You know the overwhelmed feeling you can get when you have to master a new technological device? All of that paled on move in day in Kyoto when we were confronted with the latest array of Japanese home technology.
We screwed up royally and instantly as soon as someone rang our doorbell. Not knowing which button to push to allow someone in, Dan made a wrong guess and set off a very loud alarm that we could not cancel. Within minutes, a worried building superintendent was at our door probably prepared to put out a fire. I controlled my impulse to take his picture.
Everything you need to turn on the lights anywhere in our apartment. All labels in Japanese, natch!
Remote control for air conditioner. I am happy to report we can turn it off and on and raise and lower the temperature. It’s anyone’s guess what all the other buttons are for.
The person who had rung our bell delivered the first of several unexpected impressive gifts from the people who had done our renovation. Gift giving is taken seriously in this country.
From our contractor.
From our carpenter.
Gift from the contractor’s boss of an enormous bottle of sake.
Ikebana arrangement created onsite by our architect.
Our new oven is truly a master of everything. If and when we are capable of differentiating the myriad of choices it allows, we will be able to use it as a microwave, steam oven, standard oven, baking oven with choice of which direction the heat shall come from, broiler, and last but not least, rising bread. Until that day arrives, we’ll probably be eating most meals out!
After several hours of instruction by our architect, our architect’s assistant, the carpenter, the contractor, and the contractor’s boss, it seems it was decided that we’d gone as far they could take us.
We all sat down in our new dining room and made small talk, exchanged gifts and drank tea together. In spite of the fact that we have less understanding than a toddler for the technology that surrounds us, we were thrilled with the quality of work done. All in just two months time. And all within budget!
Drinking tea together.
Everyone is very happy!
I am loving this!! It transports me to Japan and to your insights. Keep ‘me coming! And congratulations. How exciting. Xo. April
Thanks for putting our electronic challenges in perspective!!!! Looks like your condo turned out beautifully if somewhat mysterious (for now).
Thanks for putting our electronic challenges in perspective!!!! Looks like your condo turned out beautifully, if somewhat mysterious (for now).
You’re exactly right, Sheri. We’re loving it.
Lovely flower arrangements! I know you are enjoying all those gifts, just go slow on the sake! So happy for you, my friend!
Your experiences bring back memories when I moved here and became your neighbor!
Yes, but I didn’t bring you flowers! So nice to know you’re enjoying the blog. The greatest gifts are those of friendship!
Such fun to see the tech part of your apartment….how about some photos of the rest? We’re sitting in a cafe drinking cafe creme and trying to become more thoroughly awake to the point where french just flows from our lips…ha ha…Pippa is very entertained with all the cigarette butts on the street. I keep saying “leave it” over and over. More later…yawn and hugs, J
Looks like you’re getting a brand new experience of being in France! Sounds as if she made the trip easily. Thinking of you!