Ueno Zoo

We’re almost settled now in our new Tokyo apartment. The place is smaller and more expensive, but at least, it’s very near to my workplace and also to the shopping street where one can buy almost all of the essentials.

Theo has become quite popular among the female clerks of the shops that we frequent, simply because he would often attract their attention by smiling ear to ear towards them. And before leaving, he would give them his trademark “flying kiss.” That always seems to win everyone’s hearts without fail.

I’ve always wanted to bring Theo to Ueno Zoo, and this weekend, we had the best chance because the weather was just perfect at a balmy 28 degrees. He wasn’t particularly interested in the birds, but the reptiles and large mammals seemed to captivate his attention. We had to go back to see the elephants twice because he appeared particularly enamored with them. He also liked the giraffe and zebra because he already knew these animals from picture books. Seeing them alive certainly enriched his learning experience, and that is what I wanted to achieve.

Children are often an odd sight in Tokyo, what with all the skyscrapers and crowded streets. But still, there are snippets of parks and spaces where children can run around and feel free. We will take Theo to these places once in a while and let him savor the fun side of Tokyo.


In front of St. Ignatius Church in Yotsuya


At a small park near our home


At the entrance of Ueno Zoo


Theo examines an elephant statue