Chapter 1

Here I am, back in Canada, in the city I was born in, Toronto. I have been back for five days now and have just finished with the dreaded jet-lag. You are finding me writing on Friday (TGIF, Thank God It's Friday) before 7:00 a.m. No more jet-lag, Yes! Last night was the first night that I have slept through the night from 8:00 to 4:00.

We left Japan on Saturday around 6:00 p.m. After boarding, our pilot announced that he would like to take off as soon as possible to avoid being on the runway when President Trump’s plane approached. Apparently the airport is shut down for an hour upon the President’s arrival. We got out of there as fast as possible. Goodbye Japan, a country that I love and have enjoyed for eighteen years. I will miss you for sure!

Hello Canada, my country of origin that I am back to re-acquaint myself with. So far, so good. The big news this week is our Basketball Team, the Toronto Raptors. For the first time ever, the Toronto Raptors are in the NBA finals. The city is crazy with excitement, and the fans have poured in from all across Canada to partake in the festivities. Game 1 was last night and the Raptors won, 118 -109. We have made history already!

As for me I have been running and walking all over. Yesterday I set out to walk from outside the city to downtown Toronto, a rather lofty goal. I walked and walked, reaching fifteen kilometres or more, and then decided to opt for hopping onto the subway. While downtown we decided to go to a good ramen place, they offered Hokkaido ramen, and it was good. We ordered a set which reminded me of Japan so much. A little tray with a small bowl of shio ramen, an even smaller bowl of grilled salmon and seaweed flakes atop the rice, and some pickles and a half of a boiled egg costing $20.00. Wow, in Japan it would have been much cheaper. But the taste was delicious so it's not all that bad.

Upon returning home via public transportation I wanted to soak in my Japanese bathtub. But to no avail. I miss my bath so much! I did the next best thing though. I had a foot bath infused with lavender oil, so nice.

Until my next writing, stay happy and capture the moments.

Rosemary