Thank you for visiting my site!! My name is Anna Budich. This site is my way of sharing some of the things I love doing: travelling, flower arrangements, and writing. It also features our adventures, mishaps, learnings, and fun moments while my husband and I are here in Tokyo.
The Wanders
Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.
– Ibn Battuta
When I was a kid until I left for Japan in 2012, I have always enjoyed the long bus rides from our home in San Mateo, Rizal to different places in Metro Manila and Luzon. I would always grab the chance to sit by the window to have a good view of what is outside.
Up to now, I still enjoy the long rides and the views. I also like walking around to explore local scenes, learn new arts and traditions, and discover new places.
I write about our travels here in my site not only to share our journeys but to also to give insights for those who also want to visit the places we have been. To know more about our trips, please click here.
The Flowers
Every flower is a soul blossoming in nature.
– Gerard De Nerval
I got my passion for flowers and flower arrangement from my mom. When I was a kid she used to plant different orchids and santans around our house.
After graduating from the university, I encouraged my mom to start our own cake and flower business. We catered to weddings, debuts, and other special gatherings especially for friends and family. We were able to run the business on weekends and do our regular jobs on weekdays.
When I came to Tokyo in 2012 to be with my husband, our neighbor introduced me to Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement. Ikebana has taught me a new perspective and deeper appreciation for flower arrangement.
Learning Ikebana humbled me because I needed to learn from the very basic of flower arrangement. Later on I was able to combine it with my old techniques and styles which I used when I was still doing wedding arrangements.
In 2015, one of my works got the Ikebana Gallery People’s Choice Award. This is an annual contest organized by Ikebana Gallery community based in Australia. That same year, another arrangement was featured in International Florist Organization FB page. Since 2013, I participate in exhibitions and conduct workshops here in Tokyo. I also give private and online lessons in English. Please click the links below for details of my online lessons and upcoming events.
At present I am a licensed Sankyu Shihan (Third Level Ikebana Teacher) under the Sogetsu School of Ikebana. To know more about my journey and works, please click here.
Should you be interested to learn Ikebana, please click here : Learn Ikebana
For upcoming exhibits and workshops: Events and Workshops
Anna Budich Anna Budich Anna Budich Anna Budich
Your new site is really nice, Anna.
Thank you 🙂
Hi Anna. I hope your experience of moving to self-hosting has been better than mine. But looks like we both made it. James
Hi James! It was a lot work especially with photos but still worth the transfer 🙂