Gaien fireworks

Who am I...?

I'm a web editor from Singapore living in Tokyo. I'm building websites for a living as a writer on the go. I worked in print media for six years until I moved countries and used the Internet as a way to have a viable, mobile career. The Internet is a fascinating space and I never thought I would ever morph into a web chick - but here I am.

This blog is about...

...The ups and downs of expat life, trailing partner issues, food, travel, and Japanese culture. It's a way to keep in touch with friends back home and all over the world, plus it's a corner for me to showcase my work. But really, I'm just a restless spirit looking for great adventures and fabulous food.

Coming out to play

Posted on 15 August 2008
Tags: Expat musings

Summertime in Tokyo is playful and festive — it’s like a bug that bites you no matter how run down you may feel from the brutal heat and humidity.

Last Thursday, the kangaroo and I were invited to a friend’s apartment that overlooked the Jingu baseball stadium where the Gaien fireworks were held.

It’s rare that we head out on a weekday night because of work but I was glad we made the effort. It felt like a Friday.

As we jostled with the crowd from the station, I managed to sneak in a snap of Japanese girls in their yukatas. The traditional summer dress is adorable and I hope to get a chance to buy one. I think I am a little late this summer, so hopefully next summer…

The evening was breezy which was a great relief to the relentless heat. I think it gets as high as 38 degrees on some days. One summer fave to quench a parched throat: chu-hi — Japanese shouchu (potato or barley based liquor) infused with fruit juice. I sipped on cherry chu-his all night long because they were so yummy and refreshing.

The crowd was buzzing before the sky lit up with showers of gold dust…