I'm in Love, and Welcome to my Apartment!

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Okay, okay, I know...You can't just title something "I'm in Love" and let it go. I know what many of you are thinking...Stacey hasn't mentioned a male courting her? How can this be?! Well, when love doesn't come to you, you have to go out and find it. And, found it I have...


...in my rice cooker! And they say it's hard for a foreign woman to find love in Japan. Gaffaw, I say! Just add some rice, some water, press a button...and presto! In thirty minutes you have perfectly cooked, warm, sticky rice. Really, what more could you ask for?! It even made perfect Stove Top stuffing for me last night, when I had some friends over for a Christmas dinner. Versatile too! All I can say is, wow...

In this entry, I also want you to have a look at my apartment, which in these pictures is the cleanest it's been in a while, due to the company yesterday. I live on the 2nd floor of a 3 storey building, called "Green Villa." The Japanese seem to really like giving their apartment buildings foreign names. One of my friends here lives in "The Chateau."

I really like my apartment! It's big and comfortable for one person, and it's fairly new looking. The family next door has 2 adults, and 2 children, and their apartment is the same as mine. I'm very lucky!

I will now let my pictures do the talking...Maybe you could stop by for a coffee sometime?! I even have After Eight Hot Chocolate if you prefer!

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Photos

Okaerinasai!
You have just entered my apartment, and have said "Tadaima!", which means "I'm home!" and I have responded, "Okaerinasai!", which means "Welcome home!" In Japanese, there are many of these set phrases. You have taken off your shoes (an absolute MUST!) and are looking down the long corridor, where to the right is the "living room", to the left is the bathroom, and straight ahead is the kitchen and bedroom area.

Let's Go Right!
Welcome to my tatami room, also known by me as the "living room", although there isn't much in here compared to the living rooms at home. Of course, getting into the festive spirit, I have my little Christmas tree up, complete with presents underneath (proof Mom and Dad that I haven't secretly opened them yet!) You can also notice the small heater to the left. This new friend is right beside me if I'm talking to you on the phone or computer.

Tatami Room
The mats on the floor are called tatami mats, and they are non-removable. Rooms are often measured by how many tatami mats they have. For example, this is a 6-tatami room. You can also notice the hangers on my curtains. As my dryer isn't very good, I often hang clothes in this room, rather than outside on the line (especially now that it's winter!)

Exiting out of the tatami room...
...we will go almost straight across the hall to the bathroom. The bath"room" actually consists of three rooms. This is the main one, with sink (with only cold water!) and mirror

Bathroom, Room 2
I used to think that these toilet seat covers were silly...I mean, c'mon! However, since the colder weather has arrived, and I don't have the infamous, automatic toilet seat warmer, style also brings comfort! After you flush, the little sink on top provides water to wash your hands with. I think it's supposed to somehow save water, although I still use my sink

Bathroom, Room 3
This is the shower room, which also has a bathtub

Going Straight...
We have now reached the largest room of my apartment, the bedroom/kitchen/dining area. This is where I sleep, on a regular bed, and not a futon like some of my friends. I bought this comforter when the temperatures first began to drop, and I'm so happy that I did. This, and my electric blanket are very dear to me!

The Kitchen/Dining Area
I didn't choose the purple-covered chairs! The carpet on the floor is a hot carpet, which you can plug into the wall, to keep your feet warm while eating!

My Fridge
This is a relatively new edition to my apartment, as my old fridge was leaking. It is now complete with pictures of my niece:) On top sits my only "oven"...my toaster oven!

My Sink and Stovetop
Notice there are only two gas burners, so without an oven this makes for coming up with some very creative, new ways of thinking when it comes to cooking...I must think in pots and pans all the time! My sink also doesn't have a plug, which means that it's wash and rinse at the same time!

Comments

[koji - a big fan of yours]

hi..
I guess this your experince in japan must become wonderful experience for you in your life. Though it might be hard for you now.Good Luck !

[Derek Hodgson]

Hey Miss
I really like your site i guess :D I hope your having funfunfun