Author Archives: Lynda Philippsen

Tokyo Opera’s Der Rosenkavalier

Last Sunday I attended Tokyo Opera’s Der Rosenkavalier. It’s a tale of the Marschallin Princess Marie Thérèse, an aristocrat in a bittersweet dalliance with young Count Octavian. This, as all things do, must end. The inevitable is the inevitable; however, … Continue reading

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O Tannenbaum O Christmas Tree

O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum / Du kannst mir sehr gefallen! O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree / You give me so much pleasure!

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Noshing and Nosing in My Tokyo Neighborhood

It is the most unnatural thing in the world for me to point a phone at something and take a photo. I wasn’t much better when carrying my Canon Elph. So often when sifting through the digital files for an … Continue reading

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A Great Week in Tokyo

I had one Sogetsu Ikebana class on Monday morning and the rest of the week off. A nice change of pace. I liked being an observer rather than the creator. I spent the time taking in art exhibits, city views … Continue reading

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New Variations: Old Rules Do Not Apply

This week I had but one class at the Sogetsu School as the rest of the week was devoted to teacher workshops on the new Book 5 curriculum. With the basic forms and various slanted styles behind me, I began … Continue reading

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Finding a Teapot and a Tree

Bingo! She scores! Banzai! I now have a white ceramic teapot with a strainer. (Finally, I can soothe my soul by making a cuppa during those moments such consolation is needed.) Six bucks. Plus a paring knife and a couple … Continue reading

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A Kitchen Not Quite Fully Equipped

When I undertook to live in Tokyo for three months I understood there would be new things to figure out. I knew I’d have no idea how anything worked except as outlined in the big blue binder of rules and … Continue reading

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Beginning Sogetsu Ikebana Lessons in Tokyo

After eighteen months or so of no Ikebana lessons, the first days of classes in Tokyo’s Sogetsu School reminded me of how little I remember. I am glad I’ve chosen to start again from Book 1 Lesson 1.

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A Shout out to Brastel’s Japan Travel SIM

  If you are not particularly tech savvy like me, solving the problem of cell phone service while in Japan can be challenging. Hours of online research online went into weighing the options. My Canadian provider could give me coverage, … Continue reading

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Creating a Cozy Home in Tokyo

Before traveling to Tokyo I had done a meticulous assessment of my suite’s floor plan and colour scheme from the photos provided by the rental company. As a result, I brought a few items to personalize the space with me.

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