In the spirit of taking more time for the two of us….and to see more of this amazing place we live…we put the kids on the school bus and pegged it to a wonderfully tranquil place in the world – just a short hour away from central Tokyo. 

We were ready for a holiday, that was for sure. But we had no idea that the beauty of the land and the Balinese people would have such a lasting affect. 

If you live in Tokyo, or are just visiting, surely you will stumble upon the Tokyo Sky Tree. When you do, here are 4 quick tips to enjoy the visit. 

As an ex-New Yorker, I have had a brand new handbag swiped off the back of my chair in a London hotel, a mobile phone snatched off of a posh restaurant table and my family home in Switzerland broken in to while my children were sleeping upstairs. Losing my mobile phone in the centre of Tokyo - a shocking revelation ensues. 

Coming from Switzerland, we are very used to snow. Everyone drives four-wheel drive automobiles, the trains and trams leave and arrive on time all winter long and families own multiple shovels. I cannot remember school ever being cancelled in the years we were in Zürich. That is why the past twenty-four hours have felt like a magical holiday for us.

As an expatriate, one of the most typical and frequent questions I am asked is “Where are you from?”. This is a natural and open question, but it always causes me to hesitate.

The visit of Johan’s parents, our first house guests in Tokyo, seemed so much more important. It felt like a chance to take stock of all we have gained through this move.