“The Reluctant Traveler Experience” Mother- Daughter
Mother-daughter time
Coming all the way from the Bay Area, Northern California!
Faith and Madeline got back from Kyoto and had the trip of a lifetime. They came just in time for sakura season and got to stay at Hoshinoya Hotel just like in “The Reluctant Traveler” travel show. They are both big fans of the show!
Faith (mother) is a fun gal!
Faith used to run a Food TV production company in San Francisco.
She stood in front and back of the camera, as well as attended the business meetings. A true inspiration for a small female entrepreneur like me who is also doing the same, but with a Kids TV production show.
If you don’t know what I do, I am known for the viral “Hiragana Song” on Youtube (aka. Japanese alphabets). I am currently working on creating an original series Youtube for beginner level Japanese language learners.
Now retired and is living the life, Faith exudes such a youthful spirit. She was down to try everything and anything I put her through.
Madeline (daughter)
Madeline and I are both Aquariuses, so we vibed and flowed like the air signs we are. I knew we had the same spirit energy when she said “I overthink a lot…”
She loves art and culture and loves to observe her surroundings.
At the end, her selection at the sample food store showed her quirky style, personality and humor, which I enjoyed a lot.
Rickshaw like Eugene Levy
This is the same company Kei (appeared in the show) when he gave the travel host a ride. Ebisuya Rickshaw Company.
Somehow, we were all color-coordinated? Even with Hello Kitty in the back?
Meeting Bunny Mama
A rare sighting!! Faith and Madeline got to meet my mom that day. She never comes out on my tours, so this was a special treat! She took some videos and photos for us so we could all be in the photo together :)
Street Foods
Faith’s request was pork miso ramen, so I took her to my favorite ramen shop. They had dinner plans the night before and that night, so they wanted to save their appetite for Kaiseki Omakase later. How lucky!!!
We all nibbled on a few snacks throughout the day. Taking that into consideration, our tour was focused on activities and shopping instead!
Let’s go shopping girls!
White strawberries
Mitarashi Dango like in the show
Ordered ramen from a vending machine
“I need a new hobby”
Faith’s entrepreneurial mind is still flowing even after the kids grew up. She asked herself, “Is there anything else for me in the future? What am I going to do with all this time?”
She seeks to find a new passion, but what would that be?
We asked the palm reader.
Madeline also got her answers. One of the best readings that I’ve seen so far. Now, she can move on!
Trips are not only exploring the sights and trying new food, but also about exploring yourself on a deeper level too!
Our palm says a lot about ourselves within a 6-month span. It tells a story of the past and present experiences, and how we can tackle our next challenges in our lives.
The future is bright!
Kappabashi Kitchenware Shopping
“Do you love it?” “Yes, I do… How can you not?”
Faith loves collecting memorable things on her trip.
Faith wanted to check out this shop specifically, so I guided them there. She then laid eyes on this beautiful knife with Koi designs. They also had sakura floral designs, but this one felt like “the one.”
For $350 usd, this knife is a steal. Hand carved from some prefecture (I forgot).
Note: This shop also ships out overseas via FedEx for an additional ~$65. Delivers in about 2-3 weeks.
Luckily for Faith, she was heading to Thailand after Japan so thank god for FedEx!
Google Map: Tsubaya | つば屋（庖丁専門店）
She had a cookie purse… so I had to bring her here!
Faith bought a grilled fish to prank someone back at home LOL!
“I’m going to put the fish under his pillow…”
Madeline gave her necklace a little bit of spice! LOVE IT!
