Saturday, 9 June 2012

SDBT: Sunday, June 3rd

Words, like nature, half reveal and half conceal the soul within. -Alfred, Lord Tennyson, poet (1809-1892)



SDBT: Saturday, June 2nd

I would have made a good Pope. -Richard M. Nixon, 37th president of US (1913-1994) 

Welcome Back Patrizio!

We ran into the sisterhood yesterday coming out of EAT Vancouver. What a surprise.

Maybe by the end of month and you have full recovery and the photos are all in albums? we will have you over for the famous Pitchfork bbq. And bridge. I think Gladys (and the pips) is coming to Vancouver sometime end of June/July so we could invite her and the penquin over to be dummies. What say you.

CC

SDBT: Friday, June 1st

I have a trunk containing continents. -Beryl Markham, adventurer (1902-1986) 

Thanks, we are now in Jasper and have seen...
June Burton 1 June 13:43
Thanks, we are now in Jasper and have seen moose,mule deer,elks,black bears,grizzlies,red squirrels and bald eagles! Tomorrow we go to Lake Louise then Banff before we leave Calgary on 9th June. Glad you enjoyed Japan. Cheers, June

SDBT: Thursdy, May 31st

Life is an adventure in forgiveness. -Norman Cousins, author and editor (1915-1990) 

Poppa appears to be having quite a good time in Japan...

 昨日はホスト両親と日本の家族・親戚と焼き鳥屋でパーティー!
お食事、雰囲気、会話、全てが楽しく、
みんなの温かさ溢れる空間は時間を忘れるくらい居心地いい☆
お店のはっぴを着たホストパパの満面の笑み!
楽しそうに撮影するホストママ♪
関西最終日の昨日、忘れられない1日になったと大喜び!
誕生日が同じ伯父と私もサプライズでお祝いしてもらい大感激☆
定休日にお店を開けてくれた大好きな親戚、大吉の皆さんに感謝!
本当にありがとう!

Party at Yakitori restaurant with Corinne, Patrick and my family yesterday.
Enjoyed delicious foods and heartwarming atmosphere.
Sweet discourse makes short days and night.
Patrick looked great wearing a "happi" coat of the restaurant,
and Corinne enjoyed taking his photo.
Surprised birthday cakes and songs for my uncle and me was touching, too!
Their last day in the Kansai area turned out to be another memorable day!!
Love you all!
Dear Patrick,

Thanks for this very special romantic and exotic, although a bit of
melancholic essay about your trip's finale in Tokyo.
I think it is just superb that you and Corinne at this moment in life enjoy
what the Lord bless you with!
I enjoy every bit of your adventure in your writing through my right brain.
Blessings, Daniel



Hello Patrick and Corinne,

Good to hear you are enjoying the rest fo your holidays in Japan!
We also loved our times in Tokyo... And were a bit sad to not have additional time to explore it more.
We travelled back safely and are already back full speed at work. I was in London yesterday for business.

Katya already found the time to book our next holidays in Nice/France today and ensured my credit card would help France to reduce slightly their debts (considering price of the hotel booked they must have proper margins!)

Should you be in Zurich/Zug area for one of your next trip, please do not hesitate to pay us a visit (you will find our contacts below)

In case we make it to Canada, we will for sure drop you a line upfront.

Warm regards

PS: Katya was fairly impressed to see / read from somebody more talkative than her husband :)




Hi Daniel!

We just arrived in HK a few minutes ago. When we checked in at Narita I had to put a few small packages into my knapsack, carry-on, in order to lighten the load in one of our checked bags. I didn't realize that two souvenir wine-openers I'd bought in Australia were in one of the small parcels I took out of the bag to be checked in and of course the two openers were confiscated when I went through Security here! (Funnily enough, they were "picked up" in Narita!)

At any rate, they will be kept at Cathay Pacific's office, 2747-7838, 0700hrs-2300hrs. I'm not sure if that is at HKIA or not. I will try to send them an email:

(hkg#bag@cathaypacific.com)

Boarding shortly so not sure if I can connect before we have to go. If it isn't too much trouble, could you collect them, but not if you have to make a trip to the airport. Even if downtown, don't worry if not an easy place to reach as they are really only of sentimental value. Will send another message when back in Vancouver. Cheers, Patrizzio!

SDBT: Wednesday, May 30th

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. -Leo Buscaglia, author (1924-1998) 


Takao Kawabata wants to be friends with you on Facebook.

Hi Tomiko and Toshi!

Glad you are using the new iPad, Tomiko! Keep it up!!! This is your first English translation assignment, Tomiko! Thanks again for all you wonderful hospitality. As well, thank you for all the wine and food info and the lovely gifts which arrived at the hotel today. You are both too generous and more than considerate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Some of this you know already but have found this city an incredible experience. Almost as easy to get around as London, language barrier notwithstanding. (That in London, I mean!!!) Given population it is amazingly clean everywhere, litter and completely graffiti free, and wonderfully quiet off the main thoroughfares. Always feel comfortable, everywhere, no matter the time of day or night. Last full day here so went to the Imperial Palace, (again, within easy walking distance, no more than fifteen minutes on foot, if that), to drink Green Tea with the current Emperor. Quite lovely grounds with rather imposing, massive, massive fortification walls, moat, etc., to say the least. In the Edo period the successors to the first Tokugawa Shogun made the castle here into the largest/tallest in Japan, if not the world, at the time. Ironically, the castle burned down, never to rebuilt, nineteen years after it was completed, around 1657, I believe.

Near the entrance, (free), just before one reaches the inner castle grounds and various gardens, there is a small museum which displays a small number of art and craft works produced between 1877 and 1903, for and from the First National Industrial Exposition to the Fifth, all taken from the Imperial Collections. The works created during this brief 25 year span have become symbols of this era and are now called Meiji art. Seeing them it is not hard to understand the immense popularity of Japonisme.

After a most pleasant two hours or so, we headed back to Central Station where we kissed goodbye. Cora Lee was headed back to scope the stores in Ginza. We had walked around this high, high end fashion district last night, only fifteen minutes by foot from our hotel, and she wanted to drop me like a hot potatoe in Tokyo's version of Knightsbridge or Rodeo Drive. I told her, as we waved goodbye, that I would need the last of Yukiko's plum wine to drown my sorrows, to assuage the pain of being abandoned for designer wear and impending credit card financial catastrophe! I dream of Greece and its monetary woes in comparison!!!

For my part, flashing my JR pass, I took the Chuo Line, (track # 1&2), to Shinjuku Station to make for Tokyu Hands, a Japanese department store famous for its cornucopia of housewares and related wares. I was keen to try to find the bicycle locks we'd first noticed in Aizu and helpful woman at the Info Kiosk at Central Station suggested it might be the place. Few stops later I was striding into the store only to see the bicycle department right ahead of me. Found the locks in question but clerk suggested they probably would not work on our bikes as the fenders would probably interfere with the attachment mountings, etc. Decided to take two just in case they do work. I'm sure I can get Dusty, (Mr. Fixit), to use a coat hanger or two to make them work!

Back to Central, happy as a lark, and then to the hotel to pick up two cups of java to sip while I repacked the second of our large, (albatross), suitcases. Coriandre arrived about an hour later, overwhelmed by the sheer expensive of everything in Ginza. Nevertheless, all her fellow shoppers were loaded with shopping bags from all the high-end fashion and designer stores. Not Madame Butterfly, however, as she showed uncharacteristic restraint and returned none the poorer for her afternoon amid the rich and famous.

We plan on having an early dinner, (In fact had a wonderful meal at La Bellota, a Spanish place but a few blocks away. Delicious tapas and a bottle of exquisite Tempranillo, 2005, 14%.), so that we can hit the hay in time to have a reasonable sleep. Will have to be up around 4:30am tomorrow morning as the taxi has been ordered for 5:15am. After we had breakfast at a terrific sobe restaurant in "Kitchen Street" at Central, (I had an egg and roast beef on my noodles. Cora Lee had a bowl of rice and six tasty gyoza as she can't handle buckwheat.), we checked out the station exit where we intend to be dropped, once again, just to be sure we had it right. Turned out that the elevator there was out of order or at least was being worked on when we walked by! We were assured, however, that it would be functioning by tomorrow so hope that this is the case. Not looking forward to getting all four bags to the Narita Express platform by elevator, let alone having to deal with numerous steep flights of stairs! Three of the bags are "easy". "Easy", in this case, is relative as I have a knapsack and Cora Lee a wonky carry-on. Its wheels are too close together so it sways from side to side, like a drunken sailor after too, too much rum. At one point, she was literally dragging it along the pavement, unbalanced as it was and on one end, and the stitching started to wear away. Fortunately, the wonkoid can be put around the pull-up handle of Cora Lee's suitcase, on level ground, so we only have to pull two wheeled bags each.

One wheeled bag presents few difficulties, in most instances but having to load four into an elevator the size of a small closet, most of the time, or onto the train, (Mind the Gap!), can be a struggle, especially when train is crowded and doors are closing! The real problem is the El Cheapo, the one which sports a nifty duct tape and wire, makeshift handle that I pray holds together until I kiss the bag goodbye at the Cathay Pacific check-in counter. After that, let the baggage handlers worry, say I!

Cheers from Cora Lee, the woman who, single-handedly, can, and usually does, incur more debt than all the national governments of Europe combined and Patrizzio "¥ Doesn't Grow on Trees" San! Keep in touch. Much love to you both!



Hi Kjell!

Trust you are well! Really don't want to leave this wonderful country. Please sell all your season's soccer tickets and send proceeds!!!

  
Hi Bob!

Trust you are well! Really don't want to leave this wonderful country. Please sell all your latest art and send proceeds!!!


Hello Manitoba!

Trust everyone is well! Really don't want to leave this wonderful country. Please sell the farm/island on Red Lake and send proceeds!!!


Hello Lads!

Just wondering if anyone is willing and able to collect us from the airport:

Cathay Pacific, flight #838, from Hong Kong, (originating at Narita, Japan),
arriving 1:20pm, Thursday, May 31st.

We assume we would be through Customs, etc. by 2;30pm, if flight is on time,
and would simply wait outside International Arrivals, (with four large
bags!), if anyone can make it. If not, don't worry. Wouldn't ask BUT, this
from Chloe:

"I am not able to pick you up Thursday as I'm working and we have no big
car. I did ask Michele but their car was in an accident, ( a fire truck
clipped it), and they still have the rental and it's small as well. So
unless their car is fixed by then it's train and or taxi for you guys."

Again, don't worry if you are cycling or drinking lattes or gardening, we'll
just stay at the airport until al the Duty Free hootch runs out! Cheers,
Patrizzio!



                                                        


If the sun goes down..

Pat,
Will be there to pick you up as long as the plane is on time. Off to the
gym to strengthen up for baggage handling. Ray


P,

Sorry for the slow response. Did you find a limo service?

My little TDI may not be able to handle the load. I am trying to borrow
Charlie's van for tomorrow and will let you know when I hear back from him. G


P,

I have been granted the use of the van as limo -- if you still need me.
Please confirm.

If you do need my services I will await your phone call. Call me after you
get out of customs and I will head out. I am about 20 minutes to the airport
from here. W



Hi Paul!

Thanks for your up-date. We will be home tomorrow so I plan to come to Broadway Lodge as soon as we are back. I gather, from Chloe, that Mom is deteriorating rapidly, more so since her heart attack.We both appreciate all the care and support she is receiving. Thanks very much. Patrick.



Hi Champagne and O Susannah!

Trust you are both well and busily accumulating bridge prizes! Don't want to leave this wonderful country. Please send money!!!



Hi Sandra!

Doubly disappointed not to be attending Dram this year. Have a few snorts for us! Really don't want to leave this wonderful country. Please send money!!!


Hi Wendy and Wayne!

Trust you are both well! Really don't want to leave this wonderful country. Please send money!!!



Hi Michelle!

Both Corinne and I were saddened to hear of Basil's death. We hope that we are in Vancouver when the memorial service will be held.


You really must share these tales, Patrick - have you considered creating a travel blog? I am hugely enjoying your missives - it's like travelling by proxy. Though I do wonder about four bags and a backpack? What in heaven's name are you carrying?!! Here's my travel tip - wear only old clothes and wear them over and over again. When you've had enough of them, toss 'em and hit the local used clothing shop for fine selection! Or, kill two birds and let Corinne loose with a credit card. (I am not a shopper, sadly. And my tip does reveal why I'm not likely to win any best-dressed librarian award - snicker) Michelle


Greetings from Platform 3, Tokyo Central Station! 

Hi Michelle!

Glad you enjoy our tales of woe and misadventure! They continue. Cab came a few minutes before 5:15am so that was fine as we were ready with our mountain of bags. Poor chap fussed a bit while he was strapping in what could be piled in trunk. We asked specifically for Marouchi North Exit as we knew that was most direct, elevator, non-escalator, non-stair obstacle course. Nevertheless, he took us to a different exit! Finally made him understand. Don't Think we was trying for extra charges as our preferred drop-off was literally but a few minutes away. Bloody traffic lights here are so long that we could have walked had we not been encumbered with enough luggage to give a 40 mule team a run for its money!

At any rate, we made it into the bowels of the station, B5, and even found seats to wait upon for the next thirty minutes. With respect to the number of bags, we did start out with one checked piece each, plus a carry-on. When we learned that we were entitled to two checked bags apiece, we decided to buy two extras in Sydney, to handle a case of wine, souvenirs and other sundry items accumulated over the course of three months. This of course, spiraled out of control and now the albatross has come home to roost!

Like you, I do travel with clothes I wish to leave once they are either dirty or so worn that La Fashionista refuses to walk beside me. In Cyprus, in 2007, she and Chloe literally tore a shirt from my back in our hotel hallway. I tried to stitch it together with dental floss but they would have none of it. And it was one of my favourite Hawaiians to boot!

First leg of Baggage Survivor is now over. We are girding our loins for the next trial and test of our collective mettle. We who are about to board the Limited Express, bound for Narita, Salute you! Cheers, Cora Lee and Patrizzio!

PS: Before checking out, we forgot to check our flight on-line in order to determine if it is leaving on time or at all. Fortunately we have enough cheese and rice crackers to last for a few days if we have to camp out at the airport. May even have to crack a bottle of wine or two. At least the bags will be lighter if this scenario unfolds!



Bike Limo service from YVR! 

Hi Whirlygig et al!

Thanks for offer. We will take you up on a ride as Raymond has a time
constraint. Thanks for offer Ray but this way nobody has to worry about
whether flight is on time, etc. Will call as soon as we are out of Customs,
etc., and will wait outside, in the pouring rain and freezing cold until The
Jackalmobile arrives. Time to begin the Baggage Odyssey! Thanks again.
Cheers, Patrizzio!


OK, Pat, sounds good. Ray

Hi Ray!

Glad you received latest message. When Giorgio mentioned bringing bikes to airport, I suggested that he should bring a rickshaw as Madame Butterfly will expect to be pulled all the way home!


P,

Have a good flight, sir.

We are expecting heavy rain or even snow tomorrow. Actually, the forecast
is calling for cloud and sun with a high of 18c. Maybe I will bring the bike
with trailer. We can take turns walking and riding?

I will await your call-age. W


Hi Giggage!

Better bring a rickshaw as Madame Butterfly will expect to be pulled all the way home!
Put snow tires on rickshaw and install a kerosene heater. Have the latest Jo Nesbo on the seat. Will wire further instructions from Hong Kong!

Cheers, Patrizzio, Sherpa, Samurai and General Factotum to Madame Butterfly!
 


Greetings from The Narita Express!

Hi Sir James and Lady Patrizzia! 

Hi Marilyn and Big Al!

Whirlygig is collecting us from YVR as Chloe is working. 


Hi Glasgow!

Trust you and Catherine are well. 


Hi Lurch and Grogg!

Trust you are both well.


Hi Tomiko and Toshi!

Happy Fortieth, Toshi! Trust you are both well.
    

Hi Goils!

Friend Whirlygig is picking us up at YVR. When Giorgio mentioned bringing bikes to airport, I suggested that he should bring a rickshaw as Madame Butterfly will expect to be pulled all the way home!

Our tales of woe and misadventure continue. Cab came a few minutes before 5:15am so that was fine as we were ready with our mountain of bags. Poor chap fussed a bit while he was strapping in what could be piled in trunk. We asked specifically for Marouchi North Exit as we knew that was most direct, elevator, non-escalator, non-stair obstacle course. Nevertheless, he took us to a different exit! Finally made him understand. Don't think he was trying for extra charges as our preferred drop-off was literally but a few minutes away. Bloody taffic lights here are so long that we could have walked had we not been encumbered with enough luggage to give a 40 mule team a run for its money!

At any rate, we made it into the bowels of the station, B5, three elevators later, and even found seats to wait upon for the next thirty minutes. With respect to the number of bags, we did start out with one checked piece each, plus a carry-on. When we learned that we were entitled to two checked bags apiece, we decided to buy two extras in Sydney, to handle a case of wine, souvenirs and other sundry items accumulated over the course of three months. This of course, spiraled out of control and now the albatross has come home to roost!

I do travel with clothes I wish to leave once they are either dirty or so worn that La Fashionista refuses to walk beside me. In Cyprus, in 2007, she and Chloe literally tore a shirt from my back in our hotel hallway. (Chloe can verify!) I tried to stitch it together with dental floss but they would have none of it. And it was one of my favourite Hawaiians to boot!

First leg of Baggage Survivor is now over. We are girding our loins for the next trial and test of our collective mettle. We who are about to board the Limited Express, bound for Narita, Salute you! Cheers, Cora Lee and Patrizzio!

PS: Before checking out, we forgot to check our flight on-line in order to determine if it is leaving on time or at all. Fortunately we have enough cheese and rice crackers to last for a few days if we have to camp out at the airport. May even have to crack a bottle of wine or two. At least the bags will be lighter if this scenario unfolds!

PPS: We are now hurtling towards Narita, no thanks to JR. For our peace of mind, two trains were put together at the platform. When first one arrived and didn't stop where we had assembled the baggage depot, CoraLee was all for chasing it down! I prescribed two Valium, whispering "Calme! Calme!" Next unit pulled up and I put all our bags between couplings. Now everything fits into Cora Lee's purse and we simply have to add malt, once home, and they will pop back to normal, overstuffed size!

While waiting, Coriandre's nervousness had her fussing about needing a toilette, (She is becoming more and more like Clara Mae every trip!), so as soon as we found our seats she was off scoping WC locations! For my part, I'm trying to use up my 1 Gig sim card. Might have to stay in Japan until it is exhausted.

PPPS: When you finish vacuuming, Chloe, please phone Whirlygig and ask him to put snow tires on rickshaw and install a kerosene heater. Have the latest Jo Nesbo on the seat. Will wire further instructions from Hong Kong!

Cheers, Patrizzio, Sherpa, Samurai and General Factotum to Madame Butterfly!


I think all of Japan will breathe a sigh of relief when the Canadian Invasion departs their fair island!

Greetings from Narita Airport!

Hi again, Goils!

Well, we made it to the Cathay Pacific Check-in without much difficulty. Once off the train we had the luxury, sheer luxury of using carts to wheel our bags. Had to re-pack as two of the bags were over 23 kilo limit. Madame Butterfly was not amused at having her undergarments on display for all to see! Once that was accomplished, we were "Free", as Cora Lee had done all the passport/paper work as I was stuffing things into the bags that were underweight.

Now have about two hours before boarding and will spend next little while browsing shops and reading before heading through Security. We have a couple of bottles of water to drink before so doing, as well as probably snacking on cheese and rice crackers. We were up at 4:00am so didn't have any breakfast other than of the aforementioned munchables
we nibbled upon at Central Station, waiting for the Limited Express.

With respect to a collective sigh of relief from the Japanese, I beg to differ. Toshi and her Mom were deeply saddened by our departure and even sent gifts to our hotel yesterday. Since you are so nasty, Ayn, about thinking this country's citizens are glad to be rid of us, I guess I'll just give gift intended for you to Agneta!

Sayonara from Narita, Poppa "We don't need no stinking' collective sighs of relief" San!



If Agneta is to get my gift instead I can only hope it's a Japanese bottle of Coca Cola!!!

I will tell Toshi that you kept my gift for yourself!
 

Hi Tinsel Town!

Don't worry your pretty little head about Agneta receiving your Japanese Coke! Nana ripped all the gifts open as soon as she saw them, claiming she wouldn't be able to tell employee at Cathay Pacific that she had packed all the things in her suitcase herself. She already polished off the coke and is now working on the very expensive chocolates! Hee! Hee!

Tell Toshi that your Mother really isn't as nice as she pretends to be. At least with me you know where you stand! Love, Poppa-San!


Hi Brenda Louise!

How are you faring with your calf/ankle/foot ailment? I hope you were able to visit your son and grandchildren.


Trust Picasso and Wally are both well. Friend Whirlygig is collecting us from YVR as Chloe is working. When Giorgio mentioned bringing bikes to airport, I suggested that he should bring a rickshaw as Madame Butterfly will expect to be pulled all the way home!
 

Hi Nadienka!

Really enjoyed last two snaps you posted. How go your studies? Trust you and your homework are both well!
Really don't want to leave this wonderful country. Please send money, Swiss cheese and Toblerone! Cheers, Patrizzio, Sherpa, Samurai and General Factotum to Madame Butterfly! 

Hi Tomiko!

ENGLISH ONLY!!!!!

Cheers, Patrizzio!


This is not our parting. We shall surely meet again in japan. Till then please
Take good care of yourself.

Tomiko Takagaki


Please have pleasant flights!

Hi Birthday Girl and iPad Woman!

Greeting from Osaka to my dear host parents, Corinne and Patrick!

So, you are already in Narita, expecting an hour half to fly back to Vancouver!
We miss you soooooo much...

Reading your e-mail made me laugh all the time, imagining the scenes!!
I must look funny for suppressing a grin!
Like moooooo!!!! not closely strong as that, but still very funny!

Last night, my mom and I couldn't help laughing by reading your e-mail!
Good stories indeed.
We can easily imagine Corinne and you had fabulous time in Tokyo with
lots of excitement!

Thank you for sending my mom an e-mail to her i-pad!
She's very very very happy!
At the moment we received your message, we laughed so much because of
the length.
It's a big assignment for her!! But she tried to read it, well!
So, I talked her to send you messages in Japanese for you assignment, too!!

She wanted to send Corinne and you the first message from her i-pad.
I received the second one last night while I was with Mimi.
Amazingly, she did it without my help!!
I returned her a message, too.
When I got home, she was excited to tell me how great i-pad is!!
I couldn't say thank you enough for how happy you made her, not only the i-pad
but also you just by being there for us. Really made her strong!!!

Also, thank you for your birthday greeting!!
I turned 40 years old! And I feel great!!
Happy to be greeted by my dear host parents, as well as any friends
since the midnight!
Really really HAPPY indeed.

This morning, I walk up with husky voice.
Thought my new day turned my voice sexy! for an expecting good match!!
hahaha! (having a minor cold)

Oh, no problem about the presents we sent you.
It's not a big deal!! We wanted you to have them!!

Octopus ball "Takoyaki" sample is fun, isn't' it?
One time, my Swiss friends and I mixed it with a dozen of real
Takoyaki and gave them to my mom.
She thought all were real and try to eat the fake one!
Of course, we burst into laugh, but she couldn't understand why!
I wanted show you her face when she found her that we made her a trick!!

Oh, one last thing, I got funs for Any and Chloe.
Corinne told me that she might give Chloe the fun which was one of
Yukiko's presents for you.
She can have two!
I liked the funs got for Any and Chloe for the first sight at the store!!

Well, thank you again for visiting us in Japan.
We had such a wonderful time with you!
Please have pleasant flights to Hong Kong and to Vancouver!

Love, Tomiko and Toshiko


Thanks for lovely farewell wishes. I'm so glad my silly accounts of life inTokyo made you laugh. I promise to learn Japanese on the flight and will send my completed homework, for correction, from Hong Kong! Time to start boarding so will say goodbye for now. Again, hope your cold is not too serious and that you can celebrate in style! Fondestos to you both. Much love from your grateful Host Parents! Cheers and Happy Birthday!!!!!
   
 





SDBT: Tuesday, May 29th

The greatest obstacle to discovering the shape of the earth, the continents, and the oceans was not ignorance but the illusion of knowledge. -Daniel J. Boorstin, historian, professor, attorney, and writer (1914-2004) 


                                             First mail from Tomiko's I-pad

 Basil Stuart-Stubbs:


The School of Library, Archival and Information Studies, The iSchool at The University of British Columbia, regrets to announce the passing of its former director, Basil Stuart-Stubbs, who died in hospital May 29, 2012 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. His wife, Brenda Peterson, a librarian with UBC Library, and his family were at his side.
Professor Stuart-Stubbs served as Director of the School from 1981 to 1992. His career with UBC began in 1956, when he joined the UBC Library as a librarian. He was named Coordinator of Collections in 1962, and appointed as University Librarian in 1964, serving in that position until 1981 when he accepted the position of Director of the School of Librarianship, soon renamed the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies. Under his leadership, the School admitted its first class in the brand-new Master of Archival Studies program in September 1981, alongside the already well-established Master of Library Science program. He oversaw construction of the School’s first computer laboratory, which quickly expanded. That work caught the attention of the American Library Association, which sent Professor Stuart-Stubbs a letter in 1988 commending the School for increasing the use of computerized information services for LIS students in an era of economic restraint.
As University Librarian, Professor Stuart-Stubbs was a key player in the creation of the University of British Columbia Press in 1971, and in 1977 he oversaw the creation of an inter-library lending network for provincial universities and colleges on behalf of the B.C. Ministry of Education.
During his career, he contributed as an author, editor and conference presenter on the topics of library history and education, publishing, copyright, and resource sharing. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, he was recognized with several awards over the years, including the Canada Medal in 1967, the Outstanding Academic Librarian Award from the Canadian Association of College and University Libraries in 1978, and the Order of Canada in 2005. He was presented with the Gray Campbell Distinguished Service Award in 2004, for tremendous contributions to the British Columbia publishing industry, and was named a Professor Emeritus of UBC following his retirement from the University.
The family is planning a gathering for friends and family in late summer or early fall.

Greetings from Tokyo!

Hi Jean!
 

We arrived in Tokyo this afternoon. Are you still here? We are staying at the Fresa Inn, Room 516, just three blocks from the Central Station. If you receive this message and are able to get together, that would be fun. Otherwise, we'll just have to try to get together wherever you are after leaving Japan. Cheers, Corinne and Patrick!

Hi there Patrick,  Welcome to Tokyo.  I am at the moment in NICE.  I am moving here end of August
and have come to check on the renovation.  I will be here until middle of June.  When are you leaving
Tokyo ? Sorry I am not there to receive you,  hope all is good, Jean
 

Hello Katya, (I apologize if this is not the correct spelling!), and Jerome!

Trust you are both well. We arrived in Tokyo, from Osaka, this past Monday, at just after 1:00pm.


Hello Giovanni/Buongiorno Professore!

Trust you are well.
Keep in touch and with any Buona Fortuna we'll see you in Winnipeg in a year or so! Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Hi Colin!

Trust you and Jo-Anne are well.  


Hi June!

Trust you and Myrtle are well. I assume you are in or near Calgary or perhaps on your way back to London.
 

Hi Daniel!

Finally had an opportunity to look at the grains of sand pictures you sent along. Wow indeed! Did the snap of the Zen garden arrive? If not, I'll send more pictures wen we are back in Vancouver. I have had some difficulty sending photos from my iPad. Something to do with Outgoing Mail Server or some such nonsense!

We arrived in Tokyo, from Osaka, this past Monday, at just after 1:00pm. Our hotel is only a few blocks from the Central Station so we had only a ten minute walk, bags and all. After we left our luggage at Reception, (We were too early to check-in, (3:00pm), thanks to our friend Toshi and her expert train advice, and consequently had more time to explore the city.), we returned to the station to obtain our tickets for, very early on Thursday morning. After that, we walked the route we would need to take with all our bags! Wanted to find the best possible way to get to the platform for the Narita Express as we wouldn't have much time to spare and Cora Lee has an obsession about being at the platform in plenty of time.

As far as we can determine, we won't have to negotiate any stairs at all and can have the taxi drop us off only a very short distance from the first elevator we will have to take at tthe Marunouchi North Entrance. Afterwards, Cora Lee wanted "time-alone" for shopping so I set off for Asakusa. Took JR to Ueno and then the Ginza Line without any trouble. It was raining heavily when I reached the exit opposite the covered arcade so I didn't have to worry about the downpour. I found two shops selling knives and ended up at the smaller of the two, run by three brothers who make the knives themselves. I bought two and while they were being sharpened I visited the wonderful Senso-ji Temple, its gates and stunning five-stroy Pagoda, near-bye. The rain had stopped and it was a glorious afternoon. I picked up my purchases, thanking the owners and made my way back to hotel to take two cups of wonderful java, (Wonderful "machina", in Lobby, grinds beans of choice on demand), up to the room to find Cora Lee enjoying an onsen in the tub!

I had a quick shower and after two glasses each of Yukiko's, (Toshi's Aunt's), fabulous home-made plum wine we set off to find a restaurant for dinner. Settled on a very good Chinese spot not far from our place as we were a bit tired from day's activities. Glasses of Kirin and Sapporo beer with shrimp dumplings, some huge gyoza-like rolls, fried leek and bean sprouts and pork meatballs. Very tasty indeed! Back to hotel to read for a bit before turning out the light.

Last full day in Tokyo so off to the Imperial Palace to drink Green Tea witht the current Emperor while Cora Lee does Ginza. We walked around this high, high end fashion district last night, only fifteen minutes by foot from our hotel, and she wanted to drop me like a hot potatoe in Tokyo's version of Rodeo Drive. I'll need the last of Yukiko's plum wine to drown my sorrows, to assuage the pain of being adandoned for designer wear and impending credit card finanacial catastrophe! I dream of Greece and its monetary woes in comparison!!! Fondestos from Corinne, the woman who, single-handedly, can incur more debt than all the national governments of Europe combined! Cheers, Patrizzio!


Hi BBQ Queen!

Gather June and Myrtle are en route to Banff on the Rocky Mountaineer by now. Think June enjoyed the time in Vancouver, re-visiting many places, even her former school, around the Lower Mainland.

We arrived in Tokyo, from Osaka, this past Monday, at just after 1:00pm. (Had a note from Jean and she is in Nice! I gather they will be moving there and she is currently overseeing renovations, at least according to her brief email. Will be there until the end of June so you should visit! She is always one step ahead of me. When we were in Singapore, in 2003, she had just moved to Tokyo. Now we are in Tokyo she is in France! Does this say something?) Our hotel is only a few blocks from the Central Station so we had only a ten minute walk, bags and all. After we left our luggage at Reception, (We were too early to check-in, (3:00pm), thanks to our friend Toshi and her expert train advice, and consequently had more time to explore the city.), we returned to the station to obtain our tickets for Narita, very early on Thursday morning. After that, we walked the route we would need to take with all our bags! Wanted to find the best possible way to get to the platform for the Narita Express as we wouldn't have much time to spare and Cora Lee has an obsession about being at the platform in plenty of time.
 

Limo service from YVR!

Hello Lads!

Just wondering if anyone is willing and able to collect us from the airport:

Cathay Pacific, flight #838, from Hong Kong, (originating at Narita, Japan),
arriving 1:20pm, Thursday, May 31st.

We assume we would be through Customs, etc. by 2;30pm, if flight is on time,
and would simply wait outside International Arrivals, (with four large
bags!), if anyone can make it. If not, don't worry. Wouldn't ask BUT, this
from Chloe:

"I am not able to pick you up Thursday as I'm working and we have no big
car. I did ask Michele but their car was in an accident, ( a fire truck
clipped it), and they still have the rental and it's small as well. So
unless their car is fixed by then it's train and or taxi for you guys."

Again, don't worry if you are cycling or drinking lattes or gardening, we'll
just stay at the airport until al the Dutty Free hootch runs out! Cheers,
Patrizzio!


Hi Raymond!

Trust you and Sylvia are both well! Really don't want to leave this wonderful country. Please sell all you early vegetables and send proceeds!!!

If you can collect us from YVR, that would be grand. However, if the plane happens to be late, don't even come to the airport. (I imagine you can check arrival time on-line.) If flight is on time and we are not through Customs by 2:30pm, again, don't wait, as I assume you have an appointment to tutor. We can make our way home, one way or another. Sorry for any inconvenience, however. Haven't heard from either Ragin' or Whirlygig so assume they are not available. We are used to taking trains so the Skytrain will be a piece of cake. Will look for The Peleton as we cross over CSTB!


Pat,
If your plane is on time, I can make it but I do have work at 3:30.
Sylvia is on the North Shore Thursday afternoon so it would have to be my
old Toyota currently in the garage for repairs but should be good by the end
of today. Ray


Hi Jean!

Trust you are well and that the rennos are proceeding according to plan. Really don't want to leave this wonderful country. Gather you are not unhappy to leave, however.
 

Hi Chloe and Maggie!

Trust you are both well! Really don't want to leave this wonderful country. Please sell all the cat food and used toothbrushes and send proceeds!!!

Don't worry about collecting us. Ray Banks may do so if plane is on time. He has a tutoring assignment so if flight is late he may not be able to chauffeur us. Nevertheless, we can make our way home, one way or another. Haven't heard from either Ragin' or Whirlygig so assume they are not available. We are used to taking trains so the Skytrain will be a piece of cake. Will look for The Peleton as we cross over CSTB! Leave a key under patio mat and see you two soon!


Confirmation of: DAVID COFFARO WINE ORDER and More!

Hi Pat and David!

Trust you are both well! Really don't want to leave this wonderful country. Please sell all of the wine I ordered and send proceeds!!!
 

Wines and foods information:

Corinne and Patrick, Good morning!

Great to hear that you are having wonderful time in Tokyo!

Patrick, you bought knives again!!
Glad that you found two of them you like.

Corinne, how is your shopping going?
Lots to see and lots to buy, aren't there?!!

The weather today supposed to be really nice in Tokyo!
My mom and I talked you are lucky!!

Please enjoy the last day in Tokyo, Japan!!!

Cheers, Toshiko




The followings are the wines and food we had.
Pictures attached for the number 1 and 3.
 

Japanese wines:
1. Sparkling wine drank on your first day at my home
"TEGUMI delaware [2011]" made in TANBA, KYOTO pref.
(produced only 5,000 bottles)






2. White wine brought and drank in Hotel Wakamizu
"Béné diction Blanc [2010]"chardonnay made in KOBE, HYOGO pref.
 

TAVERNA QUINTA


3. Pasta
"spaghetti aglio olio e peperoncino with sakura shrimp (sergia
lucens) and banboo"
4. White wine "VINI del MORO TREBBIANO D'ABRUZZO DOC [2010]"
5. Red wine "Monte Bello NERO D'AVOLA [2010]"
6. Spumante "Montebello Etichetta“ORO”Blanc de Blanc Brut"
   



SDBT: Monday, May 28th

Language is a skin: I rub my language against the other. It is as if I had words instead of fingers, or fingers at the tip of my words. My language trembles with desire. -Roland Barthes, literary critic and philosopher (1915-1980) 

Poppa appears to be having quite a good time in Japan...


 昨日はホスト両親と日本の家族・親戚と焼き鳥屋でパーティー!
お食事、雰囲気、会話、全てが楽しく、
みんなの温かさ溢れる空間は時間を忘れるくらい居心地いい☆
お店のはっぴを着たホストパパの満面の笑み!
楽しそうに撮影するホストママ♪
関西最終日の昨日、忘れられない1日になったと大喜び!
誕生日が同じ伯父と私もサプライズでお祝いしてもらい大感激☆
定休日にお店を開けてくれた大好きな親戚、大吉の皆さんに感謝!
本当にありがとう!

Party at Yakitori restaurant with Corinne, Patrick and my family yesterday.
Enjoyed delicious foods and heartwarming atmosphere.
Sweet discourse makes short days and night.
Patrick looked great wearing a "happi" coat of the restaurant,
and Corinne enjoyed taking his photo.
Surprised birthday cakes and songs for my uncle and me was touching, too!
Their last day in the Kansai area turned out to be another memorable day!!
Love you all!



                        Profile picture






                           Tokio Tagagaki

I love to travel. I’ve been to almost as many places as my luggage.” Bob Hope

Hi Michelle!

Trust you are well. En route to Tokyo via Shinkansen, as I write. Cora Lee is sleeping as we zip towards The Big Sushi at 300KPH! She'll probably be snoring gently as we whizzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz past Mt. Fuji! Cheers, Patrizzio!
 


Nice to hear from you - oddly, Bob and I were talking about the bullet train yesterday - same technology as Skytrain I think but on a much MUCH faster scale. Wow. Of course, I'm rather pleased the Skytrain is significantly slower ...
Enjoy the sushi! Sayonara, Michelle


Greetings from Tokyo! 

Hi Jean!

We arrived in Tokyo this afternoon. Are you still here? We are staying at the Fresa Inn, Room 516, just three blocks from the Central Station. If you receive this message and are able to get together, that would be fun. Otherwise, we'll just have to try to get together wherever you are after leaving Japan. Cheers, Corinne and Patrick!
 
Good morning, Corinne and Patrick!

There was a small earthquake in Tokyo and Kanagawa pref.
at 1:36 in the morning.
Heard no big damages. Are you all right?

Well, name of Naomi's wife is "Mitsuko".
I talked to Naomi yesterday and once again said thank you.
He said He and Mitsuko enjoyed our visit very much!
Great to hear that!

Well, please have a fun today! Love, Toshiko




June Burton wants to be friends with you on Facebook.
 
Hi Sandra!

Trust you and all the VIWF gang are well. En route to Tokyo via Shinkansen,
as I write. Cora Lee is sleeping as we zip towards The Big Sushi at 300KPH!
She'll probably be snoring gently as we whizzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz past Mt. Fuji!
See you next week at Preview. Cheers, Patrizzio!


Japan!!?!

So, I'm taking it you aren't going to be at the scotch tasting this year?
Too bad... This year we have 27 different alcohols including 4 from the
Pemberton distillery... And they're apparently mostly cask strength.

;) See you at the member event however! Sandra


Hi D, wanted you to know that I took $160 out of one of your line of credit accounts not sure which one, but the toilet is fixed and Myrtle has said she will pay as it was her toothbrush. So will either have a cheque or cash on your return.

I am not able to pick you up Thursday as I'm working and we have no big car, I did ask Michelle but their car was in an accident ( a fire truck clipped it) and they still have the rental and its small as well. So unless their car is fixed by then its train and or taxi for you guys.

See you in three sleeps. XXXXXXXX chloe


Hi Toshi and Tomiko!

We are fine! Didn't feel anything from earthquake, fortunately. Thanks for our hostess's name! I will send you a note to pass along to them, if you don't mind, as soon as I have a moment.

Furthermore, thanks again for so much! Can't even begin to thank you and your Mom for your hospitality and generosity. Not even to mention all the travel guiding you did and the tips on what to do and see. Just wanted to say that I certainly appreciated your latest message about sites and activities for Tokyo. In fact, after we left our bags at Reception, (We were too early to check-in, (3:00pm), thanks to your expert train advice and consequently had more time to explore the city.), arriving at the Fresa Inn, just after 1:45pm, just a few blocks from Central Station, in fact, closer even than in Kyoto, we returned to the station to obtain our tickets for Thursday morning, your 40th birthday! After that, we walked the route we would need to take early morning with all our bags! Wanted to find the best possible way to get to the platform for the Narita Express as we wouldn't have much time to spare and you know how Cora Lee can fuss about being at the platform in plenty of time.

As far as we can determine, we won't have to negotiate any stairs at all and can have the taxi drop us off only a very short distance from the first elevator, Yaesu North Entrance. Afterwards, Cora Lee wanted "time-alone" for shopping so I set off for Asakusa. Took JR to Ueno and then the Ginza Line without any trouble. It was raining heavily when I reached the exit opposite the covered arcade so I didn't have to worry about the downpour. I found two shops selling knives and ended up at the smaller of the two, run by three brothers who make the knives themselves. I bought two and while they were being sharpened I visited the wonderful Senso-ji Temple, its gates and stunning five-stroy Pagoda, near-bye. The rain had stopped and it was a glorious afternoon. I picked up my purchases, thanking the owners and made my way back to hotel to take two cups of java, (dispenser in Lobby), up to the room to find Cora Lee enjoying an onsen in the tub!

I had a quick shower and after two glasses each of Yukiko's fabulous plum wine we set off to find a restaurant for dinner. Settled on a very good Chinese spot not far from our place as we were a bit tired from day's activities. Glasses of Kirin and Sapporo beer with shrimp dumplings, some huge gyoza-like rolls, fried leek and bean sprouts and pork meatballs. Very tasty indeed! Back to hotel to read for a bit before turning out the light.

Time to go as Cora Lee is anxious to explore and our bags just arrived! Thanks for that as well! Love to you and Tomiko. Fondestos and Cheers, Cora Lee and Patrizzio!


Hi Raymond!

Trust you and Sylvia are both well! Really don't want to leave this
wonderful country. Please sell all you early vegetables and send proceeds!!!

If you can collect us from YVR, that would be grand. However, if the plane
happens to be late, don't even come to the airport. (I imagine you can check
arrival time on-line.) If flight is on time and we are not through Customs
by 2:30pm, again, don't wait, as I assume you have an appointment to tutor.
We can make our way home, one way or another. Sorry for any inconvenience,
however. Haven't heard from either Ragin' or Whirlygig so assume they are
not available. We are used to taking trains so the Skytrain will be a piece
of cake. Will look for The Peleton as we cross over CSTB!

We arrived in Tokyo, from Osaka, this past Monday, at just after 1:00pm.
(Had a note from a friend, Jean, (Met her in 1972 on the Empress of Canada,
out of Liverpool!), who was living here when last I heard from her. She is
now in Nice! I gather she and her husband will be moving there and she is
currently overseeing renovations, at least according to her brief email.
Will be there until the end of June. She is always one step ahead of me.
When we were in Singapore, in 2003, she had just moved to Tokyo. Now we are
in Tokyo she is in France! Does this say something? No comments from the
Peanut Gallery, please!!!) Our hotel is only a few blocks from the Central
Station so we had only a ten minute walk, bags and all. After we left our
luggage at Reception, (We were too early to check-in, (3:00pm), thanks to
our friend Toshi and her expert train advice, and consequently had more time
to explore the city.), we returned to the station to obtain our tickets for
Narita, very early on Thursday morning. After that, we walked the route we
would need to take with all our bags! Wanted to find the best possible way
to get to the platform for the Narita Express as we wouldn't have much time
to spare and Cora Lee has an obsession about being at the platform in plenty
of time.

As far as we can determine, we won't have to negotiate any stairs at all and
can have the taxi drop us off only a very short distance from the first
elevator we will have to take at the Marunouchi North Entrance. Afterwards,
Cora Lee wanted "time-alone" for shopping so I set off for Asakusa, an
"historical" district of Old Tokyo. Took a Japan Rail train, using my
railpass, to Ueno and then the subway, Ginza Line, (¥160=$2.06), without any
trouble. It was raining heavily when I reached the exit opposite the covered
arcade so I didn't have to worry about the downpour. I found two shops
selling knives and ended up at the smaller of the two, run by three brothers
who make the knives themselves. I bought two and while they were being
sharpened I visited the wonderful Senso-ji Temple, its gates and stunning
five-stroy Pagoda, near-bye. The rain had stopped and it was a glorious
afternoon. I picked up my purchases, thanking the owners and made my way
back to hotel to take two cups of wonderful java, (Wonderful "machina", in
Lobby, grinds beans of choice on demand), up to the room to find Cora Lee
enjoying an onsen in the tub!

I had a quick shower and after two glasses each of Yukiko's, (Toshi's
Aunt's), fabulous home-made plum wine we set off to find a restaurant for
dinner. Settled on a very good Chinese spot not far from our place as we
were a bit tired from day's activities. Glasses of Kirin and Sapporo beer
with shrimp dumplings, some huge gyoza-like rolls, fried leek and bean
sprouts and pork meatballs. Very tasty indeed! Back to hotel to read for a
bit before turning out the light.

Have found this city an incredible experience. Almost as easy to get around
as London, language barrier notwithstanding. (That in London, I mean!!!)
Given population it is amazingly clean everywhere, litter and completely
graffiti free, and wonderfully quiet off the main thoroughfares. Always feel
comfortable, everywhere, no matter the time of day or night. Last full day
here so went to the Imperial Palace, (again, within easy walking distance,
no more than fifteen minutes on foot, if that), to drink Green Tea with the
current Emperor. Quite lovely grounds with rather imposing, massive, massive
fortification walls, moat, etc., to say the least. In the Edo period the
successors to the first Tokugawa Shogun made the castle here into the
largest/tallest in Japan, if not the world, at the time. Ironically, the
castle burned down, never to rebuilt, nineteen years after it was completed,
around 1657, I believe.

Near the entrance, (free), just before one reaches the inner castle grounds
and various gardens, there is a small museum which displays a small number
of art and craft works produced between 1877 and 1903, for and from the
First National Industrial Exposition to the Fifth, all taken from the
Imperial Collections. The works created during this brief 25 year span have
become symbols of this era and are now called Meiji art. Seeing them it is
not hard to understand the immense popularity of Japonisme.

After a most pleasant two hours or so, we headed back to Central Station
where we kissed goodbye. Cora Lee was headed back to scope the stores in
Ginza. We had walked around this high, high end fashion district last night,
only fifteen minutes by foot from our hotel, and she wanted to drop me like
a hot potatoe in Tokyo's version of Knightsbridge or Rodeo Drive. I told
her, as we waved goodbye, that I would need the last of Yukiko's plum wine
to drown my sorrows, to assuage the pain of being abandoned for designer
wear and impending credit card financial catastrophe! I dream of Greece and
its monetary woes in comparison!!!

For my part, flashing my JR pass, I took the Chuo Line, (track # 1&2), to
Shinjuku Station to make for Tokyu Hands, a Japanese department store famous
for its cornucopia of housewares and related wares. I was keen to try to
find the bicycle locks we'd first noticed in Aizu and helpful woman at the
Info Kiosk at Central Station suggested it might be the place. Few stops
later I was striding into the store only to see the bicycle department right
ahead of me. Found the locks in question but clerk suggested they probably
would not work on our bikes as the fenders would probably interfere with the
attachment mountings, etc. Decided to take two just in case they do work.
I'm sure I can get Dusty, (Mr. Fixit), to use a coat hanger or two to make
them work!

Back to Central, happy as a lark, and then to the hotel to pick up two cups
of java to sip while I repacked the second of our large, (albatross),
suitcases. Coriandre arrived about an hour later, overwhelmed by the sheer
expensive of everything in Ginza. Nevertheless, all her fellow shoppers were
loaded with shopping bags from all the high-end fashion and designer stores.
Not Madame Butterfly, however, as she showed uncharacteristic restraint and
returned none the poorer for her afternoon amid the rich and famous.

We plan on having an early dinner, (In fact had a wonderful meal at La
Bellota, a Spanish place but a few blocks away. Delicious tapas and a bottle
of equisite Tempranillo, 2005, 14%.), so that we can hit the hay in time to
have a reasonable sleep. Will have to be up around 4:30am tomorrow morning
as the taxi has been ordered for 5:15am. After we had breakfast at a
terrific sobe restaurant in "Kitchen Street" at Central, (I had an egg and
roast beef on my noodles. Cora Lee had a bowl of rice and six tasty gyoza as
she can't handle buckwheat.), we checked out the station exit where we
intend to be dropped, once again, just to be sure we had it right. Turned
out that the elevator there was out of order or at least was being worked on
when we walked by! We were assured, however, that it would be functioning by
tomorrow so hope that this is the case. Not looking forward to getting all
four bags to the Narita Express platform by elevator, let alone having to
deal with numerous steep flights of stairs! Three of the bags are "easy".
"Easy", in this case, is relative as I have a knapsack and Cora Lee a wonky
carry-on. Its wheels are too close together so it sways from side to side,
like a drunken sailor after too, too much rum. At one point, she was
literally dragging it along the pavement, unbalanced as it was and on one
end, and the stitching started to wear away. Fortunately, the wonkoid can be
put around the pull-up handle of Cora Lee's suitcase, on level ground, so we
only have to pull two wheeled bags each.

One wheeled bag presents few difficulties, in most instances but having to
load four into an elevator the size of a small closet, most of the time, or
onto the train, (Mind the Gap!), can be a struggle, especially when train is
crowded and doors are closing! The real problem is the El Cheapo, the one
which sports a nifty duct tape and wire, makeshift handle that I pray holds
together until I kiss the bag goodbye at the Cathay Pacific check-in
counter. After that, let the baggage handlers worry, say I!

Cheers from Cora Lee, the woman who, single-handedly, can, and usually does,
incur more debt than all the national governments of Europe combined and
Patrizzio "¥ Doesn't Grow on Trees" San! See you soon, one way or another!!!
More Greetings from Tokyo!

Monday, May 28th

After a lazy sleep-in and a great breakfast at a cafe in the Central Station
we took the subway to Hama-rikyu Gardens, the family garden of the Tokugawa
Shogun, a typical example of the famous gardens of the Edo Period. Built
around a tidal pool that depends on the intake of seawater from Edo Bay, it
contains two duck hunting sites, kamboba. These areas feature many narrow,
dressed watercourses built into the gardens and the blinds were used to
observe the water fowl and feed them grain. When they were close enough they
were caught using nets. Close to the entrance one can observe a 300 year old
pine, planted when the 6th Shogun, Ie-nobu, renovated the garden in 1709.
Surrounded by an inner moat, the stunning Peony Garden contains 60 different
types of peonies. A small hill near the sluice gate which faces Tokyo Bay
affords a lovely view of the bay and some of the surrounding skyscrapers.
The sharp contrast between the formal elements of the garden and the
strikingly modern architecture surrounding the oasis of calmness and
greenery makes for quite an interesting, almost contradictory juxtaposition.

Not far from the Shogun O-agariba, the landing where the Shogun boarded and
disembarked from ships, the present day Tokyo Bay waterbus system has a
landing so we took one of the craft to Asakusa as Cora Lee wished to visit
the Senso-ji Temple, also known as Asakusa Kannon, Tokyo's most sacred and
spectacular temple, and pagoda, the ones I visited the day before. En route
we took a brief foray into the working harbour to pick up more tourists and
then followed a route which took us under 14 major and unique bridges which
span the Sumida River. A terrific sea wall lines both sides of the
watercourse and joggers and cyclists abounded. Close to Asakusa we were
afforded a spectacular view of the recently opened Tokyo Skytree.

Once off the waterbus, (We noticed about four or five monks aboard, making
for the Buddhist shrine, we assumed.), it was a short stroll to the temple
grounds. I sat in the shade while Cora Lee strolled around the crowded site.
Her tour over, we tried to decide where to go next. Thought that we might
make for the Imperial Palace but once we finished browsing the stalls which
lined Nakamise-dori, an endless arcade of traditional and modern wares and
food stalls, we took the Ginza Line to Ueno and then JR back to Tokyo
Central. Here we split up, Cora Lee to head to the Shopping Zone, (so
described on the station's signage, Dear Reader!), while I made for our
hotel. I was happy to return to the room with a couple of cups of the very
good java, freely available in the Lobby, and work on re-packing the two
bags which had arrived at Fresa, from Takarazuka, forwarded by Tomiko after
we left on Monday, at 10:00am that morning.

Unfortunately, the hotel does not have a scale for baggage. (Very pleasant
woman at Reception showed me a tiny scale for weighing letters when I
inquired about the possibility of using one. When we were staying in
Akihabara at the Washington, I noticed a guest using a scale supplied by the
hotel and simply assumed that this was standard for Japanese hotels.) We'll
simply have to gauge 23 kilos, (maximum allowable weight per bag on Cathay
Pacific, at least for our ticket class), and hope for the best. However,
since we should be at the airport in plenty of time, we might have to do
some re-packing, on the spot, and use the baggage scales there.

At any rate, I had finished one bag by the time Cora Lee returned and had
the foresight to have a bottle of Santa Digna, Chile, 2010 Sauvignon Blanc,
13.5%, chilling in our doll-house sized bar fridge, ready to re-vive her
after an arduous hour or two of Power Shopping! She sipped and read while I
had a quick shower, sipping myself on a glass or two of Yukiko's delicious
plum wine, a bottle of which she presented to me at the family gathering on
Sunday. Both changed, we set off to stroll to Ginza, only about fifteen
minutes away. Our hotel really is almost ideally located. Since it is within
more than easy walking distance to Tokyo Central Station, connections to
virtually all the other Metro Lines are readily available. In this instance,
we could have taken the tube at Takaracho Station, just a block or less from
the hotel, but it was just as easy to walk as it was more trouble than it
was worth to change trains and would probably have taken more time, to boot!
We set off at just before 7:00am and were in front of the Seiko Clock
Dome, in the heart of the archetypal Tokyo shopping experience. An admixture
of venerable Japanese department stores and small exclusive shops joined by
most, if not all, the international designer boutiques. It goes, almost
without saying, that restaurants, nightclubs and bars abound, although the
extremely wide sidewalks on the main thoroughfares were easy to navigate as
the pedestrian traffic was busy but not overwhelming. In fact, it was a most
pleasant outing, strolling along in the 24C evening air, gawking at all the
neon, window shopping and snapping picture after picture. Tokyo is an
extremely clean city and once one moves off the main avenues, the narrow
streets are very quiet, more pedestrians than cars. We have always felt
extremely comfortable at any time of the day or night so it truly is a
delight just to walk if the distances are not prohibitive.

By about 8:15pm we had seen much of what we wanted to experience and headed
back towards the neighbourhood near our hotel. We had noticed a Bulgarian
restaurant the day we arrived and decided to give it a try. On the second
floor, Sophia was a very congenial spot. We assumed that the food would be
much the same as the fare we had eaten in Turkey and were not disappointed.
We shared a very tasty "Greek" salad to start. Cora Lee had a delicious
moussaka, while I ordered home-made lamb sausages on a plate of mixed beans
and a red pepper stuffed with minced meat and rice. I had a small glass of
Rakia to start and we nibbled on a small plate of complimentary, (and
tasty), cheese cubes. (Cora Lee pulled a fast one as I had poured the
remainder of the SB into a soft drink bottle before we left, at her behest,
and she took surreptitious swigs from it as I enjoyed my Rakia!) We each had
a glass of Bulgarian red, Mavrud, with the main courses. Wine was drinkable
but not remarkable. Nevertheless, the food was delicious and the head waiter
very pleasant and attentive. Funnily enough, he wasn't Bulgarian but Italian
and had lived in Tokyo for twenty years with a Japanese wife and a number of
children. Apparently his father was the first to come to Japan from Palermo.

We paid our bill, (¥6,800=$87.45), thanked the staff and made for home. Back
in the room, Cora Lee read for a bit after brushing and flossing, while I
tried to capture the essence of the full day. As soon as I take care of my
pearly whites I'm headed for bed and book as well.

To be continued...