Tokyo, Hakone, and Korean Barbecue

Kyoto, Japan

You know you've been in Japan too long when....

I thought this was so true and pretty appropriate since we have been here for over two years. We have loved every minute, but we are ready to come HOME.

You know you have been in Japan too long when......

... You have almost been run over by a cyclist
... You think you have the subway system figured out... but really you dont and get lost numerous times
... You have tried sushi, sashimi, okonomiyaki, tacoyaki, yakiniku, ramen, soba, udon or miso
... You have spent more than 2 hours in a Puri Kura and wanted to go back numerous times
... You have walked up what seems like a million stairs in a day
... You go to McDonalds to buy Orange Juice or 60 Chicken McNuggets
... You have sang at a Japanese style Karaoke bar
... You have watched Simpsons, Ren and Stimpy, or other childhood cartoons in Japanese
... You have given the peace sign in more than one picture
... You have been to more than one temple and taken a million pictures
... You can walk 1 block and pass 2 phone shops and 1 coffee place
... You do not hesitate to ask random people how to get places
... You have used a japanese toilet - both styles
... You have picked up packages of kleenex at the train station
... You have witnessed bad fashion to a point where you no longer find it strange
... You have purchased a colorful umbrella when it rains for 500 Yen just so you fit in
... You do not find it strange when the sales clerk wraps each item you purchased individually
...you have thought how easy your life would be had you not been intimidated by the bus system
...your japanese vocabulary is limited to three basic words: "sumimasen," "hai," and "arigato"
...you start saying "hai" even when you are talking to an english-speaking person
...you wish that american sushi is as fresh as japanese sushi
...you're really disgusted by the amount of cigarettes people smoke
...you can't get over how thin the bathroom liquid soaps are
...you can't help wondering if every hour is rush hour (train)
...you can't help laughing at incorrect English signs
...you wonder when people really go to sleep
...you keep thinking how ridiculous it is for a slice of watermelon to costs 600 yen
...you have experience how american songs (john lennon, sean kingston) destroys your so-called "Japanese" moment
...you have had (foot) blisters at the end of the day
...you are so amazed with fusion fast food such as Green Tea Frappucino, McShrimp, and McPork
...you have fallen in love with japanese soft drink
...you have used the "point and order" method

What we will miss most about Japan

With less than six weeks left in Japan, I have been thinking a lot about all of the things we will miss about being here. Some are big, some are little, but most of them have been a part of our daily lives for two years. I will keep adding as more of them come to me. So, here goes.....

The best things about Japan are...

traffic directors everywhere you go. They direct you in parking lots, when you are pulling out into traffic, etc.
KINDNESS everywhere you go.
Free gift wrapping when you buy something...and they wrap in the cutest little packages.
100 yen stores- so much better than dollar stores
Fresh fruits and vegetables packaged so beautifully in the markets
Heated toilet seats (even at rest areas along the toll road)
roller slides and awesome parks for kids
Japanese Pottery
Cherry Blossoms in the springtime
Sticky Rice
Every flavor Kit Kat imaginable
Sweet potato and Cherry blossom ice cream
warm towels to clean your hands before a meal
Riding the trains in silence (it is so peaceful- no one talks on the train)
The world's best Ramen
Mt. Fuji on a crystal clear day (I still have to catch my breath whenever I see it, even after two years)
Onsens (only tried it once, but it could become addicting if I lived here longer)
Vending machines EVERYWHERE (even on Mt. Fuji) with ice cream, beer, tea, coffee (both hot and cold), and more types of drinks than you ever knew existed.
SAFETY- I have never felt more safe anywhere in my life. My kids actually have freedom when we go places. It's refreshing, yet scary to think about being back in the states.

And so we wait......

So, I am sitting on my bed (one of the only things left to use in my room, other than about 20 brown boxes waiting to be taken to the truck) and I figured since there is nothing I can do right now, I could write. I know I still have to finish my blog for Singapore and my cousin's trip here, but sitting amongst these boxes, I can't help but feel the need to blog....about being here for over two years. The realization that it is almost over has hit. As hard as it was to make this move, this move back to the states will probably be even harder. See, we live in a small little fishbowl here. We know everyone, and everyone knows us. I can't come and go into my apartment without running into people who ask me about my day. When I take the boys to school each day, I socialize when I drop off. Everyone does. Everyone has their morning routine here- going to starbucks on base to get coffee, walking with friends, excercising at Purdy Gym, running errands, teaching English.... Essentially we all live the same lives here. We may have different schedules, but we all do the same things day in and day out. A day wouldn't be complete without meeting up in the afternoon with friends at the playground. This is Japan!!! It has been MY life, and I wouldn't trade it. The people we have met here will always remain deep in our hearts. How can you not become close to people you live so close with when your other friends and families are so far far away. I will miss my every day visits to the preschool to see Jaimie in the office, the bright cheerful hellos from all of the teachers at the co-op, having my husband home for lunch every day, drop off and pick up at Sullivan's, only having to drive two minutes to swimming lessons and sports practices, walking out in town with a friend to have lunch, watching my kids be the happiest they have ever been because of their friends here!! These are just a few- so many more, but it is hard to list them all.

Sometimes life throws lemons at you, and you just have to make lemonade! Two years ago, I feel we were handed some great big lemons. But...I have to say, they made some awesome lemonade! Our times here will not be forgotten, nor will the people. We have less than two more months here, so all of this will still remain a part of my daily life. I just know in the back of my mind, that all good things must come to an end. But, let it be the start to a wonderful new adventure!

Singapore Slings Virgin Style and the most famous doorman in the world

Today was another great day here in this beautiful country. Once again, it started off at the pool. We didn't go to the beach today because the boys were too busy playing at the pool with a new friend they met. They must have played for two hours with this boy, who looked to me to be about 7. I asked Patrick where he was from and Patrick told me Singapore. He spoke English with a bit of a British accent. I asked Matthew where he was from and he told me, "Well I don't think he is Japanese because he laughs Mommy- and you know, Japanese don't laugh." I had to keep from falling off of my chair with that comment.

We had a good lunch at the pool bar with more humor from Matthew. He had ketchup all over his face because he has french fries that he was eating with a toothpick and then dunking them in the ketchup. I said, "Matthew, look at your face- it is so messy." His response to me was, "Mommy I can't look at my face because my eyes are on my face, silly." Gotta love Matthew-isms.

After lunch we went back to the room and cleaned up to get ready to head off the island. We were on the hunt for Singapore Slings, the famous drink created at the Raffles hotel, and the most famous doorman in the world. We took a cab from Harbourfront Centre and asked to go to Orchard Road. Let me tell you...the cabbies here are like tour guides. The entire 20 min ride was filled with him telling us about the history of Singapore and what certain buildings were. A far cry from New York City cabbies. Once we got out, we were surrounded by malls and shopping arcades that stretched for what seemed like miles. People don't say to go to Singapore to shop for nothing. We headed to the MRT station (subway) to give it a try. If I can do the Japan train system, I was certain this would be a breeze. It certainly was. You put your money into a machine, point to the destination on a map, and it spits out your ticket. We rode the subway to the Raffles area, and found the hotel. It is not your typical tall hotel in the city. It definitely has the British flare to it- only 3 stories high, white, and older looking. The gardens are filled with a fountains and tropical plants. We went to the Long Bar, where we had our virgin slings and ate peanuts which we peeled and could throw the shells right on the ground. The boys were thrilled by this. I am pretty sure the Singapore Slings are a whole lot tastier if they are the real deal, but we had to make do this time. On our way out we managed to snap a picture with the famous Sikh doorman at the entrance to the hotel. It is said he is the most photographed doorman in the world.

We got back on the MRT and took it back to the Orchard shopping area and pooped into the Plaza Singapura. According to legend, in the 14th century, a prince set foot on an unknown island and named it "Singa Pura" (lion city) after seeing a magnificent animal thought to be a lion. This plaza was about 8 levels and quite impressive. At the top, we went to a food court and saw a "Dessert" place selling individually wrapped portions of fruit that were in a big cooler case. You hand the lady a big bowl and tell her what types of fruit you would like and then she takes each out of the individual wrapper, cuts them up, and arranges them so beautifully in the bowl. For 7 singapore dollars (About 4 US dollars), we got some of the freshest most tropical fruits around- mangoes, strawberries, pineapple, dragonfruit, papaya, guava, and watermelon. The bowl was huge, so it would keep our stomaches filled until dinnertime.

Back on the street, we hailed a cab to go back to Harbourfront Centre. Once again, the entire 20 min cab ride was full of history and facts about Singapore. You don't tip here in Singapore, but I did this time because he was so informative, and we didn't even have to ask. On Orchard Road he pointed out a tree lined street, guarded by security and asked if we knew what it was. Earlier, we had walked by, and I resisted taking a photo because I wasn't sure what it was. Patrick had said he thought that maybe it is where the President of Singapore lives. I figured it wasn't in the middle of the Orchard Road shopping. Well, Patrick was right. It was the President's residence. Should have snapped the photo. The cabbie said if Obama visits Singapore, this is where he will be entertained and dined.

The other thing he pointed out were all of the Mosques, Synagogues, Cathedrals, churches, and temples. Singapore is filled with every kind of worshipping place possible. And these places are all huge and lavish. For such a small nation and island, it is a place filled with culture and diversity.

Once back at Harbourfront, we were ready for some dinner and we found the perfect place. Marche, a Swiss dining experience like no other! I wish I could explain this restaurant , but go to this blog to read more. http://sparklette.net/archives/marche-restaurant-swiss-haven/
I googled it when we got back to the hotel, but unfortunately I couldn't find an English website or for that matter, any US locations. More dollar signs running around in my head if I could bring this concept to the states.

We returned to the resort via a complimentary bus that picked us up at the mall after dinner. Bedtime was not long after we got into the door.

Fun times!

Day 2 in Singapore was filled with beach time, pool time, yummy food, an awesome shopping plaza, and a spectacular light show. We had a packed day full of fun times.

We spent the morning at the beach and stayed there for about two hours before heading up to the pool. The beach here at the Shangri La on Sentosa is called Siloso beach. It is a great beach for kids because it is only for resort guests, and most people stay up at the pool. Not sure why because the beach is so clean, and not a single rock for kids to step on in the water. It is almost like a lagoon. There are no waves, so it is very quiet and calm. After leaving the beach, we went up to the pool area where the boys played on the slides and in the water for another couple of hours. They are at such great ages for a vacation like this!!

By about 12:30, we were actually getting hungry so we came in and showered before heading to lunch. We had lunch at the hotel, and during our lunch, once again, the storms rolled in. Our plan was to take the cable car to the Harbourfront area just off the island and then grab some dinner there. We delayed for a short while until the storms passed and ended up taking a free shuttle out to Harbourfront plaza. We decided we would take the cable car back to the island after dinner. Harbourfront is a shopping mecca. But, not only that- the boys loved it. There were so many things for kids to do as well. It is like a giant playground outside of the mall. I will post pics when we return, so you can see just what I am talking about. Anyway, we walked outside one area and saw these riding toys- they were animals that you got on and then had to basically pump with your feet to make them move. The boys both got on horses, and they were riding them all over the place. Believe me, these are not in the states- must be a thing in Asia. But, I could be a rich woman if I brought these over to the USA. I know it is hard to understand, so you'll have to wait for video of this later.

We then walked around this mall- I hardly want to call it a mall, as that sounds so dull and boring. The restaurants were unbelievable ranging from every ethnic cuisine possible. And the shops- I can't begin to list the awesome types of stores that were there. There was even a huge Daiso (hundred yen store for those who have been to Japan). I think it had more stuff in it than I have ever seen in a Daiso in Japan. Unfortunately for the boys, we happened upon an awesome maternity store, and I had to go in, as the sizes and prices were right (in Japan I think their maternity clothes are smaller than my regular clothes) and absolutely adorable things. Wow- to buy something off the rack that I tried on. I haven't been able to do than in more than two years, except when we have gone home to the states to visit. So, I ended up with four new shirts, and some really unhappy kids, but oh well. Matthew managed to spill his bottle of snapple right on the floor of the store- of course, they were nice as can be, but still. My boys hate shopping, but this mom loves it- not a great combo when Daddy isn't around to take them away. We wandered into a bookstore and it was heaven. All of the books, except for a huge Chinese/Japanese section were in English. You don't realize how much you miss a bookstore until you walk into one that actually makes sense to you. :) We spent some time browsing, and then we went up to the roof of the shopping plaza because we were intrigued by the water area. Pools of water to wade around and play in. The views of the city and the island were beautiful from the top. Have I mentioned that everything in this city so far that I have seen is so clean. I know I have said I can live in Australia, but come on- Singapore has it all- safety, beauty, cleanliness, shopping, shopping, shopping- did I mention shoppping yet, and spas. The spas in the mall were so plentiful. Skin care, massages, facials, foot care- the list goes on. This is my place- and if Brian were here, I am afraid that he would be saddled with the boys, and I would be playing. Maybe it is a good thing he didn't come.

We decided to have dinner at Modestos, a wood fired pizza restaurant overlooking the Harbour. The boys ordered a margharita pizza and I had a Greek pizza. Mine had sundried tomatoes, artichokes, onions, and mushrooms on top. I haven't had pizza this good for a long time. Anthonys on base in Japan is the worst excuse for pizza, and Italian Gardens is not much better- that's if they get your order right the first time, which rarely happens. It was the perfect choice for dinner because as good as the buffet at the hotel is, it is pricey and actually getting kind of old.

Our evening was just getting started after dinner when we headed on the cable car to Mt. Faber to overlook the city. From Mt. Faber, we rode all of the way in our car to Sentosa island. On the way we were able to see the gorgeous sunset. Also, about halfway across the 20 minute ride, the cable car stopped. My heart stopped too I think. The boys were totally fine with it, and and were making fun of me for being so scared. Come on- our car had a glass bottom which we paid a tad bit extra for. At that moment, I am thinking, "Why the heck did I ask for a glass bottom car?" I think I have a small fear of heights, but only when I am up in the sky dangling over water and a highway.

Back at Sentosa island, we bought tickets for the Songs of the sea, which was a spectacular water, fire, and light show at the beach. By the time we walked back to our hotel, it was late, and we were obviously ready for bed. The boys were out right away, and I of course wasn't too far behind. I laid in bed and thought about how lucky were are to be having these opportunities, and I also thought how I feel sorry for our 3rd child, who will probably never get to see some of the places we have seen. Hopefully the boys will be able to instill their love of traveling on him/her.

Not sure what today has in store, but I am imagining more sunshine and maybe a trip to Downtown Singapore!

Relaxing Days in Singapore

The boys and I made it to Singapore very late Saturday night (or very early Sunday morning). I think it was 1:30 in the morning when we finally mae it up to our room here at the Shangri La Rasa Sentosa Resort.

Sunday morning we awoke to a glorious view of the South China Sea and plenty of sunshine. Since we were pretty much starving, we made our way to the breakfast buffet (included with our stay). Not quite the buffet that the New Sanno in Tokyo does on Sunday mornings, but pretty close. The fruit is heavenly- dragonfruit, starfruit, passionfruit. All of the tropical fruits that we just don't get, and never will get again, until we travel again to another exotic place. Going back to apples, oranges, and bananas will be tough for this family. We love our fruits, and the more exotic the better. Have I ever mentioned the golden kiwis that we can get in Japan in the summer. They are so different from green Kiwis- sweeter and much tastier.

Okay- back to Singapore. We pretty much explored the island yesterday. We started out at the beach, but little sprinkles and then heavier rain moved us to the pool area. We stayed at the pool for a while because the sunshine came back in full force. There are slides, play areas, and lots of places for me to sit and soak up the rays while the boys play. Once I did get in the water though, I didn't want to come out. At about 1:00, we were looking for some lunch and ended up at the pool bar area. I opted for a fresh fruit salad, and the boys had chicken and fries. We had just gotten our meals when the skies became very dark and the thunder and lightening began. A huge thunderstorm was in the works, and it decided to break loose right in the middle of our lunch (which was under a canopy, but still). Needless to say, they packed up our lunch and graciously walked us under an umbrella to the front of the resort where we went to get dry and take showers.

After we were dry again, it had cleared, and we were off to explore Sentosa Island. The bus system on the island is totally free and easy to use so we first stopped at an area to get some Ben and Jerry's ice cream and then hit the butterfly and insect world. The boys really wanted to do this, but it was fun because we saw bugs and insects that we have never seen before, Asia certainly is a different part of the world. Makes us kind of feel like the United States is not that exciting when it comes to bugs, reptiles, insects, butterflies, etc. I have never seen so many different species of beetles in my life.

Our next stop was Dolphin Lagoon where we got to see the famous pink dolphins, or indopacific humbbacked dolphins. We watched a half hour show where the dolphins performed. This is the only place in world to see these dolphins, so it was quite impressive to see. Patrick wanted to go get into the water with them, pet them, and touch them, but it was an extra 15 dollars and I wasn't into riding a bus back to the resort with a kid who was drenched and uncomfortable.

Dinner was back at the hotel, where we had another lavish buffet. We definitely won't go hungry here in Singapore.

For now, breakfast in waiting downstairs, and we have sunshine to soak in, and possibly a venture into Singapore.

I'm Alive!

There has been so much I have wanted to write on my blog over the last several weeks. I finally feel like I can share some things that have been happening in the Nowak household.

First and foremost, even though most of my blog readers already know this, I am happy to announce that in September, our family of four will become a family of five, as we welcome the newest little Nowak into our family. I haven't yet used this blog to write about our loss last January, but I do feel that now is a good time. We went through a very difficult loss at the end of January last year when I went in for an ultrasound at 10 weeks, and the doctor could not detect a heartbeat. What followed was a D and C and the realization that we had to process the loss of a baby. That pregnancy was a surprise so to speak, but we confirmed that we would try again and hopefully within a few months, I would be pregnant again. It took more than a few months, but just under a year after our loss, on New Years Eve, I took a pregnancy test and saw the two lines. We are thrilled. The boys are excited, and we are anxiously awaiting the news of whether we will be buying more blue or if it may be pink this time. What I can say is that, we are just praying for a healthy baby, be it a boy or a girl.

Our other big news is our upcoming move to the Pacific Northwest. We have a connection to the area, since 8 years ago, Patrick was born there. We spent 3 great years there, and we can't wait to go back. The orders have just arrived as of yesterday, so we don't know exactly when we will be packing out and heading stateside, but while the boys and I are in Singapore, Brian will be finalizing those move plans. By the time we get back, we will have just over a week to prepare for pack out. Our packout will be in April, even though we won't fly out until early June, because it will take about 60 days for our household goods to cross the oceans to get to us. The Navy provides us with lovely "loaner" furniture for us to use while we finish out our time here.

We have quite a busy schedule from June until November when Brian actually reports to the USS Alabama Gold as the XO (executive officer). He has several schools to attend, and I will have the task of setting up a home and getting the boys ready for school, while also preparing for the littlest Nowak. We will arrive to the Pac Northwest homeless, carless, and without any of our stuff. Just a few weeks after that, Brian will leave for over two months to Pearl Harbor for SCC (Submarine Command Course). Here's hoping that he makes it home for the arrival of our third baby. :) We don't need this one to come early!! We're hoping that the little peanut decides to do exactly what his/her brother's did- stay in there to cook until the end!

I have so much more to update on this blog. I will try to keep posting, so stay tuned. I will be adding pics of my cousin's visit to Japan and all of our travels. Also stay tuned for my list of "favorite things we will miss about Japan." I've been thinking about it a lot, and I need to get it posted.

For now, I need to pack for Singapore and do some last minute errands. I will be back very soon with more.