Paducah Conquers Japan

You would think that a move to the other side of the world would be a relationship altering move for a mother and daughter, even a relationship as close as ours.  A new breed of relationship would form where you cut to the chase and only focus on the important pieces of information - how are you settling in? do you like your house? have you made friends? what do you eat? - alleviating a child from the always lurking motherly scold.  Well I was proven wrong this morning when I was skyping with my lovely parents.  As we continued our jovial chat, it hit me like a ton of bricks.  There it was.  My mother's head cocked sideways, looking up at me from beneath her half closed eyelids, the beginnings of an eye roll.  "I keep checking your blog every day and there is nothing new.  When are you going to post about all these things that keep you busy."  And I, tail tucked between my legs apologizing as I stumbled over my excuse, ultimately replied, "Today, Mom. I will do a new blog post today."  Per usual, she was right.  It was time.

And here I am.  5:35pm on a rainy, foggy Thursday night.  Sitting in my study, gazing at the clouds usurping the space where the mountains usually sit, house buzzing as the Prowlers or Growlers (whichever jet just replaced the other) buzz the house and land within walking distance.  I will not lie, (because a blog is somewhat of a diary, a confession of sorts): I have poured a crisp glass of Chardonnay.  Tonight, I thought it would keep me company while Tim flies through the last few hours of the day.  The study is quickly becoming my favorite room in the house.  I have worked up here all day with music on in the background, watching the planes and helicopters land and my neighbor glimpse out of the window (which is always closed) while cleaning the house.  I keep cozy with my Frazier tartan blanket from Scotland as Dolly Parton serenades me.  Wow... what a culmination of cultures.  Scottish history, fine Country music, and Japan.  I guess that succinctly sums up my life.  Who'd a thunk it?

Another unexpected:  Miss Anna Katherine Ransler by my side, my partner in conquering Japan.  Anna and I grew up together in Paducah.  I found pictures the other day of a birthday party of hers back in elementary school, if that gives you even the slightest of clues as to how far we go back.  Anna and I both left Paducah for school at Sewanee and then eventually settled in Nashville.  If you think that is an example of a parallel lives, throw in the fact that we both drove brown Volvos, silver BMWs, and finally Hondas at the exact same time.  The Navy and the love of my life took me from sweet Tennessee.  The Navy, a budding romance, and a need for change persuaded Anna to move to San Diego.  At our wedding,  Anna met our Navy friend Tyler, and they have been together ever since.  Needless to say, we were thrilled when Tyler found out he was moving to Japan for a year to fly helicopters with HS-14.  Even more needless to say is how elated I was when I realized that that meant AK would come visit as well.  

For two weeks in April, Anna graced Japan with her presence.  As Tyler had to work the first week she was here, we shared custody: I got her during the days and he got her after work.  Anna was the perfect exploration companion.  She was not afraid to try mystery food and loved to venture out in town.  Below are pictures of our time together while she was here.  It was short and sweet.  But I cherish every moment we had together of two young Paducans in Japan.  

The Neighborhood Park

Anna and I went for a stroll in the park right down from my house during the peak of Sakura season.  The trees were in even more full bloom than during my Easter walk with Brittany.  The Sakura existed like puffs of clouds loitering around the branchs.  Pink and white cotton candy that even when gravity sunk the blossoms, one could not be upset for the ground was covered in pink snow.  Now I get the allure of the Sakura.  How have I lived so long without these beautiful trees?

Anna loved these kids.  If you look closely, one boy is saluting while the others make peace signs (the ubiquitous sign in Japanese photos).  

I did not know you could go fishing in this stream.  But a group of people were catching MASSIVE koi.  It is the size of its captors arm!  We caught this picture as the coy was released to freedom.

The little girl in the back cooperated.

Sankeien Garden

One beautiful afternoon, Anna and I met for lunch and an afternoon visit to Sankeien Garden in Yokohama.  Originally the grounds of Hara Sankei, a rich silk trader, today, the garden covers over 18,000 square miles.  It is a traditional Japanese garden and boasts such historic buildings as a three-storied pagoda and a tea house.  This was my second trip to the garden and it is quickly becoming one of my favorite places to visit!

Here we walk to the garden with the hoards of other people with the profound idea to visit the garden that day. 

He was hungry. 

Pink Snow

We did not see this lady in Kimono again until we left the garden.  I believe they were doing some sort of photo shoot.  Look at the intricate design on her Happi coat and Kimono!

Anna and I partook in a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony.  Here, our host prepares the tea.  She spoke English very well and has a daughter that lives in San Diego.  As we were brought our tea, she came over with a simple tea cup and told me that she would not give me this one; she would be back with a special tea cup.  

My tea cup

Green tea

There is quite a bit of protocol and tradition that goes on in a tea ceremony.  We only began to scratch the surface.

The walls of the above building.

Before heading to the garden, I took Anna on an adventure.  There is a restaurant literally 3 minutes from my house.  Every time I walk by its smells suck me in.  However, I had never eaten there.  Having no idea what the food was, if they spoke English or even had any resemblance of an English menu, Anna decided to try it out with me.  Luckily, I know how to order beer so we would at least have something to wash the food down with.  Using the Japanese word that Paducah's Matt Little taught me, I asked what the waiter recommended.  He pointed.  I said "Hai."  Lucky for us, it was ramen!  We had a tasty bowl of Ramen noodles, gyoza, and beer.  Not too shabby for this girl!

The menu

Anna and I took 180 photos between the two of use while she was in town.  She was a breath of fresh air.  Old friends really make you appreciate where you grew up and who you grew up with.  I could not ask for a better childhood.  I am one lucky girl.

I love and miss you all.