we went to kichijoji for mia's music class today. God I love it. Just on the 8 minute walk to the studio is a Lush, a Starbuck's, 3 indian restaurants, an Eddie Bauer's and 2 import chocolate shops.

wish I had 2 hours of free time with childcare and unlimited funds....

Kichijoji combines the best of Japan with a truly (not just foreignized or lip serviced) international atmosphere. There are lots of other international mothers with children. It's great.

The only thing that sucks is that Mia has to walk down and up a combined total of 123 steps (she counted every single one today, I did the adding) when we go.

Hello industrialized, rich, open country that you are, Japan. Ever heard of handicap access?