Yes, it's a Tree House. Yes, it's a cafe. And yes, it's in Hiroo.

I never thought those three would go together. But they do and very well so.

I usually never go to places near my workplace when I don't have work. Why? Because it's ordinary! It's always the same things (or places). I want my off days to be different from my work days. Especially Sundays. That's my time to unwind, see something different, go somewhere different. But my friends wanted to go to this "Tree House Cafe" (Yup, that's right.) in Hiroo. So my first thought was, "Ugh! Hiroo again. I was just here... almost the whole work week (well, maybe just 3 times, but still!)." But foretunately, I was happily surprised...

So from Shibuya we had to go to Ebisu (Yamanote Line) to transfer trains going to Hiroo (Hibiya Line). When we got to Ebisu, I mentioned to my friends that my "future" school is located there. They got all excited and wanted to see it. So we went and took pictures outside (coz I'm not sure if we're allowed inside) like tourists. Then we went on to Hiroo, and I happened to mention again to my friends that my current work has a branch there. They got all excited again and "again" wanted to see it. So we went (too) and took pictures outside (coz this time, we're definitely not allowed inside) like tourists.

So it became like "my" tour. And finally we went to find the cafe. The cafe was very nice. You won't find it easily. It's not located along the main street. You have to go inside this alley and you'll find a building with the words "Flower Shop - Fleur Universelle" on it. The 1st and 2nd floor is a flower shop; and the 3rd and 4th floor is the cafe. The food does not have the "wow" factor. But the presentation and the place itself is amazing. Oh, and I also love the Green Mango & Peach Tea.

So next time you think that everything is the same, everything is ordinary, turn a corner or go through an alley (though be very careful as well, some alleys are not very safe) and you just might be happily surprised of what you'll find too.

“Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you.- Exodus 20:8-10 (NLT)

I thought it would just be another typical (though Sundays are usually not typical) Sunday. I'll just go to church and hopefully hang out with my friends after the service. But surprise, surprise! Most of my friends did not attend church and those who did, had something to do after the service. And I really didn't feel like going home immediately after the service. Not to mention travelling all the way to Shibuya from Saitama to stay there for 2 hours and just go back right after.

So when Kay asked me if I want to join her to attend the 9th MIFA International Exchange Festival, even without knowing what it is and just hearing "Do you want to come...?" (I didn't even let her finish her sentence.), I immediately said yes! In my mind, whatever it is is much better than just going home.

Not knowing what to expect, and actually not expecting anything, we went to the festival and I really enjoyed and learned a lot. I think I even enjoyed it more than Kay. ;) It reminded me of the saying... Sometimes the Unplanned and Unexpected Turns Into the Best Path - Ingrid Jorud.

So true.

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. - Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)

Stamp Rally. Wasn't able to finish... So no gift! :(

My Korean Chingu who helped me write my name in Hangeul (even if I know how already. Hehehe.)

FAITH

Very sweet Obachang. She taught me how to write "Faith" using Calligraphy. I taught her the meaning of the word "Faith" (信仰 - Shinko in Japanese)

My name written in Hangeul (Korean), Bengali (Bngladesh), Persian, and Hindi (Nepali).