Gardens With Purpose, Tsukuba-style
Okay, so Zen can be appreciated, but in the grander scheme of things, gardening for the sake of preservin
g species is quite a feat. To round-off our Golden Week holidays Riccardo and I viewed the Tsukuba Botanical Gardens.Besides a variety of outdoor gardens, (such as coniferous, fern and rose) the Botanical people also offer three indoor types, each of different climates. Though not espeically vibrant at this time of year, a $3 stroll through the grounds was pleasant.
Since we were in Tsukuba, I volunteered to take Riccardo to the cheapest International Grocery Store in these here parts. We were like kids in
a candy store (they do have a remarkable sweets isle) and couldn't leave without a few bagfuls of goodies.As it was nearing dinner time, I suggested a few restaurants. At first Riccardo seemed somewhat ambivalent to the idea of dining out... until I mentioned Turkish food.
"KEBABS!?!?! Do they have KEBABS!?!?" could be heard for miles, I'm sure. Now that's enthusiasm! So we headed over to Ali's Kebab Cafe for a dinner to remember amongst new renovations. When we went to the register to pay our bill one of the cooks (owners?) came to say hello. It was a meeting of four nations: myself
(Canadian, eh), Riccardo (German/Italian), the server (Japanese) and this cook (what did he say he was? Iranian?). Oh gotta love awkward language barriers! 
To end our Tsukuba excursion I took Riccardo to Uni Qlo, my favourite Japanese retailer. Uni Qlo is a chain (there is one in Chikusei also) similar to beloved Old Navy. Great casual clothes, great prices. Riccardo stocked up on gear. I managed to walk out without anything. Thank god.
omg!
update your blog already.
even if it is just to post pictures of you and your man friend!