Home at last!

Sitting in the airport just before boarding, we all experienced another quake. Almost immediately, the TV monitor came up showing a Japan map, with 6.2 magnitude at the center, off the coast near Sendai. Also, they have a system which monitors how much it would be 'felt' in various places. 4's showed on the coast, 3's in Tokyo and at airport, and 2's farther away.

Not a big deal, as I had felt at least 5 other quakes of similar intensity during my month here, just a little unnerving. So, I was glad to get on the plane and fly away. Even though I will miss Japan, and the wonderful people I work with there, and even though it is still dry and dusty in Marfa, I am glad to be on Terra Firma!

These parrots - a sign from the subway system - show not to fall asleep on your neighbor! Even the signs prohibiting something are cute and polite.

Here is another fun sign. There are cafes for cat lovers, where you sit inside with kittens and cats on the loose, just waiting for a lap invitation. Probably a wild and wonderful adventure, perfect for those who don't get to have their own pets in apartments, but we didn't go in. Maybe next time.


The last day before leaving, I took the train west of Tokyo for about 1 hour, to a place called Kichijoji. Not damaged in the war (as was most of Tokyo), there are still old buildings and shops. The floor plan was like a hundred little forts built by kids, with only a hallway's space between, and two or three stories up. You could see the sky and power lines between them, but if you didn't look up, you would think you were totally indoors.


Here are photos at the nearby park, complete with lake, giant schools of koi fish, and temple (for Abundance). I was shown how to bless my money by putting it in a sieve and pouring sacred water (from a fountain) through it. Money laundering! Love the stripes patterns of my dress and red railing.

This bird is actually quite large, though hard to tell here. Probably a foot tall. The trees are very old and swaying way over the water. Instead of pruning or removing them, they prop the heavy branches up and then build a fence around them, to keep the little paddle boats away. I think if it were the US, they'd be cut down as 'messy.' Constantly, I notice a way much more respectful of nature, even if it is a bit more trouble.

This trip has been a very good one, and I am excited to return in February. Next time, Steve will join me again and we will enlist the aid of a Japanese friend to join us on an adventure to an art island called Naoshima. It will be much less stressful to travel that way! Hopefully, I will master a bit more ability to read menus, signs, etc. before then.

I thought this Interstate 10 sign, being sold in a Japanese shop, would be the perfect last photo for my blog. I'll be busy working on my new writing project, catching up with local clients and events, and doing some fix-up projects around the house. I'm sure time will fly.

Thanks for taking this adventure with me. Until next time!
Love Daeryl