Sumida Fireworks

July and August are the best festivals months in Japan. There are so many things to do, to see, to enjoy.

On my personal calendar, Sumida Fireworks is the first festival of the season that I would like to attend every year. After Sumida Fireworks, almost every weekend there are other festivals and fireworks until September. It is a big start with 20.000 beautifully choreographed fireworks, for one and a half hour. Sumidagawa Hanabitaikai-Sumida River Fireworks Festival is the full name of the event.

This year, it is the first time that I could attend. The year when I moved to Tokyo, I missed the date and sadly watched YouTube videos of the fireworks. Last year, it was rainy so I guessed the fireworks got cancelled. And this year I went to see the festival and there was no rain. It was such a wonderful experience regale to the eye.

There were so many things that I didn’t know about this festival.

There are 2 locations for fireworks display. I was in the middle and I hurt my neck by turning back and forth with enthusiasm.

The fireworks starts at 19.05, I planned to go early to find a good place to watch. What I didn’t know is the roads was blocked after 18.00. There were many police officers helping the crowd.

I knew that some boats, or roof tops can be reserved for the event. I think this beautiful event is for every one and there is no need to spent money. So I preferred to sit in the park, free space to sit or to stand.  Also later on, I realized that there were some places close to river with tickets. As I said before, this is a public event, there is no need to spend money.  I spent money for food and drinks and enjoyed with the people around me.

This festival starts in the morning, people dressed in kimonos and yukatas wander around Asakusa. It is always a beauty to the eye to see Japanese people or many foreigners dressed in kimonos and yukatas for a modern time festival in an historical area, Asakusa. I enjoyed the crowd watch more than I expected. :)

 I arrived the area early and decided to have a drink. I ran into a Starbucks. That Starbucks has a special drink for Sumida Fireworks. It was a mocha Frappuccino with hazelnut syrup and whipped cream and chocolate sauce. I got a Hanabi special.  This was also a coincidental joy. I didn’t know about special drink but I was happy to taste the specialty of the day.

It is a famous festival, so I had great expectations, when it was finished beyond my expectations. Such a joy…

Cheers with fireworks,

Ece

My inspiration about coffee shops

I like coffee a lot, I drink every day. Coffee is something to cheer me up.

Coffee shops are my inspirations. I am always seeking for new coffee shops, seeking for coffee concepts. I actually have 3 different list of coffee shops to visit in Tokyo. It makes maybe around 40 different specific shops, and maybe a 100 with branches. A lot.. 

I am gathering many many experience with coffee. What is so valuable to me is that a good coffee shop with a lounge and with good friends. That is what I missed while I am in Japan. I have given up about the idea of having coffee with people who I love…  I haven’t given up the idea of the coffee shops. Now I am looking for coffee shops with the nostalgia, with homey feeling.

I get inspired to write, to think, to learn and to live more in coffee shops. 

And, I have discovered something called “Inspired by Starbucks”, it is a Japan only concept. There are only 3 shops. The concept is with the seating like Starbucks, but the food and beverages are inspired by Starbucks but distinguished. Alcoholic drinks are also available

. 

 

I drank an iced floated macchiato, my husband had a barista special. Both are extraordinary and delicious. 

The shop is inspired by Starbucks, I got inspired by them, is there anyone inspired by me, if so the cycle is complete…

Cheers,

Ece

1000 challenge-2

I started the day by reading my previous post,1000 yen challenge.

Keeping in mind my all the previous mistakes, I started my task with buying my breakfast. Two peanut breads and a cold coffee, total 436 kcal and costs 216 yen. Good deal for a breakfast, right? Then I got relaxed and bought some salad and sauce and a fruit jelly. I left the shop spending 463 yen.

I chose busy days to do the challenge, like any other tourist would be really busy while trying to visit many of the beautiful places in Tokyo or generally in Japan. After breakfast, I was busy and happy and awake.

I was a little scared of doing the same mistakes, because of that I had planned some healthy stuff like salad and fruit snacks. I decided to eat some instant noodles. I had, one of my favorite, soba noodles, made from buckwheat. It costs 184 yen, but I ate tasty 487 kcals.

It was all about balance, I had the balance this time. I was full after lunch. And, I felt really good, because I still had 353 yen left for dinner and two healthy snacks that I am going to enjoy in coming hours.

4.00 pm was my snack time. I thought I would just eat the salad and continue working. Between 3 to 5 pm is always dangerous for me, I was looking for donuts last time, remember? :) I am like that most of the time. After eating salad, I smoothly ate the fruit jelly. It was 2 snacks at one time. I am not good at snack planning. But I was full and happy, so continued my afternoon without dreaming about unhealthy food, or planning about dinner.

At 7 pm, I started to think about dinner options. I could easily choose unhealthy stuff, but I decided to go to Tokyu Store.

One thing that I have learned that even if you don’t live in the vicinity and not planning to buy big grocery to cook, from time to time checking the supermarkets products brings good deals about food and snacks. And, a surprise reason to go to supermarkets, I often buy some interesting Japanese presents form my friends from supermarkets. I respected that rule and went to Tokyu Store.

At the supermarket, I found myself in front of bento section, looking at calories and price. I decided in favor of this bento. A typical Japanese bento with rice and some fish and pickles. It costs 307 yen. I nourished myself with 566 kcals. My final meal was dinner.

During the day, I got 1661 kcal, 39,9gr protein. And I spent 954yen. I was so happy that I had conquered the challenge, then it came to my mind that I could have bought some small candy or chocolate with the left over 46 yen. I was already at home, and full and a little lazy. So I preferred not to go out.

I believe that I can perform much better. I should master about the 1000yen challenge. I am thrilled that I didn’t fail this time. I am excited for the next time.

Cheers,

 Ece