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)

Last February 16, Ron Vy and I, together with our friends from Grace Tokyo, attended a worship service in Yokohama. This service was very special, not only because it was attended by several Christian churches from all over Japan, but because the theme for the day was discipleship. We were privileged to listen to two amazing pastors, Pastor Steve Murell (in the morning service) and Pastor Joey Bonifacio (in the afternoon service), discuss about discipleship.

Pastor Steve Murell discussed the Parable of the Good Samaritan. It was very easy for busy people like us to neglect others who might need some help. Sometimes, we bump into these people in our everyday lives - an old woman who needs help crossing the street, a lost foreigner in the subways of Tokyo, a small child yearning for a tap on the back for getting a star in school or a co-worker on the next table waiting for a smile. Whoever they are and whatever level their needs are, we can try becoming extra sensitive to them. In this world where money and fame are the way of life, investing time and love on other people is not a popular choice, however it is a wise choice. In Japan, majority, if not all of the people, are indulged into so much work. Because of this, they have the tendency to easily neglect others' needs. As we start a new week, can we stop and think of someone who might be needing our help?

Pastor Joey Bonifacio's message is also very interesting and enjoyable to listen to. At one point, he talked about how his grandmother had became an instrument to bring him closer to God. She discipled him when he had no idea what she had been doing. Sometimes, we don't really need to do grand things to reach out to other people. Sometimes, we just need to show them how we live and they will understand who we serve and what we believe. The greatest testimony of our faith is the work of Jesus in our lives. At one point of his message, he also talked about his dog Vito (if I remember the name correctly). He said he used to hate dogs, but for some amazing miracle, he just fell in love with this dog. Before, he just passed by pet shops and pet salons without really paying attention to them. But now that he had been into Vito so much, he seems to recognize every pet salon he passed by and he stops in every pet shop he sees. When we start to get ourselves involved with the needs of other people, we become more aware of how to respond to them. We learn to relate to them and see ourselves in relation to their situation. It is exactly what Jesus did for us and this Good News is worthy of sharing to every friend we meet on the way.

 

After the service, Ron Vy and I, together with our dear friends from the church went out for a post-Valentine dinner at Cafe La Boheme in Yokohama. It's exactly outside the Motomachi-Chukagai station. But it is not simply a Valentine Celebration. We also celebrated Roanne's birthday by surprising her with a plate full of sweets like the one in the photo but hers says "Happy Birthday!"



Ron Vy and I ordered a plate of delicious Genovese topped with some decent slices of chicken. We also tried some Garlic Toast and a few slices of the La Boheme Mix pizza.

The food in this restaurant is reasonably priced. The food as well as the cozy ambiance of the place are totally worth the price. The prices of the pasta range from Y700-Y1200 while a platter of pizza costs around Y1200.

The day started out so bad... but thanks to a great friend (Thanks Rumi!) and an adventurous spirit, I had a very "Surprising Turn". The day ended, not just great, but WONDERFUL! God can really turn things around in a snap of a finger.

While exploring Aoyama and Omotesando (which are just beside each other), me and my friend Rumi had many surprising turns as well. We found many hidden gems and great places just by walking around and turning every corner.

There are many things that I've realized that day:

- You may be in the right place but with a wrong state of mind and miss the amazing thing right in front of you.
 
- It won't end how it started, it depends on what you do with what you have when you started.

What you looking for? What are you expecting? It might just be around the corner. Never give up and be ready for A Surprising Turn.

 

2 Corinthians 6:2 (NLT)

For God says,

“At just the right time, I heard you.
    On the day of salvation, I helped you.”

Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation.

     I found this random cafe while walking from Waseda University to Takadanobaba Station. It is a hidden gem, in a literal sense, because the cafe is along the road, but cannot be easily spotted. Would you believe it, this beautiful cafe is hidden behind a tall wooden fence! The only evidence of its existence is a small signboard on the side of the road that bears its name and its operating hours. On the side of the road is a large vacant lot (I can't remember if it's a parking space or just an empty spot waiting to be useful). On the side is a very narrow pathway that leads to the cafe behind the fence. As soon as you set foot on the stone path, you can sense how much the owner loves pets because it is designed with these little paw prints(the stones are so cute you wouldn't want to step on them).

     At the door of the cafe, a cute orange dog statue welcomes you with this "open" sign. From the window you can take a peek at the cute counter lined with bottles of wine (i think?). As I open the door, a loud bark greeted me from a very adorable, curly haired black and white dog (I don't know what breed it is though, sorry!). It has a bright yellow collar and a stylish dog shirt on.

     Outside the cafe are some tables, which would have been a nice place to hangout at during summer, but maybe not in a cold winter day like this.

     The interior of the cafe is very lovely! The cafe looks like an old log cottage. All the furniture are made of wood. The photos in this post fall short in showing how lovely it is (please see this link for a more video of the place). I also like the fact that each table is partnered with mismatched chairs.There is beauty in that variation.

     I also love the displays in the cafe. They put these intricate details that create such a vintage-like feel. I love those old postcards and vintage telephone. I was tempted to play with them the whole time I was there!

     The menu is also designed with some cute paw prints and dog photos. I ordered the VG Blend, which costs around Y500. It seems like an ordinary black coffee at first look, but it tastes different. There is a distinct flavor that stings your taste buds, which I honestly didn't like. For me, it tastes sour (or something close to that effect). I was only able to finish half of the cup. I would love to try the other kinds of coffee next time I visit, maybe I would love them better.  

 

     This is indeed an unexpected find as I walked along a route I don't usually take. I enjoyed hanging around the cafe for several hours especially when English dance hits (from J.Lo and Miley Cyrus) are playing in the background. The owners of the shop (a couple, I think) are also very hospitable in attending to my needs. I guess, I will keep on coming back to this cafe, especially, when I have tons of books to read or papers to finish.