Joann's Blog: June 2014

This was part of Daniel’s 2014 plan for the family - a family trip every quarter; in particular camping, hiking and nature explorations. The resolution did seem apparrently indulgent to make even before the new year rolled on, especially since Sarah just started school. But we soon came to realize how much we ‘regained' during these trips. These trips enabled Dan to take a momentary pause from his impossible juggling of many responsibilities - both work and non-work related. These trips were timely pitstops for us to reflect on our direction and focus. These trips chartered new grounds in our family’s explorations and discoveries. These trips created so many precious memories that we held onto as we each went about to fulfill our own roles and responsibilities. These trips kept us in constant wonderment at the world around us and gave us new and realtime information for interesting discussions and conversations.

Balancing routine and normalcy with opportunities for explorations is the equation for us this season.

I will attempt to post a quick record - more so for Dan who is in Mongolia now. So Daddy, this is for you.

Trekking and Camping in Khao Yai National Park - Feb

Sarah and Samuel basking in the sun [note their leech socks...eww]

This was an affordable but fruitful trip. We spent two days trekking in Khao Yai National Park with our experienced guide who was quick to spot many wild life as well as fresh bear markings on the trees (gulp). I would highly recommend engaging guides from Bobby’s Guesthouse. We managed to spy a family of gibbons swinging from the trees, some beautiful birds, a porcupine lurking near our campsite and a couple of wild elephants. In one word, awesome! This, coupled with delicious Thai Food and a stay at Baan Souchada Resort and Spa makes a great way to spend our Chinese New Year. We are already toying with the idea of heading to Chiang Mai for more tropical rainforest exploration - the zip wire across canopy sounds fun:)

All set for Bat Cave

The awesome real bat show which lasted 30 mins as the bats flew out of the caves

A shot through the telescope

Kids love camping in the National Park.

Deers that lurk near the campsite waiting to nibble at human trash

Spot the elephant behind Dan

Revisiting Tokyo, Lake Kawaguchiko, Hakone, Yugawara and Izu Peninsula

Whenever we head to Tokyo, we pretty much revisit what we enjoyed doing when we were there for a month two years ago. We would walk down Shinjuku, pop into our favorite 100 Yen sushi bar [nowdays there are 80 Yen sushi bars], eat a MOS burger or two, read a couple of books at the foreign book section at the bookstore connected to Shinjuku station, play at Shinjuku Chuo Park, have a lunch at sizzler, stay at Keio Plaza....we are such nostalgic creatures.

This trip, since Sarah was turning 7. I thought it was nice for her to wear the Kimono, just like how every 7 year old girl in Japan does in their rite of passage - Shichi-Go-San. Of course, I had no idea that this entire ritual is a huge industry in Japan and a costly one too. Thankfully, in my search, I stumbled onto Marunouchi Cafe Seek, a place set up for tourists to introduce them to the Japan culture as well as give them an opportunity to have photo moments in their kimonos - all for free. Very unfortunately, the place has closed since June, a pretty sad discovery considering how many tourists make their way there.

Sammy with his oversize kimono.

Tokyo was nice....but it was only when we hopped into our rented car and drove away from the relentless buildings, did we feel that our holiday really begun. Till today, regardless of the many times I have seen Mount Fuji, I still exclaim profusely and drop my jaw at its truly spectacular sight. I don’t think I will ever get tired of this sight. We walked through bird trails, we walked through gorges, we walked through famous highways, we walked to lighthouses...we walked and walked and walked. Of course, we returned home every day to soak our tired bodies in the onsen - a part of Japan that we have learnt to appreciate and indulge whenever we have the chance to.