Hana's Garden

Power Outage

2006-08-15T07:11:00.000-07:00

There was a major power outrage yesterday morning in Tokyo.

A lot of trains and subways were a long delay.
I was on holidays, so I had no effect...

I reaffirmed the importance of electricity!

LOST..

2006-08-09T05:48:00.000-07:00

LOST...Oh！　I haven't lost anything!!

This is an American dorama "LOST"
Recently I started watching it on rented DVD,
and I became to be a "LOST-holic"

All characters are individual and this story is not just a survival story･･･anyway ,it's very fascinating.

～kanji～
I found some "kanji" in the image.
Clair: Her necklace is shaped ”愛"　（means LOVE）
Boone: His T-shirt is printed ”八十四”（means 84）
Jack:The tattoo on his left shoulder looks like "kanji" but I can't read. It may be Chinese・・・.

By the way, he is so sexy isn't he?? xD

I'm looking forward to see 2nd season!!!
It's not released yet in Japan!! :-(

Firewarks

2006-08-05T19:42:00.000-07:00

During summer, a lot of fireworks displays are held in Tokyo.
"Sumida River firework fesibal" is most famous and populer I think, but I prefer "Itabashi Fireworks festibal" and I went to today.

One of my friends prepared some foods that she made, and others brought champagne and beer.
There were a lot of people but not too crowded. That is the reason I like this festibal. (Itabashi) Fireworks were really really beautyful and colorful. I could feel summer to see them! !

A dog of franders

2006-07-29T07:51:00.000-07:00

A dog of franders is very famous story in Japan, because it is made into anime.
I was very impressdes to see these things that relation with the story.

But found this fact "the story is hardly known in Belgium, and then only because of the tourists it attracts to Antwerp" when I wet to Antwerp.

Cathedral :This is the place leading character Nello died.

This is the painting he wanted to see.

He sold milk in the town .There was a milk market...maybe.

Belgium＆Netherlands

2006-07-25T00:26:00.000-07:00

I　went to Belgium＆Netherlands last week as my summer vacation.

The most surprising thing was almost every Belgian ＆Dutchman can speak English. Espesially Dutchman speak with fluency!!!

I've ever been some European countries that English is not their mother language. In those countries, I was able to communicate in English only at the hotel, famous tourist spot or some limited place.

But during this trip, I and my friend could get across our English everywhere in Netherlands.

I'd like to post another photes in a few days.
Grand-Place
It is said "most beautyful plaza in the world".

Baton...

2006-07-10T05:27:00.000-07:00

I receive the baton form my sister peach.

OK, I'm gonna wirte!!
[1, What is your name?]
My name is Hana, means flower.

[2, What did you eat last night for your supper?]
Boild green soybean:Japanese summer food!
Sauteed bitter gourd: It's one of the OKINAWA dishes called goya-cyanpuru.
It's very good for our health.

[3, What is your job?]
IT reration.

[4, What do you like to do?]
Doing Yoga,bedrock bath,chatting with my friends,traveling,cooking,having lunch or tea at a cafe,watching movies,
shopping,lerning English and so on...I have a lot of fun!!

[5, What is you favorite type?]
Person with a positive outlook on life.

[6, What is your special ability?]
Full of curiosity.

[7, Do you have any license or qualification?]
Licence for wine, driver's licence, qualification for domestic travel, Japanese tea ceremony licence(mine is primary one), secretary's licence.

[8, Do you have concerns?]
A little. Recently,my environment is changing very speedy.

[9. What is your favorite food and dislike food?]
Faboriate:pickles,pistachio ice-cream,broiled eel ,takoyaki,risotto.
Dislike:law oyster.

[10. Say a word for person you love]
Secret♪
Normally, we Japanese don't say "I love you"to whom they love.

[11, Write 5 people you want to give this baton message]

I would be an anchor. ^-^

～World cup final～
Did you watch it?? Italy won!!Was your prediction right???

And I and almost all of the people must have been very surprised what happed last 5minutes.

Retirement,Graduation, and New Beginning.

2006-07-03T07:54:00.000-07:00

Nakata announced his intention to retire at this season.
I was very shoked to hear that and so impressed his decision and messeage.
What is he going to do next??

It is said that he is going to getting his MBA at the school or he wold be a enrolled agent.
Anyway, he will do something surprising us and I'm looking forward to it.

We shold say him”本当にお疲れ様！！”　:D

"AUSTRALIA 3-1 JAPAN”

2006-06-12T08:30:00.000-07:00

Tonight, Japan was scored 3 goals in last 6 minutes.
ボーゼン・・・。

Japanese players should move on A.S.A.P.
Go in and win! :D

Rainy days

2006-06-11T07:43:00.000-07:00

It has been rain for the last several days .
Rainy season in Japan are very humid,sometimes muggy and bother me:-(

I bought a dehumidification machine last year and it makes me very comfortable :D

World Cup has begun

2006-06-10T03:40:00.000-07:00

Last night, I stopped over at a Tokia on my way back from office.

It was friday, so most of the restaurants were very crowded.
In addition to, World Cup curtain raiser was broadcast on a big-screen.

Many people (included from other countries ) are watching it.

Most game would be boroadcasted at midnght in Japan.
I'm worry about lack of sleep. :-(

Important thing

2006-05-03T06:24:00.000-07:00

Today,I visited nikko toshogu shrine, one of the world heritages in Japan.
I like taking in world heritages and would like to visit all of them in the world some day.

This is famous carving,"sleeping cat".
Can you see the signage?
"↑眠り猫（sleeping cat)"
It costs extra 500 yen to see it, so don't miss it when you come here!!

After the visiting, we had sacred sake(omiki) as a kind of ceremony.

On way back from the shrine,we rolled through ''iroha-slope " by sightseeing bus.

It's famous for autumnal colors of the leaves and winding back road .

Thanks to our good driver,I could get to my home in safety . :D

I noticed the very important thing, when I saw my sister's blog.

I completely forgot to drawing a fortune slip,omikuji!!! :-(

First day of my holidays has passed like this...

Free Scoop Night!!

2006-05-01T05:40:00.000-07:00

Because of very hot weather, I saw a lot of peaple waiting in a long line to buy ice cream. At that moment, I get a fleeting view of this poster.

Free Scoop Night? ?
This is a campaign to raise funds.
"If you take a collection, one scoop ice cream would be given"
May. 9th two hours, on the evening

It's very unique idea,and this event is held almost every year!
I did'nt know that May 9ht is " Ice cream day" in Japan.
In 1869,on this day, first ice cream was released in Yokohama.
A lot of interesting events of ice cream would be held on May 9th.I have to be careful not too eat. :P

Do you believe･･･?

2006-04-23T07:34:00.000-07:00

Yesterday,It was very sunny day and calm,so I wetnt to my favoriate town,kichijyoji.
It's locate on the west side of tokyo,and with a lot of shops,cafes and nice park named Inokashira park.

This park has a large pond,surrounded by Cherry trees and maples, so we can enjoy both cherry viewing picnic and autumn colour of leaves.:D

I saw many boats floating in the pond!!
But I've never tried the boats...
Because there is a very famous rumor that dating couple board a boat they will breakup soon. :-(
The park has a shrine dedicated to goddess.She is jealous the couples so....
Do you believe this rumor? Anyway, there are many places like this(not good for couples) in Tokyo.
I don't want to try this boat even if with my friends and family.

After the short stay at Inokashira park, I answered questionnaires that was conducted by a marketing agent.So I got cash voucher.(500 yen) :D
Kichijyoji has this kind of agent,and the questionnaires are safe.
But another town like shibuya,shinjyuku ･･･I do not recommend to answer!
I'm going to use this voucher at the nearest fast food restaurant soon. ;P

Travel journal photos

2006-04-16T07:16:00.000-07:00

I went to Tohoku with my sister, peach .
She will post about it soon, so I'd like to show anothr photos.

1 DAY:

We ate this Eki-ben on the train.
(eki=train station, ben= short for obento, or lunch box).

Maezawa beef, one of the most famous beeves in Japan.
(I think the most famous Japanese beef is Matsuzaka beef.)

We stayed at Japanese style inn .

Dinner

2DAY:

Blue train,named AOIKE.

Views from the wheel window.

Aoike(blue pond)

A part of World heritage,Shirakami mountain range.

We transferred this green train,named BUNA.

We stayed at this hotel.
http://c11dm0vv.securesites.net/grandmer/index.html

How luxury!! XD

3 DAY:

View from the wheel window.

Iwaki Mt. (Another name:Tsugaru Fuji)

We could enjoy Tsugaru shamisen performance on the train.

Cheers!

We enjoyed the spa and relaxed very much! :D

The master of the city

2006-04-06T08:54:00.000-07:00

I have a favoriate restaurant in Iidabashi Tokyo.
The restaurant will be featured on TV at the end of April, it will get crowded after that ,so I and my friends went there today.

The TV program is a kind of cooking show
"saturday night chubaw"
The chief cook will appear on as the master of the city.
http://www.tbs.co.jp/chubaw/

The restaurant have a cooking class once a month and I often join it.

These dishes are what I learned previous class.

・Focaccia
・Couscous （Isn't it French?)
・Baked cheese cake.

It take place as a demonstraion style,
so I just rolled out the dough. :D
I'm far from the master...

The evolutions

2006-04-03T09:25:00.000-07:00

I had spare time, so I killed some time at a manga cafe Today. http://www.tjf.or.jp/eng/ge/ge27mangakissa.htm

Recently I had no time to read comics, and I didn't know that "hanayoridango" had been concluded already....
http://margaret.shueisha.co.jp/hanayoridango/
It was a littel shock!

Anyway,manga cafes seem to be more convenient lately.
Of course seats are semiprivate and you can even take a shower if you want!

I found that a lot of intersting services were provided by them!!
↓English lessons and Nail salon services etc....
http://manboo.co.jp/service/index.php

If they are so useful I should go more often!!

Spring has come.

2006-04-01T07:43:00.000-08:00

It was very fine day, and I went to see the cherry blossoms with my frind.
I heard It would be rain tomorrow, so they seemed to be at their best today.

The restaurants near here were very very crowded,and we were kept waiting for a long time.

We ate the pizza(brussels sprouts, green asparagu and anchovies)
It was "Spring only"menue and it was more nicer than I had expected.
I like these kind of (limited lime)menue very much!!

World's STARBUCKS

2006-03-29T08:06:00.000-08:00

I noticed that many people orderd the Matcha(Green Tea) Tea Latte at the starbuks.
http://www.starbucks.co.jp/ja/promotions_drink.htm

I know the Matcha Cream Frappuccino but
the Matcha Tea Latte has just been released.
And it seems to be promoted.

I could find Green tea fravor beverage in hawaii.
http://www.starbuckshawaii.com/en/bev_frapp.htm
Is it soled in other countries?

I found a Banana fravor beverage in AU and NZ.
I 'd like to try.(not sold in Japan)
http://www.starbucks.com.au/en-AU/

http://starbucks.server-web.co.nz/index.cfm?contentNodeID=399

Of course I like usual coffe,but
I love Mango Citrus Frappuccino best!!(summer limited)

The TOEIC test

2006-03-26T08:09:00.000-08:00

I took the TOEIC test today.
The test will be renewed in May 2006(next time).
So today was the last.

It is used to measure the effectiveness of self-development, being used as a placement test or as a part of entrance requirements.
The test scores may also be accepted as a substitute for English language course requirements.

So,a lot of people take it.
I wonder if is it same in Europe and America.

What I want is・・・・・.

2006-03-24T05:59:00.000-08:00

Nintendo DS is at the top of my wish list.
http://www.nintendo.com/channel/ds

Especially I' d like to have Nintendo DS lite(successor).
It just released on march but too difficult to get...
http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/owabi/index.html
↑Apology for the stock shortage and the the volume of shipment.

I'm strongly interedted in "EIGOZUKE" , English training software.
http://touch-ds.jp/mfs/eigozuke/index.html
Definitely It is not sold in the United States. :D

Very windy

2006-03-19T05:32:00.000-08:00

It was very windy today.
The train was delayed due to a strong wind.
I thought I was going to blow off.

Now I began to learn "chado".
Today, I had a lesson and arrived at the place
(where lessons are given) at last...

My sister peach have been learning chado for a long time.
(Is this secret?)
I wish I could attend a tea ceremony with her someday.

The world travel week

2006-03-18T08:32:00.000-08:00

The other day I went to a Thai restaurant.

And today, I went to a Spanish restaurant.
I think I have no need to go on a trip abroad.
～Tapas～
Marinade vegetables

Croqettes (prosciutto ham tastes)

Fried conger eels (Spanish food??)

Paella

Rice pudding
I don't like sweet rice very much.

It's about time to have Japanese food.

French BBQ

2006-03-15T05:52:00.000-08:00

I went to French BBQ restaurant.

What is French BBQ?
Spit roasted escargot,pork・・
and this is foie gras with balsamic vinegar sauce.

Poster girl? Poster pig??
"Don't eat me!! oink! oink!"

I'm stuffed..

Is it fasionable?

2006-03-13T05:27:00.000-08:00

Many peolpe have hay feaver,recentlly.
So,I see them wearing the masks.

Especially this kind of mask↓it had a large sale,last year.
http://www.unicharm.co.jp/mask/index.html

It must be functional,but it's not fasionable. :D
I' m scare to cause hay feaver...

Patissier

2006-03-11T07:30:00.000-08:00

Today,I went to the very popular patisserie "Toshi Yoroizuka"
http://www.grand-patissier.info/ToshiYoroizuka/story/index.jsp
Recently famous patissier have their own shop,
and they names their own name.
These kind of shops are very hot in Tokyo today.
"Toshi Yoroizuka" is one of them.

There were a lot of people in front of the shop and was a long line.
I&my frinend stood in line to buy his sweets.
But it took about 30 mitutes to get his cakes!!
～today's crops～

1.BERNARD(Pistachio&chocolate)
I love pistachio!!
This one is so great!!!
Bottom of this cake is very crisp and tastes good.

2Mont-Blanc
Good but I think it is ordinary.

3FROMAGE(Cheese&Cinnamon)
Cheese goes well with Chinnamon

***General impression***
Normally I do not like to
get lined up.
But these are worth lining up for!

For reference
・Sadaharu Aoki
http://www.sadaharuaoki.com/
・Inamura Shozo
http://www.inamura.jp/
・Le pattisier Takagi
http://www.lplctakagi.jp/

Insomnia

2006-03-08T08:47:00.000-08:00

Today,I saw a korean movie "3iron".
http://www.sonyclassics.com/3iron/frame.html
The director won a prize in Venice, but it was narcotic.
I will recomend you if you are insomnia:D

I much prefer "A moment to remember"
http://www.keshigomu.jp/
(witten in Japanese )

Chado～The way of tea～

2006-03-07T07:33:00.000-08:00

I had a introductory chado lesson today.

It was a little strange experience, but it was so interesting.

There are a lot of phrases to saｙ・・・

「Okashi o dozo」 means " Please have a sweet"
「Osakini」　it means "Pardon me for going ahead of you"
etc..(I can't remember!!)

The sweet was very good indeed!
But I'm wondering if I begin.

Opening

2006-03-04T04:14:00.000-08:00

Hello! Welcome to my blog.
My name is Hana. It is the first post in English..... in my life!
While I'm writing, my sister is grinning next to me.
Stop it!!!!!! xD

Anyway, Hana means "flower" in English. I like this name.

I'm so exited to imagine meeting tons of wonderful flowers in my garden.

Welcome, again.... and have a nice day!!