Ikebukuro Diary

~~Sumi and Eri~~

Come to see new faces!

Guess where she is.
She is in Hokkaido(northern island)
hmmmmmmmm.................
jealous..
We have terrible hot summer days recently.
But Yumi chan just enjoy the fresh air in Hokkaido,
And eat such a fresh delicious seafood or salmon like this↓
This might be Yumi??!.................................oops :p

Hey, Yumi chan
Don't forget to buy souvenior for us☆

Lady-gaga

Ikebukuro version, Aki-gaga :p

Cutest of this month is ↓

Kikuty has been working at sakura house as a web designer.
One day, she stopped by and gave us snacks.
Flips which is on her left hand is one of my favorite snacks from USA.

Thank you, kikuty. Stop by anytime with delicous food :P

Tomo is interviewed on the NHK television show today.
It will broadcast tonight with nationwide network in Japan.

↓Tomo is ready!

↓Saori shows how to make cocketal.

↓Are you nurvous?

Is he hero pretended as Japanese businessmen??

This is Junya who working at Sakura House :)
He playing truant from work?.....just joking Jyunya, sorry :p
He had some work here and it was nice to see you ;)

It's very sad when someone to leave.
So....just forget about this feeling and let's get together and have a party!
Thank you Mr.Suzuki and Mr Shinke, we hope you two will good ;)

Many people got together to say hello, sorry we got this picture after some people already left.

One thing I would like to point to Mr.Kamisaki (the guy at the end ),you can't stop funny face? xD

It's also rare that boys get together as daytime worker.

ararara??
Who is hiding the face? Are you arrested?

Bonjour, vous allez bien ?

Mes 3 semaines ici se termine très bientôt et je dois dire que j'ai vraiment aimé
travailler a Sakura café.
J'avoue que le premier jour de travail ici a été difficile,
je n'ai jamais travaillée dans un café et surtout pas dans un pays différent du mien,
dans une langue complément différente.

Mais heureusement vous m'avez accueillie avec beaucoup de gentillesse, dés le deuxième jour j'étais tout de suite a l'aise.
J'aimerai dire un grand merci au staff de Sakura Cafe et Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro
pour m'avoir accepter avec eux,
Je tiens aussi a dire un énorme merci a Naoko-san
avec qui j'ai pu parler même si mon anglais n'est pas très correcte.
Grâce à ça, j'ai pu évoluer dans mon travail.
Merci beaucoup.
Mon stage ici m'a permis d'acquérir de l'expérience professionnelle,
mais aussi relationnelle. Je n'aurais jamais pensée faire un stage a Tokyo.
Une chose est sûr, c'est que je reviendrais...Mon stage à Tokyo n'est pas encore fini .

A très bientôt...

Leslie

We have a new staff working here with us since more than three months now.

Kyoichi is tall and calm person, and very kind.
If I say 'I'm hungry......', he give some chocolate to me :)
Please keep doing this for me Kyoichi :p

*Name:Kyoichi Kato
*Hometown: Saitama
*Launguage: English, Japanese
*Countries visited : Canada, U.S.A,Singapore,France,Italy
*Travel episode: I went to Hawaii for the event 'Honolulu Marathon'and I could run whole distance,42.195 km!
I have never done work out for this marathon event
but I made it, full distance anyway.
The scenery while my running was so beautiful and that was the best one
I have ever seen...
And I'm now thinking to try this another time and want to make a new record,
within four hours!
*What I like... : Sport(especially baseball), traveling,
*Message: Please come to Sakura Hotel! Traveling in Japan is enjoyable
whatever purpose you may have in mind.

Mr. Suzuki who had been working at accounting department, left our company few days ago.
He supported our job as a backseat player.
When we asked him unreadonable order, he always received it.
He also save us when we faced complicated situation.

Thank you very much for your support.
He said he will take a vacation for few monthes in south island
How gorgeous..

I just hope the reason for retire is not because of us.

If you have some trouble with computer or you want to fix something, look for this face.
He mostlikely appear around Asakusa area.

He can fix anything :)

How big mess! Don't leave the drawer open!
Whose is that!?

.................................................oops.......

That's mine :p

...............................................................

Hummmm......I'm originally well-organized person, just....you know,
need another big drawer.................

We were good friend♪

And Hideki got a girlfriend finally.....happy for you :p

Um?...?

This is his dream......sorry Ms.Scarlett Johansson......

Wake up! Hideki! xD

?who is this?

la la la la??

Her fans???

Makeup is almost finish☆

Answer is.....tomorrow ;)
And does anybody have any idea for her name?

We have one another staff to introduce here :)

As you can see, this is our earnest? staff, Eun Jung.
She doesn't like playing antics.......oops...

I should tell you that she doesn't have hair style like that.
Well, you already know? she is funny person and on top of that she has big heart ;)

*Hometown: Seoul, Korea
*Launguage: Korean, English, Japanese
*Countries visited :
Canada, Spain, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Czech, Austria, Netherlands, Moroco, Russia, India, Nepal,
Thai, Indonesia, Philipine, Singapore, Taiwan, Guam
*Travel episode: I have met a soulmate on the trip of India!!
*What I like... : Movie(especially love comedy), Utada Hikaru(Japanese Singer), Britney Spears,
dessert(sweet things), traveling, number 6, blue & purple color and my family.
*Message: Please come and enjoy Tokyo with us, Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro.
We try to do our best to support your memorial!

Today, we would like to introduce our manager....Tomo!!

As we already informed it before, she used to be a manager of Sakura Hostel Asakusa.
She is careing person and also she has a strong sense of responsibility.
In addition, she has sense of humor!!
And she is cute and gorgeous and smart and....what else.....what else....
Well, don't you think I did good job here, Tomo?

*Hometown: Tokyo
*Launguage: English, Spanish and Japanese
*Countries visited: Mexico, US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Czech Republic, South Korea,
Indonesia, Vietnam
*Travel episode: Overwhelmed by a spectacular view of the nature, witnessing a distinct
boarder of storm and clear sky over the ocean from a Mexican beach.
*What I like...: Beer and Ramen!
*Message: Do you have a "second home" in Tokyo? Sakura Hotel will be the one for you.

We gave something in thanks for Ono chan.
We hope he will like them!

1.This is baby powder because he is heavy sweater

2.This is stuff for cool down in summer

3.This is stuff for lose weight :p

When you see next time, you might be thin body!?:p

Karadani kiwotsukete!! (take care of yourself!)

Ono chan (Hiro) left here yesterday.....
And he brought something for all of us, thank you!!

Then I and Sarimaruko enjoyed 'Sakura Cake' ;)
Are you trying to eat mine too? Sarimaruko??

I know he does not like photo, sorry Ono chan but this is great photo, so I showing it you all ;)

Well, we just hoping his wellness, take care and see you, matane!!

Mr. Ono is leaving Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro.
He will work at sakura house in Shinjuku from next week.
He is one of the original member since this hotel has started.
We are so sad.. We will miss U.

Ono-san.
2年半おつかれさまでした。
サクラハウスでも素敵な笑顔wでがんばってください！
さみしくなったらいつでも遊びにきてイーヨー！

What's happen with them?!
Are they crying?

Answer is Kafunsho (Hay fever)
Poor Tomo and Kayoko. ..

I don't have Kafunsho, so I am very genki(fine)!

Then, Tomo stare at me↓

Don't blame me...that is not my fault :p

Have you ever been to Singapore?
I think you already know 'Merlion' in Singapore↓

........but maybe you might not know...there is another one....
This is 'Mer-Eun-Jung' :p

Well, Eunjung (Ikebukuro staff) and Naoto (Asakusa staff) have been to
Singapore and Thailand for join two travel industry conventions.
And we got this amazing(?) photo, good job!

Another three more!

I just hope...Hideki and Kyoichi will like it....:p

How was your White day?
For me, it was just lucky day.

White day is the day that we can see the outcome of Valentine's day.
I didn't give anything to anybody in this year. Thus, I didn't expect anything for white day.
However, I got this↓ 'Sakura mochi'(rice cake) from Hideki.

Hideki said, he couldn't get anything for Valentin's day this year, and it was his first time.
However, he wanted give something for white day. That's why he gave us sakura mochi.
Me and Noriko were just lucky to work on white day :p
And, poor Hideki...
If you will be in a good attitude in this year, you will get many chocolates
on Valentines day next year(I just hope so).
GOOD LUCK, HIDEKI!!! ;)

I really like this picture. It's like a one scene from some kind of school love story.　
Hideki looks so serious...Funny xD

Did you watch it?!
She did great job!! She talked about our cafe, and some of our guests are also on TV.

We watched it after work.

↓Tomo, you can be an announcer☆

Did you miss to watch? Don't worry. We have DVD in our hotel. If you would like to see it, just ask us ☆

I didn't know................................
I.......have......talent of drawing.....:p

It's a joke, I was just making name tags for Eun Jung(from Korea),
Lutfi (from Indonesia) and cafe staff,Serafino(from France) with their nationalities on it.
Then, I kept making name tags for others, that was kind of fun for me :D

I was trying to express each character and drawing faces in it.

Three more coming! You must be wonder why Yoshi with UFO :p

This is my best work! If you had chance to know him, Hiro, I think you can smile :)
I add the train on it and this is a symbol for the honored concierge!

There was shooting for the TV drama at Sakura Cafe and famous actor and actress came here!!

I'm so jealous Tomo took a picture with actor, Mr.Koichi Sato!

And...?

Taglyn was acting as waiter in this shooting! Great!

Go go Taglyn :D
You gonna be a actore in the future? hehe ;p

The cutiest of this month is this!!

Hi, my name is Momo. I am 6years old.
My master always holds me very tight. So I can not breeze sometimes.
But his berry is very comfy. I sometimes sleep on there, because I can see good dream.
He often takes me to train musium. It is nice place, but I am little bit tired of it.
He is very shy to be in a picture. But he can be in picture only when he is with me. I am happy about that.
He loves talking about travel and train. So if you have any question, please ask him. Your question makes him happy.

Wow!!
Sariko finaly cut her hair and looks big change!

How cute ;)......But wait a minutes....she reminds me of 'Maruko chan', one of manga character...

So, I call her 'Sarimaruko' :p

This is 'Korean seaweed' which Eun jung gave us as a souvenir!
We,Japanese people familiar with seaweed but Korean seaweeds has a little bit
salty and tasted sesame oil and we love it :)

Seaweed is 'Nori' in Japanese and...

this photo titled 'Nori and Noriko' by the way ;)

Eun Jung came back from Korea!
She has been to Korea to see her family, for Lunar New Year.

I was eagerly waiting for you Eun Jung and......
this Korean raspberry wine...'Bokbunjajoo'

'Kamusahamunida' ;) (Thank you in Korean)

Do you want to taste it?.........no! :p

Good news for Taglyn's fan!!
The prince, Taglyn debut as a barista at Sakura Cafe!
Don't you think he looks good ;)
Well, why don't you come to see him at our cafe☆

Many sweets!
Beautiful cakes and macaroons!

He transfered to Sakura House, our sister company and he is working at Shinjyuku office now.
On the day he leave from Ikebukuro, he gave us many sweets for us....
That's a very nice of you Mr.Shinke....

We should get together sometimes and waiting you to come....with......some sweets :p

When I came in the staff room, I saw some chocolates on the table...

and....also there was message left...from Ms.Mitani and Suga, Sakura Cafe staff.
it saying...
'please help yourself to these chocolates which made by hand :D
it looks not good but maybe taste good☆'

How cute they are ;D
I think these chocolate are the best in the world!

PS: In Japan,women give chocolate to men on the Valentaine's day and
men give women presents in return on 14th March.
How's in your country??

Ladies and gentlemen,
we would like to show you 'Ikebukuro winter collection' here,
We got these mariachi´s hats from Diana san, that's really nice ;)

But wait a minutes...a person on the right hand side is Mr.shinke?
Or should I say is that Ms.Shinke?? :p

Taglyn seems really like this hat, you can be a Mexican mariachi!

Por que no?

We are so sad that Takashi and Nishi left...
But don't worry, three new faces debut for cheer up our hotel!

Tomo! New manager of Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro.
She used to work at Sakura Hostel Asakusa as a manager.
Don't you think she looks gorgeous with hat :p

Well, one more ;)

E.J (Eun Jong)!
She has been worked at our sister company Sakura House for 3years.
Good news for guests from Korea ;)
She is from Korea so she can help with Korean language!

Shun!
New face in our company.
Enjoy this image picture first :p
We going to take a photo and show you all later.

They are waiting you guests to welcome here at reception.
Please come to see them ;)
And ,Tomo. E.J and Shun, we are looking forward to your self-introduce coming.
If you don't write, somethings will be happen.....like we announce your secret :p

Namaste!　
Guess what, I went to India on my winter vacation.
It was so an energetic country. Everything was so mixed and it was a new experience for me.
Cows, pigs, horses, camels, and dogs are on the road. Even a car gets close to the animals, they don't show any fear. Everything is coexisting and they act as if it was very natural.
When I went to Augla castle, I saw several monkeies and hook-bills. Even I come close to them,
they don't get scared. It was just like living in a zoo with animals. I was impressed by that.
I thought it is the origin of nature, and it is one of the beautiful things in this world.

well.. enough for my feedback.
Here is the pictures.

Beautiful Taji mahal. It is made by white marble stone. Isn't it look like sugar sweets?

I did elephant ride to go to the castle. I thought I'm gonna fall down. But it was fun.

Our staff,Takashi and Yoshikazu have just left.....
They have decided to start new thing and had to leave here.

We really don't want they to leave but..well....this is a life.
Now we are pleased to support their new challenges ;)

We gave our big message cards and cake.
Don't you think this picture drawing with chocolate really similar to them ;)

Then, they copied faces on the cake, how nice ;)

Hey, Takashi and Yoshikazu, we really miss you guys but we going to say...
Thank you and Good Luck for your new departure!!

And remember...you both should drop by here sometimes!!!

We, Ikebukuro staff, got together and had 'Shinnenkai' (new year party)!!

Usually it's difficult to meet all together because of our work schedule.
So this was a great chance and we talked a lots and laughed and laughed and (had a lots of beers!) ;)
(sorry Hideki and Riichi, they were work that night)

We went Japanese style bar serves fresh seafood :)
There is small stove for grill at each table and we can cook by ourselves!

Meals are so good and so yummy!!

What is the matter Taglyn? Yoshikazu looking at you with a same face...
And...can you do like this?

We want to win to Yoshikazu!

Um....but....

You are the champion Mr.T....

Hey,
what's going on with you, Taglyn?

He looks sad....

Ah..........
His favorite chocolate, Alfort, was melted. Because he put it on computer..
Poor Taglyn......
But don't worry, Taglyn.
Since you are such a mack daddy , you can get tons of chocolate in Valentine's Day on Feb, 14th :)

Now, it is time for introduce the Prince of our hotel.
Guess, who is the Prince of our hotel.
The answer is ...................

Taglyn!!
Though we have written about Taglyn several times on this blog, we didn't have chance to tell who he is.

Finally we can introduce...here, The Prince whose real name is Aki.

He is very brave and gentle man...!
If evil people appear, he will come to protect all of you guests just like a knight!
But if insects come closer, he will run away immediately (he hates insects),
So we have to protect him right away :p

........sorry Taglyn, it's a joke! well, actually he is friendly and really hospitable
person......(to ladies?) :p

*****************************************************************
I was waiting for him to introduce himself for a loooooooong time.
But he still hasn't done it ..
So I decide to write about him.

Name; Akiyoshi Taglyn
Hometown; Tokyo
Launguage; English, Japanese,
What he likes; wine, chocolate, cute girls?
What he does'nt like; insect
Picture
↓
↓
↓
Picture vol.1
Taglyn at work (thinking about the plan for tonight ;P, just kidding!)

Picture vol.2
After his work (He is thinking to look for beautiful ladies:p)

Picture vol.3
Pretending as if he were a basketball boy

Good enough? or More pictures?
Okay, we have one more picture.
Here we go !!!
↓
↓
↓
↓
Picture vol.4

Don't be deceived by this honey face ;P

This is the last post about my journey, thank you for reading ;)

Well, I already know that weather in London is not good but I really like LONDON ;)
This is second time to visit but I still exciting when I see a double decker bus, classic style taxi, and telephone box colored red, Big Ben and so on...

Big Ben is too famous and so beautiful....!!

I got this view from 'London Eye' (London's huge Ferris wheel).
Can I say London Eye + Kayoko Eye ;)

The taxi! I like their classic style!

buddy-buddy ;) Don't you think it seems lovely?

Thank you for posing, Mr.driver ;)

And....I love traditonal pub in England....beautiful atmosphere....

I think I have to back to England to drink 'real ale' soon!!
My favorite is 'London pride' ;)

I'm not finished yet Sariko :p
Now it's my turn!

Well, I will telling you about Tunisia today ;)
It was a little adventure for me to visit there.
Now I can say, Tunisia is very safe and beautiful country.
People are very friendly and helpful.

Oneday, when I was walking on the street, a car stopped beside me, then,
Some people asked me: 'Hello! where are you from??'
I answered: 'I'm from Japan'
They smiled and said: 'Welcome to Tunisia!!'

'Souk' is a market in Medina, there are plenty of Arabic atomosphere
and there are so many things, food,souvenir,goods, and so on....
It's interesting to see and walking in souk but get lost so easy!
How many times I walked same alley way and how many people I asked to find out right way?? I don't know :p

Perfect color of mediterranean :D

World Heritage Site 'El Jem' ↑　and 'Carthage'↓

I was impressed this bright blue and bougainvaillea ;)

'The a la menthe' (mint tea), is very nice and I do like it ;)

I left Nice and took a train three hours.
Marseille is bustling port town and have different atmosphere somehow.

Somebody made me smile ;) Merci!

At the Marseille, I had plan to find 'natural soap factory' and 'herb pharmacy'
there.Then,finally I found out where it is ;)

This is 'Savon de Marseille', based olive oil and made since middle ages.

Don't you think it's nice to pick some soap and try their aroma? ;)

They have small guide tour showing us how to make 'savon de Marseille'

This pharmacy selling a lots kind of herb since 1815, and they seems so busy!
I bought 'camomille' for my tea time ;)

I really hope time-honored method or natural remedy and these shops
remain in the future :)

Lastly, Thank you Mr.E ;)
I'm looking forward to seeing you in Ikebukuro next time!

.............still continuing!

Well, I flew from Geneva airport to Nice, cote d' azur :)
I didn't have a plan to visit Nice but Grasse located much closer
than Marseille, so I decided to go.

Now I love Nice very very much ;)
There are beautiful beaches and everybody enjoying sunshine...

Only 20 min ride on the bus, there are another beautiful sandy beach...
And city is vibrant and I like these colours....

'Marche' such as 'flower market' and 'food market', 'antique market' are opening everyday and that's so nice ;)
Also I really enjoyed exploreing in 'old town', there are nallow alleys and restaurant and shops, work shops ,gallaries along the street...

Eze is a village located top of the hill and we can see the coast from their garden!
My face was turn into like this→:o→:)→:D

On the way to Eze, I saw such a beautiful scenery passed by, then, I tried to walk back all the way to the city!
I guess it's 8 or 9km away but I got really beautiful view,
and that was spectacular!!

Bern is lovely small city and beautiful Aare river running ;)
I was mostly feel like step into a book, fairy story....

Nice view! I really enjoyed it with beer ;) My friend took me to this restaurant.

I was so lucky!! A friend of a friend has boat and we went to sailing :D
I tried to take helm and actually it's difficult! It was wonderful experience for me!

There was competition for rock climbing! That was cool ! They were just like spiderman :0
I might be try this next time??? I will welcome you guests from the ceiling! (joking...haha)

This is a bar in the city, it's sooooo beautiful......I love this place....

And, my friend told me this is local meal called 'rosti' ,it mainly cooked with potato and I like it ;)

Hello again ;)

Now I would like to show you about my journey in Paris firstly.

It was second time to visit Paris.
I think Paris is beautiful and romantic city...I love to take a walk in Paris.....!!
I don't know how long I've been walking but never bored.

Originally I like to take a pictures and I could not stop it during my trip
because I saw many many picturesque scenes......

Can you recognize Effel Tower?
That was great view from the street.

What I really like is there are many flowers on the balcony and outside
the window, it just beautiful......!

Police officers with roller blade! How nice and good idea!They can chase faster?

Plus, me and 'pan au chocola' :D
I can speak French 'Une pan au chocola, sil vous plait' very fluently ;)

And......here...I found '5kg Nutella'!! I'm Nutella lover to be honest...
I wanted to bring it back!!

'Tadaima' means 'I'm home!' in Japanese.
Yes, I'm back here on 22nd and what I most happy is to see familier faces again :)

Well, My journey was quite great and impressed...!!
I've visited four coutries ,France and Swizerland, Tunisia, UK.

It was great chance to meet my friends and also glad to meet new people
and also exploreing new places and finding something different
and foods are much interesting for me and I love it!
I already thinking for the next trip ;)

Then,I would like to show you how was my trip with some photos here sometimes.
I can't put it down about all my journey here now.... :p

Anyway...Tadaima! it has been a while ;)

What's going on with his meal.
He usually, eat meals like pasta, paella, french course(?!), that kind of things.
But today's his lunch is ↓

just rice , miso soup and some croquettes.

Is he on a diet?
But the croquettes still look good.
Please feed him, anybody?
By the way, why you hide your eyes? Are you arrested? Or you want to be Mr. Ono?

Do you miss this smile?

I do!

Finally, Kayoko will be back in this weekend.
A month and half is too long for me.
I can't wait to see her.

Kayoko, have a safe flight. And get warm.
The season changed from Autumn to winter while you were not here.
It is geting cold now in Japan.

Finally, Mr. Ono came back to us after 3 months of leave.
We all staff are looking forward to the day he is completely back at work.

We had the okaeri party for Mr.Ono in a Spainsh restaurant.
His shyness still hasn't improved, but we are really happy to see his vigorous face.

↑Right is today's star, Mr. Ono who covering his big face with his small hands. Left is Mr. F. by the way.

↑From left, Mr.T., Takashi - the real prince , Sariko, and Noriko.

↑Hey Yumi, be careful of drunk Mr.T. ;P

↑the beast Nishi and Taglyn-the fake prince ;P

Last one is this!
↓
↓
↓
↓
↓
↓

Conglaturations Mr. T! You won ｔhe award for the most grossest ;P

Are you ready for Halloween?
Nishi is ready!

Since he doesn't have helloween costume, he is trying to bejack-o'-lantern.
He will work with this pumkin on all day on halloween. Don't miss to see it :P
(I am sure that he will have muscle pain on his face the next day)

☆Happy Halloween☆

Usually, Taglyn and Nishi work at night snappily.
However, when they work at daytime, they become excited.
Oneday, our guest left the baloon, and it will be their toy.

Look at their face. They are like little kids.

Hey guys, be cool.

It was Noriko's birthday.
Nishi got this lovely birthday cake for her.
How sweet(L)

Happy fabulous birthday, Noriko!
We hope you have brilliant year.

Taglyn came back from Romania.
Unfortunary, he didn't bring beautiful ladies :P
Instead, he brought many chocolates which satisfied us.

When he enter the entrance of our hotel, we all asked him like
"How was travel?"
"Where did you go?"
"What did you see?"
"What did you eat?"
"Where did you stay?"
"How was Dracula's castle?"
"Was Romanian ladies are beautiful?"
Soooooo many questions.
He didn't (maybe coudn't?) answer those quesitons but his face said that he really enjoyed his vacation in Romania.

Hey Taglyn, you became famous in this blog. So I think it is time to write about your introducing. Tell us story about you and travel in Romania.
We all are waitiling for that.
Don't be shy ☆

Many people going to travel in Autumn. Because it is the best season in all over the world.
Continuing to Kayoko and Aki, Tokki left last week.
Below is what Kayoko wrote before she left.

↓↓↓
***********************************************
She is Ms.Tokita. She used to work at Sakura Cafe.

She left Canada for Working Holiday!!
The working Holiday Visa is really great, which allows us to stay one year and also work,study and travel. we can do anything we want to.

I'm very happy that she will get great experiences there though I will just really miss her.....
Tokki,we are looking forward to seeing you next time!!

I got this mini cake made by Tokki, Tim Tam with cream and snack(koara) on the top. Nice ;D
********************************************************
Tokki-!
Have you get Canada, safely?
If you see this blog, please let us know how you are doing.

Today is a day for Kayoko is leaving.
She is in the airplane now.

Hope she has safe flight.
Von voyage and have a fabulous travel.

Taglyn is on vacation now!
Guess.... which country he chooses.
Spain?
France?
Italy?

The answer is..... Romania!!
Wow!! I am jealous...
But I wonder why he chooses Romania.
Is that because there are so many beautiful ladies in Romania?
hehheh, just kidding :p

Below is the picture of Taglyn.
How come he hides his face?
Is he shy? hummm....
I guess he needs beautiful ladies to be in the picture with him ;)

Well.. Taglyn, Enjoy your vacation in Romania (with many beautiful ladies)
Do not forget to buy some wines for your BEAUTIFUL co-workers :p

nooooooooooo!!
no, Kayoko.

1 month is too looong.
I will miss you so much............
How should I spend my life for a month without you?
Who is going to write this blog...
Should this blog take a holiday just like you??

If you can not decide where you should go, how about not going anywhere??
It would be great idea, isn't it?

Dear The readers of this blog.
Give me some idea to call off her travel.
Should I hide her suitscase??

Everybody had good summer vacation?
I hope you did ;)

Well, now it's my turn!!
I'm planning to go on a trip but I got a problem.....when I see the world map,
there are so many countries I want to go >_<

This will be a long distance travel since three years ago.

Now I'm thinking to go to...............Paris for the first destination!
Then, I will leave for Grasse and Marseille in southern France.
I knew from the TV program, there are workshops for aroma and savon(natural soap) in those cities.
I want to go and see that workshop because those are related to my study.

Hopefully I will stop at Switzerland where my friend live,
and then ferry to Tunisia if possible!
Then lastly, I will stay in England......

Um....I wish I could travel around.......!!

Hello! we keep introducing our staffs, and one more person today......

TAKASHI!

Takashi has been working with us since the last February.
He is kind and hospitable to everyone.
That is why he is popular among our guests.
Now he temporarily works at Sakura Hotel Jimbocho(another branch of our hotel)
But he will come back to Ikebukuro after a while to welcome you guests ;)

*Name: Takashi
*Hometown: Saitama
*Language: Japanese, English
*Countries visited: England, Canada, Switzerland, Holland, Thailand, Hawaii, and the Bahamas.

*Travel episode: When my friend and I visited Samui Island in Thailand, we rented one motor cycle for two of us, and took a day trip to find the secret beach (by which we meant some random beach on the other side of the island we had found on the map, where we thought there would be fewer tourists).

The island is small enough for us to go around to the opposite coast within several hours, yet big enough to enjoy the journey.
We explored villages and bought inexpensive snorkels (the ones you can find at a toy store), pulled over and took a rest by the Big Buddha, and cooled our bodies down at “the next secret beach” on the way.

When we eventually arrived to the targeted beach, the sun had just started setting and we had only a couple of hours of daylight left. On the beach there was nobody but my friend and me, and although it was getting a little bit chilly we decided to try the snorkels we had bought.

However, the beach was not so much for swimming because there were seaweeds and plants growing all over in the water that we could barely walk (it almost looked like a forest under the sea), so we gave up running into the ocean, and instead we floated on the surface.

We were happy that the snorkels worked quite well and we could see many small fish swimming in groups.
Some of them looked unknown and I got excited when I thought I was the first person to have found them. After all, what we have found was not the secret beach that we had dreamed of, but it was alright, because one of the best parts of travelling is surprise.

*Message: It would be an absolute pleasure of mine if Sakura Hotel and I could take a part in your memories in Japan.
All of our staffs are friendly and helpful, so please do not hesitate to contact us for information.
We’ll be pleased to hear from you!

Hi, I came back from Germany last week.
I stayed in Berlin where my sister lives for about 10days. And then, I came to love Berlin.
Berlin itself has a deep historical story as you know, but I felt it is a kind of a new city. I saw many international people over there and many new shops open now. There are many art museums, beautiful world heritage sites, good food and delicious BEER!

When I arrived to Berlin it was really hot. So I had some beer from the lunch time, after that, we went to see some palaces and museums, then took a break at a cafe and had some beer. At night we went to a bar to have fresh oysters and delicious wine(L). Afterward we went to a cafe to have a drink again.
I was surprised how cheap the beer is in Berlin!! It was half price of the one in Japan.

I like it that some of the museums have free admission days once a week. It almost never happens in Japan. I also like it that they have restored the castles, the churches, and the historical buildings, even though those building were once destroyed completely in the war. In Japan, especially in Tokyo, we always tend to create new things and old things don’t really exist now.

↓I don't remember the name of this building,..

↓Berlin dorm

For souvenir, I bought a Big box of HARIBO(the most famous gummy in the world, which is made in Germany) for my colleagues. However, when I came to work today I found that HARIBO box almost empty!
Hey, my colleagues, you guys finished up HARIBO only for 5days!!?? I just cannot believe that!! I doubt Masa ate most of them, because he is the BIGGEST hungry man at my work. ;P

↓ET also has a sad face....

Other things, I had three bottles of wine and several kinds of beer for souvenir. But I couldn’t bring them to Japan because of the overweight at the airport in Berlin. So I had to leave them with my sister. That was really sad...

But, overall, I really really enjoyed my summer vacation this year. I definitely go to Berlin on my next vacation.

Sariko is on vacation now!!

She is in Germany, I'm so jealous....!!
I'm looking forward to hearing stories and seeing photos when she come back ;)
And....I believe she will get some beers for my souvenir....
Hey Sariko, I know you are very very nice person, so...? :p

Few days ago, he discharged from the hospital!!
We are so happy about that news.
He still need some rehabilitation, but will be back in few month!
We can not wait to see his vigorous.

Our special staff, Mr. ONO is in the hospital now because of illness.
If you have stayed with us before, you might have seen him.
He is a specialist of travel information as we mentioned in previous post.
He knows (maybe everything? ) about not only Japan but also all over the world!
And once he start talking, it seems not likely to stop it!
Hey, Mr. ONO.....
We really miss you ......
You are not here....
We all hope you will get well very very soon!!

This bear is really similar to him....

Today....
We are going to introduce this person......HIRO! ( I'm thinking he should be 'Human Data Bank'
and other people should be answer'YES HE IS!').

Why he should be 'Human Data Bank'?
For example, you need get a information what is the best way to get the place
you want to go and you asking to him.....

He will tell you that...what time you should leave and which line you have to take
and how often train comes and platform number and car number, and color of
train and then he will show you the picture of train .
Then, what exit number and so on.....
You should bring note and take a memo!

He knows very good about train and about information for regions, foods.....widely.
He knows also information about foreign countries.....

So I believe, he will publish the great book 'Lonely Hironet'
(somebody will say 'Is it copy of Lonely Planet?'.....um, 'It's similar but it's not :p')

He is too shy to write about himself, so I've written it down in his place.

Name; Yasuhiro Ono
Hometown; Tokyo
Language; English, Japanese
Country visited; (?) ...we are not sure but sometimes we surprize he knows about
so many countries and cities....and where is good restaurant and
good accomodation and so on...
What he like is........sweets and sweets, specialy macarron and train, travel,
relax time with dog.
What he doesn't like is..........alcohole, TV, air-conditioning.

He is specialize in tourism information at here, definitely.......

Who goes this time??

This is Yoshihiro and he has gentle smile and attitude :)
I seeing he hold a penguin in this picture but I found he looks similar to penguin
somehow.....not so tall and the way his walks....
I guess.....maybe......he comes from 'Penguin Republic' :p

Name: Yoshihiro Kikugawa
Home Town: Shizuoka
Language:English, Japanese
Country traveled: Many countries in Asia, Europe, and South America
Favorite place in the trip : Hokkaido(Japan), China, Thailand
My home town is located in middle part of Japan, called "Shizuoka" prefecture.
It is one of the most beautiful cities in Japan and Mt. Fuji locates there.
The climate there is pretty moderate, and orange, Japanese tea, and sushi are the famouse food in the city.
Please taste food and have a good view in Shizuoka!

I have been interested in music and illustration since I was little.
I sometimes compose or arrange music and draw illustrations for my friends.

By the way, are you interested in Japanese food or Asian massage?
While traveling abroad, I cooked Japanese food for other travelers and learned
massage in Thailand.
I can tell you how to cook Japanese food and heal your tiredness, which comes
from your hard life.

I have been working in Hokkaido, Hakone, Kyoto and Osaka before.
I would be very happy if you ask me about those places in case you have plan
to visit there.

Needless to say, I like travel.
I love meeting new people and learning about new countries!

This time, this person!

Masatoshi is very unique and we know he has been traveled all around the world
but nobody know how many languages he speaks...?
I do hope he write a book about his travels oneday...that should be interesting!!

Name: Masatoshi Abe
Home Town: Shikoku (The most beautiful island of the four principal ones in Japan
with splendid nature and warm-hearted people)
Language: various languages
Favorite food: anything green that grows from the ground and sweets
What I like most in Tokyo is 『Yoyogi Park』and 『Inogashira Park』
and I like 『Jackie Chan』 very much. I love the way he moves.
What I don’t like most in Tokyo is 『JR Saikyou line
(one of the busiest train lines in Tokyo) 』
Country traveled: All around the world
Travel episode:
On the morning of my first day in Tokyo I took a train to one of the busiest station, Shinjuku.
The train was so packed as I barely could breathe.
No sooner did the train arrive to my destination than its doors opened
And it was when I saw something astonishing happened.
Suddenly the people around me started stampeding out of the train
and I had to manage someone shoving me away from my back before I realized
what was going on.
All what I could was just walking with the flow of people without knowing where I was heading.
Since then this experience traumatically makes me be reluctant to go to
the station every single morning and evening as you can’t imagine.
But….some time has passed since then, now that I’ve been willingly living
in the town finding lots of exiting things.
I should have in mind that always good and bad things can be found everywhere in the world
and I already know that it’s better to focus on the positive side in order
to make our stay more pleasant.
Enjoy Tokyo!

Cherry blossoms are almost over,but we still can see them up north
and it might be good idea to chase them ;)

Today, we would like to introduce Yoshikazu!
He has been working with us since February.
He seems to be earnest and very supportive person so far.....,sorry!
actually HE IS :p

*Name: Yoshikazu
*Hometown: Tokyo (Chiba)
*Language : Japanese, English
*Countries visited: USA, Canada, Jamaica, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina,
Uruguay, Brazil, Madagascar, and France.
*I like… : Soccer, Travel, Drink, Spending time w/ others,
Not to be killing any time, and Progressing!
*Travel Episode:
The most meaningful and unforgettable travel in my experience was the one
in Madagascar.
I have spent about 5 weeks by teaching English in 3 villages there.
I had around 500 students in a day and I made an English lesson broadcasted
in the radio in the meantime!
At the same time, I heard that sacrificing before they mine and burying a living
person as punishment are still taken place, which I had never known.
Also, I saw some dead bodies, a lot of prostitutes who were only 8 years old and stayed begging me to buy them, and a little crying boy carrying a plastic bag
in which a dead man is (probably his dad) in a crowd.
However, they were always smiling (as many of us have most likely heard before)
and did not yell for convenient lives although I did it all the time in my mind.
Then, I learned that anyone could never be measured by a certain criteria.
Everyone is better than someone at some point and everyone is not as good or
familiar as those.
Therefore, what we can do is not becoming better than someone,
but polishing our good points, keeping aware of each of our own weakness,
and put ourselves in effort to improve it.
*Favorite Movie: Lions for Lambs.
*Message: Our hotel is No,1!
particularly regarding our great service and kindness!
There is nothing wrong with your choice as far as you choose us!
You have no idea about Tokyo??? We can definitely help you as much as you want since every one of us is familiar with Tokyo!

It's already spring time here, nice and warm in the daytime.
We are all looking forward to seeing Sakura(cherry blossom)bloom.
Unluckly, I am suffering from 'hay fever' (pollen allergy) and it's annoying me so much about time of this year.....
Many many Japanese people have this problem and wearing mask.
It looks weird sometimes...:p

Now, we continue introduceing our staff, today...

YUMI !

She always calm and dependable person.
Moreover, she is....slim! um, I'm jealous.........

*Name: Yumi Kawasaki
*Hometown: Yokohama
*Launguage:Japanese, English
*Countries visited:Thailand, Cambodia,Indonesia,Vietnam,Italy, Netherlands, Belgium,Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Mexico, US, Canada, Tahiti
*Travel episode:I reserved a seat on the bus from Copacabana to Lapaz (Bolivia).
But, on the actual day, there were no seats left for me... then the bus driver
let me sit next to him.
I was sandwiched between him and a boy, probably his brother.
First, I thought I was unlucky... but then it started to be fun.
The view of the color shifting, beautiful Titicaca lake through the windshield,
an Indigena sleeping on the floor behind my back, Bolivian music on the radio,
chatting with the driver mixing a few English and Spanish words...
I actually got the VIP seat!
*I love.... Travel, big dogs (other animals as well), eating delicious foods, fruits,
Masala chai, Autumn, playing tennis, Kyoto dialect and Japanese-style baths&hot springs
*Message:I really want you to have a wonderful time in Japan as I did in other countires.
If I can help you, it will be my great pleasure.
Look forward to seeing you at Sakura!

Do you like baseball??
In Japan, baseball is very very popular sport!!
So now we all exciting about WBC!!
Let's have a guess which country win the championship :)

Well, this time, we would like to introduce one another person.....

KAYOKO

Can you hear her voice?
She has warm and calm voice♪. It makes people in all over the world peaceful. If you haven't hear her voice yet, you should come over to our hotel ;)　

=====================================================================
Name: Kayoko
Language: Japanese, English, (estudiar Español and want to learn Français too)
Countries visited: All around Australia, Canada, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand,
Myammar, Kauai Island(Hawaii), South Korea, England, Scotland, France, Belgium, Spain.
Memorable episode:My first trip as a backpacker was to see a Whale Shark in North West Australia
and finally I could snorkeling with some of them. Just awesome!!
What I like is...........Traveling and taking photos(I'd love to travel around the world!), scuba diving, snowboading in powder snow, picnic, onsen (hot spring),
antiques, four season, sunset, watching discovery channel,
beer and edamame(soy bean),Japanese meal, Indian curry...etc
(I'm big eater :p),
playing the ukulele(finally I can play 'silent night' loudly...),
and aromatherapy
Message: Please come to visit this beautiful country and I'm really glad to help
you have great experiences!!

========================

Konnichiwa, Hello again!

It's already March but we have quite cold days here....might be snowing tonight!
Please everybody take care ;)

Then,now we are going to introduce our staff one by one....firstly,

Sariko☆

She has a big smile and kind, and funny person, and loves sweets(chocolate).
If she get angry.....no problem!
We can give some sweets to her and she will be happy :p

=============================================================================

Name: Sariko
Hometown: Tokyo
Language: Japanese, English
Countries visited: Canada, United States, Korea, Indonesia(Bali Island), Costa Rica, France, Spain.
I like....................... Travel, shopping, hang out with friends, beer, chocolate, sweets, French bread,
park, river, drive, cherry blossom, shining sunny.
My memorable episode: When I went to Death Valley national park in west coast of United States, I felt like world is mine. The nature in there is just beautiful and marvelous!!
My favorite movie: Lost in translation, Virgin suicides, Devil's wear Prada, Roman holiday,
Porco Rosso, Ruokala Lokki(seagal diner).
Message: I promise you to have great time in Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro. Come and join us!!

And next person is.............
To be continue..