Photos from my trip last winter, not previously posted.

 Sightseeing in the Asakusa area. North end of Tokyo, near the Sumidagawa (river). This river runs north/south down to the Tokyo harbor.

So, first I wandered around in the area of shopping streets that lead to the temple grounds. Following the street layout that predates cars, these streets are narrow enough for pedestrians only. Makes for a crowded, but easier wandering pace. So I spent a couple hours gawking at crowds of all types of people, snacking at street vendor stalls, being amazed at the variety of little shops, and taking photos.


The cherry blossoms aren't in bloom yet, but there are lots of fake ones around, just to get us in the mood I suppose.

The temple area was swarming with people, as it is quite famous, having been established in 630 or so. I've found most of the Buddhist temples to be quite large, embellished with gold and elaborate paintings, carvings, and multiple buildings. While the Shinto shrines seem to be subtler and not as frequented. I find the Shinto ones to be much more peaceful.

Sensoji Temple, Asakusa

The photo with the lanterns is leading up to the main Temple. There was also a five story pagoda, and several other similar buildings.

This lady was all by herself, no crowds around, while right on the other side of those bushes is the scene at the temple. Behind her, was a lovely little pond with stream, Japanese foot bridge and camelia bushes. Part of the Shinto shrine area.

Lovely young ladies, who were on their way somewhere, and graciously allowed me to take their photo. 

 Legs at the lantern shop.



And me, on right, pretending to be part of an ancient Japanese wood block! Just a futile attempt at fitting in here!


For those who don't know... if you click on any photo, it should show up bigger for more detail.

 I apologize for any bizarre formatting. Wish I could figure out how to just put these photos all next to each other with captions!!

At left is the famous Asahi Beer building. It's the black one, shaped like a beer glass, with the gold shape on it. The buildings are really modern art sculptures some times. Also in this shot, is the newest, tallest tower. The gold building was super reflective depending on whether or not the sun was shining on it, and from which direction. Then I went on a river cruise and got the opportunity to see many wild things. Hard to photo, unless they were on my side, since the boat was covered in plexiglass. (I showed up too late in the day to be allowed to ride on top!) I thought I might see some green areas, but the entire distance was fully cement and tall buildings!






The next view, is through the right side windows (complete with stylish light fixtures!) looking down a smaller side canal, which had many old style boats - maybe parked along their owner's apartments?

 These buildings are across the river, hard to see in this shot. The water gate is very old, from Shogun days. Standing there, I wondered what the ole Shogun would think of his falconry grounds being now in the middle of such a metropolis! The water comes in here, to feed a beautiful little lake, with a tea house where many Shoguns and other dignitaries entertained their guests. Didn't have time to have tea, as I was trying to get home before rush hour.

This is the tea house, set in the lake, now with gigantic glass buildings behind it! Also, the sounds were in contrast. Freeway noise mixed with cawing crows who were gathered up in the tree tops. There's a wooded area with tall pines just to the right of the lake. The crows are really large here, bigger I think than ravens.

3/11 anniversary

Two separate posts, to tell of the profound effect of being in Japan at this time. Followed by a day trip with photos.

This last weekend, I was teaching my Level 2 seminar. The first day focused on Love Relationships and Soul Mates. I learn so much about the differences in our cultures! In America, it is not unusual, as many of you know (!!!), to have multiple relationships before you find 'the one.' And, to live together, get divorced and remarry is also not uncommon. In Japan, especially for women, it is quite common to live with parents until marriage, so they have much less experience - certainly less than my trail of adventure! What remains consistence where ever I teach is our desire for true love.

The second day, 3/11, marked the one year anniversary of the earthquake and tsunami that were so devastating to this country. Over 20,000 died, with many thousands still counted as missing. I'm not sure how many lost homes, business, communities, but it is over 100,000 if not 200,000. The recovery is slow, with so many still in evacuation style housing, separated from extended family members, no assistance or compensation (no insurance, no FEMA). The despair is great. But so, also, is the hope, cooperation and tenacity to bounce back. People are working together patiently.

The special television shows in Japan tell amazing tales. Like volunteers dedicating themselves to cleaning and restoring photo albums recovered from the muddy mess, organizing them in bins, and cataloging them by type of event/photo using a new computer software by 'Nifty' designed just for this purpose. Then people can come into the building, scroll through digitized photos in hopes of finding someone they recognize, which leads them to the photo album. It may not sound that important, compared to rebuilding a home, but for those who literally lost everything, being reunited with photo memories is quite emotional and healing.

On Sunday, during my seminar, the entire country of Japan refocused on that traumatic day. People everywhere stopped whatever they were doing at 2:46 pm to send a prayer, etc. Later I saw TV of the busiest intersection in Tokyo, where hundreds were walking, then simultaneously stopped in their tracks. Total silence, and all bowing their heads in respect and prayer. The only sound was a loudspeaker, probably leading that moment. I had the honor of leading the seminar students in our own version of this moment. Holding the vision of all of those who died as thousands of beautiful butterflies lifting to the sky, to a radiant ball of light. Then holding the vision of all survivors being one large family, instead of many separate ones. To see them feeling supported by all of us. It was quite a moving day. Even with the difficulties I have had in my life, I am humbled by the challenge these others are enduring. I only hope I help in whatever way I have to offer.

Many blessings,
Daeryl

A day out in Ueno

This is a section of a very long metal wall along the back of one of the subway stops. It was very intricate, with heart shapes, bicycles, and train motif, perhaps 300 yards. All found metal parts. Every subway station has a mix of advertising, art installations, and safety warning signs, but little graffiti.

I traveled here several times, on my way to the weekend seminar I taught. So I have finished the first of 3 weekends, plus 7 of 10 private session days. All going well. The students and clients are so open and gracious. And I seem to be collecting a wonderful assortment of cute gifts and yummy treats!

This view is from the 11th floor, where I was teaching. The tower is new, and I am not sure how high, but said to be one of the great engineering feats (and highest buildings) so far. For Tokyo, if not the world.

The city seems to go on endlessly in all directions. It's amazing. Hard to believe by US standards, as there are always sections of single family homes. But here, all the buildings are multi-storied and close together. There are nice breaks with large parks, temples, and historic places, but the rest of it is compact!

Finally, an outing! After a short meeting, on Monday, I went over to the fitness club again. This time, not quite so energetic, as my back has been giving me some issues, so I took a stretch class. Felt great, and I was a bit more comfortable, as the others in the class were older ladies like myself. Then a good soak in the jacuzzi.

So, off to Ueno, an older section of the city, which is filled with little walking streets, fishermen selling their fresh catches, stands with all kinds of packaged regional foods, and yummy stuff to eat. My friend Stacey, was an excellent guide (fluent in Japanese) and very adventurous. Apparently this was an area catering to the American soldiers stationed here after WWII, as so there are also nightclubs, Panchinko and Mai jong parlors. A wild mix. Loved this shot of the very wide crossing area - notice the striped skirt matching!

Here's me at the intersection of several long corridors which went off at only 20 - 30 degrees, not the standard 90 for streets in US. I would have easily gotten lost without my guide!!! We ate grilled enagi (eel), salmon, and yakitori (chicken on a stick) as well as all sorts of pickled things, and some kind of Chinese dumpling that you suck the 'soup' out of first. We were up for just about anything, to fully savor the experience, but it was easy to pass up the whale sushi.

Here's a view of one of the open air fish displays. It's cold enough to keep fresh caught fish okay, and I hear they have it on ice in the summer. Even so, I'm sure the health dept wouldn't go for this in US. I'm constantly marveling at the lack of flies, even in summer. But I'm sure that the Japanese would be equally astonished that we don't manage our garbage to keep the flies from starting up in the first place!


This lion is marking a shop selling things from Okinawa, which was not part of Japan until about 70 years ago (I'm not exactly sure of the date).

Stacey is standing in the doorway of an old building where we ate dinner. Most of Tokyo has been rebuilt since 1945, but occasionally you come across one that is much older. It had an authentic traditional interior, with bar and kitchen on the first floor, then smaller booths and rooms on the second.

This night scene of so many banners was taken on our way out of the nightclub area of Ueno district, near to the station. If you look carefully, you can spot the moon. It might be mistaken for a light at the end of the lamp post to the left of the blue flag.

Love the Japanese signage. Cute, neon, traditional, or a mix. You just never know.

It's been raining, and raining, and raining. But I think there may be a break now for the next few days. Another day of sessions tomorrow and then a planning meeting. Next trip in summer, I think I'll be here a little longer, to teach 4 levels, instead of just the first 3.

I love hearing from all of you while I am here. And I'll try to post again soon.

Love Daeryl

Here's more!!!

 I've finished my first three days of private sessions. My heart is full of sharing, profound connection, healing and gratitude. This box of treats was given to me by a client who I had never met or worked with. Several clients came from far away in Hokkaido, the northern most island. I feel so good, on so many levels, for this opportunity.

I haven't made it out for the usual tourist excursions, though I am enjoying my time here in a very different way. With local sushi (see below) which I bring back to my room, and more social activities, I am feeling more at home here. Almost like a local, but always a geijin (outsider)!!!

The weather has been tremendously brisk, but I am very comfortable in my room, or bundled up in my hooded down coat! Last night I listened to wind howling outside.

I am learning and experiencing more about the Japanese culture. One day, I watched with delight a group of unescorted school children. Perhaps only 6 or 7 years old, the three of them were walking together from the subway to their school, which was at least 4 blocks away, through heavy traffic and crowded side walks. They were chatting and giggling, dressed in identical school uniforms, complete with matching umbrellas and backpacks. A sight unheard of in America. I actually watched for some time, thinking I would see an adult, but they truly were on their own, and I am sure it only seemed unusual to someone like me.

This is the shrine which I walk past everyday. The street here is very narrow, perhaps only enough room for a car and a pedestrian. The heart on the bulletin board is a rare example of graffiti, which is conspicuously absent.

Here's the Obama bag I mentioned last time. I just had to go back and catch the photo op! Anything American is immediately taken as a pop culture icon. Good, bad, or indifferent. I wonder if he knows he's hanging next to "Hello Kitty"????

Last night, I had the great opportunity to join a group of people who have formed a volunteer group. Called Intrepid Model Adventures, it was begun my a young man (model) who has devoted countless hours and his own money to regularly gather and deliver food, goods, and hope to the folks in tsunami areas. An inspiration to be with so many who are energized by the idea of making a difference in the world. Looking forward to connecting with them again. Perhaps to join them on one of the excursions north. Dean, the model and instigator, is on the left. I now have one of these shirts, which doesn't really haven't any significance for NY. I imagine they were donated, so they just printed around the idea, to include "& Japan" after the NY part. They raised the equivalent of 2000 dollars last night. Pretty impressive.

Today, I had the delightful surprise, on my day off, of going out to lunch with friends who I know from Marfa! Talk about a small world. Yummy sushi. Here's Andrew and Christine, as photo proof!!

I'm resting up before another 3 days of private sessions. Will write more again before too long!

Love Daeryl

Hi all, (notice conspicuous absence of "y'all")

Love having a view! I sit up in bed in the morning, to drink my coffee and this is what I see.

Yesterday was one of the most intense days of my life! ... filming a 2 hour DVD. I've been working up to it for a couple months, with writing scripts, figuring out how to do make-up for camera (yup - ole hippy Daeryl wore lipstick!), picking out the right clothes, and generally having anxiety about what would be involved and how I would do on camera! So I was relieved when all went well. A great team of photographers, translator, and staff assisting me. From now on, the rest of my work here is going to see super casual and easy by comparison!

So, here's more photos as promised. Wandered around the neighborhood. This pond and waterfall are part of nearby Arisugawa Park. Lots of young mothers with kids, older men lined up for fishing, foot paths, bridges, and trees almost ready to bust out in leaves and blossoms. I know I'm going to enjoy coming here quite a bit, just to be in a bit of nature. I love walking around - there's so much to see.


This new neighborhood is great. Lots of shops and restaurants, and a variety of grocery stores. More geared for all of the nearby embassies. I've had sushi several times, yum. After my Ustream seminar on Monday evening, I had the pleasure of sitting next to an older Japanese man, who was hesitant to speak English with me, but once he got going he was quite charming. I constantly amused and delighted by the graciousness of the Japanese.


I'm still trying to master the photo/text layout issue with this blog format. Sorry if it's wonky doodle.

In my shopping, down little alleys, I saw a "President Obama" shopping bag, next to Hello Kitty and other bags.

Speaking of Hello Kitty...here's an ole dude I spotted just sitting and staring at me. I call him "Go Away and Leave Me Alone" Kitty.

Tonight, I'm presenting an introductory seminar, which I really enjoy. It'll be great to talk to a real audience, as so far this trip I've only been on camera! Then I have a day off, before three days of client sessions.

This building caught my eye. Covered with a layer of frosted glass, and with the gray sky, it almost looks like it's got a sheet of ice on it. The architecture here is amazing modern art.


Thanks to those who send me emails letting me know you read my blog! Great to have a little back and forth, especially in English, while I am over here.

Rots of Rove!
Daeryl

Back in Tokyo!

Saturday morning, I woke to fresh snow on tile rooftops, a clear blue sky and brisk wind. I've got a cute little studio apartment with a great view out the 6th floor window. Spent most of the day wandering around, exploring the new neighborhood, and shopping for groceries. Also preparing for my DVD filming which will be on Tuesday. That's why it's taken me so long to write my first blog post!

Sunday was filled with amazing wild experiences. My fear of missing out often leads me to either being brave or a bit crazy. Today was a good example. Azabu Court, where I am staying, offers a day pass discount to a local fitness club. So today I participated in a disco dance class, even though I couldn't understand much, except..."sexy pose" "boxo stepo" and "ichi, ni, san, go (1, 2, 3, 4)" The perky young man leading the steps had "Super Monkey" words on the butt of his pants, which kept me grinning even though I was stumbling to keep up with the steps everyone else already knew. "Everybody Dance Now!!!"

The experience of the ladies locker room and bath was another unknown now conquered. With the assistance of a new acquaintance (I met an Iraqi diplomat in the class), I was guided to the protocol for lockers, showering, and using the jacuzzi, as well as the hot bed sauna. That's where you lie down on rocks that have been heated - I'll try that next time. Good thing I'm not that modest about nudity, but still a bit self-conscious about being the only older big Geijin (outsider) among so many thin young Japanese! Sorry, didn't get any pictures! Use your imagination!

Later that afternoon, I met up with my friend Mina. On our way to share a meal, she took me to a little kimono shop to show me the traditional custom. The lady in the shop greeted us like honored friends and I was invited to pick out a kimono to try on. After selecting a soft blue floral print, she led us into a tatami (straw mat) room and dressed me in white cotton under layer first. Then the silk kimono, followed by the obi around the waist. It was explained to me that there was no pressure to buy anything, that she was honored to show me kimono custom. The one I tried on was priced over $600 just for the kimono. The obi was another $300, with additional silk wraps and cords. Mina took some pictures with her phone...hope to post later. I did finally get to buy the tabi (white split toe socks) I've been wanting! They were only 1050 yen (about $12). Mina was purchasing an obi for a kimono she already had, and it was fun to see all of the beautiful silk fabrics that were brought out. So gracious, this was nothing like shopping in the mall in El Paso!!!

The next few days are very busy, with a UStream lecture, DVD filming (all day process), and the introductory seminar. I promise I'll get out there soon for some photos!

Love to you all,
Daeryl

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

Time for fun!

Hello all,

Sorry I haven't posted in a bunch of days. The ends of my trips seemed to get filled with so much. The last week of sessions, I went out to dinner with friends and also SJ staff. Then I taught my last seminar on the weekend, followed by a final meeting, and two days of fun outings. Now I am packing and prepping for my long travel back to US.

Saturday evening, I returned home to my condo after teaching, to discover a neighborhood street festival. It was beautiful and moving. All the locals come out and dance to a Taiko-drummer and other traditional music. Their movements reminded me of watching hula, including moves that looked like cranes. A very happy occasion, with children running around.
They were handing out flashing rubber plastic rings, which everyone were wearing - now one of my prized possessions!

Monday's meeting went very well, and I will be busy when I return home! Voice (the publishing branch of Synchronicity Japan) is going to produce two projects for sale in Japan! One is a 2 hour DVD, which will be filmed next trip in February. So I'll be preparing 6 - 20 minute inspirational talks with revisioning meditations. The other project will be like a game, to help people connect with their Spirit Guides. I'll be developing and creating artwork for a board, plus writing a booklet describing the system. Lots of work on a tight deadline! Good thing I had all those years experience working in graphics/advertising.

So Tuesday, finally, a fun day out of Tokyo. My friends Stacey and Koji escorted me to the top of Mt. Takao, an ancient shrine site about an hour and a half from the city center. It was still hot, but the ancient forests were a welcome relief. We took the chair lift up, hiked up and down for about 2 hours, ate ice cream, and then took the cable car down.

Here's Koji, over the 'safety' net - no risk for the Japanese. And me, enjoying the ride and feeling free!

Great to be out in nature, though even then, there are tourist shops and restaurants. The Japanese are always good at providing services (and not missing a chance for commerce!).

Here we are at the top, with the huge city sprawl behind us - it seems to go on forever! And unlike our US city suburbs, even 2 hours away from the center it is densely populated with tall buildings.

So after a day of lots of hiking, eating, sharing, laughing, and making fun plans for future trips, we rode the very steep cable car down the mountain. It was pretty much a 45 degree angle the whole way down, through tunnels and super tall trees. We met and talked with the main CEO of the place, who was also going down. He had a great sense of humor, and with Koji there, I was able to jokingly ask him to pilot the way down. So when we reached the bottom, he gave me his hat, found another for Stacey, and insisted on a photo! (Peace signs were his idea too!) What fun!

Though tired and excited to see Steve, there is a big piece of my heart that is sad to leave. I am making such wonderful friends and client connections and rewarding work. The Japanese are kind people, very open to learning new things. And they seem to like me too!

I'll post one more blog once I'm home - my day with my interpreter friend Yu-san. We went to a lake and park called Kichijoji.

Love to all,
Daeryl

Yoyogi Park

This is one of my favorite Japanese friends, my interpreter, Yu-san. She and I had a wonderful dinner out and many stories to share. This is one of those restaurants, where you leave your shoes at the entrance - the waiters stow them away in cubbies - and walk on old hardwood floor to your table, which has a hole space for your feet. Essentially, you are sitting on cushions on the floor, but you are also sitting at a table. Beautiful traditional setting, and Oishi! (That means delicious!) Afterwards, we giggled endlessly when we realized we had both just made a snide comment about some rather loud 'foreigners', as if I wasn't 'one of them!'


Finished teaching Level 2 weekend seminar to a fabulous open-hearted group of people. The Japanese students are so open to receiving information and apply what they learn in their lives. It feels great to be helping them bloom into beautiful flowers! This was a smaller group, and I will see many of them again next weekend in Level 3.



I took a morning excursion to Yoyogi Park, a wooded area which is apparently less of a tourist place and more a local spot for groups and just regular people to enjoy some space. I saw many people nodding off on the benches - not homeless folks. People live in close quarters here and work very long hours, so it's not uncommon to see people in pubic places trying to catch on some sleep or down time.

This fountain was one of three set in a lake surrounded by trees. You can slightly see one of the high rise buildings of the city in the background. The area directly in front of the railing and benches is a deck that is reflecting because it was pouring rain!!! I have been avoiding the crowds this trip. The fountains were set to rise tall, and then shut down and start small again.


The blue painting is a 20 foot high wall mural on one side of a cement pedestrian overpass. The other was an equally wild red dragon. (face at the bottom is a tiger).

And this was the largest rose trellis I have ever seen! See the bicycle rider for scale.



(Trying to work out the page layout on this blog. It's driving me crazy! Everything moves, but not where I want it to!)




So this tree caught my attention. There was a placard in Japanese, showing a very old photo, where the tree was split, no roots showing. The first branch is maybe 10 feet tall. My guess is that this tree was part of the original Meiji Emperor's garden. (This whole park is connected to the Meiji Palace and Shrine I visited last winter). Much of it was destroyed in the bombing and fire of WWII. There is a notion of honoring such a tree as sacred, having been a survivor, so they worked to keep it going, until it grew new roots from the opening. Sort of like the Japanese people themselves!

I enjoyed spending some time in a wooded, less crowded spot. And even hunkered down in a ladies bathroom with a group of teenage girls, who were very friendly. Public bathrooms are becoming my new favorite rain sanctuary!


And Mr. Crow here was just too perfectly posed on this bike. Wonder what happened to the rider!!!

I'm doing my three days of sessions this week, with Friday free and then my last weekend seminar. The last part of the trip has several social dinners. It's nice to have friends here that get together outside of work. I've also been invited to an African Xylophone music performance at a Yoga studio, which should be something different!

I'll try to post again in a few days. Hope all is well where ever you are.

Love Daeryl