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Week 18 - as we head into what used to be called 'the weekend' Ian and Minako reflect on vacations past

Edited BY

G P Kennedy

Ian and Minako - Tokyo, Japan

 

 It's the start of August and one of the longest rainy seasons on record has finally come to an end and the first July without any typhoons, these two things are connected apparently.

 

 So it's hot and humid and we spend a lot of time indoors with the air-conditioning on, going outside in the early morning or evening when it's cooler. This is the same every year except this time last year we could also plan trips by bus and train further afield.

 

 The bus that goes to the station stops literally across the road and it's cool, the trains can get warm sometimes when it is crowded but are mostly ok. The public transport system is so good here we can get to anywhere in and around Tokyo quite quickly and easily. We went to some amazing exhibitions last summer downtown at places like the Mori art museum in Roppongi, the 21-21 Design Centre and smaller venues in Ginza etc. These places are open again now but we don't feel comfortable about hopping on the train to get there for a while yet.

The Star Festival

 We enjoyed the annual Asagaya Tanabata festival (star festival). They main shopping street in this nearby town is filled with bright colorful papier-mâché recreations of cartoon characters and other decorations made by local businesses with many games, foods and, of course, thousands of people. It's a real crush and so hot, so naturally has been cancelled this year which is a great shame for the local shopkeepers and all those who spend many hours creating the wonderful displays.

 

 Another thing we did last August was apply for my (Ian) visa to be extended as my original spouse visa was for 3 years. It's not too arduous and not expensive (unlike the UK equivalent!). The immigration centres are situated in awkward places and can be very busy with several hours of waiting. I don't know how they cope in the current situation. Fortunately we were able to choose a quiet weekday time and it all went quickly and smoothly. We had to return a couple of weeks later to get the result. 

Dreaming of afternoon tea

 I had decided to be humble and only ask for another 2 years so I was surprised and delighted when I looked at my new ID card and the date was 2024! They gave me the maximum 5 years extension! They must really like me, or they don't want the hassle of dealing with me every 2 years, anyway I'm happily here for the long term.

 

 The long running Fujirock festival took place at the end of July 2019 with many big name international bands. We watched some live streaming of some including a great set by The Cure. We went to a gig in Tokyo by our friend Akeboshi who is a popular Japanese singer songwriter musician who studied in Liverpool. We don't go to many live music events, most venues are very small and uncomfortable and only recently banned smoking but it's sad that it's not even an option now.

 

 As it's my birthday in September we planned and booked a short stay outside Tokyo around that time , one of a few small breaks we managed during 2019. We are pleased we had these breaks as 2020 is a complete blank as far as holidays are concerned. It was a great holiday in Kiyosato in Yamanashi prefecture, only a couple of hours away but up in the green, rolling hills where the air is cooler and cleaner and vegetables are so fresh and delicious.

 

 A short trip like this shouldn't take much planning in theory but finding somewhere that can cater for our vegan diet is still a real struggle anywhere outside the capital city. It takes a lot of research and double-checking.

 

 Thinking about our 2019 holidays reminds us that the previous August, 2018, was our last trip abroad as we managed to escape the heat of Japan and spend over 2 weeks back in Liverpool. That was a great holiday, lucky with the sunny weather but not too hot, catching up with family and so many friends – even bumping into several on the city centre streets.

Meeting up with old friends, 2018-style

 It coincided with Minako's high school friend and her husband from the U.S. flying over from Washington DC visiting the UK to see us which was truly special, they hadn't seen each other for many years, we spent a few fun-packed days together. We enjoyed the Liverpool Biennial arts festival (which is also postponed this year), helped building Liverpool’s “Lost Castle” and saw the excellent John & Yoko exhibition at the Museum of Liverpool. We also had great fun checking out the latest vegan eateries from junk food to very fancy English afternoon tea.

 

 It's getting difficult now to envisage when we'll be able to take a similar long haul trip. It would be nice to be able to plan a holiday abroad with confidence very soon. Fingers crossed!

 

 

 

 

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