02:37

Tokyo Midtown

It is true, it is always best to start close to home. Thanks to Corporate America, we are lucky enough to live in a great area. I have been told that some celebrities live close by, but they should have no fear - I have no idea who the are :( . I like Tokyo Midtown because it is easy to find your way around. Think of it like training wheels for what awaits you in Roppongi Hills. Midtown is a great and easy meeting place for an afternoon outing. You have Starbucks, food court, dessert/coffee places, sit down restaurants, Billboard events, the Ritz Carlton lounge, exhibits, a beautiful park, and very expensive shops all located in the same area. I would personally have my magic card or credit card in a safe place before going there - returns are much harder to explain in a foreign language. I have have not yet learn how to say, "I have to return this because the price of this item can feed a small country" in japanese :).


If you are not the shopping type, Midtown has a soft spot for you too. After living here for a bit, you learn that Midtown pretty much loves everything. It loves summer, winter, sky, even curry. This is not my deductive power at work, they actually have signs that say - Midtown Loves____. They always have some activity going on. For example , during summer, they have an outdoor cafe, nightly waterworks, and soon a German beer festival that I am so ready to attend. They also promote restaurants - I thinks that is why they love curry.


Just when you think you are bored of Midtown- you can always cook! ABC cooking school is a nice way to get out, talk to people, and learn something new. You can be a dedicated cook and take a cooking, cake, or bread course or you can just take a class for the day and learn a full course menu. The course will require registration but for the full course menu, you just have to show up for the day (they teach sushi). No japanese - no problem! They have english class for the day class and english speaking teachers for the course- you just have to be persistent.


If you are still not hooked and you are a dog loving person, then you can also rejoice because they have a doggy store with grooming services and even a doggy hotel! Since I love dogs and I cannot have one, I just go there to interact with other people's pets. It sound sad, but that is what most people do. I guess I just join the sadness :).


Midtown is like comfort food - Nice! They even have tours and people everywhere ready to assist you. If you ever want to know what is happening that day, they have a calendar posted by Koots Green Tea on the 1st basement. And to top if all off, it has underground access to the Hybia line an Oedo line - just get off at Roppongi station!


See you soon!

Ivy - T2

22:23

Welcome to the Madness !

Hello everybody. My name is Ivy and I am going to be the main blogger on this site. From time to time, my partner in crime will assist me and provide information that will make the transition to Japan much easier. I am starting this blog with a fresh set of eyes. I want to create a space where I can share everything that I have learned and show you some cool things along the way. Think of it like out loud tell the world kind of therapy.


Simple things turn so hard when you move to a new country. Where to shop for everything? How in the world do you get there? Medical Care? Hair, nails, gyms, and everything in between? I claim no expertise, but I will share all that I learn day by day. I will attempt make a site that I wish was there when we decided to move to Tokyo ( Minato-ku to be exact).


I wanted my partner in crime to chime on my adventure since he is great at technology. We have found that technology can make the transition easier and, why lie, it is just really cool. I promise to keep him in check, since he can get carried away with the really complex explanation. Trust me - bla bla bla @%! We will only post things that everybody can understand and do. Pictures will be a must ;).


We always welcome emails and posts with questions and suggestions

I hope you follow us in this journey.


Ivy - T2