Saturday January 4, 2014
Tokyo, Japan
Beautiful Sunny Winter Day
Happy New Year Everyone! I meant to post this weeks ago but had a crazy busy Christmas where I worked non-stop until the 27th. The office closes in Japan from the 27th and re-opens on the 6th, but had to do some "officekeeping" on the 27th, 28th so really did not have much time.
However, Yuki-chan and I were able to celebrate Tobey's first Christmas. Christmas week started with both dogs getting groomed.
Here's Ms. Yuki
And here's Tobey
We had out Christmas dinner on the 23rd as it was a holiday in Japan (Emperor's birthday). Christmas in Japan is very commercial (yes, it's commercial in the US also, but at least we know its a Christian holiday and we do celebrate the birth of Jesus) and is not a holiday. But the country goes all out for Christmas. I found out Dean and DeLuca was offering a T-bone steak dinner for X'mas so I ordered two of them so that each dog could get a "bone". Finding bone-in steaks in Japan is VERY difficult. And I don't know why they don't offer T-bones or even Prime Rib. Anyhow, got the steaks and shared them with Yuki and Tobey on the 23rd. Both dogs were in heaven especially with the bones. Tobey did not know what to make of it at first but soon got the hang of it and carried it with him everywhere for at least 3 days.
After dinner it was time to open presents. Yuki and Tobey got toys from Auntie Amy and Uncle Michael. They also got fish treats from their dog walker. And I got them chicken treats. Yuki of course, hogged all the toys and immediately wanted to play with ALL of her new toys. Tobey was more interested in the T-bone and spent most of his time gnawing on it and protecting it.
Ms. Yuki waiting for the presents
X'mas Mugshots. Ms. Yuki usually does not allow Tobey on the couch but as it is Christmas she made an exception
Both pups went to bed with a huge belly and had no interest in getting up early the next day!
Fortunately for me, I was able to celebrate X'mas with some new friends and also was able to take advantage of a business trip to Sapporo to visit the Sapporo Munich Christmas festival. Given it was cold with flurries in Sapporo, it really felt like X'mas.
I joined a ladies book club where all the women are ex-pats and are working. Paula hosted the X'mas book club meeting in her gorgeous home decorated beautifully for Christmas
Sapporo German Christmas Festival!
Although work was crazy it was a very good Christmas. I did miss my family very much but had to be with my team as it is the busiest time of the year. Not sure yet, if I'll be in Tokyo next year for Christmas as my assignment is due to end in August, but if I do, I think I'll go for it and get a X'mas tree.
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