I always loved looking at this hidden lane as I drove my children to school. Lying between a pizza restaurant and a house, the lane is easily overlooked. If you don’t take the time to glance to the left at the stop sign, you’ll miss it.

The tree-lined lane is pretty in every season. I have its images hanging in our home and at my workplace. Many people have asked me about them. When I told them where I took the pictures, they were always surprised. They probably never slowed down enough from their busy lives to notice the great beauty so close to home.

I supposed there might be a big old house at the end of the lane, but when my husband, Ron, and I went up there one day to give the owners copies of my pictures, we were both pretty surprised.

The house looks like it came right out of colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, and the grounds are breathtaking. You would never know that just a quarter-mile down the lane is a busy road.

I adore the natural beauty of the countryside throughout the year, from the heavy snows of winter to the bright new greens of spring, and I hope to always live where the seasons change. The place we live is a wonderful place to raise children, and the country is just a short drive away.

Empty nesters, Ron and I take many drives together, especially in the fall. We always head for the country. As I get older, I value the peace and beauty of the countryside even more. If you take the time to look around, you will always discover something wonderful, no matter where you are. What an amazing country we live in!

Coffee Valley

Coffee Valley is a small coffee shop. While the first floor has limited seating, there are outlets for each seat. If you don’t need to charge, the second floor is much more spacious with an area that can accommodate groups of up to four people. They also have a good selection of snacks to accompany your coffee.

Date: Open daily.                  Time: 8 A. M.-8 P. M. (From 9 A. M. on weekends).

10° Cafe

10° Cafe is the perfect place for early birds. For some peace and quiet, work on the second floor. At 10° Cafe, each seat has power outlets while their counter seats offer a great view of the surrounding neighborhood. Their menu prices before 11 A. M.offer discounted (打折的) breakfast.

Date: Daily (Closed every third Sunday of the month).            Time: 7:30 A. M.-9 P. M.

Location: A five-minute walk from Takadanobaba Station.

Good Sound Coffee

Come for the coffee, and stay for their music selection. Good Sound Coffee is a friendly neighborhood cafe close to Nakameguro Station. There are indoor and outdoor seats and plenty of outlets. It might get crowded on the weekends, and the cafe offers discounts on food items.

Date: Daily.             Time:8 A. M.-1 1 P. M.

Valley Park Stand

Valley Park Stand opens from early in the morning to late in the evening. There are public tables with power outlets. It’s spacious with lots of natural light a few steps away from the Miyashita Park. There is a decently sized menu with tea, coffee and various sandwiches and bites.

Date:Daily               Time:8A. M.-10 P. M.

For Icelandic visitors, Reykjavik is the gateway to wilderness adventures as well as an excellent jumping off point for chasing the Northern Lights, which you can spot from September to April. After a full day of exploring, warm up in one of the area’s hotels, enjoying comfort it offers.

Reykjavik Residence

In the heart of downtown, the luxury suites (套房) and quality apartments allow guests a comfortable degree of flexibility and independence, with larger units ideal for families and two types of breakfast—delightful breakfast baskets delivered straight to your room, and the pleasant selection at Port 9 next door.

Berjaya Marina Hotel

It is located next to the historical and still fully functioning, dry-dock called Slippur. Combining the dynamic, creative atmosphere of this rapidly developing district with the country’s strong fishing traditions, it offers everyone the opportunity to see and experience the city at its most creative and colorful points.

Hotel Borg

As one landmark in downtown, its 99 rooms and suites, with art style throughout, are elegantly appointed yet offer a set of modern elements. Enjoy a drink or cocktail in the hotel bar. Relax in the sauna, steam bath or hot pool. Full service gym with free weights, exercise bike, rowing machine, and more is available for guests of the hotel.

Apotek Hotel

Conveniently located within walking distance of a variety of shops, galleries and restaurants, it is a four-star, 45-bedroom and suite hotel, and is as welcoming as it is stylish. A perfect restoration of a historical building designed by the former State Architect of Iceland, it is truly a home away from home.