Anpanman

Japanese children everywhere love Anpanman - a cartoon character whose head is made of bread. He and his cohorts fight the evil Baikinman in every episode. With Ariana off from school this week, I told her I had a surprise for her and we took the train down to Yokohama to visit the Anpanman museum. We found the museum with no problem as we just followed the parade of excited little children and their parents down the street. Ariana was very excited when she realized where we were going and ran right up to Anpanman and wouldn't leave until I took her picture.

These are just some of the characters that make an appearance in the show....
As most children's "museums" here, it is basically a big shopping arcade with a play space thrown in; so the children can play with all the toys they will then bug their parents to buy them. You are then starving, so you end up in a theme restaurant eating kawai ("cute") food
You then visit the stores, buy a lot of stuff your child may or may not play with, wear, eat, etc.

You return to your stroller, which has been parked in the "lot" along with all of the others and make your way home.
In the end, it is all worth it, as right before she falls asleep in her stroller, your child looks up at you and says "mama, I liked my surprise"

Spring is Here

Last year I spent an afternoon viewing Bonsai with the old men who make up most of the practitioners of this most exacting art. This week, I switched sexes and spent my time viewing Ikebana with the older women who practice this most fragrant one at an exhibition. The selections were amazing - each one so painstakingly constructed; each vessel so different.

For someone like me who has not a green thumb, but rather the black thumb of death when it comes to anything growing, to even be interested in the art of Ikebana is a truly bizarre concept. Introduced by my friend Darla, I have grown to love not just viewing but creating as well. Every other Friday we gather with our Sensei and with our chosen selection of flowers, set about to create something beautiful.






The difference is obvious, but I have really learned to enjoy the process of creating an arrangement. I have started a collection of vases and after seeing the exhibit the other day, fear an obsession coming on. A longer list will accompany me on my flea market outings from now on, although I fear I will have to fight Celine over a particularly unusual find. (thanks to her for the photos of the exhibit- she was the one with the camera and she so generously shared them with me).

The Performance..

..went brilliantly. While a little hesitant at first seeing the many parents in the room (she sat on my lap for a bit), Ariana slowly got used to the idea and sat calmly with her class waiting for her turn to go on. Luckily, they were the first group after the intermission, and she bravely walked with her class up on stage, performed the three songs without a tear and walked off. She was really proud of herself and it showed the rest of the day as she kept singing the songs. Baba san and I were proud that she didn't let the many, many parents and kids from the other classes upset her and by the end of the recital was running around with some of the other kids.

I will be sorry to leave this school when we return to the states at the end of May (it's official). A most nurturing atmosphere, with an emphasis on cooperation, consideration and mutual respect, Ariana is growing into a sweet and lovely little girl. I hope we find the same nurturing atmosphere when we return.

The Dress Rehearsal

Ariana's class is performing in the spring show and we were invited for a preview. Checkout the little fireman...or should I say firegirl...I just hope real firefighters aren't so fussy with their hats..