Lost In Translation

How I write.

2012-02-11T01:02:00.000-08:00

Allô, maman! xo

The process of writing is something that has always been so natural to me, dating back to when I was a little girl and writing down daily thoughts and observations in my journal, to when I was a teenage girl obsessed with fashion magazines, collecting piles and piles of them to my mother's dismay.

All those magazines and journals finally proved useful. Now that writing has become my life (and happily so, as I couldn't be more thankful for all those great opportunities which were given to me), I realize that it's actual hard work. I usually am most prolific when I feel inspired (which is very late into the night or while running, surprisingly), but deadlines must be respected regardless of my inspiration level and state of mind.

Here's how it usually goes.

I sit down at my desk at home, armed with coffee. I mostly write from home. Going to cafés is too distracting, with loud music and people, I tend to daydream more than I should. I open a blank document. I check my email, then refresh Facebook. I bite my nails. I refresh Facebook again, then update my profile picture or post a music video. Then I suddenly remember that I had to reply to a few emails to friends. Then I write the general structure of my article, which is the hardest part. I check my email again, make a writing playlist, make a snack, photo booth myself, try some outfits I had forgotten about, paint my nails. I check my phone, update my applications, text message a few friends, play scrabble, write a blog post, and pretend I'm working. I twirl my hair, it's getting late, I'm sleepy, I'm nervous, I haven't done any work, I'm scared the editor will fire me, I panic.

Then I write. I write, write, write, twirl more stands of hair, forget about my coffee turned cold, and I write, forgetting about life around me. I love the moment when I press send.

It's a long process, I'd say 90% of it involves wasting time and trying to concentrate on one thing. But in that small fraction of writing, it's pure hard work and nothing, nothing could snap me out of it.

Is that how it works for everyone?

And yes, as you guessed, I have a pressing deadline now, hence this blog post and photo booth shot.

Valentines Day in Japan

2012-02-09T00:31:00.000-08:00

Me, pondering.

I cannot remember the last time I actually did something to celebrate Valentine's Day, but apparently I am suitable to write about it.

When Tokyo Weekender asked to write a piece about Valentine's Day, I had a moment of panic- what do I know about love, let alone dating? Would I have to share personal stories? Gasp! And I didn't want to write about tacky or cliché ways to celebrate this holiday, as it's definitely out of my element.

After some thought, I came up with a list of fun, tasteful and different ideas for things to do on Valentines Day, with a significant other, friends, or even by yourself. I stayed true to my style, as I'd actually want to do all those things I've mentioned.

You can read it here!

My ideal evening would be a visit to the zoo combined with a flask of something strong to keep warm.

PS- In Japan, on Valentine's Day, girls give chocolate to boys. Boys reciprocate a month later, on White Day. After two years in Japan, I still haven't participated in this tradition, but I'm tempted to, solely as a cultural experiment. Wish me luck.

Thursday Meow

2012-02-09T00:05:00.000-08:00

I am loving the latest song by one of my favourite Japanese bands, Miaou.

Great soundtrack to a week of writing madness and events and trying to sneak in some sleep- it's also been some soothing sounds to go running to.

If you live in Japan, Miaou is touring in March with Radical Face, maybe you can catch them!

Tokyo Events: Secret Blogger Tasting Party at Godiva

2012-02-08T01:18:00.000-08:00

I had the chance to receive an invitation to the "Secret Blogger Tasting Party" thrown by Belgian chocolate house Godiva. The mere mention of the word chocolate can motivate me to do anything in life, thus a chocolate tasting party is right up my alley, as I'm quite the expert.

On Monday evening, twenty or so trendy (and beautiful!) bloggers all gathered in the Harajuku Godiva shop in order to taste the 2012 Valentine collection, aptly named Mont d'Amour. I felt very lucky I was able to participate in the event as the sole foreign writer, and I was given such a warm welcome by the staff and everyone else. Thankfully tasting chocolate doesn't require advanced language skills, and I felt at ease right away, surrounded with sweets.

Tea and coffee were served by the ever attentive staff, and we each got to try four different flavours of truffes, all more decadent than the other: Coeur Mousse fraise (strawberry), Mousse thé vert (green tea), Mousse marron et cassis (maroon and cassis), and Mousse Citron (lemon). The chocolates were exquisite and gorgeous, each offering delicate flavours, true to Godiva's high quality.

Most girls voted for Mousse fraise as their favourite, but I especially loved Mousse marron et cassis, which was a bit more subtle. The chocolates were to be tasted in a specific order to ensure the desirable effect. While we took bites of those delectable little bits of heaven, we were asked to write love messages on a board and a fun little photo shoot followed.

We all left with a lovely gift bag containing a beautiful silver heart-shaped case full of chocolates (I meant to save it for Valentines Day but I could not wait any longer, I had to open it and of course eat most of it!). Godiva chocolate is some of my favourite, and I highly recommend sampling the Valentine collection, which is not only amazingly delicious, but also features beautiful packaging designed by Spanish designer Jaime Hayon.

It was quite the magical night, filled with luxurious sweets in a sophisticated setting, lovely fellow bloggers, and a chocolate-induced pure state of bliss.

The gorgeous packaging

Chocolates, chandelier, oh my

Little bits of heaven

Coeur Mousse fraise

All so colourful and scrumptious

My love message, signed ヴィヴィアン

Fun collection of polaroids

High tea

The gift bag! I ate most of it.

Thank you, Godiva, for such a treat!

My Japan birthday: Aomori Nabe Party

2012-02-05T06:06:00.000-08:00

Aomori-style nabe

Following the success of our memorable sushi-making party, my lovely Shimokitazawa friends decided to throw me a very special (belated) birthday celebration: a nabe party. Nabe is a popular Japanese food mostly eaten in winter, and it consists of a hot pot in which you can throw a variety of ingredients, such as vegetables, meat, fish, and noodles in a flavoured broth.

My friend Mayumi hails from the northern prefecture of Aomori, so she introduced us to the Aomori-style nabe, which includes a rice cracker called senbei. She had thoughtfully brought back the necessary ingredients from a recent visit there, and we stocked up on vegetables and meat at the supermarket.

Green onions, cabbage, tofu, konnyaku, carrots, mushrooms and chicken were all thrown into a hot soy broth and left simmering while we got started on a delicious tomato and mozzarella salad. When the nabe was almost fully cooked, we broke pieces of the Aomori senbei cracker on it, and the result was an amazing, tasty, full-flavoured dish. The cracker bits did not get soggy at all, in fact were still a bit crunchy, which was interesting. Rice and garlic prawns were eaten as a side dish.

We accompanied the meal with chilled green tea and apple juice, and a few sips of Aomori sake, before polishing off our plates and feeling sleepy from such a warm, delicious meal. The best part about eating nabe is gathering everyone around a table and having a slow meal, while chatting away and adding more vegetables to the broth, as needed. For dessert, my friend Yumiko treated us to annin pudding, an almond jelly dessert originating from China.

I also got a lovely surprise: my friends offered me a gorgeous, gorgeous present, a Marc by Marc Jacobs evening clutch, carefully selected by my über-fashionable and attentive friend Takahiro. I felt very shy and very spoiled by all this attention.

To be honest, this was probably the most thoughtful, special birthday party I have ever had. I am lucky to have such wonderful Japanese friends who are willing to share their traditions with me and introduce me to such fascinating bits of Japanese culture each time. I hope to return the gesture one day and introduce them to my own Canadian customs and culture.

Before the party...

I met Philip Lim-clad Takahiro at the station, stylish as ever

We managed to sneak in a vintage store and try on colorful items...

... and oversized sunglasses.

At the party...

Chilled green tea, yum!

A senbei cracker from Aomori prefecture

Nabe + Salad, let's eat!

Mayumi-chan and the Aomori senbei crackers added

Chopstick skills + shrimp

Aomori sake

Almond jelly pudding, with homemade syrup

Gorgeous Marc by Marc Jacobs evening clutch

Thank you, thank you Mayumi, Takahiro and Yumiko for that wonderful, unforgettable birthday celebration!!
xo

February Tokyo, Bits and Pieces

2012-02-03T21:14:00.000-08:00

I slipped back into a fast-paced, hazy Tokyo lifestyle, punctuated with lots of writing, running, train rides, chocolate and blurry mornings. Here are some bits and pieces.

Chocolate overdoses + polka dot tights + plaid headband

Chocolate= 5K runs daily, loving Tokyo winter runs

What ¥230 can get you in Japan. Low budget living.

My friend Rob's boom box, his best accessory

Conbini run with 2Princes, I'm the little sister in tow

Sébastien and Paul from Unusual Club @ Trump Room

2Princes @ Trump Room. Van Halen's "Jump" perhaps best opening ever.

Performing on top of mirrored tabletop = mind blowing

Don Henley's "Boys of Summer" was the highlight of the night

Prince Ness, who spinned Disco 2000 just for me. Thank you.

Shibuya station, 5:00 am. First time I see it empty.

I've been living in Tokyo for five months now. It seems a lot longer, this city quickly became my home and coming here was the best thing that could ever happen to me. It's killing me at times, yet I don't see how I'll ever leave this place.

Two-tone tights

2012-02-01T04:42:00.000-08:00

That was pretty skillful photo booth positioning

I am wearing the two-tone tights from American Apparel. I would never wear those back in Canada, but in Tokyo it seems fitting. Since I write for fashion, I think I should try to be a little bold with my style choices and try different things, as Tokyo is perfect for experimenting. What do we think? Too wild, Japan-appropriate only, or liking it?

Tokyo Events: Roarrr

2012-02-01T04:26:00.000-08:00

Photo by Sophia!

I often receive messages from readers and friends, asking me about Tokyo's nightlife and party recommendations. Music is the most important part for me, so I like to attend events which feature great DJs.

This Friday, my friend Trent (and Sniff Sniff organizer extraordinaire) is throwing a party called "Roarrr" at Trump Room, presenting a handful a great DJs on two different floors. I've always had such a blast at the past Sniff Sniff parties, as seen here and here. Those parties will always bring back memories of first moving to Tokyo and all the excitement of this crazy city, hanging out and dancing with Sophia, and meeting loads of new friends who came and went.

My dear friends Rob and Mike from 2Princes are DJing that night, and as usual I know they'll play an incredible set (and I cannot thank Prince Ness enough for always sneaking in a song in there he knows I love). Fellow Tokyo dwellers Paul and Sébastien from Unusual Club will also be performing, along with one of Tokyo's most famous fashion bloggers, Misha from Tokyo Fashion Diaries. A string of other famous Tokyo and guest DJs will be playing as well, making it another memorable night I'm sure.

Well, this is an invitation. If you live in Tokyo or are visiting Japan at the moment, please drop by this event, come say hello and come dancing, I promise it will be good. It starts at 11pm, so be prepared for an all nighter, Tokyo style!

Tokyo Events: Style Band Tokyo 2012

2012-01-31T03:06:00.000-08:00

On Sunday evening I had the chance to attend a showcase of local indie bands, Style Band Tokyo 2012. It featured established Tokyo bands such as noise group Guitar Wolf, alongside up and coming artists and DJs on every floor. Guitar Wolf was probably the highlight of the night, but N`夙川BOYS (pronounced n'shukugawa) was the most fascinating for me, with great costumes, sound, and stage presence. I also loved the long-haired boys of Bo Ningen, who gave a crazy, energetic performance. I highly recommend clicking on those links and checking out those amazing Tokyo artists.

As I mention regularly, seeing live concerts is something I deeply miss from back home. Many great bands visit Tokyo and we also have a plethora of local talent, but gigs in Japan are pricey and usually very early. Thankfully it's always possible to catch DJ sets such as Metronomy and The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, who both had members performing at Trump Room over the last few weeks.

Despite the fact that it was a Sunday night, it was one of the best nights I've had in Tokyo, full of excellent music, performances, hanging out backstage, dancing and not wanting to catch last train.

N'shukugawa Boys (and a girl)

My friends (and Charming Men) Mike and Matthew from Gypsy Badman

DJ and highly skilled photographer Jake, aka Le Champ

A cute DJ wearing a shirt that matches my headband

Found: a hipster, toy camera, beads and vintage sweater (Prince Ness)

Bo Ningen. I wish my hair was longer.

Bo Ningen, getting a tad crazier

Yeah! Onstage stripping!

I love Tokyo music scene.

Japanese Anime

2012-01-30T05:42:00.000-08:00

Me, in manga form.

Pretty dead on, with the hair and purple ribbon and coy demeanor.

Tokyo Neighbourhoods: Azabu-Juban

2012-01-30T04:27:00.000-08:00

Even though I've lived in Tokyo for five months, I still have so much exploring to be done. Tokyo is massive, and I tend to stick to familiar areas such as Shibuya, Nakameguro, Shimokitazawa and Daikanyama as I feel quite comfortable there.

Yet, Tokyo is full of secrets and neighbourhoods I had no idea even existed, such as charming Azabu-Juban. This area is a mere steps away from the infamous Roppongi (infamous for its high number of foreigners and seedy nightlife and a particular night I wish to forget)- yet is quite the opposite of it. Cobblestone streets, cake shops, French cafés, narrow streets, it's one of Tokyo's most sought after living areas.

On Saturday afternoon, I met up with my Japanese teacher, a sophisticated, cultured lady who has traveled the world and who always introduces me to Tokyo gems and bits of Japanese culture. She gave me a tour of Azabu-Juban, starting with a visit to a shrine to pray for the new year, followed by a double crème café at French restaurant Le Petit Tonneau. I'm always happy whenever I get the chance to use my mother tongue, and I happily conversed with the staff.

For dinner, we walked over to Gonpachi, a popular Japanese restaurant with a particular decor. In fact, it was used as inspiration for the movie Kill Bill, and it did offer a pretty cozy, warm atmosphere. We shared some izakaya-style Japanese finger foods, accompanied with cocktails. It was such a pleasant Saturday to be in company of an interesting lady and to learn more about Japan and its culture and language.

Le Petit Tonneau, Azabu-Juban

People-watching

Tempura at Gonpachi

Beef stew + mojito (wild!)

Kill Bill!

Cold January Nights

2012-01-30T03:25:00.000-08:00

Mike, to me: "Why are you in a carpenter's workshop?"

We, Tokyoites don't let the chilly January temperatures bring us down. Some friends and I braved the cold and sat outside for some burgers at my favourite joint Whoopi Goldburger in Shibuya, along with some heaters, blankets, and strong drinks.

Tokyo winter is brutal. It's much warmer than any given day in Canada, but the cold is bitter and there are no ways to escape it really. In that case, we just embrace it...

I need more female friends (no offense boys I adore you)

Helena Bonham burger: avocado

Best Japanese Chocolate: Rummy

2012-01-28T06:25:00.000-08:00

I'm currently obsessed with this rum and raisin chocolate called Rummy. Even though it bears an unfortunate name, the taste is amazing and I feel sorry I missed out on it for the past few years. I was very skeptical since names and packaging are important to me, but it proved to be the opposite. I probably would have never tried it on my own because I'm such a snob, but I'm glad I was introduced to this heavenly snack. Each bite has some actual raisin bits and liquor. I highly recommend it to impress guests (and show sophistication despite the awful packaging), or just to create a new little obsession. Believe me, it works.

It deserved it own entry.

January Tokyo

2012-01-24T03:05:00.000-08:00

January had a slow start, but it suddenly turned into a frantic yet exciting time, with lots of projects and fun gallivanting around Tokyo. After nearly a month spent detoxing from the holiday indulgences and trying to get back into a healthy routine, I finally braved the chilly nights to dip my toes back into Tokyo's nightlife. Here's a glimpse of the past few days:

My Korean friend Daehyun flew to Tokyo for the weekend, and we had the chance to catch up and explore the nightlife and reminisce about our days in Seoul.

I couldn't resist a picture of Rilakkuma holding a donut at Hara Donuts in Shimokitazawa. That's how cute Japan is. And no, I would never eat two donuts.

Lately I've been eating lots of take out sushi, along with avocado + cucumber salads. It's probably just a phase, but a good one.

It was Mike's birthday and he dressed up as Justin Bieber for an art performance in Nakano.

My friend Gordon sporting his latest acquisition. He speaks the truth... I think.

My friend Mayumi-chan, aka Aerobics Girls, DJing at Trump Room in Shibuya. Great dancing music as usual, I love this girl! And thanks for the birthday present.

Metronomy also had a DJ set later that night at Trump, it was upbeat and crowded and amazing. And I would like to say hello to two people in particular who came up and said hi to me, I'm very flattered you read this blog and I feel very thankful for meeting such cool people through this page.

My friend K. and I ate hummus and pita for the first time in ages, I adore Saturday brunch, especially followed by a ballet recital.

Saturday night was another edition of the excellent dance party Hindu Love at Echo Shibuya. It was packed, sweaty and the music played until sunrise.

Echo Shibuya is probably my favourite venue in Tokyo, it feels like your own living room.

I browsed record shops and vintage shops in Shimokitazawa, and found out there is loads more within walking distance of my house, north of Shimokitazawa.

I ate udon at a shop bearing the name "Marugame", just like my old stomping grounds in Shikoku. The udon was on par with Kagawa's fare, but it will never be the same in the middle of Shibuya. It was still amazing.

This song.

And, there was snow in Tokyo, I woke up this morning and it looked like Canada, it was quite nice. I like January.

Tokyo Haircuts: Watanabe

2012-01-20T02:14:00.000-08:00

Hair by Kenichi Momoi

To be fair, I've always had really satisfying experiences getting my hair cut in Japan, whether it was in Shikoku or Osaka. Finding a great hair salon is a challenge in a new city, but thankfully Tokyo has the best in the country.

I first read about Watanabe Hair Dressing through my friend Julie's excellent blog, and since I trust her impeccable taste, I gave it a try. I have visited the salon twice already, and I am more than pleased with the results- in fact, it's the very best haircut and treatment I have ever had, and I only have excellent reviews for the place. They cater to the foreigner crowd: most of the stylists speak English and some have worked abroad, thus are used to non-Japanese hair (which has a very different texture and thickness).

My haircut at Watanabe was a full experience involving a back and head massage, hot towels and lavender essential oils, cutting, styling, and conditioning. My hair stylist is Kenichi Momoi, and I highly recommend booking an appointment with him: he is so professional and pleasant to work with, made me feel extremely comfortable and knows exactly what is best for different types of hair (I tried to talk him into giving me a fringe, but he warned me against it, as it wouldn't work with my thick, wavy texture).

All the staff at the salon is highly qualified and professional: two of my friends raved about Chie Funakura, another stylist there. In fact I have only heard amazing, positive feedback from a handful of friends who have visited the salon before. It's by far the best haircut I've had in ages, and I am loving that place so much! If you live in Tokyo or even just visiting, you should book an appointment there. It's located near Harajuku station, click here for the information.

I seriously applaud any stylist who can somehow manage to turn my lion's mane into a sleek cut.

Haircut = Photobooth session.

Thank you, Momoi!

Shin-Okubo: Tokyo's Korea Town

2012-01-16T04:42:00.000-08:00

Korean banchan: bring it on.

This evening, my friend Valerie and I hit the Shinjuku adjacent area of Shin-Okubo for some much-craved Korean fare. Even though I used to complain about Korean food being too spicy for my taste while living in Korea, I miss it a lot and need my regular dose, as it became part of my lifestyle for that year.

Thankfully Tokyo has a rather sizable Korea Town, which is located a few minutes away from the infamous Kabukicho near Shinjuku station. I think the most interesting part of the night was walking through hordes of hosts getting ready for the night and the love hotel-lined streets... but let's move on to the food part!

We feasted on the typical Korean BBQ, which features strips of grilled pork that are meant to be wrapped into lettuce leaves and topped with vegetables and chili paste. We also shared kimchijeon, a pancake filled with kimchi and spring onion, possibly my favourite Korean dish. What I miss most about Korean food are the various side dishes that come along, banchan, and sampling a little bit of everything for a pleasurable and balanced meal.

Shin-Okubo is also filled to the brim with everything exuding Korean pop culture, from shops to restaurants and cafés, to street signs all in hangul. It's a very lively neighbourhood, with the same street food stalls and grilled meat aromas so typically found everywhere in Korea. I'm always quite nostalgic of my days living in Seoul, but I'm lucky it's so easily accessible from where I live now.

A depiction of Gyeonghuigung

I can still read hangul skillfully!

Grilled meat + vegetables

Wrap it all up

This pig followed me and touched me.

Tokyofaces: Tokyo Street Style

2012-01-15T00:15:00.000-08:00

I think Tokyo offers some of the most interesting and eclectic fashions in the world- anything goes, and everyone is very unique in their personal style. Like nowhere else in the world, Tokyo is a place to experiment and I can tirelessly people-watch all day, as I see the most fascinating and creative combinations.

I was recently introduced to an excellent street style blog called Tokyofaces, which in my opinion captures perfectly the essence and uniqueness of Tokyoites. The photography is equally gorgeous, and it features familiar neighbourhoods as well as daily updates.

I highly recommend browsing through it (then trying to stop!), and following it to keep up with the Tokyo beat. By far my new favourite.

Photos: tokyofaces.com

Japan sounds: Miaou

2012-01-14T21:43:00.000-08:00

I have been listening to more Japanese bands lately, and discovered loads of great music. I've especially been loving Miaou, a Tokyo-based group. I had the chance to see them performing live in a small, albeit packed Shimokitazawa venue, and they blew my mind. Their sound could be described as instrumental, dream-pop, mixing guitars and synth for a pretty sonic mash-up.

Click here to fill your ears with some beautiful sounds! And, what's not to love about the name?!

miaou - into your pocket by Teto Records

Instagram

2012-01-14T02:02:00.000-08:00

Follow me on Instagram for random slices of life in Japan! My user name is vivianmorelli. How clever.

Tokyo: Health and Fitness

2012-01-14T00:22:00.000-08:00

Although getting a stomach flu might seem like the best way to trim down post-holidays, I do not recommend it and there are far better ways to start the year in a healthy way.

Here is an article I wrote for Tokyo Weekender, about healthy living in Tokyo, but I'm sure it can also apply to anywhere else.

Pick up your copy in Tokyo

Healthy Living in Tokyo: 10 tips

Having a little trouble zipping up those jeans after indulging on a few too many holiday treats? Follow these simple guidelines for a no-fail detox plan for the new year... and for a healthier Tokyo lifestyle throughout the year.

1. Lace up your sneakers, and go for a run! It's free, and it's an excellent workout in this crisp weather. Great running paths can be found in Tokyo, such as Yoyogi Park and along Tama and Meguro Rivers. For beginners, the key is to work out in intervals and build up endurance, and I suggest trying the fun "Couch-to-5K" running plan: www.coolrunning.com

2. Find a new hobby. While in Japan, why not try one of the traditional martial arts: judo, karate, aikido, kendo, just to name a few. If it's not your cup of tea, sign up for a yoga or dance class, or swim a few laps at the municipal swimming pool. Visit your ward's webpage to find the nearest community centres.

3. Eat healthy Japanese foods. Step away from heavy quantities of white rice, deep fried foods (pork cutlets tonkatsu, fried chickenkaraage, tempura), sugary red bean paste anko, and the plethora of available Kit Kat flavours. Instead, opt for brown or wild rice, fresh fish, add some grains and beans to your diet, stock up on protein-high tofu and delicious seasonal vegetables.

4. Quick and healthy picks. With conbini and vending machines on every street corner, it can be difficult to resist their assortment of tasty and high-calorie snacks and refreshments. Make wise choices, as convenience stores are full of healthy fare: salads, balanced bento boxes, sushi, frozen edamame, and winter dish oden.

5. (Less) bottoms up. If a non-drinking lifestyle doesn't sound fun, at least bring some small changes into your habits: stick to simple drinks such as wine and beer, ditch the sugar-high mixers, have your liquor on the rocks, and alternate every drink with a glass of water (and thank me later).

6. Japanese cuisine made easy! Try this healthy and simple avocado and tuna rice bowl: marinate thickly sliced maguro tuna into a mixture of soy sauce and wasabi paste, then place on top of steamed rice, along with avocado slices. Sprinkle shiso leaves and sesame seeds on top, pour some marinade, and enjoy a scrumptious meal.

7. Get some sleep. A restful night can significantly improve your health: it lowers stress levels, which in turn lowers your cravings for sweets and fattening foods, and gives you added energy to stay active. It is recommended to get at least 7 hours of sleep each night, and to keep a regular schedule throughout the week.

8. Stay active, and see Tokyo. Walk instead of riding the train for short distances, cycle to work and for leisure, and take fun day trips out and around Tokyo: sauntering at Yoyogi Park, exploring a new neighbourhood, hiking Mount Takao or Mount Fuji and the surrounding area, or sightseeing in Kamakura or Nikko.

9. Quench your thirst. Staying hydrated will keep you from munching on unnecessary snacks. Steer clear of soda and artificial juice: water, green tea, roasted barley tea, and sparkling water are far better choices. Try a zest of lemon, orange or yuzu to spruce up your water.

10. Hidden workouts. Shopping as cardio? Dancing until the early hours? Missing last train and walking home? More sex? Be creative!

by Vivian Morelli

January chillwave

2012-01-13T07:15:00.000-08:00

I have just emerged from a week spent sleeping and hibernating due to some atrocious stomach flu. I have cabin fever and haven't had a proper meal in days, and I've been daydreaming about all kinds of foods. All I have been doing is writing, sleeping, dreaming about my next meals (and all the ones I've missed), making playlists for my friends and listening to chillwave.

Numazu, Shizuoka

2012-01-09T05:50:00.000-08:00

(or, the best sushi ever)

Over the course of my holiday, I had the chance to spend some much-needed time outside of Tokyo, in the mountains of Shizuoka, near Mount Fuji. I visited a friend in a city called Numazu, which is a coastal city surrounded with the Japanese Alps and with a spectacular view of Mount Fuji, on a clear day. To be fair, I didn't get the best view of Fuji since it was cloudy, but the scenery was incredible. Numazu is also famous for its quality and freshness of fish, and I ate the very best sashimi I have ever had in my life. I once claimed that the sushi at Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo was the best in the world, but Numazu's has surpassed it. I feasted on thick pieces of red tuna, salmon and octopus on a bed of rice, accompanied with green tea: perhaps the most perfectly balanced meal ever, not to mention for a fraction of the price of Tokyo's establishments.

Numazu is only a 2-hour train ride from Tokyo, and the ride is extremely cheap as well. The scenic train journey was one of the best parts of the trip, as it offers an amazing view of mountains and the ocean. Numazu is a sizeable city, but it has a small town feel reminiscent of my days in Marugame. It made me very nostalgic of my life on Shikoku island, which I now cherish so much. I'm lucky the Japanese countryside charms are only a train ride away, and I'm thankful for local friends who expertly showed me around their home.

I highly recommend taking a day trip to Shizuoka if you're in Tokyo, to breathe some mountain air, eat fresh fish, and explore the Izu peninsula.

I still dream about this meal.

If you're in Numazu, hit this!

Fresh fish galore

Numazu station

Travel bags

Numazu River

View of Mt Fuji from Numazu (wishful thinking)

Numazu station

Après Holiday

2012-01-09T05:16:00.000-08:00

My holiday is over, and it's time to get serious again. No more holiday behaviour. I'm happy to get back into a healthy routine and run and get organized again, but I'll miss staying up all night.

When else do I get the chance to walk around Tokyo all night into deserted shopping arcades and robot parking lots, hang out at laundromats, drink ¥500 conbini wine and microwaved sake, and watch horrible movies until first train? If you haven't seen this, I strongly suggest it, as it's quite hilarious.

A laundromat in Tokyo

A laundry bag in the conbini

Conbini eggs

I'm still in awe of strawberries and cream sandwiches

Deserted shopping arcade

A parking lot for robots

It was a fun holiday, but I'm exhausted and thankful for new assignments.

I also drank a full can of maple syrup over the vacation.

Winter in Japan: A Survival Guide, Part 2

2012-01-08T10:00:00.000-08:00

Kyoto, Japan

Japanese winter is very mild compared to home- my Japanese friends laugh when I tell them January here feels like a spring day in Canada. Yet, the temperatures in Japan do drop low, and it's nearly impossible to completely escape the cold. A lack of proper insulation and central heating is the main issue, and even though most apartments are equipped with an air conditioning unit, you have to be standing right under it in order to immediately benefit from the warmth.

As a Canadian and after three winters in Japan, I consider myself a near expert. It's possible to spend a toasty winter in my favourite season, and here is how:

Layers
When I was a little girl and spending hours on the ski slopes, my mom would make me wear several layers of socks and clothing- every Canadian knows that layering is the key! Long underwear (for boys) and tights (for girls) under your jeans, as well as layers of thermal undershirts will make a difference: Japanese chain Uniqlo has a great line of Heat Tech clothing, specially designed to keep warmth.

Cover up
The body loses heat from extremities, so it's important to cover your hands, head, and toes. A stylish winter hat (or tuque, as we call it in Canada), mittens (I love the kind with the cord that keeps them together, as I tend to lose them), gloves (lined for boys or more elegant leather ones for girls), chunky scarves and adequate footwear are essential.

Drink up
I stay warm by sipping tea throughout the day, which I keep in an insulated bottle. You can also easily purchase a selection of hot beverages from vending machines and convenience stores, which abound in Japan. At the evening, I love sharing mulled wine with friends, and here is an easy recipe: pour a bottle of red wine in a saucepan, add an orange and a lemon (peeled but full), and spice with cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg. Let simmer for several minutes before serving. In Japan, we also regularly drink hot sake or shochu, the local liquors. Delectable, and fun.

Eat warm foods
In Japan, foods tend to be very seasonal, and luckily winter has its own delicious variety. Nabe is probably my favourite: it's a hot pot, in which you can throw anything ranging from chicken to shrimp to kimchi, and seasoned with different broths, such as miso or soy. The best part is to share it with friends and slowly enjoy this meal. Another popular winter fare is oden, a dish consisting of several ingredients such as boiled eggs, daikon radish, tofu and fish cakes stewed in a soy broth. Oden is readily available at most convenience stores, and you can pick several items from a simmering pot.

Soak
Take a bath, Japanese style: shower and rinse throughly before entering the bath, in which you soak (and NOT wash, unlike in my home culture). Japan boasts with sento (communal bath house) and onsens (natural hot springs in which you can bathe and relax). I highly recommend getting over your fear of public nudity and trying them, as they are the outmost relaxing and soothing experience (minus the first visit, perhaps!)

Kotatsu
In Osaka, I luckily owned a kotatsu table: a low, wooden table covered with a futon or blanket, with a heat source generating from the table itself. Traditionally, most Japanese families kept warm around the kotatsu, but their popularity has decreased nowadays. I miss my kotatsu table, but I'm also relieved to not have it, as my whole social life revolved around my desire to never get away from the table.

And...
Lastly, don't forget to insulate your windows and door frames by simply taping around the edges or putting plastic sheets over it, like we do in Canada: saves lots of energy and money as well. Hot water bottles from MUJI can be placed in your futon to keep your feet warm. Having guests in your futon is another way to cope with winter, and you can blame the idea on me.

Stay warm!

{Read my Winter in Japan: A Survival Guide, Part 1}

Tokyo: I live here.

2012-01-08T07:44:00.000-08:00

I adore this video by Mark Bramley about Tokyo, it depicts perfectly the city I now call my home. It really captures Tokyo's unique beat and daily life scenes- wonderful work of art.

Lost in Tokyo from Mark Bramley on Vimeo.