Ofuro

In Japan you take a hot bath in the evening. Period. Gandma "Baba" makes sure no-one misses out. And when it is winter time and freezing cold everywhere it is actually not bad at all.

Before you get into the hot tub, you have to scrub yourself carefully, as everyone will share the same water (normally, one at the time though). And it actually does remain clean. As long as you are clean before you jump in. The high-tech ofuro then, will make sure the water remains the same very hot 42 degrees - or whatever number you peg in, will even talk to you in case of any changes. We are definitely going to put one of these in our future house!

Tokyo

We also spent three days in Tokyo, hanging out with Keisuke's many friends, checking out the latest of the cool in Harajuku, strolling along Omotesando, watching people crossing the streets in Shibuya and much more. Atsuko and Damon hosted us at their lovely little house, and there was even time for a reunion party.

Going for a walk with Atsuko - who since we left already gave birth to a beautiful little boy! We just missed him...

Nonsense English

Especially on kids clothes, the Japanese love to print nonsense English statements. And, of course, in advertisements. I never know if they make them this way on purpose, or if it just doesn't matter.

Sometimes, things are really simple, sort of the way I would think of Japan: Tatami mats and futons you have to fold away during the day, ikebana flower arrangements, a beautifull ceramic bowl of rice on the wooden table, fung shui and stuff. But most of the time it is just hysterical. A tremendous information overflow, preferably with noice and blinking lights, and everything so very close. The homes are small, there are many people. After a couple of weeks in Japan, Hanoi feels spacious!

It is clean, though, and often outside feels like inside.

Takayama and Shirakawa-go

As our kids have never seen snow, we decided to go find some. We went all the way up to Takayama, where we even went skiing for a day, and to Shirakawa-go, where it was snowing so heavily we got our quota filled for several years. The next morning we could hardly get out the door in the small, traditional house where we actually spent Christmas eve.

Kai just loved it, while Hana mostly thought it was cold and preferred to stay inside, like in the warm cafe.

the Cousins

For Kai and Hana, spending a lot of time with their five Japanese cousins was probably one of the very best part of the trip. Luckily three of them live just next door to grannies house in Kobe, where we stayed. The others are an hour away in Osaka but we spent New Years together and our final night in Japan at their place.

Harouka, Kazune, Hana.

Shinjiro joining the session.

The whole team: Shinjiro, Setaro, Harouka, Kazune, Aoi, Kai, Hana and even uncle Keisuke.

On our way to the Shrine, which is the Japanese Shinto religion temple, to ask for a Happy and Prosperous 2011.

Japan Rail Pass

In the middle of our Japan winter break tour, we spent a week traveling around with Japan Rail Pass, which is about the same as the old European Interrail. We took the super-fast Shinkansen, that takes you anywhere in a couple of hundred of kilometers per hour, and slower local trains, we went to Takayama, to see some real snow! and to Tokyo to see friends. Traveling by train is just so much better than flying, in several ways.

A nice view of Mount Fuji, swishing by on our way to Tokyo. With its 3776 m. Fuji-san is Japan's highest mountain.

Winter break in Japan

After almost three weeks traveling around Japan, up into the mountains - we saw real snow! - and into Tokyo, visiting friends and family, we are back home in Hanoi again, with loads of great memories, stuff we bought - and photos. As soon as I get a little organized some will for sure appear here.

I've got friends, too!

For some reason, this blog is packed with photos of my kids, and my kids, and my kids and even... my kids' friends. But actually, I've got friends, too! Yesterday it was time for our yearly Christmas get-together, at fancy Don's restaurant around the corner. We started with drinks on the roof top terrace.

Cristina, Pernille, Petja, me, Michelle, Soma, Jenny, Marta, Lieve.

Today's quiz

How many plates can you fit on a table?

And - who ordered that second round of food...?!?

More flying around

This week I went far down south to the Mekong River Delta provinces of Can Tho and An Giang, to enjoy some nice southern food and tropical climate. And to do some work as well.

Early morning in Long Xuyen City.

Village road along the canals.

Coffee break.

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And no way I am going to calculate my 2010 CO2 footprint. Even though I insist on not using plastic bags and always carry my fancy foldable nylon bag along can it far from compensate all this flying around...

December fun

Another busy month in Hanoi is coming to its end. On Sunday we are all flying off to Japan for winter break, Christmas holidays, New Years celebration or whatever you call it.

Chiharu, Yuuki, Hana and Kai - camping in the garden.

Making ginger cookies at Elvin's place.

Robbie, Hana and Ayla. International day in school.

Papi the photographer, taking photo course and all.

And I, I got myself an early christmas present. A new sofa!

On the Red river banks

This weekend we crossed the dyke road that separates our neighborhood from the countryside and the Red river and drove down for a stroll along its banks after the Saturday morning soccer session. It is not the cleanest beach on earth and a swim is definitely out of the question, but there is always something interesting to explore.

"Look, its the boat from where the wild things are"!

And of course in Hanoi no public space is complete without a white wedding photo session.

Hung Yen province

Bordering Hanoi to the southeast is Hung Yen province, one of Vietnam's smaller, but also one of the most heavily populated, by people and animal. I just spent two days there for work and as it is fairly close Keisuke asked me if the place was maybe worth a weekend trip. The answer was actually, no.

Chicken, anyone?

Or maybe better bananas...

Cheap animal drugs are popular among the farmers. Loads of antibiotics keep sickness away and the animals "healthy".

Anpanman

Anpanman is a Japanese super hero, with loads of special powers and as famous in Japan as Bamse and Pippi and Emil and all of those together, or as Mickey Mouse or whoever. I would say that absolutely every Japanese kid, without exception, know who Anpanman and his friends Shokupanman, Melonpandachan, Vaikinman, Dokinchan and the rest are. We have plenty of books and films here, of course.

Anpanman by Kai.

The original.

Getting busy again

Apparently, I am getting busy again, with one consultancy after the other coming up. Which is good. Of course. I think. But apparently I spend less time taking pictures, hanging out in town or with the kids, and more with the computer, although not with my blog.

Here, just a few pictures from life in Tay Ho during this month.

Doll house play. Sometimes it is not that bad to have a big brother. Or little sister.

Hanging out with NZ/Thai friend Amy.

Keisuke the coach is busy, too.

Fika time at favourite cafe down the street.

Ordinary soccer argument with Australian friend Jordan.

Then, next week I am off travelling again, this time to neighbouring and maybe not so exciting Hung Yen province. The week after that, far down south to the Mekong river delta Cambodia bordering An Giang province. After that - winter break. Puh.