🌸✨✌🏼London Paris Tokyo ✌🏼✨🌸

HI GUYS LONG TIME NO BLOG 
soz for that – it’s been pretty hectic up in here since returning to Japaz!

 
So lol I had a 6 week break in which I went back home saw my pals and the fam, went back to Paris (it was a dreaaamm) and saw the very beginning of a beautiful English spring before heading back to Tokes with mum for cherry blossom mania 🌸🎉🌸🎉
Here are some photos from my European excursion! I had a fab time and SO MUCH BRUNCH and food in general – life was delicious😋

Paris in particular was super dreamy. A lovely trip down memory lane and I once again ogled at all the stylish peeps dressed immaculately, drinking coffee and smoking. All I did was sit in cafés with mum reminiscing and I had a cheeky wine and pizza with the lovely Hannah Lynn who I hadn’t seen since Leeds! So many memz and so much nostalge✨✨✨

Then Britain also brought delights including seeing Louisa Beadel grace the West End stage ONCE AGAIN,  this time with Daniel Radcliffe in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. Jbaz and I lived out best lives cheering on the BABE in her starring role! 

I also went for brunch with the chipstead players (it was beyond dreamy) went down to Brighton to hang with Cristinita and went to Laura Green’s delightful wedding with the rest of the fam – loving life 💕💕💕

6 weeks in England and France went in a flash and before I knew it I was back to Tokyo this time with Vic_kickzout by my side!
There was so much cherry blossom in my life guys, I SWAM in a sea of sakura and was surrounded by pink at every turn ☺️💕which I OBVS LOVED

Mum’s visit was lovely. We went to Kamakura and strolled around the temples, we marvelled at the canopies of blossom in Tokyo and hung with Tommy P, David ,Yeska and Lizzy-chan (who was in Tokyo for a day) living our best lives. 

Reunited with Lizzy chan 💖

​​

​​
It is so lovely to be back and back with my Tokyo pals 💖 particularly in spring – arguably Japan’s finest hour. 

The start of term at work has also been fab- the new teachers at work are LOVELY and we have been having all the lolz 💖✌🏼✌🏼
This weekend just gone has also been beyond. On Friday I went out with the teachers in Yokohama. It was lovely. Then on Saturday I made my way to the Yayoi Kasuma exhibition in Roppongi which was amazing. SO SO colourful and expressive and I remembered how much I LOVED going to galleries and appreciating ART. Back to my Parisian ways haha.  

On Saturday night I then met up with Tommy P for a cheeky al fresco frappucino. It was warm and almost like summer. After our frap we had dinner and a drink with Ruel before I headed off to meet Jess, Rhys, Will and the gang for Shibuya lolzzzz. We danced like mad things and we LIVED. Ended up obvssss getting back around 5 and crashing 🙈
Sunday was then a gloriously sunny day and I popped my shorts on and headed out the door on my way to meet up with Tommy P, Zozo, Shaz and Ruel for our first picnic of the year! It was so lovely with blossom falling off the trees and blowing in the wind! It was magical! We were then joined by Nick (the babe) and caught up on life and got excited for a summer of lolz and loving life 😍 so so so excited! 

BABES 📷: selfie professional and all round babe Tommy P

And yesterday it was back to work and back to teaching. All going well so far and the teachers went out for drinks- fab fab fab. All good vibes here in JP✌🏼✌🏼
So as usual feeling #blessed and loving my life. More positivity and sun kissed life hopefully coming your way soon ✌🏼✌🏼✌🏼 

Advertisement

I’m a Tokyo Girl, surrounded by babes, loving my life.

WHADDUP BLOGGERZ 
Welcome back to hazvanmazinjapaz – last week I returned to Tokyo and spent all week having lolz, continuing to impulse buy everything and see all my top babes. I’ve been loving life (as per). 

I kicked off Tuesday by heading over to Suganami-ku to pay my rent and go and see Tommy P. We went to Precious Coffee Moments (first time in AGES) and caught up on our lives and our travels. He also bought me back GIFTS from Korea. So many fab kpop related things! I DIED. I loved them all and I’ve decided I need to go to Korea URGENTLY.

Thanks Tommy P – full time babe 💖

After lunch we went for a wander in the sunshine towards Koenji stopping at this gorgeous shrine which was looking delightful in the sunshine. The plum blossoms are starting to appear and the whole scene was just beautiful 💖

We then headed to this cuuuute cafe in Koenji which had murals of cute animals on the walls and served mega cute lattes. 

It was adorbz and another precious coffee moment 💖 We then wandered back and I headed home to the housemates for cups of tea, chilling and MANY a lol ☺️
On Wednesday and Thursday I kept it pretty chill ☺️ lazing about, going for coffee and on Thursday eve I braved the SNOW and wind to get to Japanese. 
It was my last class before the break and it was lovely. We talked about my Japan travels and all the food and I had a lovely time ☺️
Friday then brought sunshine and a ray of sunshine – Helen Bateman (BABE)We had a cheeky lunch at trendy Propaganda before perusing the shops and ALMOST buying this jumper…

📷:Helen BABEman

I couldn’t justify buying it for 4000 yen but I LOVED IT. Helen then took me make-up shopping and I’ve started my journey – watch this space (return of Harryana Grande in the spring 😂) 
We then met Daisy and went for a coffee then a drink and hid away from the snow 😭 we had loads of lolz though (obvs) and eventually wandered home where Ida, Sophie and I cracked open some umeshu and had a fab time. I love these girls – the new danish girls that I live with are complete BABES. 
Saturday I then rose early to meet the lovely Mae Dunne for some seaside lolz in Kamakura. We hopped on the Enoden to Hase to admire the big Buddha. I hadn’t been to Hase since I first arrived and the Buddha was sitting gloriously in the sunshine. After wandering around and seeing the inside of the Buddha we strolled down the road and walked past a shop selling cheap kimonos and yukatas. Naturally we bought some and headed straight to the beach for a photo shoot (because life is for living) 

After frolicking in the wind (it was freezing) we went for Pho at Song Be ✌🏼️

We then headed home and after a quick change I was off to Tommy P’s for drinks, snacks and lolz. Ruel and Tom made the most delicious quesadillas and spring rolls and I ate EVERYTHING. Tom, Ruel and I also introduced Zoe and Nick to some Kpop big hitters (BLACKPINK in your areaaaaaa) and loved our lives. Tom, Ruel and I then headed to Dragon and PARTY ONNN. There was podium dancing and life loving. Also Tom and Ruel are such BABES and We had all the lolz and all the life. I’m surrounded by babes and I love it.

I then scarpered for the last train and collapsed in a heap haha. 
Sunday was then a very lazy start but wandered into Shibuya to meet the Danes for shopping, lolz and purikura. We had all the lolz 💕💕💕

 After saying goodbye to the Danes it was time to head over to Kichijoji to see Jess, Helen, Shannon, Will, Rhys and MARK WHITFIELD (Jess’ dad who is SO LOVELY)

We had delicious soup curry and MARVELLOUS time (as per) chatting and having lolz and making memz 💕

We then went and had another drink before heading home. Love those babes so much – they bring SUCH JOY TO MY LIFE ☺️☺️☺️

Monday was quite quiet – I wandered around the hood- went for a walk down the Tama river and basked in the sunshine.

In the evening I went to the sento and chilled in the outdoor pool- feeling super zen ☺️

On Tuesday I decided to go plum blossom hunting in Shinjuku Gyoen and was not disappointed. My love of horticulture continues and I was snapping all the blossoms with my OAP Japanese pals and Korean tourist chums 

After a wander and a lot of picture taking, I wandered back towards Naka Meguro where I had exquisite meal at mine and Jess’ FAVE ramen shop – I had the spicy one with fried chicken in it- it was EVERYTHING. 

Mind-blowingly good. 

I had housemate lolz in the eve before heading out to meet up with Tommy P and Nicky-kun for a Chinese and draaanks. These boys =phenom. Gurus of life and lovers of lolz- we were all living our best lives and the Chinese woman gave us free chocolate because it was Valentine’s Day – we were #blessed.

We had drinks in Safari Safari – a hilarious bar with blaring Nicki Minaj and the friendliest bar staff EVER (when you go in they introduce themselves – cute) it was LOL and they took requests and so natch they played Ariana 💅🏼 which I loved. 

I then sprinted home just catching my last train 😅 – Tokyo struggles

Wednesday was pretty chill, started to pack and went for sushi.

And today I went for breakfast with queen of lolz Jess Whitterz. We laughed the whole time and it was great. 

I followed her all the way to work loooool we couldn’t stop the lolz. SO had a cheeky SAKURA LATTE in Skytree. Lolzzzzz it was so gross hahaha – tastes like soap BUT it got me so excited for cherry blossom season, spring and the fact that everything everywhere is pink 😍💖💖💖

I then wandered home stopping off at Kiyosumi gardens (recommended by east Tokyo expert Ms Whitfield) it was so zen and peaceful and cute.

I then went for a cheeky wander through the hood before grabbing some food and heading back to pack and clean. 

And just had some beers with Cédric and the girls and now off to bed. Off to England tomorrow and honestly I don’t want to leave Japan 😭😭😭. Excited to see everyone though and chill out with the fam, the pals and the cat 💖

Blog will resume after my return – back in Japaz on the 28th March and I will be returning with Vic_kickzout aka MY MOTHER – watch out Japan double trouble is coming at the end of March 😝😝😝

LIVING and relishing everything the kitchen of Japan has to offer

Here we go part 2 of the great West Japan adventure 🎉 Sooo I touched down in Osaka and I was back in a big city with people everywhere and a busy bustling metro = FAB. 

I headed over to my hostel, Hostel 64 – recommended by the king of hip Marcus (thanks babes I loved it) and met the ever so trendy and lol Kiyo ☺️ who presented me with a map of all local trendy hangouts (I loved it ☺️) and took me to a trendy cafe.

So I was already loving Osaka 😂 and soon I walked through trend central (Horie area) down Orange Street through Amerika Mura (teen trendz) and to the famous Doutonbouri where THE WORLD were living their lives including about 1000 Chinese and Korean tourists.

 I worked my way through the throng in search of some okonomiyaki. I headed down a backstreet and into a cute little restaurant where I had the best okonomiyaki OF MY LIFE. Not with noodles like Hiroshima style but with shrimp and just simple, light and delicious. It was DELIGHTFUL. 
Osaka is known as Japan’s kitchen and the place to go for food and it DELIVERED. Everything has been exquiz 😋

Post okonoms I headed back to the hostel for a quick shower before heading up to Umeda in search of the Osaka gay scene. After navigating my way through the very confusing read light district I made it to FrenZ- FrenZy a little rainbow covered bar once frequented by Lady Gaga (her picture is up and everything – I loved it and felt starstruck)

I drank some lethally strong drinks and made friends with some Australians, Hong Kong nationals and some Osakans. We had so many lolz and were all about that Friday night life. We eventually made it over to Explosion and GOT DOWN until I ended up walking back to my hostel (I walked miles,  I crossed Osaka) 
The next day the full effects of my two day bender hit and I rolled out of bed at 11 to see the sun shining and sightseeing patiently waiting to be done, so I dragged myself to Osaka Castle which was standing majestically in the sunshine. 


After taking a lot of selfies (haha SHAMELESS) I entered the castle and saw you could try on samurai armour and I thought WHY NOT? Most people were in a group but I bounded up to the people with my smartphone in hand loving my solo traveller life and donned the samurai garb. It was totes worth it. 

I then strolled around the castle, went to the top to see the view and then sat down in the sunshine marvelling at life. 

Before long I was back on the move and headed down to the Tsutentaku tower and Shinsekai area which is an old neighbourhood and a little bit run down and edgy.

I strolled down the arcade and saw this little cafe called Café Banana. Intrigued, I wandered in and ordered a tea and the owner started talking to me in Japanese. I had a full conversation (slightly stilted) with her, another customer and the chef in the back and we were all LOLLING about life and being hysterical and then just before I paid she said “let’s take a memory photo” so random and so lol- I loved it. Osakans are hilarious and love to make friends, I love it. 

After having lolz I wandered around taking in the sights before heading back to the hostel to crash out via Amerika Mura- teen trend central.

Amerika Mura 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼

After a rest I chatted to Kiyo (the babe ✨ )at the front desk about trends and life before heading out for dinner which ended up being a DELICIOUS curry – probs the best Japanese curry I’ve ever had – it was a delight (Osaka is where the food is at 🙌🏼) 

I then headed back to the hostel and collapsed in my bed and fell asleep straight away. 

The  next day I headed out early to Kobe the nearby city famous for its harbour and its beef. Despite the rain I was ready for all the culture and to discover another new place. 

It surpassed all expectations. It was so so cute and precious. 

I first headed up the hill to Kitano the old foreign area where you can find a Jainist temple, a mosque, a church and a whole ton of western and American looking houses. Also the the most surreal Starbucks in Japan. 

There’s also a cute little temple dedicated to academic success which overlooks the city ☺️

After climbing the temple stairs I wandered down the hill and into Kobe passing so many cute little houses and streets and wound my way to the COOL Motomachi area which is full of cute cafes, shops and shopping arcades.

It’s also next to Kobe China Town which was full of people eating street food and even on a rainy Sunday was alive with people having a good time! I had some dumplings and some takeaway Chinese beef ramen which was delicious even if I had to eat it while standing with one hand – A CHALLENGE. 

After one handed ramen with limited spillages 💅🏼 I headed to the port of Kobe to see the sea! A lot of port area was under construction but I still marvelled at the modern architecture and the kobe port tower 😊

I then headed back into town and saw this cute sign for a coffee shop on the side of the street and BEELINED FOR IT. 

It was as cute as I thought it would be ☺️ I loved my life. Precious Kobe moments 💕

After coffee I headed slowly back towards the station and back to Osaka for my last night of my travels. I had lolz with Kiyo who introduced me to Naomi Watanabe – ICON.

 We talked Jpop and life 🎉 I then went out for dinner in Namba. I went to a cute little bar for okonomiyaki and a beer. 

The man sitting next to me made me some origami and I died – making friends with everyone always 

​​
After origami and befriending the world I went shopping and bought THIS tote bag – I’m obsessed 

After purchasing the bag of dreams I went back to my hostel went to bed and spent my last day wandering round Osaka before heading back to Tokes.

I then arrived back home to be greeted by my adorbz housemates Miles,I love you also Cédric – hilarious babe and the new Danish girls are a RIOT ✌🏼️✌🏼️🎉

So so nice to be back in Tokyo- I missed it! I LOVED my travels and seeing two completely different parts of Japan but so happy to be back in Tokes. And I’ve got another week and a half before heading back to England for 6 weeks. Looking forward to chilling and anticipating the start of spring! 

So I’ll be back next week bloggers for Tokyo tales – hope you are all loving life 💖💖💖



In love with Hirosh

Heyyyyy ladies! Welcome to a Hiroshima special edish of hazvanmazinjapaz  – I’ve been LIVING and loving all the random lolz travelling round Japan on your ones brings. I have been HIKING (gurl whut?) making friends with some hilarious and great peeps and making memz 

So Wednesday was my first full day out west and I started by hopping on the train to Miyajima! An island famed for it’s beauty, shrines, friendly deer and THAT tori gate ⛩😍

I got off the train, found some delicious breakfast in a CUTE little bakery owned by an old lady (💖) I then boarded the ferry and was off to the island! It’s a beautiful island (very Lost) and it was looking spectacular in the mist.
I disembarked and headed straight for the tori.

 It is stunning and it acts as the gateway to Itsukima Shrine. This grand shrine proudly stands as an entrance to the island. I took a thousand and one photos (including many ‘lol’ now deleted selfies) 

I then headed up the hill to the Daisho-in shrine which was beautiful and then on a whim decided to tentatively hike the mountain. Before I could turn round and sack it off I was befriended by the friendliest Aussie bloke called Brett (he was perspiring and introduced himself as Sweaty Bretty I INSTANTLY LOVED HIM – Brett you’re a babe 💖) both being reluctant hikers we egged each other on and eventually after many twists and turns (I was defs wearing the wrong footwear) we made it to the top. On the way we discussed EVERYTHING and I feel like I was taught so much about life 😂 – Uncle Brett – full of wisdom (and loads of lolz) his big booming Aussie bloke voice echoed around the mountain often followed by my cackle. It was lolz. 

After making it up we had planned to get the rope way down, BUT IT WAS CLOSED 🙈 so we descended, babbling away and being lol. We then had a rice burger (looool) took pics and had a blast. 

I then made my way to Hirosh and went shopping 😍 I bought some cute pink socks and a cap that says fab on it (obsessed) – pre shopping I also went for Hiroshima style okonomiyaki – which is with noodles and it is divine. Basically an intricate savoury pancake with noodles in it. It was phenom (and mesmerising to watch the lovely little old man make it for me) 

After beautiful food and purchases I headed back to my hostel and collapsed in a heap. 
On Thursday I headed over to the peace memorial park and museum to learn a bit more about the atomic bomb dropped in 1945. 

72 years ago the US dropped the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the only building left from before the bomb in Hiroshima is the A Dome which is preserved as a reminder of the destruction caused by nuclear weapons. The museum was fascinating and incredibly sad (definitely cried in front of strangers). It shares stories of the people, particularly the children who were affected by the blast and its aftermath. 

The museum also tells the story of a little girl Sadako Sasaki who got leukaemia as a result of the radiation. In Japan some say if you make 1000 paper cranes your wish will come true. She started to make the cranes in the hope of getting better but sadly died at the age of 12. Her classmates at school petitioned for there to be a monument built for the child victims of the bomb. The children’s monument sits in the peace memorial park and for me it was the strongest image of hope for peace for the future. Before I went, I didn’t know anything really about the bomb and I am so glad I went. It was powerful, informative and full of hope. 
After I finished in the peace memorial park I headed back into the shopping street and bumped into Derek! We had arranged to meet later that night but by chance bumped into each other and so we went for a cheeky coffee and a chin wag. 
After saying goodbye to Dezza I headed out to Mitaki temple – another fab recommendation from Rika-chan 😊after walking uphill A LOT I found the longest temple ever nestled in the hills. It was so quiet and peaceful and it was only really me and 3 other people there. Very zen. 

I climbed to the top and the mountain kept going and so I did too until I thought I was lost and I could feel my agoraphobia kick in. I headed straight back the way I came and had a delightful cup of a coffee and piece of mystery mochi at a cute little cafe ran by an old Japanese lady near the entrance to the temple. It was adorbz. 

I then made my descent to the train station and got to my hostel and crashed out, mentally preparing myself for a night out with Derek and the girls. 
We met at a sake bar in town and I met Risa and Sachiko for the first time. They are both crazy and wonderful. We had a lot of sake and beer and some mysterious food (lol) the dessert was INCREDIBLE a mochi with a strawberry inside – I DIED. 

We then obviously headed to the next bar where we made friends with a random and laughed A LOT. We then made our way to two more bars before I finally collapsed on my hostel bed not ready for my 6 hour bus ride to Osaka the next day 🙈
I had such a good time- Risa and Sachiko were babes and I love Dezza so much – so many lolz had by all. 
So the next day I had to face reality and climb aboard the bus, eat a ton of snacks and watch the mountains and rivers go by. It was beautiful weather and quite a nice way to spend 6 hours (lol). I eventually arrived in Umeda at 3 and started my Osaka adventure which is coming in part 2 and it involves a big night out, trying on Samurai armour, making friends with the whole of Osaka, eating DELICIOUS food and discovering precious cutesy Kobe 💕

catch me having lolz howboudah?

Hey there bloggers welcome back to hazvanmazinjapaz – I’m lying on my hostel bunk bed in Hiroshima loving life – I am loving it here…
BUT FIRST let me get you up to speed with what’s been going on since my last post. I’ve gone out A LOT. I’ve been living life to the full as per and hanging out with some full time babes.
On Wednesday night I felt the chill so I hit that sento again and loved my life . It’s so zen and warming and relaxing. I love public bathing 💖

On Thursday I hung out with Mae strolling around Harajukes and having kebabs outside in the sunshine listening to Pitbull (it was so fab) I then headed down to my Japanese class with Cat and Tanaka-sensei and it was so lovely. We talked about the joys of 100 yen shops and had a mini origami lesson and I made a crane!(with a LOT of help!) it was Cat’s last lesson as well 😭 sad times but happy times…LIFE

I then came home to partaaaay lolz. It was Onno’s last week and the whole house has been feeling the party vibe. So I had lolz with Onno, Rika-chan, Franz and Cédric (BAAAAABES) and after a cheeky umeshu nightcap retreated to my slumber. 

Friday then arrived and I had the morning off (I lazed about and did nothing) before heading into work for my last afternoon of admin and end of term stuff. 6pm soon arrived though and David and I were on the first train to Shinjuku, ready for life. 

After a spot of dinner we headed on down to Aiiro for drinks and lolz. We met up with Tom and Bruce and celebrated the end of term and the start of life (haha) also hung out with Chase and Akio (babes💕) before wandering around a bit, meeting Ruel and then hitting the dancefloor in Dragon. Lolz were had, we danced and loved life and ended up crashing at Tom’s with a doria from 7/11 sitting in the kotatsu. Living 🙌🏼

📷: David 💖

Loving with life 📷: Tommy P

The next morning Tom, Ruel and I found food. I had a DELISH pizza and drink bar where I drank all the coffee/soft drinks. After saying goodbye to the boys (love them SO MUCH) I headed home for a chill before going out to meet Jess (babe of life) for drinks and dinner. After a quick coffee, we met up with Helen and headed to a cool little bar called Enjoy!House which played techno and had stickers and rainbow lights, barbie dolls and knick knacks everywhere- it was COOL. 

We were then joined by Rhys and Sam (💕☺️) and we headed to a cute izakaya in Daikanayama where we had loads of lolz, ate some delish food and loved life. 

I then woke up on Sunday ready for life and headed over to Jess’ new hood Kichijoji (place of dreams). We had a mega trendy coffee followed by photo shoot (haha NATCH) and then wandered around Kich and Inokashira Park marvelling at the surroundings and discussing our deep love for Japan. 

We then hopped on the Inokashira line to Shimokitazawa for the most delicious ramen IN LIFE 😍 at Oreryushio. Just phenom. They also play the Beatles 😍 and we had some cheesy gyoza as well which were delightful 😍

Honestly the best meal I have had in WEEKS (I’ve been spoilt though I mean Australia was a holiday of simply delightful food) 

After ramen and so much joy we strolled around shimo loving life being genki and trying on hilarious hats. 

We are ridiculous and I love it. 

We then parted ways and I went back home ready for Onno’s leaving drinks. We had some umeshu togeths at the house with Onno, Franz and the lovely Rika-chan before heading off to Naka Meguro for drinks, food and delights. 

We met up with Cédric and a few of Onno’s mates who were super jokes and mega international (I loved it) I had lolz with Rika and her FAB friend Miki and soon it was time for karaoke. We were joined by Miles (the full time babe) and we all unleashed our inner diva 💕💕💕

We then sang some bangers : Ariana, Britney but also  Kyary Pamyu Pamyu and Perfume and some LOL anime songs (I loved it) it was super Japanese and super lol. 

We then reluctantly started to head home having all the lolz, being hooligans and loving life. Cashusoutsidehowboudah?! 

And then yesterday I had a coffee with Mae and then went to pick up a parcel from babe of all babes Jess Barrett who sent me GRENADINE from Paris 💖💖💖💖 what a babe (also some penguin chocolates – I was TOUCHED) 

After pure joy I went to have even more joy with the delightful right hand man/ life guru Tommy P. We grabbed a coffee, strolled around Yoyogi Park and then had a cheeky Starbucks on the roof terrace of the Tokyu Plaza building in Harajukes. 

We then headed over to meet Zozo Delolz Smith for chicken, beers and lolz and had a whale of a time – what a complete babe. 

Babes loving life 📷:Tommy P

And today I woke up, headed to Haneda airport and I got on a jet plane to Hiroshima. I had a window seat and I within the first 15 minutes I saw the magnificent Mount Fuji 

It was breathtaking. I was in awe. I LOVE MOUNT FUJI. 

I then landed and caught a bus to Hirosh which is so calm and serene and covered with little rivers and zen cyclists. 

CashmeinHiroshhowboudah?!

I strolled around the park outside Hiroshima castle and then had a fancy coffee in the town centre (which is pretty swish and so many shops) 

I then on Rika-chan’s recommendation went for Hiroshima tsukemen which was super spicy but super oishii 💖💖💖

And now I’m just maxing relaxxing and getting excited for more lolz to come.

Get ready for Hiroshima, Miyajima and Osaka lolz coming to you VERY soon 😍 xxxxx 

bear bars, cat temples and totoro treats

Hiiiiiieeeeeee guys welcome back to hazvanmazinjapaz – the sun has been shining over here but the longjohns are on. I’ve been hitting the sento, eating all the ramen and getting down to all my FAVE jams in Nichome. Here’s a run down of LIFE 
Japanese class continues to be a joy – I can now talk about the temperature (lol) ask how much a train ticket is (with an actual sentence not just random words) and talk about holidaysssss (which are so soon! はるやすみ (spring vacay) come at me 🎉 I’m off the Hiroshima and Osaka next week and I’m EXCITED. So ready to explore the west of Japan 👌🏼👌🏼

Last week’s lessons were cute. It’s been the last lessons for loads of my classes and saying goodbye to some of them was TOTES EMOSH. 30 peeps per class from April ’16 to now is a long time and a lot of people. So many goodbyes. 

So last Friday the end of the working week soon rolled round and I headed straight for the sento to get warm and get zen. After a cheeky bathe I grabbed some dinner and headed home to get changed and readaaaay to meet Tommy P and Michael for drinks and lolz. 
Destination : Nichome (OBVS) we met at Alama’s and caught up on life before heading to this new bear bar called Eagles which was great and had this rather racy picture on the wall 👇🏼

Eagles – my new fave 📷: Tommy P

I LOVED IT. The barman also gave us free shots and soon we were ready to GET LOW in Dragon to all the hits. We danced forever, it was so fab. I loved my life so much. We finally got a taxi back to Tom’s and crashed out. 
On Saturday I woke up at quarter to one and realised that I still had to traverse Tokyo to get home (lol excellent). The day was therefore slow as the free tequila caught up with me. I mostly napped. 
However Sunday I woke up refreshed and ready for action. I headed over to Gotokuji a temple in Setagaya which has a whole section dedicated to the maneki neko. These are the beckoning cats which are supposed to bring wealth and prosperity. 

It was a lovely temples and SO MANY BECKONING CATS. I loved it. The weather was also beautiful and I had a “I never want to leave Japan” moment. 
After cats, temples and sunshine I headed over to Tolo Bakery (which I stalked on Helen’s insta – thanks baaaabes) and met up with the lovely Mae Dunne for lunch and TOTORO CREAM PUFFS. I can’t stop. I just love cute food (so much so that I hunt it down and revel in its wonder). 
When the totoros arrived I lost the plot and the people on the neighbouring table were LOLLING. We made friends, natch. 

After all the eating (it was all delicious) we headed over to Shimokitazawa to potter around the shops before heading home to chill. 
Monday was then my last class and I got given chocolate, snacks, handshakes and excitable selfies. Studes = babes 
Then yesterday we had an admin day at work. It was also my last time eating at Junko’s cafe 😭 she’s shutting shop and I’m devastated. Where am I going to get my vegetable filled lunches now 😭😭😭 the food was as always delicious and I’m really going to miss her! 

On Tuesday it was then announced that we had the following day off and so today has been a journey of discovery. I headed over to the new Hokusai museum in Sumida. Hokusai is the bloke who makes  all the wood block prints of Mount Fuji. He’s a bit of a big deal. The museum was sadly pretty small but the works were beautiful and I’ve always liked a cheeky woodblock print (loool). He even did a view of Mount Fuji from the Tama river which is a view I can see from the train every day on the way to work 😍😍😍. Hokusai and I have SHARED A MOMENT and I love it (I even bought the overpriced postcard #memz)

View from the Tama River

I then strolled around Sumida, BASKING in sunshine loving my east Tokyo life.

 I  headed over the river and found a cute little canal. Adorbz. I need to have more east Tokyo lolz I have decided. I grabbed some lunch in a rather gruff cafe. Katsudon with curry and egg – it was delish and I felt like a proper Japanese GEEZER. 

After embracing my masculinity (haha by eating curry with the ladz) I headed down to Hiroo for a coffee and a stroll around the gardens there. It was beautiful and super chill 😍

After strolling I headed home and collapsed in a heap – where I am now (lol) 

So all is good in this hood and be sure to look out for more cute food, cute snaps and cute life 😎 hope you are all living your best life baaaaaabes 💖💖💖💖

5 things I’m obsessed with already in 2017

HIIIIIIIII FRIENDS welcome back to hazvanmazinjapaz your source of everything lolz, japaz, and pictures of cute things with a Mayfair filter…

This week I’m going to tell you about things I have been LOVING since the start of the new year – let’s get into it 

1. Sentos – the Japanese public bath is my way of dealing with the winter and I LOVE IT. Since being back, I’ve been twice and it let’s me feel super zen. Lying naked in an outdoor 40 degree bath while it’s like 4 degrees outside as you hear the gentle hum of the nearby train line is my FAVE thing. So relaxing, so liberating and so great. Everyone should get into public bathing – it’s my new favourite lifestyle choice. 

This is the pic of the ramen I had post nude bathe 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼

2. My continuing obsession with all cute things. On Saturday I met up with the lovely Mae Dunne and had a latte with a crane on it, had a pizza interlude followed by a blossoming marshmallow hot chocolate. I can’t stop. Since returning from Australia I have been BASKING IN THE CUTENESS. I love it and I can’t get enough. So many cute people, places and things.

​​
3. My Japanese teacher. I offish LOVE HER. Cat and I had such a lovely class last week! She made us origami New Years gifts and I died. She is such a babe. 

4 My housemates. I mean what complete babes. The house is GREAT and we have been having all the lolz, ridiculous conversations, jokes and japes. What ladz, what lolz what BABES 

Onno loving life

5. People in life. Hot chocolates with Helen, lolz with the Shane Squad, going for coffee and then accidentally dancing on podiums to 24k Magic with Tommy P, going for beers in an adorbz local izakaya with Onno, exploring some lol parts of Shinjuku with Jess and Helen and going on a cute food marathon with the lovely Mae Dunne. I am surrounded by beautiful people and I love them all. 
I am also reading books and trying to stick to my resolutions (looool let’s see how it goes…)  and of course drinking loads of coffee and reading books – NATCH 

I’ll be back next week with more Japanese fun times and tales of life and lolz 
Xxxxxx

A beautiful wedding and a slice of sunshine

G’day GUYS! Since the last post I’ve eaten EVERYTHING, danced with my whole family to assorted BANGERS, had all the lolz with all the cousins, watched Kizza van Rizzle tie the knot and welcomed in the new year covered in glow stick accessories dancing with under 10’s 🎉
So I touched down in Adelaide last Tuesday and it’s been non-stop ever since. After some DELICIOUS pizzas with Abbey and Aunty Pauline, we woke up on Wednesday ready for Christmas lolz at Pauline’s house. We drove up to her house in Birdwood which is up in the Adelaide Hills and the sun was shining! 

We arrived at Polly’s beautiful house, grabbed a beer and admired the garden BLOOMING with gorgeous flowers. Australia is a FLORAL DELIGHT- I’ve been loving every minute. 

We then hung out with the Renners and had a gorgeous lunch. Salads galore and fresh shrimp – I was loving life. We also got to hang out with my darling cousin – Abbey van Manen what a babe 💖and after so much food and dessert and a present hunt (lol) we headed back home to get ready for the wedding the next day.

Thursday 29th December arrived and a beautiful sun was shining over South Australia. We headed to Glenelg for a cheeky swim in the sunshine before the first of many EXQUISITE Australian breakfasts. They are phenom.

We then walked along the beach, basking in the sunshine and feeling lucky to be alive. I love the summer (especially a summer in winter!) 

After a rest and glamming up we drove to Howard’s Vineyard in the Adelaide Hills for Kiri and Stu’s wedding. 

The ceremony was outside and it was so lovely. All the families and friends were there uniting in JOY for Kiri and Stu! After the vows, so many photos and delicious food we headed inside to watch the first dance which was beautiful 😊
The music then fired up Abbey and I were on the dance floor. The music was FAB! We were joined by Mum, Dad and Gus and we GOT DOWN. The Brits burnt up the dance floor. I mean when they play Michael Jackson and WHITNEY you have to GET DOWN. We danced for so long and there was definitely a moment where it was just my mum, dad, brother and I slaying the dance floor and loving our lives. It was magical – love my family- disco diva VMs. 
We then took a breather and listened to the speeches and the cake cutting (the cake was CHEESE not a cake looooolll) and before we knew it the dancing was BACK ON. Highlights of the night included Kiri and Scott’s 90 year old grandma dancing to Fatman Scoop and Abbey, Gus, Mum and I tearing up the dance floor to Turn Down For What and Get Low. It was mad. 
Kiri looked so beautiful and so happy and every time I saw her I smiled from ear to ear. Stu also looked overjoyed at life and incredibly dapper 😊 EVERYONE WAS SO HAPPY AND OVERJOYED BY LIFE. 

It was wonderful.

 
The next day we were still on a high from the marvellous time we’d had! Mum, Dad and I headed into town to Central Market (which is really like Leeds City Market 💅🏼I loved it) and we grabbed a coffee before picking up some pies for lunch (Australian dream). We then headed to Sue and Mick’s later that day for the post wedding barbecue! Saw the lovely bride and groom still beaming ☺️ and everyone was feeling the love 💖 hung out a bit with Scottie – brother of the bride and FULL TIME BABE. And ate (lol always)
After all wedding lolz we met up with Pauline and Abbey the next day for a delish breakfast. We then said goodbye 😢 which is always really sad – international family probz…and we headed straight down to Goolwa to hang with Uncle John. 

After a brief stop at Boomer Beach for a cheeky walk in the WIND (it was cold – I was outraged haha) we had a doughnut and a coffee (I have had SO MANY BEAUTIFUL DOUGHNUTS) and then headed to John and Pam’s for a barbecue and catch up. 

It was lovely. We chatted to the peeps and met two of Pam’s children and the most adorbz grandkids 💖 

We had a cheeky detour to the Murray Mouth which was beautiful before heading back to the barbecue where we played cricket in the garden, ate yummy barbecue food, donned glow stick accessories and danced around the living room! It was so much fun and a great way to end 2016 (I honestly almost forgot it was New Year’s Eve) 

The next day we headed to Brighton (South Australia) for a cheeky swim. The day was overcast when we started out but all of a sudden the sun peeked out and the beach looked glorious. We went for a walk down the beach and then had fish and chips in the sunshine. Gus and I also managed to get sunburnt 😭 my nose was SO RED. 

After a delicious fish and chips we headed to Kate and Greg’s for a cup of tea and banana cake (delicious) and then to Aunty Sue and Uncle Mick’s for a cuppa. Lovely lovely chilled times. We then got home and collapsed in a heap. So much socialising 💅🏼
Then on Monday we headed to the airport to bid Adelaide farewell! Had a cheeky cuppa with the LOVELY Laura Sawade at the airport – what a BABE. Glad we got to hang out even though it was short and sweet – next time we have to have ALL THE LOLZ. 
We jumped on the plane and we were Melbourne bound for a couple of days. Some time for just the four of us to chill, soak up the sun and get TRENDY. 
Melbourne has been lovely. We were staying in St Kilda which I LOVED (beach + trends= dreamy) We ate well and just chilled. Beautiful breakfasts, delicious dinners and sun kissed life. We went to see the penguins at St Kilda Jetty, had incredible cakes, went shopping in Melbs and marvelled at all the beautiful trendy people EVERYWHERE. 

Yesterday we headed out to the beaches south of the city. Swimming and sunbathing and having great family times! 

We then headed over to Williamstown and had dinner with Daylene, Wayne, Sean, Amelia and Beth 💖
We sat outside and it was a perfect summer’s evening. Winter is going to be a shock when I get back to Tokes but the summer nights have been so fab. 

I then had to say goodbye to Mum, Dad and Gus last night as they flew back to London this morning. It has been a blast – always great to hang out with my three favourite people in the world 💖

Sean, Beth and I then went for drinks in the city and it was lusher caught up on life and had all the lolz.

And today I’ve been chilling, eating yummy food and swimming in the pool with Daylene and Wayne before heading back to Tokyo tonight. It has been bliss- I love the summer and I wish it could last forever 😍

It’s been such a lovely 11 days! So much has happened and it’s been a bit of a whirlwind. 2017 has snuck up on me but I’m ready for another year of lolz and living life to the full 🎉🎉

🎄クリスマス upd8s 🎄

GREETINGS FROM DOWN UNDER BABES! Hope you are all having a wonderful YULETIDE and that you are well fed and warmed by seasonal cheer! Here’s a run down of what’s been happening in the land of the rising sun including magical cafes with regal cats, festive cheer and belting out Christmas classics at karaoke.

 
So last Thursday I woke up slowly without an alarm and it was bliss. The holidays have arrived and a wave of calm passed over me. I slowly went to pay my rent (glam) and then decided to head east to a cafe with cats recommended by Tokyo expert and all round babe Jess Whitfield 💖
I took my shoes off and walked into this beautiful café belonging to this super sweet Japanese lady and sat down to a gorgeous lunch. There was jazz softly playing and it was bliss. 

The lady has these two beautiful, regal cats who are OWN the runway and lap up all the attention. The food was delicious, there was a delicious coffee included and when I paid, the lady said I could stay for as long as I want. So I stayed for half an hour just sitting in the calm with the cats. I loved my life. 
Friday was then spent Christmas present wrapping, painting my nails, and packing for Australia. Then after a cheeky streamer coffee I headed on down to Yokohama to meet Lizzy-chan who had traversed across Japan to get to Tokyo for Christmas.

We headed into Minato Mirai and looked at the lights and chatted about life and the universe and then headed to Tsunashima to meet David for a cheeky coffee at Veloce. We disturbed the peace as always and had ALL THE LOLZ.

It was then Christmas Eve and David, Liz and I headed into Yokohama after a cheeky lunch and present swap at Saizeriya. We strolled around in the sunshine with joy in our hearts and as night fell we marvelled at the lights ☺️
✨

​

 I hadn’t been to Yokohama in AGES and it was looking glorious both in the sunshine and then lit up at night 😊 ​
We then went for ramen and I headed back up to Naka Meguro to meet Tommy P and Ruel to check out the illuminations. We bought coffees and rushed over to the lights which had been SWITCHED OFF. They switched them off at 9pm 😭 Stunned, we wandered around anyway and decided to make a cheeky detour to Daikanyama for a wander and a lol. After much merriment and Christmas cheer it was time to head home and get ready for the big day. 
So on Christmas morning I woke up and opened a present from the lovely Becca Hollington ☺️ all the way from New Zealand and with a smile from ear to ear I headed downstairs to have a luxurious breakfast of chocolate and a cup of tea haha. 
After a quick Skype with the family who were already LIVING IT UP down under, I hurried over to meet Lizzy-chan as we headed to the Hilton for Christmas dinner (so fancy 💅🏼) 

📷:David

I ate EVERYTHING. There was so much food. All you can eat roast dinner feast followed by so many puddings and a CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN. I went nuts. I ate so much. 
I then went with the gang up the Shinjuku Metropolitan Government Building and marvelled at Tokyo. After much merriment Lizzy and I scurried off to Naka Meguro for a cheeky coffee ☺️ after mocha orange coffees we met up with Tom, Nick and Becky to see those elusive illuminations! They were beautiful. Beautiful lights, beautiful people. 

After much wandering and so many lolz we headed to Shibuya for purikura and hilarity ensued. We then joined the rest of the world at the illumination at Yoyogi Park. It was SO CROWDED but it was so blue and so fab.

After vlog videos (lol) and muscling our way past the crowds we decided to head over to Shinjuku for Christmas karaoke.
We sang EVERYTHING. Christmas classics including Mariah, Wham, Jingle Bell Rock and Baby it’s Cold Outside. We also sang the Destiny’s Child Medley (a classic) Work It by Missy Elliot and my new karaoke FAVE I’m Every Woman by Chaka Khan 😍😍😍. I was also dressed as a packet of french fries, sure.

📷:Tommy P

Post karaoke we weren’t ready to go home so we went over to dragon and got down to Ariana and Pitbull! Strutting around the dance floor LOVING LIFE. A perfect way to end the Christmas festivities! 
On Boxing Day I then woke up did some last minute packing adjustments and headed to Narita, Brisbane bound! I was sat in a row with 4 empty chairs #blessed. Basically as good as business class 💅🏼 what luck! 
I then touched down at 5.40 AM lol ready to start the day. As I got out of the airport the heat warmed my bones and the scent of Australia filled my lungs. Back home in the Southern Hemisphere ready for a slice of summer. 

I then got the train to Abbey’s and we chilled out with Hank and Jake☺️ had a fry up and caught up on life. Abbey and I the headed to the airport ready to head down to Adelaide for Kiri’s wedding which is in a couple of days. We arrived in Adelaide and were met at the gate by Mum and Dad 😍 

And since life has been fab! Next week I will give you the rundown of all things AUSTRALIA. So far I’m loving it. Loving the sunshine, loving family, loving my life. 
 

✨✨healing ✨✨

Heeeeeeeey babes! Welcome back to hazvanmazinjapaz – this week I’ve sang Japanese songs, prayed with a Buddhist priest, seen my one true love Fuji-san and had ALL THE lolz celebrating the BABE Helen Bateman’s birthday. Non stop lolz. 
So last Thursday was our last Japanese lesson of the term and we got super excited to give our delightful BABE of a teacher a Christmas present but to our horror she was sick 😭 we had a lesson with a lovely but quite intense teacher instead and then got lead into the end of term party! 

The last cinnamon bun of the 2016

It was lolz and surreal and we were the only beginners. Feeling way out of our depth we sat down in front of the snacks and by lucky coincidence we sat down next to Harada-sensei. 
He’s the teacher who level tested me at the beginning of the term and he has a face that just resonates kindness and wisdom. Such a nice man. He helped us when we had to play the telephone game in Japanese ( which would have been impossible without assistance) someone also played the violin and we all sang this Japanese song. It was like a flashback to primary school when you had to sing that hymn in assembly that you didn’t understand. Terrifying yet lolz. We had a great time. And I’ve decided that I love Harada-sensei and want him to be my Japanese grandfather. One of the nicest, gentlest and kindest people.
Friday then brought the end of the week and I sailed back to Naka Meguro for a cheeky coffee and cinnamon roll and then wandered home to my bed. It was bliss. 

On Saturday I woke up early and refreshed and saw the sun streaming through my window and decided to SEIZE THE DAY and head down to the coast. On the train down to Yokohama I saw Fuji shining in the distance and knew it was going to be a beautiful day. 

I decided to head for Kamakura and then take the cute little Enoden train to the beautiful Inamuragasaki. 

The views were breathtaking and it was wonderful to take myself away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. 
Lots of my students talk about healing. Like “the mountains healed me” and “sitting in the hot spring healed me”. Guys SATURDAY HEALED ME. I sat looking at my one true love, Fuji-San (the babe) with a coffee and just loved being alive. The end of term has been stressful and when you feel like you are being bombarded with information from work, life and your phone it’s so nice to get away and FEEL THE ZEN.

​​
 After a coffee in the sunshine and a lovely little stroll I headed back to Kamakura for a cheeky Thai lunch at Song Be (mine and Liz’s FAVE Vietnamese cafe) before strolling up towards Kita Kamakura. 

I started to wander through the pretty little streets surrounded by temples. I stumbled across this beautiful temple that an art class were painting. All these OAPs were painting the last remnants of autumn framing Jufukuji and it was magical. The atmosphere was so calm and still. 

After strolling in the leaves I headed back to the main road and strolled over to another temple where I was very enthusiastically greeted by a lovely old lady with the biggest smile I’ve ever seen. Before I knew it I was in the temple with a guy telling me in depth about their branch of Buddhism and a priest ready to pray with me. 
” Would you like to pray with us, it’ll take about 15 minutes?”
Of course I said yes and we chanted this sutra and I was told to pray and the priest would bless my prayer. I prayed and was blessed by the priest and I turned round and there were about 10 people all praying behind me with me. It was so surreal but incredible. They then took a Polaroid picture of me and the priest (of course) and gave me some apples. They were so incredibly kind and generous and it was so bizarre but so lovely. 

After things got spiritual I continued to wander towards the station and then headed back home to rest before meeting up with Helen, Jess and the gang. 

​​

I walked towards Naka Meguro and made a cheeky detour to have a gander at the illuminations that have been put up along the river. They were beautiful and it was super romantic. I loved it. 

I then headed on down to Roppongi to meet the gang and we strutted down this alleyway (lol) to this cute little izakaya. 
All the lolz were had. So lovely to celebrate with the birthday girl 💖and Jess 💖 also great to see Rhys and Will who are FULL TIME BABES and I hadn’t seen them is so long. These guys enrich my life. We had all the lolz and after chicken and beer we strutted on down to the train station and SLAYED THE RUNWAY THAT IS LIFE.

I stole this collage from Helen (what a babe) this photo just makes me smile from ear to ear)

📷: Helen – Slaying the runway that is life

 We headed on down to Ebisu and went to a bar for jazz, tequila and more lolz. Post tequila we danced over to Oath and got down. We were with Tomo (who is so cool – I’m in awe) who vogued THE HOUSE DOWN. And we danced forever LOVING LIFE 😍 we stayed out till 5 and I made it home with a big bottle of water, some fried chicken and joy in my heart. I had THE BEST time with the best people. WHAT BABES.
On Sunday I then had a lazy day, wandering the streets of Tokyo, picking up Christmas presents and meeting Helen and the gang for a cheeky drink on the way home from Christmas shopping. It was lovely 😊
On Monday I then had classes and work started winding down. We also had secret santa at work and I got this beautiful stocking stuffed with delicious stollen, chocolate some bubbles and an orange- I loved it! 😍

 I then came home had a few drinks after work at home with Onno and Miles my lovely housemates (babes) and it was lovely to relax and look forward to the holidays!
Tuesday was also fab and I met Jess after work for a cheeky late night coffee. She also gave me one of her calendars that she has illustrated. I’m in love.  Jess’ illustrations are THE BOMB and I felt BLESSED to have something she had made (it’s sooooo cool!) if your interested in quirky kooky cool illustrations of Tokyo life and/or homages to Drake/Ru Paul/ Pitbull you should DEF check out her insta @genki_jess, it’s like one of my fave things EVER. 

As well as calendars we discussed LIFE, lolled so much (AS ALWAYS *professional life lovers*) and reluctantly headed home ready for the last day of work yesterday.
Yesterday Christmas arrived at work and I loved it. 

Present from Junko- San soooo cute

It was also Yuka’s last day at work and it was super sad to see her go! I’ve worked with her since I started in Japan and she has been so lovely, supportive and kind. A great coworker and great friend off to live her teaching dreams (I’m going to miss her so much 😭 💖)

So after lessons soon the end of the working day came and the end of working for 2016 🎉🎉🎉🎉 THE HOLIDAYS ARE HERE AND I’M LIVING. Last night I went over to Tom’s and Tom, Michael and I made origami santas and ate some delicious Thai food cooked by the HOST WITH THE MOST. We also experienced the delights of the kotatsu which is a Japanese table with a heater underneath that you stick your legs under. It is THE MOST cosy and comfortable thing ever. We had all the lolz and all the joy 😊

And that’s it for this post bloggers! I’m now off on hols and ready for Christmas!!! I’ll be in Japan till Boxing Day and then I’ll be heading down to Australia for Kiri’s wedding and van Manen reunion times! I’m so excited and so ready ✌🏼️🎉✨💕