Living as an expat is and will be an incredible experience. But how to harness the magic? I decided to write a bucket list as a brainstorm and a plan. 

This it the first piece I wrote when I arrive in Tokyo. It was written for and published on Discover Out Loud. For me, it is an important barometer. I refer to it often to check myself...am I being true to me, have I changed my perspective.....?  It is a good map through this time of discovery. 

“Tokyo-style”? I am set to define it! Date night is a vital, gratifying ingredient to my experience over the next years. High heels, evening handbags, makeup….I have even, finally, bought a jewellery cupboard so there are no excuses why I don’t throw on those gorgeous pieces I collected for so many years at Swarovski...

Amongst the glamour of Ginza, I felt almost happily small-town, wandering around a shopping mecca which turns into a small village two days a week.  

And, although street performers are strictly forbidden, Cleo didn’t let that stop her. She rocked a Venetian mask the whole afternoon - a crowd pleaser, indeed!!

After visiting Shimoda over the summer, I fell in love. I wrote about this love affair for Discover Out Loud....I know I am a die-hard beach girl, but upon returning last weekend, I just couldn't resist the urge to dream about living there forever and ever. The pictures tell the story. 

You can take a class, research on the Internet, get advice from locals - but whatever, however, you should have a plan. It is not fun and it is an scary topic, but here's what we've done to prepare ourselves. How does this compare to your plan?

I feel the need to write, to capture these moments, to explore my more creative sides. Moving to Tokyo has started a journey - and this is my space to capture that journey. 

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.