Day eight continues

A couple of days ago, we had booked us all in for a 2 days pampering retreat at an Onsen in the shire of Ryokusuitei just an hour train ride away from Kyoto city.

After being picked up from the train station, we arrived at the Osen early noon and were ready to soak our aching travelled bodies in the famous hot spring baths.

We followed the lady attendant through the hallways and through narrow clean wooden corridoors decorated with little gardens of rocks, water wells and bonsai like miniature trees.

Our room was a VIP suite room so it was spacious. The floors were lined with Tatami Mats which gave the room a wonderful sent AND we have our VERY OWN personal hot-spring bath!!!

We changed into the Yukata [kimono like coats] that were provided and made our way to the large public bath for our first hot spring bath experience.

I have to admit it was quite unsettling at first having to walk around bud naked in the bath. We were only given a tiny face tower so it barely covered anything. hahah.....

The Japanese women on the other hand were all extremely at ease with the nudity that surrounds us. As we were desperately clinging onto our pathetically small towel trying to shield off whatever “important” parts we could shield, they were out open in all their glory totally unaffected! It was hilarious!

Slipping into the bath and out of the freezing cold air was heaven. Every bone and muscle in my body instantly relaxed and I felt so light.

I did not care that I was pruning like a … well …prune at the end of the day. I promised myself that I would take as many dips as humanly possible. So by dinner, I had taken 3 dips at the public bath, and 2 in the privacy of our room. And if Melvin hadn’t stopped me, I would have gone for more! =Pt5

Dinner was provided at the resort so with fully relaxed muscles and a famished tummy, we made our way to the dinning hall.

Japanese take a lot of pride in presentations. Whether it’s in their choice of clothing, or the sweets they sell, or the food they eat. Everything is always so impeccably, and artistically decorated.

Dinner of course was not an exception. Looking at the tray in front of me. One can only guess the amount of effort placed into it. It feels almost wrong to touch it!

For someone like me who loves to mix flavours. It was another heaven moment. Once I took my first bite, there was no stopping me.

**The little cutie on the right is my gf's little kid. Isn't that the cutest face you have ever seen!!!

After dinner and a little rest. My gf and I decided to take our final dip for the day and on our way back to our room after, we thought we heard a familiar voice blaring away to the tunes of Unchain Melody from the karaoke room in the hallway. We peered into the karaoke room and low and behold, we found Melvin singing his heart out to a crowd of adoring fans of little old men and little old ladies!!

These old folks really know how to party! There was alcohol, cigars, cheering, singing and lots of dancing. Armed with only our Yukata and nothing under! We precariously joined in the party and danced away to traditional line dance of repetitive claps, waves and stamping of feet. It was good fun. We were treated like super stars after that repertoire and suddenly everyone wanted to know who we are and where we come from! And the next thing I know, I was asked by a (cheeky enough looking) old men to dance!

I accepted politely and spent the next 10 minutes sweating myself as I frantically held onto my Yukata for fear of it coming undone while he twirls me around the dance floor.

In the meantime fading away in the background was Melvin contently puffing away at his cigar, making smoke rings having a good laugh at my expense. Grr. Lousy unprotective husband....!!

Day eight

We were invited to a local funfair at the school grounds of my gf’s hubby's alta mata. The school had since closed, but fundraisers are held every year to maintain this old historical heritage. Her father-in-law is a [volunteer] committee member for the event so we were given lots of coupons to spurge. heee....

We peddled on bicycles through streets lined with old wooden houses, local shrines, busy pedestrians walkways, and narrow back lanes to the school, making a pit stop at a small neighbouhood shrine to admire plum trees that were in full bloom. The flowers looked like little red lollies stuck on tress!

After 15 minutes of peddling, we arrived at the elementary school. I felt it was huge for it’s purpose and very grand.

We used our given coupons to buy food and played games. And I bought myself a chic chequered overcoat for just AU$10 from one of the odd goods stores. Cool.


Food we ate at the fare consisted of Japanese sausages, fried udon, sweet rice cakes, radish, white carrot and fish cake soup, and those ham and cheese balls. We were stuffed!

As we were amongst “friends”, we were given the VIP treatment. We were showered with gifts of complimentary food samples from almost every store! It was great as we got to sample everything! And in return of theur kind gestures, we allowed them to practise their English on us. haha.. it was so much fun.



We sat through a tea ceremony after all the eating and were served with traditional sweet cakes wrapped with salty Sakura leaf, followed by the famous thick rich green tea.

The extreme sweet and salty flavours from the rice cake blended perfectly well with the bitterness of the tea. It is pure genius that they could strike such a balance with such extreme flavours. Beautiful.





Outside in the courtyards were people playing chess on wooden planks hovered above a peaceful stream, above them swaying gently in the breeze are weeping cherry blossom trees. And when the wind blows, it brings along a string of soft petal rain that's so light and delicate, you couldn't feel them falling on your face.

And so it concludes half of my eighth day in the land of the beautiful rising sun.....

To be continued.....

Day seven

I am absolutely devastated.

My dear husband, while playing with the camera last night, accidentally deleted all our pictures. I literally cried myself to sleep last night. Humph… whimper whimper..

Today, we will be scurrying through some of our favourite spots in hope to recover some lost memories.

God must have heard my sobs cause as we were wondering through the back streets talking a short cut route, we ran into a Geisha and a Maiko window-shopping.

I was snapping away like a maniac! Thankfully, I was not the only one that stumbled upon these mystical creatures. There was a group of photographers hot in their trail snapping away with their scary looking paparizzi cameras. The women must be so used to the attention as they did not seem to mind the intrusion at all!

I was soooo happy after that. =)


After the "encounter", we went back to the riverbanks of Ponto-Cho to watch a Geisha Dance, ate some more red bean pancakes and rice cakes and take more pictures.

Our next port of call, Ginkakuji temple – 600 yen/pple.


It was built in 1482 by shogun Ashikaga Yoshimotsu [same creator of Kinkakuji]. Apparently used as a retreat from the turmoils of the civil war, this villa [later converted temple] was supposed to be covered in silver leaf [foil]. A mission that will never be completed.

Like Ryoanji Shrine, there is a reeked stone garden in the temple. This one however possesses a meticulously reeked white sand stone cone which seemingly looks simple has a real ingenius purpose in the garden. Apparently it was designed to reflect the moonlight, thus enhancing the beauty of the garden at night. Who would have thought!??

Temple gardens always fascinate me. How every moss, plant and tree are never randomly placed, but so purposefully yet effortlessly positioned to translate tranquillity and harmony. And if you just sit and observe a gardener going about his chores. You could just see the love and passion he or she has for these little plants. Every touch so tender and meticulous.

I took a picture of a sign pointing to a planter box of mosses saying "VERY IMPORTANT MOSS, LIKE VIP".

I concur.

Back in city, we stopped by Taramachi to buy green tea for our family and friends back home. The rich aroma from the ascortment of teas on sale at the little famous side shop was so tantalizing. Especially the roasted and charred ones. We bought 7 bags of the roasted green tea and 2 bottles of Sake from a couple of shops down, one cold and hot. I sense a Japanese-theme party brewing when we get back to Sydney!

We made a quick stop at my gf's parents-in-law shop to say hi, dropped off some gifts and bought myself a beautiful lovely peach pink kimono with cherry blossom prints.*BEAM*



Before heading back home, we detoured back to Gion to take some day shots of the cherry blossom trees (cause all we had were night shots). I am simply in LOVE with these perfectly pastel pink and white flowers. I just could not get enough of them!

The Japanese too are clearly fasinated by these once a year delicate flowers. They have poems and songs written about them, pink and white sweets rice cakes with bean-filled sakura-mochi specially made this time of the year, all purposely done to demonstrate and celebrate the vibrancy and beauty of the cherry blossoms.

Melvin thought they looked like giant popcorns growing on trees. I have nothing futher to add. haha

Day six

We woke up late and lazed around the house till noon before setting off.

There were lots of Matsuri celebrations all around the city to welcome in the coming Sakura season, so we decided we'll have to visit one today. Together with my gf and her SUPER cute little 2 year old, we made our way to Kyoto City Hall to watch a local dance troupe perform their annual dance rituals.

The colours of the performers' costume were so vibrant. There were dancers of all ages, from as little as 5 years old to the older folks in their 70s performing and dancing away, all filled with so much enthusiasm and passion. I love it.

I particularly liked a dance that mimics a fisherman’s labour. The pulling of the rope, the weight of the net, the joy of the catch, so brilliantly displayed.

Our cameras were snapping away uncontrollably. Our feet were taping. And our eyes were transfixed on a chirpy, well-built, young chap who quite obviously is enjoying the attention.

My gf and I giggled away like mindless teenagers, happily having a harmless flirt, when suddenly her son carelessly ran up to us wanting a mummy snuggle. We shamelessly pretended he was not ours for a minute before sucumming to his cute little plea.

After the performance, we made our way to an international food fare just 15mins walk away. I shared a kebab with my gf and 2 red bean pancakes with Mel. It was SO good.

We spent the next half hour sampling all sorts of Japanese snacks and desserts. I simply LOVE those red bean cakes. I swear I will never get tired of them. Not ever.

We parted ways after sunset and Mel & I were left to explore the nightlife of the infamous Ponto-Cho.

Once a red light district, Ponto-Cho has since been transformed into a traditional hub for dinning and nighttime entertainment. This narrow street [running between the Kamo-gawa and Kiyamachiodori] is jammed pack with Jazz bars, traditional teahouses, Sushi bars and restaurants. Perfect place to spot Geishas and Maikos [apprentice geisha] rushing around for their party appointments.

This is so uniquely Japan.

We found a nice cosy bar by the river and settled in. Mel had his whisky on the rocks and I ordered a cocktail called Kamikaze. It was literally to DIE FOR. (sorry... hehe)

The view and ambience of the bar is so relaxing. I sit there in the soft lights, comfy couches, jazz music in the background, window view of the river lined with lighted up cherry blossom trees writing in my journal recording what we had done, seen and felt for the day. Blissfully sublime.

After pumping enough poison into our bodies. We walked down to have a closer look at the lighted up cherry blossom trees.

They are SO beautiful. No wonder the Japanese could not have enough of them.

I closed my eyes to take a mental picture. And backed that up with lots of digital shots. What a sight to remember.

**Here's a picture of me and my gf infront of a beautiful weeping cherry blossom tree.

Day five

9:00 am: It is freezing outside!! Burr

10:45am: Bought our day bus pass and took no. 26 to Kyoto Station.

11:00am: Decided to have an early lunch in one of the restaurants at Isetan. Mel ordered tempura don, and I, cold soba with tempura. yummm

12:15pm: Boarded bus 205 to our first temple destination - Kinkakuji – 500 yen / pple

Better known as the “Golden Pavilion”. This is perhaps one of the most visited temples in Japan. The original building was constructed in 1397 as a retirement villa for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimotsu which was later transformed into a temple by his son.

The 3-storey pavilion is covered in bright gold leaf [foil] and features a bronze phoenix on the roof.

It is fascinating looking at the rich Chinese influence this ancient architect of Japan holds. Some parts of my ancestral heritage contributed to that. Cool!

This is an insanely popular temple so we literally had to fight for a spot to take a picture of the pavilion.

2:30pm: Departed Kinkajuji and made our way to Ryoanji Shrine (on bus no 12). – 500 yen / pple

In my opinion. This is by far a more majestic sight that Kinkakuji.

The focal point of this temple is the karesansui style [what we now know as Zen] garden. An oblong sand with an austere collection of 15 rocks placed strategically to reveal the simplicity and harmony of the principles of Zen mediation.

We sat down amongst the silent crowd and stared into the reeked stones desperately trying to feel the yin and the yang. Took us barely 5mins before we were bored out of our brains!! I blame it on the cured short attention span syndrome of the "W" generation.

Oh! Did I mention I spotted an early blooming cherry blossom tree! It’s sooo pretty I could just cry…. !!!

4:00pm: Shortly after departing the temple, we wondering in the back alleyways of the neighbouring suburbs and got absolutely lost.

We wondered through streets after streets of narrow houses, primary schools, local barba shops, and grocery stores. It was such an enduring experience.

I saw mothers picking their toddlers from pre-school in bicycles. All very impeccably dressed of course. How they manage to peddle with those high heels are beyond me. Little old men playing chess so deep in concentration they barely move. Kids kicking soccer ball along the back streets. And in the corner, a group of young men firing up for a local game of baseball.

It was a perfect day.

4:45pm: We finally found a main street and took bus 91 home. I was SO grateful as my feet were killing me!

5:20pm: Arrived home just in time for the Sakura celebration dinner.

We were to have a Japanese style steamboat feast dozed with plenty of my favourite shitake mushroom, tofu, kobe beef, udon and Saka!

My gf had her whole extended family-in-law over so the night was filled with lots of true blue Kyoto born and breed locals. Everyone wanted to practise his or her English on us it was hilarious! We had SO. Much. Fun. AND. So much Japanese karaoke inspired performances!

11:30pm: Drown with Sake and Sapporo. We unfolded our futons and slumbered into the night feeling absolutely certain today has given us a culture exchange experience of a lifetime.

Day four

We are to take the train today. Our destination. Osaka!

Osaka. The working heart of Kansai. Almost got wiped off the face of the earth in WWII. It is now a city that is only surpassed by Tokyo. With it’s endless chain of pachinko parlours, flashing strings of neon lights, and birth place of the famous Okonomiyaki. One cannot help but be beckoned to visit this city at least once.

Hankyu Hon-Sen Line. Switched station to Mido Suji-Sen line. Than Hommachi. Finally Nanba. And we were there.

Like any large cities. There are lots of people, all rushing off to somewhere in a hurry. Everyone in black suits. A picture perfect scene from the Matrix.

CAPTION of the DAY
We saw a man peeping in front of a tree! In broad daylight!! In view of peak hour traffic!!! What THE…..!!!!

It was hard deciding which Okonomiyaki restaurant to enter because there were so many of them. We found the nicest plastic imitation and gave it a shot.

Every booth has a hot plate and the pancakes were cooked right before your very eyes.

We ordered 3 and spent the next ½ hour watching our pancakes get fried. While desperately trying to convince little Rey [quite unsuccessfully] to not touch the iron hot plate.

But of course, like all kids. They will do the complete opposite of what you say.

I have never heard quite a wail till this day! Poor thing. eouch!

We walked out of the restaurant, fully satisfied, with little red-eyed toddler, all smelling like barbeque.

One could shop forever in Osaka. The shops stretch from miles on end. All selling fashion statements of all kinds. I celebrated its diversity and vibrancies with a jazzy silver sequenced mid-drift cardigan.

The most captivating shop was a 3 stories Hello Kitty store.

I forced Melvin to take a picture with me in front of the giant pink flat-faced cat. Seeing him strolling through the all pink and frilled shop was such a hilarious sight. Talk about misfit!

I bought myself my very first Hello Kitty and Melody key chain.

On our way back. We stopped by the Umeda Sky Building – 700 yen / pple

I was completely fretted out by the escalator ride [that is attached to both towers some 30 stories above ground with nothing under it!!! See the 2 sticks that's in the circle.].

The view was amazing! We walked round the Garden Observatory taking in the 360-paranemic view of the city.

I had a nice chat with my childhood friend while watching the city slowing spring to live with all its display of neon lights.

It will be a moment that will stay with me forever.

Day Three

We woke up early but decided to laze around the house.

I was utterly sucked in by little Rey’s (my gf's gorgious little 2 year old, half Singaporean, half Japanese cutie) daytime TV programs. Hi-5.
“Close your eyes and count to 10. Ready or not! I’m going to find you again”….
Soooo catchy!

The other TV program that got my attention were those crazy game shows. I had a ball watching them! Though I didn’t understand a single word, the facial and body expressions of the participates were good enough to keep me going for hours!

My friend brought us all out to lunch at this sushi train place called Kappa Sushi located in the heart of Kyoto city. All plates are priced at a cool 100 yen.



Who says everything about Japan is expensive!!??

There are so many inexpensive cafés that serve up quick and delicious meal for no more than AU$5. All you’ve got to do is to watch out for them. Tip – They are mainly located in the cities or the CBD. Be prepared to eat fast though. These guys work on turnovers.

After lunch, we bought ourselves multi-bus passes. For 500 yen, it gives you unlimited rides for the day to major attractions, temples and train stations. Literally anywhere. A must have.

We took the bus to Kyoto Station. I was capativated by how huge the place was!

There were these flight of steps that takes you all the way up to the 11th storey!

In about a week, we will be taking a bullet train from here to Tokyo. Can't wait!



I had to take a picture of Astro Boy.






After a long day of walking. We settled in for a quiet night at home.

Rey’s Ojisan bought us KFC, Sashimi and raw beef for dinner. We chowed away, had good conversations, and washed it all down with Sapporo, Kirin and Sake.

Mel even entertained us with his guitar and singing.

I slept like a baby that night.

Day two

9:00am : Armed with our trusty Bio-Ace and Berocca. We hit the road.

10:00am : Nijo Castle, ticket 600Yen/ppl.

Standing amongst such history and preserved heritage. One cannot help but be grateful to all those who have made it possible for us now some 309 years later to witness the majesty and splendid lifestyle of the once powerful lords and emperor of Japan.

This castle was built in 1603 as the official residence of Tokugawa Ieyasul. The ostentatious style was intended as a demonstration of Ieyasu’s prestige and to signal the demise of the emperor’s power.

I walked on hand polished nightingale floorboards, decorated with walls after walls of priceless paintings of phoenix and tiger paws. I felt so humbled.

I cast myself back to the 17th century. Back when warlords ruled the world and Geisha’s companions are only for the rich and powerful. I was the mistress of the house. Wearing the most exquisite and detailed Kimono, only worn by the doted and elite mistresses. In front of me, the breathtaking Seiryu-en garden designed by Japanese finest landscape artist Kobor Enshu. Sipping my green tea while my lady attendants fuzzed around bringing in sweet cakes of all colours and flavours.

I was quickly jotted back to reality as Melvin thought he [once again] found another secret concealed chamber for the samurais. Well, at least I know I am not alone in our little pretend world.

03:00pm : Nishiki Market. Rows of the oddest fresh produce you could find. Eel, squid, flounder, fish cakes, pancakes, pickled vegetables, seaweeds, steamed buns, tea, candies…. It smells wonderful!

4:30pm : Another Japanese “fast food” experience. Oishii desu!


7:00pm : Walked down to the the infamous Gion district. Caught a cultural display show at Gion Corner. Tea Ceremony, Flower Arrangement, Kabuki, and Bunraku [Puppet Dance]. The best 2000 Yen I’ll ever spend.

10:00pm : On the way home. We ran into a real live flesh and blood Geisha! What a way to end the day.

Day one

Our flight to Osaka was going to be an overnighter. I sleep well on planes so i knew it wouldn't bother me all that much. Once boarded, it was not long before I found my comfort spot and slumbered the whole 6 hours away.

8.30am, we arrived at Osaka Kansai International Airport and caught an express bus to Kyoto. The journey took slightly under an hour so it was a nice "waking up" trip.

We finally arrived at our destination after a total travel time of under 9 hours followed by a quick taxi ride to my childhood friend's home.

The first thing that caught our attention was how narrow everything was. From the corner alley streets, to the sidewalks, to the width of terrace houses. Most were no more than the width of 5 - 6M!

After a quick orientation around the street of her house. We made our way to a local restaurant for our first taste of authentic Japanese “fast food”.

Let me explain how it work, it is such a perfect system! First, you decide what you want to eat (with the help of those famous plastic food models outside the restaurant. Next, you buy a ticket from a machine and hand it over to the waitress. Than simply take a seat, pour yourself some Ocha, and in about 5 seconds, you get your food! My order was a hot piping bowl of Oyakodon. Perfect!

After getting our needed carbs. We were off to the markets. Taramachi a segment of the huge Nishiki Market off Shijo St.

You cannot help but get electrified by the vibrant buzz of the Japanese culture. Everyone is so cheerful and perky. Store tenders shouting “Irrasshiamase”, all the courteous and excessive bowing, funky and quirky fashion statement, never-ending display of carefully garnished sweets and little savoury snacks. And in the midst of modernisation, an eerie majestic temple carelessly sandwiched between “Wave Fashion” and “Cosmo Haven”.

Subconsciously, a paradox of curiosity and fondness brew in me. I secretly smiled inside, grateful for the experience and the involvement.

My childhood friend's parents-in-law has a souvenir stop at the market. We stopped by to greet them. I bowed to a little old lady [who's her grandma-in-law] on my way in and practiced my embarrassingly limited Japanese.

Later that night, my gf's husband took us out for dinner. Tengu Izakaya, an old traditional Japanese style restaurant that serves local delicacies. I was SO grateful that he spoke english. It was great getting to know him, exchanging stories of our life's and comparing the differences that are so clearly marked by our different upbringing. We drank Saka, ate, chat and I had my very first taste of fish liver [Kimo].

I am officially sworn in!

The land of the rising sun

I am completely and utterly uncontrollable today. Every drop of blood and living cell in my body is buzzing with life. I am almost delusional!

Tomorrow, I will be flying back to my sweet motherland Singapore and than in a couple of days, off to Leon Lights, Techno Haven and LA of Asia, Japan.

Three glorious weeks of Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo awaits me. Not to mention I'll also be staying with my half-Japanese-through-marriage- to-a Jap friend whom I've known since 7! I am just bursting with anticipation and excitement!

Weeks ago, I had been doing all the necessary preparation.
- Bought Lonely Planet
- Checked weather forecast
- Read up on the history
- Read Tales of the Geishas (AGAIN)
- Printed out Matsuri timetables
- Read up on Buddhism and Shinto
- Checked exchange rates
- Paper making research
- Checked camera.
Now, I am absolutely sited up for the trip. I feel like I am there already!

Japan, ready or not, here we come!!!!!

Coming soon....

I will be keeping a journal of my holiday in Japan. So watch this space for exciting stories of enchanting Geishas, close encounters with fierce samurai warriors, eerie and mysterious ghost sightings in shrines, Pachinkos parlours, Cherry Blossom picnics and more.

I will also try to include some useful travel tips for those of you who like to visit Japan one day.

Stay tuned...

Friday Night Fever

We planned to go catch a movie after work. It has been a long week for me, so I was really looking forward to an easy night; a comedy and chinese take-away. We were to go with our neighbours and the choice of film was “Meet the Fockers”.

Mel was running late, so I took the opportunity to take a hot bath. It always feels good after a long dip in a steaming tub, especially to an aching body. For those bath lovers out there, a quick tip – I extracted this bizarre piece of information from a health article I read just a couple of days ago.. really interesting and oh it applies only to women. Sorry guys! -“Urinate before and after your bath. Since a woman’s urethra is relatively short, getting into a bath can force outside bacteria to “flush” into the urethra and may allow it to take hold and develop into a urinary tract infection. Urinating after your bath will dispel any bacteria that may have settled in the urethra during your bath.”
Must be one hell of a dirty tub!

Friday traffic is always a nightmare in Sydney, and Mel of course was caught in one. I bid my neighbours goodbye and settled in to a night of channel flicking and instant noodles. It was still kind of nice, but I have to say I was pretty disappointed. I was so badly in need of a good laugh. Sigh….

We somehow managed to entertain ourselves through the night. But by 12, I was bored stiff and starving. I scuffed down my second bowl of noodles (yeah), waited for it to digest, and went to bed.
Yuk… What a night eh…..

The bug...

I got my very first flu vaccination today.
They made me sit for 10 mins after.
I made some new friends while hanging around.
Than I started wondering why I had just subjected my body to a virus that has never bothered me before.
Hmmmm………

The Routines of Life

It's funny when one’s left to one’s device. The thoughts and inspiration that flows through one’s mind. I rarely get moments like these anymore. It's all about work, cooking dinner, eating, feed the cat, tv, sleep and work all over again. I occasionally do break the routine by visiting the gym, rock climb, and bible study. But to be brutally honest, they are merely highlights of what I do week on week, month on month. It’s amazing how comfortable and unbreakable it becomes as time goes by. And how it’s almost reassuring.

I suppose I’m just having a whinge. After all, isn’t life all about routines? Ok not ALL about routines but…
I speak for myself when I say that I truly look forward to my weekly rendezvous with my favourite tv soap (which currently is LOST & Desperate Housewives! heee..), my weekly climb, Thursday dinners at the mall with friends, Friday nights of “guess what we are going to do” which regularly ends up with dinner in front of the tele watching whatever we can get our hands on from Blockbuster Video and weekend lunches with the family. It keeps my calendar full and my spirits high and makes that relaxing Saturday of doing nothing, all so much more precious.

So yes, I may be a victim of habitual routines but without them, I would be back to flipping yellow pages (for those who I regretfully revealed this to, you know how sad a period that was for us..haha), internet browsing, and X-box defeats to a husband that loves to boost his ego by trashing me in a match of Halo one on one. I have to say…. It’s not the OC, but I’m happy with that for now.

Quietly and quite willingly conforming to life…. Me