Tokyo – Page 5 – Memoirs of Aleisha

Snowpocalypse

February 15, 2014October 11, 2016memoirsofaleishaLeave a comment

Tokyo had some unprecedented snowfall yesterday. Ended up getting stranded and didn’t get home until 6am this morning. What a long cold night it was.

It snowed all day in Tokyo yesterday. Some workplaces declared snow day. All we got was a 5pm earlymark.
When I left the office a little before 6pm, here is what it looked like outside my office building:

From Snowpocalypse

It wasn’t too bad. Subways were running (although a few train lines were down).
I headed to Shinjuku where we boarding a bus bound for Hakuba for a weekend of snowboarding.
Our bus left Shinjuku at 7:30pm and we hit the road. It took us an hour just to get out of the city and onto the highway.
We then spent 5 hours on the bus only to travel 50km and we were technically still in Tokyo. Traffic had been diverted off the highways as the highways shut down due to the snow. We just crawled along.

At about 12:30am the decision was made to head back home to Tokyo. By this time we were outside Takaosan train station. There was no way we were going to reach our destination. Snow trip officially cancelled.

Stopped in the middle of the road, where we walked to the nearby train station to use the toilets:

From Snowpocalypse

Here are some pics in the middle of the night at the pit stop:

From Snowpocalypse

We made it back to Tokyo where the bus dropped us off in Shinjuku. It was now 3:30am and we were stranded in Shinjuku as no public transport was running. They close during the night. Not a single taxi was available either. We tried to hail over a dozen taxis. They were either all full or no one wanted to pick us up.

By this time, we were super tired, freezing cold and wet. Ugh. Sooo cold.

These were the conditions trying to cross the roads in Shinjuku:

From Snowpocalypse

With no way to get home, my friend and I camped out a ramen shop where we ate a bowl of ramen at 4am. Even the 24 hour Maccas was closed! They had decided to close at 4am and were only doing takeaway to stop people from camping out inside.

From Snowpocalypse

Cars struggling in the snow in Shinjuku:

From Snowpocalypse

I finally got home at 6am this morning, once the trains were up and running again at 5am. Had a long hot shower to thaw out, and crawled into bed with my hot water bottle.

There was so much snow for this weekend, but ironically no one could get out to the slopes to enjoy it. All the highways have been shut. Quite the adventurous weekend so far, and it’s only Saturday morning!

Am now settled in for having a bludgey day indoors. It’s freezing though and super slushy outside. although it has stopped snowing.

Here was the view from my balcony this morning:

From Snowpocalypse

Life is like a box of…

February 14, 2014November 26, 2016memoirsofaleishaLeave a comment

On this Valentine’s Day, I have to confess I have FEELINGS for you.
No, literally, I HAVE Feelings for you.
This box of chocolates is actually called “Feelings”. (Ah, bless Japan).

From Feelings

I saw these for sale a couple of weeks ago and couldn’t resist taking a photo inside the shop. Sadly, could not bring myself to buy a box of these for myself.

In the words of Forrest Gump: “Life is like a box of…
Feelings?!”

Regardless of the day, anyday/everyday is an occasion to enjoy chocolates. But if you do, enjoy it with “feeling”.

Meanwhile, another snowy day in Tokyo.
Have a great weekend!

I made lasagne

February 1, 2014October 8, 2016memoirsofaleishaLeave a comment

Title says it all.
I made lasagne. Or should it be lasagna. Does the word end in an ‘a’ and ‘e’?
Either way, tastes delicious.
Made it all from scratch, except the lasagne sheets…no one got time for that yo.

Before it goes into the oven:

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aT0s_ficZQod_MwcMbUwLWrLlndcI6zpjiq-qwMiRLE?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vSNZ2hN2Bks/Uu3GU7a46pI/AAAAAAACfLk/GCo3ozq9jxk/s640/IMG_6693.jpg” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Lasagne?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Lasagne</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aqKrUsjTnDyO_BNaid9ouGrLlndcI6zpjiq-qwMiRLE?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fjGB7_3Wylw/Uu3GU2x_9-I/AAAAAAACfKo/yVo1BUTzHFg/s640/IMG_6694.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Lasagne?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Lasagne</a></td></tr></table>

After it comes out of the oven:

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rBg9EL6b_MF4isYVjS90KGrLlndcI6zpjiq-qwMiRLE?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mNvqVHWN8dA/Uu3GWXDwUbI/AAAAAAACfLE/kTkwTwr1l1g/s640/IMG_6697.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Lasagne?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Lasagne</a></td></tr></table>

Voila. Ready to eat:

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/abyFW57CY6XsOOgtUjttF2rLlndcI6zpjiq-qwMiRLE?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0T6uLMzDDWA/Uu3GWb79_mI/AAAAAAACfLQ/H2cZAwuoRMk/s640/IMG_6698.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Lasagne?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Lasagne</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/cC2IiS61dHKBPHGAc7pIOmrLlndcI6zpjiq-qwMiRLE?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-18lysm98ZOA/Uu3GXSNlWVI/AAAAAAACfLY/I2XGBCoHPpI/s640/IMG_6699.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Lasagne?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Lasagne</a></td></tr></table>

2014: 12 months, 12 challenges

January 31, 2014October 8, 2016memoirsofaleishaLeave a comment

One month down. Another 11 to go.

This year, I thought I’d set myself 12 challenges or goals/achievements/stuff I want to do, one for each month.

Here’s what I’ve come up with so far (subject to change):

January – Polar Bear dip. DONE
February – Get a haircut. DONE
March – Try as many new recipes as possible in the month (submitted by Jess), do the Color Run
April – Photo Project – complete as many photo projects as possible from the 52 Photo Project Book (submitted by Em)
May – Visit a new country (ticket is booked!)
June – 8km island crossing Guam open water swim (airfare is booked)
July – 10km ows race, Paddle mix ows race, sit JLPT exam – level N1
August – Tsugaru Channel Relay swim crossing (August or September)???
September – Murakami triathlon???
October – 15km ows race????
November – Full marathon run???
December – Sit the JLPT exam – Level N1 (aim to pass)

I need a challenge for February!!!
Send me your challenge proposals!

Brunch at Peninsula Hotel: Dom and Pavlova

January 21, 2014October 11, 2016memoirsofaleishaLeave a comment

Been a while since I’ve done a brunch review.
This was a celebratory brunch back in December of last year. It was a much needed celebration after a month of crappiness (think police, compensation and exams to boot). I got myself into a bit of pickle last year, but that’s another stay for a time when I have left the country. Best to retell that story once I’m out of Japan.

It was time to indulge and nothing says indulgence more than all-you-can-eat brunch AND all-you-can drink Dom Perignon!

The Peninsula Hotel’s Peter restaurant offers this brunch menu on Sundays only (so book in advance).

The brunch experience is unncessarily complicated, but the free flow champagne is definitely a bonus.
One of many glasses:

From Peninsula brunch

Let the brunch begin:

From Peninsula brunch

Salads and appetizers are buffet style. Easy. Knock yourself out.

From Peninsula brunch

In addition to that you can order a whole bunch of other dishes. All these dishes are all you can eat as well, but you need to order a la carte and each dish is literally a mouthful portion. So the waiting time is a little longer every time you want to order food. However, it also means that the table is full of tiny plates of bite-sized dishes:

From Peninsula brunch

The variety and quality is pretty good though, but it was rather slow service. This is definitely a slow leisurely brunch, so you better not make plans afterwards. This is a 2-3 hour eating ordeal.

The highlight here is the dessert buffet. They sell honest to goodness real Pavlova. Wow. Gobsmacked. It was damn delicious. It tasted like home. If you don’t know what pavlova is, in a word, it’s “divine”. A giant meringue nest topped with fresh fruit and cream.

From Peninsula brunch

Would totally go back there just for the pavlova.

Brunch here was very good, if not a little convoluted. Considering it’s the same deal as the Ritz Carlton, you’re better off going to the Ritz Carlton. (Just realised that I haven’t blogged about that…so I must get around to doing that. I have a huge backlog of blog posts to do! This thing called “work” is really cramping muh style.

1300 steps: Climbing Tokyo Tower

January 19, 2014October 8, 2016memoirsofaleishaLeave a comment

During a limited time each year, you can apparently climb the stairs up Tokyo Tower. I thought you could take the stairs all year round, but it seems you can only do this during a 2-week window each year (I have my suspicions that you can take the stairs all year round though). I managed to sneak in a trip to Tokyo Tower just for the sole purpose of climbing about 1300 steps. I needed the distraction. I’ve been to Tokyo Tower before but took the elevator up.
Decided this time to go up to the observatory by taking the 600 or so steps up and then back down again. And still had to pay the regular entry price for the privelege.

Tokyo Tower:

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gFKiO6biqmF_IQQXO5L1rEyfHhUe1gNt21gz4-UIDf4?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tCK-98LAadM/UtVNTf9OWMI/AAAAAAACeWE/sPyiroJHJZE/s640/IMG_6434.jpg” height=”640″ width=”480″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/TokyoTower?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Tokyo Tower</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/k3QvKQ4Tut0ziWlv_8ZBoEyfHhUe1gNt21gz4-UIDf4?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5FGmEg6Weg0/UtVNTbwVhDI/AAAAAAACeWQ/q02kR4mc5TE/s640/IMG_6436.jpg” height=”640″ width=”480″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/TokyoTower?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Tokyo Tower</a></td></tr></table>

Here we go:

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3FbDZd_1BuwwE7oxmdHpUEyfHhUe1gNt21gz4-UIDf4?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jgisW1fseE4/UtVNTeKuRsI/AAAAAAACeWI/mNq9G6X7wfE/s640/IMG_6437.jpg” height=”640″ width=”480″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/TokyoTower?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Tokyo Tower</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Xxfp6P5UWwg9HkwJzfKsXUyfHhUe1gNt21gz4-UIDf4?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lU44y-ke7CQ/UtVNYy5SBiI/AAAAAAACeXo/W0FjfnUsc8Y/s640/IMG_6448.jpg” height=”640″ width=”480″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/TokyoTower?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Tokyo Tower</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/cyGGCADKFs3qKKoHJdV0lkyfHhUe1gNt21gz4-UIDf4?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4_8rP2Tlx-I/UtVNaWfsuFI/AAAAAAACeX8/Py83zij1Ke4/s640/IMG_6450.jpg” height=”640″ width=”480″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/TokyoTower?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Tokyo Tower</a></td></tr></table>

At the 333rd step:

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RJvU8Pm8nwKGyEK6LjFg1kyfHhUe1gNt21gz4-UIDf4?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-LV-JiPeCFrY/UtVNUSkai7I/AAAAAAACeWc/uVEP6IeepYM/s640/IMG_6438.jpg” height=”640″ width=”480″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/TokyoTower?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCIv73p-fzLnWZQ&feat=embedwebsite”>Tokyo Tower</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AqzlTE0Eg4qpFUosaD-2zkyfHhUe1gNt21gz4-UIDf4?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IQJYr8lt4dE/UtVNa88itOI/AAAAAAACeYI/RDvMFwgdyr8/s640/IMG_6452.jpg” height=”640″ width=”480″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/TokyoTower?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCIv73p-fzLnWZQ&feat=embedwebsite”>Tokyo Tower</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/pQ0BzaVaNOVQu4tuputbyUyfHhUe1gNt21gz4-UIDf4?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-votKzGa8SXk/UtVNdI_1LrI/AAAAAAACeYs/mD5ilVn1yDM/s640/IMG_6455.jpg” height=”640″ width=”480″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/TokyoTower?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCIv73p-fzLnWZQ&feat=embedwebsite”>Tokyo Tower</a></td></tr></table>

At the 500th step:

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9VwNYDeDzOj8QRN4sK2-VkyfHhUe1gNt21gz4-UIDf4?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FBYqtk4ZefY/UtVNVFkJqKI/AAAAAAACeWk/JUPS7zlB-8Y/s640/IMG_6440.jpg” height=”640″ width=”480″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/TokyoTower?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCIv73p-fzLnWZQ&feat=embedwebsite”>Tokyo Tower</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hSdtSn5t8kQynV-eKsX3ukyfHhUe1gNt21gz4-UIDf4?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UKQKwDiDheM/UtVNiCKl-lI/AAAAAAACeZ0/tiyZsAgCJOA/s640/IMG_6468.JPG” height=”640″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/TokyoTower?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Tokyo Tower</a></td></tr></table>

The view on a cold winter’s day:

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dPoDNh9g5eh9Cl8bPshmckyfHhUe1gNt21gz4-UIDf4?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bkTGOSgBXGc/UtVNWrfVv2I/AAAAAAACeW4/qs-W1BMm1Vg/s640/IMG_6443.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/TokyoTower?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCIv73p-fzLnWZQ&feat=embedwebsite”>Tokyo Tower</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2npBjBqE-tUOG5C8jiWm9kyfHhUe1gNt21gz4-UIDf4?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k95ROIwS_wo/UtVNXYlUhbI/AAAAAAACeXI/ANjJfh1SDMM/s640/IMG_6444.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/TokyoTower?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCIv73p-fzLnWZQ&feat=embedwebsite”>Tokyo Tower</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RENZqDFGrh-43gQUcsMePEyfHhUe1gNt21gz4-UIDf4?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qi7zEigGWcM/UtVNXbolMJI/AAAAAAACeXQ/2pnPgltiNtg/s640/IMG_6445.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/TokyoTower?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCIv73p-fzLnWZQ&feat=embedwebsite”>Tokyo Tower</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yx-iuSfWhKNSCnMMnl6RO0yfHhUe1gNt21gz4-UIDf4?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y-s0jSUqcgQ/UtVNX_TeeQI/AAAAAAACeXc/Fd6QT73_zfU/s640/IMG_6446.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/TokyoTower?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCIv73p-fzLnWZQ&feat=embedwebsite”>Tokyo Tower</a></td></tr></table>

And now to walk the 600-plus steps back down again. I do believe you can ride the elevator down if you so wish.

View from the ground, looking up:

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xIpZixZxBMoNi0qy8yRBr0yfHhUe1gNt21gz4-UIDf4?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xZuWNmPuMFc/UtVNdB8JdCI/AAAAAAACeYk/vGPA_ypaf60/s640/IMG_6456.jpg” height=”640″ width=”480″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/TokyoTower?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Tokyo Tower</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7psYr8yB9ScFWI_ACzFR0UyfHhUe1gNt21gz4-UIDf4?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GHemtoaLRlE/UtVNdS98cRI/AAAAAAACeYw/EPwFE4TJhKk/s640/IMG_6457.jpg” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/TokyoTower?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Tokyo Tower</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xyIm-CqhaLWryO4iHHDfJ0yfHhUe1gNt21gz4-UIDf4?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_mD-G0LpDIM/UtVNeD8iiBI/AAAAAAACelE/uyZgrVN4cw8/s640/IMG_6459.jpg” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/TokyoTower?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Tokyo Tower</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/E_nsPRDD8XdNLSwE_aafpkyfHhUe1gNt21gz4-UIDf4?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ez9ip9c-oWo/UtVNfG6p11I/AAAAAAACeZQ/GkhKB5_KvnI/s640/IMG_6462.JPG” height=”640″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/TokyoTower?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Tokyo Tower</a></td></tr></table>

For less than 10buks you can get in a good stair workout, and entry to Tokyo Tower and views over Tokyo.

Skytree: Tokyo night view

January 9, 2014October 8, 2016memoirsofaleishaLeave a comment

It is the tallest tower in the world and the second tallest structure in the world. And I went up it. That’s right, the Tokyo Skytree, which opened in 2012.

Purchasing tickets is a little convoluted if you don’t have a Japanese credit card, which I don’t.
This meant that I rocked up there at 4pm. Upon arrival, I was given a coloured card with a time slot printed on it. You have to come back at that time slot, just to purchase the ticket. I was allocated the time slot of 7:30-8pm at which time I would be allowed to purchase a ticket.
That was fine by me. I could grab dinner at the other end of town and kills some time and then get back to the Skytree.

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/k7E8_lBCHJ7sc47zMVWOxFR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V-y9bMk_RyU/UsF7i8SG_3I/AAAAAAACcnw/A9e0LHHpFL4/s640/IMG_6254.jpg” height=”640″ width=”480″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table>

Between the 7:30 – 8pm allocated time slot, I was then allowed to line up to purchase a ticket. A line that I waited in for 45minutes, just to purchase a ticket. At about 8:30pm, I finally had a ticket and was then free to go up the Skytree.

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hxAGeNEXo6CWJkuURTbhH1R4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5ylEJ6Q9BCs/UsF7jL3JAZI/AAAAAAACcn4/8RZcv5RvfNo/s640/IMG_6255.jpg” height=”640″ width=”480″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table>

By the time, I actually got to go up the Skytree, I was well and truly in time for the nightview.

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZkV-vfPUAPD6vPJDb_d8LFR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uRiXX-NNq5k/UsF6-obepfI/AAAAAAACccc/9CoHnhsPiHo/s640/DSC_0038.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ouCT_qTevohuRzEoDdQnrVR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qjKDun0dtHY/UsF6-IOLKbI/AAAAAAACccU/yWZto5BnafQ/s640/DSC_0036.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table>

This is Tokyo by night:

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/O38nlPnqBtYkZZlkUTdx81R4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gc-uXsB9q2I/UsF62NT524I/AAAAAAACcaA/3wRUHI-miy4/s640/DSC_0007.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table>

The Edogawa river:

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4GkwTu8aaBb_pAM1xFPgx1R4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ak0eQuMWO04/UsF7J424o9I/AAAAAAACcgE/mPDLqcW4y0g/s640/DSC_0089.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/f2rEjE60yQch2wfk6sapbFR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RJqqIPzdqts/UsF68CWu9MI/AAAAAAACcbs/0LKCObMbBdg/s640/DSC_0025.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table>

My super dooper zoom lens: Big Brother is watching yo!

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2IExKFL3inK-D03GSBNUVVR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-F_hnwIkco0c/UsF68xgJSwI/AAAAAAACcb0/qWJtpZeV8fc/s640/DSC_0029.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table>

Tokyo Tower:

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/n1VXwbC9oxBrihVgR4pL-FR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OJT0R_6ocBY/UsF7aIwrcCI/AAAAAAACclA/DF0zmRMFIlI/s640/DSC_1686.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0tT5TOuu3ScBTWn8mig68FR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3xcGvO1PrWw/UsF7azBpNWI/AAAAAAACclY/-81aORmhveE/s640/DSC_1691.jpg” height=”640″ width=”425″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table>

Trust me: There is nothing wrong with your eyesight:

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4HuGkKmh-d82nAOZtie3xVR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7QDFzAGoOgA/UsF7c1gqbDI/AAAAAAACcl8/q5VaZwZtlfo/s640/DSC_1695.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mM6y41SxISPbSeVhmKWi_VR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-e3E4GZyt5s8/UsF7B6iUy6I/AAAAAAACcds/wVaUv49nSgk/s640/DSC_0053.jpg” height=”640″ width=”425″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table>

The view from the top is pretty impressive. So long as you don’t mind jostling with people for window space. It was crowded! Avoid the long weekend if possible.

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yqAJxjy63Ex4WrXIdv0RwlR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WHCCipi1C_A/UsF7Y48RrfI/AAAAAAACcko/b359kBbjQPA/s640/DSC_1680.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table>

Tokyo is a pretty awesome city:

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tuXhVcMpvBZHDjqO3ogYolR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_NE0xD5C_04/UsF7UCZFQPI/AAAAAAACcjU/sThJb4TRvoY/s640/DSC_1669.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YktsqDjDW5rn2-f5NnQYcFR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/–8-Q6hyk3xU/UsF7p4QwnsI/AAAAAAACcqI/n6hjzaxPdUc/s640/IMG_6306.JPG” height=”640″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OeSV4ZBj3KT0P-Vux4rEgFR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3UkjSnIg3sc/UsF61ZEe0YI/AAAAAAACcZ4/1gAcsNc9oSQ/s640/DSC_0004.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yWTxKbxkwbUHF6sb_Z5r_FR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wNI4gZzxi34/UsF7hBhcmrI/AAAAAAACcnU/hlHmFX9Ftg8/s640/DSC_1709.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zoB15v8AsNSGT_Bg1VVZhlR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fnDjq4nEbtA/UsF66XbeN3I/AAAAAAACcbE/tlRRoAr-f6Q/s640/DSC_0020.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/V77YAqZZ_zw_RISk664yalR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-r7XTDcuRHS8/UsF7eEo2dVI/AAAAAAACcmY/U_E2QlOy2-A/s640/DSC_1698.jpg” height=”640″ width=”425″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YDODlcjvmTnfXDNl5cfq7lR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gIZ4kl6HpEg/UsF8AL4V01I/AAAAAAACcqo/jk0PQiRaHGQ/s640/IMG_6307-TWINKLE.gif” height=”640″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table>

2014: Day One

January 5, 2014October 8, 2016memoirsofaleishaLeave a comment

Happy New Year!
May 2014 be a good one for you. Good lord, I need it to be.
2013 was a shocker of a year (hence the lack of posts over the last few months. You wouldn’t believe the lousy times I went through). Here’s hoping this year is going to be a lot better.

Anyway, what better way to see in the new year than a New Year’s Day Polar Bear Swim! You could say it was a “cool” way to see in the new year. Quite literally. It was freezing.

More like a polar bear dip for me though. Air temp was about 10 degrees. Water temp about 16 degrees and plunge into the water we did. Mind you, I was sporting a severe hangover from the previous night’s New Year’s Eve festivities in Roppongi. Probably hit bed around 3am and had to be up at 8am to make the trek to Hayama Beach in Kanagawa prefecture. I was throwing up on the 1.5 hr train ride down there. Not a pretty sight.

A couple of trains and a bus ride later and a few more throw ups along the way, we made it to the beach.

Crazy windy and freezing. And quite the swell. The waves were rough.

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Ax7KyGH821c6npappSAvTNEAJXZdkKLe2njuguxH8bw?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4XfAM_8cM8s/UsUAke5g6ZI/AAAAAAACdFo/rX2r9UBblbA/s640/IMG_6414.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/PolarBearDip?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Polar Bear Dip</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ojxAumCfeh3Anp7J8EvW59EAJXZdkKLe2njuguxH8bw?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-lcYUpHaPhb8/UsUAkTPaLXI/AAAAAAACdFk/0ir-5p7PS38/s640/IMG_6412.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/PolarBearDip?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Polar Bear Dip</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JHPDiSmW-whD3jQrEDh8z9EAJXZdkKLe2njuguxH8bw?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1p99TCiZoy0/UsUAkdSygXI/AAAAAAACdFc/j5r__K7hMH4/s640/IMG_6413.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/PolarBearDip?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Polar Bear Dip</a></td></tr></table>

A few of us braved the cold temps, <em>sans</em> wetsuits, of course! The boys got in:

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XeQiPuTQHF0BwdkWUx1cNtEAJXZdkKLe2njuguxH8bw?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-po_mTGuaveY/UsUAvxwZSOI/AAAAAAACdIA/tlIwy9kzOCo/s640/RIMG0702.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/PolarBearDip?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Polar Bear Dip</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4VugJRsKO5PiprjMzgnsrtEAJXZdkKLe2njuguxH8bw?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9HJnX_qnQ_U/UsUAw8lsiZI/AAAAAAACdIQ/RemnG9Fgmwo/s640/RIMG0705.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/PolarBearDip?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Polar Bear Dip</a></td></tr></table>

Meanwhile, at the water’s edge….(I’m the one in the pink cap):

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/EryuDmFIBPXBEUJ5r_ztfNEAJXZdkKLe2njuguxH8bw?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1xkySEvKBtg/Usj34XlHG9I/AAAAAAACd9k/TaLjPKOHmjw/s640/polar.jpg” height=”427″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/PolarBearDip?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Polar Bear Dip</a></td></tr></table>

Am still not convinced about going in:

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gWKz2OOjSW7EQHl_ONS8UtEAJXZdkKLe2njuguxH8bw?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XnbpBZRp6vg/Usj2bm8LUsI/AAAAAAACd9A/Ch5VhJGwCHI/s640/dip.jpg” height=”626″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/PolarBearDip?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Polar Bear Dip</a></td></tr></table>

C’mon in the water’s lovely.

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Mv7N_7Hv1leJX92C3fri9dEAJXZdkKLe2njuguxH8bw?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-EQDxy6kxkSU/UsUAmw2BS3I/AAAAAAACdGc/8BAAAkXSDRk/s640/IMG_6420.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/PolarBearDip?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCObBn4fm9fei6QE&feat=embedwebsite”>Polar Bear Dip</a></td></tr></table>

I finally muster the strength to take the plunge. Might help rid the hangover, me thinks:

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Mie8jtnd7tqFqhp10mbRJNEAJXZdkKLe2njuguxH8bw?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s98EZkfeGjA/Usj2eTohRZI/AAAAAAACd9I/agPM4ViAZTw/s400/plunge.jpg” height=”400″ width=”313″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/PolarBearDip?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCObBn4fm9fei6QE&feat=embedwebsite”>Polar Bear Dip</a></td></tr></table>

Oh holy crap it’s cold!
I couldn’t breathe. I cannot breathe.
I had to get out of the water. Because I couldn’t get in proper breaths, I had to get out of the water. Know your boundaries.
Survived the polar bear dip, but not the swim sadly.
My body did not take kindly to the water especially in the state I was in.

The others did well, and we’re in the water swimming away for at least another 20-30 minutes.

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Vc_PL5I8D_LwzlyVMeMlq9EAJXZdkKLe2njuguxH8bw?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WdzlVbsVmYI/UsUAmZryNkI/AAAAAAACdGM/GW4Jzt69t90/s640/IMG_6418.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/PolarBearDip?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Polar Bear Dip</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/V_AQgpKNfnCjQ18j_x_W7dEAJXZdkKLe2njuguxH8bw?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-uvuIXdhUNk4/UsUAlal2YUI/AAAAAAACdF4/ludcYkXFsBw/s640/IMG_6415.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/PolarBearDip?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCObBn4fm9fei6QE&feat=embedwebsite”>Polar Bear Dip</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Hxut6mlTye9itlz_4BNVMNEAJXZdkKLe2njuguxH8bw?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-71GXI8iLeHs/UsUAloZFOXI/AAAAAAACdF8/6qQkPLSqZbo/s640/IMG_6416.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/PolarBearDip?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCObBn4fm9fei6QE&feat=embedwebsite”>Polar Bear Dip</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6ZuffkCVJ8FnaPYU5vo36NEAJXZdkKLe2njuguxH8bw?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HbjRF6i3EIk/UsUAmG-kLkI/AAAAAAACdGE/dL0BBFLJTZo/s640/IMG_6417.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/PolarBearDip?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCObBn4fm9fei6QE&feat=embedwebsite”>Polar Bear Dip</a></td></tr></table>

Cold, cold, cold:

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-KFnu2DRSc7A0zGgsXECMtEAJXZdkKLe2njuguxH8bw?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9KFJqL_c4sE/UsUAnksYEdI/AAAAAAACdGg/_KWXjzrYU44/s640/IMG_6421.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/PolarBearDip?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCObBn4fm9fei6QE&feat=embedwebsite”>Polar Bear Dip</a></td></tr></table>

It then took a few hours to get warmed back again. But a breakfast of pancakes, soup and muffins and cups of tea helped. My head and liver still not in good shape though.

Was a very cool thing to do though on New Year’s Day. I’m glad I did it, even though my body didn’t really hold up to the challenge. Still, I went in and took the plunge.

Here’s to a swimmingly hopeful new year!

My second half marathon

November 17, 2013October 11, 2016memoirsofaleishaLeave a comment

Why do I run?
Because it feels soooo good when I stop!
To say I do not enjoy running is an understatement.

Last weekend, I ran my second ever half marathon. Much easier the second time round. (You can read about the first time here).
Managed to even convince a few friends to sign up.

Truthfully, I was supposed to run a half marathon a month ago. It rained on the day so I didn’t even bother turning up. A half marathon is not fun on a nice day, let alone being wet, cold and miserable.
So I signed up for another one this month instead.

The run was at Odaiba bay (a man-made artificial island somewhere off Tokyo Bay). It was the most unorganised running event ever. If I had of rocked up on my own, I actually would have left and just gone home. But there was a bunch of us, which motivated me to stay.
They were severely disorganised and understaffed. It took over an hour to register upon arrival and they had to postpone all the races by about nearly an hour.
I do not recommend partaking in this half marathon event (The International (Embassy) Friendly Run).

The ridiculously long line to register, least of all no race/event t-shirt.

From Half marathon 2013

Ready to run:

From Half marathon 2013

It was a 7km course, which we had to complete 3 laps of. The course was absolutely flat as a pancake. As far as half marathon courses go, it was an easy course.

I didn’t train a lot for this. On average 2-3 runs a week between 6-10km. And in the last 4 months I only did a 15km run 2 or 3 times.
Was pretty proud of my time though.
2 hours 12 minutes. A huge improvement on last year’s first half marathon event which I did in 2 hours and 45minutes. A 30min shaving off of previous time.
Maybe a sub-2 hour half marathon next year if I decide to actually proper train.

A well-deserved beer and bowl of ramen. Any calories burnt after running 21km were just all put back on.

From Half marathon 2013

Post-race festivities was a trip to the Oedo Onsen Land in Odaiba. 4 hours of onsen, massage and exfoliation (think Turkish hamam Japanese-style called “akasuri”) is just what the doctor ordered. The absolute bomb. The next day I felt as though I didn’t even run a half marathon. Felt like a new woman apart from my flat feet giving me grief. I think I have something like plantar fascititis or something. Ouch. It’s been a week and still hurting.

Might have to hang up the running shoes for a while and SUIT up. Swim SUIT up, that is. I am planning on doing a marathon swim next year (in the swimming world, (only) 10km is considered a marathon).

I’m Back!

October 26, 2013October 8, 2016memoirsofaleishaLeave a comment

I’m back. And so are the Backstreet Boys! I went along to their concert, like all the cool kids do.

In all seriousness, if you’ve missed my blog ramblings, it’s because I haven’t had Internet connection at home. I have moved apartments so was without Internet for the last couple of weeks. Got lots of stuff to catch up on here, so feel free to clear your calendar.

I fulfilled a life-long childhood dream to go see the Backstreet Boys. Yep, they’re back and they’ve still got all the moves!
Please no judgement on my music preferences. Remember you are friends with me for my awesome personality and not my taste in music.

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ssgrBvuamu_9rvbkhXf4g3VPuYTzod4QOXZenJG8k3M?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9z1_1MhZezQ/UmsgM9HpRAI/AAAAAAACZRo/12TTaDOUysA/s640/IMG_5478.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/BBoys?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCLHJ5YrhtOD9fQ&feat=embedwebsite”>B-Boys</a></td></tr></table>
And it was a sell-out crowd:

I was suffering from glow-stick envy! Seriously, where did everyone get these glow sticks from?

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DBDWlCHA3ZWbkeGQOmecTnVPuYTzod4QOXZenJG8k3M?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GfmRHM73F0E/UmsgRpONPOI/AAAAAAACZRo/G9hZtKSKrBs/s640/IMG_5491.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/BBoys?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>B-Boys</a></td></tr></table>
The concert started really early. At 4pm. And it was over by about 6-6:30pm. All the young teeny boppers. Bless.

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