour guide. My paranoid New Yorker husband began to relax. We were off, we were heading to the icebergs and we were going to have a wonderful time.

We wound through mountain chains and down narrow slippery roads until without warning Sheldon pulled over.

"Okay, here is our first stop."

Mark and I exchanged worried glances. Perhaps my jaded New Yorker husband was on to something. Perhaps we were going to be robbed and left on the side of the road right here in the middle of nowhere.

"But we're on the side of the road."

My voice was shaky.

"Yep, and that over there is your first glacier."

Sheldon pointed in the distance to an icy mountain.

"That's our glacier?"

My eyes strained in an effort to understand what I was looking at.

"Yep, that's it."

"Where is this glacier?" Mark asked suspiciously

"Right there. Can't you see it." Sheldon pointed. "It's right on the side of the mountain."

"Wait. What is a glacier?"

"A glacier is a solid mas of ice."

My heart sank.

"Oh. So what is an iceberg?"

"An iceberg starts off as a glacier but then it detaches and floats on the water."

"Oh. Are we going to see icebergs?"

"Nope."

"Can we see icebergs?"

"Oh, no miss, this is a glacier tour."

"I see."

And I could also see my husband narrowing his eyes at me.

"We paid this man two hundred dollars to show us ice sliding down mountains?" he whispered incredulously once Sheldon's back was turned.

And so it was.

Once we got over the initial disappointment we had a great time. The glaciers were beautiful. The mountains were majestic.

 

 

Salmon swimming upstream.

And most importantly I learned something, a glacier is not an iceberg!

Visit Anchorage Alaska

   

        This was the extent of my moose spotting!

 

      My first taste of a reindeer hotdog. Sooooo incredibly delicious.

        Reindeer is both sweet and savory.

    Bears both stuffed and statues were ubiquitous sightings around Anchorage.

The Anchorage trolley is wonderful because for $15 dollars, it will take visitors to points of interest around the city. It will also transport visitors to the Native Heritage Center outside of town.

Everywhere, there were reminders of Alaskan native people. Unfortunately, the Native Heritage Center was not open.

Poor Ohm, already subjected to his mommy's love for corny photo ops. He was less than impressed- as usual.

Ohm took his first independent walk here in Anchorage. He had his first sidewalk spill here as well.

There were many overcast days :(

The Alaska visitor center is a great resource

The streets of Anchorage were kind of eerily deserted. It wasn't that cold out?!?

 

“Alaska, The Last Frontier”

 

The air is thin and weighted by the heavy aroma of spruce sap. Golden are the mountains, the horizon, and the sharp leaves of the sycamore maple. The chill though not overpowering, is immediate, punctuated by the coastal wind.

 

Alaska is an exotic northern wonder. Clean, crisp, rugged, and hearty, it’s the kind of place that welcomes you warmly with open arms and leaves it’s mark.

 

Anchorage is a charming small “big city.” Quaint and spread out, Anchorage is tourist friendly, family friendly, foodie friendly, beer connoisseur friendly, eco-friendly and an all around great place to launch your exploration of Alaska.

 

Anchorage has no shortage of good food. There a dozens of locally owned restaurants to choose from. When dining out, you must sample the fresh salmon, you’ve got to try reindeer, and you should sample the local favorite- sourdough flapjacks. If you’re a beer drinker, you’ll be at home in Anchorage. It seemed every restaurant boasted a home brew. The taps were literally overflowing.

 

Anchorage is full of nature trails. You can walk or rent a bike and venture out for the day. Now the locals will tell you that you can spot a moose or a bear on any given day, but don’t get your hopes up too high. I didn’t have one single sighting and I tried, I tried so badly. I was there for ten days and nothing. Apparently the spring brings the most sightings.

 

Speaking of seasons, you need to plan your trip to Alaska based upon the season. Here’s a tip, and it’s a big tip, the best time to visit Anchorage (depending on what you want) is between late spring and late summer if you would like to see the cultural sites and go on tours. Many of the tours and sites close for the winter due to the drop in tourism and let’s be real, the frigid temperatures. Winter, is the time to visit if you’d like to experience the northern light show – (aurora borealis) however.  I visited in mid-September and most of the tours had just finished for the year. I really wanted to visit the Native Heritage Center, which was closed and I was a week late to take advantage of the free downtown trolley tours.  There was also a really cool looking haunted ghost tour that I wanted to take but I was a week late for that as well. September was too early in the year to see the aurora borealis but it was the perfect time to see one of the most beautiful autumn leave displays I’ve ever seen. I can’t complain, I simply have to return.

 

 

 

 

Discovering Anchorage Alaska; Tony Knowles Coastal Trail

Your boots squeak as you walk atop the soggy trail. The road looks like a festive mocha cake, with vibrant autumn leave sprinkles. You have more energy than you know what to do with. It must be the air you think. The crisp coolness, the light clean wisps propel you forward.

 

You try to quiet your feet. You move slowly attempting to blend into the scenery. You hope for a wildlife spotting. Nothing too feral, no bears, but a moose will do.

 

You feel like the only human in the world. The sky has never been so clear, so blue. The water, almost black, does not move.  The wind rustles the golden leaves, the remaining ones, the fighters who cling defiantly to skinny slate branches.

 

Delicately you continue onward, rambling, following the trail as it winds around neighborhoods, past parks. You are stunned by the occasional shocks of red- berries, clustered against an otherwise grey backdrop.

 

A bald eagle perches on a tree to your left. You stop to stare. The bird is larger than you would have imagined. You’re grateful for the fact that it seems preoccupied by it’s prey, something in the marsh, you can’t see. You are so close you can look into its beady eyes. You hold your breath. Waiting for the swoop. Instead it returns to the sky. The moment has passed.

 

You continue onward. Approaching a clearing you find yourself gazing across the opal water at a massive chain of mountains. The more you blink, the clearer the chain becomes. It appears to reach the sky.

 

A beaver breaks through the surface of the water startling you. Your exhale, sharp and sudden releases a smoky trail reminding you how cold it is. The beaver dives beneath the water and appears once again. He, or possibly she, carries twigs in her mouth and piles them at the corner of the embankment.

 

Your ears perk up. You are suddenly aware of the fact that you’re not alone. Something rustles in the bushes behind you. Your heart races, you prepare your camera. You just know you are about to be face to face with a large majestic moose. You prepare your lens for the zoom.

 

It grows quiet. You wait patiently for your prize. Suddenly, in a flash of excited sandy energy, your moose bursts forth. Only your moose isn’t a moose, it’s a golden retriever followed by its two jogging owners who greet you with cheer and vigor.

 

You’ve been walking for an hour, lost in thought. Slowly your fingers have grown numb, your nose is running. It is time to head back.

 

It has been a fine morning, a calm cool, stimulating morning, remarkable in all the right small ways. You didn’t spot your moose, but the trail shared her many other gifts. You are not disappointed.

Destination South Street Seaport

I've always been a huge fan of New York's South Street Seaport. Away from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, the seaport is breezy, nautical, and reminiscent of a 20th century port.

 

When I first moved to New York, I would often take the train from Harlem and set up camp on the pier with a novel or my writing journal. The seaport offered beautiful scenery, free outdoor events, and a wonderful break from the chaos of many New York neighborhoods.

 

Definitely worth a visit, there is no shortage of things to do at the seaport. Prepare to spend hours here.

The cobblestone streets are lined with shops, the pier is dotted with restaurants offering menus ranging from the fresh catch of the day to authentic-ish Mexican.

 

There is a scenic walkway and park right on the water with excellent views of the Brooklyn bridge. In the summer you can enjoy outdoor concerts. If you are in the mood for a quick tour of New York's waterways, several tours leave from the Seaport, including the popular Water Taxi. There is a Seaport Museum as well as a museum hosting the world-famous Bodies exhibit.

For those holiday enthusiasts, the seaport turns into a picturesque Christmas village in the winter.

Whenever you choose to come,  wonderful moments await you at the South Street Seaport.

Head  on down here!

Stone Street, Manhattan

In the center of old New York you’ll find a narrow cobblestone street that is the very embodiment of old-fashioned charm and quirk.

Introducing - Stone street, a hip pedestrian-only strip oozing 19th century charm, modern elegance and a carefree vitality not commonly associated with New York’s Wall Street neighborhood.

First established by the Dutch in the 16oo's, Stone street has been transformed into an easygoing alleyway, boasting bars, restaurants and fabulous shops.

In the summer, spring, and fall, you can enjoy alfresco dining and abundant people watching.

No visit to Stone Street is complete without a trip to Financier. If you like French pastries, in particular macarons, then this is the place for you.

 

 

The Fight Against Jet Lag!

Ohm and Mommy, walking the streets of Tokyo at 3:30 am.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s early. My eyes, despite the weary signals from my brain refuse to close. A dull ache wraps itself around my head- “gotcha!” it hisses, spreading out around my temples. I move to sit up and the room begins to spin. Easing my way back down to my elbows, I am overcome with confusion.

 

There’s a sudden weight on my head. I turn to the right and spot the silhouette of my one year old, sitting bolt straight on the pillow and on my ponytail. He’s tugging at my hair and giggling maniacally. “Go to sleep,” I croak, reaching towards him. He dodges my grip.

 

The glowing red digits of the bedside clock reveal that it’s three-thirty. It’s three thirty am in Tokyo, but in New York, my home, it was two thirty in the afternoon.

 

My little one and I had just ploughed through a sixteen-hour journey, West to East. My mommy badge of courage was shiny and on full display as I had survived flying solo with a one year old. I had endured a sixteen-hour journey without a single nap while catering to my son’s every need to ensure peace for those around me during the flight. He was an angel (of course) and I still had my sanity, but now we were stuck, the ruthless bully known as jet lag was giving us a beat down.

 

As a result I found myself that first night, baby on hip, strolling the streets of Tokyo at three thirty in the morning, feeling and looking like a zombie. We strolled for two hours. We watched the sun come up. By noon, we had passed out in a heap. This was not the start I had envisioned for my trip.

 

I promised myself that this would be the last time I would be caught off-guard by jet lag. I was going to educate myself and I was going to fight back!

 

Jet lag refers to the discrepancy between your internal clock and the external time zone. The bully jet lag manifests itself both physically and mentally.

 

Some Common Jet Lag Symptoms:

Nausea

Fatigue

Weakness

Poor Concentration

Constipation

Frequent Urination

Dizziness

Swelling

 

Simply put, jet lag sucks! It can take a solid three to four days to recover. The worst jolts occurring when you travel West to East, as it is typically easier to stay up later than it is to go to sleep earlier.

 

But there is good news on the horizon. There are simple things that everyone can do to combat jet lag. You can shorten the duration and severity of jet lag or even in some cases wipe it out all together and you don’t need to use drugs.

 

Five Ways to Fight Jet Lag:

1)    Hydrate! Drink plenty of water before, during and after your flight. A good rule of thumb is two 8 oz. glasses before your flight and a liter of water for every hour you spend in the air. Avoid consuming alcohol and caffeine, as they tend to dehydrate. This will help combat the dizziness and nausea and for the sake of vanity, the dry skin, lips and hair you can sometimes experience in flight.

2)    Consume light meals before and during your trip. Try to avoid heavy food that settles in the stomach. You aren’t as active when you are in flight and your body has to work twice as hard to digest your meals, which can leave you feeling sluggish and lethargic.

3)    When you arrive at your destination, take a quick hot shower, followed by a quick cold rinse. This will stimulate your circulation and get your blood flowing. You’ll feel awake and invigorated.

4)    Take a quick 30-minute to 1-hour nap to re-set and then get up and get out there. If you sleep for more than an hour, you run the risk of disturbing your night’s sleep.

5)    Be as active as possible before the flight. Move your body, stretch, take a yoga class. When you’re on the flight, get up and walk the aisles, stretch your legs and take standing breaks. Do your best to go through as many motions as possible. Pack a toothbrush and brush your teeth before you attempt to sleep, wash your face, comb your hair, fight for normalcy even though there is nothing normal about soaring above the clouds in an airtight vessel for ten, fifteen, twenty or more hours. When you move about the cabin, try to be cognizant of the time zone of your destination and schedule your activities (naps, tooth brushing, snacks) to fit into your new time zone.

 

 

 

With so much to do and see when you travel, it’s no fun to be debilitated by jet lag.

 

Before leaving Japan for New York, I did my research and was ready. I drank water, I walked the airport before my flight, and I spent more time walking my little one up and down the aisles of the plane. I channeled my inner ballerina and did a series of plies to keep my limbs lively. When I got home, I hopped in the shower, took a one hour nap and what do you know… I was groggy, I had a bit of a headache, but I fell back in step much easier. There were no three am strolls up and down the streets of Brooklyn. I had made peace with the enemy, a looming 13-hour time-gap, and am ready to plan my next trip.

 

 

How do you fight jet lag?

 

 

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Riding Japan's Bullet Train

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The Bullet Train is a great way to see Japan (on a clear day).

Like a futuristic spaceship, the bullet train glides silently and smoothly at speeds of over 177 mph. On a clear day, you can see Mt. Fuji heading to Osaka from Tokyo. Unfortunately, today was not a clear day.

 

There's plenty of room to spread out and relax.

 

And be tickled!

 

 

At times the world buzzes by really quickly. At other times, it seems to move slowly.

 

VIDEO

[youtube]http://youtu.be/rGnD_a8cZ_8[/youtube]

 

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Touring Osaka? Visit the Museum of Housing and Living

One of the coolest museums I’ve ever been to is the Osaka Museum of Housing and  Living. When it comes to interactive historical and cultural fun, this is one museum that does not disappoint.

 

It’s like stepping through time! I always loved the life-sized dioramas of native people at natural history museums when I was a child. At the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, they take it one step further. The glass is removed and you are allowed to become part of the exhibit as you learn about the history of Japan from the ancient Edo period to the more contemporary Showa period.

 

There are no “Don’t Touch” signs, you get to touch and interact and experience Japanese culture first hand. You even get to play dress-up! It was kind of like playing in a life-sized doll house set in ancient Japan. It really was the coolest experience.

Even Mr. Cool Austere Jazz musician can't help but smile.

No kimono for Ohm. He was too little. They do carry toddler and children's sizes though.

If you find yourself in Osaka, you've got to visit this museum!

Address:

6-4-20 Tenjinbashi Kita-ku

Price:

admission ¥600

Hours:

10am-5pm Wed-Mon

GO, GO, GO!

 

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The Hep Five Ferris Wheel of Osaka Japan

Who doesn’t love a giant bright red ferris wheel in the center of a busy shopping center? Instant fun. Instant serenity. An instant glimpse of a magnificent city from a vantage point usually reserved for the birds. The Hep Five Ferris Wheel was one mighty red machine.

 

Ohm decided that he'd rather take a nap than join in on the fun.

Osaka was very hazy that day.

But you get the main idea.

The view on the Hep Five Ferris Wheel was pretty amazing.

Still sleeping

You could even see the mountains far in the distance.

Awake to enjoy the last five minutes!

*Note: There is a Bose i-phone dock attached to the window, so you can spend your twenty minutes in air being serenaded by your music of choice. The Japanese, truly think of everything when it comes to comfort.

The Hep Fiver Ferris Wheel is a wonderful way to see Osaka!

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Visiting Osaka, Japan

After being in Tokyo for three weeks, I must admit, Osaka was a breath of fresh air. Osaka just seemed to fit. The city felt down to earth, it was tangible, it possessed the refreshing quality of feeling, for lack of a better word- real. People moved slower, the large neon chain stores of Tokyo made way for smaller, more traditional quaint ones, the prices were much more reasonable, the food options vast and delicious, and for the first time, in a long time, I saw children and babies and couples; balance it seemed, had been restored.

  Ohm was charmed by all of the bright colors.

I thought this was so beautiful. It's a menu. There were so many signs and posts written on wood in black ink. Some had illustrations, others were plain. Simply lovely.

Lanterns lit the night. Okay, lanterns and street lamps and signs. But the lanterns are a wonderful touch.

                                                  Saki barrels

                   Ohm, all dressed up and ready for the Imperial court

                                My kimono looks lovely- no?

                          And yes, poor Mark was coerced into participating in this lovely family photo shoot. Say SAKI!

                         This restaurant building made me smile.

Octopus balls, also known as Takoyaki  - the delicacy of Osaka

                                  Learning to walk in the park

           This was a large indoor marketplace. It had so many twists and turns.

                                 The HEP Five Ferris Wheel!

 

                                Osaka was very rainy.

                I spent a lot of time seeking shelter under bridges and overpasses.

                   Mark and Ohm meandering in the rain.

         A traditional food stall, where a group of elderly locals sat eating food and playing games.

So many restaurants to choose from. This restaurant was tasty, but the menu was not in English. We sat, pointed and hoped for the best. It was a win!

*Side note: Osaka has AMAZING street food! Point and chew. Get on in there!

 

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Magical Kyoto and the Rokun-ji Temple

SONY DSC There is a place set deep in the mountains, where temples are illuminated by the low golden glow of the descending sun. A place where locust songs mark the opening and closing of each day. Here bicycles glide over quiet narrow streets. Machiya homes line long snakelike streets; polished and proud, they seem to whisper "we were here first, remember."

This is Kyoto:

breezy

traditional

beautiful

spiritual

 

Kyoto, Japan is home to over 100 temples and shrines. Around every corner, a temple or shrine seems to quietly appear.

The most resplendent of them all, in my opinion, is the Rokun-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Temple.

 

 

Originally built  as a villa by a wealthy statesman , the property was later converted into a temple and built up to represent the "Pure Land of Buddha in this world."

Wrapped in gold foil, the temple incorporates the styles of 11th-century imperial aristocracy, the buke style of warrior aristocracy and the Chinese zenshu-butsuden architectural style. It's truly a  magnificent sight to behold first hand.

 

In 1994, the sprawling Rokun-ji Temple complex which contains the Golden Pavilion, the Sekka-tei Tea House, the Fudo-do statue, footpaths, a pond and gardens was named a World Cultural Heritage Sight.

If you find yourself in Kyoto, visiting Rokun-ji is well worth the trek.

 

 

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Sojourner's Sojourns is a FINALIST to receive a Black Weblog Award! - Please vote for me in this final round!

Dear Readers, Thanks so much for your support. After I was nominated as a semi-finalist for the Black Weblog Awards best Travel Blog, you guys rallied behind me and voted me all the way to the finals. I am so appreciative and excited.

It's down to five blogs and I'm asking for you to show your support for Sojourner's Sojourns once more.

The finalist ballot will be open until October 23rd. Please take a moment to vote :)

How do I vote?

It's easy, just follow these steps:

1) Visit www.blackweblogawards.com (or you can scroll down and click the blue button in the second column of this blog)

2) Click the red Vote Now sign

3) Scroll down to the Travel Blog section and nominate Sojourner's Sojourns

4) Press Send and voila. You have my sincerest thanks :)

Have a great week and keep your eyes out for my next giveaway (some goodies from Alaska)!

Happy Travels,

Sojourner

Tokyo, Japan: Photo Essay

Tokyo has such a distinct and multi-layered personality. From the hustle and bustle of Shibuya , to the wacky off-beat Harajuku girls, to the seedy strip clubs and escort services in Roppongi, to the quite dignified air of the Imperial Palace, and the electric lights and gadgets in Akihabara, Tokyo is a city like no other. It is a city where:

- subways sing

-people worship in beautiful temples and shrines

-tradition is time-honored

-civility and a stiff upper lip are a must

-toilets have bidets, seat warmers and sound settings (babbling brook or Chopin?)

-service is impeccable even though you're not expected to tip

-elderly people walk the streets with the agility of forty-year olds

-gangs and organized crime are quite prominent (though you'd probably never notice it)

-order is observed impeccably

-almost everyone smokes everywhere

-office workers dress in color code according to rank and position

-in terms of fashion, anything goes

-men take pleasure in accessorizing and aren't afraid to carry a murse or two

-women are fond of wearing socks with their high heals

-homeless people sleep in elaborate cardboard box tunnels beneath bridges

-it's easier to find a box of depends than a bag of diapers

-you'll find an amazing selection of food

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for a great time Tokyo! I leave a few pounds heavier and several yen poorer :)

 

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The Tokyo Zoo at Ueno

It was a beautiful afternoon. We were nearing the end of our stay in Tokyo, and wanted to go somewhere different, someplace that would engage (hopefully) our little Ohm.

We'd gone shopping, we'd visited temples and shrines, we'd climbed the tower of Tokyo, we'd visited museums, we'd sampled all sorts of foods and found ourselves in a variety of situations, but we hadn't really done anything kid friendly.

Where did the parents, of the few kids who lived in Tokyo take them on the weekends?

Why to the zoo. The Ueno Zoo.

 

Tokyo's Ueno Zoo is located inside Ueno Park. The Park reminded me of Central Park at Columbus Circle. There were street vendors, performers and people enjoying the afternoon.

                                                                    Here we had two men playing "Hey Jude" on wind pipes.

               These large magnificent crows were all over the park. They were loud and shook the branches of trees when they landed.

                                  Before you reach the entrance to the zoo, you'll find this carousel. Kid friendly Tokyo was emerging at last!

                                      The landscaped trees are so artful. Ueno Zoo is immaculate. It's modern, it's clean, it's edgy.

This bird looked like a mythical creature out of a Harry Potter movie. I had never seen one of these suckers before. They don't have these in the zoos in New York! I couldn't stop staring as it stalked back and forth bopping its head and snapping its beak.

 

                                                                                                     Hungry?

                                                                                                   Well he is!

                                                                         This little guy groomed his mamma to perfection.

                    And often a zoo is a depressing place. This owl was not enjoying his time behind bars. Who could blame him?

                  The giant panda display was a zoo feature. Unfortunately he looked mournful. The ethics surrounding zoos, very tricky.

                                                                                     Elephants are my favorite!

                                                                                     Ohm liked the polar bear.

More than the polar bear, he enjoyed his ice cream break. As with most zoos, there is a large food court area where you can purchase all sorts of treats and goodies.

The Ueno Zoo is a great day trip. It definitely presents a different side of Tokyo, a slower, more family friendly energy that you're hard pressed to find elsewhere.

Ueno holds an impressive variety of animals, some of which you're not likely to find in zoos in the U.S. lending to an exotic appeal.

If it is Spring or Summer, make sure to plan extra time to hang out in Ueno Park. For a full day trip to Ueno, it's good to note that the Tokyo Museum is across from the zoo.

So all in all, we were successful. Ohm was happy, he got to see some animals and we were happy to leave the hustle and bustle of central Tokyo, if only for a few hours.

 

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The Hunt for Diapers in Tokyo

It is a desperate feeling. You’re down to your final three diapers and despite your efforts; you can’t find a place to purchase another pack.

 

Tokyo isn’t a city that I would deem child friendly. Babies are not a common sight. People seem to have other priorities in Tokyo, where the mantra seems to be “work really hard play harder, repeat”.

 

When I packed for our month in Japan, there was no way I’d have enough room in my suitcase to pack enough diapers for the duration of the trip. In fact, I thought nothing of packing a weeks supply thinking, I’ll just pick up a pack when we run out - after all, you can find everything in Tokyo.

 

If only it were that simple. With three diapers left, I began my quest to buy a new. I started with grocery stores. They seemed a likely place to purchase pampers. After combing through aisles I was turned away from not one, not two, but four different grocery stores. “Where can I buy diapers?” I’d patiently implore cashier after cashier, pulling a diaper from my purse to ensure my question was understood. Worriedly, store clerks would look at the diapers, at each other, then at me. Some would simply shrug, other offered meek apologies. With two diapers left, I was getting desperate.

 

I took my search to 7-11s and other convenience stores, once again, seemingly likely targets- nope. No diapers and no leads as to where to purchase them.

 

At the hotel concierge desk, with one diaper to go, I asked the woman to please point me in the direction of diapers. And where did she advise that I go?- A local department store. Department store?!? That didn’t sound right, but I wasn’t in a position to argue. Off we went to the department store, where between the glassware section and the fine china section sat a small collection of baby clothes, supplies and three packs of diapers. Relief!

 

Not knowing Ohm’s weight in kilograms caused a bit of confusion, but after the assistance of some friendly clerks, we were able to narrow in on the right pack.

 

*Ironic Side Note: Tokyo may have a miniscule baby population, but its elderly population is thriving. We found shelves stocked high with Depends in the grocery stores as well as the convenience stores.

 

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Ohm's Debut at the Blue Note Tokyo

There are some who work their whole lives to grace prestigious stages like the Blue Note; and there are those, who need little more than a cute face, a bubbly personality, and charm. My little Ohm, falls under the latter category.

We came to the Blue Note to hear the Count Basie Orchestra. Mark's a part of the orchestra, but since he was working the "Come Fly Away" tour and had a sub, he was afforded the rare opportunity to be a Basie spectator.

"They sound good." He marveled as we sat on our stools, passing an active Ohm between us.

Ohm handled himself like a pro, for the first few songs, bopping and swaying to the beat, clapping on cue. He went downhill fast though, as things with one-year-olds go, forcing me to retreat to the green-room.

It was there, in the green room, where Ohm met Keiko Lee, the featured singer for that evening and one of Japan's most noted Jazz singers. What happened next, could only be described as love at first sight. Ohm and Keiko babbled, smiled, and cooed at each other.

After her first set, when she entered the green-room, Ohm stood up and applauded causing her to blush.

"May I take him on stage with me?" She asked before returning for her second set.

"Um...sure?!?" I sputtered, not certain what I was agreeing to.

Into Keiko's arms Ohm crawled, and onto the main stage they strolled. Ohm grinned at the audience, loving his new-found attention. The audience roared.

Keiko sang her songs with Ohm in her arms. He smiled and waved at the crowd. He didn't make a peep. When their set was over, Ohm received quite an ovation.

As the patrons of the Blue Note headed out, a long line formed in front of Ohm and I. Confused at first, I didn't get what was happening, people had lined up to see Ohm.

Ohm greeted his admirers with smiles and waves. He was a true professional. I'm almost certain that I have a little performer in the making on my hands.

 

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Sojourner's Sojourns Needs Your Vote!

Dear Readers, I've got exciting news. Sojourner's Sojourns was recently nominated "Best Travel Blog" in the Black Weblog Awards.

While the nomination makes me smile, winning will make me smile, dance, and sing.

Voting begins today and runs through October 1st.

Please take a moment, to vote for Sojourner's Sojourns. It's super easy. You can click on the Black Weblog Awards button on my page, or you can go to www.blackweblogawards.com. Click "vote here," scroll down to the Travel Blog category, and voila!

Thanks so much for reading, supporting, and voting!

Happy Travels,

Sojourner

Tokyo Food Show

I had found my zone. Before me lay rows of delectable glossy French pastries, fine teas, sushi, escargot, puddings, warm breads and savory cheeses. Welcome to the Tokyo Food Show, the sign read. My lips spread into a grin. I could feel my jeans getting tighter from mere suggestion.

 

Leaving Mark and Ohm behind in a cream puff scented trail of imaginary dust, I set off  in search of lunch- if you can call a tray of flaky warm pastries lunch (I personally have no qualms with this).

 

Located next to the Shibuya metro station in Mark City, the Tokyo Food Show is exactly what the name implies an elaborate show of the best of Tokyo’s food.

 

Dozens of vendors and fine confectioners line the showroom. Some of the best restaurants and hotels in Tokyo have stalls where you can sample their coveted culinary highlights.

 

I came for the baked goods. The Japanese have mastered the art of French baking. If you love macrons, éclairs, croissants, cream puffs, then you will not be disappointed.

 

Be warned, the food is quite pricy. The conversion rate from the dollar to the yen is not pretty. Luckily there are plenty of samples available to help you make the right choices.

In the end, I settled on this guy below.

It was as if he was speaking to me, "eat me Sojourner. Eat me in all of my rich butter cream, almond goodness..."

So I did, and it was so worth the tight jeans.